Reader's Favorite Book 5⭐ Reviews
Caramel and Steel by Long Temple follows Marlie, a 53-year-old divorcee, who is ready to date again after creating a dating app profile. She meets Trunk, a 55-year-old psychologist, and they build a deep connection, moving from early dates to a committed relationship. Simultaneously, Marlie forms a close-knit female friend group with Mary, Marsha, and Mia, who coin the name Ebony M. Elites for themselves. Marlie feels blessed and fulfilled by both her romantic and social life, her friendship circle’s bond, and her growing intimacy with Trunk. Over shared dinners and emotional openness, Marlie brings the Ebony M. Elites to “Mr. Elite's” BBQ, where they are introduced to Trunk’s circle. However, when a devastating revelation from Trunk after a period of silence emerges, the stability Marlie has built for herself is threatened.
Long Temple’s Caramel and Steel is a great multiple point of view novel that mainly follows Marlie in a way that feels refreshing and sincere. Temple’s beautiful attention to female friendship, as seen in Marlie’s close bonds with Marsha, Mia, and Mary, is as brilliantly developed and heartfelt as the romantic link with Trunk, offering a unique balance that truly impressed me. Temple allows the story to simmer slowly, building the emotional connections in a way that honors Marlie’s own sense of self-worth and boundaries. Scenes like Marlie’s carefully prepared dinner with Trunk, his inviting Marlie to his church, and the thoughtful gatherings of friends are warm and authentic. There's also some amazing sizzle! Overall, this is a story with a respectful and promising portrayal of connection and companionship. Very highly recommended.
https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/caramel-and-steel
Rhythm and Design: A Platinum Chocolate Romance by Long Temple is an inspiring love story that follows Claire Baldwin, a talented aspiring architect on a journey of legacy and self-discovery, and Oliver Graham, a soulful musician. Claire's and Oliver's families have been friends for years, and their parents have always sensed a connection between them. Claire meticulously planned her future, fueled by a full scholarship to Yale. Just days before her high school graduation, she almost faltered, but has now gained clarity and focus. That is, until she reunites with her sixth-grade crush, Oliver. For him, music, fame, and touring have been the core of his life, yet he yearns for something more. For years, he has kept his plans a secret. Reconnecting with Claire feels right and reignites his determination to become the person he has always aspired to be.
Rhythm and Design beautifully explores themes of faith, purpose, and sacred love against a backdrop of artistic ambition and spiritual growth. Claire and Oliver share unforgettable moments that will make you swoon. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their love story is a testament to the power of divine timing. Long Temple imparts numerous lessons about the value of genuine intimacy, the importance of respect, and the need to support one another in relationships. The narrative is infused with poetic prose, heartfelt reflections, and references to building and flowing like music, perfectly aligning with the characters’ personalities and ambitions. This engaging read features a compelling plot that is sure to captivate you. It's a fantastic choice for anyone who enjoys stories about African American legacy, familial expectations, and overcoming past wounds and doubts. It will motivate anyone pursuing their dreams to stay determined and keep striving. Overall, this is a wonderful read to add to your romance collection. Great work!
https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/rhythm-and-design
Not every love story starts with a magical first meeting—some begin with a packed suitcase and a brave goodbye. The Colors of Us by Long Temple reveals that anyone, at any age, can start over. Olivia, a middle-aged woman, decides to take the chance on a new, more meaningful life after feeling suffocated, unseen, and unloved in her marriage of 33 years. She moves into an apartment alone and soon begins feeling overwhelmed by the emptiness and the daunting task of starting over. However, she begins to establish a new routine filled with work, moments of self-reflection, and activities such as sewing, coloring, or art to pass the time. During one of her online crafting groups, she makes a connection with Victor, who also happens to be her neighbor. They begin as friends, but soon realize that maybe they were meant to be more. With her daughter's love and Victor by her side, she knows she will be all right.
This story is a heartfelt contemporary romance centered on themes of healing, rediscovery, and the transformative power of second chances in love and life. The Colors of Us by Long Temple poignantly captures Olivia’s journey from loneliness, nostalgia, and self-doubt to confidence, happiness, and love. I really loved how her romance with Victor began as a friendship (both of them being scared to try anything else when they met) and slowly developed into love. I thought the daughter’s initial reaction to Olivia’s relationship with Victor was portrayed realistically, as no matter what age you are, you tend to want your parents together until you realize they might be better off separate. The Covid plot twist brought back some memories and was especially authentic in the description of how being tested feels, to the anticipation of waiting for the results. Overall, The Colors of Us is a quiet, introspective, and ultimately uplifting story about a woman’s emotional rebirth and the enduring possibility of love, no matter one’s age or history. I’m glad Olivia and Victor got their second chance at love, and I got the opportunity to read about it.
https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-colors-of-us