A Toast for Laurent

Vine Valley #1

by Theresa Paolo

Falling in love wasn’t part of the deal.

Laurent
You know those deals you make when you’re young and dumb, promising to marry your best friend if you’re both not married by the time you’re forty?

Apparently, Phoebe was serious about that.

She waltzes into my small town after disappearing nearly twenty years ago, asking me to marry her. I’d do it without a second thought… if she hadn’t ripped my heart out.

Phoebe
I never thought I’d take Laurent up on his offer to marry me at forty, but here I am, desperately trying to survive another family event. By some miracle, he agrees… on one condition.

I can’t fall in love with him.

I never would’ve agreed if I knew how hard that would be.

A Toast to Laurent is the first in a new small-town, family saga romance series from Theresa Paolo. Grab a glass of wine and join the Grasso family as they pop the cork on love.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance, Small Town Romance, Fiction, Second Chance Romance, Contemporary Romance

203 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2023

About the author

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Short bio:

Romance author, lover of books, 90's pop music and happily ever afters. Writes YA under Tessa Marie.

Long bio:

Theresa Paolo lives in Long Island, NY with her fiancé and their fish. She writes steamy small-town romances with sassy heroines, sexy heroes and feisty townspeople. When she's not writing, she's reading, brewery hopping, or daydreaming. She loves coffee, all things Christmas and fall, and making lists.

She also writes YA romance under Tessa Marie.

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Reviews

[Dab]

Both MCs in their forties 👀

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laurent has not seen Phoebe in years. She was the girl who broke his heart and now she is back wanting his help. They made a pact years ago to marry at forty if both still single, Laurent though wants to marry for love and Phoebe did a runner before.

Phoebe has spent the years hopping from one place to another. She never thought she would reach out to Laurent but the chemistry is still there and they have an agreement that Laurent will pretend to be with her so she can get through a family event that is going to be difficult at best.

This was entertaining. It takes a bit to warm up to Phoebe but once you get to know why she did what she did you begin to understand her background. I liked Laurent from the very beginning and appreciated that he is honest with his feelings. The book definitely sets up for more books in the series.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Toast to Laurent - a story of Phoebe and Laurent, who made a pact in their 20s to get married at 40. Fast forward 20 years, and Phoebe is back to enact the pact for a fake relationship.

This was a cute, easy read. It's very similar to Theresa's other series. Did the main characters annoy me at times because of their indecisiveness....yes.

It was enjoyable, and I can't wait for the rest of the Grasso siblings.

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

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Toast to Laurent is the first book in the Vine Valley series. It is a second chance romantic tale and a good start to this series. Set in a new small-town, where everyone knows everyone, and everyone is all up in your business.
This small-town romance is an entertaining read even though it is a little predictable. A tried-and-true formula but it works. Theresa puts her own quirks and charm into the characters and the town and that keeps you coming back for more.
Theresa has written a wonderful tale that will have you swooning one moment and giggling at another as you fall in love. The characters are realistic and the chemistry between our main characters is sweet, sparks fly, and I love the witty banter.
She left and broke his heart now 20 years on, a fake romance and NOT falling in love has never been so hard.
I can't wait to enjoy more of this delightful small town and its inhabitants.
I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves a small-town romance!

[Rain ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I probably should've read the blurb before diving in because if I’d known this was a second-chance romance, I would’ve steered clear.
It’s always the same story—if they’d just had one decent conversation, we wouldn’t even have a book.
The only redeeming quality in this whole story was the hero and his relationship with his siblings. Honestly, that’s where the warmth and love were hiding.
As for the heroine? Toxic and selfish. If I were the hero, I wouldn’t have given her the time of day. Seriously, I’m all for understanding, but sometimes, you’ve got to look at someone and think, “You are not worth my emotional energy." I believe in relationships where support and reassurance are key, and as someone who deals with anxiety, I can tell you—sometimes all I need is a little reassurance. When the bad thoughts come, it’s hard to shut them down, but I try to communicate and let the other person know, "It’s not you, it’s me." Meanwhile, our heroine is over here breaking his heart again and again. His feelings were totally valid, yet she kept tossing them aside. Give the guy a break already!
The writing? Easy, engaging—no complaints there. The plot? One sentence in, and I was ready to peace out.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Vine Valley Series and it is Laurent and Phoebe’s story and what a great start to a new series. Laurent and Phoebe have history because they used to be best friend’s, each other’s everything, in love and made a pact that if they were not married by the age of forty then they would marry each other and then Phoebe left without saying goodbye to Laurent leaving his upset, hurt, angry and not knowing what he did wrong. Laurent is president of sales for Vine Valley Vineyards which has been in his family for fifty years and while helping out in the wine tasting room a blast from his past appears completely stopping Laurent in his tracks because he hadn’t seen her for eighteen years and when she tells him why she is there he decides to hear her out and decide what to do next. Phoebe has been running all her life after her father had a mistress who was pregnant with his baby and left Phoebe and her mom and then her mother died of cancer leaving her alone and devastated so she decided to travel around the world with no commitment or relationships because that way nobody else would leave her but now she was back to see Laurent and realised that she never stopped loving him but she still wouldn’t commit so she kept walking away. The more time that Laurent and Phoebe spent together the more in love they are in fact they never stopped loving each other after all the years that they were apart. Phoebe had gone through so much heartbreak because of her past and still going through because of her stepmother who is nasty, judgemental, mentally abusive, arrogant, selfish, self-centred, disgusting, belittling and a evil person who craves attention from everyone around her and i really despised Phoebe’s dad for not being there for her or protecting her from his awful wife. I really loved how Laurent showed Phoebe time and time again that it is okay to feel vulnerable and be with him and he was sp protective of her that it made your heart melt. I really loved Laurent and Phoebe’s love story and how it stood the test of time even though they had many ups and downs and what they went through before they still got the happiness and future that they both deserved. I definitely recommend you read this book and others by this author and you will not be disappointed.

[Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo is my favorite kind of second-chance romance. It pulled at my emotions but was a lot of fun with just the right amount of spice. Plus, it takes place around a winery, what wasn’t there to love????

This book had me hooked within just the first few pages. The author gave me a good, quick background on Laurent, and then boom, Phoebe entered the scene! She definitely made an impression. Even though she has been gone from his life for many years, she is still the one that got away, breaking his heart in the process.

Laurent and Phoebe were best friends at one time with the possibility of being so much more. One night the lines blurred, and she walked out the next morning taking his heart with her. Now, she needs him desperately, and she re-enters his life wanting him to keep his promise…marry her. They made a pact almost twenty years ago that if they weren’t married, they would marry each other. Laurent could never turn his back on her, and he doesn’t plan on doing that now. However, he also has to protect his heart. When he agrees to help her out, he makes one condition, she can’t fall in love with him. She thinks she can do that….right…she has had feelings for him to begin with, she just ran from them. Now, she might not be able to outrun them.

I was not prepared for the twists and turns in this book, not just the main characters, but the secondary characters. I love reading a book that has a few sub-plot points occurring simultaneously. Sometimes that doesn’t work, but it really did in this one. I adored all of Laurent’s siblings, and I even came to like Phoebe’s half-sister, Parker. I enjoyed the way in which Paolo brought both their past and their future together.


Theresa Paolo is a new author for me, but this book will definitely not be my last. I’m looking forward to other books in this particular series and discovering her others as well.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo is a touching, second chance romance with which Paolo has hit the big time, going from clean, sweet romances, to sexy, sweet romances with a touch of grit.
Laurent is a 40-ish head of his family with six siblings, all of whom work with or at the family vineyard and distillery, a 60 million dollar enterprise. He was in love once, but she got up and left the next morning and he never saw her again. Now his beloved grandfather has died and his parents have abdicated and gone on a world tour. He is in his world when when she, Phoebe, the one who ran, appeared in his tasting room. She had a favor to ask: could he pretend to be her fiance for a day to attend her half-sister’s engagement part? She couldn’t stand to put up with her stepmother’s snarky comments about her unmarried state. Of course, he said yes, but that opened the Pandora’s box of feelings for both of them.

Laurent was a sexy, brilliant business man who had a heart for his family, but few others. He had closed it after she left that morning. They had been friends for months but had never crossed that line until that night. He guessed it was too much. It had been for him. His heart was no longer his own. Paolo made this clear, but not in a sappy way. Phoebe was just as brilliant. After running she had kept running, traveling the world for years, until she finally settled down and made hospitality her life. She had done well and was now a trouble-shooter for a major hotel chain. Both were strong and resilient characters, well written and sympathetic. The plot was an old one with some twists and turns that Paolo used to make it her own. A little dramatic in spots, but worth the read as the rest was fabulous! Loved it!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Toast for Laurent by the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Booksprout #TheresaPaolo #AToastForLaurent

[Heidi Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dedication had me smiling and pouring a glass of Chardonnay to begin my journey
“ Dedicated to wine . This series exists because of my love for you .” 🍷🥰📚❣️🤣


Laurent and his family have been running Vine Valley for over fifty years and if memory serves me right Laurent would be 3rd generation to run it alongside his siblings , I love his heart and how he wants to honour his grandpa and his legacy ❣️

They all seem to know their place and things run like a well oiled machine , we’ll mostly because life isn’t perfect 😉
Laurent = Sales and he’s got a serious knack for business and has taken the vineyard to new highs

Rhone is assistant winemaker and a bit if a free spirit

Nero is a real flirt and I think he could charm a nun out of her habit 🤣🙈

These boys are a good bunch and each brings something to the party and they’re just awesome !


Now Phoebe our blue green eyed blonde beaut was fortunate enough to grow up with this lot but her bond with Laurent was different and they made a pact to marry each other if they reached the ripe old age if 40 and were still unattached and when Phoebe marches in to lay claim to their pact I pour myself another glass of nectar of the gods (wine)🤣let the games begin


Phoebe has a strained relationship with her family and when het stepsister is getting married she needs Laurent to save face and he agrees but he has 1 condition to this agreement and Phoebe thinks she’s fine but Laurent isn’t an easy man to resist ….


I laughed hard , I cried even harder especially where Phoebe really opens up to Laurent I just really felt Phoebe there and yes I even got angry for many reasons , there were so many emotions going through me while reading about Laurent and Phoebe and their road to their own HEA …. Every page was great and every sip was mighty fine 😉

[Anya Davies-schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Toast for Laurent is about 2 long-lost lovers finding each other after 20 years. Laurent is a wealthy vineyard owner who was very much in love with Phoebe, however, she is a “runner”. Phoebe having mommy, daddy, and their marriage issues is a runner - she runs from life, love, and anything uncomfortable. Well, 20 years ago she ran from Laurent and left him heartbroken. However, they made a pact that if by the time they were 40 and not married they would get married. Phoebe’s younger sister is getting married and is always criticized by her family so she wants to make good on their pact. She happens to be a successful businesswoman for the local hotel in the city Laurent lives in. At the story's beginning, she is walking into his vineyard/bar and demanding he marries her. This begins the second phase love story. Love was never the problem so can they each learn from the past and begin a future of happiness?

I enjoyed this romance story. I think it isn’t often they have a male leader that isn’t really the problem in the story, and I quite enjoyed that perspective. Laurent is a likable, caring, loving, handsome, level-minded, and successful individual. You can tell he loves with his whole heart and will fight for what he wants. He is quite patient with Phoebe who is really the problem of the love always falling short. Phoebe was an okay character. She is someone who is scared and afraid to love, afraid to be happy. I appreciate her growth in the story but there were many times I really wanted to slap her. I hate that she thought when things were convenient for her they should be for him. I really just wanted her to get over herself a lot of the time and woman up. Also, one thing I would have liked a little more is their after story, would have felt better about where they were going, but overall enjoyable read.

[Angela Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laurent has lived in and worked at his families Vineyards for what seems like forever, but getting to his position in the company has taken hard work and determination, although he always felt like he was missing something in his life when his best friend and really love of his life Phoebe left all those years ago.

Phoebe left the small town which had her heart years ago, leaving everything and everyone was one of the hardest decisions he has ever had to make but with all the tragedy that has happen in her life she wants comfort and familiarity and to collect on a promise hopefully Laurent has not forgot about. Leaving him was the hardest thing of all but over the years of roaming the world and not wanting to settle down it always leads her back to Vine Valley and the unconditional love of a man.

Standing there in the tasting room was the scariest thing Phoebe had done but seeing him all the old feeling came flooding back and will he be able to forgive her and help her in this dilemma.

This is the first story I have read by this author, and it was a heartwarming read, the chemistry between the two main characters was a joy to be a part of and the angst and pain felt in some of the conversations were real and to the point. I love a flawed character and Phoebe unfortunately was a product of mental abuse and sheer tragedy in her life, with her only escape was running.

Laurent character was a great counter to Phoebe’s but with his utter loss and being heartbroken when she left not knowing where or why she vanished as imprinted on him and with him wanting to trust and be with her moving forward. I also thought the secondary characters added to the flow and depth of the story.

I can’t wait to read more by this wonderful author and hopefully more in this series.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pact made by two 22 year-olds gives the now 40 year-olds a second chance at love. Laurent and Phoebe had been friends for years. Each secretly longing for the other. They finally gave into their feelings at what was possibly the worst time in Phoebe’s life. Phoebe’s mom had just died, her dad brought his former mistress to the funeral, and then he married her two weeks later. Phoebe just couldn’t take it. It was all too much. So she ran.

Phoebe is a successful business woman, well traveled, and extremely independent. But her entire facade starts to crack when she receives the invitation to her half-sister’s engagement party. It is just another chance for her step-monster, her father’s former mistress, to berate and belittle her. Phoebe acts in desperation and goes to Laurent and claims that he has to marry her because of the pact.

Laurent says he won’t marry her but he will act as her boyfriend for the event. While at the engagement party, the step-monster pulls her usual tricks and insults Phoebe at every turn. Laurent slips into uber-protector mode, one of his usual, and accidentally announces to the step-monster and Phoebe’s family that they are also engaged. Family hijinks ensue.

I love the scenes with Laurent’s siblings. They are hilarious. I hope there are lots more of those to come in the series. The characters are real and feel like they could be someone you could be friends with on any given day. I look forward to reading more of this series. Great opener!!!

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book in the Vine Valley Series. What a great beginning. We get to meet Laurent Grasso and the rest of his family and get to know more about their business and then we get to meet Phoebe Hodge who was with Laurent back in the day but they haven’t seen each other in years and she wants to collect on a pact they made when they were both younger. She needs a date/plus one to her step-sisters engagement party which she just received an invitation to and her stepmonster is being difficult. We learn so much about Phoebe and Laurent and their past and what made Phoebe run years prior. She went through such a tragic time and learning how her stepmonster treated her way back then and current day, when all she does is put her down and disrespect her and compare her to her daughter Parker, was enough for me to take her down on behalf of Phoebe. Unfortunately when they attend the party, the stepmonster is doing what she does best in continuing to put Phoebe down and Laurent has had enough and makes an announcement, which he thinks will put her in her place but he’s only opening a huge can of worms for everyone. When they get back to town the news gets out and of course the stepmonster puts her spin on it as well and it’s all too much for Phoebe in addition to some things that she believes she won’t be able to provide for Laurent and she can’t do it and runs. In their time apart, Phoebe has an incident and Laurent comes to her rescue and this is what turns things around for these two. I especially loved the ending with Phoebe and Laurent and Phoebe and Parker and I so loved Parker taking control of her life as well. I’m hoping to see more of these characters and more books in this series. Great story!!!

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really cute second chance romance. A couple 20 years ago, Phoebe broke Laurent’s heart. She smashed that sucker. Now she’s back to take him up on their silly pack to get married. Now it’s time for a fake romance. Oh, these two still have chemistry and it’s fun to watch them move past all that has happened. The characters are well-written and entertaining. The plot is a hair predictable but I am a sucker for romances in the vineyards. The family would try the patience of a saint and I think Laurent needs the break. It’s a fun, quick and entertaining read that any romance lover would enjoy. I hope to see more about the family in future books. This is a new author to me. I look forward to more from her.A really cute second chance romance. A couple 20 years ago, Phoebe broke Laurent’s heart. She smashed that sucker. Now she’s back to take him up on their silly pack to get married. Now it’s time for a fake romance. Oh, these two still have chemistry and it’s fun to watch them move past all that has happened. The characters are well-written and entertaining. The plot is a hair predictable but I am a sucker for romances in the vineyards. The family would try the patience of a saint and I think Laurent needs the break. It’s a fun, quick and entertaining read that any romance lover would enjoy. I hope to see more about the family in future books. This is a new author to me. I look forward to more from her.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Toast For Laurent is the first book in the Vine Valley series by Theresa Paolo. It is about small town second chance romance with twists, turns, friendships, romance and possible love. Of course, everyone knows that a love story needs some intrigue and drama...and Theresa Paolo didn't disappoint in bringing that aspect into the story.
We are introduced to Laurent and Phoebe, and the story takes us back to twenty years ago when they made a promise to marry each other if they were both still single when they reached forty. Unfortunately, Laurent finds himself heartbroken after a spicy night with Phoebe, and she disappears without a word! Even though Laurent is heartbroken, life goes on and he finds himself tending to the family grapevine and doesn't think about love, then after all those years Phoebe is back! Phoebe has the intent on seeing her and Laurent's pact through, but what does Laurent think of the plan, especially after the pain she caused. What happens next makes for a fun read that is hard to put down! I'm a sucker for a good book with love and drama! Theresa Paolo did a good job of making sure that you knew the backstory as well as what was currently going on, I didn't feel like details were left out, she did a great job!
This book is the first in a new series, so I will definitely be reading each new instalment as they release. Looking forward to A Thirst for Franc (Book #2).
Happy Reading!

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this small town second chance romance. This is the first book in the vine Valley series and I can't wait to see what else the author has in store for us.

This is second chance romance about 2 people who lost themselves but found their way back to each other in a unique way. The characters were well written. You couldn't help but feel the hurt and pain that Laurent went through when Phoebe just left him. But as the story progresses you understand her reason why.

Laurent had his heart broken by Phoebe all those years ago. He imagined his would he with her forever and thought she felt the same but that all changed when she disappeared and left him.

Fast forward and she is now back in his life asking for his help.

Phoebe needs help. So sick of being the entertainment for her stepmother she needs to find a partner for her stepsister wedding. So she heads to the first person she thinks of Laurent. When they meet again the chemistry is instant, when he offers to help by pretending to be her boyfriend what could possible go wrong?
Can he ever forgive her for what happened all those years ago? What happens the attraction between them gets to much? When Laurent places the rule of her not falling in love with him is that something that she can stop from happening or will this fake relationship bring to life a true loving connection that they lost all those years before?

[Ashley Mertz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo is available now in eBook and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐ Book Review

A Toast for Laurent is a small town, fake relationship, second chance at romance novel. This novel is the first installment of the Vine Valley series, introducing us to the story of Laurent and Phoebe. After 20 years Phoebe is back to commit to the pact of marrying Laurent if they were both single at the age of 40. However, Laurent has moved on, Phoebe broke his heart all those years ago when she walked out and never looked back.

This is a new to me author. Theresa Paolo is known for writing novels about sassy heroines, sexy heroes, and feisty townspeople. The characters within this novel, to include the secondary characters, are relatable and well developed. Laurent was strong willed, successful, and full of life. Phoebe was insecure and selfish. I quickly found myself falling in love with Laurent and disliking Phoebe. This quickly changed as I learned the reasoning behind the shield that Phoebe held close. Paolo knows how to immediately draw her readers in and secure them for the remainder of the novel. I couldn't put this one down, needing to know exactly what was going to happen next. I highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in the small town, second chance at love genre. I can’t wait to see what else this series has in store.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and engaging second chance romance which had me happily turning the pages. Set in the small town of Vine Valley book one in this series introduces us to the Grasso family who own the local vineyard. This story focuses on eldest son Laurent, who twenty years ago made a pact with his best friend Phoebe that if neither of them were married by the age of forty then they should get married. She then disappeared and Laurent didn’t think anymore about it, until she suddenly reappears asking him to marry her. Phoebe never expected to be taking up her childhood friends offer but having reached forty, not married, and desperately wanting to survive another family event, she sees no other option. However, having had his heart broken by Phoebe when she left, Laurent has one condition, that she can’t fall in love with him. Phoebe agrees to a fake relationship but didn’t realise how hard it would be to not fall in love with Laurent. I love the characters in this story and the main characters Laurent and Phoebe have real chemistry. The descriptive narrative brings the small town of Vine Valley and its inhabitants vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story. I look forward to the rest of the series.

[kaeloo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 2.5/5 🌟
Spice rating: 3/5 🌶️

Idk how to feel about this book. I’ll start with the bad and end on a happier note.
1. There were a LOT of grammatical errors that kept taking me out of the book.
2. The story was a lot of the same thing happening over and over again and it was frustrating.
3. The ending felt super rushed. This was another one of those books where it feels like it takes forever to get to the end but then when you do get there you’re like “wait what that’s it?”
4. The FMC just really isn’t all that likable, and I’ve definitely come to realize that personally I want the characters of romance books like this to be at least semi likable.
Now I’ll get on with the good things.
1. I liked that the characters were older. Most romance books are about younger people so it was nice having something different.
2. The side characters were fun and had their own distinct personalities.
3. The MMC was pretty likable, I had a hard time rationalizing why he’d stick around for someone that treats him so poorly. But hey I’m here for a good time so whatever.

Idk this book isn’t going to blow your mind because it’s a masterpiece, but it’s a fun goofy read for when you need a little pallet cleanser.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laurent and Phoebe havent seen each other in nearly 20 years when Phoebe broke Laurent’s heart. They were college best friends and now havent spoken in two decades until Phoebe comes back into Laurent’s life asking him to make good on a deal they made back in the day. Seeing Phoebe again is a whirlwind for Laurent and this quickly turned into such a captivating romance for me. I usually do not like second chance romances but this was done well. Their chemistry was clear and i adored the way Laurent quickly fell back into protecting and caring for her. Phoebe clearly changed a lot since they were kids and it was nice to see her as such a successful business woman and i also enjoyed the side story of the relationship with her sister. I did not like how back and forth she was with her feelings at times but that gave this story the edge it needed to keep me guessing how these two would end up. I really enjoyed this and all the characters were great. If this is a series i definitely will read more from it. If you want a quick, easy yet steamy second chance romance that wont leave you hating one of the MC than this is the read for you.

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Toast for Laurent is a second chance romance novel that centers around the characters of Laurent and Phoebe and told by each of their POV throughout. Nearly twenty years ago Phoebe took off from Laurent’s life and broke his heart. Now she has suddenly reappeared and is expecting him to make good on a promise that he made one night nearly twenty years ago. Laurent certainly never took the promise seriously nor did he expect Phoebe to reappear and expect for the two of them to get married. Of course, he is reluctant because he no longer knows who she is or anything about her after the two went in different directions with their lives. Laurent wants to hate Phoebe for breaking his heart, but he is still intensely attracted to her. Can the two rekindle what they once had, or has too much time gone by? This was a beautifully written book with an interesting storyline and characters whose lives you become invested in. It was apparent that Phoebe and Laurent once had more than a fling and were deeply in love. I had to read through to the end to see why Phoebe took off and if the relationship between them could be rekindled. A great read that I highly recommend!

[Noreen Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book i have read by Theresa,even though i have quite a few of her books in my library waiting to be read.
I really enjoyed it.It is the first book in her new Vine Valley series about the Grasso siblings.
It is Laurent the eldest brother and Phoebe's second chance romance.
You get introductions to the rest of the family and cannot wait to read their stories.
Phoebe left town and ghosted Laurent 18 years ago.Now she is back in town and wants Laurent to honour the pact they made.Getting married to each other if they were still single at 40.
Laurent is shocked that she is back and wants them to get married.He surprisingly agrees.As they spend time together the feelings which are still there get stronger.
They work out their issues and get to their happily ever after with lots of emotions,angst,steam,
humour,family relations and issues.
Cannot wait for the next book in the series.

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

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star’s
A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo

A Toast for Laurent is the first book in the Vine Valley series and is a Contemporary Romance/Second Chance Romance that you won’t want to put down once you start reading. This is a new author to me but I’m definitely going to be checking out what other books they have written. This is a second chance romance packed with, drama, family drama, secrets, regret and so much more. This authors style of writing and attention to detail along with fully developed characters make for a wonderful story. Phoebe and Laurent have a past that he wonders what happened to her and why she ran. Fast forward two decades and he’s finally getting his answers to many questions or does he? These two have serious chemistry and you can tell love is both sided but one of them is to scared to realize what was infront of them all those years ago and even now. Can they have their happy ending? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

[Beverly Finnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love something let it go, if it comes back it’s yours. Well a pact saying you’ll get married at 40 if you’re both still single works too. A Toast for Laurent is a sweet/spicy second chance romance. Of course it doesn’t come without sorrow and heartache. The author definitely pulls at the reader's heartstrings with this book.
When Laurent and Phoebe made their marriage pact 18 years ago, Laurent never expected Phoebe was going to run away from his life. Now she’s back and they are both playing with fire. Laurent wants to help her but at what costs. Laurent is driven by his heart. While Phoebe is driven by fear. That’s a lethal combination, being it never leads to anything good.
Will Laurent be able to honor the marriage pact?
What will his family think?
The author navigates this second chance romance beautifully. Also makes you feel for the characters. I understand Phoebe’s fears, but I feel a kinship with Laurent and what he’s going through.
I look forward to reading other books by this author in the future.

[Lorralei Hoerner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Enjoyable small town second chance romance that gave me romance, fear, family drama, past hurts and a love that never died.

Years ago, Phoebe left Laurent without saying goodbye and no explanations...not even a letter on why she is leaving...knowing there was a pact made that if they were not married by the time they were 40...they would get married. When Phoebe comes barreling in wanting to take that pact with Laurent and put it to use....Laurent is not sure what to think. Phoebe believes she has a sure plan and Laurent buys into the charade and save face for Phoebe and her overbearing family.

As the heat rises between Phoebe and Laurent...their attraction and love for each other never wavered from years ago....but what can happen when total utter fear from Phoebe on taking any forward steps with Laurent make her want to run..

This is a very good start to the Vine Valley series and I am looking forward to more. While sometime Phoebe frustrated me and my heart really hurt for Laurent.....I got what she was feeling and why.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe and Laurent made a pact at the end of high school that they would marry at 40 if not already in a relationship with someone. The two reconnected and sparks flew but Phoebe was holding back and it took a long time for Laurent to find out why. The characters are believable, determined and make big decisions based on fear. The storyline handled the topic very well while the drama, danger, twists, surprises and steam keeps the pages turning. Loved their chemistry and so happy when Phoebe has an event that scares her into looking at her fear differently.
I totally understand where she is coming from. I lost my mom to cancer at age of 55. I am now 64 and I had my own surgery scare at 46, but I am still here and happily married for 27 years. There is always hope and nothing is set in stone. Your best days are ones you wake up to. Do not take them for granted.

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

[Lcr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Toast for Laurent is the first book in a new series featuring the Grasso family and their vineyard.

Laurent is the eldest Grasso son and eighteen years ago he made a pact with his best friend Phoebe that they would marry if both were unmarried at forty. One day she just left and they had no contact since.

Now she’s back, at the vineyard, to marry Laurent.

This is a good family saga but I found it very slow at the start and difficult to get into. It did improve and there is plenty of drama, angst, love, anger, heat, family and so on to keep the reader entertained on the way to their hea.

I think Theresa Paolo is a wonderful author and her family series are usually excellent. However, for me, this book is missing that ‘something’ that takes it from good to wonderful. I do however highly recommend this book and think it will appeal to any romance reader looking for a book with depth and heart.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo. I had to pick up this book because I actually made a bet with one of my friends that if we weren't married by 40 we would get married. Luckily I got married in my 20's to someone else so I didn't have to call in that favor. This story is the first in the Vine Valley series. Its a cute story about Laurent who was in love with Phoebe years ago and she broke his heart. When she comes sailing back into his life 20 years later wanting to call in their bet he is shocked. Laurent would never turn his back on Phoebe so he goes along with it but makes her promise to not fall in love with him because he can't get hurt again. She agrees even though she already has feelings for him but thinks she can get away with it. I really enjoyed this book even though I got aggravated at both characters and their hard heads. I can't wait to read more in this series. A fun sweet read!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Falling in love wasn’t part of the deal.
You know those deals you make when you’re young and dumb, promising to marry your best friend if you’re both not married by the time you’re forty?
Apparently, Phoebe was serious about that.
She comes back after disappearing nearly twenty years ago, asking me to marry her. I’d do it without a second thought… if she hadn’t ripped my heart out. Phoebe I never thought I’d take Laurent up on his offer to marry me at forty, but here I am, desperately trying to survive another family event. By some miracle, he agrees… on one condition. I can’t fall in love with him".
First book in a series, quick read, loved the relationship between the two characters cant wait to read more. Will they get married? Will they fall in love with each other? Have to read the story to find out what happens with the two characters. Will read more in the series as this is a first time author for me I enjoyed the whole story.
I give this book 4 stars.

[Rosanna Ingram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoebe left town almost 20 years go, breaking her best friend's heart in the process. Laurent was angry and lost...and now he's shocked when Phoebe shows up in is vineyard's tasting room. She wants to cash in on a promise they made to each other when they were younger...but he doesn't know if he can trust her not to run again. So, when he agrees to pretend for Phoebe, he does so with his heart guarded...but the chemistry that these two share (even after all those years) is off the charts. Will they be able to just pretend and walk away? Or do their feelings run deep and true?

It took a while for me to warm up to Phoebe's character...but I eventually go there. She has been through a lot and has quite the stepmother to deal with (and the lack for her father's support). Laurent is a sweet man that has a protective streak when it comes to Phoebe. The supporting characters added to the story and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.