Review: The Chocolate Kiss (Chocolate #2) by Laura Florand

The Heart of Paris

At La Maison des Sorcieres, the window display is an enchanted forest of sweets, a collection of conical hats delights the eye and the habitues nibble chocolate witches from fanciful mismatched china. While in their tiny blue kitchen, Magalie Chaudron and her two aunts stir wishes into bubbling pots of heavenly chocolat chaud.

But no amount of wishing will rid them of interloper Philippe Lyonais, who has the gall to open one of his world famous pastry shops right down the street. Philippe's creations seem to hold a magic of their own, drawing crowds of beautiful women to their little isle amidst the Seine, and tempting even Magalie to venture out of her ivory tower and take a chance, a taste...a kiss. ~ Goodreads

Review:
The Chocolate Kiss was a love story that felt so fresh in comparison to the typical romances that I've been reading. So many books these days just go for the sex to solve everything but The Chocolate Kiss was more about creating an ambiance using the romantic setting of Paris as it’s backdrop to it’s full advantage.

I adore stories that feature chefs and food anyway but the rivalry and blossoming romance between Magalie and Philippe is just mouthwateringly delicious.

Magalie has built so many walls around herself to protect her heart. Even her clothing is chosen as a form of defensive armor.  I found her to be very off-putting at first. She has a flair for the dramatic and views almost everything as a hostile takeover of her small chocolate shop and way of life. I wish the author had given the reasons for this a little earlier in the story so I could have had more empathy for her character but I did come to love Magalie by the end.

Phillipe is a domineering, confidant man that takes up all the space in a room - suffocating Magalie, pushing her to confront memories and feelings that she'd prefer to keep locked away.

I don't usually like that type of man but I loved Phillipe. I think it helps that we get his POV early on in the relationship. Without it, you might tend to believe Magalie's narration that he is steamrolling over her business and into her heart. Phillipe is trying to get into her heart but only to expand and share it - not to overpower her.

Their exchanges are frustrating, humorous and heartbreaking at times. Each believing that the other is the stubborn - willful one. It was fascinating watching it all play out.

This is probably one of the most erotic books I have read. I'm not talking about explicit sex scenes either. The way they tempt each other with their pastries & chocolate chaud, daring each other to surrender, is sensual. He endeavors to make macarons using ingredients that make up Magalie's very essence. She imbues each cup of chocolate with dreams and wishes. He often asks her what she is wishing for him. Seduction - or to make him a toad. lol

You might need to take a cold shower after reading about them making her infamous hot chocolate. They don't even touch and it's hotter than hot! Just hearing him describe his thought process for creating a macaron is sexy. *fans self*

The Chocolate Kiss has just a touch of magic and faery tales, beautiful snowy nights in Paris, two strong minded aunts and the most decadent descriptions of pastry that I have ever read.
It inspired me to try and find a pastry shop with macaron’s nearby. Well….I kind of live in the middle of nowhere but I did find a place within driving distance that I’m going to try when I get a chance. le macaron French pastries in Winterpark, FL.

Rating 3.5 out 4: It took me a little while to warm up to Magalie but this is such a sweet, romantic story of falling in love and finding oneself. It's the perfect book to cozy up with on a cold winters night.
This is book #2 in Florand's Chocolate series but I had not read the first - this reads as a stand alone. I'm very interested in reading her other books now though.

Author: website
Source: Kesington via Netgalley for my honest review
Buy the book! The Chocolate Kiss (Amour Et Chocolat)