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Confessions #1
Confessions from a Coffee Shop
Librarian Note: Alternate Cover Edition for ASIN: B00LSO4BY8.
Cori Tisdale was on top of the world. A basketball star at Harvard and a promising author with a lucrative book deal.
A few years later, Cori’s life is falling apart. Her beautiful girlfriend, Kat Finn, has a shopping addiction. To make ends meet, Cori takes a part-time job at a coffee shop.
Just when Cori thinks her life can’t get any worse, an old crush appears out of the blue. Cori’s friendship with Samantha Clarke pushes Cori further into a dangerous abyss when Sam reveals two secrets to Cori and asks her not to tell a soul, including Kat.
Will this be the end of Cori’s and Kat’s relationship?
Cori Tisdale was on top of the world. A basketball star at Harvard and a promising author with a lucrative book deal.
A few years later, Cori’s life is falling apart. Her beautiful girlfriend, Kat Finn, has a shopping addiction. To make ends meet, Cori takes a part-time job at a coffee shop.
Just when Cori thinks her life can’t get any worse, an old crush appears out of the blue. Cori’s friendship with Samantha Clarke pushes Cori further into a dangerous abyss when Sam reveals two secrets to Cori and asks her not to tell a soul, including Kat.
Will this be the end of Cori’s and Kat’s relationship?
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2014
72 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
T.B. Markinson
70 books1,152 followersT. B. Markinson is an American writer, living in England. When she isn't writing, she’s traveling the world, watching sports on the telly, visiting pubs in England, or taking the dog for a walk. Not necessarily in that order.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
August 15, 2019
“Confessions From a Coffee Shop (Confessions #1)” is actually a sequel, despite being number 1 in this series. We met the MCs in Book 0, “Confessions From The Heart”. This book picks up three years after Book 0, and presents a few challenges to Cori Tisdale and her artist girlfriend Kat Finn.
I confess (hey hey) to being just a little apprehensive about starting this book. I really really enjoyed book 0, and the blurb and several reviews made “Coffee Shop” sound darker, with Cori and Kat’s relationship in trouble. Yes, I know a little angst keeps books from being boring, but relationship troubles abound IRL, and I frequently enjoy lesfic as an escape most when it presents a “life as we wish it could be” romance. But Lori Prince is the narrator. How could I NOT want to listen to this??? Ohhh….that voice.
Errr, I digress.
Income-earning challenged Kat is addicted to shopping, to the point that Cori has taken on a second job to try to stem the bills. Cori made the mistake of telling Cori she could shop to her heart’s content after Cori scored her first book deal, but then Cori hit writer’s block and has been stuck for a year unable to finish the book…and receive money.
Kat seems equally stuck in an artistic abeyance, and isn’t selling any paintings.
Enter Cori’s high-school cheerleader crush Samantha, fresh off a break-up with her girlfriend Lucy. Yep….Cori learns that her once-crush likes girls! BTW…the opening scene of the book, with Cori on the phone with Nell, her mother, as Samantha walks into the coffee shop was absolutely hilarious!
Much of the book is like a Seinfeld sitcom episode: a story about nothing. Just lots of wonderful interactions of interesting people without any over the top angst or drama.
Dinner with Cori’s family is hilarious, with Kat’s family interesting (“rattlesnakes have more charm”, thinks Cori). Lunch with Kat, Cori and Nell at the restaurant as Nell loudly announces she’s begun enjoying “cowboy porn” and laments a lack of recent sex with Cori’s father is hilarious as Cori tries sticking her fingers in her ears and uninhibited Kat suggests they start a porn reading book club!! Coffee shop colleague Harold decides he wants to go to a lesbian bar to meet women wanting a threesome, and while Cori tries dissuading him, Kat decides they should all go together!!
The only trope on display was non-communication. Cori is very stressed over bills and her second job, but never discusses things with Kat. To her credit though, she recognizes how much in love with Kat she is despite this financial flaw. Samantha is a great new character, and it was interesting that the normally assured Kat was threatened by Cori’s former crush. I hope to see more of Samantha and her love-interest in the next book.
“Confessions From a Coffee Shop” is very enjoyable, with 5* narration, and great characters. The story is fun and while I was relieved there was no teary crazy drama, I recommend the story with 4*, not quite 5*. Once again I wish goodreads offered something between 4* and 5*, because my 4* rating is definitely a strong recommendation!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
My rating and my review was not in anyway affected by my having been provided a review copy.
I confess (hey hey) to being just a little apprehensive about starting this book. I really really enjoyed book 0, and the blurb and several reviews made “Coffee Shop” sound darker, with Cori and Kat’s relationship in trouble. Yes, I know a little angst keeps books from being boring, but relationship troubles abound IRL, and I frequently enjoy lesfic as an escape most when it presents a “life as we wish it could be” romance. But Lori Prince is the narrator. How could I NOT want to listen to this??? Ohhh….that voice.
Errr, I digress.
Income-earning challenged Kat is addicted to shopping, to the point that Cori has taken on a second job to try to stem the bills. Cori made the mistake of telling Cori she could shop to her heart’s content after Cori scored her first book deal, but then Cori hit writer’s block and has been stuck for a year unable to finish the book…and receive money.
Kat seems equally stuck in an artistic abeyance, and isn’t selling any paintings.
Enter Cori’s high-school cheerleader crush Samantha, fresh off a break-up with her girlfriend Lucy. Yep….Cori learns that her once-crush likes girls! BTW…the opening scene of the book, with Cori on the phone with Nell, her mother, as Samantha walks into the coffee shop was absolutely hilarious!
Much of the book is like a Seinfeld sitcom episode: a story about nothing. Just lots of wonderful interactions of interesting people without any over the top angst or drama.
Dinner with Cori’s family is hilarious, with Kat’s family interesting (“rattlesnakes have more charm”, thinks Cori). Lunch with Kat, Cori and Nell at the restaurant as Nell loudly announces she’s begun enjoying “cowboy porn” and laments a lack of recent sex with Cori’s father is hilarious as Cori tries sticking her fingers in her ears and uninhibited Kat suggests they start a porn reading book club!! Coffee shop colleague Harold decides he wants to go to a lesbian bar to meet women wanting a threesome, and while Cori tries dissuading him, Kat decides they should all go together!!
The only trope on display was non-communication. Cori is very stressed over bills and her second job, but never discusses things with Kat. To her credit though, she recognizes how much in love with Kat she is despite this financial flaw. Samantha is a great new character, and it was interesting that the normally assured Kat was threatened by Cori’s former crush. I hope to see more of Samantha and her love-interest in the next book.
“Confessions From a Coffee Shop” is very enjoyable, with 5* narration, and great characters. The story is fun and while I was relieved there was no teary crazy drama, I recommend the story with 4*, not quite 5*. Once again I wish goodreads offered something between 4* and 5*, because my 4* rating is definitely a strong recommendation!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
My rating and my review was not in anyway affected by my having been provided a review copy.
March 3, 2016
3.5 stars. This wasn't half bad! It had likeable characters, a decent plot, and correct grammar. I stand by my earlier observation; that LGBT romances are somehow written more... tastefully than straight romances. Probably because there's a lot less swooning. But then again, I kind of held back on my rating because despite having every fucking thing in life, Cori has atrociously low self esteem. She also whines. A lot. The ending was kind of forced; I mean, things don't just fall into place so easily.
Also, I'm sorry, but pumpkin spice latte and praline latte do not qualify as coffees. Anyone who drinks that is not a coffee snob.
Yours,
An actual coffee snob.
Also, I'm sorry, but pumpkin spice latte and praline latte do not qualify as coffees. Anyone who drinks that is not a coffee snob.
Yours,
An actual coffee snob.
February 5, 2017
I feel a little bit guilty rating this one at only 3 stars. If I based the review entirely on the strength of the writing, the book would be at least 4 stars. T.B. Markinson is very skilled; her characters have consistent, individual voices, the dialogue is witty, and her stories flow very well.
Still, I had a really difficult time sympathizing with the characters. All of the characters seemed like unhappy people living troubled lives, heading for what seemed to be inevitable wreckage almost entirely because no one bothered to have an honest conversation with anyone else. As a result, I rapidly became frustrated with...well, everyone.
I will say that this book is more complex, more nuanced, than the average romance novel. The challenges involved in dealing with the protagonists' families weren't the typical homophobia issues. Ms. Markinson capably demonstrated how Cori and Kat were shaped by said families simply by showing their interactions with one another. Additionally, the reader isn't absolutely certain who's going to end up with whom until well into the book, and that uncertainty helped maintain some tension.
Still, I had a really difficult time sympathizing with the characters. All of the characters seemed like unhappy people living troubled lives, heading for what seemed to be inevitable wreckage almost entirely because no one bothered to have an honest conversation with anyone else. As a result, I rapidly became frustrated with...well, everyone.
I will say that this book is more complex, more nuanced, than the average romance novel. The challenges involved in dealing with the protagonists' families weren't the typical homophobia issues. Ms. Markinson capably demonstrated how Cori and Kat were shaped by said families simply by showing their interactions with one another. Additionally, the reader isn't absolutely certain who's going to end up with whom until well into the book, and that uncertainty helped maintain some tension.
August 8, 2014
There's no doubt about it: T.B. Markinson is a terrific writer, with a great sense of humor. I laughed out loud at sentences like "I gave her the drink, being careful not to touch her hand, fearful I might break it--or pet her." Full of strong writing and lots of conflict, Confessions From A Coffee Shop is never dull, not for a second.
I wanted to like the novel more than I did, but I just couldn't...mostly because of main character Cori. She asks in the beginning, "Who am I to judge others?" yet it's all she does. She is quick to label one woman as "dowdy," often forming opinions of others by their appearances rather than who they are as people. Her tendency to think rather highly of her own physique and talents as a writer comes across as arrogant rather than honest self-appraisal. She is the exact opposite of her very kind, if fiscally irresponsible, girlfriend Kat.
Even though Kat spends money like it's water without serious consideration of what can go wrong when you do that, she is rather quite endearing. She is the reason I continued to read long after I wanted to throw some coffee (not scalding, of course!) over Cori and her exasperating ways. Kat may need to curb her shopping habits, but she has such a good heart and truly cares for Cori. Often, solid romances work best when two people are completely different from each other. That's sure the case here!
I don't regret reading Confessions From A Coffee Shop at all, though. T.B. Markinson's previous book Marionette is so outstanding and so gloriously good I guess part of me is still thinking of that and unfairly comparing it to this. Instead, I should focus on how refreshing and wonderful it is that the author never repeats herself when she writes a new book.
July 15, 2014
Cori is stuck. She is a writer with a partly finished book that is going nowhere. Her partner, Kat, is a looker. And one that has a serious shopping addiction so Cori finds herself working multiple jobs in an effort to pay the bills. One of those jobs is being a barista at a coffee shop so she knows that business well but would rather not know it quite so well. The extra money is simply to help make ends meet but then life gets more and more complicated .
Family dynamics enter full force and both Cori and Kat find themselves dealing with issues that swirl around them endlessly -- threatening to cause chasms between them that they may not be able to overcome.
TB Markinson is a skilled author who weaves a story that I simply can not put down. I read this one on a trip from Dallas to Des Moines and even frequent interruptions from my drunken seatmate did not deter me from finishing!
I have had the privilege of receiving advance copies of all 3 of TB Markinson's novels for reviewing and can honestly say that they just keep getting better and better! Her attention to the details of crafting a quality book shine through repeatedly and her story lines are always believable and engaging. Character development is an important part of any book and this author has the skill for inserting the reader right smack dab in the middle of the lives of her characters.
I love to read good fiction. This is not only good-- it is great. Keep writing, T B Markinson!!! Please!!!!
Family dynamics enter full force and both Cori and Kat find themselves dealing with issues that swirl around them endlessly -- threatening to cause chasms between them that they may not be able to overcome.
TB Markinson is a skilled author who weaves a story that I simply can not put down. I read this one on a trip from Dallas to Des Moines and even frequent interruptions from my drunken seatmate did not deter me from finishing!
I have had the privilege of receiving advance copies of all 3 of TB Markinson's novels for reviewing and can honestly say that they just keep getting better and better! Her attention to the details of crafting a quality book shine through repeatedly and her story lines are always believable and engaging. Character development is an important part of any book and this author has the skill for inserting the reader right smack dab in the middle of the lives of her characters.
I love to read good fiction. This is not only good-- it is great. Keep writing, T B Markinson!!! Please!!!!
August 17, 2019
I really like Cori. I didn’t think that would happen with one of T.B. Markinson’s characters since, as I wrote before, they’re usually too real and flawed for me to like them. I enjoy reading about them but I wouldn’t want them as friends. Yet there’s something different about Cori. She’s awkward and self-deprecating in just the right way to make her endearing. She’s also quite annoying, privileged and not always aware of how much. But I don’t know, I like her anyway. At least, she tries. Lori Prince’s narration is definitely responsible for a big part of it. Her voice and tone are perfect for Cori.
Another huge part of Cori’s appeal is her family and their interactions. Her mother loves embarrassing her with talk of sex, prompting this kind of reaction: « The woman across the table gave birth to me, and I’m still traumatized by being that close to her vagina ». I had to stop the audiobook and write that sentence down, that’s how much I laughed.
In book 0, Confessions from the Heart, Cori fell in love with Kat. Three years later, life is not as beautiful as it was. Cori is struggling to finish her first novel and juggling jobs to support Kat’s art… and her shopping addiction. Then a former classmate of Cori’s enters the picture. Samantha was a cheerleader in high school and Cori’s biggest crush at the time. So of course it creates friction between Cori and Kat. Neither dares really question the other about what bothers them. It doesn’t help that Cori’s parents act even weirder than usual and that Kat’s father, the nefarious Phineas Finn, keeps interfering.
There’s not much happening in this book, which might sound negative but isn’t. There’s no big revelation, no plot twist. It’s mostly day to day in the life of Cori and Kat, their families and friends and, strangely enough, it’s not boring at all. Once again, this book stresses the importance of communication. Secrets usually cause trouble. But they make for good stories…
And I already praised Lori Prince’s narration but it has to be said again: her voice for Kat is the sexiest.
Another huge part of Cori’s appeal is her family and their interactions. Her mother loves embarrassing her with talk of sex, prompting this kind of reaction: « The woman across the table gave birth to me, and I’m still traumatized by being that close to her vagina ». I had to stop the audiobook and write that sentence down, that’s how much I laughed.
In book 0, Confessions from the Heart, Cori fell in love with Kat. Three years later, life is not as beautiful as it was. Cori is struggling to finish her first novel and juggling jobs to support Kat’s art… and her shopping addiction. Then a former classmate of Cori’s enters the picture. Samantha was a cheerleader in high school and Cori’s biggest crush at the time. So of course it creates friction between Cori and Kat. Neither dares really question the other about what bothers them. It doesn’t help that Cori’s parents act even weirder than usual and that Kat’s father, the nefarious Phineas Finn, keeps interfering.
There’s not much happening in this book, which might sound negative but isn’t. There’s no big revelation, no plot twist. It’s mostly day to day in the life of Cori and Kat, their families and friends and, strangely enough, it’s not boring at all. Once again, this book stresses the importance of communication. Secrets usually cause trouble. But they make for good stories…
And I already praised Lori Prince’s narration but it has to be said again: her voice for Kat is the sexiest.
August 23, 2014
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Confessions From A Coffee Shop is about a girl named Cori who lives in Boston with her girlfriend, Kat, and works 3 jobs. Kat has a bit of a spending habit and thus they're in debt. She also has to deal with her melodramatic mother and she needs to finish her novel.
I like the main character, even if I don't understand the way she thinks sometimes. Her mom is a bit difficult, but I like her aunt. I spent most of the book being annoyed at her girlfriend, Kat, but I liked her a bit more by the end. I think Harold was a fun character just because of how clueless he is. Sam and Lucy are nice as well. I sort of thought Cori was going to try to cheat on Kat with Sam, but I'm happy that I was wrong. My least favorite character in the book was Kat's dad, Phineas Finn. He's a pompous jerk. He just informed Cori that she was working for him now. Both of Kat's parents were boring and frigid, though I think that was the point.
I loved Cori's "inner dialogue." I think that part was really well done. She's pretty introverted most of the time, unless alcohol is involved. I just wish she wouldn't have blamed herself for Kat's spending habits. It really wasn't her fault. If I was her, I would've cancelled the credit card account. I like that she's vegetarian too. I might be a bit biased though since I'm also a vegetarian. I really liked Cori's relationship with her father. I like that her and her mom do stuff together too, but books don't seem to show nice father/daughter relationships.
I figured out one part of the story before it was revealed, but that didn't make me like it any less. The book was a light read and I read most of it in one night. The ending was cute. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes romance.
Confessions From A Coffee Shop is about a girl named Cori who lives in Boston with her girlfriend, Kat, and works 3 jobs. Kat has a bit of a spending habit and thus they're in debt. She also has to deal with her melodramatic mother and she needs to finish her novel.
I like the main character, even if I don't understand the way she thinks sometimes. Her mom is a bit difficult, but I like her aunt. I spent most of the book being annoyed at her girlfriend, Kat, but I liked her a bit more by the end. I think Harold was a fun character just because of how clueless he is. Sam and Lucy are nice as well. I sort of thought Cori was going to try to cheat on Kat with Sam, but I'm happy that I was wrong. My least favorite character in the book was Kat's dad, Phineas Finn. He's a pompous jerk. He just informed Cori that she was working for him now. Both of Kat's parents were boring and frigid, though I think that was the point.
I loved Cori's "inner dialogue." I think that part was really well done. She's pretty introverted most of the time, unless alcohol is involved. I just wish she wouldn't have blamed herself for Kat's spending habits. It really wasn't her fault. If I was her, I would've cancelled the credit card account. I like that she's vegetarian too. I might be a bit biased though since I'm also a vegetarian. I really liked Cori's relationship with her father. I like that her and her mom do stuff together too, but books don't seem to show nice father/daughter relationships.
I figured out one part of the story before it was revealed, but that didn't make me like it any less. The book was a light read and I read most of it in one night. The ending was cute. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes romance.
July 29, 2014
*copy received from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Confessions from a Coffee Shop is the third novel I've read by T.B. Markinson, and while more of a romance than the others, it deals with some of the same themes of finding yourself and dealing with a relationship. To be honest, I spent much of this novel disliking both Cori and Kat. I didn't understand why Cori wouldn't confront Kat about her spending issues, and why she felt that she had to be the "provider" in the relationship. Seems like a bit of an antiquated notion to me...I've always felt that the 2 people in a relationship should be more like partners. In the end though, I thought both characters were nicely redeemed. Once Cori begins to deal with her inability to open up to others, everything falls into place. All is not as it seemed...and isn't that the lesson here? Communicate with each other...you might be surprised what happens when you do!
I'd be totally remiss if I didn't mention my favourite character, Harold. I love how he blossoms under Kat's tutelage! A real diamond in the rough.
4 stars
Confessions from a Coffee Shop is the third novel I've read by T.B. Markinson, and while more of a romance than the others, it deals with some of the same themes of finding yourself and dealing with a relationship. To be honest, I spent much of this novel disliking both Cori and Kat. I didn't understand why Cori wouldn't confront Kat about her spending issues, and why she felt that she had to be the "provider" in the relationship. Seems like a bit of an antiquated notion to me...I've always felt that the 2 people in a relationship should be more like partners. In the end though, I thought both characters were nicely redeemed. Once Cori begins to deal with her inability to open up to others, everything falls into place. All is not as it seemed...and isn't that the lesson here? Communicate with each other...you might be surprised what happens when you do!
I'd be totally remiss if I didn't mention my favourite character, Harold. I love how he blossoms under Kat's tutelage! A real diamond in the rough.
4 stars
March 27, 2015
I've got to say that the author has a nice flowing style to her writing that I honestly enjoyed. I couldn't however get along with the narrators voice:
Sentences like these just aren't bound to make me enamoured with a character; seeing how I wouldn't meet up with people that seem to see others solely as gateways to fleeting sexual pleasure I sure as hell don't plan to put up with them in my reading.
So this goes straight (<-ha!) to my did-not-finish shelf.
I still would recommend it to readers that mind this kind of lingo less than I do.
"Samantha was the cheerleader everyone had wanted to fuck. She had to have known that back then, but she never acted as if she did, which only made her more fuckable, at least in my mind"
Sentences like these just aren't bound to make me enamoured with a character; seeing how I wouldn't meet up with people that seem to see others solely as gateways to fleeting sexual pleasure I sure as hell don't plan to put up with them in my reading.
So this goes straight (<-ha!) to my did-not-finish shelf.
I still would recommend it to readers that mind this kind of lingo less than I do.
January 2, 2016
Couldn't finish this book. I only got to the second chapter before I had to drop it. The first chapter seemed promising, but then the second chapter was just clunky writing doing nothing but informing the reader about every family member in the protagonist's life and lots of details about them, many which seemed trivial and unimportant. While the family members may play an important role in the protagonist's life and in the story overall, it was just an information dump out of the blue and I couldn't wade my way through it.
August 10, 2019
I read this book in practically one sitting. It’s my favorite by this author so far and I have to say I enjoyed it. The book is from the POV of Cori, who is a bit of a fuckup, kind of an ass at times, and really sucks at communication, but basically a real person. I didn’t want to sympathize with her, but I found myself doing so. She makes mistakes and stupid decisions. but she ends up being sympathetic.
The side characters really made this story for me. Normally I’m not a huge fan of family drama, but Cori’s mother and aunt are just so much fun, plus they didn’t overwhelm the narrative.
The book is set in the States, but I had a really hard time picturing it there, especially at the beginning. I kept picturing this to be set in England. Certain phrases like “pop in” and “whilst” felt very British.
Overall,the writing is solid and the story entertaining, even if the lack of basic communication was the driving force for the plot.
Four stars.
The side characters really made this story for me. Normally I’m not a huge fan of family drama, but Cori’s mother and aunt are just so much fun, plus they didn’t overwhelm the narrative.
The book is set in the States, but I had a really hard time picturing it there, especially at the beginning. I kept picturing this to be set in England. Certain phrases like “pop in” and “whilst” felt very British.
Overall,the writing is solid and the story entertaining, even if the lack of basic communication was the driving force for the plot.
Four stars.
February 7, 2017
2.5/5
I found this book for free on Amazon and thought: why not? I don't often read LGBT and so I decided to try.
It did not work. I don't mean LGBT doesn't work for me, but this book in particular. There were too many things that I was not ok with.
First of all, I did not like the main character. She is supposed to be a vegetarian but drink oyster stout, eat shrimp etc. I mean, it's ok, people eat what they want, but why pretend she is a vegetarian and she has beliefs if these are not to be respected? I found it really stupid and upsetting. Her way of thinkings was also getting on my nerves, why doesn't she confronts her girlfriend about things? Aaaaaarh.
Then, there was the sex. I know it's a new adult book and that there will be sex, it's not the problem, the sex scenes were not too bad, but it's the endless talk about sex and the attitude of the character towards other people. I mean, "I bet he's never had a BJ in his life", why do we care? Seriously, it's really wrong to say things like that, and it happened a lot.
After 7% of the book (and seeing too many times the word "fucking" and too many attitudes that made me roll my eyes), I almost decided to stop reading it. But then, there were still positive things in this book.
The plot was not too bad and I wanted to know what was going to happen. The whole Sam things was well done and I liked how it ended (not what I expected and that's good!). I also liked the references about books and movies and stuff on the Internet that I know and that I enjoy. Goodreads was mentionned, and that was really great. As well as Neil Gaiman, Brandon Sanderson, Twilight... Stuff you don't often find in books and that made me happy cause I know these references.
Some things were funny, some things were great about this book, but it did not work at all for me.
I found this book for free on Amazon and thought: why not? I don't often read LGBT and so I decided to try.
It did not work. I don't mean LGBT doesn't work for me, but this book in particular. There were too many things that I was not ok with.
First of all, I did not like the main character. She is supposed to be a vegetarian but drink oyster stout, eat shrimp etc. I mean, it's ok, people eat what they want, but why pretend she is a vegetarian and she has beliefs if these are not to be respected? I found it really stupid and upsetting. Her way of thinkings was also getting on my nerves, why doesn't she confronts her girlfriend about things? Aaaaaarh.
Then, there was the sex. I know it's a new adult book and that there will be sex, it's not the problem, the sex scenes were not too bad, but it's the endless talk about sex and the attitude of the character towards other people. I mean, "I bet he's never had a BJ in his life", why do we care? Seriously, it's really wrong to say things like that, and it happened a lot.
After 7% of the book (and seeing too many times the word "fucking" and too many attitudes that made me roll my eyes), I almost decided to stop reading it. But then, there were still positive things in this book.
The plot was not too bad and I wanted to know what was going to happen. The whole Sam things was well done and I liked how it ended (not what I expected and that's good!). I also liked the references about books and movies and stuff on the Internet that I know and that I enjoy. Goodreads was mentionned, and that was really great. As well as Neil Gaiman, Brandon Sanderson, Twilight... Stuff you don't often find in books and that made me happy cause I know these references.
Some things were funny, some things were great about this book, but it did not work at all for me.
November 21, 2014
Confessions From a Coffee Shop tackles the struggles of a relationship between Cori and Kat. No doubt that Cori adores Kat, even to the point where she takes three jobs, plus her writing career, to cover her girlfriend’s addiction. If that isn’t true love, not sure what is. And despite Kat’s obvious downfalls, she’s such an engaging character, I found myself drawn to her. And I could see why Cori worked so hard to pay the debts. But the issues around the couple only deepen. I loved how some the couple’s problems were resolved when Cori started opening up more. It says a lot about relationships.
Markinson has a gorgeous way of telling stories that pulls you in and you’re hooked before you know it. This is the third book I’ve read of hers, and she’s on my favorite author list. I love her quirky and humorous characters. Highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good love story.
Markinson has a gorgeous way of telling stories that pulls you in and you’re hooked before you know it. This is the third book I’ve read of hers, and she’s on my favorite author list. I love her quirky and humorous characters. Highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good love story.
July 15, 2014
She did it again!
This is the third book that I have read by T. B. Markinson, and it is the third book by her that I love…. Just as in her other two books, the author weaves a tale that captures you and prevents you from putting the book down. I finished the story in one day. My favorite part was all the well rounded (and usually hysterical) supporting characters! I truly hope that TB finds a way to bring them back in a future novel!
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review...
This is the third book that I have read by T. B. Markinson, and it is the third book by her that I love…. Just as in her other two books, the author weaves a tale that captures you and prevents you from putting the book down. I finished the story in one day. My favorite part was all the well rounded (and usually hysterical) supporting characters! I truly hope that TB finds a way to bring them back in a future novel!
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review...
September 24, 2014
I really love this book.. someone should make a movie out of this.. dysfunctional family is a win win.
November 16, 2020
Great book.
I thought I knew where this book was going but I was wrong. Pleasantly surprised there was no cheating, a little communication problems and love all over the place. Thanks for writing.
I thought I knew where this book was going but I was wrong. Pleasantly surprised there was no cheating, a little communication problems and love all over the place. Thanks for writing.
February 18, 2017
Books about writers with writers block are a little too self-indulgent for me.
August 28, 2014
Sometimes we read to escape, and it doesn’t matter whether the characters or events are realistic as long as we are swept away by the story and entertained. However, other times the most fulfilling read of all is one that paints a picture of real life, a story that we can relate to on various levels, with characters who remind us of ourselves or of people we know. A journey begins on the first page and we, as the readers, are allowed to hop aboard the train along with the characters and experience the trip through the mountains and valleys of life until the ultimate destination is reached. This is Confessions from a Coffee Shop.
Cori Tisdale is a Harvard graduate who teaches British literature at a local university. She is highly educated, comes from a family of successful women, and is in the midst of writing a novel herself, but the ending forever eludes her. In the meantime, the only way she can make ends meet is to grab whatever hours she can at Beantown Café. Her girlfriend of three years, Kat, is a shopaholic and has racked up Cori’s credit cards so high that Cori has to resort to making fancy coffees to help pay off the debt, but she does so without complaint because she loves Kat dearly and can’t imagine life without her. While trying to figure out how to pull her life back in line, Cori never fails to receive support from her family and friends, even though sometimes she may not know it. She’s smart but has no confidence in herself. She’s stubborn and independent, and she has trouble opening up to allow people to see her for who she really is. What follows is a story of growth and a journey of discovery where Cori must learn to relax and realize that she is not a failure and that she has everything going for her if she will just allow herself to break through the walls she has built up around herself.
Once again, T.B. Markinson’s writing style captured my attention immediately. She doesn’t just ease you into the story slowly and carefully. Instead, she grabs you and yanks you in with that first attention grabbing sentence and keeps you mesmerized right through to the last page. Don’t get me wrong. This book is neither action packed nor filled with mystery and suspense. However, I could not put it down because the characters were so wonderfully diverse, and I really found myself becoming attached to them and wanting to find out the paths their lives would take. Markinson takes the time at the beginning to paint the most vivid character descriptions so that you can easily picture what they are like and get to know them well before you even find out what the story is going to be about. No two characters are alike, and they all have flaws just like we do in real life, but they never fail to love and support each other which is very heartwarming. They are also very funny and quirky which makes for an interesting read. Confessions from a Coffee Shop is a wonderful character study, and like a character in another book I read recently stated, “people are inherently interested in other people”. I think that’s one of the reasons why I found this story so appealing.
Confessions is an easy read, not because it’s too short or too simple but rather because it flows so well. It is rich with detail, emotion, and food for thought. You can’t help but read this story and find yourself growing as a person alongside Cori. I highly recommend this book - it has something for everyone.
Cori Tisdale is a Harvard graduate who teaches British literature at a local university. She is highly educated, comes from a family of successful women, and is in the midst of writing a novel herself, but the ending forever eludes her. In the meantime, the only way she can make ends meet is to grab whatever hours she can at Beantown Café. Her girlfriend of three years, Kat, is a shopaholic and has racked up Cori’s credit cards so high that Cori has to resort to making fancy coffees to help pay off the debt, but she does so without complaint because she loves Kat dearly and can’t imagine life without her. While trying to figure out how to pull her life back in line, Cori never fails to receive support from her family and friends, even though sometimes she may not know it. She’s smart but has no confidence in herself. She’s stubborn and independent, and she has trouble opening up to allow people to see her for who she really is. What follows is a story of growth and a journey of discovery where Cori must learn to relax and realize that she is not a failure and that she has everything going for her if she will just allow herself to break through the walls she has built up around herself.
Once again, T.B. Markinson’s writing style captured my attention immediately. She doesn’t just ease you into the story slowly and carefully. Instead, she grabs you and yanks you in with that first attention grabbing sentence and keeps you mesmerized right through to the last page. Don’t get me wrong. This book is neither action packed nor filled with mystery and suspense. However, I could not put it down because the characters were so wonderfully diverse, and I really found myself becoming attached to them and wanting to find out the paths their lives would take. Markinson takes the time at the beginning to paint the most vivid character descriptions so that you can easily picture what they are like and get to know them well before you even find out what the story is going to be about. No two characters are alike, and they all have flaws just like we do in real life, but they never fail to love and support each other which is very heartwarming. They are also very funny and quirky which makes for an interesting read. Confessions from a Coffee Shop is a wonderful character study, and like a character in another book I read recently stated, “people are inherently interested in other people”. I think that’s one of the reasons why I found this story so appealing.
Confessions is an easy read, not because it’s too short or too simple but rather because it flows so well. It is rich with detail, emotion, and food for thought. You can’t help but read this story and find yourself growing as a person alongside Cori. I highly recommend this book - it has something for everyone.
July 24, 2014
Love is a universal feeling, loving someone who has the ability to spend you into the poorhouse? Well, it is more common than we like to think. Cori, an athletic, well-educated woman from a good family, working in a reasonably well-paying job has had to return to a part-time, entry-level coffeehouse barista’s job to try and make ends meet. She promised to take care of her partner, the drop dead gorgeous and wonderful Kat, who has a rabid shopping addiction and no job. Between the stress of work, family issues from both sides and other outside influences, there is tension in their relationship, which may be insurmountable. What to do? Cori takes the easy way out, do nothing, say nothing, unless Kat brings it up, because she just couldn’t take it if the love of her life walked out on her, but it is taking its toll on Cori. While their friends around them also do the mating dance, or try to, and family members are having dramatic crises, one after the other, The creative side of Cori, as a new author, has just stumbled over a huge boulder, called writer’s block, she has a great story, but has lost the feel for an ending. Is it the stress of the world around her? Her own insecurity? The fact that her mother is a famous and seemingly effortless author? The mounting bills? There is definitely trouble in Paradise and the issue needs to be addressed, quickly.
T. B. Markinson takes the heartbreak of a troubled relationship and turns it on its heels as she fills her tale with a most delightful cast of quirky and often downright strange characters, you know, kind of like friends you know, without them, you world will spin off center, like a flat tire on a bumpy road. Confessions From A Coffee Shop is one part romantic, one part in need of therapy all around and one part hysterical humor that sneaks up on you slowly then tickles your fancy into huge guffaws. speaking through the mind and thoughts of Cori, has guaranteed some priceless moments, good, bad, frenzied, but always in love.
Ms. Markinson writes with a free spirit, zigging when she should zag, but always keeping affairs of the heart close at hand as one couple struggles to identify their relationship and learn to live within its bond in a more open and honest way. Like I said earlier, love is universal, how we treat it is a life lesson that shines through this entertaining read. Gotta love an author that keeps you coming back for more, no matter what she writes, because you know it is going to resonate with you, while still being entertaining.
Publication Date: July 13, 2014
Publisher: T. B. Markinson
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 200 pages
Available from: Amazon
T. B. Markinson takes the heartbreak of a troubled relationship and turns it on its heels as she fills her tale with a most delightful cast of quirky and often downright strange characters, you know, kind of like friends you know, without them, you world will spin off center, like a flat tire on a bumpy road. Confessions From A Coffee Shop is one part romantic, one part in need of therapy all around and one part hysterical humor that sneaks up on you slowly then tickles your fancy into huge guffaws. speaking through the mind and thoughts of Cori, has guaranteed some priceless moments, good, bad, frenzied, but always in love.
Ms. Markinson writes with a free spirit, zigging when she should zag, but always keeping affairs of the heart close at hand as one couple struggles to identify their relationship and learn to live within its bond in a more open and honest way. Like I said earlier, love is universal, how we treat it is a life lesson that shines through this entertaining read. Gotta love an author that keeps you coming back for more, no matter what she writes, because you know it is going to resonate with you, while still being entertaining.
Publication Date: July 13, 2014
Publisher: T. B. Markinson
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 200 pages
Available from: Amazon
April 23, 2015
The best thing that I like about this book is that it is completely unpredictable.
I definitely know who end up with who, but the point is, when I think the characters are gonna act a certain way, they turned and did the opposite.
The author has humor. Almost every of the characters are likable. Their personalities being portrayed in a realistic way, none of them are perfect, they have flaws, they make mistakes, some try to change themselves, while other remain the same (the Aunt and Uncle *ahem*).
I didn't view Kat in a positive viewpoint at first, but the more I know her, I gradually love her. Though, her jealously is what make me cringe at time- given her past, Sam's secrets, and some of Cori's reactions toward Samantha, it is understandable. However, I feel like there should be more communication between these two. It was as if, right until the end, the two of them still in the process of fixing themselves, they didn't reach their peak of love yet (well maybe they did- but I still feel it is not perfect)- but then again, no character in this book is perfect.
Some minor flaws that bothered me:
I definitely know who end up with who, but the point is, when I think the characters are gonna act a certain way, they turned and did the opposite.
The author has humor. Almost every of the characters are likable. Their personalities being portrayed in a realistic way, none of them are perfect, they have flaws, they make mistakes, some try to change themselves, while other remain the same (the Aunt and Uncle *ahem*).
I didn't view Kat in a positive viewpoint at first, but the more I know her, I gradually love her. Though, her jealously is what make me cringe at time- given her past, Sam's secrets, and some of Cori's reactions toward Samantha, it is understandable. However, I feel like there should be more communication between these two. It was as if, right until the end, the two of them still in the process of fixing themselves, they didn't reach their peak of love yet (well maybe they did- but I still feel it is not perfect)- but then again, no character in this book is perfect.
Some minor flaws that bothered me:
March 22, 2015
Disclaimer: I was given a free e-copy of ‘Confessions from a Coffee Shop’ in exchange for an honest review.
I chose to read ‘Confessions from a Coffee Shop’ because I had previously enjoyed ‘Marionette’ by the same author (talented T.B. Markinson). However ‘Marionette’ is a novel for young adults, and Confessions is a romance for adults (one of my least favourite genres).
The main character, Cori Tisdale, is a writer with a writer’s block. She works several jobs (English-lit teacher, barista and dental billing) because her partner Kat (an artist) has an expensive shopping addiction. During an early shift at the coffee shop, Cori meets Samantha, who used to be a cheerleader and whom Cori had a crush on back in the school days. While she doesn’t know all the details, Kat becomes jealous of Samantha, who is still in love with her ex-girlfriend Lucy. Everyone has to deal with the ups and downs of life, regardless of their good looks.
Even so the characters were well developed and suitably dysfunctional, it took me half the book to warm up to their wealthy families, despite the eccentricity of some. Don’t get me wrong, there was humour in the description and character building, and even if the humour was not to my taste, I could appreciate the satire.
I am only giving 3.75 stars to ‘Confessions from a Coffee Shop’, but it is well written, and more three-dimensional than most romantic novels (that are too frequently monochrome and two-dimensional). T.B. Markinson knows how to deal with appearances. This novel will entertain most readers and gratify them with a happy ending.
I chose to read ‘Confessions from a Coffee Shop’ because I had previously enjoyed ‘Marionette’ by the same author (talented T.B. Markinson). However ‘Marionette’ is a novel for young adults, and Confessions is a romance for adults (one of my least favourite genres).
The main character, Cori Tisdale, is a writer with a writer’s block. She works several jobs (English-lit teacher, barista and dental billing) because her partner Kat (an artist) has an expensive shopping addiction. During an early shift at the coffee shop, Cori meets Samantha, who used to be a cheerleader and whom Cori had a crush on back in the school days. While she doesn’t know all the details, Kat becomes jealous of Samantha, who is still in love with her ex-girlfriend Lucy. Everyone has to deal with the ups and downs of life, regardless of their good looks.
Even so the characters were well developed and suitably dysfunctional, it took me half the book to warm up to their wealthy families, despite the eccentricity of some. Don’t get me wrong, there was humour in the description and character building, and even if the humour was not to my taste, I could appreciate the satire.
I am only giving 3.75 stars to ‘Confessions from a Coffee Shop’, but it is well written, and more three-dimensional than most romantic novels (that are too frequently monochrome and two-dimensional). T.B. Markinson knows how to deal with appearances. This novel will entertain most readers and gratify them with a happy ending.
July 20, 2014
Anyone who has read any of Ms Markinson’s books know that she can write. My favorite part of her books or stories is that all of their characters have some kind of issue(s). The story is about Cori, a Professor and a writer who also works part time at a coffee shop to pay for her large credit card bill. She absolutely hate the coffee shop job but feels she has no choice.
Ms Markinson’s books are easy to read. They capture your attention right from the first sentence and keeps you interested till the end. I liked the story very much but there were times when l wanted to shake or slap Cori. She was working multiple jobs to pay for her large credit card bills due to her girlfriend, Kat’s shopping addiction but she never once in the book talks about it with her till the end. By then l didn’t really care, l felt like it didn’t matter. In short l was not a fun of Kat the girlfriend but definitely loved how everything came together for the MC. The book is fast paced, funny, and has a few short sexy scenes. Pretty much what l need in a book to make to love or enjoy it. I kept turning the pages to see what will come next.Thanks to the author for my copy. And l cannot wait for the next book from this author. Highly recommended.
Ms Markinson’s books are easy to read. They capture your attention right from the first sentence and keeps you interested till the end. I liked the story very much but there were times when l wanted to shake or slap Cori. She was working multiple jobs to pay for her large credit card bills due to her girlfriend, Kat’s shopping addiction but she never once in the book talks about it with her till the end. By then l didn’t really care, l felt like it didn’t matter. In short l was not a fun of Kat the girlfriend but definitely loved how everything came together for the MC. The book is fast paced, funny, and has a few short sexy scenes. Pretty much what l need in a book to make to love or enjoy it. I kept turning the pages to see what will come next.Thanks to the author for my copy. And l cannot wait for the next book from this author. Highly recommended.
August 8, 2014
And she’s back! Now don’t get me wrong, Markinson (TBM)’s last novel,
Marionette
, wasn’t bad and was excellently written, it just wasn’t for me. However, Confessions from a Coffee Shop harkens back to
A Woman Lost
in humor and fun! I flew through this and couldn’t help but smile the entire time I read this novel. I received a copy from the author and received no compensation for my response. If this review sounds at ALL interesting you should request a preview copy from her here.
I said above that TBM is back and the reason I say that is because she’s return to what she knows and what I can assume is a comfort zone for her. I don’t fault her one bit for stretching her writing muscles in her second novel, but I’m so glad she returned to her strengths!
Click here to continue reading on my blog The Oddness of Moving Things.
I said above that TBM is back and the reason I say that is because she’s return to what she knows and what I can assume is a comfort zone for her. I don’t fault her one bit for stretching her writing muscles in her second novel, but I’m so glad she returned to her strengths!
Click here to continue reading on my blog The Oddness of Moving Things.
September 1, 2014
Cori’s schedule is tight with obligations towards the love of her life, an unfinished novel, and her three jobs. She has all these jobs because her girlfriend, Kat, has a shopping addiction and she’s paying off all the debts. She has a teaching job, a billing job on the side that she was pressured to take on, and the worst one is working part-time at a coffeehouse frequented by people who are too busy and arrogant to appreciate her.
She had the world at her feet at one time. She used to be a basketball star and a Harvard student. When someone from her past, a beautiful former cheerleader named Samantha, walks into the coffee establishment, Cori's life is shaken up. Samantha used to be her crush, and now she’s feeling those same feelings again. She can’t betray her beautiful girlfriend, can she?
This is a fast read with engaging characters. I loved Cori and her wacky mother and coworker. I disliked Kat at first, because it didn’t seem fair that Cori was supporting her when she’s chronically and willingly unemployed, but she ended up having some redeeming qualities. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
She had the world at her feet at one time. She used to be a basketball star and a Harvard student. When someone from her past, a beautiful former cheerleader named Samantha, walks into the coffee establishment, Cori's life is shaken up. Samantha used to be her crush, and now she’s feeling those same feelings again. She can’t betray her beautiful girlfriend, can she?
This is a fast read with engaging characters. I loved Cori and her wacky mother and coworker. I disliked Kat at first, because it didn’t seem fair that Cori was supporting her when she’s chronically and willingly unemployed, but she ended up having some redeeming qualities. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2015
Sweet
This was a touching LGBTQ love story. The book follows Cori and her girlfriend Kat through their ups and downs.
The Good:
+ I really liked Cori. She was incredibly relatable.
+ The story itself was incredibly relatable. Situationally, this could happen to anyone, be anyone. It wasn't an over the top romance novel/fairytale.
+ Cori's family was hilarious! And crazy... I (unfortunately) related more to Kat's family, and wished that I had had Cori's, or had at least known her family.
+ The sex scenes weren't over the top. Sometimes you want crazy sex scenes, other times you want sweet ones. Not saying they weren't steamy, because they were. They just weren't crazy.
The Bad:
- At times, it felt a little slow.
- There were a few editing errors, but not enough to piss me off.
The Ugly:
-- I got nothin'!
This was a touching LGBTQ love story. The book follows Cori and her girlfriend Kat through their ups and downs.
The Good:
+ I really liked Cori. She was incredibly relatable.
+ The story itself was incredibly relatable. Situationally, this could happen to anyone, be anyone. It wasn't an over the top romance novel/fairytale.
+ Cori's family was hilarious! And crazy... I (unfortunately) related more to Kat's family, and wished that I had had Cori's, or had at least known her family.
+ The sex scenes weren't over the top. Sometimes you want crazy sex scenes, other times you want sweet ones. Not saying they weren't steamy, because they were. They just weren't crazy.
The Bad:
- At times, it felt a little slow.
- There were a few editing errors, but not enough to piss me off.
The Ugly:
-- I got nothin'!
November 8, 2014
I just finished Confessions From a Coffee Shop by T.B. Markinson. This book shines with the wit and smooth writing of the other books I’ve read by Ms. Markinson. However, it is a little thin on plot. Essentially it’s about a young writer, Cori Tisdale, living in the shadow of her famous author mother. Cori has writer’s block and takes odd jobs to pay for her girlfriend’s expensive shopping excursions. I like the characters, they are believable with real problems. I’d have liked to have seen the conflicts developed a little more fully, however, and a few more obstacles placed in the way of the main characters achieving their goals. Overall, a good read, and certainly not a disappointment to Markinson’s many loyal readers.
November 3, 2014
Confessions from a Coffee Shop is a fun book to read. Its a cute romance full of charming characters that are extremely entertaining to read. Although, Cori sometimes hits the wishy-washy area, it also reflects life and relationships in a real way. After all, it takes time to find the courage to attack some touchy issues in relationships and it also takes time and reflection to be able to dig yourself out of a hole to a better future. This is heavy in the romance genre so its also a genre that I haven't touched in a while. I'm never sure what to expect because it can always get formulaic but this one is a recommended read. I had a lot of fun with this one! :)
July 24, 2014
It tells the story of two women in love. They each have issues and struggles, but loving each other is not part of those struggles. Adding an old high school crush to the mix, certainly makes the story interesting. Will the relationship stay strong? Will insecurity dissolve the relationship? The family dynamic always adds to the mix of a story. Cori's mom made me laugh. This book wasn't what I expected, but was enjoyable. Even though I was told in advance it wasn't like her other books, I expected more drama, more intensity.
August 21, 2014
A delightful romance with hot, steamy sex which only a lesbian could write about. It's a familial story with a bossy mother who is paranoid about her husband's infidelity, and an aunt who has a art gallery and a roving husband. Into this mix is Kat, Cori's girlfriend, who has the unenviable task of bringing Cori to speak about her feelings and worries. The reader knows what Cori is thinking and not sharing, but eventually she finds her truth and her book.
July 13, 2016
Very witty writing style. Couldn't put it down. LOVED the story but now I want Kat!
Cleaverly written and amusing. This story is more of a day-to-day in the life of Cori Tisdale. A jock in high school and college but now struggling to keep her bills paid. This writer is more of a cozy lesbian romance writer. There is very little written about the physical contact between the characters. Little swearing and no violence.
Cleaverly written and amusing. This story is more of a day-to-day in the life of Cori Tisdale. A jock in high school and college but now struggling to keep her bills paid. This writer is more of a cozy lesbian romance writer. There is very little written about the physical contact between the characters. Little swearing and no violence.
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