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The Coffee Loft: Fall Collection

Spiced Chais and Secret Spies

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All it takes is one cup of spiced chai, one spontaneous barista, and one unexpected assignment to turn his carefully balanced world upside down.

Winston “Ollie” Baldwin’s life is predictable and safe, just the way he likes it. An accountant by day and a cat dad by night, his daily highlight is his morning visit to the Coffee Loft, where Daisy Maxfield, the lively barista and devoted dog mom, serves up the best spiced chai— and the brightest smiles.

Ollie’s crush on Daisy is as big as his ledger is thick, but his courage to ask her out? Not so much. He’s resigned to admire her from afar, convinced she’s out of his league. That is until a chance encounter not only thrusts him into an unexpected favor for an old acquaintance but also into closer quarters with Daisy than he ever dreamed possible.

As Ollie navigates his suddenly less predictable and anything-but-boring work life, he finds that Daisy’s easygoing charm is helping him face his fears— one misadventure at a time. When a mix-up at work throws these opposites together outside the Coffee Loft, their connection deepens, showing Ollie that life might have more to offer than just balance sheets and quiet nights in.

Can a man who’s always played it safe in life and love learn to take the ultimate risk? Ollie’s about to find out that stepping out of his comfort zone might just lead to the best payoff yet.

Welcome back to The Coffee Loft, where a new round of stories has been brewed especially for you.

Those of you stopping by to visit again, we’ve missed you. The feeling of home is the same that you loved before. If it’s your first time, prepare to be swept off your feet.

While our menu hasn’t changed, we think you’ll be pleased with the fall favorites we’ve added. Fans of pumpkin spiced lattes, peppermint mochas, and rich, chocolaty cocoas will not be disappointed. This multi-author collection of stand-alone sweet romcoms is filled to the brim with the swoons you love and adore.

From sweet kisses to grand gestures and matchmaking surprises, each mug and story will be filled with everything you crave. So come on in and let us serve you with that happy ever after you’ve come to expect.

Mark your calendars—Cover Reveals begin in Fall 2024!

Don't miss the first season of The Coffee Loft. Available now!

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2024

37 people are currently reading
332 people want to read

About the author

Meg Easton

42 books534 followers
Meg Easton is the USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romances and romantic comedies with fun, memorable, swoon-worthy characters, and settings you’ll want to pack up and move to. She lives at the foot of a mountain with her name on it (or at least one letter of her name) in Utah. She loves gardening, bike riding, baking, swimming before the sun rises, and spending time with her husband and three kids.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
Profile Image for TheBookPlatypus.
1,243 reviews265 followers
October 15, 2024
Ollie, a stereotypical accountant has a crush on a local barista, Daisy.
He’s too timid to say anything but when an old friend from high school, asks him to spy on a coworker, who is using illegal accounting practices to aid a foreign terrorist group…
Daisy and Ollie end up both becoming spies and working together to gain Intel against Ollies coworker. It’s when they strike up a friendship to only realize that they have more feelings for each other than just being friends. This is a really quick read. Clean, No spice romance.

Overall, I found it to be over-the-top silly so this one wasn’t my favorite of the series, but it was still a fun quick read
Profile Image for Quinn Fforde.
3,273 reviews15 followers
September 30, 2024
This is a very cute novella. Ollie is a pretty typical nerdy guy, but he has caught barista Daisy's eye. They love seeing each other at the Coffee Loft, but he is too nervous to ask her out. That changes when Jace, a character in the author's spy series, shows up to ask his old classmate Ollie for some help. Daisy gets involved, and things escalate from there in very funny ways. These two make a great couple, and I enjoyed spending an afternoon with them.
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
654 reviews80 followers
November 6, 2024
Gosh, I hate to do this, but unfortunately, this wasn't a great read for me. That said, it doesn't mean you won't enjoy it. Based on the other reviews, my thoughts on it are clearly in the minority. So do with my review what you will.... it's only my opinion.

For me, I didn't feel all the feels I expected with this romance. And I think the whole undercover spy part threw me off -it just felt too far fetched and unbelievable.I just struggled to really get into this. I really wanted to like it, but it just wasn't clicking with me, I'm not sure why.

