Blame It On the Alcohol

Book reviews

18 Apr

Written By Anzhelika Li

Get drunk in the new world of billionaires with their struggles in both their business and romantic lives.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

1. BLAME IT ON THE CHAMPAGNE by Fiona Cole

SYNOPSIS

There’s only one thing to do when you wake up, married to your brand new boss, whom you hate but can’t resist: You blame the champagne.

I blame the bubbles for my wild night with a masked stranger. Who cares if it’s nothing this good girl would normally do—with a man that turns out to be my horrible boss? Who cares that I’m promised to someone else? I blame the alcohol for agreeing to marry him.

As long as my new husband keeps his mouth shut, I can survive five years of our little arrangement. It’s too late for anything else.

But our impromptu wedding leads to so much more than I bargained for. His dirty promises warm me. His kisses make me lightheaded. His respect slips past my best defenses. The hate turns to friendship, and makes me dream of more. He’s like the most dangerous kind of champagne. That’s why I blame him for making me fall in love with him. But when I find out our marriage was nothing more than revenge, what’s to blame for my broken heart?

BOOK REVIEW

For those of you who are familiar with the sexy Voyeur series by Fiona Cole, the Blame It On the Alcohol series would give out similar vibes but with a refreshing spin to it. The very first book in the series set a nice tone for the new world of billionaires with their struggles in both their business and romantic lives.

Blame It On the Champagne was a good mix of deeply emotional and humorous and erotic. The premise was interesting—from an unwanted arranged marriage to a reluctant fake marriage, Verana Mariano’s life was turned upside down in a matter of one night induced with intoxicating bubbles of sweet champagne. As always, the author’s writing was highly enjoyable and complementary to the plot, but the relationship development was slightly underdeveloped in my personal opinion, undermining the character development in its turn as well.

“It won’t always be hard, but you must be strong enough to get past the tough exterior these men portray. The truth is, we’re stronger than them all, and they just need to know they can be vulnerable with us. That, mia bambina, is when the real marriage replaces the arranged one.”

Verana Mariano aka Vera was a great example of a modern woman coming from a very conservative family of outdated traditions and thus, struggling to make a choice between imposed upon her ‘duty’ and personal wish to be independent. In spite of her overwhelming naivety, I definitely enjoyed her tenacity required to protect her identity as a strong woman who could do amazing things alongside men on equal grounds.

I wanted him and blamed nothing but my need. No champagne, no living in the moment, no rash decisions. There was nothing to blame but his words weaving their way around the cracks in my wall and the emotions they planted there.

Nicholas Rush aka Nico was an arrogant bastard consumed by the idea of revenge. He was that type of person who liked to have it all without giving anything in return. I actually loved his determination to do his family justice, but his annoying blindness to his less than honorable ways eventually made me question my sanity. Nico was a cunning meanie with a panty-melting talent for some very dirty talk who didn’t miss any opportunity for his hidden agenda, even if the latter meant hurting the feelings of a person dear to his stupid heart…

“Be kind to your hearts through it all. Love is a dangerous game with many rewards. So, when you have it, fight hard to keep it.”

The sexual tension between Vera and Nico was through the roof. Their chemistry was undeniable but felt a bit insta-lovey to my taste. But I absolutely loved their banter, as well as their mesmerizing games for dominance.

For me personally, it was the explicit eroticism of their relationship that made up for anything lacking in their overall development. The beginning of their story was hooking, and the ending made a lot of sense given all the lessons the main characters learned throughout their journey together. But everything in-between seemed to be somewhat off. Not that I didn’t like it, but it felt like the entire thing was too easy, too convenient, too logical. I hope my words make at least some sense…

Anyway, Blame It On the Champagne was a great start to the new series. Aside from the insane chemistry between Vera and Nico, as well as some of the most raunchy sex scenes I’ve read, I really liked the girl gang in this book. Vera, Nova, and Raelynn had a fantastic thing going on, and each one of the three added something unique to their friendship. And I cannot wait for the HEAs for the rest of them!

2. BLAME IT ON THE TEQUILA by Fiona Cole

SYNOPSIS

It started on a dance floor after too much tequila and ended with looking into the handsome face I never thought I’d see again. In person, at least.

I saw his face all the time on magazine covers. To the world, he’s Parker Callahan—famous rockstar. To me, he was the boy I loved, the stepbrother who left me behind to follow his dreams.

After our tequila-fueled encounter, he wants me back but that’s not a road I’m ready to walk down again. He broke my heart once, and even five years later, I’m not sure I could handle another blow.

When a once-in-a-lifetime offer comes my way, even my broken heart isn’t enough for me to be able to turn it down. I agree to join the band’s tour and help Parker write his next album—but this time I’m not falling in love. This time I’ll walk away.

But if there is one thing life has taught me, it’s that love never goes according to plan—especially when Parker is involved.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. BLAME IT ON THE VODKA by Fiona Cole

SYNOPSIS

Waking up beside my best friend after a crazy night in Vegas is nothing new. However, waking up wearing nothing but two shiny, matching wedding rings is.

For the girl who promised to never settle down, it’s her worst nightmare. For me, it’s a dream come true.

I’ve wanted Raelynn Vos since she first propositioned me at a frat party. I, of course, turned her down, knowing I’d need more than a one night stand. Nothing less than forever would do.

She’s fierce and determined, but I’m more determined than she could ever be.

When fate forces us to pretend our marriage is real, I use every second to prove I’m the perfect man to tame her wildness. In fact, by the end of our charade, I’ll have her begging for it.