Tangled Up in Tinsel

Terry returns readers to Sunshine Vineyards in Sunshine Valley, Calif., where restaurateur Parker Kincaid is rushing to open his new restaurant in time for his brother’s Christmas wedding. Sassy, sweet aspiring chef Gabriella Montani’s dream is to escape her famous father’s shadow and make a name for herself. When Gabriella auditions to be the head chef of Parker’s restaurant—carefully not revealing her connection to her father—they’re unable to ignore their strong physical attraction, so they agree to just one night together and then it’s back to business. However, when they mix in heartfelt talks and professional brainstorming, their steamy night goes from “special of the day” to “regular menu item,” something Parker is not prepared for. He and his siblings have recently learned the unpleasant truths of their late parents’ marriage, leaving him no tolerance for more secrets, so he’s devastated to learn Gabi’s been keeping one of her own. The revelation of the family mystery that’s been the thread of the series will shock readers. Terry’s steady pacing, well-developed characters, and vivid descriptions showcase her excellent storytelling skills and set the bar high for the next in the series. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Oct.)