Books & Bubbly: The Only Thing by Marie Harte & the Italian Mimosa

The Only ThingThe book and wine pairing I did a while ago was so successful that I received emails asking me to do it again. So here we are again and this time, it will be the bubbly Prosecco cocktails. Currently the bubbly on trend right now, the Prosecco is gaining popularity as an approachable and affordable cousin of champagne.

For our first pairing, we have “The Only Thing” by Marie Harte and the “Italian Mimosa.” Separately, they are standouts on their own right. Together, they can carry a punch that make them unforgettable.

The Only Thing by Marie Harte

The third and final book of The Donnigans series follows Hope, the youngest and only girl among the siblings. And it is also a crossover with the Body Shop Bad Boys, which if you have not read both series, it is hard to get into your head how everyone is related.

This is a standalone novel, nonetheless. And you really do not need to read the other books in both series. But, if you want to understand the family dynamics that is going on, then I suggest that you read the other books.

Moving on to Hope and JT’s story. The would-be lovers met in family functions and there is an instant attraction between them. Though they are not related in any way, shape or form, their family dynamics just seem to make hooking up taboo.

Hope and JT would not have acted on their attraction, except that fate had other plans. A simple twist of fate found Hope and JT pretending to be boyfriend/girlfriend. And it is their journey as couple from pretend to real that makes this book interesting.

“The Only Thing” is a romantic story, first and foremost. But, there is a touch of “coming-of-age” with Hope’s story. I would have given this a 5 star but the family dynamics was confusing at times. Though I have read all books in The Donnigans and the Body Shop Bad Boys, I still got confused. I could not remember all the family connections if I don’t put it down on paper. For that, I took out one star.

“The Only Thing” is Rated M for Mature for sexual content and rude behavior.

Go here to read the synopsis.

And now… here’s the recipe for the Italian Mimosa. You should sip and drink it while reading this book!

Italian Mimosa

Blood Orange MimosaOrange juice and bubbly is a little passe. Mix it up with this delicious Italian twist on an old favorite.

2 Oz. Orange Vodka

4 Oz. Blood Orange Juice

6 Oz. Riondo Prosecco

Mix the first two ingredients and divide among two flutes. Top each with Prosecco and garnish with a blood orange.

(Serves two.)

  • The Only Thing
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Book Description: The Only Thing by Marie Harte

What do you do when a “fake” relationship is so much better than the real thing?

Hope Donnigan is finally getting her life together. She’s working a job she likes, has some amazing friends, and is steering clear of Mr. Wrong. Now if only she could get her mother to understand that. Maybe a hot tattoo artist from the other side town is just the ticket to teach her mom a lesson.

J.T. Webster fell for Hope months ago at his sister’s wedding. So when she propositions him to be her fake boyfriend to get her mother off her back, he’s all in. The only problem is J.T. had no idea their pretend relationship would be better than anything real he’s ever had…