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Harmony Lake
Love Bites
Can two warring candy makers create a perfect recipe for love?
No one ever said the life of a chocolatier was all singing factory helpers and rivers of milk chocolate but Haider Gray is finding the day-to-day life of a small businessman a very sour lozenge indeed. His sales are plummeting regardless of the quality of his chocolate. Despite a lineage of great prestige in the world of fine candy, Haider is struggling to keep his shop in Caldwell Crossing open. To add to his frustration and feelings of ineptitude, there is now a representative of one of the largest candy makers in Europe in his town tempting him with big money if he’ll sign over his shop. Not only does Haider not like the idea of selling to a mega corporation like Brauning Chocolates, but he’s also not sure he likes Phillip Brauning all that much in spite of the older man’s good looks, killer smile, and mad kissing skills.
Phillip Brauning has one clear mission when he left convince Haider Gray to sign on the dotted line. The task assigned by his grandfather seems straightforward enough—acquire the small candy store and incorporate it into a larger plan to break into the American chocolate market with Brauning boutique shops. As the head of acquisitions, Phillip prides himself on his ability to close deals. If he can’t persuade Haider, no one can. But everything changes when he arrives in Caldwell Crossing with his loyal assistant. Once settled in the charming New Hampshire town, Phillip’s encounters with Haider become unexpectedly heated—and undeniably steamy. Suddenly, the idea of compromise takes on a new meaning as he is captivated by the spirited candy maker with glorious curls and mesmerizing blue eyes. Could there be room for a more personal agreement between them?
Love Bites is an age gap, small town, enemies-to-lovers M/M romance set in a charming New Hampshire hamlet with a vibrant chocolatier, a debonair businessman, a sassy grandmother, a few moose, lots of candy, tons of friendship, and a sugary sweet happy ending.
No one ever said the life of a chocolatier was all singing factory helpers and rivers of milk chocolate but Haider Gray is finding the day-to-day life of a small businessman a very sour lozenge indeed. His sales are plummeting regardless of the quality of his chocolate. Despite a lineage of great prestige in the world of fine candy, Haider is struggling to keep his shop in Caldwell Crossing open. To add to his frustration and feelings of ineptitude, there is now a representative of one of the largest candy makers in Europe in his town tempting him with big money if he’ll sign over his shop. Not only does Haider not like the idea of selling to a mega corporation like Brauning Chocolates, but he’s also not sure he likes Phillip Brauning all that much in spite of the older man’s good looks, killer smile, and mad kissing skills.
Phillip Brauning has one clear mission when he left convince Haider Gray to sign on the dotted line. The task assigned by his grandfather seems straightforward enough—acquire the small candy store and incorporate it into a larger plan to break into the American chocolate market with Brauning boutique shops. As the head of acquisitions, Phillip prides himself on his ability to close deals. If he can’t persuade Haider, no one can. But everything changes when he arrives in Caldwell Crossing with his loyal assistant. Once settled in the charming New Hampshire town, Phillip’s encounters with Haider become unexpectedly heated—and undeniably steamy. Suddenly, the idea of compromise takes on a new meaning as he is captivated by the spirited candy maker with glorious curls and mesmerizing blue eyes. Could there be room for a more personal agreement between them?
Love Bites is an age gap, small town, enemies-to-lovers M/M romance set in a charming New Hampshire hamlet with a vibrant chocolatier, a debonair businessman, a sassy grandmother, a few moose, lots of candy, tons of friendship, and a sugary sweet happy ending.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2025
112 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
V.L. Locey
211 books726 followersV.L. Locey loves worn jeans, Dr. Who, Torchwood, belly laughs, yoga, reading and writing lusty tales, walking, Greek mythology, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.)
She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, and a flock of assorted domestic fowl.
When not writing lusty tales, she can be found enjoying her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, fresh cup of java in hand.
Sign up for my newsletter here: http://vllocey.com/Newsletter
She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, and a flock of assorted domestic fowl.
When not writing lusty tales, she can be found enjoying her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, fresh cup of java in hand.
Sign up for my newsletter here: http://vllocey.com/Newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 1, 2025
This book made me so conflicted because I really enjoyed the premise but the timescale for Haider and Phillip falling for each other stuck it too close to instalove for me.
I wished there'd been more focus given to them actually getting to know each other outside of the mad chemistry that was evident from the start.
It just felt like they went from "enemies" (which they also never were, it was Phillip's grandfather who was the arse), to one admittedly hilarious trip round the lake on a hippo pedalo, to a chocolate making session, then to an all night sex-travaganza and they were "in love".
That's a personal niggle though, there's nothing wrong in the plotting which makes it impossible for it to happen in that timescale, and it is very obvious from the first time they meet that sparks are flying.
Other than that, I really liked that there was depth to the whole "big successful firm tries to buy out small family business that's hit hard times". I won't spoil that element but I liked how Phillip addressed it once he discovered the truth.
This does take place mostly over the same time period as book one, so there's a couple of scenes you get to see from a different perspective, which I didn't mind at all.
The Epilogue for this one does kind of giveaway what might be going on in one of the other books but I don't think it's necessary spoiling anything as the Blurb's out for that one too and it's fairly obvious from that who the love interest will be.
Overall another really easy read.
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I wished there'd been more focus given to them actually getting to know each other outside of the mad chemistry that was evident from the start.
It just felt like they went from "enemies" (which they also never were, it was Phillip's grandfather who was the arse), to one admittedly hilarious trip round the lake on a hippo pedalo, to a chocolate making session, then to an all night sex-travaganza and they were "in love".
That's a personal niggle though, there's nothing wrong in the plotting which makes it impossible for it to happen in that timescale, and it is very obvious from the first time they meet that sparks are flying.
Other than that, I really liked that there was depth to the whole "big successful firm tries to buy out small family business that's hit hard times". I won't spoil that element but I liked how Phillip addressed it once he discovered the truth.
This does take place mostly over the same time period as book one, so there's a couple of scenes you get to see from a different perspective, which I didn't mind at all.
The Epilogue for this one does kind of giveaway what might be going on in one of the other books but I don't think it's necessary spoiling anything as the Blurb's out for that one too and it's fairly obvious from that who the love interest will be.
Overall another really easy read.
#ARC kindly received from the author, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2025
Of all the authors in this multi-author series, this is the one I worry the most. I have only read one book of hers and DNF'ed another one. I worried that it wouldn't do Haider justice, the Haider I was introduced in Love Story.
Unfortunately, I was right.
In here, I felt Haider to be a chaos and very silly. I just didn't connect with the way Haider was written (whereas he came as endearingly bubbly in the other book). Phillip felt stiff. Mamie (Haider's grandma) felt like a stereotypical brash French older woman. Heck, even Phillip's grandpa felt like exaggerated German villain. The only one interesting enough for me was Edgar, Phillip's factotum / butler / friend.
The romance just didn't work for me. SORRY Haider!!
Unfortunately, I was right.
In here, I felt Haider to be a chaos and very silly. I just didn't connect with the way Haider was written (whereas he came as endearingly bubbly in the other book). Phillip felt stiff. Mamie (Haider's grandma) felt like a stereotypical brash French older woman. Heck, even Phillip's grandpa felt like exaggerated German villain. The only one interesting enough for me was Edgar, Phillip's factotum / butler / friend.
The romance just didn't work for me. SORRY Haider!!
August 25, 2025
2.5 stars, rounded up.
Well... the writing itself is good, as is the story within, though the romance didn't feel genuine to me.
We again meet Haider, one of the four friends living in Caldwell Crossing, who runs a chocolate/candy shop with his grandmother, who was a famous chocolatier in France in her youth.
Phillip Brauning, heir and CEO to the Brauning chocolate empire, comes to New Hampshire to convince Haider to sell his shop to the conglomerate so they can have 4 boutique chocolate stores in all 50 states, or some ridiculous reason like that. It felt a bit contrived as a reason, but whatever. I let that shit go, especially since it eventually becomes clear why dear old asshole Opa has such a hard-on about buying that particular store.
The story unfolds as both Haider and Phillip are feeling attraction, and a typical romance book ensues. All in all, not a bad romance.
However...
What could have been an enjoyable book was made less so by the many, MANY editing issues within. Commas were missing everywhere. That alone didn't lessen my enjoyment though it made me wonder who edited this. No, what really lost this book a star is the German that was used here...
1. Page 21 - "Kaffee und kuchen" - coffee and cake - both words are nouns and are thus spelled with a capital letter at the beginning of the word, even if Kuchen is in the middle of the sentence. It's a German thing. We do that.
2. "stubborn arsch" - again, Arsch is a noun in German, even if it's an insult, and thus capitalized.
3. Sturen alten Esel - while that may be correct in a different context, the phrase used here should be Sturer alter Esel, because Phillip thinks those words about his Opa.
4. Bienenstich is the name of the bee sting cake reference. It's not Bienenstitch. FFS.
5. On page 45, when Opa inquires about whether the contract has been signed, the German wording is clunky and nobody talks like that, not even a stubborn old ass like Phillip's Opa.
6. Same page, "Erledigenes". That's not a word. Context clues tell me it should have been "Erledige es." Get it done.
7. Page 109 - Bastard is generally not a word used in German as an insult. "Du alter Bastard" isn't the right phrase here.
8. Page 138 - "liebster" used as a term of endearment is spelled with an upper case L, Liebster. Also not something many Germans would say.
9. Page 155 - meine Perle - my pearl. LOLOL. Perle is generally used to refer to the household help, not as a term of endearment for a child.
Additionally, while fucking, Phillip reminisces over Haider's ass as "globes that reminded me of gorgeous balls of scamorza (which should likely be capitalized as a proper noun), a firm drier mozzarella (which should likely also be capitalized as I consider that a proper noun). But LOLWUT? You're waxing poetically about CHEESE while fucking???? HAHAHAHAHAHA. No.
In summary, if using a foreign language in your book, hire a native speaker of that language to make sure you're not being misled by Google Translate.
FFS!
Well... the writing itself is good, as is the story within, though the romance didn't feel genuine to me.
We again meet Haider, one of the four friends living in Caldwell Crossing, who runs a chocolate/candy shop with his grandmother, who was a famous chocolatier in France in her youth.
Phillip Brauning, heir and CEO to the Brauning chocolate empire, comes to New Hampshire to convince Haider to sell his shop to the conglomerate so they can have 4 boutique chocolate stores in all 50 states, or some ridiculous reason like that. It felt a bit contrived as a reason, but whatever. I let that shit go, especially since it eventually becomes clear why dear old asshole Opa has such a hard-on about buying that particular store.
The story unfolds as both Haider and Phillip are feeling attraction, and a typical romance book ensues. All in all, not a bad romance.
However...
What could have been an enjoyable book was made less so by the many, MANY editing issues within. Commas were missing everywhere. That alone didn't lessen my enjoyment though it made me wonder who edited this. No, what really lost this book a star is the German that was used here...
1. Page 21 - "Kaffee und kuchen" - coffee and cake - both words are nouns and are thus spelled with a capital letter at the beginning of the word, even if Kuchen is in the middle of the sentence. It's a German thing. We do that.
2. "stubborn arsch" - again, Arsch is a noun in German, even if it's an insult, and thus capitalized.
3. Sturen alten Esel - while that may be correct in a different context, the phrase used here should be Sturer alter Esel, because Phillip thinks those words about his Opa.
4. Bienenstich is the name of the bee sting cake reference. It's not Bienenstitch. FFS.
5. On page 45, when Opa inquires about whether the contract has been signed, the German wording is clunky and nobody talks like that, not even a stubborn old ass like Phillip's Opa.
6. Same page, "Erledigenes". That's not a word. Context clues tell me it should have been "Erledige es." Get it done.
7. Page 109 - Bastard is generally not a word used in German as an insult. "Du alter Bastard" isn't the right phrase here.
8. Page 138 - "liebster" used as a term of endearment is spelled with an upper case L, Liebster. Also not something many Germans would say.
9. Page 155 - meine Perle - my pearl. LOLOL. Perle is generally used to refer to the household help, not as a term of endearment for a child.
Additionally, while fucking, Phillip reminisces over Haider's ass as "globes that reminded me of gorgeous balls of scamorza (which should likely be capitalized as a proper noun), a firm drier mozzarella (which should likely also be capitalized as I consider that a proper noun). But LOLWUT? You're waxing poetically about CHEESE while fucking???? HAHAHAHAHAHA. No.
In summary, if using a foreign language in your book, hire a native speaker of that language to make sure you're not being misled by Google Translate.
FFS!
November 18, 2025
Haider and Phillip…
Haider and his Mom run a candy shop in New Hampshire. Phillip, a German candy maker has come to buy their shop, but no, they will not sell.
This begins the love at first sight romance, and turns it into a tug of war for a while until all secrets are revealed.
Haider doesn’t want to sell, he belongs here, has true friends and family to help him and his Mom.
The writing is great with wit and wisdom, and characters that are so unique.
Phillip and Haider have super hot sexiness together and that complicates the negotiations.
Deep thoughts and true feelings give us a romance like no other.
ENJOY!
=====
Haider and his Mom run a candy shop in New Hampshire. Phillip, a German candy maker has come to buy their shop, but no, they will not sell.
This begins the love at first sight romance, and turns it into a tug of war for a while until all secrets are revealed.
Haider doesn’t want to sell, he belongs here, has true friends and family to help him and his Mom.
The writing is great with wit and wisdom, and characters that are so unique.
Phillip and Haider have super hot sexiness together and that complicates the negotiations.
Deep thoughts and true feelings give us a romance like no other.
ENJOY!
=====
July 1, 2025
I'd originally thought to skip this book because the tags said enemies to lovers and I know I don't like that trope. However, I liked Sam's book a lot so it makes sense to give Haider a chance and I'm glad I did. It has more mild one-sided rivalry than downright hatred vibes, which makes them developing feelings not feel unnatural or forced, which was a concern of mine. I liked it
August 22, 2025
This series is turning out to be very disappointing, with another lackluster entry… RJ Scott’s version of Haider was barely recognizable in VL Locey’s story: it seemed like a totally different character, which was seriously offputting. Combined with more “instalove”, this was another forgettable installment in this series…
June 3, 2025
4.5⭐️
Haider Grey and his force of nature grandmother own a chocolate shop called Harmony Chocolates in the quaint town of Caldwell Crossing in New Hampshire. He is struggling with cash flow, but not wanting to let anyone down, he takes the hit himself. He keeps getting emails from another company wanting to buy him out, but Haider is having none of it.
Phillip Brauning and his family own a larger chain of chocolatiers in Germany and want at least four stores in every state of the US. His Opa (grandfather) is ruthless and gets anything he wants if he throws enough money at it. He sends Phillip to Caldwell Crossing in order to buy out Harmony Chocolates. He is under strict instruction to not return unless the shop is signed ober and the deal is done.
Once Phillip and Haider meet in person there is an attraction on both parts, but with Phillip being the enemy, Haider does not trust him. There are secrets in the family history that connect both families, but who will believe the truth?
This is my first read by the author VL Locey, and it certainly wont be my last. I loved how the characters were described and the writing flowed. Love Bites is one quarter of the multi author series called Harmony Lakes, which I intend on reading them all.
Haider Grey and his force of nature grandmother own a chocolate shop called Harmony Chocolates in the quaint town of Caldwell Crossing in New Hampshire. He is struggling with cash flow, but not wanting to let anyone down, he takes the hit himself. He keeps getting emails from another company wanting to buy him out, but Haider is having none of it.
Phillip Brauning and his family own a larger chain of chocolatiers in Germany and want at least four stores in every state of the US. His Opa (grandfather) is ruthless and gets anything he wants if he throws enough money at it. He sends Phillip to Caldwell Crossing in order to buy out Harmony Chocolates. He is under strict instruction to not return unless the shop is signed ober and the deal is done.
Once Phillip and Haider meet in person there is an attraction on both parts, but with Phillip being the enemy, Haider does not trust him. There are secrets in the family history that connect both families, but who will believe the truth?
This is my first read by the author VL Locey, and it certainly wont be my last. I loved how the characters were described and the writing flowed. Love Bites is one quarter of the multi author series called Harmony Lakes, which I intend on reading them all.
July 27, 2025
This is the second book in the Harmony Lake series written by V.L. Locey so a different author. Where you could read this as a standalone story perhaps as it is a different author for each of the four books I wouldn’t recommended that because this series is about four best friends and each story tells the story of one of them.
In this second book we read Haider’s story, and Haider is such a great guy. We got some glimpses and more of him in the first book by R.J Scott – Love Story. We find out what is happening with him and how he is struggling with all things that have happened and are still happening. Yes I am keeping it a bit vague because one of the things I liked best was the emotions that came out when he is talking with his best friends.
Phillip comes into town with a mission. He wants to take over Haider’s shop plain simple. While there is definitely animosity between them, there is also something like instant attraction as well.
I liked the fact that there is no rush from the author explaining the background of the shop and Mamie’s roots but it would be fair to say that because there is so much story there and it is a relativity shorter novel it lacks a little in exploring Phillip and Haider.
It goes very quickly from “enemies” (which is a big word hence the “) to connecting in all the ways to boyfriends etc.
To be honest when I finally got into their relationship and connected the story kind of was done. We got an epilogue which was lovely but where was the love between them, growing their relationship, the interaction with Haider his friends, with them including Phillip like they did Ben?
That to me made this feel very rushed and I think it was definitely a missed opportunity because everything needed was here!
The writing is as you expect from V.L. Locey strong, clear and flowing let me be clear on that. I just missed something which in a way is a good thing because it means I wanted to read more of these men.
Haider sounds wonderful like a spitfire, Phillip feels like a sexy, hairy, older man, and even more the interaction amongst the friends is what makes this series more than average. You want to read about their stories about the town they live in about how they meet their other halves.
Still let me be fair, if you have read the first story you want to read this one too. You want to read Haider’s story and want to continue this series. I am excited to read Connor’s and Ryan’s story and I hope we will get more of the four friends and their partners.
That all makes it hard for me to put a rating on this as I love the premise of the series, I really liked the first book and I love these 4 men and want to keep reading about them. That is why if you are a series lover and you like me want to read about the other guys I still recommend reading this book
In this second book we read Haider’s story, and Haider is such a great guy. We got some glimpses and more of him in the first book by R.J Scott – Love Story. We find out what is happening with him and how he is struggling with all things that have happened and are still happening. Yes I am keeping it a bit vague because one of the things I liked best was the emotions that came out when he is talking with his best friends.
Phillip comes into town with a mission. He wants to take over Haider’s shop plain simple. While there is definitely animosity between them, there is also something like instant attraction as well.
I liked the fact that there is no rush from the author explaining the background of the shop and Mamie’s roots but it would be fair to say that because there is so much story there and it is a relativity shorter novel it lacks a little in exploring Phillip and Haider.
It goes very quickly from “enemies” (which is a big word hence the “) to connecting in all the ways to boyfriends etc.
To be honest when I finally got into their relationship and connected the story kind of was done. We got an epilogue which was lovely but where was the love between them, growing their relationship, the interaction with Haider his friends, with them including Phillip like they did Ben?
That to me made this feel very rushed and I think it was definitely a missed opportunity because everything needed was here!
The writing is as you expect from V.L. Locey strong, clear and flowing let me be clear on that. I just missed something which in a way is a good thing because it means I wanted to read more of these men.
Haider sounds wonderful like a spitfire, Phillip feels like a sexy, hairy, older man, and even more the interaction amongst the friends is what makes this series more than average. You want to read about their stories about the town they live in about how they meet their other halves.
Still let me be fair, if you have read the first story you want to read this one too. You want to read Haider’s story and want to continue this series. I am excited to read Connor’s and Ryan’s story and I hope we will get more of the four friends and their partners.
That all makes it hard for me to put a rating on this as I love the premise of the series, I really liked the first book and I love these 4 men and want to keep reading about them. That is why if you are a series lover and you like me want to read about the other guys I still recommend reading this book
October 20, 2025
Corporate chocolatier flies in private jet across the Atlantic to target a small town store
While it's not essential to read these Harmony Lake books in order, doing so offers a real advantage because the series revolves around four friends who genuinely look out for each other. In this installment, author V.L. Locey continues to develop the emotionally compelling characters of these friends, who band together when a group text is started. This proves useful as Haider Gray and his grandmother find themselves the target of a takeover attempt by an international chocolate company headquartered in Germany.
Haider is one of the four friends who care for each other and offer advice only someone who knows you well can give. They're all gay, met in middle school, and still live in their hometown.
Haider and his grandmother are dealing with declining sales at their local chocolate shop, which remains relevant in their community. Enter a handsome grandson of the former leader of the international company, who offers million-dollar bids for their struggling store. However, the true motive stems from a breakup that Phillip Brauning is trying to moved past in order to close the deal.
Since this is a love story, Phillip falls for Haider, whose passion for chocolate candies is evident, and his love for his grandmother is profound. The support from Haiter's friends is immense and heartfelt. It truly forms the backbone of the four books—their devotion to each other, their efforts to overcome challenges like reading and math difficulties, and their shared dreams for emotional and life fulfillment.
This series is so captivating that it leaves us longing for friends like these and believing there is a happy ending for everyone. Definitely worth the read!
While it's not essential to read these Harmony Lake books in order, doing so offers a real advantage because the series revolves around four friends who genuinely look out for each other. In this installment, author V.L. Locey continues to develop the emotionally compelling characters of these friends, who band together when a group text is started. This proves useful as Haider Gray and his grandmother find themselves the target of a takeover attempt by an international chocolate company headquartered in Germany.
Haider is one of the four friends who care for each other and offer advice only someone who knows you well can give. They're all gay, met in middle school, and still live in their hometown.
Haider and his grandmother are dealing with declining sales at their local chocolate shop, which remains relevant in their community. Enter a handsome grandson of the former leader of the international company, who offers million-dollar bids for their struggling store. However, the true motive stems from a breakup that Phillip Brauning is trying to moved past in order to close the deal.
Since this is a love story, Phillip falls for Haider, whose passion for chocolate candies is evident, and his love for his grandmother is profound. The support from Haiter's friends is immense and heartfelt. It truly forms the backbone of the four books—their devotion to each other, their efforts to overcome challenges like reading and math difficulties, and their shared dreams for emotional and life fulfillment.
This series is so captivating that it leaves us longing for friends like these and believing there is a happy ending for everyone. Definitely worth the read!
June 4, 2025
Harmony Lake has some amazing people.
This is the second book in the series from four extremely talented authors, so I know all the books will be amazing!
We meet Haider in the book Love Story by Rj Scott and he is a HOOT!
I love the way his mind works, his internal monologue and what just falls from his mouth sometimes.
He is a very talented chocolatier. He's also adorable as all get out. He's extremely loyal to his three best friends, his Mamie and his employees at the Chocolate shoppe he and his Mami own/run.
Then enter Phillip, a German hottie/ chocolatier/CEO of his family business. His friend Edgar meets his future in this book too, which I loved!
When these two meet their connection is instantaneous, with a side of, on Haider's part, mistrust. The heat level of the attraction becomes explosive.
I don't want to go into a lot of detail since I think the reader deserves to experiment the highs and lows for themselves.
Just know their love story is a beautiful thing.
Also, amid the characters I have mentioned, we have three beautiful cats. Bo, Luke and Daisy Duke.
A must read in my opinion.
100/100
The only sad part is waiting for the other 2 books connected to this to come out because I NEED to see what happens next for Phillip and Haider and Sam and Ben from Ms. Scott's book.
Next, we get to experience Ryan and Connors HEA's from their authors imaginations.
This is the second book in the series from four extremely talented authors, so I know all the books will be amazing!
We meet Haider in the book Love Story by Rj Scott and he is a HOOT!
I love the way his mind works, his internal monologue and what just falls from his mouth sometimes.
He is a very talented chocolatier. He's also adorable as all get out. He's extremely loyal to his three best friends, his Mamie and his employees at the Chocolate shoppe he and his Mami own/run.
Then enter Phillip, a German hottie/ chocolatier/CEO of his family business. His friend Edgar meets his future in this book too, which I loved!
When these two meet their connection is instantaneous, with a side of, on Haider's part, mistrust. The heat level of the attraction becomes explosive.
I don't want to go into a lot of detail since I think the reader deserves to experiment the highs and lows for themselves.
Just know their love story is a beautiful thing.
Also, amid the characters I have mentioned, we have three beautiful cats. Bo, Luke and Daisy Duke.
A must read in my opinion.
100/100
The only sad part is waiting for the other 2 books connected to this to come out because I NEED to see what happens next for Phillip and Haider and Sam and Ben from Ms. Scott's book.
Next, we get to experience Ryan and Connors HEA's from their authors imaginations.
August 4, 2025
Fun, Easy to Read, Low Angst, Small Town Romance❤️
I loved the first book in this series written by R.J. Scott and book 2 is the work of Vicki Locey.
I love small town romance, throw in four gorgeous men, best friends since high school, finding romance, having each others backs and still acting like kids (Star Wars) and you have an easy to read fun book with a little angst and a whole lot of love.
We met Haider, the Chocolatier and life and soul of every get together, in book one but this was a very different Haider. With his anxiety of the charts, unable to sleep and his beloved Chocolate shop, which had been in the family for decades out of cash, the secret he had been keeping from his friends comes out in spectacular fashion.
To add to his worries a huge EU chocolate company expanding in the US is determined to buy his shop and after ignoring all their emails and then sending a choice one back😂 Haider is floored when a gorgeous man walks into his shop and sets his heart beating overtime only to discover he is German and his nemesis when his grandmother, Mamie, recognises him all hell breaks out when the sassy pint sized woman attacks him!
Of course Haider hates him, well he should, but Phillip is tenacious, persuasive and attracted to Haider, and starts to make Haider doubt himself.
An enjoyable read with lots of adorable fun characters and a HEA.
I loved the first book in this series written by R.J. Scott and book 2 is the work of Vicki Locey.
I love small town romance, throw in four gorgeous men, best friends since high school, finding romance, having each others backs and still acting like kids (Star Wars) and you have an easy to read fun book with a little angst and a whole lot of love.
We met Haider, the Chocolatier and life and soul of every get together, in book one but this was a very different Haider. With his anxiety of the charts, unable to sleep and his beloved Chocolate shop, which had been in the family for decades out of cash, the secret he had been keeping from his friends comes out in spectacular fashion.
To add to his worries a huge EU chocolate company expanding in the US is determined to buy his shop and after ignoring all their emails and then sending a choice one back😂 Haider is floored when a gorgeous man walks into his shop and sets his heart beating overtime only to discover he is German and his nemesis when his grandmother, Mamie, recognises him all hell breaks out when the sassy pint sized woman attacks him!
Of course Haider hates him, well he should, but Phillip is tenacious, persuasive and attracted to Haider, and starts to make Haider doubt himself.
An enjoyable read with lots of adorable fun characters and a HEA.
July 30, 2025
I’m enjoying this series, and loved Haider and Phillip’s story from their initial meeting, through to their HEA. The friendship between Haider and his friends is a highlight, and I loved Mamie, Haider’s grandmother.
I love how Haider’s mental image of Phillip quickly derails once they meet, and how Phillip soon realises that his original plan for his company to take over Haider’s shop is not the way to go. I liked how they get to know each other, and become friends and more, and how Phillip leaning the truth about his grandfather makes him all the more determined to do the right thing.
I liked that Mamie gets her own romance. She’s wonderfully feisty, and I wouldn’t want to cross her, yet she’s kind, and has a big heart like her grandson. I loved how Haider’s friends are protective of him and make sure Phillip knows it. I also liked Edgar, and how he’s so much more to Phillip than a personal assistant.
The kitties, of course, are scene stealers. I love how they are a part of Haider and Phillip’s HEA.
I love how Haider’s mental image of Phillip quickly derails once they meet, and how Phillip soon realises that his original plan for his company to take over Haider’s shop is not the way to go. I liked how they get to know each other, and become friends and more, and how Phillip leaning the truth about his grandfather makes him all the more determined to do the right thing.
I liked that Mamie gets her own romance. She’s wonderfully feisty, and I wouldn’t want to cross her, yet she’s kind, and has a big heart like her grandson. I loved how Haider’s friends are protective of him and make sure Phillip knows it. I also liked Edgar, and how he’s so much more to Phillip than a personal assistant.
The kitties, of course, are scene stealers. I love how they are a part of Haider and Phillip’s HEA.
June 21, 2025
This book is part of the multi-author Harmony Lake series. This is the story of Haider Gray and Phillip Brauning. Haiden is a chocolatier and is fighting to keep his shop in Caldwell Crossing open. Luckily he has a strong friend group to cheer him on. And of course the unforgettable Maime. Phillip is the head of acquisitions for his family's chocolate company in Europe. He has been assigned by his grandfather to acquire Haider's business. He thinks it will be straightforward but he is in for a surprise. It will be anything but. This is their story. The book reads well. It just didn't catch my attention like I thought it would. I was actually more invested in Haider's friend group than in Phillip. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. But overall it is fun and easy to read story. This story has a nice small town New Hampshire read and feel.
June 18, 2025
Thank you for the book, here is my honest opinion:
3.5⭐️This was cute. A fun premise, and I generally love romances with any sort of culinary setting- so two chocolatiers sounds pretty good. I liked Haider and Phillip together, they have a good opposites attract kind romance. Phillip is perfectly heavy handed and officious when he pops into Haider’s shop, and it was fun to see him have to regroup after it doesn’t go to plan. It’s a quick read, which I appreciate but it was missing something- I think there just isn’t much relationship or romance. They’re just kind of trying not to get involved, then they do get involved. I missed the relationship development, we get the build up and then just a glimpse of HEA. Great characters though!
3.5⭐️This was cute. A fun premise, and I generally love romances with any sort of culinary setting- so two chocolatiers sounds pretty good. I liked Haider and Phillip together, they have a good opposites attract kind romance. Phillip is perfectly heavy handed and officious when he pops into Haider’s shop, and it was fun to see him have to regroup after it doesn’t go to plan. It’s a quick read, which I appreciate but it was missing something- I think there just isn’t much relationship or romance. They’re just kind of trying not to get involved, then they do get involved. I missed the relationship development, we get the build up and then just a glimpse of HEA. Great characters though!
August 24, 2025
The second book in the Harmony Lakes series and it is truely charming. Haider seemed very flighty in the first book and now I can see why. His shop is in trouble and he is plagued with worry about bills and his and his grandmothers future. In walks Phillip who represents a giant chocolatier from Germany but who intends to buy Haider out. Needless to say, no one wants to sell, and as the story comes out about the bad blood between Haider's Grandmother and Phillip's Grandfather, the sparks fly. Phillip and Haider are great together and their developing relationship is the crux of the story. I also love the interaction with Haider's friends which is the driving force behind the whole series. Looking forward to the next one.
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June 12, 2025I enjoyed getting to know Haider and Phillip, but it took a while to warm to Phillip and I wish that we could have seen more interactions away from the chocolate shop, and focused on the two men getting to know one another, but overall it was a fun and easy read with just a hint of angst and some outside intrigue mostly fueled by Phillip's grandfather. I do appreciate that there is no third act breakup and the tension is resolved fairly quickly.
I enjoyed the read and also getting to know more about the friend group that makes up this multi-author series. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I enjoyed the read and also getting to know more about the friend group that makes up this multi-author series. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
June 17, 2025
I loved reading Love Bites by V.L. Locey. I think I would have known that she penned this story even if it had a different author name on it. 😊 It’s witty, a bit irreverent at times and a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable story. Phillip and Haider made a great couple. It was fun reading all of the things that Haider’s cats got up to and Haider’s grandmother was a feisty lady. I do wish we’d found out a little more about her romance with Edgar but none the less, this was a fun story to read.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
June 23, 2025
I am a total fan of this trope and have been for decades. I love the story of the urban businessman who comes into a small town to convince the hotelier, bookshop owner, etc. to sign over their small business to the big conglomerate and then falls for both the shop owner and the small town. This is a superb example of that type of story. We get a great feel for all the stresses Haider is going through trying to keep his chocolate shop afloat as well as the positives Phillip initially sees for both his family and Haider's shop for selling to him. Watching the charm of the place creep over him was just lovely. The fact that this was an age gap story was the perfect icing on the cake.
September 6, 2025
Haider & Philip
Really enjoyed this one. I just wanted to hug Haider and make it all ok. Philip coming to town was a recipe for making things worse but Mamie and Haider could handle any spies from overseas. They didn’t count on Philip and Edgar though. As usual, the guys had his back and were ready send the Germans packing. But Haider called dibs on the man with loafers and bare ankles and Mamie had different ideas for her game. The two found that their visitors weren’t evil and maybe they could keep what they have and have what they wanted. Really enjoying this multi-author series and this little corner of NH.
Really enjoyed this one. I just wanted to hug Haider and make it all ok. Philip coming to town was a recipe for making things worse but Mamie and Haider could handle any spies from overseas. They didn’t count on Philip and Edgar though. As usual, the guys had his back and were ready send the Germans packing. But Haider called dibs on the man with loafers and bare ankles and Mamie had different ideas for her game. The two found that their visitors weren’t evil and maybe they could keep what they have and have what they wanted. Really enjoying this multi-author series and this little corner of NH.
June 12, 2025
Love Bites is exactly what it looks like…a fun read set in a small town with romance between two people who are at odds; because one wants to buy the family business and the other wants to do anything but that. Pretty straight forward, but Locey adds charming side characters, witty inner dialogue as well as banter between all those involved. I especially liked the scenes when Haider gets together with his hilarious best friends. It’s a delightful summer read that isn’t too long, but makes you feel the love you’re looking for when you pick up a romance.
June 23, 2025
I love this series (so far!) and Haider and Phillip were perfect! The small town setting of Harmony Lake is such a great place, with a core group of fiends who support each other. I loved the dynamic between rival chocolatiers Haider and Phillip – enemies at first with an age gap – and grandma Mamie who is a fireball of French sass. The fireworks, eventual connection and feels make for a great story, and I loved how it all came together. Almost as rewarding as the romance is the sense of found family among the four friends. Highly recommended!
July 23, 2025
Book 2 in the Harmony Lake series give us Haider, the chocolatier in town.
It's an enemies-to-lovers book with plenty of back story to uncover. Haider is keeping his struggles a secret from everyone and when the big bad German company rolls into town he just does one thing - hating Phillip on sight.
These two take a while to move towards something else and the book does slow down. I started to skip a bit as it got just too much until the story peaks up again and Haider and Phillip are moving along with the help of a pair of surprising love birds and secrets unrevalled.
It's an enemies-to-lovers book with plenty of back story to uncover. Haider is keeping his struggles a secret from everyone and when the big bad German company rolls into town he just does one thing - hating Phillip on sight.
These two take a while to move towards something else and the book does slow down. I started to skip a bit as it got just too much until the story peaks up again and Haider and Phillip are moving along with the help of a pair of surprising love birds and secrets unrevalled.
August 2, 2025
Haider's chocolate shop is struggling despite Haider and his grandmother giving everything they have to the family business. When Phillip shows up to buy the shop, Haider is torn between getting the man out of his clothes and telling him where to shove his offer.
Things develop between them, they get closer, and old truths come to light. Of course everything works out in the end.
Haider and Phillip were just adorable enough I could ignore that it didn't look as if the German words/phrased had been checked by a native speaker.
Things develop between them, they get closer, and old truths come to light. Of course everything works out in the end.
Haider and Phillip were just adorable enough I could ignore that it didn't look as if the German words/phrased had been checked by a native speaker.
June 7, 2025
Loved Haider in the first book "Love Story". Everyone needs a Haider in their life, he is effervescent, frequently covered in chocolate and loves his grandma. Philip is totally the opposite and weighed down by the excessive demands of his overbearing grandfather who is used to getting his own way. A love story with loads of humour, awesome friends and a feisty pint sized grandma plus endless chocolate. Loved it!
June 14, 2025
Don't you just love good chocolate!
Such a delightful love story. Recipes can make or break a shop when you start out. Now, trying to keep his head above water, a German famous chocolate maker makes an offer for his plus his grandmothers business.
This offer is very hard to refuse since Covid the business had been struggling.
Falling for the older man who ticks all his boxes was not part of his future plans.
Can't wait to read more about these four best friends.
Such a delightful love story. Recipes can make or break a shop when you start out. Now, trying to keep his head above water, a German famous chocolate maker makes an offer for his plus his grandmothers business.
This offer is very hard to refuse since Covid the business had been struggling.
Falling for the older man who ticks all his boxes was not part of his future plans.
Can't wait to read more about these four best friends.
June 21, 2025
Love Bites by V.L. Locey is part of the shared Harmony Lake series by multiple authors.
I really enjoyed this sweet, fun, romance. I love the setting of this series, especially being from New England myself.
I liked Haider and Phillip together, they have a good opposites attract kind romance.
A love story with loads of humour, awesome friends and a feisty pint sized grandma plus endless chocolate. Loved it!
I really enjoyed this sweet, fun, romance. I love the setting of this series, especially being from New England myself.
I liked Haider and Phillip together, they have a good opposites attract kind romance.
A love story with loads of humour, awesome friends and a feisty pint sized grandma plus endless chocolate. Loved it!
June 23, 2025
Very fresh concept. I really liked Haider and Phillip both separately and together. I loved Haider's grandmother and how we got her back story (she also gets a little romance). I thought the plot of the competing chocolatier's was interesting and engaging. I love how it played out. I thought Locey did an excellent job of including German culture and also portrayed the grandmother's culture as well. This whole series is delightful!!! Also the chocolate descriptions made my mouth water!
June 3, 2025
I did not enjoy this book. I could not connect with Haider or Phillip, and found myself not caring what happened to either of them. I found the story uninteresting and the book itself had a lot of grammatical and punctuation errors, far more than most ARCs. This author would benefit from a better copy editor or proofreader.
June 7, 2025
This was a good book. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I expected to though. I love this author’s characters but there was something off about Phillip for me. He is ultimately a better person, but in the beginning, he thinks his charm and his money will get him whatever he wants. Haider’s grandmother is feisty though, and his friends have his back no matter what.
June 14, 2025
Lovely story, lovely couple
I got off to a slow start with Love Bites as Haider seemed very different than he did in the first book by RJ Scott. But by the time we meet Phillip things had gelled and I loved the rest of the story.
Mamie is a hoot and it was fun to see the other guys and get a glimpse into what is coming up next. Great story!
I got off to a slow start with Love Bites as Haider seemed very different than he did in the first book by RJ Scott. But by the time we meet Phillip things had gelled and I loved the rest of the story.
Mamie is a hoot and it was fun to see the other guys and get a glimpse into what is coming up next. Great story!
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