New York personal trainer Erin Black lives a solitary life plagued by insomnia. Isabella Martinez, a former CEO turned writer, is stuck in a platonic relationship in Florida with her baby boy. One sleepless night on social media, they strike up a conversation that changes their lives and makes them question everything. Over midnight cups of coffee, they try to resist the powerful chemistry that builds between them. They soon discover their connection could be the key to unlocking their personal issues. Questions remain though. Are they more than friends? Could they be right for each other? And if they are, how will they handle a relationship a thousand miles apart? A lesbian romance about closing the distance.
Emma Sterner-Radley spent far too much time hopping from subject to subject at university, back in her native country of Sweden. One day, she finally emerged with a degree in Library and Information Science. She thought libraries was her thing, because she wanted to work with books, and being an author was just an impossible dream, right? Wrong. She's now a writer and a publisher. (But still a librarian at heart, too.)
She lives with her wife and two cats in England. There is no point in saying which city, as they move about once a year. She spends her free time writing, reading, daydreaming, working out, and watching whichever television show has the most lesbian subtext at the time.
Her tastes in most things usually lean towards the quirky and she loves genres like urban fantasy, magic realism, and steampunk.
Emma is also a hopeless sap for any small chubby creature with tiny legs, and can often be found making heart-eyes at things like guinea pigs, wombats, marmots, and human toddlers.
'Ylva-Publishing ARC provided in exchanged for my unbiased review'
1.5stars! Normally,I try to avoid parenting books the way i avoid rush-hour traffic on any highway or street in NYC--- that is,with great intentionality,that said after reading and getting through to chapter 10 of this book i had to start skipping and skimming my way because the storyline pretty much became annoying which was all about nonsense at this point with no of sense of enjoyment at all either. Sterner-Radley's writing is very colorful,diverse and affable filled with countless little observations and ironies that must come with being a mom herself and the portrayal of one of the leading character. Then she's(author) more than willing to have the other lead act self-deprecating in this story for the sake of a laugh or fake humor to friends/readers to keep the book rolling along. Readers never know which way the author is going with her writing,twist a phase,expression or idea in this book because its a toss up at this point. Another huge weakness of this series is the length when they did not even meet(no romance)-at a mere 80% of reading material which involves both their online conversations: twitter & skype and nothing else - It might leave readers wondering or not,what did i just read
2 1/2 Stars. This is my first book by Radley. She writes really well, it just happens that this book wasn’t really to my personal tastes. There is a book 2 that will be coming out shortly; I’m hopeful that one might appeal to me more.
Erin is a New Yorker suffering from insomnia. She meets Isabella, a new mom who is up all night with her son. The two quickly form an online friendship and bond. But what will happen if feelings start to become involved?
As I said above, Radley writes really well. I liked the sarcastic dialogue and inner voices of her characters. I would absolutely read another book by her. My real problem is not enough happened in this book for me. I was too close to boredom and only the quality of the writing kept me from succumbing.
The other issue for me is I don’t care for stories about long distance relationships. In this book the characters never even meet in person. I like my characters to be together, especially in romances, so I can really see the chemistry. I think IRL talking daily is a great way to get to know each other, but it doesn’t translate over to books for me. I prefer some sort of physical intimacy. It doesn’t have to be sex, just even touching, kissing, something.
There is a book 2 coming out in January I believe. I’m hopeful the characters will actually meet in person. Because I do like the two main characters, the next book could be much more up my alley. I’ll keep my fingers crossed and probably give the next book a chance.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.
I really, really like Emma Sterner-Radley’s work. She is a writer that gives you a great story with interesting characters that draw you right into the story. I love when an author can take you away from reality and pitch you right into their book. Sterner-Radley is one of those authors.
Erin Black is a personal trainer residing in Manhattan. She is a loner and suffers from insomnia. Her sleepless nights turn into late night infomercials and surfing Twitter for entertainment. Her boredom leads her to meeting Isabella Martinez. Isabella is the mother of an infant that has stomach issues that keep them both up. Erin becomes her late-night companion, first through sarcastic interaction on Twitter and then into more personal communications via Skype.
This is slow-moving, long-distance friendship that eventually blossoms into more. These two bare their souls to each other, needing a friend and finding it in the most unlikely place. They have witty banter that can turn into fun/playful as well as serious.
A super cute story that ends rather abruptly. You will need to go into this one knowing that the sequel is essential. 4 stars
4.5 stars easy. I really enjoyed this story and will read the conclusion as soon as I post this review. This is definitely a slow burn romance and in all honesty the burn hasn't even started when the book ends. It's more like supply gathering (paper, wood, lighter, gasoline I mean lighter fluid...rubs hands together...let's get this fire started). I found both MCs well written and flushed out rather well being as how they are far apart and completely separate. I also enjoyed the secondary characters as they added just enough to each character without taking any real focus off the mains. Anyway, I enjoyed it and it's available on Scribd so...4.5
4 Stars I read the original online version. For publication, the story has been split into two parts. This is part one, which deals with the slow burn relationship between Erin Black, a personal trainer in New York and Isabella Martinez in Florida, who is a new mom, writer and former CEO of a large company. They met online and talk to each other late at night because Erin has insomnia and Isabella is awake caring for her colicky (?) baby. They initially met on Twitter and eventually “face to face” via Skype over a period of a few months. I’m not a quite sure exactly how long they talked - it wasn’t very long as Alberto was still an infant by the end of the book.
I really like both the main characters. Erin, a loner who over time hasn’t kept touch with her friends and Isabella, a type A personality who goes all in, in whatever she does. Isabella quit her CEO job to care for her son full time. She is living with Alberto’s father but it’s not working out. This maybe a very slow burn relationship but it wasn’t a slow book. Yes, it probably could’ve been trimmed here and there but it followed a natural progression of two strangers meeting online and developing a friendship and eventually more.
Part 2 comes out Jan 2018. So not a long wait between parts.
ARC received from Ylva in return for an honest review.
I couldn’t really get into this one. I assume that it was originally a fanfic, as the acknowledgments seem to imply this, but that wasn’t the issue, the problem was that this is two books and should be one. I haven’t read the second part yet, but I have a feeling that editing/condensing some of the chats and making this one book would be an improvement, as I was honestly a little bored wading through all the chat stuff, and the characters don’t even meet in person in this book, which was a weird choice.
Usually I’m all for characters getting to know each other over a period of time, although it still seemed to only be a few weeks, just that it felt longer because they talked each day. The format was also a bit annoying, the chat format made it felt like I was reading a play instead of a novel for large parts of the story.
With regards to the characters, Erin was the more interesting, although both of them were prone to large bouts of navel gazing. Isabella was the very definition of a helicopter mother, seriously, her child was not deathly ill, he had reflux, there was no reason for her to sleep in his room and watch him every second. I know she didn’t really want to sleep with her partner, but honestly, it was way past time to cut the cord.
I’m hoping the second half will smooth some of the rough edges here, but I doubt I’ll get to the end of it and think it should have been two books.
This is my first by Sterner-Radley and I can honestly say I can’t wait until I am able to read the ending of this book. I am rating this one 4 stars, but it is more of a 3.5 rounded up. This book was slow in sections, and I haven’t yet bought into the relationship between Isabella and Erin. I enjoyed this one enough though to look into her other books, and put them on the “to read” list. I hate unfinished business in books. I enjoy series books, but I need them to stand alone as well. Waiting to read the next book isn’t fun. The book was well written and easy to follow. I think that was a huge battle won for Sterner-Radley. Again I think this was a good book, and I am going to pick up her other books. If you enjoy reading about long distance relationships this is one you do not want to miss.
Erin from New York meet Isabella from Florida. Two insomniac's who meet online.
This book isn't singularly unique in that it starts off online. I've read several books out there that do sort of the same. They start out that way, but usually move to a face to face, over coffee, the park, etc.
This book however is a case study in that it not only starts out online, but stays there. A very realistic portrayal of an online romance. It's very entertaining, albeit a bit slow at times. So some patience is a tool required in your toolbox as a reader.
