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.
I thought I’d posted this review months ago, but was shocked to find it in my drafts. Apologies to Staci!
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.
Books and Such 
Oh, I loved this book too, Teri. It was my favorite of the series, which is saying a lot given how good all three of them were. Congrats to Staci!
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This might have been my favorite also, Mae. But it’s so hard to choose!
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You’re both so sweet to say that. Thank you.
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I read this one too, Teri. Wasn’t it fun?! Great review!
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Sure was, Priscilla. Staci’s good at interjecting humor and misunderstandings. Sure gave me some chuckles. 😄
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So glad you enjoyed it, Priscilla. Thank you.
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An excellent review, Teri. I enjoyed this book as well. Congratulations to Staci.
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I appreciate you taking a chance on it, John. And delighted you enjoyed it.
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😁
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Thanks, John! I thoroughly enjoyed the whole series.
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😊
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Like you, I loved this book, Teri. Staci is a wonderful storyteller and always adds pizzazz to the ebb and flow of relationships.
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Thanks so much, Gwen. That’s music to my ears.
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Pizzazz is a perfect description, Gwen!
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I completely agree with your review, Teri. I enjoyed the entire series, but I think this one might have been my favorite because of the Easter eggs. Great story with some wonderful moments of humor. Congrats to Staci!
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I really appreciate that, Jan. Thank you.
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I love when authors give the reader glimpses of what happens to the characters we’ve come to care about so much, Jan. It’s such a treat.
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This sounds like a fun read. A great review! I’ll put it on my list.
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If you read it, I hope you enjoy it. Thanks, Darlene.
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All three are quick reads, Darlene – you’ll love them.
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Great review, Teri 🙂 This was a wonderful series.
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Thanks so much, Denise.
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It sure was – thanks, Denise!
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I’m sorry I was MIA today, Teri. We had storms, and I didn’t have internet service until just now. No worries on the delayed post. I didn’t even realize you’d read this, so I certainly wasn’t waiting on you. But I really appreciate the kind words. I know you (like me) aren’t a huge romance fan, so the fact that you took a chance on the series means a lot. And the fact that you enjoyed it means even more. Thanks so much.
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The weather is so crazy – our temps are in the upper 70s right now. In February! And I really enjoyed this series, Staci. They were the perfect blend of humor and romance.
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I loved this series, but this was my favorite of the three. Loved your review, Teri.
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Thanks for saying so, Joan. Glad you enjoyed it.
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Thanks, Joan! I honestly don’t know if I could choose a favorite. Just finished your book yesterday and planning to post a review this weekend. I’ll add it to your post here on Tuesday.
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It was hard to pick a favorite, Teri, but this one really stood out to me. Looking forward to visiting with you next week!
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Thanks for saying so here, Joan.
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So cool to see Staci getting the review treatment. These were all well written and fun.
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Much appreciated, Craig.
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I have them on my digital shelf waiting for me. Excellent review! Congrats to Staci 💕
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Ah, the digital shelf. I don’t want to discuss mine.
If/when you get to them, I hope you enjoy them. Thanks, Tessa.
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Thanks, Tessa – you’ll love them!
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I can already say I’ll love this. giggles, laughter, drama and chemistry is all I want in romcom.
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So glad to hear this one spoke to you!
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I know you’ll enjoy these, Yesha. Seems like they check all the boxes for you.
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I like Staci’s novellas too, Teri. The humor is really fun, and she writes great characters. Congrats to Staci on the awesome review. 🙂
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Thanks for the kind words, Diana. I really appreciate it.
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I always enjoy her characters, Diana. They’re so relatable and easy to root for.
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Yes. They’re people I’d like to hang out with. Lol.
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Geez, ladies. I can’t think of a better compliment. Thank you!
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🙂
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I’ve read No Such Luck from this series and enjoyed it. I look forward to reading the others. Congratulations to Staci!
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Thanks for the support, Beem.
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A lovely review of this book, Teri. I also don’t read much romance, but I make exceptions.
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I think you’d enjoy these as much as I did, Robbie. Staci created characters that feel real – people you’d like to be friends with.
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I have read the first book and enjoyed it very much.
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