Love, Coffee, and Revolution

by Stefanie Leder

Deftly weaving romance, action, and humor with a quest for integrity in an unjust world, Love, Coffee, and Revolution is a timely and relatable coming-of-age novel.

Idealistic and naïve college senior Dee Blum is suffocating. Trapped in the soul-killing plan laid out by her parents--go to law school and become a divorce lawyer--she is desperate for an escape. She's also desperate for a more meaningful life. So when she unexpectedly lands a job organizing eco-tours of coffee farms in Costa Rica, she drops out of school, setting off on a journey of activism and adventure.

In Costa Rica she finds freedom--maybe a little too much of it--and discovers she's woefully unprepared to navigate another culture and the real world in general. Dee quickly meets not one but two attractive men. Adrián is sexy, fun but politically wrong for progressive Dee. Matías is a globe-trotting revolutionary organizer who sets her mind and heart ablaze.

As Dee pursues her work, she soon discovers that a powerful fair-trade organic coffee network is actually exploiting the environment and the very people it claims to help. Risking her safety to uncover the depth of their wrong-doings, Dee confronts the real-world implications of her progressive ideals. If she doesn't act, what will happen to the farmers whose livelihoods--and lives--are at risk?

Will Dee find the courage to chart her own course? The wisdom to understand her own heart? And has she finally found a cause worth fighting for?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Adult

282 pages, Hardcover

First published June 10, 2025

About the author

Stefanie Leder is a TV showrunner and writer whose credits include the MTV teen dramedy Faking It, TBS comedy Men at Work, Netflix’s Boo, Bitch, and the long-running ABC Family comedy Melissa & Joey. She is also a guest lecturer on television writing at the UCR Palm Desert Low-Residency MFA. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she spent a year abroad in Costa Rica, and has worked for a nonprofit on Fair Trade Coffee and anti-sweatshop campaigns. Love, Coffee, and Revolution is her first novel. You can also read her award-nominated short story, “Not a Dinner Party Person” in Eight Very Bad Nights; A Collection of Hanukkah Noir, or in the upcoming The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2025.

Reviews

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you partner @bibliolifestyle @blackstonepublishing @stefanielederwrites for the gifted copy

☕📖✨ What happens when you trade law school for liberation?

In Love, Coffee, Revolution by Stefanie Leder, college senior Dee Blum is done playing by the rules. Burned out by parental pressure and a future she never chose, she drops out of school and dives headfirst into a job organizing eco-tours on coffee farms in Costa Rica.

What starts as an escape turns into a journey of self-discovery, justice, and heartache. Dee finds herself tangled in romance (with not one but two complicated men), overwhelmed by cultural differences, and shocked to learn that the so-called "ethical" coffee world may not be as fair or green as it seems.

As her idealism collides with hard truths, Dee is forced to ask: What do you do when the cause you believed in turns out to be part of the problem?

🌍🔥 With a perfect blend of humor, heart, and political awakening, this coming-of-age story is a must-read for anyone who's ever dreamed of living with purpose—and isn’t afraid to question everything along the way.

[Becca Packer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Remember in 2017 when I gave up drinking coffee for awhile because I learned how unsustainable it is and how awful the conditions are in which it was produced?
This book reminded me that maybe I should give it up again, because even if they say they are fair trade and ethical can you really trust that?

Also I wouldn't label this book a romance.

[Martina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect with this book and I wasn't sure I would even like it. Man was I wrong! I read this in one sitting, it was so easy to read and really kept my attention the entire time. It's completely different from anything I've read but still had elements that I enjoy; romance and a touch of mystery and a twist I wasn't expecting. This is a book about Dee, who decides she wants to do more than just protest and find something more meaningful. She very impulsively drops her current life and moves to Costa Rica to organize coffee tours to ethical coffee farms. Along the way, she meets a native she starts to fall for and finds some disturbing truths to the coffee industry. I learned A LOT about the coffee industry and I really enjoyed the progressive ideas Dee had. I think a lot of people wish they could make a difference in our world and I enjoyed seeing how Dee wrapped her mind around how hard that is. While Dee may have been naïve to Costa Rica and how unsafe other countries can be, I feel like this is a common trait of Americans who live in their own bubble and don't seem to notice what is happening outside of it. I didn't feel as though the author was trying to pushed her ideals on the reader, instead just informing and showing how even one person can make a change, however small that may be.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[keetgi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such fun! Stefanie Leder manages to wrap a breezy tropical romance in heady discussions about idealism vs realism, hypocrisy, virtue signaling, and the real-life impact of environmentalism, without ever descending into preachiness or sanctimony. The best part is that Dee is unsure of herself in the best possible way. She’s not a wilting violet paralyzed by insecurity. She’s a questioner who acknowledges that she doesn’t know it all and is open to learn. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from (virtual) cover to cover. Highly recommend. (Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC).

[Reading Rounds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for the ARC.

Love, Coffee, and Revolution by Stefanie Leder is a compelling novel that defies easy categorization. While marketed with romantic elements, the story is far more invested in social justice, environmental activism, and the complexities of human relationships than in traditional romance. The romantic subplots are present but take a backseat to weightier themes—making this a refreshing read for those seeking substance over pure escapism.

What stood out most to me was Leder’s unflinching exploration of the coffee industry’s dark side, from child labor to environmental degradation and the dangers faced by labor organizers. These issues are woven into the narrative with care, adding depth and urgency to protagonist Dee’s journey. Speaking of Dee, she’s a wonderfully flawed character—idealistic yet naive, compassionate but occasionally selfish. Her growth feels authentic, especially as she discovers her talent for photography (even if she doesn’t immediately recognize its power).

The supporting cast of women is another highlight, ranging from fierce activists to morally ambiguous figures, each adding layers to the story. Leder avoids stereotypes, creating characters who feel real in their contradictions.

If you’re picking this up expecting a light romance, you might be surprised—but in the best way. Love, Coffee, and Revolution is a novel with heart, conscience, and a call to awareness, perfect for readers who enjoy stories where personal and political struggles intersect.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Obviously well intentioned but this is still naive, and the writing itself is terrible - very obviously someone’s first novel but you’d assume the publisher or editor might have had the courage to have the writer take a second draft to dig deeper. The last thirty pages are better than the rest of the book, but that doesn’t help justify reading this novel.

In essence, mediocre college dropout gets applauded by everyone for falsified credits on her resume, goes to Costa Rica one time and saves a coffee co-op in the matter of like 5 weeks… Yikes

[Luz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where to begin? Icouldn’t finish this.

[Bbecca_marie]

Audiobook/book Review
thank you so much Blackstone Publishing for the gifted book and audiobook!

Love, Coffee, and Revolution
by Stefanie Leder
Narrated by Ines del Castillo

Dee Blum has a plan. Or rather, her parents do. 

Graduate college. Go to law school. Become a divorce attorney. Be “successful.” But Dee wants more—more purpose, more passion, more than checking off someone else’s boxes. A surprise gig leading eco-tours of ethical coffee farms in Costa Rica offers a fresh start.

At first, she’s intoxicated by the thrill of navigating a new culture and the attention of two very different men: one, the charming scion of a wealthy family; the other, a magnetic change-maker. But she soon finds herself torn between conflicting desires and mounting evidence that these “ethical” coffee farms aren’t all they promise to be. Dee knows she didn’t come all this way to join a corrupt system that hides behind phony environmentalism. So how far will she go for justice? For love? And for the life she actually wants?

☕️ My thoughts :

This ended up being another DNF for me. I am so sad that this book did not work for me. I thought the narrator was fine but unfortunately it did not hold my attention. I was not able to get into this at all. I tried the physical book and the audiobook and both were not holding my attention. I see there are some mixed reviews on this one so I’d say if you have it on your TBR, definitely give it a try for yourself. maybe even borrow it from your library!

Happy reading 📖 ☕️

[Brianna Lear · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was definitely one of my biggest pleasant surprises of the year! I went into Love, Coffee & Revolution expecting a tropical destination romance with some eco-justice themes but ended up reading a smart, thoughtful and unique story about morals, love, and finding your voice.
The story is driven by Dee’s continued moral quandaries on “the right thing” in her career in eco-tourism and her struggle to fit in to her family and life back home. The romantic love triangle with Adrián and Matías does a great job of adding stakes to the story without distracting from the message.
I have to applaud the author for writing a story with such a strong sense of social and eco-justice without coming off as preachy. There is also a terrific cast of lovable and morally questionable side characters and the writing is really smart and illustrative with quick pacing.
I actually wish this book was a little longer because it wrapped up so quickly I would’ve loved to know more about Dee’s path after the conference, both romantic and career wise.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for the ARC of this book!

[Jeannette Cambridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rom-com meets economic justice warrior? Not what I was expecting when I first sat down with this particular book, but it slowly grew on me.

Dee is a very frustrating narrator at first, caught in the age where you want to start make a change in the world but are torn between being true to yourself (whatever that means at the time) and feeling pressured to live up to the expectations of family. There's the expected waffling between crushes, workplace expectations and trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up.
The story finds it's heart through Dee's Nancy Drew-esque investigation into scouting out ethically sourced coffee plantations for Social Justices new eco-tourism plans in Costa Rica. Through the ups, downs, and possible Nazis of it all - Dee finds herself weighing the morals of her new workplace and her own internal compass.

I will definitely be making a permanent place for this on my bookshelf.

[Candi Sary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure! What an inspiration. LOVE, COFFEE & REVOLUTION was a fun yet thoughtful read. Great writing that made me laugh out loud and also made me cheer for the idealistic, wonderfully naive, passionate, and absolutely lovable Dee.

[Katie MacDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Blackstone Publishing for this audiobook!

This book is really great for fellow coffee lovers or anyone interested in ethical labour. A taste of romance to keep it uplifting. Unlike every book I’ve ever read, I enjoyed it.

“Coffee is the most radical drink.”

[Emily Ballard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably one of the best books I've read so far this year. I learned so much about Coffee and Costa Rica as its my dream vacation destination to go to someday. Great read. Loved it. 🥰

[Shelby beecroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t a book I would normally read. I tend to stay away from anything sort of political like. But truly I loved this book, and it made me happy as a try hard “do gooder” in the world of people who tend to take the easy way out of things. If you see this book and think hm maybe I’d like to read that-definitely give it a chance 🤍

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a buzzy ride of a novel. I just finished reading the last fantastic page, and I miss the main character, Dee, already!!! Such a compelling story. It clipped along like a bullet train. I would settle down with a good cup of coffee myself, and get so wrapped up in the people and the place and the twisty turns of the romance/revolution — I’d forget I drank it! The writing is so clear and and funny and touching and revealing. Plus, as an added attraction, I learned a whole bunch of stuff I never knew about this part of the world and the culture and the nefarious practices of the coffee business and some heroes of it as well — as I cheered Dee on in her journey toward selfhood. Oh, and I loved the family dynamics. And so much kissing, yum.

[Lanie B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Dee feels so reminiscent of that age when you feel big feelings and dream big ideas. There’s a naivety to her that is so charming and inspiring. She reminds you what life should be about. The title proves that this book has a bit of everything — romance, adventure, suspense, hijinks, humor, and ultimately, standing up for what is right. Can’t wait to read Stefanie’s next book.

[Sakura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll be completely honest. The cover and title compelled me to request an ARC for this book. A beachy background plus coffee and a romance plot? Yes please!

I’d gone into this book hoping for a summer lit fic type of book, with some minor elements of romance. I loved the idea of going to Costa Rica to learn about the coffee industry. The main character finding themselves and learning more about themselves in a sort of coming-of age sort of way.

The book did start on a great note, setting up the main character and her situation perfectly. I found the author’s writing clever and witty. The story even quickly moves to the main location of Costa Rica too, which I appreciated. I was ready for those warm summer vibes. Dee got placed in a home stay and I was really rooting for some found family moments. I was really looking forward continuing on.

Unfortunately, what I did not expect, was the heavy discourse on politics and religion. I anticipated some aspects of politics to come into play, since this book deals with fair trade coffee. But there were times it felt like I was reading a textbook. Dee comes across as more bark than bite. She’s loud about her opinions, forthright in her own forms of justice, and nosedives into precarious situations. But she doesn’t really understand things completely and doesn’t really try to understand. I admired her chutzpah (since Dee is Jewish, except when she’s flying over to Costa Rica, she briefly becomes Catholic…), but I felt like the author could have explored her inner growth throughout the novel more.

Toward the end, it felt too rushed and incomplete as well. The ending was okay, justice was served, the villain taken down (albeit a bit Disney-Channel-esque). There was a brief moment of miscommunication and deception that made me physically recoil (which I guess was a good thing, because it was supposed to be disgusting). But I feel like this book (ARC) needed an epilogue. Did Dee go back home and become a lawyer, maybe for social justice rather than a divorce lawyer? Or did she stay in Costa Rica with the guy she chose and work with nonprofits? I’d like to know! (Hoping it was added in the final publication!)

If you enjoy political thrillers and justice-seeking heroines, this book is definitely for you! It just wasn’t my cup of tea… or coffee? 😅

Thank-you so much to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for a chance to read this ARC!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a deep cleansing breath of inspiration. D is a little chaotic, a little inconsistent, and a whole lot of passionate. Her desire to do good but not knowing how is so relatable! Does she make questionable impulse decisions? Yes. Did I gasp over some of the things she did? Absolutely. And shake my head / cringe? That too. But that’s life. It may be messy and we may not always have all the best information, and people may let us down. I love how D sharpens her values and purpose and develops relationships. I was drawn into her story, and left feeling both comforted and challenged.

Favorite quote: “Revolution is a team sport.”


I was gifted an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Katie Lavoie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When naive and sheltered Dee rebels against everyone in her life she does what every normal college student does…drops out and gets a job in Costa Rica. Throughout the story Dee struggles with her idealistic views being challenged with hard realities while she learns about the coffee growing world.

The story encourages readers to look internally and rethink some of their own beliefs, applying the wisdom and thinking introduced in the book. I especially enjoyed how Stefanie Leder depicted both sides of the argument, helping inform readers about the ins, outs, and trade-offs of the coffee world.

I did struggle with Dee as the narrator. She came across naive and idealistic to a fault, though I believe that was a stylistic intention to help bring readers along on the journey no matter where they were in knowledge before starting the book. However there were times it was just too much for me (e.g., Dee not realizing drug trafficking happens in Central America, openly sharing with strangers she’s a single woman traveling alone).

Thank you to Stefanie Leder, Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Becky | myhyggereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and very educational read! I learned a lot about ethically-traded coffee and coffee farms in Central America. The setting of Costa Rica was lovely as well. I love Dee's character; she's flawed but authentic and so brave! This is a great coming-of-age story!

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for my ARC.

[Natalie]

DNF @ 4%

[charmette.books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love, Coffee and Revolution is the story of Dee Blum and her adventures in Costa Rica. Dee is a college student who is uncertain of her future path, and wants to be an activist, so she drops out of college and heads to Costa Rica to work in and learn more about the coffee industry. In Costa Rica, Dee quickly realizes that she is in over her head. She knows little about the country and lacks the life skills to navigate the situation.

As the book progresses, Dee learns about both sides of the coffee industry, and finds herself torn between two men who represent each side. Adrian is fun and adventurous, but his wealthy family owns a traditional coffee plantation, which doesn’t align with Dee’s political views. Matias is on the opposite side politically, and is a passionate activist for worker’s rights.

As Dee spends more time working as a tour guide in Costa Rica, she learns that the fair-trade organization she is working for is not as beneficial as she originally thought. She suspects that this organization may be harming the environment, and exploiting the workers. Dee questions her own beliefs and struggles to decide what the right thing is to do. She risks her own safety to try to find a solution and help the workers.

I enjoyed this book, but had issues with Dee’s extreme naivete and lack of understanding about Costa Rica. She is unprepared for moving to a new country and working as an activist. The romance aspect of the book was fun, but Dee’s character was annoying at times. I didn’t love either of the male main characters, so I wasn’t really invested in the romance part of the story.

This book is a good combination of romance and political activism. The author skillfully shows the reader detailed views of both sides of the coffee industry in Costa Rica. Many of us wanted to go out in the world and change things for the better, so in that way, Dee is very relatable. I wanted to love this book about adventure in another country and personal growth, but it just didn’t work for me.

Thank you to Stefanie Leder, Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Rylee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Official rating: 1.5 ⭐
I'll round up to 2

I was lucky enough to approved for this audiobook on netgalley. However, I hate to be the person to give it such a low rating. I hadn't heard of this book or author before, but thought I'd give it a try. In short, Dee moves to Costa Rica for a job which is to find places that source coffee ethically. The beginning was super fun. Dee is at a Thanksgiving protest. Then we get to know her friends & family a little. Fast forward a bit & then Dee flies to Costa Rica for work. It kinda feels like an exchange student program. She gets set up with a host family while she stays. I really like the host family! But where the book falls short for me is how based in reality it is. I don't mind sprinkling or even lightly mixing real life events into fiction. But this was too heavy. And to make it clear, I'm trying to push an opinion on anything & I don't find them bad. But in a romance book? I'll take as much fiction as possible, thank you. We mention covid, they protest everything, how older generations are out of touch on terms, me too movement, body positivity, & more. This reads more as a contemporary fiction with a bad forced romance. The coffee farms are interesting, especially hearing a lot of the worker's conditions (but again it's labeled a romance book so I don't want such heavy negativity). With too much real every day battles, there's not enough fluffy romance to help even the book out. I'll be honest, I dnfed the last few chapters so I couldn't say how the end would affect my rating/feelings. But let's just say this is the last Stefanie Leder book I'll be picking up. And if you made it this far, I'll be combating this by posting a good rating later.

[Cameron Charping · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️Can’t believe I’m going to say it because I am a romance girl. But, I think the romance took away from a wonderful story of truth seeking. Really enjoyed the tough subjects within the “ethical” coffee farms and would have liked it to be more. I think this read more ya rather than general fiction also. Overall, not bad and think it’s an okay read.

Synopsis:
Dee Blum has a plan. Or rather, her parents do.

Graduate college. Go to law school. Become a divorce attorney. Be “successful.” But Dee wants more—more purpose, more passion, more than checking off someone else’s boxes. A surprise gig leading eco-tours of ethical coffee farms in Costa Rica offers a fresh start.
4⭐️ Narration from Ines del Castillo. Dee was determined and brave but also unsure. Still growing into her adulthood of what life she wants and who she wants to be. That really came through in the narration.

At first, she’s intoxicated by the thrill of navigating a new culture and the attention of two very different men: one, the charming scion of a wealthy family; the other, a magnetic change-maker. But she soon finds herself torn between conflicting desires and mounting evidence that these “ethical” coffee farms aren’t all they promise to be. Dee knows she didn’t come all this way to join a corrupt system that hides behind phony environmentalism. So how far will she go for justice? For love? And for the life she actually wants?

Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, and the author for the #gifted audiobook copy.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this sounded like something I might enjoy, it was a real toss up.

A young woman wants to carve her own path, but doesn't really want to hurt her parents..
So how can she go about this without causing hurt? Her parents want her to become a lawyer. She wants absolutely nothing to do with that.
So when an opportunity comes along to check out sustainable coffee growing and harvesting, well, she jumps at the chance.
PLUS, it's in Costa Rica. This would be a whole new experience for her!

So off she goes!
And once she arrives her host family picks her up. As they are driving she begins to realize that they are NOT in Kansas anymore... and that this whole venture might not actually be what it seems.

Add to that that as she begins visiting the coffee growers, she realizes that conditions there are not all that great either...

As she delves into this whole new life (and way of life) she meets some remarkable people along the way. And, these people will become her friends, and guides, and maybe even her saviors!

I did like this one, but it did not flow as smoothly as I'd like... at least that's how I feel while writing this.

It was definitely scary at times, as well as sweet. And sometimes the most unexpected things might just happen, exactly when you need them to!

3 solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️for me!

#LoveCoffeeandRevolution by Stephanie Leder and narrated nicely by Ines Del Castillo.

*** THIS ONE HAS ALREADY BEEN RELEASED!! PLEASE LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON SHELVES NOW!!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BlackstonePublishing for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.

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[hey it’s dar · Rating 3 out of 5]

alc review

⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

Love, Coffee & Revolution, is a cute, sweet abroad romance, following Dee, the American recent college dropout and activist, and Adrián, whom she meets in Costa Rica, during her work stay abroad, for an ethical coffee production non profit.
This read gave me the perfect last nostalgia of a summer romance aesthetic, heading into the fall season. I love how Dee finally breaks through from the weight of her family’s expectations for her to pursue law school and work in her uncle’s law firm, and her spontaneous jump to the activist stance she’s so passionate about.

In this story I loved how Dee jumped from her recent break-up and vow to not get involved with anyone during her time in CR, to falling for Adrián’s kind and sweet un-resistible charm. I really enjoyed his character, even though he’s had his views set from his he’s been raised, he’s entertaining and supporting Dee’s passion and imitative, and goes on to change himself along the way.

This book had a satisfying end — releasing the information publicly of the exploitative nature of rivaling coffee farms, to aid the true ethical company in re-instating their business contracts. Dee & Adrián navigate some differences and conflict along the way, but in the end they are together & Adrián’s helped Dee with the cause & outing the “bad guys” — who just so happen to be related to Adrián.

Thanks to Stefanie and Netgalley for an early listening copy for my honest review.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Blackstone, for my #gifted advance copy. My thoughts are my own.

Dee Blum is so close to finishing college--but does she really want to? She's been living out other people's plan for her life for so long, that when she gets the chance to escape to Costa Rica for a new job, she drops out of college and takes it. Sure, she knows nothing about organizing eco-tours of coffee farms, but she's ready to learn on the job, right? After all, she is finally getting to live her progressive ideals about social justice and fighting back against corporate greed to empower the small farmer. But as she finds out more about the company she works for, it turns out they're not the good guys after all. So how far will she go to uncover the greed before someone stops her...permanently?

I wanted to like this one, but I ended up feeling "meh" about it. It has all the technical elements, but despite Dee's earnest pursuit of justice in the face of complex, real-world issues I found her and the other characters to be flat. I wasn't engaged beyond the beautiful descriptions of life and color in Costa Rica (presumably accurate from Leder's time there?) and the ethical nuances of the coffee trade. It felt more like a relation of facts than a story. It wasn't bad, but neither was it very good.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this one based on the cover and title. It looked like the kind of fun, empowering story I’d love. Coffee, a beachy vibe, and a little romance? I was in. But it ended up being a lot different than I expected. There were some powerful moments, but the story leaned more into political commentary than personal growth or emotional connection.

The book follows Dee, who ditches law school and heads to Costa Rica to escape her parents’ expectations and figure out who she is. I liked the idea of her starting over and taking a big risk. But once she gets there, the tone shifts and becomes more focused on labor issues, religion, and social justice. While those are important topics, it often felt more like a lecture than a story. I kept waiting for a turning point or deeper emotional arc that didn’t really happen.

Ines del Castillo did a great job with the narration. Her voice kept me engaged and brought the characters to life in a way that made it easier to keep listening, even when the pacing slowed down.

This one had potential, and I think readers who enjoy stories centered around activism might connect with it more than I did. For me, it didn’t deliver what I expected based on the cover and description.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for the chance to listen to this audiobook.

[Cherryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stefanie Leder's Love, Coffee, Revolution is an entertaining tale of adventure, romance, and the pursuit of justice. Follow idealistic college senior Dee Blum as she drops out of school and embarks on a life-altering journey to Costa Rica.

In search of freedom and meaning, Dee quickly discovers that her new job organizing eco-tours of coffee farms is not as straightforward as it seems. As she navigates the complexities of a new culture, Dee finds herself caught between two attractive men: the fun-loving Adrián and the passionate revolutionary Matías.

When Dee uncovers a dark truth about the fair-trade organic coffee network she's working for—one that threatens both the environment and the farmers' livelihoods—she's forced to confront the harsh realities of her progressive ideals.

Filled with heart, wisdom, and romance, Love, Coffee, Revolution is a thought-provoking read that challenges us to consider the real-world implications of our beliefs.

** Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review **

[Miranda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I made it to Chapter 10 (about 35%) before I decided to DNF—and honestly, I’m surprised I even got that far. I could tell from the very first chapter that this book wasn’t going to be for me. The main character came across as irritating. Early on, she mentioned being Jewish, but then quickly disregarded her faith by accepting Bibles, Christian offerings, and even praying to Jesus simply because she didn’t want to offend anyone. That didn’t sit well with me.

The romance also felt rushed. It bordered on insta-love—one moment they’re bungee jumping, and before they’ve even had a proper conversation over coffee or on the phone, they’re suddenly attending a wedding together as if they’re already a couple, complete with kissing.

Ultimately, the main reason I stopped reading is that the book leaned too far into themes and perspectives that just aren’t a good fit for me. To put it bluntly, it's too liberal.