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The Italian Winemaker: European Tycoons
Not yet published
Expected 6 Feb 26In the hillside vineyards of Tuscany, passion grows where it’s least expected…
Marcella Armstrong has never taken life seriously until the father she didn’t know names her heiress to a multi-million-dollar wine estate.
Chief winemaker Rocco Berlusconi believed that Marcello Wines would one day be his. But with the arrival of the stuttering Australian girl, he is forced to teach her all he knows about wine to honour his mentor’s wishes.
Marcella is determined to prove she’s worthy of her family legacy, only it’s painfully clear no one wants her there, especially the exotic and enigmatic chief winemaker.
Rejected by his own family, Rocco has invested too much to give up on his dreams. When he learns that Marcella intends to sell the estate to a competitor, he will do anything to save the winery and secure his future.
All Marcella really wants is the freedom to live the life she desires. But she didn’t expect Rocco to help her to discover what she’s capable of. Or that the passionate Italian winemaker might fall for the millionaire’s daughter…
Marcella Armstrong has never taken life seriously until the father she didn’t know names her heiress to a multi-million-dollar wine estate.
Chief winemaker Rocco Berlusconi believed that Marcello Wines would one day be his. But with the arrival of the stuttering Australian girl, he is forced to teach her all he knows about wine to honour his mentor’s wishes.
Marcella is determined to prove she’s worthy of her family legacy, only it’s painfully clear no one wants her there, especially the exotic and enigmatic chief winemaker.
Rejected by his own family, Rocco has invested too much to give up on his dreams. When he learns that Marcella intends to sell the estate to a competitor, he will do anything to save the winery and secure his future.
All Marcella really wants is the freedom to live the life she desires. But she didn’t expect Rocco to help her to discover what she’s capable of. Or that the passionate Italian winemaker might fall for the millionaire’s daughter…
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 6, 2026
6 people want to read
About the author
Leanne Lovegrove
17 books92 followersLeanne is a lawyer, wife, mother and a lover of romance and all things literary. She has a healthy addiction to coffee and red wine and runs badly but tries hard.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 15, 2026
The Italian Winemaker by Leanne Lovegrove drew me in from the very first pages and kept me completely invested in the story right through to the end.
Set among the hillside vineyards of Tuscany, this is a beautifully crafted romance with an engaging premise and genuinely likeable, well-developed characters. Marcella’s journey — suddenly thrust into a life she never expected — is handled with care and depth, and I really enjoyed watching her grow into herself and her role. Rocco is equally compelling: complex, driven, and quietly vulnerable beneath his strength.
The writing is gentle yet immersive, making this an easy and very enjoyable read, while still feeling thoughtful and emotionally grounded. I found myself staying up far too late, unable to put it down, because I genuinely wanted to know how everything would unfold.
This is a warm, engaging story with heart, beautifully written and a pleasure to read from start to finish. I enjoyed every page and happily give it five stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author, Leanne Lovegrove, for the copy provided for review. These are my honest thoughts.
Set among the hillside vineyards of Tuscany, this is a beautifully crafted romance with an engaging premise and genuinely likeable, well-developed characters. Marcella’s journey — suddenly thrust into a life she never expected — is handled with care and depth, and I really enjoyed watching her grow into herself and her role. Rocco is equally compelling: complex, driven, and quietly vulnerable beneath his strength.
The writing is gentle yet immersive, making this an easy and very enjoyable read, while still feeling thoughtful and emotionally grounded. I found myself staying up far too late, unable to put it down, because I genuinely wanted to know how everything would unfold.
This is a warm, engaging story with heart, beautifully written and a pleasure to read from start to finish. I enjoyed every page and happily give it five stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author, Leanne Lovegrove, for the copy provided for review. These are my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This final European Tycoon book has been a wonderful story full of love, hope, and finding out your true calling.
Marcella is very happy as a barissta and dog walker, leading a simple life with no direction.
A letter arrives from her enstranged deceased father from Tuscany. Marcella must make a journey at her father's wishes, stay a month, follow a list of things to do and places to visit, and see if she falls in love with all he held dear to his heart.
As she meets all workers in the vineyard, immerses herself in the culture and atmosphere of Tuscany, her life changes, and she needs to make an informed decision.
I love reading Leanne's tycoon series, as they draw you in from the beginning, take you to exotic destinations, and immerse you in different cultures and ways. Thanks for the ARC copy 🍷🥰
Marcella is very happy as a barissta and dog walker, leading a simple life with no direction.
A letter arrives from her enstranged deceased father from Tuscany. Marcella must make a journey at her father's wishes, stay a month, follow a list of things to do and places to visit, and see if she falls in love with all he held dear to his heart.
As she meets all workers in the vineyard, immerses herself in the culture and atmosphere of Tuscany, her life changes, and she needs to make an informed decision.
I love reading Leanne's tycoon series, as they draw you in from the beginning, take you to exotic destinations, and immerse you in different cultures and ways. Thanks for the ARC copy 🍷🥰
January 25, 2026
From the first page of The Italian Winemaker, I knew I was going to love it! The Dearest Daughter letter that launches the novel forward with a quest— filled me with anticipation. I wanted immediately to learn more about this man who passed on and why his daughter never got to know her father. Why had he been absent in her life? As I read his last heartfelt thoughts and regrets, the acknowledgement of his love for her mother, his desire for his daughter to remember him, to feel some emotion toward him, even if anger, lit even more questions in my mind (and in the character’s). His wish list for his daughter is intriguing and his desire to give her in his death what he could not give her in his lifetime lead’s to some amazing discoveries. This man, though not a living character, holds great presence in the story. I felt such warmth in his letter, that I knew he must have loved her. By the end of The Italian Winemaker, all is revealed. The plans he put in place before his death, will make sense. It will explain his past, as well as reveal his future hopes and dreams.
The acceptance or refusal of Marcella’s inheritance comes with a request of ten to-do items before she makes a decision either way. Of course, it involves flying to Tuscany for a month to fulfill the tasks; to experience her father’s hometown and his passions first hand. Then she can make an informed decision, decide the direction she wishes her life to take, after being delivered such a shocking surprise.
From the get go, Leanne’s words and characters wove their way into my heart and held me to the end. I really enjoyed getting to know Marcella and to watch her grow from a person who had no purpose or direction to one of self confidence and acceptance. This transpires because of a mission handed to her by her late father. She was born with a speech impediment and it made her a victim of pity and ridicule. This I am sure affected her self-image and muted her motivation. When she meets chief winemaker, Rocco, on her father’s estate, initially she clashes with him. It becomes obvious he is not happy she is there. And he has been given the task to teach her the wine business. But he obliges, though reluctantly, for it is his mentor’s dying wish. They go through some ups and downs but through it all they discover they are more alike than they had thought. It is then, their lives begin to take on a different shape and direction.
Reading this novel was such a lovely escape. (And I learned lots about winemaking!). This wasn’t just a story about someone poor and unmotivated who becomes a millionaire overnight through inheritance. The roots of this contemporary gem show how unexpected events can turn not only one but two lives around and send each in a fresh positive direction. The focus in this novel is not on money but on relationships. Families are examined and particularly tough parental choices. Marcella gets to know the father she never knew through the people that worked alongside him. Plus through his belongings and letters left behind. The home and people he loved, the wine business that fuelled his fervour, all begin to influence and awaken his daughter to a new world: one where finally she is ready to live her own life with passion. This is her father’s greatest wish and legacy.
I cheered, cried and sighed at the beauty, blessing and bounty of truth this novel offered. As always with Leanne, it is never just a love story. There are always wonderful layers of verity, wisdom and wonder to explore. I have to say this is now my favourite of the series. It offers an authentic, heart-warming down to earth experience that inspires, uplifts and transports us to a better place in our hearts and heads. I loved, loved, loved The Italian Winemaker! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Leanne Lovegrove
The acceptance or refusal of Marcella’s inheritance comes with a request of ten to-do items before she makes a decision either way. Of course, it involves flying to Tuscany for a month to fulfill the tasks; to experience her father’s hometown and his passions first hand. Then she can make an informed decision, decide the direction she wishes her life to take, after being delivered such a shocking surprise.
From the get go, Leanne’s words and characters wove their way into my heart and held me to the end. I really enjoyed getting to know Marcella and to watch her grow from a person who had no purpose or direction to one of self confidence and acceptance. This transpires because of a mission handed to her by her late father. She was born with a speech impediment and it made her a victim of pity and ridicule. This I am sure affected her self-image and muted her motivation. When she meets chief winemaker, Rocco, on her father’s estate, initially she clashes with him. It becomes obvious he is not happy she is there. And he has been given the task to teach her the wine business. But he obliges, though reluctantly, for it is his mentor’s dying wish. They go through some ups and downs but through it all they discover they are more alike than they had thought. It is then, their lives begin to take on a different shape and direction.
Reading this novel was such a lovely escape. (And I learned lots about winemaking!). This wasn’t just a story about someone poor and unmotivated who becomes a millionaire overnight through inheritance. The roots of this contemporary gem show how unexpected events can turn not only one but two lives around and send each in a fresh positive direction. The focus in this novel is not on money but on relationships. Families are examined and particularly tough parental choices. Marcella gets to know the father she never knew through the people that worked alongside him. Plus through his belongings and letters left behind. The home and people he loved, the wine business that fuelled his fervour, all begin to influence and awaken his daughter to a new world: one where finally she is ready to live her own life with passion. This is her father’s greatest wish and legacy.
I cheered, cried and sighed at the beauty, blessing and bounty of truth this novel offered. As always with Leanne, it is never just a love story. There are always wonderful layers of verity, wisdom and wonder to explore. I have to say this is now my favourite of the series. It offers an authentic, heart-warming down to earth experience that inspires, uplifts and transports us to a better place in our hearts and heads. I loved, loved, loved The Italian Winemaker! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Leanne Lovegrove
Review of advance copy
'The Italian Winemaker' by Leanne Lovegrove
Marcella Armstrong is young, unsure of what her goals are in life and lacks confidence in herself. Marcella's biological Italian father passes away and she inherits his millions, along with an established vineyard in Tuscany. With courage, she hops on a plane to Italy, where she does not feel welcome by the staff. Chief Winemaker, Rocco has sour grapes due to not inheriting the vineyard and being surprised by Marcella's existence.
Marcella and Rocco's relationship is not without challenges, however, with communication and understanding the two realise that they have common insecurities.
'The Italian Winemaker' is passionate in every sense. Rocco has a love of winemaking and Marcello's vineyard is his home. The backstory of the characters is intriguing and the story is gripping. Rocco found his calling, in the vines, when Marcella's father took him under his wing. Marcella learns what legacy means and must find herself.
Leanne's exploration of speech and sensitive approach to the topic made me absolutely love Marcella. Her stutter is what causes her anguish and anxiety daily, until she realises the power of speaking in another language. As a language teacher, this resonated with me. I see students in my classes every year who struggle in English and come into my Japanese classroom and excel. Learning a language can bring lifelong change and Leanne speaks to this through the voices of her characters.
'The Italian Winemaker' is like a fine wine - a harmonious balance of fundamental components that make it truly memorable. Sweet, full of flavour and just as stunning as the perfect rosé wine. Just like a rosé, this book is perfect for summer! The perfect romance.
This is my favourite book of Leanne's. The whole series is fabulous and will take you away on a European adventure. Each one can be read as a stand alone, although I recommend reading them all. They tie into one another in suttle and beautiful ways.
Congratulations @leannelovegroveauthor Marcella and Rocco's story is one of my favourite romance novels!
#romancereader #romanceanz #bookreview
#bookreviewer
Marcella Armstrong is young, unsure of what her goals are in life and lacks confidence in herself. Marcella's biological Italian father passes away and she inherits his millions, along with an established vineyard in Tuscany. With courage, she hops on a plane to Italy, where she does not feel welcome by the staff. Chief Winemaker, Rocco has sour grapes due to not inheriting the vineyard and being surprised by Marcella's existence.
Marcella and Rocco's relationship is not without challenges, however, with communication and understanding the two realise that they have common insecurities.
'The Italian Winemaker' is passionate in every sense. Rocco has a love of winemaking and Marcello's vineyard is his home. The backstory of the characters is intriguing and the story is gripping. Rocco found his calling, in the vines, when Marcella's father took him under his wing. Marcella learns what legacy means and must find herself.
Leanne's exploration of speech and sensitive approach to the topic made me absolutely love Marcella. Her stutter is what causes her anguish and anxiety daily, until she realises the power of speaking in another language. As a language teacher, this resonated with me. I see students in my classes every year who struggle in English and come into my Japanese classroom and excel. Learning a language can bring lifelong change and Leanne speaks to this through the voices of her characters.
'The Italian Winemaker' is like a fine wine - a harmonious balance of fundamental components that make it truly memorable. Sweet, full of flavour and just as stunning as the perfect rosé wine. Just like a rosé, this book is perfect for summer! The perfect romance.
This is my favourite book of Leanne's. The whole series is fabulous and will take you away on a European adventure. Each one can be read as a stand alone, although I recommend reading them all. They tie into one another in suttle and beautiful ways.
Congratulations @leannelovegroveauthor Marcella and Rocco's story is one of my favourite romance novels!
#romancereader #romanceanz #bookreview
#bookreviewer
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book from the very beginning.
Set among the vineyards of Tuscany.
Marcella’s unexpected inheritance turns her world upside down, which in turn has her discovering her own strengths.
Rocco, the chief winemaker, is strong and motivated, but also has his own wounds and dreams of success. The connection between Marcella and Rocco develops with raw honesty, which made their story, wanting me to continue turning the pages. I didn’t want to put this book down from the time that I started it.
I received this book as an arc from Leanne and I am so happy that I received a copy.
Set among the vineyards of Tuscany.
Marcella’s unexpected inheritance turns her world upside down, which in turn has her discovering her own strengths.
Rocco, the chief winemaker, is strong and motivated, but also has his own wounds and dreams of success. The connection between Marcella and Rocco develops with raw honesty, which made their story, wanting me to continue turning the pages. I didn’t want to put this book down from the time that I started it.
I received this book as an arc from Leanne and I am so happy that I received a copy.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews