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Amour et Chocolat #6
The Chocolate Temptation
Romantic Times acclaims Laura Florand's work as "sensuous and sumptuous", nominating her for Best Book of the Year, and NPR says it's "explosive, sensual . . . and utterly sweet". Now, in her sixth book in the internationally bestselling Amour et Chocolat series, Florand takes us into a top Paris restaurant’s pastry kitchen and into the hearts and irresistible temptations of its chefs in The Chocolate Temptation.
She hated him.
Patrick Chevalier. The charming, laid-back, golden second-in-command of the Paris pastry kitchen where Sarah worked as intern, who made everything she failed at seem so easy, and who could have every woman he winked at falling for him without even trying. She hated him, but she’d risked too much for this dream to give up on it and walk out just so he wouldn’t break her heart.
But he didn’t hate her.
Sarah Lin. Patrick’s serious, dark-haired American intern, who looked at him as if she could see right through him and wasn’t so impressed with what she saw. As her boss, he knew he should leave her alone. The same way he knew better than to risk his heart and gamble on love.
But he was never good at not going after what – or who – he wanted.
He could make magic out of sugar. But could he mold hate into love?
Praise for Laura Florand and her novels
“Sweet and sexy and all around delicious!!” – New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh
“I adored this story…Paris, chocolate, and romance, all in one hilarious package.” – New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James
“It’s like when you find that amazing piece of chocolate — you take a bite, and it sits on your tongue and melts into a pool of liquid heaven.” – RT Book Reviews
“Explosive, sensual . . . and utterly sweet.” – NPR
“Gorgeously written, in that way that sort of creeps through my entire body and makes me shiver with delight.” – Dear Author
She hated him.
Patrick Chevalier. The charming, laid-back, golden second-in-command of the Paris pastry kitchen where Sarah worked as intern, who made everything she failed at seem so easy, and who could have every woman he winked at falling for him without even trying. She hated him, but she’d risked too much for this dream to give up on it and walk out just so he wouldn’t break her heart.
But he didn’t hate her.
Sarah Lin. Patrick’s serious, dark-haired American intern, who looked at him as if she could see right through him and wasn’t so impressed with what she saw. As her boss, he knew he should leave her alone. The same way he knew better than to risk his heart and gamble on love.
But he was never good at not going after what – or who – he wanted.
He could make magic out of sugar. But could he mold hate into love?
Praise for Laura Florand and her novels
“Sweet and sexy and all around delicious!!” – New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh
“I adored this story…Paris, chocolate, and romance, all in one hilarious package.” – New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James
“It’s like when you find that amazing piece of chocolate — you take a bite, and it sits on your tongue and melts into a pool of liquid heaven.” – RT Book Reviews
“Explosive, sensual . . . and utterly sweet.” – NPR
“Gorgeously written, in that way that sort of creeps through my entire body and makes me shiver with delight.” – Dear Author
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2014
25 people are currently reading
1846 people want to read
About the author
Laura Florand
30 books909 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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September 24, 2024
The Chocolate Temptation was so, so lovely! The Amour et Chocolate series continues to bewitch and seduce me, and has become one of my all-time favorite adult romances series to date.
Patrick is the second to Luc Leroi, the head chef in the pastry kitchen of Hotel de Leuce in Paris with coveted and prestigious three Michelin stars. The pressure and pace in the kitchen is grueling and only the best-of-the-best work there. Yet, Patrick runs things with charm and an easy going grace, a calming and uniting force. He makes perfection look effortless, but if you look close enough you can see his intensity and need for absolute control. His one weakness, the little, quiet, and focused intern Sarah, is so utterly tempting without even knowing it. She may be his undoing, because Patrick is slowly losing his fight resisting her.
But, oh, God, I want her, I want her, I want her. I can’t stand this anymore. I can’t. The ache of it was going to swallow him whole.*
Sarah won a sought after internship working under Patrick who makes perfection look easy, confounding and frustrating her. Sarah’s need to be perfect drives her. After all, she gave up a promising career as an engineer to follow her dream of being a pastry chef, so failure is not an option. In spite of all her efforts and drive, Sarah still feels like she falls short. It doesn’t help that Patrick is a distraction who could break her heart if she let him. He’s like a sun kissed god, so gorgeous. His gestures of care and constant flirting are like little stabs to her heart, because they mean something to her, and they may just be automatic and given without much thought by Patrick. Because he treats everyone like that, right?
I just loved Patrick and Sarah’s story! It felt intense and introspective, and I was tightly wound, (in a good way) while reading this. These two were so guarded and cautious about revealing the depth of their feelings. I was happy that they each gave in incrementally, slowly revealing more and more. For all of Sarah and Patrick’s insecurities there were no frustrating setbacks and even when there was a misunderstanding they dealt with it maturely and with care.
This romance was of the slow burn variety. Laura Florand masterfully teased and built up tension with seemingly innocent scenes such as a hand massage or a quiet, dark walk home, turning them into something utterly sensual. Oh, my heart, Patrick! I loved every time he called Sarah “Sarabelle” and just how overcome he was by her:
“Merde, qu’est-ce que tu es jolie,” he said and kissed her. How pretty you are. “So-so-so-so pretty,” he breathed hotly into her mouth, and a hand rubbed hard up her back to the clasp of her hair, releasing it to spill over their faces. “Oh, God.”*
There was more to their romance, though, a deeper story for each of them. Sarah had a lot of inner struggles reconciling her dreams with her love and consideration of her family. Patrick was worried about letting his desires and dreams be known for fear they’d be yanked from him.
The Chocolate Temptation is fifth book I’ve read in the Amour et Chocolate series. Each story hits me in different but profound way. Laura Florand’s prose is beautiful without being over the top, gorgeous, really. I have fourteen pages of highlighted quotes on my kindle if that’s any indication. If you haven’t picked up this series yet, what are you waiting for? It’s a MUST for any romance junkie.
A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
*Quotes taken from an uncorrected proof and may change in the final copy.
Patrick is the second to Luc Leroi, the head chef in the pastry kitchen of Hotel de Leuce in Paris with coveted and prestigious three Michelin stars. The pressure and pace in the kitchen is grueling and only the best-of-the-best work there. Yet, Patrick runs things with charm and an easy going grace, a calming and uniting force. He makes perfection look effortless, but if you look close enough you can see his intensity and need for absolute control. His one weakness, the little, quiet, and focused intern Sarah, is so utterly tempting without even knowing it. She may be his undoing, because Patrick is slowly losing his fight resisting her.
But, oh, God, I want her, I want her, I want her. I can’t stand this anymore. I can’t. The ache of it was going to swallow him whole.*
Sarah won a sought after internship working under Patrick who makes perfection look easy, confounding and frustrating her. Sarah’s need to be perfect drives her. After all, she gave up a promising career as an engineer to follow her dream of being a pastry chef, so failure is not an option. In spite of all her efforts and drive, Sarah still feels like she falls short. It doesn’t help that Patrick is a distraction who could break her heart if she let him. He’s like a sun kissed god, so gorgeous. His gestures of care and constant flirting are like little stabs to her heart, because they mean something to her, and they may just be automatic and given without much thought by Patrick. Because he treats everyone like that, right?
I just loved Patrick and Sarah’s story! It felt intense and introspective, and I was tightly wound, (in a good way) while reading this. These two were so guarded and cautious about revealing the depth of their feelings. I was happy that they each gave in incrementally, slowly revealing more and more. For all of Sarah and Patrick’s insecurities there were no frustrating setbacks and even when there was a misunderstanding they dealt with it maturely and with care.
This romance was of the slow burn variety. Laura Florand masterfully teased and built up tension with seemingly innocent scenes such as a hand massage or a quiet, dark walk home, turning them into something utterly sensual. Oh, my heart, Patrick! I loved every time he called Sarah “Sarabelle” and just how overcome he was by her:
“Merde, qu’est-ce que tu es jolie,” he said and kissed her. How pretty you are. “So-so-so-so pretty,” he breathed hotly into her mouth, and a hand rubbed hard up her back to the clasp of her hair, releasing it to spill over their faces. “Oh, God.”*
There was more to their romance, though, a deeper story for each of them. Sarah had a lot of inner struggles reconciling her dreams with her love and consideration of her family. Patrick was worried about letting his desires and dreams be known for fear they’d be yanked from him.
The Chocolate Temptation is fifth book I’ve read in the Amour et Chocolate series. Each story hits me in different but profound way. Laura Florand’s prose is beautiful without being over the top, gorgeous, really. I have fourteen pages of highlighted quotes on my kindle if that’s any indication. If you haven’t picked up this series yet, what are you waiting for? It’s a MUST for any romance junkie.
A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
*Quotes taken from an uncorrected proof and may change in the final copy.
January 5, 2014
I can always rely on Laura Florand for a butterflies-in-my-stomach read, especially on a cold winter day when all I'm really craving is chocolate from one of these kitchens she writes about. The Chocolate Temptation follows Patrick, the suave second to Luc Leroi we met in The Chocolate Heart. You remember him, don't you? Always ready with a smile, a laugh, and a swoon-worthy face to lighten up your day. It's just too bad Sarah, the young American intern in Leroi's kitchen, doesn't think so. After all, as Sarah keeps trying to convince her intelligent Korean brain, she hates him. As we've established over the years, however, hate isn't all that far from love...
I practically squealed when I realized that The Chocolate Temptation finally took us deeper into these delectable kitchens than the previous novels ever have. Patrick is in charge of Sarah and, as always, Florand is the master of sexual tension. If you thought the heat from the ovens was hot, think again, because the steam between these two as they brush against each other in the kitchens is sizzling. Patrick, for instance, can't stop thinking about Sarah - about the concentration with which she does her work, her pure dedication to perfecting the art of cooking, and the passion she throws into work, tiring day after tiring day. On the other hand, Sarah cannot help but admire Patrick's talent, all while hating the way he will break her heart someday, even without realizing it.
As Sarah and Patrick get closer, however, they begin to realize that their facades of perfection are just that: masks. For me, the Florand's novels always have a two-fold appeal. One: the tension. As I keep mentioning, Florand's writing is divine. It just curls its way into your heart, creating emotion where there was none before. And two: the depth. Each of Florand's novels are romances about broken individuals, not necessarily broken in the same way or to the same degree, but who have barriers around their lives. What I particularly love is that she tackles a new issue with every one of her books, making them all such a delight to read. With Sarah and Patrick, both of them suffer from severe insecurity. Sarah, as a replacement child for the son who was killed in North Korea, never feels as if she's up to the mark and Patrick, a foster child, feels the same. Nevertheless, seeing them work through their struggles and find a way to trust and support one another was heart-warming.
Moreover, what I really love about Sarah and Patrick's relationship is that each of them have different dreams, but make conscious efforts to pursue them. Sarah, for instance, was a successful engineer in Caltech but she left her home and family behind to begin her life-long wish of sugar-making. Both the courage and guilt Sarah feels at pursuing her own dream, selfishly some would say, is depicted perfectly. Similarly, Patrick who - ironically - wishes he could be an engineer undergoes a mental journey as he realizes that dreams change with time and what he wanted as a twelve-year-old boy is not necessarily what he wants as a man now. Florand always touches upon such honest aspects of adult life with her novels that I feel enriched having read them. While the last few chapters of this book could veer on the lovey-dovey side, her books never fail to sate my thirst and bring a smile upon my face. Just as I expected, The Chocolate Temptation is a winner; another one.
You can read this review and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings.
I practically squealed when I realized that The Chocolate Temptation finally took us deeper into these delectable kitchens than the previous novels ever have. Patrick is in charge of Sarah and, as always, Florand is the master of sexual tension. If you thought the heat from the ovens was hot, think again, because the steam between these two as they brush against each other in the kitchens is sizzling. Patrick, for instance, can't stop thinking about Sarah - about the concentration with which she does her work, her pure dedication to perfecting the art of cooking, and the passion she throws into work, tiring day after tiring day. On the other hand, Sarah cannot help but admire Patrick's talent, all while hating the way he will break her heart someday, even without realizing it.
As Sarah and Patrick get closer, however, they begin to realize that their facades of perfection are just that: masks. For me, the Florand's novels always have a two-fold appeal. One: the tension. As I keep mentioning, Florand's writing is divine. It just curls its way into your heart, creating emotion where there was none before. And two: the depth. Each of Florand's novels are romances about broken individuals, not necessarily broken in the same way or to the same degree, but who have barriers around their lives. What I particularly love is that she tackles a new issue with every one of her books, making them all such a delight to read. With Sarah and Patrick, both of them suffer from severe insecurity. Sarah, as a replacement child for the son who was killed in North Korea, never feels as if she's up to the mark and Patrick, a foster child, feels the same. Nevertheless, seeing them work through their struggles and find a way to trust and support one another was heart-warming.
Moreover, what I really love about Sarah and Patrick's relationship is that each of them have different dreams, but make conscious efforts to pursue them. Sarah, for instance, was a successful engineer in Caltech but she left her home and family behind to begin her life-long wish of sugar-making. Both the courage and guilt Sarah feels at pursuing her own dream, selfishly some would say, is depicted perfectly. Similarly, Patrick who - ironically - wishes he could be an engineer undergoes a mental journey as he realizes that dreams change with time and what he wanted as a twelve-year-old boy is not necessarily what he wants as a man now. Florand always touches upon such honest aspects of adult life with her novels that I feel enriched having read them. While the last few chapters of this book could veer on the lovey-dovey side, her books never fail to sate my thirst and bring a smile upon my face. Just as I expected, The Chocolate Temptation is a winner; another one.
You can read this review and more on my blog, Ivy Book Bindings.
September 29, 2016
DNF at 44%
I'm done! Patrick is such a manipulating asshole, and Sarah is just a f****k doormat ( why? Because she's Asian? :/) that at this point I just can't force myself to read another page.
And don't even get me started on sexual harassment accusations: she works under his orientation, and he has been playing with her!
So, yeah, no. You fooled me well, Patrick. I thought you were a sane/ funny kind of person.
Instead you're a manipulating psycho. -_-
July 10, 2022
I have no idea how this book isn’t more well known! It’s written so well and the characters are great too. The only fault I could find really was that I wouldn’t consider it to be enemies to lovers like the blurb suggests but it’s still a very cute and enjoyable read.
4/5 stars
4/5 stars
January 16, 2014
This new book is the series is simply an exquisite romance. It sparkles and gleams with all the best aspects of the Romance genre. The sensuality and emotionality combine to give reader something that feels once in a lifetime in terms of reading love stories. You feel how the characters feel. You must hold on to this one.
In my opinion, Laura Florand is among the best Romance writers publishing today. I haven’t read a book by her yet that I have not adored.
I so enjoyed this character driven story that examines very closely how the dents (and sometimes out right trauma) of childhood play out in our adult lives and most particularly in our relationships. With the wonderful alternating point of view, we see the characters do what love and a great partner make us all do—grow and at the same time come more into our true selves.
Our hero is a seemly sunny have it all alpha kind of guy who is faced with his unrelenting admiration and crush on his intern and all the ethical dilemmas that ensue. Our heroine, is a Korean American (half anyway), born of an immigrant mother, with the drive to be good enough (meaning excellent) in a place where everything is very hard. They are both finely drawn and worth discovery. What I like most about Florand, I think, is that it is never the hero's or the heroine's book---it’s the couple's. A new space forged.
This romance runs parallel in time with The Chocolate Heart. I love it when a writer has the chops to do that. In makes the rereading of any series so much more pleasurable because it is like getting a new camera angle on your favorite moments.
The sugar work, romantic gestures, emotional bravery, retreats, lovemaking, and love saying are grand here.
I can’t wait until I have a little more time and I can reread the whole series. We are six books in and while I know the series will run its course—the rereading never will. These books will become comfort reads.
I highly recommend this series and this writer.
I was given this book for my honest review. So, there you have it.
In my opinion, Laura Florand is among the best Romance writers publishing today. I haven’t read a book by her yet that I have not adored.
I so enjoyed this character driven story that examines very closely how the dents (and sometimes out right trauma) of childhood play out in our adult lives and most particularly in our relationships. With the wonderful alternating point of view, we see the characters do what love and a great partner make us all do—grow and at the same time come more into our true selves.
Our hero is a seemly sunny have it all alpha kind of guy who is faced with his unrelenting admiration and crush on his intern and all the ethical dilemmas that ensue. Our heroine, is a Korean American (half anyway), born of an immigrant mother, with the drive to be good enough (meaning excellent) in a place where everything is very hard. They are both finely drawn and worth discovery. What I like most about Florand, I think, is that it is never the hero's or the heroine's book---it’s the couple's. A new space forged.
This romance runs parallel in time with The Chocolate Heart. I love it when a writer has the chops to do that. In makes the rereading of any series so much more pleasurable because it is like getting a new camera angle on your favorite moments.
The sugar work, romantic gestures, emotional bravery, retreats, lovemaking, and love saying are grand here.
I can’t wait until I have a little more time and I can reread the whole series. We are six books in and while I know the series will run its course—the rereading never will. These books will become comfort reads.
I highly recommend this series and this writer.
I was given this book for my honest review. So, there you have it.
August 14, 2023
3.5 stars. Sara was the Korean-American intern of Patrick, a talented Parisian pastrychef, and he tried very hard for a long time to keep a professional distance between them. Finally their mutual attraction brought them together. I liked the relationship between Patrick and Sara. They both had their own issues from their pasts, but gradually realised they could support and love each other and be better together than singly. Both characters showed growth throughout the book, which I liked.
The Paris setting was lovingly depicted and added a lovely flavour to the book. It was set at the same time as Luc and Summer's book, The Chocolate Heart, and there were snippets of Luc and Summer here and there, because Patrick worked for Luc as his 'second' or 'right-hand man'. Overall it was another enjoyable Laura Florand read, even if not my fav in this series. Ms Florand has a charming, sexy and original writing style, and I would love for her to release some new books.
The Paris setting was lovingly depicted and added a lovely flavour to the book. It was set at the same time as Luc and Summer's book, The Chocolate Heart, and there were snippets of Luc and Summer here and there, because Patrick worked for Luc as his 'second' or 'right-hand man'. Overall it was another enjoyable Laura Florand read, even if not my fav in this series. Ms Florand has a charming, sexy and original writing style, and I would love for her to release some new books.
May 9, 2017
First read; Aug 2015:
3.5 stars
I forgot that I haven't finished this series yet, eep. anyway, Laura Florand wows as always with her gorgeous description of food.
Reread; June 2016:
I dunno why I didn't give this a 4 because it's pretty fantastic so I'm remedying that now. I just want to hug Patrick ok ok ok and also Sarah
I just want to hug them both and never let go.
Reread; May 2017
I'm always entertained by how huge of a crush Patrick has on Sarah.
3.5 stars
I forgot that I haven't finished this series yet, eep. anyway, Laura Florand wows as always with her gorgeous description of food.
Reread; June 2016:
I dunno why I didn't give this a 4 because it's pretty fantastic so I'm remedying that now. I just want to hug Patrick ok ok ok and also Sarah
I just want to hug them both and never let go.
Reread; May 2017
I'm always entertained by how huge of a crush Patrick has on Sarah.
January 17, 2014
Sarah is five months into her six-month internship in one of the best pastry kitchens in the world, yet she still doesn’t feel worthy. From California, she left her engineering job, told her Korean-born mother she needed something more in life, and moved to Paris. Since day one, she has been in love with Patrick, the second in command in this very busy, prestigious hotel kitchen. Patrick is a star, having earned a collar which tells everyone he is one of the best, but Luc the head chef, is his foster brother, and Patrick is scared to move out of his shadow.
Sarah loves Patrick so much (although she never speaks to him) that she now hates him. She hates how he winks and flirts with every person in the room. How he is always laughing and helping so gracefully.
He strolled past her table in the staff cafeteria on the way to flirt with a receptionist and set two cartons of Greek yogurt on her tray in passing. Packed with protein, easy to digest.
Always peach too. Her favorite flavor.
He fed her and he teased her, showering her with careless affection in that comfortable way he had with everyone. Easing her tension so she could survive the pressure she was under. Until he was all she lived for, all that got her through the day. And she hated him for that.
To Sarah, she is so convinced he acts this way with everyone, that she starts to despise him for it. Little does she know, he only truly cares about her.
Patrick on the other hand, loves Sarah too. He loves her so much he can’t stand it – but she is his intern. He can’t seduce his own intern But he does start to provide for her ever so subtlety. One night after some drinks, he stops listening to his conscience and does something about it. And all that sexual tension between them explodes. And I may have whimpered a little bit.
I was talking to Jen (who reviews for Fiction Vixen) on Twitter about this book and she mentioned something to the effect that she loves these books so much because the hero is always SO into the heroine. And that is a very true statement about this author. She makes these intense, serious, over-achieving chefs who absolutely live for their job and nothing else. But then forget about ALL else and fall in love. They would do anything to win the heroine – and that makes these books so much fun.
Sarah in particular is a very private, skittish heroine. It’s very hard for her to show her feelings and put herself out there. So while she is completely enamored by Patrick, it seems he has to work even harder to convince her of the relationship. She has little self-esteem:
He’s courting me, He has to be.
But…he’s a prince. I’m a mortal.
I can’t matter to him. He acts all the time as if I don’t really matter.
He acts all the time as if I do.
His hand felt so good against her face. She kissed it again, and desire swamped her – to keep this right to touch him, keep his hand, oh, wow, that didn’t sound possible. But it sounded beautiful.
She never managed to succeed at beautiful, impossible things.
And let’s not forget – after all the intense sexual tension, the flirting, the doubt from Sarah, the amazing scenes in the kitchen that Laura Florand can write (and let me take just a moment to say how well she writes kitchen scenes. I feel as though I’m there – in the the chaos, with burning sugar and delicate creations. So well done.)
After all of that – we have delicious scenes like this teaser:
“Oh, yes, you like this, don’t you?” he breathed.
She closed her eyes against that glitter, against how much she liked it, turning her face into the bunched comforter as he let her upper body settle back on the mattress. “You like me in you this deep, Sarabelle?” His darkest, roughest murmur.
She didn’t answer out loud, but then she didn’t have to . Her body clutched around him, and he seemed to understand that language very well.
“Are you going to like it when I take you this hard?”
You’ll have to read to find out *wink*
Rating: B+
Sarah loves Patrick so much (although she never speaks to him) that she now hates him. She hates how he winks and flirts with every person in the room. How he is always laughing and helping so gracefully.
He strolled past her table in the staff cafeteria on the way to flirt with a receptionist and set two cartons of Greek yogurt on her tray in passing. Packed with protein, easy to digest.
Always peach too. Her favorite flavor.
He fed her and he teased her, showering her with careless affection in that comfortable way he had with everyone. Easing her tension so she could survive the pressure she was under. Until he was all she lived for, all that got her through the day. And she hated him for that.
To Sarah, she is so convinced he acts this way with everyone, that she starts to despise him for it. Little does she know, he only truly cares about her.
Patrick on the other hand, loves Sarah too. He loves her so much he can’t stand it – but she is his intern. He can’t seduce his own intern But he does start to provide for her ever so subtlety. One night after some drinks, he stops listening to his conscience and does something about it. And all that sexual tension between them explodes. And I may have whimpered a little bit.
I was talking to Jen (who reviews for Fiction Vixen) on Twitter about this book and she mentioned something to the effect that she loves these books so much because the hero is always SO into the heroine. And that is a very true statement about this author. She makes these intense, serious, over-achieving chefs who absolutely live for their job and nothing else. But then forget about ALL else and fall in love. They would do anything to win the heroine – and that makes these books so much fun.
Sarah in particular is a very private, skittish heroine. It’s very hard for her to show her feelings and put herself out there. So while she is completely enamored by Patrick, it seems he has to work even harder to convince her of the relationship. She has little self-esteem:
He’s courting me, He has to be.
But…he’s a prince. I’m a mortal.
I can’t matter to him. He acts all the time as if I don’t really matter.
He acts all the time as if I do.
His hand felt so good against her face. She kissed it again, and desire swamped her – to keep this right to touch him, keep his hand, oh, wow, that didn’t sound possible. But it sounded beautiful.
She never managed to succeed at beautiful, impossible things.
And let’s not forget – after all the intense sexual tension, the flirting, the doubt from Sarah, the amazing scenes in the kitchen that Laura Florand can write (and let me take just a moment to say how well she writes kitchen scenes. I feel as though I’m there – in the the chaos, with burning sugar and delicate creations. So well done.)
After all of that – we have delicious scenes like this teaser:
“Oh, yes, you like this, don’t you?” he breathed.
She closed her eyes against that glitter, against how much she liked it, turning her face into the bunched comforter as he let her upper body settle back on the mattress. “You like me in you this deep, Sarabelle?” His darkest, roughest murmur.
She didn’t answer out loud, but then she didn’t have to . Her body clutched around him, and he seemed to understand that language very well.
“Are you going to like it when I take you this hard?”
You’ll have to read to find out *wink*
Rating: B+
January 18, 2014
I went back and forth so many times about whether to give this 3 or 4 stars. Because while the book was engrossing and so dang well-written like everything Florand writes is, at the same time, I hit this point about 3/4 of the way through when I just wanted the conflict to resolve already. The characters' problems started feeling a little old, and I just wanted them to hurry up and figure it out. The other issue I had with this book was that I spent pretty much all of it wanting Sarah to be more proactive. She was so passive the whole time, and it started to drive me a little crazy. But still, despite those things, the book was wonderful and warm and the perfect thing to read on a winter night.
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January 19, 2014
01/19/2014 --
Overall Rating = 4.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 4 / 3.5 / 5 = 4 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 5 Stars
Worth the Chili = 4 Stars -- [$4.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild, Intimacy is OFF the Charts!
313 pages
Wow! Not sure what to say about this one. I wasn't expecting the experience I received. I rec'd this to a friend who I think will understand my deep emotion in this one. I had good bumps through most of it. A really BEAUTIFUL story.
It can be read as a stand-alone and there is NO cliffhanger ending.
The GOOD about this read:
1 -- This author has a real way with words. She sucked me into this story. Her words are like flittering butterflies. You have to pay very close attention or you may miss something really wonderful. I wasn't sure what I felt at about 8%. Her words painted a bit of a fuzzy picture for me, but when I focused [think about a camera's lens allowing you to twist and turn until the image is much clearer] the picture was beautiful and crystal clear. So, I focused. I really can't describe this experience. I had goose bumps through most of this. Watching Patrick become more brave, more sure of Sarah. And Sarah? She is that lovely, serious, dedicated little girl who grows into this smart, hard working, but socially unaware woman. These two were perfect for each other. Patrick knew it immediately and went after it. Sarah had no chance when he set his sights on her. Really lovely watching it all unfold.
2 -- The characters. Both Sarah and Patrick are remarkable in their own right. Together they are two of the best I've read in some time. Patrick with his subtleties and his weakness ... made my heart hurt. Sarah protected all that he was. She watched. She listened. She waited patiently for him to show her. She wanted him to show her. These two are beautiful and deserve each other.
I've not read a story where the H is and French man and the H is a Korean American woman. This was a lovely treat. This bit of culture was handle so well by this author. It truly enhanced this story and the readers experience.
3 -- The kitchen and the lovely creations that come from it. The author knows how to paint these things so we understand the hard work and dedication that goes into the creation of beauty. A wonderful backdrop that becomes are real character in this story.
4 -- The beauty of Paris shines through. I've never been, but this story helps me appreciate its' beauty from afar. Love when the logistics comes across as an important factor in the readers understanding and enjoyment of a book.
Now, there were a few things I can comment on as opportunities:
1 -- This story takes a bit of time to get into initially. The author doesn't paint an immediate concrete picture. We have a fuzzy vision that solidifies, but you must be patient. ME? I'm amazed I stuck with it. I don't normally. I'm so glad I did and want to encourage others like me to do so too. You won't be sorry.
2 -- This fuzziness is carried over to the synopsis for this story. Not a huge selling point. Not sure why. I initially had this classified as chick-lit fun. This is so not that. It really is a contemporary literature with a bit of romance. I think this book very mainstream. I don't think this comes through in the synopsis. It didn't for me. I actually saw this one pop up on a GR string I follow around "recent 5 Star reads". It intrigued me. I tried reading the first in this series some time ago and put it down. This goes to show you -- don't give up on an author. I may just pick #1 up again. I know I'll try others by this author and probably others in this series. I'd love to read Luc's story.
3 -- Everything else was superb.
This story will be in my mind for a long time. I don't think I've read another character that touched me quite like Patrick did. His patient strength and humor while masking his own insecurities was so fantastically told by this author. He will live a long time for me. He reminds me of a friend I know. I held this image as I moved through this story. Thank you for this Ms. Florand!!
I really hope you decide to try this story. I'm absolutely positive you won't be disappointed.
Happy Reading!
Overall Rating = 4.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 4 / 3.5 / 5 = 4 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4 Stars
Character Development = 4 Stars
Story Appreciation = 5 Stars
Worth the Chili = 4 Stars -- [$4.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild, Intimacy is OFF the Charts!
313 pages
Wow! Not sure what to say about this one. I wasn't expecting the experience I received. I rec'd this to a friend who I think will understand my deep emotion in this one. I had good bumps through most of it. A really BEAUTIFUL story.
It can be read as a stand-alone and there is NO cliffhanger ending.
The GOOD about this read:
1 -- This author has a real way with words. She sucked me into this story. Her words are like flittering butterflies. You have to pay very close attention or you may miss something really wonderful. I wasn't sure what I felt at about 8%. Her words painted a bit of a fuzzy picture for me, but when I focused [think about a camera's lens allowing you to twist and turn until the image is much clearer] the picture was beautiful and crystal clear. So, I focused. I really can't describe this experience. I had goose bumps through most of this. Watching Patrick become more brave, more sure of Sarah. And Sarah? She is that lovely, serious, dedicated little girl who grows into this smart, hard working, but socially unaware woman. These two were perfect for each other. Patrick knew it immediately and went after it. Sarah had no chance when he set his sights on her. Really lovely watching it all unfold.
2 -- The characters. Both Sarah and Patrick are remarkable in their own right. Together they are two of the best I've read in some time. Patrick with his subtleties and his weakness ... made my heart hurt. Sarah protected all that he was. She watched. She listened. She waited patiently for him to show her. She wanted him to show her. These two are beautiful and deserve each other.
I've not read a story where the H is and French man and the H is a Korean American woman. This was a lovely treat. This bit of culture was handle so well by this author. It truly enhanced this story and the readers experience.
3 -- The kitchen and the lovely creations that come from it. The author knows how to paint these things so we understand the hard work and dedication that goes into the creation of beauty. A wonderful backdrop that becomes are real character in this story.
4 -- The beauty of Paris shines through. I've never been, but this story helps me appreciate its' beauty from afar. Love when the logistics comes across as an important factor in the readers understanding and enjoyment of a book.
Now, there were a few things I can comment on as opportunities:
1 -- This story takes a bit of time to get into initially. The author doesn't paint an immediate concrete picture. We have a fuzzy vision that solidifies, but you must be patient. ME? I'm amazed I stuck with it. I don't normally. I'm so glad I did and want to encourage others like me to do so too. You won't be sorry.
2 -- This fuzziness is carried over to the synopsis for this story. Not a huge selling point. Not sure why. I initially had this classified as chick-lit fun. This is so not that. It really is a contemporary literature with a bit of romance. I think this book very mainstream. I don't think this comes through in the synopsis. It didn't for me. I actually saw this one pop up on a GR string I follow around "recent 5 Star reads". It intrigued me. I tried reading the first in this series some time ago and put it down. This goes to show you -- don't give up on an author. I may just pick #1 up again. I know I'll try others by this author and probably others in this series. I'd love to read Luc's story.
3 -- Everything else was superb.
This story will be in my mind for a long time. I don't think I've read another character that touched me quite like Patrick did. His patient strength and humor while masking his own insecurities was so fantastically told by this author. He will live a long time for me. He reminds me of a friend I know. I held this image as I moved through this story. Thank you for this Ms. Florand!!
I really hope you decide to try this story. I'm absolutely positive you won't be disappointed.
Happy Reading!
January 15, 2014
Okay, so first of all this book is FILTHY, and I mean that in the best of all possible ways. These books are always deliciously dirty, but between Patrick's inner monologue about the ways Sarah isn't safe from him and the actual tying him up, I was fully invested in the sex aspect of this book.
Second, I am very impressed with how well this functions as a companion book to The Chocolate Heart and yet stands completely on its own. You can absolutely read one without the other, but they're both the better, I think, for having read them both. To me, this was especially evident in the scene where Luc tells Sarah that she'd damn well be worthy of Patrick if she's going to steal him. That scene KILLED me. It was really perfect.
And just--I am so into their dynamic. They're both in the business of making other people's dreams come true and it's only by coming together that they can get their own. And the book makes a point of talking about how dreams can change, and how people can support each other and they TALK, and yeah, they get the talking wrong sometimes, but when they get it right it just makes me so, so happy.
My one complaint is that I was teased with Magalie and Philippe and didn't get to actually see them. BRING BACK MAGALIE AND PHILIPPE.
Second, I am very impressed with how well this functions as a companion book to The Chocolate Heart and yet stands completely on its own. You can absolutely read one without the other, but they're both the better, I think, for having read them both. To me, this was especially evident in the scene where Luc tells Sarah that she'd damn well be worthy of Patrick if she's going to steal him. That scene KILLED me. It was really perfect.
And just--I am so into their dynamic. They're both in the business of making other people's dreams come true and it's only by coming together that they can get their own. And the book makes a point of talking about how dreams can change, and how people can support each other and they TALK, and yeah, they get the talking wrong sometimes, but when they get it right it just makes me so, so happy.
My one complaint is that I was teased with Magalie and Philippe and didn't get to actually see them. BRING BACK MAGALIE AND PHILIPPE.
July 17, 2014
Originally posted here.
Apparently I've had a draft of a review for The Chocolate Temptation by Laura Florand sitting in my dashboard for the past few months. I dusted it off and tweaked it just in time for Amour et Florand this weekend. It’s always a pleasure to read a book by one of your favorite authors. The Chocolate Temptation is part of the Amour et Chocolat series and the books can be read out of order because they stand well enough on their own. However, the characters in The Chocolate Temptation were earlier featured in The Chocolate Heart so I think it would be a good idea to read the latter first. I was intrigued by Patrick in The Chocolate Heart so I’m delighted that he got his own book.
Out of all the Amour et Chocolat novels, The Chocolate Temptation stands out because one of the main characters is a female pastry chef. I know how male-dominated the industry is since I have a cousin abroad who works in that field, so it’s pretty interesting to get a better idea of what things are like from Sarah’s point of view. I think Sarah is a great character. I love how brave she is in terms of changing career paths. She’s an intelligent person, with an engineering degree from Caltech. She could have been living comfortably in the States while working as an engineer and yet she chooses to throw that away to pursue a culinary career. I admire her guts and her passion for what she feels is the right path for her. Patrick is also very passionate about being a pastry chef. He was once a foster child but he has risen to the top of the culinary ladder and is now one of the best pastry chefs in Paris. I liked Patrick’s easygoing nature and how he’s constantly being likened to a beach bum/surfer guy. What a contrast to the demanding and hectic workplace that they thrive in. He also has a terrific sense of humor, which he uses to relieve the pressure that everyone feels in their work environment. I also loved the dynamics between his relationship with Luc, especially after getting Luc’s POV from The Chocolate Heart.
Sarah thinks of herself as the lowly intern and she obviously looks up to Patrick as her mentor. Being attracted to each other, without knowing what the other person is feeling, gives their relationship tension that stretches out over the months of Sarah’s internship. They both feel that liking the other person is inappropriate – since Patrick is essentially one of Sarah’s bosses – and yet they can’t help feeling that way. I loved this bit of comparison of their romance to their creations:
Such a beautiful way of describing what began as a tentative romance that slowly developed into something deeper. Given how passionate they are about their work, it's not surprising how strong their feelings are for each other. I'm not usually a fan of workplace romance but Laura Florand handles it so well. I had such a lovely time reading about Sarah and Patrick - from how they started getting to know each other outside the workplace to how much they're willing to sacrifice to make the other person happy. At this point, I feel like I'm a broken record because I keep recommending Laura Florand's books. But that's only because they're SO GOOD. Go forth and read them.
Apparently I've had a draft of a review for The Chocolate Temptation by Laura Florand sitting in my dashboard for the past few months. I dusted it off and tweaked it just in time for Amour et Florand this weekend. It’s always a pleasure to read a book by one of your favorite authors. The Chocolate Temptation is part of the Amour et Chocolat series and the books can be read out of order because they stand well enough on their own. However, the characters in The Chocolate Temptation were earlier featured in The Chocolate Heart so I think it would be a good idea to read the latter first. I was intrigued by Patrick in The Chocolate Heart so I’m delighted that he got his own book.
Out of all the Amour et Chocolat novels, The Chocolate Temptation stands out because one of the main characters is a female pastry chef. I know how male-dominated the industry is since I have a cousin abroad who works in that field, so it’s pretty interesting to get a better idea of what things are like from Sarah’s point of view. I think Sarah is a great character. I love how brave she is in terms of changing career paths. She’s an intelligent person, with an engineering degree from Caltech. She could have been living comfortably in the States while working as an engineer and yet she chooses to throw that away to pursue a culinary career. I admire her guts and her passion for what she feels is the right path for her. Patrick is also very passionate about being a pastry chef. He was once a foster child but he has risen to the top of the culinary ladder and is now one of the best pastry chefs in Paris. I liked Patrick’s easygoing nature and how he’s constantly being likened to a beach bum/surfer guy. What a contrast to the demanding and hectic workplace that they thrive in. He also has a terrific sense of humor, which he uses to relieve the pressure that everyone feels in their work environment. I also loved the dynamics between his relationship with Luc, especially after getting Luc’s POV from The Chocolate Heart.
Sarah thinks of herself as the lowly intern and she obviously looks up to Patrick as her mentor. Being attracted to each other, without knowing what the other person is feeling, gives their relationship tension that stretches out over the months of Sarah’s internship. They both feel that liking the other person is inappropriate – since Patrick is essentially one of Sarah’s bosses – and yet they can’t help feeling that way. I loved this bit of comparison of their romance to their creations:
"This thing between them was like this beautiful fairytale of a dessert constructed out of work and caution and risk and whimsy. Leaping and twirling, full of color and taste, a wrong breath could break it. And yet night after night, in the kitchens, they made such fragile magics and waiters got that fragility all the way to the tables they were meant for."
Such a beautiful way of describing what began as a tentative romance that slowly developed into something deeper. Given how passionate they are about their work, it's not surprising how strong their feelings are for each other. I'm not usually a fan of workplace romance but Laura Florand handles it so well. I had such a lovely time reading about Sarah and Patrick - from how they started getting to know each other outside the workplace to how much they're willing to sacrifice to make the other person happy. At this point, I feel like I'm a broken record because I keep recommending Laura Florand's books. But that's only because they're SO GOOD. Go forth and read them.
October 3, 2015
This book wasn't exactly instalovey because they'd been circling one another for months without the other realizing it, but I really felt like it was instalove. They go from colleagues to staying at one another's apartments within a week or so. And this is me assuming it was a week because it goes from Sarah having "a little over a month" remaining as their intern, to having four weeks left by the end.
Unlike the first book that I read by Florand, I really liked the male lead in this one. Patrick was great all around. I generally don't like the way possessiveness is portrayed within many books in these "alphas" (read: assholes), but I really liked the way it was brought out in Patrick. I really liked that the author had him being insecure and kind of needy, making him all that more appealing by giving him a vulnerability.
I also have to give props to the author for giving us a WOC! Honestly, I bumped this book up in rating simply because she included a Korean woman as her lead. The only complaint that I have in regards to her, though, is that I felt she was more support than main in comparison to Patrick. I wish we'd gotten to meet her mother or sister. I also wish we'd gotten a scene of her making either Korean food for Patrick (which she'd said she would) or even just shared something of her culture. We spend the whole book with Patrick's background and culture, but, other than just telling us about her origins, we don't actually get to see anything in relation to Sarah's North Korean heritage.
Although I enjoyed this book far more than Sylvain's, I think this author's writing just might not be for me. I did like that the sexual innuendo was toned down in this book a whole lot. I generally do enjoy reading double entendres, but I felt the first book just did it far too much, taking it form amusing to annoying. I also felt that the amount of French thrown in was toned down a good deal, which I am mightily grateful for. I like foreign words and phrases here and there, but I hated how prevalent they were in the first book. Just as with the innuendo, it took it from enjoyable to annoying pretty quickly.
I also found the writing in this book to be very introspective, a lot of self-analysis by the characters thrown in. There's also a good deal dedicated to scenery descriptions.
See...it's not bad by any means, but it just had me wanting to get to the story. I generally don't enjoy when the writing meanders a whole lot, describing the setting and the character's feelings and what not.
Unlike the first book that I read by Florand, I really liked the male lead in this one. Patrick was great all around. I generally don't like the way possessiveness is portrayed within many books in these "alphas" (read: assholes), but I really liked the way it was brought out in Patrick. I really liked that the author had him being insecure and kind of needy, making him all that more appealing by giving him a vulnerability.
I also have to give props to the author for giving us a WOC! Honestly, I bumped this book up in rating simply because she included a Korean woman as her lead. The only complaint that I have in regards to her, though, is that I felt she was more support than main in comparison to Patrick. I wish we'd gotten to meet her mother or sister. I also wish we'd gotten a scene of her making either Korean food for Patrick (which she'd said she would) or even just shared something of her culture. We spend the whole book with Patrick's background and culture, but, other than just telling us about her origins, we don't actually get to see anything in relation to Sarah's North Korean heritage.
Although I enjoyed this book far more than Sylvain's, I think this author's writing just might not be for me. I did like that the sexual innuendo was toned down in this book a whole lot. I generally do enjoy reading double entendres, but I felt the first book just did it far too much, taking it form amusing to annoying. I also felt that the amount of French thrown in was toned down a good deal, which I am mightily grateful for. I like foreign words and phrases here and there, but I hated how prevalent they were in the first book. Just as with the innuendo, it took it from enjoyable to annoying pretty quickly.
I also found the writing in this book to be very introspective, a lot of self-analysis by the characters thrown in. There's also a good deal dedicated to scenery descriptions.
It was as if little by little, in those walks, in those quiet moments, shields opened. The mix of fatigue and adrenaline, the beauty of the Paris night that made every dream seem possible, the cold that pushed them together, sometimes under an umbrella as winter rains tried to wash all the city’s dreams away under their chill. They failed, those stubborn, frustrated rains. All they did was make another human body seem enticingly warm.
See...it's not bad by any means, but it just had me wanting to get to the story. I generally don't enjoy when the writing meanders a whole lot, describing the setting and the character's feelings and what not.
July 23, 2014
Ergh, I wanted to stop at that chapter when Patrick went all creeper on Sarah during the night he walked her to her apt with the excuse of wanting to borrow an umbrella. (SPOILER- he had STOLEN her umbrella so he could have an excuse to stay at her apt- he even kindly thought about quietly returning the umbrella in the morning when he left.) Are you kidding me? This guy is crazy, not romantic. But I wanted to see if this train wreck was going to fix itself or continue on its path to destruction... And YUP, it did-- go on wrecking itself, I mean.
And that doozy when he basically confessed to sexually harassing her at work when she suddenly realized all the UST was him sexually harassing and manipulating her- is this for real? How could she NOT be running for the hills after that? I understand her admiration and attraction for him, but damn, don't take that shit from anyone, not even a handsome French dude like Patrick.
And can anyone tell me what the plot was? I mean, I know a lot of romantic novels are rather iffy in the plot area, but I totally lost the plot on this one. (And don't tell me that this is a romance novel-- it's supposed to FOCUS on the looooooove between the protagonist vs the plot itself. I KNOW you can have BOTH and still have a successful romance novel.) I thought I was going to read about Sarah's internship at this famous pastry kitchen and learning about her ambitions, not this terrible, terrible MAN PAIN thinly veiled as this awesome idea about an Asian American women who gave up her life's work in her first career to work in a male dominated Parisian pastry kitchen as an intern. And DAMN she even learned fluent French for this chance! I feel so let down! I would give it one star, but I'll tack on the extra one because of the awesome premise.
And that doozy when he basically confessed to sexually harassing her at work when she suddenly realized all the UST was him sexually harassing and manipulating her- is this for real? How could she NOT be running for the hills after that? I understand her admiration and attraction for him, but damn, don't take that shit from anyone, not even a handsome French dude like Patrick.
And can anyone tell me what the plot was? I mean, I know a lot of romantic novels are rather iffy in the plot area, but I totally lost the plot on this one. (And don't tell me that this is a romance novel-- it's supposed to FOCUS on the looooooove between the protagonist vs the plot itself. I KNOW you can have BOTH and still have a successful romance novel.) I thought I was going to read about Sarah's internship at this famous pastry kitchen and learning about her ambitions, not this terrible, terrible MAN PAIN thinly veiled as this awesome idea about an Asian American women who gave up her life's work in her first career to work in a male dominated Parisian pastry kitchen as an intern. And DAMN she even learned fluent French for this chance! I feel so let down! I would give it one star, but I'll tack on the extra one because of the awesome premise.
October 5, 2014
I've been taking my time with the Florand books, but was in a mood, so it was finally time to read this one and ohhhh. So great.
I've had crushes on a lot of guys like Patrick, so I could relate a lot to the feeling of, "Oh, this golden boy could never like ME." That was just so well done and I liked how Sarah had trouble accepting it even when she KNEW better.
(And oh Patrick. How hard he worked to disguise how hard he worked!)
I also really loved that both of them were still exploring their dreams and figuring out what they wanted from life. That's SO refreshing compared to the twenty-something contemporary romance characters who have their lives all figured out!
I wish the end have been drawn out a little more, though. Not so much the romance (that was all great!), but what did the rest of the kitchen think of Patrick and Sarah? Of Luc's decision? I want to knooooow.
I've had crushes on a lot of guys like Patrick, so I could relate a lot to the feeling of, "Oh, this golden boy could never like ME." That was just so well done and I liked how Sarah had trouble accepting it even when she KNEW better.
(And oh Patrick. How hard he worked to disguise how hard he worked!)
I also really loved that both of them were still exploring their dreams and figuring out what they wanted from life. That's SO refreshing compared to the twenty-something contemporary romance characters who have their lives all figured out!
I wish the end have been drawn out a little more, though. Not so much the romance (that was all great!), but what did the rest of the kitchen think of Patrick and Sarah? Of Luc's decision? I want to knooooow.
February 17, 2014
I gave The Chocolate Temptation five stars, but that almost hurts me to do so. I want to give this book an infinite amount of stars. The Chocolate Temptation is hard for me to wrap my head around and articulate everything I want to say about it. Several of my friends have reviewed it and have done a far better job.
Sarah Lin is nearing the end of her term as intern in the best pastry kitchen in Paris. It is demanding and exhausting work, but it is her dream. Sarah believes she is failing, always a moment away from being fired by the Chef, if not for his second-in-command, Patrick Chevalier. Patrick invited Sarah to intern, and seems invested in helping her succeed. But he is charismatic and flirtatious and seems to like - and be liked by- everyone. Sarah cannot help but fall a bit in love with this dynamic man, but seeing him flirt and charm his way with everyone breaks her heart a bit. How could she, very quiet and struggling, ever be good enough for him? She chooses instead to hate him.
Patrick Chevalier is fascinated by small, quiet, perfection-seeking Sarah. He's spent her internship helping her in any way he can, even in ways she never realizes. He's in an awful position, walking a fine line between maintaining a professional distance from his intern, and going after the woman he loves. Patrick is desperate to have Sarah, but also desperate to protect his own heart. A difficult past has shown Patrick that whatever he loves will eventually be taken away from him, so how could he possibly tell Sarah. He lays the pieces of his heart out as subtly as he can, in macaron, or a sugar-spun heart; Sarah is so lost inside her own head and protective of her own heart that she cannot see what is in front of her. It is a fragile and exhausting pull between these two. Patrick wants to take care of Sarah, yet knows she must make her own way in the kitchen. Sarah wants to believe Patrick can love her, but she mustn't be the only one to put her heart on the line. Florand created a fabulous pairing in these two, and worked that to a fine, exhilarating perfection.
Once again, Florand's depiction of Paris was so gorgeous and detailed and for the first time in my life, I truly want to visit. I feel as if I already have, in fact. In the pastry kitchen as well. I could smell the desserts, see that sugar being manipulated. It was as fascinating as if I had actually seen it. The romantic aspect was very intimate, quiet, but as real and emotional as it gets.
I can list so many more things I loved about The Chocolate Temptation, truly. I feel emotionally exhausted (in the best of ways) but also invigorated. This is a story that has been my pleasure to read.
Favorite Quotes:
"Sarabelle," he called laughingly, and she hated him for that, too. The way her ordinary, serious American name turned so exotic and caressing with those French Rs and dulcet Ahs, like a sigh of rich silk all over her skin. The way he added belle onto it, whenever it struck his fancy, as if that couldn't break someone's heart...
"You have no idea how beautiful you are, do you?" Patrick said. "How many times I could make you come like this, just so I could watch you."
Her lashes rose, and the water caught in them, stinging her eyes as she tried to stare at him through the drops. He wasn't smiling. He didn't look as if he was waiting to catch his next wave. His face was severe, stark, his concentration so intense it almost hurt, as if she might be wrenched away from him if get didn't look at her hard enough. As if that mattered.
"It's...?"
"Everything," she said on a rush.
His eyes brightened, intensely blue, and he waited, breath held.
"The way you make me laugh, and the way you flirt, just--teasing, you know, and the way you always know what to do, and the way you make me feel like I can do it, that it’s all right, if I relax and give it time, I’ll be fine. The way you’re so gorgeous, everything you do looks so beautiful and so easy, and yet it can’t be easy, but…it doesn’t matter, when you’re there. When you’re there, it feels possible."
Sarah Lin is nearing the end of her term as intern in the best pastry kitchen in Paris. It is demanding and exhausting work, but it is her dream. Sarah believes she is failing, always a moment away from being fired by the Chef, if not for his second-in-command, Patrick Chevalier. Patrick invited Sarah to intern, and seems invested in helping her succeed. But he is charismatic and flirtatious and seems to like - and be liked by- everyone. Sarah cannot help but fall a bit in love with this dynamic man, but seeing him flirt and charm his way with everyone breaks her heart a bit. How could she, very quiet and struggling, ever be good enough for him? She chooses instead to hate him.
Patrick Chevalier is fascinated by small, quiet, perfection-seeking Sarah. He's spent her internship helping her in any way he can, even in ways she never realizes. He's in an awful position, walking a fine line between maintaining a professional distance from his intern, and going after the woman he loves. Patrick is desperate to have Sarah, but also desperate to protect his own heart. A difficult past has shown Patrick that whatever he loves will eventually be taken away from him, so how could he possibly tell Sarah. He lays the pieces of his heart out as subtly as he can, in macaron, or a sugar-spun heart; Sarah is so lost inside her own head and protective of her own heart that she cannot see what is in front of her. It is a fragile and exhausting pull between these two. Patrick wants to take care of Sarah, yet knows she must make her own way in the kitchen. Sarah wants to believe Patrick can love her, but she mustn't be the only one to put her heart on the line. Florand created a fabulous pairing in these two, and worked that to a fine, exhilarating perfection.
Once again, Florand's depiction of Paris was so gorgeous and detailed and for the first time in my life, I truly want to visit. I feel as if I already have, in fact. In the pastry kitchen as well. I could smell the desserts, see that sugar being manipulated. It was as fascinating as if I had actually seen it. The romantic aspect was very intimate, quiet, but as real and emotional as it gets.
I can list so many more things I loved about The Chocolate Temptation, truly. I feel emotionally exhausted (in the best of ways) but also invigorated. This is a story that has been my pleasure to read.
Favorite Quotes:
"Sarabelle," he called laughingly, and she hated him for that, too. The way her ordinary, serious American name turned so exotic and caressing with those French Rs and dulcet Ahs, like a sigh of rich silk all over her skin. The way he added belle onto it, whenever it struck his fancy, as if that couldn't break someone's heart...
"You have no idea how beautiful you are, do you?" Patrick said. "How many times I could make you come like this, just so I could watch you."
Her lashes rose, and the water caught in them, stinging her eyes as she tried to stare at him through the drops. He wasn't smiling. He didn't look as if he was waiting to catch his next wave. His face was severe, stark, his concentration so intense it almost hurt, as if she might be wrenched away from him if get didn't look at her hard enough. As if that mattered.
"It's...?"
"Everything," she said on a rush.
His eyes brightened, intensely blue, and he waited, breath held.
"The way you make me laugh, and the way you flirt, just--teasing, you know, and the way you always know what to do, and the way you make me feel like I can do it, that it’s all right, if I relax and give it time, I’ll be fine. The way you’re so gorgeous, everything you do looks so beautiful and so easy, and yet it can’t be easy, but…it doesn’t matter, when you’re there. When you’re there, it feels possible."
January 25, 2014
Source: Review copy provided by the author for my honest review:
There's something about this series - the evocative prose, the over the top passionate characters and the drool worthy food descriptions that sends me to my happy escapist reader place.
This series has a formula. The men are broody, controlling and confident. They come barreling through all demanding in pursuit of love but the women give right back and make them work for it. They love BIG. The stories are super angsty. I mean all of this in the best possible way. Florand knows how to write these heroes and angst in way that has me swooning, rather than shaking my fists in frustration. In this particular case, I like the formula. I expect the formula. It brings me comfort. So when she breaks that formula with a seemingly happy chef?? I was excited but a little nervous.
But... if you’ve read Amour et Chocolat #5, The Chocolate Heart, you noticed that the secondary character, Patrick, almost stole the show. I was DYING for his book!
Patrick is a successful sous chef and second in command to Luc Leroi (the hero of The Chocolate Heart) He's laid back, all sunshine and light. He just coasts through life, doing everything right, never getting frustrated about anything. He doesn't even aspire to own his own restaurant *gasp* or to obtain those three Michelin stars that are the driving force for every top chef, even though he's one of the best. He's happy being number two to Luc.
This frustrates French Pastry intern, Sarah Lin, to no end. How can he be so calm and just discard her pastries as imperfect when she struggles SO hard to make everything just right? She hates his attitude, yet wishes she could attain that level of calm herself. As the only female working in Leroi's kitchen, Sarah feels a tremendous pressure to succeed and not to show weakness.
This was such an interesting romance on so many levels. Whereas dark, standoffish and brooding is the standard behavior for almost all damaged heroes, Patrick wraps himself in a veil of lightness and humor to protect himself from being hurt. He's incredibly kind, loyal and thoughtful, making sure Sarah has breakfast every morning for example, but has to walk the line of not favoring her in the kitchen. I love how Florand addressed the issue of women working, in what is essentially a man's world, and how Patrick feels the need to not cross that boundary of making Sarah feel that her job is dependent on embracing or fending off his advances. It's a real issue in the workplace. He wants to protect her and show favoritism because he cares but he also knows that won't toughen her up or let her earn the respect she needs to do to work in a top kitchen.
The character's are flawed and they stumble on their way to their HEA but I think Patrick and Sarah's HEA is the one I most believe in. They really discuss their futures, outside of life in the kitchens, and talk about real sacrifices and compromises they would need to make for each other. There is also a a sense of heritage, expectations and loyalty in this story that made it stand out from the previous books in this series. It won't be easy for them but I just know they'll be ok.
And when Patrick calls her Sarahbelle.....ahhh *thud*
Final thoughts: The Chocolate Kiss is still my favorite but this is a strong #2.
There's something about this series - the evocative prose, the over the top passionate characters and the drool worthy food descriptions that sends me to my happy escapist reader place.
This series has a formula. The men are broody, controlling and confident. They come barreling through all demanding in pursuit of love but the women give right back and make them work for it. They love BIG. The stories are super angsty. I mean all of this in the best possible way. Florand knows how to write these heroes and angst in way that has me swooning, rather than shaking my fists in frustration. In this particular case, I like the formula. I expect the formula. It brings me comfort. So when she breaks that formula with a seemingly happy chef?? I was excited but a little nervous.
But... if you’ve read Amour et Chocolat #5, The Chocolate Heart, you noticed that the secondary character, Patrick, almost stole the show. I was DYING for his book!
Patrick is a successful sous chef and second in command to Luc Leroi (the hero of The Chocolate Heart) He's laid back, all sunshine and light. He just coasts through life, doing everything right, never getting frustrated about anything. He doesn't even aspire to own his own restaurant *gasp* or to obtain those three Michelin stars that are the driving force for every top chef, even though he's one of the best. He's happy being number two to Luc.
This frustrates French Pastry intern, Sarah Lin, to no end. How can he be so calm and just discard her pastries as imperfect when she struggles SO hard to make everything just right? She hates his attitude, yet wishes she could attain that level of calm herself. As the only female working in Leroi's kitchen, Sarah feels a tremendous pressure to succeed and not to show weakness.
This was such an interesting romance on so many levels. Whereas dark, standoffish and brooding is the standard behavior for almost all damaged heroes, Patrick wraps himself in a veil of lightness and humor to protect himself from being hurt. He's incredibly kind, loyal and thoughtful, making sure Sarah has breakfast every morning for example, but has to walk the line of not favoring her in the kitchen. I love how Florand addressed the issue of women working, in what is essentially a man's world, and how Patrick feels the need to not cross that boundary of making Sarah feel that her job is dependent on embracing or fending off his advances. It's a real issue in the workplace. He wants to protect her and show favoritism because he cares but he also knows that won't toughen her up or let her earn the respect she needs to do to work in a top kitchen.
The character's are flawed and they stumble on their way to their HEA but I think Patrick and Sarah's HEA is the one I most believe in. They really discuss their futures, outside of life in the kitchens, and talk about real sacrifices and compromises they would need to make for each other. There is also a a sense of heritage, expectations and loyalty in this story that made it stand out from the previous books in this series. It won't be easy for them but I just know they'll be ok.
And when Patrick calls her Sarahbelle.....ahhh *thud*
Final thoughts: The Chocolate Kiss is still my favorite but this is a strong #2.
December 27, 2014
Laura Florand just keeps writing these stories oh so perfectly. This one has the couple dynamic I love the most too-an outwardly lazy, always joking, light bearded man who is using his humor and charm to disguise a super-driven serious heart and a perfectionist introverted girl who takes herself a little too seriously. The dynamic between Patrick and Sarah is wonderful and I enjoyed how their relationship developed, and how they handled it despite their working relationship. And as is typical of Florand's works, there's a fairy tale inside it.
July 6, 2016
I was frusterated that the H seemed to play head games with the h even though he was obsessed with her.
August 27, 2016
Maybe I sound too harsh, but this book does not deserve to be read, especially if you're like me, a highly spirited and opinionated girl. The thing about this book that has me ranting this much is, surprise, surprise, the heroine. How can a woman be this much passive? It was like Florand had seen Kristen Stewart and thought, I'm going to make my next heroine as responsive as a mop.
How I was imagining Sarah through the 50% I've read
The woman said ten sentences max. She allowed Patrick to take charge of everything, accepting everything he offered, not once even trying to talk about what they were doing and what they wanted. That frustrates me to no end because if I were in a similar situation (sleeping with my boss, because we just couldn't control our urges until my internship ends in three weeks *rolls eyes*) I would set the boundaries VERY clearly, that is, keep business and pleasure separated, not allowing him (and myself) to think less of me because of our work situation. Of course, our Patrick, the perfect hero, worships the ground Sarah walks on, so he never would've thought of disrespecting her, but Sarah doesn't know, since she never really talked to him. Sarah is her own kind of stupid, which is what made me DNF this somewhere around 50%.
DNFing a book is a very liberating experience. I used to think I will prove my character by making myself read through the whole damn thing, even though it insults my intelligence and everything I believe in, until I realized nobody cares except myself. So why doing something you obviously hate, that has no purpose whatsoever besides annoying the shit out of you? Once I realized that, the feeling of banging my head against a very solid surface (wall, desk, floor, whatever works for you) kind of evaporated.
So, I have to say thank you, you awful book, for this amazing discovery, for if it weren't for you I would probably be still forcing myself to finish books that are mind-numbingly boring, insulting, poorly written with characters that mock every progress humanity has made since The Stone Age.
BTW I give up on Laura Florand. Her works just don't do it for me.
How I was imagining Sarah through the 50% I've read
The woman said ten sentences max. She allowed Patrick to take charge of everything, accepting everything he offered, not once even trying to talk about what they were doing and what they wanted. That frustrates me to no end because if I were in a similar situation (sleeping with my boss, because we just couldn't control our urges until my internship ends in three weeks *rolls eyes*) I would set the boundaries VERY clearly, that is, keep business and pleasure separated, not allowing him (and myself) to think less of me because of our work situation. Of course, our Patrick, the perfect hero, worships the ground Sarah walks on, so he never would've thought of disrespecting her, but Sarah doesn't know, since she never really talked to him. Sarah is her own kind of stupid, which is what made me DNF this somewhere around 50%.
DNFing a book is a very liberating experience. I used to think I will prove my character by making myself read through the whole damn thing, even though it insults my intelligence and everything I believe in, until I realized nobody cares except myself. So why doing something you obviously hate, that has no purpose whatsoever besides annoying the shit out of you? Once I realized that, the feeling of banging my head against a very solid surface (wall, desk, floor, whatever works for you) kind of evaporated.
So, I have to say thank you, you awful book, for this amazing discovery, for if it weren't for you I would probably be still forcing myself to finish books that are mind-numbingly boring, insulting, poorly written with characters that mock every progress humanity has made since The Stone Age.
BTW I give up on Laura Florand. Her works just don't do it for me.
January 15, 2014
As the final addition to her series, this did not disappoint, even if I am sad to see this series come to a close.
March 7, 2014
There aren't many things I love more than reading and sweets, chocolate in particular. Combine the two and I'm in bliss. Laura Florand writes stories set in romantic Paris featuring heroes as mouth watering as the confections they make. In this case, Laura's broken with tradition and written about a beta hero instead of her usual delectable alphas. Patrick featured in her previous book The Chocolate Heart as the hero Luc Leroi's best friend and second in command.
I loved getting to know what made Patrick Chevalier and Sarah Lin tick, seeing them slowly lower their barriers, and let the other in. I did find that it took me longer to get through the initial 25% or so of the book, but after that it was smooth sailing with me ravaging the pages in my eagerness to see what happened next. Patrick was able to take Sarah's hate for him and turn it into fuel for his pursuit of her, which was very interesting. It's also important to note that if you haven't read The Chocolate Heart, then you won't be hurting yourself if you decide to pick up the The Chocolate Temptation first. Both stories occur simultaneously and are independent of each other.
To be honest, Laura Florand is an author I highly recommend. She hasn't written anything I haven't absolutely loved. I think when you can't help but fall in love with a character whether you want or not just goes to show the caliber of writer you're enjoying. I can't wait to see what she writes next.
I loved getting to know what made Patrick Chevalier and Sarah Lin tick, seeing them slowly lower their barriers, and let the other in. I did find that it took me longer to get through the initial 25% or so of the book, but after that it was smooth sailing with me ravaging the pages in my eagerness to see what happened next. Patrick was able to take Sarah's hate for him and turn it into fuel for his pursuit of her, which was very interesting. It's also important to note that if you haven't read The Chocolate Heart, then you won't be hurting yourself if you decide to pick up the The Chocolate Temptation first. Both stories occur simultaneously and are independent of each other.
To be honest, Laura Florand is an author I highly recommend. She hasn't written anything I haven't absolutely loved. I think when you can't help but fall in love with a character whether you want or not just goes to show the caliber of writer you're enjoying. I can't wait to see what she writes next.
May 19, 2016
I'm sorry, Laura Florand, but this book fell flat for me. I've really liked most of your other books, but I just couldn't connect with this one. It felt like it dragged on for much longer than it needed for these befuddled characters to figure out their issues.
I found Patrick really annoying. Hiding how much he cares about something or someone by treating everything in life in a carefree manner? Annoying...and it gets old fast. Thank goodness the story picks up towards the end of Sarah's internship and I didn't have to read about how he did that for five months. Sarah's character is, I suppose, the stereotypical Asian character. Pretty stoic, doesn't cry, driven, a seemingly put together perfectionist. As an Asian person, I don't necessarily disagree with some of these stereotypes, but I wish she was different. She was boring.
I found the whole story boring. I'm glad that Patrick was able to finally say what was important to him and Sarah was willing to put herself out there, too, but they really have a lot of issues to work through.
I found Patrick really annoying. Hiding how much he cares about something or someone by treating everything in life in a carefree manner? Annoying...and it gets old fast. Thank goodness the story picks up towards the end of Sarah's internship and I didn't have to read about how he did that for five months. Sarah's character is, I suppose, the stereotypical Asian character. Pretty stoic, doesn't cry, driven, a seemingly put together perfectionist. As an Asian person, I don't necessarily disagree with some of these stereotypes, but I wish she was different. She was boring.
I found the whole story boring. I'm glad that Patrick was able to finally say what was important to him and Sarah was willing to put herself out there, too, but they really have a lot of issues to work through.
March 26, 2020
I didn’t realize I haven’t read a Laura Florand book since The Chocolate Heart in August 2017. I’ve missed her. I’ve missed how exquisitely she describes desserts and how she transports me to Paris with the romance she employs in the language and the sights and the weather. Le sigh.
I’ve stopped writing today because I couldn’t put this book down. Sarah and Patrick’s story is not as angsty as Luc and Corey’s but it has its own intensity in words unsaid, in feelings hidden, in the effects of their mothers’ influence in shaping their present and their dreams for the future.
Laura kept the tension tight from Sarah’s “I hate you” all the way to Patrick’s “Je t’aime” on top of Tour Eiffel.
So, so, so good. Now, to go back to The Chocolate Touch.
I’ve stopped writing today because I couldn’t put this book down. Sarah and Patrick’s story is not as angsty as Luc and Corey’s but it has its own intensity in words unsaid, in feelings hidden, in the effects of their mothers’ influence in shaping their present and their dreams for the future.
Laura kept the tension tight from Sarah’s “I hate you” all the way to Patrick’s “Je t’aime” on top of Tour Eiffel.
So, so, so good. Now, to go back to The Chocolate Touch.
January 27, 2017
3.5 stars
Addictive in the beginning, but loses steam after the first half. As I really enjoyed the author's prose, I will definitely read more of her books.
The lead couple had great chemistry and frankly, that's we look for in a romance book.Nevertheless, I wouldn't categorise it as just a romance book. Character growth,their inhibitions,past experiences are very well showcased and the story is just brimming with the depth that I crave from books(in order to love them completely).
Final Words: As a person of Asian origin, I certainly wouldn't mind the inclusion of more Asian protagonists like Sarah in here.
Addictive in the beginning, but loses steam after the first half. As I really enjoyed the author's prose, I will definitely read more of her books.
The lead couple had great chemistry and frankly, that's we look for in a romance book.Nevertheless, I wouldn't categorise it as just a romance book. Character growth,their inhibitions,past experiences are very well showcased and the story is just brimming with the depth that I crave from books(in order to love them completely).
Final Words: As a person of Asian origin, I certainly wouldn't mind the inclusion of more Asian protagonists like Sarah in here.
January 26, 2014
I picked this book up because several people I listen to & respect loved it. This is my first experience with the author and I'd give her another shot, BUTTTTTTTTTTTT. The hero really straddled the line between romantic and totally creepy. Add to that a heroine who fights the romance and runs from it 75% of the book, and I just didn't enjoy it as much as others seemed to have. Did I mention the hero came across as kinda super creepy to me at times? Yeah. Regardless, the story was still compelling enough to make me try another book in the series.
January 3, 2016
This is my first book in the Amour et Chocolat series, but I truly do have a fond spot for it. I was more than impressed by how well characterized Patrick and Lin are. I adore Florand's writing and the mouthwatering descriptions of desserts make everything great
January 7, 2014
Patrick and Sarah
Best one yet. I absolutely loved this story. Loved. Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
Best one yet. I absolutely loved this story. Loved. Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
June 23, 2025
This book is just too dated for me. I initially wanted to read it because Sarah is a Korean-American woman. Then I grew to love Patrick in the previous book. Well, this book changed my mind on him. Idk why authors attempting to deconstruct their leads end up making them unappealing not sympathetic.
This story was backwards. It’s fine if the characters hook up or are physical before an emotional connection but the circumstances of the first hook up are very imbalanced, manipulative and tbh sexual harassment—which is explicitly admitted by the dude and only later is the lead saying that she probably couldn’t say no but she wouldn’t have. I think their connection came closer to the end when they were actually talking with each other (Sarah is written to not talk in intense situations due to her upbringing and the power imbalance…also felt like a racist trope). Their romance really had me questioning if they were forever, unlike other couples in the series that I’ve read. It becomes rushed once they genuinely share about their dreams and love for each together because this all happens so late in the book. The most disappointing thing is that once you gather their backstories, motivations and what makes them click it does make sense but this happens by the last few chapters.
It’s an aggravating journey of miscommunication and sexual harassment. There was room for this to be better. The story is essentially a take on Cinderella and so while there was power imbalance, it could have been done much more appropriately. The issues in the writing are beyond a romance between imperfect people. It felt like Sarah was at a disservice for most of the story. I wanted more for her. (Not even mentioning the cultural pieces…that’s another convo). When it was done well it was actually sweet. Two stars for that!
This story was backwards. It’s fine if the characters hook up or are physical before an emotional connection but the circumstances of the first hook up are very imbalanced, manipulative and tbh sexual harassment—which is explicitly admitted by the dude and only later is the lead saying that she probably couldn’t say no but she wouldn’t have. I think their connection came closer to the end when they were actually talking with each other (Sarah is written to not talk in intense situations due to her upbringing and the power imbalance…also felt like a racist trope). Their romance really had me questioning if they were forever, unlike other couples in the series that I’ve read. It becomes rushed once they genuinely share about their dreams and love for each together because this all happens so late in the book. The most disappointing thing is that once you gather their backstories, motivations and what makes them click it does make sense but this happens by the last few chapters.
It’s an aggravating journey of miscommunication and sexual harassment. There was room for this to be better. The story is essentially a take on Cinderella and so while there was power imbalance, it could have been done much more appropriately. The issues in the writing are beyond a romance between imperfect people. It felt like Sarah was at a disservice for most of the story. I wanted more for her. (Not even mentioning the cultural pieces…that’s another convo). When it was done well it was actually sweet. Two stars for that!
February 14, 2020
For Valentine's Day, I'm treating myself to The Chocolate Temptation by Laura Florand, my favorite of her Amour et Chocolat series. Bonus: a gorgeous Valentine's Day scene! I remember buying this because the heroine was Asian American, but I ended up loving it for the hero's worship of her. Korean-American Sarah is struggling in Paris as a lowly pastry intern and she has no idea how much she has come to mean to rock star patissier Patrick Chevalier.
See my full review at www.luckyreadsromance.blogspot.com
He had tried and tried and tried to get her to crack without revealing his hand, for months he had tried to make her be the one who went after him, but he broken himself on that pure, serious focus of hers.For Valentine's Day, for pastry food porn, for nostalgia, for Paris, for a man hopelessly in love, I'm glad to return to Florand's world of Amour et Chocolat.
See my full review at www.luckyreadsromance.blogspot.com
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