Residual Sugar

by Kelly Kay

Rebecca Gelbert had no idea that opening her front door would open up her whole world. 

Brick Dunne walked through and changed everything. And now he wants the one thing he can't have, his lawyer.

Gelbert Family Winery Standalone - Five Families Vineyard Series

Becca's good at being alone. She's stunning, brilliant, an excellent attorney, and a pretty good sister. She has her moments, but life is pretty even keel, and that's exactly how she planned it when she was seven years old. A knock on the door and a flash of a tattooed hand through the peephole set her soul sparking as well as other ignored parts of her. There's only one man she's ever deemed too dangerous to want.

The moment was brief, but Becca remembers every second of their interaction. The way his fingers caressed her hand. The broad, muscular frame and piercing grey eyes lingered over her face and figure. The slow drawl of his deep south accent as he said her name. She keeps all of it tucked away for lonely nights.

But now this man is at her house, in the middle of the night, begging for her legal counsel. He's in trouble, and only she can help him. She wants to refuse him, but she can't. He has an unspoken power over her, and she can only hope he wields it for good. Because whether she wants to admit it or not, her heart is on the line, as well as their lives. 

A Five Families Vineyard Series Book
An interconnected standalone series about the lives and loves of 5 winery families in Sonoma, California.

Genres: Suspense

Unknown Binding

First published March 15, 2023

About the author

I used to create "dreams" with my best friend growing up. We'd each pick a boy we liked, then we'd write down a meet-cute that always ended with a happily ever after.

Now I get to dream every day, although it's a little steamier these days. And I've discovered I can and will write anywhere I can. Keep tuned to Instagram to see all the times I fit in a sentence or two.

I'm a writer, married to a writer, mother of a creative dynamo of a nine-year-old boy and currently a little sleepy. I'm a klutz and goofball and love lipstick as much as my Chuck Taylors.

Good things in the world: pepperoni pizza, Flair pens*, wine, coffee, laughing with my friends until my stomach hurts, a musician at the top of their game, getting lost somewhere I've never been, matinee movies on a weekday, the Chicago Cubs, a fresh new notebook full of possibilities, bourbon on a cold night, Fantasy Football, witty men, walking through the local zoo in the rain and that moment when a character clicks in and begins to write their own adventure. I'm just the pen.

Reviews

[Eclectic Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Kelly Kay book and definitely not my last. In fact, I'm going back to the beginning of this series because I want to learn all of their stories.

Brick Dunne personifies sultry, Southern male charm from his gorgeous 6'5" military-trained, tattooed body to his poetic heartfelt confessions. I fell head over heels for this sexy smart man who is an unwavering protector of what's his, Rebecca "Becca" Gelbert, that is. He first met her two years ago when he, unfortunately, realized he was working for a real scumbag and promptly quit. Becca was the prosecutor who took Brick's boss down and Brick never forgot the smart and beautiful attorney who caught his eye. Now he is back with a vengeance...literally. He's being framed for an incident that could put him away forever. Will Ms. Becca Gelbert take his case and will he be able to keep his hands off of her?


Becca Gelbert is the family pariah and is trying to come back from a fucked up year where her partner ran off with her asshole of a fiancé taking half of her business and her self-confidence. While pondering her situation one night, she opens her door to a man she could never forget. Destined to help this confident and alluring man with his dire situation because she believes him, she places herself in danger. A danger that is not only physical but emotional as well. His confidence and allure will be her undoing if she's not careful. Can she keep it professional?


If there is anyone who deserves their mojo, it’s Brick and Becca. Brick’s relentless pursuit is captivating, and I love how he entices Becca to come to the Brick side. His nickname for her is beautiful and meaningful which I will let you find out for yourself. What I adored most about Brick were his words. Sure he’s handsome and charming, but his lovely declarations to Becca are so exquisite that they made me tear up along with her. Becca has many layers. She has always been so strong and dependable for her family, that they call her the prickly one. Yes, she is a hellcat in the courtroom and I love how she verbally takes down some nasty adversaries, but she’s so much more. Brick opens those layers one by one to where she blossoms and finds her happiness with a man who loves her for who she is.

The suspense is very well done in this story and the help Brick and Becca get from family and friends is unforgettable and very rewarding. In fact, this book really soars with the compelling and irresistible supporting characters who add so much laughter, love, and encouragement to the main characters.

If you love Southern male charm and strong, sassy female lawyers, read this book. The chemistry is off the charts as Brick and Becca barely adhere to the attorney/client rule and become creative at satisfying their very mutual attraction (me: fanning myself). The laughs are many, the sex is HAWT!!, the suspense is inescapable, and the characters are delightful.

Thank you to Ms. Kay for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

[Linda McCutcheon · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

"But there can be nothing between us."
"Darling, there already is."

After reading Residual Sugar by suspense romance author Kelly Kay I needed wine, a fan to cool off, and an alpha man of mine own.

Brick wakes up in his truck bloodied with a lump on his head and a strange woman next to him bleeding to death. He rushes her to the hospital and heads to the only one, who can save him, Rebecca.

When Rebecca answers her door in the middle of the night the last person she expects to see is the built like a tank, sexy Brick who she had a "moment" with two years ago when his boss tried to take her family's winery. It was Rebecca, lawyer supreme, who saved it.

After attending to his wounds, getting his story of being set up for murder, and trying to ignore the sexual chemistry between them, Rebecca goes all in proving his innocence.

The mystery, the why and how of trying to put Brick in jail, why not just kill him, was twisty, brutal, and a bit heartbreaking when certain people were revealed to be a part of it.

But honestly, it's the steam, the good old fashioned swoony smut that got my heart racing and the cold shower running all night. Rebecca tells Brick that as long as he is her client he can't touch her, leading to one of the steamiest sex scenes without touching I have ever read. My fantasies have expanded tenfold.

There is sexy comedy like, "I'd give up peanut butter if I could taste her." There is sincere romance like, "I know I'll never walk away from her. She's my heart song." I have many highlighted lines that made me laugh, cry and swoon.

Residual Sugar is book 7 of 8 in the Five Families Vineyard series but is definitely a standalone. I will be reading all of them...with a fan...ice water...and wine.

I received a free copy of this book from #katieandbreypa for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Lindzanne1_bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a treat in every way. I was absolutely caught up in the story and couldn’t get enough of Brick and Becca. Their story is so uniquely beautiful, chaotic, and perfect!

You get romance, suspense, spice, and humor. It’s so perfect and I could rave about it all day. It’s one of those books that you want to savor, but it’s so addictive you can’t put it down. There are intense moments and layers of suspense that will keep you wanting more. And can we talk about the spice? The unstoppable, fierce attraction between them is intoxicating. Their sizzling chemistry is off the charts! I also absolutely loved the humor throughout that added a lightness to the suspense.

Thank you so much Kelly for the advanced reader copy!

[Veertje Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I didn't read the books in order. For more reading pleasure, I would advice you to read the books in order so you don't read spoilers.

I love the characters Becca and Brinck. Becca is a strongwilled, sassy lawyer who does everything acording to the law. Brinck is a southern military man who worked at the opposite side of the law. He is the total opposite of Becca. She follows structure, he follows his own path. I love their dynamic full of banter, sexual tension and feelings of love.

The storyline follows from a other book but you can read the book as a standalone. It is full of action, suspense, secrets and love.

I also love all the other characters. Everyone has their own story and a story together.

I am so excited to read about the stories of the other characters!

[Adrienne Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Becca’s story and what a story it is. The suspense and the sexual tension is a page-turner. Has insta love vibes but when you have someone like Brick, it sorta makes sense. Also love that Becca goes full Elsa with her quick wit multiple times when people try to intimidate or treat her as though she’s not enough. The small intimate details add to Brick and Becca’s love story and storytelling is so well done.

Loved the continuation of the 5. I’ve read these interconnected series sporadically and despite them all being connected I definitely don’t feel like I’m missing anything (the family tree at the beginning helps). Ends with a HEA and an epilogue.

[Zima Rozalli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d have to say, this book was not what I expected at all. It had a whole lot of things to unravel from a criminal mystery, to a conspiracy, to a love story, to great family ties, to friendship and to justice.

It was a lot.

There was undeniable attraction between Brick and Becca, who was thrown into each other’s paths again after their first encounter 2 years prior at a business meeting. And their reunion was under serious circumstances where Brick required Becca’s legal help to get him out of a sticky situation where he has been framed for a crime he did not have any recollection of. But his former military training gave him an instinct that it could be linked to certain conspiracies by his former employer. The moment he found himself in a predicament that could potentially indict himself, he went straight to Becca whom he had been impressed and smitten with since their first meeting. He knew instinctively she was whom he could trust with his life and for life.

From then on, it was a race to uncover the truth on why Brick was being framed, and a race against time to prove his innocence. What followed was a myriad of actions that goes in a whirlwind flurry. Concurrent with the development of the love story between Brick and Becca.

As a reader, there were moments where I felt like I’d missed something and had to recap back. The story had a lot of potential as there were plenty of impressive outputs and references especially in matters relating to legalities and strategies. There were a lot of emotions and thoughts to sift through from both Brick and Becca’s perspectives, so as a reader I needed to compartmentalise my thoughts, I suppose, to keep up.

