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Not All Chocolate and Cuckoo Clocks
Neither of them wants to fall in love, but getting exactly what they don’t want might be the best thing to ever happen to them.
Mark hopes his boredom with his current job will be alleviated by a short stint in Basel, Switzerland. When he meets Steffen, who struck out on his own from an old-money family to establish an IT firm, Mark expects some fun, great sex, and a clean break when his job is done. The arrangement is perfect for Steffen, who has been content with casual after a betrayal—and has a taste for British men after attending university in the UK. But as they explore the city’s rich history and traditions, Mark begins to see Steffen as much more than a tour guide with benefits. If he isn’t careful, the trip meant to break the lull in his career might end up breaking his heart instead….
World of Stories of romance that span every corner of the globe.
Mark hopes his boredom with his current job will be alleviated by a short stint in Basel, Switzerland. When he meets Steffen, who struck out on his own from an old-money family to establish an IT firm, Mark expects some fun, great sex, and a clean break when his job is done. The arrangement is perfect for Steffen, who has been content with casual after a betrayal—and has a taste for British men after attending university in the UK. But as they explore the city’s rich history and traditions, Mark begins to see Steffen as much more than a tour guide with benefits. If he isn’t careful, the trip meant to break the lull in his career might end up breaking his heart instead….
World of Stories of romance that span every corner of the globe.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2018
4 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Cohen
50 books221 followersREBECCA COHEN spends her days dreaming of living in a Tudor manor house, or a Georgian mansion. Alas, the closest she comes to this is through her characters in her historical romance novels. She also dreams of intergalactic adventures and fantasy realms, but because she’s not yet got her space or dimensional travel plans finalised, she lives happily in leafy Hertfordshire, England, with her husband and young son. She can often be found with a pen in one hand and sloe gin with lemon tonic in the other.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 19, 2018
This read felt immediately strong, the environments, the observations, the conversations.
I just loved the way this was put together.
Mark is working on a project in Basel Switzerland, for a few months. There he meets Steffen.
Steffen is blunt, unfiltered and direct, making Mark choke on his wine. He wants to fuck Mark.
No strings just a good time being...
We can behold delightful babel and some grandeur attitude confusion...if you know what I mean. Steffen is one specimen, he has a big apartment, he owns a company and talks open about the other lovers he had, but meanwhile he is head over heels. Mark understands what Steffen said... no strings just hot sex... but what they didn't expect was... feelings... a lot...
Because what follows, besides hot nights, is a warm friendship with a lot of fun and humor... my heart did strange things while reading, I just loved these charming honest men.
God, it felt so natural the way they made love... the way they behave around each other.
No perfection, but so many beautiful flawed situations. It took my breath away.
The Swiss environments with their traditions were a real add to this story.
I was happy with the different pov's because both men were engaging, and both deserved a grand place in this story.
Written in a wonderful style, it was a warm, loving, friendly read, no drama... very positive and all this was the reason it made me emotional... i felt a bit sad when I reached the last line. When a story touch my heart I don't want it to end....this one deserves all the stars!
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
I just loved the way this was put together.
Mark is working on a project in Basel Switzerland, for a few months. There he meets Steffen.
Steffen is blunt, unfiltered and direct, making Mark choke on his wine. He wants to fuck Mark.
No strings just a good time being...
We can behold delightful babel and some grandeur attitude confusion...if you know what I mean. Steffen is one specimen, he has a big apartment, he owns a company and talks open about the other lovers he had, but meanwhile he is head over heels. Mark understands what Steffen said... no strings just hot sex... but what they didn't expect was... feelings... a lot...
Because what follows, besides hot nights, is a warm friendship with a lot of fun and humor... my heart did strange things while reading, I just loved these charming honest men.
God, it felt so natural the way they made love... the way they behave around each other.
No perfection, but so many beautiful flawed situations. It took my breath away.
The Swiss environments with their traditions were a real add to this story.
I was happy with the different pov's because both men were engaging, and both deserved a grand place in this story.
Written in a wonderful style, it was a warm, loving, friendly read, no drama... very positive and all this was the reason it made me emotional... i felt a bit sad when I reached the last line. When a story touch my heart I don't want it to end....this one deserves all the stars!
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
January 31, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Mark is a Brit working in Basel, Switzerland for three months and enjoying it a little. He’d been bored of his life and position in Reading, England, and was looking for a change of scene to hopefully help him get over his latest relationship disintegrating. He’s invited out for drinks with some co-workers and meets Steffen, a native of Basel. Steffen is attractive and direct—not hesitating to offer Mark some no-strings sexytimes and fun outings while he’s still in the country. Steffen had his heart crushed by his first love and knows that most of his recent lovers are all more attracted to his family name and reputation; Mark has no such interest. Not that he isn’t interested in Steffen.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety
4.25 stars
Mark is a Brit working in Basel, Switzerland for three months and enjoying it a little. He’d been bored of his life and position in Reading, England, and was looking for a change of scene to hopefully help him get over his latest relationship disintegrating. He’s invited out for drinks with some co-workers and meets Steffen, a native of Basel. Steffen is attractive and direct—not hesitating to offer Mark some no-strings sexytimes and fun outings while he’s still in the country. Steffen had his heart crushed by his first love and knows that most of his recent lovers are all more attracted to his family name and reputation; Mark has no such interest. Not that he isn’t interested in Steffen.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety
January 14, 2018
3.5*
I really liked this story. It's a feel good romance in which two people meet, like each other, get together and find themselves falling in love.
The Swiss setting made it a pleasant read too, I liked discovering more about a city - Basel - I knew nothing about before and this romance definitely had a very strong sense of location as I'd expect it to being part of the Dreamspinner World of Love series.
I've never read Rebecca Cohen before but I liked her style of narrative with some good old fashion storytelling and not a whole load of drama or unnecessary embellishment.
The PoV switches between the two men which is great for providing an insight into what each one is feeling and there is a lot of humour in the romance as well. Steffan is very blunt, he says what he thinks and feels without any artifice. Mark was a reticent Brit, not as used to the upfront nature of the Swiss man but he soon got over his reluctance.
It's just a nice easy read.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
I really liked this story. It's a feel good romance in which two people meet, like each other, get together and find themselves falling in love.
The Swiss setting made it a pleasant read too, I liked discovering more about a city - Basel - I knew nothing about before and this romance definitely had a very strong sense of location as I'd expect it to being part of the Dreamspinner World of Love series.
I've never read Rebecca Cohen before but I liked her style of narrative with some good old fashion storytelling and not a whole load of drama or unnecessary embellishment.
The PoV switches between the two men which is great for providing an insight into what each one is feeling and there is a lot of humour in the romance as well. Steffan is very blunt, he says what he thinks and feels without any artifice. Mark was a reticent Brit, not as used to the upfront nature of the Swiss man but he soon got over his reluctance.
It's just a nice easy read.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
February 12, 2020
Any blurb of a romance story that starts with “neither of them wants to fall in love…” not just makes me smile - It’s a romance, right?! So what is the point of resistance? - but also has my immediate interest. I find it fascinating to watch people who say “never” or “that isn’t going to happen to me” find out that their preconceived notions are just plain wrong. It has happened to me a few times in my life, and every time it did, there was a major “light bulb moment” for me. Mark and Steffen are in for a major enlightenment as well – albeit only after fighting themselves, each other, and Fate.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 9, 2018
One of the upsides of reading Dreamspinner’s “World of Love” series is the virtual traveling around the globe without the hassle of the actual traveling! Not All Chocolate and Cuckoo Clocks brought that experience along with the love affair between Basler - Steffen Grysse - and Brit expat Mark Timmel.
Set in Basel, Switzerland on the end of Winter season, this novella brought the cold and charm of the city to live. The writing is even-paced and smooth sailing; the only jam the characters had was only temporary and soon resolved without a glitch.
I had fun browsing on google while reading this book. Other than descriptions of places and festivities, the non-stop talking about food had me drooling - Zwiebelwähe, Mehlsuppe, Linzer Torte, Fastenwähe, to name a few - that I ended up jotting down a couple recipes of those.
Considering Mark and Steffen’s relationship started as casual arrangement and it was detailed in quite explicit scenes, these guys didn’t strike me as sizzling couple. Their banter and camaraderie were fun enough to follow; and never been there before it’s like I’ve stepped in to Mark’s shoes being guided all over.
On the whole, this dual POVs story is pretty sweet and enjoyable. The next to no angst vibe also made this an uplifting read when one needs it.
Advanced copy of this book is kindly given by the author as part of Signal Boost Promotions blog tour in exchange for an honest review.
Set in Basel, Switzerland on the end of Winter season, this novella brought the cold and charm of the city to live. The writing is even-paced and smooth sailing; the only jam the characters had was only temporary and soon resolved without a glitch.
I had fun browsing on google while reading this book. Other than descriptions of places and festivities, the non-stop talking about food had me drooling - Zwiebelwähe, Mehlsuppe, Linzer Torte, Fastenwähe, to name a few - that I ended up jotting down a couple recipes of those.
Considering Mark and Steffen’s relationship started as casual arrangement and it was detailed in quite explicit scenes, these guys didn’t strike me as sizzling couple. Their banter and camaraderie were fun enough to follow; and never been there before it’s like I’ve stepped in to Mark’s shoes being guided all over.
On the whole, this dual POVs story is pretty sweet and enjoyable. The next to no angst vibe also made this an uplifting read when one needs it.
Advanced copy of this book is kindly given by the author as part of Signal Boost Promotions blog tour in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2018
3.5 rounded up for Amazon. This was a very pleasant and interesting story, set in the Swiss city of Basel and I really enjoyed learning about a place I’ve never been. Mark presents as a good-looking, intelligent man, trying to regain some interest in his technical job through an assignment in Switzerland. Steffan is very direct, almost businesslike, proposing a casual, sexual liaison with Mark, until he returns to England. Both men have bad memories of exes and are tired of hookups, so it seems perfect. Over a few weeks, feelings deepen but neither are certain if they’re reciprocated. There’s only a few sex scenes, that seem to focus more on physical actions and I didn’t get much sizzle from them. In my view, the characters felt a bit bland. I prefer when emotions developing outside the bedroom are reflected in the sex scenes.
There is substantial dialogue between the men, during the time Steffan shows Mark the features of the city, including Fasnacht, a three day, non-stop carnival, an historical tradition of the city. The informative narration was the best feature of the story, with vividly described locations and activities, peppered with descriptions of traditional foods. It avoided sounding like a travelogue, unfolding quite naturally within conversations, while Mark and Steffan got to know each other better. The author did do an excellent job showing relationship growth, making the reader an active observer, rather than a passive listener. It was well-written story in a rich setting, the plot moved forward steadily, providing easy and enjoyable reading. I would recommend it for it’s simple, straight-forward romance.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Hearts On Fire Reviews blog*
There is substantial dialogue between the men, during the time Steffan shows Mark the features of the city, including Fasnacht, a three day, non-stop carnival, an historical tradition of the city. The informative narration was the best feature of the story, with vividly described locations and activities, peppered with descriptions of traditional foods. It avoided sounding like a travelogue, unfolding quite naturally within conversations, while Mark and Steffan got to know each other better. The author did do an excellent job showing relationship growth, making the reader an active observer, rather than a passive listener. It was well-written story in a rich setting, the plot moved forward steadily, providing easy and enjoyable reading. I would recommend it for it’s simple, straight-forward romance.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review for Hearts On Fire Reviews blog*
February 20, 2018
It’s funny, sometimes, how life works. When we decide we are never going to have another relationship again, life brings us someone we can't live without. Well sometimes. In this sweet little book, that's what we get. Two men who have been battered by relationships and have decided to give up. Maybe some flings here and there, but nothing more. But life decided otherwise.
Mark was getting sick of life. His life with his ex boyfriend went sour, his job is getting on his nerves, and life just doesn't seem as fun anymore. So when the opportunity came about for him to take a position for his job in Switzerland, he thought this might be the chance he needs to change things. He has a few months to see if things can be different. He's finally beginning to enjoy his job again, as frustrating as it may be, but has no time for anything else. He decides to meet a coworker at a pub and meets a man that changes his life. Mark and Steffan both agree that no commitment sex and a good time with Steffan playing tour guide, is what both of them need. It will give both of them something they need to scratch the itch, so to speak, and some company. And maybe put them both in a frame of mind to try again down the road. But the more time they spend together, the more they see that things aren't how they thought. They are seeing sides to each other that they've never seen with anyone else and it's bringing them together in ways they never imagined.
Mark and Steffan had a connection right off the bat. It was so funny because both of them didn't want a relationship. Thinking great sex and company would be enough for both of them. What wasn't funny, though, was why. Both of them had been hurt pretty badly by past relationships. Mark, more than he should have been. The more that is revealed about Mark, the more I fell for him. He is such a sweetheart. He longs for a relationship like his parents. They've been married 40 years and still as in love. He wants that. He doesn't want the bar scene. He wants someone to come home to. To share his life with. But he doesn't think he will ever find it. Even when things start with Steffan. Yeah it's fun and exciting, but Steffan catches him off guard in ways he’s not sure of yet. Steffan is having just as hard of a time. Although he is more blunt about things, he is still reserved about things. He is still stung over his past relationship, and hopes maybe Mark will be the time he needs to get himself ready for a new relationship with someone else. What he doesn't expect is that Mark is getting to him in ways he never thought possible. He doesn't want to fall for Mark. But any time apart from him and he is miserable. Life just has a way of creeping on you when you least expect it.
This a very sweet love story. Taking place in a beautiful country with tradition and culture, it takes you on a ride of all that is Basel, while making you fall in love with the characters. It's a good one to curl up with at the end of a day to relax and smile with.
Mark was getting sick of life. His life with his ex boyfriend went sour, his job is getting on his nerves, and life just doesn't seem as fun anymore. So when the opportunity came about for him to take a position for his job in Switzerland, he thought this might be the chance he needs to change things. He has a few months to see if things can be different. He's finally beginning to enjoy his job again, as frustrating as it may be, but has no time for anything else. He decides to meet a coworker at a pub and meets a man that changes his life. Mark and Steffan both agree that no commitment sex and a good time with Steffan playing tour guide, is what both of them need. It will give both of them something they need to scratch the itch, so to speak, and some company. And maybe put them both in a frame of mind to try again down the road. But the more time they spend together, the more they see that things aren't how they thought. They are seeing sides to each other that they've never seen with anyone else and it's bringing them together in ways they never imagined.
Mark and Steffan had a connection right off the bat. It was so funny because both of them didn't want a relationship. Thinking great sex and company would be enough for both of them. What wasn't funny, though, was why. Both of them had been hurt pretty badly by past relationships. Mark, more than he should have been. The more that is revealed about Mark, the more I fell for him. He is such a sweetheart. He longs for a relationship like his parents. They've been married 40 years and still as in love. He wants that. He doesn't want the bar scene. He wants someone to come home to. To share his life with. But he doesn't think he will ever find it. Even when things start with Steffan. Yeah it's fun and exciting, but Steffan catches him off guard in ways he’s not sure of yet. Steffan is having just as hard of a time. Although he is more blunt about things, he is still reserved about things. He is still stung over his past relationship, and hopes maybe Mark will be the time he needs to get himself ready for a new relationship with someone else. What he doesn't expect is that Mark is getting to him in ways he never thought possible. He doesn't want to fall for Mark. But any time apart from him and he is miserable. Life just has a way of creeping on you when you least expect it.
This a very sweet love story. Taking place in a beautiful country with tradition and culture, it takes you on a ride of all that is Basel, while making you fall in love with the characters. It's a good one to curl up with at the end of a day to relax and smile with.
February 12, 2020
Any blurb of a romance story that starts with “neither of them wants to fall in love…” not just makes me smile - It’s a romance, right?! So what is the point of resistance? - but also has my immediate interest. I find it fascinating to watch people who say “never” or “that isn’t going to happen to me” find out that their preconceived notions are just plain wrong. It has happened to me a few times in my life, and every time it did, there was a major “light bulb moment” for me. Mark and Steffen are in for a major enlightenment as well – albeit only after fighting themselves, each other, and Fate.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 27, 2020
4.5 stars. I *really* liked this book. Like some of Roe Horvat's books, I appreciated how the author made a european city (in this case, Basal Switzerland) a third character of sorts in this romance. It was clear the author lived there at one point and so, we got to learn the intricacies of the city--the food, the culture, it's quirks, etc.-- through both MC's. But I also appreciated both MC's. They were sexy. They were interesting. They paired well together. There were just so many elements to this story that worked. I really hope we see more modern MM romances from this author. Recommended.
January 8, 2018
3.5 stars
I am at odds with this book. On the one hand, I enjoyed this book. On the other hand, I wasn’t grabbed by it, and it couldn’t always hold my interest. Don’t get me wrong. The book is well written, and the author did a great job at world-building. Set in the beautiful town of Basel, we learn a lot about the town and Swiss traditions like food and holidays. Interesting though it was, I thought it took too much attention away from the romance part.
Steffen is really direct, which Mark has to get used to. Steffen’s proposal for a sexual liaison during the time Mark is in Basel sounds very businesslike. And sadly, that is what I got from nearly every encounter the guys have. I was hoping the story would turn into a more romantic and sensual way. I love to feel the connection between two MC’s, but I didn’t feel it in this story as much as I would have liked. It was more telling than showing the growing relationship between Steffen and Mark. There were little bits of chemistry peeking through the lines, but not enough for me to make it convincing.
Steffen and Mark were likable, but I couldn’t quite get a good grip on them. I don’t need deeply scarred characters to make it a great story, but they felt a bit bland. They both have their reasons to leave it at a casual fling, but the author doesn’t elaborate on it which might have made me better understand them.
The best part was the quintessential English dry humor. I was grinning a lot at the teasing and quips at each other’s national quirky habits.
All in all, it was an enjoyable, well-written, solid read.
I am at odds with this book. On the one hand, I enjoyed this book. On the other hand, I wasn’t grabbed by it, and it couldn’t always hold my interest. Don’t get me wrong. The book is well written, and the author did a great job at world-building. Set in the beautiful town of Basel, we learn a lot about the town and Swiss traditions like food and holidays. Interesting though it was, I thought it took too much attention away from the romance part.
Steffen is really direct, which Mark has to get used to. Steffen’s proposal for a sexual liaison during the time Mark is in Basel sounds very businesslike. And sadly, that is what I got from nearly every encounter the guys have. I was hoping the story would turn into a more romantic and sensual way. I love to feel the connection between two MC’s, but I didn’t feel it in this story as much as I would have liked. It was more telling than showing the growing relationship between Steffen and Mark. There were little bits of chemistry peeking through the lines, but not enough for me to make it convincing.
Steffen and Mark were likable, but I couldn’t quite get a good grip on them. I don’t need deeply scarred characters to make it a great story, but they felt a bit bland. They both have their reasons to leave it at a casual fling, but the author doesn’t elaborate on it which might have made me better understand them.
The best part was the quintessential English dry humor. I was grinning a lot at the teasing and quips at each other’s national quirky habits.
All in all, it was an enjoyable, well-written, solid read.
January 12, 2018
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Not All Chocolate and Cuckoo Clocks in a novella in the Dreamspinner Press World of Love series that offers romance in all parts of the world. This story took place in Basel, Switzerland and offered a glimpse of the city. This World of Love series is great for people who love to travel and those who don't want to. I think it gives those who want to travel interesting destinations to seek out, and for those who are not interested in travel, it allows you to do it from the comfort of your home. It's a great opportunity to learn about other areas away.
In this story, Mark is staying in Basel for work. He's introduced to Steffen who's very direct about what he wants but Mark is leery as he's not interested in casual, short-term hook-ups. But Steffen persists. Steffen introduces Mark to the Basel he hadn't seen, including the historic traditional Fasnacht, a three-day carnival. The Fasnacht was so well described, with the food and activities that after reading it, you're going to be disappointed when you're unable to get any of the foods! For me, I thought the story and learning about Basel was more interesting than the relationship between Mark and Steffen. I didn't feel their chemistry and thought it all seemed very businesslike.
This is a novella with no angst and an easy read, told from each man's point of view. It's set in an interesting location and the author does a great job of bringing the City of Basel to life. This is a quick, easy read.
Rating: 4 stars!
Not All Chocolate and Cuckoo Clocks in a novella in the Dreamspinner Press World of Love series that offers romance in all parts of the world. This story took place in Basel, Switzerland and offered a glimpse of the city. This World of Love series is great for people who love to travel and those who don't want to. I think it gives those who want to travel interesting destinations to seek out, and for those who are not interested in travel, it allows you to do it from the comfort of your home. It's a great opportunity to learn about other areas away.
In this story, Mark is staying in Basel for work. He's introduced to Steffen who's very direct about what he wants but Mark is leery as he's not interested in casual, short-term hook-ups. But Steffen persists. Steffen introduces Mark to the Basel he hadn't seen, including the historic traditional Fasnacht, a three-day carnival. The Fasnacht was so well described, with the food and activities that after reading it, you're going to be disappointed when you're unable to get any of the foods! For me, I thought the story and learning about Basel was more interesting than the relationship between Mark and Steffen. I didn't feel their chemistry and thought it all seemed very businesslike.
This is a novella with no angst and an easy read, told from each man's point of view. It's set in an interesting location and the author does a great job of bringing the City of Basel to life. This is a quick, easy read.
Rating: 4 stars!
January 19, 2018
This is a fun story that goes from “let’s be friends with benefits” to a whole lot more once the characters realize exactly how they really feel about each other. Their relationship is kind of a whirlwind, set in the city of Basel, Switzerland which is intimately detailed in the story. Mark and Steffen are scorching hot together—chemistry is certainly no problem for these two, and that spills over from the physical to a lot more…no matter how much they tell themselves it shouldn’t.
The friends-with-benefits to regular couple transition actually didn’t feel rushed to me, even though Mark’s initial stint in Basel isn’t too long. That might have been because the intensity of things between them was pretty strong, so the two of them being together seemed quite natural from the start. Steffen’s no-nonsense, straightforward attitude is refreshing and paints him as a strong, alpha character right away which was something I really liked about him.
There are a lot of in-depth details provided not just about the city of Basel but also of the cultural aspects, especially the Fasnacht celebration. For me, the level of detail is quite a bit more than I prefer—and while as a traveler these types of intricate details would fascinate me if I were visiting a location, as a reader it did detract a little bit from the story itself and the romance between Mark and Steffen.
Overall, this book was still a 4-star read for me, and one I would recommend to others in this genre. This story is strictly for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
The friends-with-benefits to regular couple transition actually didn’t feel rushed to me, even though Mark’s initial stint in Basel isn’t too long. That might have been because the intensity of things between them was pretty strong, so the two of them being together seemed quite natural from the start. Steffen’s no-nonsense, straightforward attitude is refreshing and paints him as a strong, alpha character right away which was something I really liked about him.
There are a lot of in-depth details provided not just about the city of Basel but also of the cultural aspects, especially the Fasnacht celebration. For me, the level of detail is quite a bit more than I prefer—and while as a traveler these types of intricate details would fascinate me if I were visiting a location, as a reader it did detract a little bit from the story itself and the romance between Mark and Steffen.
Overall, this book was still a 4-star read for me, and one I would recommend to others in this genre. This story is strictly for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
January 11, 2018
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit https://wp.me/p220KL-cF8 on 1/12
From that review: " I'm very fond of Rebecca Cohen's stories, from historical romances of The Crofton Chronicles to the contemporary Treading the Boards series, she always brings something different, a decided depth and twist to her novels. So I was interested to see where her new story, Not All Chocolates & Cuckoo Clocks, would take me. Surprisingly it took me to her home..."
For all our reviews, author interviews, and such, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit https://wp.me/p220KL-cF8 on 1/12
From that review: " I'm very fond of Rebecca Cohen's stories, from historical romances of The Crofton Chronicles to the contemporary Treading the Boards series, she always brings something different, a decided depth and twist to her novels. So I was interested to see where her new story, Not All Chocolates & Cuckoo Clocks, would take me. Surprisingly it took me to her home..."
For all our reviews, author interviews, and such, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
January 20, 2018
This is a relatively quick read that has no angst and a sweet love story. As the author states in the forward, the town – Basel – plays a role of its own. I skimmed some of the descriptions and history of it but wasn’t bothered by it.
I liked both characters very much. Steffen is extremely witty, super sweet and a bit of a closet romantic. Mark is not as witty but his banter with Steffen is entertaining as he!!. Their chemistry – both emotional and sexual – is intense and comes right off the page! I appreciate the lack of miscommunication and angst. They just have a really sweet, ‘aw’ filled love story.
I definitely recommend this quick, sweet love story.
I liked both characters very much. Steffen is extremely witty, super sweet and a bit of a closet romantic. Mark is not as witty but his banter with Steffen is entertaining as he!!. Their chemistry – both emotional and sexual – is intense and comes right off the page! I appreciate the lack of miscommunication and angst. They just have a really sweet, ‘aw’ filled love story.
I definitely recommend this quick, sweet love story.
May 6, 2021
I've had this on my Kindle for ages, I keep all this authors books I've read, three on my Kindle and all the rest are actual physical books on my shelf. So I opened it thinking to read it again and find I never had, I had actually got this books cover and title blurred in my mind to a different story, totally weird I know. Anyway, as usual with this author I completely loved this tale, Mark and Steffen are absolute sweethearts, the story is so well written we get a glimpse at life in Switzerland, and a lesson in some of their culture and traditions, it's just wonderful stuff.
June 22, 2018
Part of the World Of Love series. All of them are stand-alone. I went through and picked several I thought would be interesting because of the location. A couple because I've never been there and don't plan to go (like tree planting in Canada) but thought it sounded it really interesting and others, because I have been there or it's some place I want to go. In each book, there is a lovely romance and a chance to experience the culture in that part of the world. Very enjoyable!
October 22, 2018
3.25 stars
I loved the description of Basel, the people, the customs, the culture... I want to put Basel in my bucket list of cities I need to see before I die. Unfortunately, Mark and Steffen's relationship felt too.... uhm, formal? Like a business arrangement. Sure, they bantered but they didn't sizzle. Which means that I don't have enough emotional investment in the two of them.
I loved the description of Basel, the people, the customs, the culture... I want to put Basel in my bucket list of cities I need to see before I die. Unfortunately, Mark and Steffen's relationship felt too.... uhm, formal? Like a business arrangement. Sure, they bantered but they didn't sizzle. Which means that I don't have enough emotional investment in the two of them.
January 20, 2018
In the books by Rebecca Cohen there is " quel certo non sò chè" that makes a story nice and gracious, elegant and tasteful in the spite of a plot not original with a sure happy end. I liked know about Basel and her costumes . Naturally I liked the MC too and very much, romantic and hot ...so I enjoyed the reading grandly.
January 10, 2018
3.5 stars
October 4, 2018
2.5 stars
February 6, 2018
A short-term whirlwind let’s-be-friends-with-benefits (and free tour guide thrown in) fling evolves into a heated romance for Steffen and Mark in the chemically charged, low angst, charming love story.
Steffen is a transparent, direct to the point alpha male who dealt with his last breakup by sleeping around, and Mark just didn’t pursue another after his. Mark figures he’ll take his chances on the attractive Steffen, to whom he’s instantly smitten, and deal with his broken heart when he returns home to the U.K. after a three-month work project, but neither man anticipates how much they have in common or how drawn to each other they’ll become. As time passes, they find themselves growing closer and closer, and did I mention the minimal angst part? Let’s just say they each figure it out, and are able to maturely and realistically continue growing as a couple.
The glimpses at local life through Steffen and Mark experiencing daily life, seasonal festivities, and the introduction to regional customs and traditions added a sense of place and realism to their relationship and offered a deeper peek into their personalities. The only thing that saddened me was that the book seemed to end somewhat abruptly, though I’m not here to say anything was missing from the final chapter. I just somehow expected – or maybe wanted – more.
Not All Chocolate and Cuckoo Clocks was a well written book. The natural interaction and witty, bantering dialogue are both entertaining and heartwarming. Steffen and Mark are an easy couple to like and want to see succeed. Even the scenes with their respective parents are keepers and add a layer of “this could really happen.” The town of Basel itself acts as both a backdrop and a character. Not All Chocolate and Cuckoo Clocks is an easy, charming, and entertaining read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
Steffen is a transparent, direct to the point alpha male who dealt with his last breakup by sleeping around, and Mark just didn’t pursue another after his. Mark figures he’ll take his chances on the attractive Steffen, to whom he’s instantly smitten, and deal with his broken heart when he returns home to the U.K. after a three-month work project, but neither man anticipates how much they have in common or how drawn to each other they’ll become. As time passes, they find themselves growing closer and closer, and did I mention the minimal angst part? Let’s just say they each figure it out, and are able to maturely and realistically continue growing as a couple.
The glimpses at local life through Steffen and Mark experiencing daily life, seasonal festivities, and the introduction to regional customs and traditions added a sense of place and realism to their relationship and offered a deeper peek into their personalities. The only thing that saddened me was that the book seemed to end somewhat abruptly, though I’m not here to say anything was missing from the final chapter. I just somehow expected – or maybe wanted – more.
Not All Chocolate and Cuckoo Clocks was a well written book. The natural interaction and witty, bantering dialogue are both entertaining and heartwarming. Steffen and Mark are an easy couple to like and want to see succeed. Even the scenes with their respective parents are keepers and add a layer of “this could really happen.” The town of Basel itself acts as both a backdrop and a character. Not All Chocolate and Cuckoo Clocks is an easy, charming, and entertaining read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
October 29, 2023
Came for the Swiss Piccolos, stayed for the Waggis roleplaying
As a life-long and internationally-touring fifer, it’s hard not to be familiar with the Basler tradition of Fasnacht. I’ve done more than one tour in Switzerland, so am somewhat familiar with the city and have made many friends there, so I was intrigued when the release for this book floated by in my newsfeed. An interrupted Kindle Unlimited subscription had me groaning as it stopped me mid-story, but it made enough of a positive impact that months later when I resubscribed (and it seemingly forgot what had been in my to-read list or what I’d been working on), I remembered this as a book I HAD to finish. Now, to clarify, I don’t get particularly excited about most books these days unless they speak to me, and this one very much did and couldn’t just leave me hanging mid-read!
Aside from getting to virtually visit/travel to one of my favorite European cities (that I’ve been to), the story of Mark and Steffan was intriguing and romantic without being unrealistic, contrived, or silly. It spoke to the part of me that enjoys Swiss precision, logic, and straightforwardness while being balanced with enough romance and whimsy to be swoon-worthy and without the “high drama” of fights or ex’s clouding things and making it awkward. I’m not sure I’d call it a cozy travel romance, but it was a wonderful break from life for a bit without having to brave the crowds at Morganstreicht at 4am or picking räppli out of every orifice after.
As a life-long and internationally-touring fifer, it’s hard not to be familiar with the Basler tradition of Fasnacht. I’ve done more than one tour in Switzerland, so am somewhat familiar with the city and have made many friends there, so I was intrigued when the release for this book floated by in my newsfeed. An interrupted Kindle Unlimited subscription had me groaning as it stopped me mid-story, but it made enough of a positive impact that months later when I resubscribed (and it seemingly forgot what had been in my to-read list or what I’d been working on), I remembered this as a book I HAD to finish. Now, to clarify, I don’t get particularly excited about most books these days unless they speak to me, and this one very much did and couldn’t just leave me hanging mid-read!
Aside from getting to virtually visit/travel to one of my favorite European cities (that I’ve been to), the story of Mark and Steffan was intriguing and romantic without being unrealistic, contrived, or silly. It spoke to the part of me that enjoys Swiss precision, logic, and straightforwardness while being balanced with enough romance and whimsy to be swoon-worthy and without the “high drama” of fights or ex’s clouding things and making it awkward. I’m not sure I’d call it a cozy travel romance, but it was a wonderful break from life for a bit without having to brave the crowds at Morganstreicht at 4am or picking räppli out of every orifice after.
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