The Chocolate Touch

Starred review from June 17, 2013
While technically a sequel to The Chocolate Kiss and The Chocolate Thief, the emotionally intense third Amour et Chocolat romance stands well on its own. Jaime Corey, the younger sister of Chocolate Thief protagonist Cade Corey, has survived a brutal attack and decides to treat herself to some chocolate therapy in Paris. She starts going to Dominique Richard’s salon twice a day. Intrigued by Jaime, Dom crafts elaborate confections just for her. Although Dom is besotted, he doesn’t dare relax around Jaime; he’s a big man with a temper and afraid of turning into an abuser like his father. Jaime used to be a do-gooder, trying to save the world to make up for her privileged upbringing, and while Dom makes Jaime feel cherished and adored, she feels guilty for not giving anything in return. Both Jaime and Dom are highly complex characters, with layers of emotions, thorny pasts, and tangled relationships with family and friends. Readers will cheer for both of them to work past their issues and find their chocolaty ever after. Agent: Kimberley Cameron, Kimberley Cameron & Associates.