Java Frost

Cupid's Coffeeshop #1

by Courtney Hunt

How can falling in love be so much fun?

Doctor Ben Brooks knows more about curing cancer than he does about raising kids. He spends all his time in his lab, searching for a cure, and avoiding contact with people. Growing up as a child prodigy, he’s never been good with relationships, but now he’s suddenly responsible for his young daughter, Livvy. At a loss for how to relate to the solemn, quiet child, he knows he needs help fast.

At just turned thirty, preschool teacher Amy Lane wants to travel over her summer break. Though she’s up for any adventure, she needs a part-time job to fund her wanderlust. Unfortunately, part-time jobs are scarce in the quaint and charming town of Ashford Falls.

When Ben observes Livvy interacting so easily with her teacher during a chance encounter at the coffeeshop, he hires Miss Amy on the spot to teach him how to have fun with his daughter. But when he becomes smitten with the lively teacher who brightens the gray January days, will he learn how to have fun and fall in love all at the same time?

Java Frost is the first book in the heartwarming Cupid’s Coffeeshop series, featuring an entire year of couples finding their happily-ever-afters in the quaint and adorable small town of Ashford Falls, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you enjoyed Gilmore Girls, Parenthood, or Hart of Dixie, you’ll love Courtney Hunt’s charming Cupid’s Coffeeshop series, filled to the brim with warmth, humor, and a dash of the unexpected.

Step into Cupid’s Coffeeshop where happily ever afters are served daily. Treat yourself to Java Frost today!

Publisher's Note: Java Frost is a romance novella (approximately 67 pages) and contains some mature content. Recommended for readers over 18.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Fiction, Chick Lit

85 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 5, 2016

About the author

Courtney Hunt writes heartwarming love stories filled with swoony heroes, hopeful new beginnings, and small-town charm. A former attorney turned full-time romance author, she’s the USA Today bestselling author of Cupid’s Coffeeshop, Always a Bridesmaid, and the upcoming Cupid’s Sweet Shoppe series.

Courtney’s books are perfect for readers who believe in cozy evenings, second chances, and happily ever afters—with a side of cupcakes, of course. She’s passionate about crafting romantic escapes with humor, heart, and just enough real life to make you believe love really does conquer all.

When she’s not writing, you’ll find her curled up with a good novel, wrangling her two cats (Colby and Jack), or baking sourdough in her Virginia kitchen.

✨ Say hi at authorcourtneyhunt.com or follow her for new releases, bookish updates, and behind-the-scenes peeks.

Reviews

[Chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confused for a little while


Writing: Courtney Hunt is a good writer. The organization of the story could use some help. The beginning should have been labeled prologue and the end epilogue. Courtney introduced characters, got you to root for them and then plops a totally different story with different characters in front of you. I soo wanted to ask the interlopers


Characters: Ben, Amy and 3 year old Livvy are the MCs…sort of. Amy is looking for adventure, Ben wants to make his daughter laugh. By the way, whatever happened to Ruby Davis? She completely disappeared.

Storyline: Frustration. The book had an interesting opening. I was digging the cousins and dead grandma premise. I buckled up for an interesting angst filled bumpy ride. But the next thing I know, not only did we jump ahead 3 months, but the story shifts to 3 completely different people. After my disappointment and frustration receded, I began to enjoy the story between Ben, Amy and Livvy. I thought the driving force of ‘teaching play’ was eye roll worthy, but whatever.

But then the book moves into overdrive, like lightyears fast. I was tempted to DNF, but it was only a few pages left. And those few pages shifts back to original cast but only for about 4 paragraphs and the book ends.

Intimacy Scenes: One thing Ben and Amy did not lack was chemistry.

Overall: I liked it, then I was confused, then I liked it again, then I was like ‘whoa’, and ended with frustration, but glad I read it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Java Frost

Courtney Hunt

Holy cow! JAVA FROST is the perfect way to start a series. I just adored this story and can't wait to continue with the Cupid's Coffeeshop series. Three heirs to their grandmothers estate have just learned that they will be spending a year running her coffee shop. They are shocked and assume they will never be able to compete when there are Starbucks on every other corner. Patrick, Zooey, and Joe's story is laugh out loud funny but the real story is about Amy and Ben.


Ben has a daughter Livvy and Amy is Livvy's teacher. Ben is an uptight doctor who pays Amy to teach him how to play. He never had much of a childhood and can't seem to connect with his three year old. Livvy loves her teacher and Amy is trying to save up some money to go to England in the summer. So of course she accepts the job and the challenge. JAVA FROST is such a sweet quick story but trust me, there is plenty of heat involved! I'm so excited to continue this series. All of the stories seem quick as well and exactly what I need to help balance out this crazy time of year.


I have never read Courtney Hunt before but after reading JAVA FROST I am going to make sure she is on my author radar! I hope Ben and Amy make another appearance as I continue this wonderful series.

[Krissys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Java Frost (Cupid's Coffeeshop #1) by Courtney Hunt  
 
 
 
A fairy tale ending wasn’t in her future… Preschool teacher Amy Lane’s Prince Charming must have gotten lost along the way to quaint Ashford Falls. Maybe she’ll need to get out into the world to find him. But to find love and adventure on her travels, she needs a part-time job quick. Life threw him for a loop… Ben Brooks knows more about curing cancer than he does about raising kids. He spends all his time in his lab, searching for a cure, and avoiding contact with people. Growing up as a child prodigy, he’s never been good with relationships, but now he’s suddenly responsible for his young daughter, Livvy. At a loss for how to relate to the solemn, quiet child he knows he needs help and he needs it fast. Until fate intervenes… When Livvy and Ben meet Miss Amy in Cupid’s Coffeeshop, she easily gets Livvy to giggle. Hoping to learn her technique, Ben hires Amy to teach him to have fun with his daughter. But when he falls hard for the lively woman who brightens the gray January days, will lessons in fun turn into playing for keeps? Step into Cupid’s Coffeeshop, where happily-ever-afters are served daily.
 
 
 
 
Java Frost is the first in the Cupid's Coffeeshop series. A simple quick read for those on a busy schedule. Java Frost is only around sixty pages long and easily read in one sitting.
I'm not sure the author was sure what she wanted this book to be as it started out as one thing then morphed into another. But as its so short its hard to really explore it since its lacking in a lot of detail. I did like the characters though so it has potential.
 



 


Courtney Hunt
 
 


 



 

 




 





 
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Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.

Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review from the author.
 

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[Ann Omasta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely novella is as comforting and delightful as a warm mug of tea on a cloudy, brisk day. I chose tea because I don't like coffee. Despite that fact, this book made me want to visit Cupid's Coffeeshop in real life. I'd like to find a comfy chair in a cozy corner where I could snuggle in and get to know the likable characters that live in this charming town. Since I can't go there in person, I think I'll continue reading this heartwarming series. BTW, I received this story by visiting the author's website and signing up for her newsletter. Not sure how long this deal will be available, but it's worth a shot. A great read that's free ~ talk about a win-win!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! This is a great start to a new series! Set in a coffee shop the possibilities are endless for romances. This one involves a preschool teacher and the father of one of her pupils. It might be cold outside but Oh Baby it's hot inside! A very sweet story but also very hot! Can't wait to read the next book in this new series.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Chloe (Always Booked) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novella is the first in the Cupid Coffee Shop series. It set the premise of the series- an older lady dies and leaves all of her money to the animal shelter unless her 3 grandkids rehab her old coffee shop and get it open in 3 months and keep it open for a year. So the grandkids (Joey, Zooey and Patrick) do that and I thought the story would be about them but it’s not. One of Zooey’s friends, Amy (a preschool teacher) comes in as does one of her students (Livvy) and her Dad Ben. Ben is not used to having custody of Livvy but her mom is gone (they are separated) so he has her for a month or so. He is a very serious doctor and doesn’t know how to play with his daughter, so he hires Amy to help him figure out how to relate to her. Of course, they fall into bed within a couple weeks, he confesses his love and they agree to get married. It all happened so unbelievably fast, and since this is a novella I didn’t really have time to care about Amy or Ben. Hopefully future books go back to the 3 grandkids and have more to do with them.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is part of a boxed-set I am reviewing each book as I read them. I enjoyed this short book from the very first page. The premise of the book is that siblings Zooey and Patrick and their cousin Joe have to run Cupid's Coffeeshop for a year - or the money left by their grandmother goes to the local humane society. All three million dollars of it! This wouldn't be so bad, but the place is rundown, has no customers and they've no idea how to run it. While the development of characters isn't what I'd like, since this was a short story it wasn't something I really can fault. I really enjoyed the side characters of Amy and Ben - who by the end of the story are falling in love. Olivia was adorable. I'm not fond of short stories so don't make a practice of getting them. However, this was an instafafreebie so ..... This was the first time I've read anything of Courtney Hunt's, however I already know that this set won't be the last book I'll buy/read.

[Nikki]

I thought this story was super cute. Amy is looking for a bit of adventure in her life. After several failed relationships, she feels as if the romantic part of her life is non-existent and she is ready to see the world and travel. She currently works as a school teacher in a sleepy town where new blood is almost non-existent. In order to be able to travel, she must find part-time employment. In walks Dr. Ben. He is taking care of his daughter Olivia for a month while her mother is away for work. He hires Amy to help him to learn how to play with his daughter, a skill which he did not learn while he was a child. The relationship turns romantic. And while Amy is afraid to fall for someone new, she rushes headfirst into a beautiful love affair. I enjoyed every moment of their story and hope that they make an appearance throughout the series. - I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story

I was able to read this book in one sitting. It was a very quick read and a cute story, although somewhat confusing at first.

This novella moved really fast. Although there was hesitation on both Ben and Amy's part, there was none of the prolonged angst that is sometimes found in romance novels.

At first, I thought the wrong book had been downloaded. I think it would help if some of the information about the coffee shop was added to the description in order to avoid confusion.

The book description is about Amy, Ben, and his daughter Livvy. The book begins with Patrick, Joe, and Zooey in a lawyer's office finding out about Cupid's Coffee Shop.

If you are looking for something quick, light-hearted, and fun to read with a little steaminess, this book is for you.

[Solfreedom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a quick, sweet, and refreshing romance. The premise of the series is, that three cousins have a year to turn the coffeeshop into a thriving business. This seems difficult, but they try and in turn, bring romance and a wonderful conversation stop, with excellent creative coffees of the month.
Maybe even a little magic!!!
This story was about a preschool teacher and a dad and daughter, who need to learn to be a family, and having the strength, to take a chance. I thought that this story was well written and a quick read.
This is the 1st in the Cupid's Coffeeshop series. Each is about a 1/2 - 1 hour read. They should be read in order. All the characters interact and become a big part of the coffeeshop!!

Thanks for the journey!!

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't be confused like I was, this IS the story of Amy and Ben. BUT FIRST... we learn about the origin of Cupid's Coffeeshop and a little bit about the three people who are forced to run it for a year -- and make it profitable -- so that they'll receive their grandmother's sizable inheritance.

Amy is a preschool teacher and meets her student Livvy, and her father, Ben, in Cupid's. Ben is super stiff and doesn't know how to play with Livvy. Amy agrees to help and thus begins this relationship.

It's a cute story, not super dramatic with just enough sexiness to keep me interested. Can't wait for book 2.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short, easy to read novella - perfect for a flight, waiting around somewhere and killing time. Not a lot of angst or a lot of drama but more a sweet story with a little steam. You can feel the chemistry between the two and who doesn't like a slightly nerdy sexy dad? The author doesn't bash you over the head with sex scenes but they are there. Overall, enjoyable and definitely worth a read with Kindle Unlimited.

[Debbie Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet love story

This was a quick read. It is a sweet story of a father's love for his daughter and learning to be a fun, involved dad and the teacher who helps him finally make his daughter laugh.

[Catherine Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book!

[Melindeeloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - Cute little shorty romance, very likable leads. I liked the coffee shop and the special drink as the catalyst for the romance. Can't wait to see the owners get their HEAs too.

[Nicki Conroy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good storyline, though predicatable. I would read more about this town and these characters.

[jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coffee shop book

I received this book for a read and review. I thought this was an awesome romantic coffee shop story. I give this quick read five stars.

[Destiny Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG AMAZING BOOK SHE FOUND LOVE IN A PLACE SHE THOUGHT COULD NEVER HAPPEN

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a warm and inviting story!

After Mary dies, her three grandchildren only inherit if they can run Cupid’s Coffeeshop together for a year. The three cousins are… reluctant, to say the least. I thought this was an interesting vantage point; although not entirely original, I loved this concept!

Every month they plan to serve a different special coffee, hence now the wintery name Java Frost (the story takes place in the winter). The coffeeshop serves as a sort of backdrop in the story. An introduction so to speak, a meeting place. Amy meets Ben there (kids are great at breaking the ice, aren’t they?). Amy is a thirty year old preschool teacher, very sweet and playful. And Ben, father of three-year-old Livvy, he’s so serious! He needs to learn how to just be… silly.

The story is warm and inviting. Sweet and light. Fun and flirty. It’s the perfect summer read (even though it’s winter in the book). It’s a novella, so it’s quick. At one point things happen a bit too quickly for my liking, but despite that, I loved this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily provided an honest review.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super sweet and fast read, this was just cute on every front! Author Courtney Hunt has created a 12 book series that is centered around Cupid's Coffeeshop. This 1st in the series opens to us learning how the coffee shop comes to be and sets us up with the Lockhart family of cousins that run it - each of who will also find their love story within the series.

In Java Frost, Dr. Ben Brooks meets his daughter's preschool teacher Amy at Cupid's Coffeeshop one day where both are struck with instant attraction. But experience has taught Amy that she isn't good at lasting love, and besides, she can't get involved with her student's parent. And Dr. Ben is so uptight he doesn't even know how to play with his own 3 year old daughter. He knows he is better off spending his spare time in his lab. But regardless what the two tell themselves, it appears cupid's arrow has struck and will not be denied.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful start to a series, Java Frost tells the story of the revival of Cupid's Coffeeshop by the Lockhart cousins. As Joe whips up a coffee special for New Year, namely Java Frost, Doctor Ben Brooks and Amy Lane fall under Cupid's spell. Ben is an emotionally locked in academia who is unable to relate well to people in general, and certainly not to his three year old daughter Olivia. He appeals to Amy to teach him how to "play", a word that is foreign to him in every way. As the Amy introduces Ben to ways in which to reach his little girl, the attraction between them flares and is aided along by liberal does of coffee from Cupid's Coffeeshop. I read this short novel as part of the Cupid's Coffeeshop Omnibus and it is a pleasure to recommend this well written, heart-warming romance. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Deb Diem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Java Frost by Courtney Hunt is a fun, fast-moving book. Ms. Hunt has given us a book that is well-written and a smooth read. I love the characters and humor in this story. Joe, Zooey and Patrick are challenged to reopen Cupid's Coffeeshop and make it profitable within a year. They are not the main characters in the story though. Amy Lane is a customer at the store and used to babysit Zooey when she was younger. Amy is a school teacher and meets her student Livvy's father at the coffee shop. Their story is fun, filled with humor, a little drama and spice. I enjoyed reading Java Frost and look forward to reading more from Courtney Hunt in the future. Java Frost is book 1 of the Cupid's Coffeeshop Series and can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.



I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel.

[Jorg · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book starts interesting, but gets lost in a side-story that all of sudden is the main story.
The story seems to be about three relatives the inherit a coffeeshop. Within one year they have to make it profitable to get the whole inheritance. Once the shop opens the story takes a completly different turn and you in a romance of two customers of the coffeeshop.
Only at the end of the stroy do you realise this is the first book in a long series that spans the year in which the three main characters have to make the coffeshop a succes.
It's an interesting idea, but it's nice to know the before you start to read the first book.
The characters is nice and funny and could become interesting. You hardly get to know them in the first book. Hope that changes in the next book.

[Staphysagria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really sweet, clever and appetising book about a brother, sister and cousin who inherit a run down coffee shop and the task to make it profitable within one year to receive the rest of their grandmother's legacy which is a sizeable sum. The clever old lady wanted to re- unite the estranged cousins with this task. You are introduced to a vast number of people and there are many hints dropped at future projects for cupid, the patron spirit of this café. And the idea for this entire series is charming :for each month the threesome are working hard to achieve their goal there is one lucky couple emerging at the end of each book. The book titles represent Joe's monthly coffee special. So, if you have a hunter - gatherer nature you won't rest until you have collected them all.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed "Java Frost" by Courtney Hunt. This is the first of many novellas in the fun series Cupid's Coffeeshop. You fall instantly in love with this small idyllic town and the cast of characters. It's a fast read, I was able to start and finish in one sitting - keeps you engaged from the first to last page. Fans of the contemporary romance genre (especially clean romance) will want to add this book / series to their collection. I'm looking forward to seeing how this series builds as it moves forward.
Happy Reading...enjoy!

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was cute. I liked the characters. Amy is sweet and kind. Ben seems nice, I didn't think there was enough about him (besides background) to determine his character. Regardless it was a cute short story. The only thing I didn't like was that Amy and Ben fall into bed. It was more graphic than I like. This could have been a "sweet" romance except for that one scene.

[Nati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben a brillant doctor doesn't have a clue at how interact with her daughter Livvy , so when he sees how Amy, her preschool teacher interact with her in the Cupid Coffeeshop, he hires Amy to help him improve the relationship with Livvy. Can Ben and Amy help each other and have a chance at love? A sweet love story

[Amanda Siegrist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, short story

This was a very sweet, short story about two people meeting, one full of life and fun, the other more serious and looking how to have fun. It's a very quick story but you do get a sense of the small town and where the next books in the series are leading to. More love to fall at the residents feet once they step inside Cupid's Coffeeshop.

[Nadia Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short steamy romance novella that would have been better if released as a box set. The ending leaves you wondering what happens between Amy and Ben. I guess her happily ever after was to have sex with a stranger.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet!

Ben/doctor-scientistand Amy/preschool teacher
This is a sweet shot story a great beginning to the series. Not only did I get a connection between the H and h but also the owners of the coffee shop. Livvy,Amy and Ben's story has a satisfying HEA!!