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Coffee Shop #2
Lovesick
When love and logic collide.
Lizbeth:
There’s one thing I’m absolutely convinced of: romance is real, and true love is a force for good in the world.
I have 957 paperback romance novels in my attic bedroom that prove it.
When my world crashes down around me and JJ Bailey shows up, he lays down the ultimate challenge: prove romance is real. The fact that JJ thinks romance is a farce only makes me more determined to prove him wrong.
Romance is real and love saves the day.
Hold my spreadsheets.
JJ:
Life has gotten kind of stagnant. Then Lizbeth literally crashes into my world with her ideas of storybook romance and love. Her silky red hair drives me to distraction.
What the hell is a meet-cute anyway?
Romance does not save the world. I’ve been there. Failed at that. My parents divorce has convinced me that not even love can survive real life. Perpetual bachelorhood looks pretty safe to me.
Except Lizbeth is determined to help me see the light of love. I’m not about to let her win our little challenge, because I know the truth.
Forget her books. I’ll show her that romance is a construct, and love hurts.
LOVESICK is the second novel in the Coffee Shop series. This is a clean, standalone (second in series) contemporary romance with sizzle and spice—but no sex scenes. Guaranteed bantering and happily ever after.
Lizbeth:
There’s one thing I’m absolutely convinced of: romance is real, and true love is a force for good in the world.
I have 957 paperback romance novels in my attic bedroom that prove it.
When my world crashes down around me and JJ Bailey shows up, he lays down the ultimate challenge: prove romance is real. The fact that JJ thinks romance is a farce only makes me more determined to prove him wrong.
Romance is real and love saves the day.
Hold my spreadsheets.
JJ:
Life has gotten kind of stagnant. Then Lizbeth literally crashes into my world with her ideas of storybook romance and love. Her silky red hair drives me to distraction.
What the hell is a meet-cute anyway?
Romance does not save the world. I’ve been there. Failed at that. My parents divorce has convinced me that not even love can survive real life. Perpetual bachelorhood looks pretty safe to me.
Except Lizbeth is determined to help me see the light of love. I’m not about to let her win our little challenge, because I know the truth.
Forget her books. I’ll show her that romance is a construct, and love hurts.
LOVESICK is the second novel in the Coffee Shop series. This is a clean, standalone (second in series) contemporary romance with sizzle and spice—but no sex scenes. Guaranteed bantering and happily ever after.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2021
202 people are currently reading
575 people want to read
About the author
Katie Cross
120 books779 followersMy world revolves around my husband (who is a major hottie), my precious kids, my Vizsla’s who act like children, and the mountains.
I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.
I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.
I write because I never stopped.
Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.
Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com
I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.
I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.
I write because I never stopped.
Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.
Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
July 4, 2021
Elizabeth & JJ's story begins literally when her car slides off a canyon road on a snowy night, where she's this close to falling into an icy river from hundreds of feet above.
Lizbeth is a girl who's backstory-since she was a kid-we know from book 1. She has suffered through a lot, went through a lot of heartbreak in her past involving her family & had to run away with her baby sister from their abusive father.
But amidst all, she's a lovesick. A die hard romance fan.
She has 957 paperbacks in her tiny apartment to prove that love is real.
She dreams of having a romance thats magical in her own life too. All those lovestories got her through difficult times- it's a gift, the one thing her mother gave her before she died.
JJ is the most sweet, caring & laid back guy to ever stumble upon. But he's a non believer when it comes to love or romance. His past hasn't been kind to him to believe in that concept. But when Lizbeth moves to Adventura to help him & his twin brother, Mark with the business, he starts to question his decision to be a bachelor forever.
The second in the coffee shop series, this deals with emotions & feelings than run deeper than anything else.
A story of a Lovesick girl & a Non-Believer guy, whose roles reverses when time changes.
A story of a girl who believes in love & romance after witnessing her sister Beth & husband Maverick and a boy who wants nothing to do with love after witnessing his parents grow apart & the love of his life breaking his heart.
The characters are so relatable that you'll blend in their lives.
Lizbeth is a girl who's backstory-since she was a kid-we know from book 1. She has suffered through a lot, went through a lot of heartbreak in her past involving her family & had to run away with her baby sister from their abusive father.
But amidst all, she's a lovesick. A die hard romance fan.
She has 957 paperbacks in her tiny apartment to prove that love is real.
She dreams of having a romance thats magical in her own life too. All those lovestories got her through difficult times- it's a gift, the one thing her mother gave her before she died.
JJ is the most sweet, caring & laid back guy to ever stumble upon. But he's a non believer when it comes to love or romance. His past hasn't been kind to him to believe in that concept. But when Lizbeth moves to Adventura to help him & his twin brother, Mark with the business, he starts to question his decision to be a bachelor forever.
The second in the coffee shop series, this deals with emotions & feelings than run deeper than anything else.
A story of a Lovesick girl & a Non-Believer guy, whose roles reverses when time changes.
A story of a girl who believes in love & romance after witnessing her sister Beth & husband Maverick and a boy who wants nothing to do with love after witnessing his parents grow apart & the love of his life breaking his heart.
The characters are so relatable that you'll blend in their lives.
September 13, 2024
This is Book 2 of The Coffee Shop Series and concentrates on Lizbeth as the main character in this story.
Lizbeth has now graduated from college and is working and living at the Frolicking Moose. When disaster strikes the coffee shop, Lizbeth is forced to find an alternative job, which is where she meets JJ. Being the Queen of Romance and always having her head in a romance novel, Lizbeth is determined to prove that romance is real.
As with the first book in the series, this is a really easy read. What I like about this book was that it contained all the expectations of a typical romance novel (the meet cute, the falling in love, the misunderstanding), whilst at the same time challenging same through the story itself.
I also liked the character of Lizbeth. Despite her younger life, she has matured into a strong woman, who always puts family above everything else.
Lizbeth has now graduated from college and is working and living at the Frolicking Moose. When disaster strikes the coffee shop, Lizbeth is forced to find an alternative job, which is where she meets JJ. Being the Queen of Romance and always having her head in a romance novel, Lizbeth is determined to prove that romance is real.
As with the first book in the series, this is a really easy read. What I like about this book was that it contained all the expectations of a typical romance novel (the meet cute, the falling in love, the misunderstanding), whilst at the same time challenging same through the story itself.
I also liked the character of Lizbeth. Despite her younger life, she has matured into a strong woman, who always puts family above everything else.
February 14, 2021
“I won’t slide off the canyon road. I won’t plunge into the icy river below. I won’t die tonight.”
This is Lizbeth’s mantra as she navigates the snowy canyon road in the middle of a blizzard. “This is fine. Everything is fine. I’m not panicked.” This is what Lizbeth tells herself just before her car slides off the canyon road and through a break in the trees. How would anyone ever see her on the deserted canyon road? She has to find a way out of the car before it plunges to the icy river below. Any movement could cause the car to move forward. Lizbeth has no choice. She must get herself out of the car before she falls hundreds of feet into the icy river with her car, which she is certain will fall any minute.
This is the first tragedy Lizbeth faces in Lovesick. Fortunately for her, JJ Bailey is close by when tragedy strikes. Lizbeth’s story is one that is unlike any other. This is a girl who has been through so much in her life. She has seen so much heartache, and she has seen story-book romance, not only in books but also with her sister Bethany and her husband Maverick. This is the kind of romance Lizbeth has dreamed of her whole life. Almost 1,000 romance novels line the walls of her tiny apartment above the Frolicking Moose. Romance has seen her through so many difficult times. It is the one thing her mother gave her – hope for a life better than the one she chased until the day she died. But is romance real, or is it just made up in books? She is in the perfect setting for a romance novel. Why aren’t all the moments that should be romantic lacking romance?
JJ Bailey has been hurt. He no longer believes in romance. He is determined to stay a bachelor after he had his heart broken. Lizbeth is not part of his plan. When she moves to Adventura to help straighten the mess that is Mark Bailey, JJ becomes more and more intrigued by her. He is determined to make her understand that romance is not real. She is determined to provide scientific evidence that romance is real. They are so far apart on the issue that there seems no way to meet in the middle. The respect they have for each other grows exponentially as they each try to make their points known and understood while, at the same time, trying to understand the other’s point of view. Who is right? Is romance real? Is romance just found in books? Are love and romance the same thing? These are just a few of the questions Lizbeth and JJ try to work out.
Katie Cross has gifted us with yet another story that should not be missed. This is the second installment of the Coffee Shop Girl series. It picks up five years after Coffee Shop Girl ends. Katie tells Lizbeth’s story in such a way that the reader can experience the evolution in not only Lizbeth but also JJ. (Full disclosure: I was crying within the first fifty pages.) I am absolutely in love with these characters. Lovesick is a book that can be enjoyed by anyone. Whether you are in love now, have been in love, or are still looking for love, you will be able to relate to what these characters experience. If you have siblings, twin or not, you will appreciate the dynamic between JJ and Mark, JJ’s twin brother, as well as the relationships between Lizbeth and her sisters Bethany and Ellie. I cannot say enough about how much I loved Lovesick. In fact, I have read it multiple times already. It is that good.
This is Lizbeth’s mantra as she navigates the snowy canyon road in the middle of a blizzard. “This is fine. Everything is fine. I’m not panicked.” This is what Lizbeth tells herself just before her car slides off the canyon road and through a break in the trees. How would anyone ever see her on the deserted canyon road? She has to find a way out of the car before it plunges to the icy river below. Any movement could cause the car to move forward. Lizbeth has no choice. She must get herself out of the car before she falls hundreds of feet into the icy river with her car, which she is certain will fall any minute.
This is the first tragedy Lizbeth faces in Lovesick. Fortunately for her, JJ Bailey is close by when tragedy strikes. Lizbeth’s story is one that is unlike any other. This is a girl who has been through so much in her life. She has seen so much heartache, and she has seen story-book romance, not only in books but also with her sister Bethany and her husband Maverick. This is the kind of romance Lizbeth has dreamed of her whole life. Almost 1,000 romance novels line the walls of her tiny apartment above the Frolicking Moose. Romance has seen her through so many difficult times. It is the one thing her mother gave her – hope for a life better than the one she chased until the day she died. But is romance real, or is it just made up in books? She is in the perfect setting for a romance novel. Why aren’t all the moments that should be romantic lacking romance?
JJ Bailey has been hurt. He no longer believes in romance. He is determined to stay a bachelor after he had his heart broken. Lizbeth is not part of his plan. When she moves to Adventura to help straighten the mess that is Mark Bailey, JJ becomes more and more intrigued by her. He is determined to make her understand that romance is not real. She is determined to provide scientific evidence that romance is real. They are so far apart on the issue that there seems no way to meet in the middle. The respect they have for each other grows exponentially as they each try to make their points known and understood while, at the same time, trying to understand the other’s point of view. Who is right? Is romance real? Is romance just found in books? Are love and romance the same thing? These are just a few of the questions Lizbeth and JJ try to work out.
Katie Cross has gifted us with yet another story that should not be missed. This is the second installment of the Coffee Shop Girl series. It picks up five years after Coffee Shop Girl ends. Katie tells Lizbeth’s story in such a way that the reader can experience the evolution in not only Lizbeth but also JJ. (Full disclosure: I was crying within the first fifty pages.) I am absolutely in love with these characters. Lovesick is a book that can be enjoyed by anyone. Whether you are in love now, have been in love, or are still looking for love, you will be able to relate to what these characters experience. If you have siblings, twin or not, you will appreciate the dynamic between JJ and Mark, JJ’s twin brother, as well as the relationships between Lizbeth and her sisters Bethany and Ellie. I cannot say enough about how much I loved Lovesick. In fact, I have read it multiple times already. It is that good.
February 14, 2021
Sweet baby pineapple! This book is AMAZING!
In Lovesick, the second book in the Coffee Shop Series (but you can enjoy without reading the first one), love and logic collide. Lizbeth, a hopeless romantic, encounters JJ, a man who has been hurt in the past, doesn't believe that love exists, and is determined to stay a bachelor for the rest of his life. This is not your typical cheesy romance. It's WAY better and so much more. It's relatable and realistic, yet still carries the emotional pull that makes romance books so addictive. It's compelling.
After unforeseen circumstances cause them to have to live in close proximity to each other, a competition forms: Lizbeth is determined to show JJ concrete, scientific proof that love exists, and JJ is determined to show Lizbeth the opposite is true. My competitive side ADORED this dynamic!
My favorite character was Mark, JJ's twin brother. I absolutely cannot wait for Runaway, the third book in the series, which will be about him!
In Lovesick, the second book in the Coffee Shop Series (but you can enjoy without reading the first one), love and logic collide. Lizbeth, a hopeless romantic, encounters JJ, a man who has been hurt in the past, doesn't believe that love exists, and is determined to stay a bachelor for the rest of his life. This is not your typical cheesy romance. It's WAY better and so much more. It's relatable and realistic, yet still carries the emotional pull that makes romance books so addictive. It's compelling.
After unforeseen circumstances cause them to have to live in close proximity to each other, a competition forms: Lizbeth is determined to show JJ concrete, scientific proof that love exists, and JJ is determined to show Lizbeth the opposite is true. My competitive side ADORED this dynamic!
My favorite character was Mark, JJ's twin brother. I absolutely cannot wait for Runaway, the third book in the series, which will be about him!
February 14, 2021
Ms. Cross has done it again! A storyline that keeps you involved. Characters that you have invested emotions in.
A romance novel about romance! Sound easy, right? Except when all you believe to be true is upended! These characters have depth and substance. Characters that could be your neighbors. Characters you fall in love with and want to know more.
The story has several twists and turns that will evoke tears, laughter, compassion and joy. Just when you think something is resolved the universe has different plans.
Lovesick is a down to earth modern love story. It will leave you wanting more!
A romance novel about romance! Sound easy, right? Except when all you believe to be true is upended! These characters have depth and substance. Characters that could be your neighbors. Characters you fall in love with and want to know more.
The story has several twists and turns that will evoke tears, laughter, compassion and joy. Just when you think something is resolved the universe has different plans.
Lovesick is a down to earth modern love story. It will leave you wanting more!
February 14, 2021
You’ll fall in love with the characters in this book
Another great book by Katie Cross and a great sequel to Coffee Shop Girl— though this book is also written so you could read it as a stand alone book. This book will start you off on the edge of your seat and take you through many emotions as Lizbeth unravels what love means to her! You’ll fall in love with all of the characters in this book and leave you wanting more— I can’t wait for the next book about Mark to come out in April! You can’t go wrong with any book written by Katie Cross— they’re all amazing!
Another great book by Katie Cross and a great sequel to Coffee Shop Girl— though this book is also written so you could read it as a stand alone book. This book will start you off on the edge of your seat and take you through many emotions as Lizbeth unravels what love means to her! You’ll fall in love with all of the characters in this book and leave you wanting more— I can’t wait for the next book about Mark to come out in April! You can’t go wrong with any book written by Katie Cross— they’re all amazing!
February 14, 2021
Lizbeth has a world all her own, romance on the brain. Things turn interesting when life hits a crossroad. Will Lizbeth figure things out in time? Read this lovely, quirky look into a world uniquely hers. Lizbeth is a powerful character with an amazing world wrapping round her.
February 14, 2021
Katie has done it again! From the moment I started Lovesick I was sucked in and didn't stop reading until I hit the back cover. This book gave me all the feels. I laughed and cried right along with the characters. I've never felt so connected and invested in a book.
February 14, 2021
Katie Cross has once again hit one out of the park. This is a book that will grab your heart the moment you pick it up. I couldn’t put it down! It’s got it all- drama, romance, and characters that become your friends. Bravo, Katie!
February 14, 2021
This is such a great book! I couldn’t put it down. The characters are absolutely wonderful and the story relates so well to real life you just have to finish the book!!
I love Katie Cross books and this one is a great compliment to Coffee Shop Girl!! It is awesome!!
I love Katie Cross books and this one is a great compliment to Coffee Shop Girl!! It is awesome!!
February 14, 2021
The second clean romance book in the Coffee Shop series is a winner (I had a hard time putting it down!) and I'll definitely be reading it again. I loved going through the journey with Lizbeth and JJ and getting to know their family and friends better.
Want to read
February 14, 2021Nominated for a 2021 Swoony Award, to vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67
June 14, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyable!
One of my new favourite authors! This book has a good dose of naïvety, coming to reality, fake romance and real romance, struggles and battle scars. I loved the main character Lizbeth!
One of my new favourite authors! This book has a good dose of naïvety, coming to reality, fake romance and real romance, struggles and battle scars. I loved the main character Lizbeth!
February 16, 2021
Awesome sequel. Absolutely amazing introduction into the book and wow, the main duo take my breath away. I seriously enjoyed every second of this book. I couldn't put this book down. I read it all in one sitting and super glad I did because everything about this book is great! I highly recommend, also read Coffee Shop Girl first or you'll be lost during the sequel.
February 2, 2021
Lizbeth is a girl after my own heart. She and I relate on so many levels. My favorite thing about Lovesick is the way that Katie portrays real life. Real love and dating isn't always love at first site and your eyes meet and there are fireworks. Real life is a little messy, a little confusing, a little unsure and a lot raw. Lizbeth has been through so much in her life and yet she still powers through. JJ is a adventurous spirit with a passionate heart. I love watching these characters develop and find each other. I am so glad there was some good Bethany interaction and guidance included because Beth and Mav are just absolutely wonderful. I also love the mingling of these characters that I started to know from the HHS. I am happy to see Justin and Atticus as well as watch Mark and JJ grow and develop more with Adventura. I can't wait to see what the next book holds! Bring it on Ellie!
January 24, 2021
Lizbeth’s world is all about romance and love. This is what has helped her get through life with a purpose. But when all her life crumbles to pieces, can JJ Bailey, her crush for a longs time, Be the hero she needs or will she realise that true don’t exist and everything she ever believed is only a fairytale? Great book
January 26, 2021
Ate it up. Once I got into it I couldn’t put it down! Very self-aware and charming.
March 13, 2021
I think I’m being overly generous with 3 🌟
Where do I begin?
I think this was a sweet story. But that’s about it. It didn’t have the heart or emotional depth that the first one did in the series. I just felt like we didn’t learn anything about either character here, which made it that more harder to root for them and all of their “lovesick” story. Seriously, we got legit next to no background information on either character except for some throw away lines. Maverick makes an appearance about being overbearing/protective of his pseudo daughter yet JJ decides to propose without any input from her family that he KNOWS she’s very close with or tries to have them/the coffee shop involved in any way? It makes little to no sense.
Lizbeth was sooo enamored working with Pinterest/Pinnable (notice how one company became the other in the five year gap in between books?) but didn’t bother stalking or calling them while she awaited their decision? What happened to using the job with Mark as a spring board to make her more attractive to hire?
This story was just uneven and all over the place. I just didn’t get how they were suddenly in love and yearning for one another after barely having any alone time with each other.
If I wasn’t so interested in Ellie and Devin’s story I probably would abandon this series altogether. But time will tell if I even check out the next book when it launches in April.
Where do I begin?
I think this was a sweet story. But that’s about it. It didn’t have the heart or emotional depth that the first one did in the series. I just felt like we didn’t learn anything about either character here, which made it that more harder to root for them and all of their “lovesick” story. Seriously, we got legit next to no background information on either character except for some throw away lines. Maverick makes an appearance about being overbearing/protective of his pseudo daughter yet JJ decides to propose without any input from her family that he KNOWS she’s very close with or tries to have them/the coffee shop involved in any way? It makes little to no sense.
Lizbeth was sooo enamored working with Pinterest/Pinnable (notice how one company became the other in the five year gap in between books?) but didn’t bother stalking or calling them while she awaited their decision? What happened to using the job with Mark as a spring board to make her more attractive to hire?
This story was just uneven and all over the place. I just didn’t get how they were suddenly in love and yearning for one another after barely having any alone time with each other.
If I wasn’t so interested in Ellie and Devin’s story I probably would abandon this series altogether. But time will tell if I even check out the next book when it launches in April.
December 15, 2021
Read it!
It's fun, it's complicated, it's seriously a great ride. Katie never disappoints and neither does Lizbeth and JJ...omg. I loved returning to this Mountain world and all adventures and characters with the perfect amount of spice, suspense and of course romance...
It's fun, it's complicated, it's seriously a great ride. Katie never disappoints and neither does Lizbeth and JJ...omg. I loved returning to this Mountain world and all adventures and characters with the perfect amount of spice, suspense and of course romance...
February 18, 2022
This was a tale of two books.
The first book was a beautiful, swoony, five-star read. A story about Lisbeth who is completely enamored with romance, despite never having been in a relationship. And JJ, a man who has been burned by love before and is definitely twice shy. This story was great. After rescuing Lisbeth from a couple of near death experiences, JJ and Lisbeth get to know each other over their disagreements of romance and love. They were so shippy and cute, and I found their meta conversations about if love is interchangeable with romance and how to make room for it in life was fantastic.
The second book, is a confusing mess of introspection and identity crises, and unnecessary lack of communication. In this book, after finding a connection with JJ, Lisbeth realises she's never fully come to terms with her mother's philosophy on life and love and how that affects her present and future relationships. Torn between what she thinks love is and what she knows based on her mother's example, Lisbeth retreats from JJ with no communication (or sense) as she decides love may not be worth it after all. This was terrible and unearned.
So yes a tale of two books.
The first half, or really 3 quarters of this was a solid 5 star read for me. I was already planning how I would devour the entire rest of the series. It was cozy, it was wonderful. It felt like a cup of hot chocolate on a rainy day doing all your favourite things. I was here for the slow unfurling of this beautiful chemistry and connection between Lisbeth and JJ. I loved how they communicated. Their ease and transparency. So colour me frustrated when at about 70% all that groundwork is completely tossed out the window.
Through the book, we see how Lisbeth's mom viewed life. We know Lisbeth has issues with her mum, and slowly it comes out a little more that Lisbeth's mum ( who had since passed away) lived a messy life, to the detriment of her three daughters. Although this is sprinkled through, it never seemed like a central plot to Lisbeth's story, more of a backstory to why she's so attached to the idea of romance. So I was immensely annoyed when this whole thing of her mum's philosophy on love which she impressed on Lisbeth became the literal driving force of the story. Literally (to me) out of nowhere, Lisbeth starts delving more into if romance is real and if her mother was right. Because if her mother was right, then it means that Lisbeth is exactly like her which means that just like her mother, she will never find contentment with love and she'll hurt those she loves and she keeps pursuing this ideal of romance that's non-existent. If that makes no sense to you then welcome to the club.
Aside from the asinine conclusions that Lisbeth started jumping through I must take a detour rant into how Lisbeth literally equaled romance as the exact same thing as love. Which is...interesting.
Anyway, this may have not annoyed me as much if she had communicated to JJ through this huge existential crises, you know, like she had been doing allllllll through the book. No, instead she breaks off with JJ and cuts him off. JJ, who had been a determined bachelor after having his heart ripped out by a girl who tried to gaslight him into thinking they'd never been in a relationship in the first place. The same JJ that Lisbeth basically pursued, encouraged to let his guard down, then dropped him. And then didn't really apologise for it at all. So yeah justice for JJ.
If the first 70% hadn't been such a delightful, wonderful read, this would have been a one star for me. That's how much I hated the last bit of this book.
Finally, although these books "can" be read as standalones, I don't think that's true. There's a lot of assumed knowledge based on if you've read the first book in the series.
That's it, that's all I have to say.
This is supposed to be able to be
The first book was a beautiful, swoony, five-star read. A story about Lisbeth who is completely enamored with romance, despite never having been in a relationship. And JJ, a man who has been burned by love before and is definitely twice shy. This story was great. After rescuing Lisbeth from a couple of near death experiences, JJ and Lisbeth get to know each other over their disagreements of romance and love. They were so shippy and cute, and I found their meta conversations about if love is interchangeable with romance and how to make room for it in life was fantastic.
The second book, is a confusing mess of introspection and identity crises, and unnecessary lack of communication. In this book, after finding a connection with JJ, Lisbeth realises she's never fully come to terms with her mother's philosophy on life and love and how that affects her present and future relationships. Torn between what she thinks love is and what she knows based on her mother's example, Lisbeth retreats from JJ with no communication (or sense) as she decides love may not be worth it after all. This was terrible and unearned.
So yes a tale of two books.
The first half, or really 3 quarters of this was a solid 5 star read for me. I was already planning how I would devour the entire rest of the series. It was cozy, it was wonderful. It felt like a cup of hot chocolate on a rainy day doing all your favourite things. I was here for the slow unfurling of this beautiful chemistry and connection between Lisbeth and JJ. I loved how they communicated. Their ease and transparency. So colour me frustrated when at about 70% all that groundwork is completely tossed out the window.
Through the book, we see how Lisbeth's mom viewed life. We know Lisbeth has issues with her mum, and slowly it comes out a little more that Lisbeth's mum ( who had since passed away) lived a messy life, to the detriment of her three daughters. Although this is sprinkled through, it never seemed like a central plot to Lisbeth's story, more of a backstory to why she's so attached to the idea of romance. So I was immensely annoyed when this whole thing of her mum's philosophy on love which she impressed on Lisbeth became the literal driving force of the story. Literally (to me) out of nowhere, Lisbeth starts delving more into if romance is real and if her mother was right. Because if her mother was right, then it means that Lisbeth is exactly like her which means that just like her mother, she will never find contentment with love and she'll hurt those she loves and she keeps pursuing this ideal of romance that's non-existent. If that makes no sense to you then welcome to the club.
Aside from the asinine conclusions that Lisbeth started jumping through I must take a detour rant into how Lisbeth literally equaled romance as the exact same thing as love. Which is...interesting.
Anyway, this may have not annoyed me as much if she had communicated to JJ through this huge existential crises, you know, like she had been doing allllllll through the book. No, instead she breaks off with JJ and cuts him off. JJ, who had been a determined bachelor after having his heart ripped out by a girl who tried to gaslight him into thinking they'd never been in a relationship in the first place. The same JJ that Lisbeth basically pursued, encouraged to let his guard down, then dropped him. And then didn't really apologise for it at all. So yeah justice for JJ.
If the first 70% hadn't been such a delightful, wonderful read, this would have been a one star for me. That's how much I hated the last bit of this book.
Finally, although these books "can" be read as standalones, I don't think that's true. There's a lot of assumed knowledge based on if you've read the first book in the series.
That's it, that's all I have to say.
This is supposed to be able to be
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2022
Automatically losing a star for having the main love interest be a Vegetarian Mountain Climbing Baker... which I could probably have forgiven, except he had a man bun! It came up far too much in the story to be ignored and thus NO STAR!
I haven't read the Coffee Shop book, but you don't really need it at least I'm told that by my friend who recommend the book for me and also I didn't seem to miss anything.
The book follows two people our lady (Lizabeth) and Man bun (JJ), Lizabeth is having a bad, week, month and honestly it's not her year. (clap, clap, clap) Through a series of unfortunate events she meets and spend significant time with Mr. Master Baker Man Bun. Both are crushing on each other pretty hard and both think the other doesn't feel the same way (*Sigh*) and then they start talking about romance vs love. One is blindly optimistic in the idea of romance and the other has a man bun and thinks romance is evil and only leaves to suffering.
Now in a typical romance book naughty things would happen .. or so I've been told, anyways this is a PG book so what happened was the author's attempt at how this might play out in the real world. In the process she brings about a story were you find two very broken people, who have hid behind the assumptions they had about love and romance just to make it through this world. While I normally read books like this to escape any such thoughts this was done really well and only after I finished reading the book, and thought about the events in the book did I start to see maybe things I've done along the way. We all have baggage and walls we put up to protect us from what happened in the past. We all want to be loved, the idea of being loved keeps us going through this world, gives us hope to get out of bed and that maybe we are worth something, to someone, someday. But what if someday is today? What if someone is right there in front of you? Then you start to see how scary it is when that love is looking right back at you. When you have to show people the walls, the baggage, the scares and ask ask the question: Would you still love this version of me? And when presented that decision knowing it's easier to run to a world of imagination of romance or risk it all for love, what do you do? What does Lizabeth do? What does Mr. Protein Deprived Mountain Climber Man Bun do?
I haven't read the Coffee Shop book, but you don't really need it at least I'm told that by my friend who recommend the book for me and also I didn't seem to miss anything.
The book follows two people our lady (Lizabeth) and Man bun (JJ), Lizabeth is having a bad, week, month and honestly it's not her year. (clap, clap, clap) Through a series of unfortunate events she meets and spend significant time with Mr. Master Baker Man Bun. Both are crushing on each other pretty hard and both think the other doesn't feel the same way (*Sigh*) and then they start talking about romance vs love. One is blindly optimistic in the idea of romance and the other has a man bun and thinks romance is evil and only leaves to suffering.
Now in a typical romance book naughty things would happen .. or so I've been told, anyways this is a PG book so what happened was the author's attempt at how this might play out in the real world. In the process she brings about a story were you find two very broken people, who have hid behind the assumptions they had about love and romance just to make it through this world. While I normally read books like this to escape any such thoughts this was done really well and only after I finished reading the book, and thought about the events in the book did I start to see maybe things I've done along the way. We all have baggage and walls we put up to protect us from what happened in the past. We all want to be loved, the idea of being loved keeps us going through this world, gives us hope to get out of bed and that maybe we are worth something, to someone, someday. But what if someday is today? What if someone is right there in front of you? Then you start to see how scary it is when that love is looking right back at you. When you have to show people the walls, the baggage, the scares and ask ask the question: Would you still love this version of me? And when presented that decision knowing it's easier to run to a world of imagination of romance or risk it all for love, what do you do? What does Lizabeth do? What does Mr. Protein Deprived Mountain Climber Man Bun do?
September 29, 2022
Lizbeth is a child. Not because she loves romance, oh no, I liked her unfailing optimism. She is a child because she takes romantic advise from her ABUSIVE FATHER IN PRISION WHO TRIED TO KILL HER AND HER SISTERS. And then uses THAT advise to self sabotage her own love life. It is truly idiotic.
She blames her mother for so much, and yes, her mother made tons of terrible choices, but she also blames her fathers horrific choices on the fact that her mother was more obsessed with love than commitment. Like, seriously? It seems like she clung into this wild ideal that she can never ever be in love with anyone or else… she will eventually ruin his life and he’ll turn to a life of crime & she will be to blame. Really lizbeth?? You’re supposed to be this intelligent optimist and THAT is the conclusion you draw?
Granted, JJ’s reasoning for not wanting to believe in romance at the beginning of the book is also very juvenile, but he at least gets past that. It seems like Lizbeth starts out with an okay, somewhat naïve, mindset but then she reverts to this completely tragic self-loathing mindset and trusts her father, who universally seems like the worst possible character to ever put your trust in.
She blames her mother for so much, and yes, her mother made tons of terrible choices, but she also blames her fathers horrific choices on the fact that her mother was more obsessed with love than commitment. Like, seriously? It seems like she clung into this wild ideal that she can never ever be in love with anyone or else… she will eventually ruin his life and he’ll turn to a life of crime & she will be to blame. Really lizbeth?? You’re supposed to be this intelligent optimist and THAT is the conclusion you draw?
Granted, JJ’s reasoning for not wanting to believe in romance at the beginning of the book is also very juvenile, but he at least gets past that. It seems like Lizbeth starts out with an okay, somewhat naïve, mindset but then she reverts to this completely tragic self-loathing mindset and trusts her father, who universally seems like the worst possible character to ever put your trust in.
February 14, 2021
Lovesick by Katie Cross is a delightful clean romance story about two people who suddenly have to reevaluate their core beliefs about romance. Their long held beliefs have kept them safe for years, but now, they each see how limiting those safety nets really are.
The story examines several romance novel tropes as it employs them, showing how many of them (super rich alpha male, for example) can be problematic and messy in actual practice.
The female lead, Lizbeth, adores romance novels and as she is presented with in-real-life romance scenarios, she sees life is not as clear cut as her books lead her to believe.
The male lead, JJ, can't understand why Lizbeth believes in the power of romance when he knows first hand it can cause so much pain.
Their story isn't a typical romance, and it actually dissects typical romances in a well thought-out way, while keeping the reader entertained and swooning with the gooey parts.
Lovesick is a romance that speaks to every person who loves romances, used to love romances, and even people who think romance is stupid. There is something for everyone here!
The story examines several romance novel tropes as it employs them, showing how many of them (super rich alpha male, for example) can be problematic and messy in actual practice.
The female lead, Lizbeth, adores romance novels and as she is presented with in-real-life romance scenarios, she sees life is not as clear cut as her books lead her to believe.
The male lead, JJ, can't understand why Lizbeth believes in the power of romance when he knows first hand it can cause so much pain.
Their story isn't a typical romance, and it actually dissects typical romances in a well thought-out way, while keeping the reader entertained and swooning with the gooey parts.
Lovesick is a romance that speaks to every person who loves romances, used to love romances, and even people who think romance is stupid. There is something for everyone here!
February 27, 2021
(4.5 stars) - Lizbeth is having the worst month of her life...
... but it might just turn out to be the best!
There's some suspenseful action, but this story's heart is in the concept developed thru the characters' frequently amusing dialogue & interactions.
There are a few scenes that were overly contrived (the useful-to-the-plot way a date turned out, the big peak of the main conflict, & the second storm drive) which would normally have caused me to reduce my rating (plus I really wanted in on their romance debate, lol), but those weren't enough to damage my enjoyment of the book. And I did love the way Bethany helped Lizbeth thru her basketcase episode.
The happy ending is a little brief but still very satisfying - - & the peek into Mark's future guarantees I'll be eagerly reading the next in the series!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
*Language: very light, about a handful of the common swears (d-mn, h-ll, -ss)
... but it might just turn out to be the best!
There's some suspenseful action, but this story's heart is in the concept developed thru the characters' frequently amusing dialogue & interactions.
There are a few scenes that were overly contrived (the useful-to-the-plot way a date turned out, the big peak of the main conflict, & the second storm drive) which would normally have caused me to reduce my rating (plus I really wanted in on their romance debate, lol), but those weren't enough to damage my enjoyment of the book. And I did love the way Bethany helped Lizbeth thru her basketcase episode.
The happy ending is a little brief but still very satisfying - - & the peek into Mark's future guarantees I'll be eagerly reading the next in the series!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
*Language: very light, about a handful of the common swears (d-mn, h-ll, -ss)
February 21, 2021
Beautifully Written
I was recently introduced to Katie Cross and read the first Coffee Shop book quickly. I’m so glad I got to jump into this story so close on the heals of the first. I loved everything about this story. There’s something about the way Cross writes that leaves me a little bit breathless, but not because of steamy sex scenes. There’s such a close line between writing a romance that takes the reader outside of the real world for a while and one that tackles hard subjects. Cross does it beautifully.
I loved these characters. I loved the wrestle. I appreciated that the story didn’t feel rushed at all. It had the perfect tempo and I felt like it really did the characters justice!
I was recently introduced to Katie Cross and read the first Coffee Shop book quickly. I’m so glad I got to jump into this story so close on the heals of the first. I loved everything about this story. There’s something about the way Cross writes that leaves me a little bit breathless, but not because of steamy sex scenes. There’s such a close line between writing a romance that takes the reader outside of the real world for a while and one that tackles hard subjects. Cross does it beautifully.
I loved these characters. I loved the wrestle. I appreciated that the story didn’t feel rushed at all. It had the perfect tempo and I felt like it really did the characters justice!
December 17, 2022
Katie Cross did it again with the second book in her Coffee Shop series! I enjoyed how she had five years pass between the first and second book, so we got to see where the lives of the characters had taken them. It was great to catch up with Bethany and Maverick, but learn more about Lisbeth and her story.
I loved the push and pull between logical JJ and dreamy, all-about-romance Lisbeth. Plus bringing in their pasts and family histories helped understand why they were the way they were.
Cross does a great job of writing romances that are cute and fun (and not overly steamy for those who are looking for that), while also having substance whiteout getting too dark. A perfect light and fun read for romance lovers!
I loved the push and pull between logical JJ and dreamy, all-about-romance Lisbeth. Plus bringing in their pasts and family histories helped understand why they were the way they were.
Cross does a great job of writing romances that are cute and fun (and not overly steamy for those who are looking for that), while also having substance whiteout getting too dark. A perfect light and fun read for romance lovers!
February 14, 2021
Sweet Read!
I love the interlacing of characters between Katie Cross' series. The accidental romance that grows between Lisbeth and JJ is a delight to watch unfold. The series of events that brings them together and their every growing debate about romance makes you want to keep reading to see how they each come to resolution with the others point of view. JJ learning how to be romantic and Lisbeth realizing that romance comes in many forms beyond the pages of her precious books!
Katie has a way of drawing you into her stories and wanting keep turning the pages until the end.
I love the interlacing of characters between Katie Cross' series. The accidental romance that grows between Lisbeth and JJ is a delight to watch unfold. The series of events that brings them together and their every growing debate about romance makes you want to keep reading to see how they each come to resolution with the others point of view. JJ learning how to be romantic and Lisbeth realizing that romance comes in many forms beyond the pages of her precious books!
Katie has a way of drawing you into her stories and wanting keep turning the pages until the end.
June 22, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed book 2 in the Coffee Shop series, which continues with the story of Lizbeth, a character in the first book. A recent college grad and devoted fan of romance novels, Lizbeth is saved from a car wreck by rugged, non-romantic at heart, J.J. I enjoyed the development of their relationship, as well as the appearances by Maverick and Bethany from book 1. The format of the books, told in alternating POV by the two main characters, is one of my favorite aspects of the novel, as it allows the reader to see inside the motivations of both protagonists. A great summer read, or even while curled up in front of a fire during a snowstorm.
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