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It’s often said, when one door closes another opens. But what if, in the end, you’re left standing alone in its threshold?

At fifteen, Dani Valdez lost the most important man in her life—her father. After years of therapy, she’s continued to make one bad choice after another, desperate to soothe the emptiness his death left behind. Even with a fulfilling career as an in-home nurse and caregiver, her personal life is less than stellar. Now in her early thirties, not only is Dani the oldest and curviest girl in her group of friends, but she’s also the last childless, single female. It’s time for her to take a new path, so she’s pushing past her self-doubts and taking control of her destiny. And with her close friend, Zachary, there to support her, she’s confident in her decision. That is, if she can get over the fact that Zachary is the love she’s not meant to have.

Zachary will never forget what it felt like to be hungry and abandoned by his mother in their rundown, dirty apartment. He still couldn’t believe he’d been given a second chance as a teen when Joel Evanwood not only adopted him, but also taught him how to run his vineyard. After an impulsive one night stand with Dani, his best friend, Zachary decides to shut everything out and throw himself into work. He can’t take a risk on a relationship with her, even if he wanted to. But when a devastating diagnosis alters his world, he will reach for the only steady thing in his life—her.

It doesn’t take long before their relationship heads down an uncomfortable road, reminding him of why he can’t give her everything she wants. In order for him to stand by her, he’ll have to deal with old memories he’d rather leave buried.

But is Zachary strong enough to let Dani in to see the painful burden he’s carried from his past? Or will his stubbornness kill any chance they will ever have?

**This novel includes mature language and adult situations, but there are no detailed sex scenes**

Although the characters in this novel appear in the Intertwined Hearts love stories, this book was written as a standalone.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

78 people are currently reading
375 people want to read

About the author

Kimi Flores

9 books284 followers
Kimi lives in Southern California with her husband (who happened to be her prom date back in 19), their two sons, a rambunctious fur child, and three bearded dragons.

When she's not reading, writing, or hanging out with family and friends, Kimi spends her time at the beach, trail hiking, or in the kitchen, trying to create plant-based meals that don't taste like, well, tofu.

Kimi's writing includes heartfelt contemporary (fade-to-black/closed-door) romance novels. She is currently working on several laugh-out-loud, sweet romantic comedies.

Volunteering is extremely important to her, and she and her family work closely with several local non-profit organizations, including Saving Innocence and Young Life. A portion of her sales will always go to charity.

You can contact Kimi at:
authorkimiflores@gmail.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
April 9, 2018
💝 FREE on Amazon today (4/9/2018)!💝

Blurb:
It’s often said, when one door closes another opens. But what if, in the end, you’re left standing alone in its threshold?

At fifteen, Dani Valdez lost the most important man in her life—her father. After years of therapy, she’s continued to make one bad choice after another, desperate to soothe the emptiness his death left behind. Even with a fulfilling career as an in-home nurse and caregiver, her personal life is less than stellar. Now in her early thirties, not only is Dani the oldest and curviest girl in her group of friends, but she’s also the last childless, single female. It’s time for her to take a new path, so she’s pushing past her self-doubts and taking control of her destiny. And with her close friend, Zachary, there to support her, she’s confident in her decision. That is, if she can get over the fact that Zachary is the love she’s not meant to have.

Zachary will never forget what it felt like to be hungry and abandoned by his mother in their rundown, dirty apartment. He still couldn’t believe he’d been given a second chance as a teen when Joel Evanwood not only adopted him, but also taught him how to run his vineyard. After an impulsive one night stand with Dani, his best friend, Zachary decides to shut everything out and throw himself into work. He can’t take a risk on a relationship with her, even if he wanted to. But when a devastating diagnosis alters his world, he will reach for the only steady thing in his life—her.

It doesn’t take long before their relationship heads down an uncomfortable road, reminding him of why he can’t give her everything she wants. In order for him to stand by her, he’ll have to deal with old memories he’d rather leave buried.

But is Zachary strong enough to let Dani in to see the painful burden he’s carried from his past? Or will his stubbornness kill any chance they will ever have?
Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,907 reviews323 followers
June 2, 2016
Grafted Vines by Kimi Flores
3.5 stars!!!

“Every storm offers a majestic rainbow, right?”


Grafted Vines is a cute read with a little angst and a friends to lovers plot line which I absolutely adore. This book also covers the effects of living with someone who suffers with dementia which is so apt for me as my father in law is currently living with us and suffers with the same dreadful disease. I found myself relating to a lot in this book and so this gave me an extra insight into the story too. Dani’s relationship with Zachary’s Dad was stunning and I loved that awareness was brought to the horrible effects that this disease has on not only the sufferer, but also the family.

Dani Valdez is a woman after my own heart, she is curvaceous and owns it, she is dedicated, she is a hard worker, she takes no crap, she is as stubborn as a mule and knows what she wants out of life. Dani is a nurse and her empathy shines whenever she is around a patient, she is such a caring character that she ingratiates herself into your heart at the very beginning, to be honest, there was nothing to dislike about her at all. Dani had lost her father when she was fifteen and the hole that she felt when he passed is still there, ever present. His loss affected her deeply and she cannot help but compare the men in her life to the man she still has on a pedestal. There is one man that she wants and he is the only man that seems to not want her in return. It is a cruel twist of fate when you love your best friend.

“I’d hoped he would fight for me. It was childish to think that way, though. I wasn’t a damsel in distress. But dammit, sometimes a girl just wanted the man she was in love with the bust down the door and rescue her, even if it was from herself.”


Zachary’s life started out really hard, he suffers with some abandonment issues but keeps them buried because once he was adopted his life changed for the better. Having just got divorced, his opinion of women in general is somewhat jaded and he likes to keep his emotions closely guarded. Zachary now runs the vineyard that his father owns. His father’s health is on a rapid decline and he continuously struggles with juggling the vineyard and his father. Zach on the outside is extremely handsome and fit but he shrugs it off as nothing, to him, he is just Zachary. On the inside is a guy with a heart of gold, whose loyalty to his Dad was magnificent and a man who only had his Dad’s best interests at heart. He was totally selfless, sleep deprived, over worked and the man can cook! Zachary was at culinary school before his father’s health deteriorated and was on track to become a well renowned chef, he gave it all up though to take over the vineyard, family always came first.

“She wasn’t the one who had to give up her hopes by picking me. It was up to me to choose our future over my fear.”


Dani and Zachary have been best friends for a long time, they are each other’s shoulder, their rock and their friendship was beautiful until one night it wasn’t. Zach continuously fights his attraction to Dani because he knows what she wants out of life…marriage, children the white picket fence and for him that is the furthest thing in his mind. He has his issues which are slowly revealed and for him, he just can’t see himself going there and so reluctantly he has to let her go...let her find what she wants.

“He appeared to be just as devastated as I felt, but I had no sympathy for him. This was his bed. He could lie in his own shit now.”


Dani feels her biological clock ticking away, all her friends are having kids, her sister is having kids and she is the one singleton. She needs to make decisions and make them quick. Dani is asked by Zach to take a more hands on role with his Dad to take off some of the pressure and this puts these two back in each other’s orbit. Will Zach still fight his feelings or will Dani make decisions that take the option away from him?

Kimi Flores delivers a beautiful read that had me captivated from start to finish. Friends to lovers, second chances and all the uncertainty that goes with blurring those lines. The character connection was on point, their friendship was tangible and the secondary characters all had their parts to play. This is my first Kimi Flores read and it will not be my last. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

www.theromancecover.com
1,035 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2016
I don't think 5 stars are enough for this book! This is one of the most heart warming books I have read in a while. Emotions all over the board. Anger over Eric and his behavior, also that Dani had so little respect for herself at that time. Disappointment that Zachary had such a hard time from hius past so that he could have a future. Love that the family had for each other and alsithe loving care between Dani and her patients. Loved the HEA ending. A few tears but what a wonderful story!. Thank you!
Profile Image for Marissa Chavez.
1,377 reviews4 followers
November 5, 2020
Oh my goodness! I absolutely loved this series! I was so happy that Dani and Zachary finally got their story! So happy they got the ending they deserved! 🍷💚
Profile Image for Samantha Ortegon.
Author 1 book50 followers
May 21, 2016
Favorite Quotes:

We'd been doing a back and forth flirting tango all night that had almost felt like an invitation to hope for so much more.

My mind was racing with images of us doing a real tango, this time naked between his sheets.

I'd hoped he would fight for me. It was
childish to think that way, though. I wasn't a
damsel in distress. But, dammit, sometimes a
girl just wanted the man she was in love with
to bust down the door and rescue her, even if
it was from herself.

She closed her eyes and leaned her head back to let the sun kiss her face. I'd never been so jealous of the sun before.

He held me once more and whispered in my ear, " Dance with me."

My Review:

Grafted Vines is a spin off the Intertwined Hearts series, which I recommend you read. I have fallen in love with every character, Dani and Zachary pull on the heartstrings in this story. When I write reviews for this author, I end up feeling like I could turn into a babbling crazy woman. I just love where she takes me emotionally when I read her books.

I first met Zachary and Dani, in Tangled Paths and I could see their story building up in my head, Kimi intensified the characters and beautifully put into words their story of finding and resisting love that has been so long in the making and if allowed very much deserved.

Dani Valdez is a strong, feisty and stubborn woman, she is also determined and hard working. She may have more than a hour glass figure but she carries it well. Dani is tired of being the single friend and with her sister and friends having babies, it seems her baby clock is ticking and she doesn't want to wait for a man to make her dreams of becoming a mom come true. The one man Dani wants seems to be the one that can push her away, being in love with her best friend is hard on her heart. Walking away from their friendship is impossible since she is also the caregiver to Zachary's father. Dealing with heartache from her past, making decisions for her future and realizing that she may never have that future that she dreams of with Zachary, how is Dani going to handle life knowing they will always be put into situations where they are going to be in each others lives?

Zachary, may not have had the easiest life but he was lucky that his friends uncle Joel adopted him after his mother abandoned him when he was a teenager. Joel loves Zachary as if he was his own and taught him how to run the family vineyard, which he puts hard work and his heart into. Zachary blames his past decisions for his dads health and is not willing to allow himself to fall in love with the woman he wants more than anything in the world to come between the vineyard and his dad again. He is also not willing to let go of his best friend Dani even though he knows how she feels about him. His stubbornness could be the reason he will lose Dani and the dreams they both have of a future together.

The relationship/ frienship Dani and Zachary have is so strong you can feel the intensity of how much they long for each other. These characters can so easily be pulled into my life and that's what makes the story hit so close to the heart. There will be moments of tears, frustration and awe.
Grafted Vines is so beautifully written by Kimi Flores, who I like to refer to as my go to author when my mind needs clarity. This is definitely a 5 star must read.





Profile Image for Stacie Christensen.
756 reviews23 followers
May 18, 2016
It’s often said, when one door closes another opens. But what if, in the end, you’re left standing alone in its threshold?

At fifteen, Dani Valdez lost the most important man in her life—her father. After years of therapy, she’s continued to make one bad choice after another, desperate to soothe the emptiness his death left behind. Even with a fulfilling career as an in-home nurse and caregiver, her personal life is less than stellar. Now in her early thirties, not only is Dani the oldest and curviest girl in her group of friends, but she’s also the last childless, single female. It’s time for her to take a new path, so she’s pushing past her self-doubts and taking control of her destiny. And with her close friend, Zachary, there to support her, she’s confident in her decision. That is, if she can get over the fact that Zachary is the love she’s not meant to have.

Zachary will never forget what it felt like to be hungry and abandoned by his mother in their rundown, dirty apartment. He still couldn’t believe he’d been given a second chance as a teen when Joel Evanwood not only adopted him, but also taught him how to run his vineyard. After an impulsive one night stand with Dani, his best friend, Zachary decides to shut everything out and throw himself into work. He can’t take a risk on a relationship with her, even if he wanted to. But when a devastating diagnosis alters his world, he will reach for the only steady thing in his life—her.

It doesn’t take long before their relationship heads down an uncomfortable road, reminding him of why he can’t give her everything she wants. In order for him to stand by her, he’ll have to deal with old memories he’d rather leave buried.

But is Zachary strong enough to let Dani in to see the painful burden he’s carried from his past? Or will his stubbornness kill any chance they will ever have?

This was such a good read! I was hooked from the first few pages. This book had me on an emotional roller coaster! Dani & Zachary story was very well written and I loved the other characters in this book as well!
Profile Image for DCT.
1,036 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2016
3.5 Heartfelt stars. This is the forth book in this series, and though each can be enjoyed as a standalone, they all take on more meaning when the series is read in its entirety. We finally get Dani's story, and as a fan of the series, she had already endeared herself to me as Bri's friend and Leah's sister. Dani has struggled with relationships, often making poor choices, taking her further and further away from her dream of being a wife and mother. Her self esteem has taken a beating, which makes it difficult for her to see her own beauty and appeal. She finally meets someone who is worthy of her love, yet his own fears and guilt hold him back. Zachary is the complete package; handsome, sensitive, loyal and accomplished. He and Dani have undeniable chemistry, yet something is holding him back, which only adds to Dani's feelings of being inadequate. This entails the journey of these hearts becoming intertwined. I loved the epilogue, as we get to see how all our beloved couples faired. I hope that Madison's story will take us into the future. Thank you Kimi for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Profile Image for Suzi.
16 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2016
No spoilers here! I really enjoyed this book. There was a great connection between the H and h. The prologue was odd for me because I felt like I was jumping into a later point in the book but that quickly...quickly works itself out. There were no annoying friends!!!!! ( those have made me stop reading books before so...). Sex scenes are not a major player in this book, it is about the relationship between 2 people and their journey to get their happy ever after. I never at any point felt the urge to skim because a dialogue (internal or external) was dragging. This was a well written very enjoyable book that has you feeling the full range of emotions along with the characters!
Profile Image for Tammy Burton.
24 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2016
received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely couldn't wait to read Zach and Dani's story after reading the first three in the series, answer is can say that I was NOT disappointed!

Kimi Flores is a fantastic writer and story teller. I read books 1-3 last October after purchasing them for a signing and fell in love with her characters instantly.

Upon receiving this fourth, and sadly, final book in the series, I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down until I found out what was going to happen between Zach and Dani.

You are going to love this book, but you MUST read the full series in order.
Profile Image for Charity Chimni.
Author 2 books9 followers
May 19, 2016
Wow!!!!! Just wow!!! This book had everything! There were heartbreaking moments, heart felt moments, awe moments, and moments when I wanted to strangle a character! Only a great book can make you experience such great emotions. I've read the whole series and really enjoyed watching the characters grow. Dani and Zachary can admit to themselves that they love the other, but can't admit it to anyone else especially the other. They are both crippled by insecurities and their pasts. Their journey was intense but so worth it!
32 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2016
Everything I truly love about a book , and I was dying for Dani's story since I read the first book. I giggled, I cried, I was rooting for her and Zachary from the first page, I questioned my underwear and wanted to Google the food she mentions , I wanted to smack both characters at the same time I understood their point of views and you couldn't have asked for a better ending to a series if you tried, and what I truly love is that I can go back and read it again and again and still get goosebumps.
Profile Image for Maari.
474 reviews
June 3, 2016
So sad to see this end.. but what a perfect conclusion!!
Ms. Flores is a go-to-Author! Every single one of her books, I have fallen in love with! She has a way of making us feel every emotion, get totally lost in her stories, and relate to each of her characters. I am bummed that this is the end, but I understand.. and cannot wait to see what Kimi has in store for us next!
Profile Image for Kimi.
Author 9 books284 followers
Read
May 27, 2016
PUBLISHED ~

Although I'm sad to say goodbye to all the couples in my Intertwined Hearts collection, I really enjoyed writing their journeys. Similar to real couples, each of these characters has taken a different path to find love. Some are lighthearted, others are heart-wrenching but in the end, they all find their own version of 'happily ever after'.
705 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2016
A must read

Another amazing book from Kimi Flores. She takes us on an emotional journey with Zachary and Dani that has its ups and downs, but stays true to the characters she has created. It was so wonderful to be back in this world with such amazing characters. Mrs. Flores is able to evoke such emotion and create such real feeling. Do yourself a favor and read this book.
Profile Image for Renee.
1,325 reviews30 followers
June 9, 2016
As I walked the hall tonight I kept thinking I AM Dani. Yes 7 days a week I think she's awesome BTW
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
March 24, 2018
What an emotional read. This author has taken the two that everyone saw were in love and removed their obstacles so it could become a reality. They worked so hard Dani at them being one, Zachary at holding on to them. The issues this author touched on with these two are so common that it's easy to see yourself or someone you love in their position, battling their demons some succeed others not so much. As these two support each other in everyday life the love they build is special and something to behold. I have to admit this one may be my favorite so far but that also may not be the first time I said it.

I love this author's style. I love that she makes her characters work at themselves and healing whether alone or with that someone that will love them in spite of. Her characters are everyday people with everyday concerns. We understand them. We love them.
240 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2018
Grafted Vines by Kimi Flores is a compassionate love story filled with mixture anguish and yearning. The two main protagonists are very well written. Ms. Flores has done a great job with her character development and her story-line is both passionate and poignant. Grafted Vines, has it all, within this story the author has included the sentiments of love, loss, happiness, sadness, and fear. Dani Valdez and Zachary (Zack) are devoted to each other but life keeps planting roadblocks in their path to love. Will they be able to overcome all the obstacles in their way to finding true happiness as a couple? We will see. Grafted Vines is a must read. A book you will truly enjoy.

I received a free copy of this ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
.
12 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2020
Again...I'm not disappointed, these 2, I swear, the amount of times I was yelling at my screen, especially Zachary to just make Dani his 😅 but I totally understood his fears of marriage, children and of himself not being good enough and why it was so hard for him, I swear he is the Male version of me! Can't wait for Blaines book next! 》》》
Profile Image for Denise Moreno-Ferrell.
35 reviews
June 21, 2017
Series

This series was absolutely amazing! I loved it. I appreciate that an epilogue was provided after each book. Especially after this last one and how they were all tied together.
Profile Image for Paula F Newman.
15 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2018
S

I have enjoyed the up and downs to all of the books in this series. I hope all who reads the series will enjoy it
Profile Image for Iluvbooks44.
2,234 reviews16 followers
May 23, 2018
I love Kimi’s books, she is one of my favourite authors.

I love this series.

I loved this book from start to finish.

I love the characters and the story.
Profile Image for ✰  BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰.
3,031 reviews12 followers
May 23, 2016
Copy received from author for an honest review.

Image

It seems like forever since I have spent time with the characters from this series, but boy was it worth the wait for Grafted Vines.

I have adored Dani right through this series, and I have been impatiently waiting for her story. And it was everything and more than I could have asked for.

This is a beautiful friends to lovers story, although it was not an easy journey for them to get to where they ar today.

Zachary is jaded by former relationships, Dani has been holding out for him for so long, her heart has belonged to him for so long that she hasn't been looking for anything long lasting.

There were so many times that I wanted to slap some sense into Zachary - even though he could see what was right in front of him, he was pushing it away.

She wanted - and deserved - so many things that scared the sh!t out of me. But damn did I love her

All I could do was hold on, remain seated and keep my arms in the carriage as I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster of a ride.

I loved that we got more of the couples from the previous books in the series, loved the glimpses into their lives since their stories.

Ms Flores has written such a beautiful story. I could imagine myself at Zachary's winery, looking out over the vineyard and sipping a glass as the sun sets


I will be sorry to see these characters go, but I can't wait to see what Ms Flores brings us next




Smokin Hot Book Blog Email







305 reviews
September 20, 2016
Zack's legacy and Dani's love

Dani is a nurse practitioner caring for Zack's father as his health declines. The vineyard that Zack's dad nourished and grew into a large enterprise, taking most of Zack's time. Love is something that Zack has given up. Dani has loved Zack for years but has decided to have a family by herself. The deterioration of the father is heart wrenching, lived by many families daily, and is known as the long goodbye. The story reminds me of so many families I have cared for over the years of my nursing career. A good read for those believing in compassionate stories.
Profile Image for Michelle Surtees.
352 reviews10 followers
May 21, 2016
Received as an Arc from author.
What can I say about this wonderful book, well for starters Zachary and Dani's book is part of the fabulous Intertwined Hearts series but can be read as a standalone.
This story had me hooked from the start it is so full of highs and lows my heart felt like it was on a rollercoaster. Both Zachary and Dani have had their hearts and trust crushed in different ways, which in the end makes them perfect for each other.
Their journey is full of love and forgiveness, growth and trust, heartbreaks and understanding.
Can two jaded pasts make one perfect future???? Well to find out you'll have to go dive into this book.
Thank you Kimi for another wonderful read.
Profile Image for Shelly Celli.
2,248 reviews6 followers
September 16, 2016
Love it.

Dani and Zachary have been holding on to their love for one another for a long time, but circumstances have them both holding back. After a night they'll never forget, things between them take a turn for the worse and they lose each other. It hurts them both so much. They eventually find their way back as friends but Zachary has been through so much he's afraid to let go and love her the way he wants to. After a lot of heartache, these two finally find their way back together. I've laughed, cried, and loved throughout this book. Thank you for an amazing read. Cannot wait to read the others in this series.
Profile Image for Bea.
77 reviews
May 22, 2016
Wow!! What a way to end a series. Or is it really over? The epilogue leads me to believe there's more.

This book brings two broken people together and takes you on their very realistic journey to love.

I enjoyed the view into the other characters as well as the authors tie in to the vines and its meaning.

If you enjoy a solid, well-written, realistic romance novel with a little steam, then this book is for you. Enjoy!

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
29 reviews
December 19, 2016
Awespiring

The entire series was realllyyyyy good.....true to life lessons were brought out that many people can relate to to....mostly important was never give up on your dreams.....women insecurities and strengths were highlighted.....the fulfillment of finding a life partner Just awesome..... the ending of the fourth book was a great choice by the author.....
Profile Image for Marie Mckenney.
309 reviews3 followers
January 29, 2017
Loved this book.

Zach and Dani's story was a very emotional story. This story included a lot of emotions that were brought up from their past and things that go on throughout this book. Tissues are a necessary at points in this book. Love their story and the rest of their family. They are all so wonderful together. Love the way the book ends also. It is so cute.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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