Java Hearts & Cupid Darts

The Coffee Loft

by Kimberly Krey

Maggie’s a coffee shop owner determined to find Mr. Right.

Braxton’s a full-of-himself carpenter she’s dubbed Mr. Never.

When the two are forced to pair up in a storytelling duel, Maggie’s temper boils hotter than their freshest brew. But when she glimpses his not-so-infuriating side, Maggie can’t help but think that something else is brewing between them.

Maggie Modella, owner of the VA Beach Coffee Loft, has found the keys to true love!
Well, they're not actually keys; they're darts. Cupid darts, to be exact.
If she simply collects the darts found within the pages of her new life-changing book, she, too, can find true and everlasting love.
There’s just one problem:
She has a major distraction in the form of Braxton Wheaton, the infuriating brute she hired to revamp an old train car for her coffee shop. Braxton is as boastful as a peacock with the manners of an ox. And now, thanks to her meddling sister, Maggie has to pair off with him in a storytelling duel.
But once the coffee dust starts to settle, Braxton reveals a deep and vulnerable side that has Maggie rethinking her love for hating him.
To make matters worse, those ever-important Cupid darts start checking themselves off one by one. If she can't stop them, she might just fall in love with the wrong guy.

Coming January 17, 2024



Exciting new series announcement coming soon!

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-after's coming right up!

Genres: Romance, Clean Romance, Audiobook

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2024

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author Kimberly Krey is known as the Queen of Steamy Clean Romance. She's a fervent lover of God, family, and cheese platters, as well as the ultimate hater of laundry. Her readers count on faith-filled romance novels that stay clean without losing the steam.

* 2021 USA Today Bestselling Author

* 2020 RONE Award Winner

* THREE-TIME SWOONY Award Winner

* KINDLE All-Star Author Award Winner

* KINDLE All-Star Book Award Winner

* TWO-TIME RONE Award Finalist

To stay connected, and receive a FREE book, subscribe to her newsletter: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8f1uz6q272 To follow her author page on FB @: https://www.facebook.com/kimberlykrey... For a printable PDF of her work (listed by series) see her website @ https://www.kimberlykrey.com

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A not so meet-cute. Sparks of mischief and teasing. A fun, yet super cocky guy. A coffee house in an old train station. Improv romance stories. This and more makes the perfect mark for cupid darts to work their magic.

Maggie is ready for love and to find her perfect man and a book is going to help her do just that. Braxton and Maggie seem to have all the makings of a soap opera swirling around them, yet they come together in such an explosive and unexpected way through the remodeling of a caboose. There’s nothing likely about this opposites attract duo, yet the chemistry is nearly explosive and while their individual barriers threaten to keep them apart, there is a deep connection threading them together, and it’s more than just a mutual attraction. And I couldn’t get enough.

I love characters that float off the pages with dynamic personalities. Braxton is such a tease and almost takes things too far on many occasions, having so many lessons to learn, but he’s fun, spontaneous and never backs down from a forbidden challenge. Maggie is the epitome of sass and spunk, with a personality as fiery as her hair, but her life has shaped her for good…and for bad.

I love the way this author writes clean, with sizzling kissing steam, romances. They’re the perfect fit for me. I laughed. I smiled. And I swooned hard!

Content/TW: mild+ romance; talk of sibling’s death due to drugs; talk of divorce

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

[TheBookPlatypus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie and Braxton!

Maggie is looking for someone to redo an old train caboose to add on to her Coffee Loft Coffee Shop.. it’s when we meet Braxton.. and overly confident and cocky man who thinks his can do the job much better than the previous guy..
Maggie isn’t amused by Braxton and his attitude at all.
It’s a fun, banter filled, romance between these two!
Maggie is looking for love and is doing it the way one of her favorite authors wrote about.
“When Maggie sets those hazel eyes on me, filled with barely masked irritation and disdain for yours truly—I long to ignite other emotions.”

🧡Cupids may have something to do with these two falling in love.
🧡He Falls First
🧡Duel POV
🧡Hilarious Banter
🧡HEA guaranteed

[Kimberly Krey]

I love Maggie and Braxton's love story!

I adore how these two push beyond their discomfort. They allow themselves to be vulnerable, which helps them build a deep and exciting connection. Not only that, but they have such fun and playful banter that just made me grin.

As a romance writer, I always love it when my characters hit that special spot—the moment that I, too, am convinced of their love for each other. It's such a rewarding and fulfilling moment.

Like Braxton, I lost one of my brothers far too young. It was a therapeutic journey, working through those lingering waves of grief with Braxton. Waves that won't fully fade. But sharing his struggles only made his relationship with Maggie all the more beautiful.

And while this story does touch on elements of grief, it is lighthearted, romantic, and fun. I hope you guys will agree.

This is the fourth release in The Coffee Loft Series, but they don't need to be read in order as each book stands alone. Still, if you haven't read the others, you'll want to pick them up. They're so sweet and swoony and fun!

As always, thanks for the book love and support.
I truly appreciate you!

[Kimberly Prytherch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all. I started this book last night and had to force myself to go to bed. I could not stop reading! I couldn’t wait to get back to it today, and binge read the rest! From the very start it had me, with the crazy meet cute that nobody even realized was happening, to the enemies to lovers storyline, and all do the craziness in between. The characters were so fun, the location was so unique (I want to go to a train station turned coffee shop now!) and you cheered on for the HEA you just hope is coming! It really was the perfect Valentine’s Day story! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟or should I say ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so funny! Between the bridesmaid dress disasters and the Star Wars reference, I was hooked from the start. With every turn of the page I was highlighting more and more and laughing out loud. Maggie is so funny and fantastic character. Maggie and Braxton don’t get along at first. I love the enemies to lovers trope and the progression of their relationship was perfect because they have excellent chemistry. There are very fun moments (Maggie’s Cupid book adventures, improv at the Coffee Loft) and Braxton’s brothers were funny. I also loved how Braxton admired his parents and Maggie’s sister Kirsten was also great. And I absolutely love dual POVs.
I received an ebook from the author. All views and opinions are my own.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes love just needs a little help from cupid.
Or in this case, cupid darts?
Or how about a loving sister who can't help but meddle in Maggie's love life?
Or that large and annoying carpenter, who is a know-it-all lug who is amazingly good at what he does but when his chivalrous side comes out, move over cupid!

Maggie won't know what hit her! A dart from cupid's arrow? Or true love?

Braxton might be a little loud and opinionated and not afraid to express his opinions but he's got a heart of gold. Unfortunately he and Maggie don't see eye to eye. Several mixups and assumptions cause for a not-so-meet-cute. But swallowing some pride, and learning to see eye to eye, or rather taking time to get to know someone, will go a loooooong way for these two!

This book is so much fun! And just absolutely adorable! I loved all of the creative scenes and activities that the author wrote into it. Get ready for some improv because you're going to LOVE it and you'll find yourself chuckling along with the audience and fellow Coffee Loft patrons as Maggie and Braxton learn how to work together and play off of each other during improve!

These two have some pretty funny conversations, great witty banter and yes...sizzling chemistry! You'll love every minute with them!

Content: Clean. Some kisses and nothing further.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Kristina Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Valentine’s Day coming up, this was a perfect way to kick off Love Season! This is a new to me author, but this one book has made me a fan for life! This sweet rom-com is just full of everything my Hallmark heart loves. A cinnamon roll male lead, a strong female, laugh out loud moments, chemistry, witty banter, great side characters, and a HEA that leaves me smiling! This is a standalone story that is part of a multi author series, The Coffee Loft, but it is independent of the others. After reading this, I can’t wait to discover more books by Kimberly! If you love a book that feels like a warm hug or a cup of your favorite Java, curl up and let the Cupid Darts take over!

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Java Hearts & Cupid Darts is a clever, clean, enemies to more, romantic comedy. I love both Maggie and Braxton, but they do have issues! Their banter kept me reading way too late at night. I thoroughly enjoyed this well written book!

[Laramee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute romcom! I love that he is a carpenter and she is a coffee shop owner. Their banter and dynamic at the beginning cracked me up!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

☕️Book Review☕️

Java Hearts & Cupid Darts
Kimberly Krey

Happy Release Day Kim!

Coffee Loft Location: Virginia Beach, VA
#4 in series but can be read as a stand-alone.
_________________________________________________
Maggie was finally ready to put herself back out there and find love. However, the best man in her friend’s wedding humiliated her and successfully made her turn her back on love yet again.

Fast forward a few years and Braxton, her carpenter, makes her feel things she never thought she would. Little did she know he just so happened to be the same man from years prior.
_________________________________________________
This book was ADORABLE! I had so much fun while reading this.
I loved the connection and character crossover from Sting Op Fun at 41. Family is such a huge aspect of this book and the struggles Blaine went through really hit close to home for me. I felt such a connection with Braxton when he spoke of his brother, which is just one of the reasons I loved this book.

Kim does such a great job creating her characters to be relatable with such a good storyline. She does all this while also writing in some comedic relief, which is my favorite. The tension and chemistry between Braxton and Maggie made me fly through this book. Although I’m not a fan of a second act break up I would totally read this again.

Can we please get another book with another one of the brothers… because I need it! 🥰

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this book. I truly enjoyed it!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely and fun read. I enjoyed it very much. There was great romantic tension, fun moments, and a beautiful build-up. It’s not long, but it felt complete and gave a satisfying relationship arc. The characters were great and they had excellent banter. Maggie, a coffee shop owner, and Braxton, a carpenter, were connected by their siblings dating. They got off on the wrong foot when he offended her while pitching a restoration job at her coffee shop. His skills and plans got him hired anyway, but their antagonistic relationship continued to build tension between them…but maybe not quite the kind of tension they expected. Both were wary of relationships and vulnerability. “‘No one holds tighter to an unhealthy pattern than someone who’s about to give it up completely.’” “‘You need to get out of your own way.’” The Cupid’s Darts were a fun framework for the relationship’s momentum. The couple’s story improv was fun. This book is part of a multi-author series connected loosely by the coffee shop chain. Each book reads as a standalone. This story was clean with mild innuendo and no harsh language.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book about moving forward
A cute story about overcoming hurts of the past to allow love into your life. Maggie had a hard childhood with parents that divorced, remarried, and divorced leaving her wondering about marriage and love in general. Now as an adult she struggles with any serious relationship and prefers to focus on growing her successful business. As she prepares to expand her shop, she is referred to Braxton as the contractor to handle the job. When they meet it is not a cute meet or even an OK meet. They do not get along but he is working on her job, as they both try to stay away from each other. But neither one can deny the attraction or the feeling that they have met before. When everything is revealed and old hurts identified, will they be able to move forward together? I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Marissa Busk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers is a hit or Miss trope for me! If the author is able to build tension among the characters without them being just plain mean to each other then it is one of my favorite tropes. The inner dialogue of “this man frustrates me so much so why I am so attracted to him” is fantastic! Java Hearts and Cupid Darts did a good job with this trope. It definitely built in some extra tension too.

Maggie is the owner of a Coffee Loft store.

**sidenote** I really wish these store existed. The authors do such an amazing job describing the unique stores and the flavor profile of the coffee. My local shops need to step it up!

Maggie is the poster child for the saying “always a bridesmaid, never a bride”. Her friend and sister accuse her of not being open to love and shutting down relationships because she is scared. Her coffee shop hosts an author who has a book about Cupid Darts and what scenarios can lead to a lasting relationship. With this visit and the book in hand she decides to be open to the idea of love!

Braxton is a carpenter hired to renovate a train car for the coffee shop. They’re not quite so meetcute first encounter leaves Maggie upset with Braxton. While she doesn’t want to interact with him personally she can’t deny that his talent and unique design is perfect for the renovation.

While working side by side the two have many encounters. Add to that their siblings are also dating and they find themselves constantly running into each other.

This was a very unique story line and the way the characters were interconnected is not something I’ve experienced in many other books. I enjoyed seeing the growth of both main characters. Braxton has a special story he shares and it made me tear up every time.

I was waiting for something to happen since the first chapter of the book and even knowing it was coming I was still devastated by the turn of events (and honestly a little confused how it took so long to be noticed), but in true romance fashion I left the story with all the happy, cozy, this was the perfect ending for these characters vibes.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie and Braxton have such great banter from the start , it’s easy to pick up on their chemistry. She doesn’t want to want him and he wants to not want her but …when Braxton , her sister Kirsten’s boyfriend Beau’s brother turns up to give her an estimate for carpentry at the Coffee Loft in an old train carriage , she’s got a caboose wanting work to extend to the loft’s business. Here he irks her no end when he talks ill of Nobly’s work on the existing carriage. Braxton is warned off by Beau but he finds himself intrigued by the sassy Red head. Maggie feels like he’s familiar somehow , it must be his likeness to Beau. Even though she sent him packing after dissing her retired carpenter she does like his presentation of proposed work. So they revamp the old train car and stamp out new ground with each other…. Hapless romance that sprung from dislike , what do you know , must have been written in the stars …Brilliant writing, I literally read in one sitting , it grabbed my attention from the start and the easy flow style had me smiling throughout . Some laugh out loud moments too. A very pleasant story, sublime setting in a quirky location . Loved it !
I read an advance copy of the book and I give my review voluntarily and in my own words

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book which is the second in the series, we're introduced to Maggie and Braxton. Maggie has finally opened her own coffee loft in a converted only train car having bought a caboose to extend her previous contractor has now retired. Braxton loves working with his hands and taken a step back from his building company to just do more personal jobs, so when the caboose job is offered he jumps at the chance. But from the initial meeting Maggie doesn't like him, he offends her previous contractor, he just doesn't seem to take anything serious. But she loves his design can she really have him do the work, and there's just something else in the back of her mind but she can't work out what. Neither are looking for any romantic outcome, both have their own reasons for avoiding relationships. I loved the characters Maggie is so scared of hurt and rejection she just self destructs every relationship. When really all she wants is to be loved. I couldn't put this book down and hope that there's more in the series. I received this as an ARC copy and this is my own honest opinion and review of the book

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really cute romcom. Maggie and Braxton are at odds from the very beginning, but their attraction for each other is palpable. Maggie owns a coffee shop and has hired Braxton to do some renovations. If she didn’t like his blueprints so well, she would’ve fired him on the spot. But she really wants her place perfect and he’s the one that can make that happen. One night, Maggie hosts a book author at her coffee shop. She gets pulled into a storytelling competition and is partnered with none other than Braxton. Could she really give him a chance?
I got sucked into the beginning of this book quickly. I thought the storyline was clever and entertaining. The characters took me a little more time to warm up to. Maggie had had some hardships throughout her life, but was making the best of what she had. Braxton comes off as a, I’m all that, type of guy. I thought there are a few slow chapters in the middle, they just didn’t hold my attention. But the ending made up for it. It was fun with some surprising twists and very sweet. I give it 4.5 ⭐️ I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Laura and Literature · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite setting for the coffee shop in this series thus far! I love the train car idea and needing renovations is the perfect setting for a meet up.

Braxton and Maggie make a cute couple and I like the slow burn to their relationship here. Individually, the characters are likable but together, they complement each other.

I read “Sting Op at 41” before reading this one, and I recommend it. Maggie and Braxton are introduced in that story so it was fun having a bit of an idea of them before reading their story!

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you read any books by Kimberly Krey yet? This one was my first, and I was very pleased with it.

This was a fun little book with some surprising depth to it. I got lost in the story and laughed quite a few times. It even *almost* made me want some coffee. Thankfully my good sense prevailed. But now I REALLY want a refurbished train car...

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

[MacKenzie Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute book that I couldn’t put down. It is a dual pov, clean romance. It is in a multi author series but can easily be read as a stand alone novel. Maggie and Braxton are so cute with each other. I love the way they tease each other and aren’t afraid to add a little sass into their relationship. They both had a lot of growth to do as individuals and I love that we were able to see both of their thought processes as they progressed as individuals and as a couple. Definitely a fun, quick read that anyone will love.

[Kristie Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super sweet and romantic story! I love that her life is basically following the book she's reading, but she doesn't notice it at first because she's so frustrated. Watching Maggie open up and grow was so wonderful. And Braxton, too, but he seemed to have a better handle on those insecurities and was a really good help to her. Loved it!

[Marilu Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute and witty story so much fun to read great characters fast pace clean and funny the banter between the characters got my attention from beginning to end I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary and honest review and I truly recommend this book to anyone the whole series so far is great very enjoyable.

[Patricia Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this thank you Kimberly krey for this sweet romance story about Braxton and Maggie. Love the dynamics between them. Love/hate relationship. They both learn to trust and love with a happy ever after. Highly recommend

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dual pov, enemy to lovers romance comedy. Maggie is using a self help book “Cupid’s Darts” to find true love; Braxton makes the worst first impression. Can he make amends? Can they get past their first meet? Will the “darts” help?
I highly recommend this book.

[Deborah K DeLaVina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cupid darts

What an inspiring story of family, friendship, marriage, divorce & forgiveness. The surprise reveal of a past experience threatens to make the world fall apart. The ending absolutely makes me feel like there’s always hope.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute romance, with laughter and great banter.. Loved it!

[Shanna Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, sassy, and such a fun read

Java Hearts and Cupid Darts was so dang cute! I love the authors slight spin on enemies to lovers trope, it was really fun and kept it interesting. You could feel the chemistry burning through the pages (in totally clean sweet romance ways) and oh my goodness I just loved them together. The bickering, the romantic moments, all of it was so fun and entertaining. This is a great read, especially for this Valentine's season.

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fun

I loved the various embarrassing situations, the hot-headed quick to anger heroine, and the sometimes knuckleheads hero. I really enjoyed the romance contests. Fabulous book.

[LaRae Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best, swoony romcom's I've ever read! So hilarious I was laughing out loud several times! The best phrases are used too! Oh, so good!

[Lissa Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Braxton & Maggie's heartachingly beautiful, fiery, sweet, caring, loving,swoony story!!!

[Amanda Benkendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story in the Coffee Loft series! Java Hearts & Cupid Darts is the book that put the Coffee Loft series on my radar several weeks ago. This is the 1st book of Kimberly's that I've read, I can not wait to read more.

The story of Maggie & Braxton is so sweet. This is not your typical enemies to lovers book, they meet but don't realize who the other is. I enjoyed that they didn't fall hard for each other early in the book but refuse to talk about their feelings - their professional relationship was transformed with a nudge from their siblings. It was cute how their relationship developed at the Coffee Loft. With each chapter, I was thankful Maggie didn't realize who Braxton was, but when that time came, I was devastated that Cupid might not strike after all. In the end, the sky's the limit ♡ I hope Kimberly shares more of Maggie & Braxtons's love story with us in a future book.

PS: being 20 minutes from VA Beach. I wish we had a train car Coffee shop amongst all of our amazing local coffee shops. ☕️