What do you think?
Rate this book
Bottled Up: Pietro Family Estate
A wine country romance with a dash of mafia.
"It's time you knew the whole story. And I don't trust the wifey to get it totally right."
-Sal
Salvatore Pietro, or Sally Pipes, is the head of a Los Angeles Crime Family. And Poppy Gelbert is his worst-kept secret. She's the daughter of one of a well-known vineyard families and the love of his life. Although they've never been caught together publically, privately, they can't keep their hands off of each other. But the secrets end now. The weight of separating the two worlds is too heavy, even for a man like Sal. The threads Sal's been tying off for the last couple of years have all come loose, and putting Poppy in danger was the last thing on earth he wanted to do. The choice is Sal will choose Poppy's love and safety every time. But at what cost?
Poppy
Loss never feels real to me. It's like it's happening to someone else. But this time, it's different because this time, I realize I've never really lost anything or anyone that mattered. Sure, a job, a friend, a favorite earring...but this is ripping me half. And the only way I can think of making it feel like it's happening to someone else is to become someone else.
And if I find out he's not actually dead, and I had to go through all of this for nothing, I'll kill him.
Five Families Vineyard Series - Interconnected standalone series exploring the lives and loves of five winery families.
"It's time you knew the whole story. And I don't trust the wifey to get it totally right."
-Sal
Salvatore Pietro, or Sally Pipes, is the head of a Los Angeles Crime Family. And Poppy Gelbert is his worst-kept secret. She's the daughter of one of a well-known vineyard families and the love of his life. Although they've never been caught together publically, privately, they can't keep their hands off of each other. But the secrets end now. The weight of separating the two worlds is too heavy, even for a man like Sal. The threads Sal's been tying off for the last couple of years have all come loose, and putting Poppy in danger was the last thing on earth he wanted to do. The choice is Sal will choose Poppy's love and safety every time. But at what cost?
Poppy
Loss never feels real to me. It's like it's happening to someone else. But this time, it's different because this time, I realize I've never really lost anything or anyone that mattered. Sure, a job, a friend, a favorite earring...but this is ripping me half. And the only way I can think of making it feel like it's happening to someone else is to become someone else.
And if I find out he's not actually dead, and I had to go through all of this for nothing, I'll kill him.
Five Families Vineyard Series - Interconnected standalone series exploring the lives and loves of five winery families.
343 pages
Published March 14, 2024
About the author
Kelly Kay
39 books288 followersI 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 27, 2024
Book Review
Bottled Up
A Novel Written By Kelly Kay
Fiction - Romance
Published March 2024
348 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is Sal and Poppy’s story. He’s a Mafia Don. She is a chef who owns a cafe. They have a secret relationship that leads to a secret marriage. Their story takes readers to Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Italy. There are guns, violence, murder, love, spice, and linguini with clam sauce. There are many characters to keep track of. The story does end with a tease for the next book.
If you are looking for a Mafia romance, this one is for you.
“”It’s been my life’s honor to be your husband.”
Bottled Up
A Novel Written By Kelly Kay
Fiction - Romance
Published March 2024
348 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is Sal and Poppy’s story. He’s a Mafia Don. She is a chef who owns a cafe. They have a secret relationship that leads to a secret marriage. Their story takes readers to Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Italy. There are guns, violence, murder, love, spice, and linguini with clam sauce. There are many characters to keep track of. The story does end with a tease for the next book.
If you are looking for a Mafia romance, this one is for you.
“”It’s been my life’s honor to be your husband.”
June 10, 2024
Wow!!!! That’s my view of this book. I do love a good mafia romance, I like a family series and I adore rom com type books and this was all of those roles in to one.
Now I will confess to not reading the previous 7 books so I did have to double check the family tree at the beginning which was really useful. When I started reading it, not knowing the background, I thought it was going to be the grieving widow, coming to terms and starting a new life etc and for a good few chapters it was till it wasn’t and everything changed. From the sad gentle pace of Poppy becoming Fiona and reinventing herself and her fun at being a bar tender in a cash only hole in the wall and the unusual characters in the bar to Tabi the best friend turning up having found her and Poppy realising Fiona was no more it’s time to go home but not before a fun night out with her bestie, one last hurrah before she stops being Fiona forever. Here’s where it’s like that needle scratching over the record and the book totally changes pace. It’s action packed, car chases, shoot outs, who is still loyal & who isn’t . We’ve got the wanna be mafia Don of a nephew, the Dutch Euro criminal who every agency is seeking but no one can even identify him let alone captor and arrest him. Poppy’s family at risk from this guy, she is kidnapped and oh my god so much more.
I had a total blast reading this and I admit to tears more than once, I laughed out loud at some of things Poppy says or does, the girl goes from Chef to gun toting bad *ss. I need to go read the rest of them while I wait for the next book
Now I will confess to not reading the previous 7 books so I did have to double check the family tree at the beginning which was really useful. When I started reading it, not knowing the background, I thought it was going to be the grieving widow, coming to terms and starting a new life etc and for a good few chapters it was till it wasn’t and everything changed. From the sad gentle pace of Poppy becoming Fiona and reinventing herself and her fun at being a bar tender in a cash only hole in the wall and the unusual characters in the bar to Tabi the best friend turning up having found her and Poppy realising Fiona was no more it’s time to go home but not before a fun night out with her bestie, one last hurrah before she stops being Fiona forever. Here’s where it’s like that needle scratching over the record and the book totally changes pace. It’s action packed, car chases, shoot outs, who is still loyal & who isn’t . We’ve got the wanna be mafia Don of a nephew, the Dutch Euro criminal who every agency is seeking but no one can even identify him let alone captor and arrest him. Poppy’s family at risk from this guy, she is kidnapped and oh my god so much more.
I had a total blast reading this and I admit to tears more than once, I laughed out loud at some of things Poppy says or does, the girl goes from Chef to gun toting bad *ss. I need to go read the rest of them while I wait for the next book
March 12, 2024
This book is non stop!
Holy Crap! What did I just read? I mean seriously?? Kelly has outdone herself with this one! This is Kelly’s first mafia book and she absolutely killed it!
Sal and Poppy’s story is one for the books, an instant connection that couldn’t be out in the open for obvious mafia related reasons, but even those reasons couldn’t stop them from falling. But as we all know mafia life isn’t for the weak, and Poppy stepped up showed us her strength over and over in this story. Her journey is going to put you through an emotional wringer, but it is so worth it!
So this is a mafia story, there is going to be blood and danger, but it is also a Kelly Kay story so there is also witty banter and things that will make you laugh out loud as you read, and don’t get me started on the spice factor. Let’s just say I will never look at a cannoli the same way again!
This is part of Kelly’s Five Families series, and a complete story for Poppy and Sal,and it may leave you hanging off a small cliff because this world and these stories are so much more then their individual couples. But don’t worry, Kelly writes fast and she won’t leave us hanging for long.
Read this book! Read all of these books! Kelly Kay writes books I love to read, and because of that I’ve read them all! Come drink some wine and get lost in this world, you won’t regret it!
1. Crushing
2. Rootstock
3. Uncorked
4. Over a Barrel
5. Under the Bus
6. Meritage
7. Residual Sugar
8. Bottled Up
9. Complex Finish (coming soon)
Holy Crap! What did I just read? I mean seriously?? Kelly has outdone herself with this one! This is Kelly’s first mafia book and she absolutely killed it!
Sal and Poppy’s story is one for the books, an instant connection that couldn’t be out in the open for obvious mafia related reasons, but even those reasons couldn’t stop them from falling. But as we all know mafia life isn’t for the weak, and Poppy stepped up showed us her strength over and over in this story. Her journey is going to put you through an emotional wringer, but it is so worth it!
So this is a mafia story, there is going to be blood and danger, but it is also a Kelly Kay story so there is also witty banter and things that will make you laugh out loud as you read, and don’t get me started on the spice factor. Let’s just say I will never look at a cannoli the same way again!
This is part of Kelly’s Five Families series, and a complete story for Poppy and Sal,and it may leave you hanging off a small cliff because this world and these stories are so much more then their individual couples. But don’t worry, Kelly writes fast and she won’t leave us hanging for long.
Read this book! Read all of these books! Kelly Kay writes books I love to read, and because of that I’ve read them all! Come drink some wine and get lost in this world, you won’t regret it!
1. Crushing
2. Rootstock
3. Uncorked
4. Over a Barrel
5. Under the Bus
6. Meritage
7. Residual Sugar
8. Bottled Up
9. Complex Finish (coming soon)
March 12, 2024
4.5 Stars
"𝘎𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘯𝘢𝘱. 𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩."
Il mio cuore. My heart. I was not prepared for Sal and Poppy's story. When I read a Kelly Kay book, I know to expect strong characters, a great plot filled with action, and LOL humor; however, I did not anticipate the devastation my heart endured at the the beginning of the book. WTH, Kelly! I did not get the memo.
Poppy Gelbert has always been the sweet and spunky one that took care of everyone. After her world gets turned upside down, she unleashes a new side of herself that was unexpected, but I was all in for. Spunk x100 and taking names (with a few squeals in between). It's always the quiet ones.
Sal Pietro...morally gray and A-okay. He may be the big bad, but behind closed doors, he is feral, in a very sexy, panty-melting way. Mr. Pietro can whisper sweet nothing to me in Italian anytime. I swooned at how protective of Poppy he was and when he said "my wife" uuufffff.
I loved the banter between Sal and Poppy, and there is no doubt that opposites attract. The chemistry between these two was dynamite.
The suspense, the action, and the violence had me on pins and needles. There was no putting this book down, and after that cliffhanger, I'm chomping at the bit for the next book.
"𝘎𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘯𝘢𝘱. 𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩."
Il mio cuore. My heart. I was not prepared for Sal and Poppy's story. When I read a Kelly Kay book, I know to expect strong characters, a great plot filled with action, and LOL humor; however, I did not anticipate the devastation my heart endured at the the beginning of the book. WTH, Kelly! I did not get the memo.
Poppy Gelbert has always been the sweet and spunky one that took care of everyone. After her world gets turned upside down, she unleashes a new side of herself that was unexpected, but I was all in for. Spunk x100 and taking names (with a few squeals in between). It's always the quiet ones.
Sal Pietro...morally gray and A-okay. He may be the big bad, but behind closed doors, he is feral, in a very sexy, panty-melting way. Mr. Pietro can whisper sweet nothing to me in Italian anytime. I swooned at how protective of Poppy he was and when he said "my wife" uuufffff.
I loved the banter between Sal and Poppy, and there is no doubt that opposites attract. The chemistry between these two was dynamite.
The suspense, the action, and the violence had me on pins and needles. There was no putting this book down, and after that cliffhanger, I'm chomping at the bit for the next book.
March 11, 2024
I very rarely read mafia romance books, but I have to be honest that the blurb in this one really caught my eye.
Sal is a powerful mafia Don, Poppy is a talented chef and has her own café business. At first glance, these two don't have anything in common. But the truth is...they are married and very much in love. This is their story.
As a person that hasn't read the previous books in which we see glimpses of Sal and Poppy, I was really grateful that the author gave us a chance to come back to the past and see how their love started.
Their love story was strong, feisty, emotional and very passionate. Even though they had to hide their marriage, both of them were together every chance they got. Sal was so proud of her and made sure that she was safe and sound. Poppy wasn't very much behind him with her feelings. She loved him to death. When she received the devastating news, she went into hiding, because she couldn't imagine her life without him...or so she thought. Her development through the story was beautiful, and she finally became the bada$$ woman she was meant to be. There were a lot of funny moments within the book that I wasn't expecting, and I loved them. I can't miss saying that there were also a lot of action-packed moments, suspense and mystery.
The story ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and it was part of the setting for the next book.
When I have more time, I will make sure to read the previous books within the series, because I really want to go more in depth with the side characters and, of course, the beginning of Sal and Poppy's story.
Overall, I really loved reading "Bottled up".
***I received an ARC from Grey's Promotion and my review is given voluntarily.***
Sal is a powerful mafia Don, Poppy is a talented chef and has her own café business. At first glance, these two don't have anything in common. But the truth is...they are married and very much in love. This is their story.
As a person that hasn't read the previous books in which we see glimpses of Sal and Poppy, I was really grateful that the author gave us a chance to come back to the past and see how their love started.
Their love story was strong, feisty, emotional and very passionate. Even though they had to hide their marriage, both of them were together every chance they got. Sal was so proud of her and made sure that she was safe and sound. Poppy wasn't very much behind him with her feelings. She loved him to death. When she received the devastating news, she went into hiding, because she couldn't imagine her life without him...or so she thought. Her development through the story was beautiful, and she finally became the bada$$ woman she was meant to be. There were a lot of funny moments within the book that I wasn't expecting, and I loved them. I can't miss saying that there were also a lot of action-packed moments, suspense and mystery.
The story ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and it was part of the setting for the next book.
When I have more time, I will make sure to read the previous books within the series, because I really want to go more in depth with the side characters and, of course, the beginning of Sal and Poppy's story.
Overall, I really loved reading "Bottled up".
***I received an ARC from Grey's Promotion and my review is given voluntarily.***
March 6, 2024
If you're picking this up as a standalone, then you haven't been privy to the character that is Sal. He's big. He's bad. He's kind of a teddy bear - at least where certain ladies are concerned.
Poppy is your spunky, energetic ginger. She has a quick wit and a secret. If you're picking this up as a standalone, you'll see her biggest secret of all. For the rest of us, who have followed the five families since the beginning... we're still catching up.
This story did not follow the path I expected. I thought we'd get an inside look at the Sal and Poppy show, what their relationship was like, and how they fell in love. We got to see some of that, but this book took their love as background and went to war.
Though it wasn't what I expected, I loved every second of it. Sal is so head over heels for Poppy, you can't help but swoon a little. And when his Italian comes out? I'm done...
Poppy is so unbelievably protective. She's always been nice and sweet, and this is a while different side of her.
Then the cliffhanger... I was warned and completely forgot about it until I was about 75% through the book, and I started to panic. However, the cliffhanger is the perfect segue to Sam and Sammy's story, Complex Finish.
Poppy is your spunky, energetic ginger. She has a quick wit and a secret. If you're picking this up as a standalone, you'll see her biggest secret of all. For the rest of us, who have followed the five families since the beginning... we're still catching up.
This story did not follow the path I expected. I thought we'd get an inside look at the Sal and Poppy show, what their relationship was like, and how they fell in love. We got to see some of that, but this book took their love as background and went to war.
Though it wasn't what I expected, I loved every second of it. Sal is so head over heels for Poppy, you can't help but swoon a little. And when his Italian comes out? I'm done...
Poppy is so unbelievably protective. She's always been nice and sweet, and this is a while different side of her.
Then the cliffhanger... I was warned and completely forgot about it until I was about 75% through the book, and I started to panic. However, the cliffhanger is the perfect segue to Sam and Sammy's story, Complex Finish.
March 21, 2024
Mafia book after a long long time.
This is the story of Sal and Poppy, lovers but a secret from the world around them.
This my first book by the author and from what I read it would be better to read this from the very first book in the series.
This book is a nice emotional rollar coster ride that takes you from crying to laughing your butts off. There is action, heartache and soft moments as well as moments where I was like 'you go girl'.
The storyline is just about amazing. I so want to reveal everything it has to offer or have someone to talk in lengths to about this book but it would just ruin so much of the thrill. But listen up to what I can actually tell you, they are a married couple, like already married in love couple, forced away due to circumstances.
The best part about this book is the female lead whose characters develops and transforms with the perfect "bassassness" to it.
It ends in a cliffhanger, bummer for me and the only reason I have rated it less (kidding, not). From what I hear this story gives way to the last installment of the series and I can't wait to pick it up from the start.
It's a gripping novel that won't let you get up from your place until you finish it up. Totally worth the time invested.
This is the story of Sal and Poppy, lovers but a secret from the world around them.
This my first book by the author and from what I read it would be better to read this from the very first book in the series.
This book is a nice emotional rollar coster ride that takes you from crying to laughing your butts off. There is action, heartache and soft moments as well as moments where I was like 'you go girl'.
The storyline is just about amazing. I so want to reveal everything it has to offer or have someone to talk in lengths to about this book but it would just ruin so much of the thrill. But listen up to what I can actually tell you, they are a married couple, like already married in love couple, forced away due to circumstances.
The best part about this book is the female lead whose characters develops and transforms with the perfect "bassassness" to it.
It ends in a cliffhanger, bummer for me and the only reason I have rated it less (kidding, not). From what I hear this story gives way to the last installment of the series and I can't wait to pick it up from the start.
It's a gripping novel that won't let you get up from your place until you finish it up. Totally worth the time invested.
March 5, 2024
Wow! This sure was one wild and wonderful ride. I have to admit that I have not yet read Kelly's entire backlist, and only entered the Five Families Vineyard Romance series at book number 6, but so far I have loved every single one. This absolutely can be read as a standalone, but I can't wait to start from the beginning of the series to find every reference to Sal and Poppy that I can. They are just so SO good I cannot get enough.
I loved the way Kelly split the book into parts. 'Prima Parte' was absolutely devastating and raw and real, sprinkled with precious memories of the past. 'Seconda Parte' follows Poppy's journey of change and discovery where she is both lost and found, and 'Parte Terza' is where the 'rollercoaster really takes off and we see the real magic of Mr. and Mrs. Pietro amidst suspense, chaos, drama, intrigue, violence and family. Their passionate, fierce and true love is simply wonderful.
I absolutely recommend this book and suspect the next (and last) book in the series will also be one not to be missed. I can't wait!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the way Kelly split the book into parts. 'Prima Parte' was absolutely devastating and raw and real, sprinkled with precious memories of the past. 'Seconda Parte' follows Poppy's journey of change and discovery where she is both lost and found, and 'Parte Terza' is where the 'rollercoaster really takes off and we see the real magic of Mr. and Mrs. Pietro amidst suspense, chaos, drama, intrigue, violence and family. Their passionate, fierce and true love is simply wonderful.
I absolutely recommend this book and suspect the next (and last) book in the series will also be one not to be missed. I can't wait!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2024
Brilliant! Emotional! So much action!
I really like Kelly Kay's writing, so I came into this expecting to enjoy it, but this was a sensational read! It was interesting and such a complex story, it had so much going on to keep me hooked and flipping the pages, dying to know what was around the next corner (or in the next chapter).
I laughed more than I cried, but the book will wring the emotions out of you, there are some absolute heartbreaking scenes, and some that will make your heart sing. The love between Poppy and Sal is one for the ages but be warned, he is a mafia Don so there's lots of blood and dead bodies as much as there's plenty of steam between the two of them.
They attack their problems with as much strategy as brute strength and passion, and there are plenty of secondary characters providing much needed backup and rounding out the story with their inclusion.
The story is complete and can easily be read as a standalone, but if you've been reading the series, Ms. Kelly has left a cliffhanger to entice you into the next book.
I enjoyed this immensely and I'm hooked and now waiting for the next one!!
I really like Kelly Kay's writing, so I came into this expecting to enjoy it, but this was a sensational read! It was interesting and such a complex story, it had so much going on to keep me hooked and flipping the pages, dying to know what was around the next corner (or in the next chapter).
I laughed more than I cried, but the book will wring the emotions out of you, there are some absolute heartbreaking scenes, and some that will make your heart sing. The love between Poppy and Sal is one for the ages but be warned, he is a mafia Don so there's lots of blood and dead bodies as much as there's plenty of steam between the two of them.
They attack their problems with as much strategy as brute strength and passion, and there are plenty of secondary characters providing much needed backup and rounding out the story with their inclusion.
The story is complete and can easily be read as a standalone, but if you've been reading the series, Ms. Kelly has left a cliffhanger to entice you into the next book.
I enjoyed this immensely and I'm hooked and now waiting for the next one!!
March 4, 2024
Poppy & Sal 💔
🔥Poppy and Sal have been together for ages but it’s only when Sal is killed that the world discovers they have actually been married.
💔With Sal gone, Poppy can’t imagine life without him. She ends up putting her cafe business up for sale and going to ground, hiding out in New Orleans, and living in the shadows.
🔫But Poppy and Sal’s story doesn’t end there. The danger of his mafiosa situation is ever present and people aren’t going to let Poppy inherit everything from Sal and get away with it.
📚Oh gosh, at this point I have read Kelly Kay’s entire (absolutely wonderful) backlist, and getting to know Sal and Poppy was really closing the gaps. Right upfront, we are warned of a cliffhanger, but it’s not the first one in this series. The action game is strong in this fast paced story, which feels like stumbling into a plot of a dark drama series. There is ample steam, but also so much intrigue and lots of twists and turns. It has me totally hooked ❤️
Read an eARC copy courtesy of the author and Booksirens
My rating 4.5/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️💫
Pub Date 14 March
🔥Poppy and Sal have been together for ages but it’s only when Sal is killed that the world discovers they have actually been married.
💔With Sal gone, Poppy can’t imagine life without him. She ends up putting her cafe business up for sale and going to ground, hiding out in New Orleans, and living in the shadows.
🔫But Poppy and Sal’s story doesn’t end there. The danger of his mafiosa situation is ever present and people aren’t going to let Poppy inherit everything from Sal and get away with it.
📚Oh gosh, at this point I have read Kelly Kay’s entire (absolutely wonderful) backlist, and getting to know Sal and Poppy was really closing the gaps. Right upfront, we are warned of a cliffhanger, but it’s not the first one in this series. The action game is strong in this fast paced story, which feels like stumbling into a plot of a dark drama series. There is ample steam, but also so much intrigue and lots of twists and turns. It has me totally hooked ❤️
Read an eARC copy courtesy of the author and Booksirens
My rating 4.5/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️💫
Pub Date 14 March
July 7, 2024
What a wild ride! I don't usually read mob/gangster books but I've ready other stories by this author and didn't really pay attention to the book blurb. There were definitely parts I didn't follow very well due to the lingo and Italian (most of that was translated for the reader but I'm sure I missed some of it) but the emotional depth was still there. The twists were totally unexpected and each part of the book was such a different chapter in Poppy's life. I stayed up way too late several nights because I could not put this book down! Poppy and Sal's love for each other was so intense and I enjoyed all the flashbacks to different moments in their developing relationship. The mafia aspects were intense in a totally different way and although there was plenty of violence and gore I didn't find it too disturbing. The wit and humor and family love balances it all out to make for a great read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 16, 2024
Mayhem from LA to Rome!
WOW! What a wonderful book, I loved it from start to finish and couldn’t put it down. A rollercoaster. The love story of Poppy and Sal started five years ago and the book takes the first part with flashbacks through these years of a wonderful love story, hidden from the world. But then it all falls apart as does Poppy. Her despair is felt, she goes into hiding from her family and can’t keep herself from making new friends. And then Fate turns around again. Which leads to some terrifying happenings in Italy with the old Family.
It’s fast paced, thrilling, funny, with friends and family that will always have your back, especially in dire times. I had to laugh, wink away a tear and just kept on reading. Very highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
WOW! What a wonderful book, I loved it from start to finish and couldn’t put it down. A rollercoaster. The love story of Poppy and Sal started five years ago and the book takes the first part with flashbacks through these years of a wonderful love story, hidden from the world. But then it all falls apart as does Poppy. Her despair is felt, she goes into hiding from her family and can’t keep herself from making new friends. And then Fate turns around again. Which leads to some terrifying happenings in Italy with the old Family.
It’s fast paced, thrilling, funny, with friends and family that will always have your back, especially in dire times. I had to laugh, wink away a tear and just kept on reading. Very highly recommended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 11, 2024
I have to admit this was my first book by Kelly Kay but when you tell a book have wine and mafia, I’m in! I was not prepared for the hard core suspense in this book, I was on the edge of my damn seat! This book was a slow start for me and I had to get a few chapters in before I was all in. I’m so glad that I kept on going because it was excellent. I wished I had read other book in this series first, because I missed a lot of the characters in site. This does end in a cliffhanger which I was not prepared for. I will 100% have to read the whole series, because I want all the little details about the family! This was a good book but I just know so much more would click for me if I would have read the other books.
March 12, 2024
The way the feelings are conveyed in this book are extraordinarily moving. All of them - grief, joy, sadness, revolt, despair, hope, betrayal, determination, fear, surprise and every other feeling warming or chilling fall right in the creases of your heart, hanging from the corners of shining eyes and hanging on the brink of hope.
Add to this strong characters, lots of action, a close-knit family and a trope of choosing the lesser evil and you will find yourself captivated by this book .
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Add to this strong characters, lots of action, a close-knit family and a trope of choosing the lesser evil and you will find yourself captivated by this book .
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 16, 2024
such a good series
So exciting. And a cliffhanger, but so worth it. This series is exceptional. Love, romance, lust, drama, family relationships that make you jealous. But Poppy and Sal, unlikely from the beginning, made quite a thrilling duo. Loved this book. Can’t wait for the next.
So exciting. And a cliffhanger, but so worth it. This series is exceptional. Love, romance, lust, drama, family relationships that make you jealous. But Poppy and Sal, unlikely from the beginning, made quite a thrilling duo. Loved this book. Can’t wait for the next.
April 6, 2024
This is the story of Poppy and Sal. Sal is a mafia don and has been working with the FBI on getting out. The beginning of the story is just heartbreaking for Poppy. The rest of the story is an on the the edge of your seat thriller. The Five Families Vineyard Romances aren’t your everyday meet cute romances but they are so good. A steamy good time.
April 14, 2024
This book gave me a range of emotions, I was intrigued, scared and enamoured through to the whole thing, with every new thing that happened I held my breath waiting to see what would happen next. It had me on the edge of my seat, Kelly Kay is definitely an author I’ll keep up with!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
September 8, 2024
This was a new author for me. I thought the book was entertaining and kept my attention. I will definitely be looking for other books by this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 8, 2024
I don’t even know where to start! This was such a fun read! Delightful banter, strong and complex characters and a wild ride of an adventure. As always with my gal Kelly Kay, the spice was amazing and this time with a sense of humor. Also, as much as I love Sonoma, we were transported to other amazing culturally rich locals. The cherry on top was a cliff hanger that has me anxiously awaiting the next book.
March 7, 2024
Such a fun read! I love their banter and their chemistry. These two were such a joy to go on this crazy ride with. In a rather dark mafia underworld, their relationship is such a shining light!
April 8, 2024
The five families series is what sold me on Kelly Kay
This series has had a little of everything. Bottled up tie up m9st loose ends. However, there is a cliffhanger and I'm here till the very end. Circling back to Poppy and Sal I really didn't see this book and how their story unfolded. I loved it although I was unprepared for it. I embraced it all and couldn't get enough
This series has had a little of everything. Bottled up tie up m9st loose ends. However, there is a cliffhanger and I'm here till the very end. Circling back to Poppy and Sal I really didn't see this book and how their story unfolded. I loved it although I was unprepared for it. I embraced it all and couldn't get enough
February 4, 2025
First, a friendly word of warning. If you are new to Kelly Kay or to this series, this is not the place to start. Back up. Go read about Josh and Elle in what I naively thought was just a light romcom set in a vineyard before it all kicked off and I got sucked in…
This is the story behind the story, the one that has been hinted at since Sal Pietro made his first appearance in the series. I can’t say much about the plot without spoilers, but I will say that it’s time for Poppy Gelbert to step out of the kitchen and into her true self (although not without a bit of squealing and a lot of adjustment and frankly who can blame her?) and for us to find out what really makes Sal tick.
It has all the Kelly Kay hallmarks: strong character voices, a balanced blend of action, humour and emotion, a plot that drags you along in a “just one more chapter” kind of way. Oh yes, and a cliffhanger which answers a question I guessed at a few books back and leads very nicely into the final instalment. I can’t wait, but I might need a full series reread first…
Thanks to Booksirens and the author for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
This is the story behind the story, the one that has been hinted at since Sal Pietro made his first appearance in the series. I can’t say much about the plot without spoilers, but I will say that it’s time for Poppy Gelbert to step out of the kitchen and into her true self (although not without a bit of squealing and a lot of adjustment and frankly who can blame her?) and for us to find out what really makes Sal tick.
It has all the Kelly Kay hallmarks: strong character voices, a balanced blend of action, humour and emotion, a plot that drags you along in a “just one more chapter” kind of way. Oh yes, and a cliffhanger which answers a question I guessed at a few books back and leads very nicely into the final instalment. I can’t wait, but I might need a full series reread first…
Thanks to Booksirens and the author for the advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
March 14, 2024
4 Star Review Bottled Up (Pietro Family Estate) by Kay Kelly
Kay Kelly is a relatively new author to me, and I am surprised I have not come across more of her books. I had some trouble getting into Bottled Up but once I got through the first part, I became invested in the story that Ms. Kelly wove. Be prepared this does end in a cliffhanger.
This was a complex story with numerous layers and there were times that I felt a little lost and perhaps if I had read the previous books in the Vineyard series, it may have been a little easier to follow.
This is Salvatore Pietro, or Sally Pipes and his wife Poppy Gelbert’s story and it is one of romance and suspense. When Sal’s world puts Poppy in danger it will become a fight to the death, but whose death, that is the question. There was a lot going on in this story and but once it heated up it flowed better.
Kay Kelly is a relatively new author to me, and I am surprised I have not come across more of her books. I had some trouble getting into Bottled Up but once I got through the first part, I became invested in the story that Ms. Kelly wove. Be prepared this does end in a cliffhanger.
This was a complex story with numerous layers and there were times that I felt a little lost and perhaps if I had read the previous books in the Vineyard series, it may have been a little easier to follow.
This is Salvatore Pietro, or Sally Pipes and his wife Poppy Gelbert’s story and it is one of romance and suspense. When Sal’s world puts Poppy in danger it will become a fight to the death, but whose death, that is the question. There was a lot going on in this story and but once it heated up it flowed better.
April 2, 2024
Bottled Up: Pietro Family Estate was a good, solid read. It did take me a little while to get into the book, but once I did, I could not put it down. This romantic suspense involves Poppy and her secret husband Sal Pietro, and its full of spice, witty banter, and so much more. I loved the characters and how the book held my attention once I became fully invested. It does end on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to see what happens.
February 16, 2025
Omg this book delivers. Sal and Poppy's story is one hell of ride. I love the banter between the main characters. Poppy is fierce and embraces who she is. I couldn't stop turning pages once I started, all the action, the suspense, the what's happening next, needing to know how it all would end. And that ending was slightly unexpected. I can't wait to find out what's next.
March 4, 2024
Bottled Up: Pietro Family Estate is my new fave in this well-written and captivating series. Kelly Kay has finally given us the story we have all been (im)patiently waiting for, the not-so-secret beginning, middle and end (?) for Sal and Poppy. Throughout the previous books, the mystery that is Sal, in particular, and his Gingersnap, kept me curious wanting to know more about this mafia man and the woman who stole his heart. And steal she did! I loved how the big, strong Don became beyond enamored from their very first meeting, setting his sights on the hard-working and talented chef. How he burst into her life and would continue to stay there despite all the danger that would constantly lurk around him. We get it all and more in this wonderful story that is filled with crazy-good emotion, wicked steamy scenes and enough precarious moments to keep my attention from those very first words.
The use of chapters both past and present, especially those with the sub-heading of P.S. gives us the whole story, with a huge secret that both surprised and dare I say delighted the disbelieving Poppy after way too much time apart from her man, her Skylark. When these two are together, watch out. They're either involved in the best kind of verbal foreplay or they are passionately demonstrating their deep love for another whenever and wherever they feel the need to. Of course, this is in between all the times apart as Sal has to put out one fire after another in order to keep his woman safe and the ongoing threat from 'associates' both familiar and not. In fact, that's at the heart of this storyline, both Sal and Poppy trying their hardest to make sure their families are safe, involving themselves in an adventure that had my heart beating triple time!
I love Sal and Poppy. I love their affection. Their undying devotion to one another. How they make the other better, stronger and the happiest they've ever been. And this is all as they are never away from mortal danger for too long, simply trying to stay together and make sure those they love stay out of harm's way. We get to see both of them change for the better. Sal repeatedly wanting to leave the Mafia life, loving his Gingersnap for her strength, wisdom and fire. His pride for his wife made me swoon over and over again. And I totally understood why: Poppy emerges as the fierce Comare she was always destined to be, shocking even herself at the drive she had to be worthy of her man. To be by his side in good times and bad, oh yeah, she was as bada$$ as they come.
This book feels as if Kelly Kay has achieved yet another level of greatness, crafting a story that is as wild as it is touching. I honestly couldn't get enough and although there is a bit of a cliffhanger that is to be continued in the mysterious Sam's book next, I was completely satisfied with how everything played out, Kay showing us that anything having to do with the underworld is never truly finished even when we think it is.
There are moments with previous characters I've come to know and love that add joy despite the tension that is increasing as Poppy and Sal get closer to what could be a final showdown. Once again, the tight bonds these five vineyard families have for one other shine through at key points in the book and I can't wait until everyone is safe, sound and reunited with plenty of wine to soothe their weary souls.
Again, Bottled Up is by far my fave in this series and trust me, I have cherished them all. What I do know is that whatever Kelly Kay will create next with her masterful words, will be well worth the wait.
5 huge stars!
The use of chapters both past and present, especially those with the sub-heading of P.S. gives us the whole story, with a huge secret that both surprised and dare I say delighted the disbelieving Poppy after way too much time apart from her man, her Skylark. When these two are together, watch out. They're either involved in the best kind of verbal foreplay or they are passionately demonstrating their deep love for another whenever and wherever they feel the need to. Of course, this is in between all the times apart as Sal has to put out one fire after another in order to keep his woman safe and the ongoing threat from 'associates' both familiar and not. In fact, that's at the heart of this storyline, both Sal and Poppy trying their hardest to make sure their families are safe, involving themselves in an adventure that had my heart beating triple time!
I love Sal and Poppy. I love their affection. Their undying devotion to one another. How they make the other better, stronger and the happiest they've ever been. And this is all as they are never away from mortal danger for too long, simply trying to stay together and make sure those they love stay out of harm's way. We get to see both of them change for the better. Sal repeatedly wanting to leave the Mafia life, loving his Gingersnap for her strength, wisdom and fire. His pride for his wife made me swoon over and over again. And I totally understood why: Poppy emerges as the fierce Comare she was always destined to be, shocking even herself at the drive she had to be worthy of her man. To be by his side in good times and bad, oh yeah, she was as bada$$ as they come.
This book feels as if Kelly Kay has achieved yet another level of greatness, crafting a story that is as wild as it is touching. I honestly couldn't get enough and although there is a bit of a cliffhanger that is to be continued in the mysterious Sam's book next, I was completely satisfied with how everything played out, Kay showing us that anything having to do with the underworld is never truly finished even when we think it is.
There are moments with previous characters I've come to know and love that add joy despite the tension that is increasing as Poppy and Sal get closer to what could be a final showdown. Once again, the tight bonds these five vineyard families have for one other shine through at key points in the book and I can't wait until everyone is safe, sound and reunited with plenty of wine to soothe their weary souls.
Again, Bottled Up is by far my fave in this series and trust me, I have cherished them all. What I do know is that whatever Kelly Kay will create next with her masterful words, will be well worth the wait.
5 huge stars!
March 27, 2024
Well this was different, in a good way. This is interconnected but can be read as a Standalone. The series is best read in order as there is a background story running through the books.
This story was written in 3 parts and I was not prepared for the 2nd part.
I loved getting to know Sal the Mafia Don and Poppy the popular chef in her cafe. Both characters were so lovable, Sal with his hot Italian alpha behavior. Then the ever loving and caring Poppy. Together they are fire and so good. For Poppy's safety they have had to keep their love and marriage a secret. They still managed to have a healthy relationship.
Then she loses the light of her life and she packs her life up then she goes into hiding by herself. Not sure how to carry on without Sal.
This is when we see how Poppy grows even more fierce and strong. No one will mess with her anymore.
Then that missing light turns back on. What does that mean? I don't want to give much away and ruin the element of surprise.
This book was making me swoon one minute, then laugh out loud, then crying with heartbreak, then celebrating her growth and her LOVE.
I am going to leave you with just that.
Plenty of Drama, Action, family, friends, witty banter humour, love, emotional roller coaster and steam.
The back ground story continues, this book ends in cliff hanger ready for next couple.
I will read the others to help me understand the whole plot. This was super entertaining and I cou9put it down until I finished.
This story was written in 3 parts and I was not prepared for the 2nd part.
I loved getting to know Sal the Mafia Don and Poppy the popular chef in her cafe. Both characters were so lovable, Sal with his hot Italian alpha behavior. Then the ever loving and caring Poppy. Together they are fire and so good. For Poppy's safety they have had to keep their love and marriage a secret. They still managed to have a healthy relationship.
Then she loses the light of her life and she packs her life up then she goes into hiding by herself. Not sure how to carry on without Sal.
This is when we see how Poppy grows even more fierce and strong. No one will mess with her anymore.
Then that missing light turns back on. What does that mean? I don't want to give much away and ruin the element of surprise.
This book was making me swoon one minute, then laugh out loud, then crying with heartbreak, then celebrating her growth and her LOVE.
I am going to leave you with just that.
Plenty of Drama, Action, family, friends, witty banter humour, love, emotional roller coaster and steam.
The back ground story continues, this book ends in cliff hanger ready for next couple.
I will read the others to help me understand the whole plot. This was super entertaining and I cou9put it down until I finished.
March 8, 2024
🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷
**I tell her let’s go kill someone, and she’s excited about the location where the execution is happening**
First dip in the #mafiaromancebooks and I loved it! This book is part of an interconnected, standalone series exploring the lives and loves of five winery families! Definitely feel in love with the main characters Poppy and Sal! Their secret love story made me smile and then by chapter four I was in tears! Definitely a roller coaster of emotions while reading this book! Loved the strong family ties and the inter connections! I do wish I would have read more of the prior books because I enjoy a back ground on each character but I wouldn’t say it’s recommended. Definitely can be a stand alone book! Can’t wait for future books to find out more of where these two go!
#fivefamiliesvineyardseries #kellykaybooks #poppyandsal #ContemporaryRomance #RomanticSuspense #RomanticComedy #MafiaRomance #AlphaHero #MarriedCouple #OppositesAttract #RomanticSuspense #Instalove #NoThirdActBreakup #SmallTownRomance #FoundFamily #BillionaireRomance #ForbiddenLove
**I tell her let’s go kill someone, and she’s excited about the location where the execution is happening**
First dip in the #mafiaromancebooks and I loved it! This book is part of an interconnected, standalone series exploring the lives and loves of five winery families! Definitely feel in love with the main characters Poppy and Sal! Their secret love story made me smile and then by chapter four I was in tears! Definitely a roller coaster of emotions while reading this book! Loved the strong family ties and the inter connections! I do wish I would have read more of the prior books because I enjoy a back ground on each character but I wouldn’t say it’s recommended. Definitely can be a stand alone book! Can’t wait for future books to find out more of where these two go!
#fivefamiliesvineyardseries #kellykaybooks #poppyandsal #ContemporaryRomance #RomanticSuspense #RomanticComedy #MafiaRomance #AlphaHero #MarriedCouple #OppositesAttract #RomanticSuspense #Instalove #NoThirdActBreakup #SmallTownRomance #FoundFamily #BillionaireRomance #ForbiddenLove
March 25, 2024
There's a lot going on with this read. I really wanted to love it, but at times it seemed that there was just too much going on. It's part of a series, but I haven't read the other books in the series and I feel that I'd have gotten more enjoyment, or less confusion, if I'd have read those before digging in to this one. It's fast paced, but again, sometimes too much with all the characters, the relationships, and everything else going on. I did love Sal and Poppy, the deep connection, the heart, the feelings, the spice... it all works well. Also, her family is a strong, close group, and I enjoyed that about them. There's great suspense, things to keep you on your toes, and the overall story worked, it just missed a bit with me, as I didn't feel it was good as a standalone. Dig into the other members of this large family and then dig into this one. I'll be going back to fill in the family and history to be ready for the next in the series.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 16, 2024
Imagine Killers (the movie from 2010) with a hint of wine country and a tragic beginning. Poppy was secretly married to Sal - the Don of LA - for the past 5 years but their love was epic. She was always kept secret to keep her safe. When she finds out he died, her whole world implodes with more money than she knows what to do with but a broken heart that makes her feel empty and a large family that is trying to get her back to the land of the living. She does the only thing she can think of to mend the whole left in her chest - she runs away. He taught her how to be a ghost and she is using everything in her power. That is until her past comes knocking down her door and her once dead husband might be not so dead?
I thought this was a cute book with a lot of action. However there were some parts that I did not understand very well which might be due to not reading any of the other books in this series.
-Kayla/Hot.Bookmance
I thought this was a cute book with a lot of action. However there were some parts that I did not understand very well which might be due to not reading any of the other books in this series.
-Kayla/Hot.Bookmance
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews