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Love in LA #1.5
When Harry Met Mitzi
An old friend. A fresh start. And a second chance with the one who got away.Mitzi Taylor’s life hasn’t been easy–a fact she kept from all of her friends in high school, including her crush, Harry. When the world she’d been trying to hold together collapsed on her graduation day, she thought it would be easier to walk away than try to explain to her friends why she’d never told them the truth.
For ten years, Harrison Whitlock has looked for Mitzi on crowded streets and favorite beaches without any luck. What are the chances she’d turn out to be the barista at the coffee shop in his new neighborhood? Fate seems to have stepped in to bring them together, but Harry will have to rely on his own ingenuity to convince Mitzi he’s always wanted her to be more than a friend.
With a special brew of surprise dates, terrifying driving lessons, and way too much coffee, Harry does his best to prove to Mitzi they’re more alike than she thinks. But for a future with Harry, Mitzi will have to let go of the past, which may be even harder than learning to drive in LA traffic.
When Harry Met Mitzi is a second chance, childhood sweethearts, kisses only novella with lots of sizzle and steamy coffee, but no spice! Available for FREE with newsletter subscription!
When Harry Met Mitzi is a standalone novella that shares characters with the Love in LA novels. Please be aware that housing insecurity/homelessness is addressed.
For ten years, Harrison Whitlock has looked for Mitzi on crowded streets and favorite beaches without any luck. What are the chances she’d turn out to be the barista at the coffee shop in his new neighborhood? Fate seems to have stepped in to bring them together, but Harry will have to rely on his own ingenuity to convince Mitzi he’s always wanted her to be more than a friend.
With a special brew of surprise dates, terrifying driving lessons, and way too much coffee, Harry does his best to prove to Mitzi they’re more alike than she thinks. But for a future with Harry, Mitzi will have to let go of the past, which may be even harder than learning to drive in LA traffic.
When Harry Met Mitzi is a second chance, childhood sweethearts, kisses only novella with lots of sizzle and steamy coffee, but no spice! Available for FREE with newsletter subscription!
When Harry Met Mitzi is a standalone novella that shares characters with the Love in LA novels. Please be aware that housing insecurity/homelessness is addressed.
- GenresNovellaContemporary
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2025
About the author
Brittany Larsen
29 books282 followersBrittany Larsen is the author of fourteen full-length and three novella-length sweet romantic comedies, plus a couple more historical romance novellas set in the Old West. Brittany’s stories range across time and place, but they’re always about one thing: connection. They’re guaranteed to make you laugh and maybe even tear up a little.
Born and raised in Idaho, Brittany has spent the past twenty years (maybe more) living the California dream… If that dream includes wearing sweatpants all day and gorging herself on red Australian licorice–Australia’s second-best export (Chris Hemsworth being the obvious first). When not writing, she teaches hot yoga, walks her dog, and takes naps. Her sweater-sporting, mini Aussi-doodle, Bo, is her favorite writing companion. But her favorite people are her husband and three daughters.
Born and raised in Idaho, Brittany has spent the past twenty years (maybe more) living the California dream… If that dream includes wearing sweatpants all day and gorging herself on red Australian licorice–Australia’s second-best export (Chris Hemsworth being the obvious first). When not writing, she teaches hot yoga, walks her dog, and takes naps. Her sweater-sporting, mini Aussi-doodle, Bo, is her favorite writing companion. But her favorite people are her husband and three daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 21, 2025
A really enjoyable story about life's challenges and second chances. Thank you to the author, Brittany Larsen, for my e-book copy of When Harry Met Mitzi. This novella has made me want to read more of the Love in LA series.
November 26, 2025
This little novella hit me in ways I was not anticipating—though the author note at the beginning gives you a heads up on the content and that it isn’t quite as romcom-y as normal. But what it is…is sweet, hopeful, tender, and some real life stuff wrapped up with a friends to more, second chance love story.
And it made this child of an addict feel seen.
And challenged—to keep hoping and forgiving.
And thankful—for my real life version of a Harry for a spouse. (Though he’s not rich—darn! 😉) But he’s my person who walks through the mess with me so I don’t have to face it alone. Who tried his darnedest to figure out parenting my teenaged sister with me when we were newly married. And who has worked endlessly to provide for and build a family of our own with me that breaks cycles.
So, while I’m thankful I have never been on the streets, I have come home from camp one summer and not known where I was going to live anymore. And I’m eternally grateful for amazing people God placed in my life who stepped in and took me in.
This little story made me smile, made me cry, and brought a little healing that I didn’t know I was needing.
And it made this child of an addict feel seen.
And challenged—to keep hoping and forgiving.
And thankful—for my real life version of a Harry for a spouse. (Though he’s not rich—darn! 😉) But he’s my person who walks through the mess with me so I don’t have to face it alone. Who tried his darnedest to figure out parenting my teenaged sister with me when we were newly married. And who has worked endlessly to provide for and build a family of our own with me that breaks cycles.
So, while I’m thankful I have never been on the streets, I have come home from camp one summer and not known where I was going to live anymore. And I’m eternally grateful for amazing people God placed in my life who stepped in and took me in.
This little story made me smile, made me cry, and brought a little healing that I didn’t know I was needing.
May 3, 2025
I appreciate the awareness and feelings the author brings to the unhoused. And such a cute love story. It brought lots of feels and I loved it.
April 26, 2025
A sweet story of second chances and resiliency
A tale of the type of resiliency life requires sometimes of even some of the youngest. Mitzi was eleven with a sister who was three and a brother not quite six months old when they lost their father. With no life insurance, her mother was forced back to work. Working at nights and carrying for the little ones during the day. Sleeping as she could. Mitzi had to step into the parental role to make it work. Soon things spiraled out of control but even then Mitzi maintained excellent grades, dreaming of college, which was not to be. Instead, she became a full-time care giver as soon as she could get custody of her siblings. As she is struggling to keep food on the, a wealthy friend from high school appears wanting a second chance at romance with her. When her mother reappears on the scene, forcing a full revelation of all Mitzi has been through and may still need to deal with, will the new romance be able to withstand the pressure?
A tale of the type of resiliency life requires sometimes of even some of the youngest. Mitzi was eleven with a sister who was three and a brother not quite six months old when they lost their father. With no life insurance, her mother was forced back to work. Working at nights and carrying for the little ones during the day. Sleeping as she could. Mitzi had to step into the parental role to make it work. Soon things spiraled out of control but even then Mitzi maintained excellent grades, dreaming of college, which was not to be. Instead, she became a full-time care giver as soon as she could get custody of her siblings. As she is struggling to keep food on the, a wealthy friend from high school appears wanting a second chance at romance with her. When her mother reappears on the scene, forcing a full revelation of all Mitzi has been through and may still need to deal with, will the new romance be able to withstand the pressure?
May 11, 2025
Young love. In all it's glory. Trials and good times. A must read.
June 9, 2026
I have enjoyed Brittany’s books and this little book is right up there with her longer ones!
Mitzi hides secrets from her friends in high school because her life isn’t what she shows them. Then her world comes crashing down and she distances herself from her friends, including a boy she really likes but decides her life is just too much for him or anyone to get involved in.
Years later he meets her at a coffee shop she works in and though she tries to distance herself from Harry she finds her old attraction is still there regardless of all the complications her life has gotten since they last saw each other.
When two people find an attraction but life has given them two divergent paths, can they make the feelings they have last or will the reality of the past and present problems and stresses be too great?
I enjoyed this heartwarming and heartbreaking tale of a woman who had to grow up too soon at age 11 and has accepted and born responsibilities that would break so many others.
It’s a tale of wanting but behind that wanting lies some bitter realities which threaten to upend the life she is now contemplating unless the past and its consequences can be changed.
I feel for Mitzi and what she was forced to do to try and keep her siblings with her when she finally had the chance to reunite with them! It will tug on your heartstrings!
I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend you get and read this book and check out Brittany’s other books after you enjoy this one! You’ll find stories you can relate to because the situations these people experience are things we all are familiar with and some have experienced the same things you read about!
The thing is do you give yourself and others who have caused you so much hurt a second chance to be happy when the opportunity presents itself?
I know you’ll love this book as much as I did!
Mitzi hides secrets from her friends in high school because her life isn’t what she shows them. Then her world comes crashing down and she distances herself from her friends, including a boy she really likes but decides her life is just too much for him or anyone to get involved in.
Years later he meets her at a coffee shop she works in and though she tries to distance herself from Harry she finds her old attraction is still there regardless of all the complications her life has gotten since they last saw each other.
When two people find an attraction but life has given them two divergent paths, can they make the feelings they have last or will the reality of the past and present problems and stresses be too great?
I enjoyed this heartwarming and heartbreaking tale of a woman who had to grow up too soon at age 11 and has accepted and born responsibilities that would break so many others.
It’s a tale of wanting but behind that wanting lies some bitter realities which threaten to upend the life she is now contemplating unless the past and its consequences can be changed.
I feel for Mitzi and what she was forced to do to try and keep her siblings with her when she finally had the chance to reunite with them! It will tug on your heartstrings!
I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend you get and read this book and check out Brittany’s other books after you enjoy this one! You’ll find stories you can relate to because the situations these people experience are things we all are familiar with and some have experienced the same things you read about!
The thing is do you give yourself and others who have caused you so much hurt a second chance to be happy when the opportunity presents itself?
I know you’ll love this book as much as I did!
August 10, 2025
BOOK REVIEW:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mitzi Taylor has undergone a handful of life altering events. After getting a job at a local coffee shop (Annie’s/ Frothed) that aims at hiring from the unhoused community, she finally managed to get her life back on track. But when Harrison “Harry” Whitlock (her former best friend and first love) walks back to her life, things will never be the same.
Fans of the Love in LA Series were first introduced to Mitzi back in book one, Britta and the Beach Boy. Despite being a secondary character, Mitzi was an instant fan favorite. Intrigued by her backstory, readers were desperate to read more. As a result, author Brittany Larsen wrote the novella, When Harry Met Mitzi, as a gift to her newsletter subscribers.
While I wish Mitzi had been given a full-length book, her story was too important not to tell. It brings light to the socioeconomic disparities present in Los Angeles without losing hope of a happily-ever-after ending.
Read this book for:
-second chance romance
-friends to more
-opposites attract
-single guardian
-kisses only
Trigger Warning: This book briefly mentions a traumatic death, drug abuse, repeated incarceration, periods of homelessness, and food insecurities.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mitzi Taylor has undergone a handful of life altering events. After getting a job at a local coffee shop (Annie’s/ Frothed) that aims at hiring from the unhoused community, she finally managed to get her life back on track. But when Harrison “Harry” Whitlock (her former best friend and first love) walks back to her life, things will never be the same.
Fans of the Love in LA Series were first introduced to Mitzi back in book one, Britta and the Beach Boy. Despite being a secondary character, Mitzi was an instant fan favorite. Intrigued by her backstory, readers were desperate to read more. As a result, author Brittany Larsen wrote the novella, When Harry Met Mitzi, as a gift to her newsletter subscribers.
While I wish Mitzi had been given a full-length book, her story was too important not to tell. It brings light to the socioeconomic disparities present in Los Angeles without losing hope of a happily-ever-after ending.
Read this book for:
-second chance romance
-friends to more
-opposites attract
-single guardian
-kisses only
Trigger Warning: This book briefly mentions a traumatic death, drug abuse, repeated incarceration, periods of homelessness, and food insecurities.
December 4, 2025
Well, I think I found my newest Brittany Larsen favorite. This is another example of a read showing it doesn’t have to be long to be of great quality! Mitzi has been hardened by the trauma and pain with the cards life has dealt her, but she definitely made the most out of her circumstances. She is fierce and loyal to her siblings and tries her best to find contentment in the life she created for her and her siblings, which is so admirable. Harry was precious, and his unwavering kindness and support of Mitzi made such a good match for her needs. He saw her strength as something to be inspired by and loved her well by being trustworthy and present. I’m so glad there was forgiveness woven into the book as well, giving Mitzi and her mom a chance to redeem their story and move forward. Fantastic read, Brittany!
October 29, 2025
Mitzi Taylor has had a very hard life. She had to step up and become a parent to her siblings. She has suffered a lot, mostly monetary hardships. So when she gets a job at the local café, her prospect start looking better. In comes Harrison Whitlock, a high school crush who never forgot her and always looked for her. He slowly begins to prove his love for Mitzi and pulls all the stops to get her to trust him.
Mitzi is such a beautiful and resilient character. She is an amazing human being full of love and kindness. I enjoyed her character so much. Harry is also a nice guy and so good for her. He slowly starts to peel off all of Mitzi's layers and strives to earn her trust. Loved this story so much
Thank you to the author for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Mitzi is such a beautiful and resilient character. She is an amazing human being full of love and kindness. I enjoyed her character so much. Harry is also a nice guy and so good for her. He slowly starts to peel off all of Mitzi's layers and strives to earn her trust. Loved this story so much
Thank you to the author for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
December 18, 2025
A sweet read.
I usually like romance where you don’t know what the other person is thinking, but in this, we knew straight off they liked each other, so it was obvious a different plot was to be expected.
This author has dealt sensitively with the issue of homelessness, lifting a lid without pushing an agenda.
I really enjoyed reading this little story and discovering this author.
I usually like romance where you don’t know what the other person is thinking, but in this, we knew straight off they liked each other, so it was obvious a different plot was to be expected.
This author has dealt sensitively with the issue of homelessness, lifting a lid without pushing an agenda.
I really enjoyed reading this little story and discovering this author.
July 25, 2025
This one was such fun. The characters seem like the kind of friends you would want to have hanging around, challenging you, pushing you, and holding you up through it all. Definitely a wonderful story.
October 10, 2025
I read this as part of an arc. I think the storyline was very cute and there was just enough detail about the characters lives. The ending felt a bit rushed and a quick wrap up. Overall, it was a cute book.
February 27, 2026
This story is really good. Not only is it a second chance story about Mitzi and Harry, but it is also about giving people second chances to put their lives on the right track. This series and the characters in it are well developed and have wonderful depth.
July 24, 2026
Cute story!
This was a very cute novella in the Love in LA series! I honestly didn't think much of Mitzi's character in Britta & the Beach Boy, but I really enjoyed learning her backstory and her getting her happily ever after!
This was a very cute novella in the Love in LA series! I honestly didn't think much of Mitzi's character in Britta & the Beach Boy, but I really enjoyed learning her backstory and her getting her happily ever after!
July 28, 2025
The perfect little story to get me over my hangover from terms of UN-endearment! I love the characters and concepts in this little world.
December 17, 2025
A sweet novela that's full of heart.
December 31, 2025
Loved being back at Frothed with Mitzi's story! So much feeling packed into this novella. Loved her & Harry together and that they got their second chance.
January 12, 2026
Super cute, uplifting read! I recommend it.
February 15, 2026
Very moving short story. The polar opposites of Mitzi and Harry were so spot on. It was a great portrayal of our society and how we fight for the ones we love.
February 25, 2026
the cutest story of childhood friends to lovers while overcoming individual struggles together
May 19, 2026
A very cute intro to the Love in LA series. This novella introduces Mitzi and Harry and tells their sweet and heartfelt love story. Well written and clean. 4.5 stars
May 27, 2026
I love how it was short and straight to the point
July 4, 2026
3.5 sweet and touching novella
June 13, 2025
Mitzi Taylor has spent the last ten years carrying the weight of a past she never felt safe enough to share—not even with her high school crush, Harry. So when fate puts him back in her path as a customer at the coffee shop where she works, she’s caught completely off guard.
Harrison Whitlock has never forgotten Mitzi, and seeing her again reignites everything he once felt—and more. Determined not to let her slip away a second time, he plans creative, endearing outings that slowly chip away at Mitzi’s walls (including some unforgettable driving lessons). Their chemistry is sweet and sincere, and the story gently unfolds into a meaningful exploration of healing, trust, and the power of vulnerability.
This novella is a quick read, but it’s packed with emotion and depth. If you love stories about rekindled connections, lovable characters, and a touch of fate, When Harry Met Mitzi is well worth the read.
Harrison Whitlock has never forgotten Mitzi, and seeing her again reignites everything he once felt—and more. Determined not to let her slip away a second time, he plans creative, endearing outings that slowly chip away at Mitzi’s walls (including some unforgettable driving lessons). Their chemistry is sweet and sincere, and the story gently unfolds into a meaningful exploration of healing, trust, and the power of vulnerability.
This novella is a quick read, but it’s packed with emotion and depth. If you love stories about rekindled connections, lovable characters, and a touch of fate, When Harry Met Mitzi is well worth the read.
March 30, 2026
This was definitely a more serious romcom than others I've read, which other Goodreads reviewers mentioned, and I appreciated the author was forthright about the content in an introductory author's note; Mitzi has a past history of being unhoused and currently has custodial care of her younger siblings, having put her dreams of college on hold when her mom gets arrested the day of her high school graduation tied to drugs. Harry, meanwhile, has no idea what her life has been like, yet has loved her since their senior year. They reconnect when Harry tracks her down at the coffee shop where she works; she resists letting him back into her life since she masked her situation during high school after her dad was killed from her friends. Having read this short story, I will probably skip the first in the series Britta & the Beach Boy, where Mitzi appears as a side character, since I have an idea now of the author's content and style.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews