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Coffee Shops of Love #1
Cups of You
Amber Jones is back home...temporarily. In 6 months, she plans to drive away from the town that still holds painful memories and back to her big city life. But a newcomer with a voice like the darkest roast and an ever-present smile unexpectedly makes returning to the hustle and bustle of the city, and the boyfriend she shares it with, seem much less appealing.
Benjamin Murphy moved to Millensville for his ex-wife, but even after their very public split, he remained in the town that embraced him and his now teenaged daughter as one of their own. When a gorgeous woman from the city walks into his quaint coffee shop, not even her dour expression is enough to keep him from trying to catch one more glimpse of her smile.
These two seem like total opposites, but when the old adage of opposites attracting seems to hold true, will Amber and Benjamin be able to bridge the gaps between them and find love, or will their common ground crumble beneath the weight of their differences?
Benjamin Murphy moved to Millensville for his ex-wife, but even after their very public split, he remained in the town that embraced him and his now teenaged daughter as one of their own. When a gorgeous woman from the city walks into his quaint coffee shop, not even her dour expression is enough to keep him from trying to catch one more glimpse of her smile.
These two seem like total opposites, but when the old adage of opposites attracting seems to hold true, will Amber and Benjamin be able to bridge the gaps between them and find love, or will their common ground crumble beneath the weight of their differences?
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2021
85 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
Karmen Lee
29 books243 followersKarmen Lee is an avid reader of anything and everything. She’s a lifelong Southerner living it up in Atlanta, Georgia with her kid, her cats, and humidity. When she’s not packing lunches or working her normal nine-to-five, you can usually find her drinking coffee too late at night, watching House Hunters International and dreaming up ways to show her readers a good time. You can keep up with her on Twitter (@Author_KLee) or Instagram (@authorkarmenlee).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 4, 2022
More like 3.5/5
CW: death of parents
This was a super sweet small town romance. I think I want 50-75 more pages to give the characters more time together. It’s weird bc it’s not a short amount of time because there are time jumps. I wish there weren’t as many time jumps and we got to see more of their interactions together instead of rereading them. I wanted to see little dates and them working together. That’s literally the meat of a romance ! Benjamin is a big ole cinnamon role and a great dad — extra swoon— Amber has a shitty trifling boyfriend and she’s a little snippy. I loved her relationship with her aunt. Benjamin’s friends and his daughter were awesome as well. No steam until the end. Overall, really enjoyed but too short. Oh and Benjamin owns a coffee shop and I love having that as a setting in a book! It’s currently 11:18 pm and I want a cappuccino 😫
Also, there were a good amount of errors like using he when it should be she or her when it should be he, etc. Lots of easily missed errors that are spelled correctly but not correct for the sentence.
CW: death of parents
This was a super sweet small town romance. I think I want 50-75 more pages to give the characters more time together. It’s weird bc it’s not a short amount of time because there are time jumps. I wish there weren’t as many time jumps and we got to see more of their interactions together instead of rereading them. I wanted to see little dates and them working together. That’s literally the meat of a romance ! Benjamin is a big ole cinnamon role and a great dad — extra swoon— Amber has a shitty trifling boyfriend and she’s a little snippy. I loved her relationship with her aunt. Benjamin’s friends and his daughter were awesome as well. No steam until the end. Overall, really enjoyed but too short. Oh and Benjamin owns a coffee shop and I love having that as a setting in a book! It’s currently 11:18 pm and I want a cappuccino 😫
Also, there were a good amount of errors like using he when it should be she or her when it should be he, etc. Lots of easily missed errors that are spelled correctly but not correct for the sentence.
December 12, 2024
4 stars
I love a good small-town romance and Cups of You was a cute one. Karmen Lee is a new to me author and I enjoyed her writing style and slow burn between Benny and Amber.
Amber is home for the first time in a long time to help her aunt, the only family she has left. Benny is a single dad who owns the local coffee shop. These two have an instant attraction, but it takes a while for anything to develop, and due to Amber’s relationship and Benny’s teenage daughter, it makes sense.
I do wish we had a little more time with them as an actual couple, but I enjoyed both of their journeys, and I especially loved the side characters in this one.
I love a good small-town romance and Cups of You was a cute one. Karmen Lee is a new to me author and I enjoyed her writing style and slow burn between Benny and Amber.
Amber is home for the first time in a long time to help her aunt, the only family she has left. Benny is a single dad who owns the local coffee shop. These two have an instant attraction, but it takes a while for anything to develop, and due to Amber’s relationship and Benny’s teenage daughter, it makes sense.
I do wish we had a little more time with them as an actual couple, but I enjoyed both of their journeys, and I especially loved the side characters in this one.
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Adenrele Ojo & Zachary Webber
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 7h 26m
October 1, 2023
Not a bad romance book, very solid actually. It just takes a while for things to get going and some readers may get annoyed at the stop and starts.
Full RTC.
Full RTC.
March 15, 2022
Brown eye appreciation. Slow, slow burn. The pacing of the book didn’t bother me, but I do not have the patience for how slowly they took their relationship, that could never be for me. 🤣 Very sweet, cinnamon roll hero, prickly heroine. It’s not a rom com but the humor really worked for me and I laughed several times. Single dad. Moving back to the small town you grew up in.
May 12, 2021
This is a slow burn in the best way. I absolutely love both characters, and I ADORE her Aunt Jackie.
If you like the grumpy one/sunshine one trope you will like this book!
If you like the grumpy one/sunshine one trope you will like this book!
June 18, 2023
sweet and slow
This is a very slow burn, soft and sweet strangers to friends to lovers, reverse grumpy/sunshine. With a fairly realistic natural progression of a relationship. I enjoyed the interactions between all the characters. Can’t go wrong with a sweet, small town romance and who doesn’t love an interracial romance where the mmc is a ginger?
This is a very slow burn, soft and sweet strangers to friends to lovers, reverse grumpy/sunshine. With a fairly realistic natural progression of a relationship. I enjoyed the interactions between all the characters. Can’t go wrong with a sweet, small town romance and who doesn’t love an interracial romance where the mmc is a ginger?
March 9, 2025
Loved this small town romance. Amber and Ben were cute together. I also enjoyed the secondary characters.
September 22, 2024
Star Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Heat Rating: 2/5 🌶️
Audiobook: 4/5 🎧
What to Expect:
- Small Town
- Single Dad
- Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
- Opposites Attract
- Slow Burn
- Meddling Friends and Family
- Third Person POV
Cups of You is the sweet story of Amber and Benjamin. Both have been hurt in past relationships and deserve a second chance at love. Amber returns to her hometown in Georgia to care for her aunt. When she stops for coffee, she meets Benjamin, the shop owner, who smiles way too much for her liking. Amber and Benjamin are total opposites, but they seem to work. Amber is grumpy and prickly, while Benjamin is a cinnamon roll that radiates sunshine. I loved the progression of their relationship from strangers to friends to lovers. Amber's Aunt Jackie added an element of humor to the story, and I loved Benjamin's daughter Olivia. I'm a huge fan of great friend groups, and I loved how Benjamin's friends supported him and gave him a little push when needed. Amber and Benjamin's love story is the slowest of slow burns, but I had all the feels once they finally admitted their feelings for each other. If you love stories with diverse characters, sweet & swoony MMCs, strong & feisty FMCs, and small-town slow-burn romances, this book is for you.
Narration:
Adenrele Ojo and Zachary Webber perform this audiobook in dual narration. I really enjoyed their performances, and they took my experience with this story to the next level. This was my first time listening to Adenrele, and I felt she did a wonderful job portraying Amber. I was highly impressed with Zachary's portrayal of Benjamin. His southern accent was perfect. The voices he provided for the female secondary characters put a huge smile on my face. Adenrele and Zachary made this a wonderful listening experience.
Thanks to Karmen Lee, Audio in Color, Lyric Audiobooks, and Must Love Audio for the gifted advanced listener copy. Opinions expressed are my own.
Heat Rating: 2/5 🌶️
Audiobook: 4/5 🎧
What to Expect:
- Small Town
- Single Dad
- Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
- Opposites Attract
- Slow Burn
- Meddling Friends and Family
- Third Person POV
Cups of You is the sweet story of Amber and Benjamin. Both have been hurt in past relationships and deserve a second chance at love. Amber returns to her hometown in Georgia to care for her aunt. When she stops for coffee, she meets Benjamin, the shop owner, who smiles way too much for her liking. Amber and Benjamin are total opposites, but they seem to work. Amber is grumpy and prickly, while Benjamin is a cinnamon roll that radiates sunshine. I loved the progression of their relationship from strangers to friends to lovers. Amber's Aunt Jackie added an element of humor to the story, and I loved Benjamin's daughter Olivia. I'm a huge fan of great friend groups, and I loved how Benjamin's friends supported him and gave him a little push when needed. Amber and Benjamin's love story is the slowest of slow burns, but I had all the feels once they finally admitted their feelings for each other. If you love stories with diverse characters, sweet & swoony MMCs, strong & feisty FMCs, and small-town slow-burn romances, this book is for you.
Narration:
Adenrele Ojo and Zachary Webber perform this audiobook in dual narration. I really enjoyed their performances, and they took my experience with this story to the next level. This was my first time listening to Adenrele, and I felt she did a wonderful job portraying Amber. I was highly impressed with Zachary's portrayal of Benjamin. His southern accent was perfect. The voices he provided for the female secondary characters put a huge smile on my face. Adenrele and Zachary made this a wonderful listening experience.
Thanks to Karmen Lee, Audio in Color, Lyric Audiobooks, and Must Love Audio for the gifted advanced listener copy. Opinions expressed are my own.
August 20, 2021
3 stars.
Decent, but not remarkable or memorable.
I liked the gender-flip of the traditional grumpy sunshine pairing, with the hero being the sunshiney one.
I liked Aunt Jackie a lot. She was adorable and very funny.
The hero is a sweetie, planning dates and making muffins and just trying so hard to be a good person.
The heroine stuck with her asshole ex for WAY too long. I know people get stuck in bad relationships, but she seemed to want out WAY before she actually made any moves to get out. Which was frustrating to read about.
The teenage kid didn’t sound like any teenager I’ve ever interacted with.
Lots of typos, especially as we got closer to the end.
Didn’t feel the chemistry at all during the one sex scene. They had great banter chemistry, but the sexual chemistry fell flat.
Contains: BWWM, grumpy/sunshine (grumpy woman, sunshiney man), single dad (of teenager), small town, return to hometown, coffee shop, caretaking of relative
Steam: 2/5🔥 (one scene at end)
Decent, but not remarkable or memorable.
I liked the gender-flip of the traditional grumpy sunshine pairing, with the hero being the sunshiney one.
I liked Aunt Jackie a lot. She was adorable and very funny.
The hero is a sweetie, planning dates and making muffins and just trying so hard to be a good person.
The heroine stuck with her asshole ex for WAY too long. I know people get stuck in bad relationships, but she seemed to want out WAY before she actually made any moves to get out. Which was frustrating to read about.
The teenage kid didn’t sound like any teenager I’ve ever interacted with.
Lots of typos, especially as we got closer to the end.
Didn’t feel the chemistry at all during the one sex scene. They had great banter chemistry, but the sexual chemistry fell flat.
Contains: BWWM, grumpy/sunshine (grumpy woman, sunshiney man), single dad (of teenager), small town, return to hometown, coffee shop, caretaking of relative
Steam: 2/5🔥 (one scene at end)
September 19, 2024
**Audio Review**
This book was one big swoony hug, and I was here for it. Cups of You by Karmen Lee was a small-town, single-dad romance that left me feeling warm and gooey. This was my first book by Karmen Lee, and I already know I will need more. Amber and Benjamin’s journey to HEA was full of healing, heart, and slow burn heat that will simply make you happy sigh.
Adenrele Ojo and Zachary Webber perform this audiobook in dual narration, and these two fully embody all that southern grace and charm Amber and Benjamin had to offer. Adenrele’s warm, soothing voice portrayed Amber’s passion, strength, and desires as she made a new life for herself back home in Georgia. Zachary’s southern gentleman was strong in this one and exuded all of Benjamin’s loyal, loving persona perfectly. Plus, the slow-burning chemistry between these two will have you hooked from start to finish.
Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of a small-town romance with a hot hunky coffee shop owner, a feisty heroine who loves to read, a chatty blue-eyed teenage girl, love at first sight, single dad, a meddling auntie, all the text exchanges, coffee shop help, muffin baking, jealous exes, drive-in movie dates, finding you happy, slow burn spice, and a HEA that will warm up your heart, then you will love Amber and Benjamin’s story. I’m looking forward to more from Karmen Lee.
This book was one big swoony hug, and I was here for it. Cups of You by Karmen Lee was a small-town, single-dad romance that left me feeling warm and gooey. This was my first book by Karmen Lee, and I already know I will need more. Amber and Benjamin’s journey to HEA was full of healing, heart, and slow burn heat that will simply make you happy sigh.
Adenrele Ojo and Zachary Webber perform this audiobook in dual narration, and these two fully embody all that southern grace and charm Amber and Benjamin had to offer. Adenrele’s warm, soothing voice portrayed Amber’s passion, strength, and desires as she made a new life for herself back home in Georgia. Zachary’s southern gentleman was strong in this one and exuded all of Benjamin’s loyal, loving persona perfectly. Plus, the slow-burning chemistry between these two will have you hooked from start to finish.
Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of a small-town romance with a hot hunky coffee shop owner, a feisty heroine who loves to read, a chatty blue-eyed teenage girl, love at first sight, single dad, a meddling auntie, all the text exchanges, coffee shop help, muffin baking, jealous exes, drive-in movie dates, finding you happy, slow burn spice, and a HEA that will warm up your heart, then you will love Amber and Benjamin’s story. I’m looking forward to more from Karmen Lee.
May 22, 2021
When her aunt injures her leg, Amber returns to her small hometown in order to care for her. Her first stop as she enters the city is a new coffee shop. The shop is run by a gentle giant named Benjamin. Benjamin is probably the sweetest book boyfriend, ever. Where Amber is all raw edges and snark, Ben, Bennie or Benjamin (depending on who is speaking) is almost unnaturally sunny and sweet, easily blushing and in touch with his feelings. Amber’s life is complicated by a philandering boyfriend who is controlling and unsupportive. For Ben, it was almost InstaLove, while Amber had to unravel her feelings and her life.
I loved this story and Benjamin was adorable!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this story and Benjamin was adorable!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2024
This was a sweet story. I fell instantly for the big ol’ cinnamon roll of a Diner owner. He is the epitome of the southern gentleman, who wouldn’t love Ben. Tough as nails Amber blows into town like a whirlwind, knocking him over in a flash. This story is real, hits the real life problems and the learning to adult while remembering to also care for yourself. I thought this was a great way to show how important it is for people pleasers to remember that they are people too. You can’t please anyone if you’re not pleasing you. The relationship between Amber and her Aunt was a delight, that perfect support. A great story full of that comfort you can only get coming home.
August 12, 2021
Really Sweet
This was such a sweet and fun romance ,that played.out like one.of your favourite ROM Com. The writer gives us a realistic look at two adults who are attracted to one another and discover love after experiencing bad breakups. This was and is a good way to spend an afternoon.
This was such a sweet and fun romance ,that played.out like one.of your favourite ROM Com. The writer gives us a realistic look at two adults who are attracted to one another and discover love after experiencing bad breakups. This was and is a good way to spend an afternoon.
January 22, 2025
I love a good romance story that leads with them bonding over coffee. Amber comes home temporarily meets the barista (is this the term for males too?) and it takes off from there. Both have their issues based on past experiences but they come together and it is magical. Benjamin’s daughter is hilarious. This is really a feel good book.
May 19, 2021
😻 Cute love story
I knew Josiah was no good for Amber😑 she was slow to catch on but when she did he was in big trouble. Ben was moving a little too slow at times making his intentions known due to his past but he soon recognized his error. I love Sam, Randy,and Aunt Jackie😂
I knew Josiah was no good for Amber😑 she was slow to catch on but when she did he was in big trouble. Ben was moving a little too slow at times making his intentions known due to his past but he soon recognized his error. I love Sam, Randy,and Aunt Jackie😂
August 25, 2021
This is a sloooooooow burn romance with both the grumpy/sunshine trope and the single dad trope. Ben and Amber are just so cute and I seriously want my own Aunt Jackie.
October 21, 2024
Not bad, very slow burn.
February 11, 2022
cute!!
- the grumpy x sunshine trope was done really well
- love the slow burn!!!!!
- i loved Amber
- i loved Ben
- A+ supporting characters. Amber's aunt was a hoot. Ben's friends kept him in check and adviced well.
- highlighted how even the smartest women who know toxic relationships can find themselves in one. it just shows that the other person is manipulative. it was a big part of Amber's character arc.
- the book focused on Amber's character arc way more than Ben's. in fact, his was a little rushed and sudden. could have been done better.
- there were a couple time skips which i did not appreciate.
- Amber mentioned multiple times that she has bad memories with the place but it was never dealt with. never explained.
- really liked where the book ended. it was different compared to most romance books but fits in with the vibe of the book.
- a little disappointed that we didn't get any bonding scenes with Amber and Olive.
overall: i really liked it! sure, it's not perfect, but the negative points i mention are small and mostly ones that occur to me on afterthought. reading the book itself was enjoyable.
Longer review on the wordy habitat.
- the grumpy x sunshine trope was done really well
- love the slow burn!!!!!
- i loved Amber
- i loved Ben
- A+ supporting characters. Amber's aunt was a hoot. Ben's friends kept him in check and adviced well.
- highlighted how even the smartest women who know toxic relationships can find themselves in one. it just shows that the other person is manipulative. it was a big part of Amber's character arc.
- the book focused on Amber's character arc way more than Ben's. in fact, his was a little rushed and sudden. could have been done better.
- there were a couple time skips which i did not appreciate.
- Amber mentioned multiple times that she has bad memories with the place but it was never dealt with. never explained.
- really liked where the book ended. it was different compared to most romance books but fits in with the vibe of the book.
- a little disappointed that we didn't get any bonding scenes with Amber and Olive.
overall: i really liked it! sure, it's not perfect, but the negative points i mention are small and mostly ones that occur to me on afterthought. reading the book itself was enjoyable.
Longer review on the wordy habitat.
June 11, 2021
Gotta love coffee
Loved Amber and Benjamin's story. Both hurt by cheating ex partners. To finally let their guards down and give in to love.
Loved Amber and Benjamin's story. Both hurt by cheating ex partners. To finally let their guards down and give in to love.
November 19, 2025
"Cups of You" is the first book in the "Coffee Shops of Love" series by Karmen Lee. This was a very enjoyable read with a super cute storyline. Amber finds herself back in her hometown, helping with her aunt's recovery. She stops at a coffee shop and meets Benjamin. At first, she is questioning Benjamin, and then when she gets to know him, she finds out that he truly is a genuinely nice guy. Amber goes through some stuff with her boyfriend, and Benjamin overhears and asks if she is alright. I really liked Benjamin's character and his relationship with his daughter. One of my favorite scenes is when Benjamin has Amber over for dinner. I can't wait to read more in this series.
May 4, 2021
OH THIS WAS SO CUTE. If you like the grumpy + sunshine dynamic definitely pick this book up!
October 2, 2024
This story is the epitome of a charming small town romance. Amber comes back to her hometown to take care of her aunt, and meets Benjamin, local coffee shop owner. They are both drawn to each other (him to her first), but both have their own reasons not to get involved. This is a sloooooow slow burn, but I really enjoyed how their relationship developed and evolved. The side characters were so entertaining, I love gossipy shenanigans in books.
The audiobook was so fun to listen to. It is produced by Lyric Audiobooks through Audio in Color. I absolutely loved the narration! Zachary Webber’s little southern twang in this one is so great, I loved listening to him as always. It was my first time listening to Adenrele Ojo, and she is amazing! I can’t wait to listen to more of her performances 👏🏼
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 ⇣
☕️Small town
💛Reverse grumpy x sunshine
☕️Single dad
💛Opposites attract
☕️Slow burn
💛Third person dual pov
☕️Some spice
Thank you to Karmen Lee and Must Love Audio for the ALC!
The audiobook was so fun to listen to. It is produced by Lyric Audiobooks through Audio in Color. I absolutely loved the narration! Zachary Webber’s little southern twang in this one is so great, I loved listening to him as always. It was my first time listening to Adenrele Ojo, and she is amazing! I can’t wait to listen to more of her performances 👏🏼
𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 ⇣
☕️Small town
💛Reverse grumpy x sunshine
☕️Single dad
💛Opposites attract
☕️Slow burn
💛Third person dual pov
☕️Some spice
Thank you to Karmen Lee and Must Love Audio for the ALC!
November 25, 2024
Amber left home as soon as she could, but goes back to take care of her aunt. While she's in town, she starts spending time with the local coffee shop owner, Benjamin. Amber and Benjamin both have baggage. They definitely have sparks, but they need to deal with their issues from their previous relationships before they can start one. I enjoyed the characters and the small town. It was a fun read.
May 23, 2021
I liked the premise of this book but the delivery failed spectacularly. It said it was a slow burn romance but it was so slow it just didn't ignite at all. I didn't feel the connection or chemistry between the couple and Amber did not come across as a very nice person and I just couldn't find anything redeeming about her. There were also a lot of grammatical errors and mistakes so I wouldn't recommend this book.
September 19, 2024
🎧ALC REVIEW🎧
📚Cups of You by Karmen Lee
🎤Adenrele Ojo & Zachary Webber
Coffee Shops of Love #1
Karmen Lee is a brand new author to me & this story was such a delightful treat! This book is like a warm, cozy hug with a sweet story about 2nd chance love. It's a very quick read & I found myself wanting to spend a little more time with Benjamin & Amber.
These two have a meet cute at a coffee shop in a Hallmarkish type small-town. All the charming vibes you want going on. Benjamin owns the shop & is divorced with a teenage daughter. The entire town loves him & is rooting for him to find love again. You've got small town busybodies, gossip & everyone trying to fix him up. He believes he's happy enough to just be by himself & raising his darling, quick-witted daughter, Olivia. Problem is, he's the biggest cinnamon roll with a genuine heart of gold & they convince him to make a move on Amber.
Amber, the grumpy gal whose been cheated on by her long time boyfriend, moves back to her hometown to help take care of her Aunt Jackie. Jackie's got her own crush on Benjamin 😉 She just thinks this guy can do no wrong & encourages Amber to give him a shot.
This is a very slow burn so hang in there. These two have a fun relationship to listen to with great banter back & forth & a real genuine friendship found in one another. Both of these characters have hesitancies for legitimate reasons but eventually, they can't fight off their attraction for one another but more importantly the undeniable realization that they are each other's person. Cue the sigh!
🎧Let's talk narration....Zachary & Adenrele REALLY make this story one that's worth listening to. Lee handles this interracial romance with complete sensitivity. Adenrele is a brand new narrator to me & I LOVED her. She perfectly captures the prickly but sweet nature of Amber & voices her Aunt Jackie with humor & wit. Zachary...ladies, this takes place in the south, so you've got a southern single dad, cinnamon roll voiced by Zach & he just NAILS IT! Sheesh, his southern accent adds just the right touch, making Benjamin completely irresistible, plus he's a true southern gentleman & a ginger MC to boot! My favorite part of Webber's performance is when he voices Aunt Jackie, Mrs. Carmichael & Ben's daughter Olivia. He's adds all the humor & accents perfect for each of these characters & you're laughing out loud! So enjoyable!
Lee has a great start to a new series here! I'll definitely be interested in listening to the next one coming up. Sometimes life calls for a nice, warm & cozy read that leaves you with all the feels & this is it! Perfect time for a listen with fall approaching.
Thank you. Must Love Audio, Audio in Color & Karmen Lee for the opportunity to review & leave my honest thoughts. Really enjoyed this new author & sweet story.
📚Cups of You by Karmen Lee
🎤Adenrele Ojo & Zachary Webber
Coffee Shops of Love #1
Karmen Lee is a brand new author to me & this story was such a delightful treat! This book is like a warm, cozy hug with a sweet story about 2nd chance love. It's a very quick read & I found myself wanting to spend a little more time with Benjamin & Amber.
These two have a meet cute at a coffee shop in a Hallmarkish type small-town. All the charming vibes you want going on. Benjamin owns the shop & is divorced with a teenage daughter. The entire town loves him & is rooting for him to find love again. You've got small town busybodies, gossip & everyone trying to fix him up. He believes he's happy enough to just be by himself & raising his darling, quick-witted daughter, Olivia. Problem is, he's the biggest cinnamon roll with a genuine heart of gold & they convince him to make a move on Amber.
Amber, the grumpy gal whose been cheated on by her long time boyfriend, moves back to her hometown to help take care of her Aunt Jackie. Jackie's got her own crush on Benjamin 😉 She just thinks this guy can do no wrong & encourages Amber to give him a shot.
This is a very slow burn so hang in there. These two have a fun relationship to listen to with great banter back & forth & a real genuine friendship found in one another. Both of these characters have hesitancies for legitimate reasons but eventually, they can't fight off their attraction for one another but more importantly the undeniable realization that they are each other's person. Cue the sigh!
🎧Let's talk narration....Zachary & Adenrele REALLY make this story one that's worth listening to. Lee handles this interracial romance with complete sensitivity. Adenrele is a brand new narrator to me & I LOVED her. She perfectly captures the prickly but sweet nature of Amber & voices her Aunt Jackie with humor & wit. Zachary...ladies, this takes place in the south, so you've got a southern single dad, cinnamon roll voiced by Zach & he just NAILS IT! Sheesh, his southern accent adds just the right touch, making Benjamin completely irresistible, plus he's a true southern gentleman & a ginger MC to boot! My favorite part of Webber's performance is when he voices Aunt Jackie, Mrs. Carmichael & Ben's daughter Olivia. He's adds all the humor & accents perfect for each of these characters & you're laughing out loud! So enjoyable!
