Gwen’s review of 
Dolce & Diana by Cassidy Kent
Contemporary romance eBook published 1 Mar 07 by Phaze
This novella by Cassidy Kent revisits a character from her “Raleigh in Rio” novella, spunky fashionplate Diana. She finally gets a divorce and an island resort as part of the settlement. This story pairs her with celebrity chef, Chance Kohler, and the sparks and saute pans start flying.
 Here’s the book blurb:
After a quick and painless divorce, fashionista Diana Radford (formerly Simmons) is ready to start over. With a settlement of three million and a resort island off the coast of Grenada, she decides to realize her culinary dreams by taking over the island’s restaurant, naming it “Dolce” after her mother. Although not classically educated in the culinary arts, Diana possesses a rare natural ability and puts it to work creating brilliant Italian/Caribbean fusion dishes.
Chance Kohler is a culinary celebrity like no other, with an arrogance to rival his talent. After helming several 5-star restaurants in the States, Chance jumped at the opportunity to host “Fighting Chance”, his own reality cooking series. For the past two seasons, he’s faced off against the best and the brightest of the cooking world. When Diana is selected as his next opponent, Chance balks at his producer’s choice. The former waitress doesn’t even have a degree and has only had her restaurant for six months, even if she is some kind of prodigy!
From the moment Chance sees Diana dicing mangoes in designer couture, she whets his appetite and leaves him craving for second helpings. Diana can’t stand his antagonistic edge, but there’s no denying the delectable sensuality in his every movement. After all, even if she loses to him, it means press for her resort. But if she wins, Diana will be the series’ new host and Chance will suffer the humiliation of losing. Either way, the competition will be fierce but tasty, and the whole world will be watching.Â
As with the other Cassidy Kent novellas I’ve read, I really liked this story’s characters. Kent kept the characters true to themselves through the story while the characters make their way thru some personal turmoil. The storytelling was a little light, a little flawed, but it was still a fun read. Another good book to have on hand next to the pool – with the cabana boy.
This author is one to watch for and I hope we see plenty from her in the future.Â
Grade: C+
