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Marietta Chocolate Wars #2
You Had Me at Chocolate
This Christmas, a childhood promise comes calling…
Clementine Hardy always wanted to be a librarian in her Marietta hometown. But at thirty, she fears she’s become too predictable—so she quits, books a European vacation, and accepts a research job in New York. Then on her birthday, a hunky piece of her past arrives, drops to bended knee, and proposes in front of half the town.
Bad boy celebrity chef Jude Barlow is done with the bright lights and late nights. He sells his Manhattan restaurant and volunteers in Africa to clear his head. A year later, he’s a new man with a new goal: find the girl from summer camp—the most practical woman he knows—and collect on the pinky promise they made when they were twelve.
Clem won’t marry a guy she hasn’t seen in nearly two decades, no matter how attractive or how talented he is in and out of her kitchen. But why does he have to look more delicious than the chocolate creations he concocts for the Graff Hotel? More delicious than anything in New York?
Clementine Hardy always wanted to be a librarian in her Marietta hometown. But at thirty, she fears she’s become too predictable—so she quits, books a European vacation, and accepts a research job in New York. Then on her birthday, a hunky piece of her past arrives, drops to bended knee, and proposes in front of half the town.
Bad boy celebrity chef Jude Barlow is done with the bright lights and late nights. He sells his Manhattan restaurant and volunteers in Africa to clear his head. A year later, he’s a new man with a new goal: find the girl from summer camp—the most practical woman he knows—and collect on the pinky promise they made when they were twelve.
Clem won’t marry a guy she hasn’t seen in nearly two decades, no matter how attractive or how talented he is in and out of her kitchen. But why does he have to look more delicious than the chocolate creations he concocts for the Graff Hotel? More delicious than anything in New York?
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2021
44 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Amy Andrews
431 books1,430 followersAmy is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling Aussie author who has written eighty-five contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets.
Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.
She loves good books and great booze although she'll take mediocre booze if there's nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!
She recently took a sea change and lives by the ocean with her husband of 33 years.
Sign up for Amy's newsletter here - http://www.amyandrews.com.au/newslett...
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Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.
She loves good books and great booze although she'll take mediocre booze if there's nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!
She recently took a sea change and lives by the ocean with her husband of 33 years.
Sign up for Amy's newsletter here - http://www.amyandrews.com.au/newslett...
Follow Amy -
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyAndrewsAu...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyandrewsb...
BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/amy-a...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 7, 2021
Amy Andrews once again delivers the goodies in the latest in her Marietta Chocolate Wars series. Sweet and steamy with wonderful characters and a perfect small town atmosphere, You Had Me at Chocolate definitely brings plenty of winter warmth and festive fuzzies.
Copy received courtesy of Tule Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Copy received courtesy of Tule Publishing for an honest and unbiased opinion.
November 9, 2021
This is small town romance set in Montana with Amy Andrews’s dash of sass, comedy and sexiness! I love the premise; the hero shows up on the day of the heroines 30th birthday because of a pinky promise they made to one another back when they were 12. I really enjoyed it!!! Amy Andrews is just so good!
4.5
4.5
November 2, 2021
A pinkie swear promise leads to happily ever after.
When Clem and Jude were twelve years old, they made a pinkie promise that they would marry at thirty, if they were both still single. Now Jude is ready to settle down but it’s bad timing for Clem. She is just about to start living her dreams. Clem plans to start a job in New York and wants to travel. At the last minute, Clem’s plans change, due to a family emergency, and Jude is there to help her through it and their friendship becomes more intimate. But is it enough for a lasting love?
This book took me through a wide range of emotions and it was hard to put down. I was so glad to see how Clem and Jude finally found their happiness together. There was also a fun chocolate display competition in the book which led to several late-night cravings.
When Clem and Jude were twelve years old, they made a pinkie promise that they would marry at thirty, if they were both still single. Now Jude is ready to settle down but it’s bad timing for Clem. She is just about to start living her dreams. Clem plans to start a job in New York and wants to travel. At the last minute, Clem’s plans change, due to a family emergency, and Jude is there to help her through it and their friendship becomes more intimate. But is it enough for a lasting love?
This book took me through a wide range of emotions and it was hard to put down. I was so glad to see how Clem and Jude finally found their happiness together. There was also a fun chocolate display competition in the book which led to several late-night cravings.
November 18, 2021
I received this arc of You Had Me At Chocolate from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book in. Amy Andrews’ Marietta Chocolate Wars series. This was a fun and romantic story that I highly recommend. It isn’t necessary to read the first book in order to follow the storyline. Book 2 is the story of Clementine and Jude. Clem has stayed in her hometown of Marietta where she is a librarian. She and Jude had met at summer camp when they were children. They lost touch once they became adults. Jude was a celebrity chef who had gone on a trip to Africa to try to help the less fortunate and give back.
As the book opens, Jude arrives in Marietta from Africa to follow through on a pact he and Clem made as children. They said if they were single at 30, they would get married to each other. Jude locates Clem at her home where she was hosting a big party for her 30th birthday and a going away party. She is going on a 2 month trip and then taking a new job in NYC. Jude proposes in front of everyone to Clem’s mortification. They talk privately and he explains what all he has been going through and his desire to move to where she is , get married and open an inn. Clem politely let’s him down about the proposal. She explains about her need to see the world and also move to NYC and take a research position.
She offers to let him stay at her house while she’s traveling and then u til it’s sold when she moves. While she is at the airport waiting for her plane to leave, she gets a call from her dad that her mom suffered a stroke. She of course cancels her trip and goes to the hospital. She and her dad hold vigil for her mom. She lets Jude know and he cooks for them and brings it to the hospital. Clem and Jude have feelings for the other but both are in denial. They try to remain friends and continue on the course they planned. There is alot of angst and suspense about what their individual plans are, what will happen to Clem’s mom, etc. I really like Clem and Jude. Both have flaws but they are genuine people and very likable. I was pulling for them to realize they have feelings for each other as their chemistry seems so good. I enjoyed all the descriptions Amy provides the reader about the meals and chocolate items Jude makes. I gave it 5 stars.
As the book opens, Jude arrives in Marietta from Africa to follow through on a pact he and Clem made as children. They said if they were single at 30, they would get married to each other. Jude locates Clem at her home where she was hosting a big party for her 30th birthday and a going away party. She is going on a 2 month trip and then taking a new job in NYC. Jude proposes in front of everyone to Clem’s mortification. They talk privately and he explains what all he has been going through and his desire to move to where she is , get married and open an inn. Clem politely let’s him down about the proposal. She explains about her need to see the world and also move to NYC and take a research position.
She offers to let him stay at her house while she’s traveling and then u til it’s sold when she moves. While she is at the airport waiting for her plane to leave, she gets a call from her dad that her mom suffered a stroke. She of course cancels her trip and goes to the hospital. She and her dad hold vigil for her mom. She lets Jude know and he cooks for them and brings it to the hospital. Clem and Jude have feelings for the other but both are in denial. They try to remain friends and continue on the course they planned. There is alot of angst and suspense about what their individual plans are, what will happen to Clem’s mom, etc. I really like Clem and Jude. Both have flaws but they are genuine people and very likable. I was pulling for them to realize they have feelings for each other as their chemistry seems so good. I enjoyed all the descriptions Amy provides the reader about the meals and chocolate items Jude makes. I gave it 5 stars.
November 22, 2023
ספר המשך ל-"All's Fair in Love and Chocolate", המוקדש לקלמנטיין, האקסית של אית'ן מהספר הקודם.
כשקלמנטיין הייתה ילדה, היא הייתה יוצאת בכל שנה למחנה קיץ, שם היה לה חבר טוב בשם ג'וד. כשהם היו ילדים הם עשו ביניהם הסכם שאם שניהם יהיו רווקים בגיל שלושים, הם יתחתנו אחד עם השנייה.
הפעם האחרונה שהם נפגשו במחנה הייתה כשהיו בני 12. הם התכתבו ביניהם אבל מהר מאוד הקשר נותק. לאחר שנים, ג'וד השתתף בתחרות ריאליטי של בישול, והפך לסלבריטי-שף מצליח, עם מסעדה יוקרתית וידועה בניו יורק. עולם הזוהר שאב אותו אליו ובסופו של דבר נמאס לו. הוא מכר את המסעדה ויצא לשנה של התנדבות באזורים קשים באפריקה. בתום השנה, כשלו ולקלמנטיין מלאו שלושים, הוא נזכר בהסכם שלהם ובחברות הנהדרת שהיתה ביניהם, ובספונטניות מחליט לטוס למריאטה ולהציע לקלמנטיין נישואין, כשהוא חושב שאולי זה השינוי והיציבות שהוא זקוק להם בחיים.
במהלך השנים, קלמנטיין בעצמה הגשימה את חלומה ללמוד ספרנות ומידענות ולהפוך לספרנית, אך ככל שהתקרבה לגיל שלושים, היא הרגישה שחייה יותר מידי יציבים ובטוחים, ולכן גם נפרדה מאית'ן (בתחילת הספר הקודם), יצאה לטיול ברחבי אירופה והתחילה לתכנן טיולים נוספים וגם לחפש עבודה אחרת.
ג'וד מגיע למריאטה, נכנס בהפתעה למסיבת יום ההולדת של קלמנטיין ומציע לה נישואין, אבל קלמנטיין בכלל מנפנפת אותו ואין לה שום כוונה להתחתן איתו - יש לה טיול מתוכנן ליוון ואח"כ היא אמורה לעבור לניו יורק לעבוד בעבודה אחרת. אחרי דין ודברים ג'וד מתנצל, הם מתפייסים, וקלמנטיין אפילו מציעה לו לגור בבית שלה בזמן שהיא בטיול עד שימצא מקום משלו. ג'וד מצידו מתכוון להשתקע במריאטה ולהגשים את חלומו לפתוח בית הארחה כפרי קטן.
ברגע האחרון, קלמנטיין נאלצת לוותר על הטיול ועל המעבר לניו יורק בגלל טרגדיה שקרתה במשפחתה. היא חוזרת לבית שלה ומתגוררת בו בינתיים עם ג'וד, שעוזר לה להתמודד עם המצב הלא פשוט. הידידות שלהם מעמיקה וגם מתחילה לעבור לטריטוריה יותר בוגרת... אבל האם קלמנטיין תוותר על חלומה לפרוש כנפיים אל מחוץ למריאטה?
כמו בספר הקודם, גם פה אהבתי מאוד את הדמויות ואת האינטראקציה הסקסית ביניהם. קלמנטיין היא דמות חזקה וג'וד ממש מקסים. נהניתי לקרוא.
כשקלמנטיין הייתה ילדה, היא הייתה יוצאת בכל שנה למחנה קיץ, שם היה לה חבר טוב בשם ג'וד. כשהם היו ילדים הם עשו ביניהם הסכם שאם שניהם יהיו רווקים בגיל שלושים, הם יתחתנו אחד עם השנייה.
הפעם האחרונה שהם נפגשו במחנה הייתה כשהיו בני 12. הם התכתבו ביניהם אבל מהר מאוד הקשר נותק. לאחר שנים, ג'וד השתתף בתחרות ריאליטי של בישול, והפך לסלבריטי-שף מצליח, עם מסעדה יוקרתית וידועה בניו יורק. עולם הזוהר שאב אותו אליו ובסופו של דבר נמאס לו. הוא מכר את המסעדה ויצא לשנה של התנדבות באזורים קשים באפריקה. בתום השנה, כשלו ולקלמנטיין מלאו שלושים, הוא נזכר בהסכם שלהם ובחברות הנהדרת שהיתה ביניהם, ובספונטניות מחליט לטוס למריאטה ולהציע לקלמנטיין נישואין, כשהוא חושב שאולי זה השינוי והיציבות שהוא זקוק להם בחיים.
במהלך השנים, קלמנטיין בעצמה הגשימה את חלומה ללמוד ספרנות ומידענות ולהפוך לספרנית, אך ככל שהתקרבה לגיל שלושים, היא הרגישה שחייה יותר מידי יציבים ובטוחים, ולכן גם נפרדה מאית'ן (בתחילת הספר הקודם), יצאה לטיול ברחבי אירופה והתחילה לתכנן טיולים נוספים וגם לחפש עבודה אחרת.
ג'וד מגיע למריאטה, נכנס בהפתעה למסיבת יום ההולדת של קלמנטיין ומציע לה נישואין, אבל קלמנטיין בכלל מנפנפת אותו ואין לה שום כוונה להתחתן איתו - יש לה טיול מתוכנן ליוון ואח"כ היא אמורה לעבור לניו יורק לעבוד בעבודה אחרת. אחרי דין ודברים ג'וד מתנצל, הם מתפייסים, וקלמנטיין אפילו מציעה לו לגור בבית שלה בזמן שהיא בטיול עד שימצא מקום משלו. ג'וד מצידו מתכוון להשתקע במריאטה ולהגשים את חלומו לפתוח בית הארחה כפרי קטן.
ברגע האחרון, קלמנטיין נאלצת לוותר על הטיול ועל המעבר לניו יורק בגלל טרגדיה שקרתה במשפחתה. היא חוזרת לבית שלה ומתגוררת בו בינתיים עם ג'וד, שעוזר לה להתמודד עם המצב הלא פשוט. הידידות שלהם מעמיקה וגם מתחילה לעבור לטריטוריה יותר בוגרת... אבל האם קלמנטיין תוותר על חלומה לפרוש כנפיים אל מחוץ למריאטה?
כמו בספר הקודם, גם פה אהבתי מאוד את הדמויות ואת האינטראקציה הסקסית ביניהם. קלמנטיין היא דמות חזקה וג'וד ממש מקסים. נהניתי לקרוא.
November 16, 2021
Trademark heat and sweet HEA
We'll I think this is Amy Andrews pretty close to her best. Jude and Clem have some depth, the background is interesting without intruding, the sexy bits are nicely hot, and the writing is great.
In this book you get a teeny glimpse of Amy's medical expertise (if you haven't read her medical backlist, that's an enjoyable deep dive), along with a light touch of Marietta. I was a little surprised that we didn't get more of the town, but both Marietta books stand alone, so no pressure to read Bk 1 before starting this one.
It's a fast fall from virtual strangers to soul mates - even counting the pinky swear from 20 years ago - but by the end I was convinced Jude was Clem's perfect match... And the ending was perfection and made me happy.
We'll I think this is Amy Andrews pretty close to her best. Jude and Clem have some depth, the background is interesting without intruding, the sexy bits are nicely hot, and the writing is great.
In this book you get a teeny glimpse of Amy's medical expertise (if you haven't read her medical backlist, that's an enjoyable deep dive), along with a light touch of Marietta. I was a little surprised that we didn't get more of the town, but both Marietta books stand alone, so no pressure to read Bk 1 before starting this one.
It's a fast fall from virtual strangers to soul mates - even counting the pinky swear from 20 years ago - but by the end I was convinced Jude was Clem's perfect match... And the ending was perfection and made me happy.
November 4, 2021
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
3.5 stars.
A cute and entertaining read with two characters showing lovely detours from stereotypes, “You Had Me at Chocolate”, by talented and versatile author Amy Andrews, features a hero who is sweet, sexy, generous and completely besotted with the heroine.
The story has such an anticlimactic beginning that I was wondering if it would hold my interest, but it did. Jude is a charming man and Clementine, his dear childhood friend, is a pragmatic, assertive, independent woman.
I loved how Jude showed his love and affection through cooking. He’s successful, a celebrity, yet down-to-earth and modest.
I also liked that the heroine, a small-town librarian, doesn’t show the usual stereotypes of shyness and virginity associated with the job.
The friendship and complicity between these two is wonderful to watch. Family matters in the story, too, because it’s present (Clem’s) or absent (Jude’s).
The storyline is enjoyable and easy to follow, an amusing journey of childhood friends turning into hot lovers, with lots of sexual encounters permeated with mouthwatering food.
3.5 stars.
A cute and entertaining read with two characters showing lovely detours from stereotypes, “You Had Me at Chocolate”, by talented and versatile author Amy Andrews, features a hero who is sweet, sexy, generous and completely besotted with the heroine.
The story has such an anticlimactic beginning that I was wondering if it would hold my interest, but it did. Jude is a charming man and Clementine, his dear childhood friend, is a pragmatic, assertive, independent woman.
I loved how Jude showed his love and affection through cooking. He’s successful, a celebrity, yet down-to-earth and modest.
I also liked that the heroine, a small-town librarian, doesn’t show the usual stereotypes of shyness and virginity associated with the job.
The friendship and complicity between these two is wonderful to watch. Family matters in the story, too, because it’s present (Clem’s) or absent (Jude’s).
The storyline is enjoyable and easy to follow, an amusing journey of childhood friends turning into hot lovers, with lots of sexual encounters permeated with mouthwatering food.
November 15, 2021
What a wonderful read. A marriage pact at a young age brings two childhood friends back together at the age of thirty. One ready to marry the other having other plans. As time goes by and the chemistry gets intense will they give in or will they stay friends. It is a fun, sweet read. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2021
You Had Me at Chocolate (Marietta Chocolate Wars, #2) by Amy Andrews is a funny, serious, sexy read. I was prepared for the funny and sexy but the serious, really serious that happens early in the story took me by surprise. So here I am enjoying what is a nice little romance when suddenly I am turning pages as fast as I can read to see how everything pans out in this Marietta family.
Clementine Hardy is such a wonderful character. No, she would not like for me to say mature, responsible, or steady, which she is. However, she is also bold, wise, caring, downright kind, and makes decisions based on the needs of others. These are skills mega ego celebrity chef Jude Harlow may be trying to learn but hasn’t mastered yet, except for the boldness. I did like him, I just wanted him to already know the world doesn’t revolve around him when he first comes to Marietta. Well, better late than never.
You Had Me at Chocolate will have you craving chocolate, believing that perhaps our twelve year old selves really did know a thing or too and believing that people can be better than they were. Then of course, when they are they are ready to share that better self with someone else. Clementine was wise beyond her years when she said told Jude that early in the story.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Clementine Hardy is such a wonderful character. No, she would not like for me to say mature, responsible, or steady, which she is. However, she is also bold, wise, caring, downright kind, and makes decisions based on the needs of others. These are skills mega ego celebrity chef Jude Harlow may be trying to learn but hasn’t mastered yet, except for the boldness. I did like him, I just wanted him to already know the world doesn’t revolve around him when he first comes to Marietta. Well, better late than never.
You Had Me at Chocolate will have you craving chocolate, believing that perhaps our twelve year old selves really did know a thing or too and believing that people can be better than they were. Then of course, when they are they are ready to share that better self with someone else. Clementine was wise beyond her years when she said told Jude that early in the story.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 15, 2021
A childhood marriage pact brings Jude to Marietta to propose to his pact mate, Clementine. She is not happy with the proposal at all. Deciding to be just friends becomes more and more difficult with the chemistry between them. Life’s struggles bring them closer together but will this also bring love?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 15, 2021
I really enjoyed how author Amy Andrews took us on a slow journey to love in this story. This story was definitely filled with ups & downs as Jude & Clementine navigate a new path of friendship. The pair met at summer camp many yrs ago & a friendship began that also came with a pinky promise. Now Jude is in Marietta looking to collect on that pinkie promise but Clementine says no, she’s not staying or so she thinks. As she’s ready to move on a family emergency keeps her home, Jude decides Marietta is where he will now call home & make his dreams come true. What happens next is a slow fall into love for both Jude & Clementine. Definitely loved this book. Thank you to Tule publishing for letting me read this book for an honest review.
November 21, 2021
4.5 stars. I quite liked this funny, sweet and spicy read. The characters were likeable and just meshed so well together. The plot was good, and kept me interested all the way through. Overall, an enjoyable romance. *I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 15, 2021
I loved it,I love a good 2nd chance at romance story and any mention of 🍫 just piques my interest even more.I love this book cover of Clem & Jude.
December 4, 2021
Excellent book
November 20, 2021
I loved every minute of this small town, friends to lovers Christmas romance. Jude was the best! He had me smiling from the moment he walked into Clem's birthday party. This was the perfect holiday read!
You Had Me at Chocolate is the first book that I've read by Amy Andrews, and I absolutely love her sense of humor and writing style.
You Had Me at Chocolate is the first book that I've read by Amy Andrews, and I absolutely love her sense of humor and writing style.
November 21, 2021
This book didn't do anything for me. I normally like Ms. Andrews writing but this one just fell flat for me. I love the Marietta, Montana, books but this one just seemed to struggle.
If you want a mindless easy read though, it is worth giving it a try. All of us find different things to like in a book.
If you want a mindless easy read though, it is worth giving it a try. All of us find different things to like in a book.
December 28, 2021
4.5☆
Cute
I always enjoy revisiting Marietta.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Marietta Chocolate Wars
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from Tule Publishing.
Cute
I always enjoy revisiting Marietta.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: Marietta Chocolate Wars
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from Tule Publishing.
December 17, 2021
Witty, funny, sexy and tender, You Had Me At Chocolate has been an absolute joy to read. I loved the pairing of a nerdy librarian with a glamorous celebrity chef and that it turned out that Clementine was far sexier than any librarian should be, while Jude turned out to be happy just helping out however he could despite his rather unusual return to Clem’s life. I loved the pair of them to bits and the things you can do with chocolate, my goodness! This is perfect Christmas romantic escapism. Loved it!
December 12, 2021
Jude and Clementine
A feel good romance of Jude and Clem meeting back up after not seeing each other since summer camps. Showing love can be a powerful thing when two people are destined to be together. A happy ending epilog had me happily sighing.
A feel good romance of Jude and Clem meeting back up after not seeing each other since summer camps. Showing love can be a powerful thing when two people are destined to be together. A happy ending epilog had me happily sighing.
Want to read
December 8, 2021Another winner for Tule Publishing! Amy's writing was charming and fit into the whole Marietta, Wyoming setting. I have read a number of Amy's books and find them well written and good characters are believable.
Recommend to anyone looking for a lovely read!
Recommend to anyone looking for a lovely read!
December 12, 2021
Clementine always wanted to a librarian in her home town of Marietta and she's been very happy. But recently she's been feeling stuck in a rut and the urge to spread her wings so she's got a short-term job in New York and then she's going to do some serious travelling.
Jude was a celebrity chef on a hit TV show (I'm thinking Gordon Ramsay style bad behaviour) until he realised that he was being encouraged into bad and self-destructive behaviours. So he quit his celebrity lifestyle, sold his New York restaurant and volunteered overseas. In a come to Jesus moment he decides what he wants is to open a restaurant in a small town, something like the inns he used to stay in with his parents as a child, where better than rural Montana, home of the little girl he met at Summer Camp all those years ago. Because he's a man, Jude decides nothing could be better than to marry said childhood friend, herself an antidote to all the glamorous models, actresses and wannabes he's dated/married in the past. So he proposes on bended knee in front of half the town!
It seems as though that is that. Jude wants to settle down and live the small town life while Clem is ready to spread her wings, then Clem's mother has a stroke and her bright shiny plans are cancelled. Clem and Jude realise they can help each other. He will cook for her and her father while they travel to visit her mother in hospital, in return Clem will let him stay in her spare room and help him search for the restaurant property of his dreams.
When Clem propositions Jude to help her forget her anxiety over her mother, they agree that this is a one-time thing, but as they spend more time together the lines seem to get a bit blurred.
I liked it but I didn't love it, I just don't think I was in the mood for a sexy Hallmark movie style book TBH.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher Tule in return for an honest review.
Jude was a celebrity chef on a hit TV show (I'm thinking Gordon Ramsay style bad behaviour) until he realised that he was being encouraged into bad and self-destructive behaviours. So he quit his celebrity lifestyle, sold his New York restaurant and volunteered overseas. In a come to Jesus moment he decides what he wants is to open a restaurant in a small town, something like the inns he used to stay in with his parents as a child, where better than rural Montana, home of the little girl he met at Summer Camp all those years ago. Because he's a man, Jude decides nothing could be better than to marry said childhood friend, herself an antidote to all the glamorous models, actresses and wannabes he's dated/married in the past. So he proposes on bended knee in front of half the town!
It seems as though that is that. Jude wants to settle down and live the small town life while Clem is ready to spread her wings, then Clem's mother has a stroke and her bright shiny plans are cancelled. Clem and Jude realise they can help each other. He will cook for her and her father while they travel to visit her mother in hospital, in return Clem will let him stay in her spare room and help him search for the restaurant property of his dreams.
When Clem propositions Jude to help her forget her anxiety over her mother, they agree that this is a one-time thing, but as they spend more time together the lines seem to get a bit blurred.
I liked it but I didn't love it, I just don't think I was in the mood for a sexy Hallmark movie style book TBH.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher Tule in return for an honest review.
December 19, 2022
I enjoyed this book quite a bit Clementine and Jude met at summer camp and when they were 9 they made a pact that if neither was married at 30, they'd marry each other. Jude after a rough couple of years shows up at Clem's birthday party (and going away party) with a ring and a very public proposal even though they haven't talked in years. Once Clem sets him straight, Jude begins the quest to find the perfect home to make into an inn where he can serve his guests a fond memory of his childhood. At different points in their lives; Jude having traveled all over as a celebrity chef, owner of a NYC restaurant, and a year volunteering in Africa, he's ready for home and hearth, but Clementine is off for a 6 week vacation and then a new job in New York...but life happens and plans change but their dreams don't. These two had a lot to work through including some longing and feelings they didn't want to admit. This was a wonderful story!
May 31, 2022
This was a very sweet small town romance. It was a story about a young boy and a young girl who made a pinkie promise at a Summer camp. Jude Barlow and Clementine Hardy made a pinkie promise as children that if they were still single at thirty they would get married.
Clem always wanted to be a librarian in Marietta, Montana in her hometown. At thirty she fears that she has become too predictable. On her birthday her past shows up, drops to blended knee and proposes marriage. Jude Barlow is a bad boy celebrity chef who is done with late nights and bright lights. He sells his restaurant, goes to Africa to clear his head.
A year later he becomes a new man and decides to find the girl from Summer Camp. He ends up finding Clem and she is surprised when he proposes marriage. This was a very sweet love story between these two. I loved reading this book.
Clem always wanted to be a librarian in Marietta, Montana in her hometown. At thirty she fears that she has become too predictable. On her birthday her past shows up, drops to blended knee and proposes marriage. Jude Barlow is a bad boy celebrity chef who is done with late nights and bright lights. He sells his restaurant, goes to Africa to clear his head.
A year later he becomes a new man and decides to find the girl from Summer Camp. He ends up finding Clem and she is surprised when he proposes marriage. This was a very sweet love story between these two. I loved reading this book.
January 20, 2022
Really fun, interesting premise. Loved Jude and thought he was a wonderful, smart, funny character. Didn’t like Clem quite as much because she was constantly sending mixed messages. But still enjoyed the two of them together.
Also - I don’t know what it was, but something just felt off with the ending. Can’t quite put my finger on it, but her sudden realization of her feelings and then her adamance that she wouldn’t want a proposal etc just kind of took the wind out of my sails.
Also - I don’t know what it was, but something just felt off with the ending. Can’t quite put my finger on it, but her sudden realization of her feelings and then her adamance that she wouldn’t want a proposal etc just kind of took the wind out of my sails.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2022
I really enjoyed this friends to lovers story. Clem and Jude were best friends as kids but have lost that closeness as busy adults. But both of them are at crossroads in their lives, and Jude feels like Clem is the exact thing he needs to set his life straight. Clem isn't so sure about that, but his presence makes her life so much easier during a crisis. They have fantastic friends' chemistry and lovers' chemistry. The balance of the two is lovely.
December 13, 2022
This was a fun story of childhood friends who meet again on their 30th birthdays as part of a pinky swear as 12 year-olds that if they weren't married by their 30th birthdays they'd get married. Librarian Clem thinks it's crazy, Celebrity Chef Jude wants to start over and thinks Clem can save him. At first she rejects him, but then her mother has a stroke, and Jude stays around to help out, which makes her see him differently. It's nice to see them helping each other obtain their goals.
November 5, 2024
Who doesn't like chocolate?
The way Amy winds words together is magical. You don't want to put it down. You just want to keep reading. The side product is yawning at workt he next day.
Clem and Jude's story had me on edge sometimes that they could see the magic they had together.
It had me in tears when her mother shock heath turn was a little too close to home.
But us always Amy delivers her happy ever after with perfection.
The way Amy winds words together is magical. You don't want to put it down. You just want to keep reading. The side product is yawning at workt he next day.
Clem and Jude's story had me on edge sometimes that they could see the magic they had together.
It had me in tears when her mother shock heath turn was a little too close to home.
But us always Amy delivers her happy ever after with perfection.
May 29, 2022
you definitely had me at chocolate
This book was beautiful. A cinnamon roll man who wants to look after his woman in every way he can. Life, however, always seems to get in the way of romance. I’m a little in love with Jude—thinking of sending my husband to Paris to study as a chocolatier.
This book was beautiful. A cinnamon roll man who wants to look after his woman in every way he can. Life, however, always seems to get in the way of romance. I’m a little in love with Jude—thinking of sending my husband to Paris to study as a chocolatier.
September 27, 2023
Fun and deep
This is a slow burn romance, with estranged friends reconnecting. I found it fun yet also deep, dealing with dreams and sick family as well as romance. And lots of chocolate :)
Standalone. 3rd person dual pov. No violence. Steamy.
This is a slow burn romance, with estranged friends reconnecting. I found it fun yet also deep, dealing with dreams and sick family as well as romance. And lots of chocolate :)
Standalone. 3rd person dual pov. No violence. Steamy.
December 27, 2022
A sweet friends to lovers romance with compelling characters and an engaging premise.
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