The critics might be snubbing the movie “Book Club,” yet as a book lover it inspired me to do a book and chocolate pairing for at least three book reviews. And as a salute to Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen, Jane Fonda and Mary Steenburgen who starred in the movie, I’m also adding wine recommendations to go with the reading.
First, the book… “A Duke Like No Other
Though they originally married for love, they had been apart of the past 10 years with Nicole living in France during that decade. Going back to London had its own set of issues for both and they already knew they had to traverse the ton carefully or they would be found out. But, Mark and Nicole were confident that they could face anything, i.e., until there was a murder and they have to be a real couple and true partners to solve the crime, even save their lives.
With an even pacing that is mindful of the era (no Fast & Furious here), “A Duke Like No Other
And now, the chocolate…rich and undeniably decadent Kohler Caffé and Cream comes to mind. In Caffé and Cream, smooth dark chocolate coffee ganache comes together with a layer of creamy mascarpone in a dark chocolate shell.
Like Mark and Nicole, this chocolate is multi-layered and full of surprises. Caffé and Cream offers a burst of satisfying richness very much the same way when Mark and Nicole finally came together and understood what true love is.
Finally, for the beverage, we have three to choose from as suggested by the chefs who create Kohler Original Recipe Chocolates. A bold, rich beer or heavy ale matches dark chocolate well. A tawny port that isn’t too fruity can be a nice complement to coffee flavors while bringing out the dark chocolate elements. Finally, a sweeter bourbon with a smoky finish pairs nicely with the dark chocolate, which in turn brings out the barrel notes of the spirit.
With a book, a box of chocolate and the perfect beverage, it’s time to call your book club and enjoy “A Duke Like No Other
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A Duke Like No Other
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Kohler Chocolates Caffé and Cream
Description
A 2018 Daphne du Maurier finalist
First comes love, then comes marriage. Unless it’s the other way around. . .
General Mark Grimaldi has sacrificed everything for his military career, working his way through the ranks without the benefit of a nobleman’s title. Now, his years of dedication are about to pay off—with an offer for a prestigious promotion to Home Secretary. There’s only one condition: Mark must be married. Aside from the small matter of not actually wanting to be wed, Mark faces another troubling problem: he already has a wife.
Nicole Huntington Grimaldi has spent ten contented years in France without her husband—and without regret. When Mark asks her to return to London and play the part of his beloved wife, she sees her chance. But neither of them is prepared for news that will throw Mark’s future into chaos…nor the undeniable desire they’ve rekindled. Maybe happily-ever-after can happen the second time around in A Duke Like No Other, the next Regency romance from Valerie Bowman.
Valerie Bowman’s Playful Brides novels are:
“Wholly satisfying.”—USA Today
“Smart and sensual…readers will be captivated.”—RT Book Reviews
“Smoldering.” —Booklist
[Casa Loma Photo by Francisco De Legarreta on Unsplash; Beer Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash]
