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The Coffee Loft
Living La Vida Mocha
Brewing Up Second Chances and Love in the Heart of the Rockies
Cara Gallagher had it all: the perfect apartment, a charming plus one, and a dreamy marketing job. Until, in the blink of an eye, she had nothing. Fired and dumped in a matter of minutes, Cara finds herself at rock bottom. Desperate for a moment of respite, she stumbles upon the Coffee Loft, hoping for a burst of sugar and caffeine to mend her wounded heart. Instead, she walks straight into the unexpected - the person she never thought she'd encounter again, the one who had always held her heart.
Thirteen years has passed, but Carter Cross remains the enigmatic soul she remembers from their college days. The pain of his departure for European adventures still haunts her, but her heart yearns for another chance. Carter, too, longs to be with her, yet secrets hold him back.
With the gift of a fresh start in her hands, Cara sets out to rewrite her destiny. Her focus? Ridge Heights, the picturesque small town brimming with opportunities for redemption. And the center of her mission is Carter.
Will their second chance at love be as sweet as the coffee at the Coffee Loft?
_________________________________________________________________________
Beginning January 2, 2024
Welcome to The Coffee Loft , a place where romance is always brewing.
Grab your favorite table over in the corner and be prepared to be swept off your feet. This multi-author collection features some of your favorite sweet romance authors that you already know and love as well as a few new names you'll be rushing to check out.
From cold brews to cappuccinos and frothy frappes, there's something on the menu for every romantic comedy reader. Fake dates, meddling matchmakers, friends-to-lovers and so much more, each stand-alone story is the right blend of sweet, guaranteed to warm your heart.
Happily-ever-afters coming right up!
Cara Gallagher had it all: the perfect apartment, a charming plus one, and a dreamy marketing job. Until, in the blink of an eye, she had nothing. Fired and dumped in a matter of minutes, Cara finds herself at rock bottom. Desperate for a moment of respite, she stumbles upon the Coffee Loft, hoping for a burst of sugar and caffeine to mend her wounded heart. Instead, she walks straight into the unexpected - the person she never thought she'd encounter again, the one who had always held her heart.
Thirteen years has passed, but Carter Cross remains the enigmatic soul she remembers from their college days. The pain of his departure for European adventures still haunts her, but her heart yearns for another chance. Carter, too, longs to be with her, yet secrets hold him back.
With the gift of a fresh start in her hands, Cara sets out to rewrite her destiny. Her focus? Ridge Heights, the picturesque small town brimming with opportunities for redemption. And the center of her mission is Carter.
Will their second chance at love be as sweet as the coffee at the Coffee Loft?
_________________________________________________________________________
Beginning January 2, 2024
Welcome to The Coffee Loft , a place where romance is always brewing.
Grab your favorite table over in the corner and be prepared to be swept off your feet. This multi-author collection features some of your favorite sweet romance authors that you already know and love as well as a few new names you'll be rushing to check out.
From cold brews to cappuccinos and frothy frappes, there's something on the menu for every romantic comedy reader. Fake dates, meddling matchmakers, friends-to-lovers and so much more, each stand-alone story is the right blend of sweet, guaranteed to warm your heart.
Happily-ever-afters coming right up!
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2024
14 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
H.M. Shander
46 books502 followersH.M. Shander is an award winning and USA TODAY bestselling author who is a hopeless romantic and lover of chocolate, coconut and a damn good cup of coffee.
She's the author of several reader's choice books (Bronze medal for Return to Cheshire Bay and the Gold Medal for Living La Vida Mocha). An upcoming release was also a Kobo Writing Life finalist - so watch for that to release soon.
She writes swoon-worthy, gentle beta heroes, in sweet or steamy storylines that all end with a happily ever after.
When not writing, she is a part-time librarian and Educational Assistant to a group of kindergartens, a devoted mother to her two kids, and believes she's married the sweetest man and the greatest inspiration for her heroes.
Sign up for the newsletters: https://h-m-shander.eo.page/z5tgg
She's the author of several reader's choice books (Bronze medal for Return to Cheshire Bay and the Gold Medal for Living La Vida Mocha). An upcoming release was also a Kobo Writing Life finalist - so watch for that to release soon.
She writes swoon-worthy, gentle beta heroes, in sweet or steamy storylines that all end with a happily ever after.
When not writing, she is a part-time librarian and Educational Assistant to a group of kindergartens, a devoted mother to her two kids, and believes she's married the sweetest man and the greatest inspiration for her heroes.
Sign up for the newsletters: https://h-m-shander.eo.page/z5tgg
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 29, 2024
Adorable addition to the Coffee Loft series! Cara and Carter's story was charming and very sweet. I love a good second chance story and this one had me rooting for these two to take their second chance and find happiness again!
Cara has a horrible day! Ugh! Poor girl, I was feeling the struggle with her. But I loved when she stumbled upon the darling Coffee Loft store and was able to find some solace to her heart. And not only that but to find that one who got away! Talk about a major surprise for both of them!
Carter comes in like a knight in shining armor, or should I say, a barrister with mugs full of caffeine! ;-) They were adorable together and I couldn't get over Carter's witty puns! They had me chuckling!
Both of these two characters have to figure out what to do with their lives. And I loved the spur of the moment decision that Cara decides to take in the name of giving her and Carter more time together to see if the flame that is still between them can be bigger than a spark! You'll love all the sweet and tender, and witty and delicious moments!
Content: Clean.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Cara has a horrible day! Ugh! Poor girl, I was feeling the struggle with her. But I loved when she stumbled upon the darling Coffee Loft store and was able to find some solace to her heart. And not only that but to find that one who got away! Talk about a major surprise for both of them!
Carter comes in like a knight in shining armor, or should I say, a barrister with mugs full of caffeine! ;-) They were adorable together and I couldn't get over Carter's witty puns! They had me chuckling!
Both of these two characters have to figure out what to do with their lives. And I loved the spur of the moment decision that Cara decides to take in the name of giving her and Carter more time together to see if the flame that is still between them can be bigger than a spark! You'll love all the sweet and tender, and witty and delicious moments!
Content: Clean.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
February 2, 2024
This was completely adorable and relatable. Carter hasn't seen Cara for years, and they didn't necessarily end on great terms. When she walks into his coffee shop, he isn't quite sure what to think. They're both caught off guard and between Cara's life falling apart and Carter hiding something, things don't look too good.
Cara decides to stay in town and help out with Grinch Tree Workshops for a few weeks and try to figure out what she wants to do with her life. No pressure. Maybe if she can just reconnect with Carter, she'll have a reason to stay...
Cara decides to stay in town and help out with Grinch Tree Workshops for a few weeks and try to figure out what she wants to do with her life. No pressure. Maybe if she can just reconnect with Carter, she'll have a reason to stay...
February 28, 2024
3.5 stars really!
This series is a lot of fun, and the different stories and characters are all over the place, meaning there is probably a story for everyone here who enjoys sweet romance.
Now this story had a lot of potential, just like the last one in the series that I read. I did like the setting, and I loved learning the things about the coffee that Carter told Cara about. However, at first Cara was a little unlikable of a character. It was hard to feel sorry for her with the things that happened because of how she reacted to them or thought about those things as they happened. And while I liked how her friend would call her out and hand it to her with no sugar-coating, her friend was a bit unlikable at times too.
When we found out why Carter had broken up with Cara before, I really got over any issues I’d had with him because then it made a lot of sense what he’d even done to her since their reconnection at the beginning of the story. And then there was Carter’s sister, who was upset with Cara because she thought that Cara had done the breaking up. Once again that character was a little unlikable. And even after things were straightened out, I still wasn’t sure just how much I liked her.
A good story, just some issues with the likability of some characters, as well as the writing was a little off in some places. Like maybe the author switched some things when they edited but left part of the original lines in? Or maybe comparisons or sayings that didn’t quite make sense, maybe trying to not be too cliche? And as with the last one in this series, I also was made to think I need to go ahead with my own writing again, finish my own stories and get them out there.
This series is a lot of fun, and the different stories and characters are all over the place, meaning there is probably a story for everyone here who enjoys sweet romance.
Now this story had a lot of potential, just like the last one in the series that I read. I did like the setting, and I loved learning the things about the coffee that Carter told Cara about. However, at first Cara was a little unlikable of a character. It was hard to feel sorry for her with the things that happened because of how she reacted to them or thought about those things as they happened. And while I liked how her friend would call her out and hand it to her with no sugar-coating, her friend was a bit unlikable at times too.
When we found out why Carter had broken up with Cara before, I really got over any issues I’d had with him because then it made a lot of sense what he’d even done to her since their reconnection at the beginning of the story. And then there was Carter’s sister, who was upset with Cara because she thought that Cara had done the breaking up. Once again that character was a little unlikable. And even after things were straightened out, I still wasn’t sure just how much I liked her.
A good story, just some issues with the likability of some characters, as well as the writing was a little off in some places. Like maybe the author switched some things when they edited but left part of the original lines in? Or maybe comparisons or sayings that didn’t quite make sense, maybe trying to not be too cliche? And as with the last one in this series, I also was made to think I need to go ahead with my own writing again, finish my own stories and get them out there.
February 22, 2024
I really can't believe how brilliant this series is. As I start each new book I think it's Christmas again this is a series that just keeps giving with each new story. Cara is having the worst day of her life, after her boss calls her and just drops into the conversation "You're fired", she phones her boyfriend to vent to hear "This isn't working between us. I think we should end this". Stirring out of her car window she decides to just drive and keep driving, until she hits a quaint little town. She pulls over to wonder around and finds herself outside a lovely coffee shop. She takes the stairs and walks into the heavenly coffee and cake aromas, what delicious sweet treats should she have. When she finally comes to pay all her cards are declined, could this day get any worse. Yes. Who comes out to sort it but Carter, but what's he doing here of all places in a coffee shop. The only man who broke her heart and totally disappeared was stood on front of her. This is the story that keeps giving the twists and turns of this story totally draw you in and keep yo hooked. Have tissues ready because you'll need them not only for the laugh out loud moments but the heart stopping moments as well. I think you can tell there is nothing about this book I didn't love. I really hope you'll love it as much
February 28, 2024
I absolutely loved Carter & Cara's sweet, caring, mugnificent, loving,swoony story!!
February 19, 2024
Living La Vida Mocha is part of the Coffee Loft series. This is a multi-author series with all books centered around or featuring a Coffee Loft shop, but all books can be enjoyed as standalones with no confusion.
If you think you're having a bad day, just wait until you see Cara's. Dumped and fired in a span of just ten minutes, she finds herself driving to clear her mind. She winds up at a small-town coffee shop that just do happens to be owned by her ex- Carter. The feelings might be resurfaced... but they have a lot to work through, including the secrets that caused their breakup in the first place. This was a super sweet second-chance romance. Throughout the story, we are given the hints that there is something more going on... and I thought the author did a really great job of giving just enough throughout the story to keep me wanting to read on to find out what the big secret is. I won't give anything away, but I really loved these characters and enjoyed seeing them get their happily ever after.
Living La Vida Mocha is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.
If you think you're having a bad day, just wait until you see Cara's. Dumped and fired in a span of just ten minutes, she finds herself driving to clear her mind. She winds up at a small-town coffee shop that just do happens to be owned by her ex- Carter. The feelings might be resurfaced... but they have a lot to work through, including the secrets that caused their breakup in the first place. This was a super sweet second-chance romance. Throughout the story, we are given the hints that there is something more going on... and I thought the author did a really great job of giving just enough throughout the story to keep me wanting to read on to find out what the big secret is. I won't give anything away, but I really loved these characters and enjoyed seeing them get their happily ever after.
Living La Vida Mocha is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.
February 21, 2024
This punny rom com was so much fun! Part of the Coffee Loft series, we get a fun second chance romance between Carter and Cara. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Cara at first, but it wasn’t fair to judge her, since it didn’t start off real well for her! She went after what she wanted, and who she wanted, and with some very Hallmark Christmas movie vibes! There was just enough drama, some really interesting characters, and a Grinch Tree! Who doesn’t want that in their life?!? Such a sweet romance, I really enjoyed it!
March 4, 2024
I just love this new multi author series! The Coffee Loft series is made up of multiple stories from various authors all centered around some of my favorite things-coffee and HEAs! Living La Vida Mocha was another great addition! Cara has one of the worst days you can have and finds herself getting a second chance at love. Carter has a secret he’s hiding, but will he let it get in the way of rekindling what was meant to be? This clean and quick paced read has all the makings of a rom-com novella, but it also contains some heavier content handled really well (medical diagnosis and death of a parent-off the pages). This is a new to me author, and I’m so glad I found her!
February 22, 2024
This is my first book by this author and it is yummy delicious! It started with a band and ends with a bang and the inbetween is chalk full of an awesome story! I would definitely recommend this book!
February 28, 2024
OVERALL STAR RATING: 5/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
Holy beans - what a fantastic book!
Cara Gallagher has just been fired from her job and her boyfriend breaks up with her minutes later. Talk about a VERY bad day! Have you ever had a day so terrible you wish you could just hop into your car and drive off? Better yet, drive off and then find yourself in a Hallmark movie? Well, that’s pretty much what happens to Cara. She simply can’t cope with all the devastating events that have unfolded. She winds up at a Coffee Loft shop in the small town of Ridge Heights. It’s there she runs into her old college boyfriend, Carter Cross. Their relationship ended abruptly after Carter decided to set off for a European adventure. 13 years have since passed and now Cara is left with a million questions about both her past and present situation.
At the urging of Cara’s best friend, Amanda, she decides to stay in Ridge Heights for a while. It turns out Carter is the manager of the Coffee Loft, and she wants to take time to reconnect and reset her life now that she’s basically lost everything. Amanda is such an awesome BFF character. Her brutal honesty with Cara is refreshing. We could all use a friend that knows how to love with 100% truth.
Carter’s character is what’s really going to keep you turning pages in this book! He clearly has a secret that he doesn’t want Cara to know. I’m telling you I must have run every single crazy scenario through my brain about what was going to happen, and I still hadn’t guessed correctly by the time the mystery was finally revealed. Very deep and real-life challenges are discussed but will bring you so much hope. A truly sweet and inspiring read that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram at: aliciasbooksantuary
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
Holy beans - what a fantastic book!
Cara Gallagher has just been fired from her job and her boyfriend breaks up with her minutes later. Talk about a VERY bad day! Have you ever had a day so terrible you wish you could just hop into your car and drive off? Better yet, drive off and then find yourself in a Hallmark movie? Well, that’s pretty much what happens to Cara. She simply can’t cope with all the devastating events that have unfolded. She winds up at a Coffee Loft shop in the small town of Ridge Heights. It’s there she runs into her old college boyfriend, Carter Cross. Their relationship ended abruptly after Carter decided to set off for a European adventure. 13 years have since passed and now Cara is left with a million questions about both her past and present situation.
At the urging of Cara’s best friend, Amanda, she decides to stay in Ridge Heights for a while. It turns out Carter is the manager of the Coffee Loft, and she wants to take time to reconnect and reset her life now that she’s basically lost everything. Amanda is such an awesome BFF character. Her brutal honesty with Cara is refreshing. We could all use a friend that knows how to love with 100% truth.
Carter’s character is what’s really going to keep you turning pages in this book! He clearly has a secret that he doesn’t want Cara to know. I’m telling you I must have run every single crazy scenario through my brain about what was going to happen, and I still hadn’t guessed correctly by the time the mystery was finally revealed. Very deep and real-life challenges are discussed but will bring you so much hope. A truly sweet and inspiring read that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram at: aliciasbooksantuary
February 21, 2024
This is book ten in The Coffee Loft series and it is Cara and Carter’s story. Cara loves her marketing job and her life until everything suddenly falls apart leaving her with no job, no boyfriend and at rock bottom so when she sees The Coffee Loft it is just what she needs to make her feel better at least for a little while only imagine her surprise when she walks in and finds the man that she never forgot, had always had her heart and thought that she would never see again. Carter had never forgot Cara even though many years had passed and he would love to have a second chance to be with her but he has secrets that if revealed could tear them apart yet again causing them both even more pain. Where does that leave Cara and Carter in the long run especially because they want to be together and get a second chance of happiness and a future together but is it already doomed before it even started. When Cara starts work at the grinch tree workshop for a little while in Ridge Heights where she met Carter again she hopes that now she can start to move forward with her life after everything that she had gone through and start to get back on track with her life and she is hoping that it will also involve Carter which is what she would like but there are so many decisions to make. This is a beautiful second chance story that will have you turning the pages while being invested in the small town life along with Cara and Carter’s relationship to see how it turns out for them in the end and I was so addicted to this book that I couldn’t put it down. I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed and I can’t wait to read more books by this author in the future.
March 2, 2024
This is a sweet second chance romance. It was a lovely read. It’s a little longer than the other books in the series, but it needed to be for it to work right. Which it does. Cara was hit with the double whammy of being fired and dumped on the same day. Driving aimlessly, she ended up in a small town coffee shop, only to discover that it was run by a former boyfriend. “‘Once upon a time, he held my heart.’” As she was drawn back to the Hallmark movie set-like town, old feelings resurfaced, but Carter’s secrets threatened to derail any meaningful reconnection.
The characters were great and their interactions and gradual opening up was engaging. The romance was lovely, but with an emotionally fraught past. The other friend and family relationships really added to the story. The setting was interesting and I’ve never read a book that included Red Deer in its locations before. Tickled my affection for Alberta. Plus, a Just For Laughs shoutout. Awesome. I loved all the fun coffee puns. They were really cute and made Carter so endearing. “‘I didn’t choose the mug life, the mug life chose me.’” His situation was not easy, and it took some time for him to be willing to open up about it. “‘I’m here, and I’m not leaving. not now, not ever. If you’re going to walk a dark path, the I’ll walk it beside you, tethering you to my soul. And if you need to sing in the sunshine, I’ll cheer you on. You may have fooled me once, but not anymore.’” This book is also part of a multi-author series connected loosely by the coffee shop chain. Each book reads as a standalone. This is a closed door story with mild innuendo and no harsh language. There is on acronym that would include a moderate curse word.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were great and their interactions and gradual opening up was engaging. The romance was lovely, but with an emotionally fraught past. The other friend and family relationships really added to the story. The setting was interesting and I’ve never read a book that included Red Deer in its locations before. Tickled my affection for Alberta. Plus, a Just For Laughs shoutout. Awesome. I loved all the fun coffee puns. They were really cute and made Carter so endearing. “‘I didn’t choose the mug life, the mug life chose me.’” His situation was not easy, and it took some time for him to be willing to open up about it. “‘I’m here, and I’m not leaving. not now, not ever. If you’re going to walk a dark path, the I’ll walk it beside you, tethering you to my soul. And if you need to sing in the sunshine, I’ll cheer you on. You may have fooled me once, but not anymore.’” This book is also part of a multi-author series connected loosely by the coffee shop chain. Each book reads as a standalone. This is a closed door story with mild innuendo and no harsh language. There is on acronym that would include a moderate curse word.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2024
Oh my stars! This one is worthy of all of my five stars. This was a brilliant display of second chances and misunderstandings.
Cara Gallagher has just been fired and dumped in the span of five minutes. To make matters worse, both breakups were handled by phone. Her life, as she knows it, has disintegrated in front of her. In a daze she just keeps driving and driving. She ends up in Ridge Heights, a quaint little town that reminds her of a Hallmark movie set. When she smells an aromatic scent, she lets her nose do the walking and ends up at The Coffee Loft. She has to go in, never dreaming she is about to be hit with a blast from her past.
Carter Cross was the one who got away. He broke her heart more than a decade earlier. She never expected to see him again. Now here he stands in the middle of the coffee shop with a Coffee Loft apron around him looking just as he good as he did 13 years previously. The pitter patter of her heart reminds her that she never got over him, and she realizes she would love a second chance, but he is acting odd. So, she is not sure where this is headed, but she decides to go for it.
This was a very enjoyable read, but it was not a fluffy romance. This story had substance and emotional depth with some tear worthy moments, as well as some swoony scenes. There are some noteworthy romantic scenes that will tug on your heart. Second chance romances are my favorite kind of romance. I inhaled this entire book in one evening. Coffee Loft lovers will love this newest addition to the series.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cara Gallagher has just been fired and dumped in the span of five minutes. To make matters worse, both breakups were handled by phone. Her life, as she knows it, has disintegrated in front of her. In a daze she just keeps driving and driving. She ends up in Ridge Heights, a quaint little town that reminds her of a Hallmark movie set. When she smells an aromatic scent, she lets her nose do the walking and ends up at The Coffee Loft. She has to go in, never dreaming she is about to be hit with a blast from her past.
Carter Cross was the one who got away. He broke her heart more than a decade earlier. She never expected to see him again. Now here he stands in the middle of the coffee shop with a Coffee Loft apron around him looking just as he good as he did 13 years previously. The pitter patter of her heart reminds her that she never got over him, and she realizes she would love a second chance, but he is acting odd. So, she is not sure where this is headed, but she decides to go for it.
This was a very enjoyable read, but it was not a fluffy romance. This story had substance and emotional depth with some tear worthy moments, as well as some swoony scenes. There are some noteworthy romantic scenes that will tug on your heart. Second chance romances are my favorite kind of romance. I inhaled this entire book in one evening. Coffee Loft lovers will love this newest addition to the series.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 28, 2024
Living La Vida Mocha by H.M. Shander is a book in the lovely cozy Coffee Loft Series. Each book is a standalone, but has the same thing in common: coffee.
This story is about Cara, who in a matter of minutes, loses her job and boyfriend. As she does not know what to do, she somehow finds herself in a small Hallmark town, and finds that her ex works in a Coffee shop.
As I started reading I was as completely in shock as was Cara, because how much bad luck can one person get? She is a nice person, a bit of a loner and maybe she was a bit too much committed to her job. I could totally relate to her. Carter Cross, her ex, the one who got away, is a mysterious guy, you get the feeling that there is more going on with him. When they meet again after years, they still feel the same about eachother, but there are also secrets to uncover. There are hints throughout the story what is happening with Carter and that made me go on reading.
The writing style is great, flowing and it is an easy read. I loved the reference to coffee in sentences, that is a really great find!
Living La Vida Mocha is a great addition to an already wonderful series, with lovely characters, fun banter between the main characters, a mystery, and a second chance at love. What more do you need in a romance novel?
This story is about Cara, who in a matter of minutes, loses her job and boyfriend. As she does not know what to do, she somehow finds herself in a small Hallmark town, and finds that her ex works in a Coffee shop.
As I started reading I was as completely in shock as was Cara, because how much bad luck can one person get? She is a nice person, a bit of a loner and maybe she was a bit too much committed to her job. I could totally relate to her. Carter Cross, her ex, the one who got away, is a mysterious guy, you get the feeling that there is more going on with him. When they meet again after years, they still feel the same about eachother, but there are also secrets to uncover. There are hints throughout the story what is happening with Carter and that made me go on reading.
The writing style is great, flowing and it is an easy read. I loved the reference to coffee in sentences, that is a really great find!
Living La Vida Mocha is a great addition to an already wonderful series, with lovely characters, fun banter between the main characters, a mystery, and a second chance at love. What more do you need in a romance novel?
February 28, 2024
Another fun and flirty coffee loft story. This is the second chance story of Cara and Carter. Cara has been dumped and fired within five minutes of each other, and in a daze, she drives until she has no idea where she’s at. She goes in to get a coffee at the coffee loft and when she doesn’t think her day could get any worse, It does. Not only are her credit cards that are tied to her job frozen, She runs into her first love that had also dumped her. This was a cute start to this charming story. I felt like Cara had a stormy cloud over her most of the time. Carter was like a ray of sunshine, but he also had some dark clouds. But the chemistry was as strong as ever. I enjoyed the dimensions of these two characters. They were fun and flirty but also deep and thoughtful. The story took on some serious trials and heartaches, but with some great coping effects. I appreciate that the Author kept the story clean and free from swearwords.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 9, 2024
This was such a cute book! I love all the coffee puns.
The story begins with Cara getting double dumped by her job and her boyfriend, which sends her on a long drive. She ends up in another town and runs into her ex, the love of her life, at a coffee shop. Determined to win him back, she moves into a motel with a temp job and a whole latte hope. It's a HEA, so of course she succeeds in winning him back, but how? And will she be able to achieve new dreams?
I kind of wanted to shake Carter a little bit, but I really like Cara. She's driven and direct and a dreamer. I do wish the character development had been a little deeper earlier on, but they got there. Same for my investment in the book--it was a little slow at first, but then I finished the second half in a day because I couldn't wait to see how things would unfold.
All in all, I give it a solid 4 stars and recommend it to anyone who loves a second chance, slow burn love story with a cute and quirky guy and a bold woman who knows what she wants.
The story begins with Cara getting double dumped by her job and her boyfriend, which sends her on a long drive. She ends up in another town and runs into her ex, the love of her life, at a coffee shop. Determined to win him back, she moves into a motel with a temp job and a whole latte hope. It's a HEA, so of course she succeeds in winning him back, but how? And will she be able to achieve new dreams?
I kind of wanted to shake Carter a little bit, but I really like Cara. She's driven and direct and a dreamer. I do wish the character development had been a little deeper earlier on, but they got there. Same for my investment in the book--it was a little slow at first, but then I finished the second half in a day because I couldn't wait to see how things would unfold.
All in all, I give it a solid 4 stars and recommend it to anyone who loves a second chance, slow burn love story with a cute and quirky guy and a bold woman who knows what she wants.
February 28, 2024
Living La Vida Mocha
H.M. Shander
#10 in the stand alone series The Coffee Loft
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After two blows in one day, losing her job and being dumped by her boyfriend, Cara is devastated. She drives aimlessly and ends up in a town she doesn’t recognize. She stumbles upon The Coffee Loft and orders the biggest coffee they have. To her surprise the owner of the coffee loft is none other than the man who broke her heart in college.
Cara can’t seem to stay away from the coffee shop and Carter.
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This was a sweet second chance romance. I enjoyed the road that lead Carter and Cara back to each other. The secret that broke them apart was a sad aspect but I love how it finally came to light and they were still willing to choose one another!
Read if you like:
☕️Second Chance
☕️New Beginnings
☕️Small Town
☕️Coffee Puns
H.M. Shander
#10 in the stand alone series The Coffee Loft
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After two blows in one day, losing her job and being dumped by her boyfriend, Cara is devastated. She drives aimlessly and ends up in a town she doesn’t recognize. She stumbles upon The Coffee Loft and orders the biggest coffee they have. To her surprise the owner of the coffee loft is none other than the man who broke her heart in college.
Cara can’t seem to stay away from the coffee shop and Carter.
__________________________________________________
This was a sweet second chance romance. I enjoyed the road that lead Carter and Cara back to each other. The secret that broke them apart was a sad aspect but I love how it finally came to light and they were still willing to choose one another!
Read if you like:
☕️Second Chance
☕️New Beginnings
☕️Small Town
☕️Coffee Puns
February 12, 2024
I read the blurb and I really thought I would like the book but it just wasn't for me.
The FMC Cara was absolutely disagreeable and I couldn't relate to the MMC as well. And the story was just so boring I really had to make myself keep reading. After losing her job and getting dumped by her boyfriend all in one day Cara just happens to walk into a random coffeshop and by chance her ex-boyfriend is the boss there. Since she has never forgotten him she keeps coming back and then she moves into town just to see if there might be a second chance for them - even though he made it clear he could not enter a relationship with her again - that seemed really stalkerish. I'm sorry to say the story just wasn't for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The FMC Cara was absolutely disagreeable and I couldn't relate to the MMC as well. And the story was just so boring I really had to make myself keep reading. After losing her job and getting dumped by her boyfriend all in one day Cara just happens to walk into a random coffeshop and by chance her ex-boyfriend is the boss there. Since she has never forgotten him she keeps coming back and then she moves into town just to see if there might be a second chance for them - even though he made it clear he could not enter a relationship with her again - that seemed really stalkerish. I'm sorry to say the story just wasn't for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 29, 2024
"I didn't choose the mug life, the mug life chose me"....this book is so adorably amazing! Can I please get the address to Coffee Loft Ridge Heights?
This second chance love story of Cara & Carter was a swoony, Hallmark vibes romance. Some second chance romances frustrate me because I want the couple to get together already, but Living La Vida Mocha did not read like that for me. Cara & Carter's relationship seemed to fall right back into a new place while they both still protected their hearts. The banter between these two, and the puns oh my goodness, the puns so good "you mocha me happy". I enjoyed this book so much but the Epilogue....my jaw dropped, I squealed, & cried some happy tears....not sure why I didn't see that ending coming but aww Cara & Carter, cheers to you!
"Java nice night."
This second chance love story of Cara & Carter was a swoony, Hallmark vibes romance. Some second chance romances frustrate me because I want the couple to get together already, but Living La Vida Mocha did not read like that for me. Cara & Carter's relationship seemed to fall right back into a new place while they both still protected their hearts. The banter between these two, and the puns oh my goodness, the puns so good "you mocha me happy". I enjoyed this book so much but the Epilogue....my jaw dropped, I squealed, & cried some happy tears....not sure why I didn't see that ending coming but aww Cara & Carter, cheers to you!
"Java nice night."
March 29, 2024
Different look for a Coffee Loft book
4.5 stars. This is a different premise for a book. There’s the lost love that faded away, the double whammy of lost job and another breakup and the mindless drive to the small town to discover forever. Then there’s the big secret ( no spoilers) that precipitates everything else. It’s not something I’ve encountered in all my reading, but definitely something that affects everything in your life. Behind it all, is the search for a perfect coffee. Cara and Carter have a history but he disappeared and here he is in this small town brewing coffee. There’s all kind of trust issues and past life issues they have to overcome to get their HEA. It’s definitely not a fluffy unicorn and sparkles kind of book as they are dealing with hard, real life things. Recommend.
Clean, fade to black suggestion.
4.5 stars. This is a different premise for a book. There’s the lost love that faded away, the double whammy of lost job and another breakup and the mindless drive to the small town to discover forever. Then there’s the big secret ( no spoilers) that precipitates everything else. It’s not something I’ve encountered in all my reading, but definitely something that affects everything in your life. Behind it all, is the search for a perfect coffee. Cara and Carter have a history but he disappeared and here he is in this small town brewing coffee. There’s all kind of trust issues and past life issues they have to overcome to get their HEA. It’s definitely not a fluffy unicorn and sparkles kind of book as they are dealing with hard, real life things. Recommend.
Clean, fade to black suggestion.
January 14, 2024
I really enjoyed reading, Living La Vida Mocha (The Coffee Loft) by H.M. Shander because it was a second chance story about Cara and Carter. Cara's character was going through a very rough time and she definitely needed a fresh start in life. Carter's character was going through something as well and he needed to be upfront with Cara. The story was told in Cara's POV and her and Carter both needed to make a fresh start with both of their lives. There was a bit of drama in this story and I wondered how things were going to end up. Both of the characters needed a second chance to make things right. I received an ARC of this story and I am voluntarily choosing to leave this review. It was a great story to read!!
February 23, 2024
This book was so stinking cute!! Cara definitely had a rough start in this book. I love how out of no where she enters a new town and goes to The Coffee Loft not knowing that her life was about to change. Carter and Cara's story was really good. They had some challenges but in the end love wins. All the characters in this book were enjoyable. His sister was a little hard to like in the beginning but comes around. This is a wonderful second chance story. I devoured this book. I can't recommend this book or The Coffee Loft series enough. Please grab a coffee and sit down with this wonderful book and series. HIGHLY recommend!
Thank you HM Shander for allowing me to read this ARC in advance for my honest opinion.
Thank you HM Shander for allowing me to read this ARC in advance for my honest opinion.
February 28, 2024
Oh poor Cara, she gets fired and dumped in the same day. She has had trouble really finding her way as an adult. She takes off in her car and winds up at a Coffee Loft several hours from home. More bad luck and her credit card has been shut off. The manager of the store comes to her rescue, but he is an ex, the one that got away - Carter. Their relationship is complex, even now. I loved the two of them together. They are forced to look in the mirror and face their issues and they both do it with humility and heart. Carter is keeping something huge from Cara, when she finds out it may take her a bit, but science doesn’t lie and they are what each other needs. When they clear the air, their love is special and the story is excellent!
February 29, 2024
Cara and Carter’s Story . . .
With a beginning like Cara experienced, I thought we were in for a really tragic story! Cara Gallagher seemed to have everything anyone could want. Instead, she ends up fired from her job and dumped in the same day. So driving off in a daze, she finally ends up at the Coffee Loft where she can take a break and think about her bad luck. Apparently, it is still continuing since her credit card is shut down. And when the manager comes over, it turns out to be an ex who, even after 13 years since he left her, she may not be ready to face. Will she and Carter Cross attempt a second chance relationship? Has the passage of time made them ready to try again? Or will Carter’s secret drive them apart?
With a beginning like Cara experienced, I thought we were in for a really tragic story! Cara Gallagher seemed to have everything anyone could want. Instead, she ends up fired from her job and dumped in the same day. So driving off in a daze, she finally ends up at the Coffee Loft where she can take a break and think about her bad luck. Apparently, it is still continuing since her credit card is shut down. And when the manager comes over, it turns out to be an ex who, even after 13 years since he left her, she may not be ready to face. Will she and Carter Cross attempt a second chance relationship? Has the passage of time made them ready to try again? Or will Carter’s secret drive them apart?
February 27, 2024
Cara loses her job and her meh boyfriend within five minutes. Needing to drive away her despair, she ends up in Ridge Heights at a coffee shop and her first love is running it. It has been ten years since they broke up and slowly the whole story comes out to them, their friends and family. Nothing is as it seems for most of the book, while twists and secrets keep the pages turning. Loved the characters, the town, Stanley, the workshops, memories, the hospital and how things changed between Bea and Cara. The ending was perfect.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2024
This book is part of the Coffee Loft series. This is a multi-author collection that features romance and coffee. Each stand-alone story is the right blend of sweet, guaranteed to warm your heart. A second chance love story that will pull at your heart. Two people drawn together yet pulled apart. Will they find their way back to each other? Will they find the happily ever after that we all want for them? The author does a great job developing her characters. This story is well written and will draw you into the characters emotions. You feel all their angst and love. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2024
A second chance romance.
Cara loses both her job and her boyfriend in less than 10 mins. Her boss says she is not fully invested in the company ethos and her boyfriend says she is not fully invested in him. Driving aimlessly brings her aimlessly to small town, Ridge Heights where she is reunited with Carter, who broke off their relationship some years ago.
The attraction is still between them, but it will take time to rebuild the hurt and heartache. There are problems, secrets and the odd lie told on both sides, but patience and time could heal.
Cara loses both her job and her boyfriend in less than 10 mins. Her boss says she is not fully invested in the company ethos and her boyfriend says she is not fully invested in him. Driving aimlessly brings her aimlessly to small town, Ridge Heights where she is reunited with Carter, who broke off their relationship some years ago.
The attraction is still between them, but it will take time to rebuild the hurt and heartache. There are problems, secrets and the odd lie told on both sides, but patience and time could heal.
February 9, 2024
I was given this book as an early read and it did not disappoint as with all of the H. M. Shander books she has written. Cara and Carter had been deeply in love at one time many years before and through happenstance they end up in the same town years later. The love is still there but circumstances have them both questioning the possibilities of re-igniting the love they still hold for each other or just continuing the way they have been living their lives. This is a wonderful story line filled with everything a good second chance romance needs to keep you interested.
February 29, 2024
I loved how unique this one was! First off it had the MFC chasing after the MMC (always happy for a girl willing to go after her man) and while she was going through some things herself, there was a lot more focus on the MMC’s personal issues and the pair of them figuring them out together. The story felt real and relatable, the second chance warm and satisfying. Even the antagonistic sister was a fun addition, adding just enough drama to keep me on my toes. The role reversal really was the highlight in this one!
March 23, 2024
After being fired from her job and dumped by her boyfriend within five minutes and two phone calls, Cara feels hopeless. She decides to get into her car and start driving. She continues driving until she reaches the small town of Ridge Heights. There, she walks around until she stumbles upon The Coffee Loft. To her surprise, she finds out that Carter, the one she never got over, works there. This story is full of angst and romance, ending in a HEA. Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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