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Last Christmas Crush
A beautiful hopeless romantic and her ex's guarded best friend return home for the holidays and back into each other's lives in this festive, bighearted, forbidden romance about letting go and letting fate.
Chiara Fortemani is home for the holidays—technically, her family's tiny villa—where she'll explore post-breakup digs and grow their vineyard's brand during Napa's annual Christmas food and wine festival. But as she interviews local wood craftsmen to curate custom gifts, she's shocked to run into Jameson West... her ex's best friend.
Jameson has loved Chiara since he carved her a birdhouse in woodshop. She's everything he ever beautiful, funny, loyal... but thanks to the bro code, off-limits. Now a rising investment banking star, Jameson's in town temporarily to help the family business tackle seasonal contracts. West Woodworks has been making Fortemani casks for ages, so the job will be easy. It's the unexpected reunion with newly single Chiara that has him on shaky ground.
As they design together, days in the lumberyard and nights on steamy calls create magic. When Jameson confesses his feelings, Chiara is amazed by this sweet, attentive man who always should've been her first choice. But Jameson is still her ex's best friend. Is uprooting her life for a man again a huge mistake...or a Christmas miracle?
Chiara Fortemani is home for the holidays—technically, her family's tiny villa—where she'll explore post-breakup digs and grow their vineyard's brand during Napa's annual Christmas food and wine festival. But as she interviews local wood craftsmen to curate custom gifts, she's shocked to run into Jameson West... her ex's best friend.
Jameson has loved Chiara since he carved her a birdhouse in woodshop. She's everything he ever beautiful, funny, loyal... but thanks to the bro code, off-limits. Now a rising investment banking star, Jameson's in town temporarily to help the family business tackle seasonal contracts. West Woodworks has been making Fortemani casks for ages, so the job will be easy. It's the unexpected reunion with newly single Chiara that has him on shaky ground.
As they design together, days in the lumberyard and nights on steamy calls create magic. When Jameson confesses his feelings, Chiara is amazed by this sweet, attentive man who always should've been her first choice. But Jameson is still her ex's best friend. Is uprooting her life for a man again a huge mistake...or a Christmas miracle?
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2024
About the author
Mia Heintzelman
29 books408 followersThe Wedding Crush releases on June 11th everywhere books are sold!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 29, 2024
This book was everything I love about a Hallmark Christmas movie, but with an extra spicy dose of steam! I have loved the Fortemani series thus far, and Last Christmas Crush is the perfect edition. If you love second chance romance with all the holiday flair (think hot chocolate in front of the fireplace, merry food and wine festivals, and sugar cookie bake-offs), then you’ll thoroughly enjoy this book!
September 13, 2024
Thank you to BookFunnel and the author for an e-ARC of Last Christmas Crush in exchange for my honest review.
Last Christmas Crush is the third book of the Fortemani siblings’ stories which follows Chiara and Jameson. Chiara and Jameson have been friends since grade school and know everything about each other. Circumstances of life force them apart until they’re reunited at Dante and Morgan’s wedding, giving them both an opportunity to remember how precious their friendship is to them.
I must admit that I was not the biggest fan of this story. In fact the main characters didn’t even interact with each other until after the 45% mark. There were definitely some sweet moments throughout, and I loved the atmosphere of Christmas at the vineyard.
True rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Last Christmas Crush is the third book of the Fortemani siblings’ stories which follows Chiara and Jameson. Chiara and Jameson have been friends since grade school and know everything about each other. Circumstances of life force them apart until they’re reunited at Dante and Morgan’s wedding, giving them both an opportunity to remember how precious their friendship is to them.
I must admit that I was not the biggest fan of this story. In fact the main characters didn’t even interact with each other until after the 45% mark. There were definitely some sweet moments throughout, and I loved the atmosphere of Christmas at the vineyard.
True rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2024
The Last Christmas Crush is the third book from the Fortemani Family series but can very easily be read as a standalone without any problems at all…
This book would be absolutely perfect made in to a Hallmark Christmas movie but just with a teeny tiny little difference - a little bit of extra spice added to it!!
I do love a christmas book and this one definitely ticked all of the festive boxes.
I absolutely loved this Christmassy, second chance romance. It was such a heartwarming, warm and cosy, festive story and just what i needed to read…..
This book would be absolutely perfect made in to a Hallmark Christmas movie but just with a teeny tiny little difference - a little bit of extra spice added to it!!
I do love a christmas book and this one definitely ticked all of the festive boxes.
I absolutely loved this Christmassy, second chance romance. It was such a heartwarming, warm and cosy, festive story and just what i needed to read…..
September 2, 2024
Small Business BookTok ARC Reviews: “Last Christmas Crush” by Mia Hientzelman
Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily.
After a messy breakup and years of being treated as the “little sister” of the family, all Chiara Fortemani wants for Christmas is more independence and freedom to express as much authority in the family business as her brothers. When Jameson West, her ex's best friend, comes to town, he's not only helping out with Fortemani Holiday events, but he wants to reconnect with Chiara, and maybe, give her the Holiday Romance she never knew she needed!
From the author behind the “Love and Games” series, Mia Heintzelman is back with her third installment in the “Fortemani Family” series! This book not only delivers some fun, Holiday Romance and hijinx, but Heintzelman continues to flesh out her world and characters in such a way that you'll feel like you've known these characters as friends or your neighbors next door for all your life! Chiara and Jamison’s chemistry delivers on the classic Childhood Friends-to-Lovers trope while also written in a way that allows the characters to learn from each other and grow for the better in regards to building strong relationships and boundaries.
This book also has a subplot that effectively tackles a historical off-page death from childbirth in POC Communities and the impact it leaves on surviving family members. Hientzelman brings to light a dark truth that many African American women face a huge risk of maternity deaths through birthing complications in the United States. She not only discusses this issue with care, but she wrote the book as a tribute to the many mothers of color who have died from birthing complications. If you’re looking to read a Holiday book that emphasizes the importance of family, love, and self-healing from trauma and grief, then don’t miss out on this book when it hits online shelves on October 17, 2024!
Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Meter: 4/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶
- Tropes to Expect: Childhood-Friends-to-Lovers, Ex's Best Friend, Holiday Romance, Pining, Second Chance, He Falls First, Self-Healing, and Home for the Holidays.
- Trigger Warnings: Relationship Anxiety, Friendship Conflict, Mild Family Conflict, and Discussions of Maternity Mortalities.
Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily.
After a messy breakup and years of being treated as the “little sister” of the family, all Chiara Fortemani wants for Christmas is more independence and freedom to express as much authority in the family business as her brothers. When Jameson West, her ex's best friend, comes to town, he's not only helping out with Fortemani Holiday events, but he wants to reconnect with Chiara, and maybe, give her the Holiday Romance she never knew she needed!
From the author behind the “Love and Games” series, Mia Heintzelman is back with her third installment in the “Fortemani Family” series! This book not only delivers some fun, Holiday Romance and hijinx, but Heintzelman continues to flesh out her world and characters in such a way that you'll feel like you've known these characters as friends or your neighbors next door for all your life! Chiara and Jamison’s chemistry delivers on the classic Childhood Friends-to-Lovers trope while also written in a way that allows the characters to learn from each other and grow for the better in regards to building strong relationships and boundaries.
This book also has a subplot that effectively tackles a historical off-page death from childbirth in POC Communities and the impact it leaves on surviving family members. Hientzelman brings to light a dark truth that many African American women face a huge risk of maternity deaths through birthing complications in the United States. She not only discusses this issue with care, but she wrote the book as a tribute to the many mothers of color who have died from birthing complications. If you’re looking to read a Holiday book that emphasizes the importance of family, love, and self-healing from trauma and grief, then don’t miss out on this book when it hits online shelves on October 17, 2024!
Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Meter: 4/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶
- Tropes to Expect: Childhood-Friends-to-Lovers, Ex's Best Friend, Holiday Romance, Pining, Second Chance, He Falls First, Self-Healing, and Home for the Holidays.
- Trigger Warnings: Relationship Anxiety, Friendship Conflict, Mild Family Conflict, and Discussions of Maternity Mortalities.
Want to Read
December 24, 2024Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. 3.5 Stars. This was such a cute and cozy read. It gave Hallmark movie, making it a great read for this time of year . I will definitely need to go back and read the rest of the series.
September 25, 2024
This book felt like I was in the middle of a hallmark movie and I loved it. Great way to kick off the holiday season!
October 12, 2024
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I DNFed the previous book in the Fortemanis series due to being “surprised” by a third-act surprise pregnancy (almost all of those either get an automatic DNF these days), and I admit I was a tad surprised to get an ARC for the next book in my inbox. However, I decided to give Last Christmas Crush a chance, after keyword searching “pregnancy” in the book itself, just to make sure I wasn’t making another dire mistake. Nope, just a brief reference to the expectant couple of the last book…but better safe than sorry.
Speaking of sensitive issues that warrant CWs, this didn’t factor into my rating at all, but I was a tad puzzled by the structure of how they were built into the book, and I wonder if that’s just the ARC, or if that will be addressed in the final copy. There is little in the front matter, beyond a general dedication about “Black women who have lost their lives bringing new life into the world,” and the “Author’s Note” I turned to at the end was written as if it was meant to be placed at the beginning, addressing some of the issues of maternal mortality and loss of a parent in slightly more detail. I understand there’s some debate as to where to put CWs, but given sensitive content is one of the reasons people might be driven to return books, having this in the front matter and accessible to readers via the sample is essential. These issues aren’t personally triggering for me, so I wasn’t bothered by them as discussed, but if the author/publisher is going to include CWs at all, they should be where readers can find them, not feel like an afterthought. Even a further amendment to the initial dedication pointing them to the back matter or the author’s website would be helpful.
Technical issues aside, I mostly enjoyed this book, and it’s a fun, slightly steamier spin on Hallmark Christmas movies. Chiara and Jameson are both great characters, and easy to root for. I really enjoyed the dynamic between them, with him being her ex’s best friend, and she’s still conflicted over the mistakes she made in that prior relationship. And with the history between them, I easily became invested in their romance and rooted for them throughout.
I enjoyed this book overall, and with the caveat that I would check the CWs before reading, I’d recommend this if you’re looking for an otherwise fairly lighthearted, cozy Christmas romance with Black leads.
I DNFed the previous book in the Fortemanis series due to being “surprised” by a third-act surprise pregnancy (almost all of those either get an automatic DNF these days), and I admit I was a tad surprised to get an ARC for the next book in my inbox. However, I decided to give Last Christmas Crush a chance, after keyword searching “pregnancy” in the book itself, just to make sure I wasn’t making another dire mistake. Nope, just a brief reference to the expectant couple of the last book…but better safe than sorry.
Speaking of sensitive issues that warrant CWs, this didn’t factor into my rating at all, but I was a tad puzzled by the structure of how they were built into the book, and I wonder if that’s just the ARC, or if that will be addressed in the final copy. There is little in the front matter, beyond a general dedication about “Black women who have lost their lives bringing new life into the world,” and the “Author’s Note” I turned to at the end was written as if it was meant to be placed at the beginning, addressing some of the issues of maternal mortality and loss of a parent in slightly more detail. I understand there’s some debate as to where to put CWs, but given sensitive content is one of the reasons people might be driven to return books, having this in the front matter and accessible to readers via the sample is essential. These issues aren’t personally triggering for me, so I wasn’t bothered by them as discussed, but if the author/publisher is going to include CWs at all, they should be where readers can find them, not feel like an afterthought. Even a further amendment to the initial dedication pointing them to the back matter or the author’s website would be helpful.
Technical issues aside, I mostly enjoyed this book, and it’s a fun, slightly steamier spin on Hallmark Christmas movies. Chiara and Jameson are both great characters, and easy to root for. I really enjoyed the dynamic between them, with him being her ex’s best friend, and she’s still conflicted over the mistakes she made in that prior relationship. And with the history between them, I easily became invested in their romance and rooted for them throughout.
I enjoyed this book overall, and with the caveat that I would check the CWs before reading, I’d recommend this if you’re looking for an otherwise fairly lighthearted, cozy Christmas romance with Black leads.
October 18, 2024
Last Christmas Crush is the third book in Mia Heintzelman’s heartfelt series, The Fortemani Family. Each book has featured one of the Fortemani siblings and this book is Chiara’s story. She had been living in San Francisco with her boyfriend until he broke things off with her. Her family and friends move her back to the family vineyard in Napa.
Jameson West is her ex’s best friend and his dad’s woodworking company has always furnished all the handmade products for her family’s winery. He had been her best friend all through school until she and her boyfriend got serious. He is an investment banker in San Francisco. Several years ago Jameson ghosted Chiara. She didn’t know why and had been upset with him because of it. The two were reunited at her brother’s wedding festivities. However, once the reception ended she didn’t see him again. His dad and his uncle talk about retiring and the future of the business. He returns to Napa to help out while still working remotely for his job.
Chiara comes up with an idea for having custom wood charcuterie boards made to sell during the annual Christmas Food and Wine Festival. She asked for bids and Jameson is the one who comes to the meeting on behalf of his family. She is surprised to see him. We learn that he has been keeping his distance for years because he has always been in love with her and she was with his best friend. Now that she’s single he’s uncertain what to do because of the bro code. She never realized how Jameson felt about her. After discovering an old note declaring his feelings for her, she is stunned and doesn’t know what to do. She doesn’t know how he feels about her now. Chiara questions why she never realized and is starting to see she should have chosen him long ago. The two work together and declare their feelings. However, what will happen when Jameson has to return to the city and she is staying in Napa?
This was a terrific addition to the series. I enjoyed the romance between Chiara and Jameson very much. They make a wonderful couple the angst and steamy love between the two was enjoyable to read. I liked the controversy of the ex and what they should do. It is another 5 star book for Mia!
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Jameson West is her ex’s best friend and his dad’s woodworking company has always furnished all the handmade products for her family’s winery. He had been her best friend all through school until she and her boyfriend got serious. He is an investment banker in San Francisco. Several years ago Jameson ghosted Chiara. She didn’t know why and had been upset with him because of it. The two were reunited at her brother’s wedding festivities. However, once the reception ended she didn’t see him again. His dad and his uncle talk about retiring and the future of the business. He returns to Napa to help out while still working remotely for his job.
Chiara comes up with an idea for having custom wood charcuterie boards made to sell during the annual Christmas Food and Wine Festival. She asked for bids and Jameson is the one who comes to the meeting on behalf of his family. She is surprised to see him. We learn that he has been keeping his distance for years because he has always been in love with her and she was with his best friend. Now that she’s single he’s uncertain what to do because of the bro code. She never realized how Jameson felt about her. After discovering an old note declaring his feelings for her, she is stunned and doesn’t know what to do. She doesn’t know how he feels about her now. Chiara questions why she never realized and is starting to see she should have chosen him long ago. The two work together and declare their feelings. However, what will happen when Jameson has to return to the city and she is staying in Napa?
This was a terrific addition to the series. I enjoyed the romance between Chiara and Jameson very much. They make a wonderful couple the angst and steamy love between the two was enjoyable to read. I liked the controversy of the ex and what they should do. It is another 5 star book for Mia!
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
October 15, 2024
Sweet romance full of laughs and angst. Chiara is home for the holidays mainly because of her recent break-up. Chiara wants to take a more active role in her family’s vineyard but knows that she must get her brothers and her mother’s buy in if she has any hopes of making her mark. When she pitches an idea on how to expand their family’s brand during the upcoming Napa Annual Christmas food and wine festival; she never thought it would put her in the path of her former BFF and her ex’s best friend Jameson.
Jameson is making moves and is currently at the top of his game with new opportunities on the horizon. Jameson decided to come to town to help his father with some family business until his father dropped a bombshell on him. In an effort to keep his family legacy Jameson decides to stick around for a while to help his father in tackling seasonal orders at West Woodworks. As a skilled woodsman Jameson sees this as an opportunity to not only spend time with his family but to home in on his exceptional skills.
When an unexpected proposal is pitched to West Woodworks to make customized charcuterie boards for the upcoming festival Jameson was ill-prepared to face the woman who he has loved since childhood. Working closely with Chiara will be more difficult than he imagined.
Chiara and Jameson were a perfect match but at times Chiara was quite annoying. She was not fair to Jameson and was using her anger from her recent break up as an excuse for her behavior. Jameson remained professional and although exasperated at times he continued to love her through it all.
This was a story of taking chances. Chiara went through life being who everyone wanted her to be, and she never really took time to find out who she really was. Jameson was determined to prove to Chiara that she was indeed a woman capable of living life on her own terms and she was deserving of the love she always imagined.
Jameson is making moves and is currently at the top of his game with new opportunities on the horizon. Jameson decided to come to town to help his father with some family business until his father dropped a bombshell on him. In an effort to keep his family legacy Jameson decides to stick around for a while to help his father in tackling seasonal orders at West Woodworks. As a skilled woodsman Jameson sees this as an opportunity to not only spend time with his family but to home in on his exceptional skills.
When an unexpected proposal is pitched to West Woodworks to make customized charcuterie boards for the upcoming festival Jameson was ill-prepared to face the woman who he has loved since childhood. Working closely with Chiara will be more difficult than he imagined.
Chiara and Jameson were a perfect match but at times Chiara was quite annoying. She was not fair to Jameson and was using her anger from her recent break up as an excuse for her behavior. Jameson remained professional and although exasperated at times he continued to love her through it all.
This was a story of taking chances. Chiara went through life being who everyone wanted her to be, and she never really took time to find out who she really was. Jameson was determined to prove to Chiara that she was indeed a woman capable of living life on her own terms and she was deserving of the love she always imagined.
December 12, 2024
This is my first time reading something by this author and was quite a delightful read. The story is a charming combination of holiday cheer, forbidden love, and second chances. With the setting of Napa’s Christmas food and wine festival, this novel delivers all the cozy, festive vibes while exploring themes of loyalty, healing, and following your heart.
Chiara heads home for the holidays and tries to reconcile with her post break-up situation while also working to grow her family's brand during the wine festival. While home, she encounters Jameson, her ex's best friend, who is also in town for the holidays taking care of some business. Jameson has always carried a torch for Chiara, but of course could never act on his feelings. As they work together during the holiday season, Chiara begins to realize what a kind, caring man Jameaon is, and begins to wonder why she hadn't chosen him all those years ago. The chemistry between them is undeniable the moment they reunite, giving way to newfound possibilities and unresolved tension. With Jameson's long-standing love for Chiara and his sweet attentiveness and vulnerability, he is a hero you can't help but root for.
The story’s holiday setting is delightful, brimming with twinkling lights, festive markets, and mouthwatering descriptions of food and wine. Filled with warmth of family traditions and small-town charm, this is the perfect read to escape into during the holiday season.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Chiara heads home for the holidays and tries to reconcile with her post break-up situation while also working to grow her family's brand during the wine festival. While home, she encounters Jameson, her ex's best friend, who is also in town for the holidays taking care of some business. Jameson has always carried a torch for Chiara, but of course could never act on his feelings. As they work together during the holiday season, Chiara begins to realize what a kind, caring man Jameaon is, and begins to wonder why she hadn't chosen him all those years ago. The chemistry between them is undeniable the moment they reunite, giving way to newfound possibilities and unresolved tension. With Jameson's long-standing love for Chiara and his sweet attentiveness and vulnerability, he is a hero you can't help but root for.
The story’s holiday setting is delightful, brimming with twinkling lights, festive markets, and mouthwatering descriptions of food and wine. Filled with warmth of family traditions and small-town charm, this is the perfect read to escape into during the holiday season.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
October 16, 2024
This is the third in this series and a brilliant addition. Chiara has gone back home after her relationship has ended. Totally disillusioned with men and wanting to prove herself she want to help her family improve its promotional undertakings. With the christmas market she wants to bring in new customers and hopefully extend the promotion to restaurant and delis as well the vineyard and chalets. Jameson has come back to his hometown to try to help his father employ new staff to help with the family wood working business now his uncle is retiring. Now he has to help with orders when it's for the Fortemani family he's just grateful she's not here. Then when he walks into the conference room who's sat behind the desk none other than his all time crush Chiara. The woman he'll never have, that is until he finds put she's now single. Can these to rebuild their childhood friendship. Or has she lost all faith in him for ghosting her. This is a brilliant story and also a little heart wrenching with the letter from his mom. Characters appear from previous books although you could still read as a standalone. Sit back and enjoy a spicy christmassy story with relatable characters. A story where family friendship and love take centre stage. I cant wait for the next installment. ❤️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2024
I got this book from Net Galley in exchange for a honest review. I promptly got the first two books in the series so that I could bring myself up to date.
Chiara and Jameson have a great friends to lovers story, except he ghosted their friendship six years earlier. To be fair, she was dating his other best friend while he was madly in love with her. Only, she didn’t know that he was in love with her. She hadn’t read the letter that he wrote her, confessing his love. He thought she just didn’t see it for them. She was clueless as to why he ended their friendship. They are forced to work together on a project. Then one phone call while she is tipsy and in the bathtub changes everything for them. Soon he has to decide if the life wants for himself is back in the city with a promotion he has been after or if it is with her in Napa.
I have enjoyed this entire series. This book did not disappoint. It wasn’t an easy road to happily ever after but the flow of the story made sense. There were some bumps in the road but they love each other and that never waivered. I can’t wait to read about the fourth sibling.
5 star read.
Chiara and Jameson have a great friends to lovers story, except he ghosted their friendship six years earlier. To be fair, she was dating his other best friend while he was madly in love with her. Only, she didn’t know that he was in love with her. She hadn’t read the letter that he wrote her, confessing his love. He thought she just didn’t see it for them. She was clueless as to why he ended their friendship. They are forced to work together on a project. Then one phone call while she is tipsy and in the bathtub changes everything for them. Soon he has to decide if the life wants for himself is back in the city with a promotion he has been after or if it is with her in Napa.
I have enjoyed this entire series. This book did not disappoint. It wasn’t an easy road to happily ever after but the flow of the story made sense. There were some bumps in the road but they love each other and that never waivered. I can’t wait to read about the fourth sibling.
5 star read.
October 26, 2024
“𝑫𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒖𝒑 𝒐𝒏 𝒖𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒅.”
Three cheers for The Fortemani Family series 🥂while I loved each installment in the series this one was truly the angel on top of the Christmas tree for me. Hands down, Chiara and Jameson have wormed their way into my heart and are now my favorite couple amongst the family.
A sucker for a good friends to lovers, I loved that the author allowed us to see the characters actually being in love and spending time with one another. It was a long awaited romance and while there were a few kinks to work out, witnessing their love on page was sweet. It’s no secret that I love the Sister Circle (I’m an honorary member in my head), but the relationship between the Fortemani siblings as well as Jameson and his father shined bright for me in this book. The genuine connections and bonds in this story were such a sweet spot. I really loved and appreciated all the honest conversations held between the characters because they came with a dose of sage advice and hilarious commentary.
This is a feel good read that will lift your spirits and have you ready to spend time with your loved ones.
Three cheers for The Fortemani Family series 🥂while I loved each installment in the series this one was truly the angel on top of the Christmas tree for me. Hands down, Chiara and Jameson have wormed their way into my heart and are now my favorite couple amongst the family.
A sucker for a good friends to lovers, I loved that the author allowed us to see the characters actually being in love and spending time with one another. It was a long awaited romance and while there were a few kinks to work out, witnessing their love on page was sweet. It’s no secret that I love the Sister Circle (I’m an honorary member in my head), but the relationship between the Fortemani siblings as well as Jameson and his father shined bright for me in this book. The genuine connections and bonds in this story were such a sweet spot. I really loved and appreciated all the honest conversations held between the characters because they came with a dose of sage advice and hilarious commentary.
This is a feel good read that will lift your spirits and have you ready to spend time with your loved ones.
October 22, 2024
Last Christmas Crush ~ The Fortemani Family #3 by Mia Heintzelman
Blurb:
A beautiful hopeless romantic and her ex's guarded best friend return home for the holidays and back into each other's lives in this festive, bighearted, forbidden romance about letting go and letting fate.
Last Christmas Crush is Chiara Fortemani's story as she comes home for the holidays, where she sees Jameson West who happens to be her ex's best friend. Unbeknown to Chiara, Jameson has loved her for a while, but due to the bro code has not acted on his feelings, until now.
What will the Christmas holidays bring to them both?
A great well well-written story that has the reader engaged from the start, the storyline is strong and believable, and I do recommend this book to all. I have read the other two books in this series, I can honestly say this for me is the best to date.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters
Blurb:
A beautiful hopeless romantic and her ex's guarded best friend return home for the holidays and back into each other's lives in this festive, bighearted, forbidden romance about letting go and letting fate.
Last Christmas Crush is Chiara Fortemani's story as she comes home for the holidays, where she sees Jameson West who happens to be her ex's best friend. Unbeknown to Chiara, Jameson has loved her for a while, but due to the bro code has not acted on his feelings, until now.
What will the Christmas holidays bring to them both?
A great well well-written story that has the reader engaged from the start, the storyline is strong and believable, and I do recommend this book to all. I have read the other two books in this series, I can honestly say this for me is the best to date.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Page-turner, Romantic, Realistic, and Wonderful characters
October 15, 2024
It’s the third book in the Fortemani family series and this one is Chiara’s turn. It’s a mix of childhood friends to lovers and second chance romance which are some of my favorite tropes. It takes place between Halloween and Christmas so was a very seasonal cozy read. I loved how much we got to see the family and the sister circle together which are some of my favorite elements of this series.
There’s a pretty long lead up to our two characters getting together. Jameson is in a relationship with someone else until a bit after the 40% mark. Then there’s a bit of a time jump where we’re told but not shown that the two are spending time together rekindling their relationship. I did love the grand gesture and that the conflict wasn’t drug out unnecessarily.
Content flags: Jameson’s mother dies in child birth and Chiara has lost her father recently.
I voluntarily read a gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
There’s a pretty long lead up to our two characters getting together. Jameson is in a relationship with someone else until a bit after the 40% mark. Then there’s a bit of a time jump where we’re told but not shown that the two are spending time together rekindling their relationship. I did love the grand gesture and that the conflict wasn’t drug out unnecessarily.
Content flags: Jameson’s mother dies in child birth and Chiara has lost her father recently.
I voluntarily read a gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
October 18, 2024
Although the third book in this series is Jameson and Chiara's story I enjoyed the family and friend dynamics the most. In fact it actually takes a while for Chiara and Jameson to finally "get together". And wow it is hot, sexy and emotional as they navigate their feelings from childhood friends to ex best friend status. Christmas at Napa is magical and I absolutely love the craziness and love surrounding the Fortemani family. I admit being a Mom and Grandma myself the last few chapters of the book made me an emotional mess (in a good way) as Victoria is in for a wonderful surprise. I am hoping she gets her own story as I am looking forward to more stories about this family! If you enjoy Christmas romances I recommend making the recipes provided by the author and settle in for a lovely read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 24, 2024
This book was exactly what I expected for the third installment in the Fortemani Family series.
I love the cozy second chance love, Christmas on the vineyard, and friends-to-lovers vibe. I have said before that these books give big Hallmark Channel energy. Mia does an amazing job of writing a well-to-do family of color with realistic love issues. The atmosphere of this book is like walking through a typical best friend's breakup, getting her through it, and watching her find love again.
"HE WAS YOUR FIRST"....UGH!
I laughed, I cussed, and I almost cried.
I loved this book. I think I will purchase this and the first 2 books for my sisters for Christmas!
Thank you Netgalley, Tule Publishing, and Mia Heintzelman for the e-ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion in this review.
I love the cozy second chance love, Christmas on the vineyard, and friends-to-lovers vibe. I have said before that these books give big Hallmark Channel energy. Mia does an amazing job of writing a well-to-do family of color with realistic love issues. The atmosphere of this book is like walking through a typical best friend's breakup, getting her through it, and watching her find love again.
"HE WAS YOUR FIRST"....UGH!
I laughed, I cussed, and I almost cried.
I loved this book. I think I will purchase this and the first 2 books for my sisters for Christmas!
Thank you Netgalley, Tule Publishing, and Mia Heintzelman for the e-ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion in this review.
October 21, 2024
I NEEDED this.
It's 80 degrees in October where I am, the fall leaves have barely fallen but here I am reading a Christmas novel.
I'm so so happy that I did read this! It's everything you need out of a Hallmark movie with spice. The Hallmark vibes: two people with a shared history go back home for the holidays. One of them is post break up and the other is having a major crisis of conscious when it comes to their career.
There's also "it's always been you" vibes because Jameson has been in love with Chiara since before forever and everyone knows except for her. Literally, his family and friends regularly roast him over how gone he's been for her. Even after he stood aside while she fell for his best friend.
This is just the coziest holiday romcom. Her family is the sweetest. Their friends are so much fun. I just want to hug everyone in this book and then read everything in Mia Heintzelman's universe!
Oooh, and there are also holiday inspired frisky scenes so it's perfect for curling up underneath a blanket with a warm mug of cocoa and flipping through the pages of this gem!
Thank you to Tule Publishing & Netgalley for this advanced copy.
It's 80 degrees in October where I am, the fall leaves have barely fallen but here I am reading a Christmas novel.
I'm so so happy that I did read this! It's everything you need out of a Hallmark movie with spice. The Hallmark vibes: two people with a shared history go back home for the holidays. One of them is post break up and the other is having a major crisis of conscious when it comes to their career.
There's also "it's always been you" vibes because Jameson has been in love with Chiara since before forever and everyone knows except for her. Literally, his family and friends regularly roast him over how gone he's been for her. Even after he stood aside while she fell for his best friend.
This is just the coziest holiday romcom. Her family is the sweetest. Their friends are so much fun. I just want to hug everyone in this book and then read everything in Mia Heintzelman's universe!
Oooh, and there are also holiday inspired frisky scenes so it's perfect for curling up underneath a blanket with a warm mug of cocoa and flipping through the pages of this gem!
Thank you to Tule Publishing & Netgalley for this advanced copy.
November 2, 2024
Sometimes I wait and let the story marinate after finishing it before starting my review. In this case, I couldn't. This was such an absolutely amazing read. It already has me in my Hallmark Holiday feels (Yes, I know it doesn't take much because I'm a Christmas Stan, but this book truly has me ready now for the Christmas holiday season). To be honest, I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. Loved the chemistry between Chiara and Jamieson, and Jamieson is truly that man (another book boyfriend to add to my roster). Sometimes i like to include one of my favorite quotes from the story, but there were so many, I couldn’t or I'd tell the entire story. Oh Holy Night is my absolute favorite christmas song. And after this book, I will never see the song the same, lol. I can't wait for the next book in this series
October 14, 2024
The third book in the Fortemani Family Series, Last Christmas Crush by Mia Heintzelman is just as good as the previous books. Forbidden love is not as much the trope as unrequited love involving Chiara Fortemani. She has returned home to recover from her breakup then accidently meeting up with her ex-former best friend, Jameson West. No doubt she should have looked his way a long time ago.
I like this couple, the friendship that developed and that she did give Jameson a chance. This proves you must kiss a frog or even a toad a time or two before you find the prince. Christmas festival, Napa style with food, wine to go with those wonderful crafts and art, make the backdrop seasonally wonderful. Definitely Hallmark material with an extra dose of spice.
I like this couple, the friendship that developed and that she did give Jameson a chance. This proves you must kiss a frog or even a toad a time or two before you find the prince. Christmas festival, Napa style with food, wine to go with those wonderful crafts and art, make the backdrop seasonally wonderful. Definitely Hallmark material with an extra dose of spice.
October 16, 2024
We get another inside look at the Fortemani family in this Christmas book. This one highlights Chiara.
Chiara and Jameson have some definite chemistry, but they have some history that needs to be resolved as well. There were some sad moments, but for the most part it is a happy read. It is festive, spirited and heartwarming with the signature Fortemani humor that I have grown to love in this series. There is never a dull moment when the Foretemani family is involved. Second chances are my favorite trope and this romance hit all of the marks. It will make you want to cuddle up with a cup of cocoa, a blanket and some Christmas lights. This is another excellent installment in this series.
Thank you to Tule Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Chiara and Jameson have some definite chemistry, but they have some history that needs to be resolved as well. There were some sad moments, but for the most part it is a happy read. It is festive, spirited and heartwarming with the signature Fortemani humor that I have grown to love in this series. There is never a dull moment when the Foretemani family is involved. Second chances are my favorite trope and this romance hit all of the marks. It will make you want to cuddle up with a cup of cocoa, a blanket and some Christmas lights. This is another excellent installment in this series.
Thank you to Tule Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 21, 2024
It’s officially my first Christmas read of the year!
Chiara is the only girl in the Fortemani siblings. Fresh off of a breakup that doesn’t hurt as much as it should, she’s ready to make her mark on the family business with a new holiday sales idea. She wasn’t counting on having to work with Jameson, her ex-best friend (and current best friend of her recent ex.)
Jameson has been holding a secret torch for Chiara for years. He is so gone over her! I loved their love and reading their reconciliation as friends, first, and then onto so much more. Mia has really written a wonderful romance here, full of heart, heat, and holiday cheer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Chiara is the only girl in the Fortemani siblings. Fresh off of a breakup that doesn’t hurt as much as it should, she’s ready to make her mark on the family business with a new holiday sales idea. She wasn’t counting on having to work with Jameson, her ex-best friend (and current best friend of her recent ex.)
Jameson has been holding a secret torch for Chiara for years. He is so gone over her! I loved their love and reading their reconciliation as friends, first, and then onto so much more. Mia has really written a wonderful romance here, full of heart, heat, and holiday cheer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 26, 2025
I went out of sequence and read this book (book #3) first without reading the first 2 books in the Fortemani series. And honestly, you don’t need to read the others in order, it’s a good standalone read.
Overall, this was exactly what I wanted for a cutesy, holiday rom com novel. I love a good friends to lovers arc, and both characters were likable. Jameson West was a guy I’d want to meet in real life and had everything going for him. Chiara was a strong and independent woman, who experienced som hiccups in love but was taking control of her life. I thought this was well written and a very easy read. The only things that took it from being a 5 star rating was the end feeling rushed and some scenes not fitting into what you’d expect from the characters (bathtub phone call).
Overall, this was exactly what I wanted for a cutesy, holiday rom com novel. I love a good friends to lovers arc, and both characters were likable. Jameson West was a guy I’d want to meet in real life and had everything going for him. Chiara was a strong and independent woman, who experienced som hiccups in love but was taking control of her life. I thought this was well written and a very easy read. The only things that took it from being a 5 star rating was the end feeling rushed and some scenes not fitting into what you’d expect from the characters (bathtub phone call).
October 20, 2024
Last Christmas Crush is a great holiday romance book.
This book has all the holiday feels and updates on our favorite Fortemani Family and the sister circle.
Chiara Fortemani is home for the holidays after ending an engagement. At the same time Jameson is home and Chiara is determined to figure out why her childhood best friend has basically ghosted her over the years. Chiara and Jameson are forced to work together on Fortemani project for the holidays. As Chiara and Jameson misunderstandings are revealed this could finally lead these two on the road to their happily ever after or will they continue to let misunderstandings block them from the Merry Christmas they both want?
This book has all the holiday feels and updates on our favorite Fortemani Family and the sister circle.
Chiara Fortemani is home for the holidays after ending an engagement. At the same time Jameson is home and Chiara is determined to figure out why her childhood best friend has basically ghosted her over the years. Chiara and Jameson are forced to work together on Fortemani project for the holidays. As Chiara and Jameson misunderstandings are revealed this could finally lead these two on the road to their happily ever after or will they continue to let misunderstandings block them from the Merry Christmas they both want?
October 27, 2024
3.75 Stars
This was a very cute book. It is Christmas heavy, so if you like to read seasonal books during the season this will be perfect. I didnt realize this was the third book in a "series" but I didnt seem to be missing anything so it can read as a stand alone.
This follows Chiara and Jamesons love story. Sort of a friends to lovers storyline, but there are some broken friendships along the way. I really loved the story but there were times where I felt like they communicated great and other times where they werent saying things. But its a story so of course theres going to be misinterpretations.
If you like cozy, Christmas, some spice and Black Love then this is for you!
There is one thing that as Im writing this is nagging at me but oh well.
This was a very cute book. It is Christmas heavy, so if you like to read seasonal books during the season this will be perfect. I didnt realize this was the third book in a "series" but I didnt seem to be missing anything so it can read as a stand alone.
This follows Chiara and Jamesons love story. Sort of a friends to lovers storyline, but there are some broken friendships along the way. I really loved the story but there were times where I felt like they communicated great and other times where they werent saying things. But its a story so of course theres going to be misinterpretations.
If you like cozy, Christmas, some spice and Black Love then this is for you!
There is one thing that as Im writing this is nagging at me but oh well.
November 6, 2024
I loved returning to the Fortemani Family and all of their family antics! Chiara returns home after a break-up and to help grown her family's brand for their winery. I loved watching Chiara's personality come through on the page. With the start of her branding idea, she is also given a second chance at romance with Jameson. I also loved watching Jameson and his personality come out on the pages, causing me to root for both of them! Even though this story is part of a series, it comes across as it's very own story, with some mention to previous stories/relationships. Thank you Tule Publishing for an advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
September 11, 2024
A beautiful love story with all the feels.
Former best friends, Chiara and Jameson, have had a secret crush on each other for nearly all of their lives. But the timing just wasn’t right until they both find their way back to their home town and pick up where their friendship left off. They soon decide to take their friendship to the next level. The story wraps up, with an emotional Christmas Eve family get together with lots of wonderful surprises.
I have been waiting for Chiara’s story since I first started reading this series and it was everything I could hope for.
Former best friends, Chiara and Jameson, have had a secret crush on each other for nearly all of their lives. But the timing just wasn’t right until they both find their way back to their home town and pick up where their friendship left off. They soon decide to take their friendship to the next level. The story wraps up, with an emotional Christmas Eve family get together with lots of wonderful surprises.
I have been waiting for Chiara’s story since I first started reading this series and it was everything I could hope for.
September 27, 2024
Do I sometimes wish my life was a Hallmark movie? Yes, yes I do. Book 3 is a Christmas story but with some spice. We get a wedding and Christmas time at the vineyard, butttt our main characters don’t get together right away. Honestly I love Halloween and Christmas and love when books mention them and the festivities. I have liked this series l, and need to read them all together again.
Thank you to BookFunnel and the author for an e-ARC of Last Christmas Crush in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to BookFunnel and the author for an e-ARC of Last Christmas Crush in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2024
Last Christmas Crush is the third book in the Fortemani Family Series and I believe I did myself a disservice by NOT reading the first two books in the series before this one because it appears there was important interaction between Jameson and Chiara in the prior book(s).
This book just didn’t do it for me. I never fell in love with the main characters, the slow burn was too slow, and the story never delivered on the “steamy” promise.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book just didn’t do it for me. I never fell in love with the main characters, the slow burn was too slow, and the story never delivered on the “steamy” promise.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 6, 2024
Please check all CW and TW before diving into this one. Jameson and Chiara are childhood friends that haven't talked in a while until they are both in town and are forced to interact. We get to see the complication of their lives that forced them apart, but we also get to see more of their youth that also played a part on why they were close. The letter that Jameson gets about half way had me crying!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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