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Coffee Cup Kisses #1

Sweetly Swirled

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“What’s better than a hot steamy cup of coffee? The equally hot barista serving it of course!”

24-year-old Bri’s life has taken an unexpected turn and she finds herself jobless and borderline homeless, with no positive prospects for the future.

Things only get worse after a handsome jerk humiliates her because of her weight, causing her self-confidence to take a massive hit. The only bright spot in this downward spiral is going to her local coffee spot and drowning her sorrows in mugs of delicious coffee, served by an equally delicious barista, Jayce.
When he offers Bri a job in his café, naturally she pounces on the opportunity (rather than him).

Unfortunately, the position comes with strings attached: she must help him recapture the heart of his ex-girlfriend, and make him irresistible to her.

Bri agrees to help, but now she’s the one pining away after a man who’s off limits. Going after Jayce is a bad idea, but everything changes and soon the steam in Jayce’s lingering gaze is hotter than the coffee they swirl.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 17, 2018

162 people are currently reading
381 people want to read

About the author

M.L. Spann

7 books37 followers

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5 stars
119 (36%)
4 stars
107 (32%)
3 stars
69 (21%)
2 stars
24 (7%)
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6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for The_Book_Queen.
1,685 reviews281 followers
dnf
March 25, 2019
DNF @ 69%

I wanted to like this book. I mean, look at that cute as hell cover! And it had its moments. The writing is good.

But my problem was the fat rep in this one. There's too many little jabs about her body and her weight. And while I could, perhaps, have finished the book if it was just her continuing to be hard on her own body image, I finally had to walk away after the hero basically told her "Nah, you just need to be confident, babe! But also: l'll help you to set up a fitness program and diet, here, follow this very strict meal plan." And she does.

Nope. Just nope.

I don't need to stick around for books that make me uncomfortable and remind me of my own body struggles. I know what good fat rep is in a romance novel and I don't need to punish myself and settle for less.
Profile Image for Lisa Tetting.
Author 4 books68 followers
July 19, 2018
I adored the story of Bri and Jayce! First of all, I get to read about a sexy Samoan man who is in love with a bbw. Being in the 'more to love crew', I live for this.

Bri was a very smart young lady who had a bachelor's and a master's degree, but like a lot of her contemporaries couldn't find a job after graduation. Marred by a mild case of depression, she hangs at the local coffee shop bra less and in her pjs drinking hot chocolate and eating danish.

The sexy coffee shop owner catches her eye, but he is in a relationship so she simply befriends him. Jayce is a kind hearted man who takes care of the people in his life. He is attracted to Bri, but dare not go there because he is in a relationship and he is a very descent guy.

Eventually, Bri and he become close friends and start hanging out. He gives her a job at the coffee shop which turns out almost disastrous. That is until they find the perfect fit for her in the office doing the books. One night over pizza and beer, Jayce informs her that he has broken up with 'Creuella' and enlists her help in getting his evil ex back. Bri would rather he date her, but agrees to help him because he says he loves old girl.

Jayce's ex is a money grubbing ice queen who is selfish and annoying. The last person someone like Jayce needs in his life. He finally breaks things off with her and starts dating Bri. Bri is happy, but a little apprehensive because of the lack of time between relationships. She is afraid she will get hurt and her worst fears come true.

Things take a turn for the worse, feeding Bri's insecurities. The truth is finally revealed and we get our HEA! This book was full of quirky characters who kept me engaged in the story. I appreciated the humorous undertone and the fact that the big girl got her man! I am hopeful the author will give Jayce's cousin Keon and Bri's bestie Kirsten their own book.
12 reviews
September 10, 2018
Started off promising....

I was sympathetic to the heroine though her being bullied continuously by the grandmother got old pretty fast. She jumps to conclusions way too quickly though and when she does, unnecessary dramatics ensue.
As for the hero, I liked that he was Samoan. The condition of her helping him win back his girlfriend, then falling for her in such a short space of time was a bit unrealistic. Also, he's too easily manipulated by his ex, which soured me off him somewhat.
Considering the age of both characters, they seemed a bit too juvenile. I expected more.
Profile Image for Rachel S.
8 reviews
May 26, 2020
I loved this book, Bri is awkward and quirky just like me!! I love stories like this. I am rooting for us awkward girls Woohoo!
Profile Image for Britney.
3 reviews
July 9, 2018
Hidden Gem!!!

This book took me by surprise! Not only is it well written it’s Funny! And the characters actually have real personality’s! I loved it so much and I’m happy I took a chance on it. I usually don’t go for books that don’t have a bunch of reviews but I’m seeing how that logic doesn’t make any sense! I would have liked to seen a little more intimacy between the two main characters but other then that ...great read!
Profile Image for Daphney Casseus.
10 reviews
July 12, 2018
Beautiful story

Quirky fun read. I loved how real the characters were. I loved that the main character wasn’t a beautiful skinny caramel type of woman, like most writers.
Profile Image for Sami Hunter.
9 reviews3 followers
March 8, 2021
I’ve never physically rolled my eyes at a book until now. I was excited to read this book. I found the author on TikTok, who claimed she wasn’t finding the right representation due to being a black woman, so she decided to self publish on Amazon. After reading this book, I’m having my doubts about her representation being denied on her race.

This is hands down one of the most poorly written books I have ever read. I’m not even finished reading it as I write this review, because it is a physical chore to keep on reading. I will admit, romance is not my genre of choice. But the plot points in this book are absolutely insane, situations that would never ever happen in real life. It’s one of those woman-has-horrible-self-esteem-but-finds-it-in-the-arms-of-a-man books.

Despite the constant changes in tense and the typos, I was determined to give it the benefit of the doubt. I think the moment of no return was that the main character is constantly complaining about her weight (to the point where the man in question who helps her get her self esteem makes her a diet plan), only for a shopping scene to occur and we find out she wears a size 14. If you’re going to have a main character with weight issues, don’t give an actual size. You’ve just alienated a huge section of your readership.

At one point, the miracle man, Jayce, has convinced the main character, Bri, that he’s in love with her, then allows his ex girlfriend, Vivienne, to manipulate him with a fake pregnancy that reeked of being fake as soon as it happened due to Vivienne being a one-dimensional villain with absolutely no redeeming qualities. Bri, rightfully hurt, wants to avoid him, but of course everyone in her life tries to convince her to go back to him. At one point, Jayce even starts just depositing money in her bank account. This is extremely manipulative behavior, but the knight in shining armor is still viewed as such. And of course, once the fake pregnancy is revealed, Bri goes straight back to Jayce with no hesitation over the fact he put the potential of a baby with his ex above her.

This story is deeply misogynistic. The main character’s grandmother is also ridiculously unbelievable. She straight up lies to Bri at one point to convince her to go on a date with her friend’s grandson. To insult the short grandson, Bri makes frequent references to him being a “hobbit” and calling him “Frodo” and is insulted when he takes her on a date to an arcade. Does the author not think a significant amount of her readership would not be into things like Lord of the Rings and arcades? Also, Vivienne is frequently referred to as a “Barbie” and is harshly judged by the main characters for getting breast implants. When her best friend Kirsten meets Jayce’s cousin Keon for the first time, he makes fun of the amount of makeup she’s wearing, to the point where he convinces her to wipe it all off. Is Kirsten so insulted by this that she refuses and leaves? Of course not, a man being a dick to a woman is sexy, of course, and the two end up dating. And despite during the course of their relationship Keon convinces Kirsten to tone down her makeup and clothes, it’s just something they need to “work out”, not deeply manipulative and misogynistic behavior.

This book is just poorly written on every level, and I’m deeply disappointed. I hope the author learns to listen to her critics instead of taking them personally, and learns to grow as an author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Vi.
78 reviews
April 12, 2021
I was looking for a book with a plus size/fat female MC. Based on lists I found online this seemed to be a solid option. It turns out (for me, at least) it wasn't. Here goes:

ABOUT FOOD/BODY ISSUES:
- There's an initial pointless weight loss/diet program led by the leading dude. Dude MC states he will help female MC have a nutrition/workout plan so she can lose weight. Does not state he has any type of educational background or formal certification to do this other than "I have abs" and an overall "socially acceptable body". Has her eating salads and no carbs. This line doesn't go anywhere and goes as fast as it came, serves no purpose to the story. Not ideal message/read for people struggling with ED or DE.
- This lady MC is on the small side of plus size (size 14) and all she does is give herself unkind comments. This is not "fixed" later on in the book. MC just loses weight (more on this later) and that's that. Definitely not body positive if you want a strong-fat-leading lady.
⁃ MC becomes depressed because of breakup with dude MC. She loses weight because of this (she's straight up not eating...) and then is able to dress in her "normal-size" friend's dress and overall smaller clothes. Did not sit well with me that depression weight loss would be seen as OK.

OTHERS:
⁃ There's no timeline to the book, you never know how long it’s been. “A few weeks" are mentioned here and there as an indication of time passing but there’s no real way to know how long it's been between scenes or situations.
⁃ Not a slow burn, which I appreciate, but the fast pace felt rushed and not really believable.
⁃ Through several points of the book MC heroine is excessively emotional and does not seem to be able to act/think rationally. As the pages go on, it becomes annoying. I know we're not all super rational humans, but also her irrational fits ended up reminding me of high-school drama rather than adults dealing with unpleasant feelings/situations.
⁃ The grandmother character is a straight up bully. Did not appreciate her AT ALL.
- The main drama/conflict point involving dude MC's ex-gf is poorly executed and resolution seems rushed and done as "easy fix" instead of diving into the conflict for a more intricate resolution.

I was really excited to finally read a book with a fat leading lady, was bumped out to see this book wasn't it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mellernice Clark.
52 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2018
More please

I absolutely love the story of Jayce and Bri. There are just not enough stories of big girls finding love. I really enjoy interracial love stories and it was a genuine pleasure to have a sister fall for a Samoan man. Lord knows they are some hot guys.

The story line was great but I would have liked to know more of what Jayce was thinking and feeling during the story. It felt sort of one sided. But all in all it was a really good read and I would recommend it to others
Profile Image for Aj.
363 reviews4 followers
November 5, 2019
DNF'd but rated because I was so done with the writing and the character. I desperately wanted to love this book but this character was so immature and frustrating that I just couldn't even muster up much like.
Profile Image for Leslie Garrett.
12 reviews
August 6, 2020
Good but just ok. There was an element of suspense but it was fairly predictable.
Profile Image for Marion.
206 reviews7 followers
Read
February 24, 2022
Cute cover and promising premise, but unfortunately way too problematic for me. I haven’t been reviewing books recently but this one bothered me in a lot of ways.

1. Depiction of fat women. The self-loathing was painful to read, but I felt that it was authentic and added dimension to the MC. However, according to the author she wasn’t actually “fat” (size 14–still in straight sizes and not even big enough to shop at many plus sized departments). Assigning a number to a person’s size is a mistake for any author attempting to depict a fat person.

That was frustrating, but the glorification of weight loss through (1) eating “rabbit food” as assigned by someone whose only qualifications are “enjoying working out” and (2) depression (eating disorder glorification yaaaaay) was even more problematic. Of course, reading that suddenly her personality changed and all good things (attention, the HEA) happened to her AFTER the weight loss was even more of a throw back to 1998 fat-shaming rom coms.

2.How manipulative almost everyone in the cast was, the mom and male friend from the last 20% being the notable exceptions (and both of these people plus have been cut out of the book and you would never have known).

The love interest lit up every one of my red flags: refusing the leave her alone when requested, depositing money into her bank account to “take care of her” when they were broken up, telling her how much her loves her while with another woman, using her to GET the other woman even though he also like the MC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for April.
551 reviews
August 19, 2024
While reading and after finishing a Freida McFadden book, I needed a little break with something lighter. And this cute friends to lovers romance book that is centered around a coffee shop was just what was needed. It was like the foam on a latte: light, foamy, and oh so sweet, bug it had an interesting plot detailing the couple's love story. I'm glad I discovered it on Hoopla, and I recommend it to you, too.

20-something Bri's life has hit a bit of a rough patch. After graduating college, she's having trouble finding a job. Her love life is non-existent, and her grandma is constantly questioning her. Her only source of solace is her daily trip to her local coffee house. There she gets not only her java, but the chance to gawk at the chiseled physique of the barista, Jace. They even banter with each other. The only problem is that Jace is taken. One day he finds out Bri has a business degree, and solves her job woes. He also asks her to help him impress his girlfriend, but as the pair spends more time together, sparks fly. Will Bri get the guy and the job? Read Sweetly Swirled to find out how the story of Bri and Jace unfolds.
Profile Image for Laura Dean.
132 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2021
Such a rollercoaster of a cute story!

I don't read a lot of contemporary romance, but I really enjoyed this one! Definitely coming back for more of the author's work!

Bri was a relatable character, both in temperament and situation, which I don't get to see a lot of. Jayce was so fun to meet and get to know, that even when we was making the "wrong" choice you were rooting for him. Also, while a lot of romance novels will put the next characters in just to introduce them for the next book, this wasn't the case. We got to know them too. Not as well, obviously, but they won't be little more than strangers when I read the next book. (There is one character I don't think will get a story, but I really wish he would! M. L. Span, if you're reading this, Darren was such a sweet guy, please let me know what happened to him!)
154 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2019
Good and funny story

I liked this story very much especially enjoy having humor added. Bri was a woman who let her anger messed with her decisions. She never question when things weren't right, she just react. Jayce was a good hearted man and a thoughtful one who could charm anyone with his good nature. He was her friend before they became lovers and I like that. Bri 's grandmother was a riot and I thought she was pushy and funny. This book had me laughing out loud several times especially the scene where her grandmother walked in Bri's bedroom while she was on the phone with Jayce. I will be reading your next book about Bri's girlfriend and Jayce cousin. Continue success with your writing.
274 reviews3 followers
April 7, 2019
Great Read

I really enjoyed these characters well all except that crazy Vivien she was so manipulative and insane and I have no idea what Jayce saw in her. Bri was going through some stuff but at least she had people who cared about her especially her BFF Kirsten her mom was sweet and her grandma was a mess who like to tell you off and always up in your business lol . But all means well. Bri just needed to catch a break. Now I'm gonna go read the other book with her BFF story this sure be good too!
Profile Image for Shawna (endemictoearth).
2,340 reviews33 followers
February 13, 2020
I wanted to love this, but where I thought I was getting a fat MC who learned to love herself, I got a size 14 MC who is seriously disrespected in the first several chapters, and then is encouraged by her love interest to start a diet (as nicely as possible, but still). He also picks her up and carries her no fewer than three times, despite her thinking she's too big. By the conclusion, she ends up losing weight because she's too depressed to eat for a month.

There's a lot to like, despite the less than stellar fat rep, but I also experienced plot based whiplash in the final third of this book. Might have been one too many obstacles by the end, but I genuinely enjoyed Bri and Jayce together and was happy for their happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
345 reviews
April 9, 2021
Romantic, Funny and Entertaining

This book was recommended to me by a dear acquaintance and I was hooked on Bri's character immediately. She is so relatable and funny. The cute banter between Bri and Jayce is endearing, but her physical description of him has my imagination running wild. The development of their friends to coworkers to lovers relationship has you intrigued and wanting more. With Bri's no nonsense meddling gram-gram, a sexy free spirited bestie, and Jayce's witty hunky cousin, you have a great book. I thoroughly enjoyed this literary rendering.
Profile Image for Robyn.
282 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2018
Overall fun read

Story started off really strong And i felt i could relate to Bri so much. But towards the end of the story it started to feel rushed and unbelievable. I felt that Jayce was always so quick to leave Bri for Vivianne no matter and she was always second best..why because she was the black fat girl? As strong as a character Bri was it made her seem very weak. But all in all it was cute light and funny read.
249 reviews
July 30, 2018
Absolutely Awesome!

I loved this book and it is definitely a keeper in my re-read stack. Bri is dealing with something that everyone has to deal with, their own insecurities and how to move forward. Jaycee lieve and acceptance of Bri and her of him made their relationship great. Gram-Gram is the best!
298 reviews
August 13, 2018
It was this cover that drew me in. All I could picture as I read this story was Jennifer Hudson and Jason Mamoa...whew (that's hot)! It was such a sweet story; I wanted to shake Gram-gram and punch Vivi in the face. Now I want Kristen and Keon to have their own story. Great job, M.L. Spann...looking forward to more of your novels.
Profile Image for Woodie's (my name is Tina).
34 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2018
What a Blend

This book is what I needed. It has been on my list of books to read and honey let me tell you!. This book was the right blend. I laughed, cried and somewhere in between covered my eyes at embarrassingly funny and omg, did that just happen moments. The story felt real and relatable.
304 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2019
Sweetly swirled

Not a bad story. Brianna and Jayce. This is the first story I’ve read by this author. I like the stories of the plus sized girls who get the guy. Jayce was a sweet guy. He was perfect for her. I liked her friend Kirsten, and I hope her and his cousin will stay together. Story was a bit long, but it still held my interest.
41 reviews
December 17, 2019
Awesome Read

The character Bri was very relatable. Almost too much relatable during the first few chapters. I got mad at myself during those moments. But, overall that's what made me enjoy this novel the most. It's relatable. Now, if only I could find myself a man like, Jayce in a coffee shop. Anyway, can't wait to read more from Ms. Spann.
98 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2021
Sweetly Swirled!

First book by the author and thoroughly enjoyed her work! Jayce and Bri made for a great story. At first I was concerned Bri was just another 'damsel in distress'. Not the case and enjoyed how the characters in the tale blossom. Looks like her friend Kirsten has a romance on the horizon as well. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
416 reviews2 followers
June 3, 2018
Second Read

This is the 2nd time I have read this book; I read it under the former title and didn't realize it was the same book. It was still good. Loved the characters and the story.
934 reviews8 followers
August 10, 2018
Absolutely loved it

This was my first read by this author and I was not disappointed. The characters were well developed and you didn't have to stretch your imagination because they were so relatable. Jace and Bri are great together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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