Bittersweet Valentine by Annee Jones

When rivalry turns sweet, every bite is a confession of the heart…

Kandi:
In Kings Valley, where chocolate is more than just a treat but a declaration of affection, I, Kandi Hart, pour my heart into every batch. This Valentine’s, it’s not just about winning the town’s candy competition—it’s about proving something to Roman Archer, my ex and the notoriously harsh food critic who’s come back to judge. We were something once, before life and careers got in the way. Now, armed with my finest creations, I’m ready to show him that the girl he left behind has mastered the art of chocolate—and maybe stir old feelings he thought he’d critiqued away.

Roman
Coming back to Kings Valley meant confronting my past, and I hadn’t planned on Kandi Hart being such a big part of it. As high school sweethearts, we shared dreams as rich as her chocolates. Now, as a critic tasked with judging the Valentine’s Day Festival, I’m faced with her confections that are as complex as our history. Each piece she presents is a challenge to my senses and my heart. Can I remain impartial when every bite is laced with bittersweet memories?