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Coffee & Cardigans #1
Slammed into You
Alternate cover for ASIN B07NSFQKG6
It’s not easy hating who's someone so goddamn hot.
Amir is a rising slam poet who wants to make it big. While he works a day job at a café, he writes poems like his life depends on it and performs at a local poetry slam every week.
When Landon, the hot new guy desperate to prove himself, joins the team, he threatens Amir’s chance to go to Nationals. Landon soon finds himself locked in a fiery battle with Amir, and they’re both out for blood.
They can’t stand each other. But when a huge fight turns from hatred to fierce passion, they can no longer ignore their attraction to each other. Now they must confront their growing feelings while they vie for the last spot on the team. Can one come out on top without losing the other?
This is the first book in the Coffee & Cardigans series, but can be read as a stand-alone. The next books will follow different couples.
It’s not easy hating who's someone so goddamn hot.
Amir is a rising slam poet who wants to make it big. While he works a day job at a café, he writes poems like his life depends on it and performs at a local poetry slam every week.
When Landon, the hot new guy desperate to prove himself, joins the team, he threatens Amir’s chance to go to Nationals. Landon soon finds himself locked in a fiery battle with Amir, and they’re both out for blood.
They can’t stand each other. But when a huge fight turns from hatred to fierce passion, they can no longer ignore their attraction to each other. Now they must confront their growing feelings while they vie for the last spot on the team. Can one come out on top without losing the other?
This is the first book in the Coffee & Cardigans series, but can be read as a stand-alone. The next books will follow different couples.
- GenresM M Romance
174 pages, ebook
Published February 21, 2019
3 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Valencourt
6 books50 followersC.M. Valencourt is a new m/m romance author. They started devouring queer fiction when they still had to smuggle it into their parents’ Catholic household, and dreamed of writing books about queer people finding love ever since. They like figure skating, ghost hunting shows, and Carly Rae Jepsen. You can find out more about their books and learn about upcoming releases at cmvalencourt.com.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 16, 2019
They didn’t like each other... they rant on each others poems... still they had to work together.
And somehow they used their angry energy for the better...
Both slam poets and ambition about it.
When they finally get along, Amir gets the opportunity of his life and everything else seems to disappear...
I loved Amir and Landon... apart and together. Flawed, complicated and honest.
We can watch them entwine and untwine together. Their energy is palpable.
The environments where exceptional in this story I really love the originality of it.
Well development of main and secondary characters. With a promise to see more of some.
A lovely story about opportunities, feisty characters, religions, second chances and strong slam poems, well and smoothly written !
Wouldn’t it be great to read an ebook but also listen at it at some moments?
Kindly received an arc from the author
And somehow they used their angry energy for the better...
Both slam poets and ambition about it.
When they finally get along, Amir gets the opportunity of his life and everything else seems to disappear...
I loved Amir and Landon... apart and together. Flawed, complicated and honest.
We can watch them entwine and untwine together. Their energy is palpable.
The environments where exceptional in this story I really love the originality of it.
Well development of main and secondary characters. With a promise to see more of some.
A lovely story about opportunities, feisty characters, religions, second chances and strong slam poems, well and smoothly written !
Wouldn’t it be great to read an ebook but also listen at it at some moments?
Kindly received an arc from the author
March 3, 2019
Slammed into You was an interesting read, not least because I had not come across poetry slams before, and didn't know it was a thing. I enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers romance between Landon and Amir. I particularly liked that it did fluctuate; it wasn't simply hate one minute and love the next; it took time to develop. I thought the balance of poetry to prose was right too. A handful of the poems were written out, but most were just mentioned, without being quoted on the page. The ratio of action to sex scenes was also good, mixing plenty of plot development with some steamy bedroom sessions. Overall, Slammed into You is an intelligent and enjoyable read that I recommend for fans of contemporary MM tales.
I received a free eBook copy of this work from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free eBook copy of this work from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2019
What a wonderful start to a brand new series. All the passion and angst between these two...amazing and well-written. The poems were amazing, and the diversity of the characters was a breath of fresh air. I adored Landon's sense of style (all the colorful clothing!) and Amir's close friendships. I'm all grabby hands for the next book.
March 10, 2019
Slammed into You is one of those books that I find hard to review.
Looking back, I probably shouldn't have accepted an ARC as I just can't review poetry, but I thought there will be more of the relationship between the poets and less of their poems.
And here's where I find myself split.
I don't think I can review the book without talking about the poems, but I don't have much to say about them, other than that most didn't connect with me, apart from the last one. I feel like I'm letting you down because I don't know what else to tell you about them.
On the other hand, I'm glad that there were poems in the book.
Confused?
Okay, I'll explain.
While the poems themselves aren't what I'd remember - again, save for the last one - I enjoyed reading about the creative process which resulted in the poems. I think that every artist goes through similar struggles and random moments of inspiration as Amir and Landon did, which makes them relatable to readers who are also artists, even if they'd prefer to paint a canvas over working on a piece for a slam.
Poetry aside, there was one other reason why I'm struggling with writing this review. Well, not so much the review itself, but with what rating to give the book.
I didn't enjoy the beginning.
Amir comes off as paranoid, Landon as preachy and the first couple of chapters read as if the author had some social agenda they wanted to push on us.
When an author feels strongly about a topic, it's natural that they'd express their own opinions through their characters. Sometimes that is a seamless process, the subject matter successfully merged with the plot. At other times: not so much. Slammed into You falls somewhere in the middle. In the beginning, the characters were coming on so strong, I thought they were trying to convince me to think exactly like them.
But then we have the later chapters and they read so much better.
The characters seem more like real people, their interactions seem more natural and I found myself smiling at Amir and Landon when there wasn't drama around them.
The last poem, which is about religion and sexuality, doesn't seem like it's put there to shout at us "This is the politically correct way of thinking", but as something that comes from the heart of the characters.
Do you see now why it's so difficult for me to rate this book?
I guess I'd recommend Slammed into You to artists, be they writers, painters, musicians or something else.
My rating: 3.5/5
Looking back, I probably shouldn't have accepted an ARC as I just can't review poetry, but I thought there will be more of the relationship between the poets and less of their poems.
And here's where I find myself split.
I don't think I can review the book without talking about the poems, but I don't have much to say about them, other than that most didn't connect with me, apart from the last one. I feel like I'm letting you down because I don't know what else to tell you about them.
On the other hand, I'm glad that there were poems in the book.
Confused?
Okay, I'll explain.
While the poems themselves aren't what I'd remember - again, save for the last one - I enjoyed reading about the creative process which resulted in the poems. I think that every artist goes through similar struggles and random moments of inspiration as Amir and Landon did, which makes them relatable to readers who are also artists, even if they'd prefer to paint a canvas over working on a piece for a slam.
Poetry aside, there was one other reason why I'm struggling with writing this review. Well, not so much the review itself, but with what rating to give the book.
I didn't enjoy the beginning.
Amir comes off as paranoid, Landon as preachy and the first couple of chapters read as if the author had some social agenda they wanted to push on us.
When an author feels strongly about a topic, it's natural that they'd express their own opinions through their characters. Sometimes that is a seamless process, the subject matter successfully merged with the plot. At other times: not so much. Slammed into You falls somewhere in the middle. In the beginning, the characters were coming on so strong, I thought they were trying to convince me to think exactly like them.
But then we have the later chapters and they read so much better.
The characters seem more like real people, their interactions seem more natural and I found myself smiling at Amir and Landon when there wasn't drama around them.
The last poem, which is about religion and sexuality, doesn't seem like it's put there to shout at us "This is the politically correct way of thinking", but as something that comes from the heart of the characters.
Do you see now why it's so difficult for me to rate this book?
I guess I'd recommend Slammed into You to artists, be they writers, painters, musicians or something else.
My rating: 3.5/5
March 31, 2019
Thank you to the author who provided me with a free copy of the book in exchange for a review.
This novel is a new adult-adult contemporary novel that follows a man named Amir as he tries to make his way in the world of poetry slamming. He meets up and coming artist, Landon, who at first becomes his rival, until they break into a steamy romance.
The cast of characters in this book is extremely diverse with not only PoC rep, but LGBT+ rep as well. The main character is a bisexual Arab and his love interest is African American, and gay. The supporting cast of characters are white, Mexican, and black. There is trans rep, gay rep, bisexual rep, and lesbian rep. So like I said, this is one hell of a diverse book. I can’t speak on any of the accuracies of the rep as I am not own voices for any of the above, but I wanted to state the representation :). This book is also a NEW ADULT/ADULT novel with multiple sex scenes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It is something typically outside of my usual genre and pics, but I had a really fun time reading this story. It’s pitched as enemies to lovers, though the enemies to lovers is short lived, as the characters get together before 50% into the novel. I don’t think this is a negative thing at all, in fact I thought the pacing for the romance was perfect for the length of this short novel. I also had no problem reading this in one sitting. The story is intriguing and grips you from start to finish, keeping you flipping the pages in the end.
It follows the trope of someone getting lost in the fame of their passion, and I liked getting a fresh, new diverse take on this common theme. A group chat of mine was just talking about how tropes are not done until every perspective has had a chance to tell their version of that story, and Slammed Into You is a perfect example.
The pacing in the book in general worked really well compared to the length. The author did a great job at being able to bring multiple characters personalities alive in the nearly two hundred page story. From the main characters, to the supporting characters, everyones voices leap off the page, sucking you into their lives.
I gave this one a four/five stars – because I thought it was honestly charming! It’s a quick read, hooks you from beginning to end, and has a great cast of characters. I didn’t know too much about poetry slamming, but reading this book gave an interesting insight to a different kind of backdrop for a contemporary novel.
I definitely suggest picking up this one if you like new adult LGBT+ stories.
This novel is a new adult-adult contemporary novel that follows a man named Amir as he tries to make his way in the world of poetry slamming. He meets up and coming artist, Landon, who at first becomes his rival, until they break into a steamy romance.
The cast of characters in this book is extremely diverse with not only PoC rep, but LGBT+ rep as well. The main character is a bisexual Arab and his love interest is African American, and gay. The supporting cast of characters are white, Mexican, and black. There is trans rep, gay rep, bisexual rep, and lesbian rep. So like I said, this is one hell of a diverse book. I can’t speak on any of the accuracies of the rep as I am not own voices for any of the above, but I wanted to state the representation :). This book is also a NEW ADULT/ADULT novel with multiple sex scenes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It is something typically outside of my usual genre and pics, but I had a really fun time reading this story. It’s pitched as enemies to lovers, though the enemies to lovers is short lived, as the characters get together before 50% into the novel. I don’t think this is a negative thing at all, in fact I thought the pacing for the romance was perfect for the length of this short novel. I also had no problem reading this in one sitting. The story is intriguing and grips you from start to finish, keeping you flipping the pages in the end.
It follows the trope of someone getting lost in the fame of their passion, and I liked getting a fresh, new diverse take on this common theme. A group chat of mine was just talking about how tropes are not done until every perspective has had a chance to tell their version of that story, and Slammed Into You is a perfect example.
The pacing in the book in general worked really well compared to the length. The author did a great job at being able to bring multiple characters personalities alive in the nearly two hundred page story. From the main characters, to the supporting characters, everyones voices leap off the page, sucking you into their lives.
I gave this one a four/five stars – because I thought it was honestly charming! It’s a quick read, hooks you from beginning to end, and has a great cast of characters. I didn’t know too much about poetry slamming, but reading this book gave an interesting insight to a different kind of backdrop for a contemporary novel.
