Book Review
Better Than Chocolate by J. Lynn Rowan
Book 1: Sweet Somethings Series
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Publication Date: September 2, 2015
Format: eBook - 153 pages
Kindle - 1224 KB
ASIN: B012X1IJD8
Genre: Chick Lit / Romantic Comedy / Women's Fiction
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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book blast event hosted by Goddess Fish Promotions.
Book Description:
But she’s not counting on coming face to face with Ryan Wutkowski (the jilted fiancé) on the plane, or with staying at his hotel during a two-day stopover in San Juan. They try to act like nothing’s changed. But Carmella’s totally flustered by the weird vibes Ryan sends her, as well as how tingly and off-kilter she feels every time he so much as looks at her.
Now Carmella can’t stop thinking about Ryan or his behavior, even though most of her time in St. Croix is taken up by pre-wedding activities and dodging advances from the womanizing best man. And she knows there’s more to the story behind Ryan and Sadie’s breakup than either of them will admit to her.
Especially after Ryan shows up at the rehearsal dinner and gets himself invited to the wedding...
Book Excerpt:
Ryan taps my arm. “Why are you on a flight to San Juan?”
I peer at him, my eyes narrow slits. “Why are you?”
A rhetorical question. Although his suit coat is probably in
the overhead bin, safe inside a garment bag, his dress pants, crisp white
button-down shirt, and Italian leather shoes tell me everything.
He answers anyway. “I have a conference over the next couple
days. I have to go straight from the airport to my first meeting.”
The plane levels out, as does my head, and I wriggle to sit
up straight. “They could at least let you check into your hotel first.”
“Well, fortunately the conference is at my hotel.”
“It’s a pretty fast trip.” I press my face to the window
glass, squinting against the glare.
He shifts in his seat. “I had some vacation time coming, so
I extended the trip through the middle of next week.”
So he’s not the only one who decided on a Caribbean
adventure in the wake of his and Sadie’s breakup. I close my eyes, glad I
didn’t say it out loud.
“Carmella, why are you going to Puerto Rico by yourself?”
The advantages of having Ryan for a flight companion have
just turned moot. There’s no way to avoid this discussion. The flight’s too
long. “I’m on my way to St. Croix.”
There. I said it. Sort of.
“What’s in St. Croix?”
His voice is low, and when I glance at him, he looks away.
His jaw shifts, his profile a stern mask.
“I think you already know,” I answer slowly.
“Sadie.”
My Book Review:
If you are looking for a delightful romantic story about best friends, an unexpected wedding, and a subtle attempt at matchmaking set on the tropical Caribbean islands of Puerto Rico and St Croix, then look no further, Better Than Chocolate is the book for you!
What could be better than chocolate? Hmmm ... that thought alone caught my attention when I read the description to this sassy tale. Author J. Lynn Rowan weaves a fun romantic story that follows the crazy journey that Carmella Sannarelli embarks on when best friend Sadie Miller informs her that she will be her Maid-of-Honor in the Caribbean island of St. Croix. But there is just one little thing ... Sadie used to be engaged to fellow best friend Ryan Wutkowski, that is until they suddenly break up and she takes off to the Caribbean where she meets wealthy Nelson Mattingly in flight, and a week later she is engaged to be married in three weeks! Phew ... did ya get that? Well, when Sadie tells Carmella about her plans, Carmella is astonished that her two best friends have broken up without telling her, plus the shock of the upcoming nuptials completely throws her for a loop. And if you think that is crazy, it's just the beginning ... Carmella and Ryan are unexpected seat mates on a flight to San Juan, where she has a two day layover and he is attending a conference. They catch up with each other ... it's just like old times ... but the mystery of the breakup still has Carmella confused. Things get even crazier when Carmella arrives in St. Croix and Sadie is up to her old matchmaking tricks when she introduces Carmella to Nelson's brother and best man Joshua, but Sadie's subtle matchmaking antics gets turned up a notch when Ryan suddenly arrives in St. Croix and joins in the wedding festivities. Hmm ... could an unexpected chance at finding one's true love really be better than chocolate?!
Better Than Chocolate is a thoroughly entertaining romantic tale that will keep the reader in stitches. Told in the first person narrative by sassy Carmella Sannarelli, the reader is transported along for the ride as Carmella embarks on a crazy journey of personal discovery, and an unexpected chance at finding true love.
This is a fast paced and fun novella that has engaging characters, humorous interactions and witty dialogue, flashbacks to the three best friends' relationship, and a sweet romance. The author provides the reader with a rich description of the tropical Caribbean island settings of San Juan and St. Croix, it makes you long for a little tropical adventure of your own. I really enjoyed following Carmella's journey, how the mystery behind Sadie and Ryan's breakup unfolds, and the swoon worthy sweet blossoming of a new romance that is so unexpected but oh so right, and maybe even better than chocolate (gasp)!
Better Than Chocolate is an enjoyable and lighthearted romance story that will leave a smile on your face.
RATING: 5 STARS
About The Author
Historical fiction remains J. Lynn’s “first love”, but she has enjoyed the journey to becoming an author of romance and chick lit. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Central New York Romance Writers, and the Historical Novel Society. She is also a teacher who tries to instill a love of learning, reading, and writing in her students.
When she’s not writing, J. Lynn enjoys travelling, gardening poorly but enthusiastically, studying various topics in American history for her own expertise, and channeling Julia Child every time she steps into the kitchen.
A native of Oswego, NY, she now lives in Charlotte, NC, with her own Romantic Hero of a husband and the most adorable baby on the planet.
Author Website
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Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting me and for the kind review! I'll be at work all day but will check in this evening to answer any questions anyone may have.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the opportunity to host your book blast event. I loved reading this story, and I look forward to reading more! :)
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