Chanticleer Short Stories and Novellas Award Nominee When schoolteacher Natalie meets chess grandmaster Adrien at the Bistro La Bohème, the connection is immediate and real. Romance is in the air -- until life makes a move to test how well they know their hearts...
Is this book for you?
This delightful story will make you sigh and giggle in equal measure.
The La Bohème books are romantic comedies with an edge, a good deal of spice, and a lot of heart. In addition, each book is written as a no-cliffhanger standalone that follows a different couple. This means you can read them in any order you like. Hey, who says you can't have it all? Gentle reader, don't listen to naysayers! You absolutely can, because you're worth it.
Alix Nichols is a caffeine addict, a fan of Mr. Darcy and an award-winning author on Book Riot's list of 100 must-read international romances. She pens sexy romantic comedies and romantic fantasy. Her books have been described as "pure pleasure" (Kirkus Reviews) that “keep fans of romance hanging off the edge of your seat” (RT Book Reviews). At the age of six, she released her first book. It featured highly creative spelling on a dozen pages stitched together and bound in velvet paper. Decades later, she still writes. Her spelling has improved (somewhat), and her books have topped bestseller charts around the world. She lives in France with her family and their almost-human dog.
**To read a rom-com FREE, visit: alixnichols.com/freebies (just copy and paste into your browser).**
Series and Books:
ROMANTIC COMEDIES
It’s Raining Royals (newest series)
1. The Boss Prince 2. The Bastard Prince 3. The Beast Prince
La Bohème (complete series)
1. Winter’s Gift 2. What If It’s Love? 3. Falling for Emma 4. Under My Skin You’re the One (companion novella, free to newsletter subscribers)
The Darcy Brothers (complete series)
1. Find You in Paris 2. Raphael’s Fling 3. The Perfect Catch Clarissa and the Cowboy (companion novella)
Playing to Win (complete series)
1. Playing with Fire 2. Playing for Keeps 3. Playing Dirty
Coffee Shop Romances (standalones)
The Devil’s Own Chloe Amanda’s Guide to Love An Autumn in Paris
ROMANTIC FANTASY
Keepers of Xereill (complete series within a broader saga)
The Enforcer’s Lady (prequel novella) 1. The Traitor’s Bride 2. The Commander’s Captive 3. The Dragon’s Woman 4. The Samurai’s Lover 5. The Vestal’s Steward
It was a pleasant surprise to come across such a lovely book. This was my first time reading this author’s work and I had a really good impression of it. Honestly, I have no idea that a ‘professional chess player’ hero would be this endearing! I always have a soft spot for nerdy heroes, and in this novella, Adrien’s nerdiness and straightforwardness just simply melted my heart.
Well, in this book, we meet Adrien Aubert, an international grandmaster, and Natalie Legrand, a nursery school teacher.
When Natalie suspected her longtime boyfriend was cheating on her, she started tailing him and found out that every day after his work, he went to the bistro and waited for the other woman to finish her work. And here was where she met Adrien, the baggy sweater guy.
Adrien felt attracted to Natalie since he first spotted her sitting alone at the bistro table. It took quite a lot for him to work up the courage to approach her. And not long after talking to her, he found that she was a very lovely woman who was fun to talk to and he really wanted to know more about her. While Adrien secretly wished they could be an item, Natalie tried to keep distance between them since she already had a boyfriend.
Then things got complicated…
And it was time for Natalie to follow her heart, to choose the only man she couldn’t bear the thought of never seeing again.
I really did enjoy reading this novella. It was so cute and sweet, and on some level, I just wish it could be longer. My only complaint about this one was that the story moved a bit slower than expected. Aside from that though, it was a good read overall.
**I received this free copy from the author with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book for my honest opinion. Thanks so much.
I could see right from the beginning that Natalie's boyfriend was complete jerk, and wasn't surprised to find out about his "possible" extracurricular activities. I just couldn't figure out why Natalie couldn't see him for who he was, when it was so obvious.
Was her self-esteem so low that she put up with a guy that she was so uncomfortable around? I guess so. The jerk did lead her to the Bistro La Boheme and Adrien though.
I liked Adrien right away. He is nerdy and comes across as a bit awkward with the opposite sex, but he seems to know what he want or what he doesn't when it comes to relationships. Once he meets Nat he goes out of his comfort zone to converse with her and he actually pursues her in his socially awkward with women way (which I found adorable).
Natalie has her life all planned out. She lives with the man she loves and wants to have a family with him. So what, if Fred is a self-absorbed man who takes Natalie for granted and has set rules about not talking about a future and a family with her!
Adrien is a world class chess player and a complete nerd. He is happy in his baggy home made sweaters that his Mom made and can be seen at the Bistro La Boheme competing with his computer in a game of chess and enjoying the cafe's service.
His heart takes a tumble when he sees Natalie the first time and what starts as a shy introduction between these two soon starts to rule their thoughts and their hearts.
Is Adrien the right man for Natalie?
I just loved the cover. It is sensuous and very eye catching. The blurb further intrigues the reader claiming that the reader will laugh and enjoy the book.
I have already read the book next to this one in the Bistro La Boheme series, What If It's Love? and can give credence to the author's claim that the books in this series are all standalone stories with only the Bistro La Boheme cafe and a few recurring events connecting them.
The story engages the reader right from the start and once you start on the story you just dont want to stop! I read this story non-stop and was left with a happy and a satisfied smile on my face.
Alix's writing style is captivating. She uses simple terminology and shows her extensive knowledge of the life in Paris and her descriptions of this beautiful city enchant the reader and makes us want to visit and experience it ourselves.
The characterization is in depth and very expertly done. Alix has the knowledge of human nature which she uses in her characters. Adrien is a simple man with aspirations of a loving family and a career in chess. Natalie loves kids and dreams of having her own soon. Both are searching for their true love. Natalie thinks Fred is the one for her and has no other experience apart from him to know any different. I loved the interactions between Natalie and Adrien. Adrien is so sweet in an innocent sort of way and so different from the normal heroes in romance novels. He is compassionate, friendly and totally charming. I loved him so much! :) The romance leaves us with a warm feeling in our heart and a sappy smile on our faces. I would love to meet them again in her subsequent books and see how they are after their happily-ever-after and maybe meet their kids. :)
The bistro just won my heart and I would definitely like to visit such a bistro. Cozy with great service and yummy food and also economical on the packet, the Bistro La Boheme is the place to be. It is also the center of all the activity in this book and the series. Love is found, hearts are mended, futures set and happiness found in Bistro La Boheme! :)
A book that I thoroughly enjoyed and loved reading with a cup of tea, I give You're the One a full 5 on 5 and recommend it everyone. This is a fresh story which will entertain you and also give a most welcome break from all the chaos of our daily lives. :)
Une très bonne découverte J'ai pris plaisir à suivre les aventures de Nathalie et Adrien et du héros de cette série Le bistrot La Bohème Un seul regret, que ce soit si court :/ (mais les prochains tomes m'attendent) J'ai beaucoup appréciée de passer d'un personnage à l'autre pour les découvrir cela rend la lecture fluide, l'humour y est présent tout comme la romance, on rencontre également les protagonistes des prochains tomes, mais très brièvement ce qui ne gène donc en rien l'ordre de lecture
Natalie and Fred are living the life in Paris--or at least Fred is. Natalie is sadly grateful to have such a handsome man in her life, even though he has no interest in marriage, real estate, or starting a family. But Natalie knows she has to be grateful for such a handsome man, even with the fact that his work hours have lately expanded so much.
Her friend Marie suggests to her that maybe Fred doesn't take enough interest in her, but Natalie is not receptive. Marie knows better than to give unwanted advice, and backs off.
And then she discovers accidentally that Fred isn't really working late. He's meeting Jeanne, a waitress at the local bistro, La Bohème, and giving her all the attention he used to give Natalie.
But she also meets someone else at La Bohème, chess Grand Master Adrien, a friendly nerd happy in the bulky sweaters his mother made for him. He's not looking a Jeanne. He's looking at Natalie.
It's a nice, warm, little story about people finding what they really want. You're the One is a pleasant afternoon read.
I received a free electronic copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
Natalie is a 27-year old woman in a relationship with Fred a 29-year man who she believes to be her ideal catch. They been together for 3 years & she wants more from their relationship but Fred doesn't want anything to change. When Natalie phones Fred's office at 6 pm to speak to him she discovers he isn't working late like he says he has been for some time. She decides to find out what is happening & follows him to La Boheme Bistro. While there she see him flirt with a blue hair waitress & leave with her. Natalie doesn't want to believe what she sees. She ends up back at the Bistro & this time while waiting to catch Fred with the waitress a customer name Adrien chats up Natalie. While Natalie's relationship with Fred spins downward her friendship with Adrien starts to pick up interest. What will Natalie do? Who will Natalie decide to choose?
This is a cute quick short with a happy ending. It is an enjoyable read. I thought the author did justice to the characters in such a short read.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I recived You're The One as a gift. However, My way of saying thank you; Is by leaving a review of my opinion of this story. I was immediately drawn to Natalie and Adrien. While Natalie is seeking the truth about whether her boyfriend is two-timing on her. She meets Adrien. Sweet and caring man that is, starts talking to Natalie. She's not at the Café at meet up with, who will later become everything to her. Even, discovering that Fred was indeed cheating and confronted the mistress. She decided, to forgive the bf, and says yes to his proposal of marriage. But, Natalie soon realizes; she's learned that she can't be without Adrien in her life. Upon returning from their getaway, she breaks off the engagement and leaves Fred and moves out. Natalie, finally gets up the nerve to seek out Adrien and preys it's not too late to apologize and have Adrien in her life. Instantly they're the happy couple, and just maybe she'll get her dream after all. Great story and even happier ending.
This is a very lovely written story like a contemporary romance that takes you into the lives of a woman with a two timing boyfriend. She then finds herself on a journey that makes you really care for her feelings and want her to find happiness. Does Natalie find the happiness? Well since I don't like to give away spoilers in my reviews I guess you have to read this book to find out that answer. I was really happy with the way this book was written and I never got to a point where I wasn't following the storyline or bored with what I was reading. I read a lot of books a month and sometimes you find ones that you just can't finish and that fine not all books are for everyone. But this book is lovely and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a very heartfelt read.
You ´re The One by Alix Nichols is a lighthearted novella. Natalie wants a family and a child with her boyfriend Fred. But Fred does not. He comes home later and later at night and Natalie gets suspicious. She spies on him and watcheshim with another woman, a waitress in a bistro. There she meets Adrien Aubert a chess grand master. Confronted Fred begs for forgivness and proposes. Natalie accepts. Yes she accepts but left him later and searches for Adrien. This book is part of The Boheme series and a nice summer read. 4 Stars and Thank you Alix Nichols.
I so so loved this book. It was the first time I have ever read anything by this author but let me say this that the popping of the characters was like nothing I expected. Going into this read I was a little hesitant at first but then the characters just somehow reached out to me and brought me into their own little world.
This is a great short read but I admit I wanted more of the book
Another in the La Boheme series and another that I read in one sitting. Has me on pins and needles for the next book. Has been my favorite series this year by far. Adrian is a sexy lovable chess nerd and Natalie will strike a cord with any woman who has had those moments of insecurity in a relationship.
Oh how wonderful it would be to find someone like Adrien to share one's life with. Sigh.... This was a delightful and quick read and reads like a dream. Also the kind of story that I wish would be followed up on and another book showing how well their lives turned out to be together - it could only be good! I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
What a great story! Loved it! I love this series! This book grabs you on page one and never slows down. Extremely well written super easy read! A super quick read and a wonderful story. Take the time to read this book and the others in this series.
I really enjoy the Bistro La Boheme series! This one is no exception, a fun romantic and sweet read! I especially liked the characters in this one (Natalie and Adrien) although I believe that is one of Alix's best writing skills....her characters are always terrific!!
4-Stars! This was a very engaging story. The city of Paris was an unusual setting for me, and it was handled beautifully by the author. The hero and heroine were so likable! I wish it was a little bit longer, but the epilogue made me smile. I'll definitely read more by this author!
Arc review For honest review. When Natalie follows her boyfriend Fred and finds him cheating on her .she meets Adrian a chest player. This story is of Natalie finding herself. Very good
This was a sweet contemporary romance that has the beautiful setting of Paris. She is a school teacher that loves her job and the children. Sadly, her long time boyfriend treats her as a servant and door mat. It all changes when she meets a handsome master chess player. I received a complimentary copy of this book in the set: You and Me in Paris and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading more books in the future by this author.
*I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinion stated are solely my own and no one else's*
You're the One was a sweet yet fun read and I really enjoyed it. The characters were likeable, realistic and funny especially, Natalie. She goes to a lot of trouble buying a wig to spy on her boyfriend Fred. I liked Adrien; he was sexy, yet down to earth. I loved the epilogue but wished they had more interactions together before the book came to an end.
The storyline mostly focused on Natalie trying to catch her cheating boyfriend in the act. Afterwards she shows herself to be a weak female character lead. I'm not a fan of anyone who accept cheating. It's disgusting.
Her relationship with Adrien was barely there. Their love story took a backseat to Natalie figuring out her life. Their connection and chemistry didn't come across well on paper.
This is a sweet romantic read that takes you into a warm cosy place. You get a build up to the plot with a great background to the characters lives and you really understand the turmoil and feelings Natalie is going through as well as the sadness of an affair and the effects that has on all concerned. This is the first book I have read by the author and do look forward to reading more, great short read.
Andrew is a chess master who usually spends time playing with his computer in La Bohème. Natalie is a schoolteacher who goes to La Bohème following her husband. A short, sweet and enjoyable, easy to read story that makes you smile when you finish reading it. I received this book as part of La Bohème Box Set
Natalie’s boyfriend has only one love, himself. When he two-times on her she sees the light and finds someone who truly love her. A romance with a twist it has a few grammatical faults but its heart is in the right place.
Natalie and Fred have been together 3 years when a random call to his workplace uncovers suspicion of his unfaithfulness. While in disguised pursuit of the truth, she meets a chess grand-master who makes her think twice about her future. This was cute but predictable.
Not quite what I was expecting. Alix Nichols is a new author for me. This was a cute read for just starting to get to know what is on the writers mind.