The author of the brilliant (Library Journal) An Academic Affair proves that the best love stories start with a pop with this sizzling romance about a recently separated single mom whos absolutely not looking for another relationship...only to fall for the younger owner of her favorite wine bar.

Fiona Fisher thought she had it all: a loving husband, three kids, and a life far away from the suffocating expectations of her family. But when her husband reveals that hes leaving her for his secret second family, Fiona is left devastated and humiliated.

Satoshi Tsukamoto wants it all. Hes the owner of a popular wine bar, and hes studying for the hardest test in the world: the Master Sommelier exam. There arent enough hours in the day for anything elseexcept maybe for Fiona, his favorite customer, and the woman hes absolutely, catastrophically in love with.

On paper, Fiona and Satoshi make no sense. Hes eight years younger than her and has no time for romance. Shes a single mother and doesnt know if shell ever be able to trust anyone again. But how can Fiona resist when Satoshi suggests they give into their mutual attraction and let off some steam? And how can Satoshi resist when the woman he adores is finally within his graspeven if theyve agreed to keep things casual?

The perfect read for fans of Jasmine Guillory and Abby Jimenez, A Study in Sparkling proves that Jodi McAlister truly is a writer to watch (Booklist).