Charmed by Chocolate

Love at the Chocolate Shop #6

by Steena Holmes

When Leah ran off to Southern California, she hoped to leave freezing cold winters and unrequited love behind. She was never meant for a small town life and the timing with her longtime best friend–and secret soul mate–was always hopelessly off.

But after a mishap on the hit reality show Charming, Leah declares her love for Wade nationwide and is publicly dubbed "Lonely Leah." She returns to Marietta to hide at her family's home–from the media who wants to turn her into a human interest story, from the townspeople upset with her blunder, and most of all, from Wade, who wants to talk.

It took Leah leaving town to wake Wade Burns up to the reality that he's head over heels in love with his best friend. But now that she's back home, she's giving him the cold shoulder. With chocolate and a grand gesture, can Wade charm his way back into Leah’s heart?

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance, Friends To Lovers

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 2, 2017

About the author

Steena Holmes is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with nearly 3 million copies of her titles sold worldwide, including The Patient, The Forgotten Ones, and Sister Under the Stairs.

Named in the Top 20 Women Author to Read by Good Housekeeping, she won the National Indie Excellence Award for her breakout novel Finding Emma and the USA Book News Award for The Word Game. Steena has been featured in various newspapers and magazines, websites such as Goodreads, BookBub, RedBook, Glamour, Coastal Living and Goodhousekeeping.

One of Steena's passions is to travel with her readers, so she created her Sweet Tours, where she shares her love for the sweet life with her readers, whether in Paris, Italy, or exploring Christmas Markets.
To learn more about her books and join her on the next Sweet Tour, visit her website at http://www.steenaholmes.com.
You can also find Steena on the web at:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorsteenaholmes
Facebook: SteenaHolmes.author

LIST OF HER NOVELS STARTING FROM MOST RECENT:

SHE TOOK MY BABY

THE GIRLS IN THE BASEMENT (follow up to The Sister Under the Stairs)

THE TWIN

ENGAGED TO A SERIAL KILLER

THE SISTER UNDER THE STAIRS

THE PATIENT

THE FORGOTTEN ONES

SAVING ABBY & ABBY'S JOURNEY

THE WORD GAME

Stillwater Bay Series:
Stillwater Shores
Stillwater Rising
Stillwater Tides
Stillwater Deep

The Memory Child & The Memory Journal

FINDING EMMA series:
Finding Emma
Dear Jack
Emma's Secret
Dottie's Memories
Megan's Hope

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leah has returned to her hometown of Marietta, MT mostly to hide from the press out of embarrassment with an incident on a dating television show that her friend in California has talked her into going on. Leah is hoping that no one in the small town will hear of what happened but it doesn't take long to see that won't be the case.

Leah had only gone on the show to help out her friend because Leah actually has feelings for her best friend in Marietta, Wade Burns. But unfortunately Wade didn't seem to return her feelings when he ignored her telling him she was in love with him a month before so now Leah must also face Wade and her feelings for him.

Charmed by Chocolate is the sixth book in the Love at the Chocolate Shop series set in the small town of Marietta, MT with all the books having some sort of tie in with Sage's Chocolate shop in the town. As usual with this series this book features a new couple and it's not necessary to have read the previous to understand the main story line and their relationship. However for those fans of the series there are mentions of previous characters and the small town charm that all Marietta books hold.

For me this edition of the series just seemed to be filled with a bit too much angst for my taste to be honest. The entire plot is one of those huge misunderstandings dragged on throughout the entire book which really drives me absolutely bonkers. I'm usually OK with a bit of drama in a romance read at some point but lifetime friends to not be able to communicate and resolve the dilemma at hand just didn't seem to ring true to me. But on the plus side I still enjoyed the book as a part of the series and just keeping up with the small town charm even if this couple wasn't one of my favorites of the series.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Back to Real Love Stars
* * * Spoiler Free
Another book which is central to Marietta, Montana and the wonderful Chocolate store. Our gal went to Los Angeles to be Someone... and ended up being on a reality show like the The Bachelor...Unfortunately, she got caught up in the moment and drank too much, loosening her lips and heart to say out loud what she felt for a very long time....

