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Heartbreak Cafe #1
No Experience Required
It’s 1989. Life's easy for DEBORAH she's up-market, drives her own flash car to school, and looks pretty good too. She's never had a job, either; but now her parents have split up, and she needs the money.JOE GARBARINI is cool. He likes motorbikes, girls, and fun. He doesn't have time for much — he's running Heartbreak Café when he's not at school.The Heartbreak Café is a noisy hangout on the north Californian coast. Joe's worked there for years, and knows what it takes. He's sure Debbie won't last a month — but Debbie's determined to put up with his wisecracks and prove him wrong.Debbie, Joe and the rest of the gang are all at the Heartbreak Café. Meet them in this sparkling series from bestselling author Janet Quin-Harkin.______________________________________________Originally Published in 1989.
- GenresRomanceYoung Adult
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1989
About the author
Janet Quin-Harkin
128 books76 followersJanet Quin-Harkin is a pseudonym of Rhys Bowen
Rhys turned to writing children’s books under her married name, Janet Quin-Harkin. Her first picture book was an immediate success and won several awards. More picture books followed, then her agent asked her to write a book for young adults. This was a turning point in Rhys’s career. Her first young adult novel was an instant hit. By her third she was selling half a million copies. Many more popular YA novels followed until Rhys decided she had said all she wanted to say about teenage love and angst, and she turned her real love—mysteries.
Rhys turned to writing children’s books under her married name, Janet Quin-Harkin. Her first picture book was an immediate success and won several awards. More picture books followed, then her agent asked her to write a book for young adults. This was a turning point in Rhys’s career. Her first young adult novel was an instant hit. By her third she was selling half a million copies. Many more popular YA novels followed until Rhys decided she had said all she wanted to say about teenage love and angst, and she turned her real love—mysteries.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 27, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Heartbreak Cafe is the story of upper-class Deborah Lesley (Debbie) whose parents have recently separated. Her father has decided he wants to become a writer and has given up his job in the city, whilst her mum who never needed to work before is having trouble finding a job and so Debbie doesn’t have the financial security she is used to.
After an argument with her mother about the insurance for her car, that she either needs to pay for herself or get rid of it, Debbie goes off in a huff and ends up in the wrong place she set out for, but comes across a ‘staff wanted’ poster in the ‘Heartbreak Cafe’ where all the rockers and surfer dudes hang out. She decides to apply. How hard can working in a cafe really be?
The book was originally written and released in the 80s and so for those that lived through this period, you will find plenty of references to get nostalgic about. Debbie starts off a snotty, up-her-self young woman who isn’t used to having to do any kind of manual work or worrying about where her next dollar is coming from as mummy and daddy always paid her way. Now she is getting a look at what life is really like.
I can’t say I particularly liked Debbie in the beginning and whilst she wasn’t a loveable character by the end, I had warmed to her slightly. Cafe manager Joe Garbarini is the polar opposite to Debbie in that he is used to having to work hard and makes every cent count. He runs the restaurant which is owned by his Grandfather and also is still at school. He and Debbie are at loggerheads for most of the book as he doesn’t think she is waitress material.
The story is quite short and mainly revolves around Debbie’s life, partly at home but mainly at the café. Not a great deal happens and so it is an easy read. The book is set in California and the setting has been perfectly written and you can visualise the beach and the sun beaming down.
It is a sweet teenage book with mainly likeable characters, a wonderful setting with some gorgeous food that will make your mouth water, and a basic no-frills plot. This is the first in a six-part series. Whilst I enjoyed the book I’m not sure I would want to read any more from the series as I prefer books that have lots happening within them and a twist or two, but for some light-heart reading, this is perfect.
Heartbreak Cafe is the story of upper-class Deborah Lesley (Debbie) whose parents have recently separated. Her father has decided he wants to become a writer and has given up his job in the city, whilst her mum who never needed to work before is having trouble finding a job and so Debbie doesn’t have the financial security she is used to.
After an argument with her mother about the insurance for her car, that she either needs to pay for herself or get rid of it, Debbie goes off in a huff and ends up in the wrong place she set out for, but comes across a ‘staff wanted’ poster in the ‘Heartbreak Cafe’ where all the rockers and surfer dudes hang out. She decides to apply. How hard can working in a cafe really be?
The book was originally written and released in the 80s and so for those that lived through this period, you will find plenty of references to get nostalgic about. Debbie starts off a snotty, up-her-self young woman who isn’t used to having to do any kind of manual work or worrying about where her next dollar is coming from as mummy and daddy always paid her way. Now she is getting a look at what life is really like.
I can’t say I particularly liked Debbie in the beginning and whilst she wasn’t a loveable character by the end, I had warmed to her slightly. Cafe manager Joe Garbarini is the polar opposite to Debbie in that he is used to having to work hard and makes every cent count. He runs the restaurant which is owned by his Grandfather and also is still at school. He and Debbie are at loggerheads for most of the book as he doesn’t think she is waitress material.
The story is quite short and mainly revolves around Debbie’s life, partly at home but mainly at the café. Not a great deal happens and so it is an easy read. The book is set in California and the setting has been perfectly written and you can visualise the beach and the sun beaming down.
It is a sweet teenage book with mainly likeable characters, a wonderful setting with some gorgeous food that will make your mouth water, and a basic no-frills plot. This is the first in a six-part series. Whilst I enjoyed the book I’m not sure I would want to read any more from the series as I prefer books that have lots happening within them and a twist or two, but for some light-heart reading, this is perfect.
March 21, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book series in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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Meet Heartbreak Cafe, a noisy and somewhat tacky bar that serves burgers and milkshakes. Surely, not a place were our main character Debbie usually goes. She’s more into sushi bars and fancy places. But after her parent’s divorce, suddenly money is cut off and she must start earning her own money. So she starts working in Heartbreak Cafe, run by a mean, narcissistic boss Joe who doesn’t really like her that much. But as the time passes, she realizes the cafe is maybe just what she needed.
This book was first published in 1989 and it really shows (so please if you decide to read this, keep that in mind), because some of the thoughts are really old-fashioned and not likely for the age we live in. But, I feel like this would’ve been a perfect series to me if I’d have picked it up maybe 10 years ago. But still, it was very fun to read it.
Debbie is the stereotypical preppy, spoiled, rich brat who hasn’t done a day of work in her life, and although I usually hate stereotypes in books, I like how her character has grown throughout the books. Debbie is a junior in high school, but at some times she did seem pretty childish but I think it’s interesting just because it shows how much the writing has changed in the past 30 years.
The first book was really fun and interesting, the kind of book that you read in one sitting, just because it’s light and funny, not packed with difficult mathematics so it’s perfect for when you’re feeling down.
https://sophsbookworld.wordpress.com/...
Meet Heartbreak Cafe, a noisy and somewhat tacky bar that serves burgers and milkshakes. Surely, not a place were our main character Debbie usually goes. She’s more into sushi bars and fancy places. But after her parent’s divorce, suddenly money is cut off and she must start earning her own money. So she starts working in Heartbreak Cafe, run by a mean, narcissistic boss Joe who doesn’t really like her that much. But as the time passes, she realizes the cafe is maybe just what she needed.
This book was first published in 1989 and it really shows (so please if you decide to read this, keep that in mind), because some of the thoughts are really old-fashioned and not likely for the age we live in. But, I feel like this would’ve been a perfect series to me if I’d have picked it up maybe 10 years ago. But still, it was very fun to read it.
Debbie is the stereotypical preppy, spoiled, rich brat who hasn’t done a day of work in her life, and although I usually hate stereotypes in books, I like how her character has grown throughout the books. Debbie is a junior in high school, but at some times she did seem pretty childish but I think it’s interesting just because it shows how much the writing has changed in the past 30 years.
The first book was really fun and interesting, the kind of book that you read in one sitting, just because it’s light and funny, not packed with difficult mathematics so it’s perfect for when you’re feeling down.
February 23, 2015
This book was published in 1989 and It really shows. I loved the easy breezy feel of the book. Rich girl's parents get divorced and she now has to get a job to keep her car by paying her insurance. I think this felt more middle grade than young adult and sometimes the main protagonist, Debbie, seems a bit too childish to be a senior in high school.
It is a short book, but it was a quick fun read. It was fun seeing how Debbie managed her first ever job and her banter with the love interest.. though I think sometimes they took it way too far and the jump from hating each other to having feelings for each other was a bit too sudden. One thing though.. the overuse of exclamation points really annoyed me. An exclamation point follows the end of every sentence Debbie says! it got super awkward to read it because she would get excited over the most normal things! see? not fun.
This is part of a series, and I would definitely recommend it to younger teens who want something light and fluffy to read. It reminds me of The Babysitter's Club as well as Sweet Valley books.
It is a short book, but it was a quick fun read. It was fun seeing how Debbie managed her first ever job and her banter with the love interest.. though I think sometimes they took it way too far and the jump from hating each other to having feelings for each other was a bit too sudden. One thing though.. the overuse of exclamation points really annoyed me. An exclamation point follows the end of every sentence Debbie says! it got super awkward to read it because she would get excited over the most normal things! see? not fun.
This is part of a series, and I would definitely recommend it to younger teens who want something light and fluffy to read. It reminds me of The Babysitter's Club as well as Sweet Valley books.
June 13, 2016
*Received this in exchange for my honest review*
Rating: 3.8
This book was originally published in the 80's, which was one of reasons this book piqued my interest. I also love anything vintage and the cover reminded me of my all-time favorite Saved By The Bell mixed with Grease.
Debbie in my opinion very spoiled when she was forced to work it was the shock of her life. She also had to deal with her parents splitting up and having to do things on her own. But soon she warms up and starts working at the Heartbreak Cafe where she meets Joe who has been working at the cafe. As she begins to work at the , Cafe, she begins to realize how conceited her 'friends' really were. It was great to see the development of her attitude and the way she took up for the Cafen when her jerky boyfriend amd mom wanted her to work some where else. Her and Joe's lines made me laugh.amd it was just their banter.
Final Thoughts: Quick, easy retro.read that transforms you back in time.
Rating: 3.8
This book was originally published in the 80's, which was one of reasons this book piqued my interest. I also love anything vintage and the cover reminded me of my all-time favorite Saved By The Bell mixed with Grease.
Debbie in my opinion very spoiled when she was forced to work it was the shock of her life. She also had to deal with her parents splitting up and having to do things on her own. But soon she warms up and starts working at the Heartbreak Cafe where she meets Joe who has been working at the cafe. As she begins to work at the , Cafe, she begins to realize how conceited her 'friends' really were. It was great to see the development of her attitude and the way she took up for the Cafen when her jerky boyfriend amd mom wanted her to work some where else. Her and Joe's lines made me laugh.amd it was just their banter.
Final Thoughts: Quick, easy retro.read that transforms you back in time.
May 21, 2016
Review to go up on my channel and/or my blog
March 25, 2021
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy of this book.
This book had a lot of potential to be a cute and clever contemporary romance, but unfortunately, for me, it fell really flat. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that it was originally published in a different era, and therefore, a lot of the themes were super problematic.
What I liked:
- The setting! I wish I could spend every day in a beachside diner, eating burgers with the locals. It sounded like a great place to hang out with friends, relax with a book (or a comic book like Howard) by yourself, or even go out on a date.
- The "regulars" at the café. Ashley cracked me up with her ridiculous diet tips. Howard was always ready to watch another wacky science fiction flick. Even Mr. Garbarini made me smile with his willingness to see Deborah succeed - even at the annoyance of his grandson.
What I disliked:
- Deborah. She was awful. Stuck-up, spoiled, and with the mindset that she always has to prove everyone else wrong (whether that's her mom, her boyfriend, Joe, etc.). She was the most unlikeable main character I think I've ever read.
- All of Deborah's friends. They were so entitled and it bothers me that Deborah never once put them in their place.
- The "stereotypes." OH MY GOSH this was the biggest nuisance for me. Again, potentially just when it was written, but it bothered me so much that Joe was "the bad boy" because he rode a motorcycle and he was "secretly smart" because he had a copy of Dickens in his leather jacket. GAG. And Howard was a nerd, we get it, but not all nerds are that uncomfortably awkward and loud about their nerdiness? And even the way they made assumptions about Deborah because she had money. It would just not fly at ALL to treat someone that way just because they have a nice car. Truly, all of that irked me to no end.
- The parental figures - or lack thereof. Deborah's mom is selfish and an utter letdown as a mom. That doesn't excuse the way Deborah speaks to her, but seriously? You're just going to stop working altogether because you want to go to school? I understand wanting freedom after a divorce, but that was just totally unrealistic. Meanwhile, Deborah's free spirit father is off hooking up with younger women and providing zero support. The dynamics were ALL off. Maybe it was supposed to show how Deborah had to learn how to handle life herself? But she does a terrible job at it and then has to deal with her flaky family.
Overall, I found that this book just didn't settle right with me and I don't plan to read the rest. I wish it was as cute as it had sounded like it would be, but oof. It was a bit of a hot mess.
This book had a lot of potential to be a cute and clever contemporary romance, but unfortunately, for me, it fell really flat. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that it was originally published in a different era, and therefore, a lot of the themes were super problematic.
What I liked:
- The setting! I wish I could spend every day in a beachside diner, eating burgers with the locals. It sounded like a great place to hang out with friends, relax with a book (or a comic book like Howard) by yourself, or even go out on a date.
- The "regulars" at the café. Ashley cracked me up with her ridiculous diet tips. Howard was always ready to watch another wacky science fiction flick. Even Mr. Garbarini made me smile with his willingness to see Deborah succeed - even at the annoyance of his grandson.
What I disliked:
- Deborah. She was awful. Stuck-up, spoiled, and with the mindset that she always has to prove everyone else wrong (whether that's her mom, her boyfriend, Joe, etc.). She was the most unlikeable main character I think I've ever read.
- All of Deborah's friends. They were so entitled and it bothers me that Deborah never once put them in their place.
- The "stereotypes." OH MY GOSH this was the biggest nuisance for me. Again, potentially just when it was written, but it bothered me so much that Joe was "the bad boy" because he rode a motorcycle and he was "secretly smart" because he had a copy of Dickens in his leather jacket. GAG. And Howard was a nerd, we get it, but not all nerds are that uncomfortably awkward and loud about their nerdiness? And even the way they made assumptions about Deborah because she had money. It would just not fly at ALL to treat someone that way just because they have a nice car. Truly, all of that irked me to no end.
- The parental figures - or lack thereof. Deborah's mom is selfish and an utter letdown as a mom. That doesn't excuse the way Deborah speaks to her, but seriously? You're just going to stop working altogether because you want to go to school? I understand wanting freedom after a divorce, but that was just totally unrealistic. Meanwhile, Deborah's free spirit father is off hooking up with younger women and providing zero support. The dynamics were ALL off. Maybe it was supposed to show how Deborah had to learn how to handle life herself? But she does a terrible job at it and then has to deal with her flaky family.
Overall, I found that this book just didn't settle right with me and I don't plan to read the rest. I wish it was as cute as it had sounded like it would be, but oof. It was a bit of a hot mess.
February 14, 2021
This at once took me back to my childhood but in an odd way also seems like it could have been written today. Only a few things firmly placed it in the past, the lack of mobile phones, and turns of phrase such as neat. It’s such an easy read and reminded me of a time when I would read multiple books in a day (at a little over 200 pages it is very easily digestible). One thing I wasn’t so keen on was the slight undercurrent of fatphobia and sadly I think that’s something that does still exist today. The mentions were very brief and mild but they were still present.
Main character Debbie was great to follow, her arc from spoilt rich girl to independent teen allowed plenty of room for growth and the dynamic between her and Joe, snarky and fun is what I like to read. She has insight and awareness but is still a teenager who sometimes acts before she thinks.
Debbie has her toes in two worlds - one is a country club, Harvard aspiring one with a Quarterback future lawyer boyfriend, and in the other she lives in an apartment and has a new part time job to pay to keep the car she had in the first world. But which one does she fit in? Can she belong to both?
Her parents are both present and absent in her life but I am glad they don’t disappear altogether and the angst and upset of divorce runs through this book. I couldn’t help but empathise with her mum.
There is lots of humour too - particularly when Debbie is trying to cook burgers for the first time - I definitely would not wanted to have been her first customer.
The secondary characters are intriguing and I hope they come to the fore more in later books because they definitely have their own stories to share. We definitely only scrape the surface with them in this book which centres firmly on Debbie, even Joe has more to him than we see here.
All in all this was a light, fun read and took me back to the polyester uniform of my first job (supermarket rather than café). If you like YA/teen contemporary then I’d definitely recommend picking these up.
I received a gifted copy for the purposes of an honest review. This review features on my blog Books, Occupation...Magic! At Kirstyes.co.uk
Main character Debbie was great to follow, her arc from spoilt rich girl to independent teen allowed plenty of room for growth and the dynamic between her and Joe, snarky and fun is what I like to read. She has insight and awareness but is still a teenager who sometimes acts before she thinks.
Debbie has her toes in two worlds - one is a country club, Harvard aspiring one with a Quarterback future lawyer boyfriend, and in the other she lives in an apartment and has a new part time job to pay to keep the car she had in the first world. But which one does she fit in? Can she belong to both?
Her parents are both present and absent in her life but I am glad they don’t disappear altogether and the angst and upset of divorce runs through this book. I couldn’t help but empathise with her mum.
There is lots of humour too - particularly when Debbie is trying to cook burgers for the first time - I definitely would not wanted to have been her first customer.
The secondary characters are intriguing and I hope they come to the fore more in later books because they definitely have their own stories to share. We definitely only scrape the surface with them in this book which centres firmly on Debbie, even Joe has more to him than we see here.
All in all this was a light, fun read and took me back to the polyester uniform of my first job (supermarket rather than café). If you like YA/teen contemporary then I’d definitely recommend picking these up.
I received a gifted copy for the purposes of an honest review. This review features on my blog Books, Occupation...Magic! At Kirstyes.co.uk
May 26, 2022
I was gifted a copy of No Experience Required and it is the first book in the Heartbreak Cafe series. The book follows Deborah (Debbie) who comes from an upper-class family, and she never worked in her life. However, after her parents get divorced, her father moves away to be a writer while her mother decides to go back to college so she can later find a good job. Debbie needs money in order to pay for her car insurance and she ends up finding a job at Heartbreak Cafe. However, Joe, who is the cafe manager, doubts that Debbie will last a month working there.
Debbie is an unlikable character in the beginning because she is your typical spoiled and stuck-up rich kid. However, she gets a reality check and becomes more likable as the book goes on. Joe is the complete opposite of Debbie, and he has been working hard at his grandpa’s cafe, and he is your typical “bad boy”. I am a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope so I enjoyed their banter and seeing their relationship grow. As far as side characters, Debbie’s friends are also unlikable because they are your stereotypical stuck-up rich kids, but I loved the support characters of the regulars at the cafe. I also loved the setting of the cafe on the beach, and the plot was enjoyable with seeing how Debbie managed with her first job.
No Experience Required was a fun book to read and I liked that Debbie grew as a character as the story progressed.
Debbie is an unlikable character in the beginning because she is your typical spoiled and stuck-up rich kid. However, she gets a reality check and becomes more likable as the book goes on. Joe is the complete opposite of Debbie, and he has been working hard at his grandpa’s cafe, and he is your typical “bad boy”. I am a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope so I enjoyed their banter and seeing their relationship grow. As far as side characters, Debbie’s friends are also unlikable because they are your stereotypical stuck-up rich kids, but I loved the support characters of the regulars at the cafe. I also loved the setting of the cafe on the beach, and the plot was enjoyable with seeing how Debbie managed with her first job.
No Experience Required was a fun book to read and I liked that Debbie grew as a character as the story progressed.
July 7, 2021
Such a sweet romance novel. Best of my time. I started reading this series in high school but our school didnt have its full series. And i never got past book 2..over 2decades ago. Loved Janets books.. Wish i could own a series of these Heartbreak cafe. 😍
April 5, 2026
Excellent book, first book of a series
July 28, 2023
My Review
What I Loved
I was pleasantly surprised when reading this book, I ended up enjoying and getting really invested in the characters and story. I enjoyed it so much, I read it in one sitting and now I am itching to read the rest of the series! It’s really fun and easy to read, the perfect book to sit down with and forget about reality just for a bit.
The Story
Debbie’s life is crumbling around her. The once lavish lifestyle with her parents that she took advantage of, has quickly changed to the worst thing she could imagine. Her parents are getting a divorce, she lives in a tiny condo with her mum and now she has to get a job. I thought I would be rolling my eyes at snobbish and spoilt teenager but I genuinely feel sorry for her.
After countless arguments with her mother, Debbie goes on a drive and ends up getting a job in the first place she sees. Which is none other than the Heartbreak Cafe. She first thought this was a grubby place where bikers hung out, turns out its a busy hotspot for teens and surfers. Everything is so easy to imagine at the Heartbreak Cafe. From the food they serve (including the chocolate madness!), to the 1980 interior design and even the surrounding beaches.
There’s only one thing in the Heartbreak that Debbie doesn’t like and that is Joe Garbarini. If he’s not at school, then he’s running the place and he’s trying to do everything he can to get Debbie to quit so he can win their bet. I love their back and forth arguments throughout the book and the feeling of will they, won’t they? I did think it would be a lot more cheesy and dated, I was surprised to see that it wasn’t. It ticks all the boxes in my opinion for an entertaining, easy romance!
The Characters
Debbie is a typical spoilt rich girl when we first meet her. She goes to the posh school, drives a convertible and her boyfriend is the popular quarterback. She is very feisty and if she sets her mind to something, she will do it. Apart from a few outbursts, she stays strong so she can prove to everyone around her that she can grow up and do things for herself. It’s never easy to adjust to change, especially with your family and I rooted for her not to give up. It was really nice to see her actually enjoy things and become more of herself.
Joe is one of my favourite characters but then again I always do love the confident, arrogant character. He’s not afraid of hard work and is very loyal to his grandfather by working as much as he can. He’s a very likeable character and I loved finding out more about him.
The rest of the gang that seems to live at the Heartbreak are all so lovely and fun. They all get along great and have such funny conversations, it was nice to read something light and easy for a change.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, this is a book that I would have enjoyed a few years ago and I’m so glad I loved it so much reading it now. It was the perfect book to snuggle up with and read after a hard day. I love how easy it was to get into and I’m really looking forward to reading the rest of this series. This is a great book if you’re looking for a fun, quick read with likeable characters and fluffy romance!
Rating: 4/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐
elliemaiblogs.co.uk
What I Loved
I was pleasantly surprised when reading this book, I ended up enjoying and getting really invested in the characters and story. I enjoyed it so much, I read it in one sitting and now I am itching to read the rest of the series! It’s really fun and easy to read, the perfect book to sit down with and forget about reality just for a bit.
The Story
Debbie’s life is crumbling around her. The once lavish lifestyle with her parents that she took advantage of, has quickly changed to the worst thing she could imagine. Her parents are getting a divorce, she lives in a tiny condo with her mum and now she has to get a job. I thought I would be rolling my eyes at snobbish and spoilt teenager but I genuinely feel sorry for her.
After countless arguments with her mother, Debbie goes on a drive and ends up getting a job in the first place she sees. Which is none other than the Heartbreak Cafe. She first thought this was a grubby place where bikers hung out, turns out its a busy hotspot for teens and surfers. Everything is so easy to imagine at the Heartbreak Cafe. From the food they serve (including the chocolate madness!), to the 1980 interior design and even the surrounding beaches.
There’s only one thing in the Heartbreak that Debbie doesn’t like and that is Joe Garbarini. If he’s not at school, then he’s running the place and he’s trying to do everything he can to get Debbie to quit so he can win their bet. I love their back and forth arguments throughout the book and the feeling of will they, won’t they? I did think it would be a lot more cheesy and dated, I was surprised to see that it wasn’t. It ticks all the boxes in my opinion for an entertaining, easy romance!
The Characters
Debbie is a typical spoilt rich girl when we first meet her. She goes to the posh school, drives a convertible and her boyfriend is the popular quarterback. She is very feisty and if she sets her mind to something, she will do it. Apart from a few outbursts, she stays strong so she can prove to everyone around her that she can grow up and do things for herself. It’s never easy to adjust to change, especially with your family and I rooted for her not to give up. It was really nice to see her actually enjoy things and become more of herself.
Joe is one of my favourite characters but then again I always do love the confident, arrogant character. He’s not afraid of hard work and is very loyal to his grandfather by working as much as he can. He’s a very likeable character and I loved finding out more about him.
The rest of the gang that seems to live at the Heartbreak are all so lovely and fun. They all get along great and have such funny conversations, it was nice to read something light and easy for a change.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, this is a book that I would have enjoyed a few years ago and I’m so glad I loved it so much reading it now. It was the perfect book to snuggle up with and read after a hard day. I love how easy it was to get into and I’m really looking forward to reading the rest of this series. This is a great book if you’re looking for a fun, quick read with likeable characters and fluffy romance!
Rating: 4/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐
elliemaiblogs.co.uk
June 29, 2014
Set in 1989, this series was originally published in the eighties. Janet Quin-Harkin was a huge favourite of mine when I was a teenager and so I was thrilled at the news that the Heartbreak Café series was being republished for a whole new audience of readers. I thought that the story might feel a little dated considering it's over twenty years old but it didn't at all. It deals with so many universal themes which will resonate with teens today, such as trying to become independent and find your own way in life, juggling the demands of school and friends with a part-time job and facing the trauma of parental divorce, that it still feels as fresh and new as when it was first written.
'No Experience Required' centres around Debbie, whose parents have just split up. Finding it hard to cope with a mother who has decided to go back to school, Debbie decides to get a part-time job. When she stumbles across the Heartbreak Café her mind is made-up that this is where she's going to work, even though she has never flipped a burger in her entire life. She begins to work alongside the gorgeous Joe and they develop a bit of a love/hate relationship. But with sparks flying between them, could their wisecracks mean something more?
I adored the Heartbreak Café gang. There's cool Joe who all the girls are head over heels in love with, Ashley and her penchant for chocolate, plus geeky Howard and carefree Art. They are such a great gang that I wanted to scoot over on a stool, with a dish of chocolate madness in front of me and join in with all their fun.
If you're looking for hot and sizzling then you won't find it here but what you do get is a sweet, clean teen series where the romance is innocent and you won't catch the characters using any expletives, not even when things get steamy in the kitchen. It's such a refreshing change that I enjoyed kicking back and delighting in a wonderful slice of nostalgia.
I can't wait for the rest of the series to be published. Next up is 'The Main Attraction'. Will Debbie and Joe ever become a couple? You'll have to wait and see.
'No Experience Required' centres around Debbie, whose parents have just split up. Finding it hard to cope with a mother who has decided to go back to school, Debbie decides to get a part-time job. When she stumbles across the Heartbreak Café her mind is made-up that this is where she's going to work, even though she has never flipped a burger in her entire life. She begins to work alongside the gorgeous Joe and they develop a bit of a love/hate relationship. But with sparks flying between them, could their wisecracks mean something more?
I adored the Heartbreak Café gang. There's cool Joe who all the girls are head over heels in love with, Ashley and her penchant for chocolate, plus geeky Howard and carefree Art. They are such a great gang that I wanted to scoot over on a stool, with a dish of chocolate madness in front of me and join in with all their fun.
If you're looking for hot and sizzling then you won't find it here but what you do get is a sweet, clean teen series where the romance is innocent and you won't catch the characters using any expletives, not even when things get steamy in the kitchen. It's such a refreshing change that I enjoyed kicking back and delighting in a wonderful slice of nostalgia.
I can't wait for the rest of the series to be published. Next up is 'The Main Attraction'. Will Debbie and Joe ever become a couple? You'll have to wait and see.
May 17, 2021
I loved seeing how the bet played out between Debbie and Joe and how thier their relationship grew while working together. I is a classic enemies to lovers story that I will always be a sucker for, but so far it seems to be a slow burn love story.
I have to admit, I was infuriated with Debbie in the beginning as she turned her nose up at anyone and everything she deemed lesser than her just because she came from money. However her development allowed for this and I ended up rotting for her character to succeed in winning the bet and in proving herself to Joe.
At times Joe’s character was snarky but I loved how that built on his classic ‘bad boy with a motorcycle’ roots. I thoroughly enjoyed his one liners and found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion.
No experience required is a fast paced summer read that I found myself flying through, I loved the easy writing style and appreciated its ‘no frills’ approach which reflected the story and café well.
Overall Heartbreak café is a classic binge worthy romance, I loved how lighthearted and fun this book is and definitely recommend to anyone looking for the perfect summer book to read at the beach. I can see myself bingeing this series and can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
I have to admit, I was infuriated with Debbie in the beginning as she turned her nose up at anyone and everything she deemed lesser than her just because she came from money. However her development allowed for this and I ended up rotting for her character to succeed in winning the bet and in proving herself to Joe.
At times Joe’s character was snarky but I loved how that built on his classic ‘bad boy with a motorcycle’ roots. I thoroughly enjoyed his one liners and found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion.
No experience required is a fast paced summer read that I found myself flying through, I loved the easy writing style and appreciated its ‘no frills’ approach which reflected the story and café well.
Overall Heartbreak café is a classic binge worthy romance, I loved how lighthearted and fun this book is and definitely recommend to anyone looking for the perfect summer book to read at the beach. I can see myself bingeing this series and can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
July 6, 2014
I loved being taken back to eighties California, and the ultra cool hangout Heartbreak Café. No Experience Required has a great mix of characters from the posh but down to earth Debbie, her mum who is reliving her youth as a student, her dad who has found his artistic self, and the heartthrob Joe. This is the perfect YA title for those just beginning to read older novels as it touches upon serious issues such as divorce, first boyfriends, juggling work and school, and peer pressure. However, it remains a fun read and doesn’t get too deep into any of the issues making it a perfect book for the beach this summer. I can’t wait for the rest of the series to be published.
October 25, 2015
Nostalgia Required
I remember reading this series as a teenager, so just from sheer nostalgia factor it was a fun read, as well as looking at life from the early 90's, sans cell phones and mass media..however some themes are forever present, like choosing between guys from opposite worlds, divorcing parents, etc..however it was fun to remember the days of Sweet Valley and YM, and I am glad this book was made into an e book just for that factor...
I remember reading this series as a teenager, so just from sheer nostalgia factor it was a fun read, as well as looking at life from the early 90's, sans cell phones and mass media..however some themes are forever present, like choosing between guys from opposite worlds, divorcing parents, etc..however it was fun to remember the days of Sweet Valley and YM, and I am glad this book was made into an e book just for that factor...
October 13, 2012
I remember reading this series when I was still in secondary school. Still enjoyable even now, especially for a bit of easy reading!
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