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My French Vanilla

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Just-divorced Suzy Simmons celebrates the event with Margaritas and her best friend, Jackie. While they lounge on her deck, drinking and planning their future full of good looking rich men and swanky vacations, Suzy mentions that she'd like to take the cooking class at the community college, taught by Chef Robert Donvier, and Jackie agreeds to tag along. The Chef turns out to be a gorgeous, brown-eyed hunk with a slight French accent, and soon things are simmering between him and Suzy. When he asks her to be his assistant for a local cook-off, she jumps at the chance to be with the handsome, sexy, and oh yes, rich, Chef Robert. The two become inseparable, and their love making is frequently enhanced by items from the kitchen. Before they can officially become a couple, Robert and Suzy must resolve issues with their former partners and in their private lives.

168 pages, Paperback

First published April 11, 2013

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D.L. Kelly

8 books27 followers

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Lydia's Bookshelf.
1,064 reviews189 followers
June 7, 2013
This was a refreshingly new type of love story. First, the female character was not a mid-twenties girl and much less a virgin and the guy wasn't in his late 20's either. Suzy was in her early 50's, recently divorced with a kid in college and Robert was in his late 40's and 'half' FRENCH! I'm a sucker for accents, British mainly.. but just imagining a hot, Corvette-driving, rich and very talented CHEF with a slight French accent??? 0.0 *Melt*

Suzy and her best friend/aunt, Jackie, enrolled in a 'personal enrichment' class at the Community College which is where Suzy met Robert who was the instructor.
"Jacqueline Werner?" Jackie grinned and I elbowed her. "Tell him. Jackie," I hissed. "No way", she whispered back, raising her hand. "He can call me Zhak-leen any time he wants!"

Suzy and Robert quickly developed a hot and romantic relationship. Robert was very attentive towards her. You could easily tell he genuinely wanted to take care of her. But of course, there were other things, that stirred up the plot.

I honestly found myself smiling through most of the story line and at other times giggling from the inner dialogue Suzy had and the banter between the characters, which, FYI, were very down to earth.
"I wanted to tell you, I've enjoyed having you in this class. And Jackie too. As you can see, most of the other students are on Medicare."

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about him. I felt so silly, so... ninth grade! Did he get my email? Did he like me? He didn't ask to come in when he brought me home... was that bad?"

"Mmm, this is lovely," I commented as I took a sip. "I really like this."
"And I really like you. You're lovely. And you're really good at this eye rolling thing, I see."
"You don't know me yet. Maybe I'm a real bitch on wheels. You might change your mind."

OMG I have to mention all the delicious recipes in this book!! Which of course shouldn't come as a shock given the main character was a very famous chef.. but still.. wow! delicious! I wish I knew how to cook like that. *sigh* Oh! and you can bet I will never look at a strawberry sundae the same way thanks to D.L. Kelly.. once you read this, you'll know. *wink* But just so you can imagine what I mean, Robert and Suzy got quite inventive in the bedroom and in... other.. places.. like counter tops? :)
"He ran his index finger around the side of the plate and held it to my lips. I did what any red-blooded America woman would do. I sucked it. Hard."

"He kissed me with enough heat to melt the North Pole."

This was a relatively short book, I believe it's less than 200 pages..? It's fast paced so everything seemed to happen very quickly. But maybe too quickly? They met and bam! fell in love. I think this was what mainly caused me to lack connection to the book at certain times. Other than this, I really don't have any "complaints".

I consider "My French Vanilla" to be a good and interesting book with an entertaining story line and very fun characters!! If you're in the mood for a short and light read with quite the steamy scenes, then this is a book for you.

"Mmm, tastes like French vanilla. How appropriate!"
Profile Image for Samantha.
26 reviews15 followers
January 13, 2014
My French Vanilla is a story of a divorced woman named Suzy who celebrates her divorce by drinking with her aunt, Jackie, who also happens to be her best friend.  Suzy saw the divorce coming and is quite happy about it.  Both women are in their fifties.  Suzy decides that she wants to take these cooking classes that are on Tuesdays and Thursdays for six weeks.  Suzy has wanted to do this for years but she’s always had things in the way.  Now that her obstacles no longer exist, she decides to do it and Jackie tags along.

The Cooking Class’ Chef Robert, is eye-candy for Suzy and she finds herself wanting him.  They hit it off and have frequent blissful, passionate encounters.  However, Robert has a past of his own and in order for both of them to be a couple, they have to put their pasts behind them.

Because I have to keep this PG, as per the rules my partner and I agreed on, I will say this:  This is a MUST READ for 18+ especially if you have ever had a crush on that beautiful man with that adorable accent. 

Each chapter is in first person and draws you in deeply!  The book is 168 pages of amazing-ness and it will leave you turning the pages until you are completely finished.  It makes you feel all tingly inside and definitely makes you blush.  I definitely found myself, becoming Suzy as I read.  Trust me, it is very exciting! 

And for you French kissing, French loving, beauties out there, ROBERT IS YOUR GUY!

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Profile Image for Dali.
2,109 reviews599 followers
August 9, 2016
A sweet and delightful story of two people that find themselves later in life.

I really want to congratulate D.K. for having the idea and courage to write about and older an couple. It’s refreshing, especially when most of what you see is New Adult.

My French vanilla is about recently divorced Suzy, who in her fifties is planning to enjoy her life and freedom. When she enrolls in a cooking class with her best friend/aunt Jackie, she discovers freedom is for the birds because Suzy and her incredibly attractive teacher Robert, fit together like puzzle pieces from the start.

It is charming and enjoyable insta-lust and love connection between the two. But there are certain things like total trust, I personally don’t give to someone I’ve known for a handful of days. Additionally, I felt Suzy’s reactions were adolescent in a fuck it! YOLO (You only live once) kind of way, that clash with my idea that the older we are the more mature and wiser get. So I had trouble relating with her character.

May be it’s because I still have a few years to go. I do hope that I am that lucky when I get older, especially regarding the sex drive. These two had lots of it and were creative to boot.

Robert was perfectly perfect, perhaps a bit too much in order to be believable. But one can dream.

This book is perfect if you’re in the mood for a light, cute and sexy read. It’s not a short story or novella but it’s short enough to be read in one or two sittings during your weekend.
Profile Image for Nicole the Reading Ninja.
91 reviews
June 25, 2013
True love can find you at any age. In a time where New Adult is king, it was refreshing to read something off my usual beaten path. The story's structure was very well done. The setting(s) and plot in particular were enjoyable. I noticed a couple errors, but not enough to bother me or effect the story's natural flow. Loved the tone, D.L. Kelly has a unique voice. My French Vanilla left me with a smile on my face and a warmth in my heart. Looking forward to future novels from this author.

*A copy of this book was supplied for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Kellie.
203 reviews15 followers
June 20, 2013
This book was very good- not my usual read as the couple in the story are not virgins or billionaire 28 year olds into kinky sex but it was an entertaining read none the less. Chef Robert and Suzy's romance is developed through wining and dining and mending broken hearts. I recommend this read for people that like a good old fashioned romance and not just some hot sex- although this offers some of that too.....with food of course ;)
Profile Image for Shirl.
20 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. It is a lovely romantic story. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Gaele.
4,076 reviews85 followers
November 16, 2013
A step away from many current romance stories, Jackie is in her 50’s and with her friend take an enrichment course. Robert, sexy French accent wrapped in a suave and handsome late 40’s man is instantly intrigued with this student in his cooking class. We have experienced and often baggage-laden characters who know themselves well, and are able to account for differences in others. And, despite the tendency toward being hesitant for a new relationship, they both are open to and willing to give the spark a chance to flame.

Then there is the dialogue, both interior and the banter between the two: clever and on point, the phrasing feels natural and real, with several smart and funny moments that keep readers smiling as they turn the pages.

Fast paced with several insets of very inventive food play scenes, as well as some wonderful recipes mixed in for you to try later – you can’t miss enjoying this little treat.

I purchased a copy of this title for my own library. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Profile Image for Stacy.
209 reviews9 followers
August 6, 2013
Just-divorced Suzy Simmons celebrates the event with Margaritas and her best friend, Jackie. While they lounge on her deck, drinking and planning their future full of good looking rich men and swanky vacations, Suzy mentions that she'd like to take the cooking class at the community college, taught by Chef Robert Donvier, and Jackie agreeds to tag along. The Chef turns out to be a gorgeous, brown-eyed hunk with a slight French accent, and soon things are simmering between him and Suzy. When he asks her to be his assistant for a local cook-off, she jumps at the chance to be with the handsome, sexy, and oh yes, rich, Chef Robert. The two become inseparable, and their love making is frequently enhanced by items from the kitchen. Before they can officially become a couple, Robert and Suzy must resolve issues with their former partners and in their private lives.
Profile Image for Ashley.
837 reviews46 followers
August 24, 2014
I was lucky to get the opportunity to read this book and I flew through it. The formatting was a bit rough but the story itself and the was amazing. The characters are on the older side and the romance was very sweet. I love that they are both into cooking and that Robert is a chef.

This was a quick and easy read, I spent only a few hours on this book and couldn't put it down once I picked it up. I was halfway through the book in a matter of an hour or two! I completely recommend this book to everybody out there looking for a good love story. Congrats on a great book!
Profile Image for Jessica.
Author 12 books39 followers
September 15, 2013
I have to say I loved this book. It's a short, sexy read and perfect over the weekend if you just need a story you can sink into. I loved Chef Robert! If you read this you may find yourself wanting a chef Robert of your own. I know I do. The writer did a great job of pulling you in and keeping you there. I did not want to put this down. A highly recommended book!
Profile Image for Tiffany.
39 reviews6 followers
July 24, 2013
I had the pleasure of reading this book in exchange for an honest review. It was light, funny, sexy, and not your typical romance. Suzy and Robert have a whirlwind romance with a touch of drama. A sweet story and something that is easy to read in a day! If you're looking for fun, this is what you want!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews