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Flying into Love #1
French Kiss
Can a French kiss persuade an uptight Englishman to leave his city behind and start a new life in rural France?
Clean-cut London businessman Dale Calverley doesn’t do relationships.
Rugged French handyman Valentin Aubrey doesn’t do city men.
When Dale hires Valentin to help him fix up his inherited farmhouse estate in rural France and sell to the highest bidder, sparks fly.
Complete opposites, can they really expect their insta-lust to last beyond the storm that forces them together?
But how can Dale walk away from a man so alluringly rogue as Valentin Aubrey?
And how can Valentin expect a man so money-orientated to throw away his career and stay in the wilderness with him?
French Kiss is an Opposites Attract, Age Gap, Forced Proximity standalone novel in the steamy contemporary Flying into Love MM Romance series, featuring an uptight English businessman with a preference for nameless hook ups and a rugged French handyman with a chequered past.
Join them on their journey of love, personal growth and unexpected connections in the enchanting landscape of rural France.
Clean-cut London businessman Dale Calverley doesn’t do relationships.
Rugged French handyman Valentin Aubrey doesn’t do city men.
When Dale hires Valentin to help him fix up his inherited farmhouse estate in rural France and sell to the highest bidder, sparks fly.
Complete opposites, can they really expect their insta-lust to last beyond the storm that forces them together?
But how can Dale walk away from a man so alluringly rogue as Valentin Aubrey?
And how can Valentin expect a man so money-orientated to throw away his career and stay in the wilderness with him?
French Kiss is an Opposites Attract, Age Gap, Forced Proximity standalone novel in the steamy contemporary Flying into Love MM Romance series, featuring an uptight English businessman with a preference for nameless hook ups and a rugged French handyman with a chequered past.
Join them on their journey of love, personal growth and unexpected connections in the enchanting landscape of rural France.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2022
62 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
C.F. White
37 books229 followersBrought up in a relatively small town in Hertfordshire, C F White managed to do what most other residents try to do and fail—leave.
She eventually settled for pie and mash, cockles and winkles and a bit of Knees Up Mother Brown to live in the East End of London; securing a job and creating a life, a home and a family.
She writes gritty British based stories about imperfect men falling in love against the odds and has been accused of sprinkling a bit of humour into them from time to time too.
She eventually settled for pie and mash, cockles and winkles and a bit of Knees Up Mother Brown to live in the East End of London; securing a job and creating a life, a home and a family.
She writes gritty British based stories about imperfect men falling in love against the odds and has been accused of sprinkling a bit of humour into them from time to time too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
May 30, 2022
Gosh what an intimate story! I was swooned by the intimacy.
In one sentence, Dale travels from busyness London to rural France to sell his deceased father’s dilapidated property to unexpectedly find a man, Valentin, who lives there.
More opposite isn’t possible, one sophisticated city man, dressed in cashmere, phone and laptop always in reach, the other, big burly, looks like of a lumberjack, lives what the land gives him, without wifi or any devices.
But there are similarities, they both knew George, Dale’s father, both are lonely, both hurt.
Dale wants to sell this place, that’s why he’s here for. Valentin shows him everything including himself.
This place is Valentin’s home, he got nothing but a jar with coins.
Something beautiful, delicate, and hot grows between them. Still, Dale is here for business.
There is such an emotional hurt palpable, it’s not spoken, but good god it was palpable.
It’s a story about hope, loneliness, abandonment, regret, keeping the heart closed and behind high walls, hard work, and opening up.
Looking at the landscape, smelling the earth, the nature, through Valentine’s senses was everything!
Thank you translate app, it was exquisite to understand what Valentin said and Dale didn’t.
Beautiful story, beautifully written, quite captivating, I could experience it profoundly!
In one sentence, Dale travels from busyness London to rural France to sell his deceased father’s dilapidated property to unexpectedly find a man, Valentin, who lives there.
More opposite isn’t possible, one sophisticated city man, dressed in cashmere, phone and laptop always in reach, the other, big burly, looks like of a lumberjack, lives what the land gives him, without wifi or any devices.
But there are similarities, they both knew George, Dale’s father, both are lonely, both hurt.
Dale wants to sell this place, that’s why he’s here for. Valentin shows him everything including himself.
This place is Valentin’s home, he got nothing but a jar with coins.
Something beautiful, delicate, and hot grows between them. Still, Dale is here for business.
There is such an emotional hurt palpable, it’s not spoken, but good god it was palpable.
It’s a story about hope, loneliness, abandonment, regret, keeping the heart closed and behind high walls, hard work, and opening up.
Looking at the landscape, smelling the earth, the nature, through Valentine’s senses was everything!
Thank you translate app, it was exquisite to understand what Valentin said and Dale didn’t.
Beautiful story, beautifully written, quite captivating, I could experience it profoundly!
May 30, 2022
Started good .. very good , but then everything was rushing and I didn’t have time to enjoy anything. They met, fought, fell in lust , fucked, fell in love broke up and got back together all in the span of 6 or 7 days. And Ironically I liked Dale more. I expected to like Valentine more but he pissed me off. He kept pushing for Dale to open up, to talk, to spill about his past, about his feelings while he didn’t say a single relevant thing about himself.. No wonder Dale though he was a con and a hustler if he didn’t know anything about his story and past. And so childish with the temper tantrums. Like.. just because they fucked Dale was going to leave his life and gift him the house 🙄 when he didn’t even know who he really was , he didn’t even know his last name!!! And his mind (Valentine’s) was always on sex with awful jokes and innuendos . At first I really liked his character but when they started to have sex he became someone else. And the cheesiness , my God !! A 6 days epic love story 🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2022
French Kiss is the second book I’ve read by CF White, and I really enjoy her unique writing style! Not your typical boy meets boy romance, CF White throws something new into the mix with this quirky opposites attract, hurt/comfort romance.
It’s a far step from his upscale London digs, as Dale Calverley is forced to endure the trip from hell in his travels to rural France to tie up the loose ends left by his father’s untimely death. When Dale arrives, he’s dismayed to find his dad’s home is a rural shack in the middle of nowhere, and *gasp* there’s NO WIFI!
The surprises just keep coming when Dale discovers his father’s handyman squatting in the abode. Valentin Aubrey had been hoping his employer’s passing would mean he’d have his dream house all to himself. Well, “dream house” is a relative description because one man’s trash and all that.
As opposite as two men can be, their sexual chemistry sparks from the moment they meet. And while I couldn’t shake the sensation that Val was viewing Dale as a bit of a sugar daddy, that’s definitely a fair bit of the charm of French Kiss.
CF White writes really great erotica, and from the very first love scene, I couldn’t wait for these men to get into bed again. (Or the shower, kitchen counter, wood pile… wherever they find themselves.) Seriously though, these guys are fantastic together and they bring out the best in each other.
While the family drama is all off page, I really enjoyed how Dale and Val’s individual stories are gradually revealed. As the men begin to bond, a vision of their future becomes clear. These two guys are just right for each other, and the narrative comes together beautifully.
CF White paints a charming picture of rural France, complete with the local village and cast of characters to go with it. Sweet, funny, and heartwarming, with just enough of an edge to keep it unique, French Kiss is a thoroughly enjoyable standalone romance in this new Flying into Love series.
It’s a far step from his upscale London digs, as Dale Calverley is forced to endure the trip from hell in his travels to rural France to tie up the loose ends left by his father’s untimely death. When Dale arrives, he’s dismayed to find his dad’s home is a rural shack in the middle of nowhere, and *gasp* there’s NO WIFI!
The surprises just keep coming when Dale discovers his father’s handyman squatting in the abode. Valentin Aubrey had been hoping his employer’s passing would mean he’d have his dream house all to himself. Well, “dream house” is a relative description because one man’s trash and all that.
As opposite as two men can be, their sexual chemistry sparks from the moment they meet. And while I couldn’t shake the sensation that Val was viewing Dale as a bit of a sugar daddy, that’s definitely a fair bit of the charm of French Kiss.
CF White writes really great erotica, and from the very first love scene, I couldn’t wait for these men to get into bed again. (Or the shower, kitchen counter, wood pile… wherever they find themselves.) Seriously though, these guys are fantastic together and they bring out the best in each other.
While the family drama is all off page, I really enjoyed how Dale and Val’s individual stories are gradually revealed. As the men begin to bond, a vision of their future becomes clear. These two guys are just right for each other, and the narrative comes together beautifully.
CF White paints a charming picture of rural France, complete with the local village and cast of characters to go with it. Sweet, funny, and heartwarming, with just enough of an edge to keep it unique, French Kiss is a thoroughly enjoyable standalone romance in this new Flying into Love series.
June 11, 2022
Wonderfully atmospheric and with sympathetic characters. It made me miss my holidays in France. I also liked that the ending felt real, not like a magical solve it all in a second resolution.
July 12, 2022
This book launches CF White’s Flying Into Love series.
Fun tropes here: Opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, Insta-love, and little bit of forced proximity vibes. While there’s an age gap, it’s mentioned a few times but not really a central theme. Minus a misunderstanding, I also found this to be fairly low angst. Dale and Valentin start off kind of at odds, but agree to work together. Immediate attraction means an intense physical relationship - personally they’re both hindered by bringing their own past hurts and completely different lives.
I enjoyed how White brought these two together and helped them heal from their pasts. The story takes place over less than a week and felt a little rushed relationship-wise for me, but I enjoyed the ending. Plus a cute epilogue to solidify their HEA.
Narration:
Piers Ryman was enjoyable here. I think this is the first time I’ve heard him do a French accent and it was great. As always, he brings White’s writing up another level. Easy listen.
I received a copy of the audiobook from the author and am leaving an honest review.
Fun tropes here: Opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, Insta-love, and little bit of forced proximity vibes. While there’s an age gap, it’s mentioned a few times but not really a central theme. Minus a misunderstanding, I also found this to be fairly low angst. Dale and Valentin start off kind of at odds, but agree to work together. Immediate attraction means an intense physical relationship - personally they’re both hindered by bringing their own past hurts and completely different lives.
I enjoyed how White brought these two together and helped them heal from their pasts. The story takes place over less than a week and felt a little rushed relationship-wise for me, but I enjoyed the ending. Plus a cute epilogue to solidify their HEA.
Narration:
Piers Ryman was enjoyable here. I think this is the first time I’ve heard him do a French accent and it was great. As always, he brings White’s writing up another level. Easy listen.
I received a copy of the audiobook from the author and am leaving an honest review.
October 28, 2024
3,3⭐️
Eh. It’s a nice enough story. Entertaining. Cute.
But I’m still in my “after reading several exceptional books” era. So. Eh.
Eh. It’s a nice enough story. Entertaining. Cute.
But I’m still in my “after reading several exceptional books” era. So. Eh.
May 30, 2022
What Dale anticipates to be a quick trip to the wilds of France to settle his father’s ramshackle estate turns out to be anything but. Arriving late at night, he's prepared to just get it over with and put the past behind him, only to be confronted with an unexpected resident. Enter Valentin…
In true C.F. White fashion, French Kiss eases readers in gently, then turns everything you think you know upside down when you're not looking. It’s absolutely one of the best things about her stories - all the twists and turns. If you’re paying attention, you notice the tiny hints along the way; each one a little piece of the puzzle whose position only becomes clear as the larger, more defined elements come into focus. It’s like mystery, suspense and romance all rolled into one fantastic package.
For those who maybe haven't had the opportunity to experience White's work, she writes strong male leads, and Dale and Valentin are no exception. On the surface, they couldn't be more different; Dale's the uptight, London businessman with an organization kink while Valentin's a younger, free spirit who prefers the simple life. Their relationship is tense from the start simply based on the premise of Dale's visit. As far as Dale’s concerned, he's there to close the chapter on a relationship fraught with tension and regret. While I could sense his curiosity about his father's tenant, Dale sees Valentin as an intriguing inconvenience, and he doesn't have time for complications. He needs to get in, get out and get home before his boss comes completely unglued over his absence. If I had to describe their entire connection in a single word, it would definitely be complicated. I felt for Dale, even if I could sense that maybe France was exactly what he needed.
While these guys are very different, White cleverly exposes just how perfectly matched and complementary they truly are. As Dale's last remaining connection to his father, Valentin becomes an instrument of comfort and closure. I anticipated the temptation he'd present for Dale, but I didn't expect him to single-handedly act as the catalyst for so much growth and emotional depth. That’s not to mention the vulnerability they each hide just beneath the surface with the potential to ruin everything. In the end, they fight hard for what they think they need to protect themselves, but what they’re really doing is resisting the realization that what they need might be each other.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.*
In true C.F. White fashion, French Kiss eases readers in gently, then turns everything you think you know upside down when you're not looking. It’s absolutely one of the best things about her stories - all the twists and turns. If you’re paying attention, you notice the tiny hints along the way; each one a little piece of the puzzle whose position only becomes clear as the larger, more defined elements come into focus. It’s like mystery, suspense and romance all rolled into one fantastic package.
For those who maybe haven't had the opportunity to experience White's work, she writes strong male leads, and Dale and Valentin are no exception. On the surface, they couldn't be more different; Dale's the uptight, London businessman with an organization kink while Valentin's a younger, free spirit who prefers the simple life. Their relationship is tense from the start simply based on the premise of Dale's visit. As far as Dale’s concerned, he's there to close the chapter on a relationship fraught with tension and regret. While I could sense his curiosity about his father's tenant, Dale sees Valentin as an intriguing inconvenience, and he doesn't have time for complications. He needs to get in, get out and get home before his boss comes completely unglued over his absence. If I had to describe their entire connection in a single word, it would definitely be complicated. I felt for Dale, even if I could sense that maybe France was exactly what he needed.
While these guys are very different, White cleverly exposes just how perfectly matched and complementary they truly are. As Dale's last remaining connection to his father, Valentin becomes an instrument of comfort and closure. I anticipated the temptation he'd present for Dale, but I didn't expect him to single-handedly act as the catalyst for so much growth and emotional depth. That’s not to mention the vulnerability they each hide just beneath the surface with the potential to ruin everything. In the end, they fight hard for what they think they need to protect themselves, but what they’re really doing is resisting the realization that what they need might be each other.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.*
June 13, 2023
FRENCH KISS is the first book in the Flying Into Love series and, as the title suggests, the first country we land in is France. We have a tale of opposites as our two main characters try to figure out how to move forward.
It really is an opposites attract book! You have city vs. country, England vs. France, city slicker vs. lumberjack, and even easy-to-like vs. hard-to-like. Valentin saved this book for me as Dale was a little too contrary for me. He held onto his secret past for reasons, although explained, that still doesn't make 100% sense to me. He was completely self-centred and quick to jump to conclusions. Valentin, however, was a hardworking drifter with a strong work and personal ethic who wanted nothing more than to put down some roots. He managed to do that for a while caring for Dale's dad but that is in question with Dale wanting to sell the place.
The pacing was smooth, the story was sweet, and the bedroom scenes were steamy! The best bit for me was the descriptions of the cottage, plus the storm. It does make me laugh though as everyone in the city wants to 'escape to the country' and those who live there, usually want out.
An enjoyable read and I look forward to more stories in this series. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 28, 2022
It really is an opposites attract book! You have city vs. country, England vs. France, city slicker vs. lumberjack, and even easy-to-like vs. hard-to-like. Valentin saved this book for me as Dale was a little too contrary for me. He held onto his secret past for reasons, although explained, that still doesn't make 100% sense to me. He was completely self-centred and quick to jump to conclusions. Valentin, however, was a hardworking drifter with a strong work and personal ethic who wanted nothing more than to put down some roots. He managed to do that for a while caring for Dale's dad but that is in question with Dale wanting to sell the place.
The pacing was smooth, the story was sweet, and the bedroom scenes were steamy! The best bit for me was the descriptions of the cottage, plus the storm. It does make me laugh though as everyone in the city wants to 'escape to the country' and those who live there, usually want out.
An enjoyable read and I look forward to more stories in this series. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 28, 2022
May 11, 2022
4.5 stars A great start as Dale (36 years) tries to catch a his plane to over see his deceased fathers estate while juggling a phone call with his peeved off boss.
The French countryside was less the welcoming as Dale's covered in muck for his first meeting with Valentin in the middle of the night.
Nether getting along at the start as Valentin was Dale's estranged father's handyman/career but Dale didn't know that at first.
I felt for Valentin as he'd had a rough life getting by on his own, now he'd had no where to go when Dale sells the farm.
Ooh I loved Dale's frustrations of having no modernization in the old cottage especially phone signals or internet, I got a few giggles from those scenes from with city man.
Mother nature does her worst setting the scenes for them to get close. Emotions and feelings along with sexy scenes happen. Dale definitely wasn't prepared for Valentin's reactions after his French speaking. Scenes progress and I kept wondering what would happen for them both and the book doesn't disappoint leaving it up to the last minute to find their right place together but its not without a huge fight between them. An HEA ending and told both povs.
*ARC book provided from Booksprout.
The French countryside was less the welcoming as Dale's covered in muck for his first meeting with Valentin in the middle of the night.
Nether getting along at the start as Valentin was Dale's estranged father's handyman/career but Dale didn't know that at first.
I felt for Valentin as he'd had a rough life getting by on his own, now he'd had no where to go when Dale sells the farm.
Ooh I loved Dale's frustrations of having no modernization in the old cottage especially phone signals or internet, I got a few giggles from those scenes from with city man.
Mother nature does her worst setting the scenes for them to get close. Emotions and feelings along with sexy scenes happen. Dale definitely wasn't prepared for Valentin's reactions after his French speaking. Scenes progress and I kept wondering what would happen for them both and the book doesn't disappoint leaving it up to the last minute to find their right place together but its not without a huge fight between them. An HEA ending and told both povs.
*ARC book provided from Booksprout.
May 31, 2022
Dale, a workaholic Brit, heads to the middle of nowhere France in what he hopes will be a quick trip to deal with his deceased father’s home. Upon arrival he is surprised to find drifter Valentin living in the cottage saying he’d been friends and living with his father for the past year. Due to Dale’s father filling Valentin’s head with stories of Dale, (as if he was one to talk!) he has a very poor opinion of him. While expecting to dislike Dale and have to warm up to him, especially considering his inner monologue in the early chapters, I liked him more. Valentin was rude and antagonistic from the moment they met and just seemed to think he deserved the house and was hateful towards Dale when he wanted to sell it. He manipulated himself into the position to be a translator while having ulterior motives. I don’t really blame Dale for thinking Valentin was a conman. There’s a lot of back and forth and by the time they are finally in a good place the end came too quickly. I really would have enjoyed a few more chapters when they were finally on solid ground. It’s a well written book about 2 very complex, emotionally stunted men who push through deep insecurities and come out on the other side. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
June 25, 2022
4.5 Stars
I always jump at the chance to read or listen to a book by CF White. I always find myself drawn into their stories from start to finish and looking around for the next one. I love authors who write like that.
Dale and Valentin were two very complex characters. They couldn’t be any more different than they were, yet, somehow, they worked—once they got there that is. This isn’t a fast-moving romance but it doesn’t leave you hanging. This is one of those slow burns that make sense to the characters, what they’ve gone through, and the story. I don’t think it would have worked any other way and maintained the integral feelings and emotions both characters have.
I highly recommend this book and this author if you like books that make you think, feel, and are looking for a story where love doesn’t come easy. These men have some work cut out for them, but I think they’re worth it!
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
I always jump at the chance to read or listen to a book by CF White. I always find myself drawn into their stories from start to finish and looking around for the next one. I love authors who write like that.
Dale and Valentin were two very complex characters. They couldn’t be any more different than they were, yet, somehow, they worked—once they got there that is. This isn’t a fast-moving romance but it doesn’t leave you hanging. This is one of those slow burns that make sense to the characters, what they’ve gone through, and the story. I don’t think it would have worked any other way and maintained the integral feelings and emotions both characters have.
I highly recommend this book and this author if you like books that make you think, feel, and are looking for a story where love doesn’t come easy. These men have some work cut out for them, but I think they’re worth it!
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
May 29, 2022
It is already the second boo that I read from this author and like the previous one, I loved it.
Valentin is a young man who took care of Dale's father, a businessman from London.
When Dale's father dies in France, Dale goes to France to sell the house, upon arriving to meet young Valentin.
The mistrust between them becomes a commercial transaction and hence a physical attraction is a climax. The past of both characters is at the same time what unites them and what divides them
One of my favorite books this year
Received an ARC but the words are honest and from the heart
Valentin is a young man who took care of Dale's father, a businessman from London.
When Dale's father dies in France, Dale goes to France to sell the house, upon arriving to meet young Valentin.
The mistrust between them becomes a commercial transaction and hence a physical attraction is a climax. The past of both characters is at the same time what unites them and what divides them
One of my favorite books this year
Received an ARC but the words are honest and from the heart
June 6, 2022
This story did not hit the mark for me. I could never connect with Dale and in my eyes he never really redeemed himself. Valentin wasn't much better, while he was real all the time he just thought Dale would change everything for him. The fact that the entire book takes place in less than a week along with Valentin being very secretive of his past just didn't work for me.
July 7, 2022
what was Valentin
You never found out Valentin age, that was annoying. Also felt sorry for Dale he was used all around. Also never fining out Valentins back story was extremely disappointing.
You never found out Valentin age, that was annoying. Also felt sorry for Dale he was used all around. Also never fining out Valentins back story was extremely disappointing.
May 3, 2023
French Kiss is the first book in the ‘Flying into Love’ series. It stars Valentin Aubrey, a handyman, and Dale Calverley, a businessman. It’s told in third person from Dale and Valentin’s pov.
3.5 Stars
This is the third book I’ve read by this author, all from this series. I read the series in reverse, having read Irish Charm and Aussie Sun first and second. I only have Spanish Siesta to read next. The blurb does a good job of explaining what’s happening in the plot. Except for one thing. It doesn’t say that everything that happens is within the span of one week. And sadly, that is the main flaw of this book which I’ll explain later. But for now, Dale has come to a remote location in France to deal with selling his father’s home when he died. Upon arrival Dale finds Valentin living there. The story revolves around both men learning to drop their walls in order to trust each other, but there’s so much baggage in both of their paths that when someone from Valentin’s past shows up, it tears the men apart on a total misunderstanding. This is an opposite attracts and forced proximity story.
The author has a terrific knack for creating a place that draws me right in, and characters that are believable. However, in this story, there is a major flaw. The plot takes place over one week only. I found it unrealistic that these two men, who are both hiding aspects of themselves, and especially Dale who has walled off his true self behind thick walls, would drop all pretense over such short a period, especially to a stranger, let alone create emotional ties to that stranger. There’s no way that Dale would do that. If Dale was staying for maybe two months, I can see that possibly happening, but one week isn’t long enough and it interfered with my belief in this story.
As to the characters, Valentin was a man who used to live a life that he didn’t care for. Because of his looks and sex appeal, he could’ve succeeded at finding himself a sugar daddy, but that wasn’t him and he chose to become a vagabond handyman for room and food when he just wanted a permanent home. Dale’s father was a godsend for Valentin, and he helped maintain the cottage for the father. Dale just wanted to sell the place, but Valentin convinced Dale that Valentin would help with interpretation and tidying for staying a bit longer. Dale had his own personal problems. He resented his father not paying attention to Dale once his mother died. He hid the fact he was gay and poured himself into his work thinking he wouldn’t feel so empty inside. It wasn’t until he met Valentin who showed him a different way to live, and told him what Dale’s father was like, that Dale thought maybe life could be different, until the past caught up. Both men were both closed off about who they really were or about their pasts, and very uncommunicative, it’s no wonder the break-up was explosive. Once Dale dropped his walls, and trusted in Valentin enough to express his true self, Dale was free. Valentin had to get over his insecurity that anyone would want him only for his looks and sex, and not want him because Valentin liked the wilderness and working with his hands. I could believe in the two men as a couple once they were honest and truthful with each other. But NOT after only ONE WEEK!
I enjoyed the plot of French Kiss and the setting. Dale and Valentin were realistic men who I could believe as a couple but only if the timeline had been over a two-month period or longer. There’s no way their relationship could have happened in one week with how much baggage both men carried, especially Dale. If I was to give a grade for the relationship time period alone, it would get an ‘F’. That problem made the story unrealistic and lowered my rating to 3.5 Stars. Since I can’t give half stars, I will give this story, 3 Stars. I don’t think it’s quite as good as the other two books I’ve read in the series.
I received a copy from the author and am giving my honest and unbiased opinion.
3.5 Stars
This is the third book I’ve read by this author, all from this series. I read the series in reverse, having read Irish Charm and Aussie Sun first and second. I only have Spanish Siesta to read next. The blurb does a good job of explaining what’s happening in the plot. Except for one thing. It doesn’t say that everything that happens is within the span of one week. And sadly, that is the main flaw of this book which I’ll explain later. But for now, Dale has come to a remote location in France to deal with selling his father’s home when he died. Upon arrival Dale finds Valentin living there. The story revolves around both men learning to drop their walls in order to trust each other, but there’s so much baggage in both of their paths that when someone from Valentin’s past shows up, it tears the men apart on a total misunderstanding. This is an opposite attracts and forced proximity story.
The author has a terrific knack for creating a place that draws me right in, and characters that are believable. However, in this story, there is a major flaw. The plot takes place over one week only. I found it unrealistic that these two men, who are both hiding aspects of themselves, and especially Dale who has walled off his true self behind thick walls, would drop all pretense over such short a period, especially to a stranger, let alone create emotional ties to that stranger. There’s no way that Dale would do that. If Dale was staying for maybe two months, I can see that possibly happening, but one week isn’t long enough and it interfered with my belief in this story.
As to the characters, Valentin was a man who used to live a life that he didn’t care for. Because of his looks and sex appeal, he could’ve succeeded at finding himself a sugar daddy, but that wasn’t him and he chose to become a vagabond handyman for room and food when he just wanted a permanent home. Dale’s father was a godsend for Valentin, and he helped maintain the cottage for the father. Dale just wanted to sell the place, but Valentin convinced Dale that Valentin would help with interpretation and tidying for staying a bit longer. Dale had his own personal problems. He resented his father not paying attention to Dale once his mother died. He hid the fact he was gay and poured himself into his work thinking he wouldn’t feel so empty inside. It wasn’t until he met Valentin who showed him a different way to live, and told him what Dale’s father was like, that Dale thought maybe life could be different, until the past caught up. Both men were both closed off about who they really were or about their pasts, and very uncommunicative, it’s no wonder the break-up was explosive. Once Dale dropped his walls, and trusted in Valentin enough to express his true self, Dale was free. Valentin had to get over his insecurity that anyone would want him only for his looks and sex, and not want him because Valentin liked the wilderness and working with his hands. I could believe in the two men as a couple once they were honest and truthful with each other. But NOT after only ONE WEEK!
I enjoyed the plot of French Kiss and the setting. Dale and Valentin were realistic men who I could believe as a couple but only if the timeline had been over a two-month period or longer. There’s no way their relationship could have happened in one week with how much baggage both men carried, especially Dale. If I was to give a grade for the relationship time period alone, it would get an ‘F’. That problem made the story unrealistic and lowered my rating to 3.5 Stars. Since I can’t give half stars, I will give this story, 3 Stars. I don’t think it’s quite as good as the other two books I’ve read in the series.
I received a copy from the author and am giving my honest and unbiased opinion.
March 28, 2023
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This felt like a rushed contemporary romance that I could have watched any weekend at the TV. Actually, the beginning of the story gave me "A Good Day" vibes, by Gerard Butler.
We have two completely opposite men. One, a London city boy, Dale, while the other is more a nature loving man, Valentin.
Dale has to travel to rural France when his Dad dies al leaves him his house there, so he puts a stop to his work centered life, takes a few days off, and travels there with the intention of selling quickly and getting back.
He doesn't expect to find there anyone, much less lumberjack sexy Vincent, who looks like worked for his dad doing manual labors around the house.
The two collide at first but one storm is all it takes for them to let it go and get hot and bothered together. I won't deny I didn't feel a connection between them at first. This is one of the "why did they fall in love in the first place?" cases for me. It gets better as they keep it going since then you can feel there's actually something going and it gets sweeter.
But then comes the totally unnecessary misunderstanding leading to the final drama that I could have done without. I hate that kind of situations, they seem like the easy way of creating conflict when it's OBVIOUS it's a misunderstanding. Much more considering Dale had already asked Valentin about his relationship with his Dad, so it felt like going around the same thing once and once again.
It's sweet how they find a home in each other, Valentin being so used to be left behind and so considering himself not worth enough, and Dale with his own past trauma involving his sexuality. I would have loved for there to be more communication (it seems like Valentin demands Dale to open and then he never does the same, but I guess that's the only way the author found to lead to the ultimate crisis that led them apart).
Id you are looking for something quick and easy to read, this could be a nice option, that's for sure. But don't expect a mid blowing romance.
This felt like a rushed contemporary romance that I could have watched any weekend at the TV. Actually, the beginning of the story gave me "A Good Day" vibes, by Gerard Butler.
We have two completely opposite men. One, a London city boy, Dale, while the other is more a nature loving man, Valentin.
Dale has to travel to rural France when his Dad dies al leaves him his house there, so he puts a stop to his work centered life, takes a few days off, and travels there with the intention of selling quickly and getting back.
He doesn't expect to find there anyone, much less lumberjack sexy Vincent, who looks like worked for his dad doing manual labors around the house.
The two collide at first but one storm is all it takes for them to let it go and get hot and bothered together. I won't deny I didn't feel a connection between them at first. This is one of the "why did they fall in love in the first place?" cases for me. It gets better as they keep it going since then you can feel there's actually something going and it gets sweeter.
But then comes the totally unnecessary misunderstanding leading to the final drama that I could have done without. I hate that kind of situations, they seem like the easy way of creating conflict when it's OBVIOUS it's a misunderstanding. Much more considering Dale had already asked Valentin about his relationship with his Dad, so it felt like going around the same thing once and once again.
It's sweet how they find a home in each other, Valentin being so used to be left behind and so considering himself not worth enough, and Dale with his own past trauma involving his sexuality. I would have loved for there to be more communication (it seems like Valentin demands Dale to open and then he never does the same, but I guess that's the only way the author found to lead to the ultimate crisis that led them apart).
Id you are looking for something quick and easy to read, this could be a nice option, that's for sure. But don't expect a mid blowing romance.
April 24, 2023
It was ok everything was a little too rushed especially the 3rd act. The misunderstanding was a little too much and the way it was fixed was even faster. I wouldn't forgive that that easily if I was in his shoes. A few more chapters to stretch this out a little bit more would have been better.
As for the French well I'll stick to my country's reputation and complain a bit 😅
I know it's not an easy language but it seriously felt like everything was done through google translate. Which would have been fine if they were doing a road trip through Europe and spent a chapter or two in France but the entire book takes place there.
I'm obviously not expecting perfect French (hell I can't even expect that from myself or French people in general) but to, at the very least, make sure that most sentences make sense. Even without being nitpicky about proper gender of nouns and pronouns which I think is not asking too much.
I'll put the rest in spoilers no one cares 🙈
Also the daddy kink from the side characters said as "papa" sounds so creepy. I've never read a romance book in my language so for all I know it might be the actual word they use which give me one more reason to stick to books in English (outside of the one originally published in French).
As for the French well I'll stick to my country's reputation and complain a bit 😅
I know it's not an easy language but it seriously felt like everything was done through google translate. Which would have been fine if they were doing a road trip through Europe and spent a chapter or two in France but the entire book takes place there.
I'm obviously not expecting perfect French (hell I can't even expect that from myself or French people in general) but to, at the very least, make sure that most sentences make sense. Even without being nitpicky about proper gender of nouns and pronouns which I think is not asking too much.
I'll put the rest in spoilers no one cares 🙈
Also the daddy kink from the side characters said as "papa" sounds so creepy. I've never read a romance book in my language so for all I know it might be the actual word they use which give me one more reason to stick to books in English (outside of the one originally published in French).
