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LaChappelle/Whittier Winery #2
Rootstock
Wow, did not see that coming. Blindsided.
Elle
You can have my body, you can have my heart, but as for trust, that's a bit harder for me. Josh demands I trust him. He pushes me further than I think I can go. I can't cross that line again. I tried, and now I'm in a place where I will never trust anyone again. You can shatter me, but I will pick up my own pieces. I don't need anyone. Especially Josh Whittier.
Josh
Just hold on, Elle. I know what you need. I know what puts you on the edge of your comfort zone, and you'll have to find a way to believe in me again. Protecting her is the most crucial thing in my life. Have faith, Hellcat. I need you to trust me with all of you again. I promise I will give you everything you've ever wanted, as soon as I can.
Book 2 of LaChappelle/Whittier Vineyards Trilogy continues with Josh and Elle's adventure.
Elle
You can have my body, you can have my heart, but as for trust, that's a bit harder for me. Josh demands I trust him. He pushes me further than I think I can go. I can't cross that line again. I tried, and now I'm in a place where I will never trust anyone again. You can shatter me, but I will pick up my own pieces. I don't need anyone. Especially Josh Whittier.
Josh
Just hold on, Elle. I know what you need. I know what puts you on the edge of your comfort zone, and you'll have to find a way to believe in me again. Protecting her is the most crucial thing in my life. Have faith, Hellcat. I need you to trust me with all of you again. I promise I will give you everything you've ever wanted, as soon as I can.
Book 2 of LaChappelle/Whittier Vineyards Trilogy continues with Josh and Elle's adventure.
- GenresRomance
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2020
28 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Kay
42 books283 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 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 17, 2021
And just like that book 2 delivers on the drama between Elle and Josh. This book picks up where book 1 leaves off. Josh has just left Elle due to the threats from Sal. Elle and Josh try to move on from each other and end up back together and then apart. It's a vicious circle for these two and we can only hope they find the love for each other again.
Things keep progressing with the sale of the vineyard and it's one thing after another for all parties involved. If there's one thing we find out, Josh finds his way home and all his friends and family couldn't be happier. Just when we think everything is finally going to be the happily ever after we want, BOOM, the realization of who the vineyard is being sold too comes into play. And guess what...we are left with the cliffhanger!
Again, when you finish reading this book be ready to go with book 3. As the reader, I'm ready to know what happens and how everything plays out. I can't wait to see what happens and we will finally see the outcome. This is a thin line and everyone is looking for their "One Perfect Thing"
Things keep progressing with the sale of the vineyard and it's one thing after another for all parties involved. If there's one thing we find out, Josh finds his way home and all his friends and family couldn't be happier. Just when we think everything is finally going to be the happily ever after we want, BOOM, the realization of who the vineyard is being sold too comes into play. And guess what...we are left with the cliffhanger!
Again, when you finish reading this book be ready to go with book 3. As the reader, I'm ready to know what happens and how everything plays out. I can't wait to see what happens and we will finally see the outcome. This is a thin line and everyone is looking for their "One Perfect Thing"
September 24, 2021
An amazing read and continuation of the story. This book picks up off where the last one left off. There's even more happening with a plot that only thickens. Plus a few reveals that'll surprise you. A page turner that I couldn't out down. There's decisions to be made and truths to be revealed. I can't wait to read the next book.
May 2, 2020
A tall, cool glass of vino!
If you need an escape from reality, this will certainly do the trick! I zipped through this sexy little number in one day because I couldn't wait to see what happened next! Kelly Kay takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions in the adventure that is Elle and Josh. Lust, sadness, hate, hope, lust, excitement, disappointment, love, lust. Did I mention lust?! You'll experience all of the feels as you follow Elle and Josh through Book 2 of the LaChapelle/Whittier Vineyards trilogy. And I'm not going to lie, you may also be left craving a little bit of some good "Rootstock" yourself (wink, wink)! I don't want to give too much away, but we are left on a cliffhanger at the end. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!! I can't wait to see how the series wraps up in Uncorked!
If you need an escape from reality, this will certainly do the trick! I zipped through this sexy little number in one day because I couldn't wait to see what happened next! Kelly Kay takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions in the adventure that is Elle and Josh. Lust, sadness, hate, hope, lust, excitement, disappointment, love, lust. Did I mention lust?! You'll experience all of the feels as you follow Elle and Josh through Book 2 of the LaChapelle/Whittier Vineyards trilogy. And I'm not going to lie, you may also be left craving a little bit of some good "Rootstock" yourself (wink, wink)! I don't want to give too much away, but we are left on a cliffhanger at the end. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!! I can't wait to see how the series wraps up in Uncorked!
March 4, 2022
Such a great series!
So, so good—fighting to get love back, fighting for your loved ones, and learning to stop fighting yourself and to give in to love! This book was even better than book 1! Off to the third book!
So, so good—fighting to get love back, fighting for your loved ones, and learning to stop fighting yourself and to give in to love! This book was even better than book 1! Off to the third book!
April 29, 2020
I love Kelly's books and writing style! This is such a great continuation of her first book Crushing.
July 13, 2023
PERFECT! ON to book 3. I love Josh and Elle. And the steam. Ugh. So freaking good.
May 1, 2021
Bring it on!!
Ok listen, at this point we all know how talented of a writer Kelly Kay is, at this point we are ready to travel back to beautiful Sonoma for more wine, drama and connections to these characters. And that’s exactly what is going to happen when you pick up this second book in the LC/W series.
From the minute you open this book you are going to be right where Crushing left us, Joshua is back and Elle is trying to deal with his decisions. There are so many emotional roller coasters to this part of the story you will have no choice but to hang on and enjoy the ride.
This series is EVERYTHING! All of the characters are so memorable that you never have to question who they are because you are unable to forget them. You will read this for Josh and Elle’s story but you will end up curious about the rest of the Wednesday Night “Boys” (and Tabi). That’s just how creative of a writer Kelly is, not only is she writing an amazing story for Josh and Elle, but she’s making you fall in love with everybody else as well.
Remember this is book two of three, so the story does not end here, but don’t worry because Uncorked is readily available so you can dive right in, which is what I plan to do as soon as I click submit on this review.
So take the afternoon, pour a glass of wine and dive right back into this story, you are going to love it!
Ok listen, at this point we all know how talented of a writer Kelly Kay is, at this point we are ready to travel back to beautiful Sonoma for more wine, drama and connections to these characters. And that’s exactly what is going to happen when you pick up this second book in the LC/W series.
From the minute you open this book you are going to be right where Crushing left us, Joshua is back and Elle is trying to deal with his decisions. There are so many emotional roller coasters to this part of the story you will have no choice but to hang on and enjoy the ride.
This series is EVERYTHING! All of the characters are so memorable that you never have to question who they are because you are unable to forget them. You will read this for Josh and Elle’s story but you will end up curious about the rest of the Wednesday Night “Boys” (and Tabi). That’s just how creative of a writer Kelly is, not only is she writing an amazing story for Josh and Elle, but she’s making you fall in love with everybody else as well.
Remember this is book two of three, so the story does not end here, but don’t worry because Uncorked is readily available so you can dive right in, which is what I plan to do as soon as I click submit on this review.
So take the afternoon, pour a glass of wine and dive right back into this story, you are going to love it!
December 3, 2021
Elle
Romantic family entwined in a vineyard making deals and fighting to keep it all running smoothly. With some twists and turns that keep you guessing.
Romantic family entwined in a vineyard making deals and fighting to keep it all running smoothly. With some twists and turns that keep you guessing.
November 5, 2022
Rootstock: LaChappelle/ Whittier Vineyards: Book 2. It picks up right after book 1 ends. Elle and Josh broke up due to a mob, Sal, threats. They try to move on, but Josh finds his courage and puts his mobster(but good-hearted) client in his place. The winery sale keeps going in full bloom, and Josh returns to Sonoma, to his friends, family and to claim back Elle.
There are twists and turns between, and with the couple as the winery sale develops. Everything with lots of humor, but also some drama, scorching scenes to leave you in need of cold showers, and lots and lots of wine.
Josh and Elle are a force to reckon with, and when Josh gets into Joshua mode, doing some serious shit, she knows how to stop his childish temper, bringing him back into his senses. “You’re just mine. Where you go, I go. You’re here, so I’m here. You don’t leave, and I don’t pull away.”
Kelly Kay knows how to build their world perfectly and immerses you in Sonoma’s universe. In this story, you get to know more about Josh’s friends and how tight they are. They also become Elle’s best friends, welcoming her to their midst with open arms.
They are a fundamental part of the story. Fun, loud, and loyal to the core. When they are all together, it’s a hell of a party and the author masters the scenes with them all together.
This book is not a standalone, and ends in a heart stopping cliffhanger, and you have to move on to Uncorked. If you want to embark with Josh and Elle on this wild adventure, you can start with ‘Crushing’ and get ready to be part of the most amazing crowd of friends ever.
There are twists and turns between, and with the couple as the winery sale develops. Everything with lots of humor, but also some drama, scorching scenes to leave you in need of cold showers, and lots and lots of wine.
Josh and Elle are a force to reckon with, and when Josh gets into Joshua mode, doing some serious shit, she knows how to stop his childish temper, bringing him back into his senses. “You’re just mine. Where you go, I go. You’re here, so I’m here. You don’t leave, and I don’t pull away.”
Kelly Kay knows how to build their world perfectly and immerses you in Sonoma’s universe. In this story, you get to know more about Josh’s friends and how tight they are. They also become Elle’s best friends, welcoming her to their midst with open arms.
They are a fundamental part of the story. Fun, loud, and loyal to the core. When they are all together, it’s a hell of a party and the author masters the scenes with them all together.
This book is not a standalone, and ends in a heart stopping cliffhanger, and you have to move on to Uncorked. If you want to embark with Josh and Elle on this wild adventure, you can start with ‘Crushing’ and get ready to be part of the most amazing crowd of friends ever.
March 24, 2023
Rootstock picks off where Crushing ends, and what a mess that cliffhanger left behind. The drama is at an all-time high in this one and it’s not just between Elle and Josh, there’s so much going on and not enough honesty/explanations. It’s full of heartbreak, anger, lust, chemistry, humor and so much more, it’s hard to list them all. I spent a lot of the book pissed off at Josh, I just wanted to slap him to knock some sense back into him lol. Let’s just say, the steam kicks it up a notch in this one which I didn’t think was possible. Just when I thought the cliffhanger from book 1 could not be topped, Kelly Kay tells us to hold her wine, and she delivers a gut wrenching cliffhanger.
January 30, 2025
4.5 stars really, half a star deducted because it could really do with a proofread to fix all the typos - it’s the sort of thing I notice. However, that issue didn’t pull me out of the story as sometimes happens, so that’s a sign of a well written book! Strong characters with *very* strong feelings, a plot that speeds along nicely, plenty of humour and lots of steam… it dragged me in and then spat me out with the last line, basically forcing me to download the next book, like, immediately. Onwards to Uncorked 😁
March 23, 2023
This book picks up right at the cliffhanger from the first book and while the first was more light hearted and fun, we get to some serious sh*t here. I think I spent most of the book hating Josh and wanting to kick him in his grape nuts. All the anger, rage, angst and feels here. The plot also really picks up and this was a roller coaster of emotions, definitely need wine with this one 😉. Loved it ❤️
August 4, 2020
Great second book! WOW!!! I am on the Elle and Josh story train!! It's a steamy story that takes you on a journey with laughs, love and surprising twists.
November 18, 2024
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.
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.
February 22, 2023
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂
Noelle has become like a daughter to Sonoma winery owners Will and Sarah, even though her relationship with their son Josh has been abruptly ended. Josh and his loved ones were threatened by former gangster Sal and he left Sonoma for his work back in Santa Barbara. When he returns months later, they try to rekindle their strong feelings.
𝓜𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼
This second book in the series picks up where the cliffhanger that’s book one left off. And be prepared for another cliffhanger at the end of this story 🤣 But first settle in for some miscommunication 🙈 and bucketloads of steamy scenes. Bucketloads 🪣🔥🔥�� Thankful for the existence of Kindle Unlimited…. Dashing off to download book three…..
Read on Kindle Unlimited
Noelle has become like a daughter to Sonoma winery owners Will and Sarah, even though her relationship with their son Josh has been abruptly ended. Josh and his loved ones were threatened by former gangster Sal and he left Sonoma for his work back in Santa Barbara. When he returns months later, they try to rekindle their strong feelings.
𝓜𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼
This second book in the series picks up where the cliffhanger that’s book one left off. And be prepared for another cliffhanger at the end of this story 🤣 But first settle in for some miscommunication 🙈 and bucketloads of steamy scenes. Bucketloads 🪣🔥🔥�� Thankful for the existence of Kindle Unlimited…. Dashing off to download book three…..
Read on Kindle Unlimited
July 1, 2022
This series is SO good! You’ll definitely want to read book 1 called Crushing before you dive into this one. What a rollercoaster ride! Lots of obstacles and misunderstandings which had me so desperate to know how everything would be resolved. This book is oh so steamy and will have you needing a fan to cool yourself down! I’m absolutely obsessed with Kelly’s writing style! I can’t say enough good things about this series! Highly recommend!
May 4, 2025
the excitement and angst continue
This series pulled me in from the beginning and has kept me enthralled. The drama, excitement and angst continue for Josh, Elle and the 5 as the sale of the winery gets ever closer. Secrets are revealed but will it be too late? Ready to see what happens next in Uncorked.
This series pulled me in from the beginning and has kept me enthralled. The drama, excitement and angst continue for Josh, Elle and the 5 as the sale of the winery gets ever closer. Secrets are revealed but will it be too late? Ready to see what happens next in Uncorked.
May 14, 2022
This was my favorite of the trilogy! I love how the characters develop and realize what life is really all about—family.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews