Book Review: Love Requires Chocolate

First of all, I want to say a big thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book before it came out. I'm so glad I get to give my review and help support this book. So, big shoutout to them!

Love Requires Chocolate by Ravynn K. Stringfield was such a fun book to read. The main character, Whitney, was bubbly and energetic. I loved how passionate she was about her theater project and about following in the footsteps of her idol Josephine Baker. Whitney’s passion makes her stand out as a character and drives the whole narrative forward. Not only is she passionate about theater and Josephine Baker, but she’s passionate about everything she does, which makes her a character that you want to route for. When she meets her French tutor Thierry, the sparks flew. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic between them was adorable and had me excited for each new opportunity to see them interact. Their interactions took them across Paris as a way for Whitney to work on her French and explore the city she’s calling home for the few months she’s there.

When I was reading this book, I had the opportunity to visit Paris. The words on the page sprung to life all the more, being in the place that the book I was reading was set. Even if I hadn’t been in Paris as I was reading though, Ravynn Stringfield’s descriptions would have transported me there. She describes the places her characters are experiencing in such a way that makes them come alive.

While I enjoyed this book, I do think that the ending felt a bit rushed. I’m not going to put any spoilers in this review, but Whitney made some decisions hastily and then reversed her decision just as hastily. I think if this aspect of the ending could have been stretched out a bit more then it would have made the ending stronger. Even still, though, the ending was good and rounded out the story quite well.

Love Requires Chocolate was a cozy, delightful read. It’s the perfect kind of book to pick up with a cup of hot cocoa and a croissant, cuddled beneath a cozy blanket. The characters stood out on the page as did the descriptions and the story was heartily enjoyable. This book comes out on August 20th and it’s definitely one to pick up.