Blame it on the Champagne (Blame it on the Alcohol, #1) by Fiona Cole

Blame it on the Champagne (Blame it on the Alcohol, #1) Reviews

• 
  Anovelqueen

  ***4 STARS***
  
  “ I’ve never loved anything more than my revenge.”
  
  Fiona Cole has a new fan. This is my first book by her but will not be my last. I’ve never been much of a fan of marriage of convenience but Nico and Vera won me over.
  
  Vera finds herself in antiquated familial beliefs that have the possibility of making her life miserable. She wants to spread her wings and fly without having her wings clipped. Nico is a dirty talking boss who wants Vera from the moment he sees her and when their relationship develops into a marriage contract the fireworks fly.
  
  I don’t want to give away any spoilers but this is a steamy read. The chemistry between these two is explosive and the mouth on Nico is something else. Very well written this book will take you through the gamut of emotions from laughter/happiness to anger to frustration to swooning. This is a great love story and I highly recommend it.
  
  I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Isabella. R

  4 Innocence and Devilry Stars ⭐
  
  From an arranged marriage to a fake marriage, Verana Mariano's life is turned on its head. As the daughter of one the biggest shipping empires, she has been groomed for a marriage since a young girl. Except instead of Prince Charming, her betrothed ends up being a girl's nightmare.
  
  "If you wait for the perfect fairy tale, you will never find happiness. Sometimes Prince Charming is everything you need when you didn't know you needed it."
  
  The ultimate good girl, she's on borrowed time. So in a last attempt at freedom and a final rebellion, Vera sleeps with a stranger. What is technically a once off, forever changes the path she was set on.
  
  I had no idea it could be filled with so much passion and desperation between two strangers. - that it would turn me into the vixen he kept calling me.
  
  However, Mr Sex Anonymous turns out to be the man she currently loathes, her boss. And little does she know he's about to throw her a lifeline, in the form of marriage to him instead...
  
  Nico Rush is busy rebuilding his family business. With no time for distractions, a golden opportunity presents itself in the form of Vera. Despite his intention to stay away, she is the perfect weapon in his vendetta. So this arrangement is ideal, especially since he isn't opposed to having Vera as his wife.
  
  A marriage of convenience. It’s evident that Nico and Vera have feelings, but who will give into their baser needs first to admit that there is more to this sham?
  
  "Nico, do you respect me?"
  
  I knew he did. I just wanted to hear it. "Of course, I do."
  
  "Then that’s enough."
  
  First must come respect. Then the love can grow.
  
  Except they overlooked one major flaw. No relationship can flourish when it has been built on a foundation of secrets and lies. Hence, you can expect the fireworks to follow when the truth comes to light.
  
  Blame it on the Champagne is the first book in the Blame it on the Alcohol series about three best friends and the bad decisions made under the influence of their chosen poison. But if alcohol is the instigator of the best hookups of their lives and love as the consequence, then bottoms up ladies! 🥂❤️
  
  ARC provided in exchange for my honest opinion.
• 
  K

  the good :
  
  ❀

  〝I'm going to slide my cock all the way down that throat until your nose is pressed to my stomach. And I'm going to stay there until I'm satisfied. Then, I'm going to pull back and do it again. I'll control your breath. I'll control it all. And when you think you can't take any more, I'll fuck your face.
  You won't be able to stop me because your hands will be busy with your tits, pinching and pulling until they're rosier than your flushed pussy. If you try to stop me, I'll start all over again.
  Understood?〞

  
  me:
  
  
  the not so good :
  
  ❀ the romance
  ❀ the conflict and its resolution
  ❀ the entirety of the plot itself from 20% - 90%
  
  i don't know, but the beginning and the end of the novel were enjoyable and, in my opinion, it was everything in between that just wasn't. it felt tedious and very lacklustre, and i struggled so damn hard to continue reading onwards, only actually pushing through because i needed to know how it would end. i'm disappointed because i wanted to love this. i do have a highly unpopular opinion, though, so it could be something for you.
  
  

  “Is there anything else I can do for you?” she asked, her annoyance on full display.
  A million requests rolled through my head.
  Get on your knees. Let me actually fuck you in this office. Ease some of this tension burning in my veins every time I see you.
• 
  Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾

  4 STARS
  

  Sometimes Prince Charming is everything you need when you didn’t know you needed it.

  
  Who just read their very first Fiona Cole book and is now kicking their own @ss for waiting this long?
  
  Clearly I've been living under a rock all of this time. But better late than never, right? *grins sheepishly*
  
  This book was so much fun. It's a marriage of convenience trope with a splash of enemies to lovers and enough sexual tension to make your ovaries clench. Side note: I don't think ovaries actually clench. But if they did, I would imagine the tension in this book would make them do it. But I digress.
  
  First thing is that I absolutely loved the heroine. As the only daughter of an extremely old school Italian family, tradition is everything for Vera. She grew up knowing that ultimately she'd have an arranged marriage just like her parents did but dreamed that she'd also get to work for her family's shipping company. Unfortunately, her father is truly old school and her only use to him is through marriage. Vera is an extremely bright and fierce woman, so she doesn't exactly take her fate sitting down. Even if it's a small rebellion, she needs to feel a little freedom before it gets taken away from her.
  
  Nico is man that's used to being chased for his good looks and money. So when Vera gets a job at his company, he's convinced a woman attractive as her has ulterior motives. Suffice it to say that they don't exactly get off on the right foot. The tension between the two of them is EVERYTHING. And it soon becomes apparent Nico is a man with an agenda of his own when he offers Vera the answer she didn't know she was looking for with a marriage of convenience.
  
  I devoured this story. DEVOURED it. First of all, I love a strong female friendship bond in books, and this one had it in spades. Nova and Raelynn were fantastic secondary characters who I can't wait to know more about. Vera was everything I love in a great heroine. She fights for respect and doesn't take things lying down. She's fierce, smart, even if a little sheltered through her upbringing. I loved the way she made Nico work for it. And Nico? Holy dirty talk, batman. The man opens his mouth and my ovaries quiver. The dirty talk was on point. Nico is just a hair shy of being domineering and is just the kind of dirty talking alpha I love in my romance. So good!
  
  Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to binge on Cole's backlist as I eagerly await Nova's book next.
  
  ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
  
  Find me on:
  
  
  
  
  
  
• 
  Fiona Cole

  
  

  
  

  
  𝙄𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙤𝙣𝙚-𝙣𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚. 𝙄𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙄 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚.
  

  
  
  
  Blame it on the Champagne is LIVE and FREE in Kindle Unlimited!!!
  
  AMAZON:
  http://mybook.to/BIOTCKindle
  
  Blame it on the Champagne is a hate-to-love, marriage of convenience romance. It's jam packed full of delicious tension and a heavy dose of heat! Nico is a dirty-talking alpha who's met his match in the sweet but sassy Vera!
  
  
  
  
  
  Just a reminder, BLAME IT ON THE CHAMPAGNE is ...
  
  🔥 marriage of convenience
  🔥 hate to love
  🔥 boss-employee romance
  🔥 all the tension!!
  🔥 book one of the Blame it on the Alcohol Series! #girlgang
  🔥 Now LIVE and FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
  
  
  
  
  
• 
  Melanie (mells_view)

  Marriage of Convenience romance...
  
  I thought that Blame it on the Champagne was a good read if you enjoy marriage of convenience romance reads. Of course it’s a little cliche, but don’t we all need a little cliche at times? Vera is being forced into a marriage by her father, because a man has to run her family company. Unfortunately, the man she was meant to marry turns out to be awful, so she sort of pivots with the help of her jerk boss. He’s the lesser of the two evils though, and she is attracted to him, so winning. But Nico is in it for his own gain, you’ll have to read to find out what that is. Neither one of them actually expected to fall in love with each other, and that’s where things get hard. So yeah. If you’re looking for something angsty with the moc trope, then I think Blame it on the Champagne is a great choice!
• 
  ApoorvaReads

  5 stars ⭐️
  
  ”Each day he challenged me, and I called it hate, but it also pushed me harder and forced me to grow. He did that for me like no one else had, and I loved him.”
  
  This was my first ever novel by Fiona and though I’ve heard a lot about her voyeur series I decided to check this one out and i DEVOURED it. Fiona has a way with words and I can’t wait to read more by her!
  
  Those were the ways that Nico broke me down on our honeymoon. It hadn’t been the sexual seduction. It had been the simple and sweet gestures that he did because he knew I liked them. Not from me telling him I liked them, but because he saw me”
  
  Nicholas Rush was arrogant and rude in the beginning but damn if he didn’t have my heart at the end of the book. I loved how he genuinely cared for Vera and all his thoughtful gestures were just so admirable and made me swoon. After reading about his past, i wept for him😭
  
  “Fuck, she oozed sex in such an innocent way. Her slim pants and button-up blouse with pearls begged me to rip it all away to find what laid beneath. Her dimples and the way the left was a little deeper than the right urged me to dip my tongue into the crease and find if she tasted as good as she looked”
  
  Verana Mariano is one of the most determined, headstrong female character I’ve ever read. She wants to work towards her future and doesn’t want everything on her plate ready but rather wants to work for stuff in her life. I loved her personality so much and really felt for her and i felt so happy when she got her happy ending.
  
  These two TOGETHER were everything!!! I admit Nico had his moments where he was such a jerk but he clearly earned his redemption later and Vera, god, did i mention i loved her? I loved how she wanted to be independent and their chemistry together was off the charts 🔥🔥
  
  I’m so excited to read more about the girl gang and I can’t wait for Nova’s story cause damn that epilogue😩✨
  
  Overally, Fiona has clearly made me her fan and I’m so excited to see what she does next!!
  
  ” I hoped everyone knew that he was mine, and I was his.”
• 
  Vanessa (nessreads)

  To say I’m obsessed with this book would be an understatement. You know that feeling you get when you want to burst with all the excitement that’s inside you, well that’s exactly how I felt when reading this book. I was left giddy and this story gave me all those feel good feelings. I was swept away with Nico and Vera to the highest level, and I completely fell so hard for them.
  
  Vera was such an amazing character. I loved her and all her tenacity. She’s always done what’s been told of her and when it comes to family she’ll do everything she can for the Mariano last name. And when it comes to what she wants she’s determined and not afraid to get it no matter what’s at stake.
  
  Nico was everything and more. He was such an alpha, but at the same time he was protective and caring. And the mouth on him was mouthwateringly seduction dripping with desire and laced with sex. He left me a mess and I couldn’t get enough of him.
  
  Vera and Nico were tantalizing. Their sexual tension had me gasping. I loved their banter so freaking much. They were scorching hot together and I basked in all their heated fire. They were extremely passionate and I just loved them.
  
  One of the best parts of this book was the girl gang. I loved the friendship between Vera, Raelynn, and Nova. All three are different in their own badass way, but they compliment each other so well. I loved how strong and empowering they were and I can’t wait for more of these entertaining girlfriends.
  
  Blame it on the Champagne was a fantastic start to the Blame it on the Alcohol Series. This enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, and slow burn romance brought all the angsty and intoxicating feels. I became addicted to these characters and can’t wait for more of this delectable and thirst quenching series.
  
  *I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
• 
  Jessica

  This is a billionaire, marriage of convenience romance, and I was really loving the book for the first half. I loved how Vera got a job working for Nico because she was determined to work when her family is so adamant she marry and be a trophy wife. I really loved the first half where Vera was proving her worth, but also finding herself in situations with Nico the neither of them had planned. As a marriage of convenience, though, the marriage happened so far into the book and so much after that was spent alone, so they were just falling in love with not a whole lot of plot happening until the end. I would have loved to see so much more of them as husband and wife in the real world that they had spent so much of the beginning of the book worried about. I didn't particularly care for Nico either, so it was hard for me to love this romance. The second half took forever to read and I didn't really care about these two getting together anymore.
• 
  Antonella

  this girl 23 yo a college graduate with some wealthy friends and connections
  is all for arranged marriage but not with almost 40 yo her dad picked is too old for her
  I guess the other dude is 35yo so that makes it okay so she goes with him
  sure the fact that is hot doesn't have anything to do with it
  
  
  
  
  girl, get yourself a job... you don't need to be anyone's wife if you don't want to..
  
  things I disliked about the book:
  
  - the reason for the arranged marriage is stupid
  - the dialogue of this book was insufferable until the time when her girlfriends rallied behind her I couldn't stand them especially Raelynn, who talks like that
  - when they have sex for the first time and they don't know that is with each other they think is just a random one-night stand
  - how the conflict was resolved
  - hero
  
  one more thing this man is plotting revenge on the heroine's father for five years the plan is in action and he didn't research her, doesn't know how she looks like, and her name is not common so he doesn't get suspicious of her working for him...
  
  
• 
  Laura

  Very Meh
  
  I went into this with all the intention of loving it and having a good time but that was not the case. It read like a first draft and the characters, while having solid motives, were really shallow. The whole thing lacked depth and the dialogue during the sex scenes were straight out of a bad porno. I wouldn't have cares for it if it was fantasy but I just could not believe what was being said between moans.
  
  The end wasn't of my liking either. There are some lies one never forgives.
• 
  PrettyPinkPistachio

  2 - 2.5 stars (I still think I am generous)
  
  Problems I had with this book:
  1. Characters
  2. Characters
  3. Characters
  
  Let's talk about Nico (H) first. For the first 10% of the book I actually thought that he had potential to grow on me but here I am, dissapointed. It felt like he was trying to be the rich, arrogant CEO out for revenge but failed and instead came out as a wannabe Vicious. Simply speaking he was very meh to me.
  
  Verana, our (h), turned out to be an annoying diva. I feel like all she did was drink champagne and cry and complain how everyone just wants to use her and how no one loves her. I spent have my time rolling my eyes while reading her chapter. As I said she was extremely annoying but still not as annoying as the next character I'm gonna talk about.
  
  And now it's time to discuss the character I hated... drumroll please... Raelynn (🤮(I am childish, I know)). Verana's best friend. She was everything I hate in female characters (or any gender for that matters). She was too loud (in a negative way). Too irritating. Too immature. Too everything. I think the author thought she would come out as this pretty, rich, funny, outgoing friend in contrast to Nova (the other best friend. The quit one. 😑). So anyways, saying that I hated her would be the understatement of the century. I can go about this forever but let's not for the sake of my sanity.
  
  So, the only reason I did not DNF this was because the story had tropes that I liked and if not for the characters, I might have given it a solid 3.5. But this three characters (mainly Raelynn) ruined it.
• 
  Corinne [hiatus]

  This is one of those "Bookstagram made me do it" reads 😅
  
  Somewhat entertaining, with good story flow and nice enough characters... if you are a fan of Italian mafia books, this reads like one minus the actual mafia.
  
  What to look for:
  - hate to love
  - mafia like vibes
  - insta-lust
  - strong female character
  - marriage of convenience
  - cruising the Mediterranean Sea
  - hot sexy times on a yacht
  - secret revenge
  - groveling (minimum though)
  
  Verana (Vera) is the heiress of an Italian shipping company. She was raised to be a trophy wife but she is allowed to go to college. She hopes to work in her company but her father basically sells her to a rude and abusive man in exchange for an investment in his company that is on the verge of bankruptcy.
  She goes off and gets hired to a competing company on a false name. She starts a hate / lust relationship with the owner of said company, Nicholas (Nico).
  He then proceeds to offer her marriage to escape the fate her father has envisioned for her. She is so desperate to get out of her situation that she doesn't even question Nico's motives. He is playing her to get revenge on her father.
  
  The book was nice enough but there was something missing. Nothing was over the top. Everything was a bit too convenient. The plot was predictable. The angst was a bit low. And the groveling at the end just wasn't satisfying. I kept reading and waiting for something major to happen but alas...
  Will I be continuing with this series? I don't really know.
• 
  Aviva’s Library

  DNFing at page 122
  
  This book had way too much going on for me —- Her father is trying to marry her off to a guy who admitted he’s willing to rape her if she isn’t a ‘good and complacent” wife. She gets a job at a rival company under a fake name and is having a hate vibe attraction situation with her boss who happens to be plotting revenge against her family for ruining his company years ago. They had an anonymous steamy one night stand together while at a fancy party. They realize the next day that it was each other they slept with and then he offers to marry her so that she’s under his protection but secretly adds into their contract some crap so that he can fuck her over at the end of their agreement - and all of this happened within the first 122 pages…
  
  I feel like it was giving off mafia vibes - except it wasn’t. I also feel like it was trying to build up her old money family vibes but it was coming off very basic and mehh to me - it was also trying to make him this arrogant aggressive asshole, but I don’t think it was being done super well…
  
  I can really keep going on what I wasn’t liking, but I’ll stop myself here because I feel like I’m being really mean —- but basicly, it just wasn’t working for me for so many reasons
• 
  Abstract ♥ Books

  
  
  
  ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG:
  ABSTRACT BOOKS
  
  
  
  
  
  "Blame it on the Champagne" is the first Standalone Romance novel of the "Blame it on the Alcohol" series by the best-selling author Fiona Cole. Told in dual perspectives , get ready to meet Nico and Vera!
  
  Vera was an independent woman. If only her father accepted that fact. Imprisoned in her house , all she wants is a bit of freedom. Her resolution to go to college and work was now becoming true! That is until she bumps into someone on the day of her interview. Feeling bold , she flirts with him , knowing that he was interested too. That is until she comes to know that he was her boss. Her hopes of getting the job fly out of the window when he accuses her of trying to sleep her way to the top of the company.
  
  
  
  This wasn't the first time a woman had propositioned Nico for a job and Vera won't be the last. Something told him that she was different but then there was no proof of that. Soon they both started a game of cat and mouse with checking who will insult the other one more. That is until everything got messed up one night. They both slept with each other , without knowing the identity of the other one. Now things were too complicated and there was no way Nico was going to let her go. Not after knowing the full details of the woman before him. She was the one thing he wanted to being down his enemies and if she got used during the that z then so be it.
  
  I don't think I will ever tire of reading books by this author! The way she spins the storyline giving us those funny moments and the angsty moments that rip out your heart and make you Cry! This book had that and so much more. I seriously can't recommend this author enough to everyone! If you are looking for a compelling read full of humour , angst and suspense then don't hesitate to one click this one. A definite recommendation to all the contemporary romance lovers out there!!
  
  
  
  
  
  
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• 
  Sarah

  ****Audiobook****
  
  This was a quick, light, and steamy read.
  
  What did I love:
  1. Nico is steamy. Lord, he had a mouth on him that was delicious in the bedroom but respected what the heroine brought to the table.
  2. The heroine, even though she was innocent, she wanted more, wanted to be seen as equal and worked for that.
  3. I liked the marriage of convenience and the secret aspect of the plot.
  4. The steam, as with a Fiona Cole book, was amazing.
  5. Great narrators.
  6. The group of girlfriends were fun and brought a lot of hilarious moments.
  
  What didn’t I love:
  1. There wasn’t really anything I didn’t like. If anything, it was resolved pretty quickly, but authentically.
• 
  Weronika - Little Steamy Reads

  „Sometimes, chances aren’t given to us- we have to take them.”
  
  
  If the outcome of the night of drinking leads to the situations like these mentioned in this book, then better start pouring me the alcohol! I’M OBSESSED. Blame It On The Champagne is a fantastic introduction to the new series by Fiona Cole and the plot of this book is simply mindblowing! Emotions, angst, off-the-charts chemistry and burning passion- this story has it all. I fell completely in love with Nico and Vera!
  
  
  Nico will make you swoon on the spot! This dirty talking guy is a walking wet dream. He's all alpha- protective and commanding, but he can also be sweet, caring and thoughtful. I fell head over heels with this man!
  
  Vera, in turn, seems to be a little goody-two-shoes, but we quickly learn her true nature – she’s relentless, determined and stubborn. She is an intelligent woman who knows what she wants and she’s not afraid to take bold steps to achieve her goals.
  
  These two are straight-up fire! The sexual tension between Vera and Nico was so intense that I was melting from all of this hotness. Their banter was fabulous. The tender moments were swoon-worthy. Maybe their relantionship wasn’t built on solid foundations, but with every passing moment they proved that they complemented each other perfectly and they brought out the best from each other. Of course, it wouldn't be a Fiona Cole book without a bit of angst and some plot twists, but these parts only added spice to Nico and Vera's delactable love story.
  
  
  And of course I have to mention the fabulous friends of the heroine! Both Raelynn and Nova are amazing. They are completely different, but together they form such a harmonious and fantastic posse that, as a reader, you dream of becoming friends with them. I can't wait for their books!
  
  
  I blame it on Fiona Cole that I became completely obsessed with another of her series! But honestly, there was no other option. This book is brilliantly written, it’s filled with sexiness, delicious tension and all the feels. It’s a perfectly blended combination of enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience and office romance. 3 of my favorite tropes in one magnificent and unputdownable story!
• 
  The Romantic Rush Blog

  While I was devastated to say goodbye to the Voyeur series, I was so excited to dive into a new Fiona Cole world- and a feisty girl gang making alcohol-influences bad decisions intrigued me from the start. In this series opener, Fiona explores new facets of her writing, and she does not disappoint. We have the sizzling chemistry, complex relationships, and naught undertone that we love- but we also see Fiona play with some new tropes, add a heavy dose of sassy humor, and create a new elite world with delightfully unique, but emotionally scared, characters for us to explore.
  
  In this series starter, we meet a vibrant and hilarious girl gang- Vera, Raelynn, and Nova- friends from college now newly minted “real adults” who are as different as can be. But they share an undying love and devotion to each other- one another’s chosen family. We get the groundwork for this group of friends whose stories will be the backbone of this series, while also focusing on the frustrated and trapped Vera. She’s obligated by her family business and respect to her family’s legacy to enter into a marriage of convenience- a reality she’s always accepted. But she has hopes that her cooperation will result in a marriage that will grow into love- and will inspire her rather to also let her actually have an active role in the business. Unfortunately, she discovers she’s wrong on both counts, so she schemes to at least live her professional dreams- putting in literally in the path of Nico. She’s unaware that her hates her family, and he’s unaware that she is a Mariano. But they share one truth- they lust after each other. Throw in some well timed champagne buzzes, and it’s a recipe for drama. Or perhaps they are exactly what the other needs?
  
  This story is trope rich- you’ve got arranged marriages, vendettas, age gap, secret identities, workplace romance, marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers- SO MUCH. And, it is interesting to see Fiona establish a new world after a series focused on one theme with a very particular vibe- and this book does feel different. A little lighter, definitely more fun, and with more externalized threats/conflict. Time will tell if that translates to the series- but its awesome to see a writer I respect try something different while her strengths still shine- especially her character development, the emotional connection, and the scorching hot physical chemistry.
  
  The characters are FANTASTIC. I loved the girl gang- and I can tell each woman is going to bring something totally different to the table in their own romances, and Vera in particular was so likable. She has a vulnerability to her but she also has some spine- she sassy, resilient, and she finds strength in a connection to someone who challenges her in ways that bring out something new in her- Nico. And Nico is SOOOOOO HOT. TOTAL ALPHAHOLE - arrogant, bossy, controlling- but he also turns out to be such a kind and soulful human. A protective care giver, altruistic and chivalrous. Not to mention- no one writes dirty talkers like Fiona Cole. There is an age gap, although this element felt less taboo (or even central) than prior books- but these still caught my kindle on fire with their heat- both their angry fire and sharp banter as well as their panty melting sexual chemistry and explosive tension.
  
  Fiona’s stories have a way of gripping me- a bit of sizzle, a spark, some consuming quality that just swallows me whole. Unlike some of her other stories- this took a while to grip me. Of course we’re coming off a series that felt more taboo and it is a series starter, which normally means more exposition. The early writing is fantastic- but it took me a minute to really be captured- a good halfway in probably. But BOY did I get there. Once we got to really focus in on the heart of this romance, this story really shone. And that focus is something that Fiona does like no other- the emotionally complicated, erotically titillating, and relationships born out of unusual contexts. That has been the hallmark of what I love about Fiona Cole- and this book really does capitalize on this strength.
  
  I’m looking forward to the rest of this series and watching Fiona continue to flex her muscles. Plus, the girl gang member who intrigues me the most seems to be next- and I want to know more!
  
  4.5 stars
  
• 
  Veronica (Honey Roselea Reads)

  I’ve been loving some really good books lately.
  
  Blame it on the Champagne is a fantastic fake relationship/ enemies to lovers book. I had such a fun time reading it and how amazing Nicholas and Verana’s relationship was because it was amazing. It was steamy and cute and I loved every second of it. It was a serious heart clencher and I grinned and smiled the whole way through. It was simply amazing.
• 
  m

  NAWT AUTHORS ALWAYS MAKING THEIR BEST COUPLES THE LAST IN THE SERIES I WANT RAELYNNAUSTIN
• 
  Tori - Novel Life

  I really enjoyed this first book in the Blame it on the Alcohol series!! I loved Vera’s character and how she wanted to work and be apart of her family company. The only reason I didn’t rate it 5 stars was because I could see the 3rd act break up from the beginning. I wish there was more grovel!!
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  Jessica Alcazar

  
  
  *fans self* wow, you might wanna have extra panties handy when you read this one :)
  
  Vera and Nico exploded from the moment they hit the page. They had some sort of spark no matter what was happening with them. It was glorious to read because the entire book was fire, even the secondary characters sparked. I was all in as soon as I began to read! A well developed plot with characters you just cannot help but root for. The story was sexually explosive, exactly how I like them!
  
  Blame it on the Champagne hit all the right spots for me as a reader and I can’t wait to dive deeper into this world in the future!
  
  4.5 Well Done! STARS
  
  Download your copy today or read in Kindle Unlimited ➡
  http://mybook.to/BIOTCKindle
  
  
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  Laura G/ _page.turner

  In. Love.
  
  I was so, SO excited to read Blame it on the Champagne and man, it all lived up to my expectations! Fiona Cole promised hate to love and plenty of tension in this marriage of convenience story between Vera and Nico and I was dying with each word read! Seriously. The tension is REAL. The hate to love is REAL. Vera and Nico created this tightrope of emotions and had me consumed with their journey, just waiting for one of them to move beyond the line drawn in the sand.
  
  Vera could quite possibly be my favorite of all of Fiona’s heroines, which is quite a feat. Her tenacity and strength jumped right off the page, but it warred with the way she was raised, the familial obligations she knew were waiting for her. She’s kind, fierce, sassy. Intelligent. Beautiful. She’s exactly the type of woman you want in your life. Which obviously, Nico came to realize.
  
  And Nico.... Nico, Nico, Nico. This man! He’s determined and bold, and his tongue is delightfully wicked. He’s definitely near the top of my favorite Fiona heroes, no doubt. He’s dominant, but does have a softer side to him as well. I absolutely loved him, loved his growth. I loved the way they both grew, honestly, both individually and as a couple.
  
  I also can’t forget to mention how much I loved Raelynn and Nova, too. This is definitely one group of friends I want to be a part of. I can’t wait to delve deeper into their stories!
  
  Seriously though, BiotC is a definite hit. It’s what you know and love from Fiona Cole, with plenty of steam, tension, and just enough laughter to make it a hat trick of success. I couldn’t get enough of Vera and Nico!
• 
  Book Maniac Forever

  ⭐️ 4.5 "Bubbles" Stars ⭐️
  Fiona Cole started so strong with her new series! Blame It on the Champagne was so entertaining with the right blend of angst, humor and blazing hot moments! I adored Vera and Nico together! This couple was pure FIRE!
  
  After graduating from college, Vera wants to finally prove her worth in her family business. Her father has other plans for her though with an arranged marriage as a trophy wife. The young woman is driven and she won’t let her father entirely dictate her future. She finds job at another company where she catches the eyes of the owner. As much as there’s an instant attraction between her and Nico, the fact she’s an employe but a damper on their explosive chemistry.
  
  Nico tries to resist her by being rude and mean, but an opportunity presents itself to get revenge and Vera is the key. He’s cunning and desperate to win at all costs with his hidden agenda. The more time he spend with Vera, the more he slowly grows a conscience. This man is so dominant and devilishly handsome leading to passionate scenes where he shows his talent at dirty talking. The evolution of this couple’s relationship was mesmerizing! I enjoyed every single moments they shared.
  
  Blame it on the Champagne was unputdownable. I loved everything about this intensely sexy romance bursting with feelings! I’m so giddy for the next novels in the series as Raelynn and Nova were such interesting supporting characters. I’m really intrigued about their own stories!
  
  ** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
• 
  Cindy M. Green

  Nico and Vera were ABSOLUTELY ON FIRE 🔥🔥🔥
  
  Fiona knows her way around heat and sexual tension between characters! She is a master at chemistry and displayed that beautifully between these two stubborn characters!
  
  Nico will stop at nothing to get what he wants. He's ruthless, vindictive and sexy as fuck! Vera literally bumps into his life and he's completely enamored...
  and yet annoyed with her. I love her strong sense of self and the way these two spar with each other is fantastic foreplay. Vera doesn't back down, I love her fierce and feisty attitude.
  
  Vera's gal pals Nova and Raelynn add a great dynamic to the story and I'm really excited to see what Fiona has in store for them. What a great concept to this series. Bring on the drinks, this one is a winner 🍾🍾🍾
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  Yan

  “If you hurt her, I’ll fucking kill you. And not in a funny—ha-ha—way. I will legit utilize every crime show I’ve watched, and I’ll get away with it too.”
  
  Everybody needs a Raelynn in their lives. Being her friend really has its perks 😂
  
  I swore I loved this book but a couple weeks later I forgot about the story 😬 except there was alcohol involved (hence the title), an MOC, age-gap and also the tightest bffs ever.
  
  I wish I could blame champagne — or even wine — for my fogetfulness tho..
  
  3.5 stars~
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  Tears Of Venus

  
  rtc.
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  Jeeves Reads Romance

  This gets five stars for entertainment value, because while there were definitely things about it that turned me off, I was hooked. It's sexy and kinda dirty, a little over the top, and a lot of fun. I loved the tension and the dynamic between these two - their relationship begins in a wholly unique way, and it was a fascinating journey from start to finish. This is definitely more of a steamy escapism/guilty pleasure kind of read than a top quality romance, but there's something about Cole's writing style that kept me turning the pages. If you're looking for something intense, engrossing, and all kinds of steamy, you'll find it with this.
  
  The story follows Verana "Vera," a woman who has known all of her life that she'll have an arranged marriage. An intelligent, educated woman, Vera is fully aware that this is not the norm, but it's the way things have happened in her family for generations, and she's willing to go along with it. At least until she finds out who her groom will be. In her final act of defiance before agreeing to the marriage, Vera takes a job that her father would absolutely not approve of, working for a man who drives her a little crazy. Little does Vera know that her new boss, the frustrating yet sexy Nicholas, has his own connection to the family business - and his own reasons for agreeing to a marriage of convenience.
  
  Let me be clear: this was not a cut and dry 5-star read for me. There's one scene in particular (you'll know it when you read it), that I really didn't love for a variety of reasons. Not only is the intent behind it all sorts of problematic, but there were also logistical issues that bugged me. Ultimately, the scene was so early in the story that I was willing to set aside my concerns - and there was zero OW/OM drama after that. The steamy scenes are not going to be to everyone's tastes (hot and dirty), but I loved that it felt like a slow burn in a lot of ways. The chemistry between these two was absolutely scorching, and Nico makes a great hero. He's alpha and masculine and strong, but shows enough vulnerability that you know he'll melt for the right woman. Vera, well, Vera is a study in contrasts. For a woman who is supposedly very intelligent and highly educated, she certainly doesn't act that way for much of the story. It creates an interesting level of tension, and I loved the slightly angsty, very twisty path these two take before they find their happily ever after. Fans of marriage of convenience romances are sure to love this, but it's also got enemies to lovers and office romance vibes as well. It's a unique blend that makes for an engaging story, so I had no trouble devouring this quickly. I received an early copy via Valentine PR and am voluntarily leaving a review of this steamy romance.
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  Andrea

  Nico's life is all about revenge. Since he's a workaholic to achieve his goal, he doesn’t have time for dating or a relationship. Until one fateful evening he sees a woman he can't get out of his head, a woman who shows up at his company for a job interview a few days later ...
  And that’s the beginning of one of the most captivating and fascinating books I've read this year.
  
  Vera is always calm, polite and polished on the outside, because that's how she was raised, to one day be a trophy wife for a man in an arranged marriage. But on the inside, she is anything but. She is like a volcano, like a hurricane, a force to be reckoned with, a true Italo-American woman, through and through ... equally passionate in an argument as in love!
  Nico is the match for her ever smoldering fire, the arrogant macho who backs up his alpha male ways with his arrogance and imperious manners! So it's no wonder that every time they are remotely close to each other, sparks fly ...
  Vera and Nico are a match made in heaven, that's for sure! They complete each other in every way.
  
  At times, I roared with laughter, because some situations are just hilarious, to put it mildly, as are the banter and arguments between all the protagonists. The supporting characters, Raelynn and Nova, Vera's best friends, are some of the best secondary characters I've met this year, someone you’d want in your corner for their loyalty. They are as vibrant as the main characters.
  
  This book is everything I didn't know I needed!!! I can’t wait to read the next novel in this new series!