Whole Latte Love

Spirit of Hops #3

by J.E. Joyce

Welcome to Rapids Bay, Minnesota, where the coffee is strong, the gossip is stronger, and everyone knows your business.

Anya
Rapids Bay wasn’t supposed to be forever. It was just meant to be a soft landing after an injury ended my dance career. Somewhere to breathe, heal, and figure out how to exist without a spotlight and a leotard.
But then the coffee shop happened. My little corner of caffeine and chaos. My fresh start. My heart project.
And then there’s Alfie Larson.
Charming menace. Professional flirt. Human sunbeam. The man who makes the entire town side-eye us like we’re an episode of “Will They, Won’t North Woods Edition.”
We’ve been dancing around each other for me with actual choreography, him with the grace of a golden retriever in work boots. But one night changes everything, and suddenly I’m forced to face the I don’t just want a fresh start. I want him. I always have.

Alfie
I’ve lived in Rapids Bay my whole life, and I thought I knew exactly how things were supposed to go. Until Anya waltzed into town with a duffel bag, a broken heart, and enough fire in her to power the espresso machine for a decade.
She’s gorgeous, brilliant, stubborn, and somehow makes even the Monday morning regulars behave. And she has no idea I’ve been hopeless for her since the first time she told me I was steaming milk wrong.
Then the fire happens, and suddenly everything that mattered is at risk. I’m done pretending. All I want is for her to take a chance on me…preferably one that involves kissing, cuddling, and maybe a little more than that.
Now I just have to convince her that her past doesn’t get to choose her future; she does.

In Rapids Bay, sparks fly faster than gossip spreads, and love has a way of sneaking up on you between scones and sunrise shifts.

Whole Latte Love is a steamy small-town rom-com about two stubborn people finally giving in to the undeniable and proving that the best blends are hot, bold, and absolutely worth the mess.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2025

Reviews

[Colleen Gulbransen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to read the ARC of Whole Latte Love! This was my first time reading this author, and the story hooked me immediately. The main characters felt so real and it was easy to root for them. The author set the scene with such beautiful descriptions of the different settings within the town that made me feel like I was really there! There were some moments where the pacing left me wanting just a little more, primarily because I would have loved to read more about the smaller moments that happened between our FMC and MMC in between the bigger plot points. That being said, I really enjoyed the overarching character growth throughout the book.

The main themes of this book felt very genuine and relatable. Watching these characters work their way through struggles surrounding perceived identities and personal traumas was a delight, particularly as they grew closer and found ways to really lift each other up.

Overall, a wholesome and fun rom-com!

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I really enjoyed the overall story in this had a really fun plot. I enjoyed the characters and there was no third act breakup which I enjoy. it was quick read as well. I liked the minnesota setting and the backdrop of the coffee shop.

definitely fell right into the middle for me.

[Felicia Finley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review* I really enjoyed Alfie and Anya’s story. J.E Joyce does a great job of keeping things light, happy, and hopeful even when things get hard. Even though this is part of a series you didn’t need to read the previous books to understand the storyline. Highly recommend this book.

[Nil · Rating 4 out of 5]

When is a slow burn not a slow burn? When J.E. Joyce writes a romance novel. Anya & Alfie are cute, goofy, and completely in denial about their feelings. The way Joyce writes in the off page time makes it feel as if we've been able to watch from a distance this whole time. In the space of the book, it feels almost insta-love but it's more that they're being honest about their feelings finally. I enjoyed all the banter that the characters have, even the minor ones. There are plenty of serious & angsty moments as well. I liked the lack of a third act break-up. There's more than enough tension & struggle throughout the book without it. Whole Latte Love is like watching two friends dance around until Fate finally knocks some sense into them. Once that happens there are some deliciously steamy scenes.

Joyce absolutely nails small town life in Minnesota too. If you're from there you'll feel like she's talking about where you grew up. If you're not one of the lucky ones and need some insight, this is Minnesota at some of her best. It's impossible not to cheer for Alfie & Anya to overcome their challenges and get an HEA.

[Michelle Brecke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read by JE Joyce and I love the cozy Minnesota vibes.

Alfie and Anya are that couple who don't know they're a couple. They both have history that may make them hesitant to put themselves out there but as they navigate the hurdles that life puts in their way they come to trust each other and themselves.

Overall I can't wait to read more from this interconnected series set in beautiful Minnesota!

[Linda Krogstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time reading this author whom I stumble upon at a book fair in Minnesota. I want to thank you for the opportunity to read the ARC of Whole Latte Love! I purchased Chasing Sunsets and haven't read yet. I loved the premises of the book in a coffee shop !!!!! The charactors were brought to life for me and I really wanted to meet Alfie! The book was so descriptive like I was there watching Anya and Alfie fall in love. Of course they took way too long! Small town vibe in Minnesota for sure!

It was a wholesome and fun rom-com! Can't wait to read your other books.

[Mel Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was small town, Minnesota goodness. Alfie and Anya are so in denial of their feelings for one another which makes for some excellent banter. They dance around each other and refuse to admit what is right in front of them until fate gives them a big old push. This was a cute friends to lovers read and I loved the coffee shop setting and the Minnesota vibes. A great quick read that gives perfect cozy vibes for the winter!

Thank you J.E. Joyce for this ARC in return for my honest review. My opinions are my own.

[Jen Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cute, cozy, small-town Minnesota romance! I love these two idiots. I don’t want to risk spoilers, but suffice to say I love the stakes of this book with these two building a dream together. Alfie is so down bad for Anya. The gossipy biddies were fun, too. And the spice is just wonderful. JE’s descriptions are evocative and lush. I highly recommend this for some cozy, low stakes, cuddled up swooning.

[J K H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit I don’t read much MF anymore but this was different - the representation was amazing and incredible real. Anya and Alfie’s relationship evolved from a teasing boss/employee/friend to so much more. Beautifully written and set in small town Minnesota! Wonderful book and I will absolutely be reading more by this author!

[booksandnina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was my first time reading this author, but I’m so glad I picked up their book! All in all, I found it heartwarming and fun, with well layered characters and a welcoming, cozy setting. Really enjoyed it!

*I received a reader copy & this is my honest, voluntary opinion.*