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Sonoma Series: A Wine Country Romance: Volume One: Books 1-3
Volume One of the RomCom Sonoma Series contains 3 full-length books
Crushing
Rootstock
Uncorked
Bonus epilogue
Elle Parker
I straighten my skirt and launch into my perfect and curated marketing pitch. In the middle of my third sentence, my breath catches, my body freezes, and I lose my words. He's just as shocked. I babble, “What are you doing here?”
He says in a raspy tone, “How are you here?”
Visions of the LaChappelle/Whittier winery family tree choke me. It’s the son who doesn’t want the winery. Then he smirks and kisses his mother on the cheek. He places his hand on his father’s shoulder before sitting. Oh, god. No. No. No. Oh no. I was with their son. All the ways. A lot. Many ways. With their son. Last night. OH God. I know exactly where the mark on his neck came from. This can't be happening.
Josh is a legend in his own mind, and I have no time for it. I have a job to do, and a winery hangs in the balance. Unfortunately, it's his.
*Enemies to Lovers
*Close Proximity
*Workplace
*Wine Country
*One Night Stand
*Small Town
*Found Family
*Fiesty Heroine
*Billionaire Player
Josh and Elle will either screw up each other's lives or... end up screwing again.
Crushing is the story of two people who hate each other but rumor has it, with enough wine, anyone can fall in love.
Set in Sonoma, California's Wine Country, this is the first book in the 5 Families Vineyard Series and, of course, the LaChappelle/Whittier Winery Trilogy.
Crushing
Rootstock
Uncorked
Bonus epilogue
Elle Parker
I straighten my skirt and launch into my perfect and curated marketing pitch. In the middle of my third sentence, my breath catches, my body freezes, and I lose my words. He's just as shocked. I babble, “What are you doing here?”
He says in a raspy tone, “How are you here?”
Visions of the LaChappelle/Whittier winery family tree choke me. It’s the son who doesn’t want the winery. Then he smirks and kisses his mother on the cheek. He places his hand on his father’s shoulder before sitting. Oh, god. No. No. No. Oh no. I was with their son. All the ways. A lot. Many ways. With their son. Last night. OH God. I know exactly where the mark on his neck came from. This can't be happening.
Josh is a legend in his own mind, and I have no time for it. I have a job to do, and a winery hangs in the balance. Unfortunately, it's his.
*Enemies to Lovers
*Close Proximity
*Workplace
*Wine Country
*One Night Stand
*Small Town
*Found Family
*Fiesty Heroine
*Billionaire Player
Josh and Elle will either screw up each other's lives or... end up screwing again.
Crushing is the story of two people who hate each other but rumor has it, with enough wine, anyone can fall in love.
Set in Sonoma, California's Wine Country, this is the first book in the 5 Families Vineyard Series and, of course, the LaChappelle/Whittier Winery Trilogy.
- GenresContemporaryRomance
1029 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2024
108 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Kay
42 books285 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.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 11, 2024
Elle & Josh ❤️
✍️Kelly Kay is one of my favourite authors, I have read every single one of her books, and can say they pull off some amazing storytelling.
🍇Some of the first stories Kelly wrote are set in the Sonoma wine region, and they focus on a couple of established families making wine in the area.
🍷When I read Crushing, Rootstock and Uncorked, there were cliffhangers between the stories. Kelly taken these three stories and bundled them into one volume, telling a complete story of the LaChappelle/ Whittier family, and it so so good 🍷It’s also available to download on Kindle Unlimited if that works for you !
Read an eARC copy courtesy of the author
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Pub Date 14 October 2024
✍️Kelly Kay is one of my favourite authors, I have read every single one of her books, and can say they pull off some amazing storytelling.
🍇Some of the first stories Kelly wrote are set in the Sonoma wine region, and they focus on a couple of established families making wine in the area.
🍷When I read Crushing, Rootstock and Uncorked, there were cliffhangers between the stories. Kelly taken these three stories and bundled them into one volume, telling a complete story of the LaChappelle/ Whittier family, and it so so good 🍷It’s also available to download on Kindle Unlimited if that works for you !
Read an eARC copy courtesy of the author
My rating 4/5 - ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Pub Date 14 October 2024
December 12, 2024
Exceptional!
I just loved this story, it has everything you might want: romance with a HEA, wonderful characters, family and friends, humor, steamy lovemaking, a lot of information about wine(making), but also disease, betrayal, trauma, violence. It takes three books to tell the whole story and fortunately you can read them in one boxset, so no waiting in between. You’ll meet persons who have their own book(s), so prepare you’re not done when this one is finished. Kelly Kay is an author to watch, because all her books are very much worth while reading. Highly recommended. <3
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I just loved this story, it has everything you might want: romance with a HEA, wonderful characters, family and friends, humor, steamy lovemaking, a lot of information about wine(making), but also disease, betrayal, trauma, violence. It takes three books to tell the whole story and fortunately you can read them in one boxset, so no waiting in between. You’ll meet persons who have their own book(s), so prepare you’re not done when this one is finished. Kelly Kay is an author to watch, because all her books are very much worth while reading. Highly recommended. <3
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2024
I loved this boxset. It's exceptionally good. From start to finish I was hooked. Loved the enemies to lovers, rom-com, and close proximity in this story too. Likable and relatable characters as well. A definite must read.
October 26, 2024
love this series!
Great storytelling and a great read. I love these characters and how you cheer for them and root for them around every corner.
Great storytelling and a great read. I love these characters and how you cheer for them and root for them around every corner.
November 21, 2024
OMG Epic Hot Heartfelt
The first book, Crushed, was reminiscent of a classic Bogart/Bacall movie but a bit more 21st century, with Elle (FMC) and Josh (MMC) sparring and taunting each other, it was so much fun.
I laughed, cried, blushed, got angry and felt so much for the many wonderful characters Kelly Kay has created.
Books two and three take us down a darker more turbulent path, still with humour and hotness.
These three books are the introduction to a long series of stories with deeply interconnected characters, the “Five Families”, each with their own winery based in the Sonoma region of California.
I read the three books one after another straight through then was disappointed when I finished. Thank goodness there are so many more to come. I absolutely recommend them to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with spice and suspense.
The first book, Crushed, was reminiscent of a classic Bogart/Bacall movie but a bit more 21st century, with Elle (FMC) and Josh (MMC) sparring and taunting each other, it was so much fun.
I laughed, cried, blushed, got angry and felt so much for the many wonderful characters Kelly Kay has created.
Books two and three take us down a darker more turbulent path, still with humour and hotness.
These three books are the introduction to a long series of stories with deeply interconnected characters, the “Five Families”, each with their own winery based in the Sonoma region of California.
I read the three books one after another straight through then was disappointed when I finished. Thank goodness there are so many more to come. I absolutely recommend them to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with spice and suspense.
December 31, 2024
Please see individual stories for review.
March 21, 2025
hooked
This is a new author for me but reading this box set made me add her straight to my favourites list.
This is a new author for me but reading this box set made me add her straight to my favourites list.
November 13, 2024
I love Kelly and the way she writes a story. She writes with her wit, her intelligence and her heart. The characters become more than simply characters in a story, they become your friends, and you just want to spend all your time with them.
In this special edition, Kelly has given us all three books that tell Josh and Elle’s story, with a few extras thrown in just for fun. It’s such a gift to have all three books in one place, no need to wait on those sneaky cliffhangers which is also a plus.
This is where it all began, and she has more volumes to come. Do not miss out on the world of Josh and Elle!
In this special edition, Kelly has given us all three books that tell Josh and Elle’s story, with a few extras thrown in just for fun. It’s such a gift to have all three books in one place, no need to wait on those sneaky cliffhangers which is also a plus.
This is where it all began, and she has more volumes to come. Do not miss out on the world of Josh and Elle!
January 25, 2025
I was pleasantly surprised by this series. I was captivated by Josh and Elle as well as their whole world. I loved how each book held its own with plot, while the overall series was such a beautiful story. I love longer timelines and getting to really see relationships develop, build, and grow - we got all of that with Josh and Elle. And the 🌶️🌶️🌶️! Couldnt put this book down.
May 1, 2025
Sonoma Series, volume one, includes the first three books in a single edition, which I really appreciated. Since the story follows the ongoing romance of the same two characters, it was satisfying to read their full story without having to wait between cliffhangers.
The story centers around a group of family-owned vineyards in Sonoma Valley. While the main plot focuses on the LaChappelle-Whittier family’s vineyard, there are plenty of interesting supporting characters, each with their own secrets and complicated pasts. Everyone has something they’re hiding—and something they’re running from.
Volume One tells the origin story of the vineyard owned by LaChappelle-Whittier family. Their only son, Joshua, has been estranged from the family, uninterested in taking over the business. But when his parents decide to sell the vineyard, Joshua returns to ensure they get a fair deal. Things quickly get complicated when he attempts to sabotage the consultant hired to help with the sale—believing she’s connected to a shady figure from his parents’ past—only to realize she’s the same woman he had an unforgettable encounter with the night before.
From there, the story dives into a mix of passion, tension, and drama. Expect a rude alpha male lead, steamy scenes, kidnapping, and violence—all wrapped in a backdrop of wine production. You’ll learn a surprising amount about grapes, blends, harvests, bottling, and the business of wine marketing and distribution.
The volume intertwines two central storylines: one about the vineyards—the business, the family dynamics, Elle’s past and her professional life, and the interconnected relationships between neighboring vineyards—and the other about the intense and tumultuous romance between Joshua and Elle. Sometimes it felt like a lot was happening at once, but if you enjoy multi-layered storytelling with heat and intrigue, this series delivers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story centers around a group of family-owned vineyards in Sonoma Valley. While the main plot focuses on the LaChappelle-Whittier family’s vineyard, there are plenty of interesting supporting characters, each with their own secrets and complicated pasts. Everyone has something they’re hiding—and something they’re running from.
Volume One tells the origin story of the vineyard owned by LaChappelle-Whittier family. Their only son, Joshua, has been estranged from the family, uninterested in taking over the business. But when his parents decide to sell the vineyard, Joshua returns to ensure they get a fair deal. Things quickly get complicated when he attempts to sabotage the consultant hired to help with the sale—believing she’s connected to a shady figure from his parents’ past—only to realize she’s the same woman he had an unforgettable encounter with the night before.
From there, the story dives into a mix of passion, tension, and drama. Expect a rude alpha male lead, steamy scenes, kidnapping, and violence—all wrapped in a backdrop of wine production. You’ll learn a surprising amount about grapes, blends, harvests, bottling, and the business of wine marketing and distribution.
The volume intertwines two central storylines: one about the vineyards—the business, the family dynamics, Elle’s past and her professional life, and the interconnected relationships between neighboring vineyards—and the other about the intense and tumultuous romance between Joshua and Elle. Sometimes it felt like a lot was happening at once, but if you enjoy multi-layered storytelling with heat and intrigue, this series delivers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 13, 2024
This set includes books 1-3 in Kay's Sonoma Series. I adored each of these reads and as a collection, they are all the better. Wine county romance at its best! Well written with the best of characters and smooth flowing storylines that will transport you into their world. Kay delivers all the romance and humor and has me begging for more! I loved these books and can't wait to delve into more in this series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 16, 2024
Having read some of the other books in the winery series I was soo excited to read this volume of the first three books and I totally got lost in them.
The feeling you go through with each of these books from highs, lows, frustrations and hope makes you fall in love with not only the characters but also the wine country they are set in. I read all 3 books in two sitting and I can easily admit I did stay up very very late when I first started as I didn't want to put it down!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The feeling you go through with each of these books from highs, lows, frustrations and hope makes you fall in love with not only the characters but also the wine country they are set in. I read all 3 books in two sitting and I can easily admit I did stay up very very late when I first started as I didn't want to put it down!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 16, 2025
loved first two books
Minus the lack of proof reading and editing. Lordy get it together. But the story was amazing .
I gotta talk about book3. This series would easily get 4 stars had not the hot mess of book 3 happened.
Asher became dasher and then just bounced back and forth. So distracting and unnecessary. And it just drug on and on. Are authors paid by the word? Ans speaking of words how much is and editor or proof reader? Too expensive? Start a go fund me. I love this book so much that’s why I’m incensed
Minus the lack of proof reading and editing. Lordy get it together. But the story was amazing .
I gotta talk about book3. This series would easily get 4 stars had not the hot mess of book 3 happened.
Asher became dasher and then just bounced back and forth. So distracting and unnecessary. And it just drug on and on. Are authors paid by the word? Ans speaking of words how much is and editor or proof reader? Too expensive? Start a go fund me. I love this book so much that’s why I’m incensed
April 2, 2025
Just finished reading the most amazing book! 🔥 I couldn't put it down from page one. Seriously, the plot twists had me gasping. So many unexpected turns, my heart was racing! Definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR pile.📖 #goodreads #booklover #mustread
November 23, 2024
Crushing – Brilliant start to the series.
OMG, the characters in this are amazing, Noelle / Elle, is strong and wild, sassy and smart, fiercely independent and in control, and a total boss babe; and Josh / Joshua is all alpha swoon, and bossy, and together they light up the pages, and absolutely torch them in some scenes... oh so hot!
But this is only volume 1 in their big story and leaves us wondering for both their individual future's and their future together.
After the push and pull of this story, the fireworks of their initial meeting, then discovering who they really were the following day; we get some hilarious encounters and some big drama, but lots of great banter as these two worm their way into each other’s lives and hearts. But then it all goes dark, and we are left wondering....
Cannot wait to start volume 2, Rootstock, to find out what happens next.
Rootstock – Epic!
The continuation of Josh and Elle's love story bounces from one drama filled moment to the next in this page turning story.
Josh has gone back to the city and into the hands of Sal, the mob boss he's been investing for who has now threatened everyone he loves. Working behind the scenes with an FBI friend and a white hacker to turn the tables is only part of the drama, things between Josh and Elle appear to be over after having left the farm and being out of contact.
Upon returning to the farm, there's one explosive scene after another as these two dance around the hurt and broken trust and grapple with their feelings.
Meanwhile the deal for the sale of Emma's Farm continues with the whole of the Five becoming involved.
This is well written and easy to read, it sucked me in and had me spellbound as the story evolved. The story is complex and well paced with plenty going on with and around our main couple. There's lots of drama, in this big family saga, but also light comic relief balancing the story beautifully. Josh and Elle fight big, loud, and at times nasty, but love hard and very steamy!
Ms. Kay leaves us on a cliff hanger, all is not as it seems with the winery deal, but can they stop it in time...
Cannot wait for the conclusion to this thoroughly entertaining novel.
Uncorked – The stunning conclusion to Josh and Elle’s story!
And this concludes Josh and Elle’s story and what a story it has been!
This picks up directly following the finish of Rootstock to discover all the hidden traps in the sale deal and uncover the depth of the deception Dasher has sprung on the whole of the Five Families.
This volume gives us a lot of heavy reading with its bouts of violence, but they are plots points which further the story and characters.
It also gives us the whole cast of the Five Families, plus Sal and Lou, as they set about plotting, planning, and executing to take down the “bad guy”.
It’s a great ending to a love story that was every bit a saga, but a complex and enjoyable read.
Loved every minute of it!
OMG, the characters in this are amazing, Noelle / Elle, is strong and wild, sassy and smart, fiercely independent and in control, and a total boss babe; and Josh / Joshua is all alpha swoon, and bossy, and together they light up the pages, and absolutely torch them in some scenes... oh so hot!
But this is only volume 1 in their big story and leaves us wondering for both their individual future's and their future together.
After the push and pull of this story, the fireworks of their initial meeting, then discovering who they really were the following day; we get some hilarious encounters and some big drama, but lots of great banter as these two worm their way into each other’s lives and hearts. But then it all goes dark, and we are left wondering....
Cannot wait to start volume 2, Rootstock, to find out what happens next.
Rootstock – Epic!
The continuation of Josh and Elle's love story bounces from one drama filled moment to the next in this page turning story.
Josh has gone back to the city and into the hands of Sal, the mob boss he's been investing for who has now threatened everyone he loves. Working behind the scenes with an FBI friend and a white hacker to turn the tables is only part of the drama, things between Josh and Elle appear to be over after having left the farm and being out of contact.
Upon returning to the farm, there's one explosive scene after another as these two dance around the hurt and broken trust and grapple with their feelings.
Meanwhile the deal for the sale of Emma's Farm continues with the whole of the Five becoming involved.
This is well written and easy to read, it sucked me in and had me spellbound as the story evolved. The story is complex and well paced with plenty going on with and around our main couple. There's lots of drama, in this big family saga, but also light comic relief balancing the story beautifully. Josh and Elle fight big, loud, and at times nasty, but love hard and very steamy!
Ms. Kay leaves us on a cliff hanger, all is not as it seems with the winery deal, but can they stop it in time...
Cannot wait for the conclusion to this thoroughly entertaining novel.
Uncorked – The stunning conclusion to Josh and Elle’s story!
And this concludes Josh and Elle’s story and what a story it has been!
This picks up directly following the finish of Rootstock to discover all the hidden traps in the sale deal and uncover the depth of the deception Dasher has sprung on the whole of the Five Families.
This volume gives us a lot of heavy reading with its bouts of violence, but they are plots points which further the story and characters.
It also gives us the whole cast of the Five Families, plus Sal and Lou, as they set about plotting, planning, and executing to take down the “bad guy”.
It’s a great ending to a love story that was every bit a saga, but a complex and enjoyable read.
Loved every minute of it!
January 8, 2025
This is a perfect fit for readers who crave a lighthearted, humorous, and romantic escape to the picturesque wine country, where they can indulge in a delightful blend of witty banter, charming characters, and a dash of small-town charm.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews