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Rabbits Leap #1
The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises
Mel’s dreams of opening a cosy little coffee shop are finally coming true! She’s determined to serve the best flat whites and crumbly pastries in Devon – and nothing, not even local pub owner Tony or his fancy new coffee machine, will stand in her way.
The trouble is, her mother is coming to town, and Mel’s in desperate need of an instant boyfriend. And whilst Tony might be her business rival, he’s also totally gorgeous and would make the perfect fake fiancé…
A deal’s a deal, surely there’s no chance that Mel could actually fall in love with Tony?
The trouble is, her mother is coming to town, and Mel’s in desperate need of an instant boyfriend. And whilst Tony might be her business rival, he’s also totally gorgeous and would make the perfect fake fiancé…
A deal’s a deal, surely there’s no chance that Mel could actually fall in love with Tony?
286 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2017
63 people are currently reading
716 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
April 15, 2017
5☆ Thoroughly Charming
The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises, is a book about a business partnership turning to friendship, turning into Love.
It was charming, easy to read, very funny in places, believable and had fab characters.
Mel meets Tony the local pub landlord when she drowns her sorrows there with a glass of wine.
However this particular day will change both Mel and Tony's life forever.
Tony tells Mell that he's business is about to go under, which is no secret. He tells her he is going to install a fresh coffee machine. She is absolutely furious as she owns the local coffee shop and he will take her business.
Mel is In a bad mood and this has just made things 10xs worse as her mother "Hurricane Val" is about to arrive and she's a man eater, determined to get Mel married off. She sees no way out.
But wait....Tony is desperate and so is she so she comes up with the most crazy idea that could actually save the both of them!
She proposes to Tony....literally....she says to him if he agrees to be her "pretend" fiancé then she will teach him to cook, brew coffee but on the understanding he serves after 3pm.
Tony thinks she is absolutely crazy... but he is desperate. He's pub is on the verge of going bankrupt.
He agrees and so the hilarious story begins!!
Hurricane Val arrives but can she be fooled by the pretend relationship!..... after all Tony is know to be the local womanizer & they don't even share a room/bed together.
Val has her suspicions but unbeknown to them both she is about to publicly announce their engagement to the whole village by throwing them an engagement party.
Can they keep up the charade or will it flop.
The chemistry between Tony and Mel was so charming. Each have their own issues when it comes to love. Mel is falling hard for Tony but feels he will break her heart.
I fell in love with Tony & Mel and Kellie took me on a special journey. I felt like I was witnessing the blossoming romance before they did.
Val was a great character she was never going to win mother of the year but she was trying to make it up to Mel, but kept failing miserably.
Overall a great read. I laughed a lot which is always a winner for me, I fell in love with the characters, a fab story line, and a great ending. Oh and plenty of yummy food and coffee.
The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises, is a book about a business partnership turning to friendship, turning into Love.
It was charming, easy to read, very funny in places, believable and had fab characters.
Mel meets Tony the local pub landlord when she drowns her sorrows there with a glass of wine.
However this particular day will change both Mel and Tony's life forever.
Tony tells Mell that he's business is about to go under, which is no secret. He tells her he is going to install a fresh coffee machine. She is absolutely furious as she owns the local coffee shop and he will take her business.
Mel is In a bad mood and this has just made things 10xs worse as her mother "Hurricane Val" is about to arrive and she's a man eater, determined to get Mel married off. She sees no way out.
But wait....Tony is desperate and so is she so she comes up with the most crazy idea that could actually save the both of them!
She proposes to Tony....literally....she says to him if he agrees to be her "pretend" fiancé then she will teach him to cook, brew coffee but on the understanding he serves after 3pm.
Tony thinks she is absolutely crazy... but he is desperate. He's pub is on the verge of going bankrupt.
He agrees and so the hilarious story begins!!
Hurricane Val arrives but can she be fooled by the pretend relationship!..... after all Tony is know to be the local womanizer & they don't even share a room/bed together.
Val has her suspicions but unbeknown to them both she is about to publicly announce their engagement to the whole village by throwing them an engagement party.
Can they keep up the charade or will it flop.
The chemistry between Tony and Mel was so charming. Each have their own issues when it comes to love. Mel is falling hard for Tony but feels he will break her heart.
I fell in love with Tony & Mel and Kellie took me on a special journey. I felt like I was witnessing the blossoming romance before they did.
Val was a great character she was never going to win mother of the year but she was trying to make it up to Mel, but kept failing miserably.
Overall a great read. I laughed a lot which is always a winner for me, I fell in love with the characters, a fab story line, and a great ending. Oh and plenty of yummy food and coffee.
March 7, 2017
I love the blurb to this book "Curl up in The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises with a late and a scone, the perfect antidote to a grey day! It's so true. It's one of those lovely comfy books that you long for when the weather may be a bit grim or feeling the grind from work.
Mel's dream of opening her own coffee shop have come true. She moved to sleepy Rabbit's Leap in Devon, and is happily running her business selling coffees and cakes to the locals. That's until her mother, Hurricane Val, phones to say she's coming for a visit. Mel goes into panic mode. Her mother is a man eater and always trying to set poor Mel up with men. So she decides she needs a fiancé, which is easier said then done since her ex boyfriend, the vet, upped sticks and moved to Africa.
Tony is the owner and landlord of the villages pub The Bullion, and in desperate need of help. He needs someone to teach him how to cook so he can improve his pub menu. Mel spots an opportunity and does a deal with him; she'll ensure he has the best pub menu in the area and give him cooking lessons, in exchange for him to be her pretend fiancé to get her Mum off her back. The only issue is Tony is drop dead gorgeous and seems to be the villages resident player. Can Mel resist his charms so that she doesn't end up another notch on his bedpost or nursing a broken heart?
The story is an incredibly sweet, cosy, and gratifyingly light read, a lovely choice for when you want a dose of romance. Some of the jesting between Mel and Tony is quite funny. Although it is kind of predictable, you can't help but be captivated.
Ok, onto some nit picking. Although the book is set in Devon (England), I noticed a few words that aren't in common usage in the British Isles. Ute - I doubt many non Aussies/Kiwis would even know what a ute is. They're called pick up trucks in the U.K. I wouldn't know what a ute is either, apart from spending 9 years living in Australia. Sneakers (trainers), gumboots (wellington boots/Wellies/rainboots), cent (penny), bucks (quid/pound), lollies (sweets), and old pubs in Devon aren't made out of wood like in NZ/Oz, but of stone.
Sorry, I know it's a small and (incredibly) picky thing, however it's one of my peeves about authors who are from one country, yet write about another. As much as they think they may have researched and are knowledgeable about the books setting, little nuances can't help but creep in with words, phrases and how things differ from country to country. I guessed the writer was either Australian or New Zealander (she's a kiwi), so this is probably why these words sneaked in. I know this is a minor point and won't bother most people, it's just something I'm funny about as it can distract from the setting.
Saying that, The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises is a cute little story, readers of chick lit and romance will adore it. Perfect for a quick read, or if you don't want to read anything with a complicated plot. It's not the best chick lit book I've read this year, although I will definitely keep an eye out for more books by the author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK - HQ Digital, for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Mel's dream of opening her own coffee shop have come true. She moved to sleepy Rabbit's Leap in Devon, and is happily running her business selling coffees and cakes to the locals. That's until her mother, Hurricane Val, phones to say she's coming for a visit. Mel goes into panic mode. Her mother is a man eater and always trying to set poor Mel up with men. So she decides she needs a fiancé, which is easier said then done since her ex boyfriend, the vet, upped sticks and moved to Africa.
Tony is the owner and landlord of the villages pub The Bullion, and in desperate need of help. He needs someone to teach him how to cook so he can improve his pub menu. Mel spots an opportunity and does a deal with him; she'll ensure he has the best pub menu in the area and give him cooking lessons, in exchange for him to be her pretend fiancé to get her Mum off her back. The only issue is Tony is drop dead gorgeous and seems to be the villages resident player. Can Mel resist his charms so that she doesn't end up another notch on his bedpost or nursing a broken heart?
The story is an incredibly sweet, cosy, and gratifyingly light read, a lovely choice for when you want a dose of romance. Some of the jesting between Mel and Tony is quite funny. Although it is kind of predictable, you can't help but be captivated.
Ok, onto some nit picking. Although the book is set in Devon (England), I noticed a few words that aren't in common usage in the British Isles. Ute - I doubt many non Aussies/Kiwis would even know what a ute is. They're called pick up trucks in the U.K. I wouldn't know what a ute is either, apart from spending 9 years living in Australia. Sneakers (trainers), gumboots (wellington boots/Wellies/rainboots), cent (penny), bucks (quid/pound), lollies (sweets), and old pubs in Devon aren't made out of wood like in NZ/Oz, but of stone.
Sorry, I know it's a small and (incredibly) picky thing, however it's one of my peeves about authors who are from one country, yet write about another. As much as they think they may have researched and are knowledgeable about the books setting, little nuances can't help but creep in with words, phrases and how things differ from country to country. I guessed the writer was either Australian or New Zealander (she's a kiwi), so this is probably why these words sneaked in. I know this is a minor point and won't bother most people, it's just something I'm funny about as it can distract from the setting.
Saying that, The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises is a cute little story, readers of chick lit and romance will adore it. Perfect for a quick read, or if you don't want to read anything with a complicated plot. It's not the best chick lit book I've read this year, although I will definitely keep an eye out for more books by the author.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK - HQ Digital, for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
February 10, 2017
4 - "There's only enough room in this village for one coffee machine..." Stars!
Another day, another enjoyable read based in and around a teashop. This time it’s in the sleepy country town of Rabbits Leap, and our owner Mel, has got a bit of a problem with town Publican (and ladies’ man) Tony.
"There’s not a girl in the world who could make me settle down."
See Mel’s business like Tony’s is struggling, The Bullion is approaching bankruptcy and Tony is desperate. After their initial falling out, Tony feeling a bit guilty attempts to rebuild a few bridges, and ends up agreeing to pretend to be Mel’s fiancé, when her mother (un)affectionately known as Hurricane Val blows into town.
"Think of yourself as a little mystery that I would like to solve."
As you would expect manic and mayhem ensues as the pair attempt to keep up the ruse, especially as the town as a whole are just as surprised at their engagement as Mel’s mother is. But our pair find that working together to resurrect the pub, as well as keep Mel's coffee shop ticking over builds a friendship, and offers revelations about their pasts that makes them both start reassessing the whole fakeness of their relationship.
"Don’t be angry for me. Or sad for me. Just be here for me…"
Although still a relatively light read, there was a depth to these characters, both of them are trying to move on with their futures while still holding onto baggage from their pasts, and through the course of the story, each of them reveals a little more of themselves to the other, you start to see that the façade they have for the public is definitely not the full picture. And while one is ready to embrace the newfound feelings and connection between them, the other allows the past and their fears of rejection to push them firmly away.
It was time to embrace a life full of colour. To not let her past darken her future.
I pretty much read this book in one sitting, for me that is high praise in itself. The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises looks to be the first book by Kellie Hailes, I hope to read more from her in the future.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Another day, another enjoyable read based in and around a teashop. This time it’s in the sleepy country town of Rabbits Leap, and our owner Mel, has got a bit of a problem with town Publican (and ladies’ man) Tony.
"There’s not a girl in the world who could make me settle down."
See Mel’s business like Tony’s is struggling, The Bullion is approaching bankruptcy and Tony is desperate. After their initial falling out, Tony feeling a bit guilty attempts to rebuild a few bridges, and ends up agreeing to pretend to be Mel’s fiancé, when her mother (un)affectionately known as Hurricane Val blows into town.
"Think of yourself as a little mystery that I would like to solve."
As you would expect manic and mayhem ensues as the pair attempt to keep up the ruse, especially as the town as a whole are just as surprised at their engagement as Mel’s mother is. But our pair find that working together to resurrect the pub, as well as keep Mel's coffee shop ticking over builds a friendship, and offers revelations about their pasts that makes them both start reassessing the whole fakeness of their relationship.
"Don’t be angry for me. Or sad for me. Just be here for me…"
Although still a relatively light read, there was a depth to these characters, both of them are trying to move on with their futures while still holding onto baggage from their pasts, and through the course of the story, each of them reveals a little more of themselves to the other, you start to see that the façade they have for the public is definitely not the full picture. And while one is ready to embrace the newfound feelings and connection between them, the other allows the past and their fears of rejection to push them firmly away.
It was time to embrace a life full of colour. To not let her past darken her future.
I pretty much read this book in one sitting, for me that is high praise in itself. The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises looks to be the first book by Kellie Hailes, I hope to read more from her in the future.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
February 21, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins uk and Kellie Hailes for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance reader copy of this book.
You can find my review on both Goodreads and Amazon. On goodreads.com/karenwhittard and on Amazon under k.e.whittard from publication date.
This book is completly predictable from the very first page. But that doesn't distract it from being fun and feel good. Kellie does a wonderful job of pulling the reader in from the very start and I will happily read more books from her in the future.
Mels dreams of opening her own coffee shop are finally becoming reality. Mel and Tony are business rivals. But when Mels mother comes to stay. Mel needs an instant boyfriend and no one fits the bill better than Tony. So together they strike a business deal. No falling in love, no real feelings and definatly no thoughts of happily ever after can distract Melissa from her goal. Or can they?
This book is lighthearted, sweet, funny and utterly predictable. With great characters and beautiful deven scenery. It offers bags of feel good fun. Perfect if you like chicklit and romance book and are partial to books set in deven, about villiage life and food.
Happy reading everyone
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance reader copy of this book.
You can find my review on both Goodreads and Amazon. On goodreads.com/karenwhittard and on Amazon under k.e.whittard from publication date.
This book is completly predictable from the very first page. But that doesn't distract it from being fun and feel good. Kellie does a wonderful job of pulling the reader in from the very start and I will happily read more books from her in the future.
Mels dreams of opening her own coffee shop are finally becoming reality. Mel and Tony are business rivals. But when Mels mother comes to stay. Mel needs an instant boyfriend and no one fits the bill better than Tony. So together they strike a business deal. No falling in love, no real feelings and definatly no thoughts of happily ever after can distract Melissa from her goal. Or can they?
This book is lighthearted, sweet, funny and utterly predictable. With great characters and beautiful deven scenery. It offers bags of feel good fun. Perfect if you like chicklit and romance book and are partial to books set in deven, about villiage life and food.
Happy reading everyone
August 7, 2025
5 ⭐️
Okay wow, I was not expecting to adore this book as much as I did. I thrift shop for a lot of books, and any with a cute cover/ description I see, I grab. Sometimes they sit untouched on my shelf for ages while new releases come out. I try to switch it up every now and then, and decided to finally read this thrift find. And oh boy, AM I SO GLAD I DID.
Mel is a cafe shop owner in a small town called Rabbit Leaps. She goes to the local pub for glasses of wine constantly, but never noticed quite how handsome Tony, the pub owner, is.
Tony’s pub is going under and he needs to think of ways to bring money in stat. Like raising prices, and buying a coffee machine. When Mel sees Tony is trying to steal her customers, they become enemies. But Tony has a great idea- why not work together? Mel can help Tony learn to cook better dinner items for the menu, and coffee made right (only after her cafe is closed).
Mel’s one condition? Tony has to be her fake fiancé while her mother is in town.
This story has all the tropes- fake fiancé, one bed, enemies to lovers, and swooning all around. There isn’t any spice, which I usually love at least some, but their flirtation was enough to get me hooked and going. 🥵
This story is so feel good. I can’t wait to read more by this author!
Okay wow, I was not expecting to adore this book as much as I did. I thrift shop for a lot of books, and any with a cute cover/ description I see, I grab. Sometimes they sit untouched on my shelf for ages while new releases come out. I try to switch it up every now and then, and decided to finally read this thrift find. And oh boy, AM I SO GLAD I DID.
Mel is a cafe shop owner in a small town called Rabbit Leaps. She goes to the local pub for glasses of wine constantly, but never noticed quite how handsome Tony, the pub owner, is.
Tony’s pub is going under and he needs to think of ways to bring money in stat. Like raising prices, and buying a coffee machine. When Mel sees Tony is trying to steal her customers, they become enemies. But Tony has a great idea- why not work together? Mel can help Tony learn to cook better dinner items for the menu, and coffee made right (only after her cafe is closed).
Mel’s one condition? Tony has to be her fake fiancé while her mother is in town.
This story has all the tropes- fake fiancé, one bed, enemies to lovers, and swooning all around. There isn’t any spice, which I usually love at least some, but their flirtation was enough to get me hooked and going. 🥵
This story is so feel good. I can’t wait to read more by this author!
February 21, 2017
I am a huge fan of books set in cosy little villages, so I have been looking forward to read it.
The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises is such a cute read and I really liked its small town setting. At first I struggled a bit getting into the story but then really enjoyed the set-up with the fake fiancé. There some really funny scenes and I really enjoyed those bits.
Mel and Tony are loveable characters and there were definitely some sparks between them. The love story was predictable but that didn't bother me at all.
Overall the story was entertaining but there were also some lenghty parts in it. It also failed to catch me completely, there was just something missing.
The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises is such a cute read and I really liked its small town setting. At first I struggled a bit getting into the story but then really enjoyed the set-up with the fake fiancé. There some really funny scenes and I really enjoyed those bits.
Mel and Tony are loveable characters and there were definitely some sparks between them. The love story was predictable but that didn't bother me at all.
Overall the story was entertaining but there were also some lenghty parts in it. It also failed to catch me completely, there was just something missing.
March 19, 2022
This was not only easy to read it was also a really lovely story with two great lead characters and one very brash, interfering mother. Mel and Tony have quite sad backstories and although both are stubbornly independent they need each other more than they are willing to admit. Mel wants stability after a childhood of her mother flitting from husband to husband and dropping her off to live with her nan. While Tony has a reputation of being a man with quite a few notches on his bedpost but no real relationships. In fact the longest relationship he has is with his pub!
The pact between them, of her teaching him to cook while he pretends to be her fiancé, brings them closer together but will past troubles ruin their chances of a happy future? This is book one of the Rabbit’s Leap series and I’m really looking forward to reading more and discovering more of the community.
The pact between them, of her teaching him to cook while he pretends to be her fiancé, brings them closer together but will past troubles ruin their chances of a happy future? This is book one of the Rabbit’s Leap series and I’m really looking forward to reading more and discovering more of the community.
September 18, 2022
B O O K R E V I E W
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ /5
1/2🌶️/5
This being my first Kellie Hailes book, I had no idea what to really expect. This is the first book in the Rabbits Leap series and so far my favorite out of the 2 that I've read.
✔ Grumpy x Sunshine
✔ Small Village Romance
✔ Fake Dating
✔ Forced Proximity
✔ Rivals
With Mel being the only coffee shops in Rabbits Leap, pub owner Tony buying a coffee machine is a big no no! When Mel discovers that he mother will be visiting her, she already knows what to expect. Hundreds and hundreds of blind dates in search for her mother to find herself and Mel a boyfriend. Mel not wanting to go through the blind dates once again, so what else to do than make a little trade with Tony? He acts like her fiancé and she helps around the pub. When the lines between pretending and reality start to blur for the two and Mel's mother starts to get a bit suspicious, Mel and Tony are in trouble.
If I had to be honest... there's not much to say about this book for me. Was it good? Yeah it was. Was it memorable? Not really at least not for me. I definitely recommend this book for those who are starting out with romance books. Overall it was a very cutesy and cozy read for me. I wouldn't say it's one of my favorite books but I also wouldn't say that I didn't like reading it because I did.
As I said, I recommend this book to those who are beginning with romance books or just those who want to read a cozy and light book.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ /5
1/2🌶️/5
This being my first Kellie Hailes book, I had no idea what to really expect. This is the first book in the Rabbits Leap series and so far my favorite out of the 2 that I've read.
✔ Grumpy x Sunshine
✔ Small Village Romance
✔ Fake Dating
✔ Forced Proximity
✔ Rivals
With Mel being the only coffee shops in Rabbits Leap, pub owner Tony buying a coffee machine is a big no no! When Mel discovers that he mother will be visiting her, she already knows what to expect. Hundreds and hundreds of blind dates in search for her mother to find herself and Mel a boyfriend. Mel not wanting to go through the blind dates once again, so what else to do than make a little trade with Tony? He acts like her fiancé and she helps around the pub. When the lines between pretending and reality start to blur for the two and Mel's mother starts to get a bit suspicious, Mel and Tony are in trouble.
If I had to be honest... there's not much to say about this book for me. Was it good? Yeah it was. Was it memorable? Not really at least not for me. I definitely recommend this book for those who are starting out with romance books. Overall it was a very cutesy and cozy read for me. I wouldn't say it's one of my favorite books but I also wouldn't say that I didn't like reading it because I did.
As I said, I recommend this book to those who are beginning with romance books or just those who want to read a cozy and light book.
March 23, 2017
The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises by Kellie Hailes follows the story of Mel who see's her dream come true of opening a cosy little coffee shop in Devon.
When local pub owner Tony buys a coffee machine for his pub to bring in much needed funds Mel is more then a little unhappy and isn't shy in telling Tony that there is only room for one coffee machine in town and it's hers!!
After their falling out over the coffee machine Tony is feeling guilty and tries to offer an olive branch to Mel and she takes it by asking Tony to be her pretend fiance while Mel's difficult mother is in town!
As the pair attempt to keep up their little white lie it becomes apparent that they both need each other more then would care to admit but they are both carrying baggage from their pasts that they keep letting get in the way as well as their own stubbornness.
Can they overcome the barriers to make their relationship real or where they doomed from the very start?
A lighthearted, funny enjoyable read. I found this book rather predictable but still found myself eager to see if the characters got their happily ever after.
A perfect summer Chic Lit read.
A big thankyou to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review which I have been more then happy to give.
When local pub owner Tony buys a coffee machine for his pub to bring in much needed funds Mel is more then a little unhappy and isn't shy in telling Tony that there is only room for one coffee machine in town and it's hers!!
After their falling out over the coffee machine Tony is feeling guilty and tries to offer an olive branch to Mel and she takes it by asking Tony to be her pretend fiance while Mel's difficult mother is in town!
As the pair attempt to keep up their little white lie it becomes apparent that they both need each other more then would care to admit but they are both carrying baggage from their pasts that they keep letting get in the way as well as their own stubbornness.
Can they overcome the barriers to make their relationship real or where they doomed from the very start?
A lighthearted, funny enjoyable read. I found this book rather predictable but still found myself eager to see if the characters got their happily ever after.
A perfect summer Chic Lit read.
A big thankyou to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review which I have been more then happy to give.
June 12, 2020
This has been a lovely story from start to finish, plenty of drama and emotion within it's pages.
I found it to be relatively well written with some interesting likable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Mel and Tony, seeing them interact and how things developed between them. It certainly wasn't smooth sailing that's for sure as both of them let their past history constantly get in the way of their potential future.
I liked the characters of Tony's sister Jody and her two twin boys, and so I was delighted to discover that she get a story of her own which is told in book 2 of this series, so I'm definitely looking forward to reading that real soon.
I found it to be relatively well written with some interesting likable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Mel and Tony, seeing them interact and how things developed between them. It certainly wasn't smooth sailing that's for sure as both of them let their past history constantly get in the way of their potential future.
I liked the characters of Tony's sister Jody and her two twin boys, and so I was delighted to discover that she get a story of her own which is told in book 2 of this series, so I'm definitely looking forward to reading that real soon.
February 16, 2017
Mel runs a coffee shop and when Tony who runs the Bullion, installs a coffee machine she is disgruntled. They come to an agreement and Tony finds himself agreeing to become a fiance for the duration of Mel's mother's stay. In return she's going to teach him how to cook a new menu to regenerate interest in the pub.
There is a spark of romance running throughout. Mel and Tony are lovely characters and Rabbits Leap sounds a wonderful place to live. The cakes and meals will make you feel hungry whilst reading- and some of the dishes sound very tasty.
There is a spark of romance running throughout. Mel and Tony are lovely characters and Rabbits Leap sounds a wonderful place to live. The cakes and meals will make you feel hungry whilst reading- and some of the dishes sound very tasty.
November 11, 2017
This was definitely not for me. Most of the writing in this book just made me cringe.
"He smelt like a man should. Raw. Pure. " what does that even mean? And then the author going on and on about the "striped pink and black" hair of the main character being both "so dark and so vibrant" uh...ok. Gen all of a sudden the mc decides she needs a change and dyes her hair back to her natural blonde, wherein her leading man doesn't recognize her. Lol.
I can't believe I finished this book.
"He smelt like a man should. Raw. Pure. " what does that even mean? And then the author going on and on about the "striped pink and black" hair of the main character being both "so dark and so vibrant" uh...ok. Gen all of a sudden the mc decides she needs a change and dyes her hair back to her natural blonde, wherein her leading man doesn't recognize her. Lol.
I can't believe I finished this book.
December 12, 2017
1.5 stars rounded up to 2
I bought this book, because I needed a book equivalent of candy floss - some feel-good, uplifting, uncomplicated read. Well, that was not what I got. I would have forgiven the quality of writing which was mediocre at best, but the characters... I get it. People are complex. But it would have been good to have them written in a way that would be at least mildly coherent and believable. It would also have been nice not to have to suspend my disbelief all the time. . At the end, my eyeballs hurt because of all this eyerolling I had to do. But, to be fair, it was not all bad. Mel's and Tony's life stories had something in them and I found them even touching at times. And I read the whole book (skimming some parts, but still). So, two stars from me, but I do not really recommend it.
I bought this book, because I needed a book equivalent of candy floss - some feel-good, uplifting, uncomplicated read. Well, that was not what I got. I would have forgiven the quality of writing which was mediocre at best, but the characters... I get it. People are complex. But it would have been good to have them written in a way that would be at least mildly coherent and believable. It would also have been nice not to have to suspend my disbelief all the time. . At the end, my eyeballs hurt because of all this eyerolling I had to do. But, to be fair, it was not all bad. Mel's and Tony's life stories had something in them and I found them even touching at times. And I read the whole book (skimming some parts, but still). So, two stars from me, but I do not really recommend it.
January 15, 2025
As much as the writing style screams “wattpad” I couldn’t help but love the cheesy and cliche story. I loved how real the characters felt and it was a lovely relaxing read.
February 2, 2017
Incredibly sweet and light hearted romance, that is set in a small town, with a great name, Rabbit's Leap, and although the overall outcome may have been predictable, from the first few pages, the journey of the story was certainly entertaining.
I loved seeing Mel and Tony's initial banter, and the way a coffee machine was what caused the pair of them to enter into a relatively odd deal. Mel agrees to teach Tony how to cook healthy food to help turn his pub's fortunes around, and Tony has to agree to not sell coffee from his new machine until after 3pm, when Mel's coffee shop closes. Oh and he also has to agree to be Mel's fake fiancee while her mum is in town!
What a nightmare Mel's mum Valerie is, she really is Hurricane Val! Her one aim in life appears to be to find a man no matter who suitable for herself and also her daughter. She is very good at having constant little digs at Mel, and seems like a bit whirl of energy.
Tony is trying his hardest to keep hold of his pub which has been in the family for many years. He is committed to making it work, but yet when it comes to women he has a reputation that precedes him, and thus it takes him by surprise, just what spending a lot of time with Mel pretending to be together does to him.
I sort of liked Mel, she is clearly hurt by something in her past, which along with her frosty relationship with her mother, really contributes to her personality.
The is only one thing I didn't really get about this book, and that is the title. I was expecting a story where the coffee shop would be at the heart of the story, but really the main building in the village that was featured was Tony's pub, and the cooking involved was more pub food than baking. It was just a small niggle but thought I would mention it in case you had been thinking the same thing!
I thought that The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises was a promising debut book, that is a quick, light hearted, easy romance, which I found very entertaining.
Thank you so much to HQ Digital and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I loved seeing Mel and Tony's initial banter, and the way a coffee machine was what caused the pair of them to enter into a relatively odd deal. Mel agrees to teach Tony how to cook healthy food to help turn his pub's fortunes around, and Tony has to agree to not sell coffee from his new machine until after 3pm, when Mel's coffee shop closes. Oh and he also has to agree to be Mel's fake fiancee while her mum is in town!
What a nightmare Mel's mum Valerie is, she really is Hurricane Val! Her one aim in life appears to be to find a man no matter who suitable for herself and also her daughter. She is very good at having constant little digs at Mel, and seems like a bit whirl of energy.
Tony is trying his hardest to keep hold of his pub which has been in the family for many years. He is committed to making it work, but yet when it comes to women he has a reputation that precedes him, and thus it takes him by surprise, just what spending a lot of time with Mel pretending to be together does to him.
I sort of liked Mel, she is clearly hurt by something in her past, which along with her frosty relationship with her mother, really contributes to her personality.
The is only one thing I didn't really get about this book, and that is the title. I was expecting a story where the coffee shop would be at the heart of the story, but really the main building in the village that was featured was Tony's pub, and the cooking involved was more pub food than baking. It was just a small niggle but thought I would mention it in case you had been thinking the same thing!
I thought that The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises was a promising debut book, that is a quick, light hearted, easy romance, which I found very entertaining.
Thank you so much to HQ Digital and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 3, 2018
I have read this book in October 2017 but realized I forgot to review it! I remember loving this book a lot! It was short and sweet, and a lot of events is going on in this book. And a nice romance took place. I can't wait to read the second part of this book that I have on my shelf! I loved this book so much that I gave it a 5 stars!
February 7, 2023
I grabbed this book completely in a whim without reading the synopsis or anything more than the title and a glance at the cover.
Pros:
I didn’t know the book was based in the UK so I had a moment when I started noticing phrases were different as was formatting but it was well written and once acclimated to the differences (single quotes for talking double quotes for quoting) it was very enjoyable.
I don’t always enjoy the fake dating trope. Here it really worked for me. It wasn’t just trying to show up an ex or a friend this was about trying to be self protective but not really knowing how to do it effectively. Seeing the characters learn to communicate better, understand themselves and each other as well as run businesses made everything feel “true-to-life messy” and beautiful for its reality.
Cons:
I want to see a bit more resolution between mother and daughter. There are years of hurts to move past and so much to learn about each other.
Pros:
I didn’t know the book was based in the UK so I had a moment when I started noticing phrases were different as was formatting but it was well written and once acclimated to the differences (single quotes for talking double quotes for quoting) it was very enjoyable.
I don’t always enjoy the fake dating trope. Here it really worked for me. It wasn’t just trying to show up an ex or a friend this was about trying to be self protective but not really knowing how to do it effectively. Seeing the characters learn to communicate better, understand themselves and each other as well as run businesses made everything feel “true-to-life messy” and beautiful for its reality.
Cons:
I want to see a bit more resolution between mother and daughter. There are years of hurts to move past and so much to learn about each other.
January 4, 2020
רומן רומנטי די שטחי אבל חביב. טוני, בעל המוניטין של הפלייבוי של העיירה, הוא הבעלים של הפאב המקומי הכושל, שאביו הוריש לו, ומל היא הבעלים של בית הקפה בעיירה, ומתייחסת אליו כאל יריב עסקי שמנסה לגנוב לה לקוחות. היא מבטיחה לעזור לו לשדרג את התפריט של הפאב בשביל למשוך עוד לקוחות ולצאת מהחובות, והוא בתמורה מבטיח להעמיד פנים שהוא הארוס שלה כשאמא שלה מגיעה לביקור. תוך כדי הספר הם כמובן מתאהבים וגם עוזרים אחד לשניה להתגבר על טראומות וקשיים מהעבר שלהם. טוני הוא דמות מקסימה ממש, ואילו דווקא מל די מעצבנת וביצ'ית לאורך רוב הספר, בצורה קצת מוגזמת לדעתי אפילו... בכל מקרה, זו הייתה קריאה נחמדה וזורמת של כמה שעות.
March 14, 2018
Nice setting but a bit boring. I had trouble to get attached to characters as well
September 8, 2020
This one was quite a short read. I felt it went straight to the point within in the first chapter. Although I enjoyed it, because it went straight to the point I felt I didn't get to know the characters enough
April 25, 2023
I enjoyed reading The Cosey Coffee Shop of Promises. I love how Mel and Tony fall in love even if they were too hardheaded to notice and except the feelings, they were having for each other. When their worlds collide over a coffee maker. I do like Mel's mom's spunk of an attitude. I love the ending due to it didn't leave me hanging.
February 7, 2017
Mel's mother is coming to visit so Mel asks Tony to pretend to be her Fiance in order to please her mother in return Mel will help Tony learn to cook. They both start getting feelings for each other but things keep getting in the way.
Its a beautiful love story with two people destined to be together and they deserve every happiness.
The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises was a lovely book so easy to read.
Its a beautiful love story with two people destined to be together and they deserve every happiness.
The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises was a lovely book so easy to read.
March 3, 2020
Another new author for me and I must say I really enjoyed this book.
Main characters Mel and Tony are thrown together in the strangest way.
Mel runs a cosy cafe in Devon, and when she finds out that Tony, the owner of the local pub has installed a fancy coffee machine, Mel is having none of it.
Coming to town, is Mel's mum Valerie and to stop her from interfering, Mel needs a fake fiance and fast, Tony fits the bill so a strange sort of deal is arranged.
Mel helps Tony out with ideas to stop his beloved pub from failing financially, and in return Tony becomes the instant boyfriend.
Trouble is has he played the part a bit too well and could Mel actually fall in love with him ?
Nice gentle little read, will definitely look out for the rest of this series.
Main characters Mel and Tony are thrown together in the strangest way.
Mel runs a cosy cafe in Devon, and when she finds out that Tony, the owner of the local pub has installed a fancy coffee machine, Mel is having none of it.
Coming to town, is Mel's mum Valerie and to stop her from interfering, Mel needs a fake fiance and fast, Tony fits the bill so a strange sort of deal is arranged.
Mel helps Tony out with ideas to stop his beloved pub from failing financially, and in return Tony becomes the instant boyfriend.
Trouble is has he played the part a bit too well and could Mel actually fall in love with him ?
Nice gentle little read, will definitely look out for the rest of this series.
September 13, 2020
Mel has opened a coffee shop in Devonshire, but pub owner Tony has installed a coffee machine that threatens her new business. Tony is desperate to bring new business to his flailing pub. The two negotiate for Mel to help Tony learn to cook if he'll act as her boyfriend since her mother is coming for a visit and expects her to have a significant other.
It's a cute story. I love the setting in the small village of Rabbits Leap (or Rabbit's Leap, I was never quite sure). Mel and Tony are a fun couple; he's more of a playboy and she's not really looking for romance, but they fit pretty well together. And the secondary couples are eccentric in the manner one would expect for a small English village. It's a fun read.
It's a cute story. I love the setting in the small village of Rabbits Leap (or Rabbit's Leap, I was never quite sure). Mel and Tony are a fun couple; he's more of a playboy and she's not really looking for romance, but they fit pretty well together. And the secondary couples are eccentric in the manner one would expect for a small English village. It's a fun read.
January 12, 2021
I loved this book! it only took me two weeks to read which is good for me as I have dyslexia and I usually take a lot longer to read books. This book, however, kept my interest, and I found it difficult to put down and often read into the small hours. There were plenty of plot twists and dashes of humour along the way. I found the protagonist Mel easy to relate to not because I have been in this situation but there was just something about her. The setting within the were book believable, I was able to picture them in my mind from the descriptions given within the text. I'm a sucker for happy endings and this book did not disappoint. I also like to see the happily ever after and would have liked there to have been a part two
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March 26, 2023I loved this book! it only took me two weeks to read which is good for me as I have dyslexia and I usually take a lot longer to read books. This book, however, kept my interest, and I found it difficult to put down and often read into the small hours. there were plenty of plot twists and dashes of humour along the way. I found the protagonist Mel easy to relate to not because I have been in this situation but there was just something about her. The setting within the were book believable, I was able to picture them in my mind from the descriptions given within the text. I'm a sucker for happy endings and this book did not disappoint. I also like to see the happily ever after and would have liked there to have been a part two
June 28, 2021
Very cute, very quick, and very charming. The Cosy Coffee Shop of Promises is set in the small, quaint rural town of Rabbits Leap. Mel has recently opened a coffee shop there and is settling in for a promising future. She is the only coffee shop in town. That pretty much guarantees success, right? Tony grew up in Rabbits Leap and has taken over the family’s bar, The Bullion. Business isn’t going so well for him so he decides he needs to expand…by adding a nice, new, shiny coffee machine. And that’s when the fun begins. The addition of that coffee machine leads to all sorts of plots, plans, and schemes. It also leads to a whole lotta trouble and maybe, just maybe, a HEA.
October 15, 2022
Absolutely love it
Loved the story line and absolutely loved Tony such a cutie
I legit have no words but absolutely amazing. I loved there fake relationship but genuinely loved there real relationship. I hated Mel's mother with the passion but when she told why she was doing it I honestly broke down. All of these people have been hurt because someone they wanted wasn't present in there lives. Her mother wanted to give her a father whereas she only wanted her mother. But I am happy that she is ready to love her real lover her daughter.
And I am so happy Mel is going to have real fiancee and than a very loving husband 💖💖
Amazing
Loved the story line and absolutely loved Tony such a cutie
I legit have no words but absolutely amazing. I loved there fake relationship but genuinely loved there real relationship. I hated Mel's mother with the passion but when she told why she was doing it I honestly broke down. All of these people have been hurt because someone they wanted wasn't present in there lives. Her mother wanted to give her a father whereas she only wanted her mother. But I am happy that she is ready to love her real lover her daughter.
And I am so happy Mel is going to have real fiancee and than a very loving husband 💖💖
Amazing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2022
This is a nice short story, perfect for a quick afternoon read.
It's about Mel, a local café owner, and Tony, the owner of the local pub. Mel agrees to help Tony save the pub if he poses as her fake fiancée, to keep her mum off her back.
Mel's mum is very annoying. She is a cougar desperate to find her Mr. Right-now, even going to the lengths of flirting with her daughter's (fake) fiancée. I also feel like Mel and her mum don't actually resolve their issues.
Whilst I would love to see a story about Tony's sister, Jody, finding love, this book will probably end up just sitting on my shelf.
It's about Mel, a local café owner, and Tony, the owner of the local pub. Mel agrees to help Tony save the pub if he poses as her fake fiancée, to keep her mum off her back.
Mel's mum is very annoying. She is a cougar desperate to find her Mr. Right-now, even going to the lengths of flirting with her daughter's (fake) fiancée. I also feel like Mel and her mum don't actually resolve their issues.
Whilst I would love to see a story about Tony's sister, Jody, finding love, this book will probably end up just sitting on my shelf.
December 21, 2025
I originally picked this up earlier in the year without realizing it was set in winter, so I decided to revisit it in the proper season.
My biggest issue was the lack of emotional connection between the two main characters. For a romance, I found it surprisingly hard to get invested in Mel and Tony, which I mostly attribute to the third-person narration. There was no clear distinction between whose perspective we were in, and I think a first-person POV or alternating chapters would have helped create more depth and intimacy.
Overall, this was cute and cozy, but not a story I felt particularly invested in or one I expect to remember much about.
My biggest issue was the lack of emotional connection between the two main characters. For a romance, I found it surprisingly hard to get invested in Mel and Tony, which I mostly attribute to the third-person narration. There was no clear distinction between whose perspective we were in, and I think a first-person POV or alternating chapters would have helped create more depth and intimacy.
Overall, this was cute and cozy, but not a story I felt particularly invested in or one I expect to remember much about.
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