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French Summer #2
Hot Basque
An alternative cover edition exists here.
Three women, three passions.
It’s summer once again in Biarritz and Caroline is trying out her matchmaking skills. She’s invited best friend Jill to come for a holiday and meet a certain man she has in mind. Caroline and Edward found true love in the Villa’s magical setting one year ago, so who knows what might happen when Jill O’Toole meets Antoine Arantxa?
The table is set, the candles are lit, the guests arrive. Two seconds is all it takes. Stand back for the instant sizzle, the red-hot flambé, the spicy chilli samba! Our man is a sexy Basque, as hot as the famous local peppers, while Jill, with her red Irish hair and voluptuous curves, is no shrinking violet. Plus her hormones haven’t had a night out for six months.
As playtime starts at the Villa, there’s fun in store and not a cloud on the horizon. Best of all, scheming sister Annabel is now living in Germany. No way she can cause trouble this year, she has a new life as wife and mother. She’s busy becoming a society matron, getting to know Julian’s colleagues and their wives.
And welcoming a new member of the group.
He’s handsome, rich, Italian and has a passion for fast cars.
His name is Claudio.
Three women, three passions.
It’s summer once again in Biarritz and Caroline is trying out her matchmaking skills. She’s invited best friend Jill to come for a holiday and meet a certain man she has in mind. Caroline and Edward found true love in the Villa’s magical setting one year ago, so who knows what might happen when Jill O’Toole meets Antoine Arantxa?
The table is set, the candles are lit, the guests arrive. Two seconds is all it takes. Stand back for the instant sizzle, the red-hot flambé, the spicy chilli samba! Our man is a sexy Basque, as hot as the famous local peppers, while Jill, with her red Irish hair and voluptuous curves, is no shrinking violet. Plus her hormones haven’t had a night out for six months.
As playtime starts at the Villa, there’s fun in store and not a cloud on the horizon. Best of all, scheming sister Annabel is now living in Germany. No way she can cause trouble this year, she has a new life as wife and mother. She’s busy becoming a society matron, getting to know Julian’s colleagues and their wives.
And welcoming a new member of the group.
He’s handsome, rich, Italian and has a passion for fast cars.
His name is Claudio.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2015
4 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Laurette Long
9 books44 followersLaurette was born in the UK, near Brontëland. Graduating from the University of Leicester with a degree in English, she taught in the USA, UK and France, where she now lives.
Aged seven, her forays into fiction writing reveal her literary influences and distinctive style. ‘The Phantom Ghost Girl of Raven Castle’ begins: ‘‘Vicky Dare, the girl detective and her big Alsatian, Rex...”, then stops. ‘The Ruined Cottage’ is longer (“...it was a favourite haunt of mine and I never grew tired of it.”) In ‘The adventures of Carlotta’ “...she dashed to the door her face white with horror” while, surprisingly, in ‘The Secret at the Ball’ “...a secret compartment was revealed! There glittering lay the Lane jewels!”
(She is a hoarder, incapable of parting with childhood notebooks.)
Aged 10 she developed a passion for the theatre, and throughout her career wrote plays for students. ‘A Midsummer’s Nightmare’, where Shakespeare’s lovers get into time warps in the wood, meeting Dracula and Little Red Riding Hood, was a tricky favourite. Everyone wanted to play Dracula. She had to wield authority. (Those with pointed canines had an advantage).Later, unable to find a textbook suitable for adult ESL students, she wrote one for OUP. Beguiled by a work of French literary criticism about American writers in Paris, she translated it.
(Hoarder, bossy, dilettante.)
In 2014 the ghosts of Vicky Dare and Carlotta nudged her into a return to fiction. ‘Biarritz Passion, French Summer Novel#1’ was inspired by the French Basque country and its magic. (Go see!) An Amazon fan, she attempted self-publishing. After wrestling with formatting rules and sweating during the on-line tax interview, she finally hit the ‘submit’ button thus proving that even non-techies can do it.
Book #2 in the series, ‘Hot Basque’, followed in 2015, but Book #3 somehow morphed into a Prequel: ‘The Passage of Desire’, chosen as one of the ‘Top Twenty Reads 2017’ by areadersreview blog. ‘Villa Julia’, #3 and last of the French Summer Series, is planned for release in autumn 2018.
Aged seven, her forays into fiction writing reveal her literary influences and distinctive style. ‘The Phantom Ghost Girl of Raven Castle’ begins: ‘‘Vicky Dare, the girl detective and her big Alsatian, Rex...”, then stops. ‘The Ruined Cottage’ is longer (“...it was a favourite haunt of mine and I never grew tired of it.”) In ‘The adventures of Carlotta’ “...she dashed to the door her face white with horror” while, surprisingly, in ‘The Secret at the Ball’ “...a secret compartment was revealed! There glittering lay the Lane jewels!”
(She is a hoarder, incapable of parting with childhood notebooks.)
Aged 10 she developed a passion for the theatre, and throughout her career wrote plays for students. ‘A Midsummer’s Nightmare’, where Shakespeare’s lovers get into time warps in the wood, meeting Dracula and Little Red Riding Hood, was a tricky favourite. Everyone wanted to play Dracula. She had to wield authority. (Those with pointed canines had an advantage).Later, unable to find a textbook suitable for adult ESL students, she wrote one for OUP. Beguiled by a work of French literary criticism about American writers in Paris, she translated it.
(Hoarder, bossy, dilettante.)
In 2014 the ghosts of Vicky Dare and Carlotta nudged her into a return to fiction. ‘Biarritz Passion, French Summer Novel#1’ was inspired by the French Basque country and its magic. (Go see!) An Amazon fan, she attempted self-publishing. After wrestling with formatting rules and sweating during the on-line tax interview, she finally hit the ‘submit’ button thus proving that even non-techies can do it.
Book #2 in the series, ‘Hot Basque’, followed in 2015, but Book #3 somehow morphed into a Prequel: ‘The Passage of Desire’, chosen as one of the ‘Top Twenty Reads 2017’ by areadersreview blog. ‘Villa Julia’, #3 and last of the French Summer Series, is planned for release in autumn 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 28, 2017
This was a bit of a foray into a different genre for me, but definitely a fun one!
If you want a great, exotic setting, multi-dimensional characters and an engaging story, this is for you.
The story centers around three women Jill, Caroline and Annabel, who come together on holiday in France. Each woman's story is quick to draw you you in, but I was most interested in Annabel, because she is difficut to measure up and I was curious to find out more.
The dialogue was fresh and believable, there is enough humor to balance the romance. The writing is well-paced and I found myself having reached the end rather speedily! This is the type of book you want to read in the sunshine, perhaps with a refreshing drink within reach. Long really paints the setting quite vividly, and it feels a bit as though you are traveling around the quaint and fascinating villages and towns of Europe along with this group of sassy ladies.
There's romance, scheming, love and friendship, which makes for a fun and engaging summer read!
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
If you want a great, exotic setting, multi-dimensional characters and an engaging story, this is for you.
The story centers around three women Jill, Caroline and Annabel, who come together on holiday in France. Each woman's story is quick to draw you you in, but I was most interested in Annabel, because she is difficut to measure up and I was curious to find out more.
The dialogue was fresh and believable, there is enough humor to balance the romance. The writing is well-paced and I found myself having reached the end rather speedily! This is the type of book you want to read in the sunshine, perhaps with a refreshing drink within reach. Long really paints the setting quite vividly, and it feels a bit as though you are traveling around the quaint and fascinating villages and towns of Europe along with this group of sassy ladies.
There's romance, scheming, love and friendship, which makes for a fun and engaging summer read!
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
April 23, 2019
Hot Basque (French Summer #2), was a fun read.
What happens when three women come together searching for love? A hot sexy, funny romance novel by Laurette Long.
Jill O’Toole’s search for love forms the main plot of the story. I was instantly drawn into the characters' lives (Naughty Jill and Sensible Jill) and found myself cheering her on. Each personal struggle made Jill, Caroline MacDonald in Toulouse, France and her sister Annabel Courtenay in Frankfurt Germany infallibly human, yet utterly believable.
