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Love Started #2
It Started with a Note
It’s their second chance at love—but this time their obstacles include thousands of miles, a cultural barrier, and a world-famous chocolate empire.
Avery Parks is proud of her farm girl upbringing, and now she loves her job in Admissions at the local college. But it’s nice and predictable, just like every other aspect of her life. Maybe it’s time to take a huge risk and have an adventure of her own by traveling to Belgium to see her childhood friend.
Nicolas Servais hasn’t chosen much about his life—not that the son of a world-famous chocolatier empire can complain. But he’s about to inherit the prestigious CEO position from his controlling mother whether he wants it or not. The only thing he’s ever truly chosen for himself was a foreign exchange experience as a teenager in farming country, USA—and with it, the unforgettable Avery Parks.
When Avery comes to visit him in Brussels, he decides to show her a vacation of a lifetime. It’ll be one last hurrah for him before he steps into the position he was born to fill and never really wanted.
As Nicolas immerses Avery in a world vastly different from her own, she finds herself attracted to the man he’s become. But as much as she’s growing to love his charming city and its people, their lives couldn’t possibly be more opposite. With Nicolas’s disapproving mother and living in a high-stakes upper-class world, the obstacles that lay between them feel far more impossible than a few thousand miles.
This trip has been all about Avery taking risks, but falling for Nicolas Servais might be the one risk that she should never take.
Avery Parks is proud of her farm girl upbringing, and now she loves her job in Admissions at the local college. But it’s nice and predictable, just like every other aspect of her life. Maybe it’s time to take a huge risk and have an adventure of her own by traveling to Belgium to see her childhood friend.
Nicolas Servais hasn’t chosen much about his life—not that the son of a world-famous chocolatier empire can complain. But he’s about to inherit the prestigious CEO position from his controlling mother whether he wants it or not. The only thing he’s ever truly chosen for himself was a foreign exchange experience as a teenager in farming country, USA—and with it, the unforgettable Avery Parks.
When Avery comes to visit him in Brussels, he decides to show her a vacation of a lifetime. It’ll be one last hurrah for him before he steps into the position he was born to fill and never really wanted.
As Nicolas immerses Avery in a world vastly different from her own, she finds herself attracted to the man he’s become. But as much as she’s growing to love his charming city and its people, their lives couldn’t possibly be more opposite. With Nicolas’s disapproving mother and living in a high-stakes upper-class world, the obstacles that lay between them feel far more impossible than a few thousand miles.
This trip has been all about Avery taking risks, but falling for Nicolas Servais might be the one risk that she should never take.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2022
50 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Meg Easton
42 books529 followersMeg Easton is the USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romances and romantic comedies with fun, memorable, swoon-worthy characters, and settings you’ll want to pack up and move to. She lives at the foot of a mountain with her name on it (or at least one letter of her name) in Utah. She loves gardening, bike riding, baking, swimming before the sun rises, and spending time with her husband and three kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
May 12, 2022
Oh My Heavens!!!! I can’t tell you how much I adored this book and how much I adored Avery and Nicholas! Oh my heart just loved this book. I know, I’m gushing. But honestly, I can’t help it! It truly was so wonderful. From the characters to the location and descriptions of Brussels. Wow! I was completely pulled into I from beginning to end. My only complaint was my lack of reading time, when all I wanted to do was to sit down and devour this story. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and wondering what was coming next for these two.
Avery needs to step away from her predictable life and decide who she wants to be. She loves her life, her job, her family and where she lives. But she wants to be more assertive and decisive and adventurous. What could be more adventurous than going on a vacation to a foreign country. And it doesn’t hurt that her friend, who was a foreign exchange student who lived with her family years before, has invited her for years to come visit and she can stay at his grandfather’s flat. Perfect! Thus commences the vacation of a lifetime for Avery.
All the descriptions of Brussels had me feel as if I was there being immersed in the sights and sounds and tastes and history right alongside Avery and her sister and Nicholas. It was amazing!!! Now I want to go travel there even more so than before.
Avery and Nicholas were just adorable. Their notes and messages back and forth. Their conversations. Their being up front with each other about their feelings and unsurety of a long distance relationship. I loved the picnics and surprises that Nicholas had in store for Avery and Riley (her sister).
They have a hiccup or two with their different backgrounds but nothing that they can’t overcome with the choices that they make and their desire for being together.
The sweet romance, their tender friendship, the family dynamics, the chemistry, the fashion, the chocolates (seriously I wanted to run to the store and buy me several of those chocolates!) and so much more within this book had me wanting it to never end.
Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further. No language and no explicit content.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Avery needs to step away from her predictable life and decide who she wants to be. She loves her life, her job, her family and where she lives. But she wants to be more assertive and decisive and adventurous. What could be more adventurous than going on a vacation to a foreign country. And it doesn’t hurt that her friend, who was a foreign exchange student who lived with her family years before, has invited her for years to come visit and she can stay at his grandfather’s flat. Perfect! Thus commences the vacation of a lifetime for Avery.
All the descriptions of Brussels had me feel as if I was there being immersed in the sights and sounds and tastes and history right alongside Avery and her sister and Nicholas. It was amazing!!! Now I want to go travel there even more so than before.
Avery and Nicholas were just adorable. Their notes and messages back and forth. Their conversations. Their being up front with each other about their feelings and unsurety of a long distance relationship. I loved the picnics and surprises that Nicholas had in store for Avery and Riley (her sister).
They have a hiccup or two with their different backgrounds but nothing that they can’t overcome with the choices that they make and their desire for being together.
The sweet romance, their tender friendship, the family dynamics, the chemistry, the fashion, the chocolates (seriously I wanted to run to the store and buy me several of those chocolates!) and so much more within this book had me wanting it to never end.
Content: Clean. Some kisses but nothing further. No language and no explicit content.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
January 30, 2023
This story could have been a Hallmark princess movie, except that there was no royalty outside of the world of chocolate makers. So maybe lets go with mean controlling rich mom can't stand the hometown, down to earth love interest trope. Nicolas' mom was a piece of work in the mean girl department. I liked Nicolas but was so irritated by his allowing his mother to control his life I found myself yelling at my kindle. I got why I suppose but I didn't like it.
Ironically Avery allows others to control her life too, in a way. She just does it by always putting everyone else first in her life. I loved when she decided she wanted to take control of herself, first by broadening her horizons and then by deciding how she would respond to others.
I loved the staff as supportive characters. They were some of my favorites.
I was surprised by the resolve and glad it ended how it did instead of one giving up everything for the other. This story is very much about respecting yourself as well as valuing the family. It is an enjoyable read.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Ironically Avery allows others to control her life too, in a way. She just does it by always putting everyone else first in her life. I loved when she decided she wanted to take control of herself, first by broadening her horizons and then by deciding how she would respond to others.
I loved the staff as supportive characters. They were some of my favorites.
I was surprised by the resolve and glad it ended how it did instead of one giving up everything for the other. This story is very much about respecting yourself as well as valuing the family. It is an enjoyable read.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
June 1, 2022
Whenever I want a real feel-good book I know I can pick up one of Meg Easton's and it will hit the mark. I loved the sweet romance. I felt like I could relate to Avery to some degree. She's comfortable and safe in her current situation, but feels the need to be brave and step out of her comfort zone to discover and feel new things. I thought Avery and Nicholas were sweet together, and I liked how she made their characters better by being together. It has a little bit of a Cinderella vibe going on, and some lovely descriptions of gourmet chocolate that I'm slightly disappointed that I can't taste.
April 30, 2022
An enjoyable read. I didn’t realize when I picked it up that it wasn’t a Christian book. But I will say it was cleaner than some Christian romance books I’ve read.
I enjoyed Avery and her determination to grow her character and stretch herself by doing things that didn’t come easily for her.
Nicholas was so sweet and personable. I love how much relationships meant to him.
Ugh, the controlling mom was awful and I was so glad when someone finally stood up to her!
The descriptions of Belgium were delightful and made me want to go visit. And the chocolates. Oh, the delicious chocolates!
Overall this was a sweet story that I enjoyed. There were some kisses with mild description and that’s about it.
I enjoyed Avery and her determination to grow her character and stretch herself by doing things that didn’t come easily for her.
Nicholas was so sweet and personable. I love how much relationships meant to him.
Ugh, the controlling mom was awful and I was so glad when someone finally stood up to her!
The descriptions of Belgium were delightful and made me want to go visit. And the chocolates. Oh, the delicious chocolates!
Overall this was a sweet story that I enjoyed. There were some kisses with mild description and that’s about it.
April 14, 2022
I’m loving this series by Meg Easton! Her characters just shine. They jump off the page and make me want to know them in real life. I loved everything about this book. It just made me happy!
Avery is such a great character. I loved the way she was searching for something more in her life. And that lead her to writing a note to Nicholas, the young man who was an exchange student in her home. She and her sister fly to Belgium to spend time with him. I loved the way Avery just made everyone around them feel as though they were her very best friend. And I loved that she learned a lot about herself and grew throughout the book.
Nicholas needed to grow as well. I loved the way he learned how to stand up to his family when he needed to. The parts with Nicholas were some of my favorite. His family runs a chocolate shop. And he dreams of being over developing new chocolates.
I loved the feel of Belgium in this one. It made me want to go visit, see all the sights and eat ALL the chocolate. You really need to read this one!
This one is the second book in the series. I think you could read It Started with a Sunset first, because you’re going to want to, anyway! But you don’t have to.
I was sent a copy of It Started with a Note as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
Avery is such a great character. I loved the way she was searching for something more in her life. And that lead her to writing a note to Nicholas, the young man who was an exchange student in her home. She and her sister fly to Belgium to spend time with him. I loved the way Avery just made everyone around them feel as though they were her very best friend. And I loved that she learned a lot about herself and grew throughout the book.
Nicholas needed to grow as well. I loved the way he learned how to stand up to his family when he needed to. The parts with Nicholas were some of my favorite. His family runs a chocolate shop. And he dreams of being over developing new chocolates.
I loved the feel of Belgium in this one. It made me want to go visit, see all the sights and eat ALL the chocolate. You really need to read this one!
This one is the second book in the series. I think you could read It Started with a Sunset first, because you’re going to want to, anyway! But you don’t have to.
I was sent a copy of It Started with a Note as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
March 24, 2022
Okay!….This book is ADORABLE!! I loved it so much. Avery and her sister, Riley take a trip to Belgium to experience more in her life. They go to visit Nicolas who stayed with Avery’s family in high school as a foreign exchange student.
Sparks fly between Avery and Nicolas! They come from different worlds but only want each other. Their chemistry is amazing and it was fun to take a trip to Brussels. I’m impressed Meg Easton was able to explain Europe so well. Now I need to know if she took this trip herself or did a TON of research to write such a detailed description of Avery and Riley’s trip.
I loved it!!
Sparks fly between Avery and Nicolas! They come from different worlds but only want each other. Their chemistry is amazing and it was fun to take a trip to Brussels. I’m impressed Meg Easton was able to explain Europe so well. Now I need to know if she took this trip herself or did a TON of research to write such a detailed description of Avery and Riley’s trip.
I loved it!!
June 12, 2022
However, who wouldn’t love to watch the universe play cupid in one of the most wonderful love stories?
Read full review in the 2022 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2022 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 20, 2022
This is probably one of the best books I've read so far this year! I absolutely loved it! I connected with these characters on an emotional level and upon finishing the book, felt a deep loss that it was over! I didn't want it to be finished! I wanted to keep being a part of Avery and Nicholas' lives! The author wrote characters that made you care about them deeply and I was rooting for them to figure out a way to be together from the very beginning. You see, Nicholas lives in Belgium and Avery lives in South Dakota! Kind of hard to have a lasting relationship with that many miles between them! Nicholas was a foreign exchange student back in the day with Avery's family so that's how they met. Now, Avery is tired of her boring life as an admissions officer at her hometown college (which she loves, by the way!) and decides she needs to take some risks and have adventures so wants to go to Belgium with her sister! She'll see Nicholas while she's there but that's it....yeah right! The attraction for both of them is instant! I loved how the author described all the places they visited in Belgium! I almost took the first airplane out to go visit myself! Another obstacle is that Nicholas is very rich and the heir to a chocolate empire! His mother is also formidable! So many great moments in this story like, all the servants! Loved them! I can't say enough about how much I loved this book!
March 29, 2022
This book brought so many different emotions to the surface. First, I couldn't wait for them to reconnect! And when they did, I was delighted to see their cute interactions and friendship. Once they're in Belgium, I loved seeing how they complement and understand each other so well💞
However, at first I was so mad with how Nicolas delt with the major issue with his relationship with Avery. But come to think about it, his reaction was so realistic. He had been programmed in his mind to respond like that over the years. It was so fulfilling to watch him come to realize it and do something about it🍫. That's what the whole character development is about.
I couldn't be more happy with how the story unfolded. The final setting between them was actually an accurate description of their relationship, a perfectly imperfect balance. I loved Nicolas small details to show Avery how important she is to him, it was just so heartwarming💙. And I felt so proud of Avery's moment of growth🌼 amazing!
I really loved this book, can't wait for the next one.
🍁🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
April 8, 2022
Adorable in every way! Seriously. This is my new favorite Meg Easton book. Loved it all from the unique setting in Belgium to the dynamic characters to the cute romance. This book was absolutely un-putdownable!
I love books that take characters out of their comfort zones. Avery decides she needs more adventure in her life so she travels to Belgium to visit Nicholas, a friend from high school who stayed with her family as a foreign exchange student.
It has been ten years since they have seen each other but it doesn't take long for sparks to fly. Nicholas is posed to become CEO of his family's business and Avery doesn't know if a farm girl from South Dakota is ready to be part of that world. But honestly, a handsome man with an accent who makes chocolate for a living?
I was completely invested in the romance and was swept away in their story. By the time I finished I wanted to jump on a plane to Europe. Or just re-read the book cause it was that fabulous. Definitely a 5 star read for me!
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
I love books that take characters out of their comfort zones. Avery decides she needs more adventure in her life so she travels to Belgium to visit Nicholas, a friend from high school who stayed with her family as a foreign exchange student.
It has been ten years since they have seen each other but it doesn't take long for sparks to fly. Nicholas is posed to become CEO of his family's business and Avery doesn't know if a farm girl from South Dakota is ready to be part of that world. But honestly, a handsome man with an accent who makes chocolate for a living?
I was completely invested in the romance and was swept away in their story. By the time I finished I wanted to jump on a plane to Europe. Or just re-read the book cause it was that fabulous. Definitely a 5 star read for me!
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
March 28, 2022
I love to read but I also tend to have a short attention span when it comes to books. So I usually stay between 150 to 250 pages. I picked up this book to read without looking at the # of pages. It was a lot longer than my comfort zone. That being said, the book kept a good pace so the events and dialogue kept the story moving along. Most of the story takes place in Belgium. Really with how the cities and culture were described it makes me want to plan a trip to visit. Throughout the book there are so many details given that you felt like you were there in those conversations, visiting these new places for the first time with Avery and Riley, tasting new foods (and cringing as well for the weird texture items). The travel details given were not just the same blah blah blah like reading a Michelin guide book. There were interesting facts.
The love story between Avery and Nicholas was super sweet. It was like the fulfillment of a decade old crush. I agree with another reader that this is Hallmark movie material here!
All in all it was a delightful read.
Rating: G/PG clean, wholesome
The love story between Avery and Nicholas was super sweet. It was like the fulfillment of a decade old crush. I agree with another reader that this is Hallmark movie material here!
All in all it was a delightful read.
Rating: G/PG clean, wholesome
April 7, 2022
Deeply emotional
This book did such an excellent job of showing Nicolas and Avery getting closer and closer to each other on an emotional level. They were very open and trusting of each other from the beginning. Really lovely. And I so enjoyed seeing Ghent and Brussels through Avery's eyes. This would make a wonderful Hallmark movie.
This book did such an excellent job of showing Nicolas and Avery getting closer and closer to each other on an emotional level. They were very open and trusting of each other from the beginning. Really lovely. And I so enjoyed seeing Ghent and Brussels through Avery's eyes. This would make a wonderful Hallmark movie.
March 27, 2022
This is the second book in this series and the best so far. Avery Parks works in the admission department at the college where she graduated. She is supposed to be writing her bio and discovers she is pretty boring. So she decides to contact Nicolas in Brussels who had been an exchange student at her house when she was in High School. So she writes him a note and letting him know she would like to visit. So Avery and her sister Riley take off for Belgium. They found out lots of hidden things Nicolas had never told them. But Avery is in such a different world and enjoying so much until she meets Nicolas’s mother. Let’s just say one nasty woman! My heart broke at what Avery was put through but it did prove a lot of things. Avery finally stood up for herself, the mother gained some helpful insight and Nicolas gained the love of his life. I felt like I was in chocolates the whole time I was reading this novel, because Nicolas’s family owns a chocolate company! Grad the book you will not be disappointed! But now I serious want to try a chocolate from Belgium,
I received this ARC from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
I received this ARC from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
May 2, 2022
One of my favorite tropes. Best friends to lovers and set in the beautiful chocolate land of Brussels.
A best friends to lovers romance that will charm readers and leave them swooning. Nicolas came and stayed with Avery’s family as a foregn exchange student during high school. And now Avery is finally visiting him in Brussels and can see his family’s chocolate empire. This story has a bit of a Hallmark princess story feel. Readers will be pulled in by the descriptions of the sights and the delicious chocolates. And readers will love the sweet romance that develops even when Nicolas’s mother tries to sabotage everything. This is a charming romance that readers will not want to miss.
Series: Love Started
Genre: contemporary, romance
Publisher: Mountain Heights Publishing
Publication date: March 29, 2022
Number of pages: 374
Other books in the series:
1-It Started with a Sunset
3-It Started with a Glance (coming spring 2022)
4-It Started with Santa (coming Christmas 2022)
Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
A best friends to lovers romance that will charm readers and leave them swooning. Nicolas came and stayed with Avery’s family as a foregn exchange student during high school. And now Avery is finally visiting him in Brussels and can see his family’s chocolate empire. This story has a bit of a Hallmark princess story feel. Readers will be pulled in by the descriptions of the sights and the delicious chocolates. And readers will love the sweet romance that develops even when Nicolas’s mother tries to sabotage everything. This is a charming romance that readers will not want to miss.
Series: Love Started
Genre: contemporary, romance
Publisher: Mountain Heights Publishing
Publication date: March 29, 2022
Number of pages: 374
Other books in the series:
1-It Started with a Sunset
3-It Started with a Glance (coming spring 2022)
4-It Started with Santa (coming Christmas 2022)
Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
May 26, 2022
This is the second in a fun series but can be read on its own. I loved getting to know Avery and Nicolas in Belgium. I love a good friends to more story. I liked that there was some drama but it was not over done. Can't wait for the next book!
April 14, 2022
Fun, Sweet Romance
This book really hit my sweet spot, and not just because of all the chocolate talk. I 💙 chocolate!! The mixed locations of Belgium and farm land South Dakota was so opposite but fun. I really want to visit Belgium one day. This was a fun, sweet romance and I really loved it.
This book really hit my sweet spot, and not just because of all the chocolate talk. I 💙 chocolate!! The mixed locations of Belgium and farm land South Dakota was so opposite but fun. I really want to visit Belgium one day. This was a fun, sweet romance and I really loved it.
March 22, 2022
Reader’s Notes:
– this is book 2 of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Avery and Nicolas’s points of view
Review:
I think this might be my new favorite Meg Easton book! I loved the feel she gave Belgium and the place Avery stayed while there. I loved how Riley (Avery’s sister) and their parents wanted Avery to give a chance at love with Nicolas a chance- even before they knew that he wasn’t in a relationship, they just hoped he was no longer in one. I loved how Nicolas was with Avery and how he doted on her and her sister while they were there. I also loved the servants where he had Avery and Riley stay and how they warmed up to them quickly and made lasting friendships with them. I loved how Avery’s first meeting with Nicolas’s grandfather was very memorable and how he seemed to like her right off the bat (at least in my opinion that’s how he seemed). I also loved that Avery stood up to Nicolas’s mother after she had pushed and prodded her verbally so many times. I also loved Avery’s wonder at all the different places they went to see in Belgium, it was awesome to see that in a character and to see their counterpart (Nicolas) watch them as they looked on in awe at everything.
Avery loves her job at the local college, but with change happening around her, she wonders if she needs to do something different. Maybe even something like accepting her friend’s invitation to Belgium and exploring his city. It’s something that is very different from what Avery would normally do.
Nicolas stayed with Avery’s family for a time in high school in a foreign exchange program. It’s the one thing he had chosen for himself that his parent’s didn’t control. And he doesn’t regret it for a second as it gave him a freedom he never experienced and gave him an amazing family to spend time with. And now he is about to be relegated to the position of CEO of his family’s chocolatier company where he will have even less time to do things he wants to do. So when Avery asks to come visit, he is very excited and wants to show her all that his city has to offer.
As they spend time together seeing the sights and trying the cuisine, they fall further than they already had and see the cracks even more where their lives differ. Can they overcome all the differences and make room to live in the life the other inhabits? Or will the cracks tear them apart when their time together comes to and end?
– this is book 2 of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Avery and Nicolas’s points of view
Review:
I think this might be my new favorite Meg Easton book! I loved the feel she gave Belgium and the place Avery stayed while there. I loved how Riley (Avery’s sister) and their parents wanted Avery to give a chance at love with Nicolas a chance- even before they knew that he wasn’t in a relationship, they just hoped he was no longer in one. I loved how Nicolas was with Avery and how he doted on her and her sister while they were there. I also loved the servants where he had Avery and Riley stay and how they warmed up to them quickly and made lasting friendships with them. I loved how Avery’s first meeting with Nicolas’s grandfather was very memorable and how he seemed to like her right off the bat (at least in my opinion that’s how he seemed). I also loved that Avery stood up to Nicolas’s mother after she had pushed and prodded her verbally so many times. I also loved Avery’s wonder at all the different places they went to see in Belgium, it was awesome to see that in a character and to see their counterpart (Nicolas) watch them as they looked on in awe at everything.
Avery loves her job at the local college, but with change happening around her, she wonders if she needs to do something different. Maybe even something like accepting her friend’s invitation to Belgium and exploring his city. It’s something that is very different from what Avery would normally do.
Nicolas stayed with Avery’s family for a time in high school in a foreign exchange program. It’s the one thing he had chosen for himself that his parent’s didn’t control. And he doesn’t regret it for a second as it gave him a freedom he never experienced and gave him an amazing family to spend time with. And now he is about to be relegated to the position of CEO of his family’s chocolatier company where he will have even less time to do things he wants to do. So when Avery asks to come visit, he is very excited and wants to show her all that his city has to offer.
As they spend time together seeing the sights and trying the cuisine, they fall further than they already had and see the cracks even more where their lives differ. Can they overcome all the differences and make room to live in the life the other inhabits? Or will the cracks tear them apart when their time together comes to and end?
December 5, 2024
Before I begin, I would like to thank Meg Easton for allowing me to read her book, It Started with a Note, which is the second book of her Love Started series and is available on Amazon.
Avery Parks grew up on a farm and loves working at her local college’s admission department, but she feels like she needs to be more adventurous. Nicolas Servais is the heir of his family’s chocolate empire, and due to his mother’s insatiable desire to control his life for the sake of the company’s image, the only thing he’s done for himself is participate in a foreign exchange student program and stay with Avery Park’s family years ago. When Avery writes him a letter asking him if she could take him up on his offer to let her stay at his grandpa’s place in Brussels, Nicolas makes it a mission to show her the best parts of the city. Avery starts to fall in love with the city, and her feelings for her old friend become stronger. With his mother’s disapproval, the expectations of Nicolas’ upper-class world, and the fact that any relationship they could have would be long distance, Avery doesn’t know if she should act on her feelings. The real question is, can she afford not to?
This book was lovely. You have Avery, a kind, intelligent, hardworking young woman that always looks after what everyone else’s needs and desires instead of her own. You have Nicolas, a funny, charming, ambitious, handsome young man that does his best to make his family and friends proud while stifling under his mother’s expectations. The interactions between Avery and Nicolas were sweet, and I loved how many people in this book were shipping them, Avery’s sister included. It was also nice seeing familiar faces from the previous book, It Started with a Sunset. Both of the main characters’ insecurities were relatable, and I liked seeing how they grew more confident about themselves and what they wanted as the story progressed. I didn’t really like Nicolas’ mother at all, especially after encountering a few of the plot twists (which were well written) at the end. Overall, if you like Brussels, great found family dynamics, strong sibling relationships, chocolate, and sweet second-chance upper class boy x middle class (?) girl international romance, then I would highly recommend this book.
Avery Parks grew up on a farm and loves working at her local college’s admission department, but she feels like she needs to be more adventurous. Nicolas Servais is the heir of his family’s chocolate empire, and due to his mother’s insatiable desire to control his life for the sake of the company’s image, the only thing he’s done for himself is participate in a foreign exchange student program and stay with Avery Park’s family years ago. When Avery writes him a letter asking him if she could take him up on his offer to let her stay at his grandpa’s place in Brussels, Nicolas makes it a mission to show her the best parts of the city. Avery starts to fall in love with the city, and her feelings for her old friend become stronger. With his mother’s disapproval, the expectations of Nicolas’ upper-class world, and the fact that any relationship they could have would be long distance, Avery doesn’t know if she should act on her feelings. The real question is, can she afford not to?
This book was lovely. You have Avery, a kind, intelligent, hardworking young woman that always looks after what everyone else’s needs and desires instead of her own. You have Nicolas, a funny, charming, ambitious, handsome young man that does his best to make his family and friends proud while stifling under his mother’s expectations. The interactions between Avery and Nicolas were sweet, and I loved how many people in this book were shipping them, Avery’s sister included. It was also nice seeing familiar faces from the previous book, It Started with a Sunset. Both of the main characters’ insecurities were relatable, and I liked seeing how they grew more confident about themselves and what they wanted as the story progressed. I didn’t really like Nicolas’ mother at all, especially after encountering a few of the plot twists (which were well written) at the end. Overall, if you like Brussels, great found family dynamics, strong sibling relationships, chocolate, and sweet second-chance upper class boy x middle class (?) girl international romance, then I would highly recommend this book.
May 2, 2022
💖 A 2022 FAVORITE! 💖
I love it when a story’s first line pulls me in immediately! IT STARTED WITH A NOTE is such a lovely second chance story with compelling and unique characters who experience incredible growth.
Avery sees herself as boring. I see her as safe. She is a people pleaser, nurturer, and peacekeeper. These are all wonderful qualities, but not when it costs her own happiness and contentment. It is so easy to connect with her because I see so much of myself in her—especially when I was younger. But she soon breaks out of her comfortable cocoon and develops into a fascinating and courageous woman without losing her softness.
Nicholas is kind of a poor little rich guy. He has amazing possessions, a successful career, and a secure future at his family’s chocolatier empire, Oma Servais. But he isn’t fulfilled and has his every move dictated by his position at the company and his domineering mother. (I love it when a character is so real and incredibly unlikable and makes me want to jump through the pages and shake her. Such is the case with Nicholas’ mom.)
Avery and Nicholas have a history together, meeting when Nicholas visited Montana and stayed with Avery’s family as an exchange student from Belgium when they were in high school. A decade later, they meet in person again and sparks quickly ignite. Their relationship is complicated and sweet, and it’s effortless to cheer them on throughout the entire story. I’ll admit, I choked up and shed a few tears throughout their journey.
The Belgium setting is incredible, the journey is captivating, the writing is strong, and the writer’s voice carries depth, wit, and loads of heart. I enjoyed this story tremendously. It belongs on my Favorites of 2022 List!
I don’t want to say goodbye to these characters and can’t wait to read more in this series!
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
I love it when a story’s first line pulls me in immediately! IT STARTED WITH A NOTE is such a lovely second chance story with compelling and unique characters who experience incredible growth.
Avery sees herself as boring. I see her as safe. She is a people pleaser, nurturer, and peacekeeper. These are all wonderful qualities, but not when it costs her own happiness and contentment. It is so easy to connect with her because I see so much of myself in her—especially when I was younger. But she soon breaks out of her comfortable cocoon and develops into a fascinating and courageous woman without losing her softness.
Nicholas is kind of a poor little rich guy. He has amazing possessions, a successful career, and a secure future at his family’s chocolatier empire, Oma Servais. But he isn’t fulfilled and has his every move dictated by his position at the company and his domineering mother. (I love it when a character is so real and incredibly unlikable and makes me want to jump through the pages and shake her. Such is the case with Nicholas’ mom.)
Avery and Nicholas have a history together, meeting when Nicholas visited Montana and stayed with Avery’s family as an exchange student from Belgium when they were in high school. A decade later, they meet in person again and sparks quickly ignite. Their relationship is complicated and sweet, and it’s effortless to cheer them on throughout the entire story. I’ll admit, I choked up and shed a few tears throughout their journey.
The Belgium setting is incredible, the journey is captivating, the writing is strong, and the writer’s voice carries depth, wit, and loads of heart. I enjoyed this story tremendously. It belongs on my Favorites of 2022 List!
I don’t want to say goodbye to these characters and can’t wait to read more in this series!
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
June 16, 2022
It Started With a Note was a really sweet story of a second chance meeting between Nicolas and Avery. It was really cool that they had met as him being an exchange student from Belgium and she was part of the family that hosted him. It was interesting that Avery decided to go on this trip because she wanted more out of life, as well as to grow as a person and experience new things. For Nicolas, I loved how seeing her and spending time with her again after so many years made him realize the more important things in life, though seeing him making time for her and wanting to show her everything was pretty adorable. I'm not sure I was a fan of the classic "them being a couple within days knowing it's only for a short time", but at least it worked since they've already known the other. Still, the descriptions were fantastic and the author did an excellent job transporting the reader to Belgium and showing all the sights, food, and culture one could experience while there.
Liz Krane was great with her voices for both Avery and Nicolas, as well as the rest of the cast. She definitely pulled off the voices that had an accent, and/or (most of) the pronunciations in other languages. I really enjoyed her performance of the different emotions the characters had going on at various times during the story (from anger and hurt, to being surprised and in love, and everything in between).
If your looking for a great read that's set in a different country, where the romance is sweet, the hero is not only the heir to a chocolate company but also is good at making chocolates, the heroine is looking for an adventure, and despite there being formidable foes, love conquers all, then you won't regret picking up this book (which, despite being #2 in the series, can totally be read as a standalone). Enjoy! ~ 4.5 stars
Liz Krane was great with her voices for both Avery and Nicolas, as well as the rest of the cast. She definitely pulled off the voices that had an accent, and/or (most of) the pronunciations in other languages. I really enjoyed her performance of the different emotions the characters had going on at various times during the story (from anger and hurt, to being surprised and in love, and everything in between).
If your looking for a great read that's set in a different country, where the romance is sweet, the hero is not only the heir to a chocolate company but also is good at making chocolates, the heroine is looking for an adventure, and despite there being formidable foes, love conquers all, then you won't regret picking up this book (which, despite being #2 in the series, can totally be read as a standalone). Enjoy! ~ 4.5 stars
March 31, 2022
I loved it from the start. Avery Parks, a valued member of the Admissions Department in the Student Center at Lake Baldwin State University in South Dakota, sees herself as boring and predictable and wants to become bold, daring, be prepared to try new things as well as learn to stand up for herself. When a trip to Belgium to visit Nicolas Servais, an exchange student who spent nine months with the Parks family ten years ago, presents itself, Avery and her sister Riley excitedly board the plane for two weeks in Brussels where they will get to stay in Nicolas's grandfather's small apartment. Things turn out to be not quite what the Park sisters had envisaged. Nicolas's grandfather’s apartment turns out to be a luxurious penthouse and the Servais’s small family chocolate shop, Oma Servais, turns out to be a very successfully chocolatier empire with shops throughout Europe with Nicolas on the executive team as Marketing Director. Avery, who has sworn off dating until she can figure out her life and career, struggles with her attraction to Nicolas given they live 4,300 miles apart. Nicolas also feels a romance would be problematic given the distance between them and is not helped by his mother Margaux’s strong disapproval of Avery. Throw in the International Royal Chocolatier Awards to add extra stress and pressure during their stay and you have the makings of a very entertaining story. Set in Brussels and Ghent, the beautiful cities creates a delightful setting for Meg Easton's second book in her “It Started” series. Having read the first one introduces you to the reoccurring characters, but it can also easily be read as a stand alone. A lovely romance set in a beautiful corner of the world and a great escape after a busy week at work. Enjoy!!
