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He Came For Coffee He Left With Me
Zora Collins is done playing nice.
Her family says romance novels are a waste of time. Her mother says Black stories don’t sell. And her bank account? Well, it’s saying eviction.
All Zora wants is to meet her deadline and prove that her voice—unapologetically Black, bold, and full of heart—deserves to be heard. But when a billionaire in an expensive suit steals her favorite café seat, her peace, and eventually… her breath, she’s forced to confront more than just writer’s block.
Harrison West is powerful, magnetic, and carrying secrets of his own. Their chemistry is instant. Their connection? Impossible to ignore.
But Zora’s not sure what’s scarier—falling for a man who sees her, or risking everything to write the stories no one wants her to tell.
If you love sharp banter, high heat, and a heroine fighting for their truth, this is the BWWM billionaire cinderella romance you didn’t know you needed.
Her family says romance novels are a waste of time. Her mother says Black stories don’t sell. And her bank account? Well, it’s saying eviction.
All Zora wants is to meet her deadline and prove that her voice—unapologetically Black, bold, and full of heart—deserves to be heard. But when a billionaire in an expensive suit steals her favorite café seat, her peace, and eventually… her breath, she’s forced to confront more than just writer’s block.
Harrison West is powerful, magnetic, and carrying secrets of his own. Their chemistry is instant. Their connection? Impossible to ignore.
But Zora’s not sure what’s scarier—falling for a man who sees her, or risking everything to write the stories no one wants her to tell.
If you love sharp banter, high heat, and a heroine fighting for their truth, this is the BWWM billionaire cinderella romance you didn’t know you needed.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
195 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 7, 2025
2.5⭐️
This book started off on such a good note with Zora trying to keep her head above water whilst struggling to finish chapters of a book and trying to help her brother in rehab. Then we have Harrison who had his eyes set on her from the jump. Things between them progressed rather quickly which was okay, but then there was a complete switch in narrative kind of and it threw the whole book off.
Yes Zora’s mother was trying to erase her history and considered her a disappointment but at her big age, come on she should’ve stood up for herself better! She was complaining her voice wasn’t being heard but she allowed people the opportunity to keep coming in.
Harrison was okay but he didn’t really have any special characteristics about him to be honest. The fact that when everything happened between Zora and her family he was there to support her was v nice. However, I didn’t like how Zora went from being lovely, or bantery to straight up hostile and acting entitled in a way.
Yes I understand discrimination is a real thing but she was freezing out Harrison for things he didn’t do, especially giving him silent treatment and making him uncomfortable in his own home. Nah that was unnecessary. If she was upset about how things were with her family, how about you address them??
For me this story just fell short of being romantic because it was mostly Zora taking and taking from Harrison and he was expected to just be there when she was ready. Idk what qualities he saw to love (minus her standing up to him about sending a car) but then again maybe I’m too invested lol.
This book started off on such a good note with Zora trying to keep her head above water whilst struggling to finish chapters of a book and trying to help her brother in rehab. Then we have Harrison who had his eyes set on her from the jump. Things between them progressed rather quickly which was okay, but then there was a complete switch in narrative kind of and it threw the whole book off.
Yes Zora’s mother was trying to erase her history and considered her a disappointment but at her big age, come on she should’ve stood up for herself better! She was complaining her voice wasn’t being heard but she allowed people the opportunity to keep coming in.
Harrison was okay but he didn’t really have any special characteristics about him to be honest. The fact that when everything happened between Zora and her family he was there to support her was v nice. However, I didn’t like how Zora went from being lovely, or bantery to straight up hostile and acting entitled in a way.
Yes I understand discrimination is a real thing but she was freezing out Harrison for things he didn’t do, especially giving him silent treatment and making him uncomfortable in his own home. Nah that was unnecessary. If she was upset about how things were with her family, how about you address them??
For me this story just fell short of being romantic because it was mostly Zora taking and taking from Harrison and he was expected to just be there when she was ready. Idk what qualities he saw to love (minus her standing up to him about sending a car) but then again maybe I’m too invested lol.
September 28, 2025
Good - And Yet…
I loved, and didn’t love this book. Parts of it were so good. But parts of it felt like Zora was too self focused and selfish. There can’t be a healthy relationship on only one party’s terms. She wanted a relationship all on her terms. That’s unfair to him. It takes compromise, agreeing on the direction of the relationship.
Out of everything that bothered me about her the most, was the fact that she never owned where she was wrong. She never apologized to Harrison for jumping to conclusions, and not giving him the chance to explain. She did not dignify him. She had no right to be angry at him! Once she found out, he was not behind the termination letter and that he was not even aware of it, she was the one who should’ve had the humility to apologize for the way she treated him. She made assumptions and never even gave him the chance to tell his side of it or to give an explanation. That is not a humble person.
One cannot punish someone present for what other people have done in the past. Also, one does not cut off a relationship completely without a conversation. She didn’t even give him that chance and then she had the nerve to be angry at him! I did not enjoy that part at all. Arrogance is never justified. Lack of humility is never right. Not being able to own it when one is wrong is a huge character flaw.
Harrison was an admirable character. His patience with Zora was immense - it went above and beyond.
All things considered, I do recommend this book.
I loved, and didn’t love this book. Parts of it were so good. But parts of it felt like Zora was too self focused and selfish. There can’t be a healthy relationship on only one party’s terms. She wanted a relationship all on her terms. That’s unfair to him. It takes compromise, agreeing on the direction of the relationship.
Out of everything that bothered me about her the most, was the fact that she never owned where she was wrong. She never apologized to Harrison for jumping to conclusions, and not giving him the chance to explain. She did not dignify him. She had no right to be angry at him! Once she found out, he was not behind the termination letter and that he was not even aware of it, she was the one who should’ve had the humility to apologize for the way she treated him. She made assumptions and never even gave him the chance to tell his side of it or to give an explanation. That is not a humble person.
One cannot punish someone present for what other people have done in the past. Also, one does not cut off a relationship completely without a conversation. She didn’t even give him that chance and then she had the nerve to be angry at him! I did not enjoy that part at all. Arrogance is never justified. Lack of humility is never right. Not being able to own it when one is wrong is a huge character flaw.
Harrison was an admirable character. His patience with Zora was immense - it went above and beyond.
All things considered, I do recommend this book.
April 23, 2025
Coffee & Writing Leads To Love!
This book started with a bang and then fizzled in the end. Zora Collins was an African-American author whose "bold, unapologetically Black voice deserved to be heard." Her bills were overdue; her rent was overdue and she had received an eviction notice; and she had an addict brother who needed her help. Still, she fought to be seen and heard. Harrison West was a white billionaire CEO. Billioniare romances are not usually believable. However, Harrison saw and heard Zora. This book made them and their livestyles relatable. They met in Mae's coffee shop where Zora often went to write. Harrison had seen her there and decided she was the one for him. There was an immediate attraction and they acted on it. They had steamy encounters in public places as well as in his car. They sex was erotic but not overly so, and it added to the story.
Zora's conflict with her family who neither saw nor heard her and wanted to remake her in their image. Zora wanted no part of them or their society. Zora had a trust fund but never touched it for her mother wanted to use it to manipulate Zora. She just wanted to write. Zora had two sisters, Diane, a high powered attorney and Michelle, who was a surgeon. They were everything that their mother wanted them to be - Black women who had made it in white society while losing every bit if their Blackness.
Harrison and Zora began to fall in love and she began to accept him until conflicts came up involving his company, her mother and sisters. Mistakes were made and Zora blamed Harrison. He didn't know what happened but was determined to get to the bottom of it and refused to let her go. He did get to the bottom of it and those who caused her hurt were dealt with, including her mother and sisters and even an executive at his business
The lack of continuity, repetition, misplaced scenes and even misplaced, misnamed people in the book caused a lack of clarity. More backstory on both Harrison and Zora would had added so much more to the book. How easily it could have been rated 4 star. Of course they got a HFN.
This book started with a bang and then fizzled in the end. Zora Collins was an African-American author whose "bold, unapologetically Black voice deserved to be heard." Her bills were overdue; her rent was overdue and she had received an eviction notice; and she had an addict brother who needed her help. Still, she fought to be seen and heard. Harrison West was a white billionaire CEO. Billioniare romances are not usually believable. However, Harrison saw and heard Zora. This book made them and their livestyles relatable. They met in Mae's coffee shop where Zora often went to write. Harrison had seen her there and decided she was the one for him. There was an immediate attraction and they acted on it. They had steamy encounters in public places as well as in his car. They sex was erotic but not overly so, and it added to the story.
Zora's conflict with her family who neither saw nor heard her and wanted to remake her in their image. Zora wanted no part of them or their society. Zora had a trust fund but never touched it for her mother wanted to use it to manipulate Zora. She just wanted to write. Zora had two sisters, Diane, a high powered attorney and Michelle, who was a surgeon. They were everything that their mother wanted them to be - Black women who had made it in white society while losing every bit if their Blackness.
Harrison and Zora began to fall in love and she began to accept him until conflicts came up involving his company, her mother and sisters. Mistakes were made and Zora blamed Harrison. He didn't know what happened but was determined to get to the bottom of it and refused to let her go. He did get to the bottom of it and those who caused her hurt were dealt with, including her mother and sisters and even an executive at his business
The lack of continuity, repetition, misplaced scenes and even misplaced, misnamed people in the book caused a lack of clarity. More backstory on both Harrison and Zora would had added so much more to the book. How easily it could have been rated 4 star. Of course they got a HFN.
July 25, 2025
After the first few chapters, I found myself skipping through. There was a great deal of repetition. Same thoughts, same actions. The main female character considers herself a writer of romance novels involving characters who are black. Her mother objects. Her sisters have successful careers as a doctor and a lawyer and her brother is an addict. Apparently, her family has some wealth as her father left the family and made sure all of the children had trust funds. You get the impression that he really left his wife, but if that is so why would he develop trust funds that gave her so much power over the distribution of the money? Also I have to wonder, if Zora was in financial difficulties and declined to access her trust fund, why didn't she get another job that would help pay for expenses such as rent? Most people seeking artistic careers understand the concept of working at something else until success is achieved in their desired profession, and writing is particularly adaptable to the purpose, as it can be done at any time during the day or evening.
There were many errors is this book, so once again I find it odd that people who are trying to make a living as a writer, such as the author, do not take more care to insure that the book is grammatically correct, that words are both spelled and used correctly and that there are no errors where the wrong persons name is inserted in the sentence. These errors disrupt the flow and diminish the pleasure a person gets from reading the book.
There were many errors is this book, so once again I find it odd that people who are trying to make a living as a writer, such as the author, do not take more care to insure that the book is grammatically correct, that words are both spelled and used correctly and that there are no errors where the wrong persons name is inserted in the sentence. These errors disrupt the flow and diminish the pleasure a person gets from reading the book.
June 27, 2025
I read the sample on Amazon and got tricked. The sample was well written and I thought the rest of the book would be as well, so I purchased. Mistake.
What I liked:
Setting was in NYC and a few places that I have frequented were mentioned.
What I didn't like:
Pretty much the rest of the book.
There was no deep or even medium knowledge of NYC. A better job could have been done. Just pick up a travel guide if places in NYC is wanted.
The central conflict between heroine and her family made no sense. It is artificial and does not work.
The dialogue between heroine her mother and sister is just inane and falls flat; probably because the conflict was not well thought out and established.
There was no grand declaration of love. It is scattered somewhere in the book, I suppose.
There is a lack of attention to detail that annoyed: the host at Le Bernardin started off as Vivienne but ended as Sophie.
Where in Brooklyn was the apartment? Just pick an area.
She received an eviction notice but was able to return to the apartment after 3 months. No that's not how it works and definitely not in NYC where any apartment is in high demand.
The trust fund angle made no sense.
What I liked:
Setting was in NYC and a few places that I have frequented were mentioned.
What I didn't like:
Pretty much the rest of the book.
There was no deep or even medium knowledge of NYC. A better job could have been done. Just pick up a travel guide if places in NYC is wanted.
The central conflict between heroine and her family made no sense. It is artificial and does not work.
The dialogue between heroine her mother and sister is just inane and falls flat; probably because the conflict was not well thought out and established.
There was no grand declaration of love. It is scattered somewhere in the book, I suppose.
There is a lack of attention to detail that annoyed: the host at Le Bernardin started off as Vivienne but ended as Sophie.
Where in Brooklyn was the apartment? Just pick an area.
She received an eviction notice but was able to return to the apartment after 3 months. No that's not how it works and definitely not in NYC where any apartment is in high demand.
The trust fund angle made no sense.
October 3, 2025
The premise was promising
This is my first time reading anything by this duo and I had very high hopes. Let me say that I do not like writing reviews that aren’t glowing, but if I am taking the time to read I’d like consistency. I loved Zora and how she wanted to unapologetically live her life. I guess what I didn’t see is how could a trust fund be held up by her mother? Also, during the book the structuring timelines were inconsistent. One moment, his brothers were leaving, then the next sentence showed Harrison throwing popcorn in his brother’s hair. Another time Harrison had clothes for the week purchased for her then the next day she was in his clothes? Overall, I enjoyed the storyline and chemistry, and if you can overlook those things and others, it’s an ok read.
This is my first time reading anything by this duo and I had very high hopes. Let me say that I do not like writing reviews that aren’t glowing, but if I am taking the time to read I’d like consistency. I loved Zora and how she wanted to unapologetically live her life. I guess what I didn’t see is how could a trust fund be held up by her mother? Also, during the book the structuring timelines were inconsistent. One moment, his brothers were leaving, then the next sentence showed Harrison throwing popcorn in his brother’s hair. Another time Harrison had clothes for the week purchased for her then the next day she was in his clothes? Overall, I enjoyed the storyline and chemistry, and if you can overlook those things and others, it’s an ok read.
September 4, 2025
Great read!
I only gave this story 4 stars bc at first I really like zora but then she started to get on my nerves with her misplaced anger against Harrison. Once she found out the entire story, she still held so much resentment towards him when it wasn't needed nor necessary. She barely said thank you and never once apologized for her actions. I almost dnf but im glad I did bc she finally got it together although I've noticed she never once told him she loved him smh. Also it wasn't explained why the mother had so much control over trust funds that were supposed to go to her grown children. That didn't make sense. Completely loved harrison! Overall excellent read!
I only gave this story 4 stars bc at first I really like zora but then she started to get on my nerves with her misplaced anger against Harrison. Once she found out the entire story, she still held so much resentment towards him when it wasn't needed nor necessary. She barely said thank you and never once apologized for her actions. I almost dnf but im glad I did bc she finally got it together although I've noticed she never once told him she loved him smh. Also it wasn't explained why the mother had so much control over trust funds that were supposed to go to her grown children. That didn't make sense. Completely loved harrison! Overall excellent read!
April 24, 2025
Thank you Ms. Mae and your Cupid Coffee ❤️😂
A Beautiful story! There were few lessons I took from this story and one of them was to never dimmer your light for no one. Stand up for yourself and let your voice be heard. Also, keep the ones who stand strong and firm in your corner. This was beautiful written, I love the emotional roller coaster of Zora finding herself and voice. Bravo!!!
A Beautiful story! There were few lessons I took from this story and one of them was to never dimmer your light for no one. Stand up for yourself and let your voice be heard. Also, keep the ones who stand strong and firm in your corner. This was beautiful written, I love the emotional roller coaster of Zora finding herself and voice. Bravo!!!
June 28, 2025
Harrison and Zora
Wonderful story of two people who meet and find love unexpectedly
There are obstacles in their way to their HEA but they overcome it especially Zora
Family trauma and overcoming it was a testament to the writers ability to see how trauma from childhood carries on to adulthood
But with the right support you can overcome
Great job ladies for a very enjoyable story that should resonate with the reader
Wonderful story of two people who meet and find love unexpectedly
There are obstacles in their way to their HEA but they overcome it especially Zora
Family trauma and overcoming it was a testament to the writers ability to see how trauma from childhood carries on to adulthood
But with the right support you can overcome
Great job ladies for a very enjoyable story that should resonate with the reader
August 19, 2025
Peace Achieved
This is a story for anyone who aspires to love on their own terms. Zora and Harrison not only have to learn how to love each other authentically, they have to teach the people around them to let them live in their truth as a couple. I admired Zora 's honesty , yet I struggled with her refusal to let down her defenses. Navigation of society's precepts is never easy, but this couple manages to survive in spite of the obstacles they face.
This is a story for anyone who aspires to love on their own terms. Zora and Harrison not only have to learn how to love each other authentically, they have to teach the people around them to let them live in their truth as a couple. I admired Zora 's honesty , yet I struggled with her refusal to let down her defenses. Navigation of society's precepts is never easy, but this couple manages to survive in spite of the obstacles they face.
October 13, 2025
Fantastic read
I really get confused sometimes with these dual-authored books but assuming Jasmine Hartley is the primary author, she has a fantastic way with words. I highlighted many passages that resonated well with me. Some parts in it got a little bit preachy but overall I would definitely recommend this as a read for others. I'm looking forward to reading other books by Jasmine Hartley and Avery Grey.
I really get confused sometimes with these dual-authored books but assuming Jasmine Hartley is the primary author, she has a fantastic way with words. I highlighted many passages that resonated well with me. Some parts in it got a little bit preachy but overall I would definitely recommend this as a read for others. I'm looking forward to reading other books by Jasmine Hartley and Avery Grey.
November 21, 2025
Tears are flowing freely
Harrison and Zora should both have worked, but they did, because Harrison had enough sense to respect Zora’s talent, her individuality, her space, ehe autonomy, her personhood. And when he saw a moment to defend her, he dis it quietly. No need to brag, to pull attention to himself or his acts. He loved her, fully seeing who she is and recognized that she is brilliantly beautiful.
Harrison and Zora should both have worked, but they did, because Harrison had enough sense to respect Zora’s talent, her individuality, her space, ehe autonomy, her personhood. And when he saw a moment to defend her, he dis it quietly. No need to brag, to pull attention to himself or his acts. He loved her, fully seeing who she is and recognized that she is brilliantly beautiful.
June 30, 2025
He Came For Coffee He Left With Me!
Excellent writing and I loved that she reconnected with her brother! Still do not understand how her Mom controlled her Trust fund. Only disappointment was that Zora was so quick to believe Harrison lied to her. Family like that deserves nothing!
Excellent writing and I loved that she reconnected with her brother! Still do not understand how her Mom controlled her Trust fund. Only disappointment was that Zora was so quick to believe Harrison lied to her. Family like that deserves nothing!
June 18, 2025
A refresher from the mystery and thrillers I’ve been reading. I could see myself in the MFC because you should never be bullied by your own family, and if you are, contribute to be you and stand strong in KNOWING who you are. The man is an added bonus!
June 30, 2025
Loved this!!!
Thank you for creating the book. I fell in love with both of the characters simply because they were so emotionally intelligent. The communication between the main characters was a breath of fresh air. Thank you again for an amazing read.
Thank you for creating the book. I fell in love with both of the characters simply because they were so emotionally intelligent. The communication between the main characters was a breath of fresh air. Thank you again for an amazing read.
September 29, 2025
Loved this book
I fell in love with the characters and loved
the storyline. I have recently discovered bwwm romance and have fallen in love. Thank you for bringing diversity and love to the forefront.
I fell in love with the characters and loved
the storyline. I have recently discovered bwwm romance and have fallen in love. Thank you for bringing diversity and love to the forefront.
May 20, 2025
Surprising.
Thoughtful.
Darn good read.
Thoughtful.
Darn good read.
June 17, 2025
Not as long of a story as I’d hoped. The beginning had me kicking my feet.
Some parts were a bit corny but the overall writing wasn’t too bad. Good comfort book for a rainy day.
Some parts were a bit corny but the overall writing wasn’t too bad. Good comfort book for a rainy day.
July 3, 2025
CUTE READ
This was a cute interesting read I thought it was a little too drawn out and I was expecting a different ending. With that said I would recommend reading this book.
This was a cute interesting read I thought it was a little too drawn out and I was expecting a different ending. With that said I would recommend reading this book.
July 30, 2025
Complete Defined
This story was about tearing down walls and building bridges. Give and take, learning and discovering. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters. An easy read.
This story was about tearing down walls and building bridges. Give and take, learning and discovering. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters. An easy read.
August 11, 2025
2.5 stars
August 24, 2025
Loved itt!!!
Different but interesting read did point out the need for all ethnic reads being written by all people celebrating the differences!!☺
Different but interesting read did point out the need for all ethnic reads being written by all people celebrating the differences!!☺
August 24, 2025
too sweet for my taste.
September 10, 2025
I can appreciate it
This book made me like it I got bored then it picked back up. I can appreciate that and the overall tone of the book.
This book made me like it I got bored then it picked back up. I can appreciate that and the overall tone of the book.
September 20, 2025
I loved this!!!
I really enjoyed this one! It made me smile and a few times tears came but it was a great read.
I really enjoyed this one! It made me smile and a few times tears came but it was a great read.
October 14, 2025
Loved It
Loved this book. A beautiful story of love, trust, betrayal and finding oneself. I would love for a 2nd to come. A Beautiful Love Story...
Loved this book. A beautiful story of love, trust, betrayal and finding oneself. I would love for a 2nd to come. A Beautiful Love Story...
November 4, 2025
Refreshing
The man on the cover says it all! Harrison was an amazing man! Real strength can move in silence. Thank you
The man on the cover says it all! Harrison was an amazing man! Real strength can move in silence. Thank you
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews