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Furrever Friends #1
Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café
Readers “I loved this book so much and absolutely loved the concept of the café.”“A sweet romance, with cats, kittens, yummy pastries (and recipes for some of them), and a hunky hero.”What do you do when you meet the guy of your dreams? Set him up with your sister, of course. Kari doesn't have time for love when she's opening her new cat café. Renovating an old restaurant, hiring employees, fighting with the health inspector – oh, and welcoming 16 shelter cats – keeps her plenty busy. She's doing this for the cats, the community, and most of all her family. The café will give her sister, Marley, a job worthy of her baking skills. Then a tattooed military vet wanders in claiming to be a master baker himself. The café doesn't need another baker, but maybe Marley needs a man. Surely she'll fall for a guy this sweet, this sexy, this tasty.Colin has other ideas. It's Kari who makes him want to pour on the sugar and turn up the heat. But he's spent the last two years recovering from physical and psychological wounds. Is he really ready for a relationship? He's not even sure he should commit to Samson, the fluffy marshmallow of a cat who steals his heart.“I loved the chemistry between the characters.”“I love how the cat café comes into being, how the cats help the people in their lives and of course the happy ending!” - reader reviewsThe Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the workers and customers at a small-town cat café, and the adorable cats and kittens looking for their forever homes. If you enjoy the friends to lovers trope, work romances, military heroes, and strong heroines completely failing at playing the matchmaker, check out Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café. You'll also find rescue cats with plenty of personality and their own desire for love.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2019
338 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Kris Bock
43 books250 followersBe sure to follow Kris on BookBub for the latest releases and sales: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kris-...
Kris Bock writes novels of mystery, suspense, and romance, many with outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. In the Accidental Detective series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. This humorous series starts with Something Shady at Sunshine Haven. Get a free Accidental Detective short story and bonus material when you sign up for her newsletter: https://sendfox.com/KrisBock
Her Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. Get a free 10,000-word story set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café when you sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter: https://sendfox.com/lp/1g5nx3 You’ll also get a printable copy of the recipes mentioned in the cat café novels.
Kris Bock also writes novels of suspense and romance with outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. Whispers in the Dark features archaeology and intrigue among ancient Southwest ruins. What We Found is a mystery with strong romantic elements about a young woman who finds a murder victim in the woods. In Counterfeits, stolen Rembrandt paintings bring danger to a small New Mexico town.
“Smart romance with an 'Indiana Jones' feel,”
Kris's Southwest Treasure Hunters novels each stand alone and are complete, with no cliffhangers. This series mixes action and adventure with romance. The stories explore the Southwest, especially New Mexico. Desert Gold follows the hunt for a long-lost treasure in the New Mexico desert. In Valley of Gems, estranged relatives compete to reach a buried treasure by following a series of complex clues. In Silver Canyon, sparks fly when reader favorites Camie and Tiger help a mysterious man track down his missing uncle.
Fans of Mary Stewart, Barbara Michaels, and Terry Odell will want to check out Kris Bock’s romantic adventures. “Counterfeits is the kind of romantic suspense novel I have enjoyed since I first read Mary Stewart’s Moonspinners.” 5 Stars – Roberta at Sensuous Reviews blog
Read excerpts at www.krisbock.com or visit her Amazon page at https://www.amazon.com/author/krisbock
Ms. Bock also writes for young people under the name Chris Eboch. The Eyes of Pharaoh is an action-packed mystery set in ancient Egypt. In The Well of Sacrifice, a Mayan girl in ninth-century Guatemala rebels against the High Priest who sacrifices anyone challenging his power. The Haunted series follows a brother and sister who travel with their parents’ ghost hunter TV show and try to help the ghosts while keeping their activities secret from meddling grownups. It begins with The Ghost on the Stairs.
Read excerpts at www.chriseboch.com.
Kris Bock writes novels of mystery, suspense, and romance, many with outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. In the Accidental Detective series, a witty journalist solves mysteries in Arizona and tackles the challenges of turning fifty. This humorous series starts with Something Shady at Sunshine Haven. Get a free Accidental Detective short story and bonus material when you sign up for her newsletter: https://sendfox.com/KrisBock
Her Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and shelter cats. Get a free 10,000-word story set in the world of the Furrever Friends cat café when you sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter: https://sendfox.com/lp/1g5nx3 You’ll also get a printable copy of the recipes mentioned in the cat café novels.
Kris Bock also writes novels of suspense and romance with outdoor adventures and Southwestern landscapes. Whispers in the Dark features archaeology and intrigue among ancient Southwest ruins. What We Found is a mystery with strong romantic elements about a young woman who finds a murder victim in the woods. In Counterfeits, stolen Rembrandt paintings bring danger to a small New Mexico town.
“Smart romance with an 'Indiana Jones' feel,”
Kris's Southwest Treasure Hunters novels each stand alone and are complete, with no cliffhangers. This series mixes action and adventure with romance. The stories explore the Southwest, especially New Mexico. Desert Gold follows the hunt for a long-lost treasure in the New Mexico desert. In Valley of Gems, estranged relatives compete to reach a buried treasure by following a series of complex clues. In Silver Canyon, sparks fly when reader favorites Camie and Tiger help a mysterious man track down his missing uncle.
Fans of Mary Stewart, Barbara Michaels, and Terry Odell will want to check out Kris Bock’s romantic adventures. “Counterfeits is the kind of romantic suspense novel I have enjoyed since I first read Mary Stewart’s Moonspinners.” 5 Stars – Roberta at Sensuous Reviews blog
Read excerpts at www.krisbock.com or visit her Amazon page at https://www.amazon.com/author/krisbock
Ms. Bock also writes for young people under the name Chris Eboch. The Eyes of Pharaoh is an action-packed mystery set in ancient Egypt. In The Well of Sacrifice, a Mayan girl in ninth-century Guatemala rebels against the High Priest who sacrifices anyone challenging his power. The Haunted series follows a brother and sister who travel with their parents’ ghost hunter TV show and try to help the ghosts while keeping their activities secret from meddling grownups. It begins with The Ghost on the Stairs.
Read excerpts at www.chriseboch.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
April 2, 2020
Small town romance with cats ... what more could you want? Kari is opening a cat café, with her sister Marley as the baker. She comes from a close-knit family, who all want to help, although her mother is allergic to cats. Her first employee is Colin, a vet recovering from PTSD. She initially thinks that Colin might be a good match for Marley... but she is attracted herself. Neither Colin nor Kari was thinking of a relationship, but sometimes, when we least expect it, love happens. And a little help from the cats can’t hurt.
August 7, 2020
A small town love story, where there is family and lots and lots of cats. The characters are flawed and that adds to the story, making them realistic with their problems and pressures. The author has described the feelings of both the main characters. The secondary characters also deserve a story of their own.
The language is simple and the story flows from one scene to another. The café is so ideal, beautifully described with all the beverages and delicacies. The recipe at the end of the book is a bonus.
This is an ideal book to read after a hectic work day.
The language is simple and the story flows from one scene to another. The café is so ideal, beautifully described with all the beverages and delicacies. The recipe at the end of the book is a bonus.
This is an ideal book to read after a hectic work day.
October 30, 2021
Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Cafe by Kris Bock, is a sweet and delightful story! Kari is always looking out for others, putting her own happiness aside. When Colin comes into her up and coming cat cafe looking for work, she soon finds her heart fluttering. Oh, and there are cats. And baked goods. Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Cafe is an all around sweet, and yummy (and clean) tale.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 19, 2020
Light and easy
After reading several intense books I was searching for something light and easy, like a palette cleanse for my mind. This was a perfect choice, characters that were easy to relate to. dealing with their issues but in a way that was realistic and not full of drama. At great comfy read that has me looking forward to more
After reading several intense books I was searching for something light and easy, like a palette cleanse for my mind. This was a perfect choice, characters that were easy to relate to. dealing with their issues but in a way that was realistic and not full of drama. At great comfy read that has me looking forward to more
February 17, 2022
If you love cats and romance...
Very nice story, kind characters, friendly cats, and fresh baked cookies. What more could you want?
Clean romance, strong characters make for a pleasant refreshing story.
Very nice story, kind characters, friendly cats, and fresh baked cookies. What more could you want?
Clean romance, strong characters make for a pleasant refreshing story.
March 22, 2025
UPDATE:
After having 1 or more kitties in our home for nearly 45yrs, 2yrs ago our last sweetie died. We decided to take a break, not bring any more pets into our home and begin traveling instead. The closest Cat Cafe to our home is nearly an hour drive. I’ve gone once and wish it was closer. I would buy a membership. Truly missing the calming and Furry little personalities, I remembered this series from the past and picked it up again. COFFEE AND CRUSHES brought back many good memories while filling my heart with a smile. I will continue with the series and recommend it especially to cat lovers and those looking for a sweet romance book.
ORIGINAL POST:
What a sweet & lovely story! Coffee and Crushes was my 1st book by Kris Bock and I have already purchased book 2 in this series. I want to know what happens to the secondary characters and hope they also get their HEAs. I highly recommend Coffee and Crushes to anyone who enjoys positive stories that fill the heart; those who enjoy HEAs without excessive stress or personal angst; for readers of contemporary romance; for those who prefer Clean novels; for readers of dark, suspense-filled or steamier genres simply looking for a “break” from the usual; and for anyone who simply loves ”furry” creatures - particularly cats and kittens, here. Coffee and Crushes flows from one scene to the next flawlessly. I was invested in the main characters and I completed the book with a smile. I read a variety of genres and found Coffee and Crushes a delightful novel. I rarely give 5*.
Kari/FMC a mature and very focused 24yr old with a fresh business management degree is opening a new cafe/bakery/coffee shop in a small college town. Furrever Friends Cafe will sell freshly baked bars, desserts and coffees but will also offer opportunities for customers to mingle and/or adopt “sponsored” homeless cats and kittens from the local shelter. Colin/MMC an excellent baker and war veteran currently dealing with PTSD is looking for a fresh and new job opportunity. Among the baristas, Colin is hired. Does Kari have what it takes to run a successful business? Will the community support a cat cafe? What is Colin looking for and will he find it at Furrever Friends Cafe?
Reader Cautions - none. This is a Clean story.
Sexual situations - none. The focus is on the characters personal growth and developing trust and friendship in new relationships.
Profanity - none, that I recall.
Violence- none.
IMO, Coffee and Crushes is a wonderful novel that can be enjoyed by anyone 15yrs and up.
After having 1 or more kitties in our home for nearly 45yrs, 2yrs ago our last sweetie died. We decided to take a break, not bring any more pets into our home and begin traveling instead. The closest Cat Cafe to our home is nearly an hour drive. I’ve gone once and wish it was closer. I would buy a membership. Truly missing the calming and Furry little personalities, I remembered this series from the past and picked it up again. COFFEE AND CRUSHES brought back many good memories while filling my heart with a smile. I will continue with the series and recommend it especially to cat lovers and those looking for a sweet romance book.
ORIGINAL POST:
What a sweet & lovely story! Coffee and Crushes was my 1st book by Kris Bock and I have already purchased book 2 in this series. I want to know what happens to the secondary characters and hope they also get their HEAs. I highly recommend Coffee and Crushes to anyone who enjoys positive stories that fill the heart; those who enjoy HEAs without excessive stress or personal angst; for readers of contemporary romance; for those who prefer Clean novels; for readers of dark, suspense-filled or steamier genres simply looking for a “break” from the usual; and for anyone who simply loves ”furry” creatures - particularly cats and kittens, here. Coffee and Crushes flows from one scene to the next flawlessly. I was invested in the main characters and I completed the book with a smile. I read a variety of genres and found Coffee and Crushes a delightful novel. I rarely give 5*.
Kari/FMC a mature and very focused 24yr old with a fresh business management degree is opening a new cafe/bakery/coffee shop in a small college town. Furrever Friends Cafe will sell freshly baked bars, desserts and coffees but will also offer opportunities for customers to mingle and/or adopt “sponsored” homeless cats and kittens from the local shelter. Colin/MMC an excellent baker and war veteran currently dealing with PTSD is looking for a fresh and new job opportunity. Among the baristas, Colin is hired. Does Kari have what it takes to run a successful business? Will the community support a cat cafe? What is Colin looking for and will he find it at Furrever Friends Cafe?
Reader Cautions - none. This is a Clean story.
Sexual situations - none. The focus is on the characters personal growth and developing trust and friendship in new relationships.
Profanity - none, that I recall.
Violence- none.
IMO, Coffee and Crushes is a wonderful novel that can be enjoyed by anyone 15yrs and up.
December 3, 2020
Thoughts: As the author says, this “Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the workers and customers at a small-town cat café, and the adorable cats and kittens looking for their forever homes.” And she’s right. It’s a sweet romance centered around a cat café where purring felines capture the characters’—and your—hearts. In this one, Kari is busy opening her café, but things keep going wrong—as often happens in opening a business. But she is determined to make this work for her family. What she doesn’t count on is falling for the guy she wants to set her sister up with. But it all works out to a HEA that satisfies. Though I have never been to a cat café, I have a friend who goes quite often and loves it.
What I liked: the cats! They have as much personality as the human characters and work perfectly with the story. I also loved that the mom is constantly dealing with her cat allergies. I’m not sure I would have put that in, but it does make for an interesting conundrum for her. The characters are real and believable. Kari with her Type A personality always needing to be in charge, Marley as the baker and single mom, their mother (with a cat allergy), and Colin—an ex-soldier injured in the Middle East, with PTSD and a missing leg. All of them come together to form a good group.
What I didn’t like: I didn’t realize this was the first book in the series and read it second so it seemed a little off for me. And that’s my fault. It’s a good story, though the ending seemed a little weak.
Recommendation: If you’re looking for a sweet romance that hits a bunch of tropes and gives you a HEA, and includes some purring felines as well, pick this one up. But be sure to read this one first as it gives you all the background you need for the other stories.
Disclaimer: I was provided this book by the author in hopes of a review. All opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone.
What I liked: the cats! They have as much personality as the human characters and work perfectly with the story. I also loved that the mom is constantly dealing with her cat allergies. I’m not sure I would have put that in, but it does make for an interesting conundrum for her. The characters are real and believable. Kari with her Type A personality always needing to be in charge, Marley as the baker and single mom, their mother (with a cat allergy), and Colin—an ex-soldier injured in the Middle East, with PTSD and a missing leg. All of them come together to form a good group.
What I didn’t like: I didn’t realize this was the first book in the series and read it second so it seemed a little off for me. And that’s my fault. It’s a good story, though the ending seemed a little weak.
Recommendation: If you’re looking for a sweet romance that hits a bunch of tropes and gives you a HEA, and includes some purring felines as well, pick this one up. But be sure to read this one first as it gives you all the background you need for the other stories.
Disclaimer: I was provided this book by the author in hopes of a review. All opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone.
March 14, 2021
Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café (Furrever Friends #1) by Kris Bock
I received a copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Furrever Friends Café is Kari's dream. A happy, fun café with adoptable cats and a relaxed environment – that's the goal. Aged only 24 years, it can be a struggle at times to be taken seriously by her peers but with a well-designed business plan and everything in placeas it should be, she is confident of succeeding. She is sharing her vision with her old sister, Marley, the head baker and her mother who is in charge of the online aspect. Kari wants a better and more orderly life for everyone around her and feels it is her duty and her position to achieve that without taking in to account her own feelings.
Until Colin.
Colin, aged 29, is ex-military, recuperating from an injury he obtained after he left, striving to recover and cope with PTSD. With a slight bad-boy appearance we quickly discover that he is anything but, having a smile that makes you weak at the knees.
Can Kari open her café and play matchmaker at the same time? Or will it all crumble around her?
This is a sweet romance, the first book in the Furrever Friends series but each book is a standalone read. There is a clear and precise introduction that lays down the foundation of the story. I love the idea of having beautiful café surroundings and petting cats with the added extra of helping them become adopted being a major bonus! Unfortunately for me I have never had ther pleasure of such an experience. Firstly, I know that with coffee and cats I would never wish to leave and secondly, I would never be able to choose which cat to adopt!
This is a great book for any animal lover, a must-read that fills you with a sense of satisfaction and well-being. Can't wait to read more!
I received a copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Furrever Friends Café is Kari's dream. A happy, fun café with adoptable cats and a relaxed environment – that's the goal. Aged only 24 years, it can be a struggle at times to be taken seriously by her peers but with a well-designed business plan and everything in placeas it should be, she is confident of succeeding. She is sharing her vision with her old sister, Marley, the head baker and her mother who is in charge of the online aspect. Kari wants a better and more orderly life for everyone around her and feels it is her duty and her position to achieve that without taking in to account her own feelings.
Until Colin.
Colin, aged 29, is ex-military, recuperating from an injury he obtained after he left, striving to recover and cope with PTSD. With a slight bad-boy appearance we quickly discover that he is anything but, having a smile that makes you weak at the knees.
Can Kari open her café and play matchmaker at the same time? Or will it all crumble around her?
This is a sweet romance, the first book in the Furrever Friends series but each book is a standalone read. There is a clear and precise introduction that lays down the foundation of the story. I love the idea of having beautiful café surroundings and petting cats with the added extra of helping them become adopted being a major bonus! Unfortunately for me I have never had ther pleasure of such an experience. Firstly, I know that with coffee and cats I would never wish to leave and secondly, I would never be able to choose which cat to adopt!
This is a great book for any animal lover, a must-read that fills you with a sense of satisfaction and well-being. Can't wait to read more!
June 2, 2021
Cat lovers will enjoy this sweet story as the Furrever Friends Cafe opens. The cafe draws in new friends before it is even ready to welcome in customers. When Colin joins Kari and Marley in making their dream business a reality, he finds his furrever friends. The romance in this story evolves over time starting with friendship. The story seems to develop slowly building up anticipation for the store's opening day. I like the honesty between the characters and the interesting plot concept. Some editing issues like omitted words and incorrect word choice is slightly distracting but do not interfere with the sweet story centered around the creation of the Cat Cafe. The story provides that good feeling that petting a cat brings. I would like to read the rest of this series. I received a complimentary copy of this title from the author through Voracious Readers Only. I submit this review voluntarily.
January 3, 2020
Such a great story!
Kari is 24 years old and is about to open a cat cafe - this is where one can come to enjoy coffee and pastries, while loving up some feline friends that are looking for a forever home.
Colin is an ex-service member, who got injured while working a job, which resulted in the loss of his leg.
Colin and Kari meet when he comes into the cafe looking for work. Sparks fly between the two almost instantly, unbeknownst to each orher, but Kari feels as though he would be more suited for her sister Marley who is the baker for the cafe.
Will they admit their feeling for one another?
I loved this book so much and absolutely loved the concept of the cafe. In the book, you see how the cats provide comfort to those that can't have pets themselves.
I look forward to reading Marley's story next!
Kari is 24 years old and is about to open a cat cafe - this is where one can come to enjoy coffee and pastries, while loving up some feline friends that are looking for a forever home.
Colin is an ex-service member, who got injured while working a job, which resulted in the loss of his leg.
Colin and Kari meet when he comes into the cafe looking for work. Sparks fly between the two almost instantly, unbeknownst to each orher, but Kari feels as though he would be more suited for her sister Marley who is the baker for the cafe.
Will they admit their feeling for one another?
I loved this book so much and absolutely loved the concept of the cafe. In the book, you see how the cats provide comfort to those that can't have pets themselves.
I look forward to reading Marley's story next!
January 8, 2020
Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café a Furrever Friends Sweet Romance” by Kris Bock is a tale of one lady named Kari...who while starting her new Cat cafe ...that will feature up to 16 shelter Felines ....and give her sister ...Marley..a much needed baking position. Sooo when a sexy hunk of an ex-military man enters her cat cafe claiming to be a master baker ...why Kari immediately thinks that this one ...,by the name of Colin is just purrfect for her sister ...Marley. But unfortunately...OR is it fortunately....Colin only has eyes for Kari herself. BUT ..Colin is a mite skittish...to begin two new relationships ...one with Kari...and one with a furry Feline named Samson. Will Kari and Colin ...and Samson find their HEA Forever Home?!? And what if the other shelter Felines?!? Read and see. Much enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book.
June 8, 2021
I received this book through Voracious Readers
I liked this book, it was a sweet easy read, the type of book where you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the story.
This book is the first in the series and we follow Kari as she sets up and opens her new cat cafe.
Apart from her sister, Colin is one of her first hires and he is excited to find a job he enjoys, after spending 2 years recovering from a serious injury.
Kari is so busy looking after everybody around her and making sure that they are all happy, that she doesn’t always take time for herself. Will she be able to find time to relax and open herself to opportunities that are right in front of her?
I liked the characters, they were well written and I enjoyed getting to know them.
I loved the cats, they were cute and fun and easily stole my heart.
I enjoyed this book and I really wish I could visit a cafe like this.
I liked this book, it was a sweet easy read, the type of book where you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the story.
This book is the first in the series and we follow Kari as she sets up and opens her new cat cafe.
Apart from her sister, Colin is one of her first hires and he is excited to find a job he enjoys, after spending 2 years recovering from a serious injury.
Kari is so busy looking after everybody around her and making sure that they are all happy, that she doesn’t always take time for herself. Will she be able to find time to relax and open herself to opportunities that are right in front of her?
I liked the characters, they were well written and I enjoyed getting to know them.
I loved the cats, they were cute and fun and easily stole my heart.
I enjoyed this book and I really wish I could visit a cafe like this.
May 2, 2020
This is the first book in this series and I cannot wait to read the rest! It does not get any better than this with coffee, cats, and sexy Collin. I really enjoyed the story and the fun chemistry between Kari and Collin. I would love to go to a cat care because it sounds like a lot of fun.
September 29, 2021
Cute. Bookk
Love stories about cats and if they are romances it just makes them that much better. This writer knows how to combine sweet and funny.
Love stories about cats and if they are romances it just makes them that much better. This writer knows how to combine sweet and funny.
May 9, 2020
Caramel lattes, kittens, and cute guys? Yes, please.
When I first experienced the joy that is reading this short and sweet story of romance and caffeine by Kris Brock, I felt rather ill. Work was tough, things were stressful and I just wanted to sleep and for work to do itself. But, every morning I’d sit down and read through Coffee and Crushes, and find myself reading way more chapters than I’d set for that day. It was a relaxing, easy read that I looked forward to and provided something sweet in such a sour time.
The story of Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café follows the main character Kari and her tumbles through love, kitten wrangling, and opening a cat café. Kari has trouble finding time for herself or letting herself really enjoy things. So when a handsome dream man walks in for a job and second chance, she tries to hand him off to her sister. The foundations of this premise are solid and enjoyable, if not simple. It allows the story to be predictable, allows the reader to easily see how things will unfold. The expected story beats emerge, with Kari eventually finding herself falling for Collin and fighting against her feelings as they grow. The perspective occasionally shifts to Collin, and we get his little storyline of finding stability and adopting a grumpy cat named Samson. The plot remains strong, with the pacing fast but not break-neck fast, riding along at an enjoyable speed.
Kari and Collin, our romantic leads, has a sense of worn realism to them – the feeling that they’ve experienced life and its hardships, but aren’t buckled down by them. I like to examine books through the scope of their genre, and as a romance, this book certainly served its purpose. I wanted these two to be together by the end, to find that happy ending together amongst all the lattes and cute cats. They helped raise each other up, and the author didn’t feel the need to entangle them in countless toxic fights for the sake of drama or angst. I also adored the wit and how the internal and external dialogue worked hand in hand in providing some quality comedy. I also appreciated Brock’s portrayal of mental illness – PTSD – and how she didn’t use it as a means to introduce drama or angst.
The setting of a small town and a cute café serves to provide the story with a sweet, comforting atmosphere that the reader can easily slip back into and enjoy whenever they open the pages. It provides a warm, unique escape from reality, the kind of feeling you can only get by finding a quality coffee shop, nestling up in the corner with a good book, and brilliant tasting coffee while rain-drops race down the window panes.
General narrative flow is well structured but becomes a touch weak towards the end with the conclusion lacking in emotional weight, and falling just a touch short. Overall things move nicely with elements of realism that keep the story grounded, enjoyable characters you want to see happy and an adorable setting with lots of sweets and cute cats. A perfect Sunday afternoon read, in my opinion.
Final Ratings
Plot: 7/10
Characters: 8/10
Setting: 8/10
Structure: 6/10
When I first experienced the joy that is reading this short and sweet story of romance and caffeine by Kris Brock, I felt rather ill. Work was tough, things were stressful and I just wanted to sleep and for work to do itself. But, every morning I’d sit down and read through Coffee and Crushes, and find myself reading way more chapters than I’d set for that day. It was a relaxing, easy read that I looked forward to and provided something sweet in such a sour time.
The story of Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café follows the main character Kari and her tumbles through love, kitten wrangling, and opening a cat café. Kari has trouble finding time for herself or letting herself really enjoy things. So when a handsome dream man walks in for a job and second chance, she tries to hand him off to her sister. The foundations of this premise are solid and enjoyable, if not simple. It allows the story to be predictable, allows the reader to easily see how things will unfold. The expected story beats emerge, with Kari eventually finding herself falling for Collin and fighting against her feelings as they grow. The perspective occasionally shifts to Collin, and we get his little storyline of finding stability and adopting a grumpy cat named Samson. The plot remains strong, with the pacing fast but not break-neck fast, riding along at an enjoyable speed.
Kari and Collin, our romantic leads, has a sense of worn realism to them – the feeling that they’ve experienced life and its hardships, but aren’t buckled down by them. I like to examine books through the scope of their genre, and as a romance, this book certainly served its purpose. I wanted these two to be together by the end, to find that happy ending together amongst all the lattes and cute cats. They helped raise each other up, and the author didn’t feel the need to entangle them in countless toxic fights for the sake of drama or angst. I also adored the wit and how the internal and external dialogue worked hand in hand in providing some quality comedy. I also appreciated Brock’s portrayal of mental illness – PTSD – and how she didn’t use it as a means to introduce drama or angst.
The setting of a small town and a cute café serves to provide the story with a sweet, comforting atmosphere that the reader can easily slip back into and enjoy whenever they open the pages. It provides a warm, unique escape from reality, the kind of feeling you can only get by finding a quality coffee shop, nestling up in the corner with a good book, and brilliant tasting coffee while rain-drops race down the window panes.
General narrative flow is well structured but becomes a touch weak towards the end with the conclusion lacking in emotional weight, and falling just a touch short. Overall things move nicely with elements of realism that keep the story grounded, enjoyable characters you want to see happy and an adorable setting with lots of sweets and cute cats. A perfect Sunday afternoon read, in my opinion.
Final Ratings
Plot: 7/10
Characters: 8/10
Setting: 8/10
Structure: 6/10
March 20, 2020
Coffee and cats. Hmmm. Do they go together? I was intrigued by the unique concept of this book, so much so that I had to look it up to see if something like coffee shops with cats actually exist. Apparently, it does. And while it does not make much sense to me, I guess it obviously has a market and audience to cater for. As for the story... what I liked was that Colin does not fit into the traditional mould of romantic heroes. He is less than perfect physically, has mental health issues he's dealing with, but, most importantly, a heart and character that is perfect for the heroine. Kari, on the other hand, has a controlling A-type personality that initially grates on the nerves, until she shows her more endearing side. The feline characters steal the show, that's for sure. The story moved too slowly for me, but the author is very thorough in painting a vivid picture of what goes into making such an endeavour a success. For that, she must be commended. Would I like to read more in the series? I'm purrr-fectly sure I would not. Cat lovers would get the most enjoyment out of it. And that's not being catty at all. *smile*
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October 19, 2020Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café: A Furrever Friends Sweet Romance, my first read from author Kris Bock. I was given a Kindle copy of this book and I'm voluntarily reading & reviewing it because every author's book needs reviews. This was an enjoyable book that sweeps you up & carries you away. It has all the stereotypical romance elements as well as, well you should just buy the book & read it for yourself. The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author! *SPOILER* Prepare to have your heartstrings tugged hard. I'm an ASPCA sponsor & loved what this book had to say about adoption. Our last dog was a pound puppy & I'm not ashamed to say I cried when we lost her, in fact, this review is dedicated to her memory. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
May 1, 2020
This book is just warm fuzzies all over and really can you go wrong with Cats, coffee, and a cute guy! Kari is always looking out for everyone else but herself so much so that when the gruff and sexy guy who has applied to work at her new cafe she thinks he and her sister should get together while she stresses herself trying to get her new Cafe up and running. This is a heart warming story with some good laughs about family, achieving a dream, learning to allow others in, cats make everyone happy and that love comes in all different packages. I can't wait to get stuck into the other books in the Cat Café series!!
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.
July 19, 2021
4.5 Stars
This series had me intrigued with a cat cafe. They have one near me, but I haven't gone yet. After reading this book it makes me want to find the time to go. I'm already invested in the characters of this series. They make me want to go visit and be a steady customer. I loved Colin and Kari. Colin had me won over with liking cats and baking. He is dream guy material for me. This was a quick read for me, but boy was it oh so enjoyable. The characters pull your right in. The secondary characters are making me hope they have books in the series. I'm going to go add the rest of the series on my to buy list. This is also the first book I've read by this author and I can tell you it won't be my last!
This series had me intrigued with a cat cafe. They have one near me, but I haven't gone yet. After reading this book it makes me want to find the time to go. I'm already invested in the characters of this series. They make me want to go visit and be a steady customer. I loved Colin and Kari. Colin had me won over with liking cats and baking. He is dream guy material for me. This was a quick read for me, but boy was it oh so enjoyable. The characters pull your right in. The secondary characters are making me hope they have books in the series. I'm going to go add the rest of the series on my to buy list. This is also the first book I've read by this author and I can tell you it won't be my last!
January 7, 2020
What a sweet book!
I saw this book featured on the Romance Lives Forever blog (RFLBlog.com) and knew right away it had potential for being a book I would love, and I was right. There are sisters looking out for sisters, instead of there being competition and cattiness (no pun intended), a deliciously sweet hero, and (of course!) all kinds of cats that fill the café and the characters’ hearts. What’s not to love? I definitely recommend this book for a pretty quick read that will leave you feeling all kinds of happy at the end.
I saw this book featured on the Romance Lives Forever blog (RFLBlog.com) and knew right away it had potential for being a book I would love, and I was right. There are sisters looking out for sisters, instead of there being competition and cattiness (no pun intended), a deliciously sweet hero, and (of course!) all kinds of cats that fill the café and the characters’ hearts. What’s not to love? I definitely recommend this book for a pretty quick read that will leave you feeling all kinds of happy at the end.
May 1, 2020
This is the story of Kari and Colin. She is opening a café where she shelters cats for adoption. He walks in looking to be the baker for her café only her sister Marley is working as the chef. So she hires him to set up a romance for him and her sister. Only Colin has eyes for Kari. Can he convince Kari, she’s the one for him? I enjoyed this sweet romance and all the cute kitties. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2020
Or should it be Cats and Love? Kari has her dream of helping homeless cats find a good home by introducing them to people in the playroom at the Cat Cafe. But she has another dream. She wants to date Colin, who works as a baker there. Will this wounded military vet claim the cats and the girl he wants?
I loved this book so much that I purchased the next book in the series, and it is just as sweet!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this book so much that I purchased the next book in the series, and it is just as sweet!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2020
I received a free copy to review! Absolutely purrrrfect!!! A sweet n spicy romance with more than 10 cats milling about ... Sigh! Kris hooks you in within the first chapter; and dangles you along with a bouncing kitty wand as you wonder whether Colin and Kari are going to 'fess up to their attraction and chemistry and put you out of your meow-sery!
Language: clean
Sex: none - mild sweet kissing
Triggers: disability; serious disease
Language: clean
Sex: none - mild sweet kissing
Triggers: disability; serious disease
March 17, 2020
This is a sweet, innocent romance about a type A woman who wants to run everyone's life (but really has a good heart.) She opens a car cafe and thinks she'll solve everyone's problems, but one of her employees, a wounded veteran with ptsd, just doesn't fit into the role she planned for him.Bohnhoff
Perfect book to while away time, and the attached recipe is pretty sweet, too!
Perfect book to while away time, and the attached recipe is pretty sweet, too!
April 11, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Kris Bock; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2020
The title sure says it all I had a great time and was highly entertaining with each turn of the page. The characters are well developed and engaging and the storyline flowed smoothly from beginning to the end.
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.
August 4, 2020
A funny read for those that love cats and confusion! Trying to keep things light with books that have a bit of mischief in them and when you try to start up a business at the age of 24 and are wrangling 12 cats while doing the prep for a cat cafe while dealing with family and wounded Veteran and are to proud to ask for help confusion reigns supreme!
October 9, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book. Colin and Kari are interesting, well developed characters. They have very different backgrounds but are immediately attracted to each other. Kari fights her attraction because she thinks Colin is perfect for her older sister. Interesting insights into a cat cafe.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
March 6, 2021
I really loved this book from the very beginning to the very end.
I loved the story line and I am a lover of cats and at one time I had 4 and the story just made sense in my opinion.
The characters both human and cats made the story pop in my opinion.
I got this book for free with a honest review given freely.
I loved the story line and I am a lover of cats and at one time I had 4 and the story just made sense in my opinion.
The characters both human and cats made the story pop in my opinion.
I got this book for free with a honest review given freely.
April 5, 2021
Sweet premise
Cats, coffee and baked goods sound like a match made in Heaven. Of course there is the well meaning but misguided H trying to hook up her sister with the other H. Quite likable characters and adorable felines! A tad too much technical talk on many subjects but over all an enjoyable read that introduced us to equally great characters for upcoming books
Cats, coffee and baked goods sound like a match made in Heaven. Of course there is the well meaning but misguided H trying to hook up her sister with the other H. Quite likable characters and adorable felines! A tad too much technical talk on many subjects but over all an enjoyable read that introduced us to equally great characters for upcoming books
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