Book 2 is slated for January '18 and there's no doubt I'll read it :) Wanna read what happens.
This book just didn't work for me. Apparently, it's the first of a two-part story that has previously been published online. Maybe it would have worked better if the second half of the story was included, and this portion of the story was edited to make it tighter. Frankly, I was a little bored in some places.
Added to that, I didn't really buy the chemistry between the two leads. I'm sure it's possible to get to know someone well through messaging and then using Skype's video functionality. You can see if someone's looks, voice and gestures appeal but what about touch and smell? A person's other qualities may be sufficiently enticing to prompt a meeting IRL, but are they enough to make someone fall in love? It may be possible for some people, I suppose.
The two protagonists are pleasant enough, but some aspects of their characters weren't convincing to me. Why would an introvert choose to be a personal trainer? Would an ambitious, career-driven CEO really be content devoting herself to a sickly baby 24/7 -- no matter how much she loved him?
This is by no means a bad book, and I would think that some people would really enjoy it. I just wasn't one of them.
Note: I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So this was the first story I read by Emma Sterner-Radley and I found it interesting to say the least. A relationship based online completely was an interesting concept, however I wasn't sure how much I liked the two main characters. Erin and Isabella had a few quirks that I guess I just didn't bond with. It was interesting seeing the relationship evolve and even at the end they didn't jump into something they both were not ready for. I do look forward to reading Coffee and Conclusions coming out soon to see where the relationship goes. Perhaps the characters physically together will speak to me more than they did over the internet.
I am not sure if my love for this novel is because I too suffer from insomnia like the main character Erin or because I have seen how involved people become with strangers on social media. For either reason I have enjoyed reading this novel and wait anxiously for the sequel. Long Distance Coffee covers the topics of isolation, loneliness, motherhood, caffeine and so much more. We learn about Erin and Isabella through their nightly online chats as they become friendly with each other. Their closeness grows as both characters deal with dramas in their daily lives.
I give this novel 4 stars and highly recommend it.
I loved the fanfic book (Coffee at Midnight by Violetscented) and of course I love the published version. It's a very long book (lesbian fanfic style) divided in two parts: Long-Distance Coffee and Coffee and Conclusions. Long but worth every single page.
This is my first book by Sterner-Radley and I’m not really sure, what I should think about it.
What I genuinely liked were the two main characters Erin and Isabella. These are both very interesting women, who I want to know better. In all those twitter and skype dialogues, I learned a lot about the two, about their fears, their youth, their circumstances of growing up and their relationships. I liked the sometimes witty conversations they had, and also the inner dialogues of them. It was nice to see their doubts and insecurities. The writing of Sterner-Radley is very well, I like her style.
BUT it was in my opinion too slow-moving and sometimes repetitive. From time to time I had to fight to stay on it. In a book I prefer more the direct interactions of the protagonists. I would have loved this book if the two of them, after some online talking time, had met in reality. I wanted to know if the connection they felt when talking online, is still there, when they meet each other for the first time. And for a romance I missed the physical contact. It don’t have to be steamy sex scenes, but some sort of physical contact should be. Okay, there will be a book two, I really hope, that they will meet in real in there.
I’ll give the book two a try, because I’m really wondering how the two of them will handling everything, especially their attraction to each other. I hope they’ll get the chance to find a way, to be together.
My rating 3 stars Thanks to Ylva for receiving an ARC for a honest review.
I am so in love with this delightful story! This story is about seeking and welcoming happiness, self-fulfillment and new love into your life and it comes packaged with the delicious references to coffee! Both women do a lot of soul searching, Erin and Isabella have to contend with issues of worthiness and fully embracing the fact that they are both phenomenal human beings who have so much love to give. I really love the flow of the story and the use of social media because it made the story realistic to me. I applaud the author for using social media in the story because it plays a very important role in people's lives due to the fact that many people meet dear friends and sometimes people are lucky to find love online as well. Therefore I am anxiously awaiting the sequel to this lovely story!
Long-Distance Coffee by Emma Sterner-Radley is part 1 of what appears to be a well-written 2 part series. While our two leads don’t meet in person in this part we do get to enjoy their interactions online. I’m actually really liking the longer build up as opposed to the usual fare of girl meets girl, has omg-it’s-never-been-so-amazing sex and instantly falls in love with their soul mate. I’m eagerly awaiting the conclusion that is set to come out next month to see what happens. I received an arc in exchange for my honest review.
This book at times drove me a little nuts. It is pretty well written but I felt you needed to have a little bit of patience as a reader. Unfortunately that is not my biggest strength. I needed a crash course because at times the book was so slow I thought it had stopped. The main reason I gave it 2.5 stars. That is in no way meant to disrespect the author it was just the way I felt.
The story is based around two women Erin in New York and Isabella in Florida. Both are insomniacs and they meet on line. Now the weird thing is that although romance is developing, it stays on line. There is no discussion to meet whatsoever.
Radley's writing is definitely what kept me reading and I did like her dry sense of humor. I personally think the internet can be used to get to know someone, but my question is can you truly love someone you have never met in person. I just feel that physical intimacy is just as important as vocal intimacy. One doesn't work without the other. But that is my opinion. I would definitely recommend the book and I'm hoping the next one takes us to the next level. Enjoy!
I love tinderbox so I was really excited to read this. If you’re not a fan of LDR relationships you will not enjoy this one. They’re sort twitter-mates then Skype buddies. I kind of enjoyed this one because from personal experience. Reliving some memories. :)) The author writes well and I’m now looking forward to her new books.
Question: how poor is Erin? She’s an in demand trainer right? Yes her apartment causes huge bucks and I’m not really familiar with their salary range but I find it weird that she can’t even buy a new USB stick for Isabelle? When Isabelle sent her the watch I was actually surprised she accepted it right away, same with the other presents. I know there’s nothing wrong with it but I’m feeling kind of off to her response after accepting it. Don’t get me wrong, who doesn’t like receiving gifts right? But hello? Funny with the whole story that’s the part that really stuck with me. :p
I like Isabelle. I’m crushing on her actually :)) how lucky is Erin. :))
Greatly enjoyed this. I for the most part love dialogue in books. I'd much rather read pages of people talking back and forth, than a detailed description of the house a character lives in. Details like that, just aren't as important to me. Not saying this story is lacking any details, just that it's very heavy on the back and forth interaction through various instant message services. If reading text conversations is not something you enjoy, then this probably isn't a good book for you to read. Not something I initially would say I enjoy, but I did. And I cannot wait for the next book in the series to see what happens with these two. So thankful that the release date is relatively soon!
I tried to come up with an eloquent review where I discuss the complexity of the characters, and the clever twists of the plot, but nope. All I could think about was: I. Want. More.
Anyone who has ever been in a long distance relationship will immediately identify with this story. Those of you who haven't...perhaps should read this story just to get a feel of what it's like.
I read the fanfic, which was easily in my top five fics, and somehow the book is even better. Which is not surprising as ESR is a brilliant writer. I keep saying that, because I truly believe it.
Part one of LDC perfectly describes the pining that happens over long distance. That torment when you ache for more, aren't exactly sure what the actual fork is happening, but holy hell, someone on the other side of the world/pond/ocean/country should really be in your...bed etc.
I love that most of this story is through twitter / Skype interactions, it's new, it's different and it's so incredibly to the point of what's happening right now for a lot of people.
I loved Erin. Erin is an insomniac like me and ESR knows exactly how to portray a true insomniac. Isabella is an aspiring writer who has a baby with an upset tum. I forking love Alberto. He's cute and fluffy and I want sixteen.
I'd say I can't wait for part two, but you know... I've been slow with my review and I've read part two so I don't have to wait. ^.^
Long-Distance Coffee is the first part of Midnight Coffee, the story of two people who meet online, become friends and then more. Both are women, both have trouble sleeping, both love coffee.
Isabella, a CEO turned full-time mother and aspiring writer, spends her nights (and days) trying to write a book while taking care of her baby. Erin is an insomniac who works as a personal trainer and is more than a bit of an introvert.
The characters are funny yet realistic, the dialogue believable and the story flows beautifully.
It would seem that there isn't very much action, but if you've ever been a part of a long-distance relationship (friendship or whatever) you'll know how much can happen over text, e-mail and video chats.
I loved this book and couldn't put it away until I'd finished it. Then I read the best bits again (having bookmarked them on the first round)!
Long-Distance Coffee is a treasure.. and I can't wait for the conclusion!
This book gave me all the feels in a new age kind of way. Long Distance Coffee is part one in The Midnight Coffee series which is out now. Part two, aptly named Coffee and Conclusions is due to be released in January 2018.
Erin is an insomniac and tends to be hanging around at all hours on her laptop playing games or surfing social media. One night she stumbles upon a quick witted ‘Tweet’ from a woman also up past her bed time. After a little tête-à-tête they begin to develop a friendship. Living in different states makes it difficult for anything more than an online friendship but as feelings develop, could this be the start of something a little more intimate?
What a fantastic novel that had me intrigued from the get go. Not only did this book make for an interesting read but it was very relevant to finding love in this decade with the use of online messaging, live video chat and social media.
I thoroughly enjoyed the bantering back and forth between Erin and Isabella through calls and online chat while enjoying good coffee. It was intimate in a way that brought their feelings to the forefront instead of the usual background noise and over use of non relevant information that can be distracting in some books.
I really connected with Isabella for a few different reasons but mainly she’s a new mum who has a kid with reflux and colic so I totally got the stress she was under and the crazy hours where you are wide awake soothing your baby at 3am and your main sleeps are during the day. It’s a little lonely if you don’t have the support, and I was lucky to have it unlike Isabella. So I totally understood why Isabella took to online chatting and found someone like Erin.
This book is definitely a little different from the norm but hey, that’s why I liked it so much. The ending is left kind of up in the air with enough allure to make you sell your soul for the second copy. Emma Sterner-Radley may or may not own my soul but I have read book two, Coffee and Conclusions and it’s just as fabulous. The review for that will follow in January.
So go grab a copy of ‘Long Distance coffee’ and maybe a coffee too and enjoy.
First of Midnight Coffee, Long-Distance Coffee is the story of two women, Erin and Isabella, who can't sleep for very different reasons. Erin starts following Isabella on Twitter and they start chatting. Erin is a loner,an introvert I would say, who doesn't socialize much by choice and Isabella spends most of her days and nights taking care of her baby and trying to be a writer. They get to chat every night and to know each other and eventually become friends and then something else. But they have to face reality. Isabella is married and, apparently, straight and Erin lives too far away. I always like when there is a lot of dialogue. I mean, I like descriptions and all that but I personally think conversations, dialogues, are quite interesting to read. So I loved that aspect of the book. It would seem that they start having feelings for each other quite soon but, from my experience, when you chat, you get to know a person very well because you usually spend many hours talking and, since you can't see the other person, you feel freer to open up. That's what happened to these two women. The characters are funny in their own way and the dialogues look familiar to me so, for me, they are really realistic and believable. I wish January were already here since it's when the second part will be released and I'm excited and curious how this story is going to end (I hope it's a happy ending, of course).
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing, in exchange for an honest review.
This novel placed me in somewhat of a quandary, for while it was well-written by Ms. Sterner Radley, the connection between the protagonists was not grounded in ready chemistry (their interactions felt anchored in the realm of friendship, with a forced romantic dynamic that did not seem fluid or natural) and was often clouded by the judgmental, abrasive quality of Isabella’s perspectives. The introspection that was provided of her relationships with Alberto and Richard further cemented my discomfort with her need to control all facets of her child’s life, at the expense of engagement with the outside world or her engagement with her partner. Her conversations with Erin were clouded with assessments about her life choices and career that were too harsh. I quite liked Erin’s character and felt that she was always racing to attenuate her behaviors and thoughts to suit the indicators left by Isabella. I wanted more for and from her. On a more personal note, I found the idea that a woman (albeit-one nearing middle age and with the unanticipated opportunity to be a mother) who was the head of a successful business would flee that industry, to be a writer and homemaker in Florida. While I understand the desire and sacrifice that comes with being a stay-at-home parent, she was so ill suited to it. Also, who rewrites fairy tales for the modern age when her early experiences with the genre were so traumatizing? In brief, the novel did not require a sequel or continuity. One book, with less detail about the daily lives of the characters would have been sufficient. I do not anticipate enjoying the second offering much more.
An arc of the novel was provided to me by the author and the publisher, for which I was grateful.
I had seen reviews that were sceptical, and stated the book had a lot of 'online chat' text, but for me it only added to this story and made it more enjoyable.
I am so glad I have part 2, Coffee and Conclusions sitting on my bookshelf to delve straight into because I adored this story so much, and I need more; now! It's very addictive, like a good coffee!
Savouring every moment of this book, I read it slowly and allowed myself to get completely lost in Erin's and Isabella's wonderful lives, and amazing story. If romance like this exists in real life, sign me up. If not, I am happy to get lost online, in the pages of this moving paperback. It was so heart warming, relatable, and the added humour between our ladies really made it special.
Alberto is a show stealer that's for sure. Isabella, you can't help but want to love her, and Erin is infectious.
If you are looking for a romance to make you feel all warm and cosy inside, this is your book!
I would highly recommend this book, and will definitely be reading it more than once. Thank you Emma for another fantastic story.
*ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review*
I read this book initially as a fan fiction and I found it to be really well written and interesting so I really wanted to read the published version.
This book was unfortunately not very different from the fan fiction version. I found myself skipping large parts of the story because of how slow the story was.
I hate giving such a low rating but I think this could have been given a bit more life before it was published.
I truly fell in love with this book. I didn't want to put it down. I honestly would have finished it in one day if I wasn't working. I found myself just as excited and waiting as the characters were when they were waiting for each other to respond back when they would hop online. I was even grinning like an idiot at times, trying not to squee out loud at work. I usually have mixed feelings when it comes to books that use so much social media type writing, but it worked so well with this book and it was done extremely well also. It flowed beautifully. I am so looking forward to the second part of this series.
This is a delightful book! I fell in love with the characters right away. This story touched me because in RL, I met my soulmate in a very similar fashion. Except we hadn't found Twitter then. The story does not end with this book, and I cannot wait to read more. The author has written a gem, and I hope the next one is just as good!
I received this book as a free ARC in exchange for an honest review, but even if I'd bought it, it is worth every cent!
I loved this book. To be completely honest, I'm a big fan of Emma Sterner-Radley and tend to love anything she writes.
Long-Distance Coffee is a book about two women who meet online and bond over sleepless nights and a love of coffee. Erin is a personal trainer and introvert. Isabella is a new stay at home mom and writer. Through their conversations online they become very close. Complications arise when the women start to feel more than just friendship towards one another. What will come from it?
I felt like the characters in this story were well written and thought out. The two main characters seem really real with flaws and all. Erin lives in New York and is a personal trainer. She is an introvert and struggling with feeling lonely. She also happens to be an insomniac. Isabella used to be a CEO but gave that up when she became pregnant with her son Alberto. Now she lives in Florida with Alberto's father, who she doesn't love and barely interacts with. She is trying to write a book and spends her days and nights with her son. She has sleepless nights standing guard to make sure Alberto is okay. She is guarded and has a quick temper. I felt myself identifying with the two women in different moments. I'm an introvert like Erin and tend to be guarded like Isabella.
The development of Isabella's and Erin's friendship was so real. I'm a person who has made quite a few friends online and reading about their journey felt like it could actually happen. When you make friends online communication is all you do so you become so close so fast and you can become the closest of friends in no time. I loved that Emma was able to accurately capture an online friendship where feelings develop.
The ending of the book seemed a bit abrupt, but at the same time it made sense to end the story there. It ended with closure in certain aspects while leaving room for future possibilities for others. It made sense to end it where it did, especially since the next book will be out next month.
Again I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it.