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Flambé #7
Dark and Stormy
When chef Arie’s ex comes to town, she’s caught in a love triangle between her bartender boyfriend and the London chef who left years ago.
ARIE
My business partner left, and I’m stuck running Flambé by myself. I’m horrible at it – because I’m a chef, not a restaurant manager. My invite famous chef Xander Carlisle to come help. He’s my ex, but I’m sure my boyfriend Connor won’t mind. I don’t have feelings for Xander anymore. Do I?
CONNOR
Who the hell is Xander Carlisle? And why hasn’t Arie told me about him? I want to trust my girlfriend, but everyone says Xander was the one and he even inspired the restaurant we work in. Well, Xander can fly across an ocean, but I’m not giving up Arie without a fight.
XANDER
Just because Arie is asking for business help doesn’t mean she wants to rekindle our old flame. Besides, she’s not single. I’ve always been a gentleman, and I respect Arie too much to act on feelings I’ve had since culinary school. Which means pretending to date the cute writer I’ve just met on the plane is a brilliant idea. What could go wrong?
NOVA
My agent will drop me if I don’t come up with a commercial book idea, and fast! Preferably romance – which is not my genre. But when the literary gods drop a hot British man into the seat next to me on the ride to Hawaii, I hatch a plan. Fake-dating Xander is perfect research for my new story, and there’s no way I’d fall for him like a silly heroine in a bestselling book. Because that’s fiction, and in real life he’s in love with someone else.
Dark and Stormy is a standalone, spicy, love triangle, fake-dating romantic comedy and the seventh book in the Flambé series.THE FLAMBÉ Flaming drinks, decadent desserts, and hot Hawaiian nights!Read the Flambé series and follow the steamy adventures of restaurateur Arie Noel (and her staff) as she opens the hottest new restaurant in Waikiki. Dessert is always on the menu.
ARIE
My business partner left, and I’m stuck running Flambé by myself. I’m horrible at it – because I’m a chef, not a restaurant manager. My invite famous chef Xander Carlisle to come help. He’s my ex, but I’m sure my boyfriend Connor won’t mind. I don’t have feelings for Xander anymore. Do I?
CONNOR
Who the hell is Xander Carlisle? And why hasn’t Arie told me about him? I want to trust my girlfriend, but everyone says Xander was the one and he even inspired the restaurant we work in. Well, Xander can fly across an ocean, but I’m not giving up Arie without a fight.
XANDER
Just because Arie is asking for business help doesn’t mean she wants to rekindle our old flame. Besides, she’s not single. I’ve always been a gentleman, and I respect Arie too much to act on feelings I’ve had since culinary school. Which means pretending to date the cute writer I’ve just met on the plane is a brilliant idea. What could go wrong?
NOVA
My agent will drop me if I don’t come up with a commercial book idea, and fast! Preferably romance – which is not my genre. But when the literary gods drop a hot British man into the seat next to me on the ride to Hawaii, I hatch a plan. Fake-dating Xander is perfect research for my new story, and there’s no way I’d fall for him like a silly heroine in a bestselling book. Because that’s fiction, and in real life he’s in love with someone else.
Dark and Stormy is a standalone, spicy, love triangle, fake-dating romantic comedy and the seventh book in the Flambé series.THE FLAMBÉ Flaming drinks, decadent desserts, and hot Hawaiian nights!Read the Flambé series and follow the steamy adventures of restaurateur Arie Noel (and her staff) as she opens the hottest new restaurant in Waikiki. Dessert is always on the menu.
- GenresRomance
464 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2023
10 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 21, 2023
Wow! This book literally starts with a BANG!!!
Dark and Stormy is book 7 in the Flambé series and wow, what a great conclusion to a delicious series.
Yes, Dark and Stormy can be read as a standalone book however I would not recommend doing that. This is a fantastic series and you would be missing out in the fun of getting to know all the other colorful and exciting characters in this spicy series. I suggest reading them in order and do not miss the prequel called Dirty Martini in which we are introduced to not only Arie but also Xander who was her inspiration and one of the main male characters in this book.
Dark and Stormy reintroduces us to British hottie and restaurateur Xander and oh how I wanted to know more about him! We get to revisit all the characters from the previous books in the series amongst the twists, turns, jealousy, spice and love of the main characters; Arie, Connor, Xander and Nova.
There are so many Laughs Out Loud moments even when you are in the middle of crying from a character’s turmoil. Elle has a great sense of humor (or at least my kind of sense of humor) and has written a funny, salacious, intense and at times heartbreaking book all while giving us a happily ever after.
And last but not least can everybody say… BEEF BAYONET!!! (You will have to read Dark and Stormy yourself to find out what that means)
Dark and Stormy is book 7 in the Flambé series and wow, what a great conclusion to a delicious series.
Yes, Dark and Stormy can be read as a standalone book however I would not recommend doing that. This is a fantastic series and you would be missing out in the fun of getting to know all the other colorful and exciting characters in this spicy series. I suggest reading them in order and do not miss the prequel called Dirty Martini in which we are introduced to not only Arie but also Xander who was her inspiration and one of the main male characters in this book.
Dark and Stormy reintroduces us to British hottie and restaurateur Xander and oh how I wanted to know more about him! We get to revisit all the characters from the previous books in the series amongst the twists, turns, jealousy, spice and love of the main characters; Arie, Connor, Xander and Nova.
There are so many Laughs Out Loud moments even when you are in the middle of crying from a character’s turmoil. Elle has a great sense of humor (or at least my kind of sense of humor) and has written a funny, salacious, intense and at times heartbreaking book all while giving us a happily ever after.
And last but not least can everybody say… BEEF BAYONET!!! (You will have to read Dark and Stormy yourself to find out what that means)
November 23, 2023
⭐️: 5/5
🌶️: 4/5
Elle honestly never ceases to amaze me. Her entire Flambé series is a true masterpiece but this book i think takes the cake. I have watched this author challenge herself going from MF to a thruple and now a love triangle with two couples, four POVs and two HEAs! All in one book! Not to mention her writing is just beautiful. The prose… the way things are said, the descriptions. I could gush all day about her use of the English language. But i have to leave room for the plot. I was so excited for this book. I loved Arie and Xander in Dirty Martini, Arie and Connor in the book that started it all, Flame.. but now to see them all come together and adding miss Nova to the mix. So. Freaking good. We’ve got tropes galore: the ex is back, love triangle, fake dating, one bed… the setting is beautiful, the whole cast of characters, watching them from book one through now. I just love it so much. While I’m sad to see this series come to an end, I can’t wait to see what adventure Elle takes us on next.
🌶️: 4/5
Elle honestly never ceases to amaze me. Her entire Flambé series is a true masterpiece but this book i think takes the cake. I have watched this author challenge herself going from MF to a thruple and now a love triangle with two couples, four POVs and two HEAs! All in one book! Not to mention her writing is just beautiful. The prose… the way things are said, the descriptions. I could gush all day about her use of the English language. But i have to leave room for the plot. I was so excited for this book. I loved Arie and Xander in Dirty Martini, Arie and Connor in the book that started it all, Flame.. but now to see them all come together and adding miss Nova to the mix. So. Freaking good. We’ve got tropes galore: the ex is back, love triangle, fake dating, one bed… the setting is beautiful, the whole cast of characters, watching them from book one through now. I just love it so much. While I’m sad to see this series come to an end, I can’t wait to see what adventure Elle takes us on next.
November 14, 2023
Book 7 in the Flambé Series.
It was great to be back at Flambé with The Dragon Arie and Connor. I still adore Mason that man has no boundaries or filters, he's a hoot.
I wasn't sure when I first started reading the book if I would get into it or not. However, I did, and I'm in love with Xander and Nova, they're perfect for each other.
Arie had to learn some tough kessons in this book, and It was refreshing to see her vulnerability. I loved all the food and drink descriptions, they were erotically sinful and clever. The authors descriptions helped immerse me and make me feel like I was in the room especially at the restaurants
This book is fun and playful with great banter, but also emotional enough to solidify real life situations and feelings. We can't all be perfect gods and goddesses who get everything right all the time.
It was great to be back at Flambé with The Dragon Arie and Connor. I still adore Mason that man has no boundaries or filters, he's a hoot.
I wasn't sure when I first started reading the book if I would get into it or not. However, I did, and I'm in love with Xander and Nova, they're perfect for each other.
Arie had to learn some tough kessons in this book, and It was refreshing to see her vulnerability. I loved all the food and drink descriptions, they were erotically sinful and clever. The authors descriptions helped immerse me and make me feel like I was in the room especially at the restaurants
This book is fun and playful with great banter, but also emotional enough to solidify real life situations and feelings. We can't all be perfect gods and goddesses who get everything right all the time.
November 27, 2023
This was so incredible!😭 Xander is such a lush and Nova is so whimsical and relatable. I want to forgive Arie but, she’s just so abrasive and uncalled for and out of line! Like…what she did for their special date 😱noooo way. As if she didn’t learn her lesson the first time. This whole read I was hoping she would redeem herself and although she does it still leaves an ick in my mouth. But Elle has done it again by giving me real characters that I associate as being real people/experiences. The banter between Mason/Connor/ Ned is A+ hilarity. I also found myself saying the word Thrummpenny Bits🤣 costa toy so thanks for that🤣 I’m a sucker for the fake dating/friends to lovers tropes and this is top notch. Elle does romance like no other and I’m so sad this series is done now, but eager to see what she comes up with next! The entire series is impeccable and a must read (devour)!
December 4, 2023
I can't believe this is the last book in series and I have to say goodbye to this wonderful place.
Elle has written an amazing and wholesome series. I love how original, funny, banter, emotions, twists, love and the oh so good spice.
This was perfect ending as we see Xander on this one. This book had 4 pov's. Arie, Connor, Xander and Nova. I've not read a book like this before. So you really don't know which way it's going to go.
Is Arie having feelings for her ex Xander again? What will happen to Xander and Nova during this fake dating? How is Connor going to react to everything?!!
This book made me laugh out loud, emotional, heartbroken, crying and falling in love. As always the spice is off the chart along with the chemistry.
Seeing all the other characters always makes me smile and all giddy haha.
I am so excited to see what we will get next from Elle.
Elle has written an amazing and wholesome series. I love how original, funny, banter, emotions, twists, love and the oh so good spice.
This was perfect ending as we see Xander on this one. This book had 4 pov's. Arie, Connor, Xander and Nova. I've not read a book like this before. So you really don't know which way it's going to go.
Is Arie having feelings for her ex Xander again? What will happen to Xander and Nova during this fake dating? How is Connor going to react to everything?!!
This book made me laugh out loud, emotional, heartbroken, crying and falling in love. As always the spice is off the chart along with the chemistry.
Seeing all the other characters always makes me smile and all giddy haha.
I am so excited to see what we will get next from Elle.
December 17, 2023
OH MY!!
I hate that I had this book in my Kindle Unlimited TBR list just waiting for me to get to it... I was going through my MCs...ELLE BERLIN is one of my NUMBER ONE AUTHORS next to Janet Evanovich, J R Robb and others!!
I've been following this series since the beginning and have never cried so much I don't think (Arie, Conner, Simon, Nova, Xander) they ALL had me crying somewhere during this book... I had asked for Xander to be brought back and couldn't be happier with the way this book turned out...Elle you really knocked this one out of the park!!
Can't wait for the next book in the series... Is someone going to be having a baby??... There are so many couples to choose from plus the upcoming nuptials...
I hate that I had this book in my Kindle Unlimited TBR list just waiting for me to get to it... I was going through my MCs...ELLE BERLIN is one of my NUMBER ONE AUTHORS next to Janet Evanovich, J R Robb and others!!
I've been following this series since the beginning and have never cried so much I don't think (Arie, Conner, Simon, Nova, Xander) they ALL had me crying somewhere during this book... I had asked for Xander to be brought back and couldn't be happier with the way this book turned out...Elle you really knocked this one out of the park!!
Can't wait for the next book in the series... Is someone going to be having a baby??... There are so many couples to choose from plus the upcoming nuptials...
November 23, 2023
This is the seventh book in this incredible series, and what an amazing journey this story is!
Aria, Connor, Nova, and Xander are wonderful characters, and this author has done a great job in weaving this story.
This is a well written story which is an action packed, emotional roller coaster, with miscommunication, trust, fake dating, humor, witty banter, fake dating, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, unpredictable, and a steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Aria, Connor, Nova, and Xander are wonderful characters, and this author has done a great job in weaving this story.
This is a well written story which is an action packed, emotional roller coaster, with miscommunication, trust, fake dating, humor, witty banter, fake dating, and love, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, unpredictable, and a steamy addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
November 26, 2023
Elle gives us another wonderful book in the Flambé series!! The story of Arie, Connor, Xander and Nova begins with Arie and her restaurant, Flambé, are in trouble after Simon, her manager leaves to open a new branch in LA. She calls her ex, Xander to come help her and this kicks off a wild rollercoaster ride of events and emotions. Beautifully written with complex characters and plot twists that you don't see coming, this story takes you on a journey to everybody's HEA. I loved reading this book and highly recommend it! Don't miss out on this book!!
December 27, 2023
Fantasy vs Reality
This is another interconnected standalone in the Flambé series. It has fake dating, love triangle, one-bed, cheating and a HEA. Arie is kind of a mess in business and in life. Conner is sure his relationship with Arie is solid until Xander shows up. Xander is clinging to a fantasy that may never come true. Nova is a wrinkle that challenges everything that Xander thinks he knows about himself. In the end, everyone get their HEA but things get dark and stormy before we get there.
This is another interconnected standalone in the Flambé series. It has fake dating, love triangle, one-bed, cheating and a HEA. Arie is kind of a mess in business and in life. Conner is sure his relationship with Arie is solid until Xander shows up. Xander is clinging to a fantasy that may never come true. Nova is a wrinkle that challenges everything that Xander thinks he knows about himself. In the end, everyone get their HEA but things get dark and stormy before we get there.
November 28, 2023
Loved this book!!! As sad as I am that this book is the Flambé series finale, I couldn’t have enjoyed the way things finished more. I loved the integration of the characters from book to book, and how they support each other and build the storyline together.
Dark & Stormy was hard to put down with a love triangle, a fake relationship, and a restaurant in shambles all in a balancing act! You’ll never guess how it ends!! So good!!
Dark & Stormy was hard to put down with a love triangle, a fake relationship, and a restaurant in shambles all in a balancing act! You’ll never guess how it ends!! So good!!
November 16, 2023
Tropes: Second chance romance, love triangle, forced proximity, fake dating, one bed.
I can't believe this is the finale to Flambé. Loved the witty banter, the spiciness was there but still had a good plot you could follow along with. I laughed a lot throughout the whole book and the ending was everything that I needed it to be.
Overall, a great read!
I can't believe this is the finale to Flambé. Loved the witty banter, the spiciness was there but still had a good plot you could follow along with. I laughed a lot throughout the whole book and the ending was everything that I needed it to be.
Overall, a great read!
November 21, 2023
This is one of the best romance comedy I read this year! But be aware that the food and drink suggestions in this book are like food porn. Sinful, tempting and I am sure delicious!!! This being the last of the Flambe series makes this a story closer to my heart with great witty banter and enough spicy moments to make you laugh and cry and the perfect HEA!
November 21, 2023
Connor and Arie partners and work together at Flambe. She calls her ex Xander for help but things go sideways. Connor and Arie work through a difficult situation but miscommunication could have saved them from some of that pain. Xander and Arie what ifs got them caught up in a moment that caused some regret. This was a great story and I loved it.
November 26, 2023
This is the final book of the Flambè series. The journey has been amazing with meeting all the amazing characters and couples that have developed throughout the story line.
Nova and Xander started out as a fake dating couple, but grew into so much more. Also the love triangle that Xander gets Ingles in had me in the edge of my seat!
Perfect ending to an amazing series
Nova and Xander started out as a fake dating couple, but grew into so much more. Also the love triangle that Xander gets Ingles in had me in the edge of my seat!
Perfect ending to an amazing series
March 14, 2024
This is why I will always gobble up an Elle Berlin book!! This was so freaking good! Wild Flower is still my favorite but Xander and Nova's story is now my second favorite! I won't give too much away because you need to experience it yourself, but this book will have you in your feels at several points so be ready!
November 21, 2023
What a great read!!!
This story was so good with a great spice!!
I went in reading having not read any of the other flambé stories it is a great stand alone that will have you wanting to read the others, I know I do!!
This story was so good with a great spice!!
I went in reading having not read any of the other flambé stories it is a great stand alone that will have you wanting to read the others, I know I do!!
November 23, 2023
Amazing
Absolutely loved this series… Arie is over the top, Connor is amazing, Xander is a dream, Nova is reality… Friends, lovers, hot romance, flaming relationships… don’t miss out…🥰🥰🥰
Absolutely loved this series… Arie is over the top, Connor is amazing, Xander is a dream, Nova is reality… Friends, lovers, hot romance, flaming relationships… don’t miss out…🥰🥰🥰
November 25, 2023
What an absolutely perfect ending to an amazing series!
I have loved following the love stories of everyone in Hawaii and involved with Flambé.
They've all been beautifully connected and this final book brought everyone right where they needed to be!!
I have loved following the love stories of everyone in Hawaii and involved with Flambé.
They've all been beautifully connected and this final book brought everyone right where they needed to be!!
November 21, 2023
Tropes: Fake Dating, One Bed, Ex Comes Back, Love Triangle
Honestly, I can’t believe the Flambé series is over. 😭
This book seems longer than the rest, but for good reason. This story was MEANT to be told. If you read Dirty Martini and wondered, “where tf is Xander?”, he’s here in this book. You get every single question answered from all the Flambé books.
Notes:
1. It was really good to see Aire get humbled and have her vulnerable.
2. MASONNNN. My smutty king! So glad he keeps showing up and making a fantastical spectacle.
3. Seeing all the couples from the other stories come together was adorable.
This book made me ugly cry so much, but don’t worry. Everyone gets their HEA, including Xander. 🖤
Honestly, I can’t believe the Flambé series is over. 😭
This book seems longer than the rest, but for good reason. This story was MEANT to be told. If you read Dirty Martini and wondered, “where tf is Xander?”, he’s here in this book. You get every single question answered from all the Flambé books.
Notes:
1. It was really good to see Aire get humbled and have her vulnerable.
2. MASONNNN. My smutty king! So glad he keeps showing up and making a fantastical spectacle.
3. Seeing all the couples from the other stories come together was adorable.
This book made me ugly cry so much, but don’t worry. Everyone gets their HEA, including Xander. 🖤
December 19, 2023
For the 7th book in the Flambe series, Elle Berlin reunites us with past characters Arie and Xander and spins a fun and sexy love triangle that will have the reader laughing, crying, and melting from the heat along with the story. While each book is written as a standalone, its easier to have read the previous ones so readers are familiar with some of these characters and their past interactions, but its still easy enough to pick up as the story goes along.
I have not read every book in the series, for instance, and still have no trouble, and thoroughly enjoyed this. Ell Berlin writes each book with specific tropes involved so for those readers looking for types of books, they can pick and choose, or if they do not enjoy certain tropes, they can move past a book and still enjoy the series.
Dark and Stormy was excellent, blending a good amount of humor, heat, and drama to make for a story that moved along well and never left a reader bored. The characters had great chemistry on the page and the story around them was well developed. Highly recommend!
I have not read every book in the series, for instance, and still have no trouble, and thoroughly enjoyed this. Ell Berlin writes each book with specific tropes involved so for those readers looking for types of books, they can pick and choose, or if they do not enjoy certain tropes, they can move past a book and still enjoy the series.
Dark and Stormy was excellent, blending a good amount of humor, heat, and drama to make for a story that moved along well and never left a reader bored. The characters had great chemistry on the page and the story around them was well developed. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews