Her baby surprise proves… …that one night will never be enough! Reeling from the secrets that have torn his heritage apart, Enzo Bartolini is set on selling his family’s Tuscan vineyard and trying to forget the impulsive, dazzling night he and best friend Sylvie shared in Paris. While the sale moves forward, the thrilling awareness between him and Sylvie is harder to move past…especially … past…especially when she upends Enzo’s world by revealing she’s carrying his baby!
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We finally get to read Enzo’s perspective about his family’s revelations! It is so hard for him to be the ‘Big Brother” and not be able to protect his sisters from drama and trauma – and all three have had a lot of it in just a short time. Although you do not need to read the first two books in the Bartolini Legacy, about his two sisters, it helps to understand the overall story in this trilogy. And I’ve enjoyed all the books.
I adored Sylvie! She was vulnerable, yet strong. She was trying to make a new life for herself, her own way in life, and she found it at the Bartolini vineyards and hotel where she is a wedding planner extraordinaire. She’s also in love with Enzo, and he her, but Enzo hasn’t quite figured that out yet.
I don’t want to give any spoilers so I will say that their story is heartwarming and heart breaking, all at the same time. Their road to an HEA is not smooth but Enzo has much he has to work thru with his family and himself, before he can be a part of Enzo and Sylvie. Great ending to this trilogy!
Good conclusion to the series. Enzo and Sylvie became good friends when she began working as a wedding planner at the winery. Now that both of his sisters have moved away, Enzo is alone except for her. When he wins a prestigious wine award, he takes Sylvie to Paris for the award ceremony. The romance of the city works its magic on them, and they spend one passionate night together. But Enzo pulls back after their return to Italy, leaving Sylvie hurt and confused.
Enzo is the oldest of the Bartolini siblings and always felt protective of his sisters. The deaths of their parents and the ensuing revelations have left him feeling lost. Enzo is also wallowing in guilt and self-pity over what he sees as his failure to protect his sisters. His guilt is because he found out the family secret when he was a kid, but never told them. His self-pity is because he’s afraid that if he tells them now, they will never forgive him, and he will lose them. All of these feelings get wrapped up in the winery to the point where he feels he must sell it to escape the memories.
Sylvie has been through a lot in her life. The daughter of a single mother, Sylvie’s father died before she was born. She and her mother didn’t have it easy, but they had each other. When her mother got sick, Sylvie cared for her as best she could but was frequently overcome with guilt over not doing enough. But through it all, she kept a smile on her face.
I liked the development of Enzo and Sylvie’s relationship. They went from friends to one-night lovers, then Enzo pulled back. Sylvie is hurt, but soldiers on. When she finds out about Enzo’s plan to sell the winery, she is puzzled. Sylvie knows he loves the place and used to have great plans for it, so she decides to remind him of that love. I enjoyed her attempts and seeing their effect on Enzo. Unfortunately, Enzo’s self-disgust overrides all of the good memories she stirs up. Also stirred up are his growing feelings for Sylvie, but his issues keep him from doing anything about it. Once they discover that Sylvie is pregnant, Enzo’s emotions are all over the place. His guilt pushes him away, but his heart wants Sylvie in his life. Should he sell the winery, or keep it? Sylvie loves him but doesn’t want to be an obligation, so she also does her share of pushing away. It takes a threat to the winery itself to open Enzo’s eyes, and a conversation with his sisters to finally dissolve his guilt. His big moment at the end was sweet and romantic. I liked the epilogue and the way it brought the series full circle.
While it can be read as a stand-alone, reading the previous two books makes this a richer story.
The Italian’s Unexpected Heir by Jennifer Faye is a fabulous wrap up to a sweet trilogy.
Will Enzo really sell the Bartolini property?
Enzo Bartolini
Our hero is the oldest Bartolini child and only son, Enzo. Now that his sisters have left and he is alone, Enzo decides to sell the family property and leave all the lies and disappointments behind. But is this the right decision for Enzo, as all he has ever wanted was to run the vineyard and winery like his father?
Enzo is a deeply caring man with guilt for not taking better care of his sisters. The thing about Enzo is he doesn’t express his feelings or discuss things with others well. I like that he is caring, but he seriously needs to work on communication. He also needs to let go of this self-guilt. Oh, and seriously listen to his elders, at least think about what they are saying without dismissing it.
Another thing about Enzo is he is a hard worker. He is right in there working the vines, in the winery, fighting fires, whatever it takes to get the job done. Enzo is a good guy.
Sylvie
Our heroine is Sylvie DeLuca. She hasn’t had the most comfortable life, but it also wasn’t the worst, as Enzo helps to remind her. However, Sylvie is a fighter, and she will not allow herself to be homeless again. She will stand on her own and support herself. Sylvie, like Enzo, has been in the previous stories. We get to know her dreams and aspirations, along with her nightmares and tragedies. Sylvie is smart, beautiful, and talented.
I like that Sylvie is independent, hard-working, and always willing to go that extra mile. She doesn’t have complete confidence in her designing abilities, but that will come with time. Sylvie brings out the best side of Enzo, and they make an adorable couple.
Five Stars
I love happy endings. Ms. Faye does such a fabulous job wrapping up this family’s tragedy and answering all the questions that I find myself asking at the end of some books. My rating is five stars, and if you are looking for a sweet romance to spend an evening with, this is a great one. I highly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by to check out The Italian’s Unexpected Heir by Jennifer Faye!
This Guest Review is for Baroness’ Book Trove.
Until the next time,
~Jen
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
Thank you Prism for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Italian’s Unexpected Heir
The Bartolini Legacy #3
By: Jennifer Faye
REVIEW
Endings always turn me melancholy. The Italian’s Unexpected Heir is the third and final book of Jennifer Faye’s Bartolini Legacy Series. This book is bittersweet. I’ve had the privilege of reading book one, The Prince And The Wedding Planner, and book two, The Puppy, The CEO, And Me. If they sound like adorable books, I assure you they are indeed. After Bianca and Gia, it is Enzo’s turn.
Enzo is the eldest and only son. He’s carrying a secret that weighs on him. Enzo seems to be so conflicted within himself about the future and the past. He wants to sell the vineyard, yet he really doesn’t want to sell it at all. Enzo is quite the brooding and dark(ish) character of the story.
Conversely, Sylvie, a close friend and wedding planner at the vineyard, is a bit more positive and upbeat about the future. Her past is not great, but she marches on with a subtle, yet, powerful voice and ambition.
One night in Paris, however, is life changing. Each has long held feelings in earnest for the other, but never acknowledged this. Until now. Until the one night tryst that results in Sylvie carrying Enzo’s baby. Yikes!
Sylvie has hopes for a future with Enzo and the vineyard. She is self assured enough to know her own heart. Enzo is too deep in self pity to see past his nose. He doesn’t trust himself to make the right decisions. They are at cross purposes. Maybe Sylvie should reconsider her plans. Maybe Enzo should be true and selfless. What kind of future awaits their baby?
There are loose ends that tie up nicely. Long carried secrets need to be told. Truth, trust, love and recognition of what burns in your soul are life affirming and eye opening. Life is right there in front of you, if you have eyes to see.
This is a wonderful story that charmed and entertained me, plus, all the warm fuzzy feelings are here! Jennifer Faye has an authentic voice, sharing positive vibes and memorable moments through her books. I recommend reading her work, if you haven’t already!
I have been enjoying this saga of three siblings who are reeling from their parents sudden deaths. This is big brother Enzo’s story and he is just as lost if not more than his sisters.
Taking his role as big brother seriously, Enzo is not sure of where to go or what to do as his younger sisters leave the family estate and vineyards to him to go off on their happily ever after’s. Enzo is alone except for his friend and business partner Sylvia.
Both Enzo and Sylvia are still dealing with tragic circumstances and their feelings are all over the place. Sylvia is also very naïve in some things and she does not realize the heart pain her one decision will put her through. Their story shows the life changing circumstances that can happen when wise decisions are thrown out the window.
I did feel that Enzo was wallowing too much in self-pity and his decision making showed that. I liked that Sylvia was not pushy but she was already in love with Enzo and so showed that in her dealings with him. Both of them mature throughout the story as they face the consequences of their one night together and put the baby’s needs first. This was an emotional read at times especially as the siblings deal with the pain of losing their parents and the secrets they kept. However, family triumphs.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
This book is the perfect ending to a wonderful series. I just loved how Ms. Faye wrapped up everyone’s loose ends and we get to Gia, Enzo and Bianca come together as a true family in the end. There was a lot of turmoil in dealing with the major secret and I felt like Ms. Faye handled it well. Enzo is just a grumpy grump but I found that endearing with him. He has a super soft spot that he doesn’t let a bunch of people see except for a select few. When it comes to Sylvie, she sees it. Multiple times so it is easy to really like Enzo from the beginning. Enzo was put in an awful position with the reading of the will, so it was expected.
What really drew me to the story was Sylvie. She had been through a lot but always had a smile on her face. Things bothered her but she never got too down about it. She had a plan and she stuck to it. Was she a Pollyanna? No, she wasn’t. Just even-tempered considering her upbringing. I love a good opposites attract trope and this book delivers. Sylvie and Enzo couldn’t be more different but at the same time, they complete each other.
As usual, Ms. Faye takes her time with her storytelling and nothing is rushed. I love her voice and she lets her characters do the talking. Some would argue that this book is shorter than the others in the series but again, Enzo and Sylvie didn’t need a long book. They laid out their story and just let it happen. Of course, having a baby does that but these two are never apart for very long. The book’s setting is lush and I wish I could visit. Maybe one day.
I will miss this series and I wish we could have had a bit more of an after wedding scene with all the siblings and their partners but I’m greedy that way. I miss the Grump and Sunshine already. A re-read is in order.
The Italian’s Unexpected Heir is such a great conclusion to this series. I didn’t read the first book, The Prince and The Wedding Planner, but I picked up on its story line by reading the second and third books. Though this book isn’t squeaky clean (a closed door romance scene), it is in no way explicit or offensive.
If you have read the prior books, you’re familiar with Sylvie, the current wedding planner at the Bartolini vineyard. Furthermore, you know that she and Enzo are good friends who harbor feelings for each other though neither of them even realize the feelings in themselves let alone in each other. Jennifer Faye also does a wonderful job of depicting how Enzo and Sylvie have been affected by their pasts.
The Italian’s Unexpected Heir makes me want to travel to Italy! I don’t speak Italian, but I could find an interpreter. Alas, we can’t leave the country, so I live vicariously through books. Faye paints a beautiful picture of both the vineyard and Florence. I love how she makes you feel as if you’re right there in the story. Sylvie’s cottage sounds like the perfect place for me to live.
Reading The Italian’s Unexpected Heir is a pleasure. You will love reading how Sylvie and Enzo’s love develops through the book, the discovery of Sylvie’s pregnancy, the threat to the vineyard, and the conclusion of the legacy. This delightful romance is a quick and enjoyable read. You won’t want to put it down!
This is the first book that I have read from this author. This is the 3rd book in the Bartolini family series – and I have not read the other two, I did not have a problem following along. The author did a great job at providing a quick recap of the family history.
In this story, we meet Enzo Bartolini – his parents have passed in a tragic accident and so many family secrets are coming out. His parents left Enzo and his siblings with a winery, which Enzo decides to take to the next level. With his best friend, Sylvie, the estates wedding planner by his side as he accepts an award for their wine – they get a little carried away.
When they return home, Sylvie finds out she is pregnant, and has not heard from Enzo. When she does, she finds out that he is wanting to sell his family estate, which frightens Sylvie. She has no family, she is now pregnant, and her best friend is selling the place that employs her.
This book contains really well written characters, a heartwarming and at times heartbreaking storyline. I will have to go back and read about the sisters of Enzo to have a full understanding of the Bartolini family.
I received a copy of this book through the Prism Book Tour blogging program, all thoughts are my own.
The Italian’s Unexpected Heir
I loved Sylvie and Enzo’s story in The Italian’s Unexpected Heir. They started out as friends and remain friends but something unexpected happened. Will they be able to become more than friends? Read and see.
A couple of quotes I loved from the book that I loved are: “never give up on those you love” and “Forgiveness is one of the greatest things you can give yourself and others.” These quotes were something Enzo father has said.
This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. However, I do recommend reading the first two books. I enjoyed them a lot also.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Prism book tours. This book review is my own opinion.
This has really been a great series. Although the books can be read alone they are much more enjoyable if you read all three books. Enzo’s story is about family and his heritage. He thinks he wants to sell the vineyard but Sylvie helps him to see how much he really loves it. She helps to remind him of the happy times he had growing up rather than the sad. He realizes there are more happy than sad things to remember. There is a lot of push and pull in this book but without any spoilers they get there HEA. I love how Ms. Faye’s epilogue tied all 3 books up.
4 1/2 STARS!
An emotional conclusion to a dazzling series! THE ITALIAN’S UNEXPECTED HEIR by Jennifer Faye is the third book in the Bartolini Legacy trilogy. I enjoyed this series as a whole, but I found myself wanting a little more from Enzo’s story. Maybe it’s because we already knew the conclusion of the paternity twist from the previous book, or maybe it was that I wanted more interaction with the siblings as a whole to feel a lock up from all of the emotions they stirred up in their search and competition. Overall the story was fast paced and satisfying.
Enzo Bartolini was a little underwhelming at first. He had a big voice during his sister’s previous two books in the series yet in this one he seemed to roll over and admit defeat where there really didn’t need to be any. I grew to understand him more as the book went on, but I wanted a little more from him.
Sylvie was really easy to like. She quickly gained my sympathy as she was floundering with not knowing where she belongs if her job isn’t going to be there anymore.
I recommend this book and the entire trilogy to anyone who enjoys a passionate telling of happily ever afters and family drama.
I have become a huge fan of Jennifer Faye’s books. When I had the opportunity to read her newest release, The Italian’s Unexpected Heir, I jumped right on it. I was not disappointed at all. It could be one of my favorites that I have read by her to date. It was so good. I had no issue reading the whole book in one sitting. I loved the chemistry between Enzo and Sylvie. Such a delight.
I am giving The Italian’s Unexpected Heir a very well deserved five plus stars. I am looking forward for the next romance by Jennifer Faye releases. I recommend this one for readers who love to read clean, sweet and quick romances.
I received The Italian’s Unexpected Heir from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Thank you in advance to the author, Jennifer Faye, and Prism Book Tours for providing an advanced review copy as part of a launch team. A positive review was not required or requested, and all words are my own.
I cannot believe it has been five (5) months since I was introduced to the Bartolini siblings in “The Prince and the Wedding Planner”.
This is the third book in the series, and to be honest – while each one “can” be a standalone read, they’re all best read together. Since the third book has been released, the series would make a nice weekend binge read. They’re large print and definitely “short” reads.
The cover image is slightly different than the other two as it does not feature a “Bartolini sibling”. Instead, the cover apparently features Sylvie, the “love interest” (or rather eventual love interest) of Enzo Bartolini.
This book features physical appearances of Biance and Gia. I really loved Sylvie in this. We got to meet her in the first book “The Prince and the Wedding Planner”. Enzo was a bit annoying. It seemed he spent most of the novel brooding and wallowing in self pity. That was a bit off-putting to me. Him feeling like he failed his sisters and the home was a reminder was also a bit sad.
This was definitely an interesting and slightly dramatic end to the trilogy. The last few pages really moved the story along and I was surprised when it ended.
Like Faye’s previous novels in this series; the writing is descriptive, vivid, and colorful. Her pace isn’t slow or rapid. The writing for these novels is much different than for the Hallmark Book “Christmas in Bayberry” that I also got to read and review.
I definitely enjoyed this book as I read it. The only reason it took me a few days to read it was that I was rather busy with a few things over the time. I know three (3) days isn’t too bad, but usually books like this are at most a 1-2 day read.
There is an off-page sex scene, and the “virgin” sex deal that some readers might take issue with despite the tact and sensitivity that Faye writes it with. Enzo’s regret is sweet and charming. Other than that, this is a fairly clean read.
As I had read the previous two novels, I was surprised at one part of this. The one “secret” Enzo was holding on to was something that led to what I thought was a plot hole.
However, Faye did a wonderful job at sewing up that end and explaining it, though the explanation was a bit down the road. There was the issue of “timing” in the novels. In this one, it had been a year since their parents’ death (which occurred prior to the beginning of “The Prince and the Wedding Planner”). In this book, it is nearing December which is the countdown to Bianca’s wedding.
Yet, in the first book, I thought Bianca’s wedding was a few months away from the end of that novel. There is a line on page 7 – “I will take the throne by the New Year …” that seems to indicate that the new year is approaching by the end of that novel – not “the next year”. On page 228, the queen tells Bianca “And, his wedding will be later this year”
Also, while Gia’s story (“The CEO, The Puppy and Me”) ended on a happily ever after – there is no mention of Ric in this novel and I was a bit surprised by that. Those who’ve read that story will likely see what I am talking about.
Those things happen, but it is something to mention with regard to the plot. Those were the only things I could find that seemed out of place.
I definitely wanted to read this book to see the conclusion of this series, as well as read Enzo’s story. The plotline about the baby isn’t revealed until about the last third (1/3) of the story. The first part deals with his decision regarding the estate and vineyard.
It was beautiful to see Enzo learn that the idea of family is what makes a home special. That lesson is endearing and beautiful. It is only when something is threatened that we see its value along with how much it means to us. In addition, we often have to make peace with life’s decisions.
One key piece of advice Enzo’s father imparted, that is so beautiful, and I feel is very relevant right now –
“Life never goes the way you planned. It’s finding your way through life’s detours that’s worth the effort.” (pg. 114)
I definitely would be interested in a “follow-up” to conclude the Gia/Ric and Enzo/Sylvie stories.
For the most part; reading this was like being on an exotic vacation with no worries, lots of excitement, some drama, sweet moments, a lot of precious moments stuffed in it, along with the lessons. I truly enjoyed reading this and can’t wait until I finish the never-ending TBR to re-read these all together.
Fans of Faye’s writing and those who’ve read the previous two novels in this series will more than likely enjoy this read.
The final book in The Bartolini Legacy didn’t disappoint! If you have been following all the stories, this one is about brother Enzo, and his conflicted feelings about the family winery. On the heels of winning a prestigious wine competition in Paris, Enzo celebrates with the wedding planner from the vineyard’s hotel, Sylvie. The award seems to lead his thinking to selling the family winery and all the uncomfortable memories it holds and getting a job elsewhere. Although Sylvie begins re-planning many of the upcoming events, she hopes to have time to change Enzo’s mind. A very satisfying resolution to the family secrets and a good happily ever after for Enzo and Sylvie.
Enzo’s story was so intriguing. I was not sure what was going to happen. There was mystery, love, secrets, and guilt. I enjoyed how the story ended and that at one point all three of the Bartolini siblings were together once again at the beautiful villa. I liked the emphasis that their family was not perfect, none of them were, but they had always felt loved. I also enjoyed the epilogue.
Sylvie was such a fun, sweet, romantic character who grew up so much from her mother’s death after having to start over. I am glad she found her happily ever after. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
The Italian’s Unexpected Heir is the perfect ending to the Bartolini legacy series. Enzo and Sylvie’s story is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Sylvie entrusts Enzo with her affection, but until he makes amends with his past he can’t return her feelings.
The happy ending is a given, but the journey sure was fun to read.
I read an advanced copy of this book
We are back in Tuscany with the last of the unattached Bartolini siblings, Enzo.
He’s a man at a crossroad. After the discovery of their mother’s secret, he’s the last one left at the family villa and winery. He’s been torn about his future and is thinking of selling .
Sylvie, who had become his friend, has been working as a wedding planner in the villa. He’s unaware that she has been in love with Enzo since she arrived a year ago.
After a passionate night in Paris, Enzo finds out that Sylvie is pregnant. She only wants to be with him if he truly loves her, not because she is a responsibility. When it’s evident that the sale is about to go through, and Enzo is still emotionally unavailable, Sylvie decides to leave.
This friends to lovers story was at times bittersweet as well as touching.
A nice conclusion to the Bartolini series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Very enjoyable story! Doubt, regret and insecurity as well as strong sexual attraction bring us this interesting read. Great characters with uniques connections make this book hard to put down. Loving the Barolini family!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.
Another wonderful, feel good story by Jennifer Faye. This is the third book in this series, and it was my favorite. The story of Enzo and Sylvie is beautifully written, fast paced, and had me glued to the pages. They were friends who took their relationship to another level with a surprise that turned their world upside down. Are they able to remain friends and see what the future holds for them? Read this book to find out their story. You will be glad you did!
What does best friends, one night in Paris, and a new baby all have in common?
An exciting new romantic story by The Phenomenal Ms. Jennifer Faye!!!!
This book swept me away from the beginning and had me sighing at the conclusion.
This was the perfect romantic story.
Friends to Lovers, one of my most favorite tropes.
Enzo and Sylvie were such a special duo, an absolute joy seeing their love blossom.
I’ve read every one of Ms. Faye’s books, however I do not recall a book with this type of romantic feel. I was just blown away with happiness and left in a euphoric realm.