The Champagne Crush
Caroline O’ Connell
(Les Femmes Series)
Publication date: September 16th 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
For fans of The Paradise Problem, a slow-burn romance about a socialite in over her head in a high-stakes job promoting a new sparkling wine with a difficult boss who wants to see her fail—despite the electric sparks flying between them.
Catherine Reynolds has enjoyed a life of luxury, but her diplomat parents have cut her off financially, leaving her flat broke. She is determined to turn things around and gain her independence—so, when an old family friend offers her a lifeline as a PR consultant for his sparkling wine company, she jumps at the chance. But working with Chris McDermott, the company’s sexy, stubborn president, is anything but easy.
A purist at heart, Chris clashes with Catherine’s glitzy marketing flair; still, the chemistry between them is undeniable. As they travel from New York to Napa, Paris, and the Champagne region of France, their partnership blossoms amid high-stakes industry rivalries and a launch that could make or break them.
When sabotage threatens to shatter their dreams, Catherine must dig deep to prove her worth. With the dazzling unveiling of their new sparkling wine in Bordeaux in jeopardy, will she and Chris overcome the challenges of the past and present to secure their future—and find love in the process?
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Also check out Caroline’s other book, Affordable Paris Hotels!
Your Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Trip to Paris is the must-have resource for travelers who want charm, comfort, and location—without the luxury hotel price tag.
Author Interview:
Tell us about your latest book, who are the main
characters and what we can expect when we pick it up.
The Champagne Crush is set in
the glamorous world of Champagne. The
main characters, Chris and Catherine, are opposites in many ways and are forced
to work together through circumstances they’re not happy about. As they navigate their prejudices about each
other and external efforts to sabotage the sparkling wine launch, they become
drawn to each other.
Taking the story from a concept to a published book is a long and
involved process. How does that usually work for you?
This is my first novel. My other books were travel guidebooks (mainly
about Paris). In the beginning, I do a
lot of research on the story world and travel to all the places mentioned in
the book. In this case, that meant Napa, New York, Paris, Bordeaux and the
Champagne Region. Then I outline the
story and start writing. Many
drafts later, I’m ready to take it to editors for feedback.
Which of your books would you recommend readers to choose first if
they’re new to you and your books?
This is my first novel. To get a taste of my travel guidebooks, my
latest on Affordable Paris Hotels is a short sweet look at Paris.
How do you decide which stories to write?
I start with the story world and real places I’d like to use as settings
in the book. Then I work out the characters, a story theme, and figure out what
they’re fighting for.
How do you keep your ideas fresh and avoid traveling over well-worn
territory?
Since I’m writing a romance/workplace drama, it enables me to weave in more story and not
rely solely on the back-and-forth of a romance.
We are very curious about your writing process. What is a typical
writing day like for you?
I like to start early, around 7 AM, after I’ve fed my four cats and the
outside critters. I usually write for four hours, longhand on a lined legal
pad, and input it onto the computer after completing each chapter.
What trope have you not written yet but want to?
I haven’t used “fake dating” as an angle yet. Would enjoy thinking up
fun, outrageous dates for two people who don’t get along.
I love to read and was wondering what was on your TBR pile/list. Are
there any upcoming or latest releases you are digging right now?
Just finished Sandra Brown’s Blood Moon and am looking forward to
Susan Elizabeth Phillips next book in the Chicago Stars series, And the
Crowd Went Wild.
Also read a very good historical novel about slavery – Remnant by
Katie Sweeting.
How do I keep up-to-date on book releases,
reviews, and other news?
Thanks for asking. You can sign up for my bi-monthly newsletter at www.CarolineOC.com (sign up box on home page). It has travel tips, updates on the next novel
in the series, and lots of giveaways.
Author Bio:
CAROLINE O’CONNELL has written five travel guides and numerous travel articles for magazines, newspapers, and websites. Her Romance In Paris guide has won widespread praise: “There is no better person to guide you through Paris than Caroline” — Peter Greenberg, the Travel Detective, radio host, and Travel Editor on CBS-TV. And Library Journal raved — “Reading this breezy but informative guide to Paris is like having a series of conversations with a well-traveled friend…”
Her debut novel, THE CHAMPAGNE CRUSH: A Romance Novel (Spark Press), is due out on September 16, 2025.
GIVEAWAY!
The Champagne Crush Blitz
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2 comments:
Thanks for hosting, Dawn! :)
Sounds like an exciting read.
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