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Meg: Coffee and Dessert in Key West Series Book 1
Meg Matheson's dating experience was a complete train wreck. She decided it was easier to swear off men altogether than to put herself out there again. Eighteen months later, something deep inside beckons. She tries to act as though everything's fine, but her boss seems to know what's going on and encourages her to check out Key West's new coffee bar and companion service. She scoffs at the idea. Curiosity wins. Riley Thomas lost his wife to a terminal illness. Before she left, she begged him to make their vision a reality - a coffee bar with sweet hookups. It took five years to conquer his grief and to open Coffee and Dessert. He isn't interested in finding love again, but he's on a mission to help others find it. Sparks ignite the second Meg and Riley meet. Because of their pasts, they deny the chemistry. Riley helps Meg make connections through his matchmaking service. Will Meg find her soul mate?
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2020
6 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Jan Romes
55 books107 followersJan Romes is a hopeless romantic who grew up in northwest Ohio with eight zany siblings. Married to her high school sweetheart for more years than seems possible, she is also a proud mom, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She likes to read most genres, writes witty contemporary romance and women's fiction, enjoys finding new ways to stay fit and gardens even though she doesn't claim to have a green thumb.
Jan's passionate about reading, writing, publishing, and anything else that involves the written word. She loves to connect with readers. You can find her on Twitter, Facebook, at writer's conferences and book signings. If you love books as much as she does, she'd love to hear from you.
If you'd like to stay current on her most recent works-of-heart, click the Follow button here on Goodreads or on Amazon. She'd also be tickled if you'd check out her website: www.authorjanromes.com
Jan's passionate about reading, writing, publishing, and anything else that involves the written word. She loves to connect with readers. You can find her on Twitter, Facebook, at writer's conferences and book signings. If you love books as much as she does, she'd love to hear from you.
If you'd like to stay current on her most recent works-of-heart, click the Follow button here on Goodreads or on Amazon. She'd also be tickled if you'd check out her website: www.authorjanromes.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 9, 2020
Meg and Riley's story was cute. The settings of the story near the ocean, the description of the places, the natural chemistry between the lead pair and the friends around was just adorable. Liked it.
February 15, 2020
I'm a huge Jan Romes fan, so as soon as I saw that she had a new book out, I one-clicked it immediately. I wasn't sorry! As if I needed more convincing to read a book about coffee and dessert, Jan told a sweet story that will leave your heart happily ticking along as Meg and Riley get to know each other.
In true Jan Romes fashion, the humor is off the charts in Coffee and Dessert, and the sweetness is just the perfect amount to keep the reader turning pages late into the night.
Riley has been hurt in life. His heart is broken and his new coffee shop is a dream come true, one he wishes he could share with his wife, Jen. When Meg walks through the door, his shop recommended by a friend, he notices an instant attraction that takes him by surprise. He doesn't want to feel it and he's surprised and confused by it.
Meg is having a bad week. Her job is on the chopping block and her best friend, Kris, keeps trying to set her up. Nearly 36, everyone is acting like if she doesn't find a man soon, she's going to be an old maid forever. Dragged to the coffee shop by Kris, she's instantly curious about Riley. When he offers her a part-time job serving coffee, she's even more intrigued. She takes Riley up on the offer to work part-time, out of curiosity and the need to get to know him better.
Riley offers a matchmaking service on his menu. For $50 you get coffee, dessert, and a date. Meg fills out the profile form and signs up, but she's continually disappointed by the men she's matched with. After all, her heart is already set on someone else.
Fun, hilarity, and seriousness ensue, but the HEA at the end will leave you with a smile on your face and happiness in your heart for the rest of the day. I can't wait for Jan to find love for Gino and Rhianne, two characters I just loved in this story! I give Coffee and Dessert five cups of sweet cinnamon coffee!
In true Jan Romes fashion, the humor is off the charts in Coffee and Dessert, and the sweetness is just the perfect amount to keep the reader turning pages late into the night.
Riley has been hurt in life. His heart is broken and his new coffee shop is a dream come true, one he wishes he could share with his wife, Jen. When Meg walks through the door, his shop recommended by a friend, he notices an instant attraction that takes him by surprise. He doesn't want to feel it and he's surprised and confused by it.
Meg is having a bad week. Her job is on the chopping block and her best friend, Kris, keeps trying to set her up. Nearly 36, everyone is acting like if she doesn't find a man soon, she's going to be an old maid forever. Dragged to the coffee shop by Kris, she's instantly curious about Riley. When he offers her a part-time job serving coffee, she's even more intrigued. She takes Riley up on the offer to work part-time, out of curiosity and the need to get to know him better.
Riley offers a matchmaking service on his menu. For $50 you get coffee, dessert, and a date. Meg fills out the profile form and signs up, but she's continually disappointed by the men she's matched with. After all, her heart is already set on someone else.
Fun, hilarity, and seriousness ensue, but the HEA at the end will leave you with a smile on your face and happiness in your heart for the rest of the day. I can't wait for Jan to find love for Gino and Rhianne, two characters I just loved in this story! I give Coffee and Dessert five cups of sweet cinnamon coffee!
May 18, 2022
I am fascinated by Ms. Romes’ ability to draw you in to her stories! Her characters so diverse sharing obstacles they face along the way. The writing is outstanding with realistic dialogue. Will Metin finally realize true love? Another excellent read!
November 11, 2024
What a lovely, feel-good book! I thoroughly enjoyed Meg and Riley’s story from start to finish.
“Meg” by Jan Romes is the first book in the Coffee and Dessert in Key West series. It follows the turbulent time in Meg’s life. Problems seem to attack her from every possible side. Her love life – or more precisely, the lack of it – is disastrous. And something unpleasant is brewing at work. I really appreciated the office scene the author has described masterfully. Once it had been my usual habitat. So, all the intrigue, the uppity attitudes of those in charge, the inability to see a human being behind an employee is something I am familiar with and I read about it with interest.
I liked the sweet love story, and the characters’ depth was an added bonus. Both Meg and Riley have pasts which makes them real. Riley lost his wife, and it has changed him. He isn’t looking for love, but, at the same time, helps others find it. The business venture combining a café with a ‘find love’ position on the menu was his and his wife’s dream. After she passed, Riley pursued it in her honour.
When Meg crosses the threshold of Riley’s establishment she is reluctant to believe she will find more than a cup of excellent coffee and a slice of delicious key lime pie. Still, persuaded by her friends, she agrees to give love another try.
This book has a lot to offer to the readers. The beautiful setting of Key West, with its beaches and trails, quirky and likeable side characters, plot twists you didn’t see coming, and relatable main characters for whose happy-ever-after you begin to wish while reading.
“Meg” by Jan Romes is the first book in the Coffee and Dessert in Key West series. It follows the turbulent time in Meg’s life. Problems seem to attack her from every possible side. Her love life – or more precisely, the lack of it – is disastrous. And something unpleasant is brewing at work. I really appreciated the office scene the author has described masterfully. Once it had been my usual habitat. So, all the intrigue, the uppity attitudes of those in charge, the inability to see a human being behind an employee is something I am familiar with and I read about it with interest.
I liked the sweet love story, and the characters’ depth was an added bonus. Both Meg and Riley have pasts which makes them real. Riley lost his wife, and it has changed him. He isn’t looking for love, but, at the same time, helps others find it. The business venture combining a café with a ‘find love’ position on the menu was his and his wife’s dream. After she passed, Riley pursued it in her honour.
When Meg crosses the threshold of Riley’s establishment she is reluctant to believe she will find more than a cup of excellent coffee and a slice of delicious key lime pie. Still, persuaded by her friends, she agrees to give love another try.
This book has a lot to offer to the readers. The beautiful setting of Key West, with its beaches and trails, quirky and likeable side characters, plot twists you didn’t see coming, and relatable main characters for whose happy-ever-after you begin to wish while reading.
September 10, 2023
Romance and Cake Walks Hand in Hand
Meg has little confidence in men after some dating experiences from hell. Lately, she also fears she might lose her job.
Riley has a coffee shop that serves coffee, sweets, and dating – if you’re so inclined. He lost his wife five years ago and thinks his dating life is over.
Can he help Meg to find love? Can she help him to keep his business and expand it?
Jan Romes writes mouth-watering sweets and complicated human encounters with wit and panache.
“If taste buds could talk, they’d be shouting yes.” (Page 58)
“You’re better than a Long Island Iced Tea.” “At least I won’t give ya headache.” Kristina laughed and realized the error of yukking it up. “Oww!” “Careful. I’m not cleaning up brain matter if your head does decide to detonate.” “Funny.” Kristina massaged her scalp. “I’m never drinking again.” (page 99)
I couldn’t help giving a small sample of the delightful banter Meg and her friends engage in. By the way, while quoting, I spotted one sentence fragment that didn’t make sense. It can be found on page 17. I’m certain that the typo imps have been messing about.
“A long wooden bar with tall pub chairs took up one side of the long room, while small round tables with two chairs each took up the rest of the space. The only thing odd or”
I’m still wondering what that one odd thing might be. At the same time, it is vital to aver that it doesn’t take away from the droll experience of reading Meg’s experiences. The cast of weird and wonderful characters round off Coffee and Desert in Key West.
Meg has little confidence in men after some dating experiences from hell. Lately, she also fears she might lose her job.
Riley has a coffee shop that serves coffee, sweets, and dating – if you’re so inclined. He lost his wife five years ago and thinks his dating life is over.
Can he help Meg to find love? Can she help him to keep his business and expand it?
Jan Romes writes mouth-watering sweets and complicated human encounters with wit and panache.
“If taste buds could talk, they’d be shouting yes.” (Page 58)
“You’re better than a Long Island Iced Tea.” “At least I won’t give ya headache.” Kristina laughed and realized the error of yukking it up. “Oww!” “Careful. I’m not cleaning up brain matter if your head does decide to detonate.” “Funny.” Kristina massaged her scalp. “I’m never drinking again.” (page 99)
I couldn’t help giving a small sample of the delightful banter Meg and her friends engage in. By the way, while quoting, I spotted one sentence fragment that didn’t make sense. It can be found on page 17. I’m certain that the typo imps have been messing about.
“A long wooden bar with tall pub chairs took up one side of the long room, while small round tables with two chairs each took up the rest of the space. The only thing odd or”
I’m still wondering what that one odd thing might be. At the same time, it is vital to aver that it doesn’t take away from the droll experience of reading Meg’s experiences. The cast of weird and wonderful characters round off Coffee and Desert in Key West.
February 22, 2020
Coffee and Dessert (Meg):
Megin and Kristina are best friends, they work at the same law firm as secretaries in Keywest Florida. They are different, Megin loves to run, she’s a great photographer and gets up every morning to catch gorgeous sunrise Key West is famous for. Kristina is getting married, Megin is her maid of honor, she doesn’t like to run, is sassy and witty, they both are. A quote from Kristina (Are there squirrels in you head battling it out for the last acorn).Things are about to go down at the firm. Megin’s boss mentions a coffee shop he says Megin should try out, It’s called “the coffee bar “and it’s a companion service also, that shocks Megin that her boss thinks she’s down because her bestie is getting married and she’s still looking, he’s like a father to her, but Megin Is happy for Kristina. Kristina hears about the coffee bar and insists they try it out. The owner Riley see them walk through the door and is interested in their conversation. The sassy funny duo has his attention. Megins life is about to turn upside down, with the help of friends and family she’ll pull through, or will she.
I was surprised at the ending, didn’t expect what or who is a big player in the outcome. I adored this story!! I love how Jan’s stories make me feel, they’re a great distraction from everyday life.
Megin and Kristina are best friends, they work at the same law firm as secretaries in Keywest Florida. They are different, Megin loves to run, she’s a great photographer and gets up every morning to catch gorgeous sunrise Key West is famous for. Kristina is getting married, Megin is her maid of honor, she doesn’t like to run, is sassy and witty, they both are. A quote from Kristina (Are there squirrels in you head battling it out for the last acorn).Things are about to go down at the firm. Megin’s boss mentions a coffee shop he says Megin should try out, It’s called “the coffee bar “and it’s a companion service also, that shocks Megin that her boss thinks she’s down because her bestie is getting married and she’s still looking, he’s like a father to her, but Megin Is happy for Kristina. Kristina hears about the coffee bar and insists they try it out. The owner Riley see them walk through the door and is interested in their conversation. The sassy funny duo has his attention. Megins life is about to turn upside down, with the help of friends and family she’ll pull through, or will she.
I was surprised at the ending, didn’t expect what or who is a big player in the outcome. I adored this story!! I love how Jan’s stories make me feel, they’re a great distraction from everyday life.
March 23, 2020
This was such a sweet take-me-away-from-the madness story. I really enjoyed the Key West setting, and the tropical surroundings really enhanced the story line. It made a lot of sense that Riley Thomas, who lost his wife to cancer, wants to help others find love even though he doesn’t believe that love was in the cards for him again. And Megin Matheson had given up on the dating life … and for good reasons. Life was simpler without it.
The coffee bar / companion service is a quirky and wonderful combination of businesses. This sweet romance story is told in the author’s signature style. Coffee and Dessert is not only a perfect locale for ocean breezes, but also the perfect place for quirky characters and men most women probably wouldn’t want to date. Lots of laughs and heartfelt sentiment … too!
I’m so happy that Jan Romes chose such a delightful backdrop for her new series. What can possibly go wrong with a matchmaking service … or right? Can’t wait for the next installment!
The coffee bar / companion service is a quirky and wonderful combination of businesses. This sweet romance story is told in the author’s signature style. Coffee and Dessert is not only a perfect locale for ocean breezes, but also the perfect place for quirky characters and men most women probably wouldn’t want to date. Lots of laughs and heartfelt sentiment … too!
I’m so happy that Jan Romes chose such a delightful backdrop for her new series. What can possibly go wrong with a matchmaking service … or right? Can’t wait for the next installment!
February 15, 2020
This was an incredibly sweet story. The passion between Meg and Riley was quite evident. Meg is a woman with a beautiful core of strength. Both characters had a relatable backstory. That being said, the will-they won't-they angle was pretty usual. The portrayal of the constant bad behavior of certain men became irritating rather than understandable after the first instance. The manipulation level by almost everyone prevented me from really finding comfort in the book. Instead of really sinking into the words I read out of sheer stubbornness to find out if what I thought was going to happen would really happen. The ending did intrigue me enough to find out the next characters story. I would say that buying it was worth the money, but it was a bit of a rough ride for me.
September 19, 2024
MEG
Coffee & Dessert
in Key West Series
Book 1
JAN ROMES
Review by Author Roy Murry
Romance is in the air, but not for Meg Matheson, who is thirty-five and works as a professional in a law office. Her boss directs her toward a matchmaker at a coffee shop owner named Riley.
Meg finds a new life because of circumstances at the office. She goes with the flow, which leads her to evaluate her current state—finding love in the wrong places.
The conversations between Meg and her girlfriend Kris are the fun part of Jan Romes's Hallmark-story-type romance, which ends with a kiss. The reader will laugh throughout and be satisfied, having purchased this novel.
Purchase: https://amzn.to/3BbpQwe
Coffee & Dessert
in Key West Series
Book 1
JAN ROMES
Review by Author Roy Murry
Romance is in the air, but not for Meg Matheson, who is thirty-five and works as a professional in a law office. Her boss directs her toward a matchmaker at a coffee shop owner named Riley.
Meg finds a new life because of circumstances at the office. She goes with the flow, which leads her to evaluate her current state—finding love in the wrong places.
The conversations between Meg and her girlfriend Kris are the fun part of Jan Romes's Hallmark-story-type romance, which ends with a kiss. The reader will laugh throughout and be satisfied, having purchased this novel.
Purchase: https://amzn.to/3BbpQwe
August 6, 2025
Meg is a heartwarming story of second chances, healing, and unexpected connections.
Set in breezy, sun-kissed Key West, it combines a novel matchmaking café concept with two hearts that are still healing—Meg, burned by love, and Riley, a widower keeping a vow. With passion, humor, and just the perfect amount of surprise, this charming tale demonstrates that love may blossom when and where you least expect it.
A beautiful, feel-good audio story.
Enjoyed on Audibles.
Set in breezy, sun-kissed Key West, it combines a novel matchmaking café concept with two hearts that are still healing—Meg, burned by love, and Riley, a widower keeping a vow. With passion, humor, and just the perfect amount of surprise, this charming tale demonstrates that love may blossom when and where you least expect it.
A beautiful, feel-good audio story.
Enjoyed on Audibles.
November 14, 2023
The characters were more cute than funny but complimented each other often on their humour and wit. The main characters' strong moral compass was also a little tiring for this reader. I think if I was a nicer person I'd have enjoyed it more.
May 23, 2020
Couldn't put down
Beautifully written , lots of laughs , serious moments and a few tears. Romes has become one of my favorite authors!
Beautifully written , lots of laughs , serious moments and a few tears. Romes has become one of my favorite authors!
September 14, 2024
Another great book!
Anyone looking for a book they are sure to enjoy should head straight to one of Jan Romes books! You will not be disappointed!
They are always perfectly edited and the storylines unique and interesting. You'll become invested in the characters in the first few pages and they will take you on their journey!
The characters are diverse, and you'll ride a gamut of emotions til the end.
Like her other books this one was a pleasure to read, and the ending was quite a surprise! I love it when I don't see an ending coming! I look forward to reading every one of her books!
Anyone looking for a book they are sure to enjoy should head straight to one of Jan Romes books! You will not be disappointed!
They are always perfectly edited and the storylines unique and interesting. You'll become invested in the characters in the first few pages and they will take you on their journey!
The characters are diverse, and you'll ride a gamut of emotions til the end.
Like her other books this one was a pleasure to read, and the ending was quite a surprise! I love it when I don't see an ending coming! I look forward to reading every one of her books!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews