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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?

218 pages, Paperback

Published January 12, 2024

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About the author

Jessica Gadziala

180 books5,473 followers
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.



You can find her on
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Jessica-Gadz...
Newsletter: subscribepage.io/K4GPfj
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicagadz...
Her Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/31454...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jessicagadz...


xx

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5 stars
457 (59%)
4 stars
213 (27%)
3 stars
79 (10%)
2 stars
12 (1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Profile Image for ➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas .
1,226 reviews426 followers
June 19, 2026


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.



Profile Image for Jenni.
7,644 reviews119 followers
August 25, 2026
Rating: 4 stars

The emotional hit in this one lands with the same energy as a coffee grinder exploding because someone breathed near it — one spark, one bean, and suddenly Shale’s entire life is scattered across the floor like a caffeine‑soaked crime scene.

Shale doesn’t just run a struggling café — sweetheart, she’s holding that place together with caffeine, stubbornness, and the kind of stress that makes your eyelid twitch.
She’s trying to survive, trying to keep her business afloat, trying to pretend she’s not being dragged into cartel nonsense like she accidentally subscribed to the wrong newsletter.

Her shipment disappears.
Her safety evaporates.
Her sanity?
Hanging on by a thread thinner than a latte’s microfoam.

And then there’s Junior.

Junior doesn’t just show up — he slides into the story like a hacker who knows exactly how to fix your Wi‑Fi and your life.
He’s her only regular.
He’s quiet, observant, and absolutely the kind of man who looks like he could dismantle a cartel server farm before breakfast.
He’s got that “I’m not dangerous unless you threaten someone I care about” energy, which is honestly the sexiest flavour of chaos.

Shale’s world goes sideways fast — bullets, threats, cartel pressure, danger brewing hotter than the espresso machine she definitely needs to replace.
And Junior?
He steps in like he’s been waiting for the universe to give him an excuse.

Their dynamic is pure caffeinated tension:

her trying to stay alive

him trying to keep her alive

both of them pretending they’re not already halfway in love

and the cartel absolutely not respecting business hours

Shale’s arc?
Raw.
Scrappy.
She’s terrified but still fighting, still thinking, still trying to protect the café that’s basically her emotional support beverage.

Junior’s arc?
Controlled chaos.
Soft hacker heart wrapped in “I will absolutely shoot someone if needed.”
He’s the kind of man who fixes problems quietly, efficiently, and with the emotional intensity of someone who’s already decided she’s his.

Together?
They’re a mess — a cute, dangerous, bullet‑dodging mess — and it works.

The suspense hits fast.
The romance hits harder.
The cartel hits too often.
And the café?
Honestly, that poor building deserves hazard pay.

A fun, chaotic, caffeinated 4‑star romantic suspense that proves sometimes love doesn’t bloom — it percolates under pressure until it explodes.

Shale is fierce even when she’s shaking.
Junior is steady even when the world is burning.
And Deja Brew?
Sweetheart, that café survives more drama than a reality TV reunion.
Profile Image for Kodie Mackay.
1,259 reviews69 followers
January 5, 2024
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.

Plus A and his puppy giving!!! I cannot.

Loved it.
Profile Image for Anja H..
1,031 reviews576 followers
September 21, 2024
*2.75 FAST-PACED STARS*

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.
Profile Image for Bry Ann.
Author 32 books209 followers
January 12, 2024
cuteeee

As always Jessica’s books are such a good break from reality. I’ve read all her books and can’t wait for the next.
817 reviews5 followers
July 24, 2024
Fun, light-hearted little snack. The lightest shade of dark. More like a romcom with some darker elements. Don't dig too deep.
Profile Image for Elaine Lucky.
1,258 reviews126 followers
August 23, 2026
Junior (Breaker & Alex son) & Shale (Owner of Deja Brew) Junior the hacker likes to spend his time in new coffee shop Deja Brew to decompress after jobs and check out Shale. She's starting out her new business and has been dragged into a horror story involving drug running and missing drugs. On edge and Junior notices and she breaks down and tells him. He gallantly takes it upon himself to help her out and becomes protective of her while falling for her. This story was different than the usual Navesink. Junior's "friend" Barry was hilarious and entertaining taking away some of the dark. Lots of appearances from Breaker, Paine, Jackson, Shooter, A, Hope, & some Henchmen. A, the ruthless cartel leader, helps out because someone is trespassing on his territory without permission and A is becoming about as inappropriate as Dezi with gifting animals. Love this universe and the interlinked characters with the protective alpha males and the bad ass women who have come overcome previous abuse. On the the next one in the "Universe"
Profile Image for Kimberly / Love Notes Book Blog.
2,663 reviews148 followers
April 4, 2024
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.
Profile Image for Lu Moreno.
74 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2024
Need Barry's story and also Keith's (from the woman in the warehouse)
Profile Image for sab.
500 reviews73 followers
Did Not Finish
July 25, 2025
dnf — @32%, pretty cover but i don’t know what i’m reading🧍🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for Bozena.
1,164 reviews24 followers
January 6, 2024
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.
Profile Image for Krystin Rowley.
478 reviews8 followers
January 11, 2024
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..
247 reviews
January 11, 2024
Loved it !

I loved Shale and Junior .Great storyline and Barry was hilarious .Suspense and a love story.Good to see old characters as well
Profile Image for Misha.
318 reviews181 followers
August 3, 2024
A perfect ridiculous cozy comfort read!!
Profile Image for Jojo Reeves.
1,225 reviews22 followers
July 5, 2024
.

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
Profile Image for Debbie.
921 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2024
Deja Brew

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.

“Could fill a bunch of books,” I agreed.”
24 reviews
January 6, 2024
her books get better every time

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
398 reviews7 followers
January 6, 2024
Had no clue I needed Junior's story

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.
Profile Image for Melody Green.
338 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2024
Back in the NB Universe!!

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!
Profile Image for Janet Welling.
911 reviews3 followers
January 16, 2024
Not much depth.

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.
Profile Image for Danielle Reid.
58 reviews
January 5, 2024
This was everything I wanted...

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!
Profile Image for Crystal LoCicero.
1,144 reviews6 followers
January 6, 2024
So great!

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.
Profile Image for K.
520 reviews14 followers
January 6, 2024
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.

Barry may be my new favorite "little brother"
Profile Image for bookjunkiejane.
1,102 reviews
April 22, 2024
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..
Profile Image for Kimberly Jackson.
16 reviews
January 21, 2024
Love

Once again, you outdid yourself with this book. Please never stop writing. I get excited with the thought of all the new stories. You are amazing.
Profile Image for Maja Bubanj.
191 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2024
Obožavam njezine knjige! Još jedna priča sa sjajnim likovima koja se brzo čita i ne ispušta iz ruku!
Profile Image for ♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎.
972 reviews72 followers
January 7, 2024
ꍏ꒦ꍏꀤ꒒ꍏꌃ꒒ꏂ ꈤꂦꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖩𝗎𝗇𝗂𝗈𝗋
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖲𝗁𝖺𝗅𝖾
5 𝘿𝙚𝙟𝙖 𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝘋𝘦𝘫𝘢 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘉𝘺 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘢 𝘎𝘢𝘥𝘻𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘢

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 ♥️♥️♥️

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

𝖥𝗂𝗋𝗌𝗍𝗅𝗒, 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾𝖽 𝗌𝖾𝖾𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝖿𝗋𝗈𝗆 𝖭𝖺𝗏𝖾𝗌𝗂𝗇𝗄 𝖡𝖺𝗇𝗄 💜💜💜
𝖡𝖺𝗋𝗋𝗒!! 𝖮𝗁 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗀𝗎𝗒, 𝗆𝖺𝖽𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖻𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗇 𝖻𝖾𝗍𝗍𝖾𝗋.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 💻🔫💻🔫💻
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 ☕☕☕☕☕
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews