Olive had a major crush on Hank in high school. She was the too-smart, slightly chubby girl who gawked as Hank ran track and made all the cheerleaders swoon. After high school, the two went their separate ways. Olive opened a yoga studio and swore off sweets while Hank traveled the world. No problem, right? At least there wasn’t a problem until Hank moved back to town and opened a candy shop across the street from Olive’s studio. Now, Olive will do everything she can to shut her old crush down. But Hank has other plans, and all of them end with an Olive sundae.
Author’s Note: This is a sweet Christmas treat that will leave you satisfied, yet desperate for a little taste of sugar.
I received an advanced copy of this book with the promise of an honest review.
The concept of this book is so good. Olive is now a successful yoga studio owner and former chubby high schooler and she is reunited with her high school crush. Hank now owns a candy store across the street from her studio and she is determined to put him out of business. What she doesn't know is that he has always has a crush on her! Perfect. It's basically one of those fantastic Hallmark holiday movies that I can't stop watching during this time of the year.
I adored this story. What's not to love? It's a delightful Christmas themed short story that has lots of sexy, sexy times. I loved Hank's persistence in trying to convince Olive that they were meant to be together. He even went and took a yoga class! And don't even get me started on the foreplay that can exist in a candy store....WOW.
“So, what’s your poison?” He turns and places the boxes on the counter between us.
“Just whatever you have is fine.” I try not to look at the swirling lollypops, jars of jellybeans, or rows of frosted cookies. The caramel candy apples with chocolate drizzle almost catch my eye, but I look away before I become ensnared.
He sidesteps to the candy apple display. “Try one.”
“No.” I keep my tone level. “Just pack up whatever you want to donate, and I’ll be on my way.”
He smiles, and butterflies go to war in my stomach. Lightly tanned skin, bright eyes, and dark hair are still my weakness, almost as much as the mouth-watering candy apple he picks up and holds out to me. “Give it a try.
I just put these out this afternoon. The apples are tart, and I made the caramel myself.”
I glance at the proffered treat. My sweet tooth demands that I take it, but my will is far stronger. “No, thank you.”
His smile grows, as if he already knew I’d decline. Then he raises the apple to his mouth and takes a bite. The perfectly ripe apple makes a delectably crisp crunch between his teeth. I watch as he licks the stray caramel from his lips, and I wonder just how sweet he’d taste.
“What was that?” He takes another bite.
“Hmm?” Lord help me, but I stare. Watch his Adam’s apple bob and follow the movement down into his flannel shirt right where the tan skin disappears behind the fabric.
He grabs a small plate and sets the rest of the apple down. “You just made a noise is all. Like a high-pitched sigh.”
My face burns bright red. A sigh? I made a noise? “No. I don’t think so.”
“Yeah, you did.” He grins. “Almost as if you’d enjoyed that as much as I did.”
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