May 28, 2022
I like the premise of a protagonist who’s firmly established themselves as “of the city” falling for a countryside life that, despite rough edges, is full of charm. The idea of “back to nature” as universally delightful does not line up at all with my own memories of a rural upbringing, but it’s an enjoyable premise and it’s even better when the appeal of a new place comes with the allure of a new person (there’s a reason it’s a romcom staple). This is exactly what happens when paragon of spreadsheet management Dale heads to rural France to deal with his late father’s estate and finds cold, mud, a quirky house with low ceilings and no wifi, and Valentin. Valentin stole my heart from the beginning: his life experiences are checkered and have left him with plenty of scars, but he’s still striving to find his place and to make his way. It���s impossible not to want good things for him. It’s a good thing he’s so charming and easy to root for, because Dale is…much more complicated. It was difficult, for much of this book, for me to like Dale: I understand that he’s dealing with a lot– the legacy of his estranged father’s life and death, the choices he’s made about what he will and won’t allow himself to be in the eyes of the world– but I absolutely hated how self-centered he was. He’s willing to destabilize Valentin’s entire existence: first for a profit, then for hurt pride. He’s so wrapped up in his own needs and feelings that it takes most of the book for him to see Valentin as an actual person and not just a prop in the unfolding drama of his life, and that did not endear him to me. It did help that he eventually (in the nick of time, actually) realizes the mistake he’s made and lines up a grand gesture to mend fences, but he’s never going to be my favorite character. Overall, however, an enjoyable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 12, 2022
Dale Calverley is a closeted workaholic in a high-powered London consultancy firm. When his estranged father dies, Dale takes a week to travel to rural France to get the remote house ready for a quick sale. Dale has no attachment to his father or the house. He doesn’t expect to find Valentin Aubrey squatting in his father’s house and fireworks ensue. Valentin has cared for Dale’s father for the last year and attempted to keep the farmhouse and property maintained. Valentin had hoped to stay on but Dale neither trusts him or wants him around. Valentin remains fairly secretive about his past and, understandably, Dale isn’t sure who he is dealing with. However, over the week both men come to appreciate the other. I adore CF White’s writing and I enjoyed this enemies-to-lovers / age gap romance. It’s basically a two-person play with Dale coming to accept himself and his father’s memory. With most action taking place over 6 days, though, this is pretty much a textbook instalove holiday romance. I usually like my romances to evolve more slowly than this and remained unconvinced that Dale should be making big life decisions after such a short time. I also would have liked to see Dale’s boss Cynthia’s reaction to his decisions. Having said that, I loved watching the two men learn to trust and value each other and start to heal. Piers Ryman always performs an entertaining audio narration and he rolled out the French like a pro, c’est magnifique!
dnf
June 20, 2024DNF @ 17%
Dale was kind of an asshole, especially to Valentin who was helped his father and lived there. I couldn't really get past Dale kicking Valentin out (who then immediately folded and basically begged to keep the house.) Like did Valentin really not talk to Dale's dad about what would happen when he died? Will maybe come back to this one in the future, but DNF-ing for now.
Dale was kind of an asshole, especially to Valentin who was helped his father and lived there. I couldn't really get past Dale kicking Valentin out (who then immediately folded and basically begged to keep the house.) Like did Valentin really not talk to Dale's dad about what would happen when he died? Will maybe come back to this one in the future, but DNF-ing for now.
June 25, 2022
Lovely opposites attract romance (an audio review)
I have to start by complimenting Piers Ryman. As someone fluent in both English and French, it’s frustrating when narrators butcher either language. I know they do their best, but sometimes their French is incomprehensible. Ryman wasn’t like that at all – I understood all the French clearly, so I have to say well done.
Now to the story. I do love opposites attract and, wow, these two men couldn’t be more different. Dale is all suave sophisticated London while Valentin is rural France with no phone or internet. I live more like Dale, but I very much want to live like Valentin – so I related to both men.
Dale inherited a property in rural France when his estranged father passed away. His father wrote sweeping romance novels and Dale never quite related to them. His parents had a grand passionate affair and Dale’s never been privy to that kind of love. He doesn’t understand it, and he certainly can’t understand why his father holed himself away in this hovel without access to the world.
Valentin understands Dale’s father completely. He lived a hard scrabble life in the city and he hates it. Truly detests everything Dale represents. So how can the two men possibly get along? Well, sexual chemistry helps. So does open dialogue. You know – talking about feelings? They’re not always great about it, but when they get it right, truth spills out.
Now, I honestly didn’t know how the men would get their happy ending. Both were firmly entrenched – it was obvious Valentin would be miserable in the city, just like it was obvious Dale couldn’t function in the middle of nowhere.
But find a solution they did and I got my patented CF White happy ending. Now, I noticed this was book 1 in a series. Normally CF’s books center around one couple for three (or more) books. But these guys have truly settled everything. I snuck a peek, and the other books have other couples. Can’t wait to read those.
I have to start by complimenting Piers Ryman. As someone fluent in both English and French, it’s frustrating when narrators butcher either language. I know they do their best, but sometimes their French is incomprehensible. Ryman wasn’t like that at all – I understood all the French clearly, so I have to say well done.
Now to the story. I do love opposites attract and, wow, these two men couldn’t be more different. Dale is all suave sophisticated London while Valentin is rural France with no phone or internet. I live more like Dale, but I very much want to live like Valentin – so I related to both men.
Dale inherited a property in rural France when his estranged father passed away. His father wrote sweeping romance novels and Dale never quite related to them. His parents had a grand passionate affair and Dale’s never been privy to that kind of love. He doesn’t understand it, and he certainly can’t understand why his father holed himself away in this hovel without access to the world.
Valentin understands Dale’s father completely. He lived a hard scrabble life in the city and he hates it. Truly detests everything Dale represents. So how can the two men possibly get along? Well, sexual chemistry helps. So does open dialogue. You know – talking about feelings? They’re not always great about it, but when they get it right, truth spills out.
Now, I honestly didn’t know how the men would get their happy ending. Both were firmly entrenched – it was obvious Valentin would be miserable in the city, just like it was obvious Dale couldn’t function in the middle of nowhere.
But find a solution they did and I got my patented CF White happy ending. Now, I noticed this was book 1 in a series. Normally CF’s books center around one couple for three (or more) books. But these guys have truly settled everything. I snuck a peek, and the other books have other couples. Can’t wait to read those.
July 1, 2023
I had lost this book in the plethora of books I have in my kindle library. I was going over my past books that were given to me and came across French Kiss. I am so glad I started reading it! Dale and his father were estranged, had been for years. It took his father dying for Dale to travel to France to settle the estate and to return to England. Looking at the house for the first time, falling into the mud that surrounded the house, and ruining an expensive suit, Dale is dirty and disappointed. He could have settled this from England, not traveling to France to experience mud, rain and the crushing disappointment of not talking to his father and settling things between them. Entering into the house, stripping down to his underwear, Dale comes face to face with Valentin. Sparks fly between both, but there is a lot of distrust also.
Valentin and Dale's dad had become friends and George, Dale's dad, offered him employment to get the house repaired. Becoming George's caregiver and handyman was something Valentin welcomed because they were friends/family, and the house, land, became his home. Dale coming and wanting to sell the house was something Valentin didn't want to think about.
But chemistry has a way of making it's way to the front of everything. Soon Dale and Valentin become intimate and those sparks become an inferno. But Dale still wants to sell and go back to England. Can they find a compromise? If they do, where will they live? This HEA has all the good things... A great storyline, well written, interesting characters, and it's believable. Their relationship is hot, sometimes combustion able. The French words thrown in had me looking them up to be able to say them to my partner... or an offending person! Great read! Sad I waited so long to read it. So don't you wait!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Valentin and Dale's dad had become friends and George, Dale's dad, offered him employment to get the house repaired. Becoming George's caregiver and handyman was something Valentin welcomed because they were friends/family, and the house, land, became his home. Dale coming and wanting to sell the house was something Valentin didn't want to think about.
But chemistry has a way of making it's way to the front of everything. Soon Dale and Valentin become intimate and those sparks become an inferno. But Dale still wants to sell and go back to England. Can they find a compromise? If they do, where will they live? This HEA has all the good things... A great storyline, well written, interesting characters, and it's believable. Their relationship is hot, sometimes combustion able. The French words thrown in had me looking them up to be able to say them to my partner... or an offending person! Great read! Sad I waited so long to read it. So don't you wait!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2023
🌿Leaving the rat race behind🏚🌄
4-4.5🌟 stars
The plot of C.F. White's French Kiss was one I really got into, with tension right to the climax about whether London management consultant Dale would choose the country, back to the simpler things lifestyle or return to his hectic "no time for anything but work" life in London.
White offered good backstories for both Dale and Valentin; an effective enemies to whatever conflict vibe to add drama; and some touching moments involving Dale's recently-deceased father who left Dale his home in rural France.
The steamy bits are judiciously used to be enjoyed but not to overwhelm the developing emotional connection between the pair. And I loved Delphine, the doyenne of the coffee shop. She's just got a few mentions but her attitude? Cheeky and sympathetic.
I'm not a native French speaker and the French I do recall is somewhat rusty but I thought some of the French was a bit off. And for those with no knowledge of French, the use of it in conversation without any translation, though infrequent, may have been confusing and left them just as clueless as poor Dale!
Would I read more by this author, who was new to me? Yes, definitely.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4-4.5🌟 stars
The plot of C.F. White's French Kiss was one I really got into, with tension right to the climax about whether London management consultant Dale would choose the country, back to the simpler things lifestyle or return to his hectic "no time for anything but work" life in London.
White offered good backstories for both Dale and Valentin; an effective enemies to whatever conflict vibe to add drama; and some touching moments involving Dale's recently-deceased father who left Dale his home in rural France.
The steamy bits are judiciously used to be enjoyed but not to overwhelm the developing emotional connection between the pair. And I loved Delphine, the doyenne of the coffee shop. She's just got a few mentions but her attitude? Cheeky and sympathetic.
I'm not a native French speaker and the French I do recall is somewhat rusty but I thought some of the French was a bit off. And for those with no knowledge of French, the use of it in conversation without any translation, though infrequent, may have been confusing and left them just as clueless as poor Dale!
Would I read more by this author, who was new to me? Yes, definitely.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
May 31, 2022
Dale and Valentin . . .
Dale Calverley is a bit of a cold, self-centered man who puts business ahead of everything else. He must grudgingly take time out to travel to rural France from London so that he can sell the property left to him by his deceased father and hurry back to his business in London. Unfortunately, he finds the place is rather dilapidated and is occupied by handyman Valentin Aubrey. This is Valentin’s home. Dale hires Valentin to help him fix it up so he can sell it to the highest bidder.
There are definite emotions the reader will feel strongly. These two are opposites, and yet they have commonality in the things that matter and that will draw them together. Can Valentin show Dale how to appreciate the rural environment? Would Dale be willing to let go a little and see what surrounds him? Would he let go of the career he holds onto so tightly and learn to live his life with someone who cares deeply for him? And will Dale finally understand how his father felt about him, and find peace?
Dale Calverley is a bit of a cold, self-centered man who puts business ahead of everything else. He must grudgingly take time out to travel to rural France from London so that he can sell the property left to him by his deceased father and hurry back to his business in London. Unfortunately, he finds the place is rather dilapidated and is occupied by handyman Valentin Aubrey. This is Valentin’s home. Dale hires Valentin to help him fix it up so he can sell it to the highest bidder.
There are definite emotions the reader will feel strongly. These two are opposites, and yet they have commonality in the things that matter and that will draw them together. Can Valentin show Dale how to appreciate the rural environment? Would Dale be willing to let go a little and see what surrounds him? Would he let go of the career he holds onto so tightly and learn to live his life with someone who cares deeply for him? And will Dale finally understand how his father felt about him, and find peace?
June 2, 2022
I liked this romance set mostly in the French countryside. A British consultant is informed his estranged father has died in France and he sets out to sell his Dad's property and then return to his busy life in England. When he gets to the house he finds a young man living there who had apparently taken care of his father while he was ill. The young man would like to stay at the house and work on repairs to make it suitable to sell. The son would like to make a quick sale and return to England as soon as possible, he and his dad's relationship bringing up bad memories.
A good scenario with interesting MC's that I think could have been much more emotional than it was. Both of these guys had quite the backstory which just ached to be dealt with in a much deeper way than it was. I love pathos, shame, longing and this book begged to have all of those feelings in spades. With that said, however, it was a good M/M romance with smiles at the end.
A good scenario with interesting MC's that I think could have been much more emotional than it was. Both of these guys had quite the backstory which just ached to be dealt with in a much deeper way than it was. I love pathos, shame, longing and this book begged to have all of those feelings in spades. With that said, however, it was a good M/M romance with smiles at the end.
June 27, 2022
This book was a slow angst read for me. I usually love reading books with great looking cover. However, it was a bit of a struggle for me to finish the book. There were times I wanted to strangle Dale because of his pretentious attitude. Heck, I would be chasing Valentin, the hot bearded gypsy handyman the minute I got to the estate. I’d give it 3 stars.
This book is about Dale who inherited a farmhouse estate in France from his “estranged” father. When he got there one rainy, muddy night, he was surprised to see that there was someone else there. It was Valentin, who had been living there and helping Dale’s father try to renovate/fix things. Dale did not appreciate that but Valentin was able to convince him to let him stay and at least continue to fix things and add things like Wi-Fi. There, feelings between Dale and Valentin developed. If you want to find out what happens, pick up the book.
This book is about Dale who inherited a farmhouse estate in France from his “estranged” father. When he got there one rainy, muddy night, he was surprised to see that there was someone else there. It was Valentin, who had been living there and helping Dale’s father try to renovate/fix things. Dale did not appreciate that but Valentin was able to convince him to let him stay and at least continue to fix things and add things like Wi-Fi. There, feelings between Dale and Valentin developed. If you want to find out what happens, pick up the book.
March 23, 2023
A STEAMY FORCED CLOSE PROXIMITY AGE GAP ROMANCE!
This is the second book of the series by CF White I have read and devoured!
Her books are always so passionate and intimate with a bit of angst that keeps the pages turning!
I loved the banter and intensity between Dale and Valentin!
They were so each other’s person but very stubborn and headstrong until one of them concedes but who will - the workaholic closeted sexy businessman or the rugged handsome handyman with a past…
Life is too short too play foolish games and that is what Dale realised when he received the news his estranged father passed away so when he meets Valentin in France will he adhere to his passion for work and anonymous hookups or will he take a walk on the wild side…
A sweet, angsty and poignant passionate story that will have you turning page after page to read about Dale and Valentin’s journey!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for my honest opinion on this story.
This is the second book of the series by CF White I have read and devoured!
Her books are always so passionate and intimate with a bit of angst that keeps the pages turning!
I loved the banter and intensity between Dale and Valentin!
They were so each other’s person but very stubborn and headstrong until one of them concedes but who will - the workaholic closeted sexy businessman or the rugged handsome handyman with a past…
Life is too short too play foolish games and that is what Dale realised when he received the news his estranged father passed away so when he meets Valentin in France will he adhere to his passion for work and anonymous hookups or will he take a walk on the wild side…
A sweet, angsty and poignant passionate story that will have you turning page after page to read about Dale and Valentin’s journey!
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR for my honest opinion on this story.
May 23, 2022
I have read a few of White's books and I'm a fan. French Kiss is the beginning of a new series that I will look forward to. It seems as though in each story, the main character will be flying into a new town/city/circumstances. In this case Dale leaves behind an important account to fly to France and sell his father's house.
What Dale flies into is nothing like what he was expecting. He's leaving a fast life in London packed with business meetings, phone calls and a compete lock of commitments to anyone in the love department.
When he arrives at his father's home, he's shocked to find that it's hardly a residence at all by his standards. After a catastrophic arrival which involves him having to shed his clothes because of mud - he comes face to face with the other thing he wasn't expecting: French handyman, Valentin.
It turns out that Dale didn't just have a bad relationship with his father, he suddenly feels as though he didn't know him at all. Nothing is as he expected and his father's unique friendship with Valentin is something that Dale has trouble processing.
The relationship in this book progresses quickly. There's an instant attraction and the two men are forced to cohabitate for a while which eases things along. I enjoyed some of the teasing and that there are some French phrases in the book. I speak French so I found it to be a bit of extra fun! You don't need to speak French to read the book but it's funny :D
Great romance with some steamy love scenes and just the right amount of angst.
What Dale flies into is nothing like what he was expecting. He's leaving a fast life in London packed with business meetings, phone calls and a compete lock of commitments to anyone in the love department.
When he arrives at his father's home, he's shocked to find that it's hardly a residence at all by his standards. After a catastrophic arrival which involves him having to shed his clothes because of mud - he comes face to face with the other thing he wasn't expecting: French handyman, Valentin.
It turns out that Dale didn't just have a bad relationship with his father, he suddenly feels as though he didn't know him at all. Nothing is as he expected and his father's unique friendship with Valentin is something that Dale has trouble processing.
The relationship in this book progresses quickly. There's an instant attraction and the two men are forced to cohabitate for a while which eases things along. I enjoyed some of the teasing and that there are some French phrases in the book. I speak French so I found it to be a bit of extra fun! You don't need to speak French to read the book but it's funny :D
Great romance with some steamy love scenes and just the right amount of angst.
May 31, 2022
What better way to get a cultured Englishman who loves playing the field together with a rough around the edges French handyman than to have the Englishman inherit a rundown French farmhouse in desperate need of repairs. They are around each other consulting on the repairs and starting to feel the attraction and wouldn't you know it they get cut off from the rest of the world by a storm. Forced proximity romance here we come. Both these men are interesting but Dale is carrying around some heavy baggage that explains why he's never wanted to settle down and Valentin has his own secrets, eventually they see the light and work through them. Both characters go through some serious and difficult emotional growth. Loved the setting of this one, who wouldn't want to meet someone in the French countryside?
May 28, 2022
Dale is a workaholic. Loves his job but spends way to much time at it. When he inherits a cottage in France from his estranged father he needs to check it out so he can sell it. He doesn’t expect to find an extremely attractive man living in it. Valentin had been taking care of Dale’s father. When the men meet their lives will be forever changed.
This story started slow. Probably a quarter of the way into it before it sped up. Slow burn, small amount of angst. The love story between them was sweet with very spicy bits.
The writing was nice and the story development offered some backstory but not until a ways into the book. Both characters were well rounded and likable. Some funny moments, Dale’s intro to Valentin was kind of funny. The fishing was also very interesting. I don’t speak French so I was guessing at what was being said. That in itself was entertaining. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories about two men who come from different worlds but manage to fall in love very nicely.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
This story started slow. Probably a quarter of the way into it before it sped up. Slow burn, small amount of angst. The love story between them was sweet with very spicy bits.
The writing was nice and the story development offered some backstory but not until a ways into the book. Both characters were well rounded and likable. Some funny moments, Dale’s intro to Valentin was kind of funny. The fishing was also very interesting. I don’t speak French so I was guessing at what was being said. That in itself was entertaining. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories about two men who come from different worlds but manage to fall in love very nicely.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
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