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Love, Lies, and Lattes

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Where I come from, rom-com meet cutes don’t involve killer lattes. I’m definitely not in Hollywood anymore.

My life is charmed. Fame, fortune, the perfect relationship…I have it all.

Too bad it’s an illusion.

My girlfriend is a cheater. And while I’m a famous actor, no one thinks of me as a serious actor. So, off to conquer Broadway I go, to lick my wounds and prove myself.

But then on my first day in New York, I nearly died when a gorgeous barista mistakenly served me an almond milk latte instead of the nut-free version I ordered.

Want to know the worst (and the best) part? She has no idea who I am.

Franky Marchesi is smart. Grumpy. Sexy. I want to know everything about her.

She thinks I’m a struggling nobody.

Now I need to convince her my feelings aren’t an act. Because the only thing I’m struggling with is not falling in love with the beautiful barista I’ve lied to from the start.

Love, Lies, and Lattes (originally released as Broadway Beans) is a standalone, grumpy (her)/sunshine (him), mistaken identity, forced proximity romantic comedy with a guaranteed happily ever after. Download today for light, fun, spicy escapism.

406 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 24, 2019

98 people are currently reading
2583 people want to read

About the author

Karen Cimms

13 books439 followers
Karen Cimms writes contemporary romance and romantic comedy.

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5 stars
130 (45%)
4 stars
104 (36%)
3 stars
38 (13%)
2 stars
9 (3%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
February 15, 2019
4.5 ⭐'s

“Ci sará sempre in posto in il mio cuore che tu dovevi colmare.”

"There will always be a hole in my heart that you were supposed to fill."


This story is about two people searching for fulfillment and navigating their lives in order to find that. Aiden's trying to find more gratifying roles as an actor and Franky wants more out of life than just being an Italian wife and all that entails.

Aiden's never really had a "normal" life. He's quite out spoken and goes after what he wants. He grabs onto Franky's friendship when he's in a precarious situation and doesn't let go - ultimately moving it into a deeper connection and then freaking out, hurting Franky in the process.

Franky doesn't really know who Aiden is. He does tell her he's an actor but she doesn't know to what extent. She gets caught up in trying to deal with their temporary friendship since Aiden is supposed to be moving back to the West Coast when his play is over in three months.

I loved how things worked out even if some of it was predictable. Franky's parents were surprising and I just loved that sneaky Nonna!
Profile Image for Shabby  -BookBistroBlog.
1,938 reviews987 followers
August 3, 2019
A venti of Latte Love in coconut milk,decorated with a penis🤣

description

I Read this Blurb when Karen came to do a takeover in BookBistroBlog and it hooked me. Immediately downloaded and started reading and boy I was pleasantly consumed by this feel good, witty, sweet romantic comedy. I loved the wordplay, loved the funny banter and smart writing.

description

Aiden Winchester is a lonely,frustrated, antsy Hollywood actor who's stuck in a shirtless role rut and wants to do some meaningful roles. So he heads to NYC to try his luck in a Broadway play.
"I was better than the roles I’d been getting. I just needed a chance to prove it. That wasn’t going to happen jiggling my junk in front of a bunch of horny housewives."

Francesca Marches is a barista from Benson Hurst, Brooklyn, working in Broadway Beans who accidentally, almost kills him with almond milk. Her hilarious attempts at making fern designs in Coffee which end up looking like penises had me laughing😂

description

As is what happens when opposites meet...they attract and how!!

“I’m asking if you care enough about me that I could do something that might hurt you.”
“Isn’t that the same thing?”
“No. I’m not asking to hurt you. I’m asking if it’s possible for me to hurt you.”


description

It was a joy to read the story which wasn't very off the beaten path but karen writes with lot of intelligence. It wasn't Cheesy but quirky. NYC setting is always my fave and sharp humor always gets me.
There's A gossip TV duo -Hal E.Wood with Tatiana who provide the backdrop like a cheesy gossip show - Tea with Hal & Tatiannnaaa This dish will be served hot, hot, hot when we return!”

description

It was bang on funny and sleazy. I love that extra touch. Very smart karen!!
Add in a dash of Italiano famiglia and I'm a goner
Pick this up for a rollicking fun & sexy read
4.5 stars for extra-large vanilla latte with coconut milk.
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Profile Image for Kathy.
1,506 reviews13 followers
January 15, 2019
Francesca and Aiden's story is not an insta-love rush into bed tale, there are plenty of those out there if that's your thing. Their story is about two people that are Polar opposites, she's down home Italian from Brooklyn, he's Los Angeles actor pretentious. Aiden is running away from something, Franky is running towards something. Their first meeting is pretty unforgettable but gives you a glimpse that Aiden is much more than what's on the surface. Franky is truly a girl after my own heart and written so realistically that she could have been a relative of mine. This story has great supporting characters (yes Clarence, I'm including you) and a villain or three. Their love however is like a fine a Italian Wine - Savor it.
Added Bonus for me:
Unbeknownst to Ms Cimms Franky's life was like doing a walk down memory lane. Franky's character is from Bensonhurst Brooklyn, so am I, she has a large bat-shit crazy Italian family, so did I, Franky finds herself in locations & situations with her family I am very familiar with. So thank you Karen Cimms for reminding me that there really is no place like home. -
Profile Image for Zilpha Owens.
936 reviews9 followers
May 17, 2023
4.5 Extra Large Vanilla Latte with Coconut Milk Stars!

When I really like a story, reviews go one of two ways for me. I can just easily take notes and jot things down as I go along or I just continuously read and forget all about the note-taking. For Broadway Beans, it’s the latter. My interest was snagged after only a few pages and I just kept going.

Aiden Winchester is an actor and Hollywood royalty who wants to be taken seriously. He sheds a toxic relationship and heads to New York and Broadway. He has a bit of an ego and a little clueless at times, but still very lovable with a very generous heart.

Franky Marchesi comes from a loving albeit overbearing Italian family, but wants to make her own way. She’s snarky, fun and fiercely independent with dreams of becoming a kindergarten teacher. She too has a big, loving heart.

The slow build to their relationship was sweet. The time they spend together and with her family is priceless. Laugh out loud moments made their story so much fun. Even the moments of sadness are tempered with moments of pure bliss. Of course, there’s always trouble lurking because what good love story isn’t without its problems?

With a terrific mix of humor, charm and sensuality, Broadway Beans was the perfect romantic comedy.
314 reviews4 followers
January 15, 2019
I loved this story! The characters were very engaging, I loved the snark of Franky, who is a big marshmallow inside, Aiden is so LA, quite full of himself, without meaning to be. One has just had their heart shattered and the other is looking for the life they want. Neither is looking for romance, so it is a slow burn, starting with friendship. I chuckled quite a bit reading this! This book was a great read, funny, angsy, and hot! Get the latte ready and settle in for a good time! I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Emile Horne.
8 reviews
December 5, 2018
You're gonna want to get this book as soon as it comes available. Witty and incredibly sexy, BROADWAY BEANS is Karen Cimms at her very best.
Franky and Aiden couldn't be different. She is an tough-talking Italian with a large family and a dream of becoming a teacher. He is a successful, arrogant actor with Mommy and Daddy issues and a broken heart. When they meet, it's definitely not love at first sight. Their friendship is surprising and at times awkward, but the chemistry heats up quickly on the page.
I laughed. I seethed. I laughed again. And I fell in love with these two characters. Highly recommended to all of my romance-loving friends. BROADWAY BEANS is a must have!
Profile Image for Jennifer Dale.
782 reviews15 followers
February 4, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Light read, somewhat predictable but very well written.
I loved how Aiden and Franky met. I loved how it wasn't insta love. I love how she didn't know who he really was. I love that it was dual POV. I love that Franky was snarky and didn't put up with BS.
I love that it gave us an Epilogue :)

Can you see all the "love" i have for the book.

I would give this light read a 4.5 stars. Great job and do recommend.
Profile Image for Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) .
2,831 reviews117 followers
January 12, 2019
This fabulous story has so much packed into it but I hung on every word! Franky and Aiden had lives that seemed like there own but under a microscope were anything but! Franky came from a big family and was told where to be, who to be and was expected to be a housewife. Aiden part of Hollywood royalty was told pretty much what every minute of his day should look like, who to date, what roles to play and what truths to tell! When both have had enough and decide to take their lives into their own hands their paths lead them to each other and for the first time both are leading lives they love, make them happy and it’s a feeling they want forever! The downside is that sometimes the people pulling your strings are stronger then your happiness!

Franky and Aiden are dealt some tough blows and love isn’t always enough!

Franky was an amazing heroine! She’s sassy, loves what she loves and makes no promises! She is strong willed and an honest to God amazing person! Even though she exudes strength she has a vulnerability that not many get to see! Aiden though a very dense human being at times was a good hearted man who was just trying to find his way! He found his strength in Franky and together they were unstoppable but part they were weak and malleable!

I recommend this amazing story and though the begging is a little slow it’s a great build up to what happens and sheds light on different things that take place later! When the steam picks up oh boy the story gets going and you won’t want to put this book down (lord knows I didn’t)
Profile Image for Joyffree.
3,404 reviews61 followers
September 14, 2023
Floved Franky!
Aiden was pretty cool too, lol
But these two together though?
Off the charts nuclear!

From the moment Franky almost killed him Aiden was captivated by her
Or maybe it was that to her he was an everyday Joe? How could she?
Franky was just trying to find her footing in life
Neither was really looking for their forever

This ha is it all and a touch of magic
The slow build from friendship to be my forever
The light angst that was quickly followed up with light humor
The family - boisterous, demanding, loud, and most of all loving and supportive
The ex who isn't an ex but is - Hollywood hyperbole
The judgemental new "coworkers"
The friends that stand beside you even when it is dark
The white ball of fluff

A refreshing fun easy to read light-hearted romance that hits just right
Profile Image for Paula White.
604 reviews35 followers
January 15, 2019
I was gifted an ARC for an honest review.

I really enjoy a slow burn romance and this was one. They were unlikely friends to start with. Franky was a great character, great humour and had an amazing interfering Italian family. Aiden started with an ego but soon got this in check.

I liked the progression of friendship to romance and liked the side characters. I felt the ex-girlfriend and manager drama are a well used plot device to create conflict and maybe this could have been done a different way.

On the whole I really enjoyed this book and it drew me in from the start.
Profile Image for Jen.
766 reviews116 followers
April 11, 2019
Picture this: New York—present day. A high price latte causes a chance meeting and an almost sudden death. Who knew said chance meeting would be the start of something amazing?!

As they say, if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere! Aiden Winchester needs out of Hollywood—he’s tired of baring it all (well, practically) on the big screen and wants to show off his talent by starring in a Broadway production.

Franky Marchesi comes from your typical Italian family—the woman is supposed to be barefoot and pregnant, all while taking care of her family. She wants so much more—to go to college, become a teacher, and make something of herself.  Lucky for her, she’s needed by her BFF and leaves Bensonhurst, Brooklyn for a new life in New York City.

The chemistry between Aiden + Franky is off the charts! This slow burn, friends-to-lovers story will have you shouting “snap out of it” while laughing your ass off and cheering these two on. Oh, and I don’t want to forget to add that Aiden is HOT 😍!!

I adored both of these characters, and their connection and Karen Cimms’ writing is top notch. The supporting characters were easy to love and I especially loved Franky’s Nona.

“Ci sará sempre in posto in il mio cuore che tu dovevi colmare.”

"There will always be a hole in my heart that you were supposed to fill."

Broadway Beans is not only a romantic comedy, it’s so much more. Swoonworthy moments, characters you’ll adore, and lots of sexy times—an absolute winner for me!!
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
January 15, 2019
Broadway Beans is chock full of as much humor and sweetness as it is drama and swoon. I found myself quickly hooked to Aiden and Franky’s story and devoured this book in one sitting. With everything you’d want in a good movie star romance and more you’re guaranteed to fall in love with these two. Along with the sweet swoony romance you get great banter, some seriously funny moments and that perfect bit of angst to really tug at your heart.
I adored Franky from the start. She’s all sass and smarts making her a ton of fun to read. That along with her sometimes frustrating but loving giant Italian family, especially her Nonna is what really hooked me in the beginning. Aiden is the polar opposite of Franky. Coming from two famous parents and being a movie star in his own right he’s escaping to New York to try his hand at Broadway while Franky is just trying to get enough freedom to finally attend college at 24. Coming from completely different worlds did nothing to stop the perfect chemistry these two have though. The instant sparks become an adorable friendship that soon grows into a deep love. With major hurdles coming at them you’ll be glued to the pages dying to know what’s coming and trust me, it’s worth it.
Profile Image for Hollie Senn Bookish Reviews.
397 reviews10 followers
January 22, 2019
Holy Moly!!!!!! Karen you did it again... Aiden and Franky are amazing.. I absolutely love this story and I can't wait to see what's next from you.. Definitely will recommend as one of my favorite authors and amazing gift to tell a story and hook you in.. 5 stars for Broadway Beans....
Profile Image for Cassidy.
751 reviews58 followers
January 30, 2019
I had a good time reading this one. The hero is a Hollywood heartthrob taking on his first Broadway roll. The heroine is from a crazy, fun Italian family. She is set on taking the steps to move forward with her life. New York City was a fun setting. I look forward to reading more from this author.





I voluntarily read an early copy.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews132 followers
Want to read
March 15, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/15/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Ann Tekatch.
12 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2024
Loved it! I couldn't put it down. It was quite possibly the best contemporary romance I've ever read. Definitely the highlight of my reading year so far. The characters were loveable and there were many memorable laugh-out-loud moments. In particular, those involving Hal. E. Wood & Tatianna and Franky's chaotic family.
A beautiful love story.
Perfect.
Profile Image for Constance.
564 reviews6 followers
March 7, 2020
This was a wonderful story. Everything flowed well, loved the supporting characters as much as I loved the main characters.
Profile Image for Krista.
12 reviews5 followers
May 31, 2023
I feel like Karen went in a bit of different direction with this book. Unlike Kate and Billy or Rain and Chase, this is a slow build up. Aiden can be a bit of an idiot because he is a little gun shy due to how his last relationship ended. Franky is a fierce, independent, Italian beauty who has no clue who he is. She also almost accidentally kills him the first time they meet.
Aiden is in New York trying his hand at Broadway and being taken as a serious actor, not just the guy who walks around the movie with his shirt off. Franky is trying to save money to go to school to become a kindergarten teacher, but is having a hard time living with her VERY close Italian family. Her best friend offers her a solution of moving in with her and dog sitting when she is out of town. Franky gets a job at Broadway Beans, a coffee shop in the theatre district. Aiden comes in for a coffee and off we go. Not really, Franky and Aiden become friends and Franky helps Aiden run his lines, because quite frankly, he sucks; at the beginning.
There is a steamy kiss, some silence from Aiden; I did mention the idiot part, and then Franky sprains her ankle and Aiden rescues her. You would think it would be all smooth sailing from there, but no. Remember previous relationship? Yeah, she's a piece of work and throws a wrench in the plans for Aiden and Franky Happily Ever After. Then, Aiden pulls his head out of his ass, and Franky forgives him and Happily Ever After does happen.
I almost forgot, Hal E Wood and Tatianna are the best and most hilarious gossip "girls" ever!

Profile Image for Carla.
62 reviews41 followers
February 2, 2019
I admit, I will read anything Karen Cimms writes. Twice sometimes, and I'll still muppetflail at how much I enjoyed the experience. Broadway Beans is no exception!
Karen is a pro at putting together unique characters whom you can't help but want to know personally. I found myself wanting to be Franky's best friend and confidant, and I really wanted to get to know her family. Mostly I wanted to be her friend so I could smack her upside the head and let her know how dense she was in regards to Aiden and her attraction to him. Him too. Idiot :)
What you need to know is that this is a standalone. No big cliffies to worry about, but I would welcome a continuation of the story if Karen wrote something like that. Like I said, I'll read anything she writes, including her shopping list.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
1,018 reviews10 followers
February 1, 2019
This is a fun story to read. Franky is a spunky girl needing to fly from under her Italian families, sometimes overbearing, wings to emerge from her chrysalis and begin her journey through life. In comes Aiden, a big Hollywood actor wanting to prove his chops on Broadway. It is fun to see how these two give and take while protecting their hearts in this blossoming romantic story. I love how much these two grow as the story progresses.

If you want a wonderful story from an amazing writer, get this and her other books. You won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Caryn.
2,394 reviews3 followers
May 6, 2019
LOVED it!!!

Would have finished this on Saturday but had my brother’s 60th and then company until this morning. What a story! I had tears through this book...some happy and some sad. Franky was a delight and Aiden was dreamy. The author packed so much story into this book and while some parts were predictable, it was a great book to read.

Once again this author has delivered!!
Profile Image for Up All Night With Books.
1,160 reviews44 followers
January 30, 2019
4 Stars
Review by Sasha Kobylinski
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog


There are two things that I am always going to obsess over until the end of time; Broadway shows and love stories. This book made my heart so happy to combine those two in one beautiful book.

You don’t have to love Broadway or even know the first thing about theater life to understand this book. They bring you into the dramatic, over the top and cut-throat world within a couple pages.

Aiden Winchester has gone as high as one can go in Hollywood. He’s reached the top which means that he’s got something that everyone wants. Fed up with the antics that come with life in the famous fast lane, Aiden decides its time for a change. Broadway is his next step and the perfect move for an actor that has done everything else. Wanting to be taken seriously in his craft, Broadway will shape him into a more aware actor and quite possibly a person.

Franky Marchesi is famous...but in her own world. Coming from a large and at times over-bearing family it can appear as if she is always in the spotlight. She would never think about leaving them behind, but she has dreams about creating a life of her own that doesn’t need all the extra people at the moment.

The somewhat perfect opportunity falls into her lap; babysitting her friend's pet whenever she’s out of town. FInally forced to move out on her own and get a job at the local coffee shop. Here is where two people from two different worlds meet. Aiden and Franky find a playful friendship with each other. Finding differences in each other that intrigue them, the pair grows closer and teach their counterpart about how the other half experiences things. This relationship is sweet. There is no other world that best encompasses the dynamic between these two. They grow together with no hostility, no vengeance, and no anger for the life they got given. It’s beautiful in a way that reminds a reader that there is still some form of innocence in the world.

I loved Cimms writing. She has an amazing comedic writing style that had me giggling my way through this whole novel and trying to hold them in to avoid strange glances in public. The relationship of Aiden and Franky was so pure that I loved seeing them grow together. Broadway Beans is a wonderful coming of age story where both characters are figuring out exactly who they want to be and how they can stand on their own. It’s a slow burn but don’t sleep on it because you think that it won’t get you in the end.

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Michele Gay.
144 reviews4 followers
January 24, 2019
Aiden Winchester is an actor who wants to prove he's a good actor nor just a nice ass, in his last dozen movies, his wardrobe had consisted of boxers, briefs, low slung jeans, a speedo, a loin cloth and nothing and he thinks he's worn a shirt a total of three times, but that was for only seconds. He wants to be taken seriously as an actor. Not only that he's going through a break up with his ex, Adrianna, who he pretends to still be in a relationship with until after their most recent movie comes out which is in several months. He wants out of Hollywood and wants Broadway. Where better to be tested as an actor than on Broadway.
Franky aka Francesca Marchesi is working in her families Italian Market, stocking, cleaning, cooking, slicing meats and cheeses at the deli section, all she wants is to teach Kindergarten. She's saving every penny to take night classes. Franky’s best friend Erika asks Franky to move in with her to help take care of her Morkie, Clarence while she’s traveling for her job with Big Pharma. Franky agrees after her brother says he’s moving back home with their parent’s home, a three-bedroom apartment with five adults and one bathroom was the final straw. In Manhattan Franky was looking for a job and found a barista job at Broadway Beans she was hired on the spot even with no barista experience. She was put in the grumpy hands of the day manager Dee-Jon, who doesn’t like anyone.
Broadway Bean is the coffee shop that hires Franky even though she has no barista experience. She meets Aiden there on her first day and almost kills him thanks to his allergy to nuts, he asked for coconut milk and she put in Almond milk. A Friendship is started and so much more.
With plot twists and the drama of a large Italian family this book was so entertaining. It was funny and heart-warming all at the same time. There is deceit, greed, humor, heart-break, romance and of course love.
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone I know, also Karen Cimms is being added as one of my “Go To Authors” you know we all have the “Favorites” or “Go To” list, she is added to mine.
Also, I need to say I loved the “Teatime with Tatiana and Hal E. Wood”. I have never laughed so hard as when I was reading those sections, hysterical, I loved it, and I’m glad I am not a celebrity of any kind, the things people do to find out about a celebrity’s life is downright terrifying.
Profile Image for Christine C.
383 reviews5 followers
January 25, 2019
This was a fun book to read. The opening scene, with Franky tossing her brother's laundry, including his prize Mets championship tshirt, out the window sets the tone for the book in the best way. She is tiny, loud, frustrated with her parents' old-fashioned views of a daughter's role, and fed up with being overworked and underpaid in her family's deli while dreaming of going to college to become a kindergarten teacher. When her best friend Erika asks Franky to move in with her, Franky resists at first but then when she has a really bad day in the deli, she quits and takes Erika up on her offer. She still has to earn money if she's going to pay for school, though, so she gets a job at Broadway Beans, a coffee shop in the theater district.

Aiden is a Hollywood star fed up with being known for eye candy and nothing more. He has his agent get him a role in a serious Broadway play so he can grow as an actor and get on the radar for better roles. The rest of the cast isn't very welcoming, though, and he struggles like he never did on a movie set. He meets Franky in the coffee shop, and they strike up a tenuous friendship that eventually grows into more.

This was a really good book. Some parts were a little cliched, but overall it was an original take on the movie star/everyday girl romance story. Franky was great. She was brash and fiery and didn't let him get away with anything. And I loved her Nonna! That character was subtle perfection. Aiden was a good guy, too. Having grown up in the Hollywood life, he could be a little out of touch with normal life, but he was a quick learner. The Aiden from the first couple chapters was a much different Aiden than the one of the end of the book. Both characters grew as people over the course of this book.

One thing that I didn't really like, though, was Franky's reaction to the climatic event at the gala they attended "not-together." She knew all about the contract clause requiring Aiden and his costar ex girlfriend to appear publicly as a couple for six months after filming, and she knew that his manager released old photos and frequently made it seem like they were still together, even though they hadn't seen each other since Aiden broke up with her. So I don't get why Franky would believe the announcement was real, without even questioning it or talking to Aiden for clarification.

Overall, this is a really enjoyable book. it's definitely worth one-clicking.



Profile Image for Ben Hart.
8 reviews
January 29, 2019
Darlins you all deserve a man who makes you feel like a Movie Star!
In Broadway Beans, a very smooth as silk written friends to lovers romantic comedy that is exactly what our leading lady the adorable Franky gets when she meets the charming, troubled movie star, Aiden Winchester. Both of these lovable charcters are having crises of faith in themselves. Aiden in his love life (his heart got TOTALLED by an epic B) and acting abilities and Franky in “Adulting” in general. And OMFG the FOOD. The delicious AF descriptions of Italian dishes had this man drooling.

On Aiden
Aiden decides to prove his acting chops by landing a role in a Broadway Show. Once he gets there he is almost KILLED by Franky who messes up his coffee order, taking pity on her, but also very much liking what he sees, Aiden saves her from losing her job which was really sweet of him. And Aiden is that, incredibly sweet, charming, flirty, a bit of a self centred knob clown at times, but mostly a sweet dude who really does want the special woman in his life to feel like a movie star. Because damn it darlins, Franky as well as all of you, deserve the STAR treatment.

On Franky
Franky is such a sweetheart. She’s the kinda girl you want on your team. She has your back 100% and is your cheerleader, f that your Cheer Team. Franky cares for and helps so many in her life, and has a great heart that can get taken advantage of. She also has a gorgeous down to earthiness about her, and I really adore that quality in a woman darlins. Because I am a dirty man and precious flowers find themselves a bit allergic to my lifestyle.

All Up
There's a lot of laughs, many heart warming moments in Broadway Beans. Minimal angst, some other woman drama because the manipulative farce of Aiden having to pretend to still be with the woman who hurt him so badly until their flick comes out or it’s career suicide. I loved it when the dog Clarence jumped on top of Aiden when he was trying to make sweet lurrrrve to Franky. Hilariousness. And HOLY HOTBALLS the hand fondling of his crotch under the table scene by the horny Aunt at a family dinner, had me near choking on my beer with laughter. Well done to the talented Karen Cimms, this book was a very funny, heart warming escape.
Profile Image for Lisa.
2,344 reviews13 followers
January 27, 2019
Rating: 4.5*

Famous actor trying to fly under the radar by taking a role on the stage rather than the screen. Aiden is fed up of the parts that have him half naked on the screen and wants to be taken seriously. He also wants space from his ex who he caught cheating the night he planned to propose to her. It is not a straightforward split though as he has to continue the sham while they promote a film together.

Franky is trying to find her way in the world. She has been working for her family without the recognition she deserves for her hard work. She moves in with her best friend and finds a job at Broadway Beans but knows nothing about coffee. Her first customer, Aiden, she nearly kills by getting his order wrong. Aiden is drawn to her as her kind heart and sass shines through. She doesn't recognise him and he likes that.

I liked the fact that Franky was level headed and when his identity is revealed, she doesn't have a tantrum or get angry, she listens calmly and is accepting. But with stars there is always someone with an agenda and wanting a pay day. In this case it his agent who is determined to keep the Aiden and Adrianna public relationship going and will resort to whatever he can to get Franky out of the picture.

This was a great read - Aiden was a lot arrogant to start with but I loved how Franky kept putting him in his place and brought out his more human side.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Profile Image for Pansy.
584 reviews8 followers
August 26, 2019
I have been reading some pretty dark books lately. I actually stopped reading one because I was just tired. I had bought Broadway Beans when it was released but had not read it yet. This was the perfect solution to the depressing books.
Broadway Beans is a classic romantic comedy. I loved every minute of it. The lead male, Aiden Winchester, is an actor from an LA who wants to turn his career around and try his acting on Broadway. Francesca (Franky) Marchesi, native New Yorker who wants to get some distance between herself and her possessive Italian family decides to move to Manhattan with her best friend and gets a job at a coffee shop called.......Broadway Beans. After nearly killing Aiden (can't tell you anymore or I will spoil it) Franky finds herself almost unemployed after only one day on the job. And so it starts. Aiden and Franky are so sweet together and Franky's family is perfect. The writing of the two characters is what pulls you in. You become hooked and involved. Invested.
I know this may sound like the typical famous boy meets working class girl and it is but there some great side characters (Hal and Tati) that will have you in tears laughing.
I am a big fan of Ms. Cimms books. Her Love and Madness Series is one the best Rocker/Bad Boy series out there. So if you want a sweet love story that will literally have you smiling throughout the whole book and laughing out loud. This is it. Five stars and highly recommend.
Profile Image for Staci Johnston.
72 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2023
4 Extra Large Vanilla Latte with Coconut Milk Stars!

This book was a terrific mix of humor, charm and sexiness! Originally it was called "Broadway Beans" but then was changed. It is the perfect rom- com. So if you love romance this book is definitely for you! I just absolutely loved this story and the characters were just amazing! I loved Franky, who comes from a big Italian family, she is fun, fiercely independent with a bit of snarkiness, who actually has a very kind heart and even has dreams of becoming a kindergarten teacher.

Aiden is a Hollywood actor who is so LA and quite full of himself, without meaning to be but still wears his heart on his sleeve. He is running from a very toxic fake relationship and is heading to New York for Broadway.

One has just had their heart broken and the other is looking for the life they want. Neither is looking for romance even though they find it, so it is a slow burn that originally starts with friendship. I laughed out loud while reading this book and it comes highly recommend, it was a great read, funny, full of angst, and sexy! So get your lattes ready, sit back and enjoy! 😉
Profile Image for Karen.
625 reviews
February 10, 2019
Broadway Beans is a slow burn friends to lovers romance and has SO much to offer readers. I loved the pace of the story. Wonderful characters who will keep you engaged from the first page to the last, plenty of humour, lots of romance, crazy family moments, sexy times and a few twists and turns.
Aiden Winchester and Franky Marchesi are complete opposites and I loved the way they complimented each other. Aiden is an LA A-List movie star, and Franky works in her family's delicatessen dreaming of the day she saves enough money to go to school and achieve her dream of becoming a teacher. Franky is loyal to the bone and has a huge heart and love to give.
Aiden escapes LA after having his heart smashed to smithereens. Aiden has huge trust issues and guards his heart...something that is challenged when he first meets Franky.
I don't want to give away too much of the story, I think the reader should enjoy every moment with fresh eyes.
Highly recommend another fabulous read by Karen Cimms and suggest you pick up Broadway Beans today!
Profile Image for Bewaji.
1,597 reviews5 followers
February 1, 2019
I’ve been a fan of this author from her ‘Of Love and Madness’ series. She broke my heart with Joey and then healed it with a long awaited HEA. This story started out soft and with a lot of laughter, especially with Franky’s family. They were hilarious, down to earth and fun to read. Then she met Aiden, and the fact that she didn’t know he is a movie star, as usual was a big draw for him. Then we have the agent from hell, and the usual b***hy ex, and the big fact lie, and the heartache that followed.

It all worked out in the end, but it was good for me to meet a girl like Franky. She was a hoot. She might have overdone the money part of the story. Girl, don’t reject gifts! Hello.. The duo of Hal and Tatianna, the gossip columnists, was good for my soul. Overall? I love this. The drop of one star? I wanted an epilogue from Aiden and Franky, that covers the wedding ( maybe not), or some years after the wedding.
*ARC given by the author *
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