Claiming Carlos

Sánchez Sisters #2

by Rachelle Ayala

Choco Sanchez is stuck in a rut. She's never hit a softball and has been friends forever with Carlos Lopez, the head cook at her family's Filipino restaurant. When flashy restaurant consultant Johnny Dee hits her with a pitch, she falls head over heels and gets a makeover

Carlos Lopez is not about to lose one for the home team. Johnny launches a full scale change on the menu, and Carlos sends him straight into the dumpster. Claiming Choco's heart proves more difficult. But never underestimate a man who can cook hot, spicy, and steamy, and we ain't talking just food.

Genres: Romance

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2014

About the author

Rachelle Ayala is an award-winning USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She writes emotionally challenging stories but believes in the power of love and hope.

Her book, Knowing Vera, won the 2015 Angie Ovation Award, and A Father for Christmas garnered a 2015 Readers' Favorite Gold Award. Christmas Stray was awarded the 2016 Readers' Favorite Gold Award and A Pet for Christmas had an Honorable Mention. In 2017, her book about a single mother with an autistic son, Playing for the Save, won the 2017 Readers' Favorite Gold Award for Realistic Fiction.

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She is also a writing teacher and founder of the Romance In A Month writing community. She lives in California with her husband and has three children and two birds.

For an updated, printable booklist:
https://www.scribd.com/document/34213...

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Broken Build
Hidden Under Her Heart
Knowing Vera

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
Taming Romeo
Claiming Carlos
Whole Latte Love
The Remingtons: Leap, Laugh, Love
The Remingtons: Blush of Love
Bad Boys for Hire: Ryker
Bad Boys for Hire: Ken
Bad Boys for Hire: Nick
Laguna Beach: Lucky in Laguna
Sapphire Falls: Going Haywire
Sapphire Falls: Going Toe to Mistletoe
Sapphire Falls: Going Hearts Over Heels

SPORTS ROMANCE
Played by Love
Playing the Rookie
Playing Without Rules
Roaring Hot!
Intercepted by Love
Playing Catch
Playing for the Save

SWEET ROMANCE
Christmas Stray
A Father for Christmas
A Pet for Christmas
A Wedding for Christmas
Christmas Lovebirds
Valentine Hound Dog
Spring Fling Kitty
Blue Chow Christmas
Valentine Wedding Hound

HOLIDAY ROMANCE
Christmas Flirt
Santa's Pet
Deck the Hearts
Her Christmas Chance
Sapphire Falls: Going Toe to Mistletoe
Bad Boys for Hire: Nick

HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Michal's Window

NON-FICTION
Your Daily Bible Verse
Romance In A Month
366 Ways to Know Your Character
Love Stories: Writing a Romance Novella

Reviews

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 4 out of 5]

In book one, Taming Romeo, we get to read about Romeo and Evie's story. This is Chocos story and what a great story it is too. After all the heavy reads I've read lately this was a real refreshing story. I really enjoyed it.

Choco is a fantastic character. Although busy with her family and work she's lonely. I love Carlos. He's a great friend to Choco but also has feelings for her. Can Choco find happiness?

Great read. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to pinch myself after finishing this brilliantly written story to ensure that what I just experienced wasn’t a dream. The soul-searing longing, the exquisite heartbreak, and the long suffering love that permeated these pages burned their message onto my heart. To experience the amount of soul and hope that flowed throughout this storyline was staggering, and I am still basking in its afterglow. Not only will your perception be changed and readjusted, but your heart will never be the same again.

Choco has a very full and yet unfulfilled life. She pours all of her time and energy into her family’s business, watching over her younger siblings, and attending college in the hopes of obtaining a business degree to further her dreams of owning her own restaurant. Her heart is beginning to feel the strain of being neglected. As if is on cue, Johnny Dee walks into her life showering her with much desired attention and quite literally sweeps her off her feet. He is so easy on the eyes and seems to really like her, so she indulges his suggestions, and in the blink of any eye, she finds herself transformed into someone she doesn’t recognize. Confident that this is what she needs to become in order to see her dreams come true, she is determined to play this new role, but she doesn’t understand why she still feels empty and now fake. Choco’s best friend Carlos can no longer stand by and watch her be manipulated and taken advantage of, so he puts his own plan into motion that he hopes will not only bring his precious friend back to him but force her to face her true feelings about him. Will love truly conquer all and bring two lonely, hurting people together, or will fear take the victory and shatter as many hearts as possible along the way?

It’s too easy to lose yourself in the day to day grind of family, work, and responsibilities. Choco is the eldest daughter, and she is expected to do what needs to be done in watching over her younger brother and sister, pouring her heart into the family business, and doing whatever else is asked of her. She feels like she is not loved and appreciated. After all being saddled with responsibility is not the same as being given a pat on the back or being thanked for a job well done. The resentment that she allows to enter her heart paves the way for major upheavals and painful experiences in the days and weeks to come. Any good things that come her way are tainted and soured by the bitterness which eventually turns into utter despair. Can Carlos and her family show her just how much they love and cherish her before everything she loves is taken from her? Is Choco ready to stop trying to take what she wants and learn to just be content with where she is and let it come to her? Good things come to those who wait, and she is about to find out firsthand just how true that statement is.

Rachelle Ayala is a master at creating and transforming an intense connection between the reader and her incredible characters. You find yourself not just cheering them on in reaching their goals, but you rejoice in their successes, and ultimately have your heart ripped out when their world falls apart. Once the journey ends, you will find that you are emotionally drained as you quiet literally experienced the story in the same way that the characters did. This is such an unbelievable experience that you can’t comprehend it until you experience it yourself. I triple dog dare you to read this story and not be affected by it in an intense, emotional, and palpable way.

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

ear Carlos, I love you dude I really do but seriously I kind of wanted to smack you upside the head as well. Let’s point out your moron moments as well as your beautiful ones. First you are a sweet and tender guy. Truly a gentlemen and boy can you cook. I love your teasing nature and how you are a family person. I love how you think of others as well and want a future. You take things into your own hands when it is necessitated. I also love how you dealt with Johnny and his mom. Although at first I didn’t like Johnny I did begin to understand what motivated him and what was going on in his mind. I mean think about it Carlos he wanted to please his mom and make her proud. Similar to how you were for your mom except you knew how to stand for yourself so keep that in mind please. Second I love how you excepted Choco for all she is. No matter what others may think or her past and how some of her goes against your heritage and your mom’s thoughts you still saw her as a beautiful amazing person. Good for you. I loved how you accepted Livy as well. I love how you wanted the best for her and wanted to her to be happy. I love how you felt for her. How you made her feel. Now some of your moronic moments: Choco’s cousin: seriously that was a disaster waiting to happen. First she is in need of help for her emotional states. But the hairbrained scheme you two plotted that was bound to be a disaster. First reason your mom wanted that and she was devious in making sure that that would come true. This brought about the near downfall of your friendship with Choco. Second the girl was bound to get attached and do something wacky. And she did which precipitated heartache and pain for you and Choco. Not saying that your time apart was a bad thing just did not need to occur the way it did. You and Choco caused each other great pain when it wasn’t needed. Choco didn’t know everything and was afraid. She did tell you the important things and did love you. Upon your walking away you ended up missing out on some important moments and also lost out on having special loving moments. Not saying that the time apart wasn’t good just didn’t need to be so hurtful. But I will say the way you came back was epic and beautiful and so so swoony.

Now onto Choco. Choco girl I understand you felt stifled and that Johnny made you feel special but that doesn’t mean you should lose sight of who you are. And where was your fight when it came to Carlos’s mom. She deserved your attitude. I understand you were afraid and that love for someone brought on the meekness but it also sent mixed messages. You are a beautiful girl inside and out own it girl. I am glad you found peace in things and began to become a stronger person and forge your own path. Those tender moments with Carlos you had smexy fanning self over those. Girl wowza you two are explosive but also fun. Don’t let him go girl. Okay this was a fun book on discovering yourself and finding your voice while finding love. At times heartbreaking and sad and did touch on some very serious issues. You see what a parent will do for their child and what they will sacrifice as well. YOu see what a person will do to feel beautiful and try to forget things. You see dreams realized and love found. You see such happiness and sadness played out in each character’s life but you also see a sense of peace and love. Always love was seen in all actions. A nicely written smexy sexy romance that has you pulling your hair out at times and smiling at others. A great continuation in the Sanchez sisters

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is seriously my favorite romance novel ever. I was glued to it and could not stop reading once I started. I read it in one sitting because I HAD to know what would happen. I have loved Ayala's work for a while, but she has outdone herself this time with intense characters and intricately crafted relationships in Claiming Carlos.
Choco and Carlos have sizzling chemistry, but are often clueless and rash with assumptions. It was really easy to become invested in both of their lives. I have never seen more complete characters in a romance than what we see in this book. They are multi-dimensional and the cultural information laced throughout the story makes their world real and vibrant when reading. I knew very little of the food and family practices mentioned in the book, but the picture is painted so well that I never felt lost or confused.
One thing I am consistently impressed with when reading anything by Rachelle Ayala is that her "villainous" sort of characters are not truly ever given villain status. Nothing is black and white. There is conflict and angst, of course. There are serious issues raised, but there's an overtone of forgiveness, understanding, and moving forward for the sake of the future. This is really rare. Usually when someone is written as having been cruel, they are placed there in a very strict sense. Claiming Carlos is a perfect example of how to keep literary characters as real and constantly changing as people truly are in life.
I felt so many different emotions in the course of reading this one (also felt the need to pee because I was too into the book to get up). It is a MUST READ if you enjoy romance.

A few head's ups:
There is appropriate representation of a mental illness in a supporting character! So happy to see this. Not as a "oh no, that person is crazy and bad" like many other authors have accidentally done. Instead, it is a difficulty, but that character is still supported and not given judgement when things are a bit off.
There is mention of nonconsent. No actual scene, but if you are like me you might find it helpful to know ahead of time. So, somewhat of a trigger warning.
This book is adult. There are super hot bedroom scenes. If this is not your cup of tea, don't read. If it is, enjoy!

I received a complimentary review copy. My opinions are all mine.

[A.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an outstanding story, surprised me to no end. The feels are just crazy.

I cannot believe this book!. My first impression at first, especially with the writing style along with the vibes it was giving off, I thought it was just going to be like any other romance; just an okay story.

What kept everything going for me with this story was how spontaneous the author was in many of the scenes as well as the characters that were created.

I liked how the perspective switched between the main characters, Choco, and Carlos. I was a bit iffy when it came to Choco, because she was a bit unhappy with the way everything was at in her life and with herself. And then things start to change. For a time I felt so strongly, sympathizing with her, until she derailed a bit, but then eventually came back to her senses. Carlos I really really liked. The feels are going through the roof. He was just so cool, and hot, and caring and hot, and just an awesome cook. My stomach growled every time the setting took place in the kitchen with him or cooking something for Choco. I still got frustrated with him too for a little bit but then I'd become smitten with his cooking skills as well a some other skills he excelled at... The only character I did not hate, and truly loved, as well as had their head screwed on straight was Tita Elena, the one with the bakery. I just love her to death. She was the only one that I did not get irritated by. And gave great advice. Julia, however was the one character that was completely confusing, and irritating too. She just seemed unstable and weird.

I really appreciated the mini glossary at the end defining the meanings of word, phrases and honorifics used throughout the story.

I actually have a Filipino aunt, although she's still pretty young, but her parents still live in the Philippines so I liked how this story helped a bit with knowing more about my aunt's heritage.

This author truly did amaze me with their writing style, character development.

Overall, I very much enjoyed this read and would recommend this romance to those looking for one that is out-of-the-box unpredictable as much as it is very entertaining.

[Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Taming Romeo, Evie Sanchez’s story, I was left craving for more. And Rachelle Ayala returns with Choco’s story in Claiming Carlos.

We have already met the Sanchez family in Taming Romeo. For those who have not yet had a chance to pick it up – the Sanchez family owns a Filipino Restaurant. Choco has huge responsibilities as there are high expectations from her. She is in college with hopes of achieving a management degree someday. She helps out in the family restaurant as the chief hostess and assistant manager. She is also expected to set the right examples for her younger siblings. Choco, lost in this daily grind, feels unsatisfied with her life even though she cannot really pinpoint the source of her discontent. Enter Johnny, a consultant hired to help with the expansion of the restaurant business. He sweeps off her feet and before she knows, she has had a complete makeover. Carlos has always been in the background of Choco’s life as her friend and as the head chef of the restaurant. When Johnny tries another makeover on the menu, Carlos had enough and he sets about throwing Johnny out of their lives and claim Choco for himself.

The food in the first instalment had left me feeling hungry and so this time I made sure to have lots of snacks on the stand by while I read this book. I wasn’t disappointed. Claiming Carlos also gives its reader a fill of Filipino culture. The family dynamics work differently there and we see a lot of familial influence in the story too. While I had a love-hate relationship with a couple of characters, I really felt connected to Choco and liked her. If Evie and Romeo were a sizzling couple, Choco and Carlos surely set off all fire alarms around them. I actually like the fact that Choco and Carlos were such good friends for so long, that when they finally took things to the next level, it only seemed natural.

Rachelle Ayala has her own style of narrating a story and it never fails to suck you in the world of whatever story she tells and this book wasn’t an exception.


http://www.b00kr3vi3ws.in/2014/11/Cla...

[Just another reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This peppy and racy romance story proved to be a great read. Choco is devoted to her responsibilities in life - her family's Filipino restaurant and her education. She hopes to have and run her own restaurant some day. She is caught in the frustrating loop of monotony that comes with daily life. Carlos is the head chef in the family restaurant and has been her loyal and best friend. Johnny Dee is a consultant who has been assigned the task of handling the expansion of her family's restaurant. He showers attention on Choco - exactly what Choco had been craving for. Choco lets herself get enchanted with Johnny's attention and before she realises it, she transforms herself into someone she doesn't recognise - leaving her hollow and crushed inside. She covers up her numbness inside and tries to go with the flow, but Carlos is having none of it. He hates to see what his friend has turned into, and he has had enough of being just her friend. He gets into the battle scene to claim the true Choco and her heart back. Does he succeed, is what the book takes us through.

I thoroughly loved the characterisation of the protagonists. Choco's helplessness and confusion, conjoined with Carlo's initial bewilderment and eventual determination have all been churned out well and served nice and warm by Ayala. The plot is pacy and keep's the reader's attention throughout. Being completely new to Filipino food and culture, I was pleasantly surprised when the book smoothly enlightened me on a lot of points about both. What is remarkable about the book is that neither the characters, nor their words are shallow at any point - the author doesn't make light of any situation in the book and brushes it off with cliche sentences. Instead she has carefully carved out the emotional dynamics in the different scenes throughout and the dialogues, thoughts and language are all used in sync with this.

I would definitely recommend this to lovers of romance and drama.

My rating for this book: 4 stars

[Kumiko Lei ~Lost In A Book~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Lost In A Book

3.5 ☆'s

Alright, I have to say, I have been stewing on this book for a couple of weeks now, trying to wrap my head around what I think and how I feel about it. I'm still having a hard time.

I like Choco and I like Carlos. Hell, at first I liked Johnny. As the story progressed, I found myself getting angry. Not at the story, but just some of the characters' attitudes.

The more I've thought about it, the more I think that maybe my problem is that this was not at all what I was expecting. I was expecting something a little lighter, and maybe others won't see this as heavy, but I did and it lingered.

Honestly, I liked the story. It kept me entertained and I wanted to keep reading. There's no way in hell I would've stopped. I just spent a lot of my time pissed off while I was reading. I can't even tell you why I was pissed because it's spoilerish and I don't want to give things away.

All the things you find out by the end just kinda make your mind spin. I knew something was up, but definitely did not see that bombshell coming. Not to mention, all the other little surprises that got thrown in there.

I rated it 3.5 stars, and I'm really not sure if that's the rating it deserves. Its 2 weeks later and my mind is still going around in circles. That right there tells me, this book is something worth reading. I will probably re-read this to try to wrap my brain around it better. And if Ms. Ayala is up for it, I'd love to chat with her about Claiming Carlos, maybe she can help me out of my angry phase.

*Copy received in exchange for an honest review.

[Marie Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first few chapters of the book are super entertaining, I was literally laughing when they all accused Choco as a sex addict. I love the stolen kisses and touches Choco and Carlos has shared not only in the kitchen. It’s so hot, especially knowing that Choco is affected with his kisses even though she tried to deny it many times.

It is soooo Filipino when both Carlos and Choco’s parents interfere with what’s going on with them. I think it’s the way our parents shows that they care for us. I can literally see my own mother in Carlos’ mom. Tita Gloria is so annoying.

I love the combination of romance, comedy, gastronomy, family, friends, Filipino culture/beliefs and of course the hot, hot, hot scene not only in Carlos’ apartment but also in the kitchen of Choco’s family restaurant. It definitely got me drooling for Carlos! I don’t care if he smells like lechon all the time, it just only made him even more delicious and appealing. Hahaha. What am I thinking? My mom will never like this for sure! :D

I also love Livy’s existence! The banter between Livy and Choco is just so funny for me. I super hate Johnny and his mother for ruining Choco’s family restaurant. May I also mention, I hate Concha. She’s such a bitch (which makes the whole story even more interesting).

Overall, I love everything in this book from the plot, the characters, the funny and kilig moments and of course the twists. Claiming Carlos is definitely a great read for me.

Now, I can’t help but imagine having my own Carlos. Ahh! One day! :D

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Choco, also known as Choke, can be all talk with little bite. Choco is stuck in her daily routines day in and day out, until the new consultant, Johnny, comes in. Now her life is turned upside down for better or for worse.

Choco encourages her best friend, Carlos, and her cousin, Julia, to start dating. Choco thinks it's a good idea until a kiss brings desirable feelings. Feelings she's not willing to have or show.

Choco has insecurities, just like any other girl, except if shes not careful she could risk something truly dear to her. Johnny, the consultant, helps Choco realize she can be beautiful by helping her with a makeover and encouraging her to have a backbone.

Choco goes with the makeover until times get rocky for her family's Filipino restaurant. Too much is changing at once. Johnny is trying to change the restaurant and menu. Customers and employees are not happy.

Choco finally opens her eyes to what truly is going on around her. She's no longer blinded, but is it too late to fix the mess that's been made?

The characters in this story are well written. Each have their own distinguishing personalities that add meaning to the story. Some are more connected to each other than they all realize.

Each time I tried to guess what would happen next or I would know the characters next move, something else would happen. The story kept me on my toes trying to figure out how it'd progress.

I truly enjoyed reading Claiming Carlos.

[Bloggers From Down Under · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** ARC provided on behalf of the author for an honest review ***

Claiming Carlos equals a great read.

Meet Choco. Works at her family’s restaurant, studying nights, is happy, carefree and loves her best friend Carlos.

Meet Carlos. Works as a chef at Choco’s family restaurant. He’s funny, work driven and loves his best friend Choco.

Sharing a kiss in a closet while both chaperoning Choco’s younger sister and her date changes everything.

Can they make a relationship work?

Taking the step, they both decide they can no longer ignore the longing they have for each other.

But what is set out to destroy them?
And who?

Add to that an interfering mother, a conniving mother and son combo, secrets and mistrust, will Choco and Carlos survive, or will too much stand in their way?

Claiming Carlos was a really good read. It had so many twist and turns, it left us guessing right to the very end.
What surprised us the most was how the author managed to entwine characters together. But we won’t share with you how she did, you guys will just have to simply read it to find out.
Overall we found it a great read and recommend it to be on your TBR list.
We rate this book 7 out of 10.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chocco and Carlos have been best friends for years, his mother is her godmother. So when his mother wants to set him up with her cousin she thought it was great idea..until it wasn't. Suddenly there are feelings she didn't realize she had. Only she finds out he is going on a date with her cousin and in her family that makes him off limits. So when big shot Johnny Dee shows an interest in her she jumps at the opportunity to make a change.
Carlos has wanted Chocco since they met. So when she changes to this sex kitten because of Johnny Dee he makes a deal with her cousin to make Chocco and her ex-fiance both jealous things get out of control. Will the plan work or will everything blow up and cost the both hat they really want?
This is the second book int the series but works as a stand alone, however, the first book, Taming Romeo, is also a must read. This book was amazing and in my opinion an must read. It gives you a look at the Philippines, and their customs, a culture we don't know much about.

Book reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog

[Annamaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Choco,
an interesting name for a beauty with freckles.

Carlos,
the cook who is treated like family.

Okay, not fair, I still remember Evie, Choco’s younger sister in Taming Romeo, who reminded me of one of my daughters. Ms. Ayala has done it again, captured my attention with a story that seems as real as the life of my next-door neighbor.

The influx of culture is amazingly pleasing. What this author seems to have is a great knack for creating down-to-earth-believable-characters, the kind readers tend to invest serious time in, losing themselves in the characters’ problems and struggles. They are not perfect, yet I end up loving them because their imperfections make me cheer them on to victory.

Although steamy in parts, the love scenes are well executed.

If the book keeps me turning pages, and this one sure did, then it’s a good book, time well invested. I will not go into details and spoil the romance, but if you want a book that will play out in your mind like the perfect movie pick up a copy of Claiming Carlos.

Kudos to Ms. Ayala.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This good turned out amazing. I have to say that in the beginning of this book I was total thought that this would be about them just running a restaurant and some fighting thru out.I have to say that I loved Carlos he was so sweet thru the whole book. who do you know hides there true feeling for someone until they cant anymore. When he left to go back home because he got hurt i just was sad. I did not wanted him to leave. Of course it ends the way it did now I have to start book to to see if they can pick up where they left off at. I hope everyone enjoys this book as I did.

[Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads win. Will read and review once received.

Even though this book is the second in the series i was still able to read this book without having read the first one. it was a pretty good read that was easy to get through. After reading this book I can see myself going back and reading the first book in the series. I really enjoyed reading this book that showed and taught me things I didn't know about Philippines cultural. I can see this book being a must read for many people.

[Lyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved checking in with the Sanchez family that I was introduced to in Taming Romeo! I thought Evie's story was spicy, but whoa-Choco and Carlos really heat things up in Claiming Carlos. This book had so many twists and turns, I just couldn't put the book down. When you finally think you have everything figured out, Ayala throws in another curveball. I can't wait for more books in this series!

[Renee Rousell · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book, such a brilliant way to integrate Filipino life,food,romance, suspense and a few tears. Rachelle Ayala is a wonderful writer and I shall be looking forward to reading more from her.

[Angela Goodrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Claiming Carlos was well on its way to a 1 or 2 star rating, but fortunately Ms. Ayala pulled the ending together enough that I was able to deal with the characters' behavior from the first part of the book. Why did I dislike the first 60% or so of the book so much? Because with the exception of Carlos, pretty much everyone else was an asshole. Both of Choco’s parents were acting like assholes. Tita Gloria, Choco’s godmother, was a holier-than-thou asshole. Julia wasn’t an asshole but she was bat shit crazy. Yes, even Choco started acting like an asshole. I enjoyed Taming Romeo and the large Filipino family that surrounded and supported Evie in her time of need. Yet in this book it felt like the family members had a personality transplant and Choco and Carlos became everyone’s whipping posts, with Carlos taking more than his fair share of abuse. Even when contributing factors are revealed in the end, it still doesn’t explain or justify why Choco’s father was being an asshole to almost everyone.

Because a LARGE part of Claiming Carlos is based upon secrets, there is so much that cannot be said about the storyline. While Choco’s part of the underlying secret was believable, the additional facts regarding the secret that were revealed at the end were not. The blackmail situation that was revealed was unrealistic because seriously, the blackmailers had no footing on the highroad they were trying to take. As for the Facebook post, I cannot imagine anyone involved with the family or the blackmailers would do it knowing the fallout it would cause, so it too lacked authenticity. Too many of the unrelated parties ended up being related as more facts came to light. And the issues of the urine in the dressing, the stock thefts, and other sabotages seemed to be dropped. Unless I missed something, there were suggestions as to who was suspected but no follow-up on that particular thread. In short, there was just too much drama and too much angst that felt forced and contrived and it just didn’t work for me.

About the only part of Claiming Carlos that did work for me was the chemistry between Carlos and Choco WHEN she was willing to acknowledge it. Although they were almost 70% into the book before the two finally had sex, I understood that particular delay and the sex between them was hot, but it didn’t make up for the way she treated him earlier in the book. Fortunately for Choco, the Sanchez sisters do seem to worm their way deep into a man’s heart – even if they don’t mean to – and Carlos does what he has to in order to insure his happy ending. It is Carlos’s happy ending that is the only reason I was able to give Claiming Carlos the rating I did. Unfortunately, the personality shifts that the Sanchez family underwent this time around means I won’t be back for book three. I will, however, check out more of Ms. Ayala’s other works because I enjoy her writing style, just not the direction she took the family in this time around.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

[Abby A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Being Filipina, I was really looking forward to reading this book. As a food lover, I was even more excited that the setting for Claiming Carlos was at a family-owned Filipino restaurant. Unfortunately, this book would have only had a 1 star rating, if it weren't for some aspects of this book that I really liked.

Those likes included the descriptions of the various family members and their interactions with each other, some of which I could completely relate. I enjoyed reading about the hustle and bustle at the restaurant and the descriptions of the Filipino dishes being served there. The plot line that talked about the importance of preserving our food culture and embracing it, pig parts and all was something I could get into.

Other than that, this book really didn't do it for me. First, I didn't feel the chemistry between the two main characters, Choco and Carlos. Although there were POVs from both characters talking about the attraction, it just wasn't palpable.

The transitions between the POVs were also a bit rough and didn't make much sense. In more than one scenario, a change happened to either Choco or Carlos, but there was no real explanation of why that change happened. Instead, all is left is for the character on the other side to deal with it.

It also didn't help that I didn't like the heroine. She was childish and was a sender of mixed messages to poor Carlos. She pushes him away and encourages him to date someone else but then tells him that "She hates him" for doing just that.

Also, the book was fraught with so much drama like secret children, restaurant sabotage, fake boyfriend/girlfriend, blackmail, miscommunication, unrequited love, etc., that there wasn't any room to really focus on Choco's and Carlos' relationship, what little there was of it.

What doesn't help matters is that the reasons for some of the craziness that was happening didn't make any sense at all. Even after a day or so of processing, I still don't understand why certain things happened the way they did.

Even the ending was unsatisfying because it was just so abrupt. At one point, they broke up and without any kind of real resolution between them, they get back together.

Overall, there way more misses than hits. I think I need some halo halo to get over the disappointment.

[Jill Sorenson]

This started out so cute! I loved the author's voice and the heroine, Choco. She works at her family's Filipino restaurant in San Diego and is good friends with Carlos, the lead chef. A flashy guy named Johnny comes in to consult for an expansion. Carlos and Johnny clash over the menu and over Choco.

The cultural details are so well done. Carlos stands up for the traditional menu at one point, saying "this is my heritage." Three cheers! I knew that there was a lot of Spanish influence in Filipino culture but I didn't realize the extent. The food and language added so much flavor here.

I noticed some flaws off the bat. Choco gets kissed in the parking lot by Johnny out of the blue, and later by Carlos on the running trail. Family members catch up with them (how?) and disapprove (why?). I also felt that Choco did a 180 degree flip after her trip to Vegas. I needed her POV to understand. Instead the focus shifted to Carlos and mysterious kitchen shenanigans. Someone is peeing in the salad dressing, really? Johnny does a striptease in the restaurant bar? Livy is Choco's daughter? I lost my suspension of disbelief, and my investment in the story.

I will try another book by this author because of the strong points. No rating for this one because I didn't finish.

[Angelica Berglund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claiming Carlos is a very interesting and very well written book that got me captured in the first chapter, even in the first page more or less. I must say that once again have Rachelle Ayala shown how amazing she is when it comes to writing and making up good storied. I started reading this book and without knowing it, the book ended and I have no idea how that could have happened. This book was to good to be real and is one of my favourite books from Rachelle at the moment.

The story is so well developed and so real. As a reader you get into the story and get to know the amazing, and so life like characters and their love and struggle. Mind blowing and thrilling love story to say the least. I dont even know how to explain how much I do love this story. I still feel like I dont want the book to end, Why did it have to end? It was so amazing and I wanted more from it.

The book is hot, sweet and everything you can every imagine it to be. This is one of the best romance books I have read in a very long time and it is just amazing. A must read book for everyone who loves romance.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book free for an honest review.

Honesty. That is where I would start this review. More than half of this book could have been prevented if the main characters had been honest from the beginning. This book could have been quite different, and more enjoyable if the characters put their fears aside and put up a united front against the enemy.

Predictable. Girl wants boy, goes out with another boy. Boy wants girl and goes out with another girl. Sorry to say that story line has been used before.

I would say that one of the redeemable aspects of this book was the glimpse into a culture I did not know a lot about. The food and kitchen life was a highlight for me. I found myself trying to find highlights of the kitchen throughout the book.

Make sure that you read the beginning of the book with the definitions of the terms use for the family. If you get lost in the food language there is a dictionary in the back of the book!

Not a bad book, just not a book for me.

[Rachelle Ayala · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm excited to bring you Choco's story. If you enjoyed Evie and Romeo, in Taming Romeo, then you know bossy big sister Choco. See what antics she gets into in Claiming Carlos.

SPECIAL price: 99c
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[Amanderr F · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh thank God I am done with this book.

it took forever to finish, likely because I couldn't stand the main character and her over-agressive romance. literally, every kiss was "rough", "lips plundering", "demanding", etc.

but mainly, I couldn't stand the various characters. Choco was so unlikeable, hard-headed, self-depricating, and unobservant. Carlos was playing games (and Choco was playing games) and then wanted to act like he wasn't and was all of a sudden sincere.

additionally, random ass things kept happening in the book for no reason. things that weren't even really related to the plot. I just began to get really annoyed with it.

I read through Taming Romeo first and liked it (therefore it was a fast-ish read). but this was pretty painful to get through and I wanted to stop less than halfway through.

[Say]

Rating and review to follow. =)

[Vera Neves (Sinfonia dos Livros) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leitura Beta
Opinião em Breve

[Sam Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This family is absolutely NUTS. I felt right at home reading about them. Not going to lie, I'm upset that I don't know conclusively who used Carlos' Facebook account to be a complete...
I can hardly complain.