Brewing Up My Fresh Start: An Enemies-to-Lovers Sweet Romantic Comedy

by Cindy Ray Hale

Coffee shop owner vs. grumpy developer demolishing her dreams. Sixty days to enemies-to-lovers perfection.

Michelle

My beachfront coffee shop in Twin Waves, North Carolina just got sixty days until demolition.

The worst part? My most reliable customer—Grayson Reed with his mahogany eyes and twenty percent tips—owns the development company tearing down my life.

Our seven-year coffee routine explodes into something dangerous.

Heated arguments and stolen glances with the silver fox who's determined to bulldoze my dreams.

My enemy might be exactly what my guarded heart needs.

Between book club meetings with the Bookaholics Anonymous ladies and fighting for my shop, I'm learning that sometimes the best love stories aren't found in novels.

Grayson

I never expected the woman who makes my morning coffee to declare war on my biggest Twin Waves waterfront development project.

Michelle Lawson is fierce, stubborn, and completely off-limits.

She's also the only person who's ever made me want to risk everything.

But trusting her could destroy everything I've built.

And sixty days is running out fast.

Read Brewing Up My Fresh Start if you

Enemies-to-lovers Grumpy sunshine Beach town romance Coffee shop romance Forced proximity Sweet Romantic Comedy Later-in-life romanceIf You Love These Authors, You'll Devour This For fans of Debbie Macomber's heartwarming coastal towns and Lucy Score's grumpy heroes who hide soft hearts behind construction boots and North Carolina salt air.

For readers craving Susan Mallery's enemies-to-lovers tension with sweet chemistry and Hallmark movie magic brought to life on Twin Waves' sandy shores.

Perfect for lovers of workplace rivalry, coastal charm, book club friendships, and sweet romance that leaves you sighing happily while listening to ocean waves.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Rom Com

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2025

About the author

Cindy Ray Hale loves to write romcoms set in small towns and has been writing and publishing books since 2012, all the while, laughing at her own funny stories. She is married to the sweetest guy and has a blended family with him, consisting of seven kids.

She loves nerding out on video games, creating book covers, and drinking too much caffeine. When she can find a moment, she loves to sing and play the piano and often includes acting and singing somewhere in her stories.

She was born and raised in the hills of Tennessee in a large crazy family and as an adult, has moved all over the United States. She's finally settled down in a small town in the mountains of western Virginia where she loves to go hiking, boating, and dig in her garden.

Reviews

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

We return to Twin Waves, where Michelle is facing a crisis, along with a bunch of the town. There's a developer who wants to buy out their strip, which will mean they loose their businesses. And developer who is responsible is Grayson, the sweet guy that Michelle's been flirting with lately.

As the town comes together to save the authenticity of their town, Michelle and Grayson surprisingly form a partnership to find a way to serve both of their purposes.

There's a lot of drama in this story, as well as a lot of romance, making for an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brewing up my fresh start.
small town charm.
CoffeeBrewing and other things also in this small town.

What I loved about this book everything.And this is a new author for me.Simply a sweet read.

We'll have to check out other stories by this author..
I found this to be a page turner for sure.

[Cindy Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brewing Up My Fresh Start by Cindy Ray Hale will draw you in from the very beginning and keep you swiping/turning pages until the very end. This story is filled with drama, people who have been hurt by others, new relationships, business opportunities, a sorry excuse of an ex-husband who is diabolical and will stop at nothing until he gets his way, underhanded tactics and more! You do not want to miss it!
Michelle owns and operates Twin Waves Brewing Company, and her apartment is above which makes for an easy commute.
Michelle is a wonderful baker, and all her creations are delicious. If you’re not from a small town, you may be surprised by some of the ways people have. Such as regular seats where they think no one else should be sitting there when they come in. Unfortunately, things are about to change. Reed Development Corporation has been swooping in buying properties. Now, don’t get me wrong, progress can be a good thing, but it can also be a bad thing -big corporations coming in and offering money to struggling business owners can help some, but how will it affect the overall atmosphere of the town? Some people enjoy living in big cities with all the hustle and bustle, trying to hail a cab, catch the bus, navigate through the crowds and more. Give me small town charm where people know people and greet you and ask how your Grandma is doing.
Grayson Reed is a daily customer who intrigues Michelle with his set ways and his standoffish way of avoiding connections. As he pulls out his wallet to pay for his order, she happens to notice the black leather folder. “Reed Development Corporation,” I say quietly, voice steady.” He confirms it’s his company. She informs him that they will be demolishing her coffee shop, and she has sixty days to vacate the building. The customers overhear this conversation and are not happy at all. Lines have been drawn; Michelle and her customers are ready for battle.
Well, until the second bomb is dropped and Jessica’s bookstore, “Jo’s boutique, the ice cream shop, and the whole waterfront strip.” get the same impersonal notice to vacate within sixty days from Reed Development.
The entire ambiance of the town will change from where everyone knows everyone else and feels welcome in the community. Chain stores that will replace their charming shops, “luxury condominiums starting at six hundred thousand dollars”, “upscale dining and boutique shopping experiences.” They can’t allow this to happen to their town.
Now, Greyson Reed really isn’t a villain, he’s completed renovations for a lot of families, “coached Little League, donated to the fire department, and delivered soup when grandmothers got sick.” Michelle has more to lose, eight years ago she was betrayed by her fiancé and her business partner who stole her ideas and left her devastated.
What will happen to the businesses and people of Twin Waves? Is there another alternative for this company wanting to buy everyone out and vacate their livelihoods? Will Michelle be able to actually listen to and believe anything that Greyson says? Will there be other complications? If Reed Development takes over, where will these residents move to? What will happen to their sources of income? To find out the answers to these questions and so much more drama, get your copy of Cindy Ray Hale’s Brewing Up My Fresh Start today! You don’t want to miss this story that will have you reading until the wee hours of the morning.

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy from the author and though I wasn’t required to post a review upon finishing it, I felt compelled to offer my honest, voluntary impression of this book.

Cindy’s books have always carried charm, warmth and stories that seem like they could have come from the pages of any town, USA or any other western country for that matter. The characters soon are not characters but your friends and what they experience you feel it like it affected you too!

This story is about Michelle who trusted her hopes and dreams and visions with her fiancé thinking he was her partner but instead he took it all from her leaving her with nothing but the debt he wouldn’t own up to.

Seven years after he destroyed her dreams she finally has a coffee shop and feels like she’s part of the community again with friends only to find an eviction notice in the mail about her place being ready to be torn down along with that of some of her friends who received similar notices. Then she finds that a regular customer she has gotten to know over the past years is the one who is going to destroy her dreams once again. They go from friends to enemies in a heartbeat and she attends community meetings voicing opposition to his plans.

Greyson has enjoyed his association with Michelle but since he was never truthful with her about who he was and what his intentions were she once again feels betrayed. When they are put on a committee to work together, things start to slowly change as she sees a side of him he’s hidden. However, he’s still the enemy but the attraction they’ve had from the first time they met only gets stronger. Then a man from her past surfaces and he does the wrong thing thinking he’s protecting her but it does just the opposite.

Now she’s facing the person in her past who destroyed all her dreams and he’s about to do so again. She defends her self alone because Greyson has left her alone but after the interview she had, he shows up and everything changes.

This story has witty moments, funny and serious moments and a story that you just won’t want to put down! The villain is truly despicable and you’re cheering when Michelle’s friends provide evidence to expose him for the predator he is!

It’s a story you will love because of its sincerity and honesty portrayed and how one person takes on a goliath and wins much like David did against his Goliath!

I loved this story and the masterful storytelling that Cindy has become famous for in championing the little guys and their desires to achieve their dreams when the odds seem to be stacked against them!

I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this book and urge you to get and read it today! I can guarantee you won’t be sorry and I feel certain you’ll be reading more from this very talented author probably next after you finish this book!

I for one can’t wait to get my hands on her next book!

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️

I have always loved Cindy Ray Hale’s books. Brewing Up My Fresh Start brings together sweet romance, fresh starts, and a bit of drama. She balanced her story perfectly, while staying true to her clean romance roots. I have been digging her stories with later in life MCs too. I love that romance MCs in their 40s or later are becoming more and more common.

Michelle is the owner and operator of Twin Waves Brewing Company. She is terrific at creating new sweet treats, while serving up classic treats as well. The community loves the vibe her shop creates and it is a local hang out for the small town she lives in. Trouble is on the horizon though for the small town of Twin Waves with a developer who is buying properties up, with a vision of updating the town. Michelle isn’t wanting the small town vibes to go away and is ready to fight for her town and shop.

Grayson visits Michelle’s shop daily and definitely doesn’t fit in with the community of Twin Waves. When it’s discovered he is part of the developer’s company who is trying to change the town, MIchelle and the townspeople firmly draw a line in the sand. Although Reed is just doing his job, he is the face of this new company. With Michelle fighting him at every step, he is getting a more insider POV of this small town than ever before.

Grayson and Michelle are great throughout the entire story. The banter is great, the tension builds, and the attraction is obvious. As they get to know each other, they each begin to see things from the other’s view point, but neither will give up easily. I fully enjoyed getting to know both of the MCs and the townspeople. I am excited to see who is our next couple and what is in store for our small town. Thank you Cindy for the sweet, romantic, but engaging story!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
☕Enemies to Lovers
🌊Grumpy x Sunshine
☕Small Town Romance
🌊Coastal Town
☕Later in Love MCs
🌊Love in 40’s
☕Clean Romance

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle has received a notice that she has to vacate her coffee shop in 60 days. She doesn’t realize that it’s come from a customer she considered a friend, Grayson Reed. Soon, Michelle’s friends who also have businesses on the waterfront admit they have received the same notice.

Grayson Reed wants to see Twin Waves develop into a place that has more to offer than just small town charm. Michelle is not necessarily against Twin Waves becoming more progressive, but she is against it losing that charm that brings in the tourists and the community that the local businesses have made for the residents.

Watching these two circle each other in heated debates after sniffing around each other for seven years has the whole town talking, and placing bets on when these “enemies” will realize that they both want to be lovers.

The secondary characters provide comedic entertainment, but one that I feel can easily be overlooked is Scott, Grayson’s business partner. While I didn’t like Scott at first, he grew on me because he is observant. He sees that Michelle and her crew aren’t being difficult just to be difficult, they do truly want what's best for the town. Scott helps Grayson see that the answer to their problems could be working together to make something that could keep both sides happy.

One of my favorite moments that brought some levity to the romantic tension between Michelle and Greason was the children’s debate on which is better: mermaids or pirates. The main arguments being that mermaids can breathe underwater, which is basically a super power, but pirates have swords and treasure.

As advertised in the book, this is “Romeo and Juliet with better coffee and hopefully less tragedy”.

I’m hoping that Scott gets his own happily ever after in a future book, and I can’t wait to see what shenanigans the bookclub women get up to in the series. Thanks so much to Cindy for the ARC!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparks fly as well as rubble and Grayson is already in trouble. Michelle has an happy dance over making the drinks and chatting to her regulars in her coffee shop . For seven years Grayson has sat at the same reserved table and she chatted to him when she was able ,they became good friends. He’s watched all her happy days as well as her tears which if he was honest ground his gears. Fond of this barista is this mister ,so why the subterfuge? Because this building developer is an interloper .He’s supposed to be her friend but all this meant nothing ,not a jot when he wants to bulldoze the lot! That’s correct and she received a notice of 60 days to vacate ,he doesn’t even try to placate . He just sees what he wants to be doing to get the job done instead of what he should be doing and wooing the lady that he loves . He can’t love her coffee that much it must be the human touch he does crave . Now she’s feeling let down and grave but she’s not alone she has friends on who she can depend and the bookclub ladies will vie in a do or die till the end ,on them she can depend. So how does he defend his actions and salvage affections ? You’ll have to read this book but there’s a lot happening at the beachfront of Twin Waves . Lots of buildings ,businesses and the very character of the beachfront to be saved. Friend or foe make your mind up bro be brave because this lady is not giving a jot and no you cannot take so much as the car parking lot . Conservation is on her mind and she might have a point , well just look at her joint ,teeming with characters all with a story ,a part of the fabric,the history of the town that he and his business partners want to pull down. This is an awesome immersive book there’s tension ,not to mention a push n pull of a romance dance . The characters are endearing and believable too . This Cindy Ray Hale is down to you . Your storyline is divine ,I had a good time reading this book that you did write with pure and utter delight .

[Brandi Jackola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven years ago, Michelle’s then-fiancé went behind her back and stole her plans for her coffee shop, and everything that went with it, including her savings and her grandmother’s secret recipes, eventually building a coffee shop empire. Now, she has the coffee shop she always wanted, in her home town of Twin Waves, but the past is not just coming back to haunt her—it’s happening all over again.

The owners of the property have served everyone in the retail area a 60-day vacate notice, and Michelle has found out that the guy she’s been lusting over for years is the same guy whose development corporation will be tearing everything down and putting up a bunch of tourist traps and expensive shops and restaurants.

Naturally, she’s devastated, and furious.


Grayson Reed is the guy, and Reed Development is his company. He has come to Michelle’s coffee shop every day for close to seven years, and he’s there when she puts the pieces together and realize that he’s planning to destroy her livelihood and her home.

And how does it all turn out? Well, you’ll have to read the book.

There are many things in this story that made me laugh out loud, and some that made me cry, because I know that feeling of being betrayed by the person you thought you could trust, the person you loved. Michelle handles it so much better than I did, and I commend her remaining relatively calm as her world starts to crumble.

This isn’t a short story, and it does have its devastating moments, but frankly, the climax is so deliciously satisfying that I read those chapters twice. If you want a sweet romance with a man who figures out how to be human, a woman who never backs down from the bad guys, and a book-reading group who knows how to weaponize information…well, this is for you. I loved it, and I think you will, too.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle has worked hard for this little piece of paradise. Her beachfront coffee shop is her entire world. She has learned that in sixty days it will all be a pile of rubble so some developer can modernize this small community. What she does not know is that the interesting man that she has conversed with on a regular basis in her coffee shop is at the helm of this project. Once she learns his real identity, things get a little tense.

Grayson is just doing his job. I really liked him. I am sure it is not easy being the face of a company that wants to mow down a town. He wants to help her, but he is not sure what he can do. Sixty days sound like a long time, but time is ticking and time is not on Michelle's side.

I loved this story. It had two of my favorite tropes - enemies to lovers and grumpy vs. sunshine. What was really interesting about the two main characters was the romantic tension/chemistry between them was evident even when they were sparring.

Michelle has been burnt by a man before, and she does not intend on feeling that pain again. She is charming, full of sass and fiery all at the same time. She will protect what she has worked so hard to build. I loved her sass and determination to protect not only what belonged to her, but her fellow business owners in this quaint seaside community.

When another monkey wrench gets thrown into the mix, the story gets even more interesting.

This book made me long for the beach and a cup of joe, which is what makes reading so much fun when an author can whisk you away inside the story.

Thank you to the author and Fiction Addiction Reviews for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely enjoyed this story and our characters, especially Michelle and her friends and regulars at her coffee shop. Caroline is wonderful and I love her passion for the coffee shop. I was upset for Michelle when the news came out about Grayson and his development not only targeting Michelle’s shop but also other businesses which her friends own as well. Grayson has become public enemy #1 in Twin Waves. Of course, there is chemistry simmering between Michelle and Grayson and definitely not the best time for this to happen. I am glad that they sort of buried the hatchet when feelings between them became stronger and worked together to try to make some changes that would benefit everyone. Everything started going in a positive direction for everyone when Michelle’s ex David came in and tried to sabotage everything. Unfortunately, Grayson knew about this but chose to leave town instead of standing up for Michelle. I have to say that between her mom, Jessica and Mrs. Hensley these ladies are forces to be reckoned with when it comes to getting information about someone’s bad business practices and making sure that information comes to light. Really enjoyed seeing Michelle defend herself and proving that she knows her stuff including all the questions thrown at her during her interview including some from her ex that were meant to make her look bad. It was especially sweet when they provided the reporter with the additional information about the ex and his bad business practices. Loved the revenge. Unfortunately this cost Grayson a business deal but in the end he and Scott and Michelle ended up with a better deal for all of them. The ending was also great with how everything turned out with Michelle and Grayson as well.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It’s book #2 in the Twin Waves- Rom com by Ms. Hale...if you like small knit communities, heart felt books, and a little heartbreaking ones too, look no further then this book...

Michelle has a coffee shop in town which is the pillar of the community. Everyone starts there day, and gets there coffee in there. She also a repeat customer Grayson Reed who makes her day. Well that’s until she gets some news that she just can’t begin to comprehend. Even the regulars can’t believe it. It’s not just her coffee shop, but other business’s that will be effected if Mr. Reed gets what he came to Twin Waves to accomplish. He has no clue what this community is all about. She and her Bookaholics Anonymous group will show him what this community is all about.

Grayson can’t believe that this woman has gotten under his skin. She’s also got him questioning what he’s doing. He listens to her at the town meeting, but at the same time this is business. It’s nothing personal. They are at war basically. He has to do what he has to do. But he’s second questing himself now. He’s at a loss now.

Must read to see what comes of it.

If anyone has seen that Hallmark movie Come Dance with Me? This reminds me of that. She’s a dancer instructor about to lose her studio, and his company is about to demolish the street where her studio is on. A great movie, and this is a great book.

[Victoria Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle (our FMC) receives notice that the man (Grayson, our MMC) which has coming to her coffee shop for the last few years wants to demolish her building. So begins the premise of this book...While this is characterized as an Enemies-to-Lovers rom-com, I don't see either Grayson or Michelle (our main characters) in that way; rather, Grayson lacks the imagination (and is a bit emotionally stunted) to see that revitalizing the entire downtown area of Twin Waves will be much more financially beneficial to not only his development company but the town itself. The story has some memorable characters: Mrs. Hensley who, despite her advanced age, proves that age will not stop her in discovering who is working behind the scenes to create problems for the entire town, and Jessica who, as Michelle's best friend, is the best sounding board when she needs to sort out her feelings. Caroline rounds out Michelle's group of associates as a teenager posting about all of the comings and goings in Twin Waves. The story is utterly charming and the chemistry between the two main characters is off the charts, while still keeping it super clean! Can't wait to read the next book...

[Bibliophile Foodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in right away. I stories set in small towns, and this one had everything, community drama, romance, and a strong woman fighting to protect what she built. Michelle runs Twin Waves Brewing Company, and her life is finally starting to feel steady after a painful past. But then she gets an eviction notice, and everything begins to fall apart.

What made it worse was finding out the notice came from Grayson Reed, a regular customer she thought she could trust. I felt Michelle’s shock and frustration, and I admired how she didn’t back down. She stood up for her business and her town, even when things got messy.

The tension between Michelle and Grayson was really well done. They had history, chemistry, and a lot of conflict. Watching them go from opponents to something more was one of my favourite parts. I also liked how the story showed both sides Grayson wasn’t just the bad guy, and Michelle wasn’t just stubborn. They both cared about the town, just in different ways.

The story had a good mix of serious issues and lighthearted scenes, which made it easy to stay engaged.

Brewing Up My Fresh Start is a heartfelt and inspiring read.

[Jeffrey Aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel delivers a sharp enemies-to-lovers romance set in a small coastal town.

The plot builds tension as Michelle, a coffee shop owner, discovers that her regular customer, Grayson, works for the company threatening to demolish her livelihood. This conflict drives the story forward with steady momentum.

The central struggle between love and loss of community provides focus, and the alternating viewpoints add depth.

The characters stand out as the strongest element. Michelle shows resilience and humour under pressure. Grayson balances duty with vulnerability.

Secondary figures like Jessica, Jo, Caroline, and Mrs Hensley enrich the community backdrop and give the novel warmth.

Dialogue dominates the text and carries much of the energy, making the story fast-paced and easy to read.

The writing style is clear and engaging, though sometimes scenes run long with repeated confrontations.

Tighter editing could sharpen impact.

Recommended for readers who enjoy romance with community spirit, strong female leads, and a battle between love and ambition.

[Tara Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grayson and Michelle have been flirting with each other for years, in the typical slow burn way, but when she realizes that he is the same man set to destroy the business she worked hard for, their relationship will never be the same. Whether they can find a way to work together and salvage the relationship they began is the question.

I liked this book and understood each person’s point of view. While they appeared to be on opposite sides of the situation, a way for each to get what they want could be possible, if they work together. He was always honest with her, which I appreciated but found frustrating because it seemed like it was an excuse. I also understood why she found it hard to trust men, but also used her past as a crutch to not let anyone too close.

The slow build to their relationship was realistic and believable. I also liked all of the small town characters that helped both when needed. Her ex was horrible. I can’t wait for more in this series. I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

[Lori Wilen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an outstanding book and worthy of more than 5 stars. This book was so good in so many ways I hardly know where to begin and I don't wish to give out any spoilers. This book was so funny that I laughed until I cried. There were some really classic lines and scenes and as I think about them now I laughing. The characters were fabulous. The one bad character made think I was watching a Saturday morning show where we all booed at the villain because that is exactly what I was doing. The story was extremely well written and the conversations were so very real that I found myself raising my hand on an occasion or two wanting to say something and had to remind myself I was reading a book. There was nothing about this book that I didn't like and will absolutely recommend it to others to read. It can definitely be read as a stand alone. I am definitely excited for book 3 in the series and I know that Scott and Jessica's story will be memorable. I thank the author and publisher via Book Funnel for my ARC of this fabulous book.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michelle Lawson is owner of the popular coffee shop on the beach front in Twin Waves, North Carolina. She is given an eviction notice for sixty days from a development company that plans on tearing down the historic beach front businesses. Grayson Reed has been a loyal customer of the coffee shop for the past seven years and is stunned by Michelle’s declaration of war; and with the support of the other business owners who have also been served with notices just may cause him and his company to rethink their plans. I think this is a wonderfully written, sweet and clean romantic comedy that kept me laughing from the first page. I thought these were fantastic characters who find themselves falling in love a little later in life, they a beautifully written and very realistic. I highly recommend this book to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by the author.

[Mellen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not ready to be read

I loved the first Twin Waves book and couldn’t wait to get this one. I’m devastated to say I’m really disappointed in it. Giving “Brewing Up My Fresh Start” a two star rating hurts my heart.

Content editing was terrible or at least nonexistent. Whole paragraphs written repeatedly. Last names mixed up. Characters interacting before they’d made an appearance in the setting. Descriptions and phrases repeatedly repeated; sometimes in the same paragraph. Settings and characters mixed up. I made some annotations trying to keep the storyline straight but quit since I was reading for pleasure. It was beyond frustrating and extremely hard to finish.

The premise and the romance of the story were great. It’s just unfortunate that there were so many errors and inconsistencies. It’s almost as if the book was still a draft and rushed to print before it was ready.

[Leann Arave · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, small town, grumpy sunshine story. Michelle had built a thriving business, was engaged to be married and thinking she had life in the palm of her hand until her fiancé dumped her and took everything she had worked so hard for. Now after seven years, she has finally got back on her feet. But when a customer/friend, lets it slip that his company is revitalizing the whole coastal front and they have 60 days to vacate, she feels as if the rug was swept out from underneath her feet. Grayson has started having feelings for Michelle. But when his business plans are exposed, he fears he has lost more than a friend. The story is charming in the way they end up working together to find a plan that will work for everyone. The characters are entertaining, the romance is charming, and the storyline holds your attention. It is a clean, wholesome romance with no foul language..

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had it all from grumpy Grayson to romantic Michelle who had finally gotten over what her ex-fiance, David had done and had started a new coffee shop in Twin Waves.

I really enjoyed the ups and downs, the chemistry, and the brewing relationship between Michelle and Grayson that was perking away, sometimes hot and sometimes cold. There were also some shattered moments like a coffee mug falling to the ground. The tension and fun banter between Michelle and Grayson was so much fun.

The story was full of intrigue, secrets, and surprises that quickly pulled me in until the last page to see how everything would turn out. I liked how the wonderful characters supported Michelle through thick and thin and how ex, David came back into the picture. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brewing Up My Fresh Start is a witty, interesting, grumpy/sunshine, small town, romantic comedy. I loved Michelle and Grayson. I found it very interesting that Michelle had more vision about the project than Grayson. Of course, his investors were only interested in the financial gains - not in how it impacted the community. The 60 day notice of demolition sparked Michelle to unite the community and propose a different development plan. This well rounded story has a villain that you are going to love to hate. Ms. Hale serves up his just desserts in spades rather than letting him take everything from Michelle again. That is so satisfying. Of course, as Michelle and Grayson work to modify his original plan, they come to appreciate each other. I especially love the ending. when Grayson stands up to the investors. You really do not want to miss this engaging book!

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle moved to Twin Waves to start up a coffee shop after her ex stole everything from her. Grayson has been coming in daily for the last several years, they have a bit of a chat and then he goes. Now it turns out that not only is he her landlord but he's sent a letter saying she has sixty days to move out, they are demolishing the parade of shops and building new flats etc.
Michelle feels violated, he didn't give any indication what was going on, and now he's getting rid of her life?
Grayson realises that he's made a mistake, he needs to rectify this as soon as he can. But his investors are hassling him. Then Michelle's ex appears and starts causing waves.
Can they work together and come up with a compromise?

A great read from Cindy

[Shauna Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun enemies to lovers story
A longer read about how two people with opposing goals find the love they weren’t looking for when they are forced to work together. Michelle owns a beachfront coffee shop that is scheduled for demolition by Grayson’s company. As she battles to save her shop, the possibility of a compromise solution is raised forcing her and Grayson to work together. As they grow closer together, a threat is waiting in the wings. A threat that could have serious consequences for both. Will their fragile relationship weather the attack? A fun story. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The hero (Grayson) is absolutely clueless, obtuse and a bit of a dimwit… at least at the start… The heroine (Michelle) has spent years building up her business, and has been blindsided by who is planning to demolish it.

Cindy Ray Hale has crafted a charming small-town read, channelling David and Goliath… aka, small business owners vs developers.
The relationship was interesting.. a bit of a slow-burn, and seeing them work to meet on common ground was delightful.
The supporting characters were either deluded, hilarious, charming or interfering, but all fit well into the story.

Overall, a charming, low angst (there is still a bit of drama) read.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A casual friendship between a coffee shop owner and the developer who has just bought the waterfront properties turns to love in the blink of an eye. Michelle and Grayson learn that working together is much better than working against each other. Michelle was prepared for battle to save her shop and the shops of her friends, but Grayson quickly discovers that Michelle has great ideas for the community. The banter between the characters is great.
This is the second book in the Twin Waves series. It was great to revisit past characters. I can’t wait to read the next book about Scott and Jessica.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it from beginning to end. Two people who have been in each other's lives for a while because he would always come to her coffee shop but one day that all changed. Grayson comes in every day to get his coffee at Michelle's coffee shop but one day he comes in with news that will change Michelle's life and the whole town. They all team up to not only save the town shops but also to make these 2 understand that maybe just maybe they have a chance at love. I love it all, the story, the characters, everything that happens. It's one of those books you don't want to end♥︎

[Barbara Selman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC for my review. This is my first book by Cindy Rae Hale and I enjoyed it. It takes place in a small town and all the business owners have received letters that they have to vacate their shops in 60 days. The owner of Reed Development Corporation, Grayson, Reed, want to develop the town and take away the small town feel. However, the business owners don’t want to lose their businesses but they hav no problem in making their community better. I loved the story and enjoyed watching th journeys.

[Sheri Bolinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fantastic read! Michelle and Greyson have circled around each other, keeping things very surface friendly, for 7 years! Now, with Hreyson's company serving Michelle and other businesses a sixty day eviction notice, war is on! These two were hilarious! So awkward, emotionally damaged, with chemistry ricocheting through town! The hilarity of town gossips, crazy situations, and of course Frank the seagull, left me laughing uncontrollably at times. This was such a fantastic read and I cant wait to read it again!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author and I loved it.

The chemistry between Michelle and Grayson is so electric and way the humor is delivered kept me turning pages for hours. I just loved how they both have been through a few tough times in their past but together they can heal each other.

I love how this small town sticks together and everyone knows each other. It just draws you into the story and has you rooting for them all.

Definitely a page turner with wonderful small town characters. I'm looking forward to other books by this author.

[Sandy T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this romance story. There was lots of well written dialogue between the two main characters. Their back stories were interesting and formed the basis for their current emotional problems with each other. Casual friends first then becoming enemies fighting for their livelihoods and finally having to admit their true feelings for each other kept the book interesting and flowing well. I also enjoyed all the different secondary characters.

I received a free advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.