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The Colors of Us: A Platinum Chocolate, Later in Life, Second Chance Romance
The Colors of Us
Olivia Carter never imagined she’d be starting over at fifty-five. Two months before the pandemic, she walked away from a loveless marriage, seeking solace and rediscovery in her vibrant hobbies and quiet solitude. Alone for the first time in decades, Olivia finds comfort in sewing, cooking, and losing herself in intricate coloring books—small joys that fill her days and quiet her doubts.
But when the world shuts down, Olivia forms an unexpected online connection with Victor Santiago—a charming Hispanic widower with a love for culinary adventures and shared prayers.Through screens and messages, their bond deepens as they discover a shared passion for food, music, and dancing. The rhythms of salsa and ballroom bring them closer, blending their African American and Hispanic cultures through vibrant traditions. Victor’s warm humor and gentle wisdom help Olivia embrace her newfound independence and the possibility of love again. As the pandemic tests their resilience, their relationship strengthens, leading to a love neither of them expected but both desperately need.
Can Olivia and Victor overcome their past heartaches and embrace this second chance at love? Or will their fears of vulnerability keep them apart?
The Colors of Us is a heartfelt journey of rediscovery, resilience, and romance, where love proves it’s never too late to color your world anew.
Olivia Carter never imagined she’d be starting over at fifty-five. Two months before the pandemic, she walked away from a loveless marriage, seeking solace and rediscovery in her vibrant hobbies and quiet solitude. Alone for the first time in decades, Olivia finds comfort in sewing, cooking, and losing herself in intricate coloring books—small joys that fill her days and quiet her doubts.
But when the world shuts down, Olivia forms an unexpected online connection with Victor Santiago—a charming Hispanic widower with a love for culinary adventures and shared prayers.Through screens and messages, their bond deepens as they discover a shared passion for food, music, and dancing. The rhythms of salsa and ballroom bring them closer, blending their African American and Hispanic cultures through vibrant traditions. Victor’s warm humor and gentle wisdom help Olivia embrace her newfound independence and the possibility of love again. As the pandemic tests their resilience, their relationship strengthens, leading to a love neither of them expected but both desperately need.
Can Olivia and Victor overcome their past heartaches and embrace this second chance at love? Or will their fears of vulnerability keep them apart?
The Colors of Us is a heartfelt journey of rediscovery, resilience, and romance, where love proves it’s never too late to color your world anew.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2025
About the author
Long Temple
33 books6 followersLongTemple is a contemporary multi-genre author and the creator of A Platinum Chocolate Universe, a fictional literary collection that spans psychological fiction, spiritual storytelling, refined romance, and immersive narrative experiences.
Her work explores identity formation, disciplined upbringing, emotional depth, and the internal architecture of human behavior through both intimate character-driven narratives and expansive psychological and spiritual sagas. Influenced by early life experiences in France and later grounding in Brooklyn, her stories are shaped by cultural sophistication, structured environments, and intentional living.
The term “Platinum Chocolate” is symbolic and represents refinement, cultivation, and elevated human experience. It does not refer to chocolate products, confectionery, or any edible or food-based business.
The Platinum Chocolate Universe includes:
- Psychological and spiritual sagas centered on identity, discipline, and personal transformation
- Contemporary romance narratives rooted in emotional depth and controlled intimacy
- Immersive storytelling extensions, including companion coloring and visual experiences designed for reflection and meditative engagement
LongTemple’s body of work blends literary fiction, psychological insight, and spiritual awareness, offering readers layered storytelling that functions as both narrative and introspective experience.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
🏆Wins: Triple winner with International Impact Awards 2026 - Outstanding Literary Achievement
🏆Winner Fiction: Caramel and Steel – A Platinum Chocolate Romance
🏆Winner Fiction: Just Run– A Platinum Psychological Saga
🏆Winner Fiction: Rhythm's First Lady– A Platinum Romance - A Spiritual Awakening
🏆Wins Double winner with The Prestigeous Intenational Hope Awards Awards 2026 - Best Faith Based Truth
🏆Winner Fiction: Rhythm's First Lady – A Platinum Chocolate Romance - A Spiritual Awakening
🏆Winner Fiction: Flip & Run – A Platinum Sibling Saga
🏆 Wins: Winner of Literary Global -
Fiction: African American — Caramel and Steel – A Platinum Chocolate Romance
🎨✨ Featured Artist | Literary Global Website for 2025
⭐ Finalist Recognitions (All finalists — Literary Global)
6 Finalist Placements
Fiction: African American — Searching for Platinum Chocolate
Fiction: African American — A Heart’s Anchor
Fiction: African American — Rhythm and Design
Fiction: Multicultural — The Colors of Us
Fiction: Novella — Searching for Platinum Chocolate
Fiction: Women — Rhythm and Design
⭐ 5-Star Readers’ Favorite Ratings — LongTemple -
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Readers’ Favorite - Caramel and Steel – A Platinum Chocolate Romance
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Readers’ Favorite - A Heart’s Anchor – A Platinum Chocolate Romance
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Readers’ Favorite - The Colors of Us – A Platinum Chocolate Later in Life Second Chance Romance
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Readers’ Favorite - Rhythm and Design – A Platinum Chocolate Romance
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Readers’ Favorite - Flip and Run – A Platinum Chocolate Sibling Saga
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Readers’ Favorite Just Run – A Platinum Chocolate Psychological Saga
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Readers’ Favorite - Rhythm's First Lady – A Platinum Chocolate Romance - A Spiritual Awakening
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Readers’ Favorite - Luxuries & Lies - A Platinum Chocolate Psychological Saga
⭐4-Star Readers' Favorite Ratings - LongTemple
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cotton Sheets and Velvet Dreams
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Between Grace and Fire
🏅 Honorable Mentions
2025 New York Book Festival
Caramel and Steel – A Platinum Chocolate Romance
The Colors of Us – A Platinum Chocolate Later-in-Life Second Chance Romancee.
Her work explores identity formation, disciplined upbringing, emotional depth, and the internal architecture of human behavior through both intimate character-driven narratives and expansive psychological and spiritual sagas. Influenced by early life experiences in France and later grounding in Brooklyn, her stories are shaped by cultural sophistication, structured environments, and intentional living.
The term “Platinum Chocolate” is symbolic and represents refinement, cultivation, and elevated human experience. It does not refer to chocolate products, confectionery, or any edible or food-based business.
The Platinum Chocolate Universe includes:
- Psychological and spiritual sagas centered on identity, discipline, and personal transformation
- Contemporary romance narratives rooted in emotional depth and controlled intimacy
- Immersive storytelling extensions, including companion coloring and visual experiences designed for reflection and meditative engagement
LongTemple’s body of work blends literary fiction, psychological insight, and spiritual awareness, offering readers layered storytelling that functions as both narrative and introspective experience.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
🏆Wins: Triple winner with International Impact Awards 2026 - Outstanding Literary Achievement
🏆Winner Fiction: Caramel and Steel – A Platinum Chocolate Romance
🏆Winner Fiction: Just Run– A Platinum Psychological Saga
🏆Winner Fiction: Rhythm's First Lady– A Platinum Romance - A Spiritual Awakening
🏆Wins Double winner with The Prestigeous Intenational Hope Awards Awards 2026 - Best Faith Based Truth
🏆Winner Fiction: Rhythm's First Lady – A Platinum Chocolate Romance - A Spiritual Awakening
🏆Winner Fiction: Flip & Run – A Platinum Sibling Saga
🏆 Wins: Winner of Literary Global -
Fiction: African American — Caramel and Steel – A Platinum Chocolate Romance
🎨✨ Featured Artist | Literary Global Website for 2025
⭐ Finalist Recognitions (All finalists — Literary Global)
6 Finalist Placements
Fiction: African American — Searching for Platinum Chocolate
Fiction: African American — A Heart’s Anchor
Fiction: African American — Rhythm and Design
Fiction: Multicultural — The Colors of Us
Fiction: Novella — Searching for Platinum Chocolate
Fiction: Women — Rhythm and Design
⭐ 5-Star Readers’ Favorite Ratings — LongTemple -
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Readers’ Favorite - Caramel and Steel – A Platinum Chocolate Romance
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Readers’ Favorite - A Heart’s Anchor – A Platinum Chocolate Romance
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Readers’ Favorite - The Colors of Us – A Platinum Chocolate Later in Life Second Chance Romance
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Readers’ Favorite - Rhythm and Design – A Platinum Chocolate Romance
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Readers’ Favorite - Flip and Run – A Platinum Chocolate Sibling Saga
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Readers’ Favorite Just Run – A Platinum Chocolate Psychological Saga
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Readers’ Favorite - Rhythm's First Lady – A Platinum Chocolate Romance - A Spiritual Awakening
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Readers’ Favorite - Luxuries & Lies - A Platinum Chocolate Psychological Saga
⭐4-Star Readers' Favorite Ratings - LongTemple
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cotton Sheets and Velvet Dreams
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Between Grace and Fire
🏅 Honorable Mentions
2025 New York Book Festival
Caramel and Steel – A Platinum Chocolate Romance
The Colors of Us – A Platinum Chocolate Later-in-Life Second Chance Romancee.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 5, 2026
The Colors of Us by Long Temple is a heartfelt later in life romance that beautifully explores healing, self discovery, cultural connection, and the courage to embrace love again after heartbreak.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is Olivia Carter’s journey. After leaving a loveless marriage at fifty five, Olivia finds herself navigating an unfamiliar chapter of independence and personal rediscovery. Her experiences feel authentic and inspiring, making her a relatable protagonist for readers who appreciate stories of renewal and growth.
Victor Santiago is an equally compelling character. As a widower carrying his own history of loss, Victor brings warmth, wisdom, and genuine kindness to the story. His patient and supportive nature creates a strong emotional foundation for the developing relationship.
The romance unfolds in a particularly meaningful way through an online connection formed during the uncertainty of the pandemic. Their gradual journey from conversation and friendship to deeper emotional intimacy feels natural, heartfelt, and believable.
Another especially compelling aspect is the celebration of culture woven throughout the novel. The blending of African American and Hispanic traditions through food, music, dancing, and shared experiences adds richness and authenticity to the story while highlighting the beauty of connection across different backgrounds.
The themes of resilience and reinvention are central to the narrative. Both Olivia and Victor must confront lingering fears, past disappointments, and emotional vulnerabilities before fully embracing the possibility of a new future together.
The story also captures the importance of companionship and emotional support during difficult times. Against the backdrop of a world facing uncertainty, the relationship becomes a source of hope, comfort, and personal transformation.
The novel’s message that love can arrive at any stage of life is both uplifting and deeply moving. It offers a refreshing perspective that celebrates mature relationships and the opportunities for happiness that remain available regardless of age.
For readers who enjoy later in life romance, second chance love stories, multicultural relationships, emotional healing, and character driven romances filled with warmth and hope, The Colors of Us delivers a touching and rewarding reading experience.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is Olivia Carter’s journey. After leaving a loveless marriage at fifty five, Olivia finds herself navigating an unfamiliar chapter of independence and personal rediscovery. Her experiences feel authentic and inspiring, making her a relatable protagonist for readers who appreciate stories of renewal and growth.
Victor Santiago is an equally compelling character. As a widower carrying his own history of loss, Victor brings warmth, wisdom, and genuine kindness to the story. His patient and supportive nature creates a strong emotional foundation for the developing relationship.
The romance unfolds in a particularly meaningful way through an online connection formed during the uncertainty of the pandemic. Their gradual journey from conversation and friendship to deeper emotional intimacy feels natural, heartfelt, and believable.
Another especially compelling aspect is the celebration of culture woven throughout the novel. The blending of African American and Hispanic traditions through food, music, dancing, and shared experiences adds richness and authenticity to the story while highlighting the beauty of connection across different backgrounds.
The themes of resilience and reinvention are central to the narrative. Both Olivia and Victor must confront lingering fears, past disappointments, and emotional vulnerabilities before fully embracing the possibility of a new future together.
The story also captures the importance of companionship and emotional support during difficult times. Against the backdrop of a world facing uncertainty, the relationship becomes a source of hope, comfort, and personal transformation.
The novel’s message that love can arrive at any stage of life is both uplifting and deeply moving. It offers a refreshing perspective that celebrates mature relationships and the opportunities for happiness that remain available regardless of age.
For readers who enjoy later in life romance, second chance love stories, multicultural relationships, emotional healing, and character driven romances filled with warmth and hope, The Colors of Us delivers a touching and rewarding reading experience.
January 16, 2026
Author Review by LongTemple for The Colors of Us – A Platinum Chocolate Later in Life Second Chance Romance
Writing The Colors of Us was an act of honoring possibility—how love can arrive quietly, unexpectedly, and beautifully at any age.
Olivia Carter came to me as a woman standing at the cusp of rediscovery. Fifty-five, newly separated, surrounded by the familiar comforts of sewing, cooking, and coloring—her world is tender, intentional, and self-made. I wanted her journey to be a celebration of what it means to rebuild, not out of desperation, but out of courage. Out of choosing oneself after years of being unseen.
And then came Victor Santiago—steady, joyful, faith-rooted. A widower with a heart big enough to hold grief and hope at the same time. Victor carries warmth like a second language, with humor that softens edges and a spiritual grounding that invites Olivia to breathe again.
Their connection unfolds in the most 2020 way:
through screens, messages, shared recipes, shared music—two lives touching at a distance while the world paused.
What drew me to their story was the blend of culture, tradition, and rhythm. African American and Hispanic heritage coming together through cooking, dancing, prayer, and the small rituals that make families feel alive. This isn’t just a romance—it’s a blending of lives, languages, and legacies.
For me as the author, the heart of the book is this question:
What does second-chance love look like when you’ve already lived a full life—and still have so much left to feel?
Olivia and Victor teach each other:
that vulnerability is strength, not risk
that romance can be tender, patient, and deeply grown
that joy is not limited by age
that connection can flourish even in seasons of uncertainty
Their journey is quiet yet powerful, a reminder that love after fifty is not a consolation prize—it is a renaissance. A reblooming.
The Colors of Us is for readers who treasure:
later-in-life love stories
cultural richness and blended families
healing through companionship
romance grounded in warmth, faith, and emotional intimacy
the magic of finding someone who sees you clearly, fully, tenderly
Writing this story reminded me that it’s never too late to open your heart, never too late to feel desired, cherished, and chosen. Olivia and Victor’s love is proof that second chances are not just possible—they are often the most beautiful ones.
— LongTemple
Writing The Colors of Us was an act of honoring possibility—how love can arrive quietly, unexpectedly, and beautifully at any age.
Olivia Carter came to me as a woman standing at the cusp of rediscovery. Fifty-five, newly separated, surrounded by the familiar comforts of sewing, cooking, and coloring—her world is tender, intentional, and self-made. I wanted her journey to be a celebration of what it means to rebuild, not out of desperation, but out of courage. Out of choosing oneself after years of being unseen.
And then came Victor Santiago—steady, joyful, faith-rooted. A widower with a heart big enough to hold grief and hope at the same time. Victor carries warmth like a second language, with humor that softens edges and a spiritual grounding that invites Olivia to breathe again.
Their connection unfolds in the most 2020 way:
through screens, messages, shared recipes, shared music—two lives touching at a distance while the world paused.
What drew me to their story was the blend of culture, tradition, and rhythm. African American and Hispanic heritage coming together through cooking, dancing, prayer, and the small rituals that make families feel alive. This isn’t just a romance—it’s a blending of lives, languages, and legacies.
For me as the author, the heart of the book is this question:
What does second-chance love look like when you’ve already lived a full life—and still have so much left to feel?
Olivia and Victor teach each other:
that vulnerability is strength, not risk
that romance can be tender, patient, and deeply grown
that joy is not limited by age
that connection can flourish even in seasons of uncertainty
Their journey is quiet yet powerful, a reminder that love after fifty is not a consolation prize—it is a renaissance. A reblooming.
The Colors of Us is for readers who treasure:
later-in-life love stories
cultural richness and blended families
healing through companionship
romance grounded in warmth, faith, and emotional intimacy
the magic of finding someone who sees you clearly, fully, tenderly
Writing this story reminded me that it’s never too late to open your heart, never too late to feel desired, cherished, and chosen. Olivia and Victor’s love is proof that second chances are not just possible—they are often the most beautiful ones.
— LongTemple
February 8, 2025
This was a fantastic love story about Olivia and Victor, both middle aged. The summary in Ms. Temple's Amazon blurb for the book is perfect and I am so glad I read this story!!! This is the 4th one of Ms. Temple's books that I have read and all 4 of them have been wonderful! I will be hoping she releases another story in the near future!!!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews