What do you think?
Rate this book
French Caress
L.A. architect Nicole Lesdaux has been given a dream project: building a luxury treehouse for handsome record producer Johnny Patrick's little daughter Jordi. As Nicole settles into the job, she can't help but be attracted to Johnny - warm personality, loving father, and a body to die for.
Nicole tells herself she can never allow herself to get involved with clients. But when tragedy strikes, Nicole is forced to join Johnny on a trip to Paris to save his little girl. As the two grow closer the sexual tension mounts, and resisting seems more futile than ever…
CC Gibbs was born and lives in the USA. She is the author of over 40 romance and erotica novels, including the recent bestsellers Knight’s Mistress and Knight’s Game. Many of her novels were originally published under the name Susan Johnson.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
22 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Susan Johnson
256 books574 followersAnd it all began rather serendipitously. Long ago, as they say, in another time, when fast food hadn't reached our area and the only shopping was what the feed mill offered, I was reading a book that annoyed me .
My husband was lying beside me in bed, watching TV. Turning to him, I sort of petulantly said, "How the hell did this book get published?"
"If you think you're so smart," he replied, with one eye still on the TV, "why don't you write a book?"
So I did. And very badly.
I've since learned how to do, he said, she said, and a great variety of other adverb heavy, sometimes lengthy explanations of why my characters are saying what they're saying, along with finally coming to an understanding of what things like POV means. Point of View for you non-writers}.
Although, I still don't fully comprehend why it matters if you switch POV and I cavalierly disregard it as much as possible. So while my technical skills have hopefully improved, what hasn't changed is my great joy in writing. There's as much pleasure today in listening to my characters talk while I type as fast as I can, as there was the first time I put dialogue to paper--in long-hand, then, in my leather bound sketch-book.
My husband was lying beside me in bed, watching TV. Turning to him, I sort of petulantly said, "How the hell did this book get published?"
"If you think you're so smart," he replied, with one eye still on the TV, "why don't you write a book?"
So I did. And very badly.
I've since learned how to do, he said, she said, and a great variety of other adverb heavy, sometimes lengthy explanations of why my characters are saying what they're saying, along with finally coming to an understanding of what things like POV means. Point of View for you non-writers}.
Although, I still don't fully comprehend why it matters if you switch POV and I cavalierly disregard it as much as possible. So while my technical skills have hopefully improved, what hasn't changed is my great joy in writing. There's as much pleasure today in listening to my characters talk while I type as fast as I can, as there was the first time I put dialogue to paper--in long-hand, then, in my leather bound sketch-book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 15, 2018
First time reader for this author. If you want a bit a fluff and an escape from reality then this book is for you. Not much substance, but plenty of sex. A bit of action and romance. Mostly just a fun light read.
August 26, 2009
If you're looking for a novel with some substance, you are going to be highly disappointed. If you are looking for something shallow, unlikely, and at times so cheesy it's nauseating, you will read this novel with a great big smile on your face. The characters are likeable only in that they don't do anything in order to let you really form an opinion - other than huff and puff, if you know what I mean. However, the main male character's continued use of the word "babe" became annoying before Chapter 2 started. I had to change the word to baby in my head, because absolutely no one who hasn't smoked a whole lotta weed in the past 3 hours would say the word "babe" so frequently and enthusiastically. (Please don't take offense if you say it. I just have never heard in "real life.")
This book could easily fall into the category of guilty pleasures. It is an easy read (maybe 3 hours) and definitely made me miss my fiance. I wouldn't mind picking up another of Johnson's novels again when my fiance leaves town, and I'm feeling a little lonely (wink wink.)
This book could easily fall into the category of guilty pleasures. It is an easy read (maybe 3 hours) and definitely made me miss my fiance. I wouldn't mind picking up another of Johnson's novels again when my fiance leaves town, and I'm feeling a little lonely (wink wink.)
August 31, 2008
It started off rather well but Johnny, the actor, turned out to be rather one-dimensional while Nicky, the heroine, wore stars in her eyes throughout the book. It got rather boring when all Johnny had to offer for the story was his hard-on and Nicky, despite her constant internal monologue against giving following Johnny to Paris then to Nice, to dinner and to whatever, does exactly that.
It's not that I mind her taking off for Paris because this hunk of an actor asks for her help, or stays on to go to Nice because he asked her to but I just wish she wouldn't keep arguing with herself about it. Johnny, I can't quite figure out for all his simplicity - did the author really want me to believe the hero of this book is a one-celled organism who has to tell me on every page he can't get rid of his hard-on for Nicky? It appears so because I had to skip page after page, just grabbing a few paragraphs here and there and every chapter Johnny's indefatigable hard-on is mentioned. Despite the injection of Johnny's ex and the bad guys, nothing of note really happens in this book. They're just thrown in to give us a respite from Johnny's hard-on.
Not a good introduction to Susan Johnson for me, I'm afraid. French Kiss was more like an 80's category romance featuring a hard-on for a hero and the reluctant like-a-virgin-but-isn't heroine. Because of this disappointing read, I'm no longer looking forward to Hot Property, which I just ordered.
It's not that I mind her taking off for Paris because this hunk of an actor asks for her help, or stays on to go to Nice because he asked her to but I just wish she wouldn't keep arguing with herself about it. Johnny, I can't quite figure out for all his simplicity - did the author really want me to believe the hero of this book is a one-celled organism who has to tell me on every page he can't get rid of his hard-on for Nicky? It appears so because I had to skip page after page, just grabbing a few paragraphs here and there and every chapter Johnny's indefatigable hard-on is mentioned. Despite the injection of Johnny's ex and the bad guys, nothing of note really happens in this book. They're just thrown in to give us a respite from Johnny's hard-on.
Not a good introduction to Susan Johnson for me, I'm afraid. French Kiss was more like an 80's category romance featuring a hard-on for a hero and the reluctant like-a-virgin-but-isn't heroine. Because of this disappointing read, I'm no longer looking forward to Hot Property, which I just ordered.
May 19, 2012
Siiigh. Why do I do this to myself? Every time I read a Susan Johnson book I go on tirades to my poor hubby about womanizing man-sluts, women who should have serious UTI's from all that sex, and annoying banter that is about 'We just stop fcking like rabbits 30 seconds ago and I need you for another 10 hours or i am going to die, die, die." or "you're not a virgin - *shock*" or "You're a virgin but you are a slut and mine, mine, mine". But I keep coming back time and time again. Why Susan? Why do your books torment and annoy me so much that I end up sadistically coming back for more :/ I just don't know and this one wasn't an exception. How people fall in love with no real conversation just straight sex, banter and lustful stares? Who knew!
August 7, 2018
What can I say.....Susan Johnson.....nothing more.
March 29, 2009
If you are shallow and ignorant maybe you'll like this book. Or if you're just wanting an easy read that has no point then this is it. I'm sorry I read the book. I'm just not one to not finish something I've already started.
The characters change drastically from the start of the book to the end, even though the setting is only about a 1-2 week span. It was too unbelievable for me-- not in a good fiction way--since this was supposed to be a realistic fiction. I don't think I've ever been so upset about a book. Maybe it's a new genre (flaky-doubtful-realistic-fiction) I didn't know exsisted and that people actually enjoyed...
The characters change drastically from the start of the book to the end, even though the setting is only about a 1-2 week span. It was too unbelievable for me-- not in a good fiction way--since this was supposed to be a realistic fiction. I don't think I've ever been so upset about a book. Maybe it's a new genre (flaky-doubtful-realistic-fiction) I didn't know exsisted and that people actually enjoyed...
August 7, 2012
This book reminded me of 50 Shades of Grey (BTW I am SO OVER lead male characters with grey eye colour! - another book I am reading has the same bloody eye colour) but unlike 50 shades, it was actually more coherently written (not particularly great, but for a holiday read it did the trick) and I didn't want to throw it at the wall at any point due to the frustratingly horrible lead characters (Christian and Ana - I am looking at you two). Plus the sex scenes were heaps better than 50SOG. So I gave it three stars. That's pretty much it, I only read it because I picked it up for $3.45 and it was set in Paris and I needed something to read on holidays!
September 10, 2010
It is a somewhat silly bit of fluff. I enjoyed it for a while but then it became them falling into bed constantly with scary mafia men after them. I'm sorry to say that I did finish the book, by reading a line or two for every 10 pages or so. Then I went to the library and picked up something worth reading. I occasionally like a good romance novel. This isn't one.
March 2, 2020
Changes POV without warning. Can be hard to figure out who's POV it is. Leaves some plot points unresolved.
Slow start. Very Cheesy story. Takes until halfway through the book to see if the male lead like the female lead.
2 Spiciness
Slow start. Very Cheesy story. Takes until halfway through the book to see if the male lead like the female lead.
2 Spiciness
July 6, 2020
Started out promisingly but it devolved into the same rich asshole and sex-mad woman that Susan Johnson always writes. This particular MMC just hasn't aged well and is not a type I find very interesting anymore.
January 8, 2009
Horrible! It's super lame but I am OCD and once I start a book I have to finish it. It is killing me though!
Read
July 27, 2010Jesus, Susan Johnson, seriously?! I mean ...seriously?
Read
October 1, 2014Unspeakably awful. Will never finish, have no desire to finish.
March 13, 2025
There were times when I enjoyed the book and I did finish reading it, but a few things I didn't enjoy were some of the language, and some of the main character's thoughts. They seemed a little sexist and degrading to me, but I understand that some people might like that. A romance novel that isn't also a comedy, YA, or a fantasy romance is fairly new to me so maybe it just isn't my style. I don't like reading the word c**t when reading a love scene or about a man's thoughts on a woman's genitals. I could do without that. Nicky the main character is also a little too obsessed with chocolate. Maybe it's supposed to be quirky or cute but she basically orgasms when she eats bon bons. She's supposed to be an intelligent, independent architect but she acts like a flirty, clueless school girl with Johnny.
July 31, 2018
absolutely rubbish, boring and unrealistic story.
January 31, 2021
Meh. Story buildup was lacking. A lot happened it was kinda exhausting. I found myself skipping some parts.
December 22, 2023
Such a guilty pleasure one of my favourite books. Had 2 copies reread multiple times as a teenager 😳
February 8, 2025
So cute! This was my first “celebrity romance”. I liked the action parts of this book too. Nicky and Johnny are totally meant to be💜
January 10, 2011
Nicole Lesdaux is an architect who has been given the job of designing and building one of her famous tree house’s for Jordi Patrick, whose father Johnny is a famous music producer. Wow! How is she going to handle working around this hunky guy?
Things move pretty fast for this pair as Johnny’s ex-wife takes Jordi to Paris without his permission. Johnny wants someone who can speak French so he asks Nicky to accompany them. His ex-wife is mixing with a bad element and she steals from them and gets herself into some hot water.
If you want a serious book with an interesting mystery this is not for you, as the story line in this is a bit iffy, but you want a quick fun read with lots of sex, this is for you. It is quite explicit and I enjoyed it.
Things move pretty fast for this pair as Johnny’s ex-wife takes Jordi to Paris without his permission. Johnny wants someone who can speak French so he asks Nicky to accompany them. His ex-wife is mixing with a bad element and she steals from them and gets herself into some hot water.
If you want a serious book with an interesting mystery this is not for you, as the story line in this is a bit iffy, but you want a quick fun read with lots of sex, this is for you. It is quite explicit and I enjoyed it.
August 19, 2009
hmmmmm what can I say about this book.... It was a cute idea. There were parts that I liked and if people are into soft porn then this is a great book to read LOL. The book didnt draw me in like I had hoped when I bought it. And I think the back of the book stated that Johnny brought her to Paris to be a translater but then she found out he could speak french which I never heard that in the book... I could be wrong. Anyway it was cute it was sexy but it was a little boring most of the time. I dont know - not my fave. Im glad I got it on clearance :)
Read
June 28, 2007Book Description
L.A. architect Nicole Lesdaux is hired to create a tree house for hunky producer Johnny Patrick's little girl. Despite Nicky's torrid fantasies about him, she must focus on work-until Johnny's ex-wife takes off to Paris with their daughter. Since Nicky speaks French, Johnny asks her for help. En route, sexual tensions run high. And, as Nicky discovers, Johnny does know some French after all.
L.A. architect Nicole Lesdaux is hired to create a tree house for hunky producer Johnny Patrick's little girl. Despite Nicky's torrid fantasies about him, she must focus on work-until Johnny's ex-wife takes off to Paris with their daughter. Since Nicky speaks French, Johnny asks her for help. En route, sexual tensions run high. And, as Nicky discovers, Johnny does know some French after all.
February 4, 2012
I picked this one up for free at the local Thrift Store, so I wasn't expecting much out of it. But it turned out to be really good. It had a good mix of romance, drama, and action. Not overly sappy or any of that kind of stuff. The main character, Nicky, was very relatable, she was cute with her love for chocolate.
It was a great book, and I'm definitely going to watch out for any more books by this author from now on. And this one isn't going to be thrown in the garage sale pile either!
It was a great book, and I'm definitely going to watch out for any more books by this author from now on. And this one isn't going to be thrown in the garage sale pile either!
August 10, 2016
Funny and as always for Susan Johnson, epic and sensual. I enjoyed it very much - especially Nicky's muses and how she was in control of herself. However, I feel that every hero in her novels are one and the same, just with different names. I can totally see Beau St. Jules (Wicked) or Sinjin St. John (Sinful) or Johnnie Carre (Outlaw) in Johnny Patrick...but it's considered a good read... FOR ME. I love her writing style and her clichéd characters.
April 24, 2009
It was a very good and fast read. The back of the book says it is "sensually charged" and I would have to agree with that. I think it is a good book to share with a friend, but maybe not your mother. (if you know what I mean)
February 6, 2016
Not the usual genre that I would read but it was a nice light read. There seems to be many addicts in this novel. There are drug addicts, sex addicts and even chocolate addicts. Not much of a story line in this novel. Barely five chapters in, you can already guess at the book's ending.
May 27, 2015
Id it wasn't for the cheesy "steamy" sex, this could well have been a YA novel. According to Nicole, everything is "to die for": chocolates, men, views, etc. How juvenile is that? Johnny's description is "to die for" (sarcasm)
July 14, 2009
good book! okay maybe aside from the lead characters named Nicole (moi) and Johnny (as in Johnny Depp for me at least), it was a good read.
August 22, 2008
this book has a cute story.I dont know why, when im read it i feel relax.There is no real bad guy or bad girl, and almost without climax, but still i enjoyed it.
August 26, 2008
could not put this book don, read it in 2 days.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews