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Last Shot: A gripping romantic suspense (1)
They’re the only ones who can stop the murder … if they don’t kill each other first.
Solving a murder that hasn’t happened yet should be easy, right? But when Maxella Conrad barges her way onto the illustrious Barbarani Estate to warn them about a murder plot, her life becomes anything but easy.
For one thing, there’s Greyson Hawke, the Barbarani family’s ‘fixer’ who’s lived and worked with the wine dynasty his whole life. He refuses to believe Max, especially when he realises who she a disgraced ex-cop who’s just spent the last six months behind bars. But when it seems that Max might be telling the truth, Grey is forced to team up with her to save the Barbaranis.
But nothing is as it seems on the Barbarani Estate, and it soon becomes clear that they won’t be able to stop this murder unless they solve the secrets of the past – and learn to trust each other.
Can Max and Grey confront their own demons before the last shot fires and they both lose everything?
Perfect for fans of Lucy Score, Devney Perry and Catherine Cowles, Last Shot is a gripping enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense that is guaranteed to get your heart racing.
‘Sizzling, sassy and deadly.’ – Tess Woods
‘A must read. A witty debut with chemistry that practically leaps off the page and twists galore that will keep you wondering whodunit to the very last shot.’ – Kerryn Mayne
‘A sharp-witted debut from one of Australia’s hottest new voices – a wild ride and a brilliant read.’ – Jenna Lo Bianco
Solving a murder that hasn’t happened yet should be easy, right? But when Maxella Conrad barges her way onto the illustrious Barbarani Estate to warn them about a murder plot, her life becomes anything but easy.
For one thing, there’s Greyson Hawke, the Barbarani family’s ‘fixer’ who’s lived and worked with the wine dynasty his whole life. He refuses to believe Max, especially when he realises who she a disgraced ex-cop who’s just spent the last six months behind bars. But when it seems that Max might be telling the truth, Grey is forced to team up with her to save the Barbaranis.
But nothing is as it seems on the Barbarani Estate, and it soon becomes clear that they won’t be able to stop this murder unless they solve the secrets of the past – and learn to trust each other.
Can Max and Grey confront their own demons before the last shot fires and they both lose everything?
Perfect for fans of Lucy Score, Devney Perry and Catherine Cowles, Last Shot is a gripping enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense that is guaranteed to get your heart racing.
‘Sizzling, sassy and deadly.’ – Tess Woods
‘A must read. A witty debut with chemistry that practically leaps off the page and twists galore that will keep you wondering whodunit to the very last shot.’ – Kerryn Mayne
‘A sharp-witted debut from one of Australia’s hottest new voices – a wild ride and a brilliant read.’ – Jenna Lo Bianco
375 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 26, 2026
🧠 Често маниите, които стигат до крайност, могат да изкривят ума на човека до такава степен, че той да се превърне в унищожител. Обърканият му ум работи само за задоволяване на собствените си мании и такъв човек е способен дори на убийство. Точно тази мрачна тема засяга Ема Пинятиело в сюжета на своя огнен роман „Последен шанс“.
🎨 Признавам си, че бях привлечена първо от корицата. Вижте свежите цветове и дупките от куршуми! А комбинацията от романтика и трилър ми е любим жанр. Героите са живи и образни, забавлявах се с Макс и Грей. Двамата са колоритна двойка, която се среща при изключителни обстоятелства в дома на местния винен бос Барбарани.
🕵️♀️ Максела е бивш полицай и има информация, че босът ще бъде убит. Тя се вмъква в имението, за да предупреди за това. Сблъсъкът ѝ с Грей, наречен кой знае защо Уредник на Барбарани, е експлозивен и забавен. Двамата си подхвърляха реплики и през цялото време се гледаха като куче и котка.
🍷 Цялото семейство на винения бос е колоритно описано, но на моменти зациклях, понеже бяха включени доста персонажи. Тайните се разкриват постепенно и напрежението се увеличава с всяка прочетена страница. Краят ме шокира, защото авторката през цялото време отклонява вниманието от истинския психопат.
📖 Що се отнася до стила на авторката, усещам, че е сетивен, описателен, забавен, но трудно четивен. Сбърканият словоред, неестествените изрази и постоянното връщане назад, за да разбера смисъла, намалиха частично удоволствието ми от книгата. Не знам дали проблемът е в мен или в текста.
✨ Въпреки това четивото е напрегнато, интересно и динамично. С удоволствие бих пробвала и втората книга, защото краят остана отворен и със сигурност ни чакат още семейни тайни и разкрития.
ЦИТАТИ:
💬 „Лоялността би трябвало да е двупосочна.“
💬 „Така е с хората, виждат само каквото им изнася.“
💬 „Фамилното име е просто набор от букви. Ти решаваш къде е твоята принадлежност.“
🎨 Признавам си, че бях привлечена първо от корицата. Вижте свежите цветове и дупките от куршуми! А комбинацията от романтика и трилър ми е любим жанр. Героите са живи и образни, забавлявах се с Макс и Грей. Двамата са колоритна двойка, която се среща при изключителни обстоятелства в дома на местния винен бос Барбарани.
🕵️♀️ Максела е бивш полицай и има информация, че босът ще бъде убит. Тя се вмъква в имението, за да предупреди за това. Сблъсъкът ѝ с Грей, наречен кой знае защо Уредник на Барбарани, е експлозивен и забавен. Двамата си подхвърляха реплики и през цялото време се гледаха като куче и котка.
🍷 Цялото семейство на винения бос е колоритно описано, но на моменти зациклях, понеже бяха включени доста персонажи. Тайните се разкриват постепенно и напрежението се увеличава с всяка прочетена страница. Краят ме шокира, защото авторката през цялото време отклонява вниманието от истинския психопат.
📖 Що се отнася до стила на авторката, усещам, че е сетивен, описателен, забавен, но трудно четивен. Сбърканият словоред, неестествените изрази и постоянното връщане назад, за да разбера смисъла, намалиха частично удоволствието ми от книгата. Не знам дали проблемът е в мен или в текста.
✨ Въпреки това четивото е напрегнато, интересно и динамично. С удоволствие бих пробвала и втората книга, защото краят остана отворен и със сигурност ни чакат още семейни тайни и разкрития.
ЦИТАТИ:
💬 „Лоялността би трябвало да е двупосочна.“
💬 „Така е с хората, виждат само каквото им изнася.“
💬 „Фамилното име е просто набор от букви. Ти решаваш къде е твоята принадлежност.“
January 3, 2025
Long Shot will draw you in with its rich characterisation and keep you hooked with its twisty plot. That's all without Max and Grey's scorching chemistry. I loved Emma's debut and can't wait to read Book 2.
April 24, 2025
The first book in the Blood Wine Dynasty series is an action packed, drama filled read with elements of mystery and a nice little twist to round it all off.
Part romance, part crime and a big serving of greatness.
Maxella Conrad has some vital information that will change lives.
And now she needs to convince a wealthy wine estate family there’s going to be a murder amongst them.
The Barbarani clan have enemies including bad blood with another rich family.
Greyson Hawke is the ‘Fixer’ and it’s his job to make sure all is safe.
He believes the info is hogwash from a washed up cop who has just got out of prison.
Then something sparks and is it possible that there is truth to the matter.
Can they save the day or are secrets and blood about to destroy the dynasty…..
I inhaled this book up with glee and reading satisfaction.
Offering readers an invitation into the genre, romantic suspense slash crime romance, Emma’s new book is an exploration of two feuding wealthy wine families and the steamy chemistry between the two leads.
Secrets, lies, deceit, deception, betrayal, revenge are just some of the added bonus material to up the enjoyment of this plot.
Murder, mayhem, madness and moxie, I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
Part romance, part crime and a big serving of greatness.
Maxella Conrad has some vital information that will change lives.
And now she needs to convince a wealthy wine estate family there’s going to be a murder amongst them.
The Barbarani clan have enemies including bad blood with another rich family.
Greyson Hawke is the ‘Fixer’ and it’s his job to make sure all is safe.
He believes the info is hogwash from a washed up cop who has just got out of prison.
Then something sparks and is it possible that there is truth to the matter.
Can they save the day or are secrets and blood about to destroy the dynasty…..
I inhaled this book up with glee and reading satisfaction.
Offering readers an invitation into the genre, romantic suspense slash crime romance, Emma’s new book is an exploration of two feuding wealthy wine families and the steamy chemistry between the two leads.
Secrets, lies, deceit, deception, betrayal, revenge are just some of the added bonus material to up the enjoyment of this plot.
Murder, mayhem, madness and moxie, I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.
April 16, 2025
Love love love. Such a good holiday read for being by the pool with a strawberry daq in hand.
Would also still love it just as much being on my couch at home with a wine. COULD NOT PUT DOWN. Keen for the next book
Would also still love it just as much being on my couch at home with a wine. COULD NOT PUT DOWN. Keen for the next book
April 22, 2025
What a fabulous mix of rival families, murder and enemies to lovers
Greyson Hawke is the Barbarani families ‘fixer’ having worked for them his whole life. Protecting their wine dynasty is his round the clock responsibility, there is nothing he wouldn’t do to protect them
Maxella Conrad has information that could protect the Barbarani family, but the only way she can get into the estate is to sneak in and try warn the family before a murder takes place
Grey refuses to believe Max’s story, soon he discovers she is an ex-cop with a record, so is her intel correct? But they begrudgingly team up to figure out who is trying to end the Barbarani family
This romantic suspense had me hooked in, the tension between Max and Grey was next level 🔥
Adding the high flyer lifestyle, winery setting this was such an enjoyable read
I am very looking forward to book two, ‘Last Breath’
Greyson Hawke is the Barbarani families ‘fixer’ having worked for them his whole life. Protecting their wine dynasty is his round the clock responsibility, there is nothing he wouldn’t do to protect them
Maxella Conrad has information that could protect the Barbarani family, but the only way she can get into the estate is to sneak in and try warn the family before a murder takes place
Grey refuses to believe Max’s story, soon he discovers she is an ex-cop with a record, so is her intel correct? But they begrudgingly team up to figure out who is trying to end the Barbarani family
This romantic suspense had me hooked in, the tension between Max and Grey was next level 🔥
Adding the high flyer lifestyle, winery setting this was such an enjoyable read
I am very looking forward to book two, ‘Last Breath’
April 19, 2025
This was pretty good for a debut! Not my fave book ever, but interesting enough to keep me reading and I look forward to more from this series.
Did Not Finish
February 22, 2025DNF at 36%
August 1, 2026
The mystery part of this book didn't cut it for me, and the romance was insta lust.
2.5 Stars
2.5 Stars
December 10, 2024
I met Emma at the CYA Conference (they have, in recent years, expanded to include adult manuscripts in their pitching sessions) in 2022. Last Shot is the first in a romantic-suspense series (Book 2 Last Breath comes out in April!). And I just *adored* this when I read it … I am a huge romance-reader, and I have been for the longest time. It’s a tricky genre to get up in Australia, or at least it was … during Covid and thanks in large part to BookTok, there was a huge uptick in romance-reading (“The love boom: why romance novels are the biggest they’ve been for 10 years”) and some of the bestsellers of recent years have been driven by algorithm, reader-led hype in romance spaces (“You’ve seen this book everywhere. TikTok is responsible”). So suddenly very commercial and especially romance works are what publishers were looking for, and I was *poised*. Emma came along and had a book that reminded me of the romantic-suspense of mega-bestseller Lucy Score, and PRH agreed.
It is, as the Tokers say; spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (and the only reason it’s not 5 is so there’s room to turn the heat UP in Book 2 ‘Last Breath’!)
It is, as the Tokers say; spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (and the only reason it’s not 5 is so there’s room to turn the heat UP in Book 2 ‘Last Breath’!)
May 7, 2025
I was enjoying the book so much till the last few chapters when it went into a plot/scenario that was too far fetched to be believable with climate change as the “hero”.
The story became very jumbled and chaotic. I have bought the second book in the series so let’s hope it’s a good read.
The story became very jumbled and chaotic. I have bought the second book in the series so let’s hope it’s a good read.
September 16, 2026
🍷 Една чаша червено вино, италианско семейство, шокиращи тайни и любов, която се прокрадва между всичко това… Какво може да се обърка 👀
„Последен шанс“ от Ема Пинятиело, издадена от ИК „Хермес“ – книга, която се оказа точно моят тип история и идеалното четиво за плавното преминаване от лято към есен 🍂 Но нека първо обърнем внимание на самото издание. Книжното тяло е леко, удобно и изключително приятно за разгръщане, а корицата е просто мега сладурска 😍
А най-хубавото? Атмосферата с винарните не е просто плод на въображението на авторката. Ема Пинятиело действително живее в Австралия и посещава винарни, за да пресъздаде по достоверен начин света, който изгражда в книгата 🍇🍷
„Последен шанс“ е дебютният ѝ романтичен съспенс и поставя началото на поредицата „Кръв и вино“, която към момента включва две книги. И тук вече отправям един много деликатен намек към „Хермес“ – моля ви, издайте и втората част 🥹
Романът е 432 страници и е разказан от две гледни точки – Грей и Макс. А началото на всяка глава е допълнено с различни картинки, представящи героите, което много ми допадна.
Що се отнася до историята – тук авторката определено ме спечели ❤️
Имаме важни теми, поднесени плавно и ненатрапчиво, страхотен хумор, интересни герои и разговори, които звучат естествено. Хареса ми и начинът, по който постепенно бяха въвеждани всички персонажи. Всеки от тях има свое място в историята и е представен така, че или ще си го харесате, или ще успеете да го разберете.
А любовната история ❤️
Точно толкова, колкото трябва. Не е натрапчива и не измества останалата част от сюжета. Любовта и съспенсът вървят ръка за ръка и се допълват, вместо да си пречат.
Но… последните 100+ страници 😳
Там вече беше пълна лудница!
Имах чувството, че всички герои са на бойното поле и се опитват да оцелеят, докато една след друга излизат шокиращи семейни тайни. А когато става въпрос за италианско семейство… знаете, че драмата няма как да е малко 😂
В заключение мога само да кажа, че много ми хареса както книгата, така и стилът на авторката. Беше ми огромно удоволствие да я прочета и, колкото и бавно да го правех, за да не свършва, в крайна сметка дойде и този момент. 🥹
„Последен шанс“ от Ема Пинятиело, издадена от ИК „Хермес“ – книга, която се оказа точно моят тип история и идеалното четиво за плавното преминаване от лято към есен 🍂 Но нека първо обърнем внимание на самото издание. Книжното тяло е леко, удобно и изключително приятно за разгръщане, а корицата е просто мега сладурска 😍
А най-хубавото? Атмосферата с винарните не е просто плод на въображението на авторката. Ема Пинятиело действително живее в Австралия и посещава винарни, за да пресъздаде по достоверен начин света, който изгражда в книгата 🍇🍷
„Последен шанс“ е дебютният ѝ романтичен съспенс и поставя началото на поредицата „Кръв и вино“, която към момента включва две книги. И тук вече отправям един много деликатен намек към „Хермес“ – моля ви, издайте и втората част 🥹
Романът е 432 страници и е разказан от две гледни точки – Грей и Макс. А началото на всяка глава е допълнено с различни картинки, представящи героите, което много ми допадна.
Що се отнася до историята – тук авторката определено ме спечели ❤️
Имаме важни теми, поднесени плавно и ненатрапчиво, страхотен хумор, интересни герои и разговори, които звучат естествено. Хареса ми и начинът, по който постепенно бяха въвеждани всички персонажи. Всеки от тях има свое място в историята и е представен така, че или ще си го харесате, или ще успеете да го разберете.
А любовната история ❤️
Точно толкова, колкото трябва. Не е натрапчива и не измества останалата част от сюжета. Любовта и съспенсът вървят ръка за ръка и се допълват, вместо да си пречат.
Но… последните 100+ страници 😳
Там вече беше пълна лудница!
