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A Latte Like Love
Not yet published
Expected 17 Mar 26Love is brewing as a barista falls for a reclusive artist struggling with the tragic aftermath of an accident in this charming, epic romance.
Audrey Adams knows the exact routine for all her regular customers. That’s what happens when you work at the same Brooklyn coffee shop for years. So it’s completely normal that she notices Theo Sullivan, a shy new patron who comes in at exactly 8:17 a.m., right? And that this incredibly tall (and cute) man never drinks his coffee, always leaves a generous tip, only stays long enough to scribble in a notebook, and wears the same KN95 mask. Call it barista instincts or a reasonable reaction to Theo’s undeniable sweetness, but Audrey is crushing hard.
Eagerly anticipating Theo's visits, Audrey relishes the precious few minutes they chat every time he orders his large, extra-hot Americano. When an incident reveals the horrific facial scar he's hiding beneath his mask, Theo flees the café in shame, dropping his sketchbook and leaving a part of his broken heart behind.
Audrey decides to find Theo, return his book, and confess her feelings. Before long, they’re inseparable, talking nonstop and meeting up for dates at the coffee shop.
But Theo is reluctant to fully let Audrey into his heart. He continues to hide his scar and refuses to talk about his past. Their feelings are bubbling under the surface, but will Theo—and the truth behind his accident—keep him from finding the love they've both been longing for?
Audrey Adams knows the exact routine for all her regular customers. That’s what happens when you work at the same Brooklyn coffee shop for years. So it’s completely normal that she notices Theo Sullivan, a shy new patron who comes in at exactly 8:17 a.m., right? And that this incredibly tall (and cute) man never drinks his coffee, always leaves a generous tip, only stays long enough to scribble in a notebook, and wears the same KN95 mask. Call it barista instincts or a reasonable reaction to Theo’s undeniable sweetness, but Audrey is crushing hard.
Eagerly anticipating Theo's visits, Audrey relishes the precious few minutes they chat every time he orders his large, extra-hot Americano. When an incident reveals the horrific facial scar he's hiding beneath his mask, Theo flees the café in shame, dropping his sketchbook and leaving a part of his broken heart behind.
Audrey decides to find Theo, return his book, and confess her feelings. Before long, they’re inseparable, talking nonstop and meeting up for dates at the coffee shop.
But Theo is reluctant to fully let Audrey into his heart. He continues to hide his scar and refuses to talk about his past. Their feelings are bubbling under the surface, but will Theo—and the truth behind his accident—keep him from finding the love they've both been longing for?
512 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 17, 2026
9 people are currently reading
11974 people want to read
About the author
Michelle C. Harris
1 book61 followersMichelle C. Harris grew up deep in the heart of the Central Texas Hill Country, devouring as many books as she did tacos. By day, she wrangles academics at a university, and by night, she pens stories about love, magic, and men who yearn under the intense supervision of her Shiba Inu, Pippa.
In her spare time, you can find her playing volleyball, buying more tea than she could ever possibly drink, and writing fan fiction about star-crossed space wizards on AO3.
In her spare time, you can find her playing volleyball, buying more tea than she could ever possibly drink, and writing fan fiction about star-crossed space wizards on AO3.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 7, 2025
Audrey works at a coffee shop and knows all her regular customers. When a tall, shy guy dressed in black and wearing a mask walks in for the first time, he’s impossible not to notice. He always orders coffee, leaves generous tips, and sketches in his notebook. After a certain incident, Audrey learns that he hides a scar under his mask—one he’s deeply insecure about—but she’s determined to show him that his appearance is no obstacle to her feelings.
Oh my God, this book was absolutely wonderful! Michelle C. Harris portrayed the mental health and disability rep tropes so beautifully. This story completely pulled me in—I spent two days reading it every free minute, not skipping a single word. The character growth and development throughout the story were incredible to witness.
Even though the book doesn’t have a third-act breakup and things go smoothly for the main characters most of the time, I was never bored! So many moments touched my heart, and I often wanted to hug them both.
It’s such a tender and heartwarming love story about two people who heal each other. It truly reached deep into my soul!
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓mental health rep
✓disability rep
✓cozy romance
✓artist x barista
✓no third act breakup
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group (Berkley) for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Oh my God, this book was absolutely wonderful! Michelle C. Harris portrayed the mental health and disability rep tropes so beautifully. This story completely pulled me in—I spent two days reading it every free minute, not skipping a single word. The character growth and development throughout the story were incredible to witness.
Even though the book doesn’t have a third-act breakup and things go smoothly for the main characters most of the time, I was never bored! So many moments touched my heart, and I often wanted to hug them both.
It’s such a tender and heartwarming love story about two people who heal each other. It truly reached deep into my soul!
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓mental health rep
✓disability rep
✓cozy romance
✓artist x barista
✓no third act breakup
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group (Berkley) for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Want to read
July 30, 2025Y'all aren't ready for how insufferable I'm going to become when this comes out 😭😭.
This is one of my fav Reylo fics ever (I'm a Reylo girl through and through)- and going from reading this as it came out and waiting for the updates to now finding out it's going to be an officially published novel is just insane. It's such a special story, and no joke one of my comfort reads that I always come back to.
I'm so insanely excited to have the physical book on my shelf 🥹.
This is one of my fav Reylo fics ever (I'm a Reylo girl through and through)- and going from reading this as it came out and waiting for the updates to now finding out it's going to be an officially published novel is just insane. It's such a special story, and no joke one of my comfort reads that I always come back to.
I'm so insanely excited to have the physical book on my shelf 🥹.
Want to read
June 26, 2025More published Reylo 🫶
February 6, 2026
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. all opinions are my own.
i’m feeling pretty conflicted about this one. while i did enjoy it overall, there were some things that took me out of the story quite a bit.
first, this was a classic case of insta love and moving too fast - which i absolutely cannot stand (usually). in this case, the insta love and quick obsession felt by the characters didn’t bother me as much as it normally would, at least until a certain point where i felt they were DEF moving too fast. the first few times they see each other were honestly adorable with how flustered theo was, but then i was side eyeing them with how quickly their relationship developed.
speaking of theo & his personality, i completely understand him being an anxious person (like hello same) and that he experienced immense trauma from his accident, but the way he acted sometimes had me rolling my eyes. a lot of his actions (see: overreactions/anger issues) were just brushed off by himself or audrey. it was also pretty frustrating to read about him just crying/whining/absolutely freaking out (asking audrey if she’s mad at him, if he fucked it all up, if he’s weird, etc.) when he was insecure. again, i can understand the amount of healing and growth his character needed, but some scenes were a bit much.
also i got the ick - sorry! some of the dialogue was giving “oh pwincess” (iykyk) and theo just gave extreme edgelord and i was cringing. hard. and we get it: he’s huge and she’s super tiny. next!
another thing: audrey didn’t really have tangible flaws? or if she did, things were resolved way too quickly with little to no conflict and it was just like? nothing burger? ya know?
anyways! you might be asking yourself “hailee, why give this three stars if you hated it so much?” and i would then say that despite all my criticisms, i actually didn’t hate this one!!!!
i was hooked for most of the book (even if it was a bit too long and dragged in some sections, namely they got together too quickly and i like the build up the most in romance novels, but i digress) and found myself flying through these long chapters. i also really did enjoy the overall concept of the story and the sweet parts of their romance. there was one spicy scene in theo’s art studio that was honestly so good it had me blushing. i found the coffee shop meet cute/setting to be really fun, the art world and side characters were interesting, and the conflict with theo’s family was intriguing. i also liked the epilogue (again - a lil long!) and found myself tearing up over some parts with theo’s father.
i think part of why i did enjoy this despite my complaints is that it read like a classic fanfiction i would have read circa 2017-2020, which made it easy & fun to read.
anyways, forgive my ramblings. overall, this was pretty fun, a bit long, but still enjoyable.
i’m feeling pretty conflicted about this one. while i did enjoy it overall, there were some things that took me out of the story quite a bit.
first, this was a classic case of insta love and moving too fast - which i absolutely cannot stand (usually). in this case, the insta love and quick obsession felt by the characters didn’t bother me as much as it normally would, at least until a certain point where i felt they were DEF moving too fast. the first few times they see each other were honestly adorable with how flustered theo was, but then i was side eyeing them with how quickly their relationship developed.
speaking of theo & his personality, i completely understand him being an anxious person (like hello same) and that he experienced immense trauma from his accident, but the way he acted sometimes had me rolling my eyes. a lot of his actions (see: overreactions/anger issues) were just brushed off by himself or audrey. it was also pretty frustrating to read about him just crying/whining/absolutely freaking out (asking audrey if she’s mad at him, if he fucked it all up, if he’s weird, etc.) when he was insecure. again, i can understand the amount of healing and growth his character needed, but some scenes were a bit much.
also i got the ick - sorry! some of the dialogue was giving “oh pwincess” (iykyk) and theo just gave extreme edgelord and i was cringing. hard. and we get it: he’s huge and she’s super tiny. next!
another thing: audrey didn’t really have tangible flaws? or if she did, things were resolved way too quickly with little to no conflict and it was just like? nothing burger? ya know?
anyways! you might be asking yourself “hailee, why give this three stars if you hated it so much?” and i would then say that despite all my criticisms, i actually didn’t hate this one!!!!
i was hooked for most of the book (even if it was a bit too long and dragged in some sections, namely they got together too quickly and i like the build up the most in romance novels, but i digress) and found myself flying through these long chapters. i also really did enjoy the overall concept of the story and the sweet parts of their romance. there was one spicy scene in theo’s art studio that was honestly so good it had me blushing. i found the coffee shop meet cute/setting to be really fun, the art world and side characters were interesting, and the conflict with theo’s family was intriguing. i also liked the epilogue (again - a lil long!) and found myself tearing up over some parts with theo’s father.
i think part of why i did enjoy this despite my complaints is that it read like a classic fanfiction i would have read circa 2017-2020, which made it easy & fun to read.
anyways, forgive my ramblings. overall, this was pretty fun, a bit long, but still enjoyable.
November 4, 2025
Thank you to Berkley for a free copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If I had read this back in 2020-2022 I would have loved it. Unfortunately, I'm reading it in 2025 while in my mid-twenties, no longer depressed from quarantine. There's a great quote from Jane Austen's Emma, "If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." And I have a lot to say.
Before I get going any further, I want to emphasize that I love reading fan fiction. I read millions of words worth of fanfic per year and love seeing an author go from writing for fun, to being "discovered" and traditionally published. But there are ways to do it that support the author, and ways that set readers (i.e. me) up for disappointment.
All I knew before starting this book was that it written by a debut author and published by Berkley. When I say I went in completely blind, I mean it. It took less than 10% of the story for me to suspect that it was a reylo fanfic, and less than 15% for me to be able to start attributing Star Wars characters to each of the characters within the story. When a story is a find/replace names, copy/paste version of an old fic it does a disservice to the author, in my opinion. A Latte Like Love is a perfect example. As someone who has only seen The Force Awakens, the fact that I was able to figure out who each character was in the original fanfic makes me feel like there wasn't enough separation from the original source material. If the author is looking to maintain their same audience from ao3 this works great. However, when the goal is to expand their audience, doing this feels like a missed opportunity.
A large reason this story worked so well as a fanfic is because the audience had a pre-established relationship with the characters. So even when the story is set in an alternate universe/modern setting, it's easy to dismiss all of the unrealistic moments within the story. A Latte Like Love throws you in to this cute coffee shop meet cute but without the previous attachments and storyline (aka Ben Solo ditching the Jedi order to join the dark side and Rey being an orphan) it feels so unrealistic. How many things can actually go wrong for these poor people? I could not suspend my disbelief about some (okay, most) of the events within the book.
The story structure was also extremely reminiscent of a fanfic. There were too many plot points that didn't serve the overall plot, aka Theo and Audrey's relationship. When reading a contemporary romance there are only so many detours I can take, and this story took me on too many. Numerous characters felt thrown into the story in a way that would have been exciting in the fic, but in this story they're just a random person doesn't add to the overall story. You don’t have the excitement from seeing a cameo, but those cameos were still included.
Audrey and Theo, our main characters, were incredibly unconvincing as a couple that would stay together for the long run. The story constantly told me that they were perfect together and so in love, but I rarely felt like I was shown that. It didn’t help that the FMC gave me the most visceral ick I have ever experienced in my life. She was so weirdly bossy and treated the MMC like more of a project than an actual human being. She was constantly condescending to him and acting like he was a child, not a 32 year old man who is 8 years her senior. If you didn’t know, the MMC is LARGE. His size was brought up a million and a half times. His head was large, his body was humongous, his hands were massive, he was HUGE. I feel like other authors (cough Ali Hazelwood cough) get a lot of flack for bringing up how big their MMC's are, but this was a whole new level. I read more synonyms for big in this book than are in all of Ali Hazelwood's novels COMBINED (love you Ali) . He also had such intense anger problems that were constantly excused because he has mommy issues, is insecure about his scars, and is "going to therapy" to better himself. PLEASE. Every single time he's rude he starts crying and asking Audrey if she hates him or thinks he's ugly. And when she mentions she wants to pay off her loans herself because she doesn't want to be financially dependent on anyone he calls her stupid and says if he pays them off then she'll be free to do whatever?? wtf???
The prose was trying so hard to be poetic and deep but came across as disingenuous and forced. After the fifth instance of staccato sentences it felt overdone, and that wasn't even a quarter of the way into the novel. But wouldn't you know it, it just kept happening. AND THE EPILOGUE. I hit 84% on my kindle and suddenly I was reading an epilogue from Theo's POV. This book is 512 pages long. 16% is over EIGHTY PAGES. At that point just write and release a novella. The 80 page epilogue is yet another moment that emphasizes that this was written as a fanfic and not edited to reflect a trad deal. A massive section from the MMC's POV in a fic is a blessing. In a trad book? Just add it throughout the story or have an additional bonus chapter at the end. Don't call it an epilogue??
As much as I wanted to like this book, it wasn’t for me. I was annoyed with the characters the entire time. The book could have gone from 500 to 350 pages in no time if just two of Theo's scenes where he's being needlessly insecure for the 1000th time was cut.
This story should have been a complete rewrite, not just a mild edit for the names. 1.5 stars.
If I had read this back in 2020-2022 I would have loved it. Unfortunately, I'm reading it in 2025 while in my mid-twenties, no longer depressed from quarantine. There's a great quote from Jane Austen's Emma, "If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." And I have a lot to say.
Before I get going any further, I want to emphasize that I love reading fan fiction. I read millions of words worth of fanfic per year and love seeing an author go from writing for fun, to being "discovered" and traditionally published. But there are ways to do it that support the author, and ways that set readers (i.e. me) up for disappointment.
All I knew before starting this book was that it written by a debut author and published by Berkley. When I say I went in completely blind, I mean it. It took less than 10% of the story for me to suspect that it was a reylo fanfic, and less than 15% for me to be able to start attributing Star Wars characters to each of the characters within the story. When a story is a find/replace names, copy/paste version of an old fic it does a disservice to the author, in my opinion. A Latte Like Love is a perfect example. As someone who has only seen The Force Awakens, the fact that I was able to figure out who each character was in the original fanfic makes me feel like there wasn't enough separation from the original source material. If the author is looking to maintain their same audience from ao3 this works great. However, when the goal is to expand their audience, doing this feels like a missed opportunity.
A large reason this story worked so well as a fanfic is because the audience had a pre-established relationship with the characters. So even when the story is set in an alternate universe/modern setting, it's easy to dismiss all of the unrealistic moments within the story. A Latte Like Love throws you in to this cute coffee shop meet cute but without the previous attachments and storyline (aka Ben Solo ditching the Jedi order to join the dark side and Rey being an orphan) it feels so unrealistic. How many things can actually go wrong for these poor people? I could not suspend my disbelief about some (okay, most) of the events within the book.
The story structure was also extremely reminiscent of a fanfic. There were too many plot points that didn't serve the overall plot, aka Theo and Audrey's relationship. When reading a contemporary romance there are only so many detours I can take, and this story took me on too many. Numerous characters felt thrown into the story in a way that would have been exciting in the fic, but in this story they're just a random person doesn't add to the overall story. You don’t have the excitement from seeing a cameo, but those cameos were still included.
Audrey and Theo, our main characters, were incredibly unconvincing as a couple that would stay together for the long run. The story constantly told me that they were perfect together and so in love, but I rarely felt like I was shown that. It didn’t help that the FMC gave me the most visceral ick I have ever experienced in my life. She was so weirdly bossy and treated the MMC like more of a project than an actual human being. She was constantly condescending to him and acting like he was a child, not a 32 year old man who is 8 years her senior. If you didn’t know, the MMC is LARGE. His size was brought up a million and a half times. His head was large, his body was humongous, his hands were massive, he was HUGE. I feel like other authors (cough Ali Hazelwood cough) get a lot of flack for bringing up how big their MMC's are, but this was a whole new level. I read more synonyms for big in this book than are in all of Ali Hazelwood's novels COMBINED (love you Ali) . He also had such intense anger problems that were constantly excused because he has mommy issues, is insecure about his scars, and is "going to therapy" to better himself. PLEASE. Every single time he's rude he starts crying and asking Audrey if she hates him or thinks he's ugly. And when she mentions she wants to pay off her loans herself because she doesn't want to be financially dependent on anyone he calls her stupid and says if he pays them off then she'll be free to do whatever?? wtf???
The prose was trying so hard to be poetic and deep but came across as disingenuous and forced. After the fifth instance of staccato sentences it felt overdone, and that wasn't even a quarter of the way into the novel. But wouldn't you know it, it just kept happening. AND THE EPILOGUE. I hit 84% on my kindle and suddenly I was reading an epilogue from Theo's POV. This book is 512 pages long. 16% is over EIGHTY PAGES. At that point just write and release a novella. The 80 page epilogue is yet another moment that emphasizes that this was written as a fanfic and not edited to reflect a trad deal. A massive section from the MMC's POV in a fic is a blessing. In a trad book? Just add it throughout the story or have an additional bonus chapter at the end. Don't call it an epilogue??
As much as I wanted to like this book, it wasn’t for me. I was annoyed with the characters the entire time. The book could have gone from 500 to 350 pages in no time if just two of Theo's scenes where he's being needlessly insecure for the 1000th time was cut.
This story should have been a complete rewrite, not just a mild edit for the names. 1.5 stars.
January 14, 2026
Michelle C Harris' debut, A LATTE LIKE LOVE, is perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood's fall hard and fast romances, and Hannah Bonam-Young's low stakes intense personal journeys. Audrey and Theo are the template for modern soulmates. Each page, each encounter, each word is delving deeper into the connection they share. So while the relationship feels cosmic, every moment of them solidifies how inevitable they are. Its a joy to read a pure, all-consuming love take shape.
At first glance you might think Theo and Audrey are a grumpy x sunshine pairing, but there is something unique about them that feels more like ... sunshine and sun-starved. Theo carries many traumatic burdens that has kept him away from goodness - believing the harshness of his inner demons. Audrey is optimism in a field of plight - persevering through all her hardest days with the intent to survive. They need each other, but not in a "I can fix them" way. More like, they fill the part of their heart that's been held open and waiting for their other half.
I appreciate also that the emotional threads were played at full volume. Audrey and Theo are raw and vulnerable with each other that apeaks to how safe they are together. It's truely rare to lay out your greateat fears and be sure it won't be used against you. That's the trust and love and care between soulmates.
A LATTE LIKE LOVE is a sweetly sincere read. Don't epxect much pearl clutching drama though. This one is all about personal journeys and emotional connection. Last thing. If you love a man that yearns, Theo Sullivan is your new book boyfriend.
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the advance copy to read and review.
At first glance you might think Theo and Audrey are a grumpy x sunshine pairing, but there is something unique about them that feels more like ... sunshine and sun-starved. Theo carries many traumatic burdens that has kept him away from goodness - believing the harshness of his inner demons. Audrey is optimism in a field of plight - persevering through all her hardest days with the intent to survive. They need each other, but not in a "I can fix them" way. More like, they fill the part of their heart that's been held open and waiting for their other half.
I appreciate also that the emotional threads were played at full volume. Audrey and Theo are raw and vulnerable with each other that apeaks to how safe they are together. It's truely rare to lay out your greateat fears and be sure it won't be used against you. That's the trust and love and care between soulmates.
A LATTE LIKE LOVE is a sweetly sincere read. Don't epxect much pearl clutching drama though. This one is all about personal journeys and emotional connection. Last thing. If you love a man that yearns, Theo Sullivan is your new book boyfriend.
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the advance copy to read and review.
December 8, 2025
A reclusive artist and a barista working her way through an engineering degree meet in a coffee shop and fall in love.
Or: a reclusive, hot, scarred (literally and figuratively), rich (VERY RICH, VERY VERY RICH), TALL with massive hands, infamous & anonymous artist who cooks, draws portraits of you constantly and litters his house with them, loves to watch black & white movies and can out nerd you on almost any topic, and who owns a multi-story town house on the Hudson in NYC without roommates including electronic shades, a rooftop garden, and an art studio falls first (literally at first sight) for an orphaned barista who is struggling through college and lives in a shoebox with twin bunkbeds with her best friend. The two navigate their respective trauma and learn to lean on one another through all the hard bits of life (and there are a lot of hard bits for my trauma babies).
To say I was obsessed with this story from page one doesn't even do it justice. A romcom is making me cry at the 18% mark? Exception work. The characters, the trauma responses and the growth all felt incredibly realistic. These characters have been through some things, and I thought Michelle C. Harris navigated depression, suicide, trauma and therapy with grace and respect. The progression of this story is different from other contemporary romances I've read where the majority of the plot is the push and pull between will they/won't they. This story is not that. It's about two people who find each other, accept each other quickly, and then learn to navigate life together. It was a beautiful departure from the standard romcom timeline.
I would do absolutely anything for Theo. His little crash outs were just the cutest, and once he's comfortable with you? An absolute freak. I will be reading anything and everything Michelle C. Harris writes from now on. I did not know the lore of this story prior to diving in, and as a person who consumes massive amounts of AO3, I personally had no idea this was a fic (seeing people saying it's obviously, and I respectfully disagree). LOVE LOVE LOVE. Thank you Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Or: a reclusive, hot, scarred (literally and figuratively), rich (VERY RICH, VERY VERY RICH), TALL with massive hands, infamous & anonymous artist who cooks, draws portraits of you constantly and litters his house with them, loves to watch black & white movies and can out nerd you on almost any topic, and who owns a multi-story town house on the Hudson in NYC without roommates including electronic shades, a rooftop garden, and an art studio falls first (literally at first sight) for an orphaned barista who is struggling through college and lives in a shoebox with twin bunkbeds with her best friend. The two navigate their respective trauma and learn to lean on one another through all the hard bits of life (and there are a lot of hard bits for my trauma babies).
To say I was obsessed with this story from page one doesn't even do it justice. A romcom is making me cry at the 18% mark? Exception work. The characters, the trauma responses and the growth all felt incredibly realistic. These characters have been through some things, and I thought Michelle C. Harris navigated depression, suicide, trauma and therapy with grace and respect. The progression of this story is different from other contemporary romances I've read where the majority of the plot is the push and pull between will they/won't they. This story is not that. It's about two people who find each other, accept each other quickly, and then learn to navigate life together. It was a beautiful departure from the standard romcom timeline.
I would do absolutely anything for Theo. His little crash outs were just the cutest, and once he's comfortable with you? An absolute freak. I will be reading anything and everything Michelle C. Harris writes from now on. I did not know the lore of this story prior to diving in, and as a person who consumes massive amounts of AO3, I personally had no idea this was a fic (seeing people saying it's obviously, and I respectfully disagree). LOVE LOVE LOVE. Thank you Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2025
An emotional and spicy romance told entirely from the FMC’s perspective. I absolutely loved the inclusion of a character with a physical disability and his emotional struggle with the changes in his life. The emotions felt so raw and real. The MMC is incredibly vulnerable and struggles with anxiety, and I loved how supportive the FMC was of him and how much he supported her in return. They were unbearably sweet, and I adored them together.
The story follows them as they get to know each other after an awkward meet-cute at the café where the FMC works. The book is a bit shorter than I expected because the last 15% is an extended epilogue told from the MMC’s perspective. It honestly felt like it could’ve been its own novella, but I loved that readers get it included here.
An amazing debut! I cried so much watching Theo and Audrey grow and fall in love.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this arc.
The story follows them as they get to know each other after an awkward meet-cute at the café where the FMC works. The book is a bit shorter than I expected because the last 15% is an extended epilogue told from the MMC’s perspective. It honestly felt like it could’ve been its own novella, but I loved that readers get it included here.
An amazing debut! I cried so much watching Theo and Audrey grow and fall in love.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this arc.
November 16, 2025
I have a new favorite sad, tortured book boyfriend, and his name is Theo Sullivan.
This man. My goodness. He’s just this sweet, anxious nerd. Smart AND talented. Donates to charity. Also, RICH. So rich. Old money rich and new money rich. If I hadn’t already been ready to marry him, the townhouse would have done me in.
Oh, and I didn’t think giant men were a thing I am into but my goodness, the way Michelle had me fixating on this man’s hands should be studied.
He cooks for her. He draws her. He takes care of her. He literally carries her everywhere so she doesn’t have to walk herself. Audrey is living the passenger princess life of my DREAMS.
I should not love this book as much as I do. I live for a slow burn. I love when they hate each other and stay that way for eons. Here, they are obsessed INSTANTLY. It’s mind-boggling to me how exceptionally well it works.
But the reality of Michelle Harris’s writing is that you don’t need slow hate or obstacles in the way or an 11th hour breakup to make a plot a plot. What A Latte Like Love brews up is a story about who you can grow into under the light of someone who sees you.
It’s slow, it’s patient. It’s so sad, with too real themes of suicide and low self-worth and healing and family trauma handled with such care. It’s full of small moments that will have you cackling (me, literally every time this boy crashes out). There’s real, raw intimacy that delivers beyond just spice.
Like overcoming our demons, or pulling the perfect espresso shot, or melding glass into something beautiful—it’s painstakingly precise and patient.
All the stars. Can’t wait for what Michelle writes next.
Thank you Berkley for the eARC!
This man. My goodness. He’s just this sweet, anxious nerd. Smart AND talented. Donates to charity. Also, RICH. So rich. Old money rich and new money rich. If I hadn’t already been ready to marry him, the townhouse would have done me in.
Oh, and I didn’t think giant men were a thing I am into but my goodness, the way Michelle had me fixating on this man’s hands should be studied.
He cooks for her. He draws her. He takes care of her. He literally carries her everywhere so she doesn’t have to walk herself. Audrey is living the passenger princess life of my DREAMS.
I should not love this book as much as I do. I live for a slow burn. I love when they hate each other and stay that way for eons. Here, they are obsessed INSTANTLY. It’s mind-boggling to me how exceptionally well it works.
But the reality of Michelle Harris’s writing is that you don’t need slow hate or obstacles in the way or an 11th hour breakup to make a plot a plot. What A Latte Like Love brews up is a story about who you can grow into under the light of someone who sees you.
It’s slow, it’s patient. It’s so sad, with too real themes of suicide and low self-worth and healing and family trauma handled with such care. It’s full of small moments that will have you cackling (me, literally every time this boy crashes out). There’s real, raw intimacy that delivers beyond just spice.
Like overcoming our demons, or pulling the perfect espresso shot, or melding glass into something beautiful—it’s painstakingly precise and patient.
All the stars. Can’t wait for what Michelle writes next.
Thank you Berkley for the eARC!
October 24, 2025
Reylo vibes? Good.
Autumn vibes? Good.
Representation? Really good.
Audrey and Theo are a couple that make you believe in romance again, without being too over the top. It's love at first sight, but in the best possible way, where you are caught off guard and your breath is taken away. The emotions feel like they are leaping off the page where you don't know where the story ends and you begin.
The supporting characters are rich and bring more personality to the story as well, making our time with them just as satisfying as our time with the main couple.
The handling of anxiety and therapy was done with a gentle touch without being with kid gloves and I appreciated that. It was respectful and well handled and I liked that.
The epilogue from Theo's point of view was a nice touch. I am not one for the back and forth POV's normally but it being one small piece it was nice to get inside of his head. This book will definitely be another read for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for the honest review.
Autumn vibes? Good.
Representation? Really good.
Audrey and Theo are a couple that make you believe in romance again, without being too over the top. It's love at first sight, but in the best possible way, where you are caught off guard and your breath is taken away. The emotions feel like they are leaping off the page where you don't know where the story ends and you begin.
The supporting characters are rich and bring more personality to the story as well, making our time with them just as satisfying as our time with the main couple.
The handling of anxiety and therapy was done with a gentle touch without being with kid gloves and I appreciated that. It was respectful and well handled and I liked that.
The epilogue from Theo's point of view was a nice touch. I am not one for the back and forth POV's normally but it being one small piece it was nice to get inside of his head. This book will definitely be another read for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for the honest review.
November 20, 2025
“A Latte Like Love” by Michelle C. Harris
2⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
I love reading Reylo-coded books, and I love reading fic that has been reworked to become new stories that can be published either indie or traditionally. That being said, I did not enjoy this book and feel strongly that it should have stayed a fic. I haven’t even read the original fic, but I don’t think I ever need to because it reads like a 1:1 AU Reylo story. Meaning, it doesn’t stand on its own. Not enough changes were made from the source material, those references were far too transparent and not nuanced enough.
I wanted to connect more with the characters as individuals rather than jumping right into them meeting and dating. This story immediately picks up with them meeting. And while most of the time I don’t have a problem with it, there was little substance outside of their relationship. The supporting characters were not developed, they were just there to help facilitate the MCs’ relationship. I wanted more depth.
Audrey has no flaws, which I found incredibly boring. She always says and does the exact right thing, and any potential bumps with Theo are immediately addressed and smoothed out. I kept waiting for her to get exhausted playing pseudo-therapist to Theo, but it never happened. Actually, I kept waiting for SOMETHING to happen, but nothing really did?
The epilogue was painful to read, particularly the Star Wars references. I know this is Reylo, we all do, but you don’t need to beat me over the head with making references to the “cinematic masterpiece that is The Last Jedi”. Also, having an “I love you”/”I know” reference just made me roll my eyes. Please. Enough. I also found it a little bit of “too much too late” with what was included. We have an entire Theo POV, and he spends it going back and giving us the spark notes edition of how he met Audrey. I think it’s unnecessary and adds nothing to the story.
But the thing that caused me to go from “this is OK” to “...wait, wtf”, is when the author essentially rewords a line straight out of “The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood. Now…I do not want to throw around the ‘p’ word, so I won’t. But that line was totally unnecessary and took me out of the story enough that I contemplated DNF’ing.
If you liked this story, I’m happy for you. If you like Reylo, maybe give this a shot? I didn’t care for it, but maybe others will.
2⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
I love reading Reylo-coded books, and I love reading fic that has been reworked to become new stories that can be published either indie or traditionally. That being said, I did not enjoy this book and feel strongly that it should have stayed a fic. I haven’t even read the original fic, but I don’t think I ever need to because it reads like a 1:1 AU Reylo story. Meaning, it doesn’t stand on its own. Not enough changes were made from the source material, those references were far too transparent and not nuanced enough.
I wanted to connect more with the characters as individuals rather than jumping right into them meeting and dating. This story immediately picks up with them meeting. And while most of the time I don’t have a problem with it, there was little substance outside of their relationship. The supporting characters were not developed, they were just there to help facilitate the MCs’ relationship. I wanted more depth.
Audrey has no flaws, which I found incredibly boring. She always says and does the exact right thing, and any potential bumps with Theo are immediately addressed and smoothed out. I kept waiting for her to get exhausted playing pseudo-therapist to Theo, but it never happened. Actually, I kept waiting for SOMETHING to happen, but nothing really did?
The epilogue was painful to read, particularly the Star Wars references. I know this is Reylo, we all do, but you don’t need to beat me over the head with making references to the “cinematic masterpiece that is The Last Jedi”. Also, having an “I love you”/”I know” reference just made me roll my eyes. Please. Enough. I also found it a little bit of “too much too late” with what was included. We have an entire Theo POV, and he spends it going back and giving us the spark notes edition of how he met Audrey. I think it’s unnecessary and adds nothing to the story.
But the thing that caused me to go from “this is OK” to “...wait, wtf”, is when the author essentially rewords a line straight out of “The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood. Now…I do not want to throw around the ‘p’ word, so I won’t. But that line was totally unnecessary and took me out of the story enough that I contemplated DNF’ing.
If you liked this story, I’m happy for you. If you like Reylo, maybe give this a shot? I didn’t care for it, but maybe others will.
October 31, 2025
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for the gifted ARC!
I loved how romantic and sweet this book was. It had me smiling so much from the first few chapters, it was so nice. Even with the sweetness and romantic aspect it was still a very deep and emotional read. There was quite a bit of trauma and healing throughout the book, it gets pretty heavy especially when you see things from the MMC's perspective.
Audrey was such a fantastic character. She was tough and independent, and with her background it made complete sense for her to be. But I loved that she learned throughout the book that it's also okay to be taken care of occasionally. The way that she respected and helped Theo with his boundaries was so nice to read. She was caring, empathetic and supportive with what he was going through and healing from.
Theo is such a deep character. With the levels to his trauma and everything that he endured and experienced during the ongoing healing process of it all, you just really felt for him. He is so resilient, and I really empathized with him and his grief over the loss of a loved one. I've experienced the same loss, not in the same manner, but I definitely understand how his character was feeling. The author did a great job of illustrating those feelings.
Their relationship was just so incredibly sweet, they were so perfect for each other and they helped each other so very much. I would absolutely recommend this when it releases, and I can't wait to get a physical copy!
*This ARC was given by Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
I loved how romantic and sweet this book was. It had me smiling so much from the first few chapters, it was so nice. Even with the sweetness and romantic aspect it was still a very deep and emotional read. There was quite a bit of trauma and healing throughout the book, it gets pretty heavy especially when you see things from the MMC's perspective.
Audrey was such a fantastic character. She was tough and independent, and with her background it made complete sense for her to be. But I loved that she learned throughout the book that it's also okay to be taken care of occasionally. The way that she respected and helped Theo with his boundaries was so nice to read. She was caring, empathetic and supportive with what he was going through and healing from.
Theo is such a deep character. With the levels to his trauma and everything that he endured and experienced during the ongoing healing process of it all, you just really felt for him. He is so resilient, and I really empathized with him and his grief over the loss of a loved one. I've experienced the same loss, not in the same manner, but I definitely understand how his character was feeling. The author did a great job of illustrating those feelings.
Their relationship was just so incredibly sweet, they were so perfect for each other and they helped each other so very much. I would absolutely recommend this when it releases, and I can't wait to get a physical copy!
*This ARC was given by Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
November 11, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and Berkeley publishing for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This story is SO healing! Audrey is a struggling engineering student trying to pay her way through school by working as a Barista. She is very good at her job - she makes great coffee and remembers all of her regulars. When a mysterious new man comes into the shop one day, Audrey is instantly intrigued. He's quiet and sweet but slightly odd - he shows up at exactly the same time in the morning several times a week, tips way more generously than any customer ever has, and he never takes his mask off the entire time he sits at his table - not even to drink the coffee he orders.
After an incident at the shop reveals the scars that Theo is hiding under his mask, Audrey is determined to prove to him that while he may have scars (both visible and invisible), that doesn't mean he isn't worthy of love. Along the way, Audrey learns that she too deserves to have good things in this world.
I very much enjoyed going on this journey with Audrey and Theo. They cared deeply about one another from the start, and the growth and healing journey they go on is just *chef's kiss*. I also really loved the physical disability and mental health representation - it can be hard to write accurate portrayals of th0se things, but I think the author handled them beautifully.
Overall, I loved this book and I will be adding it to my list of comfort reads! <3
This story is SO healing! Audrey is a struggling engineering student trying to pay her way through school by working as a Barista. She is very good at her job - she makes great coffee and remembers all of her regulars. When a mysterious new man comes into the shop one day, Audrey is instantly intrigued. He's quiet and sweet but slightly odd - he shows up at exactly the same time in the morning several times a week, tips way more generously than any customer ever has, and he never takes his mask off the entire time he sits at his table - not even to drink the coffee he orders.
After an incident at the shop reveals the scars that Theo is hiding under his mask, Audrey is determined to prove to him that while he may have scars (both visible and invisible), that doesn't mean he isn't worthy of love. Along the way, Audrey learns that she too deserves to have good things in this world.
I very much enjoyed going on this journey with Audrey and Theo. They cared deeply about one another from the start, and the growth and healing journey they go on is just *chef's kiss*. I also really loved the physical disability and mental health representation - it can be hard to write accurate portrayals of th0se things, but I think the author handled them beautifully.
Overall, I loved this book and I will be adding it to my list of comfort reads! <3
October 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
So full disclosure, I’ve never watched any Stars Wars product in full so when I see in other reviews that this is Reylo-based, I don’t really know what that means outside of very general pop culture basics.
That said, what I do know, is that this book provided an unexpectedly deep and rich description of a romance between a barista and reclusive artist/millionaire. You know you’re going to get an HEA but the detail in which you see this romance unfurl provides insight into trauma and healing. Audrey is confident and empathetic to Theo’s anxious persona of a man trying to rebuild and figure out who he is. I liked how, as the story developed, you could see Theo gaining back his own confidence without any veering towards toxic traits. Definitely some spicy scenes in here, though after deep character development.
So full disclosure, I’ve never watched any Stars Wars product in full so when I see in other reviews that this is Reylo-based, I don’t really know what that means outside of very general pop culture basics.
That said, what I do know, is that this book provided an unexpectedly deep and rich description of a romance between a barista and reclusive artist/millionaire. You know you’re going to get an HEA but the detail in which you see this romance unfurl provides insight into trauma and healing. Audrey is confident and empathetic to Theo’s anxious persona of a man trying to rebuild and figure out who he is. I liked how, as the story developed, you could see Theo gaining back his own confidence without any veering towards toxic traits. Definitely some spicy scenes in here, though after deep character development.
December 6, 2025
This is the easiest five star rating I have given to a contemporary romance in such a long time. I was dragged into the story, felt all the freaking emotions and this book made me cry several times.
Audrey and Theo were incredible to follow around, their stories are so beautiful and painful but they came out so strong. Them together is just wow!
And the epilogue! Oh my, when I thought I couldn’t cry another time over these characters… well I did. I cried. I can’t wait to hear the audiobook when it comes out so I can experience their story again.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for the arc.
Audrey and Theo were incredible to follow around, their stories are so beautiful and painful but they came out so strong. Them together is just wow!
And the epilogue! Oh my, when I thought I couldn’t cry another time over these characters… well I did. I cried. I can’t wait to hear the audiobook when it comes out so I can experience their story again.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for the arc.
Read
February 13, 2026DNF at 25%
October 30, 2025
eee thank you Berkeley for this eARC!!!
review to come but I love this book so much🥹💕
review to come but I love this book so much🥹💕
dnf-not-for-me
February 7, 2026DNF at 30%. This is… not good. I think fanfiction-turned-trad isn’t for me.
November 20, 2025
The premise is sweet—a barista and a shy customer hit it off. Will their past traumas get in the way of love? Ultimately, while I think Audrey and Theo make a cute couple, I found their relationship development too hasty and the dialogue awkward. I think fans of Ali Hazelwood’s works will enjoy this debut novel.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.
July 14, 2025
I've read the original version of this book and absolutely fell in love. it's fluffy, it's angsty, it's devastating, it's beautiful. We also need far more books which represent those with physical disabilities like myself, it felt so amazing to have your own struggles put into words without the character being infantilized.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an early copy to read and review.
2.75 rounded up
I have mixed feelings on this one, but I did have an entertaining time while reading it.
My favorite part of the story was the intrigue and mystery regarding Theo's background. I was gripped with wanting to understand what caused his scar because the effects on his character, feelings, and thoughts (that we can gather through the POV following Audrey) were so profound. It was clear that how he came to get the injury was an incredibly traumatic and defining experience for him, and I was itching to find out what had happened. When the story finally led up to it and revealed the events of his past, I truly felt SO much compassion for Theo and could understand his complex feelings. Branching off of that, the rest of his storyline and arc regarding his family was gripping to me - I wanted to keep going with the story to find out how the cards would fall.
I also really enjoyed the 'side' elements - from the art plotline to the side characters. I thought that the way Theo's art was integrated into the storyline and relationships was endearing and a clever sort of subplot that added some good plot points. I also adored the side characters, as their personalities were super bright and distinct.
The story is driven by drama and high emotions, which I think is why I feel like it was entertaining to me though not a standout. However, while the drama itself was 'entertaining' in the sense that it made me feel like I needed to know how things turned out, it wasn't particularly enjoyable. I don't think I particularly resonated with the main characters or writing itself. I felt uncomfortable with the age gap because of the frequent referencing of Theo and Audrey's size difference (the classic of her being small and him being big). I also felt that Theo's behavior/actions and dialogue was pretty juvenile; aside from the explicit sex scenes, their characters read like teenagers to me. I got frustrated with their melodrama at times, and felt as though the writing style is more suited to YA. One other aspect that I felt uncomfortable with was the framing and upholding of wealth.
The rush of the romance wasn't something I personally enjoy in romance stories, but others might really enjoy that! I couldn't connect to the romance because it developed, in my perspective, from Theo's trauma. While that can be an aspect of a romantic relationship, this story read as a sort of trauma savior trope that I didn't personally enjoy. That said, the characters are extremely expressive of their love and feelings for each other, so those who enjoy sentimental dialogue and writing would probably really love this!
Overall: While this wasn't for me, I did find myself compelled by Theo's character and evolution regarding his injury, family, and personal development. The art and side characters were great additions to adding something 'more' to the story. I didn't personally enjoy or resonate with the main characters or their romance, and I found the characters and writing style a bit too melodramatic and young for the story being adult and having adult characters. I think contemporary romance lovers who really enjoy very emotion-driven writing and characters might like this one, but the highlight for me was the 'mystery' and family and personal dynamics that came into play.
2.75 rounded up
I have mixed feelings on this one, but I did have an entertaining time while reading it.
My favorite part of the story was the intrigue and mystery regarding Theo's background. I was gripped with wanting to understand what caused his scar because the effects on his character, feelings, and thoughts (that we can gather through the POV following Audrey) were so profound. It was clear that how he came to get the injury was an incredibly traumatic and defining experience for him, and I was itching to find out what had happened. When the story finally led up to it and revealed the events of his past, I truly felt SO much compassion for Theo and could understand his complex feelings. Branching off of that, the rest of his storyline and arc regarding his family was gripping to me - I wanted to keep going with the story to find out how the cards would fall.
I also really enjoyed the 'side' elements - from the art plotline to the side characters. I thought that the way Theo's art was integrated into the storyline and relationships was endearing and a clever sort of subplot that added some good plot points. I also adored the side characters, as their personalities were super bright and distinct.
The story is driven by drama and high emotions, which I think is why I feel like it was entertaining to me though not a standout. However, while the drama itself was 'entertaining' in the sense that it made me feel like I needed to know how things turned out, it wasn't particularly enjoyable. I don't think I particularly resonated with the main characters or writing itself. I felt uncomfortable with the age gap because of the frequent referencing of Theo and Audrey's size difference (the classic of her being small and him being big). I also felt that Theo's behavior/actions and dialogue was pretty juvenile; aside from the explicit sex scenes, their characters read like teenagers to me. I got frustrated with their melodrama at times, and felt as though the writing style is more suited to YA. One other aspect that I felt uncomfortable with was the framing and upholding of wealth.
The rush of the romance wasn't something I personally enjoy in romance stories, but others might really enjoy that! I couldn't connect to the romance because it developed, in my perspective, from Theo's trauma. While that can be an aspect of a romantic relationship, this story read as a sort of trauma savior trope that I didn't personally enjoy. That said, the characters are extremely expressive of their love and feelings for each other, so those who enjoy sentimental dialogue and writing would probably really love this!
Overall: While this wasn't for me, I did find myself compelled by Theo's character and evolution regarding his injury, family, and personal development. The art and side characters were great additions to adding something 'more' to the story. I didn't personally enjoy or resonate with the main characters or their romance, and I found the characters and writing style a bit too melodramatic and young for the story being adult and having adult characters. I think contemporary romance lovers who really enjoy very emotion-driven writing and characters might like this one, but the highlight for me was the 'mystery' and family and personal dynamics that came into play.
November 11, 2025
I’ll admit inherent favor towards Michelle as a dear friend, but even if she were my arch nemesis I couldn’t deny the delightful experience of reading her debut novel A Latte Like Love, nor claim that it was nothing short of brilliant.
I had not only the honor to receive an ARC of this book, but to also have read it many, many moons ago in its unpublished, original format, so I’ve been able to sit with this story for a long time and appreciate it for all it is, and for all the work I’ve seen Michelle pour into it.
As a very quick overview, this is a romance about Audrey, a full-time electrical engineering student and part-time barista who grew up bouncing around the incredibly flawed foster care system, and Theo, a mysterious, shy and quiet artist who patronizes Audrey’s coffee shop.
‘Latte’ is quite unique as a contemporary romance novel in that our male love interest is given just as much, if not more, depth and exploration as our female lead is. Very often in romance novels, the male romantic interest serves as a soothing balm or just complete savior to the female lead, there to fix her emotional or material problems and make everything right in the world. Even though Audrey does carry the weight of her past (and current) emotional scars, equal weight is given to Theo who (without any spoilers) has experienced significant physical and emotional trauma in the months prior our introduction to him in the story. Much of the story is following his healing journey at the same time as following Theo and Audrey’s love story. I found this really refreshing. Also, without spoilers, Theo is dealing with navigating a disability as a result of the aforementioned physical trauma he experienced, and we spend a lot of time following his journey to accept himself and adjust to how his life looks now compared to before.
Michelle does a wonderful job balancing their cozy love story with the heavier elements, like Audrey’s tumultuous upbringing, her financial woes and fears, and Theo’s struggles with self-hatred, family problems (past and present), and trying to find himself again after experiencing life-altering trauma.
I think it can be rare for a romance novel to give such attention and care to developing both parts of a couple. And despite the weight of some of the topics and scenes we encounter in this novel, there’s still such joy, levity, and wonder explored too. Michelle always sits us back upright after every emotional blow that is dealt in ‘Latte’. So, I may be biased, and I won’t deny that, but I’m also incredibly proud of Michelle’s journey and this story that she’s crafted, so you’ll forgive me if my praises are too mushy!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
I had not only the honor to receive an ARC of this book, but to also have read it many, many moons ago in its unpublished, original format, so I’ve been able to sit with this story for a long time and appreciate it for all it is, and for all the work I’ve seen Michelle pour into it.
As a very quick overview, this is a romance about Audrey, a full-time electrical engineering student and part-time barista who grew up bouncing around the incredibly flawed foster care system, and Theo, a mysterious, shy and quiet artist who patronizes Audrey’s coffee shop.
‘Latte’ is quite unique as a contemporary romance novel in that our male love interest is given just as much, if not more, depth and exploration as our female lead is. Very often in romance novels, the male romantic interest serves as a soothing balm or just complete savior to the female lead, there to fix her emotional or material problems and make everything right in the world. Even though Audrey does carry the weight of her past (and current) emotional scars, equal weight is given to Theo who (without any spoilers) has experienced significant physical and emotional trauma in the months prior our introduction to him in the story. Much of the story is following his healing journey at the same time as following Theo and Audrey’s love story. I found this really refreshing. Also, without spoilers, Theo is dealing with navigating a disability as a result of the aforementioned physical trauma he experienced, and we spend a lot of time following his journey to accept himself and adjust to how his life looks now compared to before.
Michelle does a wonderful job balancing their cozy love story with the heavier elements, like Audrey’s tumultuous upbringing, her financial woes and fears, and Theo’s struggles with self-hatred, family problems (past and present), and trying to find himself again after experiencing life-altering trauma.
I think it can be rare for a romance novel to give such attention and care to developing both parts of a couple. And despite the weight of some of the topics and scenes we encounter in this novel, there’s still such joy, levity, and wonder explored too. Michelle always sits us back upright after every emotional blow that is dealt in ‘Latte’. So, I may be biased, and I won’t deny that, but I’m also incredibly proud of Michelle’s journey and this story that she’s crafted, so you’ll forgive me if my praises are too mushy!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
December 28, 2025
3 stars.
I was really enjoying "A Latte Like Love" by Michelle C. Harris in the beginning. Then, all of a sudden, it just totally dips in appeal. First off, let me say that this book is way too long. I am usually not one to complain about length, but this book FEELS long. There is no reason it needs to be as lengthy as it is. Several conversations go on for far too long, and a lot of the situations are repeated, and I'm not sure why. It felt like it needed some more editing. It's filled with unnecessary "extra" in the middle, seemingly only to increase its page length. I do not typically like insta-love, and books like this simply reaffirm that.. The main characters, Theo and Audrey, meet one day when he comes into the coffee shop where she works as a barista. He is shrouded in a medical mask, a hoodie, and is seemingly very nervous and anxious upon interacting with her. He orders, takes a seat, doesn't drink his drink, scribbles in a notebook, and leaves, only to continue this pattern and return multiple times over the next few months. Audrey is drawn to Theo and his mysterious aura. The more they get to know one another, the more they realize they could be more than friends. Both Theo and Audrey have a lot of trauma they have had to deal with in their lives, so they seek solace and comfort and sameness in one another. They do have good chemistry with one another, but I think their insta-love beginning made me want more from them as a couple. The enigma surrounding Theo's background is gripping and intriguing at first, but at some point, it becomes very obvious what's going on, especially about Theo's work. The story started to feel eerily familiar to me about 30% into the book (I definitely thought it was about 65% done, but no, it was only 30% finished!!). I was thinking, "this situation feels vaguely similar to something else I have read/seen recently, but I can't put my finger on what," so I wasn't surprised to see that this is actually Reylo fan-fiction repackaged into a trad-pub novel. AudREY? Lightm4st3r? Come on now. This stuff makes me crinnnnnnnnnnnnnge. I did appreciate the exploration of Theo's disability, though I am not sure it is wholly effective all the time. It felt a little ableist at times, honestly! Also, 15% of the book is the epilogue?! Pardon???????????? WAY TOO LONG.
Thank you to NetGalley, Michelle C. Harris, and Berkley Publishing Group for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
I was really enjoying "A Latte Like Love" by Michelle C. Harris in the beginning. Then, all of a sudden, it just totally dips in appeal. First off, let me say that this book is way too long. I am usually not one to complain about length, but this book FEELS long. There is no reason it needs to be as lengthy as it is. Several conversations go on for far too long, and a lot of the situations are repeated, and I'm not sure why. It felt like it needed some more editing. It's filled with unnecessary "extra" in the middle, seemingly only to increase its page length. I do not typically like insta-love, and books like this simply reaffirm that.. The main characters, Theo and Audrey, meet one day when he comes into the coffee shop where she works as a barista. He is shrouded in a medical mask, a hoodie, and is seemingly very nervous and anxious upon interacting with her. He orders, takes a seat, doesn't drink his drink, scribbles in a notebook, and leaves, only to continue this pattern and return multiple times over the next few months. Audrey is drawn to Theo and his mysterious aura. The more they get to know one another, the more they realize they could be more than friends. Both Theo and Audrey have a lot of trauma they have had to deal with in their lives, so they seek solace and comfort and sameness in one another. They do have good chemistry with one another, but I think their insta-love beginning made me want more from them as a couple. The enigma surrounding Theo's background is gripping and intriguing at first, but at some point, it becomes very obvious what's going on, especially about Theo's work. The story started to feel eerily familiar to me about 30% into the book (I definitely thought it was about 65% done, but no, it was only 30% finished!!). I was thinking, "this situation feels vaguely similar to something else I have read/seen recently, but I can't put my finger on what," so I wasn't surprised to see that this is actually Reylo fan-fiction repackaged into a trad-pub novel. AudREY? Lightm4st3r? Come on now. This stuff makes me crinnnnnnnnnnnnnge. I did appreciate the exploration of Theo's disability, though I am not sure it is wholly effective all the time. It felt a little ableist at times, honestly! Also, 15% of the book is the epilogue?! Pardon???????????? WAY TOO LONG.
Thank you to NetGalley, Michelle C. Harris, and Berkley Publishing Group for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Oh man oh man, I love when a book keeps me up all night AND makes me cry. What a joy!!
I interviewed Michelle for 12News and it was so much fun chatting about Theo and Audrey and reading as they fell in love.
Audrey is a barista, a super senior, and is a little lost. Growing up in foster care, she worked hard to get where she is, and the feeling of not knowing where she is going leaves her feeling adrift. So when she notices Theo, a stranger in a KN95 mask who is the very definition of tall dark and handsome coming into the coffee shop she works at every Tuesday at 8:17 a.m., she's just taking comfort in patterns. She is literally paid to know her regulars. It has nothing to do with how attractive and tall and mysterious he is.
When an incident occurs at the cafe and Theo's mask is ripped off literally for the world to see, Audrey is determined to get to know him, and show him she likes — and maybe even loves — the man he is now, scars and all.
But will Theo let her in? Or will the secrets between them be too much for a budding romance to withstand?
I love the instant connection these two characters have (not insta-love, as Michelle explained to me and I fervently agree with), that feeling of maybe I have known you all my life in some way and we're only just getting started. I loved learning about these characters as they learned about one another. I think romance has the unique ability to truly immerse people in a story by having people fall in love on the page. I mean, truly, how could you ever get to know a character better than reading as they fall in love?
I also love how many layers there are in this book. There's grief, there's trauma, there's financial challenges, there's growing up in the foster care system, there's family challenges — and normally, that would be too much in one book, but I think because Theo and Audrey fall for one another and start dating fairly early in the book, it works.
I read this book in literal hours, starting at 10 p.m. and finishing with my face planted in my Kindle at around 3:30 a.m. It is definitely one to add to your reading list!
I interviewed Michelle for 12News and it was so much fun chatting about Theo and Audrey and reading as they fell in love.
Audrey is a barista, a super senior, and is a little lost. Growing up in foster care, she worked hard to get where she is, and the feeling of not knowing where she is going leaves her feeling adrift. So when she notices Theo, a stranger in a KN95 mask who is the very definition of tall dark and handsome coming into the coffee shop she works at every Tuesday at 8:17 a.m., she's just taking comfort in patterns. She is literally paid to know her regulars. It has nothing to do with how attractive and tall and mysterious he is.
When an incident occurs at the cafe and Theo's mask is ripped off literally for the world to see, Audrey is determined to get to know him, and show him she likes — and maybe even loves — the man he is now, scars and all.
But will Theo let her in? Or will the secrets between them be too much for a budding romance to withstand?
I love the instant connection these two characters have (not insta-love, as Michelle explained to me and I fervently agree with), that feeling of maybe I have known you all my life in some way and we're only just getting started. I loved learning about these characters as they learned about one another. I think romance has the unique ability to truly immerse people in a story by having people fall in love on the page. I mean, truly, how could you ever get to know a character better than reading as they fall in love?
I also love how many layers there are in this book. There's grief, there's trauma, there's financial challenges, there's growing up in the foster care system, there's family challenges — and normally, that would be too much in one book, but I think because Theo and Audrey fall for one another and start dating fairly early in the book, it works.
I read this book in literal hours, starting at 10 p.m. and finishing with my face planted in my Kindle at around 3:30 a.m. It is definitely one to add to your reading list!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this debut novel (yes, editing could have been done in the middle, but it's a debut and I have a soft spot for authors being allowed to tell their whole story)! It's really a 4.75 stars for me, but that's not an option. It's a longer, meandering unravelling of a love story, and I love that Harris gives their stories the space to breathe.
The meet-cute was really fun and laid the foundations of the fmc's character (finally, a book where the characters intrigue one another, not just oh he's hot...). Audrey and Theo both have trauma - him from an accident (without detail, because spoilers), and her from a childhood in foster care (tw, but with a loving foster mom with residual loneliness and feeling unwanted). They help each other heal in a variety of ways, and I loved how her gentleness and his perspective on growing up between two worlds and feeling out of place (old-money mom and blue-collar dad) come together as they really grow into adulthood together.
This is one where the age gap (8 years) really works because Theo needs the distance and experience of his privilege and life after college to match with her maturity at 24 from always having to look after herself. His artist soul and her electrical engineering career (with a heavy dose of barista-ing her way through extended undergrad), and their sometimes incredibly uncomfortable dialogue lends to the naturalistic feeling of their story (it could also read as AO3-y, but not in a bad way, more of an homage...I'm not a huge fanfic person, but I feel like the characters came into their own, although Aud could have been given a bit more depth in this length of a novel). Sort of the same way that New Girl had dialogue that made you want to hide, but also endeared the characters to you overall.
One of my favorite parts was the extended epilogue in Theo's voice - it was lovey to run through the highlights of the story in his head, and letting him finish up the story with their extended friend group - it felt like a hug at the end of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book! All opinions in the review are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
The meet-cute was really fun and laid the foundations of the fmc's character (finally, a book where the characters intrigue one another, not just oh he's hot...). Audrey and Theo both have trauma - him from an accident (without detail, because spoilers), and her from a childhood in foster care (tw, but with a loving foster mom with residual loneliness and feeling unwanted). They help each other heal in a variety of ways, and I loved how her gentleness and his perspective on growing up between two worlds and feeling out of place (old-money mom and blue-collar dad) come together as they really grow into adulthood together.
This is one where the age gap (8 years) really works because Theo needs the distance and experience of his privilege and life after college to match with her maturity at 24 from always having to look after herself. His artist soul and her electrical engineering career (with a heavy dose of barista-ing her way through extended undergrad), and their sometimes incredibly uncomfortable dialogue lends to the naturalistic feeling of their story (it could also read as AO3-y, but not in a bad way, more of an homage...I'm not a huge fanfic person, but I feel like the characters came into their own, although Aud could have been given a bit more depth in this length of a novel). Sort of the same way that New Girl had dialogue that made you want to hide, but also endeared the characters to you overall.
One of my favorite parts was the extended epilogue in Theo's voice - it was lovey to run through the highlights of the story in his head, and letting him finish up the story with their extended friend group - it felt like a hug at the end of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book! All opinions in the review are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book! It has some heavy themes like discussions of mental health, suicidal thoughts, and the death of a parent. However, despite all the angst, Michelle was able to write a novel featuring two characters who love each other in the most uncomplicated of ways. Their relationship is supportive and free of drama. I think that is especially nice in a romance genre where almost every novel ends with a third-act breakup. It's okay to just let people be happy together y'all. I promise.
Audrey and Theo are the kind of couple that people should strive to emulate. Theo is processing a lot of trauma and grief with a little help from his therapist. But unlike many other men in novels, his personal angst doesn't cause damage to Audrey or their relationship. Instead, he works hard to make sure that his mental health is his priority, so that he can focus on his new relationship freely and without restraint.
I absolutely stan a man who can communicate. It's one of my biggest kinks.
Audrey has her own personal baggage but she has already done most of the work to heal from her past, so she's in the perfect place to love and support Theo exactly where he's at right now.
I cannot stress enough that their communication is top-tier.
I think the thing that I like the most is that both characters are whole people who can stand alone. Theo has a life that he is working to get back to after his accident, and Audrey has a life that does not revolve around him. She’s in college, has a job and friends, and while the novel focuses more on her relationship with Theo, it’s obvious that they exist outside of each other in this universe they call home. Their lives are made better by being together, but they don't rely on each other to be whole.
Codependency? Not cute.
Theo&Audrey? Super cute!
Thank you so much to Michelle C. Harris and Berkley Romance for providing me with a copy ARC of the novel.
Audrey and Theo are the kind of couple that people should strive to emulate. Theo is processing a lot of trauma and grief with a little help from his therapist. But unlike many other men in novels, his personal angst doesn't cause damage to Audrey or their relationship. Instead, he works hard to make sure that his mental health is his priority, so that he can focus on his new relationship freely and without restraint.
I absolutely stan a man who can communicate. It's one of my biggest kinks.
Audrey has her own personal baggage but she has already done most of the work to heal from her past, so she's in the perfect place to love and support Theo exactly where he's at right now.
I cannot stress enough that their communication is top-tier.
I think the thing that I like the most is that both characters are whole people who can stand alone. Theo has a life that he is working to get back to after his accident, and Audrey has a life that does not revolve around him. She’s in college, has a job and friends, and while the novel focuses more on her relationship with Theo, it’s obvious that they exist outside of each other in this universe they call home. Their lives are made better by being together, but they don't rely on each other to be whole.
Codependency? Not cute.
Theo&Audrey? Super cute!
Thank you so much to Michelle C. Harris and Berkley Romance for providing me with a copy ARC of the novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Berkeley for the ARC!
I really appreciated what the author was trying to do with this novel but I think it needed a bit more editing and tightening up in order for me to really enjoy it. I liked the beginning and the tension built in the "will they, won't they" when Audrey and Theo first meet in the coffee shop, but once they start dating the story became monotonous, and they started dating very early into it.
Audrey fell very flat as a character. She had no flaws and really didn't develop in any way throughout the story which made her uninteresting, which also made her relationship with Theo uninteresting. Usually in a romance novel the struggle that the couple goes through or some obstacle they have to overcome is what makes the payoff of finally being together so addictive, but there was just nothing really going on. Theo did struggle of course with his trauma in the past, but the way it was handled by Audrey really did not connect with me. She seemed to be more offended or hurt whenever Theo was uncomfortable or wasn't fully vulnerable with her rather than realizing that maybe it's not about her, but about Theo still healing from his very recent and traumatic accident that totally changed him as a person. It almost seemed like she was rushing him to overcome his trauma even though he was literally still physically healing from his accident, and I really did not like that.
This book was also way too long, the epilogue could be shortened to maybe 1 or 2 pivotal scenes within their relationship and in general it did not seem like a story that needed to be 500+ pages, especially given the lack of plot. Again, I really do appreciate the overall context but it was just not for me. Perhaps if someone is looking for just a long fluffy story, they would enjoy this.
I really appreciated what the author was trying to do with this novel but I think it needed a bit more editing and tightening up in order for me to really enjoy it. I liked the beginning and the tension built in the "will they, won't they" when Audrey and Theo first meet in the coffee shop, but once they start dating the story became monotonous, and they started dating very early into it.
Audrey fell very flat as a character. She had no flaws and really didn't develop in any way throughout the story which made her uninteresting, which also made her relationship with Theo uninteresting. Usually in a romance novel the struggle that the couple goes through or some obstacle they have to overcome is what makes the payoff of finally being together so addictive, but there was just nothing really going on. Theo did struggle of course with his trauma in the past, but the way it was handled by Audrey really did not connect with me. She seemed to be more offended or hurt whenever Theo was uncomfortable or wasn't fully vulnerable with her rather than realizing that maybe it's not about her, but about Theo still healing from his very recent and traumatic accident that totally changed him as a person. It almost seemed like she was rushing him to overcome his trauma even though he was literally still physically healing from his accident, and I really did not like that.
This book was also way too long, the epilogue could be shortened to maybe 1 or 2 pivotal scenes within their relationship and in general it did not seem like a story that needed to be 500+ pages, especially given the lack of plot. Again, I really do appreciate the overall context but it was just not for me. Perhaps if someone is looking for just a long fluffy story, they would enjoy this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Michelle C Harris' debut, A LATTE LIKE LOVE, is perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood's fall hard and fast romances, and Hannah Bonam-Young's low
stakes intense personal journeys. Audrey and Theo are the template for modern soulmates. Each page, each encounter, each word is delving deeper into the connection they share. So while the relationship feels cosmic, every moment of them solidifies how inevitable they are. Its a joy to read a pure, all-consuming love take shape.
At first glance you might think Theo and Audrey are a grumpy x sunshine pairing, but there is something unique about them that feels more like ... sunshine and sun-starved. Theo carries many traumatic burdens that has kept him away from goodness - believing the harshness of his inner demons. Audrey is optimism in a field of plight - persevering through all her hardest days with the intent to survive. They need each other, but not in a "I can fix them" way. More like, they fill the part of their heart that's waiting for their other half. I appreciate also that the emotional threads were played at full volume. Audrey and Theo are raw and vulnerable with each other that apeaks to how safe they are together. It's truely rare to lay out your greateat fears and be sure it won't be used against you. That's the trust and love and care between soulmates.
A LATTE LIKE LOVE is a sweetly sincere read. Don't epxect much pearl clutching drama though. This one is all about personal journeys and emotional connection. Last thing. If you love a man that yearns, Theo Sullivan is your new book boyfriend.
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the advance copy to read and review.
stakes intense personal journeys. Audrey and Theo are the template for modern soulmates. Each page, each encounter, each word is delving deeper into the connection they share. So while the relationship feels cosmic, every moment of them solidifies how inevitable they are. Its a joy to read a pure, all-consuming love take shape.
At first glance you might think Theo and Audrey are a grumpy x sunshine pairing, but there is something unique about them that feels more like ... sunshine and sun-starved. Theo carries many traumatic burdens that has kept him away from goodness - believing the harshness of his inner demons. Audrey is optimism in a field of plight - persevering through all her hardest days with the intent to survive. They need each other, but not in a "I can fix them" way. More like, they fill the part of their heart that's waiting for their other half. I appreciate also that the emotional threads were played at full volume. Audrey and Theo are raw and vulnerable with each other that apeaks to how safe they are together. It's truely rare to lay out your greateat fears and be sure it won't be used against you. That's the trust and love and care between soulmates.
A LATTE LIKE LOVE is a sweetly sincere read. Don't epxect much pearl clutching drama though. This one is all about personal journeys and emotional connection. Last thing. If you love a man that yearns, Theo Sullivan is your new book boyfriend.
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the advance copy to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you for the free arc, Michelle C. Harris and Berkley Romance!
In this heartachingly beautiful romance, Audrey is working as a barista when she meets Theo, who seems to want to hide in every sense of the word. He wears a mask and seems unbearably shy, and comes and goes at the same time each day. Audrey can't deny her feelings for the mysterious man with a sweet disposition, and seeks him out herself after an incident at the cafe leaves him too embarrassed to return. She is determined to break down his walls and help him see that everyone has scars.
This book was such a lovely debut! I was so lucky to have the opportunity to participate in the traveling ARC campaign for it, and had so much fun reading along with other readers and seeing comments left behind by them. I also was able to chat with the author quite a bit and she was so kind and provided such interesting information about the book as well as her writing process. I thought this book was so well-written and I adored all the metaphors sprinkled in throughout. Audrey and Theo were true soulmates in every sense of the word, and their love story was such a pure, sweet, and genuine one. There is a lot of depth in this book about the heaviness that we carry, whether it's from emotional or physical scars and the inner beauty that can be found within ourselves and others. I am not normally a person who annotates, but I found myself drawn to so many of the passages and the stunning verbiage used within the book. This is such a special book, and I was so honored to have this opportunity to read it early! I hope others will see its beauty as much as I did.
In this heartachingly beautiful romance, Audrey is working as a barista when she meets Theo, who seems to want to hide in every sense of the word. He wears a mask and seems unbearably shy, and comes and goes at the same time each day. Audrey can't deny her feelings for the mysterious man with a sweet disposition, and seeks him out herself after an incident at the cafe leaves him too embarrassed to return. She is determined to break down his walls and help him see that everyone has scars.
This book was such a lovely debut! I was so lucky to have the opportunity to participate in the traveling ARC campaign for it, and had so much fun reading along with other readers and seeing comments left behind by them. I also was able to chat with the author quite a bit and she was so kind and provided such interesting information about the book as well as her writing process. I thought this book was so well-written and I adored all the metaphors sprinkled in throughout. Audrey and Theo were true soulmates in every sense of the word, and their love story was such a pure, sweet, and genuine one. There is a lot of depth in this book about the heaviness that we carry, whether it's from emotional or physical scars and the inner beauty that can be found within ourselves and others. I am not normally a person who annotates, but I found myself drawn to so many of the passages and the stunning verbiage used within the book. This is such a special book, and I was so honored to have this opportunity to read it early! I hope others will see its beauty as much as I did.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ Rounded up! Thank you to Berkley Publishing for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is so sweet it borders on saccharine. If you're looking for fluff definitely add this to your 2026 TBR.
A Latte Like Love is healing story about Theo, a reclusive artist recovering from a traumatic injury, and Audrey, the friendly barista at a local coffee shop who helps him come out of his shell. Audrey and Theo are meant for each other. Their relationship is so tender. Harris evokes such intimacy early on just by the characters holding hands or sharing a cup of coffee together. Audrey is so emotionally intelligent for a 22 year-old (its actually a bit unbelievable lol). She meets Theo where he's at and loves him for his whole self, flaws and all. Plus Theo is a self-deprecating golden retriever MMC who will make your heart squeeze (also huge shout out to the Jack Dawson/James Beaufort sketching-the-girl-he-loves trope. I eat it up every time).
As mentioned previously, the sweetness bordered on saccharine for me. I was cringing at a few parts. The romance read a bit young, even veering a bit into codependency. It's also very clear where the story is going. This isn't necessarily a criticism, but since the MCs get together so early on, there's not a lot of plot or tension left. This means this book leans a lot more on their healing and relationship building rather plot. Again, not bad--just not my personal favorite.
Again thank you for the opportunity to read this book prior to publication! A solid love story debut from Harris just in time for spring.
A Latte Like Love is healing story about Theo, a reclusive artist recovering from a traumatic injury, and Audrey, the friendly barista at a local coffee shop who helps him come out of his shell. Audrey and Theo are meant for each other. Their relationship is so tender. Harris evokes such intimacy early on just by the characters holding hands or sharing a cup of coffee together. Audrey is so emotionally intelligent for a 22 year-old (its actually a bit unbelievable lol). She meets Theo where he's at and loves him for his whole self, flaws and all. Plus Theo is a self-deprecating golden retriever MMC who will make your heart squeeze (also huge shout out to the Jack Dawson/James Beaufort sketching-the-girl-he-loves trope. I eat it up every time).
As mentioned previously, the sweetness bordered on saccharine for me. I was cringing at a few parts. The romance read a bit young, even veering a bit into codependency. It's also very clear where the story is going. This isn't necessarily a criticism, but since the MCs get together so early on, there's not a lot of plot or tension left. This means this book leans a lot more on their healing and relationship building rather plot. Again, not bad--just not my personal favorite.
Again thank you for the opportunity to read this book prior to publication! A solid love story debut from Harris just in time for spring.
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