What do you think?
Rate this book
Trusting The Vine
Brynn Dormir spends her day tidying up after guests at her wine country bed and breakfast inn, a job she prefers over cleaning up her mother and sister’s messy affairs. Unlike her family, business-minded Brynn never believed in love, a notion solidifed after her ex tries to kill her. She understands the formula to make homemade scouring products much better than any recipe for romantic happiness.
Looking for a fresh start, psychologist Josh Hart has ended a disastrous partnership and relocates to Hopland to cover his mentor’s practice. Checking into the Carlysle, he can’t fight his attraction to the B and B’s lovely owner. Although she’s not a patient, he longs to get her on his couch for entirely different reasons.
But Josh’s crazy former partner wants him back at work and in her bed . . . and Brynn’s criminal ex wants to finish the job.
Josh and Brynn will have to learn to trust each other in order for love to conquer all.
Looking for a fresh start, psychologist Josh Hart has ended a disastrous partnership and relocates to Hopland to cover his mentor’s practice. Checking into the Carlysle, he can’t fight his attraction to the B and B’s lovely owner. Although she’s not a patient, he longs to get her on his couch for entirely different reasons.
But Josh’s crazy former partner wants him back at work and in her bed . . . and Brynn’s criminal ex wants to finish the job.
Josh and Brynn will have to learn to trust each other in order for love to conquer all.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2018
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Gemma Brocato
45 books286 followersGemma's favorite desk accessories for many years were a circular wooden token, better known as a 'round tuit,' and a fortune from a fortune cookie proclaiming her a lover of words; some day she'd write a book. All it took was a transfer to the United Kingdom, the lovely English springtime, and a huge dose of homesickness to write her first novel. Once it was completed and sent off with a kiss even the rejections, addressed to 'Dear Author', were gratifying.
After returning to America, she spent a number of years as a copywriter, dedicating her skills to making insurance and the agents who sell them sound sexy. Eventually, her full-time job as a writer interfered with her desire to be a writer full-time and she left the world of financial products behind to pursue an avocation as a romance author.
Her gamble paid off when she was a 2012 Finalist in the prestigious Golden Pen contest for Romantic Suspense and she received contracts for her first and second book.
After returning to America, she spent a number of years as a copywriter, dedicating her skills to making insurance and the agents who sell them sound sexy. Eventually, her full-time job as a writer interfered with her desire to be a writer full-time and she left the world of financial products behind to pursue an avocation as a romance author.
Her gamble paid off when she was a 2012 Finalist in the prestigious Golden Pen contest for Romantic Suspense and she received contracts for her first and second book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 18, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
She’d never married, but had indulged in a string of disastrous affairs over the last ten years. As a psychic, she should have known things wouldn’t work out with the man she was with at the time.
My Review:
While it was an entertaining, quick and easy to follow read, I struggled some with this book as the broody rigid personality traits of Brynn are not among my favorites, needless to say, she wouldn’t be on my invite list of gal pals for Wino Wednesdays as she was a bit tiresome, although the poor thing had cause to be cautious. Luckily her flaky family and vivacious friends helped to restore some balance to her world. I adored Josh and marveled at his patience. The premise was interesting and the storyline held a bit of intrigue and peril from a pair of unstable exes, as well as the slow burn romance while the ever kind and indefatigable Josh endeavored to win Brynn’s trust before the steamy bits fogged up my tablet.
She’d never married, but had indulged in a string of disastrous affairs over the last ten years. As a psychic, she should have known things wouldn’t work out with the man she was with at the time.
My Review:
While it was an entertaining, quick and easy to follow read, I struggled some with this book as the broody rigid personality traits of Brynn are not among my favorites, needless to say, she wouldn’t be on my invite list of gal pals for Wino Wednesdays as she was a bit tiresome, although the poor thing had cause to be cautious. Luckily her flaky family and vivacious friends helped to restore some balance to her world. I adored Josh and marveled at his patience. The premise was interesting and the storyline held a bit of intrigue and peril from a pair of unstable exes, as well as the slow burn romance while the ever kind and indefatigable Josh endeavored to win Brynn’s trust before the steamy bits fogged up my tablet.
February 6, 2018
Brynn Dormir and Josh Hart have more than mutual attraction in common they both have scary exes to deal with. Brynn's ex-boyfriend, Reggie Beaumond, tried to steal her B & B from her and went as far as trying to kill her to get her business. Josh's ex-partner Bekkah took their partnership a little too seriously and became rather over passive and suffocating. Josh is now in town to help out his mentor Dr. Bruce Whistler a fellow psychologist who suffered a stroke and is unable to see his patients. Needing a long time place to stay he talks Brynn into renting him a room for the time he will be in town. In an effort to convince Brynn that he won't be any extra trouble he offers to help Brynn with the inn's maintenance issues. Since Brynn's ex-boyfriend got a foothold in her life by pretending to help her maintain the B&B and then sabotaging the porch railing which caused Brynn injuries, she has become very wary of men who offer to help fix up the inn. If Brynn ex isn't enough trouble Josh's former partner followed him to town and is to convince him to rejoin their old practice. Add Brynn's crazy family (her “psychic sister and her all too often married mother) and you got a recipe for adversity and misadventure. Ms. Brocato has done a great job with both her story-line and character development. This very intriguing book is well worth your time.
I received this advanced copy and I am freely posting this fair and balanced review.
I received this advanced copy and I am freely posting this fair and balanced review.
February 15, 2018
I love Brynn and Josh Story it blew me away. I love that Brynn Is a hard working I love that Brynn is so passionate about the inn she owns and how she makes the people who stay there feel like it’s home. I like that Brynn is a hard working woman and always there for the people she loves. I love how Josh first met Brynn they had this instant connection with each other. I love that Josh was there for Brynn and didn’t shy away from her. I liked that Brynn was starting to trust josh little by little and that she was starting to fall for josh. I felt contented to Josh and Brynn. I Like that Brynn was starting to let josh help her with stuff around the inn. When I was reading this book I loved that Brynn and Josh started to fall in love with each other. I love that josh was getting Brynn to pull her walls down little by little. I love that Brynn and Josh got there happily ever-after together. I absolutely love this story I definitely recommend that everyone should read it. Once you start reading it you won’t regret it.
I can’t wait to read more by Gemma Brocato.
I can’t wait to read more by Gemma Brocato.
February 9, 2018
Kudos to Gemma for showing us a strong heroine and a sensitive hero who knows how to bring down the walls Brynn had build around her heart. The chemistry between Brynn and Josh is super hot!! I love that he was the one to put on the breaks to allow her time to get used to the idea of a relationship after her disastrous breakup. The cast of funny sidekicks are a great foil to Brynn's structured life and provided a few laughs throughout the book.
Thanks for another fun read - ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
Thanks for another fun read - ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
February 4, 2018
I love Brynn and Josh's story. Josh does an excellent job and staying on task to win over Brynn. So glad Reggie was caught.
February 16, 2018
Brynn Dormir has lived her whole life in Hopland. When her friends left to go to college, she stayed and worked as a chambermaid at the Carlysle Bed and Breakfast for six years and then purchased it when the owners decide to sell. After observing her mother's 3 failed marriages and many more failed relationships, Brynn spurns her mother's belief in a love of her life and even love at all. The one time she let her guard down she fell for Reggie Beaumond, whom she had hired as a handyman. Not only wasn't he very handy, but he wormed his way into her heart, while his objective was to take over the Carlysle, possibly killing her in the process. The 3 years since he was sent to prison, Brynn has not trusted anyone. But just after her sister, Nicole, a palmist, tells her her life is about to change, a stranger drives up to the entrance.
Psychiatrist Josh Hart, sold his half of marriage counseling operation in Walnut Grove, after his made the mistake of having an affair with his partner, Bekkah Downing, and when the relationship failed, her behavior in the office became so unprofessional that he wanted out. The timing couldn't have been better, because Harmony, the daughter of his mentor, Bruce Whistler contacted him, asking him to take over her father's practice, while he was recovering from a stoke. Harmony had suggested he stay at the Carlysle, even though she knows that Bekkah only accepts weekend guests and he would need a place for possibly months.
Bekkah reluctantly agrees and Josh slowly wins her trust. He has never been this attracted to a woman before. But they will have many challenges ahead.
This is the first book that I have read from this author, and I enjoyed it immensely. The characters are well developed and the setting at the B&B and town are thoroughly captured. There are villains and a huge dog. All in all a delightful read.
Psychiatrist Josh Hart, sold his half of marriage counseling operation in Walnut Grove, after his made the mistake of having an affair with his partner, Bekkah Downing, and when the relationship failed, her behavior in the office became so unprofessional that he wanted out. The timing couldn't have been better, because Harmony, the daughter of his mentor, Bruce Whistler contacted him, asking him to take over her father's practice, while he was recovering from a stoke. Harmony had suggested he stay at the Carlysle, even though she knows that Bekkah only accepts weekend guests and he would need a place for possibly months.
Bekkah reluctantly agrees and Josh slowly wins her trust. He has never been this attracted to a woman before. But they will have many challenges ahead.
This is the first book that I have read from this author, and I enjoyed it immensely. The characters are well developed and the setting at the B&B and town are thoroughly captured. There are villains and a huge dog. All in all a delightful read.
February 15, 2018
💕Can Brynn overcome her trust issues and open herself to a new romance?💞
February 14, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Good romance with some steam and plenty of suspense added by an unpredictable ex fresh out of prison. The heroine, Brynn, is understandably man-shy and Josh, a surprise long-term lodger at her inn, has major obstacles to overcome to get close and stay in her life. I liked that the Josh, though as described he's got a rocking body, is not a perfect specimen (and actually needs glasses!). I don't remember the last time I read a romance with a nearsighted and spectacled hero.
I also liked the small-town setting in California wine country, some quirky sevondary characters like Brynn's mom and sister, and the strong support Brynn has to fall back on in her family, friends, and business colleagues. Josh's ex (Rebekkah) was a kick and a half of crazy and her interaction with Brynn's sister provided some comic relief.
I downgraded this from a full five star rating because I got a bit weary of Brynn repeatedly rejecting even the teeniest bit of help around the inn. I understood that her experience with the ex greatly affected her, but this "don't need any help" became a major part of the plot and I felt there were other issues, like the MCs' attraction and the weekend happenings at the inn, that got short shrift as a result. Of all the weekends when the inn was fully booked, we only got a glimpse of one guest other than the hero?!
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author; this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 14, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Good romance with some steam and plenty of suspense added by an unpredictable ex fresh out of prison. The heroine, Brynn, is understandably man-shy and Josh, a surprise long-term lodger at her inn, has major obstacles to overcome to get close and stay in her life. I liked that the Josh, though as described he's got a rocking body, is not a perfect specimen (and actually needs glasses!). I don't remember the last time I read a romance with a nearsighted and spectacled hero.
I also liked the small-town setting in California wine country, some quirky sevondary characters like Brynn's mom and sister, and the strong support Brynn has to fall back on in her family, friends, and business colleagues. Josh's ex (Rebekkah) was a kick and a half of crazy and her interaction with Brynn's sister provided some comic relief.
I downgraded this from a full five star rating because I got a bit weary of Brynn repeatedly rejecting even the teeniest bit of help around the inn. I understood that her experience with the ex greatly affected her, but this "don't need any help" became a major part of the plot and I felt there were other issues, like the MCs' attraction and the weekend happenings at the inn, that got short shrift as a result. Of all the weekends when the inn was fully booked, we only got a glimpse of one guest other than the hero?!
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author; this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 14, 2018
As an avid fan of Gemma Brocato's work, I read everything she releases as soon as I can get my hands on it. Her attention to detail, sense of humor, and dramatic flare bring a story to life.
Trusting the Vine is no exception to this.
The characters are unique with real life experiences that aren't often portrayed in a romance story. The struggles Brynn went through made my heart weep. I grew fond of her quickly. Josh came with baggage of his own but had that down-to-earth good guy vibe that was hard to keep from loving. Even if there was a time or two I screamed at him while reading. ANd I'd love to hear more about Nicole, Brynn's sister. While a secondary character in the story, I believe she's my favorite. She just has a gypsy soul that I fell in love with.
The story itself moved at a pace that kept my attention, with enough suspense to keep me turning the pages. I loved the friendships interwoven throughout and how they added to the story, rather than distracting from the main plot line. Of course, we can't forget the romance involved. Josh & Brynn's romantic endeavors were pretty steamy.
Overall, this story has the whole package - plus a B&B and a vineyard! What's not to love?!
Trusting the Vine is no exception to this.
The characters are unique with real life experiences that aren't often portrayed in a romance story. The struggles Brynn went through made my heart weep. I grew fond of her quickly. Josh came with baggage of his own but had that down-to-earth good guy vibe that was hard to keep from loving. Even if there was a time or two I screamed at him while reading. ANd I'd love to hear more about Nicole, Brynn's sister. While a secondary character in the story, I believe she's my favorite. She just has a gypsy soul that I fell in love with.
The story itself moved at a pace that kept my attention, with enough suspense to keep me turning the pages. I loved the friendships interwoven throughout and how they added to the story, rather than distracting from the main plot line. Of course, we can't forget the romance involved. Josh & Brynn's romantic endeavors were pretty steamy.
Overall, this story has the whole package - plus a B&B and a vineyard! What's not to love?!
February 16, 2018
Brynn doesn't believe in happily ever afters or romance. I can't say I blame her really, she has seen her mother marry and otherwise entangle herself with too many men chasing HEA! Being almost killed by her last attempt at romance, one where she let them sap her independent streak has done a doozy to her psyche as well.
Josh owes a lot to his former mentor and friend Dr whistler. When he agrees to sub for the doctor in his practice it gives him breathing space from his toxic split from his former partner. Landing at Brynn's B&B he is met by the lovely Brynn and her gargantuan dog, named Tinkerbelle!
Add in some light stalking by Brynn's ex, Reggie. Josh's ex-partner Bekkah trying to seduce him into doing what she wants and Brynn's friends and family trying to prey her out of her shell and there is a LOT going on. I really enjoyed the family dynamics and the slow burn of Josh and Brynn's friendship/relationship. He understands her fears and concerns but Brynn is a flight risk from her own emotions and tends to jump at the first sign of trouble rather than wait for explanations.
Very worthwhile book and another genre for me to read from the same author who brought me great PNR!
Josh owes a lot to his former mentor and friend Dr whistler. When he agrees to sub for the doctor in his practice it gives him breathing space from his toxic split from his former partner. Landing at Brynn's B&B he is met by the lovely Brynn and her gargantuan dog, named Tinkerbelle!
Add in some light stalking by Brynn's ex, Reggie. Josh's ex-partner Bekkah trying to seduce him into doing what she wants and Brynn's friends and family trying to prey her out of her shell and there is a LOT going on. I really enjoyed the family dynamics and the slow burn of Josh and Brynn's friendship/relationship. He understands her fears and concerns but Brynn is a flight risk from her own emotions and tends to jump at the first sign of trouble rather than wait for explanations.
Very worthwhile book and another genre for me to read from the same author who brought me great PNR!
February 11, 2018
Moving and emotional, we're brought into a woman's life after a life altering event left her scarred, both physically and emotionally. While trying not to depend on anyone, Brynn has closed herself off - not only to men, who's she scared will continue to hurt her after her now ex tried to kill her, but leaving her as an island to her friends. When handsome stranger Josh moves into town to help run a business for his mentor, he needs a place to stay; and what better place than Brynn's B&B.
Their sparks are off the chart, but with Brynn's trust issues, and Josh's history making itself know in the current, Brynn has to decide if he's worth her trust and commitment.
A fun story with a few twists and turns, Trusting the Vine shows that you have to put trust and rely on people to help, or you remain isolated.
Their sparks are off the chart, but with Brynn's trust issues, and Josh's history making itself know in the current, Brynn has to decide if he's worth her trust and commitment.
A fun story with a few twists and turns, Trusting the Vine shows that you have to put trust and rely on people to help, or you remain isolated.
February 16, 2018
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. I loved the story and premise of the plot. Brynn tried to be a self sufficient person who did not know how to accept help. Josh was in town to help a colleague and getting away from a destructive relationship personal and professional. The characters are well developed and astute. This is medium paced and an excellent read. Recommend.
February 16, 2018
Enjoyed it
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Romancing the Vine
Standalone
HEA
I look forward to reading more from Gemma Brocato.
I voluntarily reviewed this ARC from the author.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Romancing the Vine
Standalone
HEA
I look forward to reading more from Gemma Brocato.
I voluntarily reviewed this ARC from the author.
February 14, 2018
Brynn Dormir was left scorned after a bad breakup. She let a man in, gave him her trust, and it came back to bite her. After years, she's still haunted by those memories. Will she be able to let another man in? Can she find it in herself to give someone else that trust, even after so long? Is it possible for her to trust a man with her heart?
Josh Hart was deceieved by his co-owner/ex-girlfriend. After offering to help an old professor in the small town of Hopland, in an attempt to leave his past behind him, will he find what he really desires. Will it be enough to make him stay in the town of Hopland with her?
This story is hands down a five star read for me. Gemma hasn't disappointed me yet with her stories, and that still stands true. Gemma is always meticulous with her words. The attraction was there, it was steamy, it was emotional. The push and pull of wanting each other, but not wanting to be hurt or deceived again. I felt like I was right there in the story, an innocent bystander watching it all unfold. Feeling every emotion Josh and Brynn felt, wanting the same thing they wanted. Standing on the sidelines, cheering Josh and Brynn on the whole time. Trusting the Vine is a must read for all romance lovers, like myself.
Josh Hart was deceieved by his co-owner/ex-girlfriend. After offering to help an old professor in the small town of Hopland, in an attempt to leave his past behind him, will he find what he really desires. Will it be enough to make him stay in the town of Hopland with her?
This story is hands down a five star read for me. Gemma hasn't disappointed me yet with her stories, and that still stands true. Gemma is always meticulous with her words. The attraction was there, it was steamy, it was emotional. The push and pull of wanting each other, but not wanting to be hurt or deceived again. I felt like I was right there in the story, an innocent bystander watching it all unfold. Feeling every emotion Josh and Brynn felt, wanting the same thing they wanted. Standing on the sidelines, cheering Josh and Brynn on the whole time. Trusting the Vine is a must read for all romance lovers, like myself.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews