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Between the Vines
When you grow up on a vineyard, you learn the grapevine can’t always be trusted.
Elena Santucci is one of the best wedding planners in the Keystone state—ironic, as she doesn’t believe in love. Why should she? Rumors cost her all meaningful relationships, sending her into the arms of one loser after another until she swore off men entirely. Now she spends her days helping brides put together dream days… even though she suspects they’ll all lead to nightmares.
Aaron Kennedy looks like a tough-as-nails cop, but he’s got a marshmallow for a heart. One that’s recently been roasted over the coals by Heather, his former fiancée. After discovering her affair with his best friend, he broke off his engagement and swore off women—at least for a while. When his sister asks for help with her wedding plans, he can’t say no. Then he learns the wedding is at Blooming Valley Vineyards, and his former crush is the event planner. Maybe this is fate telling him not to give up so quickly.
Just when Aaron starts to break through Elena’s icy shell, Heather comes back into his life with an unbelievable story—one Elena seems to support. Rumors travel the grapevine faster than he can make sense of them. He needs to discover the truth before his one chance at happiness withers on the vine.
Elena Santucci is one of the best wedding planners in the Keystone state—ironic, as she doesn’t believe in love. Why should she? Rumors cost her all meaningful relationships, sending her into the arms of one loser after another until she swore off men entirely. Now she spends her days helping brides put together dream days… even though she suspects they’ll all lead to nightmares.
Aaron Kennedy looks like a tough-as-nails cop, but he’s got a marshmallow for a heart. One that’s recently been roasted over the coals by Heather, his former fiancée. After discovering her affair with his best friend, he broke off his engagement and swore off women—at least for a while. When his sister asks for help with her wedding plans, he can’t say no. Then he learns the wedding is at Blooming Valley Vineyards, and his former crush is the event planner. Maybe this is fate telling him not to give up so quickly.
Just when Aaron starts to break through Elena’s icy shell, Heather comes back into his life with an unbelievable story—one Elena seems to support. Rumors travel the grapevine faster than he can make sense of them. He needs to discover the truth before his one chance at happiness withers on the vine.
- GenresRomance
Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
About the author
Staci Troilo
35 books163 followersI grew up knowing family is paramount. I was blessed to spend time with extended family daily, not just on holidays or weekends. Because of those close-knit familial bonds, every day was full of love and laughter, food and fun.
Life took me away from that extended family for twenty years before I finally made it back. And while I'd done my best to keep the traditions alive across the miles, I realize there truly is no place like home.
Through my fiction, I share those traditions and the importance of relationships with you. Mystery or suspense, romance or mainstream, sci-fi or thriller—in my stories, family (however you define it) is paramount.
To learn more about me, visit me at http://stacitroilo.com or connect with me on social media.
Life took me away from that extended family for twenty years before I finally made it back. And while I'd done my best to keep the traditions alive across the miles, I realize there truly is no place like home.
Through my fiction, I share those traditions and the importance of relationships with you. Mystery or suspense, romance or mainstream, sci-fi or thriller—in my stories, family (however you define it) is paramount.
To learn more about me, visit me at http://stacitroilo.com or connect with me on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 28, 2022
Between the Vines is the third book in the Keystone Couple series. Although each story stands alone, there are recurring characters so I recommend you read them in order. Elena Santucci is a wedding planner that works at the family winery and event center. She has a reputation for being one of the best, but has no desire to find love for herself. She had an unjustified reputation growing up and swore off men. Aaron Kennedy was a childhood friend of Elena's brother, who also had a crush on Elena. He is now a by the book cop. He was recently burned at love, but when his sister asks him to help her plan her wedding, he can't say no. He meets up with Elena to help make plans and his feelings from the past quickly resurface. Elena and Adam do not get off to a good start and this story has an enemies to friends to lovers feel about it. It is not a smooth road, with Adam's ex-fiancée returning, but romance is in the wind in the Keystone state.
I enjoyed this novella that was uplifting and fun. The characters were well-developed, considering this was a novella. Elena is feisty and doesn't put up with fools. Aaron is a no nonsense cop, but up against a couple of fighting women has him at a loss. There is some humor and I loved the banter between the characters. Having read the previous stories in this series, I had some background to the story that helped fill out the plot. I enjoyed the quick pace of the story, with characters that were relatable and likable. Overall, this was a fun, heartwarming romance that I recommend.
I enjoyed this novella that was uplifting and fun. The characters were well-developed, considering this was a novella. Elena is feisty and doesn't put up with fools. Aaron is a no nonsense cop, but up against a couple of fighting women has him at a loss. There is some humor and I loved the banter between the characters. Having read the previous stories in this series, I had some background to the story that helped fill out the plot. I enjoyed the quick pace of the story, with characters that were relatable and likable. Overall, this was a fun, heartwarming romance that I recommend.
March 21, 2022
Laugh Aloud Funny
Having read the first two books in this series and enjoyed them, I snapped up this book as soon as it released, and the author has delivered a quick and fun read yet again. The writer delivers memorable characters with relatable flaws that immediately pull you in. In Between the Vines we meet Elena Santucci, who has sworn off romance since high-school bullies spread false rumours about her, and every guy in the school made some damaging assumptions about her. Even all these years later, those who should have be grown-ups perpetuate Elena’s misery. “As Elena approached the veranda, she considered walking around to the front of the residence. Her cousin and his girlfriend were sharing a private moment, and she didn’t want to intrude.” … This opening line gives the perfect set-up and takes the reader straight into the lonely life that is Elena’s.
The descriptive narrative is great, and here are some lines I loved …
“The sun kissed the horizon, setting the sky aglow with shades of apricot, raspberry, and plum …”
And …
“Elena Santucci–Fake Smiler Extraordinaire. Time to put her skills to use.”
And … [this whole set-up is brilliant for some great humour] … “I don’t remember you being such a pain when we were young.”
“I’m like fine wine. I’ve matured.”
“You’re more like a sour pickle.”
I could go on, but instead, I’ll urge you to go and read this series. If you like fun, quick romance reads, the Keystone Couples series is for you. Between the Vines gets five stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
Having read the first two books in this series and enjoyed them, I snapped up this book as soon as it released, and the author has delivered a quick and fun read yet again. The writer delivers memorable characters with relatable flaws that immediately pull you in. In Between the Vines we meet Elena Santucci, who has sworn off romance since high-school bullies spread false rumours about her, and every guy in the school made some damaging assumptions about her. Even all these years later, those who should have be grown-ups perpetuate Elena’s misery. “As Elena approached the veranda, she considered walking around to the front of the residence. Her cousin and his girlfriend were sharing a private moment, and she didn’t want to intrude.” … This opening line gives the perfect set-up and takes the reader straight into the lonely life that is Elena’s.
The descriptive narrative is great, and here are some lines I loved …
“The sun kissed the horizon, setting the sky aglow with shades of apricot, raspberry, and plum …”
And …
“Elena Santucci–Fake Smiler Extraordinaire. Time to put her skills to use.”
And … [this whole set-up is brilliant for some great humour] … “I don’t remember you being such a pain when we were young.”
“I’m like fine wine. I’ve matured.”
“You’re more like a sour pickle.”
I could go on, but instead, I’ll urge you to go and read this series. If you like fun, quick romance reads, the Keystone Couples series is for you. Between the Vines gets five stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
June 29, 2022
Elena is a wedding planner who doesn’t trust love. In fact, she’s downright cynical. Aaron, a local cop, has been cheated on in his past, and he’s sworn off love. But his sister’s wedding brings him face to face with Elena and neither of them know how to handle the attraction. Then Heather, Aaron’s cheating ex-girlfriend and a woman you love to hate, enters the scene and pins a target on Elena’s back.
I read this short romance in a couple of hours. The third of the Keystone Couples novellas, the book has fun cameos from the first two but can easily be read as a stand-alone. The pace moves along quickly with plenty of cross-communication, fiery ladies, and a cop who’s not sure how to handle any of it. There are also some very tender testaments to love, and a huge dollop of kindness. An entertaining quick read highly recommended to romance fans.
I read this short romance in a couple of hours. The third of the Keystone Couples novellas, the book has fun cameos from the first two but can easily be read as a stand-alone. The pace moves along quickly with plenty of cross-communication, fiery ladies, and a cop who’s not sure how to handle any of it. There are also some very tender testaments to love, and a huge dollop of kindness. An entertaining quick read highly recommended to romance fans.
April 22, 2022
I grabbed this book on a day when I felt a bit down; it was short and might help me sleep. Over two hours later, I was still wide-awake and chuckling over a wedding planner who didn’t believe in love.
The root of Elena’s story is sad – smalltown bullying at its worst – but Staci Trollo has a knack of finding humour in any situation. Elena is accident-prone – gets herself arrested –misses, and misunderstands, a scene in a bar where her wannabe boyfriend plays the hero...
I came in at the end of a trilogy, so I guess I’ll be reading the first two books!
The root of Elena’s story is sad – smalltown bullying at its worst – but Staci Trollo has a knack of finding humour in any situation. Elena is accident-prone – gets herself arrested –misses, and misunderstands, a scene in a bar where her wannabe boyfriend plays the hero...
I came in at the end of a trilogy, so I guess I’ll be reading the first two books!
March 20, 2022
This is the third installment in the Keystone Couple novellas and it was great to see some of the characters from the first two books make cameos, especially Rick and Romy.
Elena is a wedding planner. She lives on her family's vineyard in a huge house that fits all of them. And while her job is to help happy couples unite in marriage, she is closed off as far as any future love for herself. The author cleverly threw in just enough backstory to understand Elena's cynicism that stems back to her high school days ten years ago. Aaron is a policeman and is Rick, Elena's cousin's, best friend. He's always wanted to date Elena, but after the high school fiasco, never had the nerve. Instead, he settled for a narcissistic self-centered woman I enjoyed loathing. The minute Heather shows up in the story, I wanted to slug her. Unfortunately, Elena did, which ended up with her in Aaron's handcuffs.
My favorite part of the story was how the author showed Elena's big heart with a more than generous gift to Aaron's sister who is suffering her own tragedy. With so many obstacles standing in their way, it looked impossible that Aaron and Elena will ever get together. This is a great romance and a short read and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes humor, tragedy and some despicable characters all rolled into one story.
Elena is a wedding planner. She lives on her family's vineyard in a huge house that fits all of them. And while her job is to help happy couples unite in marriage, she is closed off as far as any future love for herself. The author cleverly threw in just enough backstory to understand Elena's cynicism that stems back to her high school days ten years ago. Aaron is a policeman and is Rick, Elena's cousin's, best friend. He's always wanted to date Elena, but after the high school fiasco, never had the nerve. Instead, he settled for a narcissistic self-centered woman I enjoyed loathing. The minute Heather shows up in the story, I wanted to slug her. Unfortunately, Elena did, which ended up with her in Aaron's handcuffs.
My favorite part of the story was how the author showed Elena's big heart with a more than generous gift to Aaron's sister who is suffering her own tragedy. With so many obstacles standing in their way, it looked impossible that Aaron and Elena will ever get together. This is a great romance and a short read and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes humor, tragedy and some despicable characters all rolled into one story.
March 17, 2022
Elena is a wedding planner who doesn’t believe in love thanks to the jerks who have been sniffing around her door since high school. Aaron is her cousin Rick's longtime friend, a cop who’s recently been dumped by his fiancée, Heather.
Heather is now engaged to Jarod, a one-time friend of Rick, until he tried to take advantage of Elena. Sound like a romantic merry-go-round? Oh, just wait until the complications/fun begins!
From the start, the underlying attraction between Elena and Aaron is clear, but several obstacles stand in their way—foremost, Heather, who decides she was hasty in leaving Aaron once she sees him take down a robbery suspect. This woman is the pinnacle of self-centered and shallow. Troilo writes her in such a way that the moment she appears in a scene, you cringe. Heather is a character you love to hate.
But all Troilo’s characters are well developed. Elena is a walking bundle of doubt buried under a core of outer strength. Aaron seesaws between exasperation and attentiveness. Poor guy has his work cut out for him, but bring out the pom-poms because you’ll be cheering for him and Elena from their very first spark of chemistry.
This is a fun novella with snappy dialogue, perfectly paced scenes, and breezy writing. It leaves you with a warm feeling and a happily-ever-after smile. All three Keystone Couples stories are superb, but I think this clever gem might just be my favorite.
Heather is now engaged to Jarod, a one-time friend of Rick, until he tried to take advantage of Elena. Sound like a romantic merry-go-round? Oh, just wait until the complications/fun begins!
From the start, the underlying attraction between Elena and Aaron is clear, but several obstacles stand in their way—foremost, Heather, who decides she was hasty in leaving Aaron once she sees him take down a robbery suspect. This woman is the pinnacle of self-centered and shallow. Troilo writes her in such a way that the moment she appears in a scene, you cringe. Heather is a character you love to hate.
But all Troilo’s characters are well developed. Elena is a walking bundle of doubt buried under a core of outer strength. Aaron seesaws between exasperation and attentiveness. Poor guy has his work cut out for him, but bring out the pom-poms because you’ll be cheering for him and Elena from their very first spark of chemistry.
This is a fun novella with snappy dialogue, perfectly paced scenes, and breezy writing. It leaves you with a warm feeling and a happily-ever-after smile. All three Keystone Couples stories are superb, but I think this clever gem might just be my favorite.
March 20, 2022
This was a short, fun read. I'd just finished two serious books, so I was ready for something that was fast and light-hearted. A quirky, snarky romance fit the bill. Elena and Aaron had been interested in each other for a long time but never quite connected when obstacles kept getting in their way. The story was almost a comedy of errors with one thing going wrong after another, one misunderstanding piling on top of another. One constant was that Heather, who left Aaron for Jarod--who was supposed to be Aaron's friend--was a nasty piece of work. She and Jarod were perfect for each other. AND, Elena and Aaron--two characters I grew fond of--were perfect for each other, too. A romance with a lot of heart and just as much humor.
April 16, 2022
This is a romance novella, which I normally don’t read. It has all the trappings from a wedding planner to a pretty vineyard, etc. However, it’s also a wonderful case study of the human condition of small towns. How unfounded rumors can label a person for the rest of her life. It also includes that one local who refuses to grow up, but desperately needs to.
Read it for the romance element, of course, but being from a small town, I got such familiarity from the setting and characters that populate it. Troilo packs a lot into a novella length work.
Read it for the romance element, of course, but being from a small town, I got such familiarity from the setting and characters that populate it. Troilo packs a lot into a novella length work.
April 6, 2022
Between the Vines recline entangled relationships, which need to be understood. Elena and Aaron’s attraction to each other is not new yet they try to dismiss it for their own reasons. Both have their doubts, Heather, the jealous hen tries to cash on their weaknesses and a superb story with an eternal triangle unfolds. Written in a breezy style, this novella banks on edgy relationships that cry for attention.
Who could define relationships better than Staci? She has crafted three couples, so different from each other. If the unconditional love of Larissa for Jace would melt your heart, you would like to shoot Heather for her selfish overtures to win Aaron and poke Elena for building tall walls around her to keep Aaron out intentionally. This may be a quick read but provide the lovers with some food for thought. I really enjoyed it.
Who could define relationships better than Staci? She has crafted three couples, so different from each other. If the unconditional love of Larissa for Jace would melt your heart, you would like to shoot Heather for her selfish overtures to win Aaron and poke Elena for building tall walls around her to keep Aaron out intentionally. This may be a quick read but provide the lovers with some food for thought. I really enjoyed it.
March 28, 2022
“Between the Vines” is sadly the final story in the Keystone Couples Series. I have enjoyed meeting all three couples, and it was nice to see everyone make an appearance. Elena was bullied in high school by Heather, and it still affects her. She’s had a crush on her brother’s friend since those days, but Aaron ended up dating Heather. Although both are single now and still attracted to each other, Elena avoids getting involved with anyone after the horrible rumors spread by Heather. Although violence isn’t the answer, I must admit there was a very satisfying punch. There were consequences, and Heather quickly became a character easy to hate. It is another great love story that can be read in one sitting, and I can easily recommend it.
March 28, 2022
Between the Vines is the third book in the Keystone Couples Series, and much like the prior two novellas, it is a quick and fun read. In fact, it is pure energy.
Troilo is masterful with dialogue. Readers quickly get to know the characters and their foibles through the unfolding conservations. You’re at the bar with them, the restaurant, their meeting spot – and you realize you’ve met them before. They are that familiar, that relatable. Within the first few pages, you’re in a whirlwind of memories and emotions, attractions and regrets. You cheer for the protagonists and hate the scheming ex. It’s natural to do so because you relate to the characters.
If you enjoy classy stories with a lot of pizazz, this is one for you. Troilo shines as a writer in this fun novella.
Troilo is masterful with dialogue. Readers quickly get to know the characters and their foibles through the unfolding conservations. You’re at the bar with them, the restaurant, their meeting spot – and you realize you’ve met them before. They are that familiar, that relatable. Within the first few pages, you’re in a whirlwind of memories and emotions, attractions and regrets. You cheer for the protagonists and hate the scheming ex. It’s natural to do so because you relate to the characters.
If you enjoy classy stories with a lot of pizazz, this is one for you. Troilo shines as a writer in this fun novella.
March 28, 2022
Busy wedding planner Elena Santucci doesn’t have time for the small-town gossip grapevine, sometimes to her detriment.
Aaron Kennedy enjoys his job as a police officer, even if it does include pulling over speeding best friends. When his sister asks him to fill in as the groom while planning her wedding, he’s happy to help, even after finding it’s at Blooming Valley Vineyard, his old school crush’s home.
Elena has always had a thing for her brother’s best friend, but with her unfounded reputation she finds it hard to trust men. Aaron seems different though, kind and sincere. His handsome looks don’t hurt either. Should she give this romance thing a chance?
When Aaron’s ex makes trouble for the couple, they must decide whether to believe in their newfound relationship or stomp the embers out.
I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series- well worth reading!
Aaron Kennedy enjoys his job as a police officer, even if it does include pulling over speeding best friends. When his sister asks him to fill in as the groom while planning her wedding, he’s happy to help, even after finding it’s at Blooming Valley Vineyard, his old school crush’s home.
Elena has always had a thing for her brother’s best friend, but with her unfounded reputation she finds it hard to trust men. Aaron seems different though, kind and sincere. His handsome looks don’t hurt either. Should she give this romance thing a chance?
When Aaron’s ex makes trouble for the couple, they must decide whether to believe in their newfound relationship or stomp the embers out.
I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series- well worth reading!
March 19, 2022
Between the Vines is the third and final novella in the Keystone Couples Series. And just when I thought the books couldn’t get better, this one did.
The storyline is well-written and nicely paced. There are touches of humor, and the setting is perfect.
The attraction between Elena and Aaron is apparent from the beginning, although neither one wants to admit it at first.
Add to that Aaron’s ex-fiancée, Heather, who is out to make trouble for Elena. If ever there was a villain to hate, it’s Heather. Troilo did a fantastic job with this character as she did with Elena and Aaron.
I enjoyed all the books in the Keystone Couples series, but this is my favorite. Highly recommend it.
The storyline is well-written and nicely paced. There are touches of humor, and the setting is perfect.
The attraction between Elena and Aaron is apparent from the beginning, although neither one wants to admit it at first.
Add to that Aaron’s ex-fiancée, Heather, who is out to make trouble for Elena. If ever there was a villain to hate, it’s Heather. Troilo did a fantastic job with this character as she did with Elena and Aaron.
I enjoyed all the books in the Keystone Couples series, but this is my favorite. Highly recommend it.
July 9, 2022
Romance isn’t one of my most read genres, but I venture into that area every now and then, and I’m sorry to see this series of novellas end. Part of the reason I’ve enjoyed it so much is because of the humorous situations and misunderstandings that lean into the romantic comedy direction at times. Combine that with very likeable, realistic, flawed characters, and you’ve got an addictive read. And these can be read in about an hour or so.
Elena is a successful wedding planner – ironically, she doesn’t believe in love due to a history of disasters. Enter Aaron, who’s recovering from a recent engagement gone wrong. Having attended school together in a relatively small town, the two aren’t strangers. Aaron even had a crush on Elena in high school. A tentative relationship begins to develop, and just when Elena thinks maybe love isn’t such a ridiculous notion after all, Aaron’s jealous ex shows up. Trust me – she’s a character who inspires strong dislike and lots of eye rolling.
I loved that the author included Easter eggs consisting of the couples from the other two novellas in the series. Seeing a little of what the future held for them was an unexpected treat.
Each of these three novellas can be read as standalones, but I’d recommend starting from the beginning to fully appreciate the stories. If you’re looking for light-hearted reads that leave you with warm fuzzies, you can’t go wrong with Keystone Couples.
Elena is a successful wedding planner – ironically, she doesn’t believe in love due to a history of disasters. Enter Aaron, who’s recovering from a recent engagement gone wrong. Having attended school together in a relatively small town, the two aren’t strangers. Aaron even had a crush on Elena in high school. A tentative relationship begins to develop, and just when Elena thinks maybe love isn’t such a ridiculous notion after all, Aaron’s jealous ex shows up. Trust me – she’s a character who inspires strong dislike and lots of eye rolling.
I loved that the author included Easter eggs consisting of the couples from the other two novellas in the series. Seeing a little of what the future held for them was an unexpected treat.
Each of these three novellas can be read as standalones, but I’d recommend starting from the beginning to fully appreciate the stories. If you’re looking for light-hearted reads that leave you with warm fuzzies, you can’t go wrong with Keystone Couples.
June 28, 2022
I don’t often read romantic stories, for like Elena, the heroine of this story, love hasn’t been kind to me.
On a good day, I do still look for it, which is why this is the second story I have read in the Keystone Couples Series.
Romance is a funny thing, so many things can ruin your chances.
Unusual circumstances, strange coincidences and jealous people almost wrecked every chance for Elena, and my heart went out to her as she struggled to create perfect fairy-tale weddings for other people in the course of her job, knowing she would probably never walk down the aisle herself.
Luckily, love will usually find a way, for even the most stubborn of hearts…
On a good day, I do still look for it, which is why this is the second story I have read in the Keystone Couples Series.
Romance is a funny thing, so many things can ruin your chances.
Unusual circumstances, strange coincidences and jealous people almost wrecked every chance for Elena, and my heart went out to her as she struggled to create perfect fairy-tale weddings for other people in the course of her job, knowing she would probably never walk down the aisle herself.
Luckily, love will usually find a way, for even the most stubborn of hearts…
April 24, 2022
The is the second story in the Keystone Series I’ve read and I found it every bit as well written as the first. The stories sparkle with wit and humor. The heroines are feisty and the heroes strong. For those that love a romance with a vineyard for the backdrop this is definitely your read.
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