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Deja Brew: A steamy stalker novella
Lily
Someone’s stalking me.
When I head to work in the mornings, someone’s behind me. I can feel their presence. Always.
And I don’t hate it.
My friend says I should call the police, but he’s never hurt me.
Besides, he makes me feel safe.
Trouble is, I have a crush on my delivery driver. How am I supposed to date someone when I know I have a stalker?
Leo
A year ago, I was assigned Lily’s café on my delivery route.
Then I started stalking her.
I prefer to think of it as protecting.
Really, she shouldn’t walk to work in the dark so early unless she’s asking to be stalked—protected.
It’s all going well, and I only became slightly obsessed…
But then she asked me out.
Deja Brew is a short and steamy, low-angst novella about stalking—protecting your crush.
Each book is completely standalone, but occasionally characters from the rest of the series pop in to visit!
Someone’s stalking me.
When I head to work in the mornings, someone’s behind me. I can feel their presence. Always.
And I don’t hate it.
My friend says I should call the police, but he’s never hurt me.
Besides, he makes me feel safe.
Trouble is, I have a crush on my delivery driver. How am I supposed to date someone when I know I have a stalker?
Leo
A year ago, I was assigned Lily’s café on my delivery route.
Then I started stalking her.
I prefer to think of it as protecting.
Really, she shouldn’t walk to work in the dark so early unless she’s asking to be stalked—protected.
It’s all going well, and I only became slightly obsessed…
But then she asked me out.
Deja Brew is a short and steamy, low-angst novella about stalking—protecting your crush.
Each book is completely standalone, but occasionally characters from the rest of the series pop in to visit!
- GenresNovella
77 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2024
7 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Ava St. James
7 books14 followersAva lives in New Zealand with her two dogs and drinks copious amounts of tea to get her through the day.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 17, 2024
This was a different kind of story than I am used to. For me Leo gave me the creeps. I know he’s in love with her and he didn’t do anything to hurt her and she felt safe with him but it just felt too creepy.
I am not going to yuk their yum! They enjoyed each other and have chemistry and they just went about things differently.
The characters were all believable as easy to understand. The build up to their relationship was cute and I’m glad the truth came out into the open. I admit I did wonder if this would take a sinister turn of events and he’d be a little more like Joe from YOU. So I am glad he didn’t and he was a gentleman.
I did enjoy the story even though Leo was just not for me.
I am not going to yuk their yum! They enjoyed each other and have chemistry and they just went about things differently.
The characters were all believable as easy to understand. The build up to their relationship was cute and I’m glad the truth came out into the open. I admit I did wonder if this would take a sinister turn of events and he’d be a little more like Joe from YOU. So I am glad he didn’t and he was a gentleman.
I did enjoy the story even though Leo was just not for me.
October 5, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 stars, rounding up to 4 as no half marks) this is also an arc review 📖
Deja Brew is a cute, short novella that follows the story of Leo and Lily, and while I enjoyed it, I was left wanting more. I know it’s a novella, so it’s meant to be short and sweet, but I found myself wishing for a little more depth, especially with Leo’s character.
I liked the concept and the overall vibe, but Leo felt a bit too sweet and overprotective for my taste. If he had been a little more on the edge—maybe a touch more menacing and commanding—it would have bumped the rating up for me. I think that slightly darker, more intense side would have added a layer of intrigue to his character.
That being said, Ava St. James’s writing worked really well for me. The story flowed nicely, and I can definitely see her talent as a storyteller. It’s a good read, but I was left craving more depth and complexity. Still, if you’re looking for a quick, cute read with a touch of romance, Deja Brew might just be the perfect pick!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Deja Brew is a cute, short novella that follows the story of Leo and Lily, and while I enjoyed it, I was left wanting more. I know it’s a novella, so it’s meant to be short and sweet, but I found myself wishing for a little more depth, especially with Leo’s character.
I liked the concept and the overall vibe, but Leo felt a bit too sweet and overprotective for my taste. If he had been a little more on the edge—maybe a touch more menacing and commanding—it would have bumped the rating up for me. I think that slightly darker, more intense side would have added a layer of intrigue to his character.
That being said, Ava St. James’s writing worked really well for me. The story flowed nicely, and I can definitely see her talent as a storyteller. It’s a good read, but I was left craving more depth and complexity. Still, if you’re looking for a quick, cute read with a touch of romance, Deja Brew might just be the perfect pick!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2024
OMG I was fanning myself!
Lily walks to work every morning. It wouldn't be so bad, except it's at 4am, in the cold and dark. She does get a little nervous. She knows it's not the safest thing to do. And she thinks someone is following her. But it actually makes her feel safe. She doesn't know why.
Leo delivers orders to Lily's coffee shop. He found out she walks to work in the dark, and so he follows, from a distance, to make sure she's OK. He's become a bit obsessed.
If following her wasn't bad enough, Leo has another secret. And if Lily ever found out, he's not sure how she would react.
This was a hot little safe stalker story. Leo was definitely OTT obsessed, but he was also sweet, in his own way. Lily liked him, but wasn't sure how to feel when she found out everything.
If you're comfortable with the safe stalker theme, this is definitely a yummy one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lily walks to work every morning. It wouldn't be so bad, except it's at 4am, in the cold and dark. She does get a little nervous. She knows it's not the safest thing to do. And she thinks someone is following her. But it actually makes her feel safe. She doesn't know why.
Leo delivers orders to Lily's coffee shop. He found out she walks to work in the dark, and so he follows, from a distance, to make sure she's OK. He's become a bit obsessed.
If following her wasn't bad enough, Leo has another secret. And if Lily ever found out, he's not sure how she would react.
This was a hot little safe stalker story. Leo was definitely OTT obsessed, but he was also sweet, in his own way. Lily liked him, but wasn't sure how to feel when she found out everything.
If you're comfortable with the safe stalker theme, this is definitely a yummy one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2024
Deja Brew is Book 3 of The Esplanade. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, stalker-lite, curvy girl gets her hunk romance. Lily is the sweet and curvy bakery and café owner of Deja Brew. Leo is a hunky artist and delivery driver. He and Lily have been pining over each other since he started delivering supplies to her café. He's taken to stalking her to make sure she is safe when walking to work. Lily knows someone has been following her, but it makes her feel safe. When Lily asks him out, he's shocked she feels the same. But what happens when she realizes he is her stalker? I loved this couple. They had such hot chemistry, and we ended on a happy note after some drama. The inner monologuing of these two characters cracked me up and made them seem so relatable. I loved it! This was my first book by this author but not the last! Now, I need to read the first two books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2024
I expected a dark, stalker “romance” but got so much more. The stalker, Leo, is the delivery guy for Lily’s bakery. He’s fallen in love with her but doesn’t think she’s interested, so he does what he can to make sure she’s safe. His love does seem pretty obsessive but, when you find your muse, I guess you gotta go with it. 😉
This novella left me smiling. I love Leo! Sure, he made some not so great choices but his intentions were in the right place. The whole story was just… awwwwww! and the ending was just right.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This novella left me smiling. I love Leo! Sure, he made some not so great choices but his intentions were in the right place. The whole story was just… awwwwww! and the ending was just right.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 28, 2024
Short but sweet and spicy!
Lily owns Deja Brew, a cafe and loves to bake! She knows someone is watching her and following her yet she isn’t afraid.
Leo works for a delivery company and falls for Lily while delivering supplies to the cafe. He just wants to make sure she is safe, he’s not a stalker.
Some might find Leo and his behaviours creepy and weird but I found them endearing and sweet..not sure what that says about me 😂
If you love spicy, short reads with a HEA then you’ll love this one.
Lily owns Deja Brew, a cafe and loves to bake! She knows someone is watching her and following her yet she isn’t afraid.
Leo works for a delivery company and falls for Lily while delivering supplies to the cafe. He just wants to make sure she is safe, he’s not a stalker.
Some might find Leo and his behaviours creepy and weird but I found them endearing and sweet..not sure what that says about me 😂
If you love spicy, short reads with a HEA then you’ll love this one.
October 1, 2024
I like stories with a stalking plot. The twist definitely adds to the plot. Good reality. Well developed characters and relationships among them. Pleasurable easy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2024
It was slow and boring and I couldn’t connect with the characters. This book was a miss for me, but maybe others will like it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2024
I absolutely loved it. The characters pulled me in right from the start. I couldn't put it down. So good. Y'all are gonna love it. Enjoy.
October 17, 2024
This is the story of Leo and Lily. Short and sweet if you don't count the stalking. Standalone though also part of a series.
October 29, 2024
The characters were well written. I enjoyed the chemistry, drama and journey.
April 6, 2025
Non virgins
Hfn
Hfn
June 25, 2025
I ate this story up like Lily's delectable scones!
"Can't have people deprived of her scones" - Leo (AKA accidental stalker)
I don't want to give any spoilers but this is by far my favourite book out of The Esplanade series. It is a sweet, light hearted and quick read. I found myself laughing a bit as well thanks to Leo. Also, who doesn't love a man who actually knows what he wants?
This book had me gasping and kicking my feet in the air. My partner found it funny to start mimicking my reactions while reading. Because apparently I was very vocal (oops).
Also...in terms of "that" particular spicy scene (you'll know what I mean when you read it)... HOOOTTT!!
Overall, if you're looking for a low-angst and pining lover boy, with a sprinkle of spice - look no further and give this a go :)
P.S. I'm now very keen to try a London Fog. (If only Deja Brew café was real). And that's saying something because I'm a herbal girl through and through!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"Can't have people deprived of her scones" - Leo (AKA accidental stalker)
I don't want to give any spoilers but this is by far my favourite book out of The Esplanade series. It is a sweet, light hearted and quick read. I found myself laughing a bit as well thanks to Leo. Also, who doesn't love a man who actually knows what he wants?
This book had me gasping and kicking my feet in the air. My partner found it funny to start mimicking my reactions while reading. Because apparently I was very vocal (oops).
Also...in terms of "that" particular spicy scene (you'll know what I mean when you read it)... HOOOTTT!!
Overall, if you're looking for a low-angst and pining lover boy, with a sprinkle of spice - look no further and give this a go :)
P.S. I'm now very keen to try a London Fog. (If only Deja Brew café was real). And that's saying something because I'm a herbal girl through and through!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews