Book & Chocolate Pairing: Caught Up in a Cowboy and Kohler Butterscotch Hop

For our second book and chocolate pairing, we are leaving 19th century England for the 21st century small town of Creedence, Colorado, hometown of NHL star Rockford James, the romantic hero of “Caught Up in a Cowboy” by Jennie Marts.

If you’re wondering why there is that big jump in time and in a place that is an ocean and a half continent away, it’s because the chocolate for this pairing, the Kohler Butterscotch Hop which is made with milk chocolate dictated the setting of the book it should be paired with.

Americans adore milk chocolate, hence “Caught Up in a Cowboy” was a natural choice. Aside from the fact that the cowboy is an American icon, an NHL star coming home to accidentally cross path with his high school sweetheart whom he left behind for his hockey career is just not easy to pass up.

Yes, it might sound like a cliché, a sports hero with a career ending injury finds out that his first love is actually The ONE for him. But, author Jennie Marts gave the story several twists that made “Caught Up in a Cowboy” an enjoyable read.

Rockford James and Quinn Rivers are also a good pair. Their banter might be lighthearted but there are deep emotions that simmer on the surface. Plus, a child is involved, and he brings another set of emotions.

Still, Jennie Marts treated the subject with a light touch and thus avoiding the storyline to become formulaic. Just like the expect chocolatiers who can transform the delightful milk chocolate into virtually endless tempting flavors, Marts gave her readers characters that tug at your heartstrings then spins a romantic yarn that makes you say Aww with a sigh.

Ready for an afternoon with your book club? Book… check! Chocolate… check! Wine… a refreshing chardonnay brings out the buttery undertones of silky-smooth milk chocolate. If you decide to serve butterscotch, it’s sure to be unique as it’s a pretty rare find in the chocolate world.