This latest installment within the Gelbert Family Winery - Five Families Vineyard Series could be read as a standalone. Although, I reckon it would be helpful indeed if you’re familiar with earlier books in the series just so you’d be in the know on how the family dynamics work.

Regardless, kudos and congratulations to Kelly Kay for bringing the story to life for Becca Gelbert and Brick Dunne, which expands further into her Gelbert Family Winery Series. Thank you too for the opportunity to be a part of the ARC team.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Brick . . .

Brick Dunne is a tall, handsome Southern gentleman and an honorable former Navy SEAL. But he is in big trouble and needs Rebecca Gelbert’s help. Becca is an excellent attorney he first saw in action in the courtroom a few years earlier. And apparently with someone trying to set him up, he knows he will need her help. He has been attacked by two men, one held a gun and the other hit him on the head from behind. He woke up much later with a scrape on his side and soaked in blood. And somehow, although he had been driving his BMW, he woke up in his truck that was supposed to be in the shop. Apparently he had been unconscious since morning and it was now past midnight. His wallet and gun had not been taken. Then he heard harsh breathing and saw a woman in his truck bleeding badly. It was her blood all over him. Whoever did this wanted her to bleed for a long time, not to die right away. He starts treating the wound when he sees police lights coming. Leaving his own lights off, he drives into the neighborhood then heads for the hospital.

Becca was surprised to find Brick Dunne at her front door in the middle of the night asking for legal help. She doesn’t want to have him close to her, too many feelings to hold back. But she can’t abandon him. If she clears his name of the first-degree murder of Hope Beardsley, will that draw out the real murderer who was setting him up? Can they bring down the bad guy who picked on the wrong person this time? Or will the perpetrator go after Becca instead?

This was an exciting story line with great characters. Family was a strong theme and I enjoyed seeing the interactions. Grab your copy and let the excitement pull you in!

[BooksToTheGrave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becca and Brick are a hypnotic couple that made me want to keep reading until the book ended.

One night, Brick wakes up inside his truck with a stabbed woman next to him. Quickly figuring he is being set up, he gets the woman to a hospital and drives to his future attorney’s house. Besides that, she is also the only woman he loved, and can’t get her out of his mind since he met her a couple of years before.

Becca feels the same way about Brick, and we are able to read the spicy story of how they stay apart because it is illegal for Brick to get involved with his attorney,

I love how funny this was, the little parts that made all the difference and swelled my heart, and all the love/sexy moments. I actually lost count of the times I laughed really hard - this is definitely a fun book.

The characters are wonderful and very interesting and the plot is captivating.

The only downsides? I felt like something was undeveloped in one branch of the story and I missed the finality that didn’t happen (you’ll understand when you read it - I can’t spoil it!).

4.25*

Thanks for letting me read this book.

[Sandie Chraponski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Residual Sugar by Kelly Kay is a must read!

My Review ⤵️

From inner monologues to its witty banter Residual Sugar is truly a Kelly Kay story, but wait, there’s more!! So much more! Kelly is dipping her toe into the suspense pool and I’m here for it!

Brick and Becca’s story is filled with picturesque venues that I dare you to not envision while reading, Kelly makes it impossible to not feel like you are sitting on Brick’s shoulder and experiencing everything right along with them.

Becca is an unexpected and underrated character from Kelly’s Five Families series, she’s always there to clean up legal messes and make sure everything is ok, but then Brick shows up at her door in the middle of the night, wet from rain and covered in someone’s blood. So Becca does what she does best and tries to take control, too bad Brick refuses to let that happen.

Listen, if I’ve said this once I’ll say it always, Kelly Kay is a different sort of writer, she will make you laugh, she will make you blush and she just makes you realize what you’ve been missing in other books. Her writing is always unapologetically smart, her choices make sense, and that’s why I will never miss a chance to read her words.

This is a stand alone, but I will be honest, I love the Five Families, and how Kelly connects all of them, so just read all of the books, it just makes the experiences so much fun!

#kellykay #fivefamiles #kindleunlimited #marchrelease #allthefeels #somuchmore #couldntputitdown #readthemall #dontmissthis

[Nikita Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crazy intense ride!

This book is my first read of a new-to-me author and it is a thrilling and action-packed read that grips the reader from the beginning. The first chapter leaves you needing to read more.

It's made even better by the dual point of views. This was a great approach to this story as the characters are so different. It's wonderful to approach the story from each perspective, and it really grips the reader that much more.

This story is well-written and the characters are well-developed. The characters face crazy obstacles while nourishing a sprouting love that flourishes and remains true. Moreover, their own battles with themselves for acceptance is relatable and endearing.

This story is jam-packed full of action, suspense, romance, spice (explicit scenes) and humor. This is a truly well-rounded and enjoyable read.

Note: For full context, it may be best to read the other books in the series first, but the story is easy enough to follow if you don't.

[Jahara - Jarjarbindings · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts: This book had a very interesting plot, that kept you wanting more, I love the idea of the Women lawyer defending her innocent client and then falling in love?? I mean it's not really a spoiler alert, we all know what these romance books are about! There was ALOT that ended up happening in this story which keep you entertained but it ended up losing me, it felt cram packed where it didn't need to be. There were some cliche' things too. But I love how much it incorporated her winery owning family in this book and the love of wine, they were all lovable and I'm assuming I'd like them even more if I read the other books, so I'm going to have to try those out! Over all I really enjoyed this fun concept of a book and the writing style and Guess what! It's on Kindle Unlimited! Go get it! Thanks for this one! @katieandbreypa & @kelly_kay_books
I give Residual Sugar by Kelly Kay ⭐️⭐️⭐️.🌟

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

To start off, I loooove when a book starts with a family tree! This was the first book in the Five Families Vineyard series that I’ve read but I will certainly be going back to read the beginning of the series.

I love a romance with mystery and this book fit the bill perfectly. Rebecca Gelbert is part of the vineyard families but chose to be a lawyer and not work at the vineyard. The story starts with Rebecca getting a late night visitor, Brick Dunne, in need of a lawyer immediately.

The two met a couple years earlier and Brick decided she was his soulmate. I loved watching their relationship grow as they caught for Brick’s freedom.
Thank you @greyspromo and @kelly_kay_books for the ARC!
Release Date: March 18, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥 scene: Gulfport

[Lindsay Elmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Residual Sugar by Kelly Kay is book 7 of the Five Families Vineyard series. First, I love this series and this book just brings the second chance love story of Brick Dunne and Becca Gilbert to life. This is the small town romance you want and find yourself wanting this couple to happen. I love when a book makes me sigh out loud and smile while reading. While this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. HOWEVER, I recommend starting at the beginning of the series because all the characters come together throughout. I love this author! Her writing and books make you feel immersed in the setting and with the characters. I will continue to read her works and look forward to the next!

[Trish (Beautiful Chaos Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becca Gelbert is the level-headed member of the Gelbert Wine family; she's a no-nonsense lawyer and likes her life in order. She's also recovering emotionally and financially from a betrayal by her law partner and fiance. She's part of Sonoma's tight five wine families, and she is fiercely protective of them all. So, when Brick shows up wet, covered in blood, and asks for her help, she opens the door.

That's just the beginning of a wild ride of mystery and adventure to discover why Brick has been set up. Brick is a sweet cinnamon roll wrapped in a tough-as-nails alpha package. It works, and it works so well. He's so charming, and his southernisms in his dialogue with others and himself are so endearing it makes the book that much more entertaining. The relationship between Brick and Becca is wonderful from page one, and you cannot wait for them to reach their HEA. Although the time to get there is filled with mystery, suspense, and a legal battle. It was all a fun read.

[Laura ( Latteandbookz ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was completely invested from the first chapter. Becca and Brick met several years prior to their reconnecting. Becca is a pretty successful attorney and Brick knocked on her door in the middle of the night in an attire that is not one that you would like to see someone in at that time. Brick and Becca have the strength to get through some rough times, they have great chemistry that you know had been there for a while. I enjoyed the banter and family aspect of the story but the suspences is what got me wanting to know how it ended. Finding out that this is the seventh book in the series just means that I'll have to go and buy the previous books. lol.

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[Kaiti Mae Corbett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Becca and Brick. Brick and Becca. Was it written in the stars? They met a few years ago and there was an instant connection, but they haven’t had any interaction since, but Brick thinks I’d Becca constantly. When he needs legal help, he turns to his most trusted lawyer - Becca, and they’re faced with the instant chemistry all over again. The law forbids them from any relationship though, as long as she’s his legal representative. Of course, there’s loopholes.
This story is a stand-alone that’s part of a bigger story. It was a well-written hook, but there were so many character introductions, I wished I would’ve read the rest of the series first! It was definitely a quick burn and I love a quick burn. There were also plenty of steamy scenes! I’m absolutely going to be checking out the rest of Kelly Kay’s books!

[Marivel (marislitcorner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐

Brick Dunne finds himself in a precarious situation with no idea how he got in his truck or who the unconscious woman sitting beside him is. Right away he decides to go to Rebecca "Becca" Gelbert - a woman he had a moment with a few years ago - for help.

This book really nailed it with the romantic suspense and rom-com. I was hooked from the beginning and enjoyed every second of the romance, suspense, humor, and mmm the spice.

HOT DAMN! I loved how Brick really just brought the heat and laid all his cards out for Rebecca. The banter between them was so hilarious, especially because Rebecca was trying so hard to keep their interactions professional. But Brick was a man on a mission and with his military background, and just his general southern swagger, Rebecca didn't stand a chance.

This is my second Kelly Kay book and she hasn't disappointed thus far. I look forward to reading more from her.

Residual Sugar releases on 3/18/23

[Devons book corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and enjoyable read this turned out to be. Brick and Becca are so perfect and chaotic that you as a reader will be instantly drawn to them. This book is a hard one to put down and will have you addicted in no time. There's spice, romance, humor, and some suspense thrown into the mix as well. When Brick wakes up with a bleeding girl in his truck, he has no idea what happened or where he is. This is how the story starts, and it's a wild ride from here on out. Don't miss out on this one.

[Anita Fuhrmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic book! It grabs the reader's attention from the very beginning and doesn't let go until the final word! I loved Brick and Becca and their second chance to act on the attraction both had felt years earlier, even though Becca has to save Brick from being framed for a crime he didn't commit first! Another great book by Ms. Kay. I love reading her books!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It’s equal parts suspense and spice, heartwarming and humorous. All the characters are well defined and amazing. There were so many clever twists. I really loved this book and it kept me captivated from start to finish. It is very satisfying and entertaining novel. Kelly Kay is a new author to me and I can't wait to read all her other books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right from the first chapter I could tell RESIDUAL SUGAR was going to be good. I expected the suspense and steam, the humor surprised me and made for a really enjoyable book.

I will say that this was the first book I have read by this author. The book can be read as a standalone, but I would have read the other books first if I’d had the chance. There were events that I felt I was not up to speed on.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[booked.with.julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

You get romance, suspense and SPICE 🔥 all in one with this book. Becca and Brick meet again and Brick needs her help as a lawyer to get him out of trouble. I enjoyed Becca and Brick’s sexual tension, chemistry and banter. This is book 7 in a series but can be read as a standalone. I will be going on KU to download the others as I was a bit confused with all the names at times and would love everyone’s stories.

[Michelle The Outgoing Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do get when you put together a lady lawyer and swoon worthy man who needs her help?

Well you get a book that has all the steam and cuteness along with some suspense to satisfy your cravings.

Brock needs Becca’s help when someone frames him for murder. That attorney-client thing eventually becomes non existent.

Like the added suspense element and these two just stole my heart. Plan to read the books in the series since it looks like I missed them.

[Jeanne Feeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so sure when the book first started but that changed quickly. This is a thriller, mystery, family saga and love story wrapped up in one. Fantastic characters throughout the book and edge of your seat action. The story of Brick and Becca is full of sexual tension and romance. This book has it all and it works so well I can’t wait for the next in the series. Give this a book a read you won’t be disappointed.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Residual Sugar' was intriguing. Its fascinating plot was focused on who and why a person or persons set up Brick, a former SEAL and man who gets the job done, and how he ran toward Becca, an attorney who had ties to certain mafia types within her family's winery. This was a fast-paced thriller with suspense and action leading the charge. I loved the hilarity that cropped up from time to time, such as, "I will be an utter failure at prison yard chit chat." Additionally, the plot boasted of twists and jolts along the way. I liked the narrative.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Residual Sugar is hot

Becca and Brick have untraditional everything. Untraditional meeting, untraditional courting, and untraditional marriage. However, the story spun in a fun and entertaining way that makes it difficult to put down.

[Amandamay.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read any of the other books in this series, but this book had my attention from the start. With a cinnamon MMC who falls for our grumpy FMC, even though his world is falling apart. To watch them go through the challenges of making sure Brick doesn't go to jail for a murder he didn't committ, Becca falls into the rabbit hole and in the process falls head of heels in love with Brick.

[Barbara Lichtenwalter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Kay's best yet, Amazing story line, wonderful characters and so many great phrases . For example I love this- "Well, my brain’s flipping like an internet browser with too many tabs open."
Can't wait for Poppy and Sals story-
I just love the 5 families.

[Catherine House · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

[Miranda Coker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, the love, action, and spice were very well written. The details were amazing, and I was shocked as things happened in the story. This can be read alone, without reading the books 1-6 but, I am excited to read the previous stories and continue reading this series.