Not On Your Latte: A HOT Southern Romance

by Jennifer Peer

You don’t fall for a man you’ve just met, never seen without a mask, or shared the same space with ONCE. Especially when you don’t even know his real name.
Under Remi Chastain’s “I don’t need a man” exterior hides a woman with a long-buried secret. She’s been hurt badly and has no desire for an encore, especially when it comes to her complicated history with love. Her experience was fraught with enough betrayal, infidelity, the worst form of low-life snake any one woman should have to experience, and a broken engagement to last her a lifetime.

Titus Wells is a work hard and reap the rewards kind of guy. He’s always been steadfast, with a loyal heart, a charismatic countenance, and an abundance of kindness to match. When his path crosses that of a dark-haired beauty with whiskey-colored eyes, her sharp wit and engaging personality bring out an attraction that will test every shred of willpower he has to remain the perfect Southern gentleman his mama raised.

This gun-shy girl needs to buy some time, sixteen days to be exact, and keep her focus on the prize… one event that will make every sacrifice worth the effort. She does not need to jump into anything with a man she just met at a masquerade, even if he makes her heart beat faster with every look. So what if he’s the first thing that’s given her hope for the male species in years…that doesn’t mean history won’t repeat itself. And she’s not sure she can survive heartbreak a second time.

Author’s Note: Slow burn. Second chances. Glorious, witty banter. Small-town vibes. Big, sensitive, sweet, softie of a hero. Gun-shy, nervous as a filly, heart-protecting heroine who can’t help the things that come out of her mouth. Steam Level: Lava. Suspense: Anxiety-inducing. Feels: Big time rush.

Genres: Romance

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2023

About the author

Jennifer is a coffee-infused lover of dark chocolate and all things romantic. Her dry wit and sarcasm fill the pages of whatever she’s writing because she can’t help herself. She is most often found sharing space with her family, devouring a good book, listening to music, or writing incessantly. Sometimes she manages all of these at once, which she considers a skill that sets her apart. She lives in upstate New York with her husband, three children, and their pack of hounds.

Reviews

[Nicole Linares · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute and sweet romance. It was bit TOO mushy and unrealistic "in love / falling in love" trajectory for my taste, but I REALLY enjoyed the concept. My attention was leaning a bit more towards Jayne and Ollie... THAT chemistry was ON POINT!

[Billy Fetzner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Steamy, Entertaining, and Heartwarming Southern Romance That Will Leave You Wanting More

I picked up Not on Your Latte looking for a steamy and intriguing romance novel, and I was not disappointed. From the captivating characters to the unexpected complications, this book had me hooked from the first page.

What made this book truly unique was the dating technique used by the main characters, Remi and Will. Their courtship was both flirty and playful, and the witty banter between them had me laughing out loud. The humor aspect was expertly woven into the story, adding a lightness to the tense and emotional moments.

Remi, the strong and independent female protagonist, was relatable and endearing. Will, the tall, dark, and HOT 'William Shakespeare', was charming and romantic, with a hint of mystery that kept me guessing until the end.

Overall, Not on Your Latte is a captivating, dark, and romantic tale that isn't your typical love story. It's a comical, entertaining, and heartwarming Southern romance that will leave you wanting more. If you're looking for a witty, clever, and sexy read, then this is the book for you.

[Patricia Hampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Goodreads giveaway for this contemporary romance story. If you are a sucker for true love it’s a must read. Short story and an interesting drink was made. Made me wonder how it tastes and smells. I recommend this

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up.

Remi meets Titus at a Masquerade Ball and they hit it off. Due to a busy season in their careers, they decide to meet again 2 weeks later but without their masks. In the mean time, they keep in touch non-stop and get to know each other on a deeper level. When they finally come face to face, a misunderstanding threatens to end their relationship before it even truly starts.

The book started off really strong and I couldn’t put it down. Towards the end it got a little sappy and unnecessary. I also wished the author revealed who Titus was differently. Overall a good story but I did find a few missing words which interrupted the flow.

(I was given a copy of this book through a goodreads giveaway)

[J.A. Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Match-Making Romance

This was a cute book, but I had trouble connecting with the characters, and the plot. I think it had a sweet pre is, a gossip columnist playing background secret matchmaker with the unsuspecting townsfolk. There was a lot of exposition, which interrupted the cohesive flow of the story.

[Beth Dell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Titus & Lenore

What cute loveable characters. Love the the title of this steamy coffee infusion romance. It's got everything a good romance should have to including a satisfying happily ever after ending. Made a great bedtime story.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great contemporary romance

I love me a book with S3xt1ng. Add to this, decadent descriptions, dirty talk, and delicious drinks, and you have the contemporary romance, Not on Your Latte. I confess I ordered lavender syrup halfway through the book. I don't want to give any spoilers, I'll just say the satisfying ending between Remi and her mystery lover was exactly what I was hoping for. 

[Lori Colwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow burn Romance😊

“Not On Your Latte” is a steamy slow-burn romance that is sure to capture the heart of every reader that grew up loving Cinderella. Even though she didn’t lose a shoe, I Loved the masquerade. Falling for the unknown masked partner while unknowingly falling in love with some known distant figure. All that with a sweet southern home-town twist. Recommended for those who love to curl up on the couch with a cute feel good read.

[Matthew Scigousky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Southern Romance

If you like romance novels this one is pretty good. I will say this is not my cup of tea but the book is engaging and a good read

[Kelly Allegretti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and Flirty

I found this book so much fun. Once of the best romance books I read. I look for more books from this author

[Simon Linton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining!

This story of romance weaves together true love and misunderstandings, all while delivering humor. It’s an engaging and entertaining read.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read…hallmark romance in a novel. Predictable and saccharin at times, it was still an enjoyable guilty pleasure.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I really like Lattes and I adore southern bells. I was reading this and missed the times I spent in the south....I like this book!!!!!!

[J. Rose Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute setup and fun romcom

A masquerade ball in New Orleans proves a clever and fun way to introduce two business rivals on the eve of their no-lattes-barred competition.

Lots of cuteness and fun while managing to somehow avoid recognition - is truly Shakespearean.

Otherwise, it’s a fairly standard, well-loved formula for romance. Maybe with Ms Peer’s own particular flavoring and spice.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read two books this week where the leads have a lot of (graphic) phone sex before actually hooking up in person. Is that what the youths are into these days? Phone sex?

(This is the better of the two phone sex heavy books I’ve read this week — it was dumb, but I didn’t hate it. The other one may have been hotter, though, so call it a draw).

[Jennifer Berry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining enough

While I did mostly enjoy Remi and Titus's story, the book dragged a bit for me. It seemed like it went around in circles several times. The listing of emoji sent for all their texts was very excessive and annoying. But in the end, they work through their problems together.

[Sara Zavacki-Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think the barista of words couldn't surprise you, she whips up an original cup of entertainment. You'll be hooked from the first sip. And the spicy-sweetness will keep you wanting more.-Sara Zavacki-Moore, Tiny House of God.

[Laura Hundley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is just that type of steamy that will leave you breathless and wanting more. I really enjoyed the detailed descriptions that the author knew would take the reader over the edge just enough to then bring them back to where you can’t stand it anymore. The ending……….well let’s just say it won’t disappoint. The characters are well developed and seem to mesh together in such a way that you honestly will swear you know them…..or someone just like them. Don’t take my word for it though get your copy and read it….if you dare.

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to Goodreads as well as the author/publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.

[Joy Rosales]

DNF @ 10% I received a copy of this ebook in a Goodreads giveaway.
This book just didn’t grab me.