The first thing noticed and which drew me into the narrative was the character development and how one rapidly grew to bond with the individuals. I also liked the dialogue that continued to reveal the characters’ personalities. The outcome of some things is often influenced by other people and events while other outcomes are based entirely on their own poor choices. Life is a series of choices, both good and bad, that lead to self-discovery. Long makes you care how each of the interesting characters reacts to challenges that life throws at them.
I loved the humor that offset the drama, the romance in the seductive settings (sigh) created, specifically in the Basque region of France that appealed to the romantic in me. The characters escaping into their inner monologues kept the writing very close.
The makings of a good read is that it never leaves us where it found us. Hot Basque is such a book. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves reading a romance story about the uber-rich, full of passion and travels.
What happens when three women come together searching for love? A hot sexy, funny romance novel by Laurette Long.
Jill O’Toole’s search for love forms the main plot of the story. I was instantly drawn into the characters' lives (Naughty Jill and Sensible Jill) and found myself cheering her on. Each personal struggle made Jill, Caroline MacDonald in Toulouse, France and her sister Annabel Courtenay in Frankfurt Germany infallibly human, yet utterly believable.
The first thing noticed and which drew me into the narrative was the character development and how one rapidly grew to bond with the individuals. I also liked the dialogue that continued to reveal the characters’ personalities. The outcome of some things is often influenced by other people and events while other outcomes are based entirely on their own poor choices. Life is a series of choices, both good and bad, that lead to self-discovery. Long makes you care how each of the interesting characters reacts to challenges that life throws at them.
I loved the humor that offset the drama, the romance in the seductive settings (sigh) created, specifically in the Basque region of France that appealed to the romantic in me. The characters escaping into their inner monologues kept the writing very close.
The makings of a good read is that it never leaves us where it found us. Hot Basque is such a book. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves reading a romance story about the uber-rich, full of passion and travels.
December 20, 2016
Caroline, her sister Annabel, and her friend Jill are women searching for love. Caroline has Edward. They only have to tie the knot. Annabel has Julian and their son Joshua, but that doesn’t stop her from throwing love and everything away. Jill is searching, and her search forms the main plot of the story. The three women’s adventures as they seek to hold on to and help each other find love, the places they go to, their tumultuous lives, secrets, their families, and the romantic Basque French air all make exciting reading.
I loved Laurette Long’s style. The very first humorous chapter hooked me in, and I couldn’t put this one down. I read it in one sitting. The conversation is witty, and the characters are so engaging I found myself laughing out loud in several places. Caroline is anchored and sensible, Jill is hot and on the roll, and Annabel is so confused she is even searching for herself as well as something else she doesn’t know. The men (Edward, Antoine, and Julian) are real enough to expose their feelings when they are disappointed and pained. It makes them interesting. Claudio brings out the worst in everyone. But who can blame him? Every story needs and antagonist! Emotions run high and the pace is consistent throughout. No getting bored. So much happens you can never predict what is coming next.
This book is for those who love an intelligently written old-fashioned romance with a story to tell-stories in this case.
Brilliant writing! I would love to read the next book in the series.
I loved Laurette Long’s style. The very first humorous chapter hooked me in, and I couldn’t put this one down. I read it in one sitting. The conversation is witty, and the characters are so engaging I found myself laughing out loud in several places. Caroline is anchored and sensible, Jill is hot and on the roll, and Annabel is so confused she is even searching for herself as well as something else she doesn’t know. The men (Edward, Antoine, and Julian) are real enough to expose their feelings when they are disappointed and pained. It makes them interesting. Claudio brings out the worst in everyone. But who can blame him? Every story needs and antagonist! Emotions run high and the pace is consistent throughout. No getting bored. So much happens you can never predict what is coming next.
This book is for those who love an intelligently written old-fashioned romance with a story to tell-stories in this case.
Brilliant writing! I would love to read the next book in the series.
July 30, 2017
As I’m on holiday I took something lighter to read and relax while my baby girl is sleeping. It turned out to be a well-wrtien, very entertaining read and I almost woke up my sleeping beauty with my laughter few times. The main characters Caroline, Annabel and Jill are nicely described women each having her own little love related adventure. Caroline and her fiancee Edward, who is a man every woman dreams about; they have a beautiful villa in Biarritz, where Jill meets and falls in love with Edward's surfing friend, Antoine. They have some language and geographical barriers to overcome but of course we root for them to succeed in their relationship.
Then there is Annabel, Caroline's younger sister, who is married to Edward's friend Julian, and whose marriage is unraveling mostly due to her own lack of self-knowledge, I would say. The characters sometimes tell us their thoughts in monologues that are introspective and very interesting which make them more identifiable.
The story involves people living in beautiful surroundings, moving between Edinburgh, Toulouse, Frankfurt, Biarritz, and London which is always attractive to read about, I mean about different locations, culture and habits. I enjoyed reading a book Hot Basque and would certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a easy holiday read.
Then there is Annabel, Caroline's younger sister, who is married to Edward's friend Julian, and whose marriage is unraveling mostly due to her own lack of self-knowledge, I would say. The characters sometimes tell us their thoughts in monologues that are introspective and very interesting which make them more identifiable.
The story involves people living in beautiful surroundings, moving between Edinburgh, Toulouse, Frankfurt, Biarritz, and London which is always attractive to read about, I mean about different locations, culture and habits. I enjoyed reading a book Hot Basque and would certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a easy holiday read.
March 31, 2019
Holy.
I have to say, once again Ms. Long has surprised me. If one has never been to the French countryside, well, this detailed, descriptive account will immediately transport one there. Although we do travel to other parts of the 'continent' in this tome, it was the scenes she has created specifically in the Basque region of France that appealed to the senses. I personally have never been to France, now though I feel as if I have. In a word- charming...
This of course having only somewhat to do with the ever changing surprising story-line that threw me for a loop a couple of times.
Yeesh. The only thing not present was a murder...quite an eclectic group of characters!
Indeed a fun and engaging read that keeps one fully immersed.
Well worth a look and certainly recommended.
I have to say, once again Ms. Long has surprised me. If one has never been to the French countryside, well, this detailed, descriptive account will immediately transport one there. Although we do travel to other parts of the 'continent' in this tome, it was the scenes she has created specifically in the Basque region of France that appealed to the senses. I personally have never been to France, now though I feel as if I have. In a word- charming...
This of course having only somewhat to do with the ever changing surprising story-line that threw me for a loop a couple of times.
Yeesh. The only thing not present was a murder...quite an eclectic group of characters!
Indeed a fun and engaging read that keeps one fully immersed.
Well worth a look and certainly recommended.
March 12, 2017
'Hot Basque' by Laurette Long is a leisurely romance story involving very rich people living in beautiful surroundings, moving between Toulouse, Biarritz, Frankfurt, Edinburgh, and London, and concerned with the good things in life - work, food, clothes, and relationships.
It is well-written, with likable characters, wonderful descriptions, and some good humor. The relationships are believable and, I suppose, we would all like to have such reliable friends that we can count on in sticky situations. I particularly liked Jill, who is a larger than life character and very funny. She works in Edinburgh and goes to Biarritz for a vacation stay with her best friend, the sensible, level-headed Caroline and Caroline's fiance Edward, who is just a lovely man; they have a beautiful villa in Biarritz. Here, Jill meets and falls in love with Edward's surfing friend, Antoine. Can they overcome language and geographical hurdles to make the relationship work?
Then there is Annabel, Caroline's younger sister, who is married to Edward's friend Julian, and whose marriage is unraveling mostly due to her own bizarre behavior. Annabel is one of those people who always think the grass is greener elsewhere and fail to appreciate the good fortune they already have. In her case, her adoring husband, her beautiful baby Joshua, and their comfortable, well-off life together. Will she finally come to her senses?
The first part, I thought, was better than the second. The second came across as a little too melodramatic.
Pleasant read though, altogether
It is well-written, with likable characters, wonderful descriptions, and some good humor. The relationships are believable and, I suppose, we would all like to have such reliable friends that we can count on in sticky situations. I particularly liked Jill, who is a larger than life character and very funny. She works in Edinburgh and goes to Biarritz for a vacation stay with her best friend, the sensible, level-headed Caroline and Caroline's fiance Edward, who is just a lovely man; they have a beautiful villa in Biarritz. Here, Jill meets and falls in love with Edward's surfing friend, Antoine. Can they overcome language and geographical hurdles to make the relationship work?
Then there is Annabel, Caroline's younger sister, who is married to Edward's friend Julian, and whose marriage is unraveling mostly due to her own bizarre behavior. Annabel is one of those people who always think the grass is greener elsewhere and fail to appreciate the good fortune they already have. In her case, her adoring husband, her beautiful baby Joshua, and their comfortable, well-off life together. Will she finally come to her senses?
The first part, I thought, was better than the second. The second came across as a little too melodramatic.
Pleasant read though, altogether
August 19, 2019
Hot Basque by Laurette Long wasn't my usual genre but certainly made me chuckle and raise an eyebrow at times. It's a healthy mix of food, wine, sunshine, handsome guys and some proactive girls. The author obviously has a keen eye for the surroundings in the locations she covered, which were varied. She probably could be a tour-guide in Biarritz as well as knocking up a few luscious desserts in the kitchen. When can I visit? Joking aside, if you like a decent, up-to-date romance you should like this one. My only gripes are that is was a little long and probably could have been a bit more edgy. Also sometimes, the history/background passages slowed things down a bit. Easy 4-stars.
April 28, 2018
Now that Caroline has found love, she is eager to help her friend Jill fall in love in Laurette Long’s Hot Basque (French Summer #2). Caroline has just the right man in mind: a hot Basque named Antoine. The setting couldn’t be better—a villa in sunny Biarritz, and the author’s delicious descriptions of the foods and beverages made for tasty scenery.
Each of the heroines is interesting, and their love interests feel realistic. The antagonist is a drama king who makes emotions run high. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the women; they’re a great group of friends, and each knows they can rely on the others for support in difficult situations.
I did find the beginning a bit confusing as the chapters switch focus from one main character to the next. While it wasn’t too hard to get into the groove of the story layout, a bit of preamble would have been helpful. As is the norm in many romances, the story tension is due to angst from miscommunication between the love interests that is brought to a boil by scheming from the antagonist. While the base premise is not new, I did enjoy Ms. Long’s twist on the theme.
With beautiful, wealthy and successful characters living large in the top spots of Europe, you can’t go wrong. I really enjoyed Laurette Long’s characters and her intriguing story line in Hot Basque. Although part of a series, the book can be read as a standalone novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at https://abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com.
Each of the heroines is interesting, and their love interests feel realistic. The antagonist is a drama king who makes emotions run high. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the women; they’re a great group of friends, and each knows they can rely on the others for support in difficult situations.
I did find the beginning a bit confusing as the chapters switch focus from one main character to the next. While it wasn’t too hard to get into the groove of the story layout, a bit of preamble would have been helpful. As is the norm in many romances, the story tension is due to angst from miscommunication between the love interests that is brought to a boil by scheming from the antagonist. While the base premise is not new, I did enjoy Ms. Long’s twist on the theme.
With beautiful, wealthy and successful characters living large in the top spots of Europe, you can’t go wrong. I really enjoyed Laurette Long’s characters and her intriguing story line in Hot Basque. Although part of a series, the book can be read as a standalone novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at https://abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com.
September 2, 2015
Oooh! I am still swooning after this little sweet summer sizzler! Contemporary romance fans will love this gentle summer read, which comes with a little fun and a little drama, in the breath-taking setting of Biarritz, southern France. And, is it just me or does Antoine remind you of a younger Antonio Banderas, albeit Basque, French? Either way, I read Hot Basque with him in mind and was gutted when I reached the end. More please, Laurette!
During the opening chapters the reader becomes acquainted with Irish redhead Jill, Caroline’s best friend, who lives in Edinburgh and is constantly being match made to all the wrong men. They are either dull and boring, or not physically attractive to her. There is plenty of humour surrounding Jill’s character as she was put into some pretty outrageous scenarios that surely did bring a smile to my face!
“She was hauling herself out of the water and up the steps when she felt a pinch on her bottom. A decided, deliberate, old-fashioned, good-handful-of-flesh pinch. She turned around…
Grandad was grinning up at her, gap-toothed, gold chain glinting in his grey chest hairs.
‘Welcome to wor class, lassie. Fair got a wee stiffie on me just watching yer do them jumps!’
He gave her a leer and a wink as she shot up the final steps and made for the showers. What could she do, report him for sexual harassment? He must be at least a hundred and four. He’d never make it to the police station.”
There is never a dull moment in Hot Basque, partly because of all the interesting characters that Laurette Long has created, and partly because of the mood and scenarios that the characters find themselves in. Caroline has been though some troublesome times in the past involving her ex, Liam, and her sister, Annabel, causing trouble. But now her life is full of love as she is living happily in Toulouse with Edward, after giving up her life in England. And, she hasn’t really looked back. Now Caroline and Edward are ready to return to Biarritz for a holiday and Caroline has invited her best friend, Jill to join them.
The story becomes more and more interesting as Julian, Edward’s best friend, and his baby son, Joshua, along with the nanny, Nadia, come to stay at the Villa Julia with them all, after Julian despairs about his wife’s behaviour and attitude to their relationship, and to Joshua. She hasn’t a maternal bone in her body, and with him working extra hours to keep his business growing, and then coming home to look after Joshua – night feeds and all – he is absolutely exhausted.
Unfortunately, Julian’s wife is Caroline’s sister, Annabel. Annabel is a troubled character, constantly desiring attention and popularity. Although marrying into a rich and wealthy family, she has given her magazine career up to live with her new husband in Frankfurt to keep his business thriving. Away from the limelight, and now with a baby she barely has time for, the tension grows between her and Julian.
Caroline is very eager to introduce Jill to local restaurant and café owner, Antoine. Afterall, if it hadn’t been for being swept off her feet with Edward, Caroline wouldn’t have minded the hot Basque, muscled, white smiled, surfer, with his smouldering eyes and beautiful use of the sexy French language, who always calls her ‘la Rose’ herself. Oh yes, there are plenty of French words and phrases, which are used for authenticity, humour and plenty of soft and sweet amour! And, Jill is smitten! So is he, it seems, as he offers to take her out for the day to a small village where his ancestors are from, talking of the history of the area and his family, before visiting a beautiful waterfall. Yes, love is in the air. Oh, and did I mention he had a motorcycle?!
“Antoine had been knocked for six by Jill. Bowled off his feet. He’d offered to take her out for a drive to show her some pretty villages in his ‘pays’. Jill had said she’d love to see his ‘pays’, and leaned a bit closer, chin cupped in one hand, ‘décolleté’ slipping off one shoulder in front of Antoine’s mesmerised gaze.”
However, as the story continues, what begins as a serene, love-filled holiday, and a few days of relaxation and fun for Julian, turns into suspense and tension as the situation with Annabel begins to affect them all, ending with Edward going to England to seek her out, and Antoine has a visit from unexpected visitors whilst he was celebrating with his holiday-making friends and introducing Jill to his family.
I love the way in which the author weaves each scenario through all of the main characters, to be able to build up a tense atmosphere from a happy, relaxed holiday to the suspense of those waiting at Villa Julia for news from England. It is brilliant writing, showing how the impact of the drama is reflected on each and every character, as opposed to just those dealing directly with the situation.
“The atmosphere in the villa was oppressive, the three of them wandering around, listening for the phone, listening for Joshua to wake up, unable to settle to any activity for more than a few minutes.”
During these times, more emotion is written into the story, and there was certainly a very strong scene of this nature with Julian that really tugged at the heart strings. It was so heartfelt. The whole change in atmosphere, and how it affected each character makes it very true to life, realistic. The characters and their circumstances are extremely believable, and likeable. The reader will be drawn in as the writing is captivating.
I haven’t read book one, and although these novels can be read as stand alones, reading Hot Basque has made me want to read and acquaint myself with Biarritz Passion. I am also delighted to add that there is a planned French Summer Novel book 3, Villa Julia.
During the opening chapters the reader becomes acquainted with Irish redhead Jill, Caroline’s best friend, who lives in Edinburgh and is constantly being match made to all the wrong men. They are either dull and boring, or not physically attractive to her. There is plenty of humour surrounding Jill’s character as she was put into some pretty outrageous scenarios that surely did bring a smile to my face!
“She was hauling herself out of the water and up the steps when she felt a pinch on her bottom. A decided, deliberate, old-fashioned, good-handful-of-flesh pinch. She turned around…
Grandad was grinning up at her, gap-toothed, gold chain glinting in his grey chest hairs.
‘Welcome to wor class, lassie. Fair got a wee stiffie on me just watching yer do them jumps!’
He gave her a leer and a wink as she shot up the final steps and made for the showers. What could she do, report him for sexual harassment? He must be at least a hundred and four. He’d never make it to the police station.”
There is never a dull moment in Hot Basque, partly because of all the interesting characters that Laurette Long has created, and partly because of the mood and scenarios that the characters find themselves in. Caroline has been though some troublesome times in the past involving her ex, Liam, and her sister, Annabel, causing trouble. But now her life is full of love as she is living happily in Toulouse with Edward, after giving up her life in England. And, she hasn’t really looked back. Now Caroline and Edward are ready to return to Biarritz for a holiday and Caroline has invited her best friend, Jill to join them.
The story becomes more and more interesting as Julian, Edward’s best friend, and his baby son, Joshua, along with the nanny, Nadia, come to stay at the Villa Julia with them all, after Julian despairs about his wife’s behaviour and attitude to their relationship, and to Joshua. She hasn’t a maternal bone in her body, and with him working extra hours to keep his business growing, and then coming home to look after Joshua – night feeds and all – he is absolutely exhausted.
Unfortunately, Julian’s wife is Caroline’s sister, Annabel. Annabel is a troubled character, constantly desiring attention and popularity. Although marrying into a rich and wealthy family, she has given her magazine career up to live with her new husband in Frankfurt to keep his business thriving. Away from the limelight, and now with a baby she barely has time for, the tension grows between her and Julian.
Caroline is very eager to introduce Jill to local restaurant and café owner, Antoine. Afterall, if it hadn’t been for being swept off her feet with Edward, Caroline wouldn’t have minded the hot Basque, muscled, white smiled, surfer, with his smouldering eyes and beautiful use of the sexy French language, who always calls her ‘la Rose’ herself. Oh yes, there are plenty of French words and phrases, which are used for authenticity, humour and plenty of soft and sweet amour! And, Jill is smitten! So is he, it seems, as he offers to take her out for the day to a small village where his ancestors are from, talking of the history of the area and his family, before visiting a beautiful waterfall. Yes, love is in the air. Oh, and did I mention he had a motorcycle?!
“Antoine had been knocked for six by Jill. Bowled off his feet. He’d offered to take her out for a drive to show her some pretty villages in his ‘pays’. Jill had said she’d love to see his ‘pays’, and leaned a bit closer, chin cupped in one hand, ‘décolleté’ slipping off one shoulder in front of Antoine’s mesmerised gaze.”
However, as the story continues, what begins as a serene, love-filled holiday, and a few days of relaxation and fun for Julian, turns into suspense and tension as the situation with Annabel begins to affect them all, ending with Edward going to England to seek her out, and Antoine has a visit from unexpected visitors whilst he was celebrating with his holiday-making friends and introducing Jill to his family.
I love the way in which the author weaves each scenario through all of the main characters, to be able to build up a tense atmosphere from a happy, relaxed holiday to the suspense of those waiting at Villa Julia for news from England. It is brilliant writing, showing how the impact of the drama is reflected on each and every character, as opposed to just those dealing directly with the situation.
“The atmosphere in the villa was oppressive, the three of them wandering around, listening for the phone, listening for Joshua to wake up, unable to settle to any activity for more than a few minutes.”
During these times, more emotion is written into the story, and there was certainly a very strong scene of this nature with Julian that really tugged at the heart strings. It was so heartfelt. The whole change in atmosphere, and how it affected each character makes it very true to life, realistic. The characters and their circumstances are extremely believable, and likeable. The reader will be drawn in as the writing is captivating.
I haven’t read book one, and although these novels can be read as stand alones, reading Hot Basque has made me want to read and acquaint myself with Biarritz Passion. I am also delighted to add that there is a planned French Summer Novel book 3, Villa Julia.
February 25, 2017
Hot Basque by Laurette Long
Ah, I'm going to enjoy this – nice light-hearted romance to read before bed. Well written, touches of humour, sun and luxury. Lovely settings, food, clothes.
But I soon discovered there was more to it. The characters were more complex and the story line more intriguing than in the average romance novel.
Definitely a page turner.
Ah, I'm going to enjoy this – nice light-hearted romance to read before bed. Well written, touches of humour, sun and luxury. Lovely settings, food, clothes.
But I soon discovered there was more to it. The characters were more complex and the story line more intriguing than in the average romance novel.
Definitely a page turner.
August 15, 2019
What a contemporary romance!!! How I wish to be in France right now with my friends.
I was hooked in the story as I kept turning the pages. It is a wonderful mix of romance, drama, seduction, mystery and humour. The story is so well written, you would pace through it very smoothly. Characters are well described and I personally liked Jill in female characters who is centre of the plot and whose love life revolves around Antoine. In male characters, I liked Edward. His lifestyle is something to seek for.
Laurette has done great justice to the story and I really enjoyed her writing style.
I was hooked in the story as I kept turning the pages. It is a wonderful mix of romance, drama, seduction, mystery and humour. The story is so well written, you would pace through it very smoothly. Characters are well described and I personally liked Jill in female characters who is centre of the plot and whose love life revolves around Antoine. In male characters, I liked Edward. His lifestyle is something to seek for.
Laurette has done great justice to the story and I really enjoyed her writing style.
August 27, 2015
In Hot Basque we follow a trio of women through the towns and villas of Europe. There’s Caroline, who’s fixation with her man “Drop Dead Ed” steams up every scene they’re in, Jill, the hot blooded lass who’s deadly curves and creamy skin threaten to set the hills of Biarritz aflame, but my personal favorite is Annabel “the wildcard”, because you’re not quite sure where she’s coming from…
So that’s the players, how was the story?
I think the best way to describe this book is as a satisfying beach read, something you devour on vacation as you’re living the life that’s portrayed in the pages. It’s also kind of girly, or better yet geared towards a female reader. I only picked it up because a friend on Goodreads suggested it, but I’m really glad I took their advice because I was happily surprised. I was kind of expecting a Sex in the City rip off full of light gossip and drinking. Well, I got the drinking and gossip, but the book was also full of strong characters, palpable passion, an intriguing plot, and a satisfying ending (loved the last sentence, wrapped it up beautifully).
Another great aspect was the pacing. Every chapter and scene break ends with a little tension which propels the reader forward at a very nice clip.
Though far and away my favorite aspect of the novel was the description. Ms. Long does a phenomenal job making the reader feel like they’re sitting with the characters. Whether it’s in the London Ritz, a villa in Biarritz, or at a random bistro the settings come to life. But that’s also true about everything else. Voluptuous adjectives fill the book painting evocative pictures from the food and clothing to the wine and of course the people. A lot of writers tend to forget about things like the smells or the tastes in the scene, but in Hot Basque we’re treated to a masterful (mistressful?) use of language that transports us there.
Overall a really fun read. As a masculine man (As I write this review I’m wrestling a bull AND a bear) I’d say buy it for the woman in your life. It’ll give you the perfect excuse to have a copy in your home, which you can then read whenever.
So that’s the players, how was the story?
I think the best way to describe this book is as a satisfying beach read, something you devour on vacation as you’re living the life that’s portrayed in the pages. It’s also kind of girly, or better yet geared towards a female reader. I only picked it up because a friend on Goodreads suggested it, but I’m really glad I took their advice because I was happily surprised. I was kind of expecting a Sex in the City rip off full of light gossip and drinking. Well, I got the drinking and gossip, but the book was also full of strong characters, palpable passion, an intriguing plot, and a satisfying ending (loved the last sentence, wrapped it up beautifully).
Another great aspect was the pacing. Every chapter and scene break ends with a little tension which propels the reader forward at a very nice clip.
Though far and away my favorite aspect of the novel was the description. Ms. Long does a phenomenal job making the reader feel like they’re sitting with the characters. Whether it’s in the London Ritz, a villa in Biarritz, or at a random bistro the settings come to life. But that’s also true about everything else. Voluptuous adjectives fill the book painting evocative pictures from the food and clothing to the wine and of course the people. A lot of writers tend to forget about things like the smells or the tastes in the scene, but in Hot Basque we’re treated to a masterful (mistressful?) use of language that transports us there.
Overall a really fun read. As a masculine man (As I write this review I’m wrestling a bull AND a bear) I’d say buy it for the woman in your life. It’ll give you the perfect excuse to have a copy in your home, which you can then read whenever.
July 20, 2016
I absolutely loved every word of this book. The story stems around several characters, all intertwined with one another in some way or other. It is set mainly in the Basque region of France, and follows the lives and loves, or breakdown of relationships in one or two cases. The dialogue sometimes had me in stitches, and was very well written. I, for one love a good dialogue. The story was very well conceived and easy to follow, and flowed really well. You always knew where you were with it. Jill was fun to read, I think it was her interaction with Antoine that made it a fun read, in between all the loss of love and heartache along the way. But everything seemed to work out for everyone, in some way or other. I won't divulge too much, as I am afraid of giving away spoilers.
If you like romance, you will love this...I certainly did.
If you like romance, you will love this...I certainly did.
February 15, 2019
A romantic romp in a rich French villa that turns out to be more of a saga (3.5 stars)
A newly engaged couple living in Toulouse, Caroline and Edward from book 1, invite a friend living in Edinburgh on holiday to their family villa in Biarritz. Their match-making aim to have Jill fall in love with a cousin, Antione.
The first third of this book introduces the reader to all the players, especially Caroline and Edward who got together in the first book. The friend they intend to invite to Biarritz, Jill, is in Edinburgh living the single life without much luck with lovers. Jill’s few escapades before her holiday are amusing, and I would have loved to hear more of them, but fewer self-deprecating comments about her body.
Nothing is known of Antoine in this book until he turns up to meet Jill. I say ‘in this book’ because I think I’m missing out on some character information and development by not reading book one first.
Frustratingly, when Jill and Antoine meet for the first time, we only get an idea of their reactions to each other via the third parties of Caroline and Edward, before we jump to the following morning and the inevitable girl talk about Antoine’s big muscles.
We are often told information from either Caroline’s or Edward’s POVs rather than ‘watching’ it firsthand, which led me to feel this story was more about that couple than Jill and Antoine. Consequently, I didn’t get the connection I was hoping for with that couple. The latter half of the story includes more characters with complex plotlines of infidelity and mental health issues that could easily have been encompassed in another book.
Hot Basque is a well-written story, with fabulous descriptions of Toulouse and Biarritz. Readers who love to hear about the antics of the uber-rich will enjoy this holiday romance; I have no doubt.
A newly engaged couple living in Toulouse, Caroline and Edward from book 1, invite a friend living in Edinburgh on holiday to their family villa in Biarritz. Their match-making aim to have Jill fall in love with a cousin, Antione.
The first third of this book introduces the reader to all the players, especially Caroline and Edward who got together in the first book. The friend they intend to invite to Biarritz, Jill, is in Edinburgh living the single life without much luck with lovers. Jill’s few escapades before her holiday are amusing, and I would have loved to hear more of them, but fewer self-deprecating comments about her body.
Nothing is known of Antoine in this book until he turns up to meet Jill. I say ‘in this book’ because I think I’m missing out on some character information and development by not reading book one first.
Frustratingly, when Jill and Antoine meet for the first time, we only get an idea of their reactions to each other via the third parties of Caroline and Edward, before we jump to the following morning and the inevitable girl talk about Antoine’s big muscles.
We are often told information from either Caroline’s or Edward’s POVs rather than ‘watching’ it firsthand, which led me to feel this story was more about that couple than Jill and Antoine. Consequently, I didn’t get the connection I was hoping for with that couple. The latter half of the story includes more characters with complex plotlines of infidelity and mental health issues that could easily have been encompassed in another book.
Hot Basque is a well-written story, with fabulous descriptions of Toulouse and Biarritz. Readers who love to hear about the antics of the uber-rich will enjoy this holiday romance; I have no doubt.
February 28, 2019
Hot Basque: A French Summer Novel 2 by Laurette Long is a nice adventure, the main villain of the story inspire more pity than hate, and i guess that’s a good thing. I found each of the heroines character quite interesting, and the love feel authentic. As i mentioned earlier, the villan is a drama king who makes emotions run high. I liked the chemistry between the women, their friendship, and how each knows they can rely on the others for support in difficult circumstances. To be honest, I did find it a bit difficult to follow up in the begining with quick shifts in focus towards too many characters but as i turned the pages and kept my patience, it all made sense soon enough. Twists and turns are woven intelligently throughout the story.
July 16, 2016
In this delightful summer adventure, the main villain of the affair will inspire more pity than wrath, and that’s a good thing. She’s more about Jungian healing than plotting and revenge.
I just mentioned healing, right? Actually, Hot Basque is what the doctor ordered. Particularly in this day and age. (As I am writing and in the course of about two weeks, a stifled Turkish coup killed 265, a terrorist truck killed 84 in Nice, France; cops were killed in Texas; a black man was killed by a cop in St Paul, Minnesota; another black man was killed by another cop in Baton Rouge, Louisiana). After a good dose of CNN, you will want to plunge into the romance of the colorful Basque Country, into the waves of fun Biarritz. Wait! I am from these parts, a native of Bayonne, in fact, the city next door to Biarritz, and 100% Basque, no kidding.
So when I got to Hot Basque, I went at it like a true Basque, that is, with skeptical eyes. Would I like what I would read? Would I recognize the Basque Country, at least the part Laurette Long chose to set some of her action in? After all, my moped took me to one beach or another, mainly Biarritz’ Grande Plage during my teenage summer years.
Would that hot Basque guy feel real? Mm.
Well, let’s just say that it felt familiar. The hills, the names of places mentioned, the seasonal joviality of this highly beautiful and touristic place. Although the town is painted with broad brush strokes where details are few, Long manages to give an atmospheric, happy feel to this romantic novel. Even during heartache moments, Biarritz appears to be paradise on earth. I will forgive Long for describing it as “the jewel of the Basque Country.” I, along with many Basques, would argue with that, one reason being that the town, albeit pretty, is probably the least Basque of all Basque places. A place Long cites and which is far more typical is St Jean-Pied-de-Port, whose architecture has remained unaffected by tourism. That’s where many Saint-James of Compostela pilgrims begin their journey, as the author rightly mentions.
As for Antoine, the hot Basque, he does have some characteristics of the Basques. He works hard; he loves his family; he gets loud during family reunions and he likes his Ricard. But he’s a bit of a Harlequin Romance guy as well. We’re missing the legendary Basque stubbornness. He’s an idealized figure. In that sense, he’s in total harmony with Biarritz as paradise on earth.
But don’t read Hot Basque to get culturally enlightened, or to be a truth seeker, even if this is an intelligent romance where Long does note a few interesting things about the Basques and their culture, including the seven provinces that form the Basque nation. This is a summer read. This is fun and fluff with a few facts. It has couples who love each other; it has a bit of drama; it has views for tourists; it has plenty of delicious local food; it has escapes from the horrors we keep living time in time out. It has places beyond Biarritz. Toulouse, London. Cool British aunts and a psychiatrist with interesting eye colors. It has a shrieking Melodie to disturb things a bit.
It has a pretty baby— hope. And a well written, joyfully written prose, with champagne bubbles at the tip of the pen. Cheers!
I just mentioned healing, right? Actually, Hot Basque is what the doctor ordered. Particularly in this day and age. (As I am writing and in the course of about two weeks, a stifled Turkish coup killed 265, a terrorist truck killed 84 in Nice, France; cops were killed in Texas; a black man was killed by a cop in St Paul, Minnesota; another black man was killed by another cop in Baton Rouge, Louisiana). After a good dose of CNN, you will want to plunge into the romance of the colorful Basque Country, into the waves of fun Biarritz. Wait! I am from these parts, a native of Bayonne, in fact, the city next door to Biarritz, and 100% Basque, no kidding.
So when I got to Hot Basque, I went at it like a true Basque, that is, with skeptical eyes. Would I like what I would read? Would I recognize the Basque Country, at least the part Laurette Long chose to set some of her action in? After all, my moped took me to one beach or another, mainly Biarritz’ Grande Plage during my teenage summer years.
Would that hot Basque guy feel real? Mm.
Well, let’s just say that it felt familiar. The hills, the names of places mentioned, the seasonal joviality of this highly beautiful and touristic place. Although the town is painted with broad brush strokes where details are few, Long manages to give an atmospheric, happy feel to this romantic novel. Even during heartache moments, Biarritz appears to be paradise on earth. I will forgive Long for describing it as “the jewel of the Basque Country.” I, along with many Basques, would argue with that, one reason being that the town, albeit pretty, is probably the least Basque of all Basque places. A place Long cites and which is far more typical is St Jean-Pied-de-Port, whose architecture has remained unaffected by tourism. That’s where many Saint-James of Compostela pilgrims begin their journey, as the author rightly mentions.
As for Antoine, the hot Basque, he does have some characteristics of the Basques. He works hard; he loves his family; he gets loud during family reunions and he likes his Ricard. But he’s a bit of a Harlequin Romance guy as well. We’re missing the legendary Basque stubbornness. He’s an idealized figure. In that sense, he’s in total harmony with Biarritz as paradise on earth.
But don’t read Hot Basque to get culturally enlightened, or to be a truth seeker, even if this is an intelligent romance where Long does note a few interesting things about the Basques and their culture, including the seven provinces that form the Basque nation. This is a summer read. This is fun and fluff with a few facts. It has couples who love each other; it has a bit of drama; it has views for tourists; it has plenty of delicious local food; it has escapes from the horrors we keep living time in time out. It has places beyond Biarritz. Toulouse, London. Cool British aunts and a psychiatrist with interesting eye colors. It has a shrieking Melodie to disturb things a bit.
It has a pretty baby— hope. And a well written, joyfully written prose, with champagne bubbles at the tip of the pen. Cheers!
September 1, 2015
Hot Basque: A French Summer Novel 2 by Laurette Long reminds me of John Hermes Secondari’s novel, “Coins in the Fountain,” which was adapted into the 1954 Academy Award-winning film, “Three Coins in the Fountain.”
It starts with Jill O’Toole, a complicated, self-proclaimed difficult woman, who doesn’t know if she should listen to her conservative or sexy inner voice. This was a clever approach to tell us about this character who opts to go for the sexy dress on the cold March Edinburgh night. That sexy dress sets the tone for the dinner party she attends at her friends place. When she meets Kenneth, who works in oil and is private pilot, the sexual sparks fly. He takes her home in a taxi but while she’s getting ready, or unready, she hears mysterious noises. No spoilers here. Written into the well-described scenes is enough humor to bring this entertainingly alive.
The next character we meet is Caroline MacDonald in Toulouse, France. Again in March. The scene comes alive with men hurrying, phones clamped to ears, groups of school children, etc. as the backdrop for her two week vacation, a semi-working vacation. She hadn’t seen her boyfriend for ten days until the day before, when they fell onto each other like “starving wolves.” Their problem is he lives/works in France and she near London but they are trying to make it work and she’s going
to relocate.
And then there’s Annabel Courtenay in Frankfurt Germany in March. She’s living in luxury with her significant other, highflying Julian, the father of her new baby and the man she is planning on marrying. But, she’s ambivalent while planning the wedding. The world-wind first eighteen months is cooling down and his sexual interest is waning. And just as she is questioning all this, a stranger named Claudio enters into the story. The author leaves this hanging at the end of the chapter, which enhances the tension to move the story forward.
And move along it does as I read on with enjoyment and interest. Do the women end up with the men in the above scenes or will life-changing events happen? I don’t want to retell the story but just give a teaser of what is to come. Through the charming towns of Europe, in romantic settings, with attachment to characters we’ve grown to care about the read continues in a delightful pace. The scenes came alive while the narrative and dialogue drew me in. I’m happy I came upon this book and look forward to more by Laurette Long.
It starts with Jill O’Toole, a complicated, self-proclaimed difficult woman, who doesn’t know if she should listen to her conservative or sexy inner voice. This was a clever approach to tell us about this character who opts to go for the sexy dress on the cold March Edinburgh night. That sexy dress sets the tone for the dinner party she attends at her friends place. When she meets Kenneth, who works in oil and is private pilot, the sexual sparks fly. He takes her home in a taxi but while she’s getting ready, or unready, she hears mysterious noises. No spoilers here. Written into the well-described scenes is enough humor to bring this entertainingly alive.
The next character we meet is Caroline MacDonald in Toulouse, France. Again in March. The scene comes alive with men hurrying, phones clamped to ears, groups of school children, etc. as the backdrop for her two week vacation, a semi-working vacation. She hadn’t seen her boyfriend for ten days until the day before, when they fell onto each other like “starving wolves.” Their problem is he lives/works in France and she near London but they are trying to make it work and she’s going
to relocate.
And then there’s Annabel Courtenay in Frankfurt Germany in March. She’s living in luxury with her significant other, highflying Julian, the father of her new baby and the man she is planning on marrying. But, she’s ambivalent while planning the wedding. The world-wind first eighteen months is cooling down and his sexual interest is waning. And just as she is questioning all this, a stranger named Claudio enters into the story. The author leaves this hanging at the end of the chapter, which enhances the tension to move the story forward.
And move along it does as I read on with enjoyment and interest. Do the women end up with the men in the above scenes or will life-changing events happen? I don’t want to retell the story but just give a teaser of what is to come. Through the charming towns of Europe, in romantic settings, with attachment to characters we’ve grown to care about the read continues in a delightful pace. The scenes came alive while the narrative and dialogue drew me in. I’m happy I came upon this book and look forward to more by Laurette Long.
August 12, 2016
I received a free copy for an honest review. This is another case where I am well outside the demographic readership this work would likely seek, and so I write with the intent of speaking to that audience, to the best of my ability.
We’re looking at a romance book. This is sexy romance, with a good deal of attention on the physical dabbling and gossiping of upper class people, generally as blessed in libido as they are in material wealth. A trip to the French Basque country sets the stage for a drama that keeps these libidos very much in play. One woman (Annabelle) marries for money, but feels put out by the fact of a kid she had to keep the money marriage a sure thing—so she starts playing around with an Italian stud. The father of their child suspects as much and decides to join his best friend, Ed on his holiday at his villa in the Basque to take his mind off of this news. Turns out of course the Italian guy (Claudio) has more than one indiscretion, meaning Annabelle’s plans for a more substantial relationship with him are called very much into question, as is Annabelle’s stability. A lover thinks all is well and is surprised by a twist - another thinks herself spurned, turns out to be paranoid—and on it goes.
Besides sex and drama, this is also a good book for those with a passion for the finer things in life. Decadent European dishes, beautiful clothing, lush landscapes, these are all things the author has an appreciation for, and it comes out clearly in her work. I also enjoyed the slow unravelling of certain characters, such as Annabelle, and appreciated a couple of surprises like that along the way.
I felt at odds with learning about the interests of a couple of female characters almost half way through the book, when all along I had known so much about their romantic and sexual tendencies. The only thing I’ve read that comes close to this is Jane Austen, and in comparison, it would be nice to see some subtlety in the dialogue.
In any case, for those into sex, food, landscapes and controversy, this is a good pick for you.
We’re looking at a romance book. This is sexy romance, with a good deal of attention on the physical dabbling and gossiping of upper class people, generally as blessed in libido as they are in material wealth. A trip to the French Basque country sets the stage for a drama that keeps these libidos very much in play. One woman (Annabelle) marries for money, but feels put out by the fact of a kid she had to keep the money marriage a sure thing—so she starts playing around with an Italian stud. The father of their child suspects as much and decides to join his best friend, Ed on his holiday at his villa in the Basque to take his mind off of this news. Turns out of course the Italian guy (Claudio) has more than one indiscretion, meaning Annabelle’s plans for a more substantial relationship with him are called very much into question, as is Annabelle’s stability. A lover thinks all is well and is surprised by a twist - another thinks herself spurned, turns out to be paranoid—and on it goes.
Besides sex and drama, this is also a good book for those with a passion for the finer things in life. Decadent European dishes, beautiful clothing, lush landscapes, these are all things the author has an appreciation for, and it comes out clearly in her work. I also enjoyed the slow unravelling of certain characters, such as Annabelle, and appreciated a couple of surprises like that along the way.
I felt at odds with learning about the interests of a couple of female characters almost half way through the book, when all along I had known so much about their romantic and sexual tendencies. The only thing I’ve read that comes close to this is Jane Austen, and in comparison, it would be nice to see some subtlety in the dialogue.
In any case, for those into sex, food, landscapes and controversy, this is a good pick for you.
January 13, 2017
While not unpleasant, there are miles of exposition by narrative, slipping into a character's thinking voice to discuss The Man and whatever else has to be done that day. I know there are such women, that's not in doubt. It took a long while for me to absorb the story arc from disjointed scenes involving unrelated characters, then voila! they're friends and family.
I was puzzled by the fascination with menus and body shapes and clothes and cars. Are there women so shallow as this? -- apparently so among Brits, and the author is definitely British. As a mark of esteem, one of the hunks is deemed the Man with the Golden Arse.
The romance of Jill and Antoine starts well, aided by a Harley motorcycle. As if they were public property, Caroline gossips with the Man with the Golden Arse, promising: 'I’ll put the thumbscrews on her as soon as I get a chance' -- to which I feel compelled to ask, like Nora Charles, who are these people, a new race of monsters?
Parallel action involving bad girl unfit mother Annabel in London foreshadows a crisis, no less monstrous than the happy airheads in Biarritz, busily drawing new triangles while they shop and eat and drink and weigh confusing declasse attacks against Jill's hot Basque, the man she desperately wants to love and keep forever.
I don't think it's fair to ask men to read romance novels. However, there's no doubt at all that Laurette Long writes beautifully, whilst juggling the fates of a dozen handsome men and sexy women, characters that I had no trouble seeing, hearing, and understanding. Laurette deserves all the praise she gets, including 4 stars from me.
I was puzzled by the fascination with menus and body shapes and clothes and cars. Are there women so shallow as this? -- apparently so among Brits, and the author is definitely British. As a mark of esteem, one of the hunks is deemed the Man with the Golden Arse.
The romance of Jill and Antoine starts well, aided by a Harley motorcycle. As if they were public property, Caroline gossips with the Man with the Golden Arse, promising: 'I’ll put the thumbscrews on her as soon as I get a chance' -- to which I feel compelled to ask, like Nora Charles, who are these people, a new race of monsters?
Parallel action involving bad girl unfit mother Annabel in London foreshadows a crisis, no less monstrous than the happy airheads in Biarritz, busily drawing new triangles while they shop and eat and drink and weigh confusing declasse attacks against Jill's hot Basque, the man she desperately wants to love and keep forever.
I don't think it's fair to ask men to read romance novels. However, there's no doubt at all that Laurette Long writes beautifully, whilst juggling the fates of a dozen handsome men and sexy women, characters that I had no trouble seeing, hearing, and understanding. Laurette deserves all the praise she gets, including 4 stars from me.
October 19, 2016
Captivating
This is a quasi-trans-European literary ride that is as delightful as an inter-rail summer adventure. Well-plotted, packed with drama and great zingers, Hot Basque is not, as one might hasten to think, a stereotypical romance story. It certainly isn’t one of the “happily ever after” breed of tearjerkers. A sensual tale that encompasses romantic escapades, family dramas and matrimonial woes, it is, interestingly, a stand-alone novel though touted as book two in the French summer series.
The story begins in Edinburgh with a rather hilarious thrust and ends, quite fittingly, in Scotland on a romantic high-point. The characters are so real you can lean over and salute them—from the amiable redhead, Jill, to her well-rounded friend Caroline, the matchmaker, to the drama queen, Annabelle to Caroline’s fiancé, Edward and his friend, Julian, the betrayed husband, and finally to the hot-blooded Basque, Antoine.
With the sagacity of a well-traveled storyteller, the author, armed with copious material, plays her hand brilliantly from vibrant Edinburgh in Scotland to down-to-earth Willowdale in England, from exciting Toulouse in France to methodical Frankfurt in Germany and to the exhilarating Basque country and beyond.
It is safe to say that in Hot Basque, a woman has written a romance novel that captivates male readers as well.
This is a quasi-trans-European literary ride that is as delightful as an inter-rail summer adventure. Well-plotted, packed with drama and great zingers, Hot Basque is not, as one might hasten to think, a stereotypical romance story. It certainly isn’t one of the “happily ever after” breed of tearjerkers. A sensual tale that encompasses romantic escapades, family dramas and matrimonial woes, it is, interestingly, a stand-alone novel though touted as book two in the French summer series.
The story begins in Edinburgh with a rather hilarious thrust and ends, quite fittingly, in Scotland on a romantic high-point. The characters are so real you can lean over and salute them—from the amiable redhead, Jill, to her well-rounded friend Caroline, the matchmaker, to the drama queen, Annabelle to Caroline’s fiancé, Edward and his friend, Julian, the betrayed husband, and finally to the hot-blooded Basque, Antoine.
With the sagacity of a well-traveled storyteller, the author, armed with copious material, plays her hand brilliantly from vibrant Edinburgh in Scotland to down-to-earth Willowdale in England, from exciting Toulouse in France to methodical Frankfurt in Germany and to the exhilarating Basque country and beyond.
It is safe to say that in Hot Basque, a woman has written a romance novel that captivates male readers as well.
October 22, 2016
A well-written, light and entertaining read. The story is based around three young women and their jet setting partners. Jill is still looking for that special man (loved the opening chapter in Edinburgh),
Caroline is happily married and Annabelle on the surface is planning the perfect wedding while being somewhat distracted by a handsome stranger!
The settings are exotic, the characterizations are solid and the dialogue is believable and often humerous.
I personally didn't warm to the characters who are mostly middle and upper middle class people with access to the "dream" lifestyle but this is possibly down to my more left wing leanings! It does however allow for locations with more spice and interest. I enjoyed the story and would like to know more about Annabelle and Caroline's childhood history.
Recommend to fans of contemporary romance.
Caroline is happily married and Annabelle on the surface is planning the perfect wedding while being somewhat distracted by a handsome stranger!
The settings are exotic, the characterizations are solid and the dialogue is believable and often humerous.
I personally didn't warm to the characters who are mostly middle and upper middle class people with access to the "dream" lifestyle but this is possibly down to my more left wing leanings! It does however allow for locations with more spice and interest. I enjoyed the story and would like to know more about Annabelle and Caroline's childhood history.
Recommend to fans of contemporary romance.
August 18, 2015
Hot Basque by Long was a rather long expose of a group of mainly English tourists, living and holidaying in the Basque country. There is a Basque family who own a restaurant (lots of eating scenes) and one of them pursues an Irish girl. The inevitable conflict of misunderstanding arises due to language difficulties. Will they reconcile? The main protagonist is Caroline who has a great partner, Edward, and a terrible sister who is married to Edward's best mate. Throw in an adorable baby to add to the mix of a holiday in Biarritz, plus a nanny. We learn a little about all the characters but this didn't endear them to me. I found the story a little slow in the beginning, but once I was hooked, I was page turning. A convoluted tale with satisfying endings.
May 5, 2017
It’s one life to live, so why not enjoy it with good friends, good living, fancy travels and romance to keep one going.
Laurette Long has a masterpiece in her novel Hot Basque. This is the authentic novel…the old fashion type that when you are done you wish it would not end. Old fashioned as it’s not an erotica, which shows that crude sex can be missing from a story and it still grips you from beginning to end.
Talk about match making… talk about dating…. Talk about living the good live….travelling and confiding in good friends. This is a well written, well-paced novel….great writing I wonder if any part of it is true. I would encourage the author to adapt this to a screenplay and seek a movie deal on it.
Laurette Long has a masterpiece in her novel Hot Basque. This is the authentic novel…the old fashion type that when you are done you wish it would not end. Old fashioned as it’s not an erotica, which shows that crude sex can be missing from a story and it still grips you from beginning to end.
Talk about match making… talk about dating…. Talk about living the good live….travelling and confiding in good friends. This is a well written, well-paced novel….great writing I wonder if any part of it is true. I would encourage the author to adapt this to a screenplay and seek a movie deal on it.
November 13, 2019
Hot Basque is a fun read about the love life of several women. The writing flows nicely, and there's enough going on that keeps you turning the pages. But because the characters were superficial, I never really cared about them or their love life. Also, it's a pity that the novel takes place in so many different locations (Toulouse, Germany, Biarritz, etc), but you rarely get a feel of these locations. Overall, this is a fun read, though, and if you're looking for something light to pass the time, it will certainly keep you entertained.
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May 11, 2025
A Hot Summer
I loved book one, I love book two, and I can't wait to read book three. What a fabulous series this is.
I loved book one, I love book two, and I can't wait to read book three. What a fabulous series this is.
September 8, 2016
Sadly, this formulaic romance failed to reach the upper tiers of the genre. Such novels are ten a penny and unless they are outstanding, they will follow in the footsteps of thousands of other novels. The well-used script of the meeting, the falling in love, the happy, blissful romance shattered by the exposure of a sordid truth from one or other of the lover’s pasts that ends the love affair, only to be resolved after several mistakes, errors, omissions that serve only to drag the story on, and on, and on, do not make for an easy, romantic read. It reads as an annoying observation of the idiocy of the main characters who seem to have every way imaginable of screwing things up.
Most of the characters tell us their thoughts in huge, protracted monologues that are really boring to read. Sometimes a whole chapter is an introspective examination of events, feelings and emotions which do nothing to move the story along. In fact, they are hurdles, blockades that slow the story down and simply add to the word count.
The story is around 100k words, over 1000 of which are the word, was. When this word is used so extensively I feel I am being told and not shown a story. It was freezing, is simply a lazy way of telling me about the weather. Think of the dozens of ways you could have shown me that the weather was cold!
There are a couple of plot holes and some of the journey distance/times are way off reality. If you want to use real locations then make sure you know where they are. We also got a lot of history; restaurants, hotels, The Spanish Civil War and pilgrimages. These add nothing to the story but help to increase the word count.
Overall, I was disappointed with this book and felt let down when I had finished what can only be described as a pot-boiler romance with very little to redeem it.
Most of the characters tell us their thoughts in huge, protracted monologues that are really boring to read. Sometimes a whole chapter is an introspective examination of events, feelings and emotions which do nothing to move the story along. In fact, they are hurdles, blockades that slow the story down and simply add to the word count.
The story is around 100k words, over 1000 of which are the word, was. When this word is used so extensively I feel I am being told and not shown a story. It was freezing, is simply a lazy way of telling me about the weather. Think of the dozens of ways you could have shown me that the weather was cold!
There are a couple of plot holes and some of the journey distance/times are way off reality. If you want to use real locations then make sure you know where they are. We also got a lot of history; restaurants, hotels, The Spanish Civil War and pilgrimages. These add nothing to the story but help to increase the word count.
Overall, I was disappointed with this book and felt let down when I had finished what can only be described as a pot-boiler romance with very little to redeem it.
January 19, 2017
A lighthearted romantic comedy or chick lit novel. I don't read much in this genre, but most of the characters were entertaining and there was a fair amount of humor interspersed with their various romantic romps.
I didn't realize it when I started this book, but this is the second in a series, so I may have had a better understanding of the characters and their back story if I'd read the first book first. However, the author told us enough for the story to be understood, anyway.
Jill is in desperate need of a boyfriend, and at the beginning of the book she gets set up with a guy who falls asleep right before she's finally going to get some. Her friend Caroline invites her to a villa in France and promises there will be plenty of available men there. Meanwhile, Caroline is living with her new fiance Edward in Toulouse, and hopes her annoying sister Annabel will stay away from the villa, but that doesn't work out. Jill meets Edward's younger brother Anthony, but wait, there's more—a hot guy named Claudio also enters the picture.
I found the plot a little thin, but that may be typical of the genre (again, I don't read a lot of romance). The book had many other good features, including humor and lots of entertaining scenes. A little more tension and high stakes earlier in the book might have been nice, but it was still a fun read.
I didn't realize it when I started this book, but this is the second in a series, so I may have had a better understanding of the characters and their back story if I'd read the first book first. However, the author told us enough for the story to be understood, anyway.
Jill is in desperate need of a boyfriend, and at the beginning of the book she gets set up with a guy who falls asleep right before she's finally going to get some. Her friend Caroline invites her to a villa in France and promises there will be plenty of available men there. Meanwhile, Caroline is living with her new fiance Edward in Toulouse, and hopes her annoying sister Annabel will stay away from the villa, but that doesn't work out. Jill meets Edward's younger brother Anthony, but wait, there's more—a hot guy named Claudio also enters the picture.
I found the plot a little thin, but that may be typical of the genre (again, I don't read a lot of romance). The book had many other good features, including humor and lots of entertaining scenes. A little more tension and high stakes earlier in the book might have been nice, but it was still a fun read.
October 18, 2015
Having recently thoroughly depressed myself by re-reading 'Bonjour Tristesse' by Francoise Sagan, I felt the need for something rather more uplifting, though with a French flavour. 'Hot Basque' hit the spot.
The characters from Ms. Long's first book in the 'Summer Novel' series are once more on duty: love-hunting Jill, besotted Caroline and her irredeemably selfish sibling Annabel (whom motherhood has failed to redeem). The writing is frothy and witty, with some gorgeously inappropriate turns of phrase. Think 'Bridget Jones', but with (marginally) less neurosis. This is a real feel-good book with the odd bit of naughtiness thrown in to make sure you are paying attention - which you will be.
Bring on Book Three!
The characters from Ms. Long's first book in the 'Summer Novel' series are once more on duty: love-hunting Jill, besotted Caroline and her irredeemably selfish sibling Annabel (whom motherhood has failed to redeem). The writing is frothy and witty, with some gorgeously inappropriate turns of phrase. Think 'Bridget Jones', but with (marginally) less neurosis. This is a real feel-good book with the odd bit of naughtiness thrown in to make sure you are paying attention - which you will be.
Bring on Book Three!
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