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Rosenfeld Duet #1
Loving Rosenfeld
It's four minutes to closing time at The Roast, and all Peter Rosenfeld wants is a steaming cappuccino as he rushes off to an assignment. But they've closed early.
So, he does what any level-headed, mature adult would do: pounds on the windows and demands his caffeine fix.
He boycotts the shop upon their refusal to serve him, but returns weeks later and meets Ryleigh, the gorgeous new barista who bore witness to his childish outburst. And while Peter's initial interest only lies in her cappuccino-making skills, her wit and charm soon have him reeling—but she’s young. Too young. A freshman in college.
Or so she says.
Ryleigh has him convinced of it until an article runs in his newspaper and reveals her not so innocent lie: she's a senior in high school.
Her age, and the ghost of a failed relationship, give him sufficient reason to shy away from their peculiar but undeniably budding involvement.
Despite knowing she's moving out of state for college in the fall, Ryleigh is insistent on having him in her life. As that deadline approaches, Peter questions everything he believes—and what it would mean to go against it.
So, he does what any level-headed, mature adult would do: pounds on the windows and demands his caffeine fix.
He boycotts the shop upon their refusal to serve him, but returns weeks later and meets Ryleigh, the gorgeous new barista who bore witness to his childish outburst. And while Peter's initial interest only lies in her cappuccino-making skills, her wit and charm soon have him reeling—but she’s young. Too young. A freshman in college.
Or so she says.
Ryleigh has him convinced of it until an article runs in his newspaper and reveals her not so innocent lie: she's a senior in high school.
Her age, and the ghost of a failed relationship, give him sufficient reason to shy away from their peculiar but undeniably budding involvement.
Despite knowing she's moving out of state for college in the fall, Ryleigh is insistent on having him in her life. As that deadline approaches, Peter questions everything he believes—and what it would mean to go against it.
- GenresRomance
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2021
15 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Leighann Hart
6 books27 followersLeighann Hart is the author of the Rosenfeld duet and the Confessional trilogy. She is a huge mental health advocate and this sometimes—okay, oftentimes—bleeds into her love stories.
She consumes heinous amounts of espresso and pays tithe daily to the New York Times Spelling Bee. Her biggest regret is that she probably will not meet Rick Moranis before he dies.
Leighann lives with her husband, daughter, and Sugar the Shetland Sheepdog in a convection oven—er, Georgia.
She consumes heinous amounts of espresso and pays tithe daily to the New York Times Spelling Bee. Her biggest regret is that she probably will not meet Rick Moranis before he dies.
Leighann lives with her husband, daughter, and Sugar the Shetland Sheepdog in a convection oven—er, Georgia.
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January 28, 2021The book was amazing. Peter is a coffee addicted, honest, snarky person and I love it. Everything was amazing...from the way the characters were introduced, to how they interacted with each other and their own problems, and how the love story progressed. Every time I thought I could predict this story I was pleasantly surprised and amazed by the unexpected. I look forward to more like this because this was a truly amazing, enthralling, sexy read and I loved it!
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.
October 6, 2021
Loving Rosenfeld is a beautiful book full of love and coffee. I loved everything about it, the characters & their relationships, and especially the ‘will-they-won’t-they’ trope.
Ryleigh is a wonderful heroine and you will most definitely fall in love with her, I loved her wit and her fun nature. Falling in love with someone twice her age wasn’t really her plan but I guess neither of us are complaining. I adored how she wasn’t scared to show her love for the hero and she wasn’t ashamed of it.
Peter is just extraordinary. I can’t say I don’t get why he kept pushing her away, because I do but I was just screaming, begging them to get together. I loved how he rationalised everything and he made sure that Ryleigh didn’t regret anything, why? Because he cares for her and he loves her.
I loved their relationship together. I think they just balance each other out so perfectly and they just match. Their little sarcastic comments and teasing made me smile so much. Highly recommend this book, especially if you love the age gap trope!!
4.75⭐️ | 1💧
Ryleigh is a wonderful heroine and you will most definitely fall in love with her, I loved her wit and her fun nature. Falling in love with someone twice her age wasn’t really her plan but I guess neither of us are complaining. I adored how she wasn’t scared to show her love for the hero and she wasn’t ashamed of it.
Peter is just extraordinary. I can’t say I don’t get why he kept pushing her away, because I do but I was just screaming, begging them to get together. I loved how he rationalised everything and he made sure that Ryleigh didn’t regret anything, why? Because he cares for her and he loves her.
I loved their relationship together. I think they just balance each other out so perfectly and they just match. Their little sarcastic comments and teasing made me smile so much. Highly recommend this book, especially if you love the age gap trope!!
4.75⭐️ | 1💧
September 13, 2021
Age gap is one of my favourite trope. It's usually cliché and kind of a rush but this was delightful, sweet and funny.
Most of the romance books have the same tropes so it's up to the author to make the book stand out. For me, romance books need to have great banter and amazing chemistry between the couples.
I loved what the author did with Peter and Ryleigh. Peter was a 36 year grumpy man with baggages and Ryleigh was a 18 year old mature high school student. They balanced each other and their sense of humor was hilarious. They put a smile on my face.
Romance lovers who enjoy a slow burner with interesting characters should give this book a shot.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via VoraciousReadersOnly.
Most of the romance books have the same tropes so it's up to the author to make the book stand out. For me, romance books need to have great banter and amazing chemistry between the couples.
I loved what the author did with Peter and Ryleigh. Peter was a 36 year grumpy man with baggages and Ryleigh was a 18 year old mature high school student. They balanced each other and their sense of humor was hilarious. They put a smile on my face.
Romance lovers who enjoy a slow burner with interesting characters should give this book a shot.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via VoraciousReadersOnly.
June 10, 2021
Leighann Hart expertly navigates the taboo of the age gap relationship in this multidimensional coming-of-age story. Loving Rosenfeld tackles the characters’ emotions with such sincerity and intensity, it’s impossible not to get fully absorbed in the story. The characters’ struggles with the forbidden romance are eloquently written, making you forget that this is Hart’s debut novel.
January 26, 2021
I so wanted to love this book. At first, Loving Rosenfeld felt like it was written FOR ME. My fiancé’s name - Rosenfeld. My name is Leann and the authors name? Leighann!
But, while the story was cute and the writing enjoyable, I just couldn’t get past the age gap in the romantic relationship in this book.
Now, don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with age gap romances, and I’ve enjoyed and reviewed a few. But this one…something about it just rubbed me the wrong way. She’s 18, a senior in his school. He’s 36, a reporter at the local paper (oh, and twice her age!).
While the steam in this is mild (a heavy make out session and some light petting), I still couldn’t get past the age gap factor.
I did finish this, though, I wanted to see how the author was going to write this to a conclusion.
I will say, the author captured Ryleigh as a high school senior pretty perfectly, if I remember how I felt as a high school student “in love.” All the angst and fluctuating emotions, as well as the uncertainty of moving away for college and dealing with relationships and friendships in the new phase of life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But, while the story was cute and the writing enjoyable, I just couldn’t get past the age gap in the romantic relationship in this book.
Now, don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with age gap romances, and I’ve enjoyed and reviewed a few. But this one…something about it just rubbed me the wrong way. She’s 18, a senior in his school. He’s 36, a reporter at the local paper (oh, and twice her age!).
While the steam in this is mild (a heavy make out session and some light petting), I still couldn’t get past the age gap factor.
I did finish this, though, I wanted to see how the author was going to write this to a conclusion.
I will say, the author captured Ryleigh as a high school senior pretty perfectly, if I remember how I felt as a high school student “in love.” All the angst and fluctuating emotions, as well as the uncertainty of moving away for college and dealing with relationships and friendships in the new phase of life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 20, 2021
So unbelievably sweet
This is the first novel I've read by Leighann Hart and can I say, the writing was so poetic and flowery that it made the romance even sweeter. I loved that the book dabble between the beauty of love but also the ugly which has beauty in it's own way. She crafted the characters so well that you can't help but to root for them. And though I hated Peter initially I couldn't help but feel for him when the book was ending. When an author makes you love all the characters, even Ryleigh's parents, you know they did a great job. I can't wait for the second installment in the series!
This is the first novel I've read by Leighann Hart and can I say, the writing was so poetic and flowery that it made the romance even sweeter. I loved that the book dabble between the beauty of love but also the ugly which has beauty in it's own way. She crafted the characters so well that you can't help but to root for them. And though I hated Peter initially I couldn't help but feel for him when the book was ending. When an author makes you love all the characters, even Ryleigh's parents, you know they did a great job. I can't wait for the second installment in the series!
February 13, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. It was a sweet take on an age gap romance. I loved how Leighann wrote about the progression of feelings between Peter and Ryleigh. Poor Peter struggles with feelings and becoming friends (and a little more) with Ryleigh is so good for him. I’m really looking forward to what comes next for these two in Leighann’s next book.
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.
January 24, 2021
The book is a good enjoyable romance read. The story has a good story line, and wonderfully written read. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
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.
February 7, 2021
Beautiful love story cannot wait for the sequel!
I chose this rating because I thought at first she was elaborating a little too much on the details but when I finished the book I appreciated all the details and it proved to be such a good read!
I chose this rating because I thought at first she was elaborating a little too much on the details but when I finished the book I appreciated all the details and it proved to be such a good read!
February 17, 2021
Hart has now made sure that I'm constanly craving a good cappuccino now with this book.
Peter was my favorite piece of this story- it's funny how much I'm like him to the point where a friend was laughing with me and saying ''I was reading, and all I could picture was you!''.
Brutally honest, addicted to coffee, and great music taste- yep loved him!
Can't wait to see what Leighann does with the sequel!! *cue heart eyes*
Peter was my favorite piece of this story- it's funny how much I'm like him to the point where a friend was laughing with me and saying ''I was reading, and all I could picture was you!''.
Brutally honest, addicted to coffee, and great music taste- yep loved him!
Can't wait to see what Leighann does with the sequel!! *cue heart eyes*
January 30, 2023
A Sweet Age Gap Romance
It's love at first sight for Ryleigh and Peter, but with a 17 year age difference nothing is easy.
I found the first half of this book very slow, and nearly put it down. But I'm really glad I didn't. The characters are very sweet and the back and forth between them highlights the struggles and fears we all face in relationships,even if we don't all have such a big age gap.
A lovely HEA, and I look forward to the next installment.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review
It's love at first sight for Ryleigh and Peter, but with a 17 year age difference nothing is easy.
I found the first half of this book very slow, and nearly put it down. But I'm really glad I didn't. The characters are very sweet and the back and forth between them highlights the struggles and fears we all face in relationships,even if we don't all have such a big age gap.
A lovely HEA, and I look forward to the next installment.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest review
March 7, 2021
Love is complicated.
That phrase played over and over in my head as I read this beautiful book. Anybody can write a book about two people coming together and trying to make things work, but it takes a special type of writer to create a relationship that most of the world thinks is taboo and turn it into a masterpiece.
I love books like this because they challenge the status quo and make you really ask yourself: Does age really make a difference?
The answer is up to you as an individual, but knocking the beautiful because you feel a certain way isn’t fair to the author.
What I love the most about this book is how it challenges our societal norms with its very premise. Oftentimes males that hook up with older women are celebrated, while females that date older men are labeled with all kinds of names.
This book flips that narrative on its head with the character of Ryleigh. It was a breath of fresh air to remember that time in your life when you’re figuring out what you want and knowing the world was in front of you. Both innocent and complicated, by the end of the story I felt like I had watched my little sister grow up. Which leads me to her relationship with Rosenfeld.
It. Was. Brilliantly. Done.
If you put aside your own feelings you’ll find a relationship that mirrors many in your own life because at its core, love is love. She doesn’t write any grotesque “look at me” type moments of intimacy that shines a light on their age difference, in fact, there isn’t much at all. She focuses on the emotions that each one feels through their courtship, giving you deeper insight into the characters.
This is just a flat out good book, so put your reservations to the side and give Leighann your attention. I promise you’ll be better off for it.
That phrase played over and over in my head as I read this beautiful book. Anybody can write a book about two people coming together and trying to make things work, but it takes a special type of writer to create a relationship that most of the world thinks is taboo and turn it into a masterpiece.
I love books like this because they challenge the status quo and make you really ask yourself: Does age really make a difference?
The answer is up to you as an individual, but knocking the beautiful because you feel a certain way isn’t fair to the author.
What I love the most about this book is how it challenges our societal norms with its very premise. Oftentimes males that hook up with older women are celebrated, while females that date older men are labeled with all kinds of names.
This book flips that narrative on its head with the character of Ryleigh. It was a breath of fresh air to remember that time in your life when you’re figuring out what you want and knowing the world was in front of you. Both innocent and complicated, by the end of the story I felt like I had watched my little sister grow up. Which leads me to her relationship with Rosenfeld.
It. Was. Brilliantly. Done.
If you put aside your own feelings you’ll find a relationship that mirrors many in your own life because at its core, love is love. She doesn’t write any grotesque “look at me” type moments of intimacy that shines a light on their age difference, in fact, there isn’t much at all. She focuses on the emotions that each one feels through their courtship, giving you deeper insight into the characters.
This is just a flat out good book, so put your reservations to the side and give Leighann your attention. I promise you’ll be better off for it.
October 19, 2021
While I'm not a big fan of age gap tropes, nor have I read any before, I decided to go out of my comfort zone and gift this a try. I'm always a sucker for forbidden love, after all. However, the age gap in this story is pretty weird and hard to ignore (for many, understandable reasons, it's part of the story after all). An eighteen year old girl (who's in high school) and a thirty-six year old man doesn't sit right with me. It's legal, sure, but barely.
However, I don't want to base my review solely on my dislike for the age gap, as there are other aspects of the story as well that I didn't like.
First of all, I didn't really enjoy the two main characters. Peter is presented to us as an asshole, pessimistic, hating everyone, grumpy and a bit of a man-child from the beginning scene. He's closed off from others, for understandable reasons, but despite that I didn't really find much irredeemable about him. I liked his moral dilemmas but obviously they weren't enough to stop him from preying on someone who's basically still a teenager. But to be fair, I like him a bit better than Ryleigh.
Ryleigh, on the other hand, is a stark contrast to Peter. Kind of. She's more mature than him, capable of being nicer to others than him, but it's so obvious that she's written as 'not like other girls'. A pick me girl, if you will. Complaining about how boys her age are oh-so immature and don't know what they're doing, she's so mature and she's better than all these boys her age so she wants to get with older men instead. I also thought from how she was introduced that she'd also be more closed off and antisocial (since she barely has any friends) but she's apparently a lot more confident and rebellious. And also very painfully emotional, and a bit childish when it comes to this morally wrong relationship.
As well as that, I feel like the other characters were much too accepting about this very wrong relationship. Only Ryleigh's father had a proper reaction, in my opinion. Her mother seemed slightly off about it for a bit, and Andrea did too only when it affected her, but apart from that most of the characters were very eager to start rooting for them. It feels a bit wrong that most people didn't double take on this large, almost predatory age gap relationship.
The romance was also very rushed, despite Peter viewing any relationship he has as cursed. It took around, what, a few weeks to a month for Ryleigh to spill and for them to make out? But they weren't ever in an actual relationship until the end. It was unnecessarily dramatic for no reason, with him debating about whether this relationship is right for him (romantically, he only thinks about it morally for a bit) and Ryleigh stubbornly trying her best to tell him that this is right and "age is just a number", with tears in her eyes constantly. It was mind-numbly painful to watch the two go from them actually being romantic, to distancing themselves from each other, then back to being romantic, and repeat.
The conclusion, too, felt a bit rushed as well. I thought it was gong to end bittersweet (kind of, since there's a sequel), but it ends up with this man quitting everything in order to be with his barely legal, love of his life. It felt very cheesy, and it was an ending not for me.
And, well this is more of a minor pet peeve than anything, but they really try to make girls Ryleigh's age seem very pretentious and full of themselves to make the reader agree with Ryleigh that everyone her age is so out of her league, when the two in The Roast actually had very valid reasons to complain. Ryleigh, when she accidentally made coffee fall all over the side of the coffee cup, got irritated when the girl angrily asked for a napkin. Ryleigh simply could've used common sense to actually clean the coffee cup of the spillage before serving it to her. The other girl who complained about whipped cream on her coffee when she's vegan also rightfully called out Kendall when she tried to just scoop the whipped cream off the coffee, as if that would solve anything. It's like serving a chicken salad sandwich to a vegan and telling them to take out the chicken parts, which doesn't solve anything because the chickens still touched everything else. Again, though, a minor pet peeve.
Overall, I was disappointed with this read, and I will not be reading the sequel. This book was suggested to me by VoraciousReadersOnly, and was given a complimentary copy of the book from the author. This review was made voluntarily.
However, I don't want to base my review solely on my dislike for the age gap, as there are other aspects of the story as well that I didn't like.
First of all, I didn't really enjoy the two main characters. Peter is presented to us as an asshole, pessimistic, hating everyone, grumpy and a bit of a man-child from the beginning scene. He's closed off from others, for understandable reasons, but despite that I didn't really find much irredeemable about him. I liked his moral dilemmas but obviously they weren't enough to stop him from preying on someone who's basically still a teenager. But to be fair, I like him a bit better than Ryleigh.
Ryleigh, on the other hand, is a stark contrast to Peter. Kind of. She's more mature than him, capable of being nicer to others than him, but it's so obvious that she's written as 'not like other girls'. A pick me girl, if you will. Complaining about how boys her age are oh-so immature and don't know what they're doing, she's so mature and she's better than all these boys her age so she wants to get with older men instead. I also thought from how she was introduced that she'd also be more closed off and antisocial (since she barely has any friends) but she's apparently a lot more confident and rebellious. And also very painfully emotional, and a bit childish when it comes to this morally wrong relationship.
As well as that, I feel like the other characters were much too accepting about this very wrong relationship. Only Ryleigh's father had a proper reaction, in my opinion. Her mother seemed slightly off about it for a bit, and Andrea did too only when it affected her, but apart from that most of the characters were very eager to start rooting for them. It feels a bit wrong that most people didn't double take on this large, almost predatory age gap relationship.
The romance was also very rushed, despite Peter viewing any relationship he has as cursed. It took around, what, a few weeks to a month for Ryleigh to spill and for them to make out? But they weren't ever in an actual relationship until the end. It was unnecessarily dramatic for no reason, with him debating about whether this relationship is right for him (romantically, he only thinks about it morally for a bit) and Ryleigh stubbornly trying her best to tell him that this is right and "age is just a number", with tears in her eyes constantly. It was mind-numbly painful to watch the two go from them actually being romantic, to distancing themselves from each other, then back to being romantic, and repeat.
The conclusion, too, felt a bit rushed as well. I thought it was gong to end bittersweet (kind of, since there's a sequel), but it ends up with this man quitting everything in order to be with his barely legal, love of his life. It felt very cheesy, and it was an ending not for me.
And, well this is more of a minor pet peeve than anything, but they really try to make girls Ryleigh's age seem very pretentious and full of themselves to make the reader agree with Ryleigh that everyone her age is so out of her league, when the two in The Roast actually had very valid reasons to complain. Ryleigh, when she accidentally made coffee fall all over the side of the coffee cup, got irritated when the girl angrily asked for a napkin. Ryleigh simply could've used common sense to actually clean the coffee cup of the spillage before serving it to her. The other girl who complained about whipped cream on her coffee when she's vegan also rightfully called out Kendall when she tried to just scoop the whipped cream off the coffee, as if that would solve anything. It's like serving a chicken salad sandwich to a vegan and telling them to take out the chicken parts, which doesn't solve anything because the chickens still touched everything else. Again, though, a minor pet peeve.
Overall, I was disappointed with this read, and I will not be reading the sequel. This book was suggested to me by VoraciousReadersOnly, and was given a complimentary copy of the book from the author. This review was made voluntarily.
February 27, 2023
A story that almost ends as it begins with Peter standing in front of a closed door of a coffee shop.....
Peter is a 35-year-old man for whom life has not been kind. Fled from California after a broken relationship, he ended up in the town of Harris where he works as a journalist for the newspaper. His salary is not high, no prospect of promotions and no chance of a relationship due to his night hours. But that's his life and he's happy with it. Grumpy, a loner and a nice word to few is how people describe him. But he always meets his deadline, that's his pride. His only bright spot in his life is the cappucino he buys in the Roaster and when the door is closed 4 minutes before time, he loses his temper.
Rayleigh has just started as a barista and is cleaning up with her colleague when she sees Peter at the door, drumming his fists on the window like a small child. A strange man but she immediately feels attracted to him.
When Peter gets his coffee from the Roaster again after 2 weeks (because with his boycott he only has himself) he thinks Rayleigh is a student and is attracted to her until he finds out that she is in her senior year of high school.
The battle between attraction and repulsion begins. Peter realizes that Rayleigh is barely legal at 18 and he is twice her age. He tries to keep his distance, but Rayleigh keeps approaching him. The reactions of the environment mean that Peter does not dare to give in to the attraction, but Rayleigh thinks that she can decide for herself who she likes and her love for him only grows.
I have a lot of respect for Peter and the way he handled the situation. On the one hand, the realization that people will judge their relationship, which causes him to keep distance, and on the other hand, the realization that he cannot do without her, which reinforces his depressed feelings that he always has.
Rayleighf, a mature personality for her 18 years, who ignores what others think and chooses herself, and therefore Peter. She doesn't see what's wrong with their relationship until her father punches Peter in the face when he sees them kissing. And even though everyone tells her that she can't be with Peter, that their relationship isn't healthy, the heart wants what the heart wants.
A nice ending where I understand there is a sequel. I'm curious how their story will continue
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Peter is a 35-year-old man for whom life has not been kind. Fled from California after a broken relationship, he ended up in the town of Harris where he works as a journalist for the newspaper. His salary is not high, no prospect of promotions and no chance of a relationship due to his night hours. But that's his life and he's happy with it. Grumpy, a loner and a nice word to few is how people describe him. But he always meets his deadline, that's his pride. His only bright spot in his life is the cappucino he buys in the Roaster and when the door is closed 4 minutes before time, he loses his temper.
Rayleigh has just started as a barista and is cleaning up with her colleague when she sees Peter at the door, drumming his fists on the window like a small child. A strange man but she immediately feels attracted to him.
When Peter gets his coffee from the Roaster again after 2 weeks (because with his boycott he only has himself) he thinks Rayleigh is a student and is attracted to her until he finds out that she is in her senior year of high school.
The battle between attraction and repulsion begins. Peter realizes that Rayleigh is barely legal at 18 and he is twice her age. He tries to keep his distance, but Rayleigh keeps approaching him. The reactions of the environment mean that Peter does not dare to give in to the attraction, but Rayleigh thinks that she can decide for herself who she likes and her love for him only grows.
I have a lot of respect for Peter and the way he handled the situation. On the one hand, the realization that people will judge their relationship, which causes him to keep distance, and on the other hand, the realization that he cannot do without her, which reinforces his depressed feelings that he always has.
Rayleighf, a mature personality for her 18 years, who ignores what others think and chooses herself, and therefore Peter. She doesn't see what's wrong with their relationship until her father punches Peter in the face when he sees them kissing. And even though everyone tells her that she can't be with Peter, that their relationship isn't healthy, the heart wants what the heart wants.
A nice ending where I understand there is a sequel. I'm curious how their story will continue
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2021
I was sooo looking forward to reading this book!! Have to say, I was a bit disappointed.
I understand the hold up, Ryleigh is a senior in High School, Rosenfeld is in his mid 30s with nothing going on in his life. The book really resonates with the idea that he's a jaded older guy and this young girl swoops in and breathes life back into him. Still, something just didn't make me love the book as I thought I would.
Their first meeting is very cute, she's a barista at a cafe where he's a coffee addict, he's set in his ways, doesn't have much going for him, he's pessimistic, and overall an asshole. Ryleigh on the other hand is young, mature, a breath of fresh air and simply a positive and nice person. I can why she was drawn towards him, yet it was hard to understand why she stayed even when he made it clear he was emotionally unavailable and was not looking for anything.
I understand the difficulty with the age difference and why he wasn't very comfortable with it, or how her family reacted. I liked how realistic the story portrayed such an age difference, specially in a time where she's barely starting out and he's already settled.
What I really loved about the story was Ryleigh, the way she pushed on no matter what, he was nervous and hesitant to be with her, her family was against it, even her best friend did not see the appeal nor was very supporting, yet she knew what she wanted. She never strayed, she was confident and mature and knew how to handle him. I loved seeing how her emotions bloomed and how she was never apologetic for them.
Overall - Cute read, somewhat frustrating on the male lead side, the ending I was honestly expecting more and it felt somewhat rushed but it's a cute and realistic read.
I understand the hold up, Ryleigh is a senior in High School, Rosenfeld is in his mid 30s with nothing going on in his life. The book really resonates with the idea that he's a jaded older guy and this young girl swoops in and breathes life back into him. Still, something just didn't make me love the book as I thought I would.
Their first meeting is very cute, she's a barista at a cafe where he's a coffee addict, he's set in his ways, doesn't have much going for him, he's pessimistic, and overall an asshole. Ryleigh on the other hand is young, mature, a breath of fresh air and simply a positive and nice person. I can why she was drawn towards him, yet it was hard to understand why she stayed even when he made it clear he was emotionally unavailable and was not looking for anything.
I understand the difficulty with the age difference and why he wasn't very comfortable with it, or how her family reacted. I liked how realistic the story portrayed such an age difference, specially in a time where she's barely starting out and he's already settled.
What I really loved about the story was Ryleigh, the way she pushed on no matter what, he was nervous and hesitant to be with her, her family was against it, even her best friend did not see the appeal nor was very supporting, yet she knew what she wanted. She never strayed, she was confident and mature and knew how to handle him. I loved seeing how her emotions bloomed and how she was never apologetic for them.
Overall - Cute read, somewhat frustrating on the male lead side, the ending I was honestly expecting more and it felt somewhat rushed but it's a cute and realistic read.
May 5, 2022
[I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for a review through Voracious Readers Only]
I loved this book so much! It's a perfect coffee-shop meet-cute (well, not quite) and I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Peter, a snarky and aloof journalist and Ryleigh, a bookish and independent barista who is also an eighteen year-old student in high school and not college as she leads him to believe. Their witty banter was highly entertaining too. The story is well-paced and the drama and angst really ramps up once Ryleigh's lie is revealed, her parents find out and assume the worst, and the date for her to leave their small town for college in another state looms near. I could hardly put the book down so I could find out what would happen next or what happened in Peter's past to make him so jaded. Hart's beautiful, poetic prose has the perfect amount of description and attention to detail that made everything feel real. I alternated between wanting to laugh and cry as I read and it's been a while since I picked up a novel that yanked my heartstrings this hard. Fans of Slammed will probably enjoy this book as well.
I loved this book so much! It's a perfect coffee-shop meet-cute (well, not quite) and I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Peter, a snarky and aloof journalist and Ryleigh, a bookish and independent barista who is also an eighteen year-old student in high school and not college as she leads him to believe. Their witty banter was highly entertaining too. The story is well-paced and the drama and angst really ramps up once Ryleigh's lie is revealed, her parents find out and assume the worst, and the date for her to leave their small town for college in another state looms near. I could hardly put the book down so I could find out what would happen next or what happened in Peter's past to make him so jaded. Hart's beautiful, poetic prose has the perfect amount of description and attention to detail that made everything feel real. I alternated between wanting to laugh and cry as I read and it's been a while since I picked up a novel that yanked my heartstrings this hard. Fans of Slammed will probably enjoy this book as well.
May 23, 2021
In this is sweet story you'll explore a sleepy town through the lense of the 18 year old Ryleigh, and the titular 36 year old journalist, Rosenfeld. Peter Rosenfeld is neurotic, depressed, and emotionally unavailable. He spends all his time working and completely checked out from friends and family. (haha been there) Ryleigh is a high school senior, on a set course to leave for college the next fall when they meet in the coffee shop she works at. She is immediately drawn to him despite his best efforts to avoid attachment.
Some might see the age gap as inappropriate and have a hard time getting past that. Rosenfeld did. And so did Ryliegh's parents! The tension Hart creates between the characters makes this a page-turning story that slowly breaks your heart, only to hit you with a twist that fulfills every promise she made along the way.
Hopefully that's vague enough to evade a spoiler alert.
I received an ARC for a review through Booksprout, and it took me a while to get to it (insert obligatory "I don't usually read romance" remark), but I'm glad that I did!
Some might see the age gap as inappropriate and have a hard time getting past that. Rosenfeld did. And so did Ryliegh's parents! The tension Hart creates between the characters makes this a page-turning story that slowly breaks your heart, only to hit you with a twist that fulfills every promise she made along the way.
Hopefully that's vague enough to evade a spoiler alert.
I received an ARC for a review through Booksprout, and it took me a while to get to it (insert obligatory "I don't usually read romance" remark), but I'm glad that I did!
November 5, 2021
So, I actually quite enjoyed this novel. I have to admit that the “age gap” romance isn’t my favorite, but I found this book sweet, and funny, and heart-warming. I liked Peter and Ryleigh together, and I thought their budding relationship was carefully written. Their romance focused on their personalities, rather than their ages with the two of them working together to explore their feelings. For me, the book felt like a combination of a coming-of-age story for Ryleigh and a second-chance-at-love for Peter. The author did a great job creating solid, relatable characters and by the end I was rooting for their relationship. A lovely story and looking forward to seeing what comes next for this couple.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Leighann Hart for my copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Leighann Hart for my copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 9, 2021
Amazing variety of word choice. Fully developed deep and complex characters. A premise that makes you wonder if it's worth it, summary daring you to give it a read, and the follow through of the book answers a resounding yes!
There is a sequel that I am aware of, which I am completely interested in reading. Peter Rosenfeld is very realistic and reminds me of my own ex.
Age gap romances can be tricky but this book is entirely self-aware about it. All my reservations are addressed. I was happily surprised on multiple levels.
I look forward to seeing what Leighann Hart cooks up next.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this work from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
There is a sequel that I am aware of, which I am completely interested in reading. Peter Rosenfeld is very realistic and reminds me of my own ex.
Age gap romances can be tricky but this book is entirely self-aware about it. All my reservations are addressed. I was happily surprised on multiple levels.
I look forward to seeing what Leighann Hart cooks up next.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this work from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
January 4, 2023
Loving Rosenfeld is a great slow burn story! I found I related to both characters easily. Peter with his attitude and outlook on life (me now) and Ryleigh with her ignorance and want for love (me as an 18 year old). Ryleigh was painfully childish at times but it never took me out of the story because I remember being that way growing up. I liked how their "relationship" was and that they never took advantage of each other however I do feel like Ryleigh gets toxic at times and I worry it'll push Peter over the edge. Of course with him being the damaged hero, I want to protect him.
I would definitely recommend to anyone wanting a slow burn, age gap story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I would definitely recommend to anyone wanting a slow burn, age gap story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 28, 2022
The book was great. A slow burn, but beautifully written and engaging.
Peter is a coffee addicted, grumpy but honest 36 year old
who meets Rayleigh an 18 year old Barista (and a freshman in college - or so he is lead to believe).
The banter in this book is great, scene setting, dialogue and story well written and keeps you reading.
Both have their own issues / baggage and I am looking forward to the next book to see how this ends. An overall sweet, engaging and well written book.
Peter is a coffee addicted, grumpy but honest 36 year old
who meets Rayleigh an 18 year old Barista (and a freshman in college - or so he is lead to believe).
The banter in this book is great, scene setting, dialogue and story well written and keeps you reading.
Both have their own issues / baggage and I am looking forward to the next book to see how this ends. An overall sweet, engaging and well written book.
January 19, 2021
I loved this book!
This book pretty much had me hooked from the beginning and towards the middle I could not stop reading, I literally had to make myself stop reading it to go to sleep! It is wonderfully written and makes for an easy read to curl up on the couch with. This book gave me so many of the feels and I’m so excited and can’t wait for the next one. Plus I am obsessed with the cover, it is so beautiful! You should definitely add this to your tbr list, you won’t regret it!
This book pretty much had me hooked from the beginning and towards the middle I could not stop reading, I literally had to make myself stop reading it to go to sleep! It is wonderfully written and makes for an easy read to curl up on the couch with. This book gave me so many of the feels and I’m so excited and can’t wait for the next one. Plus I am obsessed with the cover, it is so beautiful! You should definitely add this to your tbr list, you won’t regret it!
September 25, 2021
I got this book through voracious readers. This book was very sweet with a slow building romance. While the age difference between the characters was a lot, it felt like maturity wise the characters where not super far off so the building romance worked. I definitely will get the second book to see how the story plays out. This book is a very easy read, and I enjoyed it.
September 3, 2022
This was a beautifully written sweet age-gap romance novel. However, I am not an age-gap romance person, so this one did not sit well with me. The novel did tackle the societal thoughts on the age gap of the two main characters. This novel ends on a happy-for-now cliffhanger and there is a book two. If you like sweet romance and age-gap stories, then download this novel.
August 31, 2021
This was a good book but it was a little drawn out with getting to the relationship. Ryleigh is a senior in high school and has a crush on an older man who has is own set of problems not just with his family, but with life in general. And I wasn’t really happy with the way the book ended.
February 5, 2023
Age gap is one of my favorite tropes. I love the balance between Peter and Ryleigh. This is a sweet romance that made reading the book a joy. I cannot wait to read the next installment of these characters. Leighann Hart is staying on my list for future adds!
February 27, 2023
A fantastic introduction to a duet from Leighann Hart. Delightfully hot and steamy. Great characters, and a well written storyline. Would recommend. Cannot wait for the next book.
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 23, 2021
Loved this book! Can't wait to read the sequal.
September 23, 2022
A great, forbidden age-gap romance. It’s a very refreshing to have a non-alpha-male main character. I love that he’s a schlub! Also, great music references.
January 15, 2023
Peter & Ryleigh had an interesting read. I’m not a big fan of Peter. It was entertaining. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
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