{A Les Femmes Series Release} The Champagne Crush by Caroline O’Connell

The Champagne Crush by Caroline O'Connell
Series: Les Femmes Series
on September 16th, 2025
Genres: Fiction, Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Buy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks
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For fans of Emily In Paris (on Netflix). “Pop the cork on this sparkling romance where champagne dreams and career schemes collide in the vineyards of Napa and the glamour of New York. Catherine Reynolds is ready to reinvent herself, but a flirty CEO, fizzing ambition, and a splash of betrayal shake up her plans. From vineyard drama to high-stakes PR, love and bubbles rise to the top. Perfect for fans of witty banter, slow-burn tension, and second chances with a twist.” —Los Angeles Book Review

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?

Caroline’s other book Affordable Paris Hotels: A Travel Smart Mini-Guide: https://amzn.to/4mSqn9p

Exclusive Excerpt from The Champagne Crush

Chris headed toward the entrance to find the only female who interested him in an intimate conversation with George Clooney. All these desirable women, and his girl was the one hanging out with Clooney. Chris had read that every woman over the age of twenty-five thought George Clooney was still one of the “sexiest men alive,” as he’d been dubbed byPeople magazine numerous times. He had to admit the guy exuded star power.

            Catherine smiled when he approached and introduced them. “We were discussing the sabering,” she said. “George offered to participate in the tower pour after the sabering.”

            “That’s great,” Chris said. “Thanks for pitching in.”

            “Sure, happy to help,” George said. “I’m a big fan of the bubbly—even when it’s sprayed at sporting events.”

            “Well, we won’t be doing that tonight. Too many fancy gowns,” Chris said, and both men laughed.

            George left to take care of his cohost duties. By this time, the party was in full swing. Wolfgang’s équipe was in high gear. Everything sparkled—fine china platters piled high with gourmet appetizers, crystal champagne flutes served by tuxedoed waiters, and of course the dazzling guests. Glittering diamonds and expensive custom jewelry set off shimmering gowns baring lots of skin. This truly was a crowd of beautiful people.

            Chris was pleased to see a familiar face: Ken Barnett from Wine Spectator. They struck up a conversation as Catherine stepped away to speak to a photographer.

            “That was quite a coup getting Winston featured at this event,” Ken said.

            “All Catherine’s doing,” Chris said.

            “She’s a gem. You’re lucky to have her on your team.” Ken lifted his champagne flute and took a sip. “Looking forward to the medieval saber demo.”

            “This crowd likes entertainment,” Chris said. He glanced in Catherine’s direction. “Looks like I’m being beckoned by the lady.” 

            “Go ahead,” Ken said. “I’m going to grab a bite before the main event.”

            Catherine was speaking to John Warner, heir apparent to a conglomerate that owned media companies. John was frequently mentioned in the press as an eligible bachelor and arbiter of taste in New York society. Chris recognized him because he owned a financial publication. They’d never met. Chris didn’t travel in those circles and couldn’t compete with Warner’s jet-set lifestyle, if that’s what Catherine was looking for.

            When Chris approached, she spoke first. “John, I’d like you to meet Chris McDermott, president of Winston & Wright. Chris, this is John Warner.”

            “I read Warner Financial Times,” Chris said. “It’s well researched.”

            “That’s good to hear,” John said. “I think we have a friend in common. Will Frost.”

            “Will’s on our board,” Chris said. “He also torments me on the racquetball court.”

            John laughed. “I’ve played with Will. He’s competitive. I’m at the same club. We’ll have to team up against him sometime.”

            “That would be fun, bring him down a peg.” Chris relished the chance to score a victory over his best friend. They agreed to meet up in New York before John got pulled away by another guest.

            “I’m glad you two hit it off,” Catherine said. “He’s an old friend. I’m hoping to get coverage in his paper.”

            “I didn’t expect to like him, but he seems like a genuine guy.”

            “I believe you’re a snob, Christopher McDermott. What is it exactly?”

            “I’ve had experience with people born into their positions. Many have an air of entitlement. He seems different.”

            “I’m glad you’re willing to make an exception in John’s case.” Catherine bit her lip, as if trying to hide a frown. “He’s a good guy.”

            Chris spotted Chamath Patel walking in and waved him over. “Glad you could make it,” Chris said. He introduced him to Catherine.

            Waiters circulated through the crowd, ringing bells to usher guests toward the patio for the ceremony. The three of them made their way to a small riser with a standing microphone, next to the pyramid of glasses on the table.

            The crowd quieted and Wolfgang began. “Good evening, everyone. Welcome to Spago’s sparkling salute to this year’s Oscar nominees.” He named the nominees in attendance to enthusiastic applause. “Our cohost, George Clooney, has a few words.”

            “I’ll keep it very short,” George said. “To the other nominees, may the best man—or woman—win, hopefully all the entrants from our movie.” That drew guffaws. “The theme of this year’s Academy Awards is Preserving Our Planet, so I encourage you all to donate to those nonprofit groups the Academy singled out.” He looked at his pals Brad Pitt and Matt Damon and joked, “Especially those penny-pinchers Brad and Matt.” More laughter.

            Wolfgang leaned into the mic. “I’d also like to thank Chris McDermott, president of Winston & Wright, for providing the sparkles.” He gestured for Chris to step up and speak.

            Not accustomed to being the center of attention in a group of famous faces, Chris squared his shoulders and began. “On behalf of Winston & Wright, I want to thank Wolfgang for hosting this special event to celebrate the Oscar nominees. We wish you all good luck. Speaking of celebrating, we’ll be launching our first prestige sparkling in June. Its name is ‘Celebration.’” He glanced at Catherine, who nodded approvingly. “Knowing how you all like drama and flair, I’ll be opening the first magnum tonight the old-fashioned way, with a saber.” The crowd sighed.

            Robert removed the foil and wire cap from the bottle and handed the magnum to Chris. Chris pulled the saber out of its scabbard, making a clanging noise, held the magnum in his left hand, and swung the saber against the seam of the bottle where it met the rim. In one smooth motion, he sliced off the top of the bottle, including the cork, and the wine began spilling out. Loud clapping erupted from the audience.

            Chris quickly pulled the bottle upright and handed it to George Clooney, who moved to the pyramid, held it over the top glass, and started pouring. The wine overflowed, cascading into the glasses below.

            Robert picked up the next magnum, peeled off the foil, and started to untwist the wire cap. Suddenly, the cap and cork shot out of the bottle with a loud pop, crashing into a tray of empty glasses nearby. The bubbly liquid sprayed out, splashing a few people next to the pyramid. 

            There was stunned silence. Then Wolfgang recovered. “Well, that’s some fireworks to liven things up!” He turned to Chris. “What do you do for an encore?”

            “Nothing, I hope,” Chris said.

            “Maybe the champagne gods are punishing me for saying I like to spray bottles,” Clooney quipped.

            “No harm done,” Wolfgang said. He signaled the waiters to start passing silver trays of crystal flutes already filled with Winston’s rosé, and the party resumed.

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