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The Boudreaux Family #5
Tuscan Heat
In the name of love A coveted teaching invitation gives Donovan Boudreaux the chance to leave his New Orleans comfort zone and meet his secret email pen pal-world-renowned author Gianna Martelli. But when he arrives at the Martelli wine chateau in Tuscany, he discovers he's been deceived. His misgivings dwindle as Gianna introduces him to the hidden pleasures of Italy-and a passion that takes both Donovan and the reclusive writer by surprise. Gianna loves her simple life on her family's legendary vineyards. Until her matchmaking twin initiates a clandestine correspondence. Determined to make amends, Gianna soon realizes that she and the charming professor share a bond that can't be found in books. A friendship soon flames into an intense affair they know can't last forever. And now a vindictive rival could destroy Donovan's reputation, career and any hope of a future with Gianna…
- GenresRomance
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2015
16 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Fletcher Mello
130 books202 followersFor Deborah Fletcher Mello, writing is as necessary as breathing and she firmly believes that if she could not write she would cease to exist. Her first novel, TAKE ME TO HEART, earned her a 2004 Romance Slam Jam nomination for Best New Author. In 2005 she received Book of the Year and Favorite Heroine nominations for her novel THE RIGHT SIDE OF LOVE. In 2008, Deborah won the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice award for Best Series Romance for her ninth novel, TAME A WILD STALLION.
A true renaissance woman, Deborah's many career paths have included working as a retail buyer and size model for a national women's clothing chain, a finance manager for a well-known beverage organization, a sales manager for an infamous candy company, a telecommunications administrator and corporate trainer for a hotel-owning company, an art gallery director for a world-renowned artist, and an administrative consultant for multiple organizations throughout the United States. Deborah is also a licensed real estate broker and general building contractor.
Born and raised in Connecticut, Deborah maintains base camp in North Carolina but considers home to be wherever the moment moves her.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 20, 2016
I loved this novel. Setting was Tuscany, Italy on a wine chateau.. Doesn't get better than that. Donovan Boudreaux gets a position writing overseas. While he is there he wants to meet his beautiful pen-pal. Unbeknowst to Donavan, Gianni Martelli is really her twin. What fun ensues after this adventure. I love a woman that sticks by her man. "Not my man you don't." The cat-fight is straight out of the streets of Brooklyn when a student who just had to have Donovan can't take no for a answer or grade. I would love to read 3 more of these story lines. Riveting, exciting and adventourous. Love it..
January 11, 2016
Will Donovan ever find love? He's got a secret and it can/will change his life forever! No one an weave a story like Deborah Fletcher Mello! Awesome, inspiring and HOT!
November 28, 2015
Tuscan Heat was a mix of sweetness and sass. It told a story about two intellectuals who, basically, lost their hearts to one another.
I found this book to be okay, but nothing more than that. I was a little confused by the characters. The behavior of the female protagonist seemed inconsistent at times. The male protagonist also lacked an authenticity. With that said, I must say that I was glad that this couple worked out their relationship.
Rating: 3/5
Recommend: +/-
Audience: Adult
Status: Insta-love
Chemistry/Intensity: Yes
Conflict/Drama: Yes
NetGalley ARC for review in exchange for an honest critique
I found this book to be okay, but nothing more than that. I was a little confused by the characters. The behavior of the female protagonist seemed inconsistent at times. The male protagonist also lacked an authenticity. With that said, I must say that I was glad that this couple worked out their relationship.
Rating: 3/5
Recommend: +/-
Audience: Adult
Status: Insta-love
Chemistry/Intensity: Yes
Conflict/Drama: Yes
NetGalley ARC for review in exchange for an honest critique
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2015
My rating: 3.5 out of 5
Through the misunderstandings, conspiracies and matchmaking Donovan had the smarts to follow his heart. Tuscan Heat was presented to me by NetGalley and Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. Donovan and Gianna really aren't that different from each other. Both are successful in the career of their choice, have strong family ties and have the intellect to accomplish anything. I thought the brains proved to be a hindrance. Too much thinking and not enough doing caused them to miss out on experiences that they needed. Ms. Mello created a story with a homey feel that is as mellow as it is sensual.
December 14, 2015
I simply love this series. Donovan is a no nonsense kinda man that is afraid to step out of his comfort zone. I'm so glad that he took the opportunity that was presented to him because that made him more sexy and interesting. The chemistry between him and Gianna was instantly charged and kept getting hotter and I loved that their romance took place in Italy. This is another best seller and must read.
July 27, 2018
This was an okay story, but not one with the heat that has been normal with this series. It’s an enjoyable read for the weekend.
March 1, 2017
Another one bites the dust, Donovan has to travel half way around the world. He handled secrets, unrequited love advances. I enjoyed visiting Tuscan Valley learning about wines and the culture. I felt the water from the waterfall on my face
Another amazing story Ms. Deborah
#Cillasbookmaniacs
Another amazing story Ms. Deborah
#Cillasbookmaniacs
December 8, 2015
RATING 4.5
By Louise Brown, November 19, 2015
UrbanDivaz Review: Louise Brown
CONCEPT
Tuscan Heat: Can Donovan Boudreaux finds love and passion in Tuscan.
STORY
A coveted teaching invitation gives Donovan Boudreaux the chance to leave his New Orleans comfort zone and meet his secret email pen pal—world-renowned author Gianna Martelli. But when he arrives at the Martelli wine chateau in Tuscany, he discovers he's been deceived. His misgivings dwindle as Gianna introduces him to the hidden pleasures of Italy—and a passion that takes both Donovan and the reclusive writer by surprise. Gianna loves her simple life on her family's legendary vineyards. Until her matchmaking twin initiates a clandestine correspondence. Determined to make amends, Gianna soon realizes that she and the charming professor share a bond that can't be found in books. A friendship soon flames into an intense affair they know can't last forever. And now a vindictive rival could destroy Donovan's reputation, career and any hope of a future with Gianna…
CHARACTERS
Donovan Boudreaux is a Mathematician, and he is offer a once in a life time teaching position to teach one year in Italy. This gives Donovan an opportunity to meet his email pen pal who is a renowned author Gianna Martielli. Donovan is known the laid back brother who calculates and thinks things out, never do anything on impulse. Gianna Martielli is a renowned author who writes Mystery. When Donovan and Gianna meet there is an instance attraction between them and as time moves on Donovan begins to notice that Gianna is holding back. As other problems threaten to end Donovan trip short he finds out that he has been deceived. All this time while Donovan was writing his email pen pal thinking it was Gianna who was responding come to find out that it wasn’t. You have to purchase the book to find out who the mystery person is.
DIALOGUE
The dialogue between the characters was on point for this story.
STRUCTURE
The structure of the story kept the reader engaged from beginning to end. In their first meeting you could see the SPARKS immediately fly.
OVERALL
Tuscan Heat takes you to Italy where a friendship soon turn burst into FLAMES. The Boudreaux is a family that loves hard and when a Boudreaux & Martielli gets together it is wonderful. I would high recommend this book.
By Louise Brown, November 19, 2015
UrbanDivaz Review: Louise Brown
CONCEPT
Tuscan Heat: Can Donovan Boudreaux finds love and passion in Tuscan.
STORY
A coveted teaching invitation gives Donovan Boudreaux the chance to leave his New Orleans comfort zone and meet his secret email pen pal—world-renowned author Gianna Martelli. But when he arrives at the Martelli wine chateau in Tuscany, he discovers he's been deceived. His misgivings dwindle as Gianna introduces him to the hidden pleasures of Italy—and a passion that takes both Donovan and the reclusive writer by surprise. Gianna loves her simple life on her family's legendary vineyards. Until her matchmaking twin initiates a clandestine correspondence. Determined to make amends, Gianna soon realizes that she and the charming professor share a bond that can't be found in books. A friendship soon flames into an intense affair they know can't last forever. And now a vindictive rival could destroy Donovan's reputation, career and any hope of a future with Gianna…
CHARACTERS
Donovan Boudreaux is a Mathematician, and he is offer a once in a life time teaching position to teach one year in Italy. This gives Donovan an opportunity to meet his email pen pal who is a renowned author Gianna Martielli. Donovan is known the laid back brother who calculates and thinks things out, never do anything on impulse. Gianna Martielli is a renowned author who writes Mystery. When Donovan and Gianna meet there is an instance attraction between them and as time moves on Donovan begins to notice that Gianna is holding back. As other problems threaten to end Donovan trip short he finds out that he has been deceived. All this time while Donovan was writing his email pen pal thinking it was Gianna who was responding come to find out that it wasn’t. You have to purchase the book to find out who the mystery person is.
DIALOGUE
The dialogue between the characters was on point for this story.
STRUCTURE
The structure of the story kept the reader engaged from beginning to end. In their first meeting you could see the SPARKS immediately fly.
OVERALL
Tuscan Heat takes you to Italy where a friendship soon turn burst into FLAMES. The Boudreaux is a family that loves hard and when a Boudreaux & Martielli gets together it is wonderful. I would high recommend this book.
September 18, 2016
Italian Love
Loving a person is such a wonderful feeling when it is shared equally. Gianna and Donovan were made for each other and Mrs. Fletcher Mello captured this in this story. I cannot wait to continue to read this series.
Loving a person is such a wonderful feeling when it is shared equally. Gianna and Donovan were made for each other and Mrs. Fletcher Mello captured this in this story. I cannot wait to continue to read this series.
December 17, 2015
Family matters, that big, beautiful Boudreaux family, who loves to get into each others business. To get some breathing room, and to finally meet the woman he has been corresponding with, Donovan accepts a teaching position in a university in Italy, in Tuscany.
The story is told almost in a poetic way, the author's tone of writing is very unique. She paints a beautiful picture of the surroundings in every scene, showing the most beautiful pictures of the Tuscan area.
The characters were interesting, and not easily understood. Donovan seemed like a sensitive man, who often ends up in tears, but also knows how to stand up for himself.
Gianna, at times she is very brazen, out coming, and aggressive, at times unsure and introvert, but also known to use fist in a fight.
Their love is not instant, since there were several months of correspondence before they met, and weeks go by in Italy, while they sort everything out, and start to build a relationship. There are some detailed,passionate moments, bringing up the heat factor in the story.
Several interesting topics are brought forward in the story, like internet dating and its dangers, the sexual harassment problems university professors may have with students, but everything is solved easily, and there's no intense moments of threat from these events.
Big family who stands by you in any event, beautiful Tuscan countryside, today's social issues, and horseback riding on the beach at night time... Lots of romance and people who love numbers, I just wish the story would have moved along a little faster, shown intensity during the duress, and solved the issues without violence.
~ Three Spoons
The story is told almost in a poetic way, the author's tone of writing is very unique. She paints a beautiful picture of the surroundings in every scene, showing the most beautiful pictures of the Tuscan area.
The characters were interesting, and not easily understood. Donovan seemed like a sensitive man, who often ends up in tears, but also knows how to stand up for himself.
Gianna, at times she is very brazen, out coming, and aggressive, at times unsure and introvert, but also known to use fist in a fight.
Their love is not instant, since there were several months of correspondence before they met, and weeks go by in Italy, while they sort everything out, and start to build a relationship. There are some detailed,passionate moments, bringing up the heat factor in the story.
Several interesting topics are brought forward in the story, like internet dating and its dangers, the sexual harassment problems university professors may have with students, but everything is solved easily, and there's no intense moments of threat from these events.
Big family who stands by you in any event, beautiful Tuscan countryside, today's social issues, and horseback riding on the beach at night time... Lots of romance and people who love numbers, I just wish the story would have moved along a little faster, shown intensity during the duress, and solved the issues without violence.
~ Three Spoons
September 13, 2016
Deborah Mello . Have done it again. I'm never disappointed when i read one of her books. she know how to bring a couple together no matter what may come into play to try and bring them apart.. Going to Italy A Beautiful place to find love . Thank you Deborah enjoyed reading this book. please get this book you will enjoy it also
January 30, 2017
My first novel from Deborah Fletcher Mello was a sweet and satisfying read set in beautiful Italy. Like Farrah Rochon's novels, I love when the setting becomes a character in itself. I pictured myself walking through the family vineyards and I loved reading about the university and the city as much as I enjoyed reading the love story of Donovan and Gianna.
Gianna is a character after my own heart, a writer of thriller novels who strikes up a penpal friendship with a fan. When Donovan gets the opportunity to work in a town not far from Gianna, it's like fate has brought them together.
When Donovan is accused of a terrible crime and his status as professor is threatened, the love between a reclusive Italian writer and the American professor is put to the test.
This novel was a quick, romantic read set in one of the most romantic cities in the world. The relationship developed rapidly but there isn't that InstaLove that I can't stand. The passage of a reasonable amount of time is believable and Donovan and Gianna spend quite a bit of time getting to know one another. THIS, I like to see. There are also a few very steamy love scenes!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and HQN Kimani for review.
Gianna is a character after my own heart, a writer of thriller novels who strikes up a penpal friendship with a fan. When Donovan gets the opportunity to work in a town not far from Gianna, it's like fate has brought them together.
When Donovan is accused of a terrible crime and his status as professor is threatened, the love between a reclusive Italian writer and the American professor is put to the test.
This novel was a quick, romantic read set in one of the most romantic cities in the world. The relationship developed rapidly but there isn't that InstaLove that I can't stand. The passage of a reasonable amount of time is believable and Donovan and Gianna spend quite a bit of time getting to know one another. THIS, I like to see. There are also a few very steamy love scenes!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and HQN Kimani for review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2016
Enjoyed reading about Donovan and Gianna.
It was really nice getting feedback about the rest of the Boudreaux family. Tarah is still the charmer.
Love the revengeful twist in the book. Alessandra was a mess, I knew she was going to be trouble when she and Sophie met Donovan at the airport. Can't help but wonder since Sophie hand picked her was she intending for her to try and set Donovan up.
Carina did a good job of pretending to be Gianna while e-mailing Donovan back and forth; she should have let Gianna know what she had done when she initially responded to the e-mail and Gianna should have come clean she almost lost Donovan.
Loved the twins Carina and Gianna they got what they wanted from Alessandra by getting her to talk about what she had done. The dean should kicked her out of school instead of suspending her.
It was really nice how the Boudreaux stick together when one of their own was in trouble had no idea that whole family would show up when Donovan needed them the most.
Really great how they worked to put together a wedding in a matter of days for Donovan and Gianna.
Now waiting for Tarah stories. Gotta be someone who can hold her interest.
It was really nice getting feedback about the rest of the Boudreaux family. Tarah is still the charmer.
Love the revengeful twist in the book. Alessandra was a mess, I knew she was going to be trouble when she and Sophie met Donovan at the airport. Can't help but wonder since Sophie hand picked her was she intending for her to try and set Donovan up.
Carina did a good job of pretending to be Gianna while e-mailing Donovan back and forth; she should have let Gianna know what she had done when she initially responded to the e-mail and Gianna should have come clean she almost lost Donovan.
Loved the twins Carina and Gianna they got what they wanted from Alessandra by getting her to talk about what she had done. The dean should kicked her out of school instead of suspending her.
It was really nice how the Boudreaux stick together when one of their own was in trouble had no idea that whole family would show up when Donovan needed them the most.
Really great how they worked to put together a wedding in a matter of days for Donovan and Gianna.
Now waiting for Tarah stories. Gotta be someone who can hold her interest.
January 4, 2016
This was a great read. The setting was wonderful with artistic landscapes and mesmerizing sunsets.
I imagined riding on the beach at midnight for thermal heating of water and being in love.
Donavon an Gianna's story was enriching, riveting an imaginative. The Boudreaux and Martelli families are entertaining when they get together. Realistically teachers and professors can be set up by disgruntled students with dire consequences frequently. Can't wait to read the next story of this enriched family.
I imagined riding on the beach at midnight for thermal heating of water and being in love.
Donavon an Gianna's story was enriching, riveting an imaginative. The Boudreaux and Martelli families are entertaining when they get together. Realistically teachers and professors can be set up by disgruntled students with dire consequences frequently. Can't wait to read the next story of this enriched family.
January 1, 2016
A story of two intellectuals who have to step out of their comfort zone to find love. Donovan is a professor who's a little too serious. Gianna is a writer working at her family's vineyards and a recluse by choice.
I like the development of the characters, even though at times I wanted to push them a little harder.
I like the development of the characters, even though at times I wanted to push them a little harder.
Read
January 23, 2016"The scenery of Tuscany serves as its own character in this Boudreaux Family tale and adds to the romance. The story is extremely unique, with characters that exude passion" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Miniseries: The Boudreaux Family
Miniseries: The Boudreaux Family
January 3, 2016
Can I just say that I absolutely LOVE those Boudreauxs!!
Tuscan Heat is the story of Donovan Boudreaux and Gianna. As always, Deborah Fletcher Mello leaves us wanting more. Excited to read more books about the Boureaux family.
Tuscan Heat is the story of Donovan Boudreaux and Gianna. As always, Deborah Fletcher Mello leaves us wanting more. Excited to read more books about the Boureaux family.
December 23, 2015
Another solid book by Mello...A full review will be posted during the book's release week.
January 5, 2016
Took me a few chapters to get onto this one, but after that it was a good read.
March 3, 2019
I love the fact that this story to me on a trip to a place that I wish that I could go to someday. The realism of the characters is something that any reader can relate to I know that I sure can!!!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews