What do you think?
Rate this book
Emulsify: Meant To Be
Aaron Ma has built a culinary empire. Through hard work, he’s created a life many envy.
The Midas Touch doesn’t just extend to his professional life. His personal life is charmed as well.
Until his past threatens all he has worked for.
Enter Brooke Éloissaint, she arrives to help rectify the wrongs. However, Aaron is resistant.
They learn to push past his opposition and forge a bond that neither expected.
Life serves them both a harsh reminder that pain can visit anyone.
Solace presents itself in the most meaningful connection.
Can the bond they have created, bring healing? Or will they choose to bear their heartaches alone?
Friends to Lovers
Slow burn
Second Chance
Side note, I am Canadian, and the story’s location is in Canada. So, the spelling and word usage contained in the story are also Canadian.
The Midas Touch doesn’t just extend to his professional life. His personal life is charmed as well.
Until his past threatens all he has worked for.
Enter Brooke Éloissaint, she arrives to help rectify the wrongs. However, Aaron is resistant.
They learn to push past his opposition and forge a bond that neither expected.
Life serves them both a harsh reminder that pain can visit anyone.
Solace presents itself in the most meaningful connection.
Can the bond they have created, bring healing? Or will they choose to bear their heartaches alone?
Friends to Lovers
Slow burn
Second Chance
Side note, I am Canadian, and the story’s location is in Canada. So, the spelling and word usage contained in the story are also Canadian.
- GenresRomance
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2023
11 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Niccoyan Zheng
21 books65 followersNiccoyan Zheng is a Canadian wife, mother, and foodie. The written word has always held her captive. Even before her debut novel “Consumed,” her characters have been urging her to write their stories for years. She looks forward to sharing their diversity, complexity and flaws.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 20, 2023
4.5 Stars / 3.5 Steam Fans
A fully layered story about two hearts that see each other as friends, as comfort, as lovers, and as second soul mates. It is labeled as a slow burn but the burn between Aaron and Brooke is seen from day one. I loved that even though you see the attraction you also see the respect that the two have for each other's lives.
CW: Grief, Cheating Scandal, Friends to Lovers, Second Chance, Protective Family Members, Mental Health, Interracial Romance, BWAM
Video review available in Week 11: Mar 12 – Mar 18, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
A fully layered story about two hearts that see each other as friends, as comfort, as lovers, and as second soul mates. It is labeled as a slow burn but the burn between Aaron and Brooke is seen from day one. I loved that even though you see the attraction you also see the respect that the two have for each other's lives.
CW: Grief, Cheating Scandal, Friends to Lovers, Second Chance, Protective Family Members, Mental Health, Interracial Romance, BWAM
Video review available in Week 11: Mar 12 – Mar 18, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
March 15, 2023
RIGHT PERSON WRONGTIME. From the moment Brooke and Aaron met, you could feel the chemistry coming off the pages in waves, but it just wasn't there time. This friends to lovers is a slow burn with unexpected surprises. From heartbreak to being scared of falling in love a second time, Emulsify has it all.
The bantering is 🔥🔥 the spice is 🥵 and the romance is swoony.
The bantering is 🔥🔥 the spice is 🥵 and the romance is swoony.
March 20, 2023
Love Is Worth It. This was a Beautiful story about love gained & capturing hearts when least expected. It was about how important being friends is in order for your tree of life together to have solid roots. The friendship between Aaron & Sherbrooke aka Brooke almost didn't happen. Yet life is interesting enough that when we get out of our own way & comfort zone magic can happen. I enjoyed the friendship that endured during lifes ups & downs for each of them. That they were always respectful of others as well as themselves. When Brooke finally realizes her feelings for Aaron I thought she might run. However together they dealt with this as grown adults would. Aaron was protective of his love & Brooke. He didn't let anyone disrespect her or their relationship. While the sexual chemistry was HOT! the real binding agent was their mutual respect & they sincerely liked each other. I loved this novel reading as their love blossomed. Regardless of the outside attempted influences they faced them together. This was a great read & I look forward to any others by this author. I was given a ARC to review & wasn't disappointed at all. Enjoy. 🥰
March 20, 2023
Emulsify. Two souls journey to become one.
First and foremost this author has a talented way of weaving a story that just captivates the reader. Her attention to details and character development in my opinion makes it easier for a reader like myself to understand and enjoy the storyline. And with that being said, here's my review.
I found this book mind blowing, heart wrenching, emotionally uplifting, and positively amazing. Chef Aaron Ma found himself in a pickle and needed his image repaired. Sherebrooke Eloissant, a journalist, assigned to write an article to fix Aaron's image and reputation. Neither wanted to work with the other. But cooler heads prevailed. The dynamic of the relationship that developed between Aaron and Sherebrooke was multifaceted. They started off as enemies only to become friends. Friends that form a close bond that would aide them both through betrayal, heartache, grief, sadness and loneliness. But the friendship would begin to morph into a love so strong that it would be tested and almost lost. Aaron and Sherebrooke, as he likes and wants everyone to call her, their love journey wasn't easy nor paved with gold. But it was a journey that lead them to each other. Two souls that were meant to always be together. If you love a friends to enemies, slow burn, second chance at love kind of story then you'll definitely want to read this book. You will not be disappointed.
I was given this advanced reader copy. And I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
First and foremost this author has a talented way of weaving a story that just captivates the reader. Her attention to details and character development in my opinion makes it easier for a reader like myself to understand and enjoy the storyline. And with that being said, here's my review.
I found this book mind blowing, heart wrenching, emotionally uplifting, and positively amazing. Chef Aaron Ma found himself in a pickle and needed his image repaired. Sherebrooke Eloissant, a journalist, assigned to write an article to fix Aaron's image and reputation. Neither wanted to work with the other. But cooler heads prevailed. The dynamic of the relationship that developed between Aaron and Sherebrooke was multifaceted. They started off as enemies only to become friends. Friends that form a close bond that would aide them both through betrayal, heartache, grief, sadness and loneliness. But the friendship would begin to morph into a love so strong that it would be tested and almost lost. Aaron and Sherebrooke, as he likes and wants everyone to call her, their love journey wasn't easy nor paved with gold. But it was a journey that lead them to each other. Two souls that were meant to always be together. If you love a friends to enemies, slow burn, second chance at love kind of story then you'll definitely want to read this book. You will not be disappointed.
I was given this advanced reader copy. And I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
March 20, 2023
Trigger Warnings:
Betrayal
Death
Bullying
Mental Health
Suicide (Mentioned)
Pregnancy
Pregnancy loss
Explicit Sexual Scenes
Aaron & Brooke story
Aaron Ma is a top chef with restaurants around the world and a upstanding reputation in the culinary world. After calling of a relationship ten month prior with a journalist he didn't think once he announced his engagement she would go off the rails and write an smear campaign article making him the villain in his personal and professional life. After a year Aaron's business partner thought it was time to get a new article to help the damage from the smear article. Especially with his wedding around the corner. Brooke is a journalist and doing a favor for her friend and boss Bart to write a article on Aaron Ma. With reluctance from Aaron and firm, but gentle hand from Brooke they learn alot about each other. Brooke is engaged herself to a professional baseball player Javier, but sometimes everything that glitters isn't gold. Aaron and his fiancee Helena draw Brooke into their friendship family bubble with open arms. When tragedy strikes Aaron and Brooke lean on each other, but fate always gives second chances.
I love this series so much and I swear this author never disappoints with the second chance romance. The highs and lows of love are al in this book and I swear the elite series is worth the read.
Betrayal
Death
Bullying
Mental Health
Suicide (Mentioned)
Pregnancy
Pregnancy loss
Explicit Sexual Scenes
Aaron & Brooke story
Aaron Ma is a top chef with restaurants around the world and a upstanding reputation in the culinary world. After calling of a relationship ten month prior with a journalist he didn't think once he announced his engagement she would go off the rails and write an smear campaign article making him the villain in his personal and professional life. After a year Aaron's business partner thought it was time to get a new article to help the damage from the smear article. Especially with his wedding around the corner. Brooke is a journalist and doing a favor for her friend and boss Bart to write a article on Aaron Ma. With reluctance from Aaron and firm, but gentle hand from Brooke they learn alot about each other. Brooke is engaged herself to a professional baseball player Javier, but sometimes everything that glitters isn't gold. Aaron and his fiancee Helena draw Brooke into their friendship family bubble with open arms. When tragedy strikes Aaron and Brooke lean on each other, but fate always gives second chances.
I love this series so much and I swear this author never disappoints with the second chance romance. The highs and lows of love are al in this book and I swear the elite series is worth the read.
June 22, 2025
Their time would come
Even though Chef Aaron Ma agreed to do an in-depth article on his life to counter the article written by a woman journalist scorn, he just didn't like journalist Sherbrooke Eloisaint. But over time spending days an weeks with each other, both of them felt a connection that he refused to acknowledge. They were both in love with and engaged to other people and refused o even allow themselves to think about, let alone cross a line. Even though Brooke's fiance Javier was caught by Aaron in an uncompromising position, he refused to to bring any heart ach into Brooke's life. But that heartache hit hard when the truth about Javier came out. It devastated Brooke. When Aaron unexpectedly became a widower, the connection that Aaron and Brooke had kept them both above water. They were in a position to accept that this was now their time to be together, even though a meddling mamin deaux tried to interfere. Brooke knew how to handle her sister and so did Aaron. He put a stop to anyone who would mess with Brooke include her ex Javier and his wife Faye. He knew he was Blessed to be able to find love twice in a lifetime.
Both Aaron and Brook had great friends who supported them. I can't to read about Maksim and Eddie As well as Jasper and Isabelle. He's going to have his hands full with her, but I think he'll be able to handle it.
Even though Chef Aaron Ma agreed to do an in-depth article on his life to counter the article written by a woman journalist scorn, he just didn't like journalist Sherbrooke Eloisaint. But over time spending days an weeks with each other, both of them felt a connection that he refused to acknowledge. They were both in love with and engaged to other people and refused o even allow themselves to think about, let alone cross a line. Even though Brooke's fiance Javier was caught by Aaron in an uncompromising position, he refused to to bring any heart ach into Brooke's life. But that heartache hit hard when the truth about Javier came out. It devastated Brooke. When Aaron unexpectedly became a widower, the connection that Aaron and Brooke had kept them both above water. They were in a position to accept that this was now their time to be together, even though a meddling mamin deaux tried to interfere. Brooke knew how to handle her sister and so did Aaron. He put a stop to anyone who would mess with Brooke include her ex Javier and his wife Faye. He knew he was Blessed to be able to find love twice in a lifetime.
Both Aaron and Brook had great friends who supported them. I can't to read about Maksim and Eddie As well as Jasper and Isabelle. He's going to have his hands full with her, but I think he'll be able to handle it.
March 18, 2023
Emulsify: Meant to be
I love second chance romances. My first thought was the main characters had been in a past relationship and had missed their chance, but that is not the case with our 2 main characters. Niccoyan has created a story of how friendship turns into love creating a second chance at happiness. Aaron Ma is a world renowned chef who hates journalist after a journalist with a grudge writes a less then flattering article about him and it has caused damage to his reputation. Sherbrooke Elossaint is a journalist that has been brought on to write an article that truly depicts the true Aaron Ma, but he is having none of it. Aaron is rude and dismissive of Sherbrooke who can hold her own but one day Aaron goes to far. Aaron realizes he has hurt Sherbrooke and apologizes leading to reset. This begins a beautiful story about friendship, heartache and love. Aaron and Sherbrooke lean on each other as they both face tragedies and deal with grief and learning to live again. The slow build to that second chance is filled with passion and respect and fun.
Niccoyan is fast becoming one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait to read her next book.
I love second chance romances. My first thought was the main characters had been in a past relationship and had missed their chance, but that is not the case with our 2 main characters. Niccoyan has created a story of how friendship turns into love creating a second chance at happiness. Aaron Ma is a world renowned chef who hates journalist after a journalist with a grudge writes a less then flattering article about him and it has caused damage to his reputation. Sherbrooke Elossaint is a journalist that has been brought on to write an article that truly depicts the true Aaron Ma, but he is having none of it. Aaron is rude and dismissive of Sherbrooke who can hold her own but one day Aaron goes to far. Aaron realizes he has hurt Sherbrooke and apologizes leading to reset. This begins a beautiful story about friendship, heartache and love. Aaron and Sherbrooke lean on each other as they both face tragedies and deal with grief and learning to live again. The slow build to that second chance is filled with passion and respect and fun.
Niccoyan is fast becoming one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait to read her next book.
January 8, 2024
I just finished reading Emulsify by Niccoyan Zheng. Emulsify is the second installment in the Elite Series. In Emulsify we are introduced to Aaron and Brooke and how they found love. Aaron is a well known chef and Brooke is a journalist. When Brooke and Aaron first met they got off on the wrong foot. As the story goes on we understand why Aaron is the way he is . Emulsify was a slow burn for me but the storyline was so good I didn't mind waiting until they had the hot and steamy scenes. Emulsify will take you on an emotional roller-coaster and will defiantly have you in your feels and may even have you shed a tear or two. There are a lot of secrets that are revealed that are jaw dropping and clutching your pearls. The Elite Series is defiantly recommended for other readers to try. And you will fall in love with the characters. I look forward to the next installment in this series. this is defiantly a five star read.
March 19, 2023
Book #2 in the Elite Series is a Must Read!!
Aaron and Sherbrooke's romance brings a lot of spicy and a lot of sweet in book #2 of the Elite Series by Niccoyan Zheng. Aaron and Brooke's relationship starts a little shaky when Aaron is less than enthused about working with a journalist to restore his reputation; however, they quickly form a friendship, and their strong bond and support of one another help them each cope with loss and grief. Despite some hesitation to take their relationship further, they decide to take a chance, and their friendship evolves into a sexy and sweet romance that you can't help but root for. This slow-burn romance book was hard to put down and kept me hooked from beginning to end. The chemistry of Aaron and Sherbrooke's connection felt authentic, and they're without question meant to be.
Aaron and Sherbrooke's romance brings a lot of spicy and a lot of sweet in book #2 of the Elite Series by Niccoyan Zheng. Aaron and Brooke's relationship starts a little shaky when Aaron is less than enthused about working with a journalist to restore his reputation; however, they quickly form a friendship, and their strong bond and support of one another help them each cope with loss and grief. Despite some hesitation to take their relationship further, they decide to take a chance, and their friendship evolves into a sexy and sweet romance that you can't help but root for. This slow-burn romance book was hard to put down and kept me hooked from beginning to end. The chemistry of Aaron and Sherbrooke's connection felt authentic, and they're without question meant to be.
March 25, 2023
Disclaimer I received this as an ARC for an honest review) Aaron and his Sherbrook. Have you ever read a book and your cheeks hurt because you smile too much? This is what this couple made me feel. It was a slow burn, but you saw the foundation of this couple's relationship. It was forced or just a physical connection but a real deep soulmate love. The best relationships are built in friendship. This is what the couple gave you. I love how Aaron wanted to be the only one to call Brooke Sherbrooke, how they were there for each other through genuinely dark times, and how there wasn't miscommunication. Still, they had a mature conversation about their feelings and insecurities, and I loved it! Also, please don't sleep on Aaron. He cooks in the kitchen, and the sheets had you wanting to say yes chef as well. I loved this book. It was a feel-good book, and I can't wait for the next one.
March 18, 2023
Emulsify
I have read a lot of romance books in many different genres, but this is the first time I have read a friends to lovers romance that I've actually enjoyed. Emulsify is a grown folks' story, and I'm not referring to sex when I say grown folks. I'm referring to how the author handles real life situations and how this couple interacted with each other. I want to say more, but I don't have the words to express how great I think this book is. I will say that if you love romance, get a copy or two or three, and share with your friends. Oh, before I forget, please tell me that Bart and Eddie will get their own story and Jasper and Isabelle will get a story too? Ramsey also needs his own story.
I have read a lot of romance books in many different genres, but this is the first time I have read a friends to lovers romance that I've actually enjoyed. Emulsify is a grown folks' story, and I'm not referring to sex when I say grown folks. I'm referring to how the author handles real life situations and how this couple interacted with each other. I want to say more, but I don't have the words to express how great I think this book is. I will say that if you love romance, get a copy or two or three, and share with your friends. Oh, before I forget, please tell me that Bart and Eddie will get their own story and Jasper and Isabelle will get a story too? Ramsey also needs his own story.
March 26, 2023
5 Star Slow Burn
Brooke and Aaron are a couple that you cheer for! This book is a beautiful telling of people fa
lling in love slowly over time. It happens in such a way that they don't see coming. I love the respect that have for themselves and their love ones. Brooke is a woman that is coming in to her own and has pure heart. Aaron is man that understands the world and see things for they are. Their pull is early and you can feel it as you read the book. Chef Ma is a man on mission and Brooke is woman he going to get. He plays no game when it comes to her. I love it. Even his food is sexy!! This a must read!
Brooke and Aaron are a couple that you cheer for! This book is a beautiful telling of people fa
lling in love slowly over time. It happens in such a way that they don't see coming. I love the respect that have for themselves and their love ones. Brooke is a woman that is coming in to her own and has pure heart. Aaron is man that understands the world and see things for they are. Their pull is early and you can feel it as you read the book. Chef Ma is a man on mission and Brooke is woman he going to get. He plays no game when it comes to her. I love it. Even his food is sexy!! This a must read!
April 18, 2023
Ok I have to admit that I had to let this book sit with me for a bit to really determine how I felt about it. I'm typically not a fan of a slow-burn. However, Niccoyan's writing takes this story over the top. The buildup of their friendship and the connection that is established between Brooke and Aaron is worth the read all on its own. But when the romance between them blossoms... I can't even describe how intense the feelings and emotions get between Aaron and Brooke. Not to mention that there's always an underlying sizzle between them, but once the romance starts... it's an 800 degree brick oven! And yes that's an appropriate metaphor for how hot things get between these two! YES CHEF!
March 11, 2023
Only two books in and am sure I've found my next addiction. From emotional to combustible, Zheng pushes the heart outside of it's comfort zone. Every twist and turn is an intriguing look at the vulnerabilities of life and strength of love. If Retrograde was unforgettable, Emulsify is irresistible. Aaron and Brooke are the sweetest blend of sensual and sincere. From the start of their journey they grab hold of your soul and refuse to be moved. There is no walking away from perfection.
March 19, 2023
This author continues to bring it!! This is book two of The Elite series and it was an excellent read!! It was very well written and the storytelling was great! Emulsify is Brook and Aaron’s story! It was captivating and very entertaining!! The chemistry between Brook and Aaron was blazing! The author made you feel what they were feeling and let’s you fall in love with them! Aaron and Brook really were meant to be together! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
March 19, 2023
I received an advanced reader copy, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story of Aaron Ma and Brooke Éloissaint is a slow burn. The couple develop a friendship despite a rocky start when they first meet. Brooke is there for Aaron when he experiences a life altering tragedy. The interactions allow for love to bloom. This is a sweet story of two hurt people who help each other heal. I would recommend this story.
The story of Aaron Ma and Brooke Éloissaint is a slow burn. The couple develop a friendship despite a rocky start when they first meet. Brooke is there for Aaron when he experiences a life altering tragedy. The interactions allow for love to bloom. This is a sweet story of two hurt people who help each other heal. I would recommend this story.
March 22, 2023
What a beautiful story and a must read. Two characters from two very different backgrounds come together with such incredible chemistry. The character building was simply superb. The author put such thought and effort into the characters and their stories. From cover to cover the reader is enthralled with detailed descriptions of scenes. If you are hesitant in reading, take the plunge. You will not be disappointed!
March 18, 2023
Emulsify was a good read. I enjoyed Aaron and Brook’s journey. Aaron is a solid alpha male. I love his consistency. Brook finds out that she is stronger than her circumstances. The progression of their relationship will take patience and empathy. I do believe this book is worth reading.
Side note: I love the parallel story telling with book 1 and 2.
Side note: I love the parallel story telling with book 1 and 2.
March 20, 2023
I enjoyed this so much!!!
I really enjoyed this read it had some of everything. The character's where so relatable and it was a slow burn friends to lovers story with loss, but a discovery of a new love. I laughed, cried, and laughed some more! I really enjoyed this story and this author.
I really enjoyed this read it had some of everything. The character's where so relatable and it was a slow burn friends to lovers story with loss, but a discovery of a new love. I laughed, cried, and laughed some more! I really enjoyed this story and this author.
March 30, 2023
In Emulsify by Niccoyan Zheng we get Chef Aaron Ma’s story. Aaron appears briefly in Consumed but is more featured in Retrograde. However, during his interactions in these books we don’t get a true feel for Aaron’s personality and values; between his two over the top friends (Nicco and Maksim) he often presents as the peacemaker and the more rational thinker. Emulsify brings Aaron into clear focus; he is both brilliant and passionate with an inner fire which mesmerizes. As the story opens, he is engaged to his business partner’s sister and at the top of his field as a chef. Due to negative press, journalist Brooke Éloissaint is selected to set the record straight. The pair get off to a rocky start but soon develop a supportive friendship. One of the elements I appreciated most about this story was the fact that Aaron and Brooke, for a portion of the story, lived separate and fulfilling lives. The story was a sweet slow burn romance made more poignant by their close and beautifully rendered friendship and the strong bonds forged by loss and acceptance. Each story so far in the series stands on its own merit, with markedly different characters pulled together by kinship. I “assume” that the next story will strongly feature Maksim; however, Ms. Zheng imbued this installation with so many stellar characters that I would gladly read any of their stories! Great heart, great story.
April 29, 2023
3.5/5
May 7, 2023
Love, love, this book
Emulsify had everything, amazing friendships, slow burn romance that eventually caught fire and scorched and romance. Loved Aaron and Brooke growth, friendship and love storyline.
Emulsify had everything, amazing friendships, slow burn romance that eventually caught fire and scorched and romance. Loved Aaron and Brooke growth, friendship and love storyline.
November 26, 2025
Can’t wait for book 3 🥹🥹
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews