Sweet Summer's Kiss

Sacred of Change! Daniel and Gretchen's story is classic, scared of living life. Gretchen found out some very hard news and it has made her throw everything away she believed was what she wanted in life. In reality it pointed her in a different direction that is using other talents in amazing ways to help people. Daniel is wowed by Gretchen on their blind date that is does a 180 and seems like a one night stand isn't right, but Gretchen hears this and it throws her into a tailspin. I enjoyed how Debra pulled Gretchen and Daniel together and helping Gretchen learn her life really isn't over, because the direction has changed.

This was another wonderful addition to the Love at the Chocolate Shop series. Although, like the others, it can be read as a stand-alone and you won't miss out on anything. Gretchen is facing a turning point in her life as fate has crushed her future dreams and plans so she is bound and determined to break the rules for once in her life and take some chances. Daniel has a mild playboy like reputation, but he is smitten with Gretchen right away - even though it is basically a blind date. But when things start getting too real - Gretchen isn't sure she can handle Daniel or her feelings. I loved both of these characters so much. They just seemed so genuine and real with such real feelings and emotions. The story surrounding the Fourth of July festival and fundraiser in town was wonderful as well. As always, the citizens of Marietta make me wish that the town was a real place I could visit.

Gretchen Zabrinski has come to Marietta Montana to see her sister and niece after receiving horrible news about her health. When Gretchen decides to start living her life she ends up on a blind date on New Years Eve. Daniel Andrews took one look at Gretchen and realized that she was different than all the other girls he has been with. When she overhears him telling his brother about her she runs away. Months later Daniel is back in town and determined to find out why she ran away from him. I really liked this story. I thought the main characters were likable and made me want to root for them.

This story has the feels of the Gift of the Magi without Christmas: a couple loves each other so much, they're willing to sacrifice for each other, but sacrificing love and a future isn't the answer. They have to accept what fate has wrought to find peace which will lead them back together for a forever love. Wonderfully written and a delight to read!

Gretchen and Daniel...oh my, what can I say? This story really pulled on all my emotions. It was well-written with characters that kept me so emotionally invested I hated to see it end. Gretchen came to Marietta to heal and figure out how the devastating news was going to change her life's direction both personally and professionally. She meets Daniel when she is still reeling. They have such a perfect time together, she runs away feeling there is no future for them, glad that he is only visiting Marietta. Daniel can't forget the time spent with Gretchen and, now that he is in town to stay, he's determined to see if there is a future for them. I loved how Salonen wove her story and characters into the community and the characters in it. To me, the story was so well-written, that I was devastated and in tears for Gretchen. This was a wonderful addition to the Love at the Chocolate Shop series, but can be read as a stand alone novel. *I received an advanced copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My opinions are my own and freely given.

ARC for honest review with no compensation 4.2 stars Sweet Summer’s Kiss is part of the Love At The Chocolate Shop series. This is a standalone like all the rest but I thinking reading the other books will give more insight to the Chocolate Shop series. This is my first book in this series and what a way for me to start the series! ! Gretchen has secrets that have changed her life in a heartbeat. When she goes to the New Year’s Eve Ball with Daniel, she feels a little like Cinderella but hope her story doesn’t end with just a dance until she overhears Daniel on the phone….she runs away….. Fate has other ideas and keeps throwing them together time and again…will they get the idea that maybe fate is telling them this is their HEA or will Gretchen decide she can’t be everything Daniel wants and needs????

This was a fun re-telling of the Cinderella story. This is the 10th story in the Love at the Chocolate Shop series set in Marietta. Gretchen Zabrinski & Daniel Andrew were set up to attend the Big Sky Mavericks Masked Ball together. Things were going well until Gretchen overhears Daniel telling his brother he thinks he has found the future mother of his children. Gretchen is unable to have children so those words went straight to her heart & she fled. However, they end up working together for the same company & in the same building. Working together they grow closer. This was a great story of overcoming different obstacles, opening up & being honest with each other & having supportive family members.

I totally loved Sweet Summer’s Kisses by Debra Salonen, book ten in the Love at the Chocolate Shop series. This is Gretchen Zabrinski and Daniel Andrews story. These two attend the New Year’s Eve Big Sky Mavericks Masked Ball together as a favor to Gretchen’s boss and Daniel’s brother. Feeling like Cinderella, Gretchen shares a sizzling kiss with Daniel but after overhearing his phone call with his brother, she leaves without a word. Daniel returns to Marietta months later to open a new division at her PR firm which has these two running into each other, working together, and sharing sweet kisses. Daniel is determined to prove to Gretchen that her reservations about getting involved with him can be overcome. I loved, loved, loved reading this book and had trouble putting this book down, reading it in one day. Ms. Salonen drew me in and did not let go until I read the last page. I highly recommend this book to other readers and I for one look forward to the next book in this wonderful series. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

A new twist on the Cinderella story. On New Year's Eve, Gretchen Zabrinski was set up by her boss with Daniel Andrews, a man social media called the prince of playboys. The date was going perfect until Gretchen overhears Daniel on the phone saying he thinks he just kissed the mother of his future children. This sends Gretchen running from the ball without a word to anyone. Gretchen was recently diagnosed with a health condition and she knows she will never be able to give him what he wants. Five months later, they meet again at Copper Mountain Chocolate's speed dating event. This time, Daniel is not letting Gretchen out of his sight. He will do whatever it takes to win her heart. I have been enjoying the Love at the Chocolate Shop series. I hate to think it is almost over. This book is a perfect complement to the other stories. The author did a great job writing a tale that I won't soon forget.

Sweet Summer's Kiss (Love at the Chocolate Shop Book 10) by Debra Salonen This is Gretchen Zabrinski and Daniel Andrews' story. This is a sweet romance that includes chocolate and dogs that at times will have you laughing or crying. Gretchen has a secret and is determined to not get close to Daniel. I fell in love with Daniel's character. He was a lot of fun. Will Daniel be able break down Gretchen's barriers? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

A devastating prognosis brings Gretchen Zabrinski to stay with her sister in Marietta as an escape from her parents and as a way to try and rebuild her life as it will be and leaving behind so many dreams and plans. Her life begins to encounter rapid changes when she meets Daniel Andrews on a New Year’s Eve date. He is charming and so handsome that Gretchen is willing to give it all up to him. But, an overheard conversation sends her out into the night and back to her home. He is looking for more than she can ever give him. Circumstances evolve to where Gretchen and Daniel are working together and there is more developing than she is ready to accept. Until she comes clean with the reason for her reticence about the relationship possibility, Daniel continues to pursue her and breaks down her boundaries and her resolve, maybe.

The perfect addition to Love at the Chocolate Shop. In this story you will meet Gretchen and Daniel. Gretchen has a secret and when she overhears Daniel talking she leaves the New Year's Eve Ball like Cinderella. Daniel will try everything to win Gretchen's heart, loved it!! Gretchen knows in her heart, Daniel is her HEA. With the help from family and friends she will soon realize that her dreams will come true. Loved this story, from laughter to tears, even happy tears I kept turning the pages. I knew I always loved Mia and Ryker. It was great catching up with the Zabrinski family. I highly recommend this story along with the rest of the Chocolate Shop stories, all are stand alone books with a common thread of chocolate and romance. 1 like

Sweet Summer's Kiss by Debra Salonen, a great addition to the Love at the Chocolate Shop series. A sweet, heart-warming story with it's new characters and appearances to past characters also. I've read other books by Debra Salonen and have enjoyed each of them her books never disappoint. Looking forward to reading more in this series.