All The Write Stuff: Everything Happens For a Reason

Two love stories for Natalie that burn with passion and heart-stopping twists—a spicy whirlwind with billionaire NYC architect Steve and a steamy slow burn with Italian artist Max.

Everything Happens For a Reason

by Nicole DiCicco

Genre: Steamy Contemporary Romance

Two love stories for Natalie that burn with passion and heart-stopping twists—a spicy whirlwind with billionaire NYC architect Steve and a steamy slow burn with Italian artist Max.

Which love story will you like best—Team Max or Team Steve? You decide in this steamy, soul-stirring romance that will leave you breathless.

Natalie Morelli is no stranger to heartbreak, but her impulsive love life is about to change forever. Enter Steve Falconeri, a New York billionaire architect whose intensity sweeps her off her feet. But can he ever love her more than his all-consuming career?

When Natalie crosses paths with the charismatic Italian artist Maximus Ricci in the seductive streets of Italy, she's forced to question whether true love lies with her husband or with a sensual stranger who promises a life of beauty, adventure, and love.

This story is about sacrifice, surrender, and the raw, unexpected lessons life throws our way. Spanning 15 years and crossing between the glittering skyscrapers of New York and the sun-soaked charm of Italy, this saga will ignite your heart and reveal why, sometimes, everything really does happen for a reason.

GUEST POST

What can we expect from you in the future?

I have four different romances planned for 2025: Here is a link to my website to read about the upcoming titles: https://www.nicoledicicco.net/coming-soon

PB & Gelato: Brooklyn baker Georgina Cerullo finally gets her dream proposal from her gamer boyfriend, Oliver, and an unexpected bonus—a luxurious wedding in Naples. But while she dives into wedding planning and indulges in Italy’s delights, Oliver remains glued to his streaming setup, prioritizing high scores over honeymoon plans. Enter Carlo Monticello, a charming gelato shop owner with a knack for rescuing lost brides-to-be. When Oliver ditches their first photoshoot, Carlo steps in as a stand-in fiancé, and what starts as playful role-playing stirs up real feelings. As Georgina navigates sun-soaked streets, sweet temptations, and her heart’s true desires, she faces the ultimate question: marry the man she’s waited for or risk it all for a love as irresistible as Italian gelato?

Sugar: Sebastian, the enigmatic owner of an ultra-exclusive sex club, is haunted by the memory of Eve, the woman who once stole his heart. Her captivating face looms over the club in a mural, a constant reminder of what he lost. While he protects and cherishes his Sweets—the dancers and high-end escorts who call Sugar home—his heart remains locked away, despite Penny’s unwavering love for him. But when Bree, the bold and fiery bartender, makes an unexpected move to win his affection, Sebastian finally begins to open up—until Ava walks in. Nearly identical to Eve, she shatters his carefully guarded world, forcing him to confront the past he’s never let go of. Torn between the passionate Bree and the ghost of his greatest love, Sebastian must decide if he can move forward or if the past will consume him. Sugar is a steamy, seductive tale of desire, secrets, and the dangerous games of the heart.

Now and Then: Laura lives two lives—one in the fast-paced present as a burnt-out mommy influencer with her Italian artist husband, Luca, and their two kids in NYC’s Woolworth Building, and another in 1951 as a devoted housewife married to Luke, a hardworking man in the same landmark. But when she meets Lorenzo, a passionate Italian artist who looks exactly like Luca, temptation blurs the lines between past and present. As Laura is pulled between the comfort of her polished 1950s life and the chaotic beauty of today, she must decide: surrender to the intoxicating pull of another era or return to the life she’s built.

Muse: Once a rising star, Enzo Valenti is now a washed-up musician drowning in cheap whiskey and odd jobs, sometimes paid by lonely women for more than just handyman work. But when he hears Olivia Russo’s hauntingly beautiful voice in a dimly lit bar, something in him stirs—something he thought was dead. Desperate to create music again, he convinces Olivia to collaborate, and their passion ignites beyond the studio. But Olivia harbors a dangerous secret—an abusive husband with the power to destroy them both. Their stolen nights of music and love shatter when he finds out, and Enzo is framed for murder. Forced to run, they embark on a desperate journey to clear his name, knowing the man hunting them won’t stop until Olivia pays for her betrayal. As love and obsession blur, Enzo and Olivia must decide if they’re composing their final song—or their greatest masterpiece.

EXCERPT

“Sorry, we were interrupted just as you were about to come,” Steve whispered in her ear

Natalie blushed. “You’ll make it up to me later,” Natalie said peeking at the outside of the one-story light-yellow stone and wood villa with a terracotta roof.

“I forgot to tell you, since I’ll be working so much, I hired a live-in local tour guide who has his own room on the side of the villa. He comes highly recommended and will take you to see or do anything you want around Italy.”

“Sounds good. Thank you.”

Steve grabbed the suitcases and before they reached the double wooden front doors, the side door opened. Out stepped a 6’3” hunk of a man with thick wavy black hair styled with hair gel, short in the back and a little longer in the front. A few strands fell onto his forehead above his deep green almond-shaped eyes, Roman nose, pillowy lips, and neatly trimmed beard covering a perfectly chiseled jawline.

“Oh my,” Natalie gasped loud enough for Steve to hear as she scanned the stranger’s broad shoulders and narrow waist wondering what he looked like underneath the clothes.

“Relax tiger. You’re all mine, only mine,” Steve reminded her sternly.

“I know, husband.” She turned briefly glancing at Steve.

Natalie examined the ruggedly handsome stranger from head to toe in faded blue jeans and a tight, white t-shirt. The perfect specimen winked at Natalie and smiled baring perfect white teeth against his olive skin. He turned his head to Steve but kept his eyes fixed on Natalie.

“Buongiorno, I am Maximus. You can call me Max. Welcome,” he said with a thick Italian accent. He regarded Natalie steadily with his green eyes and she found she couldn’t look away.

Max put out his hand and Steve shook it. “Hi Max, I’m Steve and this is my wife, Natalie.”

Max kissed Natalie’s hand and lingered there while keeping his eyes locked on hers. She pulled her hand away anxiously. “Hi Maximus,” she said her voice shaking as she felt her cheeks grow warm.

“You can call me Max,” he said carefully scanning her face.

Steve cleared his throat to get the handsome guide’s attention. “Max, as I explained to the agency, I will be working six days a week so you will be showing my wife around. Take her anywhere she wants to go, spare no expense. I want her to be happy while I’m busy working.”

Max didn’t stop staring at Natalie. “Wherever you want to go, you let me know. If you need ideas, I can help. Is this your first time in Italy?”

“We were here for our honeymoon about two years ago but only for a few days and we saw the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Coliseum, and the Pantheon.”

“Okay, good to know. I will plan other sites to see.”

“Thank you.”

“My pleasure,” he smiled at Natalie. “What is your cat’s name?” he asked pointing at the carrier in Natalie’s hand.

“This is Peanut,” she said holding up the carrier to eye level.

Max finally glanced over at Steve. “Do you want some time to settle in and then we can go over some of the itineraries I have, and we can customize them?”

“That would be great. You can do that with Natalie. My associate will be arriving soon.”

Natalie turned to Steve with surprise. “Oh, they are coming already? I thought we would have a little time, at least today before you dove into work.”

“Sorry, baby. I need to learn things before I can just dive into the project.”

“I get it,” she said, trying to hide her disappointment.

“Signora, I can meet you on the back patio, and we can make our plans for the next few days and weeks. How does that sound? Maybe we can do some quick sightseeing today if you’re up to it.”

“Perfect. Thank you, Max,” she said inadvertently batting her eyelashes.

Steve and Natalie entered the villa. There was no foyer, the front door opened directly into the cozy living room with a beige sectional couch, stone walls, and a brick fireplace. Paintings of landscapes hung along the walls. The living room opened into the farmhouse-style kitchen with a back wall with sliding glass doors leading to a garden patio with an in-ground pool.

“Steve, this is lovely.”

“I’m glad you like it. I hope you understand that I need to start work so soon. I’m sorry.”

“I do understand. This is our new life for a while. You can finish what you started in the taxi later tonight before bed.”

“Mmmm, deal, baby.” He kissed her and quickly squeezed her ass.

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Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTB94ZB3

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/everything-happens-for-a-reason/id6445775612

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/everything-happens-for-a-reason-a-sexy-novel-by-nicole-dicicco

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/89922018-everything-happens-for-a-reason

Book Trailer:

https://youtu.be/OG_Pa6hRbpU

About the Author

Weaving irresistible tales of love, lust, life’s unpredictable twists—and the occasional mind-bending psychological turn—Nicole DiCicco crafts stories where complex hearts meet sizzling passion.

Nicole’s books span the worlds of romance, romantic suspense, and psychological dramas, with settings as captivating as her characters. Whether it’s New York City's vibrant streets or Italy's enchanting landscapes, her stories transport readers to places where love, secrets, and drama unfold in unforgettable ways.

Known for her quirky blend of heartfelt dialogue, emotional depth, and gripping twists, Nicole dives deep into the tangled web of human relationships—whether it’s love, desire, or the secrets we hide even from ourselves.

Her characters? Complex. Her scenes? Spicy. Her style? Boldly unpredictable! From sizzling erotic moments to the exploration of love's more delicate nuances, Nicole isn’t afraid to mix it all up, making her a true standout in romance.

Hailing from Brooklyn, Nicole is a die-hard Mets fan (yes, her cat Shea is named after the stadium). When she’s not spinning tales of love and suspense or watching General Hospital (since she’s five), you’ll find her chasing the next great plot twist—or the nearest slice of pizza.

Want to keep up with Nicole's latest? Head over to her website for updates on new books, behind-the-scenes peeks, and maybe even some spoilers (you’ve been warned)!

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