The Valentine Quest

Teaming up together to compete could be a mistake or an asset. The more time Nevada and Dustin spend on the Quest, the closer they become. Both must learn to trust and open their hearts to love.

The Valentine Quest by Melissa McClone is book number five in the Chocolate Shop series. This is Nevada Parker and Dustin Decker's story.

Nevada and Dustin have things in their life that effects the person they are now. Their first meeting was like mixing oil and water. Nevada and Dustin decided put their differences aside and work as a couple in Valentine Quest. There is just something about Dustin that I liked. They are not looking for a relationship but will they discover love during the Valentine Quest?

This is a sweet romance with lots of chocolate! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

This was a lovely story. Dustin is a cowboy who doesn't want to settle down, and Nevada is working on getting her PhD and hates Valentine's Day with a passion. When they team up for the Valentine's Quest in Marietta, things definitely get interesting.
I loved the vulnerabilities, strengths, and the warm caring sides to both Dustin and Nevada. Just when I thought I had Dustin figured out, something else would surprise me about him. I really felt for Nevada, spending her whole life feeling like she doesn't fit in, but she really pushed her limits when she signed up for the quest.
I loved this story so much. Really got me in a Valentine's Day mood, and really made me crave a good cup of hot chocolate.

Loved this heartwarming romance where two opposites find attraction with the race of the Valentine Quest. Nevada, Miss Brain, working on her Phd, wants to win the, the Quest for her brother and Dustin, ex cowboy rodeo, who works at the Bar V ranch wants to win the trip for himself. This unlikely pair team up to win this competition. Loved the different challenges they had to do, and how they each helped each other to overcome obstacles. I really enjoyed their growing relationship.

This is a book that I kept turning the pages with plenty of smiles. I am loving the Love at the Chocolate Shop, two things in common is romance and chocolate, they go hand in hand.

Valentine's Day is not Nevada Parker's favorite holiday after a date humiliated her at a party several years ago. The problem is she's in Marietta Montana for the holiday and they are going all out with the addition of a Valentine Quest. Dustin Decker is an ex-bull rider who's working as a wrangler at the Bar V5 ranch. Dustin is in town picking up a chocolate order for the ranch and ends up helping Nevada up off the snow covered sidewalk. The two individually enter the quest with Nevada hoping to win to send her brother on a tropical vacation once he's out of the Air Force while Dustin is just looking to get out of the cold Montana winter. On night 1 they decide to work together after realizing they are out numbered by couples. Can the two keep this as a working relationship to get to the grand prize?
I really enjoyed this addition the the chocolate shop series as well as another A+book from the author.

Loved this fun, whimsical story that takes us back to Marietta! Nevada Parker, serious and academic, is the perfect partner for Dustin Decker in the Amazing Race like competition going on in Marietta. She brings the brains and him the brawn. That is if they can get along long enough to finish the competition! This is a fun quick read that will leaving you smiling. I definitely recommend it.

> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Another whimsical, holiday cover set inside the chocolate shop. Synopsis sounds entertaining and more adventurous.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person
Dustin is a retired (injured) bull rider, now working at the Bar V5 Ranch. He enters the competition as much to prove he's still a winner as to win a tropical getaway. He's a bit cocky and self-assured outwardly, but a nice guy once you peel away the outer layers. Nevada is staying with her sister, Dakota, while writing her dissertation and taking a temporary teaching position at a local college. She enters the contest in hopes of winning her brother, York, the vacation once he retires out of the Air Force.
She was not as easy to warm up to at first, but as she got to know Dustin, she began to open up and become a warmer person as a result. The chemistry between them is on/off and their compatibility was, at times, questionable - particularly in the beginning. As the Quest progresses, they become closer... it's a slow, gradual build to any kind of feelings. The secondary characters consist of much of the townsfolk of Marietta, several which have been featured as lead characters thus far in the series or have been introduced in prior installments. Dialogue was mature and appropriate throughout and the cast interaction was believable. The plot was fun and enjoyable. There were a few "laugh out loud" moments for me. The story and time line flowed smoothly. The conflicts were mostly self-imposed with one minor external set-back, but Dustin and Nevada seemed to navigate the circumstances well. There were no major "I knew it" moments, nor were there any fun surprises. The plot leaves off with an implied HEA for the lead couple, but keep us guessing about Dakota and Bryce, as well as a few other characters who have some interesting developments happening in the background. Another mysterious donation, from the same person? We do not know. I felt a bit sad for Eli in the end, no bikini babes for him...
This is a clean, sweet read... nothing beyond a few kisses. While each story may be able to stand on it's own with it's own lead set of characters, the plots are interwoven to a degree and the time line continues onward like a serial or soap opera may. I'd recommend starting at the beginning and reading all of these warm, sweet, small-town Holiday infused romances.
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Rating: [G] ~ Score: 4.1 ~ Stars: 4
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⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐

I really loved this fifth entry in the Love at the Chocolate Shop series, The Valentine Quest by Melissa McClone. I love this series and the manner in which the authors worked together to make this a seamless transition from book to book.

In this story, grad student Nevada Parker, younger sister of Dakota, comes to Marietta to work on her dissertation and teach part-time at the nearby college. Nevada literally runs into Dustin Decker of the Bar V5 ranch when she slips in the snow. Dustin claims that he will not have any type of commitment when it comes to relationships with women. Nevada has had some awful situations when it comes to the male sex and has sworn off men.

Marietta is holding its first annual Valentine Quest with a grand prize of a trip to Fuji. The quest has the participants performing physical contests as well as service orientated activities. Nevada and Dustin team up to win the prize. As these two participate in the events they end up sharing tidbits from their past as well examining their own actions and beliefs.

This was a sweet, fun and entertaining story with very likeable and authentic characters that you want to cheer on, hoping for that happy ending. The characters were well written with complex characteristics. The story line was riveting and kept my attention to the very end. I enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down, reading it in one day. I appreciate reading books by Ms. McClone as she is a wonderful story teller. I am so looking forward to the next entry in the Love at the Chocolate Shop series. I highly recommend this book to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.