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Guided to Love #2
The Barista's Guide to the Perfect Steam
Jodi Bristol knows three things for bad things happen to good people; college girls order the most complicated coffee drinks; and Price Joseph will never see her as anything other than the barista who makes his vanilla oat-milk lattes.
Price has spent his entire life being known for his looks instead of his brains, and has conveniently managed to avoid any real responsibilities outside of his job as a Talladega firefighter. He even stumbled into modeling for romance covers—a fact he’s kept to himself. Now that he wants to move higher up the ranks at the fire station, he realizes his carefree living might have cost him.
When an electrical fire forces Jodi into the bed-and-breakfast Price hasn’t even opened yet, their newfound chemistry is enough to scorch everything it touches. She’s crushed on him for years. He wants to be more than a pretty face. Can they break free from their self-imposed restraints and find happiness together?
AUTHOR'S The Barista’s Guide to The Perfect Steam is the second book in the Guided to Love small town romantic comedy series. If you enjoy sizzling sex scenes, small town shenanigans with nosy busybodies and a guaranteed happy ending, then you’ll love this book.
Price has spent his entire life being known for his looks instead of his brains, and has conveniently managed to avoid any real responsibilities outside of his job as a Talladega firefighter. He even stumbled into modeling for romance covers—a fact he’s kept to himself. Now that he wants to move higher up the ranks at the fire station, he realizes his carefree living might have cost him.
When an electrical fire forces Jodi into the bed-and-breakfast Price hasn’t even opened yet, their newfound chemistry is enough to scorch everything it touches. She’s crushed on him for years. He wants to be more than a pretty face. Can they break free from their self-imposed restraints and find happiness together?
AUTHOR'S The Barista’s Guide to The Perfect Steam is the second book in the Guided to Love small town romantic comedy series. If you enjoy sizzling sex scenes, small town shenanigans with nosy busybodies and a guaranteed happy ending, then you’ll love this book.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2023
49 people are currently reading
1174 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Pepper
18 books208 followersSteamy romantic comedy and contemporary romance author. Hoarder of half-used notebooks. Boots enthusiast. Lover of fall. Also coffee. Lots of coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
December 19, 2023
i missed reading cute contemporary romance books. this book was a good palette cleanser. price and jodi were so cute 🥹💗 i loved them sm. (i wish he picked up a better endearment for her though 😭)
August 18, 2023
I received this ARC for my honest review! (thanks Valerie Pepper)
——————
I received this ARC not realizing that this was the second book in the series and immediately dove right in to the first book to hurry and read this one! I will say, the first book (the widow’s guide to second chances) has way more depth and made me feel more feels than this.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.🌟 (rounded up to 4 ⭐️)
meet Jodi Bristol, a 27 year old coffee shop owner with two sassy, wild, hilarious best friends who love nothing more than to poke at her seemingly lifelong attraction to 34 year old local firefighter, heartthrob, secret romance book model, Price Joseph. she has noticed him since middle school and it took until she was displaced from her apartment and forced to find somewhere to stay that Price finally started noticing how gorgeous, curvy, and put together Jodi truly was. when the two start getting cozy at Shirley’s Inn, how soon does “the perfect steam” start happening?
I’ll tell you - like immediately. chapter 6 he finally sees her in the ✨ soft glow of the refrigerator light ✨ and the attraction just snaps into place for him? but I guess that while Jodi has been in love with this hunk the majority of her life, she just gets right to it. there’s a big focus about her being a virgin, but then I guess it slips that she was saving herself for him, but, to me, it doesn’t read that way with the spice from the get-go. although I guess homegirl has had time to revel with herself for years to know the things she likes so kudos to Jodi, I suppose.
another thing that got me was Price tried so hard the entire book to be seen as more than just a hot body, but then the entire resolve of one of the plots is literally him still being a model and using his body (plus everyone else’s at the fire station) to sell sexy firefighter calendars? it just felt totally opposite of what he was aiming for this entire story.
I don’t know if what happened in the 3rd act is truly a miscommunication trope, but it read like one to me and though there was no REAL 3rd act breakup, it was frustrating and I hated it 🫠 I really wanted to slap Jodi and be like “damnit, just talk to the dude!!!”
there are some things I did love about this book and that was seeing Jodi blossom from her insecurities revolving herself, her relationships with her family and Price’s interest in her. the yelling and screaming match with Price behind the Daily Dose really just got me going - I feel like she has to be an Aries, because same. and when she finally lay it on her sister and actually told her no? I wanted to pat my girl on the back and just scream “FINALLY!” I also love the relationship between Jodi, Ceci and Devon - the three of them together make me laugh with every interaction, it’s a great comedic relief. also while the smut was just ‘good,’ Price’s dirty mouth made things a whole lot better 🥵
I think because I read the two books within a week, this one felt so repetitive to me and it’s why I’m giving it a 3.5 star and not a 4. I feel like if the books are meant to be interconnected, but read as a stand-alone, they can still be separated and not need to recap unnecessary things in the first book like re-introducing all the characters all over again, but maybe I’m only one.
I was really looking forward to reading this book based off the blurb and tropes because my husband is a firefighter and I was like “mmmmm okayyyyy!!! 👀” but it just didn’t make me feel things like I wanted to. it’s a cute read and I’m not mad that I read it, just wish I liked it more!
tropes:
🖤 firefighter/golden retriever MMC
🤍 forced proximity
🖤 small town romance + LOTS of tea
🤍 LGBTQ+ representation (I love Darius omg)
🖤 no 3rd act breakup
thanks again for the ARC read 🫶🏼
——————
I received this ARC not realizing that this was the second book in the series and immediately dove right in to the first book to hurry and read this one! I will say, the first book (the widow’s guide to second chances) has way more depth and made me feel more feels than this.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.🌟 (rounded up to 4 ⭐️)
meet Jodi Bristol, a 27 year old coffee shop owner with two sassy, wild, hilarious best friends who love nothing more than to poke at her seemingly lifelong attraction to 34 year old local firefighter, heartthrob, secret romance book model, Price Joseph. she has noticed him since middle school and it took until she was displaced from her apartment and forced to find somewhere to stay that Price finally started noticing how gorgeous, curvy, and put together Jodi truly was. when the two start getting cozy at Shirley’s Inn, how soon does “the perfect steam” start happening?
I’ll tell you - like immediately. chapter 6 he finally sees her in the ✨ soft glow of the refrigerator light ✨ and the attraction just snaps into place for him? but I guess that while Jodi has been in love with this hunk the majority of her life, she just gets right to it. there’s a big focus about her being a virgin, but then I guess it slips that she was saving herself for him, but, to me, it doesn’t read that way with the spice from the get-go. although I guess homegirl has had time to revel with herself for years to know the things she likes so kudos to Jodi, I suppose.
another thing that got me was Price tried so hard the entire book to be seen as more than just a hot body, but then the entire resolve of one of the plots is literally him still being a model and using his body (plus everyone else’s at the fire station) to sell sexy firefighter calendars? it just felt totally opposite of what he was aiming for this entire story.
I don’t know if what happened in the 3rd act is truly a miscommunication trope, but it read like one to me and though there was no REAL 3rd act breakup, it was frustrating and I hated it 🫠 I really wanted to slap Jodi and be like “damnit, just talk to the dude!!!”
there are some things I did love about this book and that was seeing Jodi blossom from her insecurities revolving herself, her relationships with her family and Price’s interest in her. the yelling and screaming match with Price behind the Daily Dose really just got me going - I feel like she has to be an Aries, because same. and when she finally lay it on her sister and actually told her no? I wanted to pat my girl on the back and just scream “FINALLY!” I also love the relationship between Jodi, Ceci and Devon - the three of them together make me laugh with every interaction, it’s a great comedic relief. also while the smut was just ‘good,’ Price’s dirty mouth made things a whole lot better 🥵
I think because I read the two books within a week, this one felt so repetitive to me and it’s why I’m giving it a 3.5 star and not a 4. I feel like if the books are meant to be interconnected, but read as a stand-alone, they can still be separated and not need to recap unnecessary things in the first book like re-introducing all the characters all over again, but maybe I’m only one.
I was really looking forward to reading this book based off the blurb and tropes because my husband is a firefighter and I was like “mmmmm okayyyyy!!! 👀” but it just didn’t make me feel things like I wanted to. it’s a cute read and I’m not mad that I read it, just wish I liked it more!
tropes:
🖤 firefighter/golden retriever MMC
🤍 forced proximity
🖤 small town romance + LOTS of tea
🤍 LGBTQ+ representation (I love Darius omg)
🖤 no 3rd act breakup
thanks again for the ARC read 🫶🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2023
OH MY LANTA!
* honest arc review *
This was a breath of fresh air I needed on a Friday. Watching Jodi come to terms with the fact that is she far more badass than she realized, warms your heart. You can feel the happiness, the frustration, the love through Valerie Pepper’s writing and it does not go unnoticed.
The spice was phenomenal! As an avid spice girl reader, the scenes and wording gets repeated constantly, but every scene between Jodi and Price was something different, something new, something exciting - just like the love they share.
I felt like I was in Talladega watching this unfold!!
All in favor of getting Joseph brother’s merch from the fundraiser photo shoot 👀
* honest arc review *
This was a breath of fresh air I needed on a Friday. Watching Jodi come to terms with the fact that is she far more badass than she realized, warms your heart. You can feel the happiness, the frustration, the love through Valerie Pepper’s writing and it does not go unnoticed.
The spice was phenomenal! As an avid spice girl reader, the scenes and wording gets repeated constantly, but every scene between Jodi and Price was something different, something new, something exciting - just like the love they share.
I felt like I was in Talladega watching this unfold!!
All in favor of getting Joseph brother’s merch from the fundraiser photo shoot 👀
August 5, 2023
I was lucky enough to be given access to the ARC of The Barista's Guide to the Perfect Steam.
Previously this year I had the pleasure of reading The Widow's Guide to Second Chances which is the first book in the series. It very quickly became my favorite small town romance book of the current reading year. I didn't think anyone could top Aaron Joseph and then came his sweeter, sexier, funnier older brother Price. Now, don't get me wrong all the Joseph brothers are immaculate in their own way but Price just had something about him.
All Price wanted in life was to be seen. Truly and fully seen by someone which is all anyone could ever want. Luckily for him, Jodi was just the woman for that. Shy, kind, a clumsy mess if you will, Jodi accidentally forced her way into his heart and I couldn't have been happier reading their love story as is blossomed.
The love they both pour into their relationship is electrifying and I was so captivated the entire time I was reading. I kept thinking constantly "I want that" or "Everyone should experience that" which is exactly how you should feel when reading a book like this. Many times I caught myself smiling and giggling at their ridiculous humor or sweating at the insanely sexy dirty talk from Price Joseph (that man said all the right things outside of the bedroom but ESPECIALLY in the bedroom.)I'd be lying if I said I didn't have to put the book down for a second and walk away simply because I couldn't stop smiling at the cuteness.
I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a cute story about two people falling in love with each other. Plus no third-act breakup just made it even easier to read. Their communication lacked at times but the two were so insanely open and understanding of each other that it felt refreshing.
I loved the book and I really hope the third is even better but with the track record so far It's almost guaranteed.
Previously this year I had the pleasure of reading The Widow's Guide to Second Chances which is the first book in the series. It very quickly became my favorite small town romance book of the current reading year. I didn't think anyone could top Aaron Joseph and then came his sweeter, sexier, funnier older brother Price. Now, don't get me wrong all the Joseph brothers are immaculate in their own way but Price just had something about him.
All Price wanted in life was to be seen. Truly and fully seen by someone which is all anyone could ever want. Luckily for him, Jodi was just the woman for that. Shy, kind, a clumsy mess if you will, Jodi accidentally forced her way into his heart and I couldn't have been happier reading their love story as is blossomed.
The love they both pour into their relationship is electrifying and I was so captivated the entire time I was reading. I kept thinking constantly "I want that" or "Everyone should experience that" which is exactly how you should feel when reading a book like this. Many times I caught myself smiling and giggling at their ridiculous humor or sweating at the insanely sexy dirty talk from Price Joseph (that man said all the right things outside of the bedroom but ESPECIALLY in the bedroom.)I'd be lying if I said I didn't have to put the book down for a second and walk away simply because I couldn't stop smiling at the cuteness.
I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a cute story about two people falling in love with each other. Plus no third-act breakup just made it even easier to read. Their communication lacked at times but the two were so insanely open and understanding of each other that it felt refreshing.
I loved the book and I really hope the third is even better but with the track record so far It's almost guaranteed.
August 22, 2023
This book helps me out of a reading slump and when I read it I devour it in a day. This is also my first small-town romance book I read and it didn’t disappoint. I got it as an ARC by the lovely author, Valerie Pepper. I read it in one sitting because how I love the flow of the story. It’s a feel-good romance that when I read it I cannot stop smiling from ear to ear. When I read it, I feel “kilig”. I love the characters of Jodi and Price and their love story is the kind that I want to watch on the big screen. And Price Joseph, oh Price. The kind of man every woman wants. Sweet, flirty, thoughtful, kind, generous, loving, gentle, smart, and most of all, a “CONSENT KING”. He’s the new addition to my book boyfriends. The fluff is a thousand over five stars. The spice is the kind of spice in a book I want so it’s a 5 stars for me. This is a great book, aside from that it helps me out of a reading slump, it also makes me forget that I’m sad at the time that I’m reading it. So you’re asking if I’m going to recommend this book to anyone, heck yeah, for sure, a million times yes. And I’ll, for sure, buy the physical copy and I’ll reread it all over again.
September 8, 2023
The Barista’s Guide to The Perfect Steam
Book 2
Author Valerie Pepper
This book could be a stand alone. But let me tell you won’t regret reading the first book of the series before this one. Holy moly, such a wonderful story/continuation featuring the middle child, which I also am so I definitely could
relate on some of those topics. You will get to know the life of two separate individuals that grew up as the middle child and how they make their way through their adulthood they things are always the way they seem. Valerie the spice girl, I was reading up into the wee hours of the night. 🌶️🌶️ Love the style of the spicy writing. It’s done perfectly in my book kitten. 😊Now I want to read about Mr Grumpy! ❤️
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes small town romances with sexy firemen and the perfect amount spice!
I’m giving this book four stars. ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 2
Author Valerie Pepper
This book could be a stand alone. But let me tell you won’t regret reading the first book of the series before this one. Holy moly, such a wonderful story/continuation featuring the middle child, which I also am so I definitely could
relate on some of those topics. You will get to know the life of two separate individuals that grew up as the middle child and how they make their way through their adulthood they things are always the way they seem. Valerie the spice girl, I was reading up into the wee hours of the night. 🌶️🌶️ Love the style of the spicy writing. It’s done perfectly in my book kitten. 😊Now I want to read about Mr Grumpy! ❤️
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes small town romances with sexy firemen and the perfect amount spice!
I’m giving this book four stars. ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 18, 2023
*Honest ARC Review*
Solid 4.5/5 for me! I loved this small-town romance. So sweet and just goes to show after years of crushing hard on someone, you never know how they may feel for you in the future! ☺️
I really connected with Jodi on the level of being a people pleaser and biting your tongue to not draw out negative energy. I loved how not only did she evolve, but the relationship between her and Price did, too!
Ooof.. the spice, it was perfect. Not too raunchy, but just the perfect amount in one book. I'm so thankful to have stumbled upon Valerie Pepper's ARC sign up, and to have had the wonderful opportunity to be an ARC reader!
Best of luck to Valerie, you definitely have a good writing style, in my opinion 😊 I look forward to hopefully reading more by this author in the future!
Solid 4.5/5 for me! I loved this small-town romance. So sweet and just goes to show after years of crushing hard on someone, you never know how they may feel for you in the future! ☺️
I really connected with Jodi on the level of being a people pleaser and biting your tongue to not draw out negative energy. I loved how not only did she evolve, but the relationship between her and Price did, too!
Ooof.. the spice, it was perfect. Not too raunchy, but just the perfect amount in one book. I'm so thankful to have stumbled upon Valerie Pepper's ARC sign up, and to have had the wonderful opportunity to be an ARC reader!
Best of luck to Valerie, you definitely have a good writing style, in my opinion 😊 I look forward to hopefully reading more by this author in the future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2023
I got the absolute pleasure of ARC reading this book. I used to be a Barista, and I thoroughly enjoyed the coffee house setting/reference this book has. Personally it was a good break from some heavier books. Lighthearted and filled with charming firefighters, and definitely has some spicy to it. Only giving 4 stars because personally I would have liked to see some aspects delved into a bit more.
October 31, 2023
Blurb:
•Jodi Bristol knows three things for certain: bad things happen to good people; college girls order the most complicated coffee drinks; and Price Joseph will never see her as anything other than the barista who makes his vanilla oat-milk lattes. Price has spent his entire life being known for his looks instead of his brains, and has conveniently managed to avoid any real responsibilities outside of his job as a Talladega firefighter. He even stumbled into modeling for romance covers-a fact he's kept to himself. Now that he wants to move higher up the ranks at the fire station, he realizes his carefree living might have cost him. When an electrical fire forces Jodi into the bed-and-breakfast Price hasn't even opened yet, their newfound chemistry is enough to scorch everything it touches. She's crushed on him for years. He wants to be more than a pretty face. Can they break free from their self-imposed restraints and find happiness together?
Mini review:
•I loved the character growth that Jodi went through over the course of this book! Her connection with Price was amazing and I loved the childhood crush turned into more! This is a small town romance read! Super cute and just enough spice!😍
•"I want you, Price. I always have."
He blows out a breath and pins me with his eyes. "Good. Because I'm all yours."
•Jodi Bristol knows three things for certain: bad things happen to good people; college girls order the most complicated coffee drinks; and Price Joseph will never see her as anything other than the barista who makes his vanilla oat-milk lattes. Price has spent his entire life being known for his looks instead of his brains, and has conveniently managed to avoid any real responsibilities outside of his job as a Talladega firefighter. He even stumbled into modeling for romance covers-a fact he's kept to himself. Now that he wants to move higher up the ranks at the fire station, he realizes his carefree living might have cost him. When an electrical fire forces Jodi into the bed-and-breakfast Price hasn't even opened yet, their newfound chemistry is enough to scorch everything it touches. She's crushed on him for years. He wants to be more than a pretty face. Can they break free from their self-imposed restraints and find happiness together?
Mini review:
•I loved the character growth that Jodi went through over the course of this book! Her connection with Price was amazing and I loved the childhood crush turned into more! This is a small town romance read! Super cute and just enough spice!😍
•"I want you, Price. I always have."
He blows out a breath and pins me with his eyes. "Good. Because I'm all yours."
August 4, 2023
Thank you so much Valerie for allowing me to be a ARC reader!
This sweet and spicy small town romance was absolutely wonderful!
This was my first book by Valerie Pepper and safe to say I have already downloaded the first book of this series on my kindle so I can read Devon and Aaron’s story!!
Jodi, a strong woman who thinks she can handle anything and keep all emotions at bay and proves her badassness to be true! Along with her crush for Price. Price, a smoking hot firefighter who everyone thinks is all looks but really has a heart of gold and so much more! I ate up the entire book!
The spice was *chefs kiss* when they were in the sheets (or storage closet😉) and the building relationship and love between Jodi and Price melted my heart.
I cannot wait for the next book!♥️
This sweet and spicy small town romance was absolutely wonderful!
This was my first book by Valerie Pepper and safe to say I have already downloaded the first book of this series on my kindle so I can read Devon and Aaron’s story!!
Jodi, a strong woman who thinks she can handle anything and keep all emotions at bay and proves her badassness to be true! Along with her crush for Price. Price, a smoking hot firefighter who everyone thinks is all looks but really has a heart of gold and so much more! I ate up the entire book!
The spice was *chefs kiss* when they were in the sheets (or storage closet😉) and the building relationship and love between Jodi and Price melted my heart.
I cannot wait for the next book!♥️
August 21, 2023
Omg this story !!!! 😍 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars.
First off I’d just like to thank Valerie for letting me be a part of this ARC review. This is my first time Arc reading and I’m so glad I started with this book.
This book has the perfect amount of spice to plot. The development between Jodi and Price was adorable, I loved how their romance blossomed.
If your thinking about reading this book, I highly recommend it. I’m definitely going to have a book hangover from this one, it’s going to be playing on my mind for a while. Can’t Wait to read more from Valerie.
Go and read this book, you won’t regret it !!!!
First off I’d just like to thank Valerie for letting me be a part of this ARC review. This is my first time Arc reading and I’m so glad I started with this book.
This book has the perfect amount of spice to plot. The development between Jodi and Price was adorable, I loved how their romance blossomed.
If your thinking about reading this book, I highly recommend it. I’m definitely going to have a book hangover from this one, it’s going to be playing on my mind for a while. Can’t Wait to read more from Valerie.
Go and read this book, you won’t regret it !!!!
August 21, 2023
This book was so amazing, I enjoyed the sweet moments, funny moments, and even with the spicy scenes. I felt like there was a perfect balance between sweet and spicy. I had never read a small town romance before, and I'm officially hooked! Valerie did a splendid job with this book, and I can't wait for the next book!!!
P.s. Thank you for letting me be an ARC reader. It's been an honor!
1000000/10
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
P.s. Thank you for letting me be an ARC reader. It's been an honor!
1000000/10
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
August 22, 2023
The Barista’s Guide to the Perfect Steam is fun, flirty, and cozy, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Jodi and Price’s love story unfold. It had just the right amount of spice, while the twists and turns in the story kept things interesting. I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book, and I loved how Valerie’s writing made me feel like I really knew these characters. I could almost hear their voices in my head! And the constant call backs to his white butt made me chuckle. 😂 If you’re looking for a book with feel-good vibes, you’ve found it!
August 7, 2023
4.5/5 Stars! I’m thankful to read this book early as an ARC in return that I give my honest review of the book.
I enjoyed this book so much and Price is the literal representation of a golden retriever character!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✔️ Extremely hot firefighters 🥵
✔️ Small-town
✔️ Virgin MFC
✔️ Lots of coffee and tea (drama included)
✔️ Dual POV
✔️ So much tension
✔️ 3.8/5 Spice (it was so so good, I promise)
✔️ HEA
I absolutely adored this book. I’m a sucker for small town romance books and this is another one added to my favorites. It is also book two of a series (Guided to Love) but can be read as a standalone!
I connected to Jodi on a personal level. Someone that has been overlooked but also trying to keep everyone and everything together, even if i am hardly holding on myself. I loved seeing the growth in Jodi that Price brought out of her and what she had come to realize on her own.
The spice, the tension, and the romance was perfection. Jodi has next to none experience and while Price is the opposite. You will just have to read this book and WHY I had to buckle in for the words that came out of Price’s mouth. And Jodi included! 🥵
This book comes out September 8th and I highly recommend reading it!
I enjoyed this book so much and Price is the literal representation of a golden retriever character!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✔️ Extremely hot firefighters 🥵
✔️ Small-town
✔️ Virgin MFC
✔️ Lots of coffee and tea (drama included)
✔️ Dual POV
✔️ So much tension
✔️ 3.8/5 Spice (it was so so good, I promise)
✔️ HEA
I absolutely adored this book. I’m a sucker for small town romance books and this is another one added to my favorites. It is also book two of a series (Guided to Love) but can be read as a standalone!
I connected to Jodi on a personal level. Someone that has been overlooked but also trying to keep everyone and everything together, even if i am hardly holding on myself. I loved seeing the growth in Jodi that Price brought out of her and what she had come to realize on her own.
The spice, the tension, and the romance was perfection. Jodi has next to none experience and while Price is the opposite. You will just have to read this book and WHY I had to buckle in for the words that came out of Price’s mouth. And Jodi included! 🥵
This book comes out September 8th and I highly recommend reading it!
September 8, 2023
WOW! This book was everything I never knew I wanted. 100% recommend for fans of Tessa Bailey, Casey McQuiston, and Emily Henry. It is a perfect beach or vacation read. I absolutely devoured this book. 10/10 will read again. This book is one of the best I have read in a long time.
This book was HILARIOUS. The inner monologues of the characters, the conversations between Jodi and her friends, and Price and his brothers had me laughing and sometimes crying because I was laughing so hard.
The. Characters. Jodi is so relatable because she struggles with things that most women do. She is self-conscious, independent, strong-willed, and kind of awkward. She struggles with her relationships with her mom and sister and that has affected her a lot. Price. Where do I start? He is a hot firefighter that Jodi has had a crush on since they were kids. He thinks that Jodi is too good for him, but betters himself to make himself worthy of her. He is charismatic, outgoing, sensitive and overall a 10/10 guy. Seriously. I want one.
The plot itself if not complex or too involved, but it is perfect. It is the perfect combination of humor, romance (spice included), and drama. The writing was easy to read, it did not seem wordy or draggy at any point.. I absolutely loved watching Jodi and Price's relationship grow and blossom, while also seeing them struggle and work through their own issues, such as Jodi's insecurity that Price actually, truly loves her. It is something most people can relate to and made it that much more enjoyable to read and follow them on their journey.
Thank you to Valerie for providing me with an ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review
This book was HILARIOUS. The inner monologues of the characters, the conversations between Jodi and her friends, and Price and his brothers had me laughing and sometimes crying because I was laughing so hard.
The. Characters. Jodi is so relatable because she struggles with things that most women do. She is self-conscious, independent, strong-willed, and kind of awkward. She struggles with her relationships with her mom and sister and that has affected her a lot. Price. Where do I start? He is a hot firefighter that Jodi has had a crush on since they were kids. He thinks that Jodi is too good for him, but betters himself to make himself worthy of her. He is charismatic, outgoing, sensitive and overall a 10/10 guy. Seriously. I want one.
The plot itself if not complex or too involved, but it is perfect. It is the perfect combination of humor, romance (spice included), and drama. The writing was easy to read, it did not seem wordy or draggy at any point.. I absolutely loved watching Jodi and Price's relationship grow and blossom, while also seeing them struggle and work through their own issues, such as Jodi's insecurity that Price actually, truly loves her. It is something most people can relate to and made it that much more enjoyable to read and follow them on their journey.
Thank you to Valerie for providing me with an ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review
August 6, 2023
ARC READ!
My first ARC read and I was very happy with it. When I found out I was going to be an ARC reader I quickly blazed through the first book The Windows Guide to Second Chances. I think I liked that one a little better but they also seemed pretty different at the same time.
At first in this one I was a little annoyed that Price and Jodi were doing this back and forth thing of “oh no there’s no way they like me” and it got a little irritating that someone wasn’t like dude just hook up already! Once they did the book went back to being really enjoyable with their new relationship and the conflicts that arose between them and outside factors. I can’t wait for the next book on big brother Will!
My first ARC read and I was very happy with it. When I found out I was going to be an ARC reader I quickly blazed through the first book The Windows Guide to Second Chances. I think I liked that one a little better but they also seemed pretty different at the same time.
At first in this one I was a little annoyed that Price and Jodi were doing this back and forth thing of “oh no there’s no way they like me” and it got a little irritating that someone wasn’t like dude just hook up already! Once they did the book went back to being really enjoyable with their new relationship and the conflicts that arose between them and outside factors. I can’t wait for the next book on big brother Will!
September 11, 2023
Honest ARC Review
Can I just start by saying Jodi and Price’s inner monologues were 10/10 - I was constantly cracking up!
Jodi’s character is so relatable - she’s awkward and witty, self conscious and caring. You can’t help but root for her (“you go girl” and “tell your mom she sucks” may have left my mouth a couple times). Watching her self development and seeing her realize she deserves everything she wants and needs was wonderful!
Price, oh Price where do I even start with him. He’s a firefighter (I know I know, enough said), he’s hilarious, he’s hot, he cares about his family and his town more than anything - did I mention he’s a firefighter? 🔥🔥🔥
I loved reading through their struggles and triumphs and watching these two not only develop as individuals with their families and friends, but also as -wink wink- lovers and friends with each other! And it’s all wrapped up in a little bow with just the right amount of steam! (Firefighter remember?)
Can I just start by saying Jodi and Price’s inner monologues were 10/10 - I was constantly cracking up!
Jodi’s character is so relatable - she’s awkward and witty, self conscious and caring. You can’t help but root for her (“you go girl” and “tell your mom she sucks” may have left my mouth a couple times). Watching her self development and seeing her realize she deserves everything she wants and needs was wonderful!
Price, oh Price where do I even start with him. He’s a firefighter (I know I know, enough said), he’s hilarious, he’s hot, he cares about his family and his town more than anything - did I mention he’s a firefighter? 🔥🔥🔥
I loved reading through their struggles and triumphs and watching these two not only develop as individuals with their families and friends, but also as -wink wink- lovers and friends with each other! And it’s all wrapped up in a little bow with just the right amount of steam! (Firefighter remember?)
October 4, 2023
If you love a small town romance with a hot firefighter who wants to be seen as more than just a playboy and a main female character struggling to stay afloat and find her voice all over again, this story is for you!
This is the second story in a series but is a complete standalone, so you don't have to read the first to understand anything that is going. This story follows the second Joseph brother, Price, as he works to prove to everyone that he is more than just a playboy with a good looking face and a killer body, which proves to be much harder than he anticipated since his own brother's can't even seem to see believe him when he says he wants to make changes.
Our FMC is Jodi, who owns the local coffee shop which is insanely popular. Despite the strong exterior that the world sees from her, she is just trying to stay afloat with very minimal support from her remaining family. She has had a crush on Price for a long time, but has never felt that she would be able to gain his attention based on the girls he "dated". Both Price and Jodi are in for a massive surprise when a fire in her apartment above the shop leaves her temporarily homeless and the only option is to move in with Price.
This story was hilarious. I loved the back and forth banter between Price and Jodi and their initial awkwardness towards one another. You know from the very beginning that there is some sort of chemistry between the two of them so anything that happens won't be an issue with them. Price convincing Jodi to give him a chance however is going to prove difficult and I think that alone leads to some of the funniest moments between the two of them in the beginning. Once they do finally both give in, the chemistry between the two is off the charts and there is just something about his dirty mouth that made me swoon hardcore.
While this story doesn't have the typical third act breakup, there are some really sad moments that happen in the third act that make your heart ache, especially for Jodi. As someone who early on realized that just blending into the background was safer in terms of keeping her family together, she has some really difficult decisions to make and the process of her finding her voice and finally stepping up for herself is both beautiful and heartbreaking. As someone who values family above everything else, I 100% understand where Jodi is coming from and what she is feeling in those instances and really felt for her when she was finally taking the reign, something she should have done years before. It will be interesting to see if in the next book there are mentions of how her assertiveness in that instance worked out.
This was a really fun read with tons of spice and character development in between. I can't wait to read about the first Joseph brother and get my hands on the third brother, Will. Something tells me Mr. Grumpy may be the best of them all.
This is the second story in a series but is a complete standalone, so you don't have to read the first to understand anything that is going. This story follows the second Joseph brother, Price, as he works to prove to everyone that he is more than just a playboy with a good looking face and a killer body, which proves to be much harder than he anticipated since his own brother's can't even seem to see believe him when he says he wants to make changes.
Our FMC is Jodi, who owns the local coffee shop which is insanely popular. Despite the strong exterior that the world sees from her, she is just trying to stay afloat with very minimal support from her remaining family. She has had a crush on Price for a long time, but has never felt that she would be able to gain his attention based on the girls he "dated". Both Price and Jodi are in for a massive surprise when a fire in her apartment above the shop leaves her temporarily homeless and the only option is to move in with Price.
This story was hilarious. I loved the back and forth banter between Price and Jodi and their initial awkwardness towards one another. You know from the very beginning that there is some sort of chemistry between the two of them so anything that happens won't be an issue with them. Price convincing Jodi to give him a chance however is going to prove difficult and I think that alone leads to some of the funniest moments between the two of them in the beginning. Once they do finally both give in, the chemistry between the two is off the charts and there is just something about his dirty mouth that made me swoon hardcore.
While this story doesn't have the typical third act breakup, there are some really sad moments that happen in the third act that make your heart ache, especially for Jodi. As someone who early on realized that just blending into the background was safer in terms of keeping her family together, she has some really difficult decisions to make and the process of her finding her voice and finally stepping up for herself is both beautiful and heartbreaking. As someone who values family above everything else, I 100% understand where Jodi is coming from and what she is feeling in those instances and really felt for her when she was finally taking the reign, something she should have done years before. It will be interesting to see if in the next book there are mentions of how her assertiveness in that instance worked out.
This was a really fun read with tons of spice and character development in between. I can't wait to read about the first Joseph brother and get my hands on the third brother, Will. Something tells me Mr. Grumpy may be the best of them all.
August 13, 2023
I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for "The baristas guide to the perfect steam" by Valerie Pepper, I had the synopsis and went "naww, this seems cute...."
Unfortunately I didn't realise this was book 2 of a series.
I got 6% into the story and realised pretty quick this isn't for me. The story reads as a diary entry and the way the characters are written are almost as if he loves the attention due to his physical looks whereas she is a "I'm not pretty like those other girls but I'm pretty" type of girl.
I got confused. Jodie is described as a red head with freckles than shes described with strawberry blonde hair? 🤔
By the 50% mark, it seemed quite repeative and childish. These two were banging and yet they still couldn't tell if they were interested in each other even though their each other's love interest. It also didn't help that some of the dialogue felt like Price and Jodie were teens not twenty something year olds.
By the 60% mark, the story started other elements that I felt weren't necessary. Such as Jodie's family and issues, and some race that hadn't been mentioned prior.
I also got confused.. Jodie makes it clear she's been a virgin but yet she's been intimate with Price several times. How does that still make her a virgin? 🤔 I will admit that I did start to get annoyed that losing her V seemed to have been her whole personality, well..besides being head over heels with Price.
I also got confused when Meghan is draping herself over Price, it than switches to Annie. Where did Annie come from?
Towards the end of the story, it felt like it was rushing to finish the story.
I wish Valerie Pepper best of luck with her writing career but she's not an author for me.
Unfortunately I didn't realise this was book 2 of a series.
I got 6% into the story and realised pretty quick this isn't for me. The story reads as a diary entry and the way the characters are written are almost as if he loves the attention due to his physical looks whereas she is a "I'm not pretty like those other girls but I'm pretty" type of girl.
I got confused. Jodie is described as a red head with freckles than shes described with strawberry blonde hair? 🤔
By the 50% mark, it seemed quite repeative and childish. These two were banging and yet they still couldn't tell if they were interested in each other even though their each other's love interest. It also didn't help that some of the dialogue felt like Price and Jodie were teens not twenty something year olds.
By the 60% mark, the story started other elements that I felt weren't necessary. Such as Jodie's family and issues, and some race that hadn't been mentioned prior.
I also got confused.. Jodie makes it clear she's been a virgin but yet she's been intimate with Price several times. How does that still make her a virgin? 🤔 I will admit that I did start to get annoyed that losing her V seemed to have been her whole personality, well..besides being head over heels with Price.
I also got confused when Meghan is draping herself over Price, it than switches to Annie. Where did Annie come from?
Towards the end of the story, it felt like it was rushing to finish the story.
I wish Valerie Pepper best of luck with her writing career but she's not an author for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2023
I received this book early in exchange for an arc review. Thank you Valerie!
I read the first book and loved it and couldn’t wait for the second book and now will be patiently (or not) waiting for book 3!
Let’s dig in:
Jodi MFC: 27. Virgin. Barista/Coffee shop owner.
I liked her in the first book but definitely enjoyed her so much more in her own book. I loved that she found her voice and finally stood up for herself. Valarie really played up the drama with her sister and let us watch as Jodi grew a backbone. She definitely learned to have a real partner in life with price.
Price MMC: 35. Fireman. Romance model.
😘 LOVED HIM. The “reformed playboy” or was he a playboy at all? You definitely got the feeling from book 1 that he was a ladies man and that was pretty much it. This book proved he had substance and he was more that a pretty face/body. Felt very insta-love once he really payed attention to Jodi.
The spice was 👏🏼👏🏼. Even better than the first book.
The firehouse photo shoot was a great way to tie the story line together and had me laughing out loud at the men and women.
I enjoy all the side characters on this and the semi meddling chief. Can we have him meddling much more in book 3?! I wish we would have seen the female side characters a little more. I felt like we got a lot of the brothers in this one but I was missing more Devon. Ceci as always was 🤌🏼.
I enjoyed that there wasn’t a super dramatic 3rd scene breakup that was drawn out just for the characters to end up back together. Sometimes I love a easy love story.
The only reason I gave it 4 ⭐️ instead of 5 ⭐️ is because I felt like the drama with her mom was just kind of left open, we never really found out if they worked it out or she just cut her off?
Also, I felt like if you didn’t read book #1 you may not fully understand her actions that are mostly based on her brother passing away and things that came from that time in her life which we learn a lot about in book 1.
I read the first book and loved it and couldn’t wait for the second book and now will be patiently (or not) waiting for book 3!
Let’s dig in:
Jodi MFC: 27. Virgin. Barista/Coffee shop owner.
I liked her in the first book but definitely enjoyed her so much more in her own book. I loved that she found her voice and finally stood up for herself. Valarie really played up the drama with her sister and let us watch as Jodi grew a backbone. She definitely learned to have a real partner in life with price.
Price MMC: 35. Fireman. Romance model.
😘 LOVED HIM. The “reformed playboy” or was he a playboy at all? You definitely got the feeling from book 1 that he was a ladies man and that was pretty much it. This book proved he had substance and he was more that a pretty face/body. Felt very insta-love once he really payed attention to Jodi.
The spice was 👏🏼👏🏼. Even better than the first book.
The firehouse photo shoot was a great way to tie the story line together and had me laughing out loud at the men and women.
I enjoy all the side characters on this and the semi meddling chief. Can we have him meddling much more in book 3?! I wish we would have seen the female side characters a little more. I felt like we got a lot of the brothers in this one but I was missing more Devon. Ceci as always was 🤌🏼.
I enjoyed that there wasn’t a super dramatic 3rd scene breakup that was drawn out just for the characters to end up back together. Sometimes I love a easy love story.
The only reason I gave it 4 ⭐️ instead of 5 ⭐️ is because I felt like the drama with her mom was just kind of left open, we never really found out if they worked it out or she just cut her off?
Also, I felt like if you didn’t read book #1 you may not fully understand her actions that are mostly based on her brother passing away and things that came from that time in her life which we learn a lot about in book 1.
September 10, 2023
OMG! How cute is this book? So not what I was expecting. The title makes it seems like it is going to be sweet romance with some comedy thrown in for giggles. You know I don’t read summaries. I just go off the feeling I get from the title and the cover. This is second book in this series about the infamous Joseph brothers. All the brothers are firefighters for the town of Talladega. Price Joseph is the middle and somewhat wild child of the bunch. He and his older brother, Will, are renovating a three-story house into a Bed and Breakfast. Shirley’s Inn is not quite ready for guests but after an electrical fire, the town’s barista, Jodi Bristol, needs a place to stay. Why not be their practice guest?
Both Will and Price live at the B&B while not on shift at the firehouse. Price has a lucrative side hustle that allowed the brosephs, as they call each other, to put the down payment on the historical Victorian. Jodi haas had a crush on Price since childhood. Everyone in town seems to know it but Price. Price starts taking notice of the beautiful entrepreneur barista. Being under the same roof with Price will be a test that Jodi is not sure she will pass.
Price wants to be viewed as more than a pretty face with a gorgeous body decides to keep his side hustle a secret. As he gets to know and becomes closer to Jodi, he knows he needs to tell her but he keeps holding off. Jodi tends to make herself small to allow the people around her to get all the attention. Her mother and her sister eat this up and tend to take advantage of this. This become very apparent when her sister comes to visit with no intentions of leaving despite Jodi living at the B&B.
I absolutely loved this unexpected treasure. I will read the first book in the series and cannot wait for Will’s book. I feel like that grumpy man has a story. Ms. pepper has definitely found a fan. So happy I found this gem.
Both Will and Price live at the B&B while not on shift at the firehouse. Price has a lucrative side hustle that allowed the brosephs, as they call each other, to put the down payment on the historical Victorian. Jodi haas had a crush on Price since childhood. Everyone in town seems to know it but Price. Price starts taking notice of the beautiful entrepreneur barista. Being under the same roof with Price will be a test that Jodi is not sure she will pass.
Price wants to be viewed as more than a pretty face with a gorgeous body decides to keep his side hustle a secret. As he gets to know and becomes closer to Jodi, he knows he needs to tell her but he keeps holding off. Jodi tends to make herself small to allow the people around her to get all the attention. Her mother and her sister eat this up and tend to take advantage of this. This become very apparent when her sister comes to visit with no intentions of leaving despite Jodi living at the B&B.
I absolutely loved this unexpected treasure. I will read the first book in the series and cannot wait for Will’s book. I feel like that grumpy man has a story. Ms. pepper has definitely found a fan. So happy I found this gem.
August 20, 2023
4.5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 (rounded up)
Thankyou, Valerie Pepper, for this eARC and for getting a chance to be a part of your ARC team! **📚
**"I lick my lips. "I don't want to wait." What I don't say is, I'm a twenty-seven-year-old virgin, and I'm tired of it. Even though that's true. Instead, I say the truest, scariest thing I can imagine. "I want you, Price. I always have." He blows out a breath and pins me with his eyes.
"Good. Because I'm all yours."
Okay, there Price Joseph. I see you 🥵
Well, I definitely found my favourite Joseph brother... like holy moly.
Okay... back to the book .
You got a steamy small town romance, short read. With a sexy firefighter, misunderstood, bad boy, who has been waiting for the one to settle down with. Well, she has been there the whole time. You have Jodi Bristol, who has been around forever, who owns the local coffee shop in town and, who is slowly growing and coming into her own. Obviously, he regrets taking so long to notice 😏
There is nothing not to like. The first book was amazing. The second book is amazing, and I am so beyond excited to read the third!
This book was so good that I had to put down all my other reads and plow through it!
Last thing ... 👏THE👏PHOTOSHOOT👏
If you like small town romance (and who doesn't 🤷♀️), pick this one up on September 8th. Hey, you have enough time to read the first one now! (A Widow's Guide to Second Chances)
Thankyou, Valerie Pepper, for this eARC and for getting a chance to be a part of your ARC team! **📚
**"I lick my lips. "I don't want to wait." What I don't say is, I'm a twenty-seven-year-old virgin, and I'm tired of it. Even though that's true. Instead, I say the truest, scariest thing I can imagine. "I want you, Price. I always have." He blows out a breath and pins me with his eyes.
"Good. Because I'm all yours."
Okay, there Price Joseph. I see you 🥵
Well, I definitely found my favourite Joseph brother... like holy moly.
Okay... back to the book .
You got a steamy small town romance, short read. With a sexy firefighter, misunderstood, bad boy, who has been waiting for the one to settle down with. Well, she has been there the whole time. You have Jodi Bristol, who has been around forever, who owns the local coffee shop in town and, who is slowly growing and coming into her own. Obviously, he regrets taking so long to notice 😏
There is nothing not to like. The first book was amazing. The second book is amazing, and I am so beyond excited to read the third!
This book was so good that I had to put down all my other reads and plow through it!
Last thing ... 👏THE👏PHOTOSHOOT👏
If you like small town romance (and who doesn't 🤷♀️), pick this one up on September 8th. Hey, you have enough time to read the first one now! (A Widow's Guide to Second Chances)
September 12, 2023
This was the CUTEST FUCKING BOOK I HAVE EVER READ!!!
It was so perfect! I honestly couldn’t put it down. I would’ve read all night instead of sleeping if my husband hadn’t made me go to bed. I did end up reading for hours the next day until I finished it.
I LOVE PRICE!!!
I LOVE JODI!!!
THEY ARE SO FUCKING PERFECT TOGETHER!!!
I didn’t realize that this was book 2 in a series but you definitely don’t feel left out at all. You do however fall in love with all of the characters and definitely will want to read the prequel novella and book 1!
I don’t know who I feel harder for, Price and Jodi’s love story or everyone else in this town.
As a Mississippi girl who’s dad’s side of the family all go to Jackson State and who was born in Jackson, I looooved that Jodi went to Jackson State and not Alabama or Auburn. I loved all the little southern things in here especially the group at the end. It was spot on!
I honestly loved everything about this book, the characters, and the world you created.
It was so perfect! I honestly couldn’t put it down. I would’ve read all night instead of sleeping if my husband hadn’t made me go to bed. I did end up reading for hours the next day until I finished it.
I LOVE PRICE!!!
I LOVE JODI!!!
THEY ARE SO FUCKING PERFECT TOGETHER!!!
I didn’t realize that this was book 2 in a series but you definitely don’t feel left out at all. You do however fall in love with all of the characters and definitely will want to read the prequel novella and book 1!
I don’t know who I feel harder for, Price and Jodi’s love story or everyone else in this town.
As a Mississippi girl who’s dad’s side of the family all go to Jackson State and who was born in Jackson, I looooved that Jodi went to Jackson State and not Alabama or Auburn. I loved all the little southern things in here especially the group at the end. It was spot on!
I honestly loved everything about this book, the characters, and the world you created.
September 25, 2023
Don't Let the cover fool you. This book has heat!
Jodi Bristol loves her little town. After circumstances push her family to leave she stays. Also a certain firefighter might be part of the reason. When disaster strikes, he is the first to come running to her rescue. Now if only he would see her as more than just the barista who knows his order by heart.
Price Joseph is going through a rough time. On the path of rewriting his life so to speak, he and his brother decide to open up a bed and breakfast in their small town. Their first 'guest' is the sweet freckle faced beauty he saved from being homeless. He doesn't have time for relationships right now, but she may have him seeing that the one he'd needed has been right here all along.
When I say you need Jodi and Price in your life, I mean it. This book has laughter, and a lot of self discovery. And the heat is off the charts! Five alarm fire Hot! Like most I thought based on the cover, this was going to be a semi spicy read. Man alive was I glad I was wrong! Five stars all the way!
Jodi Bristol loves her little town. After circumstances push her family to leave she stays. Also a certain firefighter might be part of the reason. When disaster strikes, he is the first to come running to her rescue. Now if only he would see her as more than just the barista who knows his order by heart.
Price Joseph is going through a rough time. On the path of rewriting his life so to speak, he and his brother decide to open up a bed and breakfast in their small town. Their first 'guest' is the sweet freckle faced beauty he saved from being homeless. He doesn't have time for relationships right now, but she may have him seeing that the one he'd needed has been right here all along.
When I say you need Jodi and Price in your life, I mean it. This book has laughter, and a lot of self discovery. And the heat is off the charts! Five alarm fire Hot! Like most I thought based on the cover, this was going to be a semi spicy read. Man alive was I glad I was wrong! Five stars all the way!
August 6, 2023
This book!!! This book has rendered me speechless as I’m so in my feels! I just finished moments ago and my heart is so happy, but also I already miss the characters.
Just when I thought I could not love any characters more than Devon and Aaron, Valerie Pepper turns around and serves us Jodi and Price.
The growth between these characters is phenomenal, especially with Jodi. Jodi being afraid to speak her mind, afraid to upset others, to not know her worth. I’m so glad we got to meet the true Jodi.
Price is so stinkin’ sweet, we all need a Price in our lives. He struggled with being misunderstood, I’m so glad to have gotten to know more about him, and his inner thoughts. Proving there’s so much more to Price.
I’m so excited for Will’s story, having gotten a glimpse at the end of this book!
Thank you Valerie for the advanced copy, this book is everything! Also thank you for adding me to the acknowledgments 😭 I’m beyond honored!
Just when I thought I could not love any characters more than Devon and Aaron, Valerie Pepper turns around and serves us Jodi and Price.
The growth between these characters is phenomenal, especially with Jodi. Jodi being afraid to speak her mind, afraid to upset others, to not know her worth. I’m so glad we got to meet the true Jodi.
Price is so stinkin’ sweet, we all need a Price in our lives. He struggled with being misunderstood, I’m so glad to have gotten to know more about him, and his inner thoughts. Proving there’s so much more to Price.
I’m so excited for Will’s story, having gotten a glimpse at the end of this book!
Thank you Valerie for the advanced copy, this book is everything! Also thank you for adding me to the acknowledgments 😭 I’m beyond honored!
August 10, 2023
4.5 stars! I was given this ARC by Valerie for an honest review. And YOU GUYS!!! I cannot wait for you to be able to read this! It’s adorable, steamy, and so so good! I was very impressed. Real life Price, where are you?!
It’s the second book in a stand-alone series. I didn’t read the first one beforehand (I am now!) and I think I would have liked to. So, while you’re waiting for this to release in a few weeks, go read the first one! It was honestly one of those books where I couldn’t stop reading once I started. I didn’t want to put it down for real life things, ha!
Sort of spoiler, but not really: The FMC is a virgin. I know this can be done cheesy & cringey, but the way Valerie wrote it is so realistic. She still knows pleasure & her body. You also get to see her come into her sexuality and it was really well written. Plus…FIREFIGHTERS. Enough said.
It’s the second book in a stand-alone series. I didn’t read the first one beforehand (I am now!) and I think I would have liked to. So, while you’re waiting for this to release in a few weeks, go read the first one! It was honestly one of those books where I couldn’t stop reading once I started. I didn’t want to put it down for real life things, ha!
Sort of spoiler, but not really: The FMC is a virgin. I know this can be done cheesy & cringey, but the way Valerie wrote it is so realistic. She still knows pleasure & her body. You also get to see her come into her sexuality and it was really well written. Plus…FIREFIGHTERS. Enough said.
August 8, 2023
ARC review 4.5 ⭐️
I read the first in this series too and this one was even better! We’re back in the small town with the hottest brothers Price, Aaron (book 1), and Will. They’re all first responders and Price is the MMC!
Jodi is the owner of the coffee shop and has had a crush on price for forever. He finally sees her in a new light after her apartment above the shop has a fire. She moves into the inn that he and Will own. Price is definitely a golden retriever. Known as the town playboy, he wants to be better. He has a secret he’s keeping from everyone too!
He falls first! The spice was great! The small town was great to revisit too! Definitely check this one out on release day September 8th!
I read the first in this series too and this one was even better! We’re back in the small town with the hottest brothers Price, Aaron (book 1), and Will. They’re all first responders and Price is the MMC!
Jodi is the owner of the coffee shop and has had a crush on price for forever. He finally sees her in a new light after her apartment above the shop has a fire. She moves into the inn that he and Will own. Price is definitely a golden retriever. Known as the town playboy, he wants to be better. He has a secret he’s keeping from everyone too!
He falls first! The spice was great! The small town was great to revisit too! Definitely check this one out on release day September 8th!
September 23, 2023
Sweet, Hot, Small Town Romance
I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up this book to read, but I am sooo happy that I did. This book is soooo cute! I loved Price and Jodi and loved how their friendship turned to Happily Ever After. The two get close after Price, the hot firefighter, helps out with an electrical fire above Jodi’s coffee shot. Very quickly their friendship becomes more and Price is adding heat to the flames that burn between them.
This book brought an array of emotions out of me and it was truly a story I couldn’t put down. I am going to grab book 1 to read and will read every book in this series.
I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up this book to read, but I am sooo happy that I did. This book is soooo cute! I loved Price and Jodi and loved how their friendship turned to Happily Ever After. The two get close after Price, the hot firefighter, helps out with an electrical fire above Jodi’s coffee shot. Very quickly their friendship becomes more and Price is adding heat to the flames that burn between them.
This book brought an array of emotions out of me and it was truly a story I couldn’t put down. I am going to grab book 1 to read and will read every book in this series.
August 12, 2023
4.5/5 Check out my full review at https://wordpress.com/post/sealclopsb...
The Analysis
Plot and theme
Jodi has a bustling coffee shop she has been running for the past 5 years. On the outside, it seems that she has everything under control, but on the inside, she is falling apart. After her friend provided her a loan so that she could pay the building fees (see in book 1), Jodi thought her main challenge would be to pay her back.
While tackling the morning rush one day, a strange smell wafts down from Jodi’s apartment upstairs. As she goes to investigate, she is shocked to find an entire wall encased by flames. Luckily for her, the fire department is only a block away. However this leaves her with no place to stay for an indefinite amount of time.
With only one option left, apart from sleeping in her bathtub, Jodi moves into the not quite open yet bed and breakfast co-owned by none other than her lifelong crush, Price. As they grow closer, not only does she find her feelings to be reciprocated, but she discovers a loving, intelligent guy behind the carefree persona.
Price is working to turn his life around. He is sick of being seen as nothing more than a handsome face and is determined to prove that he has a brain behind his looks. The only problem is, that once people have seen you a certain way for so long, it’s almost impossible to change their perception, even his own brothers.
Pacing, emotion, ending and plot holes?
I definitely enjoyed this story more than the first which is not to say that the first book was sub-par. I felt the pacing made the book easy to read and enjoy. It did not feel rushed even as time progressed somewhat quickly. I also enjoyed how the book was wrapped up at the end. I really enjoy my HEA.
The general feel for this book is happiness. I felt light and satisfied while devouring the pages. Of course for the book to progress into a story, some sort of angst has to make an appearance but I was happy to see that it didn’t overtake the main feelings provided by the rest of the book.
The story was fairly contemporary and followed the everyday life of the 2 main characters. In doing so, I couldn’t really pick out any plot holes. I would like to say that Aaron from the first book came across as a bit of a jerk in this book and did get on my nerves after being the sweet heroine originally.
The Recommendation
Valerie Pepper created an easy to fall into contemporary romance that can be read as a standalone or as part of a larger series.
In The Widow’s Guide to Second Chances we are introduced to the youngest of 3 brothers, Aaron.
I was lucky enough to be chosen as an ARC reader for the second in the series, The Barista’s Guide to the Perfect Steam.
The third book has also just been announced as the oldest brothers story called, The Grump’s Guide to Chaos.
Review
I enjoyed reading these easy to fly through, contemporary romance stories. They are nice standalone books in a series that introduces the Guided to Love world nicely.
The Analysis
Plot and theme
Jodi has a bustling coffee shop she has been running for the past 5 years. On the outside, it seems that she has everything under control, but on the inside, she is falling apart. After her friend provided her a loan so that she could pay the building fees (see in book 1), Jodi thought her main challenge would be to pay her back.
While tackling the morning rush one day, a strange smell wafts down from Jodi’s apartment upstairs. As she goes to investigate, she is shocked to find an entire wall encased by flames. Luckily for her, the fire department is only a block away. However this leaves her with no place to stay for an indefinite amount of time.
With only one option left, apart from sleeping in her bathtub, Jodi moves into the not quite open yet bed and breakfast co-owned by none other than her lifelong crush, Price. As they grow closer, not only does she find her feelings to be reciprocated, but she discovers a loving, intelligent guy behind the carefree persona.
Price is working to turn his life around. He is sick of being seen as nothing more than a handsome face and is determined to prove that he has a brain behind his looks. The only problem is, that once people have seen you a certain way for so long, it’s almost impossible to change their perception, even his own brothers.
Pacing, emotion, ending and plot holes?
I definitely enjoyed this story more than the first which is not to say that the first book was sub-par. I felt the pacing made the book easy to read and enjoy. It did not feel rushed even as time progressed somewhat quickly. I also enjoyed how the book was wrapped up at the end. I really enjoy my HEA.
The general feel for this book is happiness. I felt light and satisfied while devouring the pages. Of course for the book to progress into a story, some sort of angst has to make an appearance but I was happy to see that it didn’t overtake the main feelings provided by the rest of the book.
The story was fairly contemporary and followed the everyday life of the 2 main characters. In doing so, I couldn’t really pick out any plot holes. I would like to say that Aaron from the first book came across as a bit of a jerk in this book and did get on my nerves after being the sweet heroine originally.
The Recommendation
Valerie Pepper created an easy to fall into contemporary romance that can be read as a standalone or as part of a larger series.
In The Widow’s Guide to Second Chances we are introduced to the youngest of 3 brothers, Aaron.
I was lucky enough to be chosen as an ARC reader for the second in the series, The Barista’s Guide to the Perfect Steam.
The third book has also just been announced as the oldest brothers story called, The Grump’s Guide to Chaos.
Review
I enjoyed reading these easy to fly through, contemporary romance stories. They are nice standalone books in a series that introduces the Guided to Love world nicely.
September 23, 2023
[4.5 Stars😍] I loved The Barista's Guide to the Perfect Steam a latte! (See what I did there?🤗) Valerie Pepper absolutely crushed it with her characters, romantic development, plot, and pacing. While she kept all the same characters from The Widow's Guide to Second Chances, Price and Jodi's story was fresh, engaging, and charming.
There were so many things to love about The Barista's Guide to the Perfect Steam, but I think Price's character was the highlight of this book. He is an absolute GEM of a fictional man! I loved his personality, caring nature, and "all-in" attitude towards Jodi (and baking 🫠).
I loved Jodi, too! She is a lovely and relatable character who goes through new life experiences and personal growth to become the best version of herself. Her watershed moment spoke to my middle child/peacemaker soul, and I loved it when Jodi finally had a “me” moment.🦋
The small-town coffee shop setting was SO perfect, and it makes me wish I had a place like it where I live.☕ Maybe I’ll open a coffee shop + bookstore and finally live the dream! 📚☕️🏡✨
I hope you wind up picking this book up because it's now one of my favorite small-town romance series (and it's not even complete yet!😉) Valerie Pepper is a new auto-buy author for me, and I can't wait for the third book to come out next year!
____________________________________
Details:
💘Contemporary romance
👀 Dual POV
🙌Would re-read
🌟Favorite
Tropes:
🚨First responder
📍Forced proximity
🤐Secrets
🧨Slow burn
🏡Small town
🦢Virgin heroine
Spice:
🔥Explicit sex (hot)
____________________________________
Emoji Ranking System:
🤩Fantastic (4.75-5.00)
😍Great (4.25-4.75)
😊Good, but not great (3.50-4.25)
😒Just OK (2.75-3.50)
😑It's A No (1.00-2.75)
🚫DNF
There were so many things to love about The Barista's Guide to the Perfect Steam, but I think Price's character was the highlight of this book. He is an absolute GEM of a fictional man! I loved his personality, caring nature, and "all-in" attitude towards Jodi (and baking 🫠).
I loved Jodi, too! She is a lovely and relatable character who goes through new life experiences and personal growth to become the best version of herself. Her watershed moment spoke to my middle child/peacemaker soul, and I loved it when Jodi finally had a “me” moment.🦋
The small-town coffee shop setting was SO perfect, and it makes me wish I had a place like it where I live.☕ Maybe I’ll open a coffee shop + bookstore and finally live the dream! 📚☕️🏡✨
I hope you wind up picking this book up because it's now one of my favorite small-town romance series (and it's not even complete yet!😉) Valerie Pepper is a new auto-buy author for me, and I can't wait for the third book to come out next year!
____________________________________
Details:
💘Contemporary romance
👀 Dual POV
🙌Would re-read
🌟Favorite
Tropes:
🚨First responder
📍Forced proximity
🤐Secrets
🧨Slow burn
🏡Small town
🦢Virgin heroine
Spice:
🔥Explicit sex (hot)
____________________________________
Emoji Ranking System:
🤩Fantastic (4.75-5.00)
😍Great (4.25-4.75)
😊Good, but not great (3.50-4.25)
😒Just OK (2.75-3.50)
😑It's A No (1.00-2.75)
🚫DNF
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