I definitely suggest picking up this one if you like new adult LGBT+ stories.
April 6, 2019
Amir is a budding slam poet with hopes of making something out of his work. He works with a group of poets to improve his work and to compete. His life gets turned upside down when Landon, a new poet with something to prove, joins the team. Amir and Landon can’t stand each other from the get go. Amir feels threatened that Landon might take his spot on the team, and he may end up being a better poet than Amir. That would be a hard pill to swallow.
A passion filled fight turns from words to harsh kisses and touches changes everything for Amir and Landon. Both men enjoy the time they have with each other but its still in the back of their heads that they want a spot on to compete at Nationals. A surprising opportunity for Amir threatens everything he has built with Landon and his slam team. Can he fix what he’s risked?
As soon as I started reading this, I was immediately thrown back into my creative writing club days of high school. We were always trying to make sure we bettered each other’s writing, gave constructive criticism, and there was always that one person who had to be better than the rest of us. The group of characters were just as diverse as any creative writing group that I’ve been part of. It brought up fun memories while I was reading. I loved that we got to see different cultures at work and how their religion influenced their lives. I haven’t read many M/M books with a Muslim main character, so this was a new experience for me.
Their distaste for each other was palpable in the beginning. I almost grimaced whenever they would get in close proximity of each other because I was like, ‘what’s going to happen now?’. I will admit, it was a little strange how quickly they went from enemies, to sweet lovers. But it really didn’t bother me once I was amid them learning about each other and going on dates. They were kind of adorable.
Amir though, that fella needed to get his act together towards the end. I wanted to shake him. Like why do you have to be like that Amir? I was very glad when he woke up and realized what he had been doing.
What I also enjoyed was the fact that poetry was used in the novel It wasn’t only referenced. There were poems from the slams and then the paired poem that Amir and Landon worked on together. It made what I was reading that much more powerful.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading more in the series!
A passion filled fight turns from words to harsh kisses and touches changes everything for Amir and Landon. Both men enjoy the time they have with each other but its still in the back of their heads that they want a spot on to compete at Nationals. A surprising opportunity for Amir threatens everything he has built with Landon and his slam team. Can he fix what he’s risked?
As soon as I started reading this, I was immediately thrown back into my creative writing club days of high school. We were always trying to make sure we bettered each other’s writing, gave constructive criticism, and there was always that one person who had to be better than the rest of us. The group of characters were just as diverse as any creative writing group that I’ve been part of. It brought up fun memories while I was reading. I loved that we got to see different cultures at work and how their religion influenced their lives. I haven’t read many M/M books with a Muslim main character, so this was a new experience for me.
Their distaste for each other was palpable in the beginning. I almost grimaced whenever they would get in close proximity of each other because I was like, ‘what’s going to happen now?’. I will admit, it was a little strange how quickly they went from enemies, to sweet lovers. But it really didn’t bother me once I was amid them learning about each other and going on dates. They were kind of adorable.
Amir though, that fella needed to get his act together towards the end. I wanted to shake him. Like why do you have to be like that Amir? I was very glad when he woke up and realized what he had been doing.
What I also enjoyed was the fact that poetry was used in the novel It wasn’t only referenced. There were poems from the slams and then the paired poem that Amir and Landon worked on together. It made what I was reading that much more powerful.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading more in the series!
May 9, 2019
I love poetry but didn’t know much about slam poetry so enjoyed learning about that during my read of this book. I also liked that some of the poetry was included in the story as it gave it a sense of realism and being in the moment as they read their poetry and waited for the audience’s reaction. I thought the joint poem that Ami and Landon wrote together was particularly powerful and emotive.
I liked the family vibe at the café where Amir works, and how Cole and especially Emilio were honest with him when he needed to be told a few home truths. I loved Emilio in the scene where he talks to Amir about what is really important in life. The other members of the poetry slam were interesting, and added to the story too.
This story is about following dreams, yet having to make decisions about which dream to follow. I did feel for Amir having to choose, and wasn’t 100% convinced about that bit of the plot, but did like the way his and Landon’s story ended. I liked that although Landon comes across as pretentious at first, he has a lot more depth to him, and thought his nerves when he first reads at a big slam event portrayed the chinks in his ‘armour’ very well.
I liked it when he and Amir finally start to talk to each other and get to know each other, rather than just being annoyed by each other, and having angry sex. The change in tone of the sex between them reflects the change in their relationship ad their growing friendship too, although I did think some of the semi-public on page sex was a little gratuitous to the story. Both men are very opinionated, and the reader views Landon through Amir’s lens as the story is written from his perspective.
I’d recommend Slammed into You to readers who enjoy an interesting story and characters who are enemies before they are friends, and have to work for their happy ending.
I liked the family vibe at the café where Amir works, and how Cole and especially Emilio were honest with him when he needed to be told a few home truths. I loved Emilio in the scene where he talks to Amir about what is really important in life. The other members of the poetry slam were interesting, and added to the story too.
This story is about following dreams, yet having to make decisions about which dream to follow. I did feel for Amir having to choose, and wasn’t 100% convinced about that bit of the plot, but did like the way his and Landon’s story ended. I liked that although Landon comes across as pretentious at first, he has a lot more depth to him, and thought his nerves when he first reads at a big slam event portrayed the chinks in his ‘armour’ very well.
I liked it when he and Amir finally start to talk to each other and get to know each other, rather than just being annoyed by each other, and having angry sex. The change in tone of the sex between them reflects the change in their relationship ad their growing friendship too, although I did think some of the semi-public on page sex was a little gratuitous to the story. Both men are very opinionated, and the reader views Landon through Amir’s lens as the story is written from his perspective.
I’d recommend Slammed into You to readers who enjoy an interesting story and characters who are enemies before they are friends, and have to work for their happy ending.
February 21, 2019
The development of poetry in this short story was the highlight of the narrative for me. I was impressed by the expectations set of Landon when he was introduced to the plot, but was more than a little exasperated with Amir's character - especially the way the latter dealt with adversity. There are more than a few instances of growth stories in every geographic context where a little maturing is in order for how individuals with their feelings and struggle against the complacency on high horses that our ego is always ready to tempt us with. I need look no further than a mirror to remind myself of this, but Amir's redemption toward the end of the narrative felt a little contrived to me, which detracted from being able to enjoy the well-written narrative. The poetic content represented the most delightful aspect of synchronising the melding together of cultural values from distinct places, and will remain the most memorable part of this book for me.
*I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of the book received from the author.
*I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of the book received from the author.
March 4, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! The enemies to lovers trope was handled absolutely wonderfully... the rivalry between Amir and Landon sparked in one way at first, and when that shifted to sparks of a different kind, the transition felt extremely authentic and well worth the wait. I loved both MCs and thought their on-page chemistry was well-realized and worth rooting for.
The supporting cast was also amazing... which is definitely a plus with the first part of a series! I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment.
Perhaps most importantly for me, though, this book really took me into a world I knew NOTHING about, and left me wanting to go to a poetry slam, or maybe even try it for myself! I had heard the term "slam poetry" before, but I honestly had NO idea what it was, and I absolutely LOVE books that can just immerse me in another world.
I genuinely enjoyed every moment I spent with Amir and Landon--for the romance, for the friendship, for the poetry. This book was a lovely little escape that made me feel just as warm and fuzzy as one of Amir's free lattes.
The supporting cast was also amazing... which is definitely a plus with the first part of a series! I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment.
Perhaps most importantly for me, though, this book really took me into a world I knew NOTHING about, and left me wanting to go to a poetry slam, or maybe even try it for myself! I had heard the term "slam poetry" before, but I honestly had NO idea what it was, and I absolutely LOVE books that can just immerse me in another world.
I genuinely enjoyed every moment I spent with Amir and Landon--for the romance, for the friendship, for the poetry. This book was a lovely little escape that made me feel just as warm and fuzzy as one of Amir's free lattes.
April 13, 2019
Short of Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, etc. and nursery rhymes, you can fit what I know about poetry on the head of a pin. Needless to say, my knowledge of slam poetry is almost nil. Thankfully, it's laid out in Slammed Into You in a way that made it interesting and easy to understand. The romance, which is what drew me to the story, is an enemies to lovers love story, which is one of my favorite tropes in romance. Amir and Landon are definitely enemies in the beginning, but it's more about jealousy than anything else for Amir's part. That jealousy does fit with the character. Amir is a bit too self-centered for my tastes, so I had a hard time seeing exactly what Landon saw in him once they begin to warm up to each other. But, warm up to each other they do. In the end, I can't say that I really warmed up to Amir, but I did warm up to the pair as a couple. I would've liked some of Landon's point of view, especially early on when they're trying to get to know each other, but that aside, the story did hold my interest. All in all, a good start to a promising series.
February 26, 2019
I really like the way that the author uses the medium of poetry and the creative process as a vehicle for the creation of a relationship and the stirring of love. The passion of the writing of poetry and the delivery of that poetry through slams is something to behold in person and it was exciting to read about it in this book. In this story Amir and Landon were dueling poets who push one another while they compete with one another. This story was well written, the characters were fleshed out and more interesting for their flaws. This was my first read by this author and it won't be my last.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 4, 2019
Poetry meets Love
I love the way this story centers around slam poets and their journey to be heard.
Amir and Landon are from two opposite backgrounds and religions but they faced a lot of the same negativity in the world. And this story showcases their growth in life. From what they were, to who they want to be. Together as well as apart.
I enjoyed this story. I thought it was extremely well written, where poetry meets love.
I love the way this story centers around slam poets and their journey to be heard.
Amir and Landon are from two opposite backgrounds and religions but they faced a lot of the same negativity in the world. And this story showcases their growth in life. From what they were, to who they want to be. Together as well as apart.
I enjoyed this story. I thought it was extremely well written, where poetry meets love.
February 21, 2019
Really enjoyed reading this especially the poetry part. The relationship between the main characters and secondary characters where on point and made me want to know more about them individually. There was also some serious heat between Landon and Amir.
Amir fancies Landon the moment he walks into the poetry slam. That is until Landon reads an amazing poem and has everyone interested in him. When he is offered a place on the team Amir’s back is up.
There is an instant love hate relationship between the two. But there is no denying the chemistry between them.
It’s not always easy especially when Amir has to make some very tough and selfish decisions.
Friendships and relationship are tested all for the love of poetry.
Amir fancies Landon the moment he walks into the poetry slam. That is until Landon reads an amazing poem and has everyone interested in him. When he is offered a place on the team Amir’s back is up.
There is an instant love hate relationship between the two. But there is no denying the chemistry between them.
It’s not always easy especially when Amir has to make some very tough and selfish decisions.
Friendships and relationship are tested all for the love of poetry.
February 22, 2019
*arc received in exchange for an honest review*
This was a whole new world for me. Who knew people read poetry for competition? It made a great back drop setting for a great story! It was an addictive read that had me falling in love with both characters - even if Amir was insecure and a little bit of a brat at times. I love Valencourt’s works and Slammed into You is a great edition to their catalogue.
This was a whole new world for me. Who knew people read poetry for competition? It made a great back drop setting for a great story! It was an addictive read that had me falling in love with both characters - even if Amir was insecure and a little bit of a brat at times. I love Valencourt’s works and Slammed into You is a great edition to their catalogue.
April 12, 2019
I very much enjoyed this hate to love story! Read the full review on my blog.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews