Review: Great intro
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 11, 2014
This short story offers a tantalizing glimpse into a hot new book by Ms Duke. I've enjoyed other books she's written, but the title of this one is spot on. The chemistry between Luke and Dani is definitely combustible. Luke is opening/relocating his specialty chocolate shop next to Dani's popular pub and microbrewery. When they first meet, they don't know anything about each other except for first names, but they are so physically attracted they can't take their eyes or hands off each other and end up kissing in the store room!  But Luke's advertising manager uses Dani's pub patrons for her ad campaign about Valentine's day romance and has them agree how unromantic a bar date is while standing right outside the pub and on camera. For Dani, all bets are off, even when she finds out Luke owns the chocolate shop. She challenges Luke to a Valentine's Day advertising campaign showdown-her popular and "fun date" pub against his chocolate shop "romantic candy, fancy meals and flowers" ideas. He takes up the gauntlet professionally, but lets her know that he's still pursuing her, and not just for a one time date-he has romance planned. Unfortunately, Dani already complained about the filming incident to one of the city commissioners, and may have planted the seed that the chocolate shop isn't a good fit for the town and they should have let her brewery expand there instead. It may also be something she forgot to mention to Luke.....Dani's friend and head bartender Xoey, is a fun character, as are the members of the house band. Luke's advertising manager and friend, Quinn, is a single mom whose 4yr old had a lot of medical problems and she's still paying off all his surgeries. She's also a pivotal character. I am off to get the book, " Love, Chocolate, and Beer". It looks to be an interesting and entertaining ride. I hope Luke remembers his protective equipment ; )Heat factor mild.