Tuesday, February 10, 2015

[Pat's Review]: "Once Upon a Rose"

Once Upon a Rose by Laura Florand
Publisher: Laura Florand (January 26, 2015)
Series: La Vie en Roses, 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance

She stole his roses.

Fleeing the spotlight, burnt out rock star Layla—“Belle”—Dubois seeks refuge in the south of France. That old, half-forgotten heritage in a valley of roses seems like a good place to soothe a wounded heart. She certainly doesn’t expect the most dangerous threat to her heart to pounce on her as soon as she sets foot on the land.

He wants them back.

Matt didn’t mean to growl at her quite that loudly. But—his roses! She can’t have his roses. Even if she does have all those curls and green eyes and, and, and…what was he growling about again?

Or maybe he just wants her.

When an enemy invades his valley and threatens his home, heart, and livelihood, Matthieu Rosier really knows only one way to defend himself.

It might involve kissing. 



Where to Buy*:
More Info:

Reviews of Florand's Previous Novels:

Snow-Kissed (#1) -- Kame
Sun-Kissed (#2) -- Pat

The Chocolate Thief (#1) -- Pat
Chocolate Touch (#4) -- Kame + Pat
Shadowed Heart (#5.5) -- Pat


Pat's Review:

It's hard to find words of praise that haven't been used by so many other reviewers. Ms. Florand writes beautiful love stories that touch your heart and senses, usually
with chocolate. Set in the beautiful south of France, the descriptions and scents make you feel you are there in the Valley of Roses.


Matthieu Rosier was happily celebrating his thirtieth birthday with his loud, boisterous family.  As he opened the door after a very loud knock, there was a young woman with riotous curls and green eyes. He immediately knew she was his birthday present! He carried her around like a rag doll, growling at cousins to stay away. She kept trying to say something, but Matt had quite a bit to drink and really wasn't interested.  He had his valley, his roses and now this adorable woman he decided to call "Bouclettes."


Layla "Belle" Dubois was a singer/songwriter looking for some quiet and peace. She had just inherited a house and property here in the south of France, and had spent hours trying to find it.  Stopping to ask directions, she was swooped up by this giant of a man and for some strange reason, she didn't mind.


Matt's life is this valley, roses and his family. Layla, unknowingly threatens the only thing he had always been certain of. Layla needs to write the songs that are in her head, but she just can't seem to get them on paper.  Where better to write than this breathtaking valley, with a gentle giant of a gorgeous man and where no one knows who she is.


The characters, as always are bigger than life, with grumbling and arguing and lots of love. We even get a glimpse of Gabriel and Jolie and their restaurant. ( The Chocolate Rose)  Matt and Layla are perfect together. They each have hilarious internal conversations that made me laugh out loud. Plus, when they have difficulties and pressure to pull them apart, they talk to each other. Neither running away from the relationship. Ms. Florand has written another novel that is a joy to read. I wish I could give it more than Five Stars!


5 STARS! 


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Pat received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for her honest opinion.

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Thanks for the review, Pat! :) I really must read Laura's books; I have them on my list and Kindle. One day soon, I promise!

Have you read Laura Florand? Do you have a favorite of hers?



Enjoy!


Until Next Time,


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3 comments :

Red Iza said...

They talk when they have problems, that's so good ! And so rare in romance, alas. I never knew this author or this series but I'm glad you allowed me to discover it, it looks great, thanks :)

Pat Egan Fordyce said...

Red, you'll love it, especially if you like chocolate! Don't read them if your hungry at the time! LOL

Sophia Rose said...

I like what you said about how they have problems, but talk it through. Didn't know about these. Thanks, Pat!