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Coffee and Bourbon
Noah Thomas has never met an obstacle he couldn’t overcome and it’s not going to happen now- not with his successful coffee shop and his life finally coming together. After saving for years, getting through his transition and losing his family in the process, the successful entrepreneur opened Green Bean Coffee. But when Alex Reynolds walks into the coffee shop, the devilishly handsome man changes everything. Alex gives Noah a glimpse of what life could be like – accepted and loved for who he is, and Noah finds himself falling for the captivating tattooed stranger.
Alex Reynolds had given up on love a long time ago, preferring casual fun to long term relationships. After spending most of his life in the South and burning nearly every bridge there, the popular tattoo artist packed up and moved half-way across the country – to Loveland, Colorado of all places. Much to his surprise, Alex discovers he’s got it bad for the handsome barista with boyish charm. Noah makes Alex realize what he’s been missing in a partner, someone to share his life with. But can he change his bad boy ways?
Together, Noah and Alex fit like missing puzzles pieces and their love was like coffee and bourbon – strong and intoxicating. But when the two men take their first vacation together – back to the South – Alex realizes he can’t run from his past. Will reuniting with his best friend bring out the bad boy again? Noah wants to trust Alex but fears getting hurt by the man he loves. Can Alex rise above and show Noah he’s changed?
Coffee and Bourbon is a 45,000 word m/m romance with hurt/comfort themes, transgender themes, plenty of heat, no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA.
Alex Reynolds had given up on love a long time ago, preferring casual fun to long term relationships. After spending most of his life in the South and burning nearly every bridge there, the popular tattoo artist packed up and moved half-way across the country – to Loveland, Colorado of all places. Much to his surprise, Alex discovers he’s got it bad for the handsome barista with boyish charm. Noah makes Alex realize what he’s been missing in a partner, someone to share his life with. But can he change his bad boy ways?
Together, Noah and Alex fit like missing puzzles pieces and their love was like coffee and bourbon – strong and intoxicating. But when the two men take their first vacation together – back to the South – Alex realizes he can’t run from his past. Will reuniting with his best friend bring out the bad boy again? Noah wants to trust Alex but fears getting hurt by the man he loves. Can Alex rise above and show Noah he’s changed?
Coffee and Bourbon is a 45,000 word m/m romance with hurt/comfort themes, transgender themes, plenty of heat, no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2017
22 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 20, 2017
There's few romances where one of the MCs is a transgender person so it's always great to come across a new author who features one.
This is a bit of a muddled bag though, there were elements I enjoyed like Alex's unwavering acceptance of Noah and his trans status, and there were bits I didn't think worked at all including the odd time jump double telling of the same scene.
There's also overuse of a couple of phrases which become more obvious because of the back and forth in the time line.
The sex is handled well and there isn't as much fade to black or off page as I've sometimes read in an MM romance with a FtM transgender character. The sex here was both sweet and emotive.
There's a relatively low level of angst, focussed around a tattoo convention and Alex's best friend from his old life being a transphobic arse and the resolution happens a bit speedily but overall this is a fast read with a cute epilogue.
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This is a bit of a muddled bag though, there were elements I enjoyed like Alex's unwavering acceptance of Noah and his trans status, and there were bits I didn't think worked at all including the odd time jump double telling of the same scene.
There's also overuse of a couple of phrases which become more obvious because of the back and forth in the time line.
The sex is handled well and there isn't as much fade to black or off page as I've sometimes read in an MM romance with a FtM transgender character. The sex here was both sweet and emotive.
There's a relatively low level of angst, focussed around a tattoo convention and Alex's best friend from his old life being a transphobic arse and the resolution happens a bit speedily but overall this is a fast read with a cute epilogue.
#ARC received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
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July 20, 2017Dnf @43% just did not like the writing style ad for the word man If i read it once more i was going to crack up. I'm always on the look out for a good trans story this just didn't work for me unfortunately .
May 9, 2018
Jasper Grey is a debut author with obvious talent. Coffee and Bourbon was a sweet romance and Noah is a charming character and Alex is a troubled man.
Like many other readers, I am thrilled to read an honest love story involving a transgendered person - this is a genre of romance story telling that is sadly lacking.
There were a few rough spots where the author seems to have struggled a bit but I believe this is something that will improve as the author continues to grow.
I would like to have had more of Alex's back story, he has obviously had struggles, so I would like to know more about them. I loved that Noah had a rock for a best friend, someone who could be his cheerleader.
I hope Jasper Grey continues on to bring us many more stories, and I know this author will be on my list to follow!
Like many other readers, I am thrilled to read an honest love story involving a transgendered person - this is a genre of romance story telling that is sadly lacking.
There were a few rough spots where the author seems to have struggled a bit but I believe this is something that will improve as the author continues to grow.
I would like to have had more of Alex's back story, he has obviously had struggles, so I would like to know more about them. I loved that Noah had a rock for a best friend, someone who could be his cheerleader.
I hope Jasper Grey continues on to bring us many more stories, and I know this author will be on my list to follow!
July 22, 2017
Ok For A First Offering.
For a debut author this is not a bad effort. It was an enjoyable enough story. There were however, several annoying habits that the author will hopefully break with experience. There were some mixed metaphors, some incorrectly used and most annoyingly the chronic overuse of a couple of phrases that were nearly enough to stop me reading. To clarify, it's perfectly acceptable to use the characters' names and/or he/him. Instead the repeated use of the younger man/the older man left me highly irritated. Hopefully, like I said, these things will be ironed out with experience.
For a debut author this is not a bad effort. It was an enjoyable enough story. There were however, several annoying habits that the author will hopefully break with experience. There were some mixed metaphors, some incorrectly used and most annoyingly the chronic overuse of a couple of phrases that were nearly enough to stop me reading. To clarify, it's perfectly acceptable to use the characters' names and/or he/him. Instead the repeated use of the younger man/the older man left me highly irritated. Hopefully, like I said, these things will be ironed out with experience.
July 19, 2017
The story was good, but I felt it needed some polishing. I really liked Noah. I felt I knew his character quite well, and his backstory. Alex, on the other hand, I felt had less depth. Things were a little jumpy at points, with things moving forward incredibly quickly, while at others I felt things moved too slowly. I really liked how he handled a lot of the transgender issues, both early in the story between the two MCs and then later with other characters. I also liked how texting was used in the story.
It was an enjoyable first book by a new author. I look forward to Mr. Grey's next book.
It was an enjoyable first book by a new author. I look forward to Mr. Grey's next book.
July 27, 2017
Noah Thomas is many things; a business owner, a loyal friend, a gay man, a nice guy – transgender is just one more thing to add to the list. Trans isn’t all that he is, but unfortunately that’s the only part that matters to most men when it comes to his love life. Alex Reynolds has slept with a lot of men, but dated? Not so much. He’s moved to Loveland to get a fresh start after he realizes that he’s ready for a change in his life. Alex is attracted to Noah from the moment he sees him, and isn’t shy about making a move. He’s been with trans men before, and doesn’t see that it’s an issue. As far as he’s concerned, Noah is a man, end of story. Too bad Alex’s best friend doesn’t see it that way. He’s not happy about Alex’s new “girlfriend” and intends to do something about it.
This story has me torn. I liked the plot. I think the author did a brilliant job of writing a romance that included a transgender main character, but the execution itself still needs some work. Some of my issues (and I think they’re issues most readers would have) should have been picked up by a beta reader or an editor, but obviously, the buck stops with the author.
First let me quickly cover the cons. My biggest issue was with the way the author retold the same scenes from both men’s point of view but it didn’t flow smoothly at all. It would sometimes take me a paragraph or two before I realized we’d gone back to the start of the previous scene instead of moving onto the next one. And speaking of points of view, occasionally it would change mid paragraph. We’d be midway through Noah sharing his perspective when we’d get a stray thought that could only have come from Alex’s mind. There were also some incorrect words used – like his orgasm shuttering through his body – and numerals used instead of the words whenever a number was required. Which might just be a pet peeve of mine. Most importantly edit wise, the descriptors “the younger man” and “the older man” were used to the point of distraction. I’m pretty sure I was cringing by the end of the book each time those words came up.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the character of Noah. Noah just seemed so bloody awesome, but not annoyingly perfect, by any means. He transitioned several years earlier (I seem to recall seven…but don’t quote me on that), and is comfortable in his body. There isn’t any angst over his gender, other than what is caused by other people. I love that he’s confident enough to get angry rather than upset when dealing with transphobic bullshit.
I haven’t read all that many books with transgender characters, but the few I have read tend to be a bit vague when it comes to the nookie. When Noah mentions his erect cock…I was struck dumb. Then I spent about half an hour Googling the effects of testosterone on a clitoris, and what do you know, I learned something new! Noah and Alex are stinkin’ hot together, their chemistry carrying on beyond the bedroom and colouring every scene.
The author did a great job of selling these men and their romance; it was just some technical aspects that affected my enjoyment of this story. This review maybe mentions a few more negatives than I’d normally include, but as far as I can tell, they are all things that can easily be remedied. This is the first book from Jasper Grey, and I’ll certainly keep an eye out for his future works.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2017/07/2...
This story has me torn. I liked the plot. I think the author did a brilliant job of writing a romance that included a transgender main character, but the execution itself still needs some work. Some of my issues (and I think they’re issues most readers would have) should have been picked up by a beta reader or an editor, but obviously, the buck stops with the author.
First let me quickly cover the cons. My biggest issue was with the way the author retold the same scenes from both men’s point of view but it didn’t flow smoothly at all. It would sometimes take me a paragraph or two before I realized we’d gone back to the start of the previous scene instead of moving onto the next one. And speaking of points of view, occasionally it would change mid paragraph. We’d be midway through Noah sharing his perspective when we’d get a stray thought that could only have come from Alex’s mind. There were also some incorrect words used – like his orgasm shuttering through his body – and numerals used instead of the words whenever a number was required. Which might just be a pet peeve of mine. Most importantly edit wise, the descriptors “the younger man” and “the older man” were used to the point of distraction. I’m pretty sure I was cringing by the end of the book each time those words came up.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the character of Noah. Noah just seemed so bloody awesome, but not annoyingly perfect, by any means. He transitioned several years earlier (I seem to recall seven…but don’t quote me on that), and is comfortable in his body. There isn’t any angst over his gender, other than what is caused by other people. I love that he’s confident enough to get angry rather than upset when dealing with transphobic bullshit.
I haven’t read all that many books with transgender characters, but the few I have read tend to be a bit vague when it comes to the nookie. When Noah mentions his erect cock…I was struck dumb. Then I spent about half an hour Googling the effects of testosterone on a clitoris, and what do you know, I learned something new! Noah and Alex are stinkin’ hot together, their chemistry carrying on beyond the bedroom and colouring every scene.
The author did a great job of selling these men and their romance; it was just some technical aspects that affected my enjoyment of this story. This review maybe mentions a few more negatives than I’d normally include, but as far as I can tell, they are all things that can easily be remedied. This is the first book from Jasper Grey, and I’ll certainly keep an eye out for his future works.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2017/07/2...
May 22, 2022
Potential with further editing
Writing a novel is no easy task, so respect to anyone who puts themselves out there and accomplishes it.
That being said, this book could have benefitted from more editing. The story was good and the characters likable. But the characters seemed conveniently plot shaped at times. There were numerous cases of the wrong words being used or sentences making no sense. Multiple obvious discrepancies in the story line. The most challenging thing was the way narrator pov was handled. I think he was going for third person omniscient, but it was very confusing as to who was talking/thinking at any given time.
It was difficult to force myself to finish the story.
Writing a novel is no easy task, so respect to anyone who puts themselves out there and accomplishes it.
That being said, this book could have benefitted from more editing. The story was good and the characters likable. But the characters seemed conveniently plot shaped at times. There were numerous cases of the wrong words being used or sentences making no sense. Multiple obvious discrepancies in the story line. The most challenging thing was the way narrator pov was handled. I think he was going for third person omniscient, but it was very confusing as to who was talking/thinking at any given time.
It was difficult to force myself to finish the story.
July 17, 2017
**ARC RECEIVED FOR HONEST REVIEW**
3.5-4 stars
I was really looking forward to reading this.
The story and plot ran smoothly and i thought the characters were really well written.
I really like how strong Noah was and how accepting Alex was too.
The friendship between Kat & Noah was fantastically written and did make me chuckle a few times.
My issue was with the errors. There were quite a few places which had extra words(As though the author wasn't sure which of the two words to use), or the wrong word, for the sentence.
Overall this was a really great read and had it not been for the errors It'd have definitely been given the full 5 stars xx
3.5-4 stars
I was really looking forward to reading this.
The story and plot ran smoothly and i thought the characters were really well written.
I really like how strong Noah was and how accepting Alex was too.
The friendship between Kat & Noah was fantastically written and did make me chuckle a few times.
My issue was with the errors. There were quite a few places which had extra words(As though the author wasn't sure which of the two words to use), or the wrong word, for the sentence.
Overall this was a really great read and had it not been for the errors It'd have definitely been given the full 5 stars xx
July 20, 2017
Different kind of love story
This is a really good read. These two men found the nearly instant attraction/love that I am familiar with from my own marriage. This book showed us both the easy acceptance of diversity that some people are capable of, and the bigotry and intolerance of people who fear anyone different from themselves. The time flow back and forth between the two men's points of view was occasionally confusing to me. Never the less, this was a great read.
This is a really good read. These two men found the nearly instant attraction/love that I am familiar with from my own marriage. This book showed us both the easy acceptance of diversity that some people are capable of, and the bigotry and intolerance of people who fear anyone different from themselves. The time flow back and forth between the two men's points of view was occasionally confusing to me. Never the less, this was a great read.
July 24, 2017
Not bad for a debut novel. I can see the story the author wanted to tell but it was a bit lost in the telling. There were some clumsy phrasing and at times jarring overlap of scenes from alternate POV, and a chronic overuse of younger/older man when describing the protagonists.
I hope to see more from this author in the future, if only to see them improve.
I hope to see more from this author in the future, if only to see them improve.
July 21, 2017
I liked the transman romance. I know this is the first book by this author but please get a good editor to refine it. Then I would give it another star.
August 16, 2017
A first time read for Jasper Grey and I must say I like the way he writes. Noah and Alex seem like an unlikely pair. Noah is a transgender person who is finally comfortable with his body, life and who he is. When he meets Alex a loner type tattoo artist new to Noah's small hometown they click and as friends and there is a spark that pulls them closer. when friends(or people who claim to be friends) try to come between them they have tough choices to make and must learn to trust each other.
it felt like an early work that was in need a little more editing.
An enjopyable read, give it a try!
it felt like an early work that was in need a little more editing.
An enjopyable read, give it a try!
November 22, 2017
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
This debut work was really good and it gave me - besides the angsty events at the end - a cozy feeling, because of Noah. Noah is a kind soul, he knows what it means to overcome obstacles in live and to keep his head up. He overcame his transition from a woman to a man, is more or less self-confident and really happy. He is building his desired business and when he met Alex, the love seems to knock on his door.
But Alex is - as charming as he is - also coming with burden, with a past he tries to escape. He tries to start a new life in the small town, doesn't expect to meet the charming coffee shop owner - and certainly he never had expected to be engulfed bei his emotions.
Soon they have a bond, they share time and secrets together - at least Noah is open to Alex and things could be smooth. But emotions can be really rough.
I really liked this debut work but because it had a good, solid story, I have a few complains. :) Whereas I was fond of the fast bonding of Alex and Noah, I felt it a little bit unbalanced. Noah is open, we get a lot of character development and information from him, but Alex is until the end nearly a closed case. He isn't really outgoing in the first place, truth to say this makes him interesting but it also felt like this could have been a bit more developed. The part with his best friend is one important part, and while the idea is good, the setting is a bit ill-timed or could have been given more focus. Not to mention I had to take several deep breaths because of Alex's behaviour.
Nonetheless I liked the way Noah was displayed, how his journey through his transition was a topic, informative, a huge part of him but not what defines him. The way how Alex react towards him is as well as pleasant as sweet, sexy and hot, too.
The way of how the book is written was also at first something I had to get into, not because it wasn't smooth but it took a bit time to understand that the author uses a writing where he is telling something and in the following scene we get the same event told from the other person's POV (not 1st person) and without being repetitive in a nosy way (at least I wasn't annoyed). In fact it gaves you a better understanding of Alex and Noah, and as soon as you deal with it, you enjoy the writing, because it's refreshing different.
Because of the mentioned few lacking things and missed opportunities, which would have smoothen the book, it was a good, solid debut work.
I really keep an eye of this author, and I can recommend it though. :) 4 out of 5 stars.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
This debut work was really good and it gave me - besides the angsty events at the end - a cozy feeling, because of Noah. Noah is a kind soul, he knows what it means to overcome obstacles in live and to keep his head up. He overcame his transition from a woman to a man, is more or less self-confident and really happy. He is building his desired business and when he met Alex, the love seems to knock on his door.
But Alex is - as charming as he is - also coming with burden, with a past he tries to escape. He tries to start a new life in the small town, doesn't expect to meet the charming coffee shop owner - and certainly he never had expected to be engulfed bei his emotions.
Soon they have a bond, they share time and secrets together - at least Noah is open to Alex and things could be smooth. But emotions can be really rough.
I really liked this debut work but because it had a good, solid story, I have a few complains. :) Whereas I was fond of the fast bonding of Alex and Noah, I felt it a little bit unbalanced. Noah is open, we get a lot of character development and information from him, but Alex is until the end nearly a closed case. He isn't really outgoing in the first place, truth to say this makes him interesting but it also felt like this could have been a bit more developed. The part with his best friend is one important part, and while the idea is good, the setting is a bit ill-timed or could have been given more focus. Not to mention I had to take several deep breaths because of Alex's behaviour.
Nonetheless I liked the way Noah was displayed, how his journey through his transition was a topic, informative, a huge part of him but not what defines him. The way how Alex react towards him is as well as pleasant as sweet, sexy and hot, too.
The way of how the book is written was also at first something I had to get into, not because it wasn't smooth but it took a bit time to understand that the author uses a writing where he is telling something and in the following scene we get the same event told from the other person's POV (not 1st person) and without being repetitive in a nosy way (at least I wasn't annoyed). In fact it gaves you a better understanding of Alex and Noah, and as soon as you deal with it, you enjoy the writing, because it's refreshing different.
Because of the mentioned few lacking things and missed opportunities, which would have smoothen the book, it was a good, solid debut work.
I really keep an eye of this author, and I can recommend it though. :) 4 out of 5 stars.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
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