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Midnight Coffee #2
Coffee and Conclusions
Love brought introverted New York personal trainer Erin Black together online with CEO-turned-writer Isabella Martinez. In the second part of their story, Isabella has moved back to Philadelphia to start a new life with her baby.
As the physical distance between Erin and Isabella shrinks, other hurdles appear. Will Erin’s insecurities and the ghosts of her past hold her back? Can Isabella’s manipulative mother threaten their path to finding happiness?
Their online midnight coffee dates keep drawing them together, but will it be enough? Is there a way for Erin, Isabella, and baby Alberto to be together?
A lesbian romance about love finding a way.
100,000 words
As the physical distance between Erin and Isabella shrinks, other hurdles appear. Will Erin’s insecurities and the ghosts of her past hold her back? Can Isabella’s manipulative mother threaten their path to finding happiness?
Their online midnight coffee dates keep drawing them together, but will it be enough? Is there a way for Erin, Isabella, and baby Alberto to be together?
A lesbian romance about love finding a way.
100,000 words
292 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2018
12 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Emma Sterner-Radley
28 books170 followersEmma 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 2, 2018
3.75 Stars. I’m happy to say I liked this so much better than book 1, Long-Distance Coffee. I still found parts to be a little slow, but once the characters actual met in person, this book was much more to my liking.
You might want to skip this paragraph if you have not read Book 1. I’ll keep it pretty vague though. This book picks up where Isabella has now moved to Philadelphia. While Isabella is happy to be back up north, she now has to deal with her overbearing mother, and starting her life over. With Erin only being a few hours away in New York City, the next natural progression of their relationship is to meet in person. But will they click in person like they did online?
Book 1 really tried my patience. I could tell the writing was really good; I just honestly was too bored to enjoy it. Again this book started slowly, and I was worried, but it hooked me into the story unlike last time. Radley writes well and I found myself enjoying the dialog and finally really caring what happened to these two characters.
The romance was much better and the chemistry was stronger. I also have to give Radley points for staying away from a lot of lesfic romance tropes we are so used to seeing in nearly every book. The best way to describe this would be traditional or pure romance. No manufactured angst, just about two people falling in love and trying to improve themselves as people.
This was originally a fanfic before being published. A lot of fanfics are long so I understand why this book was cut into two pieces. I appreciate that both books came out without much time in between, but I still think this should have been one longer books instead. It really felt too dragged out for two books, and for me book 1 really suffered for it. I'm glad this book was a lot more enjoyable, and I’m interested in reading more by Radley because she can absolutely write.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.
You might want to skip this paragraph if you have not read Book 1. I’ll keep it pretty vague though. This book picks up where Isabella has now moved to Philadelphia. While Isabella is happy to be back up north, she now has to deal with her overbearing mother, and starting her life over. With Erin only being a few hours away in New York City, the next natural progression of their relationship is to meet in person. But will they click in person like they did online?
Book 1 really tried my patience. I could tell the writing was really good; I just honestly was too bored to enjoy it. Again this book started slowly, and I was worried, but it hooked me into the story unlike last time. Radley writes well and I found myself enjoying the dialog and finally really caring what happened to these two characters.
The romance was much better and the chemistry was stronger. I also have to give Radley points for staying away from a lot of lesfic romance tropes we are so used to seeing in nearly every book. The best way to describe this would be traditional or pure romance. No manufactured angst, just about two people falling in love and trying to improve themselves as people.
This was originally a fanfic before being published. A lot of fanfics are long so I understand why this book was cut into two pieces. I appreciate that both books came out without much time in between, but I still think this should have been one longer books instead. It really felt too dragged out for two books, and for me book 1 really suffered for it. I'm glad this book was a lot more enjoyable, and I’m interested in reading more by Radley because she can absolutely write.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.
July 26, 2018
This is the conclusion to Long Distant Coffee and it's much longer than the first one. Honestly I liked the first one better which is odd to me because Erin and Isabella dont ger together at all in it. I just feel like the pacing in the first one was better and this just seemed to draw things out too much. I still liked it, just not as much as the first one.
December 18, 2017
The continuation of book 1 Long-Distance Coffee which is due out on Amazon 20 Dec 17. This book however is slated sometime in January '18. Where book 1 has Isabella and Erin corresponding online, here they're able to finally be in the same breathing space as the other. There is some growing pains on both sides of the ship, but it turns out to be a really good book. Don't even get me started on Isabella's madre. That woman reminds me of my in-law, and that's scary. Shiver.
I think enough loose ends are tied up to where there might not be a third installment. I know I'd certainly like to see them a few years down the road, but if not that's fine. Liked this one quite a bit.
I think enough loose ends are tied up to where there might not be a third installment. I know I'd certainly like to see them a few years down the road, but if not that's fine. Liked this one quite a bit.
August 27, 2018
Not my book, it was too much talking and I didn't like Isabella. She is oversensible, overprotective and over the top with her mother. Come on, Erin takes a two hour ride on a train to meet her and she sends her home again in the evening. So the story drags along, not much happening except uh there and some ah here. The main idea is good, but I don't like how the story is written. I wanted to though!
PS: And I also do't like if a story is dragged over two books with a sudden stop after half of the story.
PS: And I also do't like if a story is dragged over two books with a sudden stop after half of the story.
February 4, 2018
OK, so this was a bit better than the first but I still found my patience waning. It's very well written but I guess it just didn't do anything for me.
This book was better because they finally got to meet. Which was surprisingly the highlight of the book. But I found the book to drag on. I just feel that the book would have been better with fewer words.
The story in itself is good. Two lonely people connect on line and then take the next step. It just wasn't for me. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via Ylva Publishing*
This book was better because they finally got to meet. Which was surprisingly the highlight of the book. But I found the book to drag on. I just feel that the book would have been better with fewer words.
The story in itself is good. Two lonely people connect on line and then take the next step. It just wasn't for me. Enjoy!
*ARC provided by publisher via Ylva Publishing*
January 4, 2018
ARC received from Ylva in return for an honest review.
This continues on immediately from the last story and has Isabella moving to Philadelphia and she and Erin getting closer, both in distance and in person. This does allow for them to actually interact with each other, which helped move the book along.
This one had similar issues to the first, in that I couldn’t warm to the format in the first third, too much messaging again. Also, for a woman who prides herself on her command of language, Isabella constantly saying ‘me and Alberto’ was annoying. As was the use of the nickname ‘doll’. Just no. They actually had a myriad of nicknames for each other, and none of them were great.
The other thing I noticed was that the inner thought descriptions and dialogue seemed a little more like a YA novel than one for adults. I’d noticed it in the first book but thought it was due to the chat format. But here, even when interacting directly, the interactions and speech seemed a bit young for the characters.
Both characters also have issues that have carried over from the first book and that get bought up a lot, and it got old after while. Isabella also makes a weird choice of writing her father (who lives in her city and whom she sees regularly) a letter about a pivotal issue, instead of just talking to him, or emailing him.
I did appreciate that there’s no superfluous drama between the leads, but overall I wasn’t blown away by this story, although I much preferred it to part one. I think some stronger editorial support would have helped, as I noted in my review of the first part, this did not need to be two books, and better editing and pacing would have allowed for one, better structured book. 3 stars.
This continues on immediately from the last story and has Isabella moving to Philadelphia and she and Erin getting closer, both in distance and in person. This does allow for them to actually interact with each other, which helped move the book along.
This one had similar issues to the first, in that I couldn’t warm to the format in the first third, too much messaging again. Also, for a woman who prides herself on her command of language, Isabella constantly saying ‘me and Alberto’ was annoying. As was the use of the nickname ‘doll’. Just no. They actually had a myriad of nicknames for each other, and none of them were great.
The other thing I noticed was that the inner thought descriptions and dialogue seemed a little more like a YA novel than one for adults. I’d noticed it in the first book but thought it was due to the chat format. But here, even when interacting directly, the interactions and speech seemed a bit young for the characters.
Both characters also have issues that have carried over from the first book and that get bought up a lot, and it got old after while. Isabella also makes a weird choice of writing her father (who lives in her city and whom she sees regularly) a letter about a pivotal issue, instead of just talking to him, or emailing him.
I did appreciate that there’s no superfluous drama between the leads, but overall I wasn’t blown away by this story, although I much preferred it to part one. I think some stronger editorial support would have helped, as I noted in my review of the first part, this did not need to be two books, and better editing and pacing would have allowed for one, better structured book. 3 stars.
February 11, 2018
3.4 Stars. Almost rounded up to 4 stars but I couldn't because of the length especially when combined with book 1, Long Distance Coffee.
I originally read this when it was an online Uber Fic for Once Upon a Time, which was both books combined (Midnight Coffee). It was very uber. In that I mean, it may have taken inspiration from the main characters, but you don't have to be acquainted with OUAT to read this book. I'm not a OUAT watcher, although I watched a few episodes of the first season so I know the gist of the story and the 2 mains. The problem with reading some Uber OUAT fic, is that they introduce characters that are part of the series but don't give enough background on the characters, assuming the readers know them already. I didn't see any of that in this series although there are limited number of characters.
Added plus to converting this OUAT Uber... She changed the ubiquitous "Dear" endearment to the spanish, precioso. Fits much better and not so out of place and aging.
That being said, I enjoyed this second book in the series but I did get a bit bored in the middle. It could have (should've) been edited and shortened a bit. It took a long time for them to meet in person, especially counting the first book.
I originally read this when it was an online Uber Fic for Once Upon a Time, which was both books combined (Midnight Coffee). It was very uber. In that I mean, it may have taken inspiration from the main characters, but you don't have to be acquainted with OUAT to read this book. I'm not a OUAT watcher, although I watched a few episodes of the first season so I know the gist of the story and the 2 mains. The problem with reading some Uber OUAT fic, is that they introduce characters that are part of the series but don't give enough background on the characters, assuming the readers know them already. I didn't see any of that in this series although there are limited number of characters.
Added plus to converting this OUAT Uber... She changed the ubiquitous "Dear" endearment to the spanish, precioso. Fits much better and not so out of place and aging.
That being said, I enjoyed this second book in the series but I did get a bit bored in the middle. It could have (should've) been edited and shortened a bit. It took a long time for them to meet in person, especially counting the first book.
December 27, 2017
Book one of this series ended rather abruptly, so I was very glad to see the publisher did not waste any time with getting the next installment out. I’m going to get right to it and say I really enjoyed the first book, Long-Distance Coffee. I thought it was a sweet story of two lost souls connecting and finding each other. They bared their feelings and hurts to each other, needing a friend and then finding that once in a lifetime chance at love. A sweet, heartfelt story that consisted of adorable banter between the two main characters.
The second book left me feeling more along the lines of meh. Let me explain. This part of the book we finally get the two characters to meet. Woohoo! That’s a great moment. Really a couple of great moments, but then the story began to just drag. It was too much talking and it felt soap-boxy and unrealistic later in the book. I felt myself wanting to skip paragraphs and even rolled my eyes at the parts that I thought were a bit over the top.
I think this series would have been better slimmed down and made into one book. The second part felt too long. Just my opinion, though. I enjoyed Emma Sterner-Radley’s work and look forward to where she takes me next. 2.75 stars rounding up to a 3.
The second book left me feeling more along the lines of meh. Let me explain. This part of the book we finally get the two characters to meet. Woohoo! That’s a great moment. Really a couple of great moments, but then the story began to just drag. It was too much talking and it felt soap-boxy and unrealistic later in the book. I felt myself wanting to skip paragraphs and even rolled my eyes at the parts that I thought were a bit over the top.
I think this series would have been better slimmed down and made into one book. The second part felt too long. Just my opinion, though. I enjoyed Emma Sterner-Radley’s work and look forward to where she takes me next. 2.75 stars rounding up to a 3.
February 4, 2018
Coffee and Conclusions is the second part to Emma Sterner-Radley’s book Long-Distance Coffee. I would recommend to any reader to read Long-Distance coffee first before starting this because the storyline will not flow otherwise.
In Coffee and Conclusions Erin and Isabella’s love continues to grow and they decide to meet face to face. Once they meet each other it just solidifies their attraction and feelings and they begin the arduous task of a true long-distance relationship. But can long distance really suffice for a connection so strong?
Loved, loved, loved this second instalment of the story. One of the main draws with this series is the realism in the story for this decade. Most people meet these days online and this book takes you on a journey of two women and their journey to love via the internet.
In this novel Isabella and Erin become more intimate and their relationship really takes off. Erin begins to worry about the future and how she will effect Isabella's young son, Alberto's life and upbringing. Isabella's mother still causes problems but with Erin beside her, Isabella has the strength to be stronger for them both.
I loved this book even more than the first (and that was a feat) and I am really hoping there will a third book… really hoping!
5 stars.
In Coffee and Conclusions Erin and Isabella’s love continues to grow and they decide to meet face to face. Once they meet each other it just solidifies their attraction and feelings and they begin the arduous task of a true long-distance relationship. But can long distance really suffice for a connection so strong?
Loved, loved, loved this second instalment of the story. One of the main draws with this series is the realism in the story for this decade. Most people meet these days online and this book takes you on a journey of two women and their journey to love via the internet.
In this novel Isabella and Erin become more intimate and their relationship really takes off. Erin begins to worry about the future and how she will effect Isabella's young son, Alberto's life and upbringing. Isabella's mother still causes problems but with Erin beside her, Isabella has the strength to be stronger for them both.
I loved this book even more than the first (and that was a feat) and I am really hoping there will a third book… really hoping!
5 stars.
December 19, 2017
This is book two in the Midnight Coffee series.
After conecting via twitter and skype in book one, Isabella and Erin finally meet in real in this book. And this makes this book much more exciting than the first one. It was nice to accompany the two of them how they met on the internet in book one, but it was a little bit too slowly.
From book one, we know that both main characters have some issues and insecurities. It is nice to witness, how they learn to deal with them and to overcome some obstacles. The romance is really slow burning, but in this book it improves a lot. When they first met in real, I could feel the connection between them and all the insecurities and struggles too.
Sterner-Radley creates the persons of Erin and Isabella very well, with a lot of feelings, missing self-confident, bad experiences and insecurities, and how they can help each other. Also the second characters are well developed, especially the dragon, Isabella’s mother. She adds a lot of tension on the burgeoning relationship of Isabella and Erin.
Isabella has to fight fights with her mother, who always wants to control her life, especially her love life. She has to stand up for herself and for her lover. And we know, that’s not always an easy task. Wonderful to see was, how Erin learns to take responsibility with little Alberto. How she slowly trusts herself more and more and to be confident with the baby.
I liked this book a lot more than the first one, I think it's mostly because in this part, they finally met in person and there was face-to-face time. I liked very much the interactions between the two of them. They are really loveable women.
Over all I liked the story of Erin and Isabella. My main complaint is, that in my opinion, the story was too long. My rating for book two: 4 stars
Thanks to Ylva Publishing for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
After conecting via twitter and skype in book one, Isabella and Erin finally meet in real in this book. And this makes this book much more exciting than the first one. It was nice to accompany the two of them how they met on the internet in book one, but it was a little bit too slowly.
From book one, we know that both main characters have some issues and insecurities. It is nice to witness, how they learn to deal with them and to overcome some obstacles. The romance is really slow burning, but in this book it improves a lot. When they first met in real, I could feel the connection between them and all the insecurities and struggles too.
Sterner-Radley creates the persons of Erin and Isabella very well, with a lot of feelings, missing self-confident, bad experiences and insecurities, and how they can help each other. Also the second characters are well developed, especially the dragon, Isabella’s mother. She adds a lot of tension on the burgeoning relationship of Isabella and Erin.
Isabella has to fight fights with her mother, who always wants to control her life, especially her love life. She has to stand up for herself and for her lover. And we know, that’s not always an easy task. Wonderful to see was, how Erin learns to take responsibility with little Alberto. How she slowly trusts herself more and more and to be confident with the baby.
I liked this book a lot more than the first one, I think it's mostly because in this part, they finally met in person and there was face-to-face time. I liked very much the interactions between the two of them. They are really loveable women.
Over all I liked the story of Erin and Isabella. My main complaint is, that in my opinion, the story was too long. My rating for book two: 4 stars
Thanks to Ylva Publishing for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
January 9, 2018
Surprisingly, I found this sequel to the first novel, published just one month ago, to be a vast improvement. Absent of the weight of her misery with existing in the unfamiliar Florida environment as well as being tied to Richard, subject to her mother’s difficult attitude and much more comfortable in herself, Isabella’s personality became tolerable. Her interactions with Erin gained much needed tension when the distance between the two was replaced by in-person engagement. I was convinced of the validity of the romance. However, I still feel that when taken as a whole, this expansive tale could have been radically reduced in length to an interesting, single volume. Ms. Sterner-Radley demonstrates facility with writing that requires additional direction/planning.
An arc of the novel was graciously provided by the author and publisher, Ylva.
An arc of the novel was graciously provided by the author and publisher, Ylva.
February 28, 2018
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.
January 29, 2018
I personally did not like this book. I could not take to the main characters. It just felt too long and I would have preferred it cut down in length.
Arc received for honest review
Arc received for honest review
March 21, 2018
Two things:
1. Where do I acquire an Alberto?
2. WHY ARE MOTHER IN LAWS SUCH DRAGONS?
Okay three things:
3. I possibly loved this one even more than the first one. I loved the first one, seriously I did. I loved it. I've read it three times so far. But the second one. Ugh. Erin leveled up in adulting, Isabella packed up her life and moved and together they just... melted together? How even?
The ONLY thing I cannot identify with in this story is this: all the love for coffee. I don't drink it. But y'know it didn't take anything away from this beautiful story :P
1. Where do I acquire an Alberto?
2. WHY ARE MOTHER IN LAWS SUCH DRAGONS?
Okay three things:
3. I possibly loved this one even more than the first one. I loved the first one, seriously I did. I loved it. I've read it three times so far. But the second one. Ugh. Erin leveled up in adulting, Isabella packed up her life and moved and together they just... melted together? How even?
The ONLY thing I cannot identify with in this story is this: all the love for coffee. I don't drink it. But y'know it didn't take anything away from this beautiful story :P
January 28, 2018
As the title implies, this is the concluding sequel to Long-Distance Coffee. I didn’t much care for the first book, though it was written well enough (apart from an obvious grammatical issue that continues in this book). Coffee and Conclusions is better than the first book, mainly because Erin and Isabella actually meet face to face and their story is completed.
Even so, I can’t say that I really like the book or the story. I really didn’t like the baby or Isabella’s relationship with him. That’s a first for me in a novel (unless you count We Need to Talk About Kevin, but that’s a completely different genre). I didn’t dislike the main protagonists or their relationship, though. As I read, I kept thinking that I would have liked this story if it had been edited to remove the boring content and made into a single book.
If you love the characters, perhaps you’ll enjoy the length and even wish for more. That’s been the case for me with many books. There’s been very few where I’ve itched to take out my red pen and edit the content down to half its length, but this is a prime example.
As is probably obvious, there were too many irritants for me to enjoy this series, but I appreciate they may be more my issues than genuine issues with the book. Nevertheless, I cannot really recommend it. I should in all honesty only give it two stars (meaning it was ok) because three stars means 'I like it' (which I didn't, really), but that seems mean because it's certainly better than a two star rating implies.
Note: I was given an advance copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Even so, I can’t say that I really like the book or the story. I really didn’t like the baby or Isabella’s relationship with him. That’s a first for me in a novel (unless you count We Need to Talk About Kevin, but that’s a completely different genre). I didn’t dislike the main protagonists or their relationship, though. As I read, I kept thinking that I would have liked this story if it had been edited to remove the boring content and made into a single book.
If you love the characters, perhaps you’ll enjoy the length and even wish for more. That’s been the case for me with many books. There’s been very few where I’ve itched to take out my red pen and edit the content down to half its length, but this is a prime example.
As is probably obvious, there were too many irritants for me to enjoy this series, but I appreciate they may be more my issues than genuine issues with the book. Nevertheless, I cannot really recommend it. I should in all honesty only give it two stars (meaning it was ok) because three stars means 'I like it' (which I didn't, really), but that seems mean because it's certainly better than a two star rating implies.
Note: I was given an advance copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2018
This is the second book in the Midnight Coffee Series. I highly recommend you read both, as Erin and Isabella's relationship begins in the first part and takes off in this second part. Isabella and Erin finally meet and overcome many hurdles along the way. This is a story of true love at it's finest.
I loved this part two of the midnight coffee series! I'm so happy to finally read the conclusion of this epic love story. The last 20% of this book had me downright DYING from all the emotions and adorableness and love! But the whole book was great- I thought it was much better paced than the first in the series. It moved along really nicely, even as it was a careful exploration of a beautiful relationship. Erin was tender and patient and so real the way she was nervous with little Alberto. Really, really, well done.
This author is one of the very best.
I received an ARC form YLVA in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this part two of the midnight coffee series! I'm so happy to finally read the conclusion of this epic love story. The last 20% of this book had me downright DYING from all the emotions and adorableness and love! But the whole book was great- I thought it was much better paced than the first in the series. It moved along really nicely, even as it was a careful exploration of a beautiful relationship. Erin was tender and patient and so real the way she was nervous with little Alberto. Really, really, well done.
This author is one of the very best.
I received an ARC form YLVA in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2018
After reading the first book in this series I was a bit disappointed to have to wait for an ending. I didn’t have to wait long, and I can say the wait was worth it. This book for me was better than book one in the series. I still found it slow in a few parts, but overall the book was a solid read. Like book one I struggled in sections when it was just Isabella and Erin chatting back and forth. This was the majority of book one, and it bored me in sections.
Overall the book is a good read. It probably won’t be on my reread list, but worth the conclusion. For me what would have made this a better read is length. I would have taken the two books and really decided what could go to make this one book. Even if the one book was a bit longer, I feel it would have helped with the feeling of “more of the same.”
Overall the book is a good read. It probably won’t be on my reread list, but worth the conclusion. For me what would have made this a better read is length. I would have taken the two books and really decided what could go to make this one book. Even if the one book was a bit longer, I feel it would have helped with the feeling of “more of the same.”
January 23, 2018
There are many reasons why I can boldly declare my love for this story and the series as a whole. I really enjoyed the slow build up to the romance instead of the typical woman meets woman and they form an instant attraction that leads to both parties suddenly falling head over heels in love. This story portrays the natural human issues many of us deal with on a daily basis. Issues such as fear, insecurity, love in all its various forms, approval seeking and following your heart despite the long and painful journey it is sure to take you on. I applaud the author for creating a story that is realistic and insightful, life is full of color and diversity and I really appreciate stories that provide me with such diversity as well as main characters who do not subscribe to any fixed label. I really enjoyed watching Isabella and Erin grow together and who can resist loving a story that has cherubic babies and great descriptions of coffee in it!
January 30, 2018
Omg I just love this book. The intensity between Erin and Isabella was devine. If you're in the mood for a romance, then this is a book that will captivate you. I couldn't wait to turn the pages to find out what happens next.
I receive this book as an advanced copy for an honest review
I receive this book as an advanced copy for an honest review
January 9, 2018
Coffee and Conclusions was a really good read. I found it to be a cute well written romance. I enjoyed it even more than the first because our two main characters meet irl. I liked the character growth and interactions between Erin and Isabella. I also enjoyed Isabella’s sister Marie. I’m curious to know if the ice thing works! If I’m ever babysitting again I just may have to try that. I definitely understand why the book was split into two parts. The original was a fanfic and in that setting you don’t have to worry so much about novel lengths. You can simply put it together with a tbc after each part, however when trying to put it into book format you run into having too many pages. I believe I read somewhere that the more pages you have in a novel the more expensive it is to produce. So it wouldn’t be cost effective to try to put the two novels together and get any kind of return. I personally don’t have any issue with a book split into multiple parts. Snuggle up under a blanket with a warm cup of coffee and enjoy Coffee and Conclusions by Emma Sterner-Radley.
I received an arc in exchange for my honest review.
I received an arc in exchange for my honest review.
March 3, 2018
A brilliant (hopefully open to more) conclusion for now to the fantastic Midnight Coffee series.
Seeing Erin and Isabella’s relationship develop was so heart-warming. Everything really comes together in this book, while Erin works through issues, and Erin does the same they begin building a cute little life together.
Further exploration of Erin’s relationship with her father is an added bonus to this instalment. It’s also good to see Alberto still stealing the show with all his cuteness!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and the series and would highly recommend it to anyone who just wants a cute, believable romance between too women who are perfect, yet so far from it at the same time!
Seeing Erin and Isabella’s relationship develop was so heart-warming. Everything really comes together in this book, while Erin works through issues, and Erin does the same they begin building a cute little life together.
Further exploration of Erin’s relationship with her father is an added bonus to this instalment. It’s also good to see Alberto still stealing the show with all his cuteness!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and the series and would highly recommend it to anyone who just wants a cute, believable romance between too women who are perfect, yet so far from it at the same time!
December 23, 2017
Like the first book in this series - it is a story that feels like a comfortable blanket you just want to wrap yourself in.
I think the characters in this story are the best described and developed ones I have ever read. Both of them are significantly different and have very contrary personalities, which comes out in the way they write and talk. It is amazing how real the author could make those two characters by showing how they react and what they say to things and statements and then how they actual feel and act when the camera is turned off. It gives the reader a way to see the characters a 3 dimensional way.
The story itself was just as appealing and wonderful as the first part of the series. I would highly recommend this series as a feel good romance that’s a little different.
I think the characters in this story are the best described and developed ones I have ever read. Both of them are significantly different and have very contrary personalities, which comes out in the way they write and talk. It is amazing how real the author could make those two characters by showing how they react and what they say to things and statements and then how they actual feel and act when the camera is turned off. It gives the reader a way to see the characters a 3 dimensional way.
The story itself was just as appealing and wonderful as the first part of the series. I would highly recommend this series as a feel good romance that’s a little different.
March 30, 2020
I enjoyed this book and it was easier to follow after reading the first book, Long Distance Coffee, I was into right from the beginning. I found the process that Erin went through was realistic for any parent.
I would definitely recommend reading this series.
I received an ARC copy from Ylva for an honest review.
I would definitely recommend reading this series.
I received an ARC copy from Ylva for an honest review.
April 7, 2019
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I am SO glad I didn't have to wait long for this sequel! The first book kind of ended with a cliffhanger and I was anxious to see what will happen next for Isabella and Erin.
This story picks up about a couple months after the ending of first book. Isabella moved to Philadelphia with her son to start over, and Erin has to face her own demons and struggles to make some life changing decisions.
What I love the most about this series is the character development. All of the characters are flawed and we get to see how they grow and get past their own flaws. The romance is slow burn (nothing happened in first book haha) which is totally my thing. The way Isabella and Erin deal with their growing attraction and desire to have relationship is very realistic in my opinion. You don't see them fall in love and jump in relationship right away. That's difficult in real life, especially with long distance and a child involved too.
I honestly can't find much fault with this novel, except maybe Isabella's mother feeling like a little bit of a thrown in conflict plot.
Absolutely recommended!
I am SO glad I didn't have to wait long for this sequel! The first book kind of ended with a cliffhanger and I was anxious to see what will happen next for Isabella and Erin.
This story picks up about a couple months after the ending of first book. Isabella moved to Philadelphia with her son to start over, and Erin has to face her own demons and struggles to make some life changing decisions.
What I love the most about this series is the character development. All of the characters are flawed and we get to see how they grow and get past their own flaws. The romance is slow burn (nothing happened in first book haha) which is totally my thing. The way Isabella and Erin deal with their growing attraction and desire to have relationship is very realistic in my opinion. You don't see them fall in love and jump in relationship right away. That's difficult in real life, especially with long distance and a child involved too.
I honestly can't find much fault with this novel, except maybe Isabella's mother feeling like a little bit of a thrown in conflict plot.
Absolutely recommended!
April 1, 2018
Loved it
Loved the books. Very good and even with new characters its still easy to fall in love all over. Can't wait for more from thisnauthor .
Loved the books. Very good and even with new characters its still easy to fall in love all over. Can't wait for more from thisnauthor .
December 28, 2017
Part two in the Coffee at Midnight series (3.5 stars)
As the second book in the Coffee at Midnight series, it’s essential to read Long-Distance Coffee first as neither book is meant to be read as a standalone.
There are plenty of funny moments in this book especially with baby Alberto slightly older and Erin able to engage with him in person; their ‘conversations’ are very entertaining as Erin speaks to and about him as if he’s a full grown adult rather than less than a year old. Other conversations in the book between characters are revealing of the relationships between characters – Isabella and her family members, Erin and her friends, etc – however I would have preferred more of the secondary characters to have more scenes and prominence in the book over brief cameos by many newly introduced characters. Isabella’s relationship with her parents is an interesting one with her mother Judith the epitome of a control freak while her father is the opposite; the dynamics between the three of them are focused on then nearly forgotten which weakened that part of the story development for me.
What the author does well is writing a very convincing progression of a long distance relationship between Isabella and Erin, complete with self-doubts and uncertainties, and the awkwardness of finally meeting in person. The intimacy built up across the miles over the phone and internet does not cancel out the newness of being able to touch one another; that delicate balance and contrast is well depicted and tangible to the reader. It feels as though the author is speaking from experience thru the characters and that realism is a pleasure to read.
British slang and word choices creep into this story and feel out of place since the setting is NYC and none of the characters are British. The author is not American, so having a beta reader or editor familiar with and fluent in American English would have been a good idea for this series; either that or setting the story in the UK so the language didn’t look or sound out of place in parts.
The end of the book felt rushed. Adding more to this book (or a third book in the series) would allow more character development and exploration of the relationships between characters and might have felt more fleshed out overall.
With this story originating in online fanfiction, it’s fun reading if you’re familiar with the show that inspired the story, to spot the show characters in the novel etc; there are lots of characters from the show who appear here more than in the first book so they’re like Easter eggs placed in movies for ardent fans. Those coming to this series of books away from online fandom will enjoy a story well told despite its few flaws. I’d like to read more published work by the author that is wholly original and not fanfiction based; as one familiar with her fanfiction writing I know she’s talented in storytelling and am curious to see if that translates when the story characters and ideas originate from another source.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
As the second book in the Coffee at Midnight series, it’s essential to read Long-Distance Coffee first as neither book is meant to be read as a standalone.
There are plenty of funny moments in this book especially with baby Alberto slightly older and Erin able to engage with him in person; their ‘conversations’ are very entertaining as Erin speaks to and about him as if he’s a full grown adult rather than less than a year old. Other conversations in the book between characters are revealing of the relationships between characters – Isabella and her family members, Erin and her friends, etc – however I would have preferred more of the secondary characters to have more scenes and prominence in the book over brief cameos by many newly introduced characters. Isabella’s relationship with her parents is an interesting one with her mother Judith the epitome of a control freak while her father is the opposite; the dynamics between the three of them are focused on then nearly forgotten which weakened that part of the story development for me.
What the author does well is writing a very convincing progression of a long distance relationship between Isabella and Erin, complete with self-doubts and uncertainties, and the awkwardness of finally meeting in person. The intimacy built up across the miles over the phone and internet does not cancel out the newness of being able to touch one another; that delicate balance and contrast is well depicted and tangible to the reader. It feels as though the author is speaking from experience thru the characters and that realism is a pleasure to read.
British slang and word choices creep into this story and feel out of place since the setting is NYC and none of the characters are British. The author is not American, so having a beta reader or editor familiar with and fluent in American English would have been a good idea for this series; either that or setting the story in the UK so the language didn’t look or sound out of place in parts.
The end of the book felt rushed. Adding more to this book (or a third book in the series) would allow more character development and exploration of the relationships between characters and might have felt more fleshed out overall.
With this story originating in online fanfiction, it’s fun reading if you’re familiar with the show that inspired the story, to spot the show characters in the novel etc; there are lots of characters from the show who appear here more than in the first book so they’re like Easter eggs placed in movies for ardent fans. Those coming to this series of books away from online fandom will enjoy a story well told despite its few flaws. I’d like to read more published work by the author that is wholly original and not fanfiction based; as one familiar with her fanfiction writing I know she’s talented in storytelling and am curious to see if that translates when the story characters and ideas originate from another source.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2018
Second of Midnight Coffee, Coffee and Conclusions is the story of two women, Erin and Isabella, who can't sleep for very different reasons. In the first book of the series, Erin starts following Isabella on Twitter and they start chatting.
Despite the distance, Isabella has moved back to Philadelphia and Erin is living in New York, they talk every night and as the relationship goes further, every chance they get.
Then there's a first face-to-face meeting and then a second and a third and … They have deep feelings for each other but different circumstances and the suddeness of all of it make them relunctant to be closer.
For some people it may seem that it is not possible to fall in love so quick and through the internet but it can and it does happen. You know about a person from chatting a couple of weeks more than some people who meet daily. There are many hours when you don't see that person and can pull your heart out, you feel more free to open up. And this is what happened to these two women at the beginning and still happens every time they chat or talk on the phone.
The characters are funny and sarcastic, realistic and believable, even the hateful possessive mother and the passive father.
Sometimes we expect too much from a sequel. We think it will be as good as the first book and it just gets drowned in the attempt to be so. This is so not the case. This book is just as good.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing, in exchange for an honest review.
Despite the distance, Isabella has moved back to Philadelphia and Erin is living in New York, they talk every night and as the relationship goes further, every chance they get.
Then there's a first face-to-face meeting and then a second and a third and … They have deep feelings for each other but different circumstances and the suddeness of all of it make them relunctant to be closer.
For some people it may seem that it is not possible to fall in love so quick and through the internet but it can and it does happen. You know about a person from chatting a couple of weeks more than some people who meet daily. There are many hours when you don't see that person and can pull your heart out, you feel more free to open up. And this is what happened to these two women at the beginning and still happens every time they chat or talk on the phone.
The characters are funny and sarcastic, realistic and believable, even the hateful possessive mother and the passive father.
Sometimes we expect too much from a sequel. We think it will be as good as the first book and it just gets drowned in the attempt to be so. This is so not the case. This book is just as good.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing, in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2018
I strongly recommend reading book 1 in this series before you read this one. And, as these things go, if you liked the first book, you will probably like this one, if not, not. After the slow build of their relationship in book 1, in this book events move quickly as Erin and Isabella go from good internet friends who live in different cities with a mutual crush to (spoiler) a family.
This transformation encompasses the personal and the professional for both women. Isabella continues to work towards her new career as a writer while also renegotiating her relationship with her abusive mother and passive father, establishing a coparenting relationship with her ex and his family, and rediscovering her sexuality. Also new motherhood. And she moves to a new city. Twice. There's a lot going on.
Erin similarly tackles the psychological roots of her chronic insomnia and her lack of self-confidence, all while taking her career in a new direction.
Although there isn't really any doubt where they'll end up (the title does strongly suggest this will be the last book in the series), it's still fun watching them get there. Erin and Isabella are vibrant and likeable characters, and it's easy to root for their relationship. This isn't a particularly innovative or challenging read, but it's sweet and quick and there's plenty to keep you interested for a few hours.
I received a free ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This transformation encompasses the personal and the professional for both women. Isabella continues to work towards her new career as a writer while also renegotiating her relationship with her abusive mother and passive father, establishing a coparenting relationship with her ex and his family, and rediscovering her sexuality. Also new motherhood. And she moves to a new city. Twice. There's a lot going on.
Erin similarly tackles the psychological roots of her chronic insomnia and her lack of self-confidence, all while taking her career in a new direction.
Although there isn't really any doubt where they'll end up (the title does strongly suggest this will be the last book in the series), it's still fun watching them get there. Erin and Isabella are vibrant and likeable characters, and it's easy to root for their relationship. This isn't a particularly innovative or challenging read, but it's sweet and quick and there's plenty to keep you interested for a few hours.
I received a free ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2018
Just like the first book, this was good enough to keep me reading, but did fall into a bit of a lag in the middle of the book. I also thought that Isabella's mother ended up too one dimensional as the antagonist in this story. Unfortunately, that often happens with disapproving family members - they just don't seem to be fleshed out enough to understand their motives.
I think one of the best parts of the novel was the exploration of Erin's insomnia and how it affected her personal life. The first book touched on it, basically using it as an excuse to have Erin available to speak with Isabella. The drama stemming from that seemed a little forced at first, but I like that the Erin was still working through her issues at the end of the book without them being front and center. The tension with Isabella's mother was a little too much (I find it so hard to believe that someone as sweet as Alberto Sr. would stay with her mom).
Overall though, this was a fun, light read that touched on a lot of difficult topics without it going into angst mode. Just the right type of book to cozy up to late at night when you can't sleep.
*This ARC was given to me by the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.*
I think one of the best parts of the novel was the exploration of Erin's insomnia and how it affected her personal life. The first book touched on it, basically using it as an excuse to have Erin available to speak with Isabella. The drama stemming from that seemed a little forced at first, but I like that the Erin was still working through her issues at the end of the book without them being front and center. The tension with Isabella's mother was a little too much (I find it so hard to believe that someone as sweet as Alberto Sr. would stay with her mom).
Overall though, this was a fun, light read that touched on a lot of difficult topics without it going into angst mode. Just the right type of book to cozy up to late at night when you can't sleep.
*This ARC was given to me by the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.*
January 21, 2018
This is the second, concluding part of Midninght Coffee. If you liked the first part, you'll like this one even more!
Erin and Isabella move on from chats and phonecalls to meeting face to face. The awkwardness of their first meeting was so real I found myself grimacing! Erin moves on and up with her job, Isabella gets settled in to her new place and they meet again. And again... and soon they're in a "real" relationship and have to start planning accordingly.
Quite a bit happens before the (inevitable) happy ending, and it's not all ice-cream and balloons for the protagonists. Both Erin and Isabella have to face some demons, and eventually Erin, who constantly thinks of Isabella as the adult one, begins to understand that she is no loser (silly head, the reader knew all along you're great!).
The characters are all very real - funny, silly, occasionally irritating, and in the case of one Mrs. Martinez, completely infuriating.
Highly recommended!
Erin and Isabella move on from chats and phonecalls to meeting face to face. The awkwardness of their first meeting was so real I found myself grimacing! Erin moves on and up with her job, Isabella gets settled in to her new place and they meet again. And again... and soon they're in a "real" relationship and have to start planning accordingly.
Quite a bit happens before the (inevitable) happy ending, and it's not all ice-cream and balloons for the protagonists. Both Erin and Isabella have to face some demons, and eventually Erin, who constantly thinks of Isabella as the adult one, begins to understand that she is no loser (silly head, the reader knew all along you're great!).
The characters are all very real - funny, silly, occasionally irritating, and in the case of one Mrs. Martinez, completely infuriating.
Highly recommended!
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