Lee has a great start to a new series here! I'll definitely be interested in listening to the next one coming up. Sometimes life calls for a nice, warm & cozy read that leaves you with all the feels & this is it! Perfect time for a listen with fall approaching.
Thank you. Must Love Audio, Audio in Color & Karmen Lee for the opportunity to review & leave my honest thoughts. Really enjoyed this new author & sweet story.
September 12, 2024
4.5 rounded up
Thank you, Karmen Lee, Audio in Color, Must Love Audio and Lyric Audiobooks for the advanced listen.
Amber Jones is back in Georgia from Chicago to take care of her aunt. It's supposed to be temporary. Her life is in Chicago and her boyfriend is not too happy with her decision to go. Their relationship is on shaky ground, but she has to be there for the only family member she has left. When she stops on her way to her aunt's to get a coffee, she meets Ben Murphy: coffee shop owner, single dad, with a voice as warm as caramel and a smile as sweet as his pastries.
Ben moved to Millensville to be more present to his wife and daughter, only to see himself single soon after. Now, he shares custody of his teenage kid, runs this quaint coffee shop and doesn't think love is in the cards for him... until the prickly, pixie-sized woman enters the shop one day. They are total opposites... but those do attract, right?
I'm so happy that the Audio in Color grant exists so that sweet stories like this can be experienced in audio! And what a delight this one is!
Narrated dual style by two phenomenal narrators: Adenrele Oho and Zachary Webber. Adenrele has the perfect delivery here as the prickly, a little sassy Amber. Her male voice is amazing! Zachary unleashes his inner Southern boy and it's a delight indeed! Ben is sweetly clueless, a baker who is a cinnamon roll hero and he shines. I also love his renditions of Ms. Jackie, Olivia and all the friends too!
It's a slow burn, my friends. V E R Y slow, but I was very invested in their journey that it didn't bother me at all.
A wonderful experience all around!
Rep: black heroine; queer secondary characters
Content notes: cheating (not MCs), mentions of death of parents and a very minor instance of queer phobia
Thank you, Karmen Lee, Audio in Color, Must Love Audio and Lyric Audiobooks for the advanced listen.
Amber Jones is back in Georgia from Chicago to take care of her aunt. It's supposed to be temporary. Her life is in Chicago and her boyfriend is not too happy with her decision to go. Their relationship is on shaky ground, but she has to be there for the only family member she has left. When she stops on her way to her aunt's to get a coffee, she meets Ben Murphy: coffee shop owner, single dad, with a voice as warm as caramel and a smile as sweet as his pastries.
Ben moved to Millensville to be more present to his wife and daughter, only to see himself single soon after. Now, he shares custody of his teenage kid, runs this quaint coffee shop and doesn't think love is in the cards for him... until the prickly, pixie-sized woman enters the shop one day. They are total opposites... but those do attract, right?
I'm so happy that the Audio in Color grant exists so that sweet stories like this can be experienced in audio! And what a delight this one is!
Narrated dual style by two phenomenal narrators: Adenrele Oho and Zachary Webber. Adenrele has the perfect delivery here as the prickly, a little sassy Amber. Her male voice is amazing! Zachary unleashes his inner Southern boy and it's a delight indeed! Ben is sweetly clueless, a baker who is a cinnamon roll hero and he shines. I also love his renditions of Ms. Jackie, Olivia and all the friends too!
It's a slow burn, my friends. V E R Y slow, but I was very invested in their journey that it didn't bother me at all.
A wonderful experience all around!
Rep: black heroine; queer secondary characters
Content notes: cheating (not MCs), mentions of death of parents and a very minor instance of queer phobia
September 30, 2024
This audiobook is part of the audio in color grant scheme, and I wanted to listen as it’s a scheme I support. I love the work they are doing.
I really enjoyed this audio. I have a tiny personal thing about it that isn’t super positive, so I’ll pop that at the end. So if you don’t want to know, you can stop reading. So, like I say, I really enjoyed this book. It is a super slow burn. (So I don’t want to hear anyone complaining, you’ve been warned). I wanna say the last 10% / hour ish is where we get to see them ‘together together.’
I love the focus on Amber in this. We see her progressing through the kind of toxic relationship that she was in, even if she didn’t realise it was toxic to begin with. Then being by herself, feeling an attraction to somebody else and kind of just questioning should she feel that, and then falling for the person. And having this also be a single dad that she’s fallen for, and we get the grumpy/ sunshine where she is grumpy, and he is the sunshine happily making coffee, in his coffee shop, for everyone. There is a scene where Benjamin invites Amber to a gathering with his friends, a non-date date and his reaction, his excitement, was the sweetest—worrying about having so much to do before the day, including a hair cut. It was performed so brilliantly. It just melted my heart. I loved how supportive he was of his daughter, and I loved the inclusion of that. There was some good side character representation for the queer community. It was just really a joy to listen to.
