Cafe Crush

by Kylie Key

It’s my first day at my new job at the cafe
And he walks up to the counter
A boy with piercing gray eyes beneath a dark beanie
And suddenly I’m all fingers and thumbs, dropping the cups
and can’t remember how to make a mocha
Mrs. Wilson, my boss doesn’t let him pay and gives him a sandwich and muffin.
It becomes the highlight of my day,
Seeing his gorgeous face,
Making his mocha and giving him a free lunch
I’m curious about his situation,
But only know that he works at the grocery store
and his family is going through hard times.

Fast forward a few weeks later…
We’re at our family’s mountain cabin for the weekend
A storm is brewing and we’re trapped indoors
But it’s not just me…
My brother’s brought along his new best friend
He’s new to town, from California, a surfer who’s keen to learn snowboarding
Imagine my shock when I see it’s the boy from the cafe,
The one who gets a free coffee every morning,
My cafe crush…


Cafe Crush is a standalone sweet YA romance, tropes include brother’s best friend, secret past, stuck together, small town and first love.

168 pages, Paperback

Published March 27, 2024

Reviews

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little does Evie knows that her life will change forever the moment TJ enters the coffee shop she had just started to work. And not only for the crush she developed but for learning about his difficult family situation. Facing life and changing your priorities, and also finding love. Sweet and inspiring

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taine and Evie

This is a fun and intriguing story that addresses some difficult but realistic issues. I enjoyed reading as Taine and his family adjusted to their new circumstances and learned to cope and to be happy. I loved the small town found family. I enjoyed the connection to some other books. I liked that the problems were realistic and that the characters seemed to come alive.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute and lovely YA romance. The relationship was so sweet as it developed. It touched on some difficult issues with compassion, but was not a heavy read. I liked seeing the growth of both main characters as they learned and changed their perspectives. Evie started working at a local cafe and quickly developed a crush on Taine, a young man that came in daily and was given free food by the cafe owner. When he appeared at her family’s cabin as a friend of her brother’s, two worlds collided, especially for Taine who was trying to hide his difficult family situation after his family moved to the community with the clothes on their backs and no home. It left Evie suspicious. “I’d mistaken his secrecy for dishonesty.” The characters were so sweet and engaging. I liked the beautiful community of support and kindness that appeared in the story. “I’m learning home doesn’t have to be one fixed abode and it doesn’t matter if it’s a one room shack or a mansion. Home is about family and community.” It’s an enjoyable story. There are elements in this story of domestic violence (off the page), homelessness, and financial insecurity. Also, very brief light faith elements. There is a small amount of carryover from a previous book, but this reads well as a standalone. This story is a sweet and clean romance with no harsh language.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet young adult novel. It covered a difficult subject, domestic abuse. But I loved how they were able to get away and start a new life in a small town. I loved the sweet story of Taine and Evie, they met at the Café and immediately neither could talk, instant attraction. I loved how accepting and supportive the community was to Taine’s family, and not like they were in the town where they left. I loved seeing how Evie was able to grow and learn how blessed she is and realize what is important. Wonderful story!

[Michaela (Reading in the Heartland) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, class difference, young adult romance. It was sweet and clean and takes place during winter. It also has the troop of brother’s friend. There were some sweet moments, some endearing teenager crush times, and some painful life truths. I really liked the focus on the strength it takes to accept help. It was a nice, shorter read.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Katelynn^^ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. I think the issue is that I’ve read so many Kylie key books, and they are all the same font different stories. If that makes any sense. This time it was a guy hiding the fact he’s poor and some other issues with his stepfather. it was a sweet story though, a lot of unnecessary drama BUT it’s a Y/A that’s what it’s for lol. 3.0 stars!

[L.M. Ransom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the beginning of a new series by this author, and I. Am. Here. For. It.

This is a really great story that deals with, in a tasteful and discerning way, domestic abuse and homelessness. The MCs are wonderful and I loved both of them. I can't wait for more books in this series.

[LaRae Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, what a great book! Couldn't put it down! They both learned not to judge the other and great side characters along the way! Really great book!

[Kirsty Pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely adorable story of first love with realistic issues addressed in a well written way.

[Sheree Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

delightful

Such a cute read! I loved how everything worked out in the end! I’m hoping there’s a book for Paige and Toby too!

[Katrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went skipping through the book. It seemed to be written by a YA as well as for them.