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Meadow Ridge #1
Love and Lattes
New Adult Romance -- Content intended for age 18+.
Julia's just a normal girl trying—and failing—to fit in. In Meadow Ridge, an upper-crust society where designer labels rule, the only thing that matters more than money, is status. Julia's got neither.
Chase has it all—born and bred in The Meadow, he's the most eligible bachelor and the object of every woman's attention. And he wants nothing to do with any of them... until he meets Julia.
Struggling just to make ends meet long enough to finish her degree, Julia needs her new job as a stock girl at Bloom's Books. When her new boss turns out to be her steamy fling from the bar a few nights before, Julia's not sure she'll be able to stick around to collect her first check. Now Julia's stuck in a tough spot—stay and resist her feelings for Chase so she can get the paycheck she desperately needs, or give into desire and risk her job, future and probably her heart.
Julia's just a normal girl trying—and failing—to fit in. In Meadow Ridge, an upper-crust society where designer labels rule, the only thing that matters more than money, is status. Julia's got neither.
Chase has it all—born and bred in The Meadow, he's the most eligible bachelor and the object of every woman's attention. And he wants nothing to do with any of them... until he meets Julia.
Struggling just to make ends meet long enough to finish her degree, Julia needs her new job as a stock girl at Bloom's Books. When her new boss turns out to be her steamy fling from the bar a few nights before, Julia's not sure she'll be able to stick around to collect her first check. Now Julia's stuck in a tough spot—stay and resist her feelings for Chase so she can get the paycheck she desperately needs, or give into desire and risk her job, future and probably her heart.
Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2011
282 people want to read
About the author
Heather Thurmeier
25 books398 followersHeather Thurmeier is a lover of margaritas and a hater of spiders. Born and raised in the Canadian prairies, she now lives in New York where she’s become an odd Canuck-Yankee hybrid. Heather’s currently writing her next romance, which will probably be filled with sassy heroines, sexy heroes that make your heart pound, laugh out loud moments and always a happily ever after. She loves to hear from readers on social media and at heatherthurmeier.com.
"Heather Thurmeier's hunky heroes and feisty heroines will have you laughing out loud, falling in love ... and coming back for more!" ~ Carly Phillips, NY Times Bestselling Author
"Heather Thurmeier writes sweet, funny romances that capture your heart!" --NYT and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Probst
"Heather Thurmeier's hunky heroes and feisty heroines will have you laughing out loud, falling in love ... and coming back for more!" ~ Carly Phillips, NY Times Bestselling Author
"Heather Thurmeier writes sweet, funny romances that capture your heart!" --NYT and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Probst
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 10, 2012
LOVE AND LATTES was a story I really loved, from the club thumping beginning to the very romantic ending!
After a fun filled night of dancing and passion, Julia is completely oblivious to the identity of the sexy stranger she spent this incredible night with...that is until she literally runs into him at her new job. What happens when her "party world" collides with her professional world? How could this man ever believe that this truly is the only one-night-stand she has ever had?
Chase longs to find a woman who is in love with him and not his money or family name. Is it possible that Julia could be this woman, maybe the only woman in a city of thousands who actually like him for who he is and status in society? Although Chase's body longs to experience the intense pleasure he share while in Julia's bed, his mind knows that anonymity is almost impossible - she is likely just playing him as so many other women have attempted in the past.
As their personal and professional lives intertwine it becomes painfully obvious how the story of LOVE AND LATTES must play out.
LOVE AND LATTES is a great reminder that what happens in private doesn't always stay private and that love ultimately conquers all - at least it does in all great romances. Julia and Chase are warm and lovable characters. Their story had me sucked in from the beginning and I was rooting for them all the way - I hope you will too!
**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
___________________________________________________
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Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
After a fun filled night of dancing and passion, Julia is completely oblivious to the identity of the sexy stranger she spent this incredible night with...that is until she literally runs into him at her new job. What happens when her "party world" collides with her professional world? How could this man ever believe that this truly is the only one-night-stand she has ever had?
Chase longs to find a woman who is in love with him and not his money or family name. Is it possible that Julia could be this woman, maybe the only woman in a city of thousands who actually like him for who he is and status in society? Although Chase's body longs to experience the intense pleasure he share while in Julia's bed, his mind knows that anonymity is almost impossible - she is likely just playing him as so many other women have attempted in the past.
As their personal and professional lives intertwine it becomes painfully obvious how the story of LOVE AND LATTES must play out.
LOVE AND LATTES is a great reminder that what happens in private doesn't always stay private and that love ultimately conquers all - at least it does in all great romances. Julia and Chase are warm and lovable characters. Their story had me sucked in from the beginning and I was rooting for them all the way - I hope you will too!
**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
June 13, 2012
3.5 stars
A very cute story with the right balance of angst and pleasing moments. Julia and Chase make a sweet couple who instantly connect, but have to work through an undesirable dilemma in order to find happiness together. I enjoyed the bookstore setting very much! A quick read that is perfect for a relaxing evening.
Chase to Julia:
"Are you having as much trouble as I am pushing these feelings aside? Because if you are, I think we can find a way to make this work. And if you aren't, then I'll find a way to get over you." --Heather Thurmeier, Love and Lattes
A very cute story with the right balance of angst and pleasing moments. Julia and Chase make a sweet couple who instantly connect, but have to work through an undesirable dilemma in order to find happiness together. I enjoyed the bookstore setting very much! A quick read that is perfect for a relaxing evening.
Chase to Julia:
"Are you having as much trouble as I am pushing these feelings aside? Because if you are, I think we can find a way to make this work. And if you aren't, then I'll find a way to get over you." --Heather Thurmeier, Love and Lattes
September 19, 2011
A super sweet romance, with just the right hint of angst. There were 'awww' moments a plenty, and it had me grinning from ear to ear.
The prose flowed wonderfully, though I found the earlier chapters had a lot of italized thoughts that took me out of the story. These calmed though, making the story much smoother for me.
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
The prose flowed wonderfully, though I found the earlier chapters had a lot of italized thoughts that took me out of the story. These calmed though, making the story much smoother for me.
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
October 28, 2011
I came really close to DNF'ing this book. While there was nothing wrong with the quality of writing (it was actually really good), I personally just did not find the story line and characters believable.
October 9, 2011
This book is the first in a series from Thurmeier and it did not disappoint. The story introduces some lovely characters with some real world problems, set in a small town. I found the writing had a lot of heart, and I loved the author's voice. Looking forward to her next one!
January 6, 2012
I loved this book!!! I thought the characters were believable and their chemistry was undeniable. If your looking for a fun read that will have you laughing this book is for you. I want more......
April 7, 2014
Review originally posted on Reader's Edyn (blogspot)
What a cute story from Heather Thurmeier. This is the first book I have read by this author and it definitely won’t be the last. LOVE AND LATTES is the first in the Meadow Ridge Romance Series. I love knowing when a book is part of a series because I then have the knowledge that I can continue with the stories I truly enjoy. You can bet the rest of the series is on my TBR list. I have been sitting on this book for quite a while. Now that I have read it, I wish I would have placed it higher up on the list. I was a bit annoyed with myself to realize that I had such a good story just sitting around. But hey, it is now read and I get the chance to tell everyone my thoughts about it.
Poor Chase. He is loaded. He has pretty much anything he could every want at his beck and call; even women. Problem is that everyone knows who he is. Consequently, that true love match he has been searching for continually eludes him. Chase wants what everyone longs for; true love – love for him and not his wealth or status in society. So when he meets a woman that intrigues him and doesn’t seem to have any idea who he is, he is smitten. One spectacular night with Julia and he knows he has to have more of her. She just might be what he has been searching for, but he is unexpectedly blindsided with a wrench that will likely call a screeching halt to the budding relationship. But a fleeting taste is not enough and he finds himself craving the possibilities of a future with her.
Julia is new in town. She now lives in an upper crust area and quickly learns how snooty everyone around her is. When she hits a club with her friend, she becomes acquainted with Chase. He seems real and they hit it off immediately. Of course the fact that he is beyond hot has nothing to do with her decision to spend time with him. Never one to dabble in illicit relationships, she throws caution to the wind and takes a chance, taking Chase home with her. She would like to see more of him, but when she shows up to begin her brand new job the following day, she is horrified to discover that Chase is her boss. Her chance at love is well and truly squashed. She toys with the idea of quitting, but she needs the job for the time being.
Of course there is quite a bit more to this story than my summation, but I wouldn’t want to tell you too much of the plot. Julia and Chase end up struggling with their close proximity to each other in the store and their knowledge that working together and dating is out of reach. Chase eventually sets out to change Julia’s mind. But there is a bit of conflict along the way given Chase’s status and others attempting to lay claim on him that might end his chances with Julia altogether.
I enjoyed my time spent getting to know Chase and Julia. I felt like Chase had some real concerns about finding the love of his life, as I am sure would be applicable given his wealth. Julia also struggles with tangible issues such as tasting the forbidden that is Chase and not really knowing what to do about it, worrying about making rent, concentrating on her education, and other distressing concerns that would be valid to her character. Both were cute in their playful banter in the club and workplace. And their upset at the realization that being together seems to be impossible was heartfelt. Adding turmoil to the mix is Rebecca’s character. She comes off as possessive of Chase and ultimately affects several of his possible relationships both in business and personally. Of course she is threatened by Julia’s presence so the claws come out. And Rebecca is not the only one who claims to have a stake in Chase. He ends up with the reputation of a player and Julia does not deal with that knowledge very well. A fun secondary character that adds a bit of playfulness and insight to the story is Tali; a crucial character toward the end of the story.
For the most part, Chase and Julia remain true to character throughout the book’s entirety. But there were a couple of things that I didn’t like much. In a couple of cases, these two intelligent main characters react rather stupidly, which seemed out of character for both of them. Chase seems like the kind of man that would know the ins and outs of everything that he deals with; most especially his business. When he ends up oblivious to Rebecca’s incessant antics in his store, I found that hard to swallow. This component is not practical for a wealthy man in business. Also deviated from character was Julia’s blind belief of several bits of gossip she hears about Chase. She is attracted to many things about him, including his intellect. She is also quite intelligent, putting herself through college and living a responsible life, so for her to give credit to hearsay didn’t seem palpable.
Other than these two small components in the grand scheme of the characters, I was glad that I had the opportunity to read this story. More recently, I have come across romance that has seemed refreshing to me from an erotic perspective. Sometimes I don’t want the excessive sexual encounters that seem to saturate the genre of late. I find it a relief to be able to enjoy a romantic read without over-stimulating my mind with unwarranted eroticism. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy erotic reads as well, but also enjoy the tamer versions ever-so-often. Those that like a little bit of spice to their romance without causing a serious blush – you know the kind, the one that you can’t explain when reading in public as you scheme to keep the contents of your eReader secret – then I highly recommend this book. The characters are enjoyable and their chemistry is fun to watch blossom. Ms. Thurmeir does a great job at bringing this entertaining series to life. I look forward to the continuing stories and hope to be able to experience her work again soon.
(eBook copy provided by author; giveaway won on Carrie Ann Ryan’s blog.)
What a cute story from Heather Thurmeier. This is the first book I have read by this author and it definitely won’t be the last. LOVE AND LATTES is the first in the Meadow Ridge Romance Series. I love knowing when a book is part of a series because I then have the knowledge that I can continue with the stories I truly enjoy. You can bet the rest of the series is on my TBR list. I have been sitting on this book for quite a while. Now that I have read it, I wish I would have placed it higher up on the list. I was a bit annoyed with myself to realize that I had such a good story just sitting around. But hey, it is now read and I get the chance to tell everyone my thoughts about it.
Poor Chase. He is loaded. He has pretty much anything he could every want at his beck and call; even women. Problem is that everyone knows who he is. Consequently, that true love match he has been searching for continually eludes him. Chase wants what everyone longs for; true love – love for him and not his wealth or status in society. So when he meets a woman that intrigues him and doesn’t seem to have any idea who he is, he is smitten. One spectacular night with Julia and he knows he has to have more of her. She just might be what he has been searching for, but he is unexpectedly blindsided with a wrench that will likely call a screeching halt to the budding relationship. But a fleeting taste is not enough and he finds himself craving the possibilities of a future with her.
Julia is new in town. She now lives in an upper crust area and quickly learns how snooty everyone around her is. When she hits a club with her friend, she becomes acquainted with Chase. He seems real and they hit it off immediately. Of course the fact that he is beyond hot has nothing to do with her decision to spend time with him. Never one to dabble in illicit relationships, she throws caution to the wind and takes a chance, taking Chase home with her. She would like to see more of him, but when she shows up to begin her brand new job the following day, she is horrified to discover that Chase is her boss. Her chance at love is well and truly squashed. She toys with the idea of quitting, but she needs the job for the time being.
Of course there is quite a bit more to this story than my summation, but I wouldn’t want to tell you too much of the plot. Julia and Chase end up struggling with their close proximity to each other in the store and their knowledge that working together and dating is out of reach. Chase eventually sets out to change Julia’s mind. But there is a bit of conflict along the way given Chase’s status and others attempting to lay claim on him that might end his chances with Julia altogether.
I enjoyed my time spent getting to know Chase and Julia. I felt like Chase had some real concerns about finding the love of his life, as I am sure would be applicable given his wealth. Julia also struggles with tangible issues such as tasting the forbidden that is Chase and not really knowing what to do about it, worrying about making rent, concentrating on her education, and other distressing concerns that would be valid to her character. Both were cute in their playful banter in the club and workplace. And their upset at the realization that being together seems to be impossible was heartfelt. Adding turmoil to the mix is Rebecca’s character. She comes off as possessive of Chase and ultimately affects several of his possible relationships both in business and personally. Of course she is threatened by Julia’s presence so the claws come out. And Rebecca is not the only one who claims to have a stake in Chase. He ends up with the reputation of a player and Julia does not deal with that knowledge very well. A fun secondary character that adds a bit of playfulness and insight to the story is Tali; a crucial character toward the end of the story.
For the most part, Chase and Julia remain true to character throughout the book’s entirety. But there were a couple of things that I didn’t like much. In a couple of cases, these two intelligent main characters react rather stupidly, which seemed out of character for both of them. Chase seems like the kind of man that would know the ins and outs of everything that he deals with; most especially his business. When he ends up oblivious to Rebecca’s incessant antics in his store, I found that hard to swallow. This component is not practical for a wealthy man in business. Also deviated from character was Julia’s blind belief of several bits of gossip she hears about Chase. She is attracted to many things about him, including his intellect. She is also quite intelligent, putting herself through college and living a responsible life, so for her to give credit to hearsay didn’t seem palpable.
Other than these two small components in the grand scheme of the characters, I was glad that I had the opportunity to read this story. More recently, I have come across romance that has seemed refreshing to me from an erotic perspective. Sometimes I don’t want the excessive sexual encounters that seem to saturate the genre of late. I find it a relief to be able to enjoy a romantic read without over-stimulating my mind with unwarranted eroticism. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy erotic reads as well, but also enjoy the tamer versions ever-so-often. Those that like a little bit of spice to their romance without causing a serious blush – you know the kind, the one that you can’t explain when reading in public as you scheme to keep the contents of your eReader secret – then I highly recommend this book. The characters are enjoyable and their chemistry is fun to watch blossom. Ms. Thurmeir does a great job at bringing this entertaining series to life. I look forward to the continuing stories and hope to be able to experience her work again soon.
(eBook copy provided by author; giveaway won on Carrie Ann Ryan’s blog.)
December 15, 2011
Both Chase and Julia warmed my heart from their first meeting to the end of the book. They were both characters that were easily likeable, and I immediately wanted them to be together, even as they worked through finding a solution to their situation. Their intimate scenes are sweet and sensual and fit their personalities perfectly. I was pleased by the addition of Julia’s friend Tali. I hope we get to read her story soon. Love and Lattes is a sweet story and a great way to spend an afternoon.
Jane
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance and More
https://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Boo...
Jane
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance and More
https://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Boo...
February 23, 2013
Very sweet, romantic story with very little ANGST! This was the perfect read for me following the book I just finished that tore out and stomped on my heart! This one was low stress . A quick, romantic read. I'm actually more interested in the 2nd one in this series, but since there are 3, I figured I'd start from the beginning. We'll see what the next one holds.
**I probably need to read this one again - because honestly - I read the bulk of it on my phone while standing in lines at Disney World - it sure made the line for Soarin' pass by quickly! So I feel like I didn't concentrate as much as I would have normally.
**I probably need to read this one again - because honestly - I read the bulk of it on my phone while standing in lines at Disney World - it sure made the line for Soarin' pass by quickly! So I feel like I didn't concentrate as much as I would have normally.
July 10, 2014
First of all, can *I* get a job at Bloom's Books? Seriously, the place sounded like Heaven on Earth. Rooms and rooms (and floors) of books. A cafe with fresh baked cookies? Oh my goodness!
I enjoyed Julia and Chase, how different their backgrounds were and how that shaped the way they approached relationships. Both characters were well developed and I genuinely felt for both of them. And the snarkier residents of Meadow Ridge were great in a 'love-to-hate-'em' way. :)
This is a shorter book, and a lovely quick read. I recommend Love and Lattes if you're looking for a feel-good escape with the guarantee of a satisfying happily-ever-after.
I enjoyed Julia and Chase, how different their backgrounds were and how that shaped the way they approached relationships. Both characters were well developed and I genuinely felt for both of them. And the snarkier residents of Meadow Ridge were great in a 'love-to-hate-'em' way. :)
This is a shorter book, and a lovely quick read. I recommend Love and Lattes if you're looking for a feel-good escape with the guarantee of a satisfying happily-ever-after.
June 13, 2012
Whilst the story was interesting and the chemistry between Chase and Julia kept me reading, I felt that not much really 'happened' in the book. It therefore felt quite monotonous in places and slightly repetitive. I thought that some of the characters were unrealistically exaggerated or slightly immature in their representation. Overall a nice and easy read.
November 14, 2011
A fun sweet romance that I enjoyed very much.
January 7, 2012
I thought this was a fantastic introduction into the characters from Meadow Ridge! I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
November 12, 2012
3.5 stars
September 29, 2012
I hope this is a true story and may be an experience of the author... or that the guy cannot write this in such a heart touching manner....
hats off to u the author...
hats off to u the author...
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews