Love Me Tender, Love Me Brew

Rise & Grind #2

by Amy Stephens

If you’ve ever stopped by The Coffee Loft in Lake Tahoe, chances are you’ve met Edwin Wesley. Dubbed as the singing barista with sideburns, he’s always serving customers with a smile and an Elvis Presley song.

Everyone knows how much he enjoys singing and impersonating the King, so when a national talent company announces they’re coming to town for Tahoe’s Got Talent, Edwin should be the first person to sign up, right? Wrong. Turns out someone has a little bit of stage fright.

Charlotte Jordan has had a crush on Edwin since the first day she began working at the coffee shop. It was love at first sight the first time she laid eyes on his blue suede sneakers and she’s done everything she could think of to let him know except sing it from the rooftop.

Worried that Edwin is making a terrible mistake, Charlotte goes behind his back and adds his name to the list. She’d rather risk their friendship than have him miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime.

Music lovers and fans of swoony, sweet romances, get ready to fall in love with Edwin and Charlotte in Love Me Tender, Love Me Brew. Two baristas, two friendships, and an epic encore you won’t soon forget!

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit

72 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2024

About the author

Amy Stephens is a USA Today and International Bestselling contemporary romance author. Born and raised in Alabama, she lives just minutes from the beautiful gulf coast beaches.

When she’s not busy writing, you’ll find her reading, going on cruises with her husband, or taking a road trip for a girl’s weekend getaway. She’s a huge sports fan, but she prefers watching the games at home where she can curl up on the couch with her feline fur babies.

Amy released her first book in 2014 and now has over twenty published works, from sweet and clean, rom-com, sports and firefighters, there's bound to be a hero for all of her readers.


Find her on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/amystephensa...
https://www.instagram.com/amystephens...
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amy-s...

Goodreads:
goodreads.com/amystephens

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dq9San

Drop her an email:
amystephensauthor@gmail.com

Reviews

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, quick read! Edwin and Charlotte were adorable. I loved their first meeting and watching their friendship bud and grow. Edwin is loved by his family and all those around him in this vacation town. He's quirky and funny and full of heart! And he's a major Elvis Presley fan! I loved the dynamics that added to the story. It had me singing out loud and in my head lots of Elvis songs!

Charlotte, and Edwin's parents were great at helping support him, even through his fears and reservations. I loved how they didn't want him to miss out on something that was a dream of his. Their love and support of him, as well as the support of the community was great.

I was excited when I heard that there was another round of Coffee Loft books! The first round had me hooked. I love that they are all clean and full of sweet romance. Plus, they're funny! I enjoyed reading this one a lot!

Content: Clean.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[TheBookPlatypus · Rating 4 out of 5]

We’re at Lake Tahoe this time with a new The Coffee Loft mini novella featuring Charlotte and Edwin!

First, grab your phone and turn on Elvis’ greatest hits to get the vibe going in the over the top, cheesy, absolutely adorable romance featuring an Elvis impersonator and barista.

With Fall Vibes and Elvis puns, this sweet mini novella is quick at about 52 pages and a fun read.

“... I've got a thing about you, baby..." Though they've only chatted briefly, there's something about Charlotte that makes his heart beat a little faster. She's truly one of the nicest girls he's ever met and he can't wait to see her again.”

Both Charlotte and Edwin are college students and end up working together at The Coffee Loft. When a talent show arrives in town, Charlotte entered Edwin for his amazing singing talent!
Will his dreams come true or does he realize he’s got everything he needs already?

[Asheley T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute seasonal novella from the Coffee Loft fall collection, this time only around 72 pages. So a very cute, very quick romance read. Coffee barista Edwin is obsessed with Elvis Presley and loves to sing Elvis tunes along with the jukebox while he‘s working. When a huge talent show comes to Tahoe, Charlotte encourages him to enter.

This one could easily be expanded to a full length story. I would have loved more from these characters!

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Me Tender, Love Me Brew is part of The Coffee Loft: Fall Collection. This is a multi-author series with each book featuring a Coffee Loft coffee shop, but all are able to be read in any order or as standalones.

This was such a fun read. From our very first introduction to Edwin as a child, performing along to Elvis, I was hooked. Seriously, one of the cutest openings ever... I absolutely adored it! The rest of the story was equally sweet and enjoyable--- filled with some fall vibes, a sweet romance and of course, all the coffee inspired Elvis puns! (Seriously, this book will 100% have you wanting to put on some Elvis music during and after you read!) As many books as I read, I can't say that I've ever read a book with an Elvis impersonating main character, so I thought that was a really fun aspect of Edwin and Charlotte's story that set it apart. This is a super short read, easily read in just one sitting. I definitely could have enjoyed more of their story too--- they were super cute together, but it didn't feel incomplete or rushed--- just the perfect bite-sized fall romance for a fun pick me up!

Love Me Tender, Love Me Brew is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since being a child Edwin has always loved singing and performing Elvis songs, using his mom's hairbrush as his mic. Now years later he works part-time in the local Coffee Loft shop, greeting customers with a smile and a song. Now in college studying music he enjoys what he's doing. Then just out of the blue a young woman walks in with her friend Charlotte is quite shy and slowly starts to talk to him. When the town finds out Tahoe has talent is auditioning in the local Casino things take a turn. This is a sweet easy to read story with the added bonus of quite a few references to Elvis songs, even with a few word variations. This is the perfect read for a love afternoon with a Salted Caramel Mocha (my personal choice) and a nice comfy chair. Will Edwin's dreams come true or will he find his dreams are already true ❤️☕️📖❤️

[Angela Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Me Tender, Love Me Brew by Amy Stephens is part of the Coffee Loft series and is one of the cutest musical fall short stories that I’ve read!

Edwin is pretty much obsessed with Elvis Presley and has been since he was a child, so when a talent competition comes to Tahoe, his gf, Charlotte, enters him into the contest so he can showcase his Elvis moves.

I loved all the little Elvis songs that were changed up to fit the Coffee Loft, they were hilarious! Although, this story was super short, it felt complete. I enjoyed each character and would recommend this sweet kisses college romance with a HEA!

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elvis-obsessed Edwin is such a delight. Can you imagine going to your small, local coffee shop and being serenaded with a song with every delectable drink? He would make work so much fun and cheer up even the grumpiest customer.

I love his first meet with Charlotte and the way they quickly fell into being both coworkers and friends, but it was her ultimate risk that really took the story to the next level. I went into this book knowing it was short and it hit the spot with its direct shot of music and love.

This is the perfect combo for those who need a little afternoon pick-me-up.

Content: very mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*

[Tanvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute short read. You fall in love with Charlotte and Edwin and as they navigate their friendship and their relationship.

Amy is able to bring out the emotions of the characters to the surface and you will find yourself rooting for Edwin and singing along to Elvis' songs.

I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mishell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't get the whole impersonation thing

[Lissa Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Edwin & Charlotte's sweet , caring, fun, brewtiful love story!!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I gotta a hunk a burning love for this charming book by Amy Stephens . The fun and the puns keeping rolling like Elvis’s lip curl . Edwin Wesley the barista at the Coffee Loft has had an Elvis vibe going since the age of four when sideburns he painted on his face …with permanent marker for en encore , in the right place! Aw , even when little Edwin his parents were always behind him in his Elvis obsession. The customers at the coffee shop are emitting smiles when the singer barista turns out a few songs in his Elvis style replacing a few of the words to Mocha it fit the drink that the customer ordered with cheery wit. ‘Love me tender love me brew ‘ is quite the example he’d sing to make it fit for you. Charlotte Jordan and her Tahoe Community College friend Reba have just moved in together and take a well earned break from their move , at the Coffee Shop. Edwin dives in as the cute brunette and her friend dither over which drink to choose as they the big menu did peruse , recommending the peppermint Mocha . While fixing their drinks , he gets into his act “…..everybody in the entire coffee shop, was dancin’ to the Jailhouse Rock...” in fact. Charlotte is quite taken with this delightful man and when they meet again he doesn’t refrain , he knows he wants to see her again and she says he can , he promises to keep an eye out for work for her as school books are expensive. Deanna York the boss at Coffee Loft is busy as a bee as Edwin gets to work . Tahoe’s Got Talent is coming to the Glitz Casino next month you see, now that’s an opportunity for the Coffee Loft franchise , it also means needing new staff and Edwin remembers a little aft that it’s perfect for Charlotte , he’d sure like to date her…but she’d think him daft…Charlotte is of the same mind as he , he’s funny and kind and her cup of tea . Whoopee! When he sings ‘love me tender’ she’s gone . But now what has she gone and done and off she does run for a solitary second until her love beckons. Amy , I love this! I did from then Ghetto ( get go) the puns delightful I want you to know , absolutely adore them, they deserve an encore and a bravo , way to go! Your writing is so sweet and really neat , it rolls off the tongue as the words fill your head and the love story is so delightfully cute and your storytelling very astute. The characters I yearn to meet again , please tell me we are to get more …maybe a reprise performance . An encore….more!

[Hilma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Me Tender, Love Me Brew by Amy Stephens is a part of the Coffee Loft Fall edition series and it is the story of Edwin, who works at a Coffee Loft Shop and likes to entertain the customers by singing Elvis songs (the title is a bit of a hint, haha). When a talent show comes to town, he is hesitant to apply, but his friend Charlotte does not let that happen.

Once again I loved this book written by Amy Stephens. I am a great fan of the Coffee Loft series from the very first book. Each book is a standalone. When I started reading Love Me Tender, Love Me Brew, the first pages I read were just adorable: a young Edwin singing Elvis songs. Later on, when he is older and working in the Coffee Loft Shop, the songs he is singing are just great and only because he (or Amy Stephens) makes up his own lyrics. Edwin is a great character, very friendly but also insecure. Charlotte is a lovely character as well, she likes to do good things and she is great friend to Edwin. I loved how she and his parents made sure he performed and how they helped him less insecure.

The writing style is flowing and the book is so easy to read. I had to get used to the present tense, but that did not take me long. It is a short novel, but nothing felt rushed.

Love Me Tender, Love Me Brew is a great addition to a cozy romance series, a perfect book to read and listen to Elvis songs. I can highly recommend all the books in this series.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Me Tender Love Me Brew is romance that will leave you “all shook up” and “can’t help falling in love” with Edwin and Charlotte!

Edwin is a huge Elvis Presley fan. He has such a fun personality and is actually really talented and underrates himself. He is incredibly sweet and generous and shows that several times to the customers, especially Charlotte. He doesn’t hold grudges and is willing to help out wherever and whenever — especially at the Coffee Loft. He is so kind and humble — just all around swoon worthy!! Charlotte is incredibly sweet and caring. A great supporter for any friends she has….especially Edwin. She’s honest and even though she did something without permissions, I admire that she came clean right away. Edwin’s parents are so sweet and funny. I enjoyed the way they are integrated throughout the book.

The book is clean and rather fast paced, seeing it’s under 100 pages BUT the relationship was sweet and progressed rather nicely. I enjoyed the friendship that developed as it evolved into something more. The singing competition was a fun and an enjoyable addition into the overall storyline.

I received an advanced copy of the book, and all my thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still smiling hours after finishing this short, sweet story. Edwin and Charlotte were perfect for one another. The cherry on top was that I got to visit The Coffee Loft again.

Edwin Wesley has loved Elvis Presley since he was 6 years old. The opening scene with a 6 year old Edwin using his mom's hairbrush as a microphone is completely hilarious. His love of Elvis Presley has flowed over into his adult life. Everyone at The Coffee Loft knows that Edwin will gladly serenade you with an Elvis Presley song while making your favorite coffee treat.

Charlotte Jordan starts crushing on Edwin after she first meets him because of his lively personality at the coffee shop, but a kind deed a day later is enough to make Charlotte fall headfirst. Everyone is encouraging Edwin to enter a talent competition that is in town. So, Charlotte takes it upon herself to enter him into the contest.

There is plenty to smile about in this book, which you can read in an hour or less. The Elvis puns and music, as well as the sweet actions of Edwin make this charming romance a plus and a must read fans of The Coffee Loft.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Koren | the_blue_eyed_bluestocking · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome back to The Coffee Loft! ☕️

This is the second story in the fall season release, and it is a quick, novella length read. We get a quick peek back in time at adorable six year old Edwin loving Elvis and already rockin' some killer moves. Fast forward to Edwin finishing up some college classes while being a singing barista at The Coffee Loft in Lake Tahoe.

He befriends Charlotte, and his kind-hearted nature quickly leads them to more. Trying to do him a good turn, Charlotte enters him into a talent competition where he gets to show off his Elvis persona to everyone. Will Edwin, the hunka hunka burnin' love, be able to show everyone what his mom and Charlotte see?

This story is extremely light-hearted, so if you are looking for angst... you won't get it here! It is a quick in and out story that leaves you with a happy ending and a craving for a Peppermint Mocha!

I received a complimentary copy of this Coffee Loft story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.

[McKenna Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Such a cute read. This is the second book in the new Coffee Loft Fall Collection. This series is fantastic and so enjoyable. Each book is a standalone or can be read in order of release. Some even connect back to the first season of The Coffee Loft. This one takes place in one of the same Coffee Lofts as we’ve seen before. It was a super short novella, but while short it wasn’t lacking in anything. The characters were great and the writing was lovely. I enjoyed the MMC a lot.

Blurb:
If you’ve ever stopped by The Coffee Loft in Lake Tahoe, chances are you’ve met Edwin Wesley. Dubbed as the singing barista with sideburns, he’s always serving customers with a smile and an Elvis Presley song…

If you’ve ever stopped by The Coffee Loft in Lake Tahoe, chances are you’ve met Edwin Wesley. Dubbed as the singing barista with sideburns, he’s always serving customers with a smile and an Elvis Presley song

Tropes:
🎤 Elvis impersonator
❤️ Love at first sight
🎵 Singing barista
☕️ Workplace romance

Oh the puns…
“You ain’t nothin’ but a coffee pot, brewin’ all the time…”

Thank you to the author Amy Stephens for the advanced electronic copy of the book!

[Shauna Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, light read
This is a quick read that has a promising plot. However, I found both the plot and the characters lacking in any depth to the point that I had a hard time getting involved. The story starts with Edwin as wanna be Elvis at the age of six with sideburns drawn on using a permanent black marker. Next you see him attending college and working as a barista in the Coffee Loft, serving each order with a side of Elvis. It is there he first meets Charlotte and is immediately attracted to her. After helping Charlotte get a job at the Coffee Loft, he is encouraged by her and other employees to try out for the television show Tahoe Has Talent. What will he decide and how will it all work out for him, the show, and his friendship with Charlotte? I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edwin Wesley has always wanted to be like Elvis, ever since he was a kid, getting caught with mom’s brush singing with marker sideburns and a curl to the lip. His parents Ronald and Vivian thought it was cute. **17 years later- Edwin is working at the coffee shop ‘Coffee Loft’ singing away to the jukebox when 2 girls walk in, Reba and Charlotte. Charlotte flirts with Edwin and they leave with their recommended drinks.
Charlotte is the struggling college student in need of a job, when she meets Edwin and they become friends. See how 2 college students maneuver life between school, work and personal lives. This is a cute story of people that cross your path are sometimes there to give you a much needed push in the right direction.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super quick read but I had such a good time with this story. Edwin has been an Elvis fan since he was a kid and loves to sing his songs. Now as an adult he's making customers smile at The Coffee Loft with his Elvis ways. One day he meets a Charlotte and little did he know she was going to change his life. Edwin and Charlotte are absolutely adorable together and I had a fun watching these two come together. I loved Edwin's parents because they were so supportive of their son. This story was short but I felt like it was well written and the characters were enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this book.

Thank you Amy Stephens for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

[Leann Arave · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re ever caught waiting for an appointment or just need a quick break from a crazy day, this is a fast paced easy read. It’s fun. It’s cute. It’s sweet. Edwin has had a fascination with Elvis since he was a young boy, trying to mimic him and even going as far as using permanent marker for sideburns. All grown up he still finds fun ways to keep his love alive for the king, singing songs at his job at the Coffee Loft. A national talent show comes to town and everyone’s telling him he should audition, but he feels inferior, what he does is just for fun. I thought this was a really cute storyline. The characters are fun and realistic. It is a clean wholesome romcom and a great easy afternoon read.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the Coffee Loft series. This is a multi-author collection that features romance and coffee. Each stand-alone story is the right blend of sweet, guaranteed to warm your heart. This one is a sweet romance with an Elvis singing hero. This is Charlotte and Edwin’s story. Great realistic characters that you fall in love with. I really liked how the author built up the relationship between the two main characters. I was rooting for their happy ending through the whole book. Detail well plotted storyline that keeps your attention throughout the book. Witty and humorous dialogue that keeps you smiling. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet friends to lovers, rom-com romance with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like ----- “You never know what kind of day someone is having, and something as simple as a smile or a few words from a classic hit can totally change the way they’re feeling.” ----- “The only person you’re failing is yourself.” ----- “They’re my heroes,” he says barely above a whisper. “They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.” --------
Why doesn't Edwin want to audition for the Talent Show? Will Edwin win the Talent Show? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Charlotte and Edwin's story and I'm sure you will too. This is a new author to me and I'll definitely be reading more of her books.

[lf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue suede sneakers

Love Me Tender, Love Me Brew is the second book in the Rise & Grind Series. Each book can be read as a standalone but they are interconnected at the same time. The story is about Charlotte Jordan and Edwin Wesley. They both work at the coffee shop as baristas. For Charlotte it as love at first sight, but Edwin is not so sure, so they are only friends. He loves Elvis and loves to impersonate him, with a great singing voice and the moves also. When a talent show comes to Lake Tahoe everyone at the shop is positive Edwin will sign up. So when he doesn't because of huge stage fright Charlotte takes the initiative to do it herself. What follows is a sweet, clean and at times funny story.

[Melinda Hennies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edwin has the love of singing and Elvis since he was 6 years old.
Edwin works at a local coffee shop and is taking college classes.
Edwin sings and makes the best coffee drinks.
When Edwin meets Charlotte, there is something about her.
When Charlotte needs a job, Edwin suggests to her for the job.
When local talent show comes foe auditions, Charlotte puts in an application.
Edwin is surprised and upset but knows Charlotte and his parents care, and he has a great voice.
When Edwin wants to quit, Charlotte encourages him along with his parents and friends.
It's such a fun short read to follow your dreams!

[Shanna Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, sweet, and short

Love Me Tender, Love Me Brew was such a sweet and short story. I felt that even though it was short you still got a good peek into their life and romance. It definitely didn't have the build up to their chemistry so you didn't fully feel a connection but it got close enough for me to really enjoy it. I also loved the Elvis theme, it was so fun and unique. Only thing that really tripped me up while reading was the dad's name of Ronald Wesley. Having enjoyed Harry Potter for a very long time, my mind refused to say Wesley and kept changing it to Weasley on just his name haha.

Overall so cute and fun! Definitely a good read

[Kimberly Prytherch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun fact: for our 15th anniversary, the hubs and I went to Vegas and renews our vows at an Elvis chapel. When I saw the cover of this book, I squealed! It’s absolutely adorable! Putting the fact that we get to revisit the characters from Love at First Sip aside, it’s so sweet, and lots of fun. Edwin is absolutely perfect, and the way that he and Charlotte bond is perfection. A little drama, a crazy competition, and an ending that is just as fun as the rest of the story makes it the perfect Coffee Loft sequel. I hope this series continues on, two seasons are just not enough.

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, sweet, short story about a talented man named Wesley.  He had sung and impersonated Elvis since he was six and someone had submitted an application for him to be in Tahoe's Got Talent show held at a local casino . I liked how Wesley made his Coffee Loft customers smile when he took their orders.  I also enjoyed his improvised Coffee Loft lyrics to the Elvis songs that played on the jukebox.  They were cute! This was such a fun book to read.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Quick read
- Coffee shop meet cute
- Talent show

This book, part of The Coffee Loft series, is a fast read that will keep you smiling! The story is very sweet, about Edwin, an Elvis aficionado, who works and sings at The Coffee Loft while attending college. He meets Charlotte on her first day at school and they become fast friends.

When a talent show comes to town, Edwin is too nervous to apply, so Charlotte secretly submits an application. But will Edwin's stage fright be too much to overcome?

[Lori Wilen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an adorable cute, quick and easy read. I loved the story and I like visiting the Coffee Lofts in different locations. I really enjoyed the characters and there were some very sweet laugh out loud moments. I had never read this author before but I am definitely going to look up other of her books. I think if my local coffee shop had a barista like the main male character of this book I would be there every day. I am sure Amy's fans will love this and if you are new to her like I am you will likely come away feeling as I did that the book was way too short and you want to read more.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Some of his best performances happen when the CLOSED sign is hanging in the front door.”

What a cute, sweet story. I enjoyed seeing young Edwin as an Elvis lover from the very beginning. He’s such a caring, giving guy. Edwin and Charlotte had a darling meet-cute. And an even better relationship.

The support of Edwin’s parents and Charlotte, encouraging him to go for his dreams. This is a quick, comfortable read, with a charming romance.

I received an eARC from the author. All views are my own.