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The Shorts #2
Coffee Date
You can find out a lot about yourself during the course of a single day.
On the anniversary of the most tragic event of his life, Randall “The Rocket” Reese must face down paparazzi outside his house, a big sister who won’t stay out of his personal life, and a coffee date with an “old classmate” from high school whom he barely remembers.
His plan is to wallow in solitude, but Fate has plans of its own.
On the anniversary of the most tragic event of his life, Randall “The Rocket” Reese must face down paparazzi outside his house, a big sister who won’t stay out of his personal life, and a coffee date with an “old classmate” from high school whom he barely remembers.
His plan is to wallow in solitude, but Fate has plans of its own.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2017
184 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Nia Forrester
67 books956 followersI live in Philadelphia, PA where by day I work on public policy reform, and by night I read authors who move me, and write woman-centered fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
October 4, 2017
I enjoyed this short story and read it on every break at work today. Nia packed a lot of back story into this 100 page story. I absolutely loved the storyline of Randall being an ex football star. I enjoyed reading all of Randall parts but Dani was kinda boring. Nothing about her made me want to know more about her. I just felt like she was just thrown into the story.
I absolutely love Nia Forrester. She is one of my favorite authors but I felt like a more colorful female character could have been introduced in this story. I did enjoy Coffee Date but with Dani in it, it didn’t score five stars for me.
I absolutely love Nia Forrester. She is one of my favorite authors but I felt like a more colorful female character could have been introduced in this story. I did enjoy Coffee Date but with Dani in it, it didn’t score five stars for me.
November 29, 2020
Once again, I find myself being the exception because I didn't really care for Coffee Date. The story line was all over the place and the writing was not up to par. This author has a scattered writing style that makes the story line very disorganized. Rand is still grieving the death of his wife. His sister sets up a "coffee date" with his former classmate Dani who's a life coach who she secretly hired to help Rand get through his grief. This story line had potential but, for me, it just didn't come together very well. There was a missed opportunity for Dani to check her BFF and roommate Trudi. Dani and Trudi were both heavy set growing up. When Dani decided to change her lifestyle, Trudi was not supportive at all and became jealous and bitter. When Dani is finally fed up with Trudi's snide comments, she goes off on her just about the comments she made about Rand. Dani never calls Trudi out about not supporting her on her weight loss journey and that is definitely a confrontation the two of them should've had. I just don't understand why the author didn't let them have that argument. Coffee Date just did not do it for me. Since Dani and Rand are featured in books 3, 4, and 6, I'll finish this series because I want to see how their relationship plays out. But, going forward, I will not buy anymore books by Nia Forrester.
March 1, 2021
Coffee Date
Trudie was making my azz itch. She was such a bitter "friend" so many times I just wish she would leave her mouth shut and find her a life and stop trying to make her friend not live hers🙄. I had to warm up to Rand, but it take long. He was actually a pretty cool guy. Him and Dani was actually perfect for each other. They were easily healing each other without much effort, it came naturally for them to lift each other up. Now I have no idea why I was smiling at the conversations when Rand was in his little feelings on the phone with Dani😂
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trudie was making my azz itch. She was such a bitter "friend" so many times I just wish she would leave her mouth shut and find her a life and stop trying to make her friend not live hers🙄. I had to warm up to Rand, but it take long. He was actually a pretty cool guy. Him and Dani was actually perfect for each other. They were easily healing each other without much effort, it came naturally for them to lift each other up. Now I have no idea why I was smiling at the conversations when Rand was in his little feelings on the phone with Dani😂
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 28, 2024
A very good story. A lot happened on this coffee date and some surprises. As always, it was well written and keeps you from beginning to end. Great job Nia.
September 21, 2017
This book is so good! It's short but not too short , and I loved the story! Rand and Dani made a wonderful tale of what can come from one date, with no expectations . I also like that fact the story starts and ends, at two people beginning .
September 30, 2017
Although Nia Forrester bills this as a “short”, it felt so complete, yet I wanted more…
It’s amazing that the bulk of this story takes place over a twenty-four hour period, yet it reads as if these events happen over the course of a few months. Can I just say that I’m feeling Rand and I see much of myself in Dani? Two very likeable characters already make the story a winner.
Rand is a single father, still reeling from the death of his wife two years earlier while Dani is doing a friend a solid by meeting her brother for coffee to take his mind off things.
Or so we think…
This story is full of oh-no-she-dint moments. I love it! This author has this unique style of mixing bougie and basic in a way that is so relatable and entertaining. But after reading Coffee Date, I still ask myself, “So, who played whom?” So unexpected. So good.
It’s amazing that the bulk of this story takes place over a twenty-four hour period, yet it reads as if these events happen over the course of a few months. Can I just say that I’m feeling Rand and I see much of myself in Dani? Two very likeable characters already make the story a winner.
Rand is a single father, still reeling from the death of his wife two years earlier while Dani is doing a friend a solid by meeting her brother for coffee to take his mind off things.
Or so we think…
This story is full of oh-no-she-dint moments. I love it! This author has this unique style of mixing bougie and basic in a way that is so relatable and entertaining. But after reading Coffee Date, I still ask myself, “So, who played whom?” So unexpected. So good.
September 22, 2017
I loved this. I picked it up randomly on my Kindle and I did not regret it. I wanted to read more about Dani and Rand! So sweet.
October 22, 2017
Love this!
Niaaaa, is amazing! Enjoyed this short and looking forward to more. Dani and Rand story is awesome. Can never go wrong with Nia.
Niaaaa, is amazing! Enjoyed this short and looking forward to more. Dani and Rand story is awesome. Can never go wrong with Nia.
September 16, 2017
Things need to happen fast but not feel rushed in a good novella. There is a lot that happens in The Coffee Date and the author covers a lot of ground very effectively in this condensed format. This is a story of immense tragedy and the impact of words and expectations (external and self-imposed) on the lives of the main characters.
Randall has a heightened level of self awareness and ability to reflect in a way that surprised and delighted me. The author's ability to sprinkle this throughout this story is a signature move that makes many of the leading male characters in her books so endearing. The story of Danielle's transformation is so relatable as she balances self improvement with maintaining a lifelong friendship and building her self confidence to create a new relationship. I really felt what it may have been like to be every character in this story.
One minute I was laughing to myself at the internal monolog or dialog between the main characters and the next minute I was shocked and felt too nervous to hear the details of incredibly sad and life changing events. A couple of times I had my own internal conversation "wait do I want to know this yet, am I ready?" There are a few sharp turns. The humor is a perfect balance to the tragedy.
After reading this short story I certainly have the satisfying feeling of reading a complete and perfectly paced novel.
Randall has a heightened level of self awareness and ability to reflect in a way that surprised and delighted me. The author's ability to sprinkle this throughout this story is a signature move that makes many of the leading male characters in her books so endearing. The story of Danielle's transformation is so relatable as she balances self improvement with maintaining a lifelong friendship and building her self confidence to create a new relationship. I really felt what it may have been like to be every character in this story.
One minute I was laughing to myself at the internal monolog or dialog between the main characters and the next minute I was shocked and felt too nervous to hear the details of incredibly sad and life changing events. A couple of times I had my own internal conversation "wait do I want to know this yet, am I ready?" There are a few sharp turns. The humor is a perfect balance to the tragedy.
After reading this short story I certainly have the satisfying feeling of reading a complete and perfectly paced novel.
September 18, 2017
"Coffee Date" definitely deserves to be a full novel, Nia... Wow, Dani and Rand had me so into my feelings that I can't imagine not reading more on this couple. And, 'Little Rocket' deserves some more dialogue and I can't wait to read that, hint, hint 😂 If you're looking for a nice smooth flowing read, get on this story immediately.
September 17, 2017
Oh My
Nia, if you don't give me more on this couple. Oh, how I enjoyed this short story. I did not want it to end. Nia, you are so wrong. I fell in love with this story and the couple.
Nia, if you don't give me more on this couple. Oh, how I enjoyed this short story. I did not want it to end. Nia, you are so wrong. I fell in love with this story and the couple.
September 17, 2017
Tall and sweet
You know that feeling you get when you realize after the fact you've just eaten the last cookie and you wish you had known it was going to be the last, because you would have savored it more? Yeah, that's how I felt when I got to the last word. I didn't want it to end, because I was really enjoying these characters.
Great short that I'd surely recommend!
You know that feeling you get when you realize after the fact you've just eaten the last cookie and you wish you had known it was going to be the last, because you would have savored it more? Yeah, that's how I felt when I got to the last word. I didn't want it to end, because I was really enjoying these characters.
Great short that I'd surely recommend!
October 24, 2017
Coffee with Rand
A coffee date has a whole new meaning for Randall "Rand" and Danielle! Rand has some healing to do and Dani is the woman to administer the medicine! Loving these shorts! On my way to the next one in the series.
A coffee date has a whole new meaning for Randall "Rand" and Danielle! Rand has some healing to do and Dani is the woman to administer the medicine! Loving these shorts! On my way to the next one in the series.
February 1, 2018
Gasp...but a good one
A rollercoaster...no amusement park of emotions and fun. And how relate able this was even considering the celebrity factor. Great read. 👍
A rollercoaster...no amusement park of emotions and fun. And how relate able this was even considering the celebrity factor. Great read. 👍
December 13, 2020
Be still my heart
This book was everything. I loved everything about this book. That they went to high school together, him the popular jock her the shy overweight nerd. The connection they had over the course of the day. The ending was sooo swoon worthy.
This book was everything. I loved everything about this book. That they went to high school together, him the popular jock her the shy overweight nerd. The connection they had over the course of the day. The ending was sooo swoon worthy.
October 4, 2025
*audiobook*
September 16, 2017
Coffee with a shot of cream...
This story was so amazing. I liked the hero and the heroine from the very start. A grief stricken former football player, and a former nerdy big girl. Who would ever think of this paring and make it sound sexy? Nnnno one except Nia Forrester. The coffee date started out as a chance for Rand to have someone around on the anniversary of his wife's death. A chance to for once not have to dwell on what happened. But the coffee date with Dani turned out to be more than he could ever imagine. It was his saving grace... Whew!!! Nia is killing me with so many amazing stories...
This story was so amazing. I liked the hero and the heroine from the very start. A grief stricken former football player, and a former nerdy big girl. Who would ever think of this paring and make it sound sexy? Nnnno one except Nia Forrester. The coffee date started out as a chance for Rand to have someone around on the anniversary of his wife's death. A chance to for once not have to dwell on what happened. But the coffee date with Dani turned out to be more than he could ever imagine. It was his saving grace... Whew!!! Nia is killing me with so many amazing stories...
April 5, 2019
Incredible
This did not feel like a novella. Rand and Dani's story was complete and wonderful. I really want to give this book 97 stars.
This did not feel like a novella. Rand and Dani's story was complete and wonderful. I really want to give this book 97 stars.
September 19, 2017
Did anyone actually have coffee? 😂
Rand and Dani had me in tears laughing. I love this story. I actually had to stop myself from laughing out loud at certain parts. A wonderful novella that left me 1) wanting more and 2) wondering if they ever will actually have coffee. 😊
Rand and Dani had me in tears laughing. I love this story. I actually had to stop myself from laughing out loud at certain parts. A wonderful novella that left me 1) wanting more and 2) wondering if they ever will actually have coffee. 😊
September 19, 2017
Outstanding
The dialogue between Rand and Dan I was so real. There relationship was built on sharing themselves with each other. Outstanding read.
The dialogue between Rand and Dan I was so real. There relationship was built on sharing themselves with each other. Outstanding read.
December 14, 2017
Words Can't Describe
This story was awesome on so many levels. The skills of the authors ability to get you intoxicated into the story and the lives of the characters was phenomenal. Definitely a must read!
This story was awesome on so many levels. The skills of the authors ability to get you intoxicated into the story and the lives of the characters was phenomenal. Definitely a must read!
December 8, 2017
Mr Rocket
I need more from them. Their story needs to be longer! The way he opened up to Danielle was amazing. I wasn't expecting either of her confessions though.
I need more from them. Their story needs to be longer! The way he opened up to Danielle was amazing. I wasn't expecting either of her confessions though.
September 30, 2017
Short but CERTAINLY not lacking!!!!!
The only short story I’ve ever read where I didn’t end it feeling deprived of plot, details and character development!!!!!I was able to feel the connection between Dani and Rand enough to feel like the story could come to an end and I wasn’t missing anything, yet still want more because of the great job Nia did with the characters and the progression of the story. I love Nia’s Work she never disappoints with her ability to convey the personality and core of the characters with her words. As always it was a pleasure Nia. I will certainly be waiting for the next one!!!
The only short story I’ve ever read where I didn’t end it feeling deprived of plot, details and character development!!!!!I was able to feel the connection between Dani and Rand enough to feel like the story could come to an end and I wasn’t missing anything, yet still want more because of the great job Nia did with the characters and the progression of the story. I love Nia’s Work she never disappoints with her ability to convey the personality and core of the characters with her words. As always it was a pleasure Nia. I will certainly be waiting for the next one!!!
November 28, 2017
The Rocket!!!!
I love the story of Rand and Dani. At first I didn't think he would get past all of his issues to see just what a gem Dani is. Once again Nia draws us in and pulls at our heart string. Great short story.
I love the story of Rand and Dani. At first I didn't think he would get past all of his issues to see just what a gem Dani is. Once again Nia draws us in and pulls at our heart string. Great short story.
September 25, 2017
I was so excited that this “short” gave me a little more than the first one. It’s a testament to her stories, I really enjoy getting lost in them and this one was no exception. Even though the selfish part of me wants more, this “short” actually worked. Nia gave me a full story in a day....well a day and some change...lol!
Looking forward to more!
Looking forward to more!
November 17, 2017
Loved It!
I enjoyed this book immensely. Like a nice light dessert, it just hit the right spot. As a fan of this author, I know that she produces high quality work every time. For a relatively short story, I felt like I really got to know the characters and could relate to them. Great book!
I enjoyed this book immensely. Like a nice light dessert, it just hit the right spot. As a fan of this author, I know that she produces high quality work every time. For a relatively short story, I felt like I really got to know the characters and could relate to them. Great book!
October 12, 2017
Short but still packed in a lot of story. It had some an interesting back story for the characters. This is one of my favorites by the author. There wasn’t a lot of extra “stuff”—just a really solid story—a little bit sweet and a little bit sexy.
November 12, 2017
Loved. This.
September 26, 2017
Wow!!!
So, I loved it. No a Forrester packed a lot into this novella.
Not sure what it was, but I couldn't connect with Rand. He joins Trey (Secret) on the very short list of Nia's leading men that I just kinda like. I felt for him at times, but something in him was lacking for me. I dunno. I'd be interested in seeing how he handles this next phase, as he gets back in the public eye and the honeys come out of the woodwork.
The social media aspect was very interesting. Like a lot of folks, I follow quite a few celebs on IG and things often look so rosy and sunny, that I can't help but wonder if they're 'doing it for the 'gram'. The whole branding thing, too. Loved how both played a role here.
Loved Danielle. I wasn't quite sure what to make of her when the story began, but that changed quickly. I really liked how she literally took a good look at herself in the mirror, didn't like what she saw, and started making changes. I hope her bestie eventually decides to do the same.
And Freya. I loved Freya. I feel like I have the best big sister in the world, and Freya is right up there with her. Freya's scheme was a bit out of the box, but she was determined to shake up Rand's world and get him back in the land of the living. And things worked out in the best way possible.
Thanks for another great read, Nia Forrester!
So, I loved it. No a Forrester packed a lot into this novella.
Not sure what it was, but I couldn't connect with Rand. He joins Trey (Secret) on the very short list of Nia's leading men that I just kinda like. I felt for him at times, but something in him was lacking for me. I dunno. I'd be interested in seeing how he handles this next phase, as he gets back in the public eye and the honeys come out of the woodwork.
The social media aspect was very interesting. Like a lot of folks, I follow quite a few celebs on IG and things often look so rosy and sunny, that I can't help but wonder if they're 'doing it for the 'gram'. The whole branding thing, too. Loved how both played a role here.
Loved Danielle. I wasn't quite sure what to make of her when the story began, but that changed quickly. I really liked how she literally took a good look at herself in the mirror, didn't like what she saw, and started making changes. I hope her bestie eventually decides to do the same.
And Freya. I loved Freya. I feel like I have the best big sister in the world, and Freya is right up there with her. Freya's scheme was a bit out of the box, but she was determined to shake up Rand's world and get him back in the land of the living. And things worked out in the best way possible.
Thanks for another great read, Nia Forrester!
October 3, 2017
This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed it. Her writing style is compelling and I enjoyed the characters. Since this story is considered a short, things progressed quickly, but exactly as they needed to.
What happens when a simple coffee date turns into an all nighter and more? Well, for Rand it entails bearing his soul and cleansing it only to be hit with a surprise that sets him back mentally. How can a stranger turn his life upside down in one day? The poor man is left reeling at the outcome.
I identified with Dani and wanted so badly for her to bond with Rand. I hated that her secret came between them and she was wrong for keeping that from him. However, he would never have allowed her to get so close to him if she had revealed the real reason for the date.
Complicated relationships seem to be Rand's specialty. I am happy they are able to push through and the ending was perfect.
What happens when a simple coffee date turns into an all nighter and more? Well, for Rand it entails bearing his soul and cleansing it only to be hit with a surprise that sets him back mentally. How can a stranger turn his life upside down in one day? The poor man is left reeling at the outcome.
I identified with Dani and wanted so badly for her to bond with Rand. I hated that her secret came between them and she was wrong for keeping that from him. However, he would never have allowed her to get so close to him if she had revealed the real reason for the date.
Complicated relationships seem to be Rand's specialty. I am happy they are able to push through and the ending was perfect.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews