it's giving YA Emily in Paris and I am living for it!! As somone coming back from a semester abroad in Paris, this book was so nice to read and relate to, lol. Genuinely the most real experience when it comes to studying abroad is the learning curve the culture presents and fitting in! Whitney captured my emotions and experiences perfectly. Thank you to Ravynn Stringfield, NetGalley, and Joy Revolution for a chance to read this arc!!!

I've been looking for an Emily in Paris vibe and this gave it to me. It sucked me into the world of Paris and took me on an enchanted love story.

This was a delightful YA romcom. Whitney’s enthusiasm as a character is contagious. Her character is well-developed and easy to relate to, especially for those of us who are type A. Whitney is a role-model of a character who goes after her dreams. Her personal hero, Josephine Baker, is a fascinating historical figure that others can also emulate. Thierry and Whitney’s rocky start is just the right dose of the enemy to lovers trope. It doesn’t drag out too long, which I appreciated. This was a fun story to read and a page turner.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Stringfield is such a talented writer and made Whitney, the main character, come absolutely alive for me. I love Whitney and my heart breaks for her. Who she is comes across so clearly and I could feel that feeling of being too much for the ppl around her creeping in but her choosing to be all in anyway. I was deeply reminded of my high school experience and wish Whitney could have shown me how to be brave. As a high school teacher, Whitney's character is very age appropriate in a way that is not always well done by YA authors. I really appreciated the level to which Stringfield engages with Josephine Baker and the experience of being Black across the world.

I cannot wait to add copies of this to my class collection.

I always hate saying this about a book, but this one was a struggle to get through. From the moment Whitney and Thierry met, I didn’t feel any chemistry between them, and that lack of chemistry continued for the entire book. As bad as this sounds, I just didn’t care about any of the characters. And for someone who was studying abroad in France to research and write her one-woman play, Whitney seemed to do very little of either; the only time she even seemed to think about it was when she would tell the reader that she’s been very distracted (though of course she performs phenomenally in the end). In the same vein, for a book that was set in France, I as the reader never felt immersed in the culture or the atmosphere because any time Whitney and Thierry would go on a Parisian adventure, it was glossed over, which about sums up the pacing of this book.

I guess this just wasn’t the story for me unfortunately.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

I really liked this book. It was out of my norm in the best way with French and Paris and history and romcom vibes rolled into one fun package. I loved the French incorporated and seing the city through Whitney’s eyes!

If you are a theater kid or a kid who grew up dreaming of Paris and what it would be like to live there you will be smiling from ear to ear. It was also suitable for younger YA ages while dealing with some more serious themes in a way that they were easy to understand.

The descriptions were fabulous. I could see everything the writer described. I’m eating this a 3 star instead of a 2 star for the descriptions alone. Well done, brava!

I feel the storyline was a bit flat. A teenage girl, an actress, would have way more drama in her life. Yet Whitney just rolled along with tiny speed bumps until the big scene at Thanksgiving dinner.

I liked the ending. “You will have to show me DC the way I showed you Paris.”

This one was a simple, straightforward YA romance that was cute, uncomplicated, and quick to read. The translation worked well, but I did spend a significant amount of time highlighting on my Kindle so I could translate the French to English. (I get it, though. This was set in Paris, with Parisian characters. Obviously French NEEDED to be part of their dialogue!)

MC Whitney was not my favorite; she's so type A, over the top alienating that it's a wonder people warmed to her, even as a she did tone things done and start putting in more effort with others. It was nice to see Paris through the eyes of her as a tourist and Thierry as a native, and the work put into incorporating little facts and tidbits (especially about Josephine Baker) was also well done. For a book about studying abroad, very flew classes, classmates, projects, etc were mentioned.

This is a simple read that I think will draw in the YA crowd, and it's a nice break from anything heavy for an adult just looking for a clean, simply love story.

Overall: 3 stars (I liked it)

I'll tell my students about: parental death (past tense), language

**Thank you to NetGalley & Random House Children's | Joy Revolution for the free ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.**

Thank you for allowing me to read this advanced copy of “Love Requires Chocolate.”

Springfield has written a story that is full of love, friendships, and travel. When you think of Paris, you think of love and dreams, and this book was able to capture that dreamlike idea of what to expect could happen in Paris. Think Emily in Paris!

The author was able to immerse the reader with a love story through the eyes of an American student finding who she truly is. At first, I found Whitney a bit annoying and someone who tried too hard. But as she starts to explore Paris and spend time with Thierry, she becomes a more relatable character.

I just have to say that reading about and being introduced to the process of braiding natural hair was memorable. I can’t stop thinking about the simple, yet beautiful image of Whitney experiencing this in Paris. It was such a turning point for her idea of whether she belonged in Paris. I cannot stop thinking about the significance of adding this in the novel.

I couldn’t stop myself from thinking about future Whitney looking back at her time exploring Paris and how she fell in love with gorgeous Thierry. She would have such fond memories!

I found the plot quite entertaining and of high interest for teenagers. As a teacher, I can see myself recommending this to students that want a lighthearted, fun, cute, and romantic storyline. I wouldn’t use this for my curriculum, but I will be buying a physical copy to add to my classroom library. I know I have some girls that will, as they say, “eat this up.”

3.5 stars for this chocolate delight of a book.

Premise: Whitney heads off to Paris for a semester abroad at an art school where she is going to stay FOCUSED and develop her one-woman theater performance of the life of Josephine Baker. NO romantic distractions WHATSOEVER.

Ahem. Well Thierry, the love interest, was super adorable and I can't blame Whitney for falling for him!! Thierry and Whitney were full of personality. This book in general had great Black representation and I especially loved learning a bit more about Josephine Baker, Whitney's idol.

I gave this three stars mostly because I wanted more of things. I wanted more of Whitney's friendship with her roommates; I wanted more academics; I wanted a tiny bit more loneliness and angst from Whitney as she tries to settle into Paris. No spoilers, but I wanted the climax of the novel to be handled differently.

Despite all that, this was a cute read. And full of chocolate.

I dnfed I couldn’t go through more than 30% of the book. The MC was very annoying I couldn’t get through with her voice

4/5

"Love Requires Chocolate" by Ravynn K. Stringfield invites readers on a delightful journey through the enchanting streets of Paris, blending romance, cultural exploration, and personal growth into a delectable narrative.

Whitney Curry, armed with meticulous itineraries and a penchant for the dramatic, is set for a semester abroad in Paris. However, her expectations clash with reality as she navigates the challenges of a prestigious lycée, homesickness, and the complexities of learning French. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of emotions, Whitney finds an unexpected guide in Thierry Magnon, a grumpy yet charming French tutor and soccer star.

Stringfield skillfully integrates fascinating tidbits about Josephine Baker, effortlessly intertwining historical facts with Whitney's experiences, enriching the narrative with layers of depth. Through Whitney's eyes, readers are treated to a vivid portrayal of Paris, from its vintage boutiques to iconic landmarks, evoking a sense of wanderlust and enchantment.

The dialogue crackles with energy, and descriptions vividly bring Paris to life, immersing readers in its charm and allure. The slow-burn romance between Whitney and Thierry adds a sweet and tender layer to the narrative, unfolding organically as they explore the city together.

I was initially skeptical of Whitney's character, as she embodies traits of a "pick me" or "not like other girls" persona, I soon discover her depth and complexity, endearing her as she grows throughout the story.

"Love Requires Chocolate" is a lighthearted and engaging read, perfect for those craving a dose of romance and adventure. With its blend of cultural exploration, witty dialogue, and heartwarming romance, it's sure to leave readers swooning and yearning for their own Parisian escapade.

Oh, mon cœur.

I loved this book so much! Whitney Curry is a girl after my own heart.

I appreciate that even though this is YA, Ravynn's writing isn't YA. It's beautiful and complex, and the character and relationship(s) development is *chef's kiss*.

I can't wait to see Whitney and Thierry take on my second home, D.C., together. In the meantime, I'll be brushing up my French and planning a trip to Paris... hopefully with a list that leaves spaces for adventure, chocolate, and who knows... maybe even love. 💗

This book was so adorable and sweet! I really enjoyed it! It made me want to go visit France. I really loved the writing and the characters! The third act breakup was a little bit cliche but I still really liked the book overall. Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the arc in return for an honest review!

Paris, chocolate, love...what more could a romance reader want? This story was lighthearted, easy to read, and just the palate cleanser I needed! The characters are developed beautifully to be believable and the building up of the crush is perfect as well! I love the diversity and how history is sprinkled in as well!

when first read Love Requires chocolate, i was kinda skeptical about the main character but as long that i was flliping through the pages . I felt in love with Whitney Cury. She is a stong chracter with an amazing personality . She will stand up for herself and is a social butterfly . The story take place in paris and Ravynn the author know to describe it perfectly. The romance in this book is cute and take slowly nothing is forced or fast . Would definitely recommed this book a 5 starts for me

Awww this one was such a cute romance with such cute characters! Would recommend 😁 rhanks for the arc. Felt like Emily In Paris and I loved the discussion of Baker (Josephine)

What worked: Warm, engaging story of a Black teen whose love of Paris and Josephine Baker leads her to the city where she finds along the way just how enchanting the city really is.

I really loved this romance. Whitney Curry's enthusiasm and love of Paris is a refreshing treat. Her tale feels like drinking a warm cup of Le chocolat chaud and chatting with your friends. Whitney is not only excited about going to an exclusive school in Paris to work on her senior thesis on Josephine Baker, but tries to capture each day by visiting known landmarks, which include the yummy chocolates and macarons. She's kind of like a teen Emily of Paris but with more heart.

Stringfield does a great job weaving in facts about Josephine Baker and her impact on Paris.

The romance between her and cute French tutor Thierry builds into one that is believable as he opens Whitney's eyes to the hidden treasures of the city.

Stringfield does a great job of showing Paris through the eyes of Whitney. Even when she's disillusioned by some aspects-Thierry's ex for one-her determination carries her through.

Lush descriptions, great dialogue, and a very engaging diverse protagonist had me glued to the pages. A fun, light romance set in Paris. What isn't there to love?
Good Points
1. Fun, engaging romance set in Paris
2. Great way of weaving in Josephine Baker
3. Diverse romance

Fairly predictable rom com but it was still a good read that I enjoyed. But I have to say I love this title.

I would recommend this book to people who
-Love Paris
-Enjoyed "Emily in Paris"
-Enjoyed "Find Me in Paris"

"Love Requires Chocolate" was a quick read about Whitney, an American girl who is studying abroad for a semester in Paris. She doesn't know the language that well so she is assigned a tutor, Thierry, whom she also convinces to show her around the city as well to help her study for her assignment.

The romance is sweet in the book, a slow burn that keeps you interested while the two leads have an interesting chemistry. I enjoyed the descriptions of the city, so much it felt like I was traveling around the city with the characters and seeing the sights with them. I believe anyone that has actually traveled to Paris would feel like they have been placed right back there with how descriptive the author is, you can practically smell the bread in the cafe.

I highly recommend this book, it does not disappoint.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Children's for the ARC