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Cactus Creek #1
Love, Chocolate, and Beer
Romance has met its most unlikely match-up…
Luke Bradford is a chocolatier on a mission. After moving his chocolate shop, and newly single life, to the quirky town of Cactus Creek, Luke wants nothing more than to devote all his energy into making his business a success—by taking the romance market by storm. But his grand plans get thrown for a loop when he locks horns with the feisty beer-brewing beauty next door who calls his ‘romantic idealism’ a load of fairytale bull. Soon, driving the woman sparking nuts becomes another wickedly fun priority he simply can’t get enough of.
In his defense, she’s addictively easy to incite…and plain impossible to resist.
Beloved local brewmaster Dani Dobson is beyond riled up. It’s bad enough the new shop owner in town comes locked and loaded with both a distractingly rugged charm and sexy flashing dimples, but the whole only-in-the-movies variety of romance he’s selling—the kind her world has been crushed by before—is really doing a number on her allergy to unrealistic clichés. What’s worse, he’s created an annoyingly clever ad campaign that dubs ‘beer joints’ like hers as the “cave where romance goes to hibernate.” The nerve of that man.
Combustible chemistry or not, damn it, this means war. The stakes…very likely, her heart.
THE CACTUS CREEK SERIES:
BOOK 1: Love, Chocolate, and Beer [Luke & Dani]
BOOK 2: Love, Diamonds, and Spades [Rylan & Quinn]
BOOK 3: Love, Tussles, and Takedowns [Hudson & Lia]
BOOK 4: Love, Exes, and Ohs [Isaac & Xoey]
Luke Bradford is a chocolatier on a mission. After moving his chocolate shop, and newly single life, to the quirky town of Cactus Creek, Luke wants nothing more than to devote all his energy into making his business a success—by taking the romance market by storm. But his grand plans get thrown for a loop when he locks horns with the feisty beer-brewing beauty next door who calls his ‘romantic idealism’ a load of fairytale bull. Soon, driving the woman sparking nuts becomes another wickedly fun priority he simply can’t get enough of.
In his defense, she’s addictively easy to incite…and plain impossible to resist.
Beloved local brewmaster Dani Dobson is beyond riled up. It’s bad enough the new shop owner in town comes locked and loaded with both a distractingly rugged charm and sexy flashing dimples, but the whole only-in-the-movies variety of romance he’s selling—the kind her world has been crushed by before—is really doing a number on her allergy to unrealistic clichés. What’s worse, he’s created an annoyingly clever ad campaign that dubs ‘beer joints’ like hers as the “cave where romance goes to hibernate.” The nerve of that man.
Combustible chemistry or not, damn it, this means war. The stakes…very likely, her heart.
THE CACTUS CREEK SERIES:
BOOK 1: Love, Chocolate, and Beer [Luke & Dani]
BOOK 2: Love, Diamonds, and Spades [Rylan & Quinn]
BOOK 3: Love, Tussles, and Takedowns [Hudson & Lia]
BOOK 4: Love, Exes, and Ohs [Isaac & Xoey]
ebook
First published January 27, 2014
2220 people are currently reading
3526 people want to read
About the author
Violet Duke
36 books1,263 followersNEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Violet Duke is a former professor of English Education ecstatic to be on the other side of the page now writing emotion-rich stories with fun, everyday characters and sweet, sexy match-ups. Since her debut series in 2013, over a million readers have put all four of Violet's laugh & cry contemporary romance series on bestseller lists and Top 10 charts across the major eretailers, both in the U.S. and internationally.
When she isn't feeding her book-a-day addiction, Violet enjoys doing far too many things without checking the directions first (often with outrageous power tools she has no business operating), and cooking impossible-to-replicate 'special edition' dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. She lives in Hawai'i with her kids (Violet & Duke) and Mr. Violet Duke (their ringleader), with a PJs-and-rubber-slippers work dress code she takes very seriously.
♥ For fan info & epic giveaways, visit: www.facebook.com/VioletDukeBooks
When she isn't feeding her book-a-day addiction, Violet enjoys doing far too many things without checking the directions first (often with outrageous power tools she has no business operating), and cooking impossible-to-replicate 'special edition' dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. She lives in Hawai'i with her kids (Violet & Duke) and Mr. Violet Duke (their ringleader), with a PJs-and-rubber-slippers work dress code she takes very seriously.
♥ For fan info & epic giveaways, visit: www.facebook.com/VioletDukeBooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 474 reviews
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February 21, 2015
FREE on Amazon US today (2/20/2015)
BLURB:
Romance has met its most unlikely match-up…
Luke Bradford is a chocolatier on a mission. After moving his chocolate shop, and newly single life, to the quirky town of Cactus Creek, Luke wants nothing more than to devote all his energy into making his business a success—by taking the romance market by storm. But his grand plans get thrown for a loop when he locks horns with the feisty beer-brewing beauty next door who calls his ‘romantic idealism’ a load of fairytale bull. Soon, driving the woman sparking nuts becomes another wickedly fun priority he simply can’t get enough of.
In his defense, she’s addictively easy to incite…and plain impossible to resist.
Beloved local brewmaster Dani Dobson is beyond riled up. It’s bad enough the new shop owner in town comes locked and loaded with both a distractingly rugged charm and sexy flashing dimples, but the whole only-in-the-movies variety of romance he’s selling—the kind her world has been crushed by before—is really doing a number on her allergy to unrealistic clichés. What’s worse, he’s created an annoyingly clever ad campaign that dubs ‘beer joints’ like hers as the “cave where romance goes to hibernate.” The nerve of that man.
Combustible chemistry or not, damn it, this means war. The stakes…very likely, her heart.
THE CACTUS CREEK SERIES:
BOOK 1: Love, Chocolate, and Beer [Luke & Dani] (includes: A Little Combustible Chemistry, Prequel)
BOOK 2: Love, Tussles, and Takedowns [Hudson & Lia]
BOOK 3: Love, Exes, and Ohs [Isaac & Xoey]
BOOK 4: Love, Sidelines, and Endzones [Grady & Sienna]
BOOK 5: A Little Holiday Meddling [Holiday Novella -- Noah & Katelyn]
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Chocolate-...
March 28, 2014
It was really just too all over the place for me. I loved the prequel but too many plot lines killed the story for me.
July 3, 2020
No, just no, to long boring dialogue after dialogue and nothing happening
No to guys who go out with you for months on dates and predates, and you tell them you want to hold off on sex and they agree and only take cold showers three times a day 😂😂😂
And then your first time is in an office but you come like a volcano while he does nothing 😂😂😂
Does the author know what orgasm is?
Left it unfinished
No to guys who go out with you for months on dates and predates, and you tell them you want to hold off on sex and they agree and only take cold showers three times a day 😂😂😂
And then your first time is in an office but you come like a volcano while he does nothing 😂😂😂
Does the author know what orgasm is?
Left it unfinished
December 4, 2015
2.5 Stars
It started out alright but there were too many things going on, and although Luke and Dani competed with each other, it was basically an insta-love situation. I didn't really mind it that much but maybe it somehow caused me to feel impatient that I skimmed through probably 20% of the book. Ultimately, I think it just wasn't for me, and it was too all over the place.
It started out alright but there were too many things going on, and although Luke and Dani competed with each other, it was basically an insta-love situation. I didn't really mind it that much but maybe it somehow caused me to feel impatient that I skimmed through probably 20% of the book. Ultimately, I think it just wasn't for me, and it was too all over the place.
kts
December 31, 2018Free on Amazon today!
UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Chocolat...
US - http://www.amazon.com/Love-Chocolate-...
UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Chocolat...
US - http://www.amazon.com/Love-Chocolate-...
Read
January 16, 2022DNF at 20% Immature characters playing idiotic games, jumping to conclusions, I just don't care.
June 25, 2017
This book was so boring to me! It rehashed the prequel novella, and by the time they got around to the competition part of the book, I really hated the on again, off again nature of their romance. They were playing too many games to fall in love, and the supporting characters really didn't hold my interest. It all felt so fake to me! I had to force myself to finish it, and while I could see the potential in the author's writing, I didn't really care enough about anything to continue with the series. I'll be avoiding the author in the future.
February 4, 2014
Violet Duke has outdone herself...again!
I LOVE her Nice Girl to Love series and the spin off as well. There is something pure and beautiful with her writing, it's phenomenal. She doesn't disappoint with a whole new cast of ever loving and fun characters.
In Love, Chocolate, and Beer, we follow Dani Dobson and Luke Bradford. Luke is a sexy man who makes chocolate and just moved in next door to the brewmaster, Dani. Do you see where this is going? Lol
If you read the novella, A Little Cobustible Chemistry, you would have seen the sweetest way the two met. It had a lot of sexy chemistry indeed.
Luke is a romantic, while Dani is not! She doesn't believe in fairy tales or that love can last. But it if it's up to Luke, he won't have her thinking that way. He is ready to win in more ways than one. Not only does he want her heart, he wants to prove that beer joints are a thing of the past...it's all about the romance!
"Get off your high horse; not every girl wants the white picket fence. I don't believe in fairytale romance and I don't do relationships."
The supporting cast was simply amazing. You have Rylan the man who is in a band and is totally digging Quinn. Quinn is Luke's best friend and business partner. I really like her!! Then you have Xoey. Xoey, Xoey, Xoey...I SOOOO want her book. She is the crazy best friend of Dani and all her scenes were hilarious! I so want a friend just like her.
The banter between Dani and Luke sent thrills up my spine. I loved watching drama unfold because it kept me entertained.
"Outside the context of this little wager, I fully intend for you and I to take turns being on top, sweetheart."
They talk a lot like that throughout the book! This is an absolutely fun book about love and friendships. I was laughing and crying throughout the whole book.
If you haven't yet gotten your copy, go get it now:)
*Review copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
I LOVE her Nice Girl to Love series and the spin off as well. There is something pure and beautiful with her writing, it's phenomenal. She doesn't disappoint with a whole new cast of ever loving and fun characters.
In Love, Chocolate, and Beer, we follow Dani Dobson and Luke Bradford. Luke is a sexy man who makes chocolate and just moved in next door to the brewmaster, Dani. Do you see where this is going? Lol
If you read the novella, A Little Cobustible Chemistry, you would have seen the sweetest way the two met. It had a lot of sexy chemistry indeed.
Luke is a romantic, while Dani is not! She doesn't believe in fairy tales or that love can last. But it if it's up to Luke, he won't have her thinking that way. He is ready to win in more ways than one. Not only does he want her heart, he wants to prove that beer joints are a thing of the past...it's all about the romance!
"Get off your high horse; not every girl wants the white picket fence. I don't believe in fairytale romance and I don't do relationships."
The supporting cast was simply amazing. You have Rylan the man who is in a band and is totally digging Quinn. Quinn is Luke's best friend and business partner. I really like her!! Then you have Xoey. Xoey, Xoey, Xoey...I SOOOO want her book. She is the crazy best friend of Dani and all her scenes were hilarious! I so want a friend just like her.
The banter between Dani and Luke sent thrills up my spine. I loved watching drama unfold because it kept me entertained.
"Outside the context of this little wager, I fully intend for you and I to take turns being on top, sweetheart."
They talk a lot like that throughout the book! This is an absolutely fun book about love and friendships. I was laughing and crying throughout the whole book.
If you haven't yet gotten your copy, go get it now:)
*Review copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
May 30, 2014
Violet Duke can write them I tell ya. I have read her previous books, A Nice Girl to Love, and I was amazed at how she made me want her to end up with both guys. I NEVER feel that way with a love triangle. I am always decided from the start. So, I knew right away, that I was going to love Luke. So hard. And, I couldn't believe how much I fell for every character in this book. Every friend, and ex that made an appearance, I couldn't hate. As much as I wanted to. She was that good. And even Connor, from the other series made a few appearances.
So, we had Dani, this beer brewer girl, who was a-mazing. I want to be friends with her. She's so awesome and original and spunky. Just the coolest chick ever. And Luke, a chocolatier. Who would have thought that being a chocolatier could be HOT, but it was. And he used that business to his full advantage. Can you say swoon. Romance in a box and he knew it.
Well, since both Dani and Luke think they have the ideal romantic setting, they decide to have a little wager and see what their little town thinks. And so the madness begins.
I loved the story, as well as every little twist and turn along the way. I almost even cried a few times, because love isn't always happy and when it's not, I get a little choked up. This story was perfect, and I can't wait for the next one. I've already pre-ordered in fact, because I am slightly obsessed with Violet Duke's books. And you should be too.
So, we had Dani, this beer brewer girl, who was a-mazing. I want to be friends with her. She's so awesome and original and spunky. Just the coolest chick ever. And Luke, a chocolatier. Who would have thought that being a chocolatier could be HOT, but it was. And he used that business to his full advantage. Can you say swoon. Romance in a box and he knew it.
Well, since both Dani and Luke think they have the ideal romantic setting, they decide to have a little wager and see what their little town thinks. And so the madness begins.
I loved the story, as well as every little twist and turn along the way. I almost even cried a few times, because love isn't always happy and when it's not, I get a little choked up. This story was perfect, and I can't wait for the next one. I've already pre-ordered in fact, because I am slightly obsessed with Violet Duke's books. And you should be too.
February 16, 2015
Sigh. I DNF'd this one at 72%. I'd give it 2.5 stars for some originality even though it couldn't keep my attention. I kept waiting to be really gripped, but it never got better than mild curiosity. This is the look across the room and sparks fly type of romance--which is hard for me to enjoy, but to make matters worse, the office manager and the rock guy do it too. Sigh. Dani is "nice" and everyone likes her fine and Luke is charming and everyone likes him fine--so of course they should be nice together and make hot babies. I guess. Mostly, I didn't care. Too many plotlines that would ebb and flow and then suddenly jerk back into the lime light. I'll have to pass on the rest of this and the series.
February 2, 2015
It was just ok. The H was too sappy for my taste. It was a VERY slow read.
Want to read
May 11, 2016Free on Amazon today!
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February 2, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/7/2019)! 🎁
February 9, 2014
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Review copy provided for an honest review
4.5 STARS
I fell in love with Violet Duke when I was asked by Didi to read and review her A Nice Guy To Love series. She’s one of those writers who drew me in from the start with her quirky sense of humor, her flawed but loveable characters, and her full but entertaining plots. So, I was very excited when she announced the Cactus Creek series and if Love, Chocolate, and Beer is indicative of what this series will be like then she’s got a winner on her hands. Danica (Dani) Dobson, town sweetheart and brewmaster extraordinaire, goes head to head and eventually heart to heart against the newest business owner in town chocolatier, Luke Bradford. With Valentine’s Day around the corner these two stage a What’s Better For Valentine’s day throwdown: chocolate or beer? You’ll be amazed at the interesting way these two pump new life into their town and this holiday and no doubt enjoy the heated verbal foreplay they engage while doing so. A battle of the sexes or a battle of wills, who will come out on top and in the end does it really matter?
Holy cow, Luke is one of those heroes you can’t help but fall in love with and stay there. He’s a hopeless romantic who is looking for someone to be his Mrs. Right even after having his heart stomped on several times. He believes in love, in a soul mate, and in happily ever after. He’s also one hell of a talented chocolate maker. He’s dedicated to his craft and to his best friend and business partner, Quinn and her little boy Connor. For better or worse he jumps in with both feet and is willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants and what he thinks is best for everyone in every situation.
Dani, so help me I like this woman despite the fact that she made some very critical mistakes along the way in this story. At times, I wanted to hate her but I just couldn’t do it. She’s messed up, she’s confused, and she has a whole lot of baggage she insists on carrying with her along her way. She is thrown for a complete loop when she meets Luke but her trust issues just won’t let him in and keeps her from sharing so many things from him. However, it’s so easy to see that deep down she really cares for him.
I loved their first sexy encounter, the verbal sparring, their thowdown hijinks, the way they worked to show each other how much they care, the way they entwined their lives without really realizing it, the memorable gifts, and the way they each tried to make things right when things were going so terribly wrong. These two have this connection that as a reader you can just feel, it gives you goosebumps and makes you cry when things aren’t right.
While I would love to give Dani and Luke all the credit for this book, I can’t. There is a remarkable ensemble cast that adds so much life to this story. That’s what makes this book so incredible, I felt I was there in Cactus Creek completely immersed in everything that was going on and like it was happening to my friends.
I could go on and on about Love, Chocolate, and Beer but that would take time away from you actually reading it. I urge you to run to your favorite bookseller and buy it, I have a feeling you’ll fall in love with these characters and Cactus Creek as much as I did!
Review copy provided for an honest review
4.5 STARS
I fell in love with Violet Duke when I was asked by Didi to read and review her A Nice Guy To Love series. She’s one of those writers who drew me in from the start with her quirky sense of humor, her flawed but loveable characters, and her full but entertaining plots. So, I was very excited when she announced the Cactus Creek series and if Love, Chocolate, and Beer is indicative of what this series will be like then she’s got a winner on her hands. Danica (Dani) Dobson, town sweetheart and brewmaster extraordinaire, goes head to head and eventually heart to heart against the newest business owner in town chocolatier, Luke Bradford. With Valentine’s Day around the corner these two stage a What’s Better For Valentine’s day throwdown: chocolate or beer? You’ll be amazed at the interesting way these two pump new life into their town and this holiday and no doubt enjoy the heated verbal foreplay they engage while doing so. A battle of the sexes or a battle of wills, who will come out on top and in the end does it really matter?
Holy cow, Luke is one of those heroes you can’t help but fall in love with and stay there. He’s a hopeless romantic who is looking for someone to be his Mrs. Right even after having his heart stomped on several times. He believes in love, in a soul mate, and in happily ever after. He’s also one hell of a talented chocolate maker. He’s dedicated to his craft and to his best friend and business partner, Quinn and her little boy Connor. For better or worse he jumps in with both feet and is willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants and what he thinks is best for everyone in every situation.
Dani, so help me I like this woman despite the fact that she made some very critical mistakes along the way in this story. At times, I wanted to hate her but I just couldn’t do it. She’s messed up, she’s confused, and she has a whole lot of baggage she insists on carrying with her along her way. She is thrown for a complete loop when she meets Luke but her trust issues just won’t let him in and keeps her from sharing so many things from him. However, it’s so easy to see that deep down she really cares for him.
I loved their first sexy encounter, the verbal sparring, their thowdown hijinks, the way they worked to show each other how much they care, the way they entwined their lives without really realizing it, the memorable gifts, and the way they each tried to make things right when things were going so terribly wrong. These two have this connection that as a reader you can just feel, it gives you goosebumps and makes you cry when things aren’t right.
While I would love to give Dani and Luke all the credit for this book, I can’t. There is a remarkable ensemble cast that adds so much life to this story. That’s what makes this book so incredible, I felt I was there in Cactus Creek completely immersed in everything that was going on and like it was happening to my friends.
I could go on and on about Love, Chocolate, and Beer but that would take time away from you actually reading it. I urge you to run to your favorite bookseller and buy it, I have a feeling you’ll fall in love with these characters and Cactus Creek as much as I did!
March 15, 2014
Firstly, I was impressed at the length of this book and it's prequel. It was nice to read a book over a number of nights instead of breezing through it in a few hours.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the introduction of the characters and how they meet (you can't read Love, Chocolate and Beer without the prequel, you'll do yourself an injustice if you try!) The characters growth throughout the book and their ups and downs make the journey so worthwhile. I also really like how Violet makes them work for their HEA too. There's a beautiful sense of humour in this book too which you just can't help but chuckle at as you read. And have tissues handy please, there are some tear-up moments and not just from sad stuff. There're some seriously sweet and awesome gestures within that will make the water works leak. Be prepared though, there are some sad moments where I seriously couldn't see my tablet screen and had to keep dabbing at my eyes just to read the next line ... which made me weep more. Sob, dab, repeat.
The details in the processes of making the beer and the chocolate had me completely baffled, but didn't stop the flow of the story. In fact, I'm now rather intrigued as to the whole chocolate making/creating process and would love to see it in action. I might have to pay the local chocolate shop a visit and see if I can peek at what they do there and how they create their yummy morsels. I think I'd have to travel further for a brewpub though and my last encounter with a brewery tour ended sourly when the tour guide took us through a freshly cleansed room which reeked of ammonia and quite literally stole my breathe away. Perhaps one day I'll have to opportunity to see something smaller scale than C.U.B. in Melbourne and enjoy the process!! That aside, the research that must have gone into those parts of the book must have been extensive unless Ms Duke actually has first hand working knowledge of both industries, in which case, I'm jealous! The art to create such delicacies and flavours as described in Love, Chocolate and Beer leave the palate wanting and the mouth watering, wondering just how great all those foods and drinks would taste.
Violet introduces all the characters who will be making appearances in their own Cactus Creek books this year, which is part of why it's as long as it is. It was a lovely journey meeting everyone and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and all the novellas in between. Job well done to Violet Duke!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the introduction of the characters and how they meet (you can't read Love, Chocolate and Beer without the prequel, you'll do yourself an injustice if you try!) The characters growth throughout the book and their ups and downs make the journey so worthwhile. I also really like how Violet makes them work for their HEA too. There's a beautiful sense of humour in this book too which you just can't help but chuckle at as you read. And have tissues handy please, there are some tear-up moments and not just from sad stuff. There're some seriously sweet and awesome gestures within that will make the water works leak. Be prepared though, there are some sad moments where I seriously couldn't see my tablet screen and had to keep dabbing at my eyes just to read the next line ... which made me weep more. Sob, dab, repeat.
The details in the processes of making the beer and the chocolate had me completely baffled, but didn't stop the flow of the story. In fact, I'm now rather intrigued as to the whole chocolate making/creating process and would love to see it in action. I might have to pay the local chocolate shop a visit and see if I can peek at what they do there and how they create their yummy morsels. I think I'd have to travel further for a brewpub though and my last encounter with a brewery tour ended sourly when the tour guide took us through a freshly cleansed room which reeked of ammonia and quite literally stole my breathe away. Perhaps one day I'll have to opportunity to see something smaller scale than C.U.B. in Melbourne and enjoy the process!! That aside, the research that must have gone into those parts of the book must have been extensive unless Ms Duke actually has first hand working knowledge of both industries, in which case, I'm jealous! The art to create such delicacies and flavours as described in Love, Chocolate and Beer leave the palate wanting and the mouth watering, wondering just how great all those foods and drinks would taste.
Violet introduces all the characters who will be making appearances in their own Cactus Creek books this year, which is part of why it's as long as it is. It was a lovely journey meeting everyone and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and all the novellas in between. Job well done to Violet Duke!
February 13, 2015
A cute story hidden under a ton of description
This could have been a cute concept. Just based on the description and the title itself, I expected a fun, light romantic read. And that was there, I'm sure, buried underneath the massive information dump.
At times, I felt like I was taking a master class on how to make beer, or chocolate, or both at once. I know nothing about the creation of either, but I feel as if the author did her research. The details certainly sounded official. And trust me, there were plenty of them. You know how in some books, you feel as if the characters never work? Not in this one.
The whole beer/chocolate making thing totally overshadowed the romance part for me. And just when I thought the book started to pick up the pace at the end, I was treated to yet another description of flavor profiles and foodie jargon.
This book dragged something fierce for me. I had to force myself to get through it at times, because there really wasn't much going on that I cared about. And then, to find out at the end that there were so many developments that could have been more fully fleshed out here - let's just say I was disappointed.
I would have been happier with a hundred pages of awesome than a much longer version that felt padded and yet rushed all at the same time.
One way I measure a book's appeal is if I will pay money to read what happens next. And in this case, that answer is a no.
This could have been a cute concept. Just based on the description and the title itself, I expected a fun, light romantic read. And that was there, I'm sure, buried underneath the massive information dump.
At times, I felt like I was taking a master class on how to make beer, or chocolate, or both at once. I know nothing about the creation of either, but I feel as if the author did her research. The details certainly sounded official. And trust me, there were plenty of them. You know how in some books, you feel as if the characters never work? Not in this one.
The whole beer/chocolate making thing totally overshadowed the romance part for me. And just when I thought the book started to pick up the pace at the end, I was treated to yet another description of flavor profiles and foodie jargon.
This book dragged something fierce for me. I had to force myself to get through it at times, because there really wasn't much going on that I cared about. And then, to find out at the end that there were so many developments that could have been more fully fleshed out here - let's just say I was disappointed.
I would have been happier with a hundred pages of awesome than a much longer version that felt padded and yet rushed all at the same time.
One way I measure a book's appeal is if I will pay money to read what happens next. And in this case, that answer is a no.
July 29, 2016
Not so much. I love to smutty chick lit romances but this didn't do it for. I can literally devour a book in a day but I couldn't get into the characters or the plot. I agree with the other reviews that it was all over the place,too many things going on too fast. The characters make out 5 seconds after meeting each other? Not sure how it has so many great reviews because there really are tons of other books in this genre that you can't put down. I forcibly read this book hoping it would get better because of the reviews but I was disappointed.
Read
May 5, 2015Not rating. I started reading the 'recommended' prequel(A Little Combustible Chemistry) included at the beginning and it made little or no sense. Frenetic action and characters and I gave up early on.
Read
June 7, 2016DNF. The first part was decent--the part that the author classified as a novella. But then it just became stupid. Who are these people, who do foolish things online for their business? Are they business owners, or middle schoolers?
July 14, 2019
Making mistakes come together
For yrs she blamed herself for her fathers illness. First the decisions she made after his first, then what her ex did that caused the second that killed him later on. But when she fell in love with the chocolate guy she realized that things that happend all happend for a reason and it came together like chocolate and beer does.
For yrs she blamed herself for her fathers illness. First the decisions she made after his first, then what her ex did that caused the second that killed him later on. But when she fell in love with the chocolate guy she realized that things that happend all happend for a reason and it came together like chocolate and beer does.
January 4, 2018
Dani and Luke were everything. They were times I wanted to scream at Dani but I knew they were more to the story so I waited. I'm so glad did. I loved getting to know both Dani and Luke.
April 17, 2017
LOVED this book!! Cute, sweet and SO funny. I can't wait to see what happens next in this crazy town!
February 2, 2014
Chocolate and beer throw down challenge and smack talk will have you laughing so hard that your sides will be aching. Dani is a feisty brewmaster and her tenacity drives Luke absolutely crazy with lust. From the first moment Luke lays eyes on Dani sparks fly and he is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Dani feels it too and when she tries to escape to her storeroom the last thing she expects to find is Luke standing behind her. Passionate kisses erupt as the two attack each other.
I am excited that this sweet and adorable romance made it out just in time for Valentine's Day. It made me laugh, cry, and punch my pillow at times because Dani was soo damn stubborn. I love that Luke is the yin to her yang. He is everything a woman could want in a man. Luke is insanely sweet, super sexy, and will sacrifice everything for those he loves. He is all about doing whatever it takes to make Dani believe in romantic love again. She was burned in the past really badly and has a wall constructed around her heart that is almost impossible to breach. This story will take you on a path of love and forgiveness that will melt your heart. Luke will be at the top of my 2014 Book Boyfriend List.
Quinn, Xoey, and Rylan make an awesome supporting cast. I was hoping to see a spin off with Quinn and Rylan. Violet only gives us a sneak peek of Lia and Hudson the stars of Love, Sidearms, and Armbars. It made me smile that Luke used the sounds that Quinn made when eating his chocolate as a rating scale. The term "tastegasm" was insanely masterful. WARNING if you are PMSing you will have a major craving for chocolate as you read this, and no, cheap chocolate is not going to do it for you, so you better find yourself a Lindt, Godiva, or Rocky Mountain Chocolate factory to quench your craving before you go insane. Thanks for that one Violet. I tried a Twix and it was a no go. Not a pretty sight.
Dani and Luke's love story is a beautiful mess that will keep you turning the pages to see if Chocolate will win over Beer.
I am excited that this sweet and adorable romance made it out just in time for Valentine's Day. It made me laugh, cry, and punch my pillow at times because Dani was soo damn stubborn. I love that Luke is the yin to her yang. He is everything a woman could want in a man. Luke is insanely sweet, super sexy, and will sacrifice everything for those he loves. He is all about doing whatever it takes to make Dani believe in romantic love again. She was burned in the past really badly and has a wall constructed around her heart that is almost impossible to breach. This story will take you on a path of love and forgiveness that will melt your heart. Luke will be at the top of my 2014 Book Boyfriend List.
Quinn, Xoey, and Rylan make an awesome supporting cast. I was hoping to see a spin off with Quinn and Rylan. Violet only gives us a sneak peek of Lia and Hudson the stars of Love, Sidearms, and Armbars. It made me smile that Luke used the sounds that Quinn made when eating his chocolate as a rating scale. The term "tastegasm" was insanely masterful. WARNING if you are PMSing you will have a major craving for chocolate as you read this, and no, cheap chocolate is not going to do it for you, so you better find yourself a Lindt, Godiva, or Rocky Mountain Chocolate factory to quench your craving before you go insane. Thanks for that one Violet. I tried a Twix and it was a no go. Not a pretty sight.
Dani and Luke's love story is a beautiful mess that will keep you turning the pages to see if Chocolate will win over Beer.
December 8, 2014
With 115 5 Star reviews and only 1 – 1 star review on Amazon; the crowd has the right idea about this novel. I know i have already raved on about the prequel but this first book of the series was also equally tasty. The intimate scenes aren’t raunchy but have enough spice to make it interesting. The only thing I was skeptical about was, because I am a cynic, the pure devotion and absolutely patience that came from Luke. I mean wowza! A little unrealistic for me and its simply because I believe in human flaws and not everyone would be as forgiving or understanding as dearest Luke. However, the rest of the novel was pure indulgence. For $2.99 you get a few hours of delicious competition and languid overpowering love. I love the other stories wrapped around Dani and Luke as well. You get to hear about what happens with Quinn throughout and at the end of the book Ms. Violet Duke leaves the book perfectly open for the next installment. I am giddy with delight and just cannot wait to read it. The end of the story wonderfully and yet tragically wraps up in a neat package why Dani is as un-trusting as she is and you can understand but the author allows you to find a way to forgive and move on. Its simply wonderful! Please pick up a copy of the kindle copy at amazon at the link above and share in the playful fight that brought a town closer together and entwined two stubborn hearts for eternity.
ORiginal Post At: http://babygotstacks.com/2014/03/19/l...
ORiginal Post At: http://babygotstacks.com/2014/03/19/l...
October 1, 2014
DNF at 82%
I loved the prequel, but this novel was no where in the same league as it. It had weird transitions and scenes that seemed like they were half done and never carried out thoroughly which left me feeling so frustrated to never see what the other character's reactions were. The emotions were all over the place and I felt no connection to the side characters as well. It was just boring Insta Love between Quinn and Rylan and I have no idea what drew them to be attracted to each other in the first place and Quinn gave into Rylan way too easily. I loved the chocolate details, but the beer details were just a tad over the top and boring. I don't care about the temperature and process of fermentation.
I enjoyed the beginning and middle of the story to a degree since I love rivalry, but the scenes toward the end were laced with immature dialogue which is a real turn off, unwarranted drama and needless jealousy between two supposed adults who acted like teenagers, especially Dani and her insecurities. Even the intimate scenes lacked passion and chemistry. I had such high hopes for this novel, but the ending just fell apart and I felt like I was forcing myself to finish the novel when in fact I should be enjoying it. So disappointing since I felt Luke was such a sweet and charming hero who got stuck with a semi-weak heroine.
I loved the prequel, but this novel was no where in the same league as it. It had weird transitions and scenes that seemed like they were half done and never carried out thoroughly which left me feeling so frustrated to never see what the other character's reactions were. The emotions were all over the place and I felt no connection to the side characters as well. It was just boring Insta Love between Quinn and Rylan and I have no idea what drew them to be attracted to each other in the first place and Quinn gave into Rylan way too easily. I loved the chocolate details, but the beer details were just a tad over the top and boring. I don't care about the temperature and process of fermentation.
I enjoyed the beginning and middle of the story to a degree since I love rivalry, but the scenes toward the end were laced with immature dialogue which is a real turn off, unwarranted drama and needless jealousy between two supposed adults who acted like teenagers, especially Dani and her insecurities. Even the intimate scenes lacked passion and chemistry. I had such high hopes for this novel, but the ending just fell apart and I felt like I was forcing myself to finish the novel when in fact I should be enjoying it. So disappointing since I felt Luke was such a sweet and charming hero who got stuck with a semi-weak heroine.
March 26, 2014
3.5 stars
I liked this story but it contained its share of weak points. First I'll give you the positive points. I love the male lead character, Luke. I found it quite refreshing that he was strong, honest, not afraid of his feelings or to localize them. Put simply, he knew what he wanted and asked for it. There is no beating around the bush with this character. I also loved Quinn, Xoey, the band, and Luke's parents. I love how the author portrays the gay character and that relationship as well. I also appreciate the competition and verbal sparring. What I didn't care for included too much detail about beer making and chocolate making and not enough about what caused the character flaws, the editing, and Dani's whining. This story felt long and dragged in parts until reaching the end where things went sonic speed. The title and the competition makes this story stick in the brain though. I liked that the characters didn't jump into bed. I would pay $2.99 for this on my Kindle. I recommend you read this especially if you like reading about things like beer making and how chocolate truffles are made. Happy reading my fellow bookworms!
I liked this story but it contained its share of weak points. First I'll give you the positive points. I love the male lead character, Luke. I found it quite refreshing that he was strong, honest, not afraid of his feelings or to localize them. Put simply, he knew what he wanted and asked for it. There is no beating around the bush with this character. I also loved Quinn, Xoey, the band, and Luke's parents. I love how the author portrays the gay character and that relationship as well. I also appreciate the competition and verbal sparring. What I didn't care for included too much detail about beer making and chocolate making and not enough about what caused the character flaws, the editing, and Dani's whining. This story felt long and dragged in parts until reaching the end where things went sonic speed. The title and the competition makes this story stick in the brain though. I liked that the characters didn't jump into bed. I would pay $2.99 for this on my Kindle. I recommend you read this especially if you like reading about things like beer making and how chocolate truffles are made. Happy reading my fellow bookworms!
June 22, 2015
I enjoyed this story and especially liked the 'duelling businesses' as a different angle.
Pros: All the characters were written in a likeable manner - almost TOO likeable but I let that slide. I enjoyed reading about Chocolate and beer especially since I'm on a diet and couldn't actually have any, so reading about it was the next best thing.
Easy, enjoyable writing style.
Cons: I found my interest waning a little in the middle, second half until the emotional reveals. I think some of the beer manufacturing / chocolate making got too much and too technical - almost overkill. Dani and Luke's relationship I felt at that time was also just so stalled. The story didn't move forward - but then it kicked in again so it was saved for me.
I did foresee the 'business merger' early on so that didn't surprise me at all. And on a personal note, I was interested in the White Chocolate Day premise (and the ending) as my wedding anniversary is 14 March! I'm going to go google it now and see if it's real!
All in all, quite good. I'll read another in this series.
Pros: All the characters were written in a likeable manner - almost TOO likeable but I let that slide. I enjoyed reading about Chocolate and beer especially since I'm on a diet and couldn't actually have any, so reading about it was the next best thing.
Easy, enjoyable writing style.
Cons: I found my interest waning a little in the middle, second half until the emotional reveals. I think some of the beer manufacturing / chocolate making got too much and too technical - almost overkill. Dani and Luke's relationship I felt at that time was also just so stalled. The story didn't move forward - but then it kicked in again so it was saved for me.
I did foresee the 'business merger' early on so that didn't surprise me at all. And on a personal note, I was interested in the White Chocolate Day premise (and the ending) as my wedding anniversary is 14 March! I'm going to go google it now and see if it's real!
All in all, quite good. I'll read another in this series.
June 29, 2016
Probably 3.5 stars. There's a lot going on in this one. It also includes the prequel to Love, Chocolate, and Beer. Cute and quick, this book is entertaining when you're looking for a brain candy read.
Dani is all about beer. Beer brewing, beer recipes, and serving beer. It's a family tradition. Dani has taken over the family's brew pub as brewmaster and owner. She's brought the pub back from near failure, but then since it was due to her mistake it's only right that she's the one who brought it back from the brink. She is not going to let anyone or anything ever make her lose focus again. Ever.
Enter Luke, the new chocolatier that has opened shop across the street from the brew pub. Although, when Dani first meets Luke she doesn't really know who he is. it isn't until after she lets her mouth get ahead of her brain that she figures out who exactly Luke is. Then there are a whole passel of regrets.
Luke is a hopeless romantic. Dani is anything but. They are both extremely competitive. It's fun to watch the interaction of these two as they challenge one another.
Dani is all about beer. Beer brewing, beer recipes, and serving beer. It's a family tradition. Dani has taken over the family's brew pub as brewmaster and owner. She's brought the pub back from near failure, but then since it was due to her mistake it's only right that she's the one who brought it back from the brink. She is not going to let anyone or anything ever make her lose focus again. Ever.
Enter Luke, the new chocolatier that has opened shop across the street from the brew pub. Although, when Dani first meets Luke she doesn't really know who he is. it isn't until after she lets her mouth get ahead of her brain that she figures out who exactly Luke is. Then there are a whole passel of regrets.
Luke is a hopeless romantic. Dani is anything but. They are both extremely competitive. It's fun to watch the interaction of these two as they challenge one another.
November 15, 2016
I am a huge Violet Duke fan. This is a great start to a new series from her. I love the characters and the role reversal. No one would think a woman as a brew master and a man as a chocolatier. Luke and Dani are likeable and fun. Their chemistry is undeniable, even though Dani is sure that romantic love is just a myth. The secondary characters add a lot to the story line. Xoey is hilarious. Quinn and Rylan make a nice pairing to compliment Dani and Luke. Both of the main characters come with baggage from their past relationships. Luke is certain that Dani is his forever love. Dani, having been burned once, won't trust in that again. She carries a lot of guilt for things that she really had no control over. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I'm sure that several of the characters from this book will reappear. I like the new series but it will be hard to top the Nice series. I liked Luke but still LOVE Brian.
June 14, 2016
This is the first booked I've picked up by this author as the synopsis grabbed my attention. I expected something different I think??
While I found the book to be ok it certainly didn't wow me and I felt I had to force myself to read it!
This book felt really slow to me and felt like it dragged on a bit.
A lot throughout the book I felt like I was taking a class on how to make chocolate or beer! I appreciate a thoroughly researched book and can understand why (as people complain the info wrong) but it did feel a bit bogged down with food jargon and details at times and overshadowed the romance/love I guess.
The brewpub was interesting as where the characters working there but I guess not enough for me to rush out and buy anymore, especially as we got to see a sneak peek at Quinn and Rylan's HEA???
While I found the book to be ok it certainly didn't wow me and I felt I had to force myself to read it!
This book felt really slow to me and felt like it dragged on a bit.
A lot throughout the book I felt like I was taking a class on how to make chocolate or beer! I appreciate a thoroughly researched book and can understand why (as people complain the info wrong) but it did feel a bit bogged down with food jargon and details at times and overshadowed the romance/love I guess.
The brewpub was interesting as where the characters working there but I guess not enough for me to rush out and buy anymore, especially as we got to see a sneak peek at Quinn and Rylan's HEA???
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