Vines (Killers, #1)

by Brynne Asher

[stacey_is_sassy]

Muscles, scruff and dimples…what more could you ask for in a new neighbour?

***4.5 stars***

I drink wine but to be honest, I don’t really think about where it comes from. I buy it from the bottlo take it home, put it in my fridge and wait until Thursday night. See, now that I’m back working, Thursday night has become my Friday night. I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again…MY HUBBY IS AWESOME!! Because he works from home, he always makes sure that on Thursday’s there’s a bottle of wine chilling in the fridge (no, you can’t have him, but I MIGHT be willing to put him up for cloning if it becomes available). Anyways, wine waiting for me in my fridge on Thursday night is generally the extent of my thoughts on wine and where it comes from.

Back to the story...Holy Shamoly!! I absolutely loved Vines.

Addy owns a vineyard and is working her butt off to make it a success. She was visiting the area one day after a spur of the moment decision to return to where her mum grew up. Her mum had died of cancer and Addy decided that it would be nice to scatter her ashes there. While Addy was in Virginia, she came across a vineyard that was for sale. This was an opportunity that Addy couldn’t pass up. A failing business with potential, her background in hotel management and ideas on how to improve it, led her to make an offer. One humungous business loan later, Addy is in her happy place. Her happy place also happens to have a few cows that liked to be walked around the property. One day while out for her daily cow walk looking for Harry with Scarlet trailing behind (yes they’re the cows' names) Addy meet her new neighbour.

Crew Vega can’t believe his new neighbour has pet cows. She’s extremely attractive, but obviously, a little cooky too. Crew has moved to Virginia to start up a new business. He has lived a life for the last ten years that has led him to have a lot of secrets. Crew can’t tell anyone what his new business is or what his previous profession was. He usually tells people that he works for the government. Through one of his contacts, he finds out that his new neighbour isn’t as she appears. It’s not long before Crew comes to realise that Addy is in danger…and he’s just the man to protect her.

Vines is a love story that packs a punch. There are mystery, action and extremely sexy scenes that had me squirming. I’ve read all of Brynne Asher’s work and this is by far her HOTTEST one. Notice the capital letters, it’s because I REALLY mean it. She even steps a toe into the kinky world. Not OTT by any means, just enough to arouse curiosity and get your heart pumping. The mystery kept the story going from start to finish. The action included one heart-pumping car chase that had me irritated that Crew's fancy car got damaged.

Why not a full 5 stars? To be honest, it was because Crew peeved me. He’s all...trust me, put your faith in me, I’ll be here for you…until he left. Bloody loyalty to friends. Yeah, yeah, I know he saved lives, but geez, how can I trust you again, Crew? You SAY you won’t leave but what happens the next time your knucklehead friend gets it in his head to find a bit of action? Hmmm? I guess I’ll just have to trust you, won’t I?

He’s a bloke, I shouldn’t be surprised. Even my nearly perfect hubby thinks he’s invincible. Sure hubby, you’re invincible with your dodgy knee, tennis elbow and creaky neck. I guess I’ll have to forgive Crew. Let’s hope he learns his lesson and doesn’t disappoint me again.

There’s one particular scene where Addy gets invited to The White House for dinner as her wine is being featured. The outfit that was described inspired me to create this Style Setter Tribute. The dress is not exactly the same, but once I saw it I had to use it. Ms Asher described it as silver from top to toe.



I really enjoyed Vines and it kept my attention from start to finish. Yes, Crew peeved me off, but lucky for him, he does super sweet stuff to make up for it. I can’t wait for more Killers and I think Grady will have a very, very interesting story to tell.

Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.