Flipped

by Lisa-Marie Cabrelli

Hazel Black is in control of her life. That is until a slimy new employee steals her work, gets her fired and ruins her chance at a partnership. Not to worry, her nutty mother, Indigo, comes to the rescue with a nutty plan… move to Italy with her and flip a house she’s just inherited under strange and unexplained circumstances. Hazel knows better than to trust any plans of Indigo’s - but what choice does she have?

Dean McLean, rich and famous action hero has developed an embarrassing problem; he faints when anyone points a camera in his direction. Quite an issue for a major movie star. When his manager bundles him off to stay with his in-laws in a small Italian mountain village, he can’t get his mind off of his endangered career. But when he meets the beautiful and irresistible Hazel everything he thought he knew turns upside down.

Will Hazel and Dean find their true home and each other? Or will a web of secrets and betrayal keep them apart?

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2018

About the author

Lisa-Marie Cabrelli mostly writes fun, flirty beach reads but a recent re-entry to education has her shifting her writing focus. She graduated with Distinction from the University of Dundee earning an MLitt in Crime Writing and Forensic Investigation. She also won the Val McDermid prize for best dissertation which was a portion of her upcoming novel, Bad Boys. She's currently working on the first book in a dystopian trilogy while pursuing a Ph.D. in Creative Writing, also with University of Dundee.

Lisa-Marie is a digital nomad, living on the road with her husband, but primarily hanging in Scotland, Italy, Florida and The Bahamas. She has a grown-up daughter who she misses every day.

Reviews

[Lis Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hazel Blackmore is, she believes, in control of her life. She's on track to be the next equity partner at work, with a pitch coming up for the next project, which she is sure to win. She has some issues with her nutty mother, Indigo, and Indigo's crazy, always expensive schemes, but also loves her dearly.

Then a slimy rival at work manages to steal her proposal for the next big project, and her life is in chaos. She effectively has no work or income for the next three months.

But Indigo rushes to the rescue with her latest crazy scheme. Hazel should go with her to Italy, where she has inherited a house and some money, in circumstances that seem very vague and mysterious. Hazel will manage the rehabilitation of the house, and they'll sell it, netting a tidy profit. Despite well-founded skepticism about Indigo's plans, Hazel really doesn't have a better plan. So off to Italy they go.

Meanwhile, movie action hero Dean McLean is suddenly having panic attacks on the set of his fourth movie, and is coaxed by his manager, Adam, and girlfriend, Isabella, to take a break. Go stay with Adam's wife and her family, in Italy...

Yes, of course the same little Italian town.

It's very unlikely, yet very sweet and charming.

Dean has a lot to learn about his "best friend." Hazel has a lot to learn about the father whom she barely remembers, and what's really behind Indigo's crazy schemes.

They both have a lot to learn about what makes a real home, and happiness.

I really like the characters, at least Hazel, Dean, Indigo, and the people we meet in the little Italian town of Borgotaro. Borgotaro itself is essentially another character, and one of the most charming.

Very enjoyable.

I received a free electronic galley from the publisher, and am reviewing it voluntarily.

[alfawolf1 ~Sherri K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel is in control of her future, she has a master plan. She has no time for friends, men or even movies! She also has no money (or very little) due to her mother Indigo and her crazy spending and schemes. Imagine Hazel's surprise when Indigo announces they are going to Italy to renovate and flip a house! It couldn't come at a worse time. A rotten coworker steals Hazel's presentation, landing the big contract she's been working so hard to win. But off they go to Italy....

Dean is a movie star! Being an Action Hero is all he knows, all he wants. He has a beautiful beach cottage, a girlfriend, a manager who is his best friend. What more could he ask for? Then he has a panic attack and faints while filming his next movie. He can't even be in front of a camera! How is he going to finish his film?! His manager/best friend sends him off to Italy to stay with friends and recover. A break away will be good for him.

Hazel and Dean meet in Borgotaro and sparks fly! But he has a girlfriend and she has no time for a relationship. He is surprised to find that she doesn't even know who he is! She is nothing like the women from Hollywood; he is not the typical movie star. She tries to avoid him but fate intervenes. Hazel needs an English-speaking contractor, Dean is the only option. They agree to work together and the spark grows. But can they make this work? Is it just a summer crush or could this be more? It doesn't matter, they both have lives to get back to, and there are too many complications. But they each feel a pull to stay in the little village that has grown roots in their hearts. The people welcome them like family. Just maybe....

Lisa-Marie Cabrelli's characters really pull you in. I could visualize the village, the houses, the people, because she writes with such passion and vivid descriptions. I truly enjoyed Hazel and Dean's story! I want to move to Borgotaro, Italy! I can't wait for the next book in the series! This is the second of Ms. Cabrelli's books that I have had the pleasure to read, and it certainly won't be the last!

I received an advance copy for my honest review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Lisa-Marie Cabrelli’s does not disappoint with this first book in her new series. Hazel, a Partner Consultant for a Jacksonville marketing firm loses a big project because a rival employee stole and presented them as his ideas. Her mother, Indigo, to whom she gives financial help, finds the timing perfect as she has just inherited a home in the town of Borgotaro, Italy and expects Hazel to fly there with her. It is there that Hazel meets a Hollywood movie star, Dean McLean, who is there to take a film break after an on-set meltdown.

What happens when Hazel and Indigo arrive in Italy? Can a relationship blossom when Hazel, who is blissfully unaware of Dean’s fame, meets this drop-dead gorgeous actor? Is this a temporary relationship, or is there a chance for a happily ever after? “Flipped” introduces us to many interesting characters, each of whom have a purpose for being included this story. Be prepared to laugh out loud, share moments of frustration, and pull for true love to triumph.

Ms. Cabrelli includes the names of real places, so if you have been to any of the cities mentioned, you may recognize locations. The town of Borgotaro is more than a convenient background - it plays an integral role in the story.

I am delighted with this promising start to the Better with Prosecco series and am looking forward to the release of the second installment.

I received an advance copy from the author, but also opted to purchase a copy after any revisions were made. My review is voluntary, and any opinion expressed is my own.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful standalone light romance! I highly recommend this book to anyone and you won't be able to put it down either! Hazel Black, a well put together advertising career woman in charge of her life and getting ready to make partner in her friend's firm and Dean McLean a well put together adventure and heartthrob actor go through a major crisis in their lives and they both end up in a small village in Italy. Hazel's crazy mother inherited a house in Italy that needed major renovations and wanted Hazel to come with her since she was unceremoniously fired off a project a coworker stole from her. She doesn't want to go, but figures well if they Flip the house in Italy, she will have enough money to pay for the partnership in the firm since she just can't be put out to pasture because she worked so well with them for years on lots of projects. Dean has a breakdown during filming another sequel in his adventure movies series and is sent to his manager's inlaws to recouperate and get back to filming. There are many secrets, misunderstandings and revelations that will surprise you. How Hazel and Dean come to meet in Italy and how each go about trying to fix their lives takes you along on a wonderful journey. Lisa-Marie Cabrelli once again hits a homerun! I received and ARC from the author, but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Coco · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Hazel's career take a nose-dive she decamps to Italy with her crazy mother, who has unexpectedly inherited a house. They intend to renovate the property and sell it for a quick profit. On arrival, they are horrified to find the house is practically a ruin and needs far more than TLC.
Dean is a famous Hollywood actor who's career is jeopardised by his panic attacks. He travels to the peace and quiet of a rural Italian village, intending to relax and regain his confidence.
When Hazel meets Dean she can't believe he could be interested in her, he's too smooth and too handsome. In an attempt to gain Hazel's trust, Dean offers to help with the house renovation, there's so much work that they'll have plenty of time and opportunity to get to know each other.
Unfortunately Hollywood comes to Italy and intrudes upon Dean's romantic plans. Now all he has to do is convince Hazel that he's serious about her and not just a pretty face.
I was delighted to received an advanced copy from the author and my review is totally unbiased.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first I’ve read from this author, and I can safely say it won’t be my last. This is a wonderful, sweet story about two people who find each other just as their lives take a radical change in direction. Hazel is the ultimate Type A control freak, so any change in plans sends her into a tizzy. A change this big sends her into a tailspin. Dean’s got a lock on being a Hollywood Action Hero, but deep down inside he’s just a nice normal guy. But ‘nice’ and ‘normal’ aren’t things Hollywood’s known for. When this pair of lost souls find themselves in the same little Italian town, life as they knew it will never be the same. I have a soft spot for small town romances. The supporting cast, and even the town itself, are usually essential to the story and often even more colorful than the leads, with a family atmosphere that makes it feel like everyone’s related. This one just adds a twist by featuring a location in the Italian countryside.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Shifted Sheets Book Promotions.

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Dean and Hazel are both dealing with stress and go to Italy to try to relax and figure out their life. When they meet the attraction is electric but Dean has a girlfriend back home so he won't let it go any further than a kiss. When he realizes that he doesn't love his girlfriend and she only loves what he can do for him he dumps her over the phone. This gives him the opportunity to pursue Hazel. Dean is also helping with the renovations on the house. What happens when Indigo forgets to sign papers at the bank for the money? What happens when Dean's manager/best friend and ex girlfriend show up in Italy together to see Dean? Does Hazel believe Dean when he tries to explain about the kiss with Isabelle or does she not even give him the chance to explain? Does Dean leave Hazel to go back to the movies and Hollywood? Does Hazel get her job back?

[Irene S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful start to a new series;;Hazel and Dean have both worked so hard on their careers that they are naive about the world around them. Dean thought his world was great with a good career as an action movie star, a nice home, a beautiful girlfriend, and a manager that is his best friend When Dean ends up in Italy instead of in front of the camera, he starts to see that his life was what he thought. Hazel has been working hard to become a partner owner in a marketing firm. When her concepts were stolen, Hazel agreed with her mother's crazy idea of flipping a house that she inherited in Italy. Though the path isn't smooth, Hazel and Dean see a possibility of love and a future in Italy. I received a copy of the book from the author. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I love the start of this new series and look forward to the next book. Borgotaro, Italy sounds like a place that I would love to visit and maybe live in. I highly recommend this book.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa-Marie Cabrelli knows how to write hot romantic tales that are also well plotted, well written and loads of fun. That was certainly the case with her latest, Flipped (Better With Prosecco Book 1). This is loads of pure romantic fun. It had just what I wanted, was well written, and had a great plot full of perfectly heated romance. I simply adored its leads, always in control Hazel and movie star Dean, and their wonderful explosively hot chemistry and were a pleasure to watch as they developed over the course of the pages. The cast of supporting characters (hello Indigo) were also simply superb. This novel truly was one of quirky fun, with the promised “dash of intrigue”. What more I could one ask for? But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - this book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend.

[Stephanie Corbett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series, and a great book, which leaves you wanting more. The book is a great stand-alone read, with fabulous characters and an inspirational location, so much so that I can’t wait to get back to Italy and Borgotaro for the next instalment.

Dean is the perfect leading man, Hollywood good looks, but lacking the shallow attitude and arrogance, instead he has a heart of gold and is looking for a place to belong.

Hazel has plenty of family dynamics to deal with, and yet is missing a real home, and work just doesn’t seem to fill the gap, especially when troubles start to pile up.

Together these two might just find the home and family they need to truly belong! A fabulous, funny and heartwarming story.

I highly recommend this book and this new series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[De Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Breathe Of Fresh Air

Flipped is a breathe of fresh air set in one of my favorite locals, Italy.
The two main characters, Hazel and Dean spoke to me due to the fact that they were real. Real in their struggles, real in the hopes, real in their desires, real in their failures and real in their love. It was refreshing that although Dean was a star but he came across as a regular guy. Hazel didn’t have an easy life but still loved her family and friends.
I loved the additional cast of characters in Borgorato especially the quirky Indigo. There is plenty of drama and some surprises I didn’t see coming to hold your interest.
And as in the title some things are “better with Prosecco” but you will need to read this refreshing book to find out.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flipped is the first book in the new Better With Prosecco series. I enjoyed the characters in this story. Hazel is at a crossroads in her life realizing her n by a coworker and she will not get her promotion that she had worked so hard to get. Dean McLean is a sexy, loveable movie star who wants a family since he grew up in foster care. He has a kind heart and is too trusting of his agent and his girlfriend, Isabella. Then there is Indigo, Hazel's quirky, loving mother who is full of tall tales that help to weave the story along. Throw in the beautiful town of Borgotaro, Italy and you have a great start to a new series. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I received a free copy of Flipped by Lisa-Marie Cabrelli and this review was given freely.
Hazel and Dean both suffer career changing events then meet by coincidence in a small Italian town. Chaos,espionage, the selfish and superficial personalities surrounding LA entertainment,uncovering a life long lie, the friendly caring inhabitants of a quaint Italian town, true friendship and Love are just a few of the reasons to read this emotion filled romance.

[Laila Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written story and likeable characters. Nice storyline and plot. I like it is written in dual POV, which gives the reader both the thoughts and feelings of the main characters. That makes the story even more emotional and captivating. The twists and turns are so unexpected that they made it worth the read.

This story is captivating from start to finish. Two characters that both need to find the stand in life.
A fun, dramatic, passionate and enjoyable read. It is of good length.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was an entertaining light-hearted story that made me laugh, groan, and sigh through most of it. OK mostly laugh and enjoy the great characters. I thought Hazel and Dean were a great couple and played well off each other. Of course I loved Indigo. Just a great cast of characters and a great story that I loved reading all at once to see what Dean and Hazel would have to go through before they ended up together and was not disappointed.

[Pauline Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with the small town of Borgotaro and loved the friendly characters who live there. With both Dean and Hazel at crossroads in their lives in America they go to Italy for different reasons, not knowing each other and fall in love. Some struggles to overcome but a good story to read. Well written and perfectly paced pulling you in from the start. Cannot wait to read the next story in the series.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a great time getting to know Dean and Hazel. He's such a down to earth, sweet guy and she starts as this overly organized woman that is full of heart. They both have a journey of the heart and mind to make, deciding what they truly want in life. The descriptions of Borgotaro had me wishing I was there. This is a perfectly sweet story and I'm looking forward to more from this series.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Tianna McPherson (Anna Lee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful and meaningful book and it's so worth it to reas. It made me laugh, cry, small and most of all fall in love with the people. It's so worth it to read. Keep o writing story that take us to another world and make us feel as if we're there as well. I give it 5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.

[Jacqueline Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Lisa-Marie Cabrelli and thought she did an amazing job writing this book. A well written storyline with wonderful characters that you will fall in love with. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The scenery is just as beautiful as the story that unfolds in the beautiful Italian town that involves a man who has lost his way and a woman working to find her own way. I can't wait for more of the characters and stories of the inhabitants of this new book world!

[Kim F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Cathie McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! Hazel was living her life to make her father proud. Unfortunately, he is dead. She has a nutty mother she loves.

Dean is a naive Hollywood star. He goes to Italy to "recover". When they meet up, the fireworks start.

Can they survive the secrets and backstabbing?

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great romance that is a standalone great characters and storyline some secrets and misunderstanding's well written and a good read I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily review an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Interesting and great story.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully Funny

Witty, funny and an instant classic, love the emotions and how much laughter there is to have reading this book. I could not put it down.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun romance. There are enough reviews with plot details and the blurb. I will just say that I really enjoyed reading this story. I liked the characters and the plot. It is a fun, flirty romance. I think Borgorato sounds like an ideal place to retire to! Great escape reading.

[Kate]

I always enjoy Lisa-Marie's stories and was delighted when Flipped came along and I was introduced to a new cast of characters, including the little town of Bogotaro, Italy. It made me want to visit!