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Brewing a Crush
In the small, close-knit town of Mapleton, a young man, Leo, has always found himself in the comfort of his bookstore. Growing up with his best friend, Nina, Leo has become familiar with hiding in the shadows, focusing on his family and friends instead of going out and seeking the love he wants. But that also has to do with his insecurities and past rejections he struggles with which make him feel unworthy of romance.
Everything changes when Ryder moves to town.
Seeking to escape his life in the infamous City of Angels, Ryder has found himself drawn to Mapleton, a town he hasn’t been back to since childhood. He takes the risk and follows his heart’s calling. Ryder ends up buying a shop in town and transforming it into the most cozy coffee haven. His passion for coffee, along with his ability to bring people together, help his coffee shop to brew up in town.
Since his arrival, Ryder notices the familiarity of Mapleton, but yet something feels different. It becomes clear when his eyes spot Leo’s bookstore across the street. In that moment Ryder feels an undeniable attraction. As their paths cross, a slow-burning romance starts brewing between them. The insecurity of Leo's past has him hesitant, but with the warmth and genuine interest that Ryder shows, Leo’s walls begin to break down.
Now Leo must overcome and conquer the challenges of being the only gay man in town. But seeing Ryder’s support within a very watchful town, Leo begins to notice that love is possible for him after all.
Everything changes when Ryder moves to town.
Seeking to escape his life in the infamous City of Angels, Ryder has found himself drawn to Mapleton, a town he hasn’t been back to since childhood. He takes the risk and follows his heart’s calling. Ryder ends up buying a shop in town and transforming it into the most cozy coffee haven. His passion for coffee, along with his ability to bring people together, help his coffee shop to brew up in town.
Since his arrival, Ryder notices the familiarity of Mapleton, but yet something feels different. It becomes clear when his eyes spot Leo’s bookstore across the street. In that moment Ryder feels an undeniable attraction. As their paths cross, a slow-burning romance starts brewing between them. The insecurity of Leo's past has him hesitant, but with the warmth and genuine interest that Ryder shows, Leo’s walls begin to break down.
Now Leo must overcome and conquer the challenges of being the only gay man in town. But seeing Ryder’s support within a very watchful town, Leo begins to notice that love is possible for him after all.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2024
15 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 30, 2024
Where to begin I love the growth of Leo in this book. Ryder was amazing as well but wanted to smack him at the end. The cliffhanger why 😭. I hope to hear more of their story.
November 10, 2024
I was really enjoying this book. I'm taking a star off my review though because it ended in either a cliffhanger(i hope) or without a HEA. I need to see them happy together! I loved their meet cute and the sweet work up. Ugh. I need more!
October 25, 2024
Where do I even begin? As I have just finished reading this story, I am currently in my feelings. I have never picked up a book more relatable. This book was real. By real - I don't mean that it follows the realness of a particular person. What I mean is it is real in the way of how the mind can make you feel like you are not enough. How society can make you feel like you are not enough. It is real in the way you can feel all of the emotions and moments and picture every scene. This book does not read like a fantasy love story. It reads like the love you can find in the real world outside of books. I have never related more to a book than I have this one. I know what it's like to feel like you do not deserve the love and care of another because of your size. Being a bigger person, I have felt this way myself and I know exactly what Leo is going through because I have been there, all the way down to the bullying. The way this story builds such a strong character and an even stronger love story, I can't help but shed a few tears at just how beautiful it is. Even with Ryder, I felt like I could connect to him as well because when you are constantly running from your past, it gets hard to know when and how to bring it up in your future and then when it does come up in ways you do not want it to, it feels like your world has shattered and everything falls apart. I've been there too. I feel like this book is great for those who feel lost and unlovable and confused. This book shows you that you can be loved and you deserve to feel that love and feel seen and appreciated and cared for. This book has given me hope that one day I will find that love that I deserve, even if my head tells me otherwise. I really can't wait to see what happens next, I need more!! Leo and Ryder will forever be a little piece of me that I will cherish. This book also has the BEST fall vibes and is the perfect fall read! 5/5 HANDS DOWN.!
November 3, 2024
This book was quite an emotional ride and I really enjoyed it! I loved the relationship building with Leo and Ryder. I loved the small time feel with the bookstore and coffee shop across from each other. I loved how they were nervous to take next steps and then everything progressed from there.
I think what I liked most about the book was that it was really real. Real events, real reactions, and just all of the feels. Many books sugar coat anything like arguments or disagreements between couples, however, this book was so real and relatable to many.
There were many events throughout the story that happened that really had me feeling emotional. I feel that communication could have solved many of these issues, however, because of the miscommunications, the story progressed to where it did.
The ending… the ending of this book was an emotional rollercoaster. I’m still trying to put my mind around all of the emotions I had from this book! I can’t wait to read more from this author.
I think what I liked most about the book was that it was really real. Real events, real reactions, and just all of the feels. Many books sugar coat anything like arguments or disagreements between couples, however, this book was so real and relatable to many.
There were many events throughout the story that happened that really had me feeling emotional. I feel that communication could have solved many of these issues, however, because of the miscommunications, the story progressed to where it did.
The ending… the ending of this book was an emotional rollercoaster. I’m still trying to put my mind around all of the emotions I had from this book! I can’t wait to read more from this author.
November 14, 2024
This novel was sweet but also there was a lot of struggle. Leo’s Thoughts and feelings about himself are PRESENT THROUGHOUT the story. i love that its based in a small town as someone living in a small town it was funny to read the BEGINNING of the story and how Ryder was the town’s talk BECAUSE he was OPENING a new store. This was a great story and cant wait for the next part (Please).
October 30, 2024
This is my first LGBTQ+ romance book and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! It was such a refreshing read and I (not so secretly) love the coffee shop vibes of it all. If you want cozy, this is the cozy for you. 🩵 So glad I randomly came across the authors TikTok.
October 27, 2024
Just a cute lgbt love story between a book store owner and a newcomer to the community who just opened a coffee shop.
Love the plus size rep in the book. I related to Leo and his struggles especially when he was putting on clothes and trying to feel secure with himself.
The ending was a wild ride.
Love the plus size rep in the book. I related to Leo and his struggles especially when he was putting on clothes and trying to feel secure with himself.
The ending was a wild ride.
October 27, 2024
This book was beautifully written. The struggles of a bigger person doubting that anyone can love him and the person who fights to make him realize just how incredible he is. Chefs kiss
April 1, 2025
It hurts to rate a queer love story so poorly. I'll start with the good.
The premise was irresistible. Hallmark-y, cozy vibes with the local bookstore owner and the local coffee shop owner meet-cute. Adorable! Big and curvy POC main character receiving love from the stereotypical hot white guy who helps establish confidence within himself? Rightfully deserved! A loving, supportive community who ships our main couple? Heck yes!
Now, everything else.
The pacing. This book is just shy of 200 pages, for reference. For the first quarter of the book, we get some cute, light flirting. 49 pages of stares filled with longing, adorable smiles, etc. Page 50, kiss. Page 58, proclamation of love. Page 74, phone sex and Baby/Daddy pet names. Page 86, planning a FIRST DATE.
The date takes its time and is, honestly, great. No gripes there. The story also takes a while to set up for the masquerade ball, which is another scene that has fabulous potential for romance.
Entering the back half of this book, I wish I knew I how much whiplash was in store for me. It's twist after twist that send Leo spiraling and leaves Ryder doing his best to put out every fire known to man.
Page 127, we are introduced to a character who we've never met/been made aware of. Absolute demon of a Mean Girl. She scares away Leo and tries to seduce Ryder. She is dealt with and we never see her again. Fewer than ten pages after her defeat, we get a sex scene to help build Leo up. Ten pages after that, SECRET POTENTIAL FIANCE SHOWS UP AND THREATENS UNCONFIRMED PREGNANCY? Leo runs outside and GETS IN A CAR ACCIDENT?! FOUR PAGES LATER, LEO'S IN A FUCKING COMA?!?!
The book ending with almost everyone (even Leo's parents, who are adults and should know that Ryder has more to explain/clarify) exiling Ryder, Leo waking up with AMNESIA, and regaining his memories instantly after putting on his bracelet from Ryder just to leave Ryder without trying to work anything out is the most insane ending. The cliffhanger teasing a sequel begs the question of why this story wasn't finished including the content THAT book.
The constant ante-upping cheapens what could've been a tender story about self-esteem and surrounding yourself with a loving community of your own. Leo learned nothing about his self-worth, claiming that Ryder lied to him about everything, and Ryder had almost no agency in each predicament for the last half of the book. The other reviews I can see at the time of writing this one focus on the coziness and sweetness of the story, but the end demolishes any such feelings.
I encourage anyone who wants to write to explore their intent as to why they're writing a particular story. Focusing on a character's purpose and journey toward that purpose will keep a story from getting lost in so many ideas of twists that seem exciting to include in the spur of the moment.
Unfortunately, I do not recommend this book for a cozy read. However, if you enjoy the dramatics of soap operas, this one would be a great fit!
The premise was irresistible. Hallmark-y, cozy vibes with the local bookstore owner and the local coffee shop owner meet-cute. Adorable! Big and curvy POC main character receiving love from the stereotypical hot white guy who helps establish confidence within himself? Rightfully deserved! A loving, supportive community who ships our main couple? Heck yes!
Now, everything else.
The pacing. This book is just shy of 200 pages, for reference. For the first quarter of the book, we get some cute, light flirting. 49 pages of stares filled with longing, adorable smiles, etc. Page 50, kiss. Page 58, proclamation of love. Page 74, phone sex and Baby/Daddy pet names. Page 86, planning a FIRST DATE.
The date takes its time and is, honestly, great. No gripes there. The story also takes a while to set up for the masquerade ball, which is another scene that has fabulous potential for romance.
Entering the back half of this book, I wish I knew I how much whiplash was in store for me. It's twist after twist that send Leo spiraling and leaves Ryder doing his best to put out every fire known to man.
Page 127, we are introduced to a character who we've never met/been made aware of. Absolute demon of a Mean Girl. She scares away Leo and tries to seduce Ryder. She is dealt with and we never see her again. Fewer than ten pages after her defeat, we get a sex scene to help build Leo up. Ten pages after that, SECRET POTENTIAL FIANCE SHOWS UP AND THREATENS UNCONFIRMED PREGNANCY? Leo runs outside and GETS IN A CAR ACCIDENT?! FOUR PAGES LATER, LEO'S IN A FUCKING COMA?!?!
The book ending with almost everyone (even Leo's parents, who are adults and should know that Ryder has more to explain/clarify) exiling Ryder, Leo waking up with AMNESIA, and regaining his memories instantly after putting on his bracelet from Ryder just to leave Ryder without trying to work anything out is the most insane ending. The cliffhanger teasing a sequel begs the question of why this story wasn't finished including the content THAT book.
The constant ante-upping cheapens what could've been a tender story about self-esteem and surrounding yourself with a loving community of your own. Leo learned nothing about his self-worth, claiming that Ryder lied to him about everything, and Ryder had almost no agency in each predicament for the last half of the book. The other reviews I can see at the time of writing this one focus on the coziness and sweetness of the story, but the end demolishes any such feelings.
I encourage anyone who wants to write to explore their intent as to why they're writing a particular story. Focusing on a character's purpose and journey toward that purpose will keep a story from getting lost in so many ideas of twists that seem exciting to include in the spur of the moment.
Unfortunately, I do not recommend this book for a cozy read. However, if you enjoy the dramatics of soap operas, this one would be a great fit!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2024
*ARC Review*
I was so excited to be able to ARC read Esai Sanchez's debut novel. When I first saw a post about it, I knew it was going to be a story I would fall in love with, and I was not disappointed.
The story follows bookstore owner, Leo and coffee shop owner, Ryder in a love at first sight type situation. The story takes place in a small, cozy VA town and was definitely giving off fall vibes. This book has tons of loveable characters especially the friends Jenni, and Nina. I really hope that maybe they will get their own story in the future. This book has bi and plus size representation and does it so well, so I really appreciated that. This book had me on a rollercoaster of emotions and was very different than most MM Romances I have read. It had me tearing up several times and I really connected with the characters and their feelings.
I was cheering for them the entire time and wanted nothing more than for them to be together and be happy. They have amazing chemistry and are so cute together. I think this story is more than deserving of 5 stars. That ending had me in knots and I cannot wait for Sanchez's next book. It was an absolute delight.
I was so excited to be able to ARC read Esai Sanchez's debut novel. When I first saw a post about it, I knew it was going to be a story I would fall in love with, and I was not disappointed.
The story follows bookstore owner, Leo and coffee shop owner, Ryder in a love at first sight type situation. The story takes place in a small, cozy VA town and was definitely giving off fall vibes. This book has tons of loveable characters especially the friends Jenni, and Nina. I really hope that maybe they will get their own story in the future. This book has bi and plus size representation and does it so well, so I really appreciated that. This book had me on a rollercoaster of emotions and was very different than most MM Romances I have read. It had me tearing up several times and I really connected with the characters and their feelings.
I was cheering for them the entire time and wanted nothing more than for them to be together and be happy. They have amazing chemistry and are so cute together. I think this story is more than deserving of 5 stars. That ending had me in knots and I cannot wait for Sanchez's next book. It was an absolute delight.
January 10, 2025
This is definitely a cute small town crush book, however there was a lot of inconsistencies from one chapter to another. A big one was the timeline of the relationship. And there were several other small ones. I can’t stand when these things aren’t caught in the editing process, because as a reader it’s all I can focus on when I’m reading trying to figure out if I made the mistake or if it was in the book.
This book also ends on a cliffhanger which was not necessary at all. Ryder and Leo’s story should definitely have been finished and then leave room for the other developing relationships to have their own books for a series.
I’m not dedicated enough to read a completely new book to see them get their HEA.
This book also ends on a cliffhanger which was not necessary at all. Ryder and Leo’s story should definitely have been finished and then leave room for the other developing relationships to have their own books for a series.
I’m not dedicated enough to read a completely new book to see them get their HEA.
dnf
November 30, 2024Two books in a row with undisclosed kink. Maybe I need to call it quits for today. Another books that I was struggling with before the dnf. The amount of giggling and conversation style made me wonder if the characters were still in high school. I wantded tonlcoe this book - small town, bookstore and coffee shop owner, plus size rep. But I DNF at 41% when they brought out call me daddy.
December 28, 2024
Great story about Ryder and Leo. Looking forward to reading more of their story and of you work. Couldn't put the book down as read it in one sitting it was that fantastic. Excellent work, Esai.
Read
December 30, 2024Withholding review and rating for now. Ends in cliffhanger.
June 6, 2025
This had such possibilities - the fluffy hall mark vibes of the blurb definitely drew me in. The premise of both characters was good, I could definitely relate to Leo and some of their insecurities.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews