A Kiss To Build a Dream On by Jolie St. Amant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Kiss to Build a Dream On is the third book in the Chateau Rouge series by Jolie St. Amant. It is a captivating paranormal romance set in New Orleans. And again, as with the other books in this series, Ms. St. Amant’s vivid imagery and rich, descriptive details really brought all the sights and sounds of this colourful and historic city to life, right before my eyes. This series is fast becoming a favourite of mine, and even though the books are short novella sized stories, they pack a lot in a short amount of space and feel like a much longer novel. Technically you could read this book as a standalone, but each instalment in the series is like a piece to a much bigger picture, all intricately woven along the same time-frame as the other books in the series. So, having said that, I really recommend reading ‘Dream A Little Dream of Me’ (Book #1) and ‘Hard Hearted Hannah’ (Book #2) to fully appreciate the rich tapestry that the author is creating. Each new book adding more ‘strokes’ and ‘layers’ to the overall picture.
In this book we meet Chloe Deveraux who accepts a new job interstate and leaves her unhappy marriage, husband, home, and life behind- to start fresh in New Orleans, a city she’s long held a fascination for. Her new job is at the Chateau Rouge- where she’s the new P.R manager and Chloe will be staying at the hotel while she settles into the job and city. She is so excited about exploring the city, wanting to experience everything the New Orleans has to offer. Her new beginning really kicks off when she has a drink spilt on her in the bar on her first night in town.
Jared Peterson is an IT and computer guru with his own software firm. He’s in town on business, which happens to be at the Chateau Rouge, where he is also staying. When he accidentally spills a drink on a gorgeous woman at the hotel bar he is surprised to recognise his high school crush. Chloe hasn’t changed in the years since he saw her last, but she doesn’t immediately recognise him. He’s been crazy about her in high school and he’s determined not to waste this opportunity to reacquaint himself with her, and hopefully it will develop into more. But Chloe is ready for a fresh start and to enjoy her freedom- not get tied down a man again. But as they spend time together, Chloe can’t help but feel drawn to Jared. Will she lower her guard and let him in, or will she allow her fears to prevent her taking a chance on love?
This is a great addition to the series and I love how each book reveals a little more about New Orleans, and the history of the recurring characters and Chateau Rouge. Everything is so intricately connected. Small details that all blend together to produce the larger picture. I loved that with this story we got a bit more of Alcide’s story- he’s such a mysterious character, I loved uncovering those details about him.
A story rich in history- with wonderful characters, an intriguing storyline, suspense, drama, mystery, tension, new beginnings, the paranormal, and a touch of Fate….. makes this a sweet and memorable read!
I wonder who we get to meet in the next book?

Thank you, Ms. St Amant!

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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