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Coffee People
Sarah’s small town coffee shop, Daisy Ridge Coffee Co, is more than just her business- it’s her heart and soul. A place where flowers decorate every table and the customers are just as unique as the drinks she crafts. As a self-proclaimed introvert, Sarah takes pleasure in the simple a good book, cuddling with her cat Trixie, and watching classic rom-com movies.
But when the equivalent of a human americano walks into her shop, Sarah finds herself intrigued by him. That is, until she learns that Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome is actually the one in charge of building a major coffee chain right down the road from hers. Sarah refuses to let something she built from the ground up be destroyed by a soulless coffee conglomerate. Even if it means sacrificing her heart to do it.
Ethan never wanted this life. Taking over his late father’s construction business was a duty, not a dream. Ethan’s only goal is to keep it afloat until one of his younger brothers can assume the mantle as head of the company. His latest project? A coffee chain set to open in Daisy Ridge.
He’s ready to get in, get out, and move on– until he meets Sarah, the gorgeous woman who has the unfortunate job of owning a competing coffee shop. Ethan’s drawn to her, but when their meet-cute takes an unexpected turn, Ethan realizes that she might just be the spark his life was missing. And he’ll do whatever it takes—including pretending to be someone else—to get her back.
But when the equivalent of a human americano walks into her shop, Sarah finds herself intrigued by him. That is, until she learns that Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome is actually the one in charge of building a major coffee chain right down the road from hers. Sarah refuses to let something she built from the ground up be destroyed by a soulless coffee conglomerate. Even if it means sacrificing her heart to do it.
Ethan never wanted this life. Taking over his late father’s construction business was a duty, not a dream. Ethan’s only goal is to keep it afloat until one of his younger brothers can assume the mantle as head of the company. His latest project? A coffee chain set to open in Daisy Ridge.
He’s ready to get in, get out, and move on– until he meets Sarah, the gorgeous woman who has the unfortunate job of owning a competing coffee shop. Ethan’s drawn to her, but when their meet-cute takes an unexpected turn, Ethan realizes that she might just be the spark his life was missing. And he’ll do whatever it takes—including pretending to be someone else—to get her back.
- GenresRomance
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2025
25 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Claire
6 books33 followersAshley Claire is a cliché millennial Disney adult and hardcore Swiftie. Residing in hell.. Oops, I mean sunny Arizona, she is the mother of two amazing kids and married to her best friend. She has always been an avid reader with a passion for books. Ashley started her journey teaching high school and eventually moved on to be an editor and content writer for many years before deciding to drop everything and risk it all by writing her own stories and novels.
Ashley enjoys coffee, nerds gummy clusters, and pickles. She loves planning and hosting book clubs, and hopes everyone finds a group of bookish friends to share life with. The more book clubs in the world—- the merrier!
Follow along for updates on what Ashley has planned next!
Instagram: @ashleyclairebooks
Facebook: ashleyclairebooks
Website: www.ashleyclairebooks.com
Ashley enjoys coffee, nerds gummy clusters, and pickles. She loves planning and hosting book clubs, and hopes everyone finds a group of bookish friends to share life with. The more book clubs in the world—- the merrier!
Follow along for updates on what Ashley has planned next!
Instagram: @ashleyclairebooks
Facebook: ashleyclairebooks
Website: www.ashleyclairebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 20, 2025
ARC READER ✨✨
Brew yourself a cup, because Coffee People is about to caffeinate your soul—coming May 13th!! ☕️✨
I’m giving this book a steamy, creamy, frothy 5/5 (with a caramel drizzle on top)!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ve dipped my toes into a few indie romances before, but this one hit different—it made me laugh-snort, happy cry, and clutch my chest like I’d just seen a dog in a tiny sweater 🐶🧣
Sarah, the FMC, felt like my long-lost bestie 💁♀️, and don’t even get me started on Ethan—sir, your bed chemistry (cue Sabrina Carpenter’s “bed chem” playing softly in the background) was smooth, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy 🔥. It was tender! It was swoony! It was “DM the author in all caps” GOOD. 🥵💌
The slow burn?? Chef’s kiss. 👨🍳💋 Instead of diving headfirst into insta-love territory, Sarah and Ethan actually got to know each other—like, friends first?? In this economy?? It was so refreshing and made the romance all the more satisfying 🥰.
And CAROL. Oh, CAROL. My leopard-print-wearing queen 🐆. She is my spirit animal and I will defend her with my life. If you don’t fall in love with Carol, I will assume you are a black coffee, one sugar with no soul. ☕️
Huge congrats to Ashley—this book was like a cozy café hug with just enough sass and spice to keep me buzzing ⚡️. Pre-order it, scream about it, tattoo the release date on your planner (or forehead)—Coffee People is the indie romance we’ve been waiting for!! 📚❤️
Brew yourself a cup, because Coffee People is about to caffeinate your soul—coming May 13th!! ☕️✨
I’m giving this book a steamy, creamy, frothy 5/5 (with a caramel drizzle on top)!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ve dipped my toes into a few indie romances before, but this one hit different—it made me laugh-snort, happy cry, and clutch my chest like I’d just seen a dog in a tiny sweater 🐶🧣
Sarah, the FMC, felt like my long-lost bestie 💁♀️, and don’t even get me started on Ethan—sir, your bed chemistry (cue Sabrina Carpenter’s “bed chem” playing softly in the background) was smooth, sweet, and just the right amount of spicy 🔥. It was tender! It was swoony! It was “DM the author in all caps” GOOD. 🥵💌
The slow burn?? Chef’s kiss. 👨🍳💋 Instead of diving headfirst into insta-love territory, Sarah and Ethan actually got to know each other—like, friends first?? In this economy?? It was so refreshing and made the romance all the more satisfying 🥰.
And CAROL. Oh, CAROL. My leopard-print-wearing queen 🐆. She is my spirit animal and I will defend her with my life. If you don’t fall in love with Carol, I will assume you are a black coffee, one sugar with no soul. ☕️
Huge congrats to Ashley—this book was like a cozy café hug with just enough sass and spice to keep me buzzing ⚡️. Pre-order it, scream about it, tattoo the release date on your planner (or forehead)—Coffee People is the indie romance we’ve been waiting for!! 📚❤️
May 2, 2025
Sweet and swoony, this perfect small town coffee centered romance will have you kicking your feet, laughing as you read, and tearing up at the utter romance of it all.
Sarah runs the coffee shop in her small town, and she loves it. She's a homebody who loves the quiet life that comes with living in Daisy Ridge. But it all gets messed up when her sister, Jess, forces her to go on a double date and she meets Ethan.
I don't want to give anything else away, but if your a Gilmore girlie, a bookish nerd, someone who prefers the finer things in life like lattes and literature, then you'll love this one 😍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Sarah runs the coffee shop in her small town, and she loves it. She's a homebody who loves the quiet life that comes with living in Daisy Ridge. But it all gets messed up when her sister, Jess, forces her to go on a double date and she meets Ethan.
I don't want to give anything else away, but if your a Gilmore girlie, a bookish nerd, someone who prefers the finer things in life like lattes and literature, then you'll love this one 😍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
May 16, 2025
Reading this book feels like watching the best rom-com. If you love Taylor Swift, cats, coffee, Gilmore Girls, New Girl, or You’ve Got Mail, you will fall head over heels for this story. I truly cannot put into words how happy this book makes me. You’ll just have to read it to find out for yourself. ✨
June 28, 2025
Do I tend to like low-stakes romance books? No. Did I eat this up? Yes.
I was able to alpha read this and had SO much fun with Ethan and Sarah! Sarah is a little naive and judgmental at first but I love her growth throughout the story! Ethan is just perfect so no notes there.
This is a really cute small town rom com with pop culture references (not too many, don't worry), lots of coffee, and quirky side characters that you will fall in love with! Carol is amazing and you will also be obsessed with her.
Sarah and Ethan's relationship is so cute - I loved the secret identity and emails. And when Sarah realized who he was *woof!* I also love a good fck it moment and it's even better because it's her not him ;)
If you're looking for a cozy romance definitely add this one to your list right now!
I was able to alpha read this and had SO much fun with Ethan and Sarah! Sarah is a little naive and judgmental at first but I love her growth throughout the story! Ethan is just perfect so no notes there.
This is a really cute small town rom com with pop culture references (not too many, don't worry), lots of coffee, and quirky side characters that you will fall in love with! Carol is amazing and you will also be obsessed with her.
Sarah and Ethan's relationship is so cute - I loved the secret identity and emails. And when Sarah realized who he was *woof!* I also love a good fck it moment and it's even better because it's her not him ;)
If you're looking for a cozy romance definitely add this one to your list right now!
March 3, 2026
Originally, when I decided to put this book down, I told myself I wouldn't write a review. But after searching to read other reviews and finding a high star average, I changed my mind. I think it is incredibly valuable to give criticism, especially when a book needs it, and the lack of critique for this book made my head spin a bit. Keep in mind this review isn't to "hate" but rather to provide my experience for other readers!
Initial thoughts during chapter one alone: holy exposition dump batman ! We get every single sordid detail about our FMC's life within the first five pages and then again for our MMC in his first five pages. I felt berated with information, as if there were just no other way to help me glimpse into Sarah or Ethan's lives as we ease into the story. In fact, there was no easing. Before I could breathe I knew about their parents, their siblings, their past jobs, their siblings' past jobs, etc. Perhaps this type of introduction in books works for some, but it certainly doesn't work for me.
Also, I struggle with appreciating first-person POV as a tool more often than not, and this book is an example of why. The way it's used here is as if we are an invisible audience in the MCs' heads. As in - they are talking to us. Examples:
- Oh, hi? I guess we're in a conversation now?
- Please note my lack of quotation marks. That's because I, the reader, was being asked this question via the FMC's internal monologue. Am I an invisible character in this book?
- Less egregious, but still treats the reader as a sounding board, as if we are present with her in the scene or moment. In fact, diving deeper, I could argue this is indicative of a lack of trust in the author's own writing. As if telling the reader "you think I'm naive" will lead the reader to think to themselves "oh yeah, maybe I do." Therefore, instilling the idea that the FMC is naive directly instead of helping the reader see or understand why the FMC is naive. But I'm ranting at this point, so I'll stop while I'm ahead.
This type of use of first-person POV can immediately take me out of it, because I'm no longer reading and experiencing a story. I'm being told a story. Plus, and I hate to say it, it makes the voice of the characters feel unforgivably juvenile despite them being very much adults. But speaking of, the way this book is written... is juvenile.
It took me back to reading your friend's first work on Wattpad in high school. Which is fine and great! We all start somewhere! But not every authorial starting point will match every reader's endpoint. I moved on from this type of writing style when I was a teenager, so encountering it in what appears to be a popular book I heard so much about is, frankly, disappointing. (I think I saw somewhere that this is the author's debut novel, which tells me she may just need more polish in writing a character's voice to match their age, life experience, and to sound like them. Not her as the one writing them.) (Especially since by chapter ten or so, both narrative voices were carbon copies of each other. They sounded exactly the same, which completely defeats one whole purpose of dual POV.)
I have to admit I started skimming in the back half. The plot, characters, intention, and execution were all one-note and surface-level. There were no stakes. I cringed once a page. The formatting of dialogue was borderline embarrassing. (page 79: "OH MY GODDDDDD!") The fact that we didn't receive the You've Got Mail element until over 100 pages in. The smut was fine but basic, like I was being rewarded with a pizza party at work. Again, let me stop while I'm ahead.
Overall: moving forward, I am eager to see the author grow in their craft. I'm stoked they wrote something and published it - what an accomplishment! However, I think it would greatly benefit them if they had an honest, thorough editor. A part of me can't help but feel like one wasn't utilized based on the final product. But I digress.
If you loved this book, I am so happy for you. But if I am excitedly told about an amazing book written by a local author based on a popular movie premise that has a high star average on Goodreads, only to be met with this... of course I am going to have something to say. Thank you for hearing me out, if you did. Criticism is a good thing. Can't wait to see the author grow.
Initial thoughts during chapter one alone: holy exposition dump batman ! We get every single sordid detail about our FMC's life within the first five pages and then again for our MMC in his first five pages. I felt berated with information, as if there were just no other way to help me glimpse into Sarah or Ethan's lives as we ease into the story. In fact, there was no easing. Before I could breathe I knew about their parents, their siblings, their past jobs, their siblings' past jobs, etc. Perhaps this type of introduction in books works for some, but it certainly doesn't work for me.
Also, I struggle with appreciating first-person POV as a tool more often than not, and this book is an example of why. The way it's used here is as if we are an invisible audience in the MCs' heads. As in - they are talking to us. Examples:
Page 4
My mom died when I was a child. My dad is an awesome guy, so don't start feeling super bad.
- Oh, hi? I guess we're in a conversation now?
Page 6
Have you ever seen the show Gilmore Girls?
- Please note my lack of quotation marks. That's because I, the reader, was being asked this question via the FMC's internal monologue. Am I an invisible character in this book?
Page 41
I know that makes me sound super naive.
- Less egregious, but still treats the reader as a sounding board, as if we are present with her in the scene or moment. In fact, diving deeper, I could argue this is indicative of a lack of trust in the author's own writing. As if telling the reader "you think I'm naive" will lead the reader to think to themselves "oh yeah, maybe I do." Therefore, instilling the idea that the FMC is naive directly instead of helping the reader see or understand why the FMC is naive. But I'm ranting at this point, so I'll stop while I'm ahead.
This type of use of first-person POV can immediately take me out of it, because I'm no longer reading and experiencing a story. I'm being told a story. Plus, and I hate to say it, it makes the voice of the characters feel unforgivably juvenile despite them being very much adults. But speaking of, the way this book is written... is juvenile.
It took me back to reading your friend's first work on Wattpad in high school. Which is fine and great! We all start somewhere! But not every authorial starting point will match every reader's endpoint. I moved on from this type of writing style when I was a teenager, so encountering it in what appears to be a popular book I heard so much about is, frankly, disappointing. (I think I saw somewhere that this is the author's debut novel, which tells me she may just need more polish in writing a character's voice to match their age, life experience, and to sound like them. Not her as the one writing them.) (Especially since by chapter ten or so, both narrative voices were carbon copies of each other. They sounded exactly the same, which completely defeats one whole purpose of dual POV.)
I have to admit I started skimming in the back half. The plot, characters, intention, and execution were all one-note and surface-level. There were no stakes. I cringed once a page. The formatting of dialogue was borderline embarrassing. (page 79: "OH MY GODDDDDD!") The fact that we didn't receive the You've Got Mail element until over 100 pages in. The smut was fine but basic, like I was being rewarded with a pizza party at work. Again, let me stop while I'm ahead.
Overall: moving forward, I am eager to see the author grow in their craft. I'm stoked they wrote something and published it - what an accomplishment! However, I think it would greatly benefit them if they had an honest, thorough editor. A part of me can't help but feel like one wasn't utilized based on the final product. But I digress.
If you loved this book, I am so happy for you. But if I am excitedly told about an amazing book written by a local author based on a popular movie premise that has a high star average on Goodreads, only to be met with this... of course I am going to have something to say. Thank you for hearing me out, if you did. Criticism is a good thing. Can't wait to see the author grow.
May 26, 2025
Think Gilmore Girls and Hallmark! A small town, locally-owned coffee shop that has a big, bad Starbucks being built! Memorable characters (LOVE Carol and her unique, spunky, animal print-wearing self) and a ssslllooowww burn with just enough payoff. Ashley teases more books and how all of the characters are related to this first story, and honestly, put me down for a preorder! Nice, easy read with plenty of 90’s and 2000’s references to keep me happy! Throwing in “10 Things I Hate About You” at the end… perfection. Great first book, Ashley! Congratulations!
January 22, 2026
This was a fun/cute read. I loved the banter between Sarah and her sister it reminded me of mine.
Ethan I just loved, he may not of come at it the right way but his intentions were pure. The love and support he had for Sarah *swoon* the world needs more Ethans.
" When I go home after work, I like to snuggle on the couch with my cat, read a great book" - me too Sarah, me too.
Ethan I just loved, he may not of come at it the right way but his intentions were pure. The love and support he had for Sarah *swoon* the world needs more Ethans.
" When I go home after work, I like to snuggle on the couch with my cat, read a great book" - me too Sarah, me too.
April 18, 2025
Coffee People gets released May 13th, and you don’t want to miss this one!
I’ve been anticipating this book for months now. It was 100% worth the wait. I finished it in about 24 hours, because I couldn’t put it down.
First and foremost, everyone needs a Carol in their life. End of story.
Second, Ethan may actually be the male version of me. From the ever changing coffee orders, and having no idea what he wants to do with his life. His situation is SO relatable.
You can expect:
-Slow Burn
-You’ve Got Mail inspired (who doesn’t love that movie?!)
-Small Town
-He falls first
-Forced Proximity
I loved everything about this book, and I’m looking forward to reading about Jess in Flower People, next!
I’ve been anticipating this book for months now. It was 100% worth the wait. I finished it in about 24 hours, because I couldn’t put it down.
First and foremost, everyone needs a Carol in their life. End of story.
Second, Ethan may actually be the male version of me. From the ever changing coffee orders, and having no idea what he wants to do with his life. His situation is SO relatable.
You can expect:
-Slow Burn
-You’ve Got Mail inspired (who doesn’t love that movie?!)
-Small Town
-He falls first
-Forced Proximity
I loved everything about this book, and I’m looking forward to reading about Jess in Flower People, next!
March 8, 2026
5/5 stars
I am SO glad I found this book at the 'local authors' section at the adorable The Bookish Shop in Gilbert, AZ on vacation! I picked this book up because of the cover and because I love coffee and wow, what an incredible book!!
Sarah owns the small-town coffee shop and enjoys her quiet life with her cat and romance books. Her life is just fine until her sister Jess forces her to go on a double date and meets Ethan.
This book is my new favorite comfort read. I started reading it at a coffee shop on vacation and after the first chapter, I was hooked and couldn't put it down. Some people would say this book is a Ashley catnip meaning it has everything I love in a book: coffee, books, 'you've got mail' vibes, small town, perfect cast of characters, pop culture references, he falls first, etc.
These characters and this small town are so well written that you felt like you were having coffee with Sarah and chatting with Ethan. Carol in all her leopard print and hot pink clothes adds so much flare to Daisy Ridge Coffee Co. I didn't like Liam and I know that is the point but gosh, he is the one thing I didn't like in this book.
After I finished this book in two days, I hugged the book, kicked my feet with excitement and then ran to the bookstore to get Flower People, Jess' story! I cannot wait to read it! So yes, I'll continue to recommend this book to all my friends and I'll be rereading it soon!
Read this book if you like:
-small town romances
-'You've Got Mail' vibes
-sweet sister relationships
-Coffee Shop owner FMC
-Business man MMC
-well written steam
-bookish references
-Gilmore Girls vibes
I am SO glad I found this book at the 'local authors' section at the adorable The Bookish Shop in Gilbert, AZ on vacation! I picked this book up because of the cover and because I love coffee and wow, what an incredible book!!
Sarah owns the small-town coffee shop and enjoys her quiet life with her cat and romance books. Her life is just fine until her sister Jess forces her to go on a double date and meets Ethan.
This book is my new favorite comfort read. I started reading it at a coffee shop on vacation and after the first chapter, I was hooked and couldn't put it down. Some people would say this book is a Ashley catnip meaning it has everything I love in a book: coffee, books, 'you've got mail' vibes, small town, perfect cast of characters, pop culture references, he falls first, etc.
These characters and this small town are so well written that you felt like you were having coffee with Sarah and chatting with Ethan. Carol in all her leopard print and hot pink clothes adds so much flare to Daisy Ridge Coffee Co. I didn't like Liam and I know that is the point but gosh, he is the one thing I didn't like in this book.
After I finished this book in two days, I hugged the book, kicked my feet with excitement and then ran to the bookstore to get Flower People, Jess' story! I cannot wait to read it! So yes, I'll continue to recommend this book to all my friends and I'll be rereading it soon!
Read this book if you like:
-small town romances
-'You've Got Mail' vibes
-sweet sister relationships
-Coffee Shop owner FMC
-Business man MMC
-well written steam
-bookish references
-Gilmore Girls vibes
April 17, 2025
My new favorite comfort read! I relate so much to Sarah that I am 100% sure we would be fast friends in real life. This was such a fun read - made me laugh, squeal in delight and feel all the feels!! I can’t wait to read more from Ashley!
August 3, 2025
Bought this at a cute bookstore in Arizona. Saw this was a local author and I enjoy supporting local authors. Cute and whimsical story around a coffee shop. Good filler
August 25, 2025
Such an amazing book! I loved every second of it! I can’t wait to read Flower People!
September 16, 2025
Loved this, highly recommend and can’t wait to read the next one 😊
February 7, 2026
I found this book at one of the book festivals in Phoenix! I loved the artwork on the cover and the author was able to sign a copy of the book for me. A really cute and easy read between a girl who owns a local coffee shop and a guy who unwillingly works for a business who wants to add a coffee shop chain in the small town.
May 5, 2026
This was a cozy, fun read. I enjoyed the town and the lighthearted nature of the book overall. I personally struggled with the fact that the primary conflict comes because the FMC sees the actions of the MMC as out to get her, when that was never his goal, but I can see how this might have resonated with me deeply when I was younger.
May 16, 2025
such a fun, cute read!! i loved every second of it
April 30, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up!
This was a sweet book! It is a spicy hallmark/Gilmore
girls type book! It was such an easy quick read that one can get lost in Daisy Ridge for a few hours!
Sarah + Ethan both have the cutest chapter headers I. The book!
Read this if you love
❤️coffee
❤️spicy hallmark
❤️Gilmore Girl town vibes
❤️instant attraction
❤️pop culture references
❤️small town coffee shops
❤️sisterly banter/relationships
❤️quick reads
Thank you to the author for an eARC of the book!
This was a sweet book! It is a spicy hallmark/Gilmore
girls type book! It was such an easy quick read that one can get lost in Daisy Ridge for a few hours!
Sarah + Ethan both have the cutest chapter headers I. The book!
Read this if you love
❤️coffee
❤️spicy hallmark
❤️Gilmore Girl town vibes
❤️instant attraction
❤️pop culture references
❤️small town coffee shops
❤️sisterly banter/relationships
❤️quick reads
Thank you to the author for an eARC of the book!
September 21, 2025
Cute! Not super memorable, but loved the You Got Mail parallels and small town romance :”)
May 13, 2025
“I think I have a massive crush on the girl whose life I’m currently destroying.”
This book was so adorable and so much fun! The pop culture references are SO good! It’s like a 90’s- 00’s girl dream romcom. The epitome of a cozy romance and it is full of the best beverage ever, coffee!! I swooned over Sarah and Ethan and couldn’t put it down. Sarah owns a small town coffee shop and Ethan is a working for a developer coming to town to build a Starbucks so you can only imagine how that goes over! The slow burn, rivals to lovers vibe just hit right and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this one!
I can’t wait for Flower people to find out more about Jess’s story!
*Small town
*You’ve got mail vibes
*Cinnamon roll MMC
*He falls first
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️.5
This book was so adorable and so much fun! The pop culture references are SO good! It’s like a 90’s- 00’s girl dream romcom. The epitome of a cozy romance and it is full of the best beverage ever, coffee!! I swooned over Sarah and Ethan and couldn’t put it down. Sarah owns a small town coffee shop and Ethan is a working for a developer coming to town to build a Starbucks so you can only imagine how that goes over! The slow burn, rivals to lovers vibe just hit right and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this one!
I can’t wait for Flower people to find out more about Jess’s story!
*Small town
*You’ve got mail vibes
*Cinnamon roll MMC
*He falls first
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️.5
February 8, 2026
Wow. If I could give it a zero…I would. I’m so disappointed by this book, I was really looking forward to it but honestly it feels like this author only wanted to write smut but couldn’t commit and had no idea how to make a plot. There are inconsistencies everywhere, no character development, and just the cringiest dialogue and narration ever.
April 19, 2025
this book was so sweet and fun! i can’t count how many times i laughed out loud while reading. i can imagine myself in a little coffee shop just like this! ethan is seriously the sweetest guy and i loved how hard he tried to catch Sarah’s eye! this book was seriously a feel good read and it’s just what my heart needed - lots of laugh, lots of love and lots of coffee.
May 30, 2025
Sarah is my spirit animal. Ethan is everything you want in a guy. And I just want to sit and have coffee with Carol. This story and these characters are so easy to fall in love with. Definitely give this one a read!
March 19, 2026
This book was absolutely adorable. It had been kicking my feet and giggling like a little girl.
Sarah owns the one and only coffee shop in her small town. That is until they announce a Starbucks is set to open and potentially ruin her plans. She has to up her marketing and social media to keep people coming to her coffee shop.
Ethan feels a sense of obligation to keep his family's business running until one of his younger brother's graduates and can take over. This unfortunately means he brings in the big and scary Starbucks into the small town of Daisy Ridge.
What this book has:
-2 POV'S
-Instant Connection
-Betrayal
-Slow Burn
-Grief over the loss of a parent
-Lot of sweetness
Sarah owns the one and only coffee shop in her small town. That is until they announce a Starbucks is set to open and potentially ruin her plans. She has to up her marketing and social media to keep people coming to her coffee shop.
Ethan feels a sense of obligation to keep his family's business running until one of his younger brother's graduates and can take over. This unfortunately means he brings in the big and scary Starbucks into the small town of Daisy Ridge.
What this book has:
-2 POV'S
-Instant Connection
-Betrayal
-Slow Burn
-Grief over the loss of a parent
-Lot of sweetness
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May 2, 2025This was a cute debut novel featuring coffee, pop culture references, small town vibes, and quirky side characters that will make you laugh! This was a sweet and cozy read that kept the vibes light and the coffee piping (or iced, whichever you prefer). Coffee People started out feeling like a P&P retelling with You've Got Mail and Gilmore Girls elements mixed with an early 2000s romcom movie with miscommunication, banter, annoying family members/friends, and instant attraction. I'm so happy I got to read this book early as an ARC! I absolutely love the formatting of this book with the adorable chapter headers, cute character art, and the coffee recipes placed at the end! Ashley's writing style is very straightforward and gives us good insight into her characters thoughts and actions while being easy to follow. There is a really cute and punny flower theme permeating this book, and I loved picking out all of the references and cackling when I found a new one! I laughed, I raged at characters, I giggled at dialogue, and I had a fantastic time whenever Carol was on page!
Carol is fabulous and who I want to be when I grow up! Ethan was such a cinnamon roll and so down bad (I know, I know, but it is the utter truth) for Sarah from the jump! I was very happy for him and proud of him when he finally stood up to her snap judgment of him! Sarah was smart and savvy and a much better sister than I would have been in her shoes 😂 And the spice when they finally consummate their love/hate was great! I do have to say that I despised Liam from the start, and he just kept getting worse, which was the point! 😂 I also really disliked Jess in every interaction, so the next book will be interesting to see how it develops her character and improves on her attitude and entitlement because I seriously wanted to scream almost every time she was on the page. Her entitlement and brattiness and Sarah condoning or letting her get away with it all drove me a bit bonkers.
On to the serious stuff. I think that there are definitely things that Ashley can and will improve on as she continues her author journey, between some phrasing, repetition, and a few minor plot issues and inconsistencies, and I can't wait to be here to see it happen! This was honestly a great start to what I think will be a good author backlog. I have faith in her storytelling ability and the protectiveness and utter attentiveness she gives to her characters and trying to develop them in a way that the reader can fully grasp and understand their motivations and actions and have it come across the way that she is intending! I am very excited to see what Ashley does next!
Carol is fabulous and who I want to be when I grow up! Ethan was such a cinnamon roll and so down bad (I know, I know, but it is the utter truth) for Sarah from the jump! I was very happy for him and proud of him when he finally stood up to her snap judgment of him! Sarah was smart and savvy and a much better sister than I would have been in her shoes 😂 And the spice when they finally consummate their love/hate was great! I do have to say that I despised Liam from the start, and he just kept getting worse, which was the point! 😂 I also really disliked Jess in every interaction, so the next book will be interesting to see how it develops her character and improves on her attitude and entitlement because I seriously wanted to scream almost every time she was on the page. Her entitlement and brattiness and Sarah condoning or letting her get away with it all drove me a bit bonkers.
On to the serious stuff. I think that there are definitely things that Ashley can and will improve on as she continues her author journey, between some phrasing, repetition, and a few minor plot issues and inconsistencies, and I can't wait to be here to see it happen! This was honestly a great start to what I think will be a good author backlog. I have faith in her storytelling ability and the protectiveness and utter attentiveness she gives to her characters and trying to develop them in a way that the reader can fully grasp and understand their motivations and actions and have it come across the way that she is intending! I am very excited to see what Ashley does next!
May 18, 2025
𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁:
This was the cozy read I was looking for and i didn’t disappoint. It has all the small town vibes wrapped in a warm hug paired with a yummy drink from the local coffee shop. I liked the dynamics of the characters and how their backstories aligned so well even though their current paths are conflicting. I love the FMC energy and her feisty side, I can definitely relate!
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Sarah owns and runs the only coffee shop in the small town of Daisy Ridge, she’s poured her heart and soul into it to make it a success. But she just found out the town approved for a Star$ to open in town. This is devastating news as this will put her out of business. To cheer her up her sister Jess insists she joins her on a blind date tonight.
The date is not going well, her and this Ethan couldn’t be any more different. He’s just not her type but after the movie at dinner and a few drinks Sarah starts to get a glimpse of him, maybe he’s not so bad after all. They actually are kind of hitting it off and have plans for another date.
Ethan made a big mistake! He had the chance to tell Sarah why he’s in town but he didn’t. He’s been nervous and having a hard time all night. Telling her he’s running the star$ project that will potentially put her out of business didn’t seem the way to win her over. And he wants to win her over as this may just be the girl of his dreams.
But gossip in small towns travel fast and before Ethan can tell Sarah why he’s in town, she finds out. Needless to say the second date didn’t go well it ended with her leaving him stranded at the star$ job-site.
Check this adorable story out to see how Ethan wins Sarah back and if they can save her coffee shop.
𝙁𝙖𝙫 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:
Sarah: ��Don’t you dare dream about me tonight, I still hate you!”
Ethan: “Having you in my dreams is better than not having you at all.”
𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:
* Enemies to Lovers
* She Owns a Coffee Shop
* He’s Running a Development Project in Town
* Setup on Blind Date by her Sister
* He Falls First & Hard
* You Got Mail Vibes- Scheme to Win Her Over
* Slow Burn w/ Mild Spice
* Small Town - Daisy Ridge
🌼☕️🧡🌼☕️🧡🌼☕️🧡🌼
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJyPEuixM...
This was the cozy read I was looking for and i didn’t disappoint. It has all the small town vibes wrapped in a warm hug paired with a yummy drink from the local coffee shop. I liked the dynamics of the characters and how their backstories aligned so well even though their current paths are conflicting. I love the FMC energy and her feisty side, I can definitely relate!
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Sarah owns and runs the only coffee shop in the small town of Daisy Ridge, she’s poured her heart and soul into it to make it a success. But she just found out the town approved for a Star$ to open in town. This is devastating news as this will put her out of business. To cheer her up her sister Jess insists she joins her on a blind date tonight.
The date is not going well, her and this Ethan couldn’t be any more different. He’s just not her type but after the movie at dinner and a few drinks Sarah starts to get a glimpse of him, maybe he’s not so bad after all. They actually are kind of hitting it off and have plans for another date.
Ethan made a big mistake! He had the chance to tell Sarah why he’s in town but he didn’t. He’s been nervous and having a hard time all night. Telling her he’s running the star$ project that will potentially put her out of business didn’t seem the way to win her over. And he wants to win her over as this may just be the girl of his dreams.
But gossip in small towns travel fast and before Ethan can tell Sarah why he’s in town, she finds out. Needless to say the second date didn’t go well it ended with her leaving him stranded at the star$ job-site.
Check this adorable story out to see how Ethan wins Sarah back and if they can save her coffee shop.
𝙁𝙖𝙫 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:
Sarah: ��Don’t you dare dream about me tonight, I still hate you!”
Ethan: “Having you in my dreams is better than not having you at all.”
𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅:
* Enemies to Lovers
* She Owns a Coffee Shop
* He’s Running a Development Project in Town
* Setup on Blind Date by her Sister
* He Falls First & Hard
* You Got Mail Vibes- Scheme to Win Her Over
* Slow Burn w/ Mild Spice
* Small Town - Daisy Ridge
🌼☕️🧡🌼☕️🧡🌼☕️🧡🌼
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJyPEuixM...
August 12, 2025
As someone who usually lives in the fantasy genre, I wasn’t sure what to expect diving into Ashley Claire’s romance debut, but Coffee People absolutely won me over. This book is just so funny. I’m not someone who laughs out loud easily (even with movies), but Ashley’s humor is exactly my kind of humor.
The characters are well-rounded, unpredictable, and so much fun to follow. And I swear, her signature line needs to be “you take me so well”... I now want it in every Ashley Claire book forever. The playlist she made for the book adds such a fun, immersive touch to the reading experience. I had an absolute blast reading this one, and I can’t wait to get to know the rest of the characters better as this series continues.
The characters are well-rounded, unpredictable, and so much fun to follow. And I swear, her signature line needs to be “you take me so well”... I now want it in every Ashley Claire book forever. The playlist she made for the book adds such a fun, immersive touch to the reading experience. I had an absolute blast reading this one, and I can’t wait to get to know the rest of the characters better as this series continues.
May 22, 2025
Coffee People is the perfect blend of heart, humor, and caffeine — a romcom that had me hooked from the first page to the last. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant coffee culture, it introduces a cast of characters you can’t help but root for, especially Ethan. He’s charming, layered, and absolutely swoon-worthy — the kind of romantic lead that makes you smile long after the book is closed. Cozy, clever, and full of character, Coffee People is a must-read for romcom lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike.
Also Ashley… I had no idea you can write 🌶️🔥🌶️ like that! 👏🏻👏🏻
Also Ashley… I had no idea you can write 🌶️🔥🌶️ like that! 👏🏻👏🏻
January 26, 2026
3.75 ⭐️- I picked up this book at a Book Festival and the author was the sweetest! I will say at first chapter I was worried it was “insta love” but then realized the first interest wasn’t the main love and it was a slow burn between the characters. I like the realism of the coffee shop issues going against franchises and such, and how the characters realized their flaws/wrongs. Fun read, and cute small town vibes
April 1, 2026
Coffee people is such an amazing book!! Such a good enemies to romance book! Sarah and Ethan’s love story was so good and how all these characters were such amazing people to read about!! As soon as I read what this book was about I absolutely couldn’t wait to read it!! Such a nice romance book and it didn’t even feel like I was reading at all!! Ashley Claire is such an amazing author and her books are always so fun to read!!
May 24, 2025
This was a perfect cozy read. I love how the story felt so genuine and relevant. It was such a perfect story that had me “kicking my feet” and it all just felt so relatable. I really loved all of the details put into this book and the themes that are connected throughout. I really look forward to reading the next one.
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