What do you think?
Rate this book
Ryder's Boys #3
A Cup of Joe
“You’ve never had a chance to explore yourself.”
Bruce LeFlorette is the owner of a struggling boutique coffee shop, the business passed down to him by his late parents. With the family legacy on his shoulders he’s had no time for romance, especially when the big corporate cafe opens up just down the block. His only respite from the stress of his failing business is by blowing off steam at his local boxing class.
“In this game, there’s only room for one to win.”
Joe Jordan, CEO of the hottest new chain of coffee shops, is back in his hometown following the opening of his store’s newest location. The success of his business has been his life’s dedication—but recently he’s started to find himself wanting more.
“I don’t do anything half-assed. I get the feeling you’re the same way.”
When Bruce meets Joe at his boxing class, the two hit it off fast—especially when Joe finds himself no match for Bruce’s fast fists. After a hard defeat, he just can’t stop thinking about the fiery younger man. The attraction between such passionate souls is undeniable—but what will happen when they discover they’re one another’s biggest rival?
A Cup of Joe is a 40,000-word standalone contemporary gay romance, complete with lots of heat and a happily ever after ending.
Bruce LeFlorette is the owner of a struggling boutique coffee shop, the business passed down to him by his late parents. With the family legacy on his shoulders he’s had no time for romance, especially when the big corporate cafe opens up just down the block. His only respite from the stress of his failing business is by blowing off steam at his local boxing class.
“In this game, there’s only room for one to win.”
Joe Jordan, CEO of the hottest new chain of coffee shops, is back in his hometown following the opening of his store’s newest location. The success of his business has been his life’s dedication—but recently he’s started to find himself wanting more.
“I don’t do anything half-assed. I get the feeling you’re the same way.”
When Bruce meets Joe at his boxing class, the two hit it off fast—especially when Joe finds himself no match for Bruce’s fast fists. After a hard defeat, he just can’t stop thinking about the fiery younger man. The attraction between such passionate souls is undeniable—but what will happen when they discover they’re one another’s biggest rival?
A Cup of Joe is a 40,000-word standalone contemporary gay romance, complete with lots of heat and a happily ever after ending.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2017
55 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 3, 2021
San Diego, CA.
Bruce's Mom passed away and now he runs the family coffee/sandwich shop. It's stressful, so he goes to the gym, especially the stress relief of boxing, which is where he meets Joe. Just Joe.
Neither wanted to delve into their work, they were there to de-stress in the terrific boxing class.
When Bruce, early twenties, knocks him down,
Joe, 33, sees white flowers, not the clichéd stars or angels. Is it a coincidence that Bruce sees white flowers when he feels his Mom's presence?
We watch the men get along well, take turns at each one's house for visits and they fit well, like true friends. We learn about families and friends.
I like these guys, professionals, sharp, strong and dedicated. Still, after time, they don't talk work.
When they finally decides it's time to get physical, it's first times for Bruce. Bruce has seemed sheltered from life.
They sizzle and spark and are extremely passionate. Both know they feel forever vibes.
They get a rough patch when Bruce finds out Joe, CEO of a company running a coffee shop, is his competition. There is hurt, anger and depression, but the love is still intact.
There has to be an answer, a plan that meets all concerned.
Well written, fun, extraordinary, fanciful, with fast love, Bruce's couple of magical talks with his Mom's spirit.
I liked this light gay romance, and it was very entertaining, even though it's not completely realistic. I agree it was a take on You've Got Mail, the movie, but I liked the characters and just had fun with the ride.
The ending, epilogue made me happy.
ENJOY !
=====
Bruce's Mom passed away and now he runs the family coffee/sandwich shop. It's stressful, so he goes to the gym, especially the stress relief of boxing, which is where he meets Joe. Just Joe.
Neither wanted to delve into their work, they were there to de-stress in the terrific boxing class.
When Bruce, early twenties, knocks him down,
Joe, 33, sees white flowers, not the clichéd stars or angels. Is it a coincidence that Bruce sees white flowers when he feels his Mom's presence?
We watch the men get along well, take turns at each one's house for visits and they fit well, like true friends. We learn about families and friends.
I like these guys, professionals, sharp, strong and dedicated. Still, after time, they don't talk work.
When they finally decides it's time to get physical, it's first times for Bruce. Bruce has seemed sheltered from life.
They sizzle and spark and are extremely passionate. Both know they feel forever vibes.
They get a rough patch when Bruce finds out Joe, CEO of a company running a coffee shop, is his competition. There is hurt, anger and depression, but the love is still intact.
There has to be an answer, a plan that meets all concerned.
Well written, fun, extraordinary, fanciful, with fast love, Bruce's couple of magical talks with his Mom's spirit.
I liked this light gay romance, and it was very entertaining, even though it's not completely realistic. I agree it was a take on You've Got Mail, the movie, but I liked the characters and just had fun with the ride.
The ending, epilogue made me happy.
ENJOY !
=====
November 11, 2022
I enjoyed this sweet romance
But I was bothered by an act of physical violence between the mcs. Besides that it was sweet and uncomplicated.
But I was bothered by an act of physical violence between the mcs. Besides that it was sweet and uncomplicated.
February 6, 2017
I loved the MCs , especially Bruce, I feel very identified with a lot of his words! I didn´t expect those deep thoughts about life ~
The story is not bad either, it really has a BIG resemblance with "You´ve got mail" film xD but is nicely built.
BUT the ending... it totally ruins the fun for me! Is abrupt and the epilogue so plain! This one needs more sugar! more love!!
The story is not bad either, it really has a BIG resemblance with "You´ve got mail" film xD but is nicely built.
BUT the ending... it totally ruins the fun for me! Is abrupt and the epilogue so plain! This one needs more sugar! more love!!
February 2, 2017
3.5 stars
Nice story with some flaws and an end that is too quick and simple. Still a good read above average for me.
Nice story with some flaws and an end that is too quick and simple. Still a good read above average for me.
September 24, 2019
I don't want to sound harsh, but the book was a bit predictable and bland.
Also the many mistakes were exhausting. You started reading a sentence and it felt as if the author thought to rewrite the sentence, only to leave part of the earlier sentence. Confusing.
Also the many mistakes were exhausting. You started reading a sentence and it felt as if the author thought to rewrite the sentence, only to leave part of the earlier sentence. Confusing.
February 2, 2017
Got from Cody Ryder on Facebooks MM Romance ARC Club, for a honest review.
I opened the book and started reading. Not to far in I started crying. Cody Ryder pulled at my emotional strings through out the book. Bruce and Joe characters pulled me in that much more. I thought the book was well written. Reminded me of Meg Ryan & Tom Hanks movie, "You've Got Mail". Even that movie made me cry as well. I love this story. The show of a small business trying to stay alive against a bigger business. I loved the happy ending and will read this story over again. The book will also be one of my favorites, right along with the author being stalked on reading their books. Loved it.
Thank you for letting me read your story. Hope to read more of your books.
I opened the book and started reading. Not to far in I started crying. Cody Ryder pulled at my emotional strings through out the book. Bruce and Joe characters pulled me in that much more. I thought the book was well written. Reminded me of Meg Ryan & Tom Hanks movie, "You've Got Mail". Even that movie made me cry as well. I love this story. The show of a small business trying to stay alive against a bigger business. I loved the happy ending and will read this story over again. The book will also be one of my favorites, right along with the author being stalked on reading their books. Loved it.
Thank you for letting me read your story. Hope to read more of your books.
February 6, 2017
Me ha parecido bastante correcto en general, pero hay dos enormes peros en la novela que le han restado brillo: Todo el peso emocional de la historia se basa en un insta-love que es apresurado incluso para ser insta-love y el final, es como si de pronto al autor le hubiesen entrado las prisas y hubiese decidido acabarlo lo más rápido posible. Es una lástima porque está bien narrado y los personajes bien trazados, un poco más de trabajo y hubiese sido un favorito, aún así, para una tarde de domingo no es mala idea.
June 20, 2018
Plausible!??
A bit of a fairytale for Joe & Bruce. I just didn’t get this story. I didn’t get the angst around the first kiss, especially since this a young man (Bruce) or the angst around Bruce’s family café. He was not will to update it or even investigate the competition. What kind of business man is he?
This story didn’t seem plausible or authentic!??
A bit of a fairytale for Joe & Bruce. I just didn’t get this story. I didn’t get the angst around the first kiss, especially since this a young man (Bruce) or the angst around Bruce’s family café. He was not will to update it or even investigate the competition. What kind of business man is he?
This story didn’t seem plausible or authentic!??
September 3, 2017
It's a knockout !!!!?
This story is very sweet. The characters were hot and believable. I loved the little hints of romance and the love between the two. I wish there wasn't so many grammar errors it made it difficult to stay in the scene.
This story is very sweet. The characters were hot and believable. I loved the little hints of romance and the love between the two. I wish there wasn't so many grammar errors it made it difficult to stay in the scene.
November 2, 2022
If someone wouldn't disclose their job to me and was super sus about it over and over- red flag. This bothered me so much.
September 30, 2020
2 stars
Bruce has a small cafe that does good coffee and good food. Unfortunately, a new coffee franchise has opened up in the neighbourhood, and Bruce's business is on the verge of going under. When one of the cafe's regulars remind Bruce that he hadn't been boxing for awhile, and that it is a healthy way to relieve stress, Bruce heads to the gym. He meets a new guy there and they (literally) hit it off.
Joe has just returned to the city after several years away, growing his coffee shop. He's just opened up his second shop, and finally has time to get back to boxing after the move. When he and Bruce spar, and Joe loses, he is intrigued and can't stop thinking about the man. They don't exchange last names or say exactly what they do, but they keep meeting up at the gym and end up going on dates.
Uggh. Editing aside, this was a mess. First of all, they were in love super fast. Secondly, I don't buy that Joe became a millionaire from ONE coffee shop. He should have at least had a few in the other city where he started his business. But no, it was definitely stated that this was his second shop. The writing was simplistic and kind of comes across as condescending to the reader.
Bruce has a small cafe that does good coffee and good food. Unfortunately, a new coffee franchise has opened up in the neighbourhood, and Bruce's business is on the verge of going under. When one of the cafe's regulars remind Bruce that he hadn't been boxing for awhile, and that it is a healthy way to relieve stress, Bruce heads to the gym. He meets a new guy there and they (literally) hit it off.
Joe has just returned to the city after several years away, growing his coffee shop. He's just opened up his second shop, and finally has time to get back to boxing after the move. When he and Bruce spar, and Joe loses, he is intrigued and can't stop thinking about the man. They don't exchange last names or say exactly what they do, but they keep meeting up at the gym and end up going on dates.
Uggh. Editing aside, this was a mess. First of all, they were in love super fast. Secondly, I don't buy that Joe became a millionaire from ONE coffee shop. He should have at least had a few in the other city where he started his business. But no, it was definitely stated that this was his second shop. The writing was simplistic and kind of comes across as condescending to the reader.
March 21, 2017
I loved the MC Joe and didn't like the MC Bruce. The not romance was very rushed as was the ending.
February 22, 2017
A year after his mother dies Bruce is about to lose the family business, a quaint little coffee shop that sells the most amazing sandwiches. Business has been extremely slow since a new hip coffee chain opened a store down the street. One night Bruce meets Joe at the gym and they hit it off. Unbeknownst to Bruce Joe is the founder and owner of the coffee chain that's running him out of business. Neither does Joe know Bruce is the owner of the shop his business is ruining. While I somewhat enjoyed the story it felt that something was missing. Also the secretive nature of the two men was a bit unrealistic and I didn't care for it. While having this intense relationship they didn't tell each other anything personal about themselves, no last names, not where it what they did for work , nothing. One of the first things you tell someone your interested in is what you do for work and most times where you work. I just couldn't get around that it threw up a big red flag for me. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
February 3, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book...... Okay, this book had my emotions going all over the place from beginning to end. The author is great at expressing emotion and bringing it out in me. The first part of the book just about had me in tears. The middle of this tale had me so infuriated. Arraugh! :) Bruce owns a family coffee shop, and business starts going down as soon as a new coffee shop moves in right down the street from him, which is owned by Joe. The fact that they couldn't even tell each other about their jobs or really anything about themselves seemed strange to me, but I guess that's because I'm pretty open with most people, and it just seems like they withheld so much from each other. I do love that it takes place in San Diego (my true home), and I loved when they made out in the car at La Jolla(there's even seals chillin' out on the beach), the perfect place for that.
Then we get to the part where Bruce finds out about Joe. This is where I became frustrated. I mean seriously, Bruce's anger was ridiculous, and he definitely didn't need to punch him. Any other store owner wouldn't have cared if Bruce lost his business(they would have monster trucked right over it without thinking twice) , not to mention Joe didn't know that Bruce was even the owner of the family coffee shop. I just believe that they put too much blame on poor Joe. I loved Joe, by the way. The ending was beautiful, then here came the water works again. The story is written well, and the ending made up for some of that irritation. Yes, this book clearly packed a punch. :)
Then we get to the part where Bruce finds out about Joe. This is where I became frustrated. I mean seriously, Bruce's anger was ridiculous, and he definitely didn't need to punch him. Any other store owner wouldn't have cared if Bruce lost his business(they would have monster trucked right over it without thinking twice) , not to mention Joe didn't know that Bruce was even the owner of the family coffee shop. I just believe that they put too much blame on poor Joe. I loved Joe, by the way. The ending was beautiful, then here came the water works again. The story is written well, and the ending made up for some of that irritation. Yes, this book clearly packed a punch. :)
February 10, 2017
I really enjoyed the latest book by Cody Ryder. This is one that tugged at the heart strings a bit. I love a story that sucks you in, and this one did a find job of that.
Loved the characters. The story line was pretty strong, a few minor things here and there and the editing could have been a lot tighter, but all in all, a very enjoyable read.
The book stayed at a nice steady pace. Written as a multi pov. Nice strong characters, flowing dialogue, good descriptions to details. This was a well rounded story. I didn't fall in love with the characters but did fall into like with them.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
Loved the characters. The story line was pretty strong, a few minor things here and there and the editing could have been a lot tighter, but all in all, a very enjoyable read.
The book stayed at a nice steady pace. Written as a multi pov. Nice strong characters, flowing dialogue, good descriptions to details. This was a well rounded story. I didn't fall in love with the characters but did fall into like with them.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
February 12, 2017
Sweet story of two business rivals that don't realize they are until after the meet and fall for each other.
February 3, 2017
Different from what I expected. In a good way. I did like it. But I also thought it was missing something, it was weak in some regard. Maybe I wanted to read more about the relationship and love being born. Based on page count, there was enough space for it in this book, but somehow it still didn't happen.
I finished the story, but without getting a feel of the 2 main characters. I still don't hear two distinct voices and I am failing at telling them apart in a dialogue. Maybe this is what they mean when they the MCs didn't end up being 3-dimensional.
I don't really have any critics or praises for this story. It was ok. There was no real angst ( very much appreciated ) but there was no sparkle either. It was vanilla, else I just wasn't in the right mood when I read it.
I finished the story, but without getting a feel of the 2 main characters. I still don't hear two distinct voices and I am failing at telling them apart in a dialogue. Maybe this is what they mean when they the MCs didn't end up being 3-dimensional.
I don't really have any critics or praises for this story. It was ok. There was no real angst ( very much appreciated ) but there was no sparkle either. It was vanilla, else I just wasn't in the right mood when I read it.
August 23, 2017
3.75*
February 3, 2017
Another great story from Cody Ryder. Five stars for loveable characters, storyline, and keeping me hooked. Loved both Joe and Bruce and the author had my emotions fully engaged. Three stars for editing. Numerous sentences with missing words or extra words or switched words (where the word was placed in front of the word but should have come after) and a wrong name was used. As I read an advanced readers copy, I am hoping that this story went through another round of editing before its release date. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
February 3, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story was a little bit of You've Got Mail. Two business rivals meet, but don't know who the other is. They start to fall for each other. The anticipation of the big reveal was killing me, but in a good way. They danded around it so many times I was ready to lose my mind! The characters were sll great and likeable. Overall, I recommend this book.
This story was a little bit of You've Got Mail. Two business rivals meet, but don't know who the other is. They start to fall for each other. The anticipation of the big reveal was killing me, but in a good way. They danded around it so many times I was ready to lose my mind! The characters were sll great and likeable. Overall, I recommend this book.
January 27, 2017
A really good read and well written which makes it a better read. The characters are easy to read and get to know Bruce and Joe have such an attraction. Julia and Marco are well written and help the story along. The story line holds the interest of the reader. Once you start reading its very hard to put down until you are finished. This book leaves you feeling good and is a really good read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book and I'm so glad I did it's great!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book and I'm so glad I did it's great!
January 29, 2017
The author did a good job of quickly teasing Joe and Bruce into an intimate relationship, and except for the knockout in the beginning and the business problem towards the end, they both embraced the experience. The author gave us insight into both character’s thoughts and feelings and made us feel those same emotions as they experienced them. The spicy scenes were well done and I enjoyed reading this work.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
February 1, 2017
The characters are both strong and responsible for their own coffee shop. When Joe and Bruce meet at boxing class they hit it off. They start to become serious until Bruce finds out the person responsible for the loss in family coffee shop is no other then Joe. The sparks hit when they meet can they keep going with this knowledge? You keep hook to find out what the big firework will reveal. Recommend this book
January 27, 2017
I absolutely adored this story. it was sweet... not many issues. I saw the one issue coming so it wasn't a surprise but I loved how it got dealt with. i totally fell in love with his mom.. this was just sweet.. wonderful and i am so glad i got to review it
February 1, 2017
I loved it, can't wait to read the rest. Very well written with characters that you would like to meet and a café you would like to visit.
February 2, 2017
Highly caffeinated
Such a cute romance. Reminded me of a Modern day You've got mail it with coffee and me. Oh ya, stay away from Bruce's right hook!
Such a cute romance. Reminded me of a Modern day You've got mail it with coffee and me. Oh ya, stay away from Bruce's right hook!
February 2, 2017
3.5 stars. Cute story. I liked the MCs and the story flowed. I wished for a bit more at the end (epilogue) and some editing but very entertaining read.
Read
January 28, 2017Everything the world has to offer
Bruce is following in the footsteps of his parents and doesn't know how to create a life of his own without losing everything he loves. His coffee shop is not going not going to survive the competition of a new shop in town.
Joe is an entrepreneur, successful although he feels that life is passing him by. There is something about the guy he met at the gym, the one who put his lights out.
Bruce's mom is gone but her advice lives on.
Bruce is following in the footsteps of his parents and doesn't know how to create a life of his own without losing everything he loves. His coffee shop is not going not going to survive the competition of a new shop in town.
Joe is an entrepreneur, successful although he feels that life is passing him by. There is something about the guy he met at the gym, the one who put his lights out.
Bruce's mom is gone but her advice lives on.
April 2, 2017
This was a little disappointing it seemed as though the author tried too hard to keep the secrets between the two main characters that it felt a little contrived. lt was an okay read but I was expecting more ....a great premise but the reality was a let down. I received a copy for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews