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Coffee Shop #4
Fighter
Serafina:
The small mountain town of Pineville had my heart from the moment I stepped in it.
Maybe Benjamin Mercedy did too.
Too bad he’s way out of my league.
When things escalate to an unsafe situation at home, I have no choice but to ask the town MMA fighter to teach me self-defense.
When we’re together on that mat, there’s a whole lot more spark and bang than I thought. And if I didn’t know any better, I’d say Benjamin Mercedy is hiding some ghosts in his gloves.
Ghosts I’m ready to help tame.
Benjamin:
What am I supposed to do? Serafina shows up with a fat lip and a request for a self-defense class. Of course I’ll help her.
Then everything changes.
She is bright-eyed brilliance in my cold, uncertain world. I can’t stay away, even if I wanted to. Serafina has her own devils to deal with, and it’s been a while since I’d had a good fight.
Then she edges her way into my past with her light and warmth and cookies, and my bruised heart doesn’t have a fighting chance.
Serafina is mine.
FIGHTER is the fourth book in the Coffee Shop Series. It can be read as a standalone, but maximum enjoyment comes from starting at the beginning. This is a sweet-but-spicy romance with no sex-scenes and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
The small mountain town of Pineville had my heart from the moment I stepped in it.
Maybe Benjamin Mercedy did too.
Too bad he’s way out of my league.
When things escalate to an unsafe situation at home, I have no choice but to ask the town MMA fighter to teach me self-defense.
When we’re together on that mat, there’s a whole lot more spark and bang than I thought. And if I didn’t know any better, I’d say Benjamin Mercedy is hiding some ghosts in his gloves.
Ghosts I’m ready to help tame.
Benjamin:
What am I supposed to do? Serafina shows up with a fat lip and a request for a self-defense class. Of course I’ll help her.
Then everything changes.
She is bright-eyed brilliance in my cold, uncertain world. I can’t stay away, even if I wanted to. Serafina has her own devils to deal with, and it’s been a while since I’d had a good fight.
Then she edges her way into my past with her light and warmth and cookies, and my bruised heart doesn’t have a fighting chance.
Serafina is mine.
FIGHTER is the fourth book in the Coffee Shop Series. It can be read as a standalone, but maximum enjoyment comes from starting at the beginning. This is a sweet-but-spicy romance with no sex-scenes and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2021
66 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Katie Cross
120 books780 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 42 reviews
August 11, 2022
This is my first book by this author but for all the sweet scenes, I didn't fall in love with any of the characters. Of course, humans are fundamentally flawed and shit but I couldn't overlook some things. It's a clean romance through and through and aside from the intermittent kiss scenes, the two characters don't have any other "hot" scent time.
I like the author's style and this was a very easy read. I found out this was the fourth book in the series and I'm somewhat curious about how the other characters develop in their books. I like that the book highlights how dire it could be to have an adidict in a family. There's a possibility of everyone being sucked into this unending hole of despair.
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I like the author's style and this was a very easy read. I found out this was the fourth book in the series and I'm somewhat curious about how the other characters develop in their books. I like that the book highlights how dire it could be to have an adidict in a family. There's a possibility of everyone being sucked into this unending hole of despair.
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Links: Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Reedsy
June 7, 2021
Katie never disappoints, and Fighter is another great read, and I found the need to finish to know what's going to happen conflicted with my want for the story to continue... That's this series, with every new book I am guaranteed a new rollercoaster ride of deep complicated endearing characters in a world that straddles the real to be relatable and delicious to be enjoyable. Characters from her other books weave themselves through this entire series, and it was like welcoming old friends into my home as I read about the feisty-kickass Serafina and her exploits in love...I highly recommend Fighter and the entire Coffeeshop series. I cannot wait until the next installment...woohoo!!!
July 20, 2021
Wow. I didn't realise how intense this one was going to be. But just like the rest of the books in this series, Katie Cross manages to yet again bring two broken yet strong people into each other's lives and ours too.
Serafina & Benjamin's lovestory blossoms amidst the chaos of abuse, abandonment, heartbreak, self doubt & struggle.
A waitress & an MMA fighter find themselves relying & taking care of each other in ways they didn't know they needed.
Loved the uniqueness of this story, which full of grief, sorrow and romance.
Serafina & Benjamin's lovestory blossoms amidst the chaos of abuse, abandonment, heartbreak, self doubt & struggle.
A waitress & an MMA fighter find themselves relying & taking care of each other in ways they didn't know they needed.
Loved the uniqueness of this story, which full of grief, sorrow and romance.
June 6, 2021
Katie Cross is the queen of contemporary, clean romance. In Fighter, she brings two new residents of Pineville to deep levels of self awareness as they navigate their own familial problems. Waitress and traveler, Serafina wants to help her brother overcome a serious injury, and Benjamin, MMA fighter, needs to make a connection with his young daughter. When Sera finds herself needing self-defense training, she seeks help from Benjamin; they quickly start taking care of each other in ways they didn't know they needed.
I love how this story includes Sera's and Benjamin's family members, exploring what makes them uniquely suited for each other.
With fun new charachters, including Ben's daughter Ava and Sera's mother who stress bakes, this fourth entry in the Coffee Shop Series (which can easily be read as a stand alone), I greatly enjoyed my escape to Pineville through Fighter.
I love how this story includes Sera's and Benjamin's family members, exploring what makes them uniquely suited for each other.
With fun new charachters, including Ben's daughter Ava and Sera's mother who stress bakes, this fourth entry in the Coffee Shop Series (which can easily be read as a stand alone), I greatly enjoyed my escape to Pineville through Fighter.
June 6, 2021
What a wonderful story! This one is a roller coaster ride of emotions! You will laugh you will cry and the ending will have you on the end of your seat! Benjamin from Runaway is the lead male Character and Serafina is the female lead. Ben is recovering from a bad marriage and the sudden death of his X-wife, Sadie. Their daughter Ava is a shell of a child from emotional trauma. Sera and Ava manage to form a special bond. Sadie is the cause of most of the drama between Ben and Sera but Sera’s brother and his girlfriend, Amber are a healthy dose of the roller coaster ride of emotion. This is a great read. Like my husband yelling at the players in a football game on TV. You will be telling Ben and Sera to Fight for what is important and ban the memories of Sadie in the past. Enjoy this read as much as I have!!! Can’t wait to read “Wild Child” 💟
December 11, 2024
so sweet
Poor Ben is a mess. Not his fault he has inherited a young girl who he has had not much guidance in raising. While her deceased mother did nothing but fill her head with lies and hate. Ben is drowning and trying to do his best. Poor Ava just wants his love and structure. Serafina came at a perfect time. She has had an eye on Ben cause who wouldn’t. And has offered to help cook and watch Ava. This makes everything seem effortless in his life and he starts to think he is taking advantage despite their chemistry. Loved the end. Cute story.
Poor Ben is a mess. Not his fault he has inherited a young girl who he has had not much guidance in raising. While her deceased mother did nothing but fill her head with lies and hate. Ben is drowning and trying to do his best. Poor Ava just wants his love and structure. Serafina came at a perfect time. She has had an eye on Ben cause who wouldn’t. And has offered to help cook and watch Ava. This makes everything seem effortless in his life and he starts to think he is taking advantage despite their chemistry. Loved the end. Cute story.
June 7, 2021
I love this series so much. These characters are so loveable and flawed and each one brings a new challenge to overcome. Sera and Ben are adorable and I love how they are both learning to care for themselves and each other simultaneously. Ava was also quite the charmer and a perfect connector for our love interests.
June 5, 2021
Great read. I loved the mystery at the start of this novel trying to work out why Serafina needed self defence and who was the little girl hidden under the desk.
August 11, 2021
“All bad days breed a need for ice cream.” Ben and Sera definitely need some ice cream.
Benjamin Mercedy is a champion MMA fighter who owns a gym in Pineville. He moved to Pineville when he suddenly became a single father to Ava, his six-year-old daughter. Known as one of the best fighters in the country, Ben is completely unprepared for the fight he will soon face – the most important fight of his life.
Serafina Courdray lives a nomadic life. She travels all over the world, never staying in one place more than a few months. She is in Pineville to enjoy a mountain summer and help her brother recover from shoulder surgery. Sera has no idea that the brother she once new has been replaced with a drug-addicted man she hardly recognizes.
Sparks fly as soon as Ben and Sera meet. Neither is looking for a relationship. Ben just wants to help her learn how to defend herself, and Sera just wants to learn self-defense. Since Ben will not allow Sera to pay for the one-on-one instruction, she brings him food instead. It is not long before Sera has cooked her way into not only Ben’s but also Ava’s heart. It soon becomes apparent that what each of them feels is much more than friendship.
When the ghost of Sadie, Ava’s dead mother, throws a dark shadow over their relationship, Ben is determined not to treat Sera the way Sadie treated him. Sera does so much for Ben and Ava, and Ben feels like he does not reciprocate Sera’s generosity. In order to avoid heartache, Ben determines what is best for their relationship. Instead of allowing Sera to continue to help him navigate the waters of single parenthood while he fights the demons left by Sadie, Ben pushes Sera away. The final blow comes when Ben texts Sera to tell her that she will no longer need to worry about taking care of Ava after school because he will be leaving the MMA Center earlier to spend time with Ava.
No more Ben. No more Ava. No more reason to stay in Pineville.
Ben must figure out what he and Ava need before it is too late. Will he give Sera a reason to stay? Will Sera finally find a place to call home?
Fighter is about loss and fear and communication – or the consequences of no communication. Ben and Sera are both lost souls. The difference is that Ben has Ava to consider. He has to do what is best for Ava, even if it means letting Sera go.
Katie Cross has another home run with Fighter. The entire Coffee Shop Girl series is phenomenal. With each book, more characters enter the lives of Bethany, Lizbeth, and Ellie. More battles are fought – some battles lost; some battles won. The Frolicking Moose Coffee Shop may be in the background of each story, but it is central to them all. I travel to the Frolicking Moose often (have the shirt to prove it). Each person I meet there is a new friend. Katie Cross does not just tell stories in her books. She brings people to life. She makes her settings real to her readers. Pineville is a place every reader wants to visit or move to eventually. After each book, I look forward to the next. This is a series that Katie Cross’s readers want to last for many books to come.
Benjamin Mercedy is a champion MMA fighter who owns a gym in Pineville. He moved to Pineville when he suddenly became a single father to Ava, his six-year-old daughter. Known as one of the best fighters in the country, Ben is completely unprepared for the fight he will soon face – the most important fight of his life.
Serafina Courdray lives a nomadic life. She travels all over the world, never staying in one place more than a few months. She is in Pineville to enjoy a mountain summer and help her brother recover from shoulder surgery. Sera has no idea that the brother she once new has been replaced with a drug-addicted man she hardly recognizes.
Sparks fly as soon as Ben and Sera meet. Neither is looking for a relationship. Ben just wants to help her learn how to defend herself, and Sera just wants to learn self-defense. Since Ben will not allow Sera to pay for the one-on-one instruction, she brings him food instead. It is not long before Sera has cooked her way into not only Ben’s but also Ava’s heart. It soon becomes apparent that what each of them feels is much more than friendship.
When the ghost of Sadie, Ava’s dead mother, throws a dark shadow over their relationship, Ben is determined not to treat Sera the way Sadie treated him. Sera does so much for Ben and Ava, and Ben feels like he does not reciprocate Sera’s generosity. In order to avoid heartache, Ben determines what is best for their relationship. Instead of allowing Sera to continue to help him navigate the waters of single parenthood while he fights the demons left by Sadie, Ben pushes Sera away. The final blow comes when Ben texts Sera to tell her that she will no longer need to worry about taking care of Ava after school because he will be leaving the MMA Center earlier to spend time with Ava.
No more Ben. No more Ava. No more reason to stay in Pineville.
Ben must figure out what he and Ava need before it is too late. Will he give Sera a reason to stay? Will Sera finally find a place to call home?
Fighter is about loss and fear and communication – or the consequences of no communication. Ben and Sera are both lost souls. The difference is that Ben has Ava to consider. He has to do what is best for Ava, even if it means letting Sera go.
Katie Cross has another home run with Fighter. The entire Coffee Shop Girl series is phenomenal. With each book, more characters enter the lives of Bethany, Lizbeth, and Ellie. More battles are fought – some battles lost; some battles won. The Frolicking Moose Coffee Shop may be in the background of each story, but it is central to them all. I travel to the Frolicking Moose often (have the shirt to prove it). Each person I meet there is a new friend. Katie Cross does not just tell stories in her books. She brings people to life. She makes her settings real to her readers. Pineville is a place every reader wants to visit or move to eventually. After each book, I look forward to the next. This is a series that Katie Cross’s readers want to last for many books to come.
September 13, 2024
Fighter is the fourth book in The Coffee Shop Series and concentrates on the characters of Maverick’s brother, Ben Mercedy and a Diner waitress, Serafina.
When a violent incident escalates at home, Serafina looks to MMA fighter, Ben Mercedy, to teach her self defence. As they spend more time together, Serafina and Ben realise that their feelings are more than platonic. But with Ben haunted by his previous relationship, can he set aside his bruised heart and give Serafina everything she deserves?
As with the previous three books in the series, Fighter was an easy read. I liked the dual point of views, as it allowed a more in depth analysis of each character. What I wasn’t expecting was the intensity of this book at times. With two ‘broken’ characters as the main protagonists, Cross manages to not only bring them together, but to allow them to seep into our own lives.
I really enjoyed this book and I’m already looking forward to the next instalment.
When a violent incident escalates at home, Serafina looks to MMA fighter, Ben Mercedy, to teach her self defence. As they spend more time together, Serafina and Ben realise that their feelings are more than platonic. But with Ben haunted by his previous relationship, can he set aside his bruised heart and give Serafina everything she deserves?
As with the previous three books in the series, Fighter was an easy read. I liked the dual point of views, as it allowed a more in depth analysis of each character. What I wasn’t expecting was the intensity of this book at times. With two ‘broken’ characters as the main protagonists, Cross manages to not only bring them together, but to allow them to seep into our own lives.
I really enjoyed this book and I’m already looking forward to the next instalment.
June 30, 2021
“All bad days breed a need for ice cream.” Ben and Sera definitely need some ice cream.
Benjamin Mercedy is a champion MMA fighter who owns a gym in Pineville. He moved to Pineville when he suddenly became a single father to Ava, his six-year-old daughter. Known as one of the best fighters in the country, Ben is completely unprepared for the fight he will soon face – the most important fight of his life.
Serafina Courdray lives a nomadic life. She travels all over the world, never staying in one place more than a few months. She is in Pineville to enjoy a mountain summer and help her brother recover from shoulder surgery. Sera has no idea that the brother she once new has been replaced with a drug-addicted man she hardly recognizes.
Sparks fly as soon as Ben and Sera meet. Neither is looking for a relationship. Ben just wants to help her learn how to defend herself, and Sera just wants to learn self-defense. Since Ben will not allow Sera to pay for the one-on-one instruction, she brings him food instead. It is not long before Sera has cooked her way into not only Ben’s but also Ava’s heart. It soon becomes apparent that what each of them feels is much more than friendship.
When the ghost of Sadie, Ava’s dead mother, throws a dark shadow over their relationship, Ben is determined not to treat Sera the way Sadie treated him. Sera does so much for Ben and Ava, and Ben feels like he does not reciprocate Sera’s generosity. In order to avoid heartache, Ben determines what is best for their relationship. Instead of allowing Sera to continue to help him navigate the waters of single parenthood while he fights the demons left by Sadie, Ben pushes Sera away. The final blow comes when Ben texts Sera to tell her that she will no longer need to worry about taking care of Ava after school because he will be leaving the MMA Center earlier to spend time with Ava.
No more Ben. No more Ava. No more reason to stay in Pineville.
Ben must figure out what he and Ava need before it is too late. Will he give Sera a reason to stay? Will Sera finally find a place to call home?
Fighter is about loss and fear and communication – or the consequences of no communication. Ben and Sera are both lost souls. The difference is that Ben has Ava to consider. He has to do what is best for Ava, even if it means letting Sera go.
Katie Cross has another home run with Fighter. The entire Coffee Shop Girl series is phenomenal. With each book, more characters enter the lives of Bethany, Lizbeth, and Ellie. More battles are fought – some battles lost; some battles won. The Frolicking Moose Coffee Shop may be in the background of each story, but it is central to them all. I travel to the Frolicking Moose often (have the shirt to prove it). Each person I meet there is a new friend. Katie Cross does not just tell stories in her books. She brings people to life. She makes her settings real to her readers. Pineville is a place every reader wants to visit or move to eventually. After each book, I look forward to the next. This is a series that Katie Cross’s readers want to last for many books to come.
February 21, 2022
4.5
Loved it! Loved so many things!
Yes, I skipped book 2 because I’d read book 3 first (you can but I don’t recommend it, because now I find it hard to like Lizbeth even though she’s great because I loved Marked so much in book 3…sorry, should’ve saved that for book 3 review 🙄)
Anyway… I immediately liked Benjamin from Runaway (book 3-yes back to my fave) and loved seeing his personality in one.
Spoiler-ish Alert
Fave bits:
-Ava!
-Talmadge was handled very nicely-I didn’t like what he did, but I didn’t hate him, mostly felt sad for him and anyone around him
-‘you’ve already overthought this for me’ conversation
-lunch date with the bro, enter Ben
-Mav telling Ben to get to the loft. No questions just shut up and go. (Mav might be my #2 fave guy from this series…so far)
-the bar scene!
-“give it to me” making him talk out his feelings, but understanding first he needed to go to the gym
Loved it! Loved so many things!
Yes, I skipped book 2 because I’d read book 3 first (you can but I don’t recommend it, because now I find it hard to like Lizbeth even though she’s great because I loved Marked so much in book 3…sorry, should’ve saved that for book 3 review 🙄)
Anyway… I immediately liked Benjamin from Runaway (book 3-yes back to my fave) and loved seeing his personality in one.
Spoiler-ish Alert
Fave bits:
-Ava!
-Talmadge was handled very nicely-I didn’t like what he did, but I didn’t hate him, mostly felt sad for him and anyone around him
-‘you’ve already overthought this for me’ conversation
-lunch date with the bro, enter Ben
-Mav telling Ben to get to the loft. No questions just shut up and go. (Mav might be my #2 fave guy from this series…so far)
-the bar scene!
-“give it to me” making him talk out his feelings, but understanding first he needed to go to the gym
August 4, 2025
Serafina is my favorite. Her compassionate nature and the way she loves to take care of people is sweet. And how she instantly loves Ava. The romance between Sera and Ben was lovely. Love heals. I both love and hate Talmage. Addiction is so hard. Well written romance in a cute small town. Glad to get back into this series after several months.
Quotes
His gaze narrowed. "What do you need?"
The blood of my enemies, I wanted to say. What do you think I need?
"I'll teach you what you need to know. But it's not going to stop someone that's determined to hurt you. If-"
"You'd do that?"
"Yes."
I rolled my eyes. "Because you want to be the hero?"
"No," he said softly. "Because I want you to be."
"The first few months are the worst. Eventually, you learn to live without them again, which brings its own sorrow. I hope healing is quick for you."
[Grief explained.]
Quotes
His gaze narrowed. "What do you need?"
The blood of my enemies, I wanted to say. What do you think I need?
"I'll teach you what you need to know. But it's not going to stop someone that's determined to hurt you. If-"
"You'd do that?"
"Yes."
I rolled my eyes. "Because you want to be the hero?"
"No," he said softly. "Because I want you to be."
"The first few months are the worst. Eventually, you learn to live without them again, which brings its own sorrow. I hope healing is quick for you."
[Grief explained.]
June 7, 2021
Fighter is another amazing book by Katie Cross! This is a great book about second chances and learning how to stand up for yourself. Through watching Serafina and Benjamin you realize the importance of being honest—sooner rather than later— and learning that it’s okay to ask for help. In fact, there are times when you should ask for help, even if you don’t feel like talking to the person you need help from.
Fighter will pull at your heart strings making you want to know more about Serafina and what is going on in her life, who is she afraid of? Then you’re instantly hooked on Benjamin. Who is he? What is his life story? And what’s the story about his daughter Ava? This book gave me all the feels and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Fighter will pull at your heart strings making you want to know more about Serafina and what is going on in her life, who is she afraid of? Then you’re instantly hooked on Benjamin. Who is he? What is his life story? And what’s the story about his daughter Ava? This book gave me all the feels and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
June 8, 2021
Katie Cross has done it again; that seems to be my reaction to every book she writes. This story has complicated family dynamics and imperfect people who recognize their flaws throughout the book and work on improving themselves, and of course, a great love story. It's well written and a book I couldn't put down.
While this is the latest installment of the Coffee Shop series, it can easily be read as a standalone book (but the other books are awesome too and some characters were introduced in the previous books so go ahead and read them first if you have the opportunity!).
Thank you Katie, for sharing your gift with us. Can't wait for the next one!
While this is the latest installment of the Coffee Shop series, it can easily be read as a standalone book (but the other books are awesome too and some characters were introduced in the previous books so go ahead and read them first if you have the opportunity!).
Thank you Katie, for sharing your gift with us. Can't wait for the next one!
September 21, 2023
This one wasn’t my favorite. It has nothing to do with the writing or characters, it’s just the insta-love trope doesn’t work for me.
They didn’t even have a date, they didn’t spend a lot of time together (she spent more time with his daughter) and yet they are madly in love and she is devastated when they break up (but can they break up because they didn’t even have a date??). Anyways…way to insta and not believable.
I don’t know if she rushed this book because there were a lot more errors in it. I give Indie authors Grace with this though, just didn’t feel as flushed out as some of the other books in her series.
Still love this series and will continue onward.
They didn’t even have a date, they didn’t spend a lot of time together (she spent more time with his daughter) and yet they are madly in love and she is devastated when they break up (but can they break up because they didn’t even have a date??). Anyways…way to insta and not believable.
I don’t know if she rushed this book because there were a lot more errors in it. I give Indie authors Grace with this though, just didn’t feel as flushed out as some of the other books in her series.
Still love this series and will continue onward.
June 7, 2021
Romance with Some Real Life!
When Serafina shows up at Benjamin’s gym with a busted lip seeking self-defense classes, he knows he must help. Even though he needs help with his own life. Benjamin and Serafina complement each other perfectly, and the arrangement they work out is mutually beneficial and oh so sweet!
This book isn’t your run-of-the-mill romance. There are real-world problems that everyone can relate to, including loss, grief, and family issues, that Katie Cross has woven into the story seamlessly. I laughed, I cried, and I absolutely loved this book!
When Serafina shows up at Benjamin’s gym with a busted lip seeking self-defense classes, he knows he must help. Even though he needs help with his own life. Benjamin and Serafina complement each other perfectly, and the arrangement they work out is mutually beneficial and oh so sweet!
This book isn’t your run-of-the-mill romance. There are real-world problems that everyone can relate to, including loss, grief, and family issues, that Katie Cross has woven into the story seamlessly. I laughed, I cried, and I absolutely loved this book!
June 10, 2021
This is the best book that she has written in my opinion.
The realism of it. Also the fact you have a struggling single dad when so many would write the struggling single mum. Ava is adorable and I want to give her cuddles and spoil her, she isn't just a background character.
The gritty nature of addiction from Talmage (interesting name) and the talk of Ben and Mav's mum not taking care of herself and putting off appointments.
You paint realistic yet beautiful pictures that make you think about your own life and relationships with the words you write.
The realism of it. Also the fact you have a struggling single dad when so many would write the struggling single mum. Ava is adorable and I want to give her cuddles and spoil her, she isn't just a background character.
The gritty nature of addiction from Talmage (interesting name) and the talk of Ben and Mav's mum not taking care of herself and putting off appointments.
You paint realistic yet beautiful pictures that make you think about your own life and relationships with the words you write.
June 12, 2021
The emotions you’ll feel from start to finish of this book will make it so you just can’t put down the book. The complexity of Benjamin and Serafina’s relationship and how it builds tugs at your heartstrings as they navigate Benjamin’s past and what brought him to being a single dad, the difficult family dynamics Serafina has with her brother, and how those entwine together. Plus there’s the ever loving Maverick and Bethany who pop in and out of the story. We’re introduced to the adorable Dagny and Jayson, who are the next love connection.
June 15, 2021
I love the whole world that Katie has built with this series but there is always a special place in my heart for Coffee Shop Girl. I honestly didn’t think I could fall more in love with a character and their story than I did Bethany. Boy, was I wrong. Fighter is hands down my new favorite in the series. Serafina is so relatable and more than Bethany, Stella or Lizbeth, I can actually see bits of myself in her. That made for a supremely fun read.
Not to mention that Ben Mercedy! Good job Katie, at writing another male lead who is all to worthy of swooning over!
This book definitely helps tie in some story from the rest of the series, but you can easily read this book as a standalone without any problem!
Not to mention that Ben Mercedy! Good job Katie, at writing another male lead who is all to worthy of swooning over!
This book definitely helps tie in some story from the rest of the series, but you can easily read this book as a standalone without any problem!
February 10, 2022
This book was a bit intense. It deals with drug addiction, physical and emotional abuse, and single parenting. It's definitely not a light read. Through most of the book I kept feeling like the relationship between Sera and Benjamin wasn't all that healthy, but their relationship was addressed in a mature way, and I think it ended alright. There was some bad language, but the physical relationship was clean, and kept to kisses. I think I may wait a bit before reading the next book in the series, and read some lighter books in the meantime.
May 14, 2022
Serafina works at the local diner and wants Benjamin, an MMA fighter and owner of the local gym, to teach her some self defence. Benjamin just so happens to be gorgeous and she gets the flutters whenever she is around him. So just how will it go? A little girl. A man who is very quiet. A brother in trouble. A problem girlfriend. A beating. A sleeping partner. An unhappy little girl. A job offer. A phone call. ICU. Girl shopping. A kiss. A welfare check. Illness. Resignation. Destruction. Attacked. A bat. Hospital. What an absolutely fantastic story and very highly recommended reading.
June 19, 2021
Loved this book so much! Nearly tied for first with the first installment in this series. This one once again hit hard things and real emotions with just the right intensity and balance with swoon-worthy moments and a heart warming ending. I loved Sera and Ben and how they completed each other in ways they didn’t know they needed. I loved Ava to pieces and Sera’s family too. So well written. I’m having a bit of a book hangover and I am so ready for Ellie’s story!
October 14, 2021
Coffee Shop “Family” continues
Maverick’s brother Benjamin has moved to Pineville to train MMA fighters. Serafina (Sera) is in town to help her brother Talmadge following surgery on his shoulder and subsequent addiction issues. When Ben needs help with his 6 year old daughter, Sera is there. Sera is not used to sticking around and Ben has trust issues. Ben’s adorable daughter Ava is a well-written supporting character.
Maverick’s brother Benjamin has moved to Pineville to train MMA fighters. Serafina (Sera) is in town to help her brother Talmadge following surgery on his shoulder and subsequent addiction issues. When Ben needs help with his 6 year old daughter, Sera is there. Sera is not used to sticking around and Ben has trust issues. Ben’s adorable daughter Ava is a well-written supporting character.
June 9, 2022
Katie just continues to hit homeruns! Makes me want to move to Pineville. Benjamin, a retired MMA fighter forced into single parenthood with a very standoffish 6 year old daughter. Serafina, a waitress with a difficult family situation. She's used to being on the move. Will she have a reason to stay? Katie tells such a beautiful nail biting story. You won't be able to put it down. Katie breaches the subject of addiction with honesty and respect. Definitely a must read!
June 7, 2021
Serafina needs Ben help to protect herself. Ben is busy with his work and taking care of her daughter. They can help each other in more ways than they can even realise with Ben needs to face the demons from his past and Serafina need to find he really home. An amazing story about friendship, family, trust and love
June 7, 2021
Katie has written another amazing clean contemporary romance! Serafina needs Ben to help her learn to protect herself and Ben reluctantly agrees to help her. Katie makes you laugh, cry and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Once you start reading you won't be able to out it down until you finish it.
June 7, 2021
Serafina needs help defending herself. Ben needs help getting his life back on track and with the care of his daughter. When they decide to help each other they begin to realize they can do more for each other than they ever thought. Such a fun read. With so many twists and turns it keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. This may be my favorite book of the series so far!
June 8, 2021
This story unfolds as a waitress enlists the help of a fight trainer to learn self defense techniques. There is an abusive, drug addicted brother, a drug dealing girl friend, a supportive best friend, a kind sheriff’s deputy, and a single dad. The characters are realistic and wonderfully developed. The storyline deals with real life messy families. Read and see who saves who!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2021
This series just keeps getting better and better. Seraphina and Benjamin are made for each other. I feel like I personally know all these characters as well as this amazing town. I just never want it to end!
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