She loves her very best friend Wade...On National Television....

UH–OH...
From that outburst..."Lonely Leah" was born...

Needless to say... she was not "The Chosen One"...and had to slink back home to Marietta...
At least she had her family to shelter her....
Well, may be not...

Because Grandma and Leah's brash, bestie have decided she should just get over it and approach Wade to see what is what... Grandma is amazingly fun and is the matchmaker of the town...

Wade has decided he is all in... so it is only a matter of time for these two to have their own HEA.
This is the sixth entry to this series and more are on the way.

This is a continuing series and each entry has been fun.

Melt My Heart, Cowboy (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Thankful Heart (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Montana Secret Santa (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Chocolate Cure (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Valentine Quest (Love at the Chocolate Shop, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Charmed by Chocolate (Love at the Chocolate Shop #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Chocolate Comeback (Love at the Chocolate Shop #7) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Chocolate Touch (Love at the Chocolate Shop #8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sweet Home Cowboy (Love at the Chocolate Shop #9)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sweet Summer's Kiss (Love at the Chocolate Shop #10)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A gifted copy was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated 3.5/5

This is a best friends - through a series of misunderstandings - to lovers story and most of the story concerns those horrendous misunderstandings! Most of the action is centred around Sage’s Chocolate shop in Marietta Montana and concerns “Lonely Leah” and Wade Burns. Leah gained the nickname after being tricked to drink alcohol whilst participating in a reality show and saying much more than she’d have ever thought of doing whilst sober. Now she’s being hounded by the press so has run from her Californian home back to stay with her brother in Marietta, Montana. The only problem with that is it means she has to face up to Wade Burns who didn’t respond after she’d confessed that she loved him. Heartbroken, she’s not sure what to do but does know the whole community will be upset when the show is broadcast and they learn what she was tricked into saying . . .

Wade is still head over heels in love with Leah but doesn’t understand why she’s avoiding him now she’s returned to Marietta. There are so many misunderstandings mainly because the two won’t talk properly and honestly to each other. Everyone else who knows them also know they were meant to be together, soul mates, but will they ever be open with each other to give themselves the chance to achieve their HEA together - especially as so many in the community just can’t help interfering!

This is the sixth book in this series, each written by a different author and featuring a different couple on their journey to romance. It is packed with angst, misgivings and, of course, misunderstandings. It involves many characters who are very familiar from reading other stories in this and related series but, whilst it is great to catch up with them again, I don’t think it matters if you haven’t read any of the others, you can still enjoy this one. If you're looking for a light-hearted yet angst filled, sweet romance, you'll probably love this!

Many thanks to the publishers for gifting me a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review.

[Justkeepreading · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, Tule Publishing and Steena Holmes for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance reader copy of this book.

You can find my review on both Goodreads and Amazon. On goodreads.com/karenwhittard and on Amazon under k.e.whittard from publication date.

I really love this series of books. Unfortunately this book wasn't the best in the series. It felt very rushed to me. The characters felt a little aggressive. I mean I know they were just trying to help. But it is ok to let someone lick their wounds for a while. Also I didn't believe in the love story. I mean sure friends can fall in love. But it all just felt so quick and rushed that it didn't feel right.

Let me know what you think of the book.

Happy reading everyone

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charmed by Chocolate

Steena Holmes

Received from Netgalley


CHARMED BY CHOCOLATE is the sixth book in the Love At The Chocolate Shop series. The series takes place in Marietta Montana and the delicious chocolate shop. Leah ran from Marietta as soon as she was old enough to make something of herself in Los Angeles. One day while working her friend asks her to fill in for one of the girls on a reality show, much like The Bachelor. Reluctantly, she agrees and her life blows up because of it. She gets drunk, sits on the sun for hours, doesn't eat all day, and during her introduction on the show, she admits to loving her best friend in the world, Wade Burns! Holy cow, hold on because this is going to be a crazy ride!


Leah runs back to her hometown to nurse her wounds praying that no one knows what is going on and what happened in LA. Who is she kidding? I grew up in a small town and know how fast gossip spreads! CHARMED BY CHOCOLATE introduces you to Leah's grandma who loves to play matchmaker. I loved Josie and all the situations she pushed Leah and Wade into. You see, Leah told Wade how she felt about him and he turned her down. She is beyond embarrassed when she runs into him and he doesn't realize that she has changed! Men!! After a few days, he wonders what the heck he missed and what is going on with Leah. He doesn't understand why she is avoiding him. Seriously?


Everyone in Marietta knows that Leah and Wade belong together except for Leah and Wade. Both of them are so stubborn and at times really aggravated me. Why didn't they just tell the other how they were feeling? I mean, they are lifelong friends right? That part of the book really frustrated me, but other than that, I really enjoyed CHARMED BY CHOCOLATE. Leah's brother, Dylan tries to help them see what is going on, but he has issues of his own he won't address. Can Leah ever lose the nickname they gave her on the show, Lonely Leah, and find her happily ever after? Can she trust Wade with her heart or do they just try to go back being friends? I'm not going to tell you how that goes but it sure was fun watching the two of them figure it all out.
I'm so excited to continue this series. I have fallen in love with this small town and especially the chocolate shop. CHARMED BY CHOCOLATE is a fun quick read that I read in one sitting.

[ItaPixie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charmed by Chocolate was a nice quick read.

Leah and Wade are Marietta's sweethearts,I liked their friendship but I didn't appreciate their lack of communication.I really hoped that our heroine found the courage a lot before she did because she was the only one to not see Wade's love for her and that broke my heart.
Fortunately we can't be sad for too long in this lovely village and the ending defintely put a smile on my face.

Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

CHARMED BY CHOCOLATE is the sixth book in the Love At The Chocolate Shop series. The series takes place in Marietta Montana with Sage's Chocolate Shop being where everyone meets up. The books are all written by different authors, yet the series meshes together very well. In this story Leah is in love with her best friend, Wade. She left Marietta for Los Angeles to get away from the cold, to make something of herself and to nurse her wounds as she feels she and Wade will never get together. When her friend Betsy asks her to help her out with a one day appearance on The Bachelor, Leah agrees. That one day turned into more and when they were looking for some situations to boost the show, they targeted Leah. Getting her drunk, she then said some things that she regretted. Getting the nickname "Lonely Leah" and being written up in one tabloid after another, she flees back to Marietta to lick her wounds and let the talk die down. She is praying that she does not lose her job. Once back in Marietta, she runs into Wade. With her grandma Josie, her brother Dylan and her friend Sage all telling her to be honest with Wade and that he still loves her, she is more confused and scared than ever. Will Leah ever lose the terrible nickname they gave her on the show? Can she trust Wade with her heart or do they try to go back being friends? Will she and Wade find their Happy Ever After?

I really enjoyed CHARMED BY CHOCOLATE as much as the others I have read in this series. I love meeting the characters in this small town and Josie was a hoot. She added the humour to this story. It is wonderful seeing this group of friends find their soulmates and live happily. I am looking forward to reading the next on in this series. They are quick reads and that keeps me wanting more. I recommend this book and series to those who enjoy a good, clean, fun romance. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Sammm · Rating 3 out of 5]

>[List of food in this book]<

This is a very, VERY honorary 3-star. I seriously came very close to rating it a 2 a couple of times.

The saving grace for me is that this book, we are finally dealing with people who knew each other for a great amount of time. Sans book #3 (the one I missed, so I do not know if it follows the same pattern), all the couples thus far were basically in the situation of insta-love. Insta-acctraction I get, but it gets tiresome when all the books in this series are like that. You switch out the names and occupations and they are all alarmingly similar. This book, thank Gawd, at least breaks away from that, which was refreshing, but that was the only nice thing I can remotely think of.

I also want to make it clear that this book isn't any worse than its predecessors, just that unfortunately, the actual plot, with the lack of better words, PISSED ME OFF. I couldn't believe what I was reading; it dawned to me very early on, that it all started due to a misunderstanding, but it took an entire book for the characters to suck it up and actually try to clarify with one another. That was literally it; they both thought the other person didn't love them back. I'm not gonna lie, I wanted to feel rewarded and happy for them when their happily-everafter happened, but when I finished the book, I was only glad that I was done with it.

I did NOT feel any sympathy towards our main gal, who, for the majority of the book, felt she was heartbroken. Guess what, you really kind of just wasted all those tears because you weren't rejected in the first place. How about next time you make sure the person you are talking to, has actually heard you, before you go bawl your eyes out and do something stupid? At first, I believe I understand being afraid of rejection once more, but after a few chapters, that was when I got annoyed and felt like she should just get her head out of her a**. I can only assume there are readers out there who love to torture themselves with reading plots like this that spans the whole book, but if it isn't clear enough already, I'm not one of those people.

Another reason why this book didn't particularly work well for me, was that Saint Patrick's Day/St. Paddy's Day was barely involved. I'ma be frank; for me, the attraction towards this series, sans the gorgeous book covers, is that each book is suppose to surround a holiday per month. For March, it actually took me a while to think of St. Paddy's, so as someone who was not born and raised in the States, I was looking forward as to how this book was going to tie it in. I was disappointed with what I got. St. Paddy's was only confirmed in Ch. 9 (out of 18) that it was indeed the holiday this book was set around, and to be honest, it was almost a very subtle background info.

I get that in the end, this series is probably all about the couples and NOT the holidays, so I can't exactly fault it for making the event secondary (very generously speaking.) However, when the arc going on with the couple failed to interest me, the lack of use on the holiday would then made me go "oh, if only." Like seriously, I don't care how cliche it is; so what if "luck" wasn't what the couple need but "courage" or "brains"? Isn't "luck" one of the obvious stuff to use to associate with St. Paddy's? And where's the green? Gawd there was basically no holiday spirit at all in this book.

A digitized ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Click the not-actual-spoiler-tag to view pre-reading rants: Oh man, this was super awkward. So I totally clicked too fast; when I saw it on NetGalley, I registered it as , and before my brain caught up, I had already clicked the request button... Immediately I realized I requested for the book I wasn't interested in (due to the blurb), but before I was able to contact the publisher or NetGalley to perhaps cancel my request to save it for someone else.... I GOT APPROVED. Man THAT WAS QUICK.

Whelp. I do hope they'll soon list out the next book for requesting. You know I like to read series back-to-back; and since this one only missed my lasts reads from the series, and I am actually interested in reading the next installment, I won't be starting this one anytime soon.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book received from NetGalley.

I had to think about this review a bit, due to this book making me a bit mad. I have been looking forward to reading this series since the first book came out, and it sucks that I wasn't a fan of this one. The main character comes home to lick her wounds after an embarrassing situation due to a misunderstanding. The worse part was the embarrassment was out there for the world to see. While I agree that the protagonist shouldn't wallow forever due to the issue, the pushy nature of everyone in her life just irked me. Let the girl get her mind around what happened before you start making demands. The only reason I didn't consider she and her love interest a part of the whole instalove trope was because they were friends first. I usually love that scenario but I was so annoyed by the pushy people in her life I just could not enjoy it. BTW, the main characters best friend needed a smackdown for all the crap she caused in her life. The embarrassing situation was partially caused by said best friend. I still want to read the rest of the stories in this series. I just wasn't a huge fan of this one.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betsy and Leah have been friends for a long time. Betsy is always trying to get Leah to help her do things and it usually ends up with Leah coming out looking bad. This time was no different. Betsy talks Leah into doing a reality tv show called Charmed. Leah agrees to it because it is only supposed to be one night, however it turns into more.

While on the show Leah confesses her love for a long time friend. She goes home to Marietta and hides from everyone including her long time friend that she confessed her love for.

Wade tries to see her and spend time with her but has a hard time understanding why things aren't the way they used to be between them. Both are stubborn, so will they find their happy ever after, read the story and check it out.

I received an Advance Readers Copy and voluntarily left this review.

[Denise Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah runs to her hometown to hide from public humiliation, but it's not the safe hideaway she expects. Her former boyfriend Wade seems the only one showing her kindness. A misunderstanding has her thinking she can never recapture love with him, he has no idea why she keeps running from him. It will take the same reality TV show who ruined her to put the pieces back together, if only she will take a chance, on her terms, and trust her heart. I love a good second chance love story!

[Book Gannet · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

I think I would have found this a pretty cute addition to this enjoyable series, if only the two major plot points weren’t so ridiculously tenuous.

After confessing her love for her lifelong best friend (over the phone, no less, you old romantic) and getting no response, Leah is heartbroken and easily talked into doing her friend a favour by going on a Bachelor-type reality show. Whereupon she has her drink spiked and makes a drunken confession about her broken heart and how much she hates her small town of Marietta. This becomes a gossip-mag sensation and Leah flees home in embarrassment.

My problem with all of this is… why? The show hasn’t even been aired when the press start hounding her, and it’s not like she won the whole show then turned to the guy and went, oh, sorry, can’t, I’m in love with someone else. I can’t see what’s so interesting about a drunk woman crying over a broken heart and grumbling about her home town. On a show that no one has even seen yet! Talk about a slow news day.

So that was my first issue. The second, and even more important one, was that love confession to Wade. Leah keeps referring to it, yet Wade seems utterly unaware of it, since he’s been in love with her forever and even told her once – to which she didn’t reply… Nice double standards you have there, Leah.

Basically the whole book is based on that one conversation, which Wade apparently didn’t hear. And because Leah is the queen of hiding and refuses to talk to Wade about it, he doesn’t know what’s going on, and because of the way she’s shut him down in the past, he’s understandably reluctant to throw his heart on the line again, so he’s waiting for her to say it first and… so on and so on and so on and ARGH! WILL SOMEONE LOCK THEM IN A ROOM SOMEWHERE AND FORCE THEM TO TALK BEFORE I LOSE MY MIND!

On top of all of that, I really wasn’t fond of Leah’s grandmother and the way everyone acts like Leah murders babies in the street simply because she said something mildly negative about the town. Now, I like Marietta and all, but there have been plenty of characters over the years who didn’t like the place, and none of them were vilified for it. Get over yourselves. And stop manipulating people while you’re at it.

I kept hoping Wade and Leah would run for the hills together and hole up in a cabin for a week or so to finally talk away from all the meddling and manipulating and just sort themselves out. They should have done that in chapter one, but then this book would have been quite a bit shorter. Which probably would have been a good thing, because there really wasn’t enough plot to drag it out this much.

The worst thing is, I think I could have really liked Wade and Leah, if only their entire story didn’t rely on one moment of messed up communication. So sadly, I didn’t enjoy this as much as I wanted to, but I still have hopes for reading all about Leah’s brother sometime in the future.

(Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)

[Margo · Rating 1 out of 5]

I bitterly regret purchasing this book. Two idiots waffle back and forth and are manipulated, coached, and bullied by their friends into admitting their love. The barriers are extremely weak contrivances and I feel ripped off.

[Fran · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a hard time with this. I couldn't relate to the characters and got frustrated by an entire book filled with ridiculous (but not amusing) misunderstandings and angst. Just seemed shallow and juvenile to me.

[Christine Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah is talked into going on a reality dating show called Charmed. There she accidentally gets drunk and lets out her most private secret, she is in love with her very best friend Wade. She is dubbed "Lonely Leah" by the press and goes home to Marietta, Montana to lick her wounds. In Marietta Leah has her brother and her grandmother. They both try to get Leah to talk about what happened. Her grandmother is quite the matchmaker and she insists Wade loves her. Can Leah trust her heart and go after what she wants or is she meant to be "Lonely Leah"? This is a wonderful story of love, family, and being true to yourself. I love Steena Holmes's books and this is one that shouldn't be missed! Thank you to NetGalley and and Tule Publishing for ARC of this book for an honest review.

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review written: March 6, 2017
Star Rating: ★★★½☆
Heat Rating: ☀☼☼☼☼

An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.

Charmed by Chocolate is a sweet and angsty friends to lovers story. Wade and Leah though, they make me want to bop them upside the head. Once again, it's the secondary characters I really want to read about after it all.

Leah and Wade have been best friends forever. Each has confessed love of the other, but each time something stood in their way, or rather each time one of them stood in their own way. It's Leah's turn to be heartbroken and so she ends up on a reality dating show that totally messes her up.

Hiding out back home, she is studiously avoiding Wade who she confessed to loving but who apparently doesn't love her. Wade is confused and hurting because the last time he confessed to loving Leah, she turned him down.

The issues in this book could have been solved very easily if they had just been honest with each other, you know, like best friends. Instead, it's a game of telephone involving Dylan and Sage and Betsy and half the town of Marietta. Despite that, I rather liked Wade and Leah and understood their fears.

Overall, I liked this book, especially Dylan (Leah's brother and hapless meteorologist at the local radio station). Dylan and his horrid, no good, terrible weather predictions have been a staple of this series and I loved Dylan here. I also loved how Marietta loved Wade and Leah.

This review is ©March 2017 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.

[Runner10 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet story based in Marietta, Montana. The chocolate shop series continues with a hometown girl returning home amid a scandal involving an old flame. Read the series starting with book one to appreciate the love of chocolate.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second chance story and sixth book in the Love at the Chocolate Shop series, Charmed by Chocolate by Steena Holmes. In this book, Leah returns to Marietta to lick her wounds after embarrassing herself on a reality television show. She is staying at her family’s home and stress baking trying to figure out what to do to remedy her blunder. She is not just hiding from the media, friends and family but also her best friend and love, Wade. Wade is in love with Leah and has been since grade school. However, the timing has always been off between these two. Now Wade has another chance to charm his way into Leah’s heart with chocolate, fun around town, and a special trip.

This was a fun, wonderful and entertaining story with very loveable and authentic characters you want to cheer on, hoping for that happy ending. The characters were well written with complex characteristics. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. I enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. I highly recommend this book to other readers. I am so looking forward to the next entry in the Love at the Chocolate Shop series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jean Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betsy and Leah have been friends a long time, although at first it seemed to me that the only reason Leah remains friends with her is because she feels guilty about the one time she didn't go with Betsy and she was attacked. I didn't totally get that, because maybe Betsy wouldn't have gotten hurt if Leah had been there, but maybe Leah would have been hurt as well. Plus it was Betsy's decision to go out drinking by herself. Seems like Betsy likes to talk Leah into doing things, and it usually turns out badly for Leah. I can't imagine after all the times Betsy's ideas have backfired on Leah that Leah goes on a reality show for her(one Betsy works on). But Betsy had told her that it would just be one night NOT, and of course it turns out badly for Betsy once again due to someone giving her alcohol to drink even though they knew she didn't drink. Leah is embarrassed by the things she said after drinking the beverage and the show took advantage of that. Pretty hateful calling her "Lonely Leah" after her confession.
Wade is in love with Leah and vice versa, but something always seems to mess up their communications when they each try to tell the other that. Plus they are both stubborn which doesn't help get things straightened out quickly. I did think her friends from home and her grandmother could have given her some time to work through what happened instead of pushing her all the time.
Things worked out well in the end, thankfully.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leah’s experience on reality television just goes to show all can go so wrong in front of the camera. It is easy to have sympathy for her in Charmed by Chocolate by Steena Holmes. My first thought was Leah should stick with chocolate while my second thought is “All’s well that ends well.”

This is a great story with real, genuine characters who blunders are public yet are ones we can easily identify with in our own lives. The meddlesome community and family are so real, I would swear that Ms. Holmes has been to the small town I where I live. Charmed by Chocolate is mix of family, friends true and otherwise, humor, and the possibility of a real chance at love if Leah and Wade will only take it.

Steen Holmes’ style and characters are right at home in Marietta, Montana. The Love at the Chocolate Shop Series is a perfect series for her. Fans of Steena Holmes and Marietta will love this addition to the Tule Publishing small town books.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when you make a fool of yourself on national tv & totally "diss" your hometown? What does your friend think when you just told a nationwide audience that you are in love with him? You run home to your brother & hide out in his house, not daring to show your face in town.

I really loved this story. Leah has totally humiliated herself & can't face the town. She admitted she'd been in love with Wade for some time. She thinks Wade has fallen out of love with her. Wade has always been in love with Leah but doesn't believe she'll ever love him. Thanks to a confession that was missed by the other party, they both have a lot of misconceptions to get over. Leah's grandmother is a hoot! She is extremely loving but snarky at times & thinks she's the town matchmaker. She's a big part of the story. I fell in love with these characters & the town & am going to go read some of the other stories in the series!

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I honestly liked the story, it was a quick, fun to read book.
Leah left Marietta to work in California for a company, she was able to speak to many teens and events about drinking and driving. Leah is against drinking and driving and her passion was to get the message out. One day her friend Betsey was in a spot, she was the producer of a reality show called Charmed and one of the contestants backed out and Betsey pleaded and made promises that she would only have to be on the show 1 day. Well that didn’t work out and Leah made a fool of herself on national TV. So, Leah decided to head back to Marietta to her brother’s home to hide out. Well her grandmother was not going to let that happen.
I loved the pace the story took place. I felt the characters were developed enough for this story. I enjoyed this story. This was a nice clean romantic story.
I always want chocolate after reading any of the books that mentions Sage’s chocolate.
Thanks to Netgalley and Tule Publishing for giving me an ARC.
I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sixth book in the Love at the Chocolate Shop, set in Marietta, Montana, is rife with misunderstandings between Wade and Leah, spanning years. The author has created the perfect scenario for these two, who have been the best of friends most of their lives, to move in different directions with their all because of misunderstandings that neither can admit to. The story is sweet, with a certain fire to it, and has the cast of characters that I've come to accept in this wonderfully entertaining series. There have been several different series based in this fictional town, but this one I think is my favorite. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.

This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charmed by Chocolate by Steena Holmes was such a delightful, sweet read.
It was such a surprise to discover such a treat and to be charmed in such a delightful way throughout the book. It has a great flow and speed to it, that you need to turn the pages to discover what happens next.

It´s part of a series, set in the fictional town of Marietta. It revolves around Sages chocolate shop and everything chocolate and romance and it´s just such a sweet read. The other books in this series "Love at the Chocolate Shop" so far are:

Book 1: Melt My Heart, Cowboy by CJ Carmichael
Book 2: A Thankful Heart by Melissa McClone
Book 3: Montana Secret Santa by Debra Salonen
Book 4: The Chocolate Cure by Roxanne Snopek
Book 5: The Valentine Quest by Melissa McClone

[Kerry Croucier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leah left Marietta for Southern California, returning only for visits. When a favor for a friend results in Leah declaring her “unrequited” feelings for her best friend, Wade, as well as making some unflattering comments about her home town, and it is leaked to the press, she heads home hoping it the fascination with the topic will blow over. Unfortunately, that puts her directly in Wade’s path, a place she hoped to avoid until she could come to terms with her feelings and what she feels are Wade’s lack of feelings.
Wade is happy Leah is finally home, he has been waiting for her to figure out that she belongs in Marietta, with him. What he can’t understand is why she is avoiding him.
Misunderstandings and mishaps, fun characters, Marietta, and Sage’s chocolate make for a sweet friends to lovers tale. This book is part of the Love at the Chocolate Shop series but can easily stand alone.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Copy provided by the Publisher via NetGalley

[Margie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Steena Holmes. That is the whole reason I picked this one up. I am still a fan of Steena Holmes, but this is not her usual story telling. This one is up beat, light, easy read. Probably a good one for holiday reading when life is crazy and you need a little something to relax you.

This book is a part of a series, but each book has a different author, so you can read it alone. It is a sweet story that has the happy ending - all of which you can figure out at the beginning - and some times exactly what you want.

Steena Holmes novels are usually deep, full of wonderful characters and leaving you thinking... so if you have a chance, pick up any one of her novels - you won't be disappointed.

[The Cozy Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charmed by Chocolate: A Love at the Chocolate Shop Romance
Romance
Steena Holmes

Leah has come home to Marietta, Montana to lick her wounds after suffering heartbreak and humiliation. Running from problems is a way of life for Leah, but this time she ran to the last place she should have. Escaping straight into the arms of her loving family, friends, and Wade, the man that broke her heart and was at the center of the disaster her life has become.

Being a contestant on the reality show, Charmed was the biggest mistake Leah ever made. Not only does she reveal her lifelong love of childhood BFF, Wade on national television, she belittles the town that helped her and her brother, Dylan when their parents were tragically killed. The town of Marietta takes care of its own and isn't happy with Leah.

Sneaking back into town to hide from her humiliation and broken heart just makes things worse when she realizes that everyone knows she is there and what she has done. To make matters worse, she comes face-to-face with Wade. Opening her heart to tell him that she loved him was a hard and exciting decision, not being able to wait to do it in person she had grabbed the phone and called him. Pouring her heart out confessing her love she was not expecting his response. Wade didn’t say anything for a few seconds, then abruptly said he had to go to get ready for a trip, then hung up. Leah couldn’t believe it, she had missed her chance and lost the only man she had ever loved.

Between her Grams, her brother, the townspeople pushing her towards a relationship with Wade that is over and being back to Marietta, Leah feels as if no one understands how hurt she is. She finds solace in a warm bed with plenty of chocolate to keep her company determined to move on with her life in California.

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The characters are interesting, “Grams” is the kind of grandmother we all wish we had and wished we could run away from at the same time. Wade is kind and pleasant; the other supporting characters are entertaining and well rounded especially Grams and Sage.

Wade not knowing why all of a sudden Leah isn’t talking to him, or why things have changed between them is complex. The reality show debacle is unusual and original. It would have been interesting to include it in more detail with perhaps some scenes interjected.

The story is entertaining but a bit slow to grab the readers full attention. As the pace picks up and we learn more about why Leah is running from her job, friends and California the entertainment and intrigue goes up. When Leah finally tells Wade that everything is her fault, that she took him for granted and now it’s too late is the most memorable scene in the book. With one word she begs him not to say anything. All of the pain and grief for what she has lost is contained in that one word, it can be felt by the reader and even brings a tear to the eye.

This book is a sweet romance. The problems associated with the relationship between Leah and Wade are believable. This is not an intense love story but it is a fun read. The book will appeal to almost any reader of romance novels as well as tweens. There is no foul language, no drugs or illegal activities, and no sexual content.

[Rosemary K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leah Morgan's life is a disaster. She went on a reality dating show and opened her heart. Now she's tabloid fodder. She's back in Marietta, but hiding won't help her. Wade Burns is here. She loves him and she thought that he love her, but a misunderstanding has them at odds. Can they straighten out things between them? I enjoyed this romantic story. I liked both Leah and Wade. They are an amazing couple. I wanted them to talk to each other rather than holding back. They needed to take a chance and open their hearts. I loved coming back to Marietta and visiting Sage's chocolate shop. Steena Holmes wrote a heartwarming romance that made me feel good. Chocolate and romance are a winning combination.

[Renae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leah and Wade story was a bit off center, but came because of a misunderstanding. Leah and Wade where friends forever and cause of a misunderstanding Leah goes running for sunny California. Now she has returned because of another misunderstanding between Wade and her... but he didn't hear her as he couldn't get past the picture she painted while on the phone. Some points of the story are quiet funny, while others are serious. I really enjoyed her nickname of Lonely Leah and how Wade had such patience for her.. Sometimes being true to your heart is very hard!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun story, and a bit frustrating.
Leah and Wade have been friends for a long time, they love each other, but they are both too stubborn or scared or embarassed to say anything.
I loved all of the characters. Got irritated with Leah's friend Betsy for sure. But was glad at how things turned out in the end. Leah and Wade both were stubbornly holding out for the other to admit their feelings first. If it weren't for some pushing by family and friends, with the help of some fabulous hot chocolate from Sage's chocolate shop, they may never have figured things out.
Overall it was a really fun story.