Adenrele Ojo and Zachary Webber perform this in dual. And were brilliant. The way Zachary performed Benjamin was fantastic, and I’m really digging him in these more cinnamony roles. He seems to be having a lot of fun with them, and I think that’s coming through in his performance. Adenrele, oh my goodness. I love her so much, and the way she voices Amber. I mean, there was a scene where Amber gets very angry, and I felt, whoa, it was like I was being told off as you felt that emotion coming through. That performance alone would be deserving of an extra star. Then we have her male voice, hello! The voice for the aunt was brilliant too. It was just fantastic. Both did a fantastic southern accent. I would definitely recommend this audiobook, it’s heartfelt, and fun, there were some really fun moments in it and some sweet moments.
Now for the person thing I struggled with.
This book is in third person. It’s not normally something that bothers me. Part of be felt like this could have been a solo point of view and just seen it from Amber’s perspective. As it felt more that this story was about Amber’s journey. With this being a dual POV, there were at least instances that I can recall, where partway through the chapter the internal monologue changed From Amber to Ben, so sometimes it wasn’t clear whose POV we were supposed to be in. This may have been clear in the written format, but in audio, because the narrator didn’t change, it took me out of the story a little. But it is just a tiny thing. Nothing to detract from the story as a whole.
I really enjoyed this audio. I have a tiny personal thing about it that isn’t super positive, so I’ll pop that at the end. So if you don’t want to know, you can stop reading. So, like I say, I really enjoyed this book. It is a super slow burn. (So I don’t want to hear anyone complaining, you’ve been warned). I wanna say the last 10% / hour ish is where we get to see them ‘together together.’
I love the focus on Amber in this. We see her progressing through the kind of toxic relationship that she was in, even if she didn’t realise it was toxic to begin with. Then being by herself, feeling an attraction to somebody else and kind of just questioning should she feel that, and then falling for the person. And having this also be a single dad that she’s fallen for, and we get the grumpy/ sunshine where she is grumpy, and he is the sunshine happily making coffee, in his coffee shop, for everyone. There is a scene where Benjamin invites Amber to a gathering with his friends, a non-date date and his reaction, his excitement, was the sweetest—worrying about having so much to do before the day, including a hair cut. It was performed so brilliantly. It just melted my heart. I loved how supportive he was of his daughter, and I loved the inclusion of that. There was some good side character representation for the queer community. It was just really a joy to listen to.
Adenrele Ojo and Zachary Webber perform this in dual. And were brilliant. The way Zachary performed Benjamin was fantastic, and I’m really digging him in these more cinnamony roles. He seems to be having a lot of fun with them, and I think that’s coming through in his performance. Adenrele, oh my goodness. I love her so much, and the way she voices Amber. I mean, there was a scene where Amber gets very angry, and I felt, whoa, it was like I was being told off as you felt that emotion coming through. That performance alone would be deserving of an extra star. Then we have her male voice, hello! The voice for the aunt was brilliant too. It was just fantastic. Both did a fantastic southern accent. I would definitely recommend this audiobook, it’s heartfelt, and fun, there were some really fun moments in it and some sweet moments.
Now for the person thing I struggled with.
This book is in third person. It’s not normally something that bothers me. Part of be felt like this could have been a solo point of view and just seen it from Amber’s perspective. As it felt more that this story was about Amber’s journey. With this being a dual POV, there were at least instances that I can recall, where partway through the chapter the internal monologue changed From Amber to Ben, so sometimes it wasn’t clear whose POV we were supposed to be in. This may have been clear in the written format, but in audio, because the narrator didn’t change, it took me out of the story a little. But it is just a tiny thing. Nothing to detract from the story as a whole.
September 22, 2024
4.25⭐️ this book will make you want a coffee!! You’ve been warned!
This follows Amber who has to go back to her hometown when her Aunt falls & breaks her leg. While she’s there, she meets Benjamin—the local coffee shop owner & single dad. Amber struggles to figure out where she wants her life to go & her budding friendship with Benjamin confuses but also excites her.
I really enjoyed this one! I found the small town setting enjoyable & I am obsessed with the coffee shop. I wish I could cozy up on the couch & read a good book with Benjamin’s perfect coffee. I was obsessed with Benjamin’s teenage daughter & the snippets of parenting. This one was a slow burn friends—like slowwwww. I would say 80% of this book is lead up & the last 20% is them attempting a relationship. It actually didn’t bother me though because I was enjoying myself enough with all of their other interactions & side plots going on. Very low on spice with only one scene at the end 1.5/5🔥
🎧 the narration was fabulous! I always love Zachary Webber & him narrating with a southern accent—yes please. This was my first Adenrele book but I also liked her. The only complaint I have is that her S’s were very prominent throughout the book & I couldn’t stop thinking about them😅 I listened to this at 2x with no issues. 4/5🎙️
☕️read if you love
-> slow burn
-> small town
-> black cat x golden retriever
-> BWWM
-> single dad
-> feeling warm and cozy!!
Thank you so much must love audio, audio in color, as well as the author for this gifted alc🫶🏼
This follows Amber who has to go back to her hometown when her Aunt falls & breaks her leg. While she’s there, she meets Benjamin—the local coffee shop owner & single dad. Amber struggles to figure out where she wants her life to go & her budding friendship with Benjamin confuses but also excites her.
I really enjoyed this one! I found the small town setting enjoyable & I am obsessed with the coffee shop. I wish I could cozy up on the couch & read a good book with Benjamin’s perfect coffee. I was obsessed with Benjamin’s teenage daughter & the snippets of parenting. This one was a slow burn friends—like slowwwww. I would say 80% of this book is lead up & the last 20% is them attempting a relationship. It actually didn’t bother me though because I was enjoying myself enough with all of their other interactions & side plots going on. Very low on spice with only one scene at the end 1.5/5🔥
🎧 the narration was fabulous! I always love Zachary Webber & him narrating with a southern accent—yes please. This was my first Adenrele book but I also liked her. The only complaint I have is that her S’s were very prominent throughout the book & I couldn’t stop thinking about them😅 I listened to this at 2x with no issues. 4/5🎙️
☕️read if you love
-> slow burn
-> small town
-> black cat x golden retriever
-> BWWM
-> single dad
-> feeling warm and cozy!!
Thank you so much must love audio, audio in color, as well as the author for this gifted alc🫶🏼
October 2, 2024
sweet slow burn
This short and sweet romance has all the good feels of a small town, second chance romance and was a wonderful listen. I loved how the characters had time to both manage parts of their past, but also the timeline set realistic expectations for an adult relationship. This is a slow burn, strangers to friends to lovers romance between a single dad and a woman who returned to the small town she grew up in just as her life falls apart. Adenrele Ojo gave an amazing emotional performance and embraced the complex layers of Amber’s character. She is snarky, emotional, sweet, and vulnerable, and Adenrele leaned into all the nuances of Amber’s character. Plus her male voice is really fantastic.
What I loved most about this story is that Amber and Benny embody the black cat x golden retriever dynamic. They really couldn’t be more opposites attract. She is snarky and he’s so sweet; he’s exactly what she needs after her ex dictated all aspects of her life. This opposites attract romance is very slow burn, but it fit the story well. This story also has wonderful representation. They are an interracial couple and I absolutely adored Benny’s daughter, who is queer. Though a great kid, gives her dad a run for his money and their conversations made me giggle a little. This is another great listen made available through the Audio in Color grant program and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to listen.
This short and sweet romance has all the good feels of a small town, second chance romance and was a wonderful listen. I loved how the characters had time to both manage parts of their past, but also the timeline set realistic expectations for an adult relationship. This is a slow burn, strangers to friends to lovers romance between a single dad and a woman who returned to the small town she grew up in just as her life falls apart. Adenrele Ojo gave an amazing emotional performance and embraced the complex layers of Amber’s character. She is snarky, emotional, sweet, and vulnerable, and Adenrele leaned into all the nuances of Amber’s character. Plus her male voice is really fantastic.
What I loved most about this story is that Amber and Benny embody the black cat x golden retriever dynamic. They really couldn’t be more opposites attract. She is snarky and he’s so sweet; he’s exactly what she needs after her ex dictated all aspects of her life. This opposites attract romance is very slow burn, but it fit the story well. This story also has wonderful representation. They are an interracial couple and I absolutely adored Benny’s daughter, who is queer. Though a great kid, gives her dad a run for his money and their conversations made me giggle a little. This is another great listen made available through the Audio in Color grant program and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to listen.
September 1, 2025
Audiobook Review Cups of You by Karmen Lee
Dual Narration by Adenrele Ojo and Zachary Webber
"She lit up rooms he didn’t even know had gone dark."
Tropes:
Small town romance
Reverse grumpy/sunshine
Found family through community
Opposites Attract
Slow burn tension
What a sweet and heartfelt small-town romance! Cups of You hit me with all the feels—slow burn, reverse grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, and of course, the swoon factor.
Amber comes back home for what’s supposed to be a temporary stay, but running into Ben aka Benny (affectionately nicknamed by Amber's Aunt Jackie)—the warm, charming coffee shop owner and devoted single dad—makes her plans a lot more complicated. The chemistry between them builds gradually, with angst, banter, and tender moments that feel so real.
I especially loved how Amber’s journey was about more than just love—it was about rediscovering herself, facing the past, and learning where she truly belongs.
The audiobook was a treat—Adenrele Ojo and Zachary Webber nailed it. Amber’s strength and vulnerability came through so clearly, and Benny’s warmth and steadiness made me melt.
This story is the definition of cozy romance. If you love small towns, single dads, and slow burns that make you earn every moment, you’ll adore this book.
Dual Narration by Adenrele Ojo and Zachary Webber
"She lit up rooms he didn’t even know had gone dark."
Tropes:
Small town romance
Reverse grumpy/sunshine
Found family through community
Opposites Attract
Slow burn tension
What a sweet and heartfelt small-town romance! Cups of You hit me with all the feels—slow burn, reverse grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, and of course, the swoon factor.
Amber comes back home for what’s supposed to be a temporary stay, but running into Ben aka Benny (affectionately nicknamed by Amber's Aunt Jackie)—the warm, charming coffee shop owner and devoted single dad—makes her plans a lot more complicated. The chemistry between them builds gradually, with angst, banter, and tender moments that feel so real.
I especially loved how Amber’s journey was about more than just love—it was about rediscovering herself, facing the past, and learning where she truly belongs.
The audiobook was a treat—Adenrele Ojo and Zachary Webber nailed it. Amber’s strength and vulnerability came through so clearly, and Benny’s warmth and steadiness made me melt.
This story is the definition of cozy romance. If you love small towns, single dads, and slow burns that make you earn every moment, you’ll adore this book.
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