Within the struggling cafe Deja Brew, trouble percolates beneath the coffee beans. The shop’s owner, Shale, is forced into a dangerous game by a cartel, and when her shipment vanishes, it's game on.
Shale's only hope is an unexpected Junior. Her only regular, and a local hacker with a knack for saving the day.
As they race against the cartel’s desire to get their hands on Shale, sparks fly along with the bullets, and dangerous plots brew. Can their connection survive the chaos, or will their love, and Deja Brew, become a bitter memory?
Jessica Gadziala lives in rural New Jersey with her parrots, dogs, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants. A lifelong dreamer, she’s been writing stories since childhood and published her first book in 2015. When not at her desk, she’s usually feeding backyard birds, rewatching crime dramas, period pieces, and 90s supernatural TV shows, or adding to her towering stacks of unread books.
I can't believe I waited so long to dive into this book! I was really looking forward to Junior's story, especially after discovering that his parents are Alex and Breaker. Plus, we're going to a coffee shop, which is one of my favorite places to hang out—coffee and Jessica's books. Seriously, what more can a girl want?
Shale Warner, who runs a new coffee shop called Deja Brew, finds herself in a tough spot, forced to do things she never wanted to for her survival.
Junior, with an enforcer dad and a top-notch hacker mom, has skills in both areas but leans more towards hacking. Trained since elementary school, he's in high demand and often has to turn down jobs. It's impressive how he still manages to notice his favorite barista amidst all that chaos. I adore this quirky family dynamic and it makes me want to revisit Breaker, Paine, and Shooter's stories. Jessica Gadziala is an author you just can't get enough of—I've read nearly all of her almost 100 books! Once you step into the Navesink Bank Universe, you won't want to leave.
Jessica never fails me, and now I have yet another couple to love and reread!!.
Shale is just everything. I love me a super unproblematic heroine, and she is that and then some. That being said... being new to the criminal world that is Navesink Bank. Shale unfortunately found herself in an unwanted, unexpected, tricky situation. I felt for because she had no control and yet despite that held herself well. She was strong, sweet, and kind. There really was nothing I didn't love.
Junior. Oh my. With Alex and Breaker as parents, I already knew my man would be confident with a side of cocky. But under all that is a solid unit of sweet, and oh, so caring to those he chooses to let in. Even when they come at unexpected times and even interlop in his life without permission. Junior was a little bit of a grump, too, and it was hilarious to see him navigate a new woman as well as a new brother.
These two had me. Maybe it didn't start as the most conventional of romances, but Junior is no stranger to an unconventional beginning either. I love that he knew something was up with Shale and pushed for the truth. I loved that neither fought the attraction and things happened super organically despite the crazy around them. I really loved Barry and how he pushed in and made a tipod out of Shale and Junior. He honestly was my favourite thing ever.
There truly was so much to love. From old, much loved characters to new exciting ones. To the sweet and saucy. The hilariously dysfunctional and absolutely outrageous. Everything made happy and I was honestly so sad for it to end.
While this was definitely not my favorite Jessica Gadziala book, I was glad to be back in the Navesink Bank universe! Where all the badass men are secretly super sappy and overall good guys. I loved that we've seemed to move on to the next generation and that we got some cameo's from some of my faves from past books! This was a little too fast-paced in the romance and action department for my personal taste, while feeling very slow during the parts that involved Barry, so the pacing was a little off. And don't get me wrong, Barry was adorable, but he felt a little unnecessary to the story tbh.
Quickie review: 3.75. This was enjoyable, sweet, sexy and suspenseful. I forgot to write any notes when I finished but I know I enjoyed it. I need to read more from this author as it's been a while since I read anything from her so I'm behind.
I love this book and I love all of Jessica's books. I am impressed not only by her incredible talent, but also by the number of books she writes.
This book is not only an amazing suspense-packed romance. It's also a reunion with old characters from various of her books 🥰
But back to this action-packed, fast-paced, and extremely exciting story. I love every second of it.
Junior is, of course, like his parents. Extremely smart because of his mother and also strong and agile because of his father. I love that he takes after his parents and is proud to be their child. I also love this playful relationship he has with them. He's also like all Navesink Bank men, someone who can't resist a woman in trouble 😉
Shale doesn't have a family or friends who could or would help her out in difficult situations. She learned very early in her life that she could only rely on herself. That's why it was a shock for her that suddenly, a stranger or just acquaintance and his family were at her side in a very difficult situation. And despite the fact that she is lonely and on her own, she is as unproblematic as you could imagine a heroine. You just have to love her ❤️
And there is also Berry. Gosh, I love this guy. He's hilarious 😂
But you know what? That's enough spoilers. You need to read this book. It's definitely a must-read for all romance lovers. You'll love this book.
Man, these next generation NBU characters are amazing! I loved this entire book!! I hope we get a Barry book someday.. he was delightful. The most fascinating and endearing family reunion in New Jersey..
I love a trip to Navesink Bank, it feels like a lifetime ago I read Breaker and Alex’s story so it was nice to read about an adult Junior and meeting a grown up Jackson. On top of the awesomely named ‘She’s bean around’ we now have the brilliant ’Deja Brew’ a new coffee shop and the lovely owner Shale with her ever changing hair colour. As well as trying to encourage more customers through the door she has a big issue with the coffee she imports… a drug cartel has decided her coffee is the perfect way for them to import their drugs and make her deliver it to a drop off spot. Scary enough but when she goes to the docks to collect and it’s gone her life is endangered but it does attract her favourite customer to her rescue
I loved revisiting Breaker and Shooter’s circle. It was also hilarious to meet Barry again (from Voss). The friendships this author creates are as enjoyable as the romances.
The MMC talking about Barry (stray dog),
“If there was ever a depressing thought that made you rethink your choices in life, it was your stray dog telling you that you were going to be ‘platonic man-buddies in the nursing home together.’”
Laughed at this cheap pop,
““This town has a really complicated story, doesn’t it?” she asked, shaking her head.
Each Jessica Gadziala book I read is its own beautiful creature created by the same hand, but they’re all unique and special. They’re also hilarious and nice and steamy. This one was steamier than a hot cup of coffee (does coffee steam? I don’t drink it) and funnier than rly anything else. Barry is my new fav fictional character. Anyways, wonderful story and prose and structure and pacing and plot. The humor is the cherry on top.
I know this book came out yesterday, but when the next JG book out? I need more already
Oh nice, this was a an excellent ending to a weary work week. The best part of Jessica is not only thst she doesn't ha e us waiting 6mknths to a year for her next release (which I would absolutely do if I had to) but also that she never falls short of delivering a fun, exciting read with great characters past present and generally we meat a future star in a to be written book too.
I love Jessica's world she's bully us. Junior and Shale included, but LORD did Barry make this book or what!? Haha. He was perfect. They all were.
It was amazing to be back in NB Universe! This story is true to our gal Jessica. Strong characters with a grab ahold of you story line. Yes, it leads to future stories, hint hint maybe Barry one day. Loved Shooter, Breaker, Alex and Paine all showing up as wells as our gals from SBA. If you want to get lost and feel like you are right there seeing it all go down this is a story for you! Jessica always delivers and in true JG fashion another smash hit!
Usually I enjoy books by Jessica Gadziala but this one just fell flat for me. It’s basically an ill conceived plot that barely got off the ground. The romance between Shale and Junior is non existent with the exception of a lot of sex to fill up the pages. The plot has no depth and the characters are one dimensional. Even the suspense portion of the book gets resolved in a few pages. A really disappointing read overall.
I loved Breaker and Alex, so was super excited for Junior's book. Shale is fantastic, and getting to see so many of the Navesink Bank folks I have already been in love with forever felt like coming home. I love Barry! Thank you for bringing us back to Navesink Bsnk once again, Jessica, and giving us another fun little coffee shop to love too!
Ok, so I loved this from start to finish. Berry is a star. I loved the banter between the couple and him. I loved seeing the og guys do stuff with their kids. And A is still a fav of mine. This was a perfect way to kick off my 2024 reading year.
The first JG book I ever picked up was Monster so it felt like coming home to read this one.
Junior & Shale had amazing chemistry and I loved watching their story unfold. It may not have began in the most conventional way but the good ones never do.
This character Barry was such a shitty nuisance throughout the book.. Really, his presence was just so unnecessary... It brought the book down many notches... He was such a constant thorn and I don't know why the hell, the 2 MC's didn't just kick him out or told him off..
Whenever Jessica Gadziala releases a new book, I'm so there for it. I was intrigued trying to figure out whose kid Junior was, and to find out he was the son of Alex and Breaker 💗💗💗 (one of my first books was Monster) was just amazing!!!
Shale, worked hard for the life she had, opening Deja Brew was the dream that she made a reality, but never knowing how daunting it would be when she was tasked to do something dreadful.
Junior 😍
Hacker and possessive as hell!!! His been into Shale for a while, but hasn't made his move and when he finds out that she is in some sort of danger, he does everything to protect her.
Shale and Juniors chemistry was 🔥 from the get go, the steamy moments 💯. ..Junior doing everything he could do protect Shale ♥️♥️♥️
Deja Brew is a thrilling, suspenseful romance that follows Shale, a struggling coffee shop owner, and Junior, a skilled hacker with a mysterious edge. When Shale becomes entangled in a deadly game orchestrated by a dangerous cartel, everything changes. The stakes rise even higher when her shipment mysteriously disappears, throwing her into a sticky situation she never saw coming.
Shale’s only chance at survival lies with Junior, her regular who just so happens to be a local hacker with a knack for saving the day.
What starts as an unlikely partnership grows into something deeper, and their journey together is anything but conventional.
Fast-paced and packed with action, Deja Brew is a story that hooks you from the start and never lets go. Their evolving relationship, full of twists and unexpected moments, makes this a thrilling, heart-pounding read that will keep you turning pages until the very end.
What a great little story with so many nostalgic memories for past characters! It took me awhile to figure out that Junior was Breaker’s son and his “uncles” were the subjects of Jessica’s three books, The Savages, Monster being Breaker’s story. Anyway this was Shale and Junior’s story and Barry’s too! Shale owned Deja Brew, a coffee shop that isn’t a thriving business. Shale unwittingly became a mule for cocaine but the latest shipment has been stolen putting Shale in grave danger. Junior is a regular customer and can tell something is wrong with her. When she finally confesses her problem, Junior et al takes over and her life is never the same!