Welcome to the Frisky Bean Coffee to Wake You Up Pastries to Turn You On
Frisky
I met Sean when we were only kids and since then we've competed for almost everything from class president to crushes. When we run into each other, both waiting for our blind dates, at my favorite café, things don't go as planned. For one, why am I still attracted to him? For two, no really, why am I still wanting him? Anyone?
Frisky
When I walked into Desjardins Garden, ready to place an order for my next influencer event, I was expecting to choose a floral design. I was not expecting the owner, Alex, to take my breath away. But, would they like what I have to offer? Could they be my perfect sub?
Frisky
All I wanted to do was propose to the love of my life, Camila. When my perfect plans begin to unravel, so do I. With Purim around the corner, will I be able to overcome all the things that go wrong? And, will my gorgeous girl agree to be mine?
To find out what shenanigans these couples get into, grab a snack, a fan, and perhaps a quiet moment to yourself.
💌 𝓣𝓪𝓫𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓪 & 𝓢𝓮𝓪𝓷; romantic: -`ღ´- “What I was going to say earlier… was that you looked like mine.”
One of the reasons that I didn't like this book: ➥“You have also been my inspiration, my reason to challenge myself to do and be better, my best night of my life, and the reason I smile. It may be that we have only been together for a month and living together for a couple of weeks, but I can’t remember a time when you weren’t one of the most profound things in my life and I know that will always hold true. I want you to be the thorn in my side and by my side for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?”
〔 I mean it's obvious that this is crazyyyyy, proposing to someone after you’ve been together for a month!! 🤯🤯 〕
💌 𝓐𝓵𝓮𝔁 & 𝓐𝓼𝓱; romantic: -`ღ´- “You look beautiful, like one of your flowersowers.”
One of the other reasons that I didn't like this book: ➥ “May I command you, Alex? Give you direction? Reward and punish you as I see !t within your boundaries? Nothing extreme for now as we are still new to one another.” (there are worse scenes that this one..)
〔 they don't even know each other(that well),and she didn't even feel embarrassed, this is weird..〕
💌 𝓛𝓲𝓼𝓪 & 𝓒𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓪𝓵; romantic: -`ღ´- “This woman was my bashert, my soulmate, my other half. She was also the vixen that took possession of me so completely in the bedroom and I loved her for it.”
-`ღ´- “Lisa, my love, you make my heart sing. So after much searching, I found this ring. A symbol of our hands joined together Holding our combined love and light forever.”
One of the other reasons that I didn't like this book: ➥ “I am ready and happy to please you, mistress.” ➥ “Oh. I know… Mistress.” ➥ “Right. Sorry mistress.”
〔 I didn't like when she called her mistress, like eww, that sounds disgusting. 〕
╰┈➤ I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 💐
This book is a compilation of stories from the universe of Frisky Bean, an incredible coffee shop that left me wanting to try everything they sell in real life. I loved the community that formed around the place. All three stories had incredible queer representation; each relationship was unique and sweet. I definitely want to read more stories from this universe, so I will be reading the rest of the author's stories.
A little more about each story: Frisky Rivalry is a story of childhood rivals to lovers, with bisexual representation, in which they try to give each other a second chance to be together. I enjoyed it a lot, but because they have been in each other's lives for a long time, the relationship progresses very quickly, so keep that in mind. Frisky Arrangement follows the story of Ash, an influencer, and Alex, a florist, who have to work together but are so attracted to each other that they have to do something about it. This one! I think it was my favorite. It has BDSM dynamics, genderqueer, and bisexual representation. I wish it was longer; I would read an entire book about them. Frisky Engagement is the story of a long-term sapphic relationship and their plans for the big question: "Will you marry me?" This one was a little longer, with some spicy d/s dynamic and so much love. All the characters gather in this one to help the protagonists, but also to celebrate the holiday. I had never heard of Purim, so it was wonderful reading about it.
I would recommend this book to readers looking for a quick, cute, and steamy story. It is part of a series (Book 1.5) but can be read independently. If you want to know how Frisky Bean started, I suggest reading Frisky Intentions.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens. My review is honest and voluntary.
⭐️ARC Review⭐️ All I can say is MORE, I want more of these characters and their delightful stories. I could have easily read a full length novel about each of the wonderful couples in this anthology. From the sweet depiction of awkwardness and fun with intimacy, to the insta-love connection between someone who wants to be cared for so deeply, and the joy of finding the partner you ask to spend the rest of your life with. I could not praise this writing and representation enough. I have already added more from this wonderful author to my TBR list and I suggest you do the same. Just full of sweet and spicy goodness for everyone! Frisky Collections is available now, so run and grab your copy today!☕💐💍
Frisky Collections takes its name from the coffee shop that the characters in these short stories have in common, Frisky Bean. Run by co-owners Summer and Kevin, these two see a variety of their regulars come in and find love. The first volume focuses on three stories.
The first, Frisky Rivalry, is the story of Chase and Sean, long-time friends who have been competitive since they met each other in school. They’re great at everything, except sex with each other. But the sexual tension between them is high and after a disastrous blind date set up, they try again. I enjoyed this story because it focused on Chase and Sean navigating their sexual tension and eventually coming to a mutual understanding. The story highlights the importance of clear communication and respect for each other’s boundaries and is a reminder that consent isn’t only about saying “yes” or “no” but also discussing desires, preferences, and limits.
The second story, Frisky Arrangement, focuses on Ashmi, a social media influencer and Alexandre, the owner of Desjardins Gardens. Ashmi has an appointment at Alexandre’s flower shop for an event she’s hosting at Frisky Bean and meets the attractive enby owner. As sparks fly and negotiations get underway, Alexandre realizes they want more than just taking orders from the influencer regarding the flowers. This story was well written but much too short. I felt that, adding a nonbinary character like Alexandre there needed to be more nuances about boundaries, and personal preferences. While this story focused on the physical attraction between the characters, the addition of the dominance/submission dynamic wasn’t balanced enough to adequately address any differences and felt lacking when it came to the physical needs and boundaries of Alexandre. Because it felt like the shortest of the stories in this collection, there might be an opportunity to expand this a little more to focus on these aspects to enhance the impact of this short romance in bloom.
The final story, Frisky Engagement, focuses on Lisa and Camila, a long-term couple. Lisa plans to propose to Camila at the Frisky Bean Purim party; everything must be perfect. What she doesn’t know is Camila is planning the same thing! These characters also have a D/s relationship but this one is more fleshed out in terms of boundaries and consent. What I loved about this final story is the obvious love between Lisa and Camila, even when they have suspicions that the other is up to something. One of my favorite parts was the small history lesson I received when the women went as Greta Garbo and Mercedes de Acosta for the costume party. I had to look her up and it was fascinating! This was a wonderful closing story for this book, revisiting the previous characters as well as tossing in a little extra. The choice to set the climax of not only this story but the whole book at a Purim party is both unique and refreshing. Using a less conventional holiday as a backdrop for a romantic moment added a bit of novelty to this already novel book. I love reading authors who explore different cultural traditions and celebrations in their storytelling.
The book was a quick read and engaging. I finished it in a few hours, it kept my attention once I started the first page. This book also carries excerpts from Michelle’s other collections in this series. I received an advanced copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book offers readers three short stories, all of which portray sexuality in an honest and natural way. I was particularly impressed by the way the characters could be themselves with their partners and not have to pretend. My wish is that everyone can live in a healthy environment like the one these characters create, where sex is not a taboo subject, BDSM is not something from the devil, and everyone is free to love whoever they want.
The first novella, "Frisky Rivalry", is about Tabitha and Sean's encounter. The two protagonists have competed since they were at school, and the sexual tension between them is palpable. For me, perhaps one of the best parts of the book was when they had an honest conversation before coming together, thus avoiding another embarrassing sexual experience. The story highlights the importance of clear communication and respecting each other's boundaries, and reminds us that consent is not just about a 'yes' or a 'no', but also about discussing desires, preferences, and boundaries.
"Frisky Arrangement", the second story, is about a queer couple, Alex, owner of Desjardins Gardens, and Ashmi, a social media influencer, and how they meet. Their attraction is clear from the first moment, and the perfect way they complement each other sexually only adds to the story. While this novella focused on the physical attraction between the characters, I felt like the dominant/submissive dynamic between the characters in real life would have required more communication to work properly in the long run without either party being mentally or physically hurt. While I really enjoyed that the book included a non-binary character in the person of Alex, I also think it would have justified even more proper communication between the characters about boundaries and personal preferences.
The third and final novella in the book is "Frisky Engagement". Lisa and Camila, without knowing it, plan to propose to each other at the same party. The dominant/submissive dynamic is also present in this story, but unlike in the previous novella, the characters are well aware of each other's boundaries and know exactly what the other wants. The story is radiating with the lesbian couple's love for each other. This novella brings back the characters from earlier in the book, giving the volume a compelling conclusion.
Overall, Michelle Mars's "Frisky Collections 1 - Frisky & Queer" is a compelling collection of stories that celebrate sexual diversity and healthy communication. The characters present intimate moments with depth and honesty while conveying important messages about equality, respect, and acceptance. I recommend them to anyone who appreciates the honest and bold representation of sexuality in literature.
I received a free copy of "Frisky Collections 1 - Frisky & Queer" by Michelle Mars via BookSirens.
Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved meeting new characters in the Frisky Bean universe! This collection is composed of three short stories that follows three couples that the Frisky Bean brings together.
Our first couple (and my favorite of the three) is Tabitha and Sean! They follow a fun enemies to lovers, second-chance story that I hope to see much more of! I loved this couple the most because of the understanding of needs of both characters and the respect of boundaries.
Our second couple is Ashmi and Alexandre! I wish I had gotten a bit more of this couple as I loved their relationship dynamic in the end but I felt there could have been more build-up between the domineering influencer and the submissive non-binary flower shop owner.
Our last couple is Lisa and Camila who you were introduced already to in Frisky Intentions. I adored these two and loved the fact they were both trying to propose to each other!
This is my first audiobook by this author. There are three novella stories in this book, that are about three different couples that all take place around a coffee shop that brings the couples together.
First book is enemies to lovers. Long time rivals decide to hook up and see if this hate for each other would also be in the bedroom. M/F
The second book is a Sub/Dom/They romance. 'They' is the sub, very quiet and shy and the Dom character likes being in charge.
The third book is about two lesbians. Who are planning on asking each other to marry each other at the same event but just don't know it!
I'm not sure if there is more in depth stories regarding these characters or if they show up in other stories or not. I did enjoy the narration that was done on these books with several different narrators.
Each pairing provides a host of different representation including LGBTQ+, religion, and relationship dynamics. I appreciated how much Tabitha and Sean showed care for each other and how well they knew each other. Ash and Alex’s story is the shortest but also the sweetest. I truly wanted to become Alex’s friend at the end. Lisa and Camilla’s story was the funniest of the collection. I loved how their story incorporated everyone important to the coffee shop. I really enjoyed supporting a book with lots of representation of different LGBTQ+ identities and that provided a cozy feeling in a nice quick read to mix things up. This book has open-door spice that constitutes most of the plot and character growth.
I received this book as an arc from Book Sirens. My review is honest and voluntary
This book is a little silly, a little queer, and very spicy. I liked that each couple had their own different dynamic but they’re all presented on the same stage so it’s all cohesive. Also, I love when one of the other couples is mentioned in the others story. It’s like ,aaah! Wait yaaaay! Hehehe, all together and if you didn't get the vibes that was me probably giggling and kicking my feet.
I’d also like to mention how I always love when a book is queer but not a coming out story.
This was a great collection of short stories, I loved them all! I enjoyed the variety of characters and relationships and also the snippets from other books was a great touch and have me wanting to read the rest of the story! I couldn't pick a favorite couple from their stories but I have to say that I love 'The Frisky Bean' and their playfulness with naming pastries and coffee!
This was an adorable collection of short stories. I loved how all of these people are centered around a cafe called The Frisky Bean. Each relationship was nuanced and sweet with some spice too. I really enjoyed these little rom-coms.
This was honestly a cute book with short and funny stories. Perfect for a little refresher between bigger books. The book is filled with some meet cutes, the writing is good and full of sexy moments. I definitely recommend this book.
A fun collection of short stories that are centered around the Frisky Bean Cafe, the three stories were about three different couples that are patrons there. Each couple has different back stories, different tastes and predilections. In short, there is something for everyone here. This is very spicy, so be prepared for it to be rather explicit. Each rom com of the three also centered around a different time in a a relationship - one being at the beginning, one being at the level of commitment and one being about to change.
The stories were cute and it was a fun read.
Of note, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you BookSirens and to the author.
⏰ I read it in a few days. 🌶️ very spicy/mature/adult 🏷️ no triggers to report #ShortStoryCollection #contemporaryromance #fantasyandmagic #LGBTQ+ #AllTheFlavors #spicy🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ #indieauthor #womenwhowerentbornyesterday #BookSirens