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Flambé #1
Flambé
The perfect dessert should lick you dirty.
A seduction: that’s what my restaurant Flambé will be when it opens—the hottest one-night stand you didn’t know you wanted to indulge in.
Except my one-night stand just became the lynchpin in securing my restaurant’s biggest investor. Flambé is a classy establishment, but now I have to hire the Tiki-drink-slinging shirtless wonder Connor Voss as my new bartender … or I’m out of business!
Call me a control-freak, but Connor is a recipe for disaster, and I won’t last the week. Not only is Connor sure that he can mix a drink better than me (let him try!), he thinks he’s allowed to play with fire, flirt with the wait staff, and defy everything I say. I may be “the boss”, but he’s sure he can do whatever he wants because he knows woman-on-top is not my favorite position.
But this is my kitchen.
If Connor Voss wants to play with fire, then he’d better get ready, because he’s about to learn just how I hot I burn.
A seduction: that’s what my restaurant Flambé will be when it opens—the hottest one-night stand you didn’t know you wanted to indulge in.
Except my one-night stand just became the lynchpin in securing my restaurant’s biggest investor. Flambé is a classy establishment, but now I have to hire the Tiki-drink-slinging shirtless wonder Connor Voss as my new bartender … or I’m out of business!
Call me a control-freak, but Connor is a recipe for disaster, and I won’t last the week. Not only is Connor sure that he can mix a drink better than me (let him try!), he thinks he’s allowed to play with fire, flirt with the wait staff, and defy everything I say. I may be “the boss”, but he’s sure he can do whatever he wants because he knows woman-on-top is not my favorite position.
But this is my kitchen.
If Connor Voss wants to play with fire, then he’d better get ready, because he’s about to learn just how I hot I burn.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2021
296 people are currently reading
936 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 6, 2022
It wasnt awful.. it just wasn't great.
The plot is pretty sound. The character development is good too.
However, the chemistry/Romance seemed forced, the "witty banter" was definitely forced.
I got pretty bored and started skimming some pages about 60-70% of the way through, mainly because it was the same thing nearly every chapter until it wasn't.
The plot is pretty sound. The character development is good too.
However, the chemistry/Romance seemed forced, the "witty banter" was definitely forced.
I got pretty bored and started skimming some pages about 60-70% of the way through, mainly because it was the same thing nearly every chapter until it wasn't.
October 2, 2023
Enemies to Lovers Hospitality Romance
-3.5-
As someone who used to bartend for many years, this book hit so close to home for me!
I loved the banter between Arie + Connor 🐉🤍
This was a fun, quick, spicy romance.
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!!
-3.5-
As someone who used to bartend for many years, this book hit so close to home for me!
I loved the banter between Arie + Connor 🐉🤍
This was a fun, quick, spicy romance.
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!!
May 6, 2024
such a fun summer vibe ! and the spice 🤌🏼🤤
August 2, 2023
Rating: 2.5/5
Spice: 3/5
I’m not sure if this is just a pet peeve but I absolutely hate when some authors overuse explanation points to try and intensify the situation. It makes me cringe. Unfortunately, this book does this often so that’s part of the reason for the low score.
Relationship wise, there were some great spicy scenes and I really like Connor’s character. Arie is a bit hit and miss. She’s a bit too much. Also the constant dragon references were over done. Wasn’t a big fan but wasn’t horrible.
Spice: 3/5
I’m not sure if this is just a pet peeve but I absolutely hate when some authors overuse explanation points to try and intensify the situation. It makes me cringe. Unfortunately, this book does this often so that’s part of the reason for the low score.
Relationship wise, there were some great spicy scenes and I really like Connor’s character. Arie is a bit hit and miss. She’s a bit too much. Also the constant dragon references were over done. Wasn’t a big fan but wasn’t horrible.
December 19, 2023
This was me reading this book:
Everybody is horrible. Connor is very crass, and not in a hot way. The things he does are pretty much sexual harassment. But we’re supposed to think it’s sexy because he’s hot. It's not. This man should be in jail. Arie isn’t much better, a lot of the things she does could be considered sexual harassment too. The thing is, I can’t really blame her for trying to wrench back some control in a situation that she’s forced into and that makes her feel uncomfortable. She’s a control freak, and her partner, the investor, and even Connor, cornered her to accept a situation she didn’t want and feels wrong about. She voices her concern over and over, but nobody seems to pay any attention to what she says, because “she’s a control freak”. So what?! Simon, supposedly her “friend” (Some friend; with friends like him she doesn’t need any enemies), makes a hissy fit, and delivers the ultimatum that either she hires the man that’s sexually harassing her, or he walks away. She tells him “it’s a bad idea” over and over, but he ignores her. Until everything blows and then he’s mad at her! Asshole! Just because she doesn’t want to tell you why doesn’t mean you can just brush aside her opinion or her concerns. And NED! he’s a controlling asshole, making Connor feel guilty all the time because he’s basically living off Ned’s “generosity”. A generosity that’s constantly thrown in Connor’s face. And he has the gall to act hurt because Connor doesn’t do whatever he wants him to do, like he’s an employee or something. And, on top of that, he calls Arie a slut for being the persona she crafted for her restaurant. Yeah, he slut-shames the FMC. Mason, the ex-boss, is another asshole. He goes to the restaurant and insults everybody, then acts all righteous because the owner of said restaurant throws him out. Yeah, because she’s a bitch for not wanting to be insulted inside her place of business. And acts like Connor owes Ned for whatever he “sacrificed” for his brother. Their parents are horrible people, too. The only decent person here is Esme, Arie’s twin, and she’s as bland as flour. Her only personality trait seems to be that she's Arie’s twin. After the 60% mark I was just hate-reading this. The ending saved this a little, finally the MCs become half-decent people and start defending each other. The I-love-yous felt a bit forced though, since they hardly talk. Every time they interact they’re either fighting or fucking.
Everybody is horrible. Connor is very crass, and not in a hot way. The things he does are pretty much sexual harassment. But we’re supposed to think it’s sexy because he’s hot. It's not. This man should be in jail. Arie isn’t much better, a lot of the things she does could be considered sexual harassment too. The thing is, I can’t really blame her for trying to wrench back some control in a situation that she’s forced into and that makes her feel uncomfortable. She’s a control freak, and her partner, the investor, and even Connor, cornered her to accept a situation she didn’t want and feels wrong about. She voices her concern over and over, but nobody seems to pay any attention to what she says, because “she’s a control freak”. So what?! Simon, supposedly her “friend” (Some friend; with friends like him she doesn’t need any enemies), makes a hissy fit, and delivers the ultimatum that either she hires the man that’s sexually harassing her, or he walks away. She tells him “it’s a bad idea” over and over, but he ignores her. Until everything blows and then he’s mad at her! Asshole! Just because she doesn’t want to tell you why doesn’t mean you can just brush aside her opinion or her concerns. And NED! he’s a controlling asshole, making Connor feel guilty all the time because he’s basically living off Ned’s “generosity”. A generosity that’s constantly thrown in Connor’s face. And he has the gall to act hurt because Connor doesn’t do whatever he wants him to do, like he’s an employee or something. And, on top of that, he calls Arie a slut for being the persona she crafted for her restaurant. Yeah, he slut-shames the FMC. Mason, the ex-boss, is another asshole. He goes to the restaurant and insults everybody, then acts all righteous because the owner of said restaurant throws him out. Yeah, because she’s a bitch for not wanting to be insulted inside her place of business. And acts like Connor owes Ned for whatever he “sacrificed” for his brother. Their parents are horrible people, too. The only decent person here is Esme, Arie’s twin, and she’s as bland as flour. Her only personality trait seems to be that she's Arie’s twin. After the 60% mark I was just hate-reading this. The ending saved this a little, finally the MCs become half-decent people and start defending each other. The I-love-yous felt a bit forced though, since they hardly talk. Every time they interact they’re either fighting or fucking.
July 16, 2025
yall. what the hell.
i was close to giving it two stars because i actually thought the writing was really good, but then i thought about the plot and the characters and i got pissed off so i knocked off the star.
so Arie is a co-owner of this restaurant that’s opening up and she’s really stressed out about it, so what does her business partner tell her to do? get laid. and she does! but then for some convoluted nonsensical reason, she ends up having to hire her one night stand as her head bartender. and you’re kinda like ? okay. so be professional about it. but then they aren’t. but in the most ridiculous way.
basically their whole business model is Flambe is SEXY and all the female workers have TITS and all the male workers have BIG DICKS and all the customers are gonna wanna FUCK!!!!! so there’s an investor that’s like eh like obvi i wanna fuck you Arie but i don’t wanna fuck Simon (her business partner) ew what so you need to hire this one specific guy (Connor, the one night stand) or else i’m not gonna give you money. and Simon’s like well OF COURSE!!! we gotta hire this Connor guy. and instead of Arie being a normal person and just telling Simon the truth of well i slept with that guy so i don’t feel comfortable hiring him, she just kind throws a hissy fit and cusses Simon out until he threatens to drop the business if she doesn’t go with it. so like. yeah i guess that’s a plot.
so you would think Arie would be professional about Connor being hired and the whole thing is their attraction is too strong or whatever but no. that’s not it. she’s so incredibly verbally abusive to Connor and constantly cusses him out and is like i’m not attracted to you!!! but then immediately fucks him in her office and then is like ew you disgust me and it’s kinda like ??? what’s going on. i know it’s supposed to be an enemies to lovers type vibe but the chemistry is just so not there because everything about them is so forced. there’s no natural segue into them interacting with each other at all so all of their scenes are just so random and out of the blue and unnatural. and Connor is also such a dick to her?? it’s hard to root for them because the only nice things they have to say about each other is sexual. also there’s points where Arie is physically abusive?? like she actually throws shit at Connor and i’m just supposed to be okay that??
also every exchange of dialogue has to do with sex and after 300+ pages of that you just get tired. like any other topic. pls. just for one chapter. let’s talk about the business for one chapter.
anyway the characters are aggravating and not likable in the slightest, the plot makes no sense, and Arie is possibly the worst business owner i’ve ever experienced in my life, she does not deserve the success of Flambé. also this book took place in Hawaii, and none of the characters seemed to be native Hawaiians which was ??? why have it in Hawaii im confused.
i was close to giving it two stars because i actually thought the writing was really good, but then i thought about the plot and the characters and i got pissed off so i knocked off the star.
so Arie is a co-owner of this restaurant that’s opening up and she’s really stressed out about it, so what does her business partner tell her to do? get laid. and she does! but then for some convoluted nonsensical reason, she ends up having to hire her one night stand as her head bartender. and you’re kinda like ? okay. so be professional about it. but then they aren’t. but in the most ridiculous way.
basically their whole business model is Flambe is SEXY and all the female workers have TITS and all the male workers have BIG DICKS and all the customers are gonna wanna FUCK!!!!! so there’s an investor that’s like eh like obvi i wanna fuck you Arie but i don’t wanna fuck Simon (her business partner) ew what so you need to hire this one specific guy (Connor, the one night stand) or else i’m not gonna give you money. and Simon’s like well OF COURSE!!! we gotta hire this Connor guy. and instead of Arie being a normal person and just telling Simon the truth of well i slept with that guy so i don’t feel comfortable hiring him, she just kind throws a hissy fit and cusses Simon out until he threatens to drop the business if she doesn’t go with it. so like. yeah i guess that’s a plot.
so you would think Arie would be professional about Connor being hired and the whole thing is their attraction is too strong or whatever but no. that’s not it. she’s so incredibly verbally abusive to Connor and constantly cusses him out and is like i’m not attracted to you!!! but then immediately fucks him in her office and then is like ew you disgust me and it’s kinda like ??? what’s going on. i know it’s supposed to be an enemies to lovers type vibe but the chemistry is just so not there because everything about them is so forced. there’s no natural segue into them interacting with each other at all so all of their scenes are just so random and out of the blue and unnatural. and Connor is also such a dick to her?? it’s hard to root for them because the only nice things they have to say about each other is sexual. also there’s points where Arie is physically abusive?? like she actually throws shit at Connor and i’m just supposed to be okay that??
also every exchange of dialogue has to do with sex and after 300+ pages of that you just get tired. like any other topic. pls. just for one chapter. let’s talk about the business for one chapter.
anyway the characters are aggravating and not likable in the slightest, the plot makes no sense, and Arie is possibly the worst business owner i’ve ever experienced in my life, she does not deserve the success of Flambé. also this book took place in Hawaii, and none of the characters seemed to be native Hawaiians which was ??? why have it in Hawaii im confused.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2022
Flambé is the name and steamy is the game. Arie and Connor light up the fire and feed the flames in this first book about Hawaii’s hottest new restaurant.
March 8, 2024
Super cute and spicy read!
March 31, 2023
I love a good chef book and this one was okay. The steamy bits were awesome. The cocktails sounded great. I just wanted more restaurant/kitchen business but that’s a me thing.
February 19, 2023
I loved this book! Jumps right into the spice but honestly don’t mind because it makes sense for the story. Honestly one of the better 5🌶️ books I’ve read that has a storyline you want to finish. Already downloaded the next book and can’t wait.
5 out of 5🌶️
5 out of 5🌶️
October 13, 2022
3.5
The writing was pretty good, the story was decent...there were a few inconsistencies in the story that took me out of it a bit (for instance, at one point a comment was made about there being no windows in Arie's office, then 2 chapters later, she was opening the window in her office), & it kinda felt like insta-love? Idk, Connor was definitely filthy in all the best ways, but Arie worked my nerves for most of the book. She just seemed super mean..unnecessarily sometimes. It was a good book though, I'll keep reading these stories.
Dual POV, first person, 3/5 🌶
The writing was pretty good, the story was decent...there were a few inconsistencies in the story that took me out of it a bit (for instance, at one point a comment was made about there being no windows in Arie's office, then 2 chapters later, she was opening the window in her office), & it kinda felt like insta-love? Idk, Connor was definitely filthy in all the best ways, but Arie worked my nerves for most of the book. She just seemed super mean..unnecessarily sometimes. It was a good book though, I'll keep reading these stories.
Dual POV, first person, 3/5 🌶
September 2, 2021
Fire 🔥 ❤️🔥
Just over here wishing Flambé was a real restaurant I could visit. This book had one of my favorite plot lines… Insta-attraction/lust and the gradual building of true understanding and a real connection.
“I’ve never known what it mean to belong to someone and now I wonder how I ever lived without.” Who wouldn’t want this kind of passion?!
Just over here wishing Flambé was a real restaurant I could visit. This book had one of my favorite plot lines… Insta-attraction/lust and the gradual building of true understanding and a real connection.
“I’ve never known what it mean to belong to someone and now I wonder how I ever lived without.” Who wouldn’t want this kind of passion?!
February 12, 2024
Flambé book one in the Flambé series by Elle Berlin. If you like spicy, rivals to lovers, workplace rom-com, one night stand, with a secret past romance then you will love this book.
Arie Noel is a feisty red head who has to be in control. Arie along with her best friend from college now partner Simon, are about to open the restaurant of her dreams called Flambé. She is stressed out from working so hard that Simon suggests she go out for the night and have a one night stand. So she does and their rules are no names and it’s only for one night.
Connor Voss is working at his brother’s best friend’s bar. Since he started working at the bar the line has been out the door. Connor got into some trouble in the past causing him to lose his career as a lawyer. His parents disowned him and his brother is fighting to get his career back. Connor is happy being a bartender and does not want to work at the families firm
Simon and Arie are needing an investor for the company and he agrees as long as they get Connor Voss to be the bartender. When Arie and Connor meet they realize they spent the night together. Arie doesn’t want Connor to work there, but Connor wants to prove to everyone that he is the perfect choice for a bartender. The chemistry between Arie and Connor is so strong no matter how hard they try to fight or hide it!
This was a cute rom-com. I really liked the characters and the story was so cute. I thought the relationship between Arie and Connor was so adorable. It was such an enjoyable read. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest thoughts and opinions.
Arie Noel is a feisty red head who has to be in control. Arie along with her best friend from college now partner Simon, are about to open the restaurant of her dreams called Flambé. She is stressed out from working so hard that Simon suggests she go out for the night and have a one night stand. So she does and their rules are no names and it’s only for one night.
Connor Voss is working at his brother’s best friend’s bar. Since he started working at the bar the line has been out the door. Connor got into some trouble in the past causing him to lose his career as a lawyer. His parents disowned him and his brother is fighting to get his career back. Connor is happy being a bartender and does not want to work at the families firm
Simon and Arie are needing an investor for the company and he agrees as long as they get Connor Voss to be the bartender. When Arie and Connor meet they realize they spent the night together. Arie doesn’t want Connor to work there, but Connor wants to prove to everyone that he is the perfect choice for a bartender. The chemistry between Arie and Connor is so strong no matter how hard they try to fight or hide it!
This was a cute rom-com. I really liked the characters and the story was so cute. I thought the relationship between Arie and Connor was so adorable. It was such an enjoyable read. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest thoughts and opinions.
January 26, 2024
This is the first book in the Flambe series and I would recommend starting with it. There is a prequel and you do not have to read it first, it can be read anywhere in the series.
Tropes:
*One Night Stand
*Work Place Rom-Com
*Rivals to Lovers
*Secret Past
Arie is a strong willed woman who knows what she wants. She and her business partner are about to open her dream restaurant, Flambe. One day, Arie is having a series of bad moods and has a one night stand. While during a business meeting, the money man is interested in investing, but wants a male counterpart to Arie's femininity and he has just the perfect person. It turns out to be the one man who gets under Arie's skin. Is it because they are incompatible or because they are too compatible?
I enjoyed this book and am excited to finish the series. Reading about Arie's journey with Connor was hot and exciting. I felt like Arie's story was left a bit on the side of the road, compared to Connor's (and it sort of makes sense because of the prequel, but I wanted a bit more), but we got to know him pretty well. Several of my favorite tropes were included in this spicy novel. I will recommend this book to all romance lovers who like a little spice. Thank you to the author for the ebook, this has been my honest opinion.
Tropes:
*One Night Stand
*Work Place Rom-Com
*Rivals to Lovers
*Secret Past
Arie is a strong willed woman who knows what she wants. She and her business partner are about to open her dream restaurant, Flambe. One day, Arie is having a series of bad moods and has a one night stand. While during a business meeting, the money man is interested in investing, but wants a male counterpart to Arie's femininity and he has just the perfect person. It turns out to be the one man who gets under Arie's skin. Is it because they are incompatible or because they are too compatible?
I enjoyed this book and am excited to finish the series. Reading about Arie's journey with Connor was hot and exciting. I felt like Arie's story was left a bit on the side of the road, compared to Connor's (and it sort of makes sense because of the prequel, but I wanted a bit more), but we got to know him pretty well. Several of my favorite tropes were included in this spicy novel. I will recommend this book to all romance lovers who like a little spice. Thank you to the author for the ebook, this has been my honest opinion.
January 22, 2024
3.5⭐️ rounding up to 4⭐️
This was my first Elle Berlin book and I enjoyed it!
I thought this one was fun. I enjoyed the seductive restaurant themed around fire. I thought that was a unique concept to include in this story. I liked Arie and Simon but I could not stand Connor.
Connor comes off as so hot headed (so does Arie but her hot headedness gave off less red flags). Connor was so hot and cold. One minute he would be so nice to Arie and the next he was suddenly yelling at her. And of course that would set her off. But then they would make up by f#cking. That aspect of this book felt a little immature to me.
Flambé is spiiicy. But there is still a solid plot, which I enjoyed! I do wish Connor's family drama was kept out of it since it felt out of place. Yes, it's his backstory, but it felt weird with the rest of the book since we got zero backstory on any other characters.
Will I be reading the rest of the series? Yes! I'm usually not into super spicy reads but this one was done well. I'm intrigued to see what the other books are about.
If you enjoy enemies to lovers, lots of spice, family drama, and a girlboss, this is a great book to pick up!
This was my first Elle Berlin book and I enjoyed it!
I thought this one was fun. I enjoyed the seductive restaurant themed around fire. I thought that was a unique concept to include in this story. I liked Arie and Simon but I could not stand Connor.
Connor comes off as so hot headed (so does Arie but her hot headedness gave off less red flags). Connor was so hot and cold. One minute he would be so nice to Arie and the next he was suddenly yelling at her. And of course that would set her off. But then they would make up by f#cking. That aspect of this book felt a little immature to me.
Flambé is spiiicy. But there is still a solid plot, which I enjoyed! I do wish Connor's family drama was kept out of it since it felt out of place. Yes, it's his backstory, but it felt weird with the rest of the book since we got zero backstory on any other characters.
Will I be reading the rest of the series? Yes! I'm usually not into super spicy reads but this one was done well. I'm intrigued to see what the other books are about.
If you enjoy enemies to lovers, lots of spice, family drama, and a girlboss, this is a great book to pick up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2022
Great read
Flambé
Arie is a multi talented chef and is a control freak, who is about to open a unique top class restaurant Flambé. She's so stressed her business partner Simon tells her to go and blow off steam. She goes out, a sultry woman on s mission, confident in her own skin and has a one night stand of a life time and meets Connor (though they don't tell each other their names).
After meeting with the investor for their restaurant who tells them that they need an exclusive bar tender and where to find him, they go to the bar and find Connor. Sparks fly and it gets hot and feisty at Flambé.
I got this book in a boxing day freebie. I haven't read anything by the author before and went in blind. I thought the story was very good. I loved the chemistry between all the characters for different reasons but Arie and Connor definitely belong to each other. Hot and steamy as well as funny in places (not laugh your socks off but brings a smile to your face) I enjoyed it, a nice easy and enjoyable read. I would like to read Simons story.
Flambé
Arie is a multi talented chef and is a control freak, who is about to open a unique top class restaurant Flambé. She's so stressed her business partner Simon tells her to go and blow off steam. She goes out, a sultry woman on s mission, confident in her own skin and has a one night stand of a life time and meets Connor (though they don't tell each other their names).
After meeting with the investor for their restaurant who tells them that they need an exclusive bar tender and where to find him, they go to the bar and find Connor. Sparks fly and it gets hot and feisty at Flambé.
I got this book in a boxing day freebie. I haven't read anything by the author before and went in blind. I thought the story was very good. I loved the chemistry between all the characters for different reasons but Arie and Connor definitely belong to each other. Hot and steamy as well as funny in places (not laugh your socks off but brings a smile to your face) I enjoyed it, a nice easy and enjoyable read. I would like to read Simons story.
March 2, 2024
This was such a fun book with the perfect amount of spice!
I was lucky enough to be gifted an ARC by the author in exchange for my honest review. This is a rerelease of this series with the new covers. I have to say, I do love these covers more than the originals!
The female main character, Arie, is opening a new restaurant/bar in Hawaii. The bar features sultry drinks and food that are lit on fire as part of the whole appeal of going to the restaurant. The FMC is a spicy redhead and basically the embodiment of her restaurant, Flambé! She has a one night stand which causes a bit of a conflict with the restaurant.
I loved this book. It was fun and spicy but still very plot driven. I liked all of the characters, I liked the tension, I liked the length of the book (no unnecessary filler), I liked just about everything about it! It was perfect to read over a few days, and I never lost interest.
I’d say this is 3/5 🌶️ for spice- nothing crazy- I think there were 3 or 4 scenes in the book.
I was lucky enough to be gifted an ARC by the author in exchange for my honest review. This is a rerelease of this series with the new covers. I have to say, I do love these covers more than the originals!
The female main character, Arie, is opening a new restaurant/bar in Hawaii. The bar features sultry drinks and food that are lit on fire as part of the whole appeal of going to the restaurant. The FMC is a spicy redhead and basically the embodiment of her restaurant, Flambé! She has a one night stand which causes a bit of a conflict with the restaurant.
I loved this book. It was fun and spicy but still very plot driven. I liked all of the characters, I liked the tension, I liked the length of the book (no unnecessary filler), I liked just about everything about it! It was perfect to read over a few days, and I never lost interest.
I’d say this is 3/5 🌶️ for spice- nothing crazy- I think there were 3 or 4 scenes in the book.
February 17, 2024
This spicy and hot (literally) book had me grinning at Arie and Connor's banter! I loved how Connor got to fix things with his family at the end and we got to see what happened in the past for him.
About: Arie is a chef opening a new restaurant with her best friend Simon who are all about giving their customers an elevated experience. After seeing his best friend overwork herself over this grand opening, he tells her to let some steam off by having a one night stand. While her one night stand helped her let loose, she didn't imagine that he'd be working at the restaurant with her. Connor is working at his brother's best friend's bar and has attracted a lot of attention. An investor for Arie and Simon's restaurant recommend Connor to give them this extra dazzle that they're missing from their restaurant. While they try to keep things professional, it definitely does not stay that way.
Recommend if you enjoy:
-forced proximity
-enemies to lovers
-one night stand
About: Arie is a chef opening a new restaurant with her best friend Simon who are all about giving their customers an elevated experience. After seeing his best friend overwork herself over this grand opening, he tells her to let some steam off by having a one night stand. While her one night stand helped her let loose, she didn't imagine that he'd be working at the restaurant with her. Connor is working at his brother's best friend's bar and has attracted a lot of attention. An investor for Arie and Simon's restaurant recommend Connor to give them this extra dazzle that they're missing from their restaurant. While they try to keep things professional, it definitely does not stay that way.
Recommend if you enjoy:
-forced proximity
-enemies to lovers
-one night stand
July 16, 2023
They’re all assholes. But they’re meant to be. She’s feisty and because she’s a red head, she’s some sort of dragon queen seductress, with more fire and dragon references than a fantasy novel. She’s so independent she’s stubborn and rude and “don’t need no man”, but obviously wants this one and is a jealous psycho. He is a player bartender slash trust fund baby with a penchant for red heads and bad decisions. He has a zest for life and no one can tie him down or tell him what to do, but wants her to. The partner is jerk to everyone but he’s cool because he’s right.
Maybe this sounds like I didn’t like the book, but sometimes just because the characters are assholes doesn’t mean the story is! I hated and loved it simultaneously.
Maybe this sounds like I didn’t like the book, but sometimes just because the characters are assholes doesn’t mean the story is! I hated and loved it simultaneously.
February 20, 2024
Arc review! Thank you, Elle and her team, for providing me with an arc of Flambe.
This was such an incredible read! I had a great time, quickly reading through the pages. It seriously had me hooked, wanting to read during my classes. It was fast paced and filled with chemistry between Arie and Connor. Arie is a chef who is about to open up her new, seductive-filled, restaurant and Connor is the bartender across the street. When Arie is given an ultimatum, she has to decide what's best for her business. This was a fast paced read, the chemistry was off the charts, the details put in for the restaurant and how Arie wanted others to feel was truly delightful. Describing her restaurant as a seduction and throughout the book getting more details about how it feels walking in and how it feels in relation to her, and Connor was truly superb. This was my first book from Elle and cannot wait to indulge more in her writing.
This was such an incredible read! I had a great time, quickly reading through the pages. It seriously had me hooked, wanting to read during my classes. It was fast paced and filled with chemistry between Arie and Connor. Arie is a chef who is about to open up her new, seductive-filled, restaurant and Connor is the bartender across the street. When Arie is given an ultimatum, she has to decide what's best for her business. This was a fast paced read, the chemistry was off the charts, the details put in for the restaurant and how Arie wanted others to feel was truly delightful. Describing her restaurant as a seduction and throughout the book getting more details about how it feels walking in and how it feels in relation to her, and Connor was truly superb. This was my first book from Elle and cannot wait to indulge more in her writing.
February 1, 2024
as a girl who loves a steamy episode of Hells Kitchen, this ticked so many boxes for me. Arie and Connor are sizzling and I adored that he took whatever she threw at him and didn’t back down. it was also the fastest of burns, literally and plot wise and i love when i don’t have to wait for the pay off.
It took me about a third of the book before i decided i liked arie, but i finally understood how much of a defense mechanism her personality was. she’s fiery but also guarded and it clicked for me eventually when connor was what kept me coming back. by the end i was rooting for the two and loving the growth they had.
It took me about a third of the book before i decided i liked arie, but i finally understood how much of a defense mechanism her personality was. she’s fiery but also guarded and it clicked for me eventually when connor was what kept me coming back. by the end i was rooting for the two and loving the growth they had.
February 2, 2024
***BOOK REVIEW***
Name: Flambé
Author: Elle Berlin
Rate: 4 🌟
~Not sure how I felt reading this book. It just didn’t want to stick with me… Like it was not awful, but it was an okay read. I just felt like things were just getting repeated even though it was not, but it felt like that. Flambe is for sure a very slow burn. The main characters were always bickering, oil and water that can’t mix… But then they just have $3X with each other, like if its make-up $3X… it was just too kinky for my taste… the plot was good. The spice was there which is a plus. This book might be perfect for readers who enjoy a Hospitality romance… but for me it was alright.
Name: Flambé
Author: Elle Berlin
Rate: 4 🌟
~Not sure how I felt reading this book. It just didn’t want to stick with me… Like it was not awful, but it was an okay read. I just felt like things were just getting repeated even though it was not, but it felt like that. Flambe is for sure a very slow burn. The main characters were always bickering, oil and water that can’t mix… But then they just have $3X with each other, like if its make-up $3X… it was just too kinky for my taste… the plot was good. The spice was there which is a plus. This book might be perfect for readers who enjoy a Hospitality romance… but for me it was alright.
July 27, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I thought the story concept was really fun! When I first read the blurb I was really excited to read it!
I found the first 1/3 to 1/2 of the book a little hard to get into. I felt there were a few slow moments and it took some time for the story to really pick up.
However, I wanted to give this book a fair chance and continue reading the second half. And I’m really glad I did! I feel the most fun I had reading this book was definitely in the second half! There’s character development, we understand the characters a lot more and the plot unfolds in a nice way.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and feel like the second half of the book makes this book worth the read. 🫶🏻🤍
I thought the story concept was really fun! When I first read the blurb I was really excited to read it!
I found the first 1/3 to 1/2 of the book a little hard to get into. I felt there were a few slow moments and it took some time for the story to really pick up.
However, I wanted to give this book a fair chance and continue reading the second half. And I’m really glad I did! I feel the most fun I had reading this book was definitely in the second half! There’s character development, we understand the characters a lot more and the plot unfolds in a nice way.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and feel like the second half of the book makes this book worth the read. 🫶🏻🤍
June 29, 2021
The prologue of Flambé gave us readers a taste of what to expect between Arie and Connor but OMFG!
They are made for each other! There is no doubt, for the chemistry between them is combustible and
Connor grounds Arie when she wants to take flight and knows how to control the domineering perfectionist in and out of the bedroom!
I needed a cigarette and I don't even smoke!
I thoroughly enjoyed Elle Berlin's writing style, she really takes you as reader on a scintillating journey into the lives and minds of her characters!
They are made for each other! There is no doubt, for the chemistry between them is combustible and
Connor grounds Arie when she wants to take flight and knows how to control the domineering perfectionist in and out of the bedroom!
I needed a cigarette and I don't even smoke!
I thoroughly enjoyed Elle Berlin's writing style, she really takes you as reader on a scintillating journey into the lives and minds of her characters!
January 2, 2024
Fun!
This went from the hottest one night stand to enemies to lovers to a super hot couple!
I love that Arie encouraged Connor to clear things up with his family and then admitted they were in love with each other.
I love that he gave his dad the finger essentially and told his brother he had his back ❤️❤️
This book got a little annoying in the middle with their banter but I put it down for a few hours and went back to it and haven’t put it down since for the most part lol
This went from the hottest one night stand to enemies to lovers to a super hot couple!
I love that Arie encouraged Connor to clear things up with his family and then admitted they were in love with each other.
I love that he gave his dad the finger essentially and told his brother he had his back ❤️❤️
This book got a little annoying in the middle with their banter but I put it down for a few hours and went back to it and haven’t put it down since for the most part lol
February 2, 2024
The first book in the series about Arie, who is about to open the restaurant of her dreams called Flambe with her partner Simon. The only catch is she has to hire Connor to bartend. He is the man she had a recent one night stand with but they never exchanged names. She just knows she cannot work with him but has no choice.
The chemistry between Arie and Connor was off the charts! This one was steamy! The characters were great. An engaging romcom with just the right amount of spice that you won’t want to miss!
The chemistry between Arie and Connor was off the charts! This one was steamy! The characters were great. An engaging romcom with just the right amount of spice that you won’t want to miss!
October 7, 2024
I adored the premise, the mentions of food throughout, the character development, and the grumpy x sunshine vibes, but the pacing felt off, and the story seemed repetitive. I wanted to like the FMC but couldn't connect with her. I adored the MMC and her best friend, though! Overall, it's a quick, sweet, and spicy read for those looking for their next romance.
Thank you to Elle Berlin for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to Elle Berlin for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 3, 2022
This book was STEAMY! It starts out with an immediate temperature rise as the main characters magnetically crash together. With fun and smart banter, I was hooked!
But the story is carefully woven, and I was quickly invested in their lives, (outside of the bedroom). It laves you flipping ferociously to find out what happens next!
*Warning: this book is R rated!! And oh so juicy. Very guilty, very pleasurable.
But the story is carefully woven, and I was quickly invested in their lives, (outside of the bedroom). It laves you flipping ferociously to find out what happens next!
*Warning: this book is R rated!! And oh so juicy. Very guilty, very pleasurable.
April 21, 2023
Walked away from this to read a couple JR Ward books, went back to it yesterday and I just had no connection with the MCs. They’re both so “crazy hot” everyone wants them and the restaurant’s investor funding is contingent on their ability to sell the drinks and entrees as well as fantasy versions of themselves. It’s pretty gross, tbh, and I am not squeamish. I’ve read similar, much better books with the enemies to lovers trope but I just couldn’t get into this one.
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