Имах чувството, че всички герои са на бойното поле и се опитват да оцелеят, докато една след друга излизат шокиращи семейни тайни. А когато става въпрос за италианско семейство… знаете, че драмата няма как да е малко 😂
В заключение мога само да кажа, че много ми хареса както книгата, така и стилът на авторката. Беше ми огромно удоволствие да я прочета и, колкото и бавно да го правех, за да не свършва, в крайна сметка дойде и този момент. 🥹
May 10, 2025
4.5 stars.
When Maxella Conrad barges her way onto the illustrious Barbarani Estate to warn them about a potential murder plot, her life becomes anything but easy. Greyson Hawke, the Barbarani family's 'fixer' who's lived and worked with the wine dynasty his whole life refuses to believe Max, especially when he realises who she is- a disgraced ex-cop who's just spent the last six months behind bars. But when it seems that Max might be telling the truth, Grey is forced to team up with her to save the Barbaranis.
Sexy thriller? Yes, please! I was totally in the right mood for a fast-paced plot with romantic twist when picking up this book. The fact that this had great characters, mystery and adrenaline-pumped action scenes was cherry on top.
The interactions between Max and Grey were full of chemistry and banters, as expected! I loved that there was no cheesy or cliche scene between the two of them, and the murder mystery plot was still front and centre the entire time.
Not gonna lie, the number of characters overwhelmed me at the start. I had to rely on the (very useful) family tree chart to remember who was who, especially as each character had multiple names - formal and nickname(s). But it wasn’t long before all of them became familiar and I felt like a part of Barbarani family myself!
This was an amazing debut, with fully engaging storyline and pace. I’m excited for book two - even if the main characters are different, I’m hoping to get a glimpse of Max x Grey post book one.
See my bookstagram review.
When Maxella Conrad barges her way onto the illustrious Barbarani Estate to warn them about a potential murder plot, her life becomes anything but easy. Greyson Hawke, the Barbarani family's 'fixer' who's lived and worked with the wine dynasty his whole life refuses to believe Max, especially when he realises who she is- a disgraced ex-cop who's just spent the last six months behind bars. But when it seems that Max might be telling the truth, Grey is forced to team up with her to save the Barbaranis.
Sexy thriller? Yes, please! I was totally in the right mood for a fast-paced plot with romantic twist when picking up this book. The fact that this had great characters, mystery and adrenaline-pumped action scenes was cherry on top.
The interactions between Max and Grey were full of chemistry and banters, as expected! I loved that there was no cheesy or cliche scene between the two of them, and the murder mystery plot was still front and centre the entire time.
Not gonna lie, the number of characters overwhelmed me at the start. I had to rely on the (very useful) family tree chart to remember who was who, especially as each character had multiple names - formal and nickname(s). But it wasn’t long before all of them became familiar and I felt like a part of Barbarani family myself!
This was an amazing debut, with fully engaging storyline and pace. I’m excited for book two - even if the main characters are different, I’m hoping to get a glimpse of Max x Grey post book one.
See my bookstagram review.
February 28, 2025
Last Shot by Emma Pignatiello
I want to say some upfront so you'll understand the rest of the review. I purchased this book because @kerrynmayneauthor told me to *looks about* OK. She didn't tell me to; I saw a quote from her in the press and immediately thought, 'If Kerryn says it's OK, then I'm in". So I went in thinking this book was going to be more like Lenny Marks... THAT'S ON ME. I wouldn't usually pick a romance suspense novel; it's not one of my preferred genres, but with all that said...
I really enjoyed the story arc and the twisty plot. I liked the characters and the wine-family-mafia war. I got annoyed at what is billed as 'simmering tension' between the two lead characters, Grey and Max.
I loved the disgraced ex-cop angle and how Max was trying to clear her name 'by any means necessary' but also in the worst ways possible; without the 'simmering tension', this book would be one I really enjoyed! (Maybe I'm just old?). If you enjoy a book with some - conceivably sexy - tension between the lead characters, this book might be for you!
I'm still giving it a thumbs up 👍 because although it's not for me, it's well-written, and the way the storyline ties itself up is excellent.
Go read a book!
Body count: 3?
I want to say some upfront so you'll understand the rest of the review. I purchased this book because @kerrynmayneauthor told me to *looks about* OK. She didn't tell me to; I saw a quote from her in the press and immediately thought, 'If Kerryn says it's OK, then I'm in". So I went in thinking this book was going to be more like Lenny Marks... THAT'S ON ME. I wouldn't usually pick a romance suspense novel; it's not one of my preferred genres, but with all that said...
I really enjoyed the story arc and the twisty plot. I liked the characters and the wine-family-mafia war. I got annoyed at what is billed as 'simmering tension' between the two lead characters, Grey and Max.
I loved the disgraced ex-cop angle and how Max was trying to clear her name 'by any means necessary' but also in the worst ways possible; without the 'simmering tension', this book would be one I really enjoyed! (Maybe I'm just old?). If you enjoy a book with some - conceivably sexy - tension between the lead characters, this book might be for you!
I'm still giving it a thumbs up 👍 because although it's not for me, it's well-written, and the way the storyline ties itself up is excellent.
Go read a book!
Body count: 3?
April 17, 2025
3½ stars
This book was fast paced, with lots of twists and turns and I had a fun time 🙂
I'd seen a few conflicting reviews on this one, but for me, this book hit at just the right time. I found most of the characters easy to root for, and thought most of their actions and motivations made sense. I loved the Western Australian setting, and this whole book had me craving a glass of excellent wine.
I was hoping for a little more chemistry and consistency between Grey and Max. They seemed to work out one issue only to have a new one straight away, which was a little bit tiring considering the characters were so capable in other ways, but couldn't have an honest conversation with each other. I normally don't mind the miscommunication trope (sorry!) but I like there to be some substance to it, and some of Grey and Max's arguments seemed to be a little bit shallow.
That being said, I found this book entertaining and a solid first novel in the series. I am very much looking forward to reading Jett and Nella's story, and I can't wait to see some of these characters again as the series continues 🙂
This book was fast paced, with lots of twists and turns and I had a fun time 🙂
I'd seen a few conflicting reviews on this one, but for me, this book hit at just the right time. I found most of the characters easy to root for, and thought most of their actions and motivations made sense. I loved the Western Australian setting, and this whole book had me craving a glass of excellent wine.
I was hoping for a little more chemistry and consistency between Grey and Max. They seemed to work out one issue only to have a new one straight away, which was a little bit tiring considering the characters were so capable in other ways, but couldn't have an honest conversation with each other. I normally don't mind the miscommunication trope (sorry!) but I like there to be some substance to it, and some of Grey and Max's arguments seemed to be a little bit shallow.
That being said, I found this book entertaining and a solid first novel in the series. I am very much looking forward to reading Jett and Nella's story, and I can't wait to see some of these characters again as the series continues 🙂
May 20, 2025
First book I ever read read by pignatiello
I enjoy a good murder mystery but this one wasn’t up to the stand.
Max(Ella) Conrad’s character was lacking. Here’s this girl who drops herself into a violent mix and sidles up to the bad boy Grayson. She’s not the character I want to read about. All the way through the book she’s in the wrong trail, taking everyone with her. I’m surprised she didn’t turn out to be the baddie. I was surprised she wasn’t shot!
Grayson, a typical bad boy image but fell for the incorrect indigo and then the family he’s protecting all end up with a gun pointed at them. He should be sacked.
The twists at the end were too late. I was over it well before that point.
I can honestly say I did not enjoy this book!
This book was not a “don’t put down”, but rather I’d better finish it do I can review it. It took forever to read.
I could not believe the first sex screen - ARE you for real? WHY 🤔 if you felt this would save the book you were mistaken.
The editor possibly sent it back and said add this “….”
I’m not looking for any more books of the blood wine dynasty by pignatiello. !
I enjoy a good murder mystery but this one wasn’t up to the stand.
Max(Ella) Conrad’s character was lacking. Here’s this girl who drops herself into a violent mix and sidles up to the bad boy Grayson. She’s not the character I want to read about. All the way through the book she’s in the wrong trail, taking everyone with her. I’m surprised she didn’t turn out to be the baddie. I was surprised she wasn’t shot!
Grayson, a typical bad boy image but fell for the incorrect indigo and then the family he’s protecting all end up with a gun pointed at them. He should be sacked.
The twists at the end were too late. I was over it well before that point.
I can honestly say I did not enjoy this book!
This book was not a “don’t put down”, but rather I’d better finish it do I can review it. It took forever to read.
I could not believe the first sex screen - ARE you for real? WHY 🤔 if you felt this would save the book you were mistaken.
The editor possibly sent it back and said add this “….”
I’m not looking for any more books of the blood wine dynasty by pignatiello. !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2025
I have always said that romance books need more murder! & this book certainly delivers on that.
First off a West Aussie author so I was thrilled to read a book by a local author that was also set in WA.
I was intrigued pretty much immediately when I started this book. Greyson was a hard hitting to the point kind of guy & the premise of him being a 'fixer' for a famous wine family with a mix of eccentric family members was not something I had read before.
Then came pocket rocket Max, she brought the spark to this book & I enjoyed her complex backstory & path for justice. Whilst at times both characters could be infuriating I felt their chemistry & the enemies to lovers delivered!
I honestly did not expect the murder component of the story to be so complex, it was in no way predictable for me! I actually got a little lost for a bit because there was so much excitement going on!! Emma marries romance & murder mystery so well together. I can't wait to read book 2!!
First off a West Aussie author so I was thrilled to read a book by a local author that was also set in WA.
I was intrigued pretty much immediately when I started this book. Greyson was a hard hitting to the point kind of guy & the premise of him being a 'fixer' for a famous wine family with a mix of eccentric family members was not something I had read before.
Then came pocket rocket Max, she brought the spark to this book & I enjoyed her complex backstory & path for justice. Whilst at times both characters could be infuriating I felt their chemistry & the enemies to lovers delivered!
I honestly did not expect the murder component of the story to be so complex, it was in no way predictable for me! I actually got a little lost for a bit because there was so much excitement going on!! Emma marries romance & murder mystery so well together. I can't wait to read book 2!!
January 26, 2025
This is a cracking debut by a West Aussie author, set in the local wine region! Without giving any spoiler alerts, the chemistry between the two main characters leaps off the page, with witty banter galore. But there’s a lot of substance to the romance as well, and the end result feels earned — as their imperfections make them the perfect match for each other.
There were a lot of twists in the plot that I didn’t see coming, and the pace was great. The end of this book nicely sets the stage for book 2 in the series, and I can’t wait to read about what happens next in this series!
There were a lot of twists in the plot that I didn’t see coming, and the pace was great. The end of this book nicely sets the stage for book 2 in the series, and I can’t wait to read about what happens next in this series!
August 29, 2026
Genuinely don’t understand why this was in the Bookish & Spice contemporary romance box, as it is not a contemporary romance.
This is an Australian crime mystery with a romance subplot. Unfortunately the FMC and MMC really didn’t have believable chemistry to me. The events of the book take place over less than a week, and the two of them confess their love to one another.
I’m not the target audience for this book, but 3 stars because the writing itself was fine and it was an easy read. Fans of crime mystery novels will probably like this one.
This is an Australian crime mystery with a romance subplot. Unfortunately the FMC and MMC really didn’t have believable chemistry to me. The events of the book take place over less than a week, and the two of them confess their love to one another.
I’m not the target audience for this book, but 3 stars because the writing itself was fine and it was an easy read. Fans of crime mystery novels will probably like this one.
October 30, 2025
3.5
I saw Pignatiello at the Festival for Fiction in Perth, so I felt compelled to read one of her books.
Last Shot is her debut.
The formula was familiar - rich, Italian family with many kids, plus a handsome, emotionally stunted fixer - Greyson, plus a former policewoman, recently released from jail equals conspiracy, mystery, a whole lot of sexual tension.
While I predicted several aspects of the novel, overall, this was a successful debut novel.
I saw Pignatiello at the Festival for Fiction in Perth, so I felt compelled to read one of her books.
Last Shot is her debut.
The formula was familiar - rich, Italian family with many kids, plus a handsome, emotionally stunted fixer - Greyson, plus a former policewoman, recently released from jail equals conspiracy, mystery, a whole lot of sexual tension.
While I predicted several aspects of the novel, overall, this was a successful debut novel.
February 11, 2026
4.5⭐️!
This book was such a good time!!!
Think billionaire family drama + mystery + thriller + dislike to lovers (including some great banter) 🙂↕️.
I loved our two main characters so much 🥹 they had so much depth individually and the tension of them together was so good 👏🏻.
The thriller / mystery aspect was sooo good as well, it added another element to the romance plot and had me hooked the whole time! 💖
Already started book 2 🥰
This book was such a good time!!!
Think billionaire family drama + mystery + thriller + dislike to lovers (including some great banter) 🙂↕️.
I loved our two main characters so much 🥹 they had so much depth individually and the tension of them together was so good 👏🏻.
The thriller / mystery aspect was sooo good as well, it added another element to the romance plot and had me hooked the whole time! 💖
Already started book 2 🥰
April 29, 2026
I admit I struggled with this story, a bit choppy at the beginning while I worked out the characters.
Rival Italian families in WA Australia in the wine industry.
I'm glad I kept reading as before half way I'd had enough, however around half way I needed to know what was going to happen.
Rival Italian families in WA Australia in the wine industry. Someone wants them dead, is it their rivals or someone more sinister?
Rival Italian families in WA Australia in the wine industry.
I'm glad I kept reading as before half way I'd had enough, however around half way I needed to know what was going to happen.
Rival Italian families in WA Australia in the wine industry. Someone wants them dead, is it their rivals or someone more sinister?
July 25, 2026
Making an active effort to read authors from our beautiful part of the world, Aus + NZ, these authors do not disappoint. This comes after hearing from colleagues who were doing the same as they noticed how many books we were consuming from further afield.
I loved the Aus humour & genuine connection I think any local would feel towards these people. I admit act 3 got quite confusing but it tied it together well. I liked it wasn’t just about romance it was a plot of substance.
I loved the Aus humour & genuine connection I think any local would feel towards these people. I admit act 3 got quite confusing but it tied it together well. I liked it wasn’t just about romance it was a plot of substance.
May 8, 2025
This debut novel was an okay read.
I did find it became a little 'bogged down' in the middle of the book but was redeemed by the fast paced ending.
Certianly times have changed with the C word being used so liberally.
Evocative sex scenes.
I see a TV series in the making.
Await the next by this competent story teller.
I did find it became a little 'bogged down' in the middle of the book but was redeemed by the fast paced ending.
Certianly times have changed with the C word being used so liberally.
Evocative sex scenes.
I see a TV series in the making.
Await the next by this competent story teller.
June 4, 2026
This one definitely improved once I got passed a certain point, maybe the half way mark of the book. I really struggled trying to keep track of the many many characters and when there’s 2 family trees & names on pages upfront my mind was baffled.
The storyline itself set in a winery was interesting. The chemistry between Max and Grey was well written.
I’d say 3.5 stars for this one.
The storyline itself set in a winery was interesting. The chemistry between Max and Grey was well written.
I’d say 3.5 stars for this one.
June 24, 2026
Is it really necessary to have this much tension between two characters? I'm so disappointed in this book for obvious reasons, and one of them is the tension. Twenty-five chapters of it were so disappointing, and Grey immediately looks at another woman after having a moment with Max. That's so annoying, and he's playing with her feelings by holding back. I'll give the second book a chance though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2025
I ate this book up in record time! So many well thought out characters with interesting storylines, and twists galore! Highly recommend to anyone who is after the perfect blend of a crime and romance novel!
January 11, 2025
An addictive romantic suspense. I was hooked from page one and wanted to devour it in one sitting. The tension and pacing was perfect, the banter between the leads full of crackling tension, and the writing was so clever. Bring on book two!
April 1, 2025
A light, easy read. I enjoyed the characters- as infuriating as they are...
Didn't love the ending but it's appropriate for our time.
Looking forward to book number two.
Didn't love the ending but it's appropriate for our time.
Looking forward to book number two.
April 29, 2025
Found it a bit slow till about half way through then I started to enjoy the story more. At times I struggled to follow who was who but that could just be me.
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