Have you ever felt like you weren’t good enough? Have you ever felt like everything you do is wrong? When two people battling the same thing collide, they learn they might be the perfect solution for each other.After finding out her fiancé is married, Ayame needs a fresh start. When presented with the opportunity to move to Butter Ridge Falls and take over her late aunt’s chocolatier she doesn’t hesitate. The last thing Ayame was expecting to do was meet Austin. Soon she finds herself in quicksand, falling fast for the troubled soul.Austin is tired of being the black sheep of his family and ready to prove he’s worth more than being the troublemaker. When he meets the chocolate beauty next door to his newly opened cigar bar, he’s instantly attracted to her. Trying to fight the urges he feels for her, Austin attempts to push Ayame away knowing he will only hurt her in the end. There’s only one problem, the heart wants what the heart wants! Ayame and Austin both struggle with insecurities brought on by their childhood and relationships growing up.They find comfort in each other and learn to be each other’s safe haven, but what happens when one of them is keeping a secret big enough to break the other? Will they be broken up before they truly get a chance to be happy? On top of everything else, one of them learns family can betray you worse than anyone. Take a ride with these two and be prepared for a bumpy ride.
Tay Mo'Nae is a 27-year-old Urban Romance author who pens about Black Love. She create stories to help her readers escape reality and create a movie in their head. She loves writing about characters that at least one reader can relate too.
With 50 books under her belt, Tay Mo'Nae hopes to gain at least one new reader with every release and have them connect to her characters and story in some way. If she would have to explain her writing she would say she loves "penning complicated characters that find a path to love".
I was pretty shocked that I didn't like Chocolate Kisses as much as I thought I would. The storyline was just okay but, still enjoyable enough and the writing was subpar. It just was not up to the level I'm use to from Tay Mo'Nae and it took a lot away from the book. With that being said, I did love the main characters. Ayame and Austin were deeply flawed and had their issues but, they had an intense connection from the moment they met. Their chemistry was off the charts but, Austin was not looking for love and wanted no parts of it. Because of his behavior in his last serious relationship, Austin didn't think he was a good person so, he ignored and denied his attraction to Ayame. His twin brother had to sit him down and have a grown man conversation to help Austin get out of his head and deal with his insecurities. Since Ayame and Austin had similar experiences and issues with their families, it was easy to help each other heal and move forward with a health relationship. Considering all the unprotected sex they were having, I was not shocked Ayame got knocked up but, I was shocked at the plot twist with Austin and Norine. Whew chile! I had to pick my mouth up off the floor! My only real complaint with this book is the author not giving us the character's ages. We didn't find out how old Austin was until damn near the end of the book and she never said how old Ayame was. For the life of me, I don't understand why authors don't think the character's age is an important part of the storyline. The character's age, what they do for a living, and where the book is set is information we should get by the third chapter. And, trying to pronounce Ayame's name became a game I no longer wanted to play. Even with the author's pronunciation guide, I just could not figure out how to pronounce Ayame so she just became a no name character to me. While Chocolate Kisses wasn't the author's best work for me, I would still recommend it.
This book had all the emotions. Ayame was dealing with emotional trauma from her parents that played a huge part in her romantic relationships. Austin had issues with his parents and he felt like he wasn’t good enough. Austin could not get out of his own way and he kept self sabotaging everything. He did not hold himself accountable at all. I was struggling at first because Austin couldn’t get it together. Overall it was a good book. Ready for part 3.
I wasn't sure how I'd feel about Austin and Ayame, since I read a story where they were already established, yet I can say I enjoyed them.
Austin suffered a lot, mainly by his own sabotage, yet I was rooting for him. He should've been 100% with Ayame, yet I get why he held back. I'm glad they were able to work through it and she saw he wasn't being malicious by not telling her the full truth. He was a good man and I'm glad it all worked out for him in his business, family and social life.
Ayame was a sweetheart that just kept getting the crap end of the stick. As much as I wanted her to truly hear Austin out once his truth was revealed, I know she needed that time away. I love that Reid was such a solid friend and even pushed her back to Austin bc he knew they genuinely loved each other. I really like him and I hope he gets it together with his on/off girlfriend Heather. They both deserve happiness.
Ayame being hit with the secret of her parents was a real heart jerker. I'm glad she was able to hear her parents out and see they loved her. Her mom will live with that guilt for the rest of her life, so I like that Ayame isn't making things worse by not forgiving her parents.
Being that I have twins, I love stories that include them.
All the friendships are nice and I'm going to go back and read about Noelle and Zach. I really want to read their story. I hope there's a story on Chase and Tori bc they are something else.
I love that Tay intertwines places from other books into her current books.
This book had potential, but it didn't quite come together.
I liked the characters. Ayame was a beautiful brown skinned athlete that was trying to find her way in life. She inherits a business and home from her aunt and gains a fresh start right when she needs it. Within her first few days in her new town she meets Austin. He too is a new business owner. They have additional commonalities like running from their past as well as unhappy relationships with their parents. Along with both trying to honor a family member. Austin is handsome, smart, and full of swag and... insecurities. They click right away and even though Ayame knows she shouldn't get into a new relationship she is intrigued.
There is a lot going on with this story with repetitive story lines. Married men lying about their situation. Parents hiding things. An estranged relationship amongst siblings. Then the best friend story line trying to be in your corner as you make bad decisions. I feel like less is more. The author could have spent more time on the connection between Ayame and Austin. Allowing us to fall in love with them, but instead it just seemed forced.
Ayame was getting on my nerves. I hate that her parents caused her so much pain growing up. But Austin has red flags and is toxic for her. But she's being dumb ..but he hurt you from the first kiss. And then he hurt you when his ex called. And the fact that they went raw on the first time, bothered me. I understand a heat of passion..😒BUT that leads to a life time of hurt. (STDs) Then they said after that, they will be sure to use protection since she's not on birth control. But y'all did a lot again after she got her hair cut. 🤦🏾♀️ At this point.. I'm only halfway through the book and she's pissing me off. They also said that they both were going to get tested just to be sure... But where is the results and whatever came from that because y'all still going raw. That's why Reid was getting bad vibes🤔😒. Let me keep reading.
Austin deserved everything she did to him. She opened up and told him about her first relationship and expressed her fears and concern And he did the same thing. 😭.
So many lies and secrets. I feel like the mom was dead wrong. So much hurt could have been avoided. All in all. A good read. Ending was abrupt, but we all can assume what happened.
This book was SO GOOD!!!! I just really liked both Ayame and Austin! They were both flawed, both had their issues, but there was such a deep connection from their first moment together. And that connection eventually propelled them heal some of those broken places. It was interesting that while their family backgrounds were different, they had strikingly similar experiences of never feeling good enough by their parents. And it had clearly affected so many things in both their lives. It was great to see them finally break free from that mental and emotional bondage. I really enjoyed their journey to happiness! This was a great book! I can't wait to read Tori and Chase's story!
I am becoming more and more of a fan Ms. Mo'Nae. I am reading more of your catalog. I enjoyed Austin and Ayame story, it wasn't short of the drama and all the curve balls. As I was reading, what I thought was going to be the climax from the return of the ex, I was wrong it was something else. I am always ecstatic about the happy ending. I am pretty sure I am going to go back and read Zachary and Noelle story. I loved how Zachary and Austin were there for each other through it all.
This is a great read, and I most definitely recommend it. I am hoping that Tori and Chase story is birthed from this set of friends. I know the way those two interact in this book their story is going to be a wild ride. I am looking forward to your next release.
2.75 because: 1) Didn't really like the writing. 2) It felt a bit rushed, how they met and started their relationship. Nothing wrong with falling fast, but in this case, I felt like I need a bit more time to actually feel their chemistry and believe their love for each other. 3) The issues with the parents from both sides. I understand they talked and everything but, maybe they needed to go to therapy or something. 4) The ex. It did not make sense to me why Austin did not tell the truth from the beginning. He had so many opportunities and he knew how and why Ayame's last relationship ended and still, my man chose to be dumb. It was an easy book to read, and I did not feel bored. But still, it could have been better.
Omg this was lit. My girl went through some stuff doing her life till the end. But I glad she came out on top with everything and made some stuff right. It took the right women to bring love back out of him cause he kept running from it. But at the end they became a powerful team with their two business right next too each other.and I'm glad they both worked stuff out with their parents and they all are on the right path. U did good on yet another book and I'm looking forward to reading more of them. Sitting here patting my feet while sipping on Pepsi and while waiting on the next book to read
This book didn’t make much sense to me. You leave one man because he lies. He tries to correct that lie but you’re not having it. You fall for another guy with mommy and daddy issues. Then find out he’s in the same boat as the previous guy you were dealing with but it’s ok to forgive him and keep letting him back in? Just because your “connection” was deeper? I didn’t feel the connection, couldn’t understand what she saw in Austin. He wasn’t a man, just a boy trying to grow up and act like one. I honestly don’t get the rave reviews but everyone does like different types of chocolate so maybe it’s just that…
I loved Austin and Ayame 🥰 their vibe was everything the chemistry from the beginning was everything. I was so mad at him for putting her through the exact same thing her ex put her through especially because she told him what happened. I’m just glad she was willing to forgive him because he really did love her and she loved him.
Loved the talks they each had with their parents letting them know how they had been feeling since kids and the parents being open and understanding their faults.
I’m new to this author put I’ve loved everything I have read so far so kudos to you Queen 👏🏾 🥳
WTAH⁉️ “Chocolate Kisses (Unexpected - Book 2)” was a mediocre read. Unfortunately, this book/storyline just wasn’t for me. …I was more annoyed & frustrated than entertained with the insecurities, emotional issues & secrecy the entire read. Thereafter, I’m baffled by Austin’s stupidity! …His age was irrelevant! A simple “yes” or “no”, “do you have any secrets?” Austin had numerous opportunities (plus six years) to rectify his marital status 🤨! This storyline was BS! Both Ayame & Austin were two broken souls (long before meeting each other), that needed to heal before venturing into another romantic relationship.
Newly business owners, Austin and Ayame love interest sparked so fast and felt so real I don’t think either knew what to do when a big secret was revealed. Both had deep family issues that they were dealing with and needed to let out. I loved how the author wrote the female lead and how she was described, I can relate to Ayame in more ways than I thought. I loved the supporting characters too each one brought substance to the story and I hope I read about them more. They had some errors but nothing to take away from the story. Definitely recommend
This read was really good. It showed the different things that people go through when holding everything in. Austin always felt like he didn’t have anyone after his grandpop died and started to rebel just to feel noticed. Ayame struggled with wanting to be good enough for her parents and it made her attach to every man that showed her some attention. She always ran when things got tough instead of facing them head on. Her and Austin were made for each other and I’m glad they worked it out on the end!
Austin had me questioning his age at times because he seemed like a big baby who could manage his feelings. As I learned more about his feelings regarding his role in his family growing up, I started having a wee little sympathy for him. Ayame was the perfect woman to relate to how he felt and to support him. I love that it was layers of conflict to overcome some I never would have predicted. Great ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read!
This was a good read. The book flowed so well that I got lost within the story and once I realized I was close to the end I was sad. Austin and Ayame both had their issues and secrets but their love for each other was much stronger than what was against them. I’m hoping Tori and Chase can get their own story lol but overall this is a story you don’t wanna miss out on!
This is such a lovely story. Ayame and Austin are two souls who find each at a time when they are both at new chapter in their lives . Both deal with self doubt and are struggling to find themselves when they fall for each other. I really love how this story unfolded. Tay Monae really makes you feel the emotions of Austin and Ayame. This a beautiful story.
This book keep me at the edge of me seat. I’m so glad they were both able to clear the air with their parents and were able to let the know exactly how they felt. Extra happy that Austin was able to get his lady back. The fact that Ayame was able to get her happy ending.
Austin’s and Ayame’s was my favorite, they both went through so much before meeting and even though I knew Austin was gonna mess it up, I’m glad they got themselves together and back together. I really enjoyed reading this book, now we just need a story for Tori and Chase!
Austin and Ayame were definitely alike in more ways than one. I'm glad their mishaps didn't deter their love. Both of them fell hard in the beginning for one another and it was beautiful. This was an outstanding read and I can't wait to see if there's a story about Chase and Tori.
I felt some much empathy for Austin. I normally dont connect more with male characters, but Tay wrote the heck outta this one. I love connect the various BRF and Maple Hills characters and businesses. There were some curveballs that I didnt see coming in this book which made it even more refreshing to read. Great job, once again.
Spoiler alert! I was mad as hell when I found out Austin was married. I know it was different from when her other boyfriend who had a whole family and was still actively living with his wife. But he still should have told her and the rest of his family he had married that hoe.
I almost always fall in love with the male characters but this time I fell in love with both. Ayame was so strong and she didn’t let anything hold her back. It’s rare seeing men be vulnerable and have reservations but she didn’t let that stop her. She was the friend that Austin needed and so much for. Really good story
This book was to similar to & Then There Was You. It was repetitive, scenes almost identical and I just can look over the sex scenes. If you are going to have your characters have a lot of sex, there are just to many easy ways to research positions and wording for your characters to be doing the same old thing.
Really liked Ayame and Austin’s story and how their chemistry developed. The plot twists were good (I suspected the Aunt Dee angle!) and I liked that the Norine situation brought clarity not just drama. Side note: loved the extra detail of the dripping chocolate and swirling smoke in their respective name headers. Great read as always Tae!
I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of the way this author writes 😍 this was a sweet story.. I can admit that after Reid’s warning I couldn’t wait for the shoe to drop in Austin’s drama buuuut I can say that I wasn’t expecting THAT 🤯 however the chemistry between Ayame & Austin was undeniably felt so I knew that they would come together.
I enjoyed Austin and Ayame's story. They both had some things in their past that caused them not to trust but in the end it all worked out and they got their happily ever after! My only complaint is there were a lot of editing issues and I couldn't ignore them as there were way too many!
I loved this story. So many key parts that brought this story to life. I felt like Ayame, tell me the truth and let me make my one decision about our situation. I loved the fact that Austin got a chance to grow and correct his wrongs.
They were both drawn to each other from the beginning and I hope they get their happy ever after.
This book was so much fun to read. I fell in love with Austin so early, and my heart went out to him. He was so amazing, and I felt bad that he didnt think he was worthy of love.