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Amour et Chocolat #4
Шоколадово докосване
Доминик Ришар познава шоколада – от острия сепващ вкус на лайма и карамела до най-комплексните и фини нюанси на жасмин, лимон, мащерка и кайенски пипер.
Той е единственият мъж, способен да прелъсти женския език.
И знае как да развълнува една жена.
Но тази свита американка с лунички, която седи в салона му и спокойно дегустира изключителното му производство, е нещо различно. Тя сякаш не може да се насити – поглъща на бавни, малки хапки всичко, което той е приготвил... сякаш поглъща него. Дом е завладян от нея, но се бои да не стане агресивен в страстта си, също като баща си. Разкъсван е от любопитство дали тя би се насладила на нещо повече от шоколада му. Може би... на него самия?
------------------
Джейми Кори със сигурност не е първата жена, привлечена от този смугъл съблазнителен опасен тип. Тя идва ден след ден в луксозната шоколатерия на Дом в Париж и търси наслада в неговия шоколад. Преживяла е брутално нападение и сега се надява декадентските творения на прочутия французин да изцелят душата и тялото й. Но съзнава, че самият мъж, създал тези шоколадови изкушения, е недостижим за нея.
До мига, в който той я докосва...
Неговият шоколад – тъмен, предизвикателен, интензивен – ги събира.
Нейният апетит за него – ненаситен и заразителен – води до пристрастяване.
Чувствена, изпълнена с любов и сладост история, която докосва сърцето, душата и... небцето.
----------------
Лора Флоран е автор на бестселъровата поредица с международен успех „Любов и шоколад” („Крадецът на шоколад” е първата книга от поредицата). Родена е в САЩ, но пътува много по света. В Париж среща мъжа на живота си, своя съпруг французин.
В момента преподава в университета „Дюк”, специалност „Романистика”. Често й се налага да обяснява, че това означава, че преподава френски език и култура, а не романтика. За щастие, френската култура включва и френския шоколад, към който Флоран е много привързана и с готовност се отдава на проучването му.
Той е единственият мъж, способен да прелъсти женския език.
И знае как да развълнува една жена.
Но тази свита американка с лунички, която седи в салона му и спокойно дегустира изключителното му производство, е нещо различно. Тя сякаш не може да се насити – поглъща на бавни, малки хапки всичко, което той е приготвил... сякаш поглъща него. Дом е завладян от нея, но се бои да не стане агресивен в страстта си, също като баща си. Разкъсван е от любопитство дали тя би се насладила на нещо повече от шоколада му. Може би... на него самия?
------------------
Джейми Кори със сигурност не е първата жена, привлечена от този смугъл съблазнителен опасен тип. Тя идва ден след ден в луксозната шоколатерия на Дом в Париж и търси наслада в неговия шоколад. Преживяла е брутално нападение и сега се надява декадентските творения на прочутия французин да изцелят душата и тялото й. Но съзнава, че самият мъж, създал тези шоколадови изкушения, е недостижим за нея.
До мига, в който той я докосва...
Неговият шоколад – тъмен, предизвикателен, интензивен – ги събира.
Нейният апетит за него – ненаситен и заразителен – води до пристрастяване.
Чувствена, изпълнена с любов и сладост история, която докосва сърцето, душата и... небцето.
----------------
Лора Флоран е автор на бестселъровата поредица с международен успех „Любов и шоколад” („Крадецът на шоколад” е първата книга от поредицата). Родена е в САЩ, но пътува много по света. В Париж среща мъжа на живота си, своя съпруг французин.
В момента преподава в университета „Дюк”, специалност „Романистика”. Често й се налага да обяснява, че това означава, че преподава френски език и култура, а не романтика. За щастие, френската култура включва и френския шоколад, към който Флоран е много привързана и с готовност се отдава на проучването му.
284 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2013
About the author
Laura Florand
25 books903 followersLaura Florand is the international bestselling and award-winning author of fifteen books, including the Vie en Roses series (Once Upon a Rose), the Paris Hearts series (All for You), and the Amour et Chocolat series (The Chocolate Thief). Selected by NPR for their Top 100 Romance list, her books have appeared in ten languages, been nominated for RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book of the Year, received the RT Seal of Excellence and numerous starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, and been recommended by USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.
She was born in Georgia, but the travel bug bit her early. After a Fulbright year in Tahiti, a semester in Spain, and backpacking everywhere from New Zealand to Greece, she ended up living in Paris, where she met and married her own handsome Frenchman, a story told in her first book Blame It on Paris. Now a lecturer at Duke University, she is very dedicated to her research into French chocolate. For a glimpse behind the scenes of some of that research as well as recommendations for US chocolate, make sure to check out her website: www.lauraflorand.com.
She was born in Georgia, but the travel bug bit her early. After a Fulbright year in Tahiti, a semester in Spain, and backpacking everywhere from New Zealand to Greece, she ended up living in Paris, where she met and married her own handsome Frenchman, a story told in her first book Blame It on Paris. Now a lecturer at Duke University, she is very dedicated to her research into French chocolate. For a glimpse behind the scenes of some of that research as well as recommendations for US chocolate, make sure to check out her website: www.lauraflorand.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 324 reviews
November 23, 2013
I said in my review of The Chocolate Thief that reading it was a heady and sensual experience. Reading The Chocolate Touch was that times about ten! Oh my, I am in love with Dominique Richard!
Big, rough, but oh-so gorgeous, Dominique Richard, is the top chocolatier in Paris. He rose from the bottom and gained success with sheer determination and will. His upbringing was harsh, and he knows he’s rough and dark from it. Still, when a sees a little wisp-of-woman sitting in his salon day after day quietly drinking and eating his chocolate, as if absorbing him, he’s thoroughly mesmerized and drawn to her.
There was no reason for her to stand out at all, except the way she sat there, too thin, so quiet, hidden in hoods and draping in spring sweaters, pulling all the essence of him into her body as if it was the only thing she wanted to do with her life.
Jaime Corey is Cade Corey’s younger sister and part of Corey Chocolate, the huge mass market American chocolate company. Jaime has always felt guilty being born into such wealth and privilege so she has spent years working for those downtrodden and exploited in other countries without regard for the dangers that go along with such an endeavor. After suffering a trauma and a shake in confidence, she’s recovering in Paris where her sister lives, and trying to build her strength back up. Sitting in Dominique Richard’s chocolate salon, and taking in bites of his exquisite chocolates with their edgy flavors, fortifies her. When she finally lays eyes on the creator, she is like a rock-star groupie, and instantly swept up by him:
Watching him choose his chocolates for her was like being stroked all over, gently, by those big, hard hands of his.
Jaime’s definitely star struck, but what draws her even more is the lure of his strong presence. She’d love to just soak him in, or better yet, yield herself completely over.
The Chocolate Touch was a deeper, darker, more emotional read than The Chocolate Thief, and yet I think I loved the story even more because of that. I was actually misting over with tears at a few points for both Dom and Jaime. They each have past damage and issues related to their upbringing, and with Jaime, a more recent traumatic event.
Dominique views himself as a big, brutish, dark soul, and has worries about turning into his father, a violent and horrible man. As a result he has no confidence that he could win a woman for more than just one night of rough and dirty sex. He’s convinced once she got a look at the real him she’s run off scared. But when he Jaime walks into his salon and life, he dares to dream the impossible. I loved Dominique. *sigh* He was the dangerous looking, gorgeous, bad-boy with a soft marshmallow heart inside. Really, underneath it all is a man longing to be worth love.
My heart went out to Jaime as well. Because she was born so rich she always wonders at the motives for people liking her. She feels entirely unremarkable in her looks, and the book doesn’t describe as gorgeous, but she’s probably a lot more attractive than she thinks with her current self-esteem. Besides her money, and with her work helping others on hold, she feels like she has nothing to offer. She fails to see what others see in her: a beautiful and giving spirit. And because of all this, Jaime thinks there’s no chance Dominique would think twice about her. Think again, Jaime!
This romance was so utterly hot and sensual! The longing and intensity was palpable. Neither Jaime nor Dominique thinks of themselves as attractive or worthy of the other, but this is a romance where the attraction comes down to more than what’s seen with the eyes. Has your attention been captured by someone you wouldn’t call traditionally good-looking, but there’s something about them that just draws you in anyhow? With Jaime and Dominique there is a needy longing for what they sense inside the other, making their romance so very passionate!
It was lovely to “catch up” with the characters from The Chocolate Thief. Seeing Cade and Sylvain as a couple was such a treat, and I loved how protective Sylvain was of Jaime, his soon-to-be sister-in-law. James Corey their spunky, protective, and loving grandfather has become my favorite secondary character.
Laura Florand has again bewitched me with this powerful romance! It knocked me over and swept me under. With the inclusion of gorgeous descriptions of chocolate and the setting of Paris, the consummate city of love, this story was near to perfect for me! I’m off to read the next in the series, The Chocolate Heart. I can’t wait!
A copy was provided by Kensington through Netalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
You can read this review and more at The Readers Den.
Big, rough, but oh-so gorgeous, Dominique Richard, is the top chocolatier in Paris. He rose from the bottom and gained success with sheer determination and will. His upbringing was harsh, and he knows he’s rough and dark from it. Still, when a sees a little wisp-of-woman sitting in his salon day after day quietly drinking and eating his chocolate, as if absorbing him, he’s thoroughly mesmerized and drawn to her.
There was no reason for her to stand out at all, except the way she sat there, too thin, so quiet, hidden in hoods and draping in spring sweaters, pulling all the essence of him into her body as if it was the only thing she wanted to do with her life.
Jaime Corey is Cade Corey’s younger sister and part of Corey Chocolate, the huge mass market American chocolate company. Jaime has always felt guilty being born into such wealth and privilege so she has spent years working for those downtrodden and exploited in other countries without regard for the dangers that go along with such an endeavor. After suffering a trauma and a shake in confidence, she’s recovering in Paris where her sister lives, and trying to build her strength back up. Sitting in Dominique Richard’s chocolate salon, and taking in bites of his exquisite chocolates with their edgy flavors, fortifies her. When she finally lays eyes on the creator, she is like a rock-star groupie, and instantly swept up by him:
Watching him choose his chocolates for her was like being stroked all over, gently, by those big, hard hands of his.
Jaime’s definitely star struck, but what draws her even more is the lure of his strong presence. She’d love to just soak him in, or better yet, yield herself completely over.
The Chocolate Touch was a deeper, darker, more emotional read than The Chocolate Thief, and yet I think I loved the story even more because of that. I was actually misting over with tears at a few points for both Dom and Jaime. They each have past damage and issues related to their upbringing, and with Jaime, a more recent traumatic event.
Dominique views himself as a big, brutish, dark soul, and has worries about turning into his father, a violent and horrible man. As a result he has no confidence that he could win a woman for more than just one night of rough and dirty sex. He’s convinced once she got a look at the real him she’s run off scared. But when he Jaime walks into his salon and life, he dares to dream the impossible. I loved Dominique. *sigh* He was the dangerous looking, gorgeous, bad-boy with a soft marshmallow heart inside. Really, underneath it all is a man longing to be worth love.
My heart went out to Jaime as well. Because she was born so rich she always wonders at the motives for people liking her. She feels entirely unremarkable in her looks, and the book doesn’t describe as gorgeous, but she’s probably a lot more attractive than she thinks with her current self-esteem. Besides her money, and with her work helping others on hold, she feels like she has nothing to offer. She fails to see what others see in her: a beautiful and giving spirit. And because of all this, Jaime thinks there’s no chance Dominique would think twice about her. Think again, Jaime!
This romance was so utterly hot and sensual! The longing and intensity was palpable. Neither Jaime nor Dominique thinks of themselves as attractive or worthy of the other, but this is a romance where the attraction comes down to more than what’s seen with the eyes. Has your attention been captured by someone you wouldn’t call traditionally good-looking, but there’s something about them that just draws you in anyhow? With Jaime and Dominique there is a needy longing for what they sense inside the other, making their romance so very passionate!
It was lovely to “catch up” with the characters from The Chocolate Thief. Seeing Cade and Sylvain as a couple was such a treat, and I loved how protective Sylvain was of Jaime, his soon-to-be sister-in-law. James Corey their spunky, protective, and loving grandfather has become my favorite secondary character.
Laura Florand has again bewitched me with this powerful romance! It knocked me over and swept me under. With the inclusion of gorgeous descriptions of chocolate and the setting of Paris, the consummate city of love, this story was near to perfect for me! I’m off to read the next in the series, The Chocolate Heart. I can’t wait!
A copy was provided by Kensington through Netalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
You can read this review and more at The Readers Den.
September 19, 2021
4.5 stars. Really enjoyed this one. Set in Paris. Dominique the chocolatier is so hot! Jaime so vulnerable. But so was he. All gruff and sexy, but hiding a heart of marshmallow. They are perfect for each other. Lovely story. I really enjoy Florand's writing style.
April 6, 2015
Originally reviewed here @ Angieville
"The time has come," the Walrus said. I am now three (or four, depending on how you slice it) books in and can categorically classify this series as bibliocrack of the highest order. A classification I hope will excuse my reviewing this third installment a touch early. My intentions are pure, I assure you. I just want to make absolutely sure you all know going in that the quality--it remains high. Yes, it does. And so while THE CHOCOLATE TOUCH sadly does not have an adorable silhouette cover in the vein of the first two books in the series, it makes up for it by featuring quite possibly the most overbearing of all overbearing French chocolatiers in Laura Florand's arsenal. Those of you who've read the first two books know what a statement that is. After essentially melting down over the gooey goodness that was The Chocolate Kiss, I narrowly resisted the urge to ransack the state for a good macaron and settled for raising my fangirl flag high and awaiting the next book. I was incredibly fortunate not to have to wait too long.
Dominique Richard has had to claw his way to the top of Paris' exclusive cabal of chocolatiers and patissiers. He's earned his stripes and is wholly unconcerned with the petty complaints of both his detractors and his peers. Quite frankly, he accepts the accolades and attention that come his way as no more than his due. Which is why he's taken somewhat aback at the effect it has on him when a single, unassuming American woman begins stopping by his chocolaterie every day like clockwork. She sits alone and silent at a small table in the corner, sipping his chocolat chaud and sampling the various bon bons and tartes he so carefully crafts. She never says a word. She never misses a day. And Dom is dismayed to realize he's begun looking forward to her daily arrivals, to what she'll order next. Somehow, it is as though she is nourishing herself on his creations. As though, if she could only absorb enough of his decadent chocolate, it will ease the bruised look from her face and clear the ever-present tension from her shoulders. From his view in the kitchen above the salon, Dom just as quietly holds his breath and hopes that it does. And before he realizes it he's sitting down in front of her, offering . . . anything he can. If only she'll stay. Of course, he has no real idea who Jaime is. And she's pretty certain thatif when he finds out, the last thing he'll want is to see her face.
I love this quiet observation of Jaime's. She and Dom are certainly well-acquainted with this truth. So often Paris is portrayed in fiction as a place to dream, to eat, and to drown in romance. And it is all of these things here, to be sure. But it is also a place to fight. And I love that about these characters and their story. When we meet them within the first few pages of the book, it becomes clear they're both fighting a whole host of demons. They are also in a place where they are licking their wounds to a degree. Dom's are older and somewhat more insidious in their reach, while Jaime's are so recent as to be breathing down her neck with every step she takes. It's not only the two of them who feel as though meeting the other is a godsend. It feels exactly that way to the reader as well. I could feel Jaime's hands shake as she faced her new life in the wake of disaster. I could taste Dom's frustration each time he was forced to conform to a shape far too confining for the size of his dreams. They were such a lovely match, perhaps even more so because for most of the book no one but the two of them could see it. A favorite passage:
Laura Florand crafts these moments so delicately that they drift down on the reader like so much fairy dust, making your heart throb in time to the beat of her words. In each book in this series, I can pick out that scene, that moment where everything comes together and it's golden. This was that moment in THE CHOCOLATE TOUCH. "He meant that word she couldn't find." Honestly. It's a wonder I got anything at all done in the time I spent with Jaime and Dom and their Paris. Reading THE CHOCOLATE TOUCH was like sampling one of Dom's wild creations, at once intimate and unexpected, leaving you only wanting more.
"The time has come," the Walrus said. I am now three (or four, depending on how you slice it) books in and can categorically classify this series as bibliocrack of the highest order. A classification I hope will excuse my reviewing this third installment a touch early. My intentions are pure, I assure you. I just want to make absolutely sure you all know going in that the quality--it remains high. Yes, it does. And so while THE CHOCOLATE TOUCH sadly does not have an adorable silhouette cover in the vein of the first two books in the series, it makes up for it by featuring quite possibly the most overbearing of all overbearing French chocolatiers in Laura Florand's arsenal. Those of you who've read the first two books know what a statement that is. After essentially melting down over the gooey goodness that was The Chocolate Kiss, I narrowly resisted the urge to ransack the state for a good macaron and settled for raising my fangirl flag high and awaiting the next book. I was incredibly fortunate not to have to wait too long.
Dominique Richard has had to claw his way to the top of Paris' exclusive cabal of chocolatiers and patissiers. He's earned his stripes and is wholly unconcerned with the petty complaints of both his detractors and his peers. Quite frankly, he accepts the accolades and attention that come his way as no more than his due. Which is why he's taken somewhat aback at the effect it has on him when a single, unassuming American woman begins stopping by his chocolaterie every day like clockwork. She sits alone and silent at a small table in the corner, sipping his chocolat chaud and sampling the various bon bons and tartes he so carefully crafts. She never says a word. She never misses a day. And Dom is dismayed to realize he's begun looking forward to her daily arrivals, to what she'll order next. Somehow, it is as though she is nourishing herself on his creations. As though, if she could only absorb enough of his decadent chocolate, it will ease the bruised look from her face and clear the ever-present tension from her shoulders. From his view in the kitchen above the salon, Dom just as quietly holds his breath and hopes that it does. And before he realizes it he's sitting down in front of her, offering . . . anything he can. If only she'll stay. Of course, he has no real idea who Jaime is. And she's pretty certain that
Paris was a good place to fight your demons.
I love this quiet observation of Jaime's. She and Dom are certainly well-acquainted with this truth. So often Paris is portrayed in fiction as a place to dream, to eat, and to drown in romance. And it is all of these things here, to be sure. But it is also a place to fight. And I love that about these characters and their story. When we meet them within the first few pages of the book, it becomes clear they're both fighting a whole host of demons. They are also in a place where they are licking their wounds to a degree. Dom's are older and somewhat more insidious in their reach, while Jaime's are so recent as to be breathing down her neck with every step she takes. It's not only the two of them who feel as though meeting the other is a godsend. It feels exactly that way to the reader as well. I could feel Jaime's hands shake as she faced her new life in the wake of disaster. I could taste Dom's frustration each time he was forced to conform to a shape far too confining for the size of his dreams. They were such a lovely match, perhaps even more so because for most of the book no one but the two of them could see it. A favorite passage:
She had to lift both hands to illustrate what she meant, but he just let her carry his hand with her, not about to let go. She pushed the free hand toward the one he held, apparently trying to gesture closeness. "Warm," she said again. And then she did something that undid him to the last faint whisper of his soul: she gave his hand a squeeze with fingertips that could just barely reach around his, apparently using him to indicate what she wanted to say. He meant warmth. He meant this word she couldn't find.
Laura Florand crafts these moments so delicately that they drift down on the reader like so much fairy dust, making your heart throb in time to the beat of her words. In each book in this series, I can pick out that scene, that moment where everything comes together and it's golden. This was that moment in THE CHOCOLATE TOUCH. "He meant that word she couldn't find." Honestly. It's a wonder I got anything at all done in the time I spent with Jaime and Dom and their Paris. Reading THE CHOCOLATE TOUCH was like sampling one of Dom's wild creations, at once intimate and unexpected, leaving you only wanting more.
May 11, 2013
If there is an author you should be reading, it’s Laura Florand. Her Amour et Chocolat series is as wonderful and rich as the sweet chocolate candy most of us have mad cravings for. I’m a chocolate addict, and I can say I’m addicted to Laura’s writing and characters, and how she brings forth the sights and sounds of Paris in her books. The Chocolate Touch is a bit different from her prior books, mainly in terms of the sensuality factor. The passion is more intense here, and it works marvelously! You will swoon for the gruff, burly, at times socially awkward, Dominique who falls hard for the emotionally scarred heroine, Jaime. Their connection, interactions and then their love affair is a thing of beautiful with so many sigh worthy moments.
There are so many wonderful lines and descriptions used not only about the tasty treats Dom creates, but about Dom himself. I fell hard for Dom the moment we’re told that not only is he an oversized fellow, but he wears leather and rides a motorcycle!
“Standing there, oversized for this froth of a place, in his black motorcycle leathers, with his shaggy hair and his stupidly shaved face. He, who shaved at best once every four days, had shaved every single damn morning for the past week.”
Dom loves making chocolate and is a genius at it, but he feels he's too hairy, large and not good enough because of his humble beginnings. When he meets Jaime, a woman who has been though an unspeakable trauma, Dom falls heads over heels in love with her. He's so smitten with Jaime to the point he becomes a pile of goo around her. Dom feels like a big old marshmallow when he's with Jaime, and he admits it:
“Bordel, there went that gooey, swollen marshmallow feeling again. What was wrong with him?” (I can’t help compare Dom to a Smore. Ha!)
He wants to protect Jaime and be her knight in shining armor. But Jaime has secrets, specifically her true identity she keeps from Dom. The thing is, Dom doesn’t care what Jaime’s hiding. He’s only concerned with making her happy and fulfilled, and that means by feeding her soul, not only with his delicious chocolates but with hot sex. The love scenes here are scorching hot and very erotic in tone. These two connect on a deep level that builds because of their lust and finally their love they have for each other. Dom heals Jaime’s wounds, and she in turn shows how beautiful he is both inside and out.
After I finished, I wanted to jump on a plane to Paris and find my own hunky chocolaterie. Dom oh la la, you big old teddy bear of hotness!
There are also more than enough cutesy and ha-ha moments here that will make you giggle. The Chocolate Touch is the gold standard of what a romance should be.
There are so many wonderful lines and descriptions used not only about the tasty treats Dom creates, but about Dom himself. I fell hard for Dom the moment we’re told that not only is he an oversized fellow, but he wears leather and rides a motorcycle!
“Standing there, oversized for this froth of a place, in his black motorcycle leathers, with his shaggy hair and his stupidly shaved face. He, who shaved at best once every four days, had shaved every single damn morning for the past week.”
Dom loves making chocolate and is a genius at it, but he feels he's too hairy, large and not good enough because of his humble beginnings. When he meets Jaime, a woman who has been though an unspeakable trauma, Dom falls heads over heels in love with her. He's so smitten with Jaime to the point he becomes a pile of goo around her. Dom feels like a big old marshmallow when he's with Jaime, and he admits it:
“Bordel, there went that gooey, swollen marshmallow feeling again. What was wrong with him?” (I can’t help compare Dom to a Smore. Ha!)
He wants to protect Jaime and be her knight in shining armor. But Jaime has secrets, specifically her true identity she keeps from Dom. The thing is, Dom doesn’t care what Jaime’s hiding. He’s only concerned with making her happy and fulfilled, and that means by feeding her soul, not only with his delicious chocolates but with hot sex. The love scenes here are scorching hot and very erotic in tone. These two connect on a deep level that builds because of their lust and finally their love they have for each other. Dom heals Jaime’s wounds, and she in turn shows how beautiful he is both inside and out.
After I finished, I wanted to jump on a plane to Paris and find my own hunky chocolaterie. Dom oh la la, you big old teddy bear of hotness!
There are also more than enough cutesy and ha-ha moments here that will make you giggle. The Chocolate Touch is the gold standard of what a romance should be.
December 31, 2014
Fabulous author. She's new to me. Thanks to Cristina for the recommendation. This is the fourth book in the series, and the only one I've read, but I was easily able to follow along. There were a few French words, but usually the author inserted a translation afterwards. Not all the time, though, so I looked up l'inconnue. It means stranger, unknown woman.
The book is set in contemporary Paris. It's told in 3rd POV, switching between the hero and the heroine, mainly. We get lots of the hero's thoughts.
I laughed a lot in the first third of the book. I wrote: "I am LOVING this book! This French chocolatier chef just makes me laugh out loud. Love hearing Dominic's thoughts." Here is an excerpt:
"“Are you one of the chefs here?” she asked suddenly.
So much for his giddy pleasure in the bleu, blanc, rouge at his collar. There really wasn’t much you could do to get the message across if that failed; it wasn’t as if he could embroider his whole jacket with I am the best, the very best, in the world."
Here's another excerpt: ""So, good, they were just in a fight, like a normal couple, and he was doing the right thing now. He wasn’t being too aggressive or too pushy, he was supposed to be following her while she walked her mad off, making amends."
Then, toward the middle of the book, the tone changed a little, and I didn't laugh as much (but still some chuckles). It got sexier (much) and sweeter. And there was the mystery. What was she hiding under her long sleeves and beneath her hood? What happened to her?
At one or two points, the pace felt slow, but bottom line, this is a yummy read.
And thankfully, there is little or no profanity, and no vulgar terms for female anatomy. No typos, either. But expensive, for a kindle ebook of this length. It comes in audio, but I didn't care for the sample excerpt, so I read it.
The book is set in contemporary Paris. It's told in 3rd POV, switching between the hero and the heroine, mainly. We get lots of the hero's thoughts.
I laughed a lot in the first third of the book. I wrote: "I am LOVING this book! This French chocolatier chef just makes me laugh out loud. Love hearing Dominic's thoughts." Here is an excerpt:
"“Are you one of the chefs here?” she asked suddenly.
So much for his giddy pleasure in the bleu, blanc, rouge at his collar. There really wasn’t much you could do to get the message across if that failed; it wasn’t as if he could embroider his whole jacket with I am the best, the very best, in the world."
Here's another excerpt: ""So, good, they were just in a fight, like a normal couple, and he was doing the right thing now. He wasn’t being too aggressive or too pushy, he was supposed to be following her while she walked her mad off, making amends."
Then, toward the middle of the book, the tone changed a little, and I didn't laugh as much (but still some chuckles). It got sexier (much) and sweeter. And there was the mystery. What was she hiding under her long sleeves and beneath her hood? What happened to her?
At one or two points, the pace felt slow, but bottom line, this is a yummy read.
And thankfully, there is little or no profanity, and no vulgar terms for female anatomy. No typos, either. But expensive, for a kindle ebook of this length. It comes in audio, but I didn't care for the sample excerpt, so I read it.
July 13, 2013
Ever since The Chocolate Thief, I've been a die-hard fan of Florand. Although none of the books in this series have come as close to my heart as her first one, her works are gems. Not only are they swoon-worthy and engaging, impossible to put down once begun, but they are written with a sensual and gripping style that draws you into the lives of the characters. Florand seamlessly manages to add depth to mere chick-lit, allowing her books to transcend from simple pleasure to true enrichment. With The Chocolate Touch, Florand finally managed to re-ignite the flame she lit with The Chocolate Thief. Although her second and third books were delightful reads, somehow their large male leads never appealed to me, which isn't to say I didn't still swoon, but simply not as much as when I heard the name Sylvain Marquis. Now, with her latest, The Chocolate Touch, Florand returns to the love story of another chocolatier (let's just be honest - I go for the chocolate guys more than the macaroon or pastry chefs!), Dominique Richard. Fans of Florand's prior books already know him as the womanizer who is Sylvain's biggest opposition, but unraveling his hidden layers - a dark and violent past - is something to truly look forward to.
The Chocolate Touch really shines, though, not with its sexy hero, but with its heroine, Jaime Corey, the younger sister to Cade. Jaime is a broken and lost woman, only recently discharged from the hospital after a horrible incident. As such, her body is weak, her family is overly concerned, and she begins to doubt herself. As such, out of all of Florand's protagonists, Jaime probably lends herself most easily to depth. Although she is in Paris to recuperate and regain her strength, her mind has now grown weaker than her body, confused and a mere shell of the confident and sure woman she once used to be. Jaime and Dominique clash in a tidal wave of sexual passion when they meet, but as they spend more time with one another, they grow to unravel the dark layers and multiple secrets that each of them hides.
Florand takes her time to build the relationship between Jaime and Dominique, allowing them to slowly stumble upon hurdles and reveal their secrets at a steady pace. Of all her romances, this is perhaps the most heart-breaking. With The Chocolate Thief, Cade and Sylvain went through their own individual growth and revelations. With The Chocolate Kiss, Philippe and Magalie overcame their pasts. Now, in The Chocolate Touch, Dominique and Jaime have to learn to trust again, live again, and hope again. It's a much more difficult journey, but it never seems that way because the balance between romance and depth is intricately struck. Furthermore, the metaphors that I seem to tire of quickly are kept to a minimum, which is a refreshing change from the overdose of castles and princesses we were bombarded with in The Chocolate Kiss. If anything, the romance in this installment revolves around the basest feelings and emotions: comfort, security, tenderness. Jaime and Dominique are lucky enough, despite their dark pasts, to find this in one another and it is those emotions that makes them hold on and stay. In many ways, these two are very similar - chasers of danger, unafraid of their own safety, and extremely insecure. Yet, although both Jaime and Dominique view themselves as powerless beings, they lend strength to each other which makes their bond all the more tight and all the more meaningful too.
In fact, this latest Florand romance was well on its way to becoming my favorite, but the last three-four chapters seemed to drag unnecessarily. It seemed as if the conversations were traveling in circles and, really, the conflicts were solved, so the petty arguments and prolonging of the story were a little grating. With the exception of that, though, this book was a gem. From the beginning to the end, Jaime and Dominique's tender romance made my heart flutter, break, cry, and re-build, all in a short span of just hours. I'm so very glad this series isn't about to end anytime soon as each consecutive book is just better and better. With Paris as a backdrop, chocolate as a given, and Florand's writing, it's safe to say I'm hooked. And don't regret it one bit.
The Chocolate Touch really shines, though, not with its sexy hero, but with its heroine, Jaime Corey, the younger sister to Cade. Jaime is a broken and lost woman, only recently discharged from the hospital after a horrible incident. As such, her body is weak, her family is overly concerned, and she begins to doubt herself. As such, out of all of Florand's protagonists, Jaime probably lends herself most easily to depth. Although she is in Paris to recuperate and regain her strength, her mind has now grown weaker than her body, confused and a mere shell of the confident and sure woman she once used to be. Jaime and Dominique clash in a tidal wave of sexual passion when they meet, but as they spend more time with one another, they grow to unravel the dark layers and multiple secrets that each of them hides.
Florand takes her time to build the relationship between Jaime and Dominique, allowing them to slowly stumble upon hurdles and reveal their secrets at a steady pace. Of all her romances, this is perhaps the most heart-breaking. With The Chocolate Thief, Cade and Sylvain went through their own individual growth and revelations. With The Chocolate Kiss, Philippe and Magalie overcame their pasts. Now, in The Chocolate Touch, Dominique and Jaime have to learn to trust again, live again, and hope again. It's a much more difficult journey, but it never seems that way because the balance between romance and depth is intricately struck. Furthermore, the metaphors that I seem to tire of quickly are kept to a minimum, which is a refreshing change from the overdose of castles and princesses we were bombarded with in The Chocolate Kiss. If anything, the romance in this installment revolves around the basest feelings and emotions: comfort, security, tenderness. Jaime and Dominique are lucky enough, despite their dark pasts, to find this in one another and it is those emotions that makes them hold on and stay. In many ways, these two are very similar - chasers of danger, unafraid of their own safety, and extremely insecure. Yet, although both Jaime and Dominique view themselves as powerless beings, they lend strength to each other which makes their bond all the more tight and all the more meaningful too.
In fact, this latest Florand romance was well on its way to becoming my favorite, but the last three-four chapters seemed to drag unnecessarily. It seemed as if the conversations were traveling in circles and, really, the conflicts were solved, so the petty arguments and prolonging of the story were a little grating. With the exception of that, though, this book was a gem. From the beginning to the end, Jaime and Dominique's tender romance made my heart flutter, break, cry, and re-build, all in a short span of just hours. I'm so very glad this series isn't about to end anytime soon as each consecutive book is just better and better. With Paris as a backdrop, chocolate as a given, and Florand's writing, it's safe to say I'm hooked. And don't regret it one bit.
September 10, 2015
To say that I loved The Chocolate Touch by Laura Florand is putting my feelings mildly. Because I absolutely, completely, adored this book.
And, pretty much every reason why I adored The Chocolate Touch so much all boils down to one aspect of the story. And that is the amazingness that is Dominique Richard, the hero of this book.
Dom is a famous for the chocolate dishes he creates in Paris. He’s sexy, and has definitely had more than his fair share of sexytimes with women. But when he first notices Jaime in his chocolatiere, he really does start to fall for her. It isn’t insta-love, though, my friends, so don’t let this deter you from reading this. Dom feels like he isn’t good enough for Jaime, this small, delicate looking woman who stops into his shop every day.
Being inside Dom’s head is just amazing. The way he thinks about himself made me so sad, but the way he just adored Jaime, and wanted to perfect for her was beautiful. Dom’s this big giant of a man, whose early life involved a lot of brutality, and he feels like he could really hurt Jaime. Although it’s clear to the reader that Dom would never, ever hurt Jaime, or anyone really. He’s such a sweet man. Not that Dom doesn’t have a jealous side, because he does.
Jaime comes from a lot of money. Her family owns a huge Chocolate company, but Jaime has always felt uncomfortable knowing that she didn’t earn this wealth. So she’s always tried her best to help people, especially children, in less developed countries. And she’s done amazing things. But something terrible happened to her, and she came to Paris to recuperate. I loved Jaime. I loved how she was determined to not let what happened to her define her. But of course she is emotionally scarred, and now Jaime feels like a coward for not being able to go back to those parts of the world to help others. She often feels like she isn’t good enough for Dom. But as much as I loved Jaime, my real love in The Chocolate Touch is Dom.
The secondary characters add a lot to the story, especially Dom’s staff. I love how they give him a hard time, how they laugh at his attempts to woo Jaime, but also how the support him. It shows how wonderful a person Dom is that his staff feels comfortable ribbing him a bit.
Even though The Chocolate Touch is the only book I’ve read so far by Laura Florand, I feel like it’s safe to say that I’m a total fangirl now. I need to read more of her books, although I don’t know if anything can top this one.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
And, pretty much every reason why I adored The Chocolate Touch so much all boils down to one aspect of the story. And that is the amazingness that is Dominique Richard, the hero of this book.
Dom is a famous for the chocolate dishes he creates in Paris. He’s sexy, and has definitely had more than his fair share of sexytimes with women. But when he first notices Jaime in his chocolatiere, he really does start to fall for her. It isn’t insta-love, though, my friends, so don’t let this deter you from reading this. Dom feels like he isn’t good enough for Jaime, this small, delicate looking woman who stops into his shop every day.
Being inside Dom’s head is just amazing. The way he thinks about himself made me so sad, but the way he just adored Jaime, and wanted to perfect for her was beautiful. Dom’s this big giant of a man, whose early life involved a lot of brutality, and he feels like he could really hurt Jaime. Although it’s clear to the reader that Dom would never, ever hurt Jaime, or anyone really. He’s such a sweet man. Not that Dom doesn’t have a jealous side, because he does.
Jaime comes from a lot of money. Her family owns a huge Chocolate company, but Jaime has always felt uncomfortable knowing that she didn’t earn this wealth. So she’s always tried her best to help people, especially children, in less developed countries. And she’s done amazing things. But something terrible happened to her, and she came to Paris to recuperate. I loved Jaime. I loved how she was determined to not let what happened to her define her. But of course she is emotionally scarred, and now Jaime feels like a coward for not being able to go back to those parts of the world to help others. She often feels like she isn’t good enough for Dom. But as much as I loved Jaime, my real love in The Chocolate Touch is Dom.
The secondary characters add a lot to the story, especially Dom’s staff. I love how they give him a hard time, how they laugh at his attempts to woo Jaime, but also how the support him. It shows how wonderful a person Dom is that his staff feels comfortable ribbing him a bit.
Even though The Chocolate Touch is the only book I’ve read so far by Laura Florand, I feel like it’s safe to say that I’m a total fangirl now. I need to read more of her books, although I don’t know if anything can top this one.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
November 30, 2014
A mouthwatering treasure! You know the ones. The ones that are so good that you hate to reach the end. This is one of them.
July 30, 2013
Favorite Quote: “I can’t get enough of you. I’m like some vampire, I’ll suck you dry.”
“No.” He stroked her body urgently. “You said I was the sun, and you can’t suck the sun dry. I promise I won’t run out. I promise. You make me feel – “ like I can give out heat and love forever. And never, ever falter.
Dominique Richard is one of Paris’s best chocolatiers. At a young age his father thrust him into a butcher’s shop, but years later Dom escaped that profession, and made his way through elite pastry schools. Dom is a big guy, with an even bigger attitude and often wants to use his fists to solve his problems. One would say grace and patience are not his virtues. With his dark good looks, he has had his fair share of women, but none that have evolved into any type of relationship. Working in his kitchens that are upstairs and overlook his chocolate shop, he has seen the same woman come in every day by herself. She buys chocolates and other treats, eats them and then leaves. This woman fascinates Dom and she has become an obsession. He wants to barge right up to her and demand to know everything about her, but he knows that it is going to take finesse to introduce himself to this woman, and finesse is something Dom is lacking.
Jaime Corey is a heir to the Corey chocolate fortune. Corey Chocolate is a mass market producer of chocolate in America. Jaime spent her youth going a bit wild but as a young adult she got serious about labor reform on cocoa bean farms in the countries her company harvests. This started to consume her life and she was making real changes, until she was seriously assaulted and flown to Paris to recover in the hospital and eventually live with her sister. Now that she is stronger, she wants independence and she wants the very sexy chocolatier.
This is fast becoming one of my favorite and most anticipated series. Laura Florand has a knack for writing such intensely sexy heroes, adorable heroines and wrapping the entire book around Paris and quaint chocolate shops. The heroes personalities so large and fierce, yet they make these delicate, fragile creations. I love the contrast.
Dom starts this book by being completely obsessed with Jaime. Just wanting to pick her up, wrap her up and take her home. But he knows he must proceed with caution.
Merde, but this stuff was complicated. He kept trying to pretend she was chocolate because at least he understood that you could never rush chocolate, but since she persistently resembled a woman instead, it was hard for him to treat her like something he could stir with a spoon.
Unfortunately.
Eventually, his patience pays off, and he gets to spend time with her. Jaime has just as big of a crush on him too, and can’t believe that this sexy famous chef, has eyes for her. After Jaime’s assault, she has a lot of muscle weight to gain back and self confidence. But with the intensity of Dom, he gives her confidence in spades.
It might not be what the doctor had ordered for her, mille-feuilles for breakfast. But the golden flakiness sandwiching intense chocolate cream, fed to her by a rough, wild man who watched her every bite with absorption…it filled her with his caring, as if he could stuff her so full of golden warmth and rich, sweet reassurance that she could be healed down to the marrow of her bones.
Dom is this huge guy, who is ready to punch anyone and everyone constantly (except his staff who constantly give him a hard time and he secretly loves it) and yet when he gets around Jaime, the romantic side of him comes out. He blushes, he says pretty things to her. He wants to be a different man for her. A better man, less scary and more open.
“Can I keep you?” he whispered against her skin. But he was down at the small of her back at that point, and he didn’t think she heard.
She certainly didn’t say yes.
He trailed his jaw and his lips back up the line of her spine, thinking of ways he could get her to say yes. And he licked te nape of her neck until she was all one shivering moan, completely his. For this moment, completely his.
“Can I? he whispered again into her ear…
So sexy, so romantic, and so much fun being in Paris surrounded by chocolate. Another winner from Laura Florand. Highly recommend.
Rating: B+
“No.” He stroked her body urgently. “You said I was the sun, and you can’t suck the sun dry. I promise I won’t run out. I promise. You make me feel – “ like I can give out heat and love forever. And never, ever falter.
Dominique Richard is one of Paris’s best chocolatiers. At a young age his father thrust him into a butcher’s shop, but years later Dom escaped that profession, and made his way through elite pastry schools. Dom is a big guy, with an even bigger attitude and often wants to use his fists to solve his problems. One would say grace and patience are not his virtues. With his dark good looks, he has had his fair share of women, but none that have evolved into any type of relationship. Working in his kitchens that are upstairs and overlook his chocolate shop, he has seen the same woman come in every day by herself. She buys chocolates and other treats, eats them and then leaves. This woman fascinates Dom and she has become an obsession. He wants to barge right up to her and demand to know everything about her, but he knows that it is going to take finesse to introduce himself to this woman, and finesse is something Dom is lacking.
Jaime Corey is a heir to the Corey chocolate fortune. Corey Chocolate is a mass market producer of chocolate in America. Jaime spent her youth going a bit wild but as a young adult she got serious about labor reform on cocoa bean farms in the countries her company harvests. This started to consume her life and she was making real changes, until she was seriously assaulted and flown to Paris to recover in the hospital and eventually live with her sister. Now that she is stronger, she wants independence and she wants the very sexy chocolatier.
This is fast becoming one of my favorite and most anticipated series. Laura Florand has a knack for writing such intensely sexy heroes, adorable heroines and wrapping the entire book around Paris and quaint chocolate shops. The heroes personalities so large and fierce, yet they make these delicate, fragile creations. I love the contrast.
Dom starts this book by being completely obsessed with Jaime. Just wanting to pick her up, wrap her up and take her home. But he knows he must proceed with caution.
Merde, but this stuff was complicated. He kept trying to pretend she was chocolate because at least he understood that you could never rush chocolate, but since she persistently resembled a woman instead, it was hard for him to treat her like something he could stir with a spoon.
Unfortunately.
Eventually, his patience pays off, and he gets to spend time with her. Jaime has just as big of a crush on him too, and can’t believe that this sexy famous chef, has eyes for her. After Jaime’s assault, she has a lot of muscle weight to gain back and self confidence. But with the intensity of Dom, he gives her confidence in spades.
It might not be what the doctor had ordered for her, mille-feuilles for breakfast. But the golden flakiness sandwiching intense chocolate cream, fed to her by a rough, wild man who watched her every bite with absorption…it filled her with his caring, as if he could stuff her so full of golden warmth and rich, sweet reassurance that she could be healed down to the marrow of her bones.
Dom is this huge guy, who is ready to punch anyone and everyone constantly (except his staff who constantly give him a hard time and he secretly loves it) and yet when he gets around Jaime, the romantic side of him comes out. He blushes, he says pretty things to her. He wants to be a different man for her. A better man, less scary and more open.
“Can I keep you?” he whispered against her skin. But he was down at the small of her back at that point, and he didn’t think she heard.
She certainly didn’t say yes.
He trailed his jaw and his lips back up the line of her spine, thinking of ways he could get her to say yes. And he licked te nape of her neck until she was all one shivering moan, completely his. For this moment, completely his.
“Can I? he whispered again into her ear…
So sexy, so romantic, and so much fun being in Paris surrounded by chocolate. Another winner from Laura Florand. Highly recommend.
Rating: B+
January 24, 2018
First read: April 2015 (4 Stars)
OH MY GOD YOU GUYS
I couldn't get into Phillip's book just yet so I started Dominique's and OH MY GOD !!!! being in his head is so much fun?? HE is so much fun. I got little glimpses of him and Jaime when I read Celie's book and now finally reading their story, I enjoyed it immensely.
THE ENDING BITS:
DOMINIQUE IS SUCH AN ADORABLE BIG BEAR I LOVE LOVE LOVE
Reread: April 2016
rereading this again today bc I CAN'T BELIEVE MARIE HATED DOMINIQUE I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE STABBED ME IN THE BACK LIKE THIS HOW CAN YOU HATE DOM?????
Reread: April 2017
Another year another feeling of betrayal as I remember that Marie hated Dom but ANYWAY
DOMINIQUE RICHARD WHERE CAN I HAZ ONE
I forgot how entertaining his thought process was, this big tough guy trying to soften his edges and work so hard to be perfect for a woman. Also I forgot how much I love his banter with Jack and Mack Corey ugghhhhh
ALSO I'm upping a star because I obviously love him too much
Reread: Jan 2018
Rereading this one early this year LOL I should have waited until April for the consistency but ANYWAY,
I LOVE DOMINIQUE RICHARD.
OH MY GOD YOU GUYS
I couldn't get into Phillip's book just yet so I started Dominique's and OH MY GOD !!!! being in his head is so much fun?? HE is so much fun. I got little glimpses of him and Jaime when I read Celie's book and now finally reading their story, I enjoyed it immensely.
THE ENDING BITS:
DOMINIQUE IS SUCH AN ADORABLE BIG BEAR I LOVE LOVE LOVE
Reread: April 2016
rereading this again today bc I CAN'T BELIEVE MARIE HATED DOMINIQUE I CAN'T BELIEVE SHE STABBED ME IN THE BACK LIKE THIS HOW CAN YOU HATE DOM?????
Reread: April 2017
Another year another feeling of betrayal as I remember that Marie hated Dom but ANYWAY
DOMINIQUE RICHARD WHERE CAN I HAZ ONE
I forgot how entertaining his thought process was, this big tough guy trying to soften his edges and work so hard to be perfect for a woman. Also I forgot how much I love his banter with Jack and Mack Corey ugghhhhh
ALSO I'm upping a star because I obviously love him too much
Reread: Jan 2018
Rereading this one early this year LOL I should have waited until April for the consistency but ANYWAY,
I LOVE DOMINIQUE RICHARD.
February 13, 2020
Değişik. Dom tatlı ama 😊
January 25, 2015
Dominique Richard’s personality perfectly represents the type of chocolate deserts he create: untamed, brass, and delightfully sinful. While his creations draw the wealthy masses for their decadence, there is one person who seeks the wild flavours of his chocolate for their soul-healing quality.
Jamie Corey’s guilt of being born with a silver spoon has led her to become the champion of those who can’t defend themselves. After an incident that nearly cost her, her life, she decides to get lost in the quiet comfort of Paris: beautiful architecture, culture, and lavish chocolates her family only hopes to achieve. One of her favourites was Dominique Richard’s chocolate shop.
Unbeknownst to one another, each felt a mutual attraction both are wary to address. But if they ever have hopes of escaping the shadows that chase them, they need to shed whatever guards they put up around themselves.
The fourth book to this series gives us more of the same: luscious deserts beyond our imagination, the elegance of Paris, and a romance that could be as unforgettable as it is frustrating. Fortunately, I’m happy to say that the featured couple in this book won me over. I’m going as far to say that Dominique and Jamie are my favourite couple.
They didn’t drive me mad with their contempt at one another as did the previous books. Jamie Corey is a shy, freckled little thing trying to learn to get back on her feet again after she was beaten to within an inch of her life. Surprisingly enough, Dominique was able to sense the fragility even before he learned of what happened to her.
Dominique is a big bear of a man. It’s sometimes hard to believe that he can handle something as delicate as Jamie. I supposed, if he can handle finely-spun sugar, and smooth as silk chocolat, treating Jamie with a kid glove was not as far-fetched.
This book was infinitely better than the first two books that I’ve read. The relationship is based on an almost immediate trust, so there’s very little drama to speak of. However, their story is a bit more emotionally-heavy (which I loved), due to the circumstances of Dominique’s past and Jamie’s recent tragedy.
I’m starting to enjoy these books a bit more. I can see the allure of Laura’s writing, and this series. As usual, her knowledge of the streets of Paris, the shops, and the different types of desserts ring abundantly clear with every instalment.
Jamie Corey’s guilt of being born with a silver spoon has led her to become the champion of those who can’t defend themselves. After an incident that nearly cost her, her life, she decides to get lost in the quiet comfort of Paris: beautiful architecture, culture, and lavish chocolates her family only hopes to achieve. One of her favourites was Dominique Richard’s chocolate shop.
Unbeknownst to one another, each felt a mutual attraction both are wary to address. But if they ever have hopes of escaping the shadows that chase them, they need to shed whatever guards they put up around themselves.
The fourth book to this series gives us more of the same: luscious deserts beyond our imagination, the elegance of Paris, and a romance that could be as unforgettable as it is frustrating. Fortunately, I’m happy to say that the featured couple in this book won me over. I’m going as far to say that Dominique and Jamie are my favourite couple.
They didn’t drive me mad with their contempt at one another as did the previous books. Jamie Corey is a shy, freckled little thing trying to learn to get back on her feet again after she was beaten to within an inch of her life. Surprisingly enough, Dominique was able to sense the fragility even before he learned of what happened to her.
Dominique is a big bear of a man. It’s sometimes hard to believe that he can handle something as delicate as Jamie. I supposed, if he can handle finely-spun sugar, and smooth as silk chocolat, treating Jamie with a kid glove was not as far-fetched.
This book was infinitely better than the first two books that I’ve read. The relationship is based on an almost immediate trust, so there’s very little drama to speak of. However, their story is a bit more emotionally-heavy (which I loved), due to the circumstances of Dominique’s past and Jamie’s recent tragedy.
I’m starting to enjoy these books a bit more. I can see the allure of Laura’s writing, and this series. As usual, her knowledge of the streets of Paris, the shops, and the different types of desserts ring abundantly clear with every instalment.
September 9, 2016
I read The Chocolate Thief (the first book) a while ago and I liked the way Florand described different aromas and flavors and I thought the idea of a thief who steals only chocolate is unique, amazing.
She has a way with words when describing food, particularly chocolate, so you can actually taste it in your mouth. Florand has also a way with words when describing things, places, people and their feelings. But when it comes to creating a story with those descriptions, I found it was falling short and myself being very bored. Something in the way she overly explains everything, sharing with us too much about too many things had completely failed to capture my attention.
The Chocolate Touch has some really beautiful parts. The way Dominique and Jaime fulfill each other, how they bring out the best in the other, the sun analogy, it's heart melting.
Everything about their love is just exceptionally sweet, if it weren't for the fact that they knew they loved each other after ten days of knowing each other, and then went ahead got engaged. ENGAGED! AFTER FRICKIN 10 DAYS!
They remind me of those little twelve-year-olds, who post all the time statuses about how they love their boyfriends, how they've found the love of their life, that they're going to be forever together, he's the one and so on. And you don't take them seriously, because they're only kids and what can they possibly know anything about love?
But Dom and Jaime are grown people, adults, and not some silly teenage girls. So how come they behave like they are?!
This was a big no-no and frankly, ruined this book for me.
She has a way with words when describing food, particularly chocolate, so you can actually taste it in your mouth. Florand has also a way with words when describing things, places, people and their feelings. But when it comes to creating a story with those descriptions, I found it was falling short and myself being very bored. Something in the way she overly explains everything, sharing with us too much about too many things had completely failed to capture my attention.
The Chocolate Touch has some really beautiful parts. The way Dominique and Jaime fulfill each other, how they bring out the best in the other, the sun analogy, it's heart melting.
Everything about their love is just exceptionally sweet, if it weren't for the fact that they knew they loved each other after ten days of knowing each other, and then went ahead got engaged. ENGAGED! AFTER FRICKIN 10 DAYS!
They remind me of those little twelve-year-olds, who post all the time statuses about how they love their boyfriends, how they've found the love of their life, that they're going to be forever together, he's the one and so on. And you don't take them seriously, because they're only kids and what can they possibly know anything about love?
But Dom and Jaime are grown people, adults, and not some silly teenage girls. So how come they behave like they are?!
This was a big no-no and frankly, ruined this book for me.
August 13, 2013
Seriously, this one blew me away. Magalie in The Chocolate Kiss is my favorite of Florand’s female protagonists, but Dom is definitely my favorite of her male protagonists. And I say that as a reader who really enjoys all of Florand’s protagonists in all her books.
I think I love best the most damaged protagonists? And Dom definitely carries the most extreme baggage. He carries it very, very well:
"He knew the value of strength, that was one thing he knew very well. It was to make himself unassailable. And now he would make her unassailable, too. At last somebody needed his strength."
Wow. I fell so hard for Dom, I can’t even tell you. The female protagonist, Jamie, is also really well drawn -- I don't want to sell her short. But Dom! He tries so hard. His background is so awful, and he is so determined to overcome it.
I love, love, love his relationship with his employees. You know, they call him “Dom” and address him as “tu”? His interactions with his employees not only drive the plot but serve perfectly to develop Dom’s character:
Someone catcalled. Amand gave a long wolf-whistle. “Oh, shut the hell up,” Dom said. He couldn’t entirely suppress a grin, even though he was flushing.
And I love Dom's aggression when he feels he's being attacked. My favorite scene in the whole book may be dinner with her family. Wow, people, not a good idea to pick a fight with Dom!
So, yeah, everything in this book is great, but Dominique Richard is fantastic and pushes this title right up to practically perfect.
I think I love best the most damaged protagonists? And Dom definitely carries the most extreme baggage. He carries it very, very well:
"He knew the value of strength, that was one thing he knew very well. It was to make himself unassailable. And now he would make her unassailable, too. At last somebody needed his strength."
Wow. I fell so hard for Dom, I can’t even tell you. The female protagonist, Jamie, is also really well drawn -- I don't want to sell her short. But Dom! He tries so hard. His background is so awful, and he is so determined to overcome it.
I love, love, love his relationship with his employees. You know, they call him “Dom” and address him as “tu”? His interactions with his employees not only drive the plot but serve perfectly to develop Dom’s character:
Someone catcalled. Amand gave a long wolf-whistle. “Oh, shut the hell up,” Dom said. He couldn’t entirely suppress a grin, even though he was flushing.
And I love Dom's aggression when he feels he's being attacked. My favorite scene in the whole book may be dinner with her family. Wow, people, not a good idea to pick a fight with Dom!
So, yeah, everything in this book is great, but Dominique Richard is fantastic and pushes this title right up to practically perfect.
November 23, 2013
I have had this book for a while but saved it for when I needed a really good book Boy, was it ever!
I love everything about this book. My only quibble is I want an epilogue. I know I will see Dom and Jamie in future books in the series but I want more now.
The sensuality, humanness, and sheer love on display in this book make it grand.
Dom quickly become one of my favorite heroes and Jaime is match. They both take huge emotionial risks. I find that so compelling and romantic.
There are tons of wonderful little details here in this chocolate soaked love story but if I gave away anything it would ruin your enjoyment of each burst of flavor.
Clearly, I highly recommend this book.
I am off to reread it!
I love everything about this book. My only quibble is I want an epilogue. I know I will see Dom and Jamie in future books in the series but I want more now.
The sensuality, humanness, and sheer love on display in this book make it grand.
Dom quickly become one of my favorite heroes and Jaime is match. They both take huge emotionial risks. I find that so compelling and romantic.
There are tons of wonderful little details here in this chocolate soaked love story but if I gave away anything it would ruin your enjoyment of each burst of flavor.
Clearly, I highly recommend this book.
I am off to reread it!
December 29, 2019
I read this when it first came out, and have finally had a chance for a re-read. I love it just as much as I did then!
Dom is just delicious as this hard shell outside, meltingly sweet inside chocolate maker who falls for the mystery woman who visits his shop day by day to indulge in some of his treats, and eventually, in him too. Laura Florand's prose is unmatched, and the combination of sensual sex, chocolate and view of Paris is what puts this story on my keeper shelf. If you're never read a Laura Florand book, you can start anywhere in any of her series as they all standalone well but you will see secondary characters make appearances. This one, and The Chocolate Kiss are my two favorites from the Amour et Chocolat series but they are all great reads.
Dom is just delicious as this hard shell outside, meltingly sweet inside chocolate maker who falls for the mystery woman who visits his shop day by day to indulge in some of his treats, and eventually, in him too. Laura Florand's prose is unmatched, and the combination of sensual sex, chocolate and view of Paris is what puts this story on my keeper shelf. If you're never read a Laura Florand book, you can start anywhere in any of her series as they all standalone well but you will see secondary characters make appearances. This one, and The Chocolate Kiss are my two favorites from the Amour et Chocolat series but they are all great reads.
November 18, 2021
Renown chocolatier, Dominique Richard, has a reputation for his difficult (read cantankerous bordering on obnoxious) personality. That only makes him more attractive to women line up to be the next hook-up for this serial one-night stander. The enigmatic lone woman coming in daily to saviour his delectable offerings couldn't be further from his usual type. She is neither flirtatious, body confident nor out to draw attention to herself. Instead, when she is not deep in her own pensive thoughts, she channels all her attention on his chocolate creations. Dominique recognises a challenge when he sees it. He pursues her in earnest but even though Jaime is not immune to his good looks, she holds herself slightly back and he finds himself wanting to know everything about her. Except when her secrets are uncovered, he is not entirely ready for the truth.
I enjoyed the writing, but I found Dominique too aggressive and predatory in his pursuit of her initially. His wild, animalistic tendency to react and lash out was a tad uncomfortable against her quiet fragility.
I enjoyed the writing, but I found Dominique too aggressive and predatory in his pursuit of her initially. His wild, animalistic tendency to react and lash out was a tad uncomfortable against her quiet fragility.
July 27, 2017
4 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a sweet, and sometimes hot read. They are a great couple that both needed someone to love them for them, and they found that in each other. There is little angst in this read, and just the right amount of steam to make it a really easy read. The reason for my 4 stars instead of 5, is because I wanted more closure at the ending (but that's just me).
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Jamie and Dominique's story. Dom is fascinated by the woman who is all covered up, sitting alone, and peacefully savoring his products in his shop. He finally gets the nerve to talk to her, and after a few awkward encounters they go on a date. Jamie has been burned in the past because of people wanting her only for her family's name and billions, so she is hesitant to let him know who she is completely. The more and more time they spend together, the more the feelings develop. They have some family issues, some personal demons for both of them, and some sweet moments...and eventually get their HFN.
POV: This alternated on focusing between Jamie and Dominique in third person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I didn't feel the need to skim at any point.
Instalove: I wouldn't call this instalove, but their feelings do develop pretty quickly.
H rating: 4.5 stars. Dominique. I really liked this broody man! He was all hard exterior and gooey insides. He was so entranced by Jamie, and in such need for true affection that you can't help but love him!
h rating: 4 stars. Jamie. She was recovering from a traumatic event that really shook her to her core and made her question her life, but I admired her strength even when she thought she was weak.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues necessary.
Heat level: Moderate. There was a good bit of sexy times, but there wasn't an over abundance of details for each scene. It was a good balance, because it ensured that the sex didn't take away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: I'd say no. The H does have a ex ONS show up, but he quickly shuts that down and doesn't show her any attention (and the h and H hadn't gotten together at this point either).
Sex scene with OW or OM:
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: This had ok closure. I wanted more though. I would've really liked a jump ahead epilogue to see the couple and how much they've grown. I would call it a HFN ending.
Worth the $?: It was on kindle unlimited, so yes!
Overall Opinion: This was a sweet, and sometimes hot read. They are a great couple that both needed someone to love them for them, and they found that in each other. There is little angst in this read, and just the right amount of steam to make it a really easy read. The reason for my 4 stars instead of 5, is because I wanted more closure at the ending (but that's just me).
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Jamie and Dominique's story. Dom is fascinated by the woman who is all covered up, sitting alone, and peacefully savoring his products in his shop. He finally gets the nerve to talk to her, and after a few awkward encounters they go on a date. Jamie has been burned in the past because of people wanting her only for her family's name and billions, so she is hesitant to let him know who she is completely. The more and more time they spend together, the more the feelings develop. They have some family issues, some personal demons for both of them, and some sweet moments...and eventually get their HFN.
POV: This alternated on focusing between Jamie and Dominique in third person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I didn't feel the need to skim at any point.
Instalove: I wouldn't call this instalove, but their feelings do develop pretty quickly.
H rating: 4.5 stars. Dominique. I really liked this broody man! He was all hard exterior and gooey insides. He was so entranced by Jamie, and in such need for true affection that you can't help but love him!
h rating: 4 stars. Jamie. She was recovering from a traumatic event that really shook her to her core and made her question her life, but I admired her strength even when she thought she was weak.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues necessary.
Heat level: Moderate. There was a good bit of sexy times, but there wasn't an over abundance of details for each scene. It was a good balance, because it ensured that the sex didn't take away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: I'd say no. The H does have a ex ONS show up, but he quickly shuts that down and doesn't show her any attention (and the h and H hadn't gotten together at this point either).
Sex scene with OW or OM:
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: This had ok closure. I wanted more though. I would've really liked a jump ahead epilogue to see the couple and how much they've grown. I would call it a HFN ending.
Worth the $?: It was on kindle unlimited, so yes!
August 22, 2015
4.5 Chocolate stars. 72% cocoa stars!!!
Why oh why did I wait so long to read this book? I have 4 Laura Florand books on my kindle. I've spent so much time trying to decide: which one should I read first?! I kept coming back to this book. I didn't own this one- but I borrowed it from KU. I'm a big chocolate fiend. Love and Chocolate, what a great combo. Jaime is very delicate and small, Dom, is a very large- larger than life Chocolate desert chef. He becomes enamored of Jaime.
The POV is 3rd person alternating Jaime (h) then Dominique (H). The build up was fascinating, with a little bit of an unrealistic detail. Why didn't Dom wonder why Jaime wouldn't give her last name? The suspense in that detail kept building up. The reveal was a little anticlimactic. No running away or screaming or crying.
I did okay just starting off with this book (#4) in the series. Jaime's sister Cade and her fiance' Sylvain were pretty good supporting characters. I really like Jaime's grandpa, although some of his barbs toward Dom were a little corny. I enjoyed the writing style-sprinkled with French words and expressions.
I really enjoyed Dominique's persona -what he showed to the public and his employees versus the REAL Dom that really and truly doubted that he's good enough for Jaime- or anyone.
I would have liked an epilogue, but I'm sure there updates in future books. I'm very happy that I read this book. No cliff hanger HFN. In my heart and mind, they made it, since they've got each other and chocolate.
Why oh why did I wait so long to read this book? I have 4 Laura Florand books on my kindle. I've spent so much time trying to decide: which one should I read first?! I kept coming back to this book. I didn't own this one- but I borrowed it from KU. I'm a big chocolate fiend. Love and Chocolate, what a great combo. Jaime is very delicate and small, Dom, is a very large- larger than life Chocolate desert chef. He becomes enamored of Jaime.
The POV is 3rd person alternating Jaime (h) then Dominique (H). The build up was fascinating, with a little bit of an unrealistic detail. Why didn't Dom wonder why Jaime wouldn't give her last name? The suspense in that detail kept building up. The reveal was a little anticlimactic. No running away or screaming or crying.
I did okay just starting off with this book (#4) in the series. Jaime's sister Cade and her fiance' Sylvain were pretty good supporting characters. I really like Jaime's grandpa, although some of his barbs toward Dom were a little corny. I enjoyed the writing style-sprinkled with French words and expressions.
I really enjoyed Dominique's persona -what he showed to the public and his employees versus the REAL Dom that really and truly doubted that he's good enough for Jaime- or anyone.
I would have liked an epilogue, but I'm sure there updates in future books. I'm very happy that I read this book. No cliff hanger HFN. In my heart and mind, they made it, since they've got each other and chocolate.
August 2, 2013
The best thing about Florand's THE CHOCOLATE TOUCH is the wondrous city of Paree and the scrumptious chocolates. The romance didn't leave as delicious a taste! Dom, the hero, is so lacking in self-worth that the entire novel turns into a litany of how undeserving he is. The same for a heroine who feels small and plain and helpless. There are legitimate reasons for the hero's and heroine's feelings of worthlessness, but these are so circuitous and repetitive that the novel becomes a tad tedious. There is no conflict beyond the internal breast- and brow-beating of the leads. Maybe if there were some external conflict, like a nice motorcycle chase, or some bad guys, it might have taken something away from the relentless self=esteem issues of the hero and heroine. On the other hand, what we do get of Paris is delightful and the writing is quite competent. I think that the author may do better with some humour and adventure and joie-de-vivre instead of trying so so hard to write angst. Still, not a bad read.
I received an ARE from Kensington Books via Netgalley in exchange for this honest review.
You may read the review in its entirety if you follow this link:
http://missbatesreadsromance.com/2013...
I received an ARE from Kensington Books via Netgalley in exchange for this honest review.
You may read the review in its entirety if you follow this link:
http://missbatesreadsromance.com/2013...
November 16, 2015
3.5/5; 4 stars; B+
I really enjoyed this sweet romance, set in the city of romance, Paris. There was a lot going on with the characters and the story slowly unfolded so the reader could enjoy getting to know them.
I really enjoyed this sweet romance, set in the city of romance, Paris. There was a lot going on with the characters and the story slowly unfolded so the reader could enjoy getting to know them.
March 29, 2020
Angst-filled
This is probably the most florid and, at the same time, most profane of the series in terms of language. It’s effective in showing Dom’s character—brutish on the outside, gooey caramel on the inside—but sometimes, it borders on the clichéd.
Both major characters have massive insecurities. Jaime thinks men are only dating her for her money and there’s her lack of self-worth in not being able to do good because she was still recovering from an assault. Dom’s childhood traumas involving domestic violence and abandonment still affect his image of himself even as an adult. Both of their reactions to professions of love from the other are heartbreaking.
With Ms. Florand’s signature evocative food and Paris descriptions, inclusion of characters from previous books, and intense romance between a French chocolatier/pattisier and an American heiress, The Chocolate Touch is another fantastic installment in this decadent series.
This is probably the most florid and, at the same time, most profane of the series in terms of language. It’s effective in showing Dom’s character—brutish on the outside, gooey caramel on the inside—but sometimes, it borders on the clichéd.
Both major characters have massive insecurities. Jaime thinks men are only dating her for her money and there’s her lack of self-worth in not being able to do good because she was still recovering from an assault. Dom’s childhood traumas involving domestic violence and abandonment still affect his image of himself even as an adult. Both of their reactions to professions of love from the other are heartbreaking.
With Ms. Florand’s signature evocative food and Paris descriptions, inclusion of characters from previous books, and intense romance between a French chocolatier/pattisier and an American heiress, The Chocolate Touch is another fantastic installment in this decadent series.
July 15, 2017
Това е втората книга на Лора Флоран, която прочитам и май ми хареса повече от първата. Начина по който тази жена умее да описва шоколада те пренася в кухнята на най-добрите шоколатиери, обгръща те мириса на какао и почти можеш да усетиш шоколада който се разтапя в устата ти. Любов и шоколадовата какво може да иска повече една жена :)
September 15, 2013
Originally posted here.
My love affair with Laura Florand's Amour et Chocolat contemporary romance series started with The Chocolate Thief . I was captivated by that first book and I knew I would want to read the rest of the novels as soon as they came out. I have been really curious about The Chocolate Touch ever since I found out who the two main characters are going to be - both Dominique and Jaime were mentioned in the first book. I was lucky enough to get a review copy of this and I read it as soon as I could. I was a bit bummed that The Chocolate Touch's cover didn't follow the design of the first two and I don't think the couple in it is a good representation of the characters. But that's a minor quibble that has nothing to do with the contents of the novel.
A draft of my review for The Chocolate Touch has been sitting on my dashboard for weeks. I don't know why but I just couldn't find the right words to describe what it's like to be immersed in Laura Florand's delectable version of Paris. But let me try. What I love about the Amour et Chocolat books is that even though each book features a French chef or chocolatier, their personalities are so distinct that reading about them never gets boring. Plus I feel like the writing in each has a different tone - The Chocolate Thief is deliciously entertaining, The Chocolate Kiss is whimsical with magic realism feel to it while The Chocolate Touch has such a sweet and endearing romance. This latest installment in the series is filled with warmth that's very comforting, like drinking hot chocolate on a rainy day. Kind of similar to how Jaime visits Dom's chocolaterie everyday, consuming his creations and letting them revive her both physically and emotionally. I liked the contrast between Dom and Jaime - how he initially felt that he's such a brute compared to how delicate she looks and that he has to be careful with how he treats her. But appearances can be deceiving and Jaime has a core of steel that makes her the perfect match for Dom. I had so much fun reading about the tentative nature of how they got to know each other. Both of them have complicated pasts and there's a reason for why they feel like they don't have much to offer (even though they both think the world of the other person). Here's a snippet that I particularly liked:
Lovely writing right there. Laura Florand sure knows how to set a scene. And write mouth-watering descriptions of chocolates, caramels and pastries. Just thinking about them is making me hungry, I may have to hunt down some desserts tomorrow. Another aspect of the book that I really enjoyed is seeing how Dom and Jaime relate to their friends and family. It was nice to see characters from the earlier novels, especially the members of the Corey family. They're just too funny. If you're a contemporary romance reader and you've never read any of Laura Florand's books, then you must give them a try as soon as you can. Highly recommended for fans of chocolates, Paris and romance. It goes without saying that I cannot wait for the next book in this wonderful series. To get a better idea of The Chocolate Touch's setting, check out the author's pictures of the real-life chocolatier who inspired the book.
Reading order of the Amour et Chocolat books:
All's Fair in Love and Chocolate
The Chocolate Thief
The Chocolate Kiss
The Chocolate Rose
My love affair with Laura Florand's Amour et Chocolat contemporary romance series started with The Chocolate Thief . I was captivated by that first book and I knew I would want to read the rest of the novels as soon as they came out. I have been really curious about The Chocolate Touch ever since I found out who the two main characters are going to be - both Dominique and Jaime were mentioned in the first book. I was lucky enough to get a review copy of this and I read it as soon as I could. I was a bit bummed that The Chocolate Touch's cover didn't follow the design of the first two and I don't think the couple in it is a good representation of the characters. But that's a minor quibble that has nothing to do with the contents of the novel.
A draft of my review for The Chocolate Touch has been sitting on my dashboard for weeks. I don't know why but I just couldn't find the right words to describe what it's like to be immersed in Laura Florand's delectable version of Paris. But let me try. What I love about the Amour et Chocolat books is that even though each book features a French chef or chocolatier, their personalities are so distinct that reading about them never gets boring. Plus I feel like the writing in each has a different tone - The Chocolate Thief is deliciously entertaining, The Chocolate Kiss is whimsical with magic realism feel to it while The Chocolate Touch has such a sweet and endearing romance. This latest installment in the series is filled with warmth that's very comforting, like drinking hot chocolate on a rainy day. Kind of similar to how Jaime visits Dom's chocolaterie everyday, consuming his creations and letting them revive her both physically and emotionally. I liked the contrast between Dom and Jaime - how he initially felt that he's such a brute compared to how delicate she looks and that he has to be careful with how he treats her. But appearances can be deceiving and Jaime has a core of steel that makes her the perfect match for Dom. I had so much fun reading about the tentative nature of how they got to know each other. Both of them have complicated pasts and there's a reason for why they feel like they don't have much to offer (even though they both think the world of the other person). Here's a snippet that I particularly liked:
He didn't talk, but a man who had Paris in the springtime didn't need to talk. Better not. Better just to concentrate on the cool breeze off the river, stirring his shaggy black hair, the bridges that stretched away through the centuries, that fresh young green on the trees along the quays. Evening was falling later and later. The sun was only starting to set now, easy blurred shades of pink and gold and gray through low strips of clouds. The sky above them was blue, clear, but blurring toward gray. Half the world looked in love, couples strolling hand in hand along the Seine. At the edge of that sunset, in the west, far away along the river that simmered with pink and gold, the Eiffel Tower rose, gentled by the low haze.
Lovely writing right there. Laura Florand sure knows how to set a scene. And write mouth-watering descriptions of chocolates, caramels and pastries. Just thinking about them is making me hungry, I may have to hunt down some desserts tomorrow. Another aspect of the book that I really enjoyed is seeing how Dom and Jaime relate to their friends and family. It was nice to see characters from the earlier novels, especially the members of the Corey family. They're just too funny. If you're a contemporary romance reader and you've never read any of Laura Florand's books, then you must give them a try as soon as you can. Highly recommended for fans of chocolates, Paris and romance. It goes without saying that I cannot wait for the next book in this wonderful series. To get a better idea of The Chocolate Touch's setting, check out the author's pictures of the real-life chocolatier who inspired the book.
Reading order of the Amour et Chocolat books:
All's Fair in Love and Chocolate
The Chocolate Thief
The Chocolate Kiss
The Chocolate Rose
September 16, 2013
I really didn't think I would like this as much as I liked The Chocolate Thief. And I was sure there was no way it could come close to how much I loved The Chocolate Kiss. But I was wrong. So very, very wrong. I think this is my new favorite in this series. I'm not sure how the author is keeping the magic going with these books but I'm loving every minute of it and I hope it never stops.
Dominique Richard was not a character that made my heart swoon in the other books and I didn't think I'd feel anything for him in the The Chocolate Touch so I didn't rush out to read this - but OH MY GOSH, if I had known then what I know now, I would have been counting down the minutes for this book's release. I'm not sure how the author manages to put two characters who, on the outside, seem to be complete opposites and not two people you would ever choose for the other. And yet they work so well together and are perfect compliments. It's pure magic, I tell you.
Both Dominique and Jamie are battling hidden demons and have wounds on the inside that they don't let other people see. And yet with each other, they're able to find some peace and imagine a way to finally overcome those demons. Their relationship was so sweet in a way that exceeded expectations, especially in regards to Dominique. The slow way they opened up to each other, the trust and faith they had in the other was lovely to read. It was bittersweet when I got to the end. I loved where we left Jamie and Dominique and yet I didn't want to end my time with them. I fell in love with their story.
This was a gem and I can't wait to see what Florand imagines for us next in The Chocolate Heart
Dominique Richard was not a character that made my heart swoon in the other books and I didn't think I'd feel anything for him in the The Chocolate Touch so I didn't rush out to read this - but OH MY GOSH, if I had known then what I know now, I would have been counting down the minutes for this book's release. I'm not sure how the author manages to put two characters who, on the outside, seem to be complete opposites and not two people you would ever choose for the other. And yet they work so well together and are perfect compliments. It's pure magic, I tell you.
Both Dominique and Jamie are battling hidden demons and have wounds on the inside that they don't let other people see. And yet with each other, they're able to find some peace and imagine a way to finally overcome those demons. Their relationship was so sweet in a way that exceeded expectations, especially in regards to Dominique. The slow way they opened up to each other, the trust and faith they had in the other was lovely to read. It was bittersweet when I got to the end. I loved where we left Jamie and Dominique and yet I didn't want to end my time with them. I fell in love with their story.
This was a gem and I can't wait to see what Florand imagines for us next in The Chocolate Heart
July 31, 2013
I'm probably going to come back and add more after I finish rereading it, but here's what I have for now.
Or maybe I won't have more to say later because that got longer than I was expecting. I can have book five now, please?
Or maybe I won't have more to say later because that got longer than I was expecting. I can have book five now, please?
July 7, 2014
Really enjoyed this one! Expect lots of chocolate cravings while reading. :)
December 18, 2015
4.5 stars.
March 20, 2015
This series is going to kill me.
July 27, 2015
so cute but also made me gain 500 pounds because i ate too much chocolate while reading it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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