The Coffee Shop

Deck of Hearts #1

by Rosaline Jay

When a normal day at the coffee shop turns deadly, Leena has to decide whether to trust the men who saved her, or risk losing herself to the life she left behind.

Leena

All I want is to live a normal life, which is difficult when your father is the most feared mob boss in the city. For most of my life, I’ve been on the run, evading those who want me kidnapped, or dead, and working whatever job I can find. For the past few years I’ve been managing to stay far away from my father’s mess. At least, I thought I was. Now, here I am, working my normal shift as a barista and staring down the barrel of an assassin’s gun. Again.

Sebastian

This job was supposed to be an easy payout, a favor owed to a friend. Watch the woman, don’t talk to her. What did we wind up doing? Ordering coffee from her every single Friday for the past year, which was stupid. We got too attached. Now, we’re stuck with her.

Luke

I’m sure it won’t take long for Sebastian to come to terms with what I’ve known for months. This woman is the best thing that’s ever happened to us and somewhere along the way, we’ve fallen in love with her. Which leaves me wondering, how long can the three of us last, isolated in a safe house, before this starts to go far beyond professional?

This is a “why choose” novella. It is intended for a mature audience (18+).

Genres: Why Choose, Romance, Audiobook, Spicy, Amazon, Dark Romance, Novella

172 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2025

Reviews

[H-e-l-e-n-a · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leena trabaja en una cafetería. Un día llega un tipo e intenta asesinarla. Es salvada por dos clientes recurrentes que casualmente estaban ese día por ahí. 👀

Al acabar con el individuo, Leena se entera que esos clientes recurrentes son unos guardaespaldas contratados por su padre, el líder mafioso de la ciudad, para protegerla de las bandas rivales.

Sebastian y Luke se llevan a Leena a una casa de seguridad, mientras el papá investiga quién está tratando de asesinar a su hija.

Esta historia es MMF entretenida y rápida de leer.
Eso sí, todo el show mafioso/secuestro/asesinato no fue muy convincente. 😂

[Kayla.bookish26 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!!!! Spicy😈 Review to come.

[Brenda Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiercely independent Leena has been on the run for years, trying to escape the shadow of her mob boss father. She’s had to start over more times than anyone should. She spends her days at a coffee shop, serving up ungrateful patrons, but Fridays are always a highlight when the same two sexy customers come in. This time she’s in for something unexpected, as she finds herself in danger and those two gorgeous men whisk her away to safety.

She doesn’t realize Luke and Sebastian have been keeping an eye on her for over a year, and they know much more about her than she does them. She’s forced to stay with them in a remote safehouse, and what starts out as a nightmare turns into a very vivid dream.

While it’s a short smutty novella, the characters are well developed, with intense backstories and I immediately felt a connection. Forced proximity is perfect here as I couldn’t get enough of these three. And the action, both in bed and out, was on fire! 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒆 𝑺𝒉𝒐𝒑 is a delicious to the last drop debut.

Thank you Rosaline Jay for the fabulous ARC.

[Meghan T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today is the release day for The Coffee Shop by Rosaline Jay!
The Coffee Shop is a spicy novella about a barista at a coffee shop who moves around a lot to stay away from her father’s enemies. Enter two handsome men who come into her coffee shop every Friday. When an attempt on Leena’s (FMC) life is made she finds out these two men are actually security/bodyguards that her father has hired. They have to go hide out together until it’s safe and these three find out they have much more of relationship than bodyguards and client. I loved this book. It was the perfect spicy palate cleanser. It had fantastic spice and it had you attached to the characters rather quickly. I definitely recommend this book, it’s perfect to get over a book slump!

[Denise Heatley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC review* Wow, what a great spicy novella for Rosaline Jay to debut with! Each character was written in a way that had me falling for them almost immediately! It was a perfect amount of spicy mixed with drama, and I was almost mad when it ended because I forgot it was a novella! I could easily dive more into this world, as there were definitely some plot elements that I need to know more about! It was hard to put down, and I can't wait to see what else this author has in store for future works.

[Lanae (findmeonsmutlane) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a vibe of a read. Was the plot cohesive the whole time? No. Did things move ridiculous fast with minimal details? Yes. Was the plot utterly ridiculous at times? Absolutely. Did I have a good time reading this? Yes, yes I did.

It's a spicy little action filled MMF. We have the daughter of a mafia leader caught in the crosshairs who just wants a normal life. And the two men sent by her father to watch over her. There is ridiculous action, tons of spice, a bi awakening, and of course a quick happily ever after, for now.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"To anyone to has ever been made to feel less for being unapologetically themselves. This book is for you."

I had the lovely honor to read this amazing Debut Novella by Rosaline and it was one of my most favorite this month.

Leena is an FMC with an attitude, brains, beauty and a take no shits from no man vibe that I live for. Luke and Sebastian are amazing MMCs who don't hold back and I adore that, they are emotionally available men.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can Leena outrun the life of her father, The King of Hearts and start fresh? Leena tries to start fresh after evading the enemies of her father and trying to live a normal life working at a local coffee shop. Life seems peaceful and normal until Leena comes face to face with an assassin and ex cops turn bodyguards, Luke and Sebastian step in and save Leena.

While staying at a safehouse, Leena, Luke and Sebastian try start discovering that there may be more than a friendship between them.

This is my new favorite series! Fast paced storyline with high stakes and strong character development. A fun why choose novella that kept me engaged from the first chapter.

The perfect combination of smut and plot that has you rooting for more than just the strong and fierce FMC.

Tropes:
- kidnapping
- he falls first
- forced proximity
- why choose (MFM/MMF)

Immediately diving into book 2...

[❦Bookartbabes❦ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely delicious! Rosaline’s writing was perfect and I cannot wait for more Leena, Luke and Sebastian

[Adeline Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, dang—this book had me giggling way more than I expected! From page one, I was hooked. The banter, the chemistry, the sheer chaos—I ate it all up. Just dang.

[sammiimarriiee]

DNF @ 40% because the fmc behaves in a way that makes it seem like she lowkey hates her own guts lol

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Nadine Scusselle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it! Rosaline, I am so glad that I met you in Dallas! Thank you for the book! I absolutely have to get the rest of the series from you! 🥰🥰🥰

[Sarah Barker Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review coming soon!

[Pageturner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shame this was a novella I would of liked the opportunity to get to enjoy this story fully. Insta love is not my favourite trope however love he falls first which they do.

[Rachel De La Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Combination

Never have I ever read a book with the best balance of violence, smut, and swooning. The character development was on point and I loved the complex relationships each character had with each other and with their respective families.

[Bianca Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Mafia princess Leena had to be rescued in her coffee shop by two guys whom turned out to be body guards Sebastian and Luke. Over the course of a week protecting her in the safe house the 3 of them fall hard for each other. Can't wait to ARC read book 2 The Heart. That comes out 02/06/25

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This debut novella jolted me as would a strong cup of coffee! Rosaline took a trope that is snubbed by many and wrote it where the relationships took center stage, not the why choose spice. This novella had me feeling all the feels!
This book is fast paced, but the story holds, stays consistent, and doesn't feel rushed. It is written in multi POVs and each character brings their own voice, fears, trauma, and love to the story. There is layers to each character that are revealed as you read through the novella.
Rosaline takes the each beyond the surface of what most people think of when they think smut. I mean she brings the spice, and she brings it good, but there is so much more to this story than that.
As the three characters grow into a throuple, it is organic, fluid, and wanted by all. The relationship that hit me hardest was actually Sebastian and Luke's relationship. They are self proclaimed bros and don't mind sharing. But as I continued to read through this story, their relationship was so much more than brotherhood and unfolded into a beautiful love that neither one of them realized until it was almost too late. The big, massive, gifted, hard men crashed through their walls so easily when they needed to for the other. Rosaline wrote it beautifully and let the love shine versus making it another smut moment. She respected her characters throughout the book and I loved it!
She is an author to keep your eye on and I will be reading everything she comes out with!

As always review trigger warnings before you read!

Tropes:
🔥Why Choose
🔥Multi POV
🔥Sexy AF MMC x2 (one is a golden retriever and the other a secret cinnamon role)
🔥Sassy, Sexy FMC
🔥Found Family
🔥Mafia vibes
🔥HEA

[Jéssica Paes · Rating 5 out of 5]

☕️ AMAZING ☕️
.

Leena works in a coffee shop. She doesn't like her job or her life, but there is nothing she can do about it. She doesn't want to be associated with her father's crimes or money, so working in a coffee shop and living in a tiny apartment is the best she can do. Like every normal Friday, the coffee shop has the same two customers at the same time, Sebastian and Luke, but this Friday was not like the others since Leena encountered an assassin. What Leena didn't know was that Seb and Luke were bodyguards hired by her father... and they would do anything for her. When Leena sees herself in a safehouse with the two men, she doesn't know what to believe: that she is being chased by criminals or that she is living with Seb and Luke, her two dream men...
.

This novella was soooo good 🤍 The dynamic between Leena, Luke and Seb is amazing, and their chemistry is visible in every action and thought the characters have. This is not your normal novella. This is a novella full of spicy scenes (yes, they are very spicy 🥵🔥) that will leave you craving for more. The author did an amazing job of leaving the reader hooked to her words, and although it's a short novella, it has a good amount of everything you need for a good time. I didn't notice the pages going by until I got to the end. It was an amazing novella, and I can't wait to read more books by Rosaline 🫶
.

5 ⭐️
.

If you want:

✨️ short book
🥵 lots of spicy scenes
🔥 amazing characters

Then "The Coffee Shop" is for you 🤍

[Corrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never wanted to ex-cops as bodyguards before in my life, but after this novella, sign me up! Leena was out here living her best life, and my fantasy 😩😭 The spice was 🥵🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

Leena's life is put in danger yet again because of who her dad is, the King of Hearts. Luke & Sebastian have been keeping an eye on her for a while, so when things hit the fan, they whisk her away to keep her out of harms way. Luke & Seb not only have to fight their feelings for Leena, but they also have to fight their unspoken feelings for one another. As they all spend more time getting to know each other, things start to heat up between them.

I can not recommend this novella enough if you love an action-packed, smut filled mafia love story.

[Jen Aisling · Rating 5 out of 5]

spicy & fun quick read!

I absolutely adored this debut novella! It’s incredibly spicy, and totally sweet as well. I loved the relationship dynamic between Leena, Luke, and Sebastian. Though it’s a short read, the pacing and flow was on point - nothing felt rushed and the characters backstories & intentions were well thought out. I’m looking forward to more from Rosaline Jay!

[Ashley Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so fun! 4.5 stars just because I wanted a bit more!!!!

For a novella it packed in a lot of action and a lot of spice! I don’t want to say what kind of spice because that would ruin it, but it was HOT.

[Assyriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look, I have read The Coffee Shop more than once, but getting to HEAR these characters come to life in duet narration? Soooooo freaking good. The spice, the character relationship developments, the overall plot? All amazing. I cannot wait to hear book 2 and eventually more.

[Mandie DeVito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a book you don't want to put down? Love why choose romances? How about lots of spice? Then this is the book for you!

[Helen Larkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Coffe Shop

If you need a quick, spicy read that's vague on details, this is it. There was minimal plot, and a fair amount of spice. All in all, an ok read.

[Kristi-Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely little spicy novella that made me feel feelings. What more could you ask for!

[Linda Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

review

This was such a fun fast spicy read. I loved the characters and how it was written so beautifully. The plot was interesting as well :)

[Jennifer Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun fast spicy read. I loved the characters and how the story was written. 🥰

[Makayla Kyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book, absolutely could not put it down. The spice is SO HOT and the story and characters draw you into the plot. As a why choose girlie I was not disappointed

[Nahal TC · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fast Spicy Mafia Novella that Works

🎧 Audiobook narrated by Grayson Owens, Sean Masters & Rosaline Jay

This was my first read by this author and also the first time hearing Rosaline Jay narrate, and I have to say—it made a great first impression. I originally spotted the teasers for this book on Instagram and immediately knew I had to read/listen, especially with two of my favorite narrators attached.

This is a fast-paced, quick read and a why choose, forced proximity, bodyguard, mafia novella—basically perfect for when you want something short, steamy, and engaging. Steamy novellas can be very hit or miss, but this one was surprisingly well executed.

All of the characters were likable, which isn’t always easy to achieve in a shorter format. The insta-lust evolving into insta-love felt believable rather than cheesy—probably because the MMCs are ex-cops/bodyguards with a more serious, grounded presence, and the FMC isn’t written as a damsel in distress. She holds her own, which made the dynamic work.

The writing was tight and purposeful, keeping the pace brisk without feeling rushed or shallow. No unnecessary filler—just enough story to support the spice and romance.

The duet narration was exactly what I hoped for: engaging, smooth, and immersive. I especially loved the intro—it was different, funny, and surprisingly informative. Hearing the author narrate alongside professional voice actors worked really well and added a fun, personal touch.

Overall, this was a fun, spicy novella that left me very much looking forward to the continuation.

⸻

📊 Breakdown 4⭐️ in this genre

📖 Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4)
✍️ Writing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4)
🧠 Character Development: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3)
🔥 Spice: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4)
🎧 Narration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5)

A strong first impression from both the author and her narration—short, spicy, and absolutely worth the listen ☕🔥