That said, I did finish it, and it is the HEA I wanted. So, I'm happy with that. I believe Meg is a wonderful author, and I would still recommend her book, even if it wasn't a great fit for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, the review was not required and it was all my own opinion.
Profile Image for Shauna Jones.
716 reviews16 followers
October 4, 2024
A wonderfully, fun book
What do you get when you mix a free-spirited barista, a meticulously scheduled man, a dog, a cat, and a high school friend who is a spy and just happens to need help? A great book that will keep you smiling to the last page. Ollie is an accountant and has his day scheduled literally to the minute. Everything is controlled. Everything except his attraction to Daisy the barista at the Coffee Loft and his secret crush. How do you schedule and control the risk in asking her out? Daisy has been crushing on Ollie for months but she refuses to make the first move. Into this stalemate walks Jace, Ollie’s friend from high school who now happens to be a spy in need of help only Ollie can give. When Ollie agrees little does he know the adventures he is signing on to, not only himself, but Daisy too. An enjoyable, happy read you will enjoy.
946 reviews11 followers
September 29, 2024
A warm and funny romance with a delectably entertaining story, a delightful heroine, an adorable hero, and the uber cute Roi and Prince Charming. I loved the chapter headings!

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
2,388 reviews17 followers
September 29, 2024
I loved this opposites Attract story with Daisy and Ollie. They have a way of lifting each other up and making each other stronger. This is a really sweet, fun romance.
Profile Image for Randi Sampson.
1,754 reviews92 followers
October 2, 2024
Spiced Chais and Secret Spies is part of The Coffee Loft: Fall Collection. This is a multi-author series with all books featuring a Coffee Loft shop, but all can be read as standalones and in any order.

I absolutely love Meg Easton's Romancing the Spy series (one of my favorites!), so I was super excited to spend some more time in that world. If you've read the books, you'll enjoy seeing some familiar characters, but if not, it's a great introduction to that world and can definitely be enjoyed as standalone as well. Right from the start, Ollie drew me in. I don't know that I've ever seen a character who has his days quite so planned out--- right down to the minute. He's shy and a little awkward, which is why he's been crushing on Daisy but hasn't worked up the nerve to do anything about it! That made it all that much more entertaining when he's thrown into a spy mission with Daisy along for the ride! Their story had me laughing out loud so many times and I couldn't help but love the chemistry between these two. Amateur spies + swoon worthy kisses + all the fall vibes--- what could be better than that!? This was a quick read, and I enjoyed every single moment!

Spiced Chais and Secret Spies is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jill.
835 reviews39 followers
October 14, 2024
A great fall read

Okay I really loved this cute little book. Even though Ollie knew what he wanted in his life he was too timid to go for it at the beginning. His life was structured and orderly. Kind of reminded me of the MMC in the movie Stranger than Fiction. But then his crush Daisy unexpectedly starts popping in his life more and more. He finds himself being daring and liking spontaneity. It was a great transformation. I liked Daisy too. She was like an untethered kite flitting around in the story at first. But with Ollie she sparked and glowed finding focus.
The story had bits of adventure and mystery with a spy theme (thanks for including my fav spies Jace and his family from another series). I love the good guy gets ahead ending.

Rating: G, clean, sweet romance with some mystery and intrigue.
Profile Image for McKenna Johnson.
776 reviews30 followers
October 11, 2024
ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5’s

This is a new Coffee Loft favorite! This book was so cute, fun and entertaining. I love this series and this one is definitely in my top 5 favorite of the series. The characters were great and likable and very well written. I enjoyed the dual points of view. Here we meet Ollie and Daisy. Ollie is a straight laced and routine accountant whose daily schedule includes a stop at the local Coffee Loft where the beautiful Daisy is a barista. I really enjoyed the portrayal of Ollie in this book, I enjoyed a male main character, who was shy, timid and gets pulled out of his comfort zone and makes the most meaningful changes in his life. I liked that Daisy was the one to help him do this and not the other way around. Also two adorable pets to keep you laughing and sighing with cuteness. I highly recommend this cute fall novella. If you want to get started with this series this is a great one to start with.

💜 Description:
All it takes is one cup of spiced chai, one spontaneous barista, and one unexpected assignment to turn his carefully balanced world upside down.

🤍 Oh the puns…
“Espresso yourself…”
“A latte of secrets brewing”
“Hide and chic”

Fun Tropes:
💜 Secret spies
🤍 Adorable pets
💜 He falls first
🤍 Opposites attract
💜 Fall Hallmark vibes
🤍 Secret crush

No Spice- Closed door romance

💜 Quotes:
“I want to cook breakfast for her. And make spur-of-the-moment craft store runs for her. And go on walks with her and our pets. And do her taxes.”

Thank you to the author Meg Easton for the advanced electronic copy of the book!
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,887 reviews240 followers
October 15, 2024
A Coffee Loft book with Spies?! Sign me up!!!! I loved this quick and delightful read! Plus, it ties into this author's Romancing the Spy series!!! So much fun!!! I couldn't stop until I had finished it. Ollie and Daisy are adorable. They both like each other but she's trying to find where she belongs and Ollie is a quiet and shy character that every time he tries to make a move and ask Daisy out, he clams up. But don't you worry Ollie, you're going to have a grand adventure with Daisy that will help you come to know each other better and break the ice of both of your reservations!

Add in their cute pets, a dog and a cat, bad guys, spies, office drama, Jace and a secret mission, and you'll be turning your pages quickly all while laughing and swooning! You're going to be hooked and want more between these two and the main spy family.

This is a great addition to The Coffee Loft series! I love Meg Easton's writing, whether it is in a cozy town setting, or solving the world's problems with spies! She's fantastic and so are her books!

Content: Clean and fun read!

I received a copy from the author but have also purchased my own copy for my bookshelves! All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,515 reviews328 followers
October 15, 2024
“It’s nice seeing you, too–I hadn’t expected to run into you. Especially not so…violently.”

I was immediately drawn into this story because of the sweet, consistent and dependable interactions between Ollie and Daisy. Ollie is so methodical with his schedule and Daisy is pure sunshine and joy to start his day. A chance encounter leads to a snowball chain of events that put these two together and what results is so much fun.

One of my favorite things about this book, aside from the romance of course, is the pets. A dog for her and a cat for him. The names and personalities of these animals made me smile so hard.

Meg Easton brings a sweet and slightly dangerous vibe to her Coffee Loft installment and I loved it all from start to finish. This story is as satisfying as a favorite fall drink and puts the characters (and readers) slightly out of the rut of a comfort zone in all the best ways.

Content: mild romance; mild moments of peril

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
Profile Image for Lissa Ruck.
943 reviews16 followers
October 8, 2024
I adored Ollie & Daisy's sweet, shy, intriguing, fun-filled, loving, caring story!!!
Profile Image for Terri.
2,361 reviews52 followers
October 22, 2024
This was a really cute novella of Ollie, a super shy accountant, with a crush on a barista at his local coffeehouse. Daisy has been waiting...and waiting for him to ask her out.

The story isn't what you would consider realistic when the two characters are drawn into some espionage at Ollie's business, but it left me with a smile on my face and a warmth in my heart. That's five stars for me any day! The scene of their first journey into the spy world and they try to talk in "code" so that they won't give anything away if the room is bugged was hilarious!

Easton has created a super fun read and created a great story, especially for a novella.
Profile Image for Alayna  (the.bookstrovert) .
216 reviews9 followers
October 31, 2024
Favorite Quote:
“Winston Oliver Baldwin. I see your debit card every time I take your order. Your name literally begins and ends with ‘win.’ You can do this.”
“My last name also contains the word ‘bald,’ but I’m not hoping for that.”

This was such a short and sweet book! From Daisy and Ollie’s meet cute, to the secret missions, these two had me smiling and giggling as I devoured their story!

The fact that her watch goes off the same time as his phone, had me on a puddle! 🥹

If you need a short and sweet novella with cozy fall vibes and secret spies, look no farther!

Thank you to the author for the advance copy, all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Laura Miller.
Author 3 books46 followers
November 30, 2024
Meg Easton's books are always a treat! I enjoyed this cute novella so much!

Daisy is a barista at the coffee shop where Ollie stops in to get his morning coffee every day. She always greets him with a smile and adds some brightness to his day. He wants to ask her out, but he has been way too shy to do that. Daisy looks forward to seeing Ollie every morning and wants him to ask her out. When Ollie’s old friend from highschool asks Ollie for help, Daisy becomes part of the plan and the two get to spend some time together outside the coffee shop.

Ollie and Daisy were just so adorable together! Watching them team up as spies was so much fun and helped them get to know one another. Their little adventure had me quickly turning the pages. It was so fun that Jace from Meg Eastons’ spy series was Ollie’s friend. I loved seeing Jace again and hearing his back story with Ollie from high school. Ollie was so devoted and sweet with Daisy. They had the cutest banter and when she made Ollie smile it was so precious. The two cheered each other on and brought out the best in one another. I loved the pets in this one too. Their names, Roi and Prince Charming, were clever and they each had their own personalities. I was grinning ear to ear by the time I finished this sweet, quick read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Amy.
163 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2024
Ollie thrives on routine. He has his life scheduled down to the minute. Daisy loves to be spontaneous and go with the flow.

Daisy admires Ollie’s commitment to routine and knows exactly when he will stroll into the Coffee Loft and what he will order.

Despite his wanting to, Ollie has yet to work up the courage to ask Daisy on a date.

Things get shaken up when an old classmate of Ollie’s appears at the Coffee Loft in need of a favor.

Can Ollie break routine and help a friend out? Can he finally work up the courage to tell Daisy his true feelings?

This was a fun, quick read. Grab a copy if you like adventure romcoms. You will laugh with and cheer for Ollie and Daisy.
Profile Image for RD.
810 reviews18 followers
October 4, 2024
A clever, quick-read romance! Ollie has had his eye on Daisy for a long time but lacks the confidence to persue her. When an old friend asks a favor, Ollie and Daisy are unexpectedly thrown together, and adventure (and chemistry) ensues. Written in dual point of view, the reader enjoys the benefits of seeing into the minds and hearts of Ollie and Daisy. Characters from Meg Easton’s Romancing the Spy series make appearances in this novella, but it’s also okay if you haven’t read the other books. I recommend reading this delightfully sweet, well-written story.
Profile Image for Nari.
1,249 reviews11 followers
October 10, 2024
fun story

I loved the dynamics of shy Olli and outgoing fun loving Daisy. It was fun to see how they were finally brought together and how the story progressed. I also enjoyed the little bit of intrigue.
1,724 reviews7 followers
October 2, 2024
All the Fall Hallmark vibes with better Chemistry! Perfect if you are looking for a quick read!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lisa Mandina.
2,306 reviews494 followers
October 10, 2024
This was a short and sweet read! I adored the characters, and their adorable pets! First was Ollie and his dorky accountant jokes, like his cat’s name, Roi. Not only that, but I totally connected with him and the doubts he had about applying for a new job. Knowing he was good at his job, but not having the social confidence to get it. I feel like that is what keeps me from getting jobs in the past.

Daisy was a ray of sunshine, not that Ollie was grumpy at all, he was just quiet. But I loved Daisy and her dog named Prince Charming. Even though Daisy and Ollie knew each other from the coffee shop every morning, her serving him his favorite, until the day she makes something different for him, that same day they have a kind of meet-cute when they are both walking their pets and run into each other. The whole situation was cute and so much fun. It even kind of got a reprisal in the epilogue with I loved.

The spy bit was fun, if a bit of a reach in how it all happened. But it made for a fun connection between the two. I liked that we didn’t have any silly misunderstandings or overreactions. It made for such a real story to me. Both characters figured some things out about themselves through the story, so both had growth that made their connection even stronger. And there was some fun banter, which is a favorite of mine!

This is my first book by this author, but I could see enjoying others in her spy series some time!

Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
Profile Image for Belle.
83 reviews4 followers
October 25, 2024
So sweet! The perfect not-too-long cutesy fall read. I loved the spy elements. I also loooved the fact that daisy was a barista. Rom coms with baristas are Mr favorite. I just feel like the perfect setting for a rom com is a coffee shop and the perfect main character is a barista (or a bookworm)
Profile Image for Fiction with Phoebe.
72 reviews11 followers
December 28, 2025
Blog Post: https://fictionwithphoebe.com/spiced-...

𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘪 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦. 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘥.

On the surface, Ollie and Daisy don’t seem like the espionage types. He’s an accountant who prefers his routines and not rocking the boat. She’s a cheery barista with an artistic streak.

But, Ollie isn’t the type to let a friend down, which is how he ends up becoming a spy (for this one assignment anyway).

And when Daisy overhears him being recruited, she’s ready and willing to help.

Their spying escapades provide a good mix of suspense and humor, as they find creative ways to dodge the bad guys.

Although his spy career was short-lived, this mission did have a lasting impact on Ollie — helping him be more confident in his abilities and to stand up for himself.

Favorite Moments
☕️ meeting at the dog park
☕️ hiding from the suits
☕️ the carousel
☕️ first date

Content Notes:
touching, noticing and awareness, mention of alien abductions and UFO sightings, mention of voodoo, mention of terrorists, mention of lingerie and a bikini, kissing
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,116 reviews74 followers
October 8, 2024
Cipher Springs Coffee Loft is the place to be , the barista goes by the name of Daisy .She is driving Ollie a little bit crazy , in fact when he’s there it all gets a bit hazy . Is she date material ? Well of course that’s immaterial if she already has a fellow . ..Even the thought of that makes him yellow . His cat is called Roi , and it’s a boy.Daisy moved from Richmond to Cipher Springs a year and a half ago moving in with her sister , but now her sister has moved away, gone to live with her mister. Oh fey..Daisy has a great dog for company though,by the name of Prince Charming or Charm for short, and is lucky her elderly neighbour Ruthie dog sits him for her, she’s a good sort. She calls Google ,Googler and TikTok ,TiketyTok she’s a hoot and ever so funny. Charm has some bark when by chance he meets Ollie and Roi in the park. Well you can imagine what a lark . Resulting in an entanglement made for three? And one scaredy cat up a tree? Well when they get up off the ground she checks him out and she thinks he’s more than sound. “Out in daylight, even. And without my Coffee Loft apron.” “But with your Prince Charming. And with your hair…” Ollie is smitten in a big way. Guess what ya big lummox she has feels too and it’s the same way. Over to you… Man up already it’s been eighteen months! You still both have no stomachs to go the next step both of you feeling out of your depth…One of you has to be the brave one! Cmon Ollie hon because Jace Lancaster your old pal might just steal your gal! “NOT QUITE JAMES BOND: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SPYING “ Jace has a big ask . One heck of a task. Now look Ollie , oh golly…”If it makes asking me out easier, just know that I’m going to say yes.” Now that has to make him smile.” I was considering the best way to convey to you how much simply seeing your face makes me happy to my core. And I was going to ask you on a date.” Very smooth mate. Now you’ve proved that you’re no bore. Not any more. Not in the art of amour. “The Coffee Loft’s spiced chai. And the barista who makes them. I’ve always liked it, but I swear that when you make it, it tastes better.” “That’s because I make it with love” “ I knew it! I’m convinced it was your master plan all along.” Swoon! What this story is almost over so soon! What next an honeymoon? Brilliantly done! That was lots of fun. It really met the Coffee Loft premise. Down to a Tea , or should that be a Spiced Chai Latte? Secret Spies , who knew? Mixed in with all the Lofty brew. Meg Easton , you know what you’re doing , in all that you’re writing , the story that’s brewing , so sublime that it’s always inviting to sit down and read and soak up the atmosphere that’s spewing from the page. Well I’m sorry to say goodbye to the Chai guys so good thing you have more to share from Cipher Springs. Now that DOES make my heart sing! Bravo 👏🏻
354 reviews5 followers
October 15, 2024
Cute story, fun to read. The H is very competent accountant in risk management but very shy and lacking in confidence. He has a fellow worker who constantly puts him down for the fun he has in doing so. The H knows he is much more competent but is incapable to stand up for himself. The h is a barista at the coffee shop that the H goes to at precisely the same time every morning before going to work. The H crushes on the h but is too shy to ask her out. One day they meet by accident as each is walking their pets and her dog attacks his cat. Thus they start talking more but the H is still unable to ask the h for a date. When the H is asked by a high school friend to place a hearing device in the records room on his floor in an attempt to get information regarding the funneling money to terrorist organizations he is reluctant to do so but is convinced by his friend to do it. As he is standing outside the room and fearful of planting the bug the h comes by as she has just finished her regular delivery from the coffee shop. He tells her what he has been asked to do but is fearful to do so. She offers to help him. Thus they are successful. This leads them to help out more in collecting information for the government leading to many entertaining escapades. Success results in the end. The H even after successfully helping the government lacks the ability to ask the h out for a date. That night he can’t sleep as he faces his shyness and how it has hindered him at work and in dating his girlfriend. He decides he can and will change. He is almost late to work, but with new resolve submitted his application for a position in risk management that he is extremely qualified to fill. Very quickly he hears back that he has an interview the next workday. After the H submitted his application and heard back regarding the interview he is so excited. When he finally finished work he went seeking the h and when he finds her tells her about the interview and also asks her out on a date and tells her he is ready to marry her. With his new found confidence he gets the promotion he is extremely qualified for and even another advancement when the arrests of the guilty employees are made. The H and h get their HEA. Recommend this book to everyone who wants a sweet entertaining read. You can’t help but love the spunky h and the shy H. You will find yourself smiling at the antics they get into and how the h gets them out of them. Enjoy your read!
424 reviews5 followers
October 13, 2024
Spiced Chais and Secret Spies is Meg Easton’s newest novella and book five in the The Coffee Loft series. It is a sweet romantic comedy which contains no sex scenes or profanity. The Coffee Loft series is a collection of 14 stand-alone sweet romcoms that are written by different authors. While Spiced Chais and Secret Spies contains cameos from characters in her Romancing the Spy series, it can absolutely be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
Winston “Ollie” Baldwin is a tightly wound accountant who works at a prominent accounting firm. He lives a very orderly and regimented life and thrives on routine. His favorite part of each day is before work when he visits The Coffee Loft and gets a latte from the charming barista, Daisy. He wants so badly to ask her out but lacks confidence. He also lacks confidence about applying for a different position at his firm, even though he’s highly qualified. Ollie’s life changes when an old friend, Jace from Spies Don’t Fall for Their Assets, enlists his help. He winds up needing Daisy’s assistance, which allows them to spend more time together.
Daisy Maxfield is a 24-year-old barista at The Coffee Loft. She’s adjusting to living alone since her sister (and best friend) married and moved away a few months earlier. She gets a Corgi named Prince Charming and then takes him to her neighbor while she’s at work. Daisy is such a bright ray of sunshine, boosting Ollie’s confidence with her compliments.
I absolutely loved this book! It has a sweetness that’s different from the other Romancing the Spy stories. I have known people who are similar to Ollie and Daisy, and her descriptions of Ollie are eerily accurate. The story is fun and short and can easily be enjoyed in one evening. I enjoyed the cameos from characters in Spies Don’t Fall for Their Assets and Spies Don’t Fall for Their Rival. The full-length novels have a different feel, and their characters have larger-than-life personalities. Spiced Chais and Secret Spies is a perfect fun and quick read!
I received an advance review copy (ARC) from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sierra.
979 reviews
October 19, 2024
Reader’s Notes:

– this is part of a series, but is meant to be read as a stand-alone

-this is connected to Meg Easton’s Romancing the Spy series, but this can be enjoyed without having read the series (though if you do read the series, this one takes place after Spies Don’t Fall for Their Rival ; there are no spoilers, the couples of the first two books are just together at this point)

– this is told from Ollie & Daisy’s points of view

Review:

I really enjoyed this quick read! I loved the nerdy & shy Ollie and the take charge Daisy! I loved their cute pets and the silly things they did. I loved that Daisy helped Ollie with his mission and I found it funny when they tried saying things in code without having made a code prior! XD I loved getting to see Ollie thrive with Daisy’s positive reinforcement and getting what he deserved once he went for it. I also loved Ollie’s quiet surety when it came to what Daisy wanted to do and giving her the feeling that she truly could do anything.

Summary:

Ollie is a very good accountant who lives a predictable life. Which includes visiting his favorite coffee shop before going into work and seeing the ever happy barista Daisy each time. He keeps thinking that one day he’ll work up the courage to ask her on a date, but hasn’t done so yet. So when life throws him a curveball in the form of an unexpected request from an old friend and Daisy offers to help, Ollie is quick to lean on her. But could she only like the fun they’re having acting like spies or does she like his company too?

Daisy has lived spontaneously since she was young in search of the next thing to keep her interested. But one thing that Daisy looks forward to every day is seeing Ollie. She hopes that he’ll work up the courage to ask her on a date, but sees what she believes could be indecision whenever the chance arises. So when she makes her usual delivery to his workplace and finds him in need of help, Daisy is quick to offer it. If he won’t ask her on a date yet, maybe he needs to get more comfortable first. And spending time working on the same mission together seems like a great way to do it…
189 reviews5 followers
October 8, 2024
Before I begin, I would like to thank Meg Easton for allowing me to read her upcoming book, Spiced Chai and Secret Spies, which is a part of the multi-author Coffee Loft Series and will be available on Amazon on October 8th, 2024.

Winston “Ollie” Baldwin likes his life being predictable. It’s safe. No surprises. He works during the day, devotes his night parenting his cat, and starts his morning with spiced chai from the sweet and charismatic barista Daisy that he has a massive crush on. Will he ask her out? No. Ollie believes she deserves someone way better, more spontaneous. Suddenly he and Daisy find themselves doing a favor from someone of Ollie’s past, and he learns that maybe he doesn’t want to be cautious. Can Ollie and Daisy complete their task successfully? Better yet, will Ollie have the courage to fight for the life he wants?

This book was absolutely adorable. You have Ollie, a sweet, shy, handsome young man that loves working with numbers, taking care of his cat, and starting his days chatting with Daisy. You have Daisy, a wonderful, kind, clever barista that looks forward to seeing Ollie everyday and hanging out with her dog. The conversations between Ollie and Daisy were wonderful, and I enjoyed seeing both of the characters’ growth throughout the story. I loved how they both appreciated things that the other person was passionate about and encouraged them to explore and aim for what they wanted to do professionally and personally. I loved seeing characters from previous books making their appearance, and the main characters’ pets were awesome. Overall, if you like spies, wonderful pets, fantastic characters, coffee, and sweet romance with low amounts of spice, then I would highly recommend this book. Here’s the link for more information: Amazon.com: Spiced Chais and Secret Spies (The Coffee Loft Series: Fall Collection) eBook : Easton, Meg: Kindle Store
Profile Image for Traci .
194 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2024
“So, you like the barista, huh?”
My eyes flash to his.
“Daisy, right?”
“What? I never said I did.” My eyes immediately find Daisy to make sure she wasn’t close enough to hear.
“Ollie, I’m an intelligence operative. We’re trained to read people. I could tell you like her before I even came over to your table by the way you were stealing glances at her. And that was before she walked closer to wipe off the tables and I could see your heart rate pick up in the vein in your neck.”
My hand immediately goes to my neck. “Okay, but do you blame me? She is perfect in every way.”

I am so excited I had the chance to read Spiced Chais and Secret Spies by Meg Easton. It was the perfect read to brighten my day – full of humor, light hearted espionage, and the coziest romance to make me smile.
Ollie and Daisy are complete opposites in life. He is predictable and strait-laced. She is spontaneous and creative. Even their pets are opposite – cat vs dog! These two fun loving individuals needed a big push to get them out of their comfort zones, and that big push came in the form of a secret spy mission. To accomplish said mission, Ollie and Daisy enter into a series of events involving speaking in code (funniest scene EVER!!) hiding from guys in suits (hilarious) and diverting attention away from them (hello first kiss!!!). The longing and tension for each other (cue the alarm on her watch *sigh*) makes this book all around fun.

I highly recommend this book to be your next quick read, and don’t forget to read the chapter headings! They are clever and funny!

I have enjoyed the previous books by this author involving spies, and while this is a standalone book, the cameo appearances by the Lancaster family are fun to read about.
Profile Image for Marilee .
1,454 reviews237 followers
October 4, 2024
Awww, this one was so cute!

Ollie doesn't take risks...which is why he still hasn't asked out Daisy, the barista he sees every day before work, even if she is the brightest part of his day.

Daisy looks forward to seeing Ollie come in every morning and wonders what she can do to convince him to ask her out.

When an old friend as Ollie for a favor, Daisy gets tangled up in the thick of things too and spending time together outside of their comfort zone may just help the two of the find the happily ever after they are looking for.

What you'll love:
Shy hero
dual pov
novella
secret crush
daily meet-cute
undercover mission
Roi and Prince Charming
slow burn
the Lancasters
happily ever after

This was like a sweet Hallmark movie but with some added intrigue and suspense yet it all ended in a very sweet happily ever after. Daisy and Ollie were soo adorable together and I was cheering on Ollie the whole book "Just ask her! You can do it!"

I loved their moments together on their spy assignment and there were definitely a few scenes that had my heart racing! Is there anything better than the mix of adventure and romance? I think not!

This is a spin-off from the author's spy series and I LOVED that we got to see those characters in this story too! (and if you haven't read those books yet, you absolutely need to!!)

This was such a sweet, quick read that reminded me why I love Meg's books so much! So much goodness packed into these pages and I could not get enough!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
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