April 3, 2022
Adventure, travel, second chances, and chocolate. What more can you ask for in a book? Avery finds herself challenged when she has to write a bio about herself for work. What does she really have to say that is interesting? What has she done that anyone would want to read about? These questions prompt her to take the final leap to contact the man who had been an exchange student with her family back in high school, something she has been contemplating for some time now. Nicholas lives in Belgium and had invited her to come visit anytime. She decides now is the time. But she’s only in Belgium to get outside her comfort zone. There’s no room for love and romance. Is there?
Meg Easton is definitely a go to read author for those who love sweet, clean romances. She always writes great characters with strong chemistry. It Started with a Note is no different. I really enjoyed following Avery on her journey from a small town in South Dakota across the ocean to Belgium, a place she has never journeyed to before. She is confronted with navigating a new country and navigating Nicholas’s world when she finds out his family’s chocolate business is not just a mom and pop shop. They own a chocolate empire. Throughout this story, you can definitely see her growth to finally begin to stand up for herself. Nicholas also undergoes his own journey of growth as he finally finds his voice to tell his mom what he really wants to do within their family owned company. Warning, this will make you want chocolate but in the best way possible.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I’m leaving an honest and voluntary review.
Meg Easton is definitely a go to read author for those who love sweet, clean romances. She always writes great characters with strong chemistry. It Started with a Note is no different. I really enjoyed following Avery on her journey from a small town in South Dakota across the ocean to Belgium, a place she has never journeyed to before. She is confronted with navigating a new country and navigating Nicholas’s world when she finds out his family’s chocolate business is not just a mom and pop shop. They own a chocolate empire. Throughout this story, you can definitely see her growth to finally begin to stand up for herself. Nicholas also undergoes his own journey of growth as he finally finds his voice to tell his mom what he really wants to do within their family owned company. Warning, this will make you want chocolate but in the best way possible.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I’m leaving an honest and voluntary review.
April 5, 2022
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
It’s their second chance at love—but this time their obstacles include thousands of miles, a cultural barrier, and a world-famous chocolate empire.
MY TAKE
We met Avery in the first book and there were even a handful of mentions of this old friend of hers. Well, this is the story where she's ready to step out of her comfort zone and take Nicholas up on his invitation to visit.
What follows is a fun trip through Belgium--and even Europe (you'll have to read the book to get that reference :D ). Easton manages to include enough personal stuff into their sightseeing that it doesn't feel like a monologue.
Their chemistry is immediate. While it's something new for Avery, it's a rekindling of feelings he felt for her nearly a decade ago. But there are problems. She loves her job. He loves his. And they're thousands of miles apart. Besides, he's got a shrew of a mother who looks at Avery as a poor farm girl, and who only deserves their pity.
It's a lovely romance. 4 1/2 stars.
It’s their second chance at love—but this time their obstacles include thousands of miles, a cultural barrier, and a world-famous chocolate empire.
MY TAKE
We met Avery in the first book and there were even a handful of mentions of this old friend of hers. Well, this is the story where she's ready to step out of her comfort zone and take Nicholas up on his invitation to visit.
What follows is a fun trip through Belgium--and even Europe (you'll have to read the book to get that reference :D ). Easton manages to include enough personal stuff into their sightseeing that it doesn't feel like a monologue.
Their chemistry is immediate. While it's something new for Avery, it's a rekindling of feelings he felt for her nearly a decade ago. But there are problems. She loves her job. He loves his. And they're thousands of miles apart. Besides, he's got a shrew of a mother who looks at Avery as a poor farm girl, and who only deserves their pity.
It's a lovely romance. 4 1/2 stars.
May 9, 2022
It had been a while since I last read a book by Meg Easton, and this audiobook was the perfect reminder that I must get her back on my TBR list of authors.
If like me you have not read book 1, be assured this is definitely a stand alone.
This audiobook centers around Avery Parks and Nicolas Servais. These two became friends in high school during the year Nicolas spent with Avery and her family as an exchange student. Though Nicolas returned to Belgium after his time in the USA, Avery and him continued their friendship.
Nowadays Avery works in the administration office of the local college in South Dakota and decides a summer trip to Belgium was a must. Meanwhile, Nicolas works in family’s prestigious chocolate empire. An empire in which he wants the CEO position, but his controlling mother has other plans.
Watching these two reconnect and develop deeper feelings than just a friendship, was sweet. Will they be able to find their HEA even when their lives are worlds apart ? Will Nicolas’s mother keep her son from finding happiness?
This was a sweet, clean romance reminiscence of a Hallmark movie and one you will surely enjoy.
If like me you have not read book 1, be assured this is definitely a stand alone.
This audiobook centers around Avery Parks and Nicolas Servais. These two became friends in high school during the year Nicolas spent with Avery and her family as an exchange student. Though Nicolas returned to Belgium after his time in the USA, Avery and him continued their friendship.
Nowadays Avery works in the administration office of the local college in South Dakota and decides a summer trip to Belgium was a must. Meanwhile, Nicolas works in family’s prestigious chocolate empire. An empire in which he wants the CEO position, but his controlling mother has other plans.
Watching these two reconnect and develop deeper feelings than just a friendship, was sweet. Will they be able to find their HEA even when their lives are worlds apart ? Will Nicolas’s mother keep her son from finding happiness?
This was a sweet, clean romance reminiscence of a Hallmark movie and one you will surely enjoy.
May 18, 2022
What's better than a book with great character? A book with a fabulous setting! Meg Easton's It Started with a Note takes readers from South Dakota to a fabulous adventure set in Brussels and I've never wanted to visit a place as bad as I want to after reading about Avery's trip.
Avery is stuck. She's got a great job but when it comes time to write a bio of herself for work she realizes just how boring her life is. She's ready for adventure and she admits she's just a tad jealous of her friend and coworker Summer who recently found the perfect guy for her. With some persuasion from her sister Riley, Avery decides she's going to take a vacation from work. Not only a vacation, she's going to reach out to Nicolas, the foreign exchange student that stayed with her family in high school. She's confident that she can travel and get enough adventure to rewrite her plain bio.
As she spends time in Brussels and as she reaquaints herself with Nicolas she finds that she's not so boring and that maybe, just maybe she's found her someone in Nicolas.
Another great read from Easton will have you cheering for Avery and Nicolas.
Avery is stuck. She's got a great job but when it comes time to write a bio of herself for work she realizes just how boring her life is. She's ready for adventure and she admits she's just a tad jealous of her friend and coworker Summer who recently found the perfect guy for her. With some persuasion from her sister Riley, Avery decides she's going to take a vacation from work. Not only a vacation, she's going to reach out to Nicolas, the foreign exchange student that stayed with her family in high school. She's confident that she can travel and get enough adventure to rewrite her plain bio.
As she spends time in Brussels and as she reaquaints herself with Nicolas she finds that she's not so boring and that maybe, just maybe she's found her someone in Nicolas.
Another great read from Easton will have you cheering for Avery and Nicolas.
March 30, 2022
I feel like I have officially taken a romantic vacation after reading this delightful, sweet contemporary romance! Meg Easton hit a home run with this story; the characters, the setting, the engaging plot were all five stars for me. I have never been to Belgium, but I feel like I have now, and I totally have it on my future bucket list. But even more than bringing a setting and culture to life for me, this story pulled me in and I was cheering for Avery and Nicolas from the very moment they started messaging. Their chemistry was adorable and I loved so many of the themes their romance celebrated. They weren't perfect, but they made each other better and had such a solid foundation, I loved it! This book was so hard to put down, I wanted to see what would happen next and how Avery and Nicolas would spend their time together. A complete hit for me, I highly recommend this book. Now I need to go eat some chocolate. :)
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is a clean romance.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is a clean romance.
March 22, 2022
It Started With a Note started out on a high note for me as Avery, one of the staff at Lake Baldwin State College, decided she wanted to broaden her horizons and she took the leap of going to Brussels, Belgium with her sister—accepting the offer her old friend Nicolas had extended to stay at his grandfather’s flat. Nicolas had stayed with Avery’s family for nine months during his junior year of high school in an exchange program but there were a lot of things that Avery didn’t know about him or his family. This book was full of discoveries about one another as well as about the beautiful country of Belgium. My emotions ran the gamut as I took the story in and at times I wasn’t sure how things were going to be resolved. But I am glad to report that there is a HEA to be enjoyed at the end! Highly recommend! I received a copy of this book from the author and this voluntary review contains my honest opinions.
March 25, 2022
What a great book! I loved the characters, the story line, the settings….everything! The author was able to transport you into a different world with her descriptions. Her descriptions of the chocolates that Nicholas had made left me craving to try one. This story is about Avery and Nicholas. Nicholas was a teenage exchange student living with Avery’s family during a year in High School. Now it is later and Avery contacts Nicholas via a handwritten note about coming to visit him. Avery and her sister arrive in Belgium for 2 weeks. Both Avery and Nicholas realize that they have a “more than friends” feelings towards each other. I could go on and on but don’t want to ruin the story for anyone. There is enough suspense in the book to make you want to keep reading and not want to put it down! There were moments of laughter and moments of tears for me in this book. It is definitely an HEA. I am a volunteer ARC for this book for an honest review.
March 26, 2022
I really enjoyed this book because I could clearly picture the scenes in Brussels when Avery and her sister visited for a two week vacation. I liked how Avery seemed to come alive and find a strength she did not know that she had.
This book was so romantic as Avery had met Nicolas ten years ago when her family became his host family for a year. I liked how there were sparks between them and many obstacles to overcome including his mom and the fact they lived clear across an ocean from each other. At least they had nine days before she left.
Learning about the chocolates that Nicolas' family made just sweetened the book even more. I would love to see this book made into a movie because the characters were so much fun, the sights they saw in Brussels sounded wonderful, and I liked the staff at his grandfather's flat and Nicolas' grandfather too. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly choose to write an honest review.
This book was so romantic as Avery had met Nicolas ten years ago when her family became his host family for a year. I liked how there were sparks between them and many obstacles to overcome including his mom and the fact they lived clear across an ocean from each other. At least they had nine days before she left.
Learning about the chocolates that Nicolas' family made just sweetened the book even more. I would love to see this book made into a movie because the characters were so much fun, the sights they saw in Brussels sounded wonderful, and I liked the staff at his grandfather's flat and Nicolas' grandfather too. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly choose to write an honest review.
March 31, 2022
A sweet romance. A good read if you'd like to do a little escaping and get a warm, Hallmark feel. But I wouldn't say the story gets cheesy as some movie romances have. Avery was a bit of a perfectionist and the story she got to stretch herself. Nicolas got to more fully realize himself and stretch too. The couple were a good fit and their romance was cute to read. I thought the way the chocolate was incorporated was creative and researched making it a very believable experience. Do yourself a favor and grab some bon bons or something as you read! I also enjoyed the Belgian and vacation scenes. I feel as if the author put her time in to give the reader a good experience with this. A few things I enjoyed was the 2nd chance romance with a new to me setting and plot, a bit of a small town feel to it, nice camrarderie with characters, clean romance, a cozy and fun read, likeable h & H. A few times the dialogue didn't feel as natural or as strong is all. I hope the sister gets a story!
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