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Blackwood Cellars #3
White Wedding
Take one lavish holiday wedding. Add one evil ex and his bridezilla. And toss in a smoking-hot chef from the past. It’s a recipe for disaster.
Victoria Blackwood has spent years trying to redeem herself after falling victim to a blackmail scheme that cost her father thousands. So, when he insists she coordinate a big Christmas wedding at her family’s winery, she can’t say no. Even if the groom is her ex, and the caterer just quit.
For Rafael Sanchez, a last-minute call to cater a huge society wedding is a golden opportunity. If he can prove he’s up to the challenge, his brothers might entrust him with a larger role in the family catering business. But when he meets Victoria, he can’t believe his eyes. Five years ago, they had a passionate fling that rocked his world. Until she left him with only a fake name to remember her by.
To pull off the perfect wedding, Victoria and Rafael can’t afford to get caught up in the past. But keeping things professional won’t be easy, not when the attraction between them burns hotter than Christmas in July.
Victoria Blackwood has spent years trying to redeem herself after falling victim to a blackmail scheme that cost her father thousands. So, when he insists she coordinate a big Christmas wedding at her family’s winery, she can’t say no. Even if the groom is her ex, and the caterer just quit.
For Rafael Sanchez, a last-minute call to cater a huge society wedding is a golden opportunity. If he can prove he’s up to the challenge, his brothers might entrust him with a larger role in the family catering business. But when he meets Victoria, he can’t believe his eyes. Five years ago, they had a passionate fling that rocked his world. Until she left him with only a fake name to remember her by.
To pull off the perfect wedding, Victoria and Rafael can’t afford to get caught up in the past. But keeping things professional won’t be easy, not when the attraction between them burns hotter than Christmas in July.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2021
43 people are currently reading
854 people want to read
About the author
Carla Luna
22 books161 followersCarla Luna writes contemporary romance with a dollop of humor and a pinch of spice. A former archaeologist, she still dreams of traveling to far-off places and channels that wanderlust into the settings of her stories.
When she’s not writing, she works in a spice emporium where she gets paid to discuss food and share her favorite recipes. Her passions include Broadway musicals, baking, whimsical office supplies, and pop culture podcasts. Though she has roots in Los Angeles and Victoria, B.C., she currently resides in Wisconsin with her family and her feisty Siberian cat.
When she’s not writing, she works in a spice emporium where she gets paid to discuss food and share her favorite recipes. Her passions include Broadway musicals, baking, whimsical office supplies, and pop culture podcasts. Though she has roots in Los Angeles and Victoria, B.C., she currently resides in Wisconsin with her family and her feisty Siberian cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
November 22, 2021
I have really enjoyed this series from Luna and so was a little sad knowing that this was the final of the trilogy! Set just a few months apart from each other, this is definitely a series where reading all the books in order helps you to better appreciate the different family relationships. But, because I think the books are so good, this isn’t much of a sacrifice to have to read all three!
This time we are focusing on Victoria, another member of the Blackwood family. However, she struggles to meet her father’s expectations and, over the story, readers gradually find out why their relationship is so strained. I felt really sorry for Victoria and the archaic patriarchy that seems to dominate the Blackwoods. Victoria is suffocated by it and even she knows it is making her miserable. However, when an old flame appears in her life, it encourages Victoria to question what she values the most. Freedom? Or financial security? After all, the comfort that her family home offers is something that Victoria has been used to all her life; Victoria needs to find the strength and confidence to break away from such negative, dominating influences.
The concept of patriarchy is quite an interesting one to explore in this book (and across the series). In most cases, it is the males who are the knights in shining armour. I think I would have preferred Luna to do something a bit different with this book and have Victoria as a more powerful character who is less reliant on her male counterparts. The romance of the story always felt like the woman is dependent on the man for fulfilment and I think a bit more male vulnerability would have strengthened the narrative further (a bit like what we see in book two).
On the other hand, the bride’s outrageous demands had me inwardly cringing every step of the way. Missy is the definition of a ‘Bride-zilla’ and I could not believe the requests she was making on Victoria. I could not help but laugh at Victoria’s attempts at her gingerbread house kit, suffering a similar fate as to myself, but, these demands did lighten the story up a lot. Furthermore, whilst I was baffled by the precision of Missy’s instructions, I could vividly picture the twenty decorated Christmas trees, even smelling the luscious pine scent that comes with Christmas. It truly did feel like a magical location to get married in.
I enjoyed the romance of this story. It is sweet and I have grown to enjoy reading about this successful family. Victoria’s past was unexpected and I liked seeing how this shaped Victoria’s actions. As a character, she grows over the novel and I found her connection with Rafael to be that step towards liberating herself from her father. Although there are some steamy scenes in the book, this does not dominate the narrative and neither does the Christmas vibe. I think that the wedding being set in California at Christmas with an absence of cold weather and snow made a difference here!
This is a series that worked well as a trilogy. Sometimes I find that a series can be too prolonged so, whilst I am a bit sad that this was the end, it was all tied up neatly by the end. It was an enjoyable read that did not require any effort and I liked seeing that happy ever after at the end.
This time we are focusing on Victoria, another member of the Blackwood family. However, she struggles to meet her father’s expectations and, over the story, readers gradually find out why their relationship is so strained. I felt really sorry for Victoria and the archaic patriarchy that seems to dominate the Blackwoods. Victoria is suffocated by it and even she knows it is making her miserable. However, when an old flame appears in her life, it encourages Victoria to question what she values the most. Freedom? Or financial security? After all, the comfort that her family home offers is something that Victoria has been used to all her life; Victoria needs to find the strength and confidence to break away from such negative, dominating influences.
The concept of patriarchy is quite an interesting one to explore in this book (and across the series). In most cases, it is the males who are the knights in shining armour. I think I would have preferred Luna to do something a bit different with this book and have Victoria as a more powerful character who is less reliant on her male counterparts. The romance of the story always felt like the woman is dependent on the man for fulfilment and I think a bit more male vulnerability would have strengthened the narrative further (a bit like what we see in book two).
On the other hand, the bride’s outrageous demands had me inwardly cringing every step of the way. Missy is the definition of a ‘Bride-zilla’ and I could not believe the requests she was making on Victoria. I could not help but laugh at Victoria’s attempts at her gingerbread house kit, suffering a similar fate as to myself, but, these demands did lighten the story up a lot. Furthermore, whilst I was baffled by the precision of Missy’s instructions, I could vividly picture the twenty decorated Christmas trees, even smelling the luscious pine scent that comes with Christmas. It truly did feel like a magical location to get married in.
I enjoyed the romance of this story. It is sweet and I have grown to enjoy reading about this successful family. Victoria’s past was unexpected and I liked seeing how this shaped Victoria’s actions. As a character, she grows over the novel and I found her connection with Rafael to be that step towards liberating herself from her father. Although there are some steamy scenes in the book, this does not dominate the narrative and neither does the Christmas vibe. I think that the wedding being set in California at Christmas with an absence of cold weather and snow made a difference here!
This is a series that worked well as a trilogy. Sometimes I find that a series can be too prolonged so, whilst I am a bit sad that this was the end, it was all tied up neatly by the end. It was an enjoyable read that did not require any effort and I liked seeing that happy ever after at the end.
November 17, 2021
A second-chance romance, White Wedding follows Victoria Blackwell and Rafael Sanchez, a couple that knew each other years before the start of the story. Trying to make up for something that happened in her past, Victoria, who works for her father, is tasked with organizing her ex-fiancée’s wedding, much to her irritations. Coordinating this holiday wedding is nothing but trouble, and there are complications after complications, and Victoria’s at her wit’s end, especially since the bride is the epitome of a bridezilla. When the need for a new caterer arises, Victoria is stunned to see that a man she knew long ago runs one of the companies.
Rafael can’t believe it when he goes to pitch for the holiday wedding job. He hasn’t seen Victoria in years, and he is still hurt by how she disappeared without a word. Victoria and Rafael are both determined to keep things professional, but their feelings for each other grow, and both must figure out what they truly want.
I enjoyed Victoria and Rafael’s stories. They are realistic and relatable, and I like how they are both trying to better themselves. Neither is perfect, and they’ve both made mistakes. However, they definitely bring out the best in each other, and I love how supportive and encouraging they are. When together, they can let their guards down, and I think that is something they both find refreshing. And their chemistry is off the charts! Victoria and Rafael have a history, and both regret the way they left things, but circumstances out of their control led to their separations. It’s lovely to see them slowly build a relationship and work their way towards each other.
Victoria learns throughout the story how to stick up for herself more. She has this persistent desire to take charge of her life and work her way out from under her father’s thumb. First, she does this in small ways, but as the story progresses, Victoria really takes ownership of her life and her decisions. Rafael is similar in his desire to be seen as an equal in the family business. He often feels like his past mistakes and his less than stellar reputation still haunt him, and he wants to be respected for the responsible man he is today. I like how Victoria and Rafael both grow and change and strive for their goals and think that much of their growth has to do with their growing feelings for each other.
Other characters in the story are interesting, including a bridezilla, Rafael’s family, and many of Victoria’s family members. However, her father and her ex are both horrible men. I don’t know how Victoria handled most interactions with them in the cool and composed way that she did. Many people, including these two men, see her as weak and disappointing, but they fail to see her worth and the worth of others who are not in their social circle. Luckily, Rafael’s brothers and cousins and Victoria’s siblings and friends are super supportive and loyal.
Overall, I liked this addition to the Blackwood Cellars series. I would recommend that you check out the content warnings, as there are some situations that could be triggering for readers. However, I think readers who like contemporary romance will enjoy the story. Though it’s the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone, but the protagonists from the first two books do make appearances in this book. Thanks so much to Carla Luna and Rachel’s Random Resources for sending me a copy of the book!
Rafael can’t believe it when he goes to pitch for the holiday wedding job. He hasn’t seen Victoria in years, and he is still hurt by how she disappeared without a word. Victoria and Rafael are both determined to keep things professional, but their feelings for each other grow, and both must figure out what they truly want.
I enjoyed Victoria and Rafael’s stories. They are realistic and relatable, and I like how they are both trying to better themselves. Neither is perfect, and they’ve both made mistakes. However, they definitely bring out the best in each other, and I love how supportive and encouraging they are. When together, they can let their guards down, and I think that is something they both find refreshing. And their chemistry is off the charts! Victoria and Rafael have a history, and both regret the way they left things, but circumstances out of their control led to their separations. It’s lovely to see them slowly build a relationship and work their way towards each other.
Victoria learns throughout the story how to stick up for herself more. She has this persistent desire to take charge of her life and work her way out from under her father’s thumb. First, she does this in small ways, but as the story progresses, Victoria really takes ownership of her life and her decisions. Rafael is similar in his desire to be seen as an equal in the family business. He often feels like his past mistakes and his less than stellar reputation still haunt him, and he wants to be respected for the responsible man he is today. I like how Victoria and Rafael both grow and change and strive for their goals and think that much of their growth has to do with their growing feelings for each other.
Other characters in the story are interesting, including a bridezilla, Rafael’s family, and many of Victoria’s family members. However, her father and her ex are both horrible men. I don’t know how Victoria handled most interactions with them in the cool and composed way that she did. Many people, including these two men, see her as weak and disappointing, but they fail to see her worth and the worth of others who are not in their social circle. Luckily, Rafael’s brothers and cousins and Victoria’s siblings and friends are super supportive and loyal.
Overall, I liked this addition to the Blackwood Cellars series. I would recommend that you check out the content warnings, as there are some situations that could be triggering for readers. However, I think readers who like contemporary romance will enjoy the story. Though it’s the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone, but the protagonists from the first two books do make appearances in this book. Thanks so much to Carla Luna and Rachel’s Random Resources for sending me a copy of the book!
November 20, 2021
I loved the first book in this series, Blue Hawaiian, and I enjoyed book two, Red Velvet, as well. So I was excited for this third one. It did not disappoint! I ended up loving this one almost as much as the first one! Victoria had a really great story, so much drama both in her past and her present. We knew from the last book that she was now going to have to be the wedding coordinator for her ex-fiance’s wedding, and that he and his new bride-to-be wanted to use her exact plans and date. But boy was it so much worse than that! Missy, the new woman, was a total bridezilla. And Ben, her ex, wow, what a douche.
Then we had Rafael, a new character for us to meet, but an old flame for Victoria. We learned just what Victoria had done that her dad was holding over her head to make her continue to work this wedding. There was a lot of family drama, but not just for Victoria, even Rafael had things to deal with from his own past. Because of that, the two really were perfectly matched. I honestly wasn’t irritated at all with any of the things that people kept secrets about in this one, I think all of them were realistic and reasonable. In fact I feel like they told people when they needed to, instead of making crazy stupid dramatic decisions not to. So when things did blow up at the end, it was real, and neither of the had any reason to really feel bad about secrets they kept. Sure, both of them, especially Victoria could have handled things better. But it was really easy to see why she did what she did, as well as why Rafael wasn’t so quick to let it all smooth back down.
A wonderful end to this series, and I look forward to reading more from her in the future. I also want to try some of those Christmas themed drinks they discussed, especially that sleigh driver drink, even if they didn’t enjoy it that much.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
Then we had Rafael, a new character for us to meet, but an old flame for Victoria. We learned just what Victoria had done that her dad was holding over her head to make her continue to work this wedding. There was a lot of family drama, but not just for Victoria, even Rafael had things to deal with from his own past. Because of that, the two really were perfectly matched. I honestly wasn’t irritated at all with any of the things that people kept secrets about in this one, I think all of them were realistic and reasonable. In fact I feel like they told people when they needed to, instead of making crazy stupid dramatic decisions not to. So when things did blow up at the end, it was real, and neither of the had any reason to really feel bad about secrets they kept. Sure, both of them, especially Victoria could have handled things better. But it was really easy to see why she did what she did, as well as why Rafael wasn’t so quick to let it all smooth back down.
A wonderful end to this series, and I look forward to reading more from her in the future. I also want to try some of those Christmas themed drinks they discussed, especially that sleigh driver drink, even if they didn’t enjoy it that much.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
December 8, 2021
I did it! I completed a whole romance series! Hurray for me! 😆
I’m starting my review for “White Wedding” on this humorous note because anyone who knows me knows I rarely hit the “sequels and second season” stage of anything, be it books, TV, or movies.
In this case, it helps that the Blackwood Cellar Series is written by Carla Luna, one of my favorite writer friends-turned-authors. While so many of us spent our pandemic year (the first one, that is … oof 😣) doing puzzles, drinking copious amounts of wine, and trying to get our hands on a sourdough starter, Carla buckled down and wrote a trilogy centered on the women and men who own and work for Blackwood Cellars, a winery based in California’s Temecula Valley.
In “White Wedding,” we get to know Victoria Blackwood, daughter of the winery’s antagonistic owner, who (for reasons that become clear in the book) has to plan the Christmas-themed wedding of her asshole ex-fiancé. Complicating matters? The only catering company available to help the winery (which is hosting the affair) is owned by the brothers of Victoria's former lover, Rafael, who needs this gig as his “big break” with his family’s business. The stakes are high and the steam between these characters is off the charts as Carla weaves a great “will they or won’t they?” storyline out of their predicament.
I had the great honor of getting to be a beta reader for the first two books in Carla’s series, but a big work commitment kept me from being able to do the same with Book 3. In a way, I’m glad I had to bow out, because it allowed me to read “White Wedding” solely as a fan. And I can certainly say, after finishing this book, I am absolutely one of Carla’s biggest! This book went down as easy and smooth as one of the cranberry mojitos Rafael whips up for Victoria—I loved it from start to finish and I’m so proud of my friend for accomplishing her dream of publication this year!
I’m starting my review for “White Wedding” on this humorous note because anyone who knows me knows I rarely hit the “sequels and second season” stage of anything, be it books, TV, or movies.
In this case, it helps that the Blackwood Cellar Series is written by Carla Luna, one of my favorite writer friends-turned-authors. While so many of us spent our pandemic year (the first one, that is … oof 😣) doing puzzles, drinking copious amounts of wine, and trying to get our hands on a sourdough starter, Carla buckled down and wrote a trilogy centered on the women and men who own and work for Blackwood Cellars, a winery based in California’s Temecula Valley.
In “White Wedding,” we get to know Victoria Blackwood, daughter of the winery’s antagonistic owner, who (for reasons that become clear in the book) has to plan the Christmas-themed wedding of her asshole ex-fiancé. Complicating matters? The only catering company available to help the winery (which is hosting the affair) is owned by the brothers of Victoria's former lover, Rafael, who needs this gig as his “big break” with his family’s business. The stakes are high and the steam between these characters is off the charts as Carla weaves a great “will they or won’t they?” storyline out of their predicament.
I had the great honor of getting to be a beta reader for the first two books in Carla’s series, but a big work commitment kept me from being able to do the same with Book 3. In a way, I’m glad I had to bow out, because it allowed me to read “White Wedding” solely as a fan. And I can certainly say, after finishing this book, I am absolutely one of Carla’s biggest! This book went down as easy and smooth as one of the cranberry mojitos Rafael whips up for Victoria—I loved it from start to finish and I’m so proud of my friend for accomplishing her dream of publication this year!
May 18, 2023
White Wedding by Carla Luna
White Wedding follows Victoria Blackwell and Rafael Sanchez, a couple they knew each other years ago. Trying to make up for something that happened in her past, Victoria, who works for her father, is tasked with organizing her ex-fiancée’s wedding, much to her irritations. Coordinating this holiday wedding is nothing but trouble, and there are complications after complications, and Victoria’s at her wit’s end, especially since the bride is the epitome of a bridezilla. When the need for a new caterer arises, Victoria is stunned to see that a man she knew long ago runs one of the companies.
Rafael can’t believe it when he goes to pitch for the holiday wedding job. He hasn’t seen Victoria in years, and he is still hurt by how she disappeared without a word. Victoria and Rafael are both determined to keep things professional, but their feelings for each other grow, and both must figure out what they truly want.
White Wedding follows Victoria Blackwell and Rafael Sanchez, a couple they knew each other years ago. Trying to make up for something that happened in her past, Victoria, who works for her father, is tasked with organizing her ex-fiancée’s wedding, much to her irritations. Coordinating this holiday wedding is nothing but trouble, and there are complications after complications, and Victoria’s at her wit’s end, especially since the bride is the epitome of a bridezilla. When the need for a new caterer arises, Victoria is stunned to see that a man she knew long ago runs one of the companies.
Rafael can’t believe it when he goes to pitch for the holiday wedding job. He hasn’t seen Victoria in years, and he is still hurt by how she disappeared without a word. Victoria and Rafael are both determined to keep things professional, but their feelings for each other grow, and both must figure out what they truly want.
December 27, 2024
I liked the relationship and the wedding plot device, but the familial relationship was loose on believability and a bit black and white for my liking. Every last one of the FMCs family was a villain and she addressed it so poorly. Also … Really weird to not address her disordered exercising??
December 5, 2023
the start was fun, loved the concept but just didn’t connect with the characters & got a little bored🥲
December 13, 2023
It was good but plotwise my least favorite of the 3 books :( I feel like a lot less happened compared to Blue Hawaiian and Red Velvet
December 21, 2023
Listen .. I‘m probably not in the best mood to have read this kind of book because I‘m kind of over these generic, wannabe deep love stories that still hone in on women’s insecurities like there’s no tomorrow and portray unrealistic standards. The thing that bugged me THE MOST was the constant mention of weight/food related guilt - we should be over portraying that in books/movies etc by now, especially in a way where there’s no learning from it like oh you know sometimes I like to eat TWO CANDIES A DAY and that’s fine because I deserve it and I mustn’t run an extra mile the day after to make up for it. I‘m sick and tired of reading about these things and grand gestures of love because *I* keep comparing myself to these fictional characters even though I know I shouldn’t - I don’t want to know what it’s going to be like for a more naive and gullible person reading these things and thinking oh shit this is what my life is supposed to be like right?
Regardless, talking about the actual story of this book: eh, it was okay I guess. I couldn’t stop thinking that this kind of story literally would only happen in a fictional plot line (well duh but again I‘m not in the mood to immerse myself in a story like this atm because it‘s so unbelievable and the problems seemed so minuscule on the big scale of life)
The love story was okay, there where some points towards the end where I was like YES gimme more (mostly bad stuff for the characters like heart break lol) but I knew it would turn out alright
This is the third and last book in this companion novel series and we’ve met Victoria the FMC before in book one - but you wouldn’t know it! She’s completely different in my opinion. In the first book she is depicted as this mean, cold blooded bitch who’s petty and kind of despicable. Yes, it’s hinted at that this is mostly facade and there’s someone else behind her walls but I kind of wish we had seen more of her character from the first book and that some more character flaws were used because nobody’s perfect (you live and you learn it 🎶)
All in all, I‘m not gonna lie it was still fun while it lasted! I had a hoot taking this book apart and while it didn’t really get me in the Christmas spirit which had been my goal in the first place it was still fun to complain about this in my many status updates 😂 sudern at its finest
Regardless, talking about the actual story of this book: eh, it was okay I guess. I couldn’t stop thinking that this kind of story literally would only happen in a fictional plot line (well duh but again I‘m not in the mood to immerse myself in a story like this atm because it‘s so unbelievable and the problems seemed so minuscule on the big scale of life)
The love story was okay, there where some points towards the end where I was like YES gimme more (mostly bad stuff for the characters like heart break lol) but I knew it would turn out alright
This is the third and last book in this companion novel series and we’ve met Victoria the FMC before in book one - but you wouldn’t know it! She’s completely different in my opinion. In the first book she is depicted as this mean, cold blooded bitch who’s petty and kind of despicable. Yes, it’s hinted at that this is mostly facade and there’s someone else behind her walls but I kind of wish we had seen more of her character from the first book and that some more character flaws were used because nobody’s perfect (you live and you learn it 🎶)
All in all, I‘m not gonna lie it was still fun while it lasted! I had a hoot taking this book apart and while it didn’t really get me in the Christmas spirit which had been my goal in the first place it was still fun to complain about this in my many status updates 😂 sudern at its finest
January 12, 2024
I am so sad this series is over! I randomly got the first one in some free book download off Kindle, and then proceeded to purchase the other two because I couldn't get enough. I LOVE Carla Luna's writing and story development! And this one did not disappoint!
What I loved about this story is that I felt as though the central conflict was believable and didn't involve dumb tropes like miscommunication or not talking to each other or mistrust. I love that it was based on decisions the main characters made rather than situations they fell into. Like the big "misunderstanding" moment that breaks them up was not because someone overheard part of a conversation or because they refuse to tell each other something. It was because of a decision Victoria made. It put her at the center of the conflict, and she had to make it right to win Rafael back.
This whole story was so good! I consumed it in under 10 days. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a spicy romcom, as Carla Luna has NAILED this genre (pun intended).
What I loved about this story is that I felt as though the central conflict was believable and didn't involve dumb tropes like miscommunication or not talking to each other or mistrust. I love that it was based on decisions the main characters made rather than situations they fell into. Like the big "misunderstanding" moment that breaks them up was not because someone overheard part of a conversation or because they refuse to tell each other something. It was because of a decision Victoria made. It put her at the center of the conflict, and she had to make it right to win Rafael back.
This whole story was so good! I consumed it in under 10 days. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a spicy romcom, as Carla Luna has NAILED this genre (pun intended).
October 13, 2021
Carla Luna has done it again. White Wedding, the third book in her Blackwood Cellars series, is as heartbreakingly romantic as they come. I swear, I get lost in Luna’s books. And I always fall in love with her characters. Summary: Victoria Blackwood’s father bailed her out of trouble five years ago and she’s been paying him back for it ever since. She can wipe the slate clean if she manages a wedding event at Blackwood Cellars—the wedding event that was supposed to be hers until her rat-fink ex dumped her for another. Victoria swallows her pride and grinds her teeth in an effort to cater to Mindy, the queen of all bridezillas. When Mindy insults the last of Victoria’s go-to caterers, the only option available is Tres Hermanos. Victoria is prepared to grovel, if necessary, to get the catering company to take on the huge society wedding last minute. She has no idea the person running the catering job would be Rafael Sanchez, the one person who had the best reason to stay the heck away from her. Turns out giving a guy a fake name, having a passionate week-long fling, and then ditching the guy tends to create some bad feels. But Rafael grudgingly contracts to do the wedding. Despite the past, passions flare again, but they need to keep things secret. Both their careers are on the line. Will they pull this wedding-from-hell off, or will everything fall apart like the gingerbread house you made as a kid? You definitely want to be on the guest list for this wedding. Five stars!
November 9, 2021
I adored this white-hot, swoony second-chance romance. Despite her flaws, I couldn’t help rooting for Victoria, who has to overcome her jerk of an ex, his bridezilla, and her overbearing father to bring off the wedding of the year. Rafael has his own dragons to slay, and I loved watching this couple become the best versions of themselves together. A delicious end to the series!
November 6, 2021
I was kindly gifted an e-copy of this book for my honest review as part of the book tour for Rachel’s Random Resources and I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
When I noticed it was the 3rd in the series, I was a bit worried about reading it as a standalone but I thought it worked perfectly for that. I do want to read the first 2 in this series though and see how they connect to this book
This story, is a typical romance book, boy meets girl, they fall in love, drama happens and they end up back together but what do you expect from a romance novel? I adored this story and I adored the characters, I’m glad that Victoria finally stands up for herself at the end of this book and that in the end things may not be so perfect for the perfect couple, leading Missy to realise the life she is marrying herself into and one that Victoria narrowly avoided.
I loved the family ethos from Rafaels family and how it shows, family should stick together. This is an easy read and an enjoyable one if you enjoy romance novels
When I noticed it was the 3rd in the series, I was a bit worried about reading it as a standalone but I thought it worked perfectly for that. I do want to read the first 2 in this series though and see how they connect to this book
This story, is a typical romance book, boy meets girl, they fall in love, drama happens and they end up back together but what do you expect from a romance novel? I adored this story and I adored the characters, I’m glad that Victoria finally stands up for herself at the end of this book and that in the end things may not be so perfect for the perfect couple, leading Missy to realise the life she is marrying herself into and one that Victoria narrowly avoided.
I loved the family ethos from Rafaels family and how it shows, family should stick together. This is an easy read and an enjoyable one if you enjoy romance novels
December 21, 2023
minus stars for the fade to black spice smh
February 29, 2024
This whole series was just ok. A nice escape but spicy and predictable. A little too much drama for my taste, but not so bad I could not finish
December 10, 2024
Another good, easy romance read to round off the series.
February 9, 2023
Best book in the series for me. They are all really good &, fun but this one hit different. :)
November 17, 2021
When I tell you no one is responsible for more pleasure than a chef . . . Rafael comes to mind. Tall, dark, handsome, AND a great cook! He is the ultimate book boyfriend, and him purring "mi amor" into Victoria's ear will melt your knees to goo.
I also adored Victoria and her character growth ARC. From an insecure, if a bit of a doormat character, to a fulfilled woman finding her power who just happens to have a swoony man at her side even if she doesn't need him.
I highly recommend this second chance romance perfect for a winter's night read by the fire with some hot cocoa in hand.
I also adored Victoria and her character growth ARC. From an insecure, if a bit of a doormat character, to a fulfilled woman finding her power who just happens to have a swoony man at her side even if she doesn't need him.
I highly recommend this second chance romance perfect for a winter's night read by the fire with some hot cocoa in hand.
December 30, 2021
I want to start off by saying this is the 3rd book in the Blackwood Cellars Series by author Carla Luna but it is first book in the series I’ve read. I think it makes a great standalone book but I really look forward to reading the first two books 𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘦 𝘏𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘪𝘢𝘯 and 𝘙𝘦𝘥 𝘝𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘵 to see how they fit into the family dynamic.
𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘞𝘦𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 focuses on Victoria Blackwood, daughter of Brian Blackwood who runs the family business Blackwood Cellars. Victoria works as an event planner for the family business and is desperately trying to earn her fathers respect after having committed what her father perceives an unforgivable mistake years prior. As we get deeper into the book we learn more about their history and reasons for the complicated and strained relationship. Victoria struggles to meet her fathers expectations while trying to break free from the control he holds over her life.
After recently having been dumped by her ex-fiancée Ben Victoria finds herself in the gut-wrenching situation of planning his wedding to the woman he cheated on her with. To add insult to injury they have decided to use the same date and venue Victoria had previously booked when she was the bride-to-be … Dec 22nd at Blackwood Cellars Estate. For obvious reasons she is less than excited to be planning this event but her father promised he would wipe her slate clean if she pulls of the perfect 𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘞𝘦𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨.
This is when we meet Rafael Sanchez. The sexy young chef who will be catering the wedding. Only this isn’t the first time Victoria and Rafael meet. As it turns out they had a fling several years ago but agree to handle the event at hand with professionalism and not give into their feelings. In some ways Victory and Rafael are quite similar in that they are both trying to earn the respect of the family and to be seen as equals. The stark difference is their family dynamics. The Blackwood family, primarily the patriarch Brian Blackwood is business and doesn’t regard how his decisions affect his children’s feelings if it gives him an advantage business wise or within his social/political circles. I really felt for Victoria who’s story is rather heartbreaking and to know she didn’t have her family in her corner as she tried to heal from the trauma. Rafaels family is quite the opposite. He works at the family restaurant and catering business Tres Hermanos with his cousins and several other family members working in other roles making it a true multigenerational family business. Years prior he too had made a mistake that greatly disappointed his cousin but they gave him a second chance and opportunity to regain their trust. The wedding at Blackwood Cellars being his big chance at redemption.
I really loved Victoria and Rafael, they were relatable and flawed which really made me root for their love story. It was obvious they had a great connection and passion when they first met but I was curious how they would handle rekindling their relationship when they reunited years later and not in a tropical paradise. I loved it wasn’t smooth sailing, those bumps in the road as they found their way back to each other made it seem much more believable. I am a strong believer that opposites attract and I wish there was another book in this series to check in on them down the road to see how their relationship faired.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘞𝘦𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 focuses on Victoria Blackwood, daughter of Brian Blackwood who runs the family business Blackwood Cellars. Victoria works as an event planner for the family business and is desperately trying to earn her fathers respect after having committed what her father perceives an unforgivable mistake years prior. As we get deeper into the book we learn more about their history and reasons for the complicated and strained relationship. Victoria struggles to meet her fathers expectations while trying to break free from the control he holds over her life.
After recently having been dumped by her ex-fiancée Ben Victoria finds herself in the gut-wrenching situation of planning his wedding to the woman he cheated on her with. To add insult to injury they have decided to use the same date and venue Victoria had previously booked when she was the bride-to-be … Dec 22nd at Blackwood Cellars Estate. For obvious reasons she is less than excited to be planning this event but her father promised he would wipe her slate clean if she pulls of the perfect 𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘞𝘦𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨.
This is when we meet Rafael Sanchez. The sexy young chef who will be catering the wedding. Only this isn’t the first time Victoria and Rafael meet. As it turns out they had a fling several years ago but agree to handle the event at hand with professionalism and not give into their feelings. In some ways Victory and Rafael are quite similar in that they are both trying to earn the respect of the family and to be seen as equals. The stark difference is their family dynamics. The Blackwood family, primarily the patriarch Brian Blackwood is business and doesn’t regard how his decisions affect his children’s feelings if it gives him an advantage business wise or within his social/political circles. I really felt for Victoria who’s story is rather heartbreaking and to know she didn’t have her family in her corner as she tried to heal from the trauma. Rafaels family is quite the opposite. He works at the family restaurant and catering business Tres Hermanos with his cousins and several other family members working in other roles making it a true multigenerational family business. Years prior he too had made a mistake that greatly disappointed his cousin but they gave him a second chance and opportunity to regain their trust. The wedding at Blackwood Cellars being his big chance at redemption.
I really loved Victoria and Rafael, they were relatable and flawed which really made me root for their love story. It was obvious they had a great connection and passion when they first met but I was curious how they would handle rekindling their relationship when they reunited years later and not in a tropical paradise. I loved it wasn’t smooth sailing, those bumps in the road as they found their way back to each other made it seem much more believable. I am a strong believer that opposites attract and I wish there was another book in this series to check in on them down the road to see how their relationship faired.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
September 1, 2025
After reading all three books in the Blackwood Cellars series, I suspect ChatGPT wrote most of these books. The books share nearly identical timelines, plot arcs, and character interactions, such as the two-week romance that ended in one character ghosting the other five years prior. Additionally, the turns of phrases were classic Chat GPT generated: phrases like, “_____ wasn’t an option”, or “he was her dirty little secret.” The writing ended up sounding formulaic rather than original, which mirrors the default narrative generated by these AI platforms. The timeline of forgiveness was also incredibly difficult to believe. If someone spent two weeks with you in an emotionally-charged love setting, then ghosted you and broke your heart only to see that person five years later, forgiveness would take a lot longer than a day. Chat GPT can emulate emotional anecdotes, but it cannot comprehend the time frame for that level of broken heart. “Emotional wounds are resolved with minimal tension and conflict, which is a common simplification found in AI-generated fiction meant to produce satisfying arcs quickly” (ChatGPT). Chat GPT wrote a fun story that was repeated throughout this trilogy of Blackwood Cellars.
I just plugged this original content into Chat GPT, and here is the output:
“After reading all three books in the Blackwood Cellars series, I strongly suspect that ChatGPT or a similar AI model was used to generate most of the content. The books follow nearly identical timelines, plot arcs, and character dynamics—for example, each features a two-week romance that ended in one character ghosting the other five years ago.
The phrasing also bears clear hallmarks of AI-generated writing. Repeated expressions like ”_____ wasn’t an option” or “he was her dirty little secret” reflect classic ChatGPT tropes. These lines, and many others, felt formulaic rather than fresh or personal.
Additionally, the emotional arcs—especially the speed of forgiveness—were implausible. If someone shattered your heart five years ago after a deeply emotional connection, it would likely take more than a single morning stroll through a vineyard to heal. AI can emulate emotional patterns, but it struggles to authentically convey the psychological pacing of grief, betrayal, or reconciliation.
To quote ChatGPT itself: “Emotional wounds are resolved with minimal tension and conflict, which is a common simplification found in AI-generated fiction meant to produce satisfying arcs quickly.” That line encapsulates this trilogy. It’s a fun and escapist series—but one that feels like it was algorithmically produced, rather than emotionally lived.”
I am very interested to follow Carla Luna’s writing career as she continues to generate stories using AI. If she succeeds, she’ll be paving a path forward for other writers to quickly deliver satisfying stories with good narration and quick read times. A good story is a good story, and ChatGPT is a tool to enhance one’s writing. I’m not sure how true artists and creatives will take to this new reality (I imagine with great disappointment and resentment), but here we are. Very interesting indeed.
I just plugged this original content into Chat GPT, and here is the output:
“After reading all three books in the Blackwood Cellars series, I strongly suspect that ChatGPT or a similar AI model was used to generate most of the content. The books follow nearly identical timelines, plot arcs, and character dynamics—for example, each features a two-week romance that ended in one character ghosting the other five years ago.
The phrasing also bears clear hallmarks of AI-generated writing. Repeated expressions like ”_____ wasn’t an option” or “he was her dirty little secret” reflect classic ChatGPT tropes. These lines, and many others, felt formulaic rather than fresh or personal.
Additionally, the emotional arcs—especially the speed of forgiveness—were implausible. If someone shattered your heart five years ago after a deeply emotional connection, it would likely take more than a single morning stroll through a vineyard to heal. AI can emulate emotional patterns, but it struggles to authentically convey the psychological pacing of grief, betrayal, or reconciliation.
To quote ChatGPT itself: “Emotional wounds are resolved with minimal tension and conflict, which is a common simplification found in AI-generated fiction meant to produce satisfying arcs quickly.” That line encapsulates this trilogy. It’s a fun and escapist series—but one that feels like it was algorithmically produced, rather than emotionally lived.”
I am very interested to follow Carla Luna’s writing career as she continues to generate stories using AI. If she succeeds, she’ll be paving a path forward for other writers to quickly deliver satisfying stories with good narration and quick read times. A good story is a good story, and ChatGPT is a tool to enhance one’s writing. I’m not sure how true artists and creatives will take to this new reality (I imagine with great disappointment and resentment), but here we are. Very interesting indeed.
November 16, 2021
I can always count on LOL chaos and family angst with Ms. Luna's delightful romantic comedies and White Wedding is rife with it all. This series has been fun as I attended weddings, drank wine, and cheered on the happy endings.
Victoria Blackwood, the Event Coordinator at Blackwood Cellars, is under her father's control due to a costly mistake she made in Paris several years ago. As payback, her father is forcing her to coordinate her nasty ex-fiance's Christmas wedding with his selfish and pregnant bridezilla wife-to-be. The same wedding Victoria had planned before he cheated on her. If that isn't enough, the caterer is a former hookup she had in Baja whom she never forgot. Her father would never forgive her for messing up again with another man, so she keeps their relationship a secret. But secrets are a heavy thing and bound to be discovered.
Rafael Sanchez wants to prove himself to his brothers due to his stupid mistakes in the past. So against his better judgment and his personal feelings toward Victoria Blackwood and the unforgettable time they had in Baja five years ago, he is taking on the biggest catering event of his life. And he's losing his heart in the bargain to a woman who is out of his league.
Victoria and Rafael are complete opposites. Her wealth and his modest upbringing are a contention between them though I believe Rafael will make a name for himself with his fantastic cooking skills. In addition, Rafael comes from a loving and supporting family while Victoria's family dynamics are dysfunctional at best. Her brother Connor is supportive of her, but her mom is a pushover and her father is a grade-A manipulative and toxic asshole who I had the displeasure to meet in Blue Hawaiian. There were times when I just thought Rafael deserved better after the way Victoria treated him, but she did finally put herself out there in front of his family by giving him a gutsy grand gesture. This was an okay story, but I didn't feel as invested as I did in the other two books. I think it was my disappointment in Victoria's weakness and her lack of backbone with her father. I like Rafael much more with his incredible culinary skills, his love of family, and how he was invested in the relationship much more than Victoria seemed to be.
I enjoyed Rafael's delightful cousin Araceli who has a no-nonsense attitude and a love for happy endings. It was nice to see all of the other characters in the previous books as well.
If you love messy relationships, Christmas weddings, and second chances at love, give this book a try. Please check out my reviews for the other books in the series, Blue Hawaiian and Red Velvet.
Thank you to Ms. Luna for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Victoria Blackwood, the Event Coordinator at Blackwood Cellars, is under her father's control due to a costly mistake she made in Paris several years ago. As payback, her father is forcing her to coordinate her nasty ex-fiance's Christmas wedding with his selfish and pregnant bridezilla wife-to-be. The same wedding Victoria had planned before he cheated on her. If that isn't enough, the caterer is a former hookup she had in Baja whom she never forgot. Her father would never forgive her for messing up again with another man, so she keeps their relationship a secret. But secrets are a heavy thing and bound to be discovered.
Rafael Sanchez wants to prove himself to his brothers due to his stupid mistakes in the past. So against his better judgment and his personal feelings toward Victoria Blackwood and the unforgettable time they had in Baja five years ago, he is taking on the biggest catering event of his life. And he's losing his heart in the bargain to a woman who is out of his league.
Victoria and Rafael are complete opposites. Her wealth and his modest upbringing are a contention between them though I believe Rafael will make a name for himself with his fantastic cooking skills. In addition, Rafael comes from a loving and supporting family while Victoria's family dynamics are dysfunctional at best. Her brother Connor is supportive of her, but her mom is a pushover and her father is a grade-A manipulative and toxic asshole who I had the displeasure to meet in Blue Hawaiian. There were times when I just thought Rafael deserved better after the way Victoria treated him, but she did finally put herself out there in front of his family by giving him a gutsy grand gesture. This was an okay story, but I didn't feel as invested as I did in the other two books. I think it was my disappointment in Victoria's weakness and her lack of backbone with her father. I like Rafael much more with his incredible culinary skills, his love of family, and how he was invested in the relationship much more than Victoria seemed to be.
I enjoyed Rafael's delightful cousin Araceli who has a no-nonsense attitude and a love for happy endings. It was nice to see all of the other characters in the previous books as well.
If you love messy relationships, Christmas weddings, and second chances at love, give this book a try. Please check out my reviews for the other books in the series, Blue Hawaiian and Red Velvet.
Thank you to Ms. Luna for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
November 21, 2021
After a hideous mistake left Victoria Blackwood in debt to her father, she's been the perfect daughter, up to and including co-ordinating the wedding of her unfaithful ex to his bridezilla for the wedding date that was going to be hers. The last thing she needs is to find out the caterer is her smoking hot fling from the past, who saw her at her lowest and who she ghosted with a fake name. Rafael Sanchez wants to prove to his older brothers that he can be trusted with a big event, even a last-minute Christmas wedding. Victoria and Rafael both need this wedding to go off without a hitch but their chemistry is as hot as ever and it's proving impossible to resist.
This book is a wild ride. The characters are incredible, either charming and loveable (the Sanchezes) or those you love to hate (Victoria's father, her ex, and the bride). Both Victoria and Rafael are working so hard to leave behind the mistakes of the past, even when the people around them refuse to acknowledge this. And yet, with everything riding on this wedding and the clock ticking down, they decide to risk it all. The tension (and I'm not just talking sexual) ratchets up until it's almost unbearable and all you can do is sit back and enjoy the ride until its satisfying conclusion.
While this is the third in a trilogy with cameos from previous leads, there are no spoilers and you could jump in easily. I just wish there was am epilogue to see how Victoria and Rafael enjoy their forever.
Best enjoyed with a glass of wine because Blackwood Cellars will leave you thirsty!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own.
This book is a wild ride. The characters are incredible, either charming and loveable (the Sanchezes) or those you love to hate (Victoria's father, her ex, and the bride). Both Victoria and Rafael are working so hard to leave behind the mistakes of the past, even when the people around them refuse to acknowledge this. And yet, with everything riding on this wedding and the clock ticking down, they decide to risk it all. The tension (and I'm not just talking sexual) ratchets up until it's almost unbearable and all you can do is sit back and enjoy the ride until its satisfying conclusion.
While this is the third in a trilogy with cameos from previous leads, there are no spoilers and you could jump in easily. I just wish there was am epilogue to see how Victoria and Rafael enjoy their forever.
Best enjoyed with a glass of wine because Blackwood Cellars will leave you thirsty!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own.
November 17, 2021
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
I loved White Wedding! I hadn’t anticipated how quickly I’d finish the book--in one day--but from the get go, I was instantly hooked on Victoria’s story, and I had a really hard time putting it down. I couldn’t believe that Victoria had been forced into being the wedding coordinator for her ex fiancée and his new fiancée. I couldn’t stand her father. But I could also tell that the dynamic between Victoria and her father was one of constant need for approval; she never felt like she measured up in his eyes, and it was obvious she was willing to do whatever it took to make him proud.
When Rafael and Victoria meet up again after not seeing each other for so long, it was a perfectly awkward scene! I loved how Carla Luna set up the moment when they first laid eyes on each other, because it set the stage for everything going forward. Both characters have a lot on the line when it comes to the wedding. Victoria seeks redemption and eventually, freedom. And Rafael seeks approval and eventually, trust. If there are any slip-ups, they could lose a lot.
While I appreciated the connection between Rafael and Victoria, what I loved the most was the transition Victoria goes through while attempting to mature and get out from under her father’s thumb. There were so many moments where I wanted to yell at her, to tell her to stand up for herself, and not let him get to her or treat her the way he does. And I wanted to yell at her father, too. I felt really emotionally invested in Victoria’s struggles, and I’d hoped to see where things would end up for her and her familial relationships, as well as where things could potentially go with Rafael.
This is my first book in the Blackwood Cellars series, but I want to read the first two, because this one was just so good! A definite five-star experience!
I loved White Wedding! I hadn’t anticipated how quickly I’d finish the book--in one day--but from the get go, I was instantly hooked on Victoria’s story, and I had a really hard time putting it down. I couldn’t believe that Victoria had been forced into being the wedding coordinator for her ex fiancée and his new fiancée. I couldn’t stand her father. But I could also tell that the dynamic between Victoria and her father was one of constant need for approval; she never felt like she measured up in his eyes, and it was obvious she was willing to do whatever it took to make him proud.
When Rafael and Victoria meet up again after not seeing each other for so long, it was a perfectly awkward scene! I loved how Carla Luna set up the moment when they first laid eyes on each other, because it set the stage for everything going forward. Both characters have a lot on the line when it comes to the wedding. Victoria seeks redemption and eventually, freedom. And Rafael seeks approval and eventually, trust. If there are any slip-ups, they could lose a lot.
While I appreciated the connection between Rafael and Victoria, what I loved the most was the transition Victoria goes through while attempting to mature and get out from under her father’s thumb. There were so many moments where I wanted to yell at her, to tell her to stand up for herself, and not let him get to her or treat her the way he does. And I wanted to yell at her father, too. I felt really emotionally invested in Victoria’s struggles, and I’d hoped to see where things would end up for her and her familial relationships, as well as where things could potentially go with Rafael.
This is my first book in the Blackwood Cellars series, but I want to read the first two, because this one was just so good! A definite five-star experience!
December 21, 2023
This is a nice, Hispanic Christmas romcom featuring a middle class Mexican chef (Rafael) and Victoria, the rich daughter of a wine mogul in Cali. There’s angst, hidden secrets (no real miscommunication, since there are legitimate reasons both sides didn’t tell each other the truth about their identities) and passionate love. Victoria’s narcissistic dad definitely wanted the Worst Dad Ever prize 🙄 and it’s sad what Victoria emotionally went through, but I was rooting for her as she grew into herself and starting pushing back against her dad’s harassment and emotional abuse.
My only complaint deals with the categorization of this book. I don’t expect publishers to clearly categorize their works after the Wintersong debacle (YA romance that should’ve been shelved under adult erotica) but each platform should do a better job. This doesn’t excuse publishers but Everand (formerly Scribd) didn’t shelf this under erotica, only romantic comedy and contemporary romance.
Authors and publishers, if your work has explicit sexual scenes it should be under EROTICA! I didn’t want to read an erotic Christmas romcom; I skipped through those scenes. If I had known this I wouldn’t have read it.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a Hispanic/Latino-erotic-Christmas-romance-drama then this is for you.
My only complaint deals with the categorization of this book. I don’t expect publishers to clearly categorize their works after the Wintersong debacle (YA romance that should’ve been shelved under adult erotica) but each platform should do a better job. This doesn’t excuse publishers but Everand (formerly Scribd) didn’t shelf this under erotica, only romantic comedy and contemporary romance.
Authors and publishers, if your work has explicit sexual scenes it should be under EROTICA! I didn’t want to read an erotic Christmas romcom; I skipped through those scenes. If I had known this I wouldn’t have read it.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a Hispanic/Latino-erotic-Christmas-romance-drama then this is for you.
June 28, 2023
The last and final book of the series did not disappoint. Following the story of Victoria who we got to meet really early on in the Blue Hawaian series, I feel like i knew enough about her going into this 3rd book but really loved learning so much more about her from her perspective. I feel like all the books in the series had some outrageous antagonists, who really went in with their abuse and ridicule but for me this books main Villain - Missy (in my opinion takes the cake).
I dont know what it is about her being so demanding, rude and unprofessional but I rolled my eyes everytime I had to read about her. Also Victorias father- what a ridiculous and obnoxious character. I think the story Luna was painting was one of a male dominated industry/patriarchy/sexism and the vast difference in experiences sisters go through in comparisons to their brothers within the same family.
Outside of the story of family, I did love the romance between Victoria and Rafael. It felt like such a wonderful ending to the series, with such a healthy romance story of lost love and reconnection. Highly recommend if youre looking for a light read. I also love that the story was told in a way that you could read just this book and still feel whole even if you hadnt read the rest of the series.
I dont know what it is about her being so demanding, rude and unprofessional but I rolled my eyes everytime I had to read about her. Also Victorias father- what a ridiculous and obnoxious character. I think the story Luna was painting was one of a male dominated industry/patriarchy/sexism and the vast difference in experiences sisters go through in comparisons to their brothers within the same family.
Outside of the story of family, I did love the romance between Victoria and Rafael. It felt like such a wonderful ending to the series, with such a healthy romance story of lost love and reconnection. Highly recommend if youre looking for a light read. I also love that the story was told in a way that you could read just this book and still feel whole even if you hadnt read the rest of the series.
November 14, 2021
Steamy romance, luscious food
It’s bad enough that Victoria Blackwood’s boss forces her to coordinate her cheating ex-fiancé’s wedding to a real Bridezilla. It’s worse that her boss is also her father—she works in the family business—and her father is controlling and manipulative. And it’s flat-out awkward when Victoria learns that the caterer she’ll be working with, Rafael Sanchez, is the man with whom she had a passionate fling 5 years ago.
Sparks fly and family and class conflicts flare in this sizzling romance. Cozy details of the gingerbread-filled holiday wedding and luscious gourmet Mexican food lighten the mood as Victoria struggles for independence.
Although this book is the third in the Blackwood Cellars series, it stands on its own. The characters from the first two books make fun cameo appearances, but you don’t need to have read the first two books to understand this one. Although I’d recommend them, too!
It’s bad enough that Victoria Blackwood’s boss forces her to coordinate her cheating ex-fiancé’s wedding to a real Bridezilla. It’s worse that her boss is also her father—she works in the family business—and her father is controlling and manipulative. And it’s flat-out awkward when Victoria learns that the caterer she’ll be working with, Rafael Sanchez, is the man with whom she had a passionate fling 5 years ago.
Sparks fly and family and class conflicts flare in this sizzling romance. Cozy details of the gingerbread-filled holiday wedding and luscious gourmet Mexican food lighten the mood as Victoria struggles for independence.
Although this book is the third in the Blackwood Cellars series, it stands on its own. The characters from the first two books make fun cameo appearances, but you don’t need to have read the first two books to understand this one. Although I’d recommend them, too!
July 24, 2023
Not horrible, but not great, slightly below average romance story.
Cute second chance premise with lots of drama around her ex fiance, but nothing about this book felt super enticing. Not enough angst, tension, longing, etc.
And again the family dynamics were horrible and so so so toxic. The ending didn't quite feel satisfying enough for all the shit she went through.
Also very little spice.
Altogether, the Blackwood Cellar books are average at best. Very formulaic in that the each of the relationships are based on secrets held from toxic family members who they think wouldn't approve, then secrets come to the light, and the couple barely struggles before they're back together again, without a satisfying enough ending to balance the horrible family dynamics that caused the secrets from the beginning. Nothing is outright terrible about the books or supremely boring, but they're def not great.
Cute second chance premise with lots of drama around her ex fiance, but nothing about this book felt super enticing. Not enough angst, tension, longing, etc.
And again the family dynamics were horrible and so so so toxic. The ending didn't quite feel satisfying enough for all the shit she went through.
Also very little spice.
Altogether, the Blackwood Cellar books are average at best. Very formulaic in that the each of the relationships are based on secrets held from toxic family members who they think wouldn't approve, then secrets come to the light, and the couple barely struggles before they're back together again, without a satisfying enough ending to balance the horrible family dynamics that caused the secrets from the beginning. Nothing is outright terrible about the books or supremely boring, but they're def not great.
November 27, 2023
It’s bad enough that Victoria Blackwood’s boss forces her to coordinate her cheating ex-fiancé’s wedding to a real Bridezilla. It’s worse that her boss is also her father—she works in the family business—and her father is controlling and manipulative. And it’s flat-out awkward when Victoria learns that the caterer she’ll be working with, Rafael Sanchez, is the man with whom she had a passionate fling 5 years ago.
Sparks fly and family and class conflicts flare in this sizzling romance. Cozy details of the gingerbread-filled holiday wedding and luscious gourmet Mexican food lighten the mood as Victoria struggles for independence.
Although this book is the third in the Blackwood Cellars series, it stands on its own. The characters from the first two books make fun cameo appearances, but you don’t need to have read the first two books to understand this one. Although I’d recommend them, too!
Sparks fly and family and class conflicts flare in this sizzling romance. Cozy details of the gingerbread-filled holiday wedding and luscious gourmet Mexican food lighten the mood as Victoria struggles for independence.
Although this book is the third in the Blackwood Cellars series, it stands on its own. The characters from the first two books make fun cameo appearances, but you don’t need to have read the first two books to understand this one. Although I’d recommend them, too!
November 30, 2023
I didn’t fall in love with this as much as Blue Hawaiian and Red Velvet, but it was still a good read! It took me longer to warm up to the two main characters than the first two books in the series did. I think that could be due to the setting. The other two books were based in vacation/getaway settings and in this one the readers get to experience work life at Blackwood Cellars/the home-base for the characters.
But overall, I ended up loving Victoria and Rafael, and was definitely rooting for them. Their romance started off quickly, and when things fell apart, it didn’t last too long or drag on. I also really liked how the book ended and the character development of Victoria.
I really loved this three-part series and getting to know the Blackwoods and their significant others. These are very cozy reads and I can’t wait to read more Carla Luna books in the future!
Book Emojis: 🌴🌯❤️🔥🎄👩🏻💻
But overall, I ended up loving Victoria and Rafael, and was definitely rooting for them. Their romance started off quickly, and when things fell apart, it didn’t last too long or drag on. I also really liked how the book ended and the character development of Victoria.
I really loved this three-part series and getting to know the Blackwoods and their significant others. These are very cozy reads and I can’t wait to read more Carla Luna books in the future!
Book Emojis: 🌴🌯❤️🔥🎄👩🏻💻
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