Rhythm and Design: A Platinum Chocolate Romance

Rhythm #1

by LongTemple

A soulful architect. A gospel-rooted musician. A love built to last.
Rhythm and A Platinum Chocolate Romance is a powerful story of purpose, passion, and divine timing.

Claire Baldwin is used to building beauty from structure—dreaming in blueprints, raised among silver spoons and Ivy League expectations. Focused, brilliant, and untouchable, love was never part of the plan. Until one almost-mistake in her youth taught her the price of giving too much to someone who offered too little.

Oliver Jamison Graham, the son of a revered pastor, walked away from the pulpit and into the chaos of the music industry. Between neon stages and lonely hotel rooms, he searched for something sacred—something real. Music filled his nights, but his faith kept whispering him home.

When Claire and Oliver’s paths collide again, it isn’t just chemistry—it’s destiny. But building a life together means facing the the pasts they’ve tucked away, the faith they’re still figuring out, and the families who’ve prayed them into purpose.

Together, they’ll navigate ambition, intimacy, trust, and spiritual alignment in a romance steeped in grace, humor, and honest love. Can two people from different rhythms create a design strong enough to stand?

If you love later-in-life second chances, clean-but-steamy romance, emotional depth, and characters who wrestle with faith as fiercely as they fall in love—Rhythm and Design will leave you breathless and blessed.

286 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2026

About the author

LongTemple is an award-winning author, visual storyteller, and founder of Platinum Chocolate Publishing, whose work explores love, resilience, healing, faith, personal growth, and the complicated beauty of human connection.

Raised on New York City’s Lower East Side, LongTemple grew up surrounded by different cultures, voices, families, and ways of loving. Those early experiences helped shape the observant, emotionally grounded storytelling style that now defines her work.

She is the creator of the Platinum Chocolate Universe, a growing collection of contemporary romances, psychological sagas, family stories, reflective companions, and immersive coloring experiences designed especially for readers who appreciate mature characters, second chances, emotional honesty, and stories that continue long after the final page.

Through Platinum Chocolate Publishing, LongTemple is building more than a catalog of books. Her vision is to create a welcoming literary community where readers can see pieces of themselves in stories about love, survival, reinvention, faith, friendship, family, and the courage to begin again.

Her work has received recognition from multiple literary and book-award organizations, and her expanding creative world also includes An Open Page with LongTemple, where she shares conversations about books, aging, relationships, reinvention, humor, and life beyond the page.

At the heart of the Platinum Chocolate Universe is one belief: growing older does not mean the dreaming is over. Sometimes it means you finally know which dreams are worth pursuing.

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: Quadruple 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
🏆Winner Fiction: Between Grace & Fire – A Platinum Psychological Saga


🏆Wins Double winner with The Prestigious International 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
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader

Reviews

[Brittni · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked that the relationship was a slow burn and faith-based, and I liked that the MCs were straightforward with their communication (no miscommunication trope as they were clearly about each other) and they had individual focus on their career paths, but this book was missing something. It also fast forwarded over the years, which didn't allow for me to journey through the characters transitions. Additionally, there were no structured paragraphs on the KU version which made it difficult for me to enjoy. I only read it for book club, but this wasn't for me. Unsure how to rate.

One enjoyable part I liked:
Her: I want to be close to you. I want to root where we can grow.
Him: Come home.

[SJeanay · Rating 2 out of 5]

With my busy schedule, I should have finished these 285 pages in no more than 3-4 days. It wasn't the story or flow that bothered me, it was the the cover cut off awkwardly with a paper cutter; it was the Table of Contents in bold at the bottom of page 3 with the actual context on the following page; it was the change in typeset from Times New Roman to Trebuchet MS for no apparent reason; it was spacing from a novel format to that of a poem; and it was the poorly used italics. All of this culminated into one word: distracting. Simultaneously, I was a BETA reader for another author's forthcoming novel, and all I could think while diving into this book, "Rhythm & Design", was that this novel was more like a later stage drafted manuscript, pending editing, in desperate need of a BETA reader, than a published novel. It was not quite ready for mass publication.

With that said, my review of this romance novel is a bit jaded, yet positive. It was a nice, easy slow burn. Nothing riveting. The lines and dialogue were actually beautiful and meaningful at times, even poetic. Character development was moderate, but sufficient. One could grasp the content of a character in short order, and where they fell in the hierarchy of significance. Only two characters, Robert and Donovan, brought a bit of drama to the whole book, and both lasted a hot second.

The title was appropriate. The two main characters were Oliver, a musician (rhythm) and Claire, an aspiring architect (design). Oliver is 6 years her senior, but the age difference was insignificant as adults, but may give some readers pause since the attraction began when she was an adolescent if not earlier, and he, a grown man. They both have meddling parents with expectations that would make any offspring cringe, especially Ms. Sheila, Claire's mother. The reader gets wind of Sheila's intentions from the word go.

To summarize, the book was sweet in the best way. It was nothing earth shattering, or heart stirring. It was a safe, PG romance. The building of this relationship between Claire and Oliver was almost too good to be true, yet some women would love the patience, courtesy, care and drive that Oliver brings to the table. Claire, as well, is a woman of integrity and drive with focused intentions, fueled by great parenting, good moral character, and educational advantages.

2.75 stars.

[Whit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire and Oliver's journey is so soul stirring, that I was hooked from the first page and hated to see it end! Absolutely loved Claire and Oliver and the trust and respect they shared with one another.

Oliver is a popular singer and entertainer. Unfortunately, his Pastor father is not thrilled about Oliver's choice of career. Meanwhile, Claire attends Yale on a free ride, and she is on track to become a successful architect like her dad. Of course there is a stalker and Donovan is plotting to sabotage something very important to Claire.

Incredible story!!

[Dr. Taja M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid romance but a little too perfect.

[What’s Peachie Reading · Rating 2 out of 5]

Childhood crush rekindled. Architecture‑themed romance. Faith and family ties.

Rhythm and Design had a promising setup, but the story never quite came alive for me. The narration told me what the characters felt instead of letting me experience it through them. Claire and Oliver are pleasant enough, but their relationship has no real depth. I never understood why they liked each other beyond a childhood crush and parents nudging them together. The conflict with her coworker was predictable, and nothing truly pulled the couple apart or pushed them together in a meaningful way. It felt like watching two people politely date instead of falling in love.

Some of the dialogue and metaphors just didn’t land for me, even though I understand the author was trying to connect the architecture references to Claire’s profession. Lines about “the foundation of our relationship” or “blueprints with a heartbeat” felt corny instead of romantic. A ninth‑grade boy remembering a third‑grade girl reading Architectural Digest made me laugh, not swoon. And the proposal scene, with Oliver waiting six months for her to basically propose to him, had me rolling my eyes.

This was a quick read, and I appreciate the author’s heart and intention. I can see what she was trying to build, especially in the themes of purpose, calling, and family. But the story felt emotionally underdeveloped for me.

[Noranne Hendricks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good fast pace read that is different from my typical genre. I enjoyed reading this book with my book club and supporting a black woman author. I would classify this experience as a Comfort read, which is also a first for me. The plot was very easy to follow and there wasn't difficult to follow the storyline.

I enjoyed going the journey of love developing between Claire and Oliver. I wasn't for sure if the love between them would authentically build since their parents had curated their future before they even noticed one another. I can say that I felt a little annoyed by Claire's mother inquisitiveness of the process in which Claire and Oliver's relationship progressed. At the same time, I can understand that she was curious and wanted the best for her daughter.

[Jasmine Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d give this one a solid 3.75. I’m a sucker for references to cities and states in the northeast, and pictures painted of the spaces I frequent and grew up in, featured in a story. There was a cute and quaint love story nestled in here. Still, besides that, this fell a little flat for me.

[BernieMck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I am not a romance fan, this book was just OK. The age difference between the two protagonists was questionable. I’ve never read a book before where both sets of parents were so invested in their children getting together. I guess there’s a first time for everything.

[Patience| · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endearing and Inspiring

This was such a gentle romance. The establishment of the main characters’ love story was done in such a eloquent way.

[Prisha Rohra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Platinum Chocolate Romance delivers a heartfelt and emotionally layered love story that balances ambition, faith, and vulnerability with striking ease. At its core, the novel explores what it means to build a life—not just professionally, but spiritually and emotionally. Claire Baldwin and Oliver Jamison Graham are both compelling in their own right, and their journeys feel authentic, shaped by past wounds, personal expectations, and a quiet longing for something deeper.

Claire stands out as a particularly well-crafted protagonist. Her precision as an architect mirrors the careful way she guards her heart, and the novel does a strong job of showing how her past continues to influence her present. Oliver, on the other hand, brings a contrasting energy—rooted in music, faith, and an internal tug-of-war between purpose and passion.

What elevates this romance is its treatment of faith—not as a backdrop, but as an active, evolving force in both characters’ lives. Their relationship is not just about chemistry, though that is certainly present, but about alignment—emotional, spiritual, and personal. The novel doesn’t shy away from the complexity of love shaped by belief systems, family expectations, and the courage it takes to confront one’s past.

While the story occasionally leans into familiar romance tropes, it does so with sincerity and warmth that make it feel fresh. The blend of “clean-but-steamy” romance is handled with care, offering intimacy without overshadowing the emotional depth.

[Folami Prescott-Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

a true live story

When the transformations are good, the family is supportive and the love is real, we wait for something terrible to happen. A great love story. Even if a little idealistic. Still felt real.

[NubianJoí · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bridge

Ummm, 🧐 I’m not convinced about this romance between Claire & Oliver. Their age differences, combined with the interdependent family dynamics, disparity of scholarly credentials & or career accomplishments makes this relationship implausible. Thereafter, “Rhythm & Design Revised & Expanded Edition: A Platinum Chocolate Romance series” - Book 1 was a decent read. However, thus far there’s no continuity in the “Chocolate Romance series.

[Keisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

[Shannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

The characters were too perfect and nearly one-dimensional in that perfection.

[Lisa Erving · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the characters and well as the story line.