Coffee and Honeybuns

The Rocky Mountain Java Universe #1

by Minerva Howe

A Paranormal Romance

Reed Conifer has been trying to work his way up in the dog eat dog world of a Valleywood talent broker for a long while, but he's starting to wonder if he'll ever be anything than the Lane agency errand boy. He gets the coffee and keeps the schedule, but he's just an ordinary bear shifter from Colorado who could stand to lose a few pounds. His co-workers call him "Teddy", and he's not sure he's cutthroat enough to be promoted to junior agent.

When he gets coffee from a new shop one day, though, Reed meets grizzly shifter Tyler Ronson, who not only thinks Reed is adorable, he's pretty sure Reed is his mate. Even though he's only in Valleywood to open a new Rocky Mountain Java, Tyler wants to make Reed feel better, to help him feel loved and cared for. When it comes time for Tyler to leave Valleywood, he knows he has to convince Reed to come with him.

Reed doesn't know if he can give up his dream of making it big, the one he's worked so long to find, but he knows Tyler is the man for him, so he has to decide: should he stay in Valleywood and keep his old hopes alive or go back to Colorado with the love of his life?

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Romance, Omegaverse, Contemporary, LGBT

173 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 7, 2021

About the author

Minerva Howe is the kinky alter ego of author Julia Talbot. Julia lives in the great Southwest, where there is hot and cold running rodeo, cowboys, and everything from meat and potatoes to the best Tex-Mex. A full time author, Julia has been published by Samhain as well as other publishing houses. She believes that everyone deserves a happy ending, so she writes about love without limits, where boys love boys, girls love girls, and boys and girls get together to get wild, especially when her crazy paranormal characters are involved.

Reviews

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know why I haven’t read more books by Minerva Howe. I’m glad because that just means I get to enjoy the rest of her stories. I loved this super sweet and low angst story. Tyler is the perfect Alpha grizzly and Reed is a sweet omega bear. This is a perfect read when you just want to feel good.

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was book 4 in the "Valleywood" series. Omega bear shifter Reed Conifer has been trying to work his way up at the talent agency that he works at his boss is a jerk his co-workers are a*sholes he is basically a gopher. While getting coffee he meets hot sexy Alpha grizzly shifter Tyler Ronson he is in town to open Rocky Mountain Java. This was a really good read these two begin dating and get hot and heavy. I liked Tyler he was very patient with Reed and supportive of him. I really wanted Reed to stand up for himself a lot sooner than he did Reed knows that he has to make a decision they are both from the same state Colorado only a few towns away from each other. These two are mates and when Reed goes into heat they mate. I didn't like the way the town was talked about. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the Valleywood series and the next book (The Rocky Mountain Java Universe #1).

[P Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet story. There were loads of heartwarming and mushy moments.

Tyler and Reed got swept up in their own little world and the author captured their beautiful moments perfectly.

I really enjoyed it.

“I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bears!!!

I love this author’s work so when I saw this I had to read it. And trying to figure out how I missed this series I found out it’s an extension of the Vale Valley one. Yay!!! I am so excited about that. Reed is pure sweetness and Tyler is the perfect alpha bear. Though I don’t think I’d want to cuddle with a grizzly bear lol.

[Stephanie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contains Spoilers

Reed is an omega bear, looking to become a talent broker. Despite being a bear shifter, his personality as a nurturer made it easy for him to be taken advantage of.
Working for a talent agency, isn't all it's cracked up to be. Especially when you're at the bottom of the ladder, working for a dominant dragon shifter and struggling to stand out.

Tyler is an alpha grizzly shifter and owner of Rocky Mountain Java. In Valleywood by chance, he meets Reed and immediately becomes overwhelmed by the need to protect his mate. It doesn't take long for the alpha to discover the source of his omega's distress.

Reed was so full of self doubt. Always conscience about his weight. All due to his co-workers mocking him with the nickname "Teddy". When Reed discovers he's pregnant, he tries to avoid Tyler. Fear that he'd be blamed for trapping him.
Tyler's patience, love, and constant reminders Reed's worth - paid off. Leaving Valleywood, was the best decision for their family. Surrounding him with a loving support system, allowed Reed to flourish.

We were introduced to a few side characters, but more notably- both sets of parents and Tyler's brother, Justin.
Thankfully, we'll have more of Reed and Tyler in addition to a new spin-off series.

**I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed is trying hard to be successful in the talent management world but he just doesn't fit in. He is not as cut-throat as as boss and co-workers and he looks more like a Teddy bear than a gorgeous Holleywood type. Reed is a bear shifter living in the city. His boss makes him run all the errands and gives him the rotton jobs. He is always at the beck and call of his boss. Then one day when out on a coffee run for his office, Reed discovers a new place near by that reminds him of home. The boss of the place makes him feel both at home and makes him feel desires he has never felt before. However Tyler the boss is so hot so there is no way he could be interested in someone like him.

Tyler is in Valleywood opening a new branch of the families coffee stores and bakeries. Tyler is in charge of getting teams together to open up the new branch and finding a management team. He wasn't happy being in the city of Valleywood until he meets Reed. As an alpha grizzly bear, he knows his mate when he sniffs him. Somehow he is going to have to convince Reed that they are meant to be together and convince him to give up the job he has always dreamed of having. Tyler knows that his job is really bad for Reed but he has to let Reed figure it out himself.

I really enjoyed this book. I received a copy of this story in return for an honest review.

[Trouble89 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet As Honey

Super sweet read, with no angst and a HEA. This book left me smiling, with the warm fuzzies. It’s the perfect read when you want a feel-good book.

Reed is a cuddly bear shifter, trying to make it in the cutthroat world of entertainment. He wants to be a junior talent agent. Instead, he’s spent the last four years as a PA, to a cranky never happy boss. He spends his days running errands, and doing the job of two people, just to try to get noticed. His co-workers don’t even bother to learn his name, they just call him “Teddy”. Short for Teddy Bear, and Reed spends the rest of his days barely eating anything, to try to fit into this superficial world.

Tyler owns a chain of coffee shops. He’s a big grizzly of a guy, and he’s only in town to fill in for a manager that quit unexpectedly. As soon as Reed walks into his shop he’s smitten with the cuddly little bear. He almost instantly wants to protect Reed, nurture him, feed him, and make him his mate.

This is an almost insta-love story. These two are perfect together, and Reed doesn’t put up much of a fight, when he meets Tyler. This is a sweet story of fated mates, with knotting, cubs and all the gooey feelings you can handle. It was a quick read and I really enjoyed it.

[Deb Swietek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A caring little bear, his protective alpha bear, and sweets of all kinds. Fate is devious.

I love Valleywood! This book is a departure, as it leaves Valleywood behind for the Rockies. The attention to detail puts you in the middle of things. I could almost taste the coffee, honeybuns and pizza. The wonderful characters were instantly my friends. I cared about their lives. Reed is too gentle and nurturing for the cutthroat world of a Valleywood talent agency. Meeting Tyler at the coffee shop is pure fate. Their attraction is as immediately intense as it is inevitable. Watching Reed grow in confidence and strength is wonderful. There are moments of pure joy, lots of cuddles, and at lot of sexy times. Ooh, and pie. Lots of pie. And honey. When Tyler whisks a pregnant Reed away to his home in Colorado, it really does feel like coming home. Get ready for an intense labor, a loving, funny family, and an adorable baby. HEA is assured. Reed and Tyler's story doesn't end here. A new book is coming following them as they expand the business and their family. I can't wait! Oh, you are gonna love this book!
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.

[Angelena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Relatively short, but enjoyable read. I wasn't sucked in the point where I finished in one sitting but I was also never bored. I found this book during Stuff Your Kindle Day and am I am glad that I chose to download it. I did read as a standalone and didn't feel like I was missing any important info on the universe or our two main leads. I honestly think my only gripe was about the nicknames. Reed us a black bear shifter while Tyler is a grizzly, Tyler calls Reed Honey. A very simple and bear relevant nickname, but sweet. However Reed just cally Tyler "Bear", it's a silly complaint but it felt way too on the nose and not very affectionate despite Reed using it more than Tyler's actual name. It also caused some confusion at times as they used the word bear in other contexts. Some parts of the book were a little rough in that I would be confused on who exactly was speaking and the 3rd person POV felt a bit jarring at times. So a tad but more editing may have been useful but I also don't think there were enough issues that I felt the quality of the story was affected. I see there's a 2nd book out with the same main characters and I enjoyed the read enough that I'll give it a try.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed was in need of some serious TLC when he walked into the coffee shop where Tyler is working to put in and fetch an order from the place that he works. He is four years into hoping that he will reach his goal of moving up in the talent agency he is working at but so far all he has gotten in long and exhausting work hours, the boss from hell, co-workers that body shame him and little hope that his dreams will be realized any time soon. Tyler is in town managing a new coffee shop that his family is opening in Pennsylvania and he was a bit of a restless bear about it because the guy they trained backed out just as he was supposed to start. That changes for him when he meets Reed and realizes that his honey came in the form of a sweet over-worked bear that felt like his forever guy. This is such a sweet, insta-love story of two men who do it for one another. And a rescue story for Reed who needed to move on into a life he could enjoy with someone who cared for and valued him. Left me smiling.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.

[LJ Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed is working himself to death at a job that he thought he would love, but realizes he doesn't. He works long days and hardly takes a day off. That is until he goes to the new coffee shop near his office while on a coffee run for his boss and everyone else in the office. The hot barista that makes him his drinks, convinces him to accept a honeybun and both feel a connection with the other. Tyler knows the sweet little omega is someone special and seeks him out and soon they are spending any spare time together.

I loved how Tyler, the alpha, gave Reed his full attention, making him a priority and showing him how beautiful and desired he was. Reed wants to enjoy anytime he has, thinking that Tyler will be leaving town and Reed behind.

A weekend away brings Reed's heat on and they give fully into the desire and love that they feel for each other. Thus was a sweet, quuck , very enjoyable read from Minerva Howe. I'm hoping that there's more in store for Tyler's brother or more employees from Rocky Mountain Java.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shana_Bobana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading Reed & Tyler’s story I couldn’t put it down. Reed is so sweet, and way too nice to survive in the cutthroat agency he works at. He wants to succeed and does well at his tasks, but he just isn’t made for that life. Tyler is very sweet and drawn to Reed immediately. Tyler works hard amd enjoys the employees at the new Rocky Mountain Java location but he can’t wait until he is done training so he can come home to Colorado.

Reed and Tyler realizes they are mates and are drawn to each other immensely. They pursue and relationship and Tyler doesn’t want to go back to Colorado without Reed. Reed knows he’s not happy in Valleywood and knows he could be happy with Tyler in Colorado but it’s hard for him to give up on his long held career dreams.

I just loved this book so much and I am very excited to read the sequel.

I did receive a free ARC of this book but that did not influence my review.

[Sophie Reads Stories · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coffee and Honeybuns is a very sweet, cozy and low angst love story with between a very cozy grizzly Alpha and the sweetest Omega bear.

I loved Tyler and Reed's love story - I loved how supportive, patient and kind Tyler was with Reed. Usually, Alpha's want to start taking over their Omega's life very quickly, but with Minerva's books the Alphas understand that their Omegas are people in charge of their own lives that their role is to be supportive and protective and kind. It makes for wonderful characters.

I also loved how sweet Reed was, he was definitely not cut out for the kill or be killed environment he works in and once he realises that he can have a better life with Tyler his happiness was so sweet!

I loved the scenes were they shifted into their bear forms - it was cute and sweet.

TW/CW: the book has quite a bit of fatphobic comments directed at Reed (not from Tyler) as well as internalised fatphobic from Reed. This occurs throughout the book.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Minerva Howe’s books. This is the first book in a new series even though it starts off in Valleywood and I am all in! Reed is an assistant trying to work his way up as a talent agent in a cutthroat industry. He takes a lot of crap from his boss and coworkers. Because of this he doesn’t see his own worth. Tyler is an alpha with only getting the new branch of Rocky Mountain Java up and running. But the sweet little bear who comes in frazzled with a huge coffee order is just not to be missed. Over the offer of a fresh made honeybun, Tyler decides this little bear needs some loving. He makes it a mission to woo Reed and love him with everything he’s got. An oh so sweet and sunny story of mates and realizing that maybe your original dream is not the one you really want after all. These two are all sugar and honey and sweetness!

[Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed and Tyler were so cute together!

One of the things I love about this author is that there will often be something which might cause tension between the MCs but they always communicate with each other so that it doesn’t become a huge problem. Did Reed and Tyler have their own insecurities? Yes. Did they always talk to each other straight away? No. Did they make the effort to try to talk to each other and listen and be understanding? Yes. And that’s what makes it so lovely. You have characters who aren’t perfect but try to be good to one another. Reed’s life wasn’t perfect and Tyler could see that he was struggling but Tyler never made decisions for Reed. He had his own views and expressed concern but his love for Reed meant he accepted his autonomy. That was a two way street and because of that we got to see them find their HEA in a sweet and gentle way.

[K-Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a Super Sweet Bear Shifter Romance! If you are looking for a feel good Alpha Omega story this one is for you! Kind of Instalove with totally adorable characters. And the characters are not perfect physically which I loved, You could just feel their love and attraction from the first time they cuddled like bears! Reed is a hard working very self conscious regular omega bear shifter tying to diet and fit in the entertainment business. He meets Tyler the big Gentle Giant Grizzly Bear who owns a chain of coffee shops! I loved how sensual their times together were.. smells and feels so vividly described like you would imagine for bear shifts!!! I received an ARC of this book and you love your books sweet, family oriented with some mpreg steamy... this one is definitely for you!

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! A wonderful and sweet story about Reed, an omega bear shifter who finds Tyler in the coffee shop near his office. Tyler is in town to help with his family’s new coffee shop and he is drawn to Reed immediately. Reed is working way too hard at his job and is being taken advantage of. Tyler will offer him a place to rest a minute and it will be the beginning of their journey to forever. There will be a few bumps along with Reed’s job but in the end, Tyler’s love will give him the strength to stand up for himself and finally get the strength to leave his job for a life of love back home with Tyler.

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Fran · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is just a sweet story (like the honeybuns). Not any anguish, just one grumpy dragon boss running the talent agency in Valleywood that Reed works for as his PA. Reed isn't taken seriously by either the boss or any of his co-workers; just taken advantage of. Tyler comes into his life when Reed goes to a new coffee shop, Rocky Mountain Java, meets owner/operator Tyler, fellow bear. Tyler instantly knows Reed is his mate but realizes he must tread lightly to win Reed over. Thus, a courtship ensues, and a HEA is achieved by book's end. I might go back and read the others
in this series but this one just didn't do much for me. I did finish this for the ARC I got but it was a methodical plot for me.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC Review**

Awwww...his little bear... this was so sweet and such a delight to read. Tyler was the perfect alpha to Reed...his omega. I loved those two. Although Reed professional life sucked and he had a little self esteem issues, Tyler became his protector, support and comfort along the way....all alphas need to be like him. From their first encounter (coffee and honeybuns) to the very wonderful HEA, I was enthralled with their sweet romance. Both guys had a wonderful support system with their family and friends. Reed came into his own by being around Tyler and his growth from all the love and support made this special. I really enjoyed his addition to the Valleywood series and I think others would love this one too.

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick, super sweet and fun story with amazing characters. I love Reed and Tyler together and they are exactly what the other needs. They have an instant connection, smoking hot chemistry and I love how their relationship evolves. Reed is miserable but he is determined to continue with a career that he is really not suited for. It takes meeting Tyler and being loved and cared for by him for Reed to realize that he may have been wrong. Tyler will do everything he can to make Reed happy and I like how sweet and supportive he is with him. They both have wonderful and supportive families as well. The ending is perfect and I really hope we get to see more of these characters in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an arc of Coffee and Honeybuns by Minerva Howe from Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest review.

This is the story of Reed and Tyler. They’re both bear shifters. Reed’s a talent agent’s assistant in “Valleywood” and Tyler is staying for a while to open a branch of his family’s coffeeshop. There’s a bit of fated mates, but it’s kind of a slow build. Tyler is pretty sure right away but he doesn’t go all alpha and “must claim now.” He is just like, he’s the one, now I’ll get to know him. Yet it was still instalove…not sure how that happens. haha. Tyler is a great caretaker and Reed needs someone to take care of him. He works too hard and doesn’t realize that he’s unhappy. Or he knows he’s unhappy but he feels like he’s stuck on the path he chose. Tyler helps him find a new path.

This story was sweet. Like tooth-achingly sweet, but I liked it. There were a few steamy scenes but they were more sweet than hot. Everyone needs sweetness sometimes.

I give this book 4 stars. I think I will continue with the series because I want to see Tyler’s brother get a HEA.

[Triciagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Reed and Tyler’s book! Reed has such a sweet personality and was trying to keep up in a cutthroat business when he met Tyler. Tyler was opening up a new store for his family’s coffee chain when Reed captured his attention. I really like how Tyler reassured Reed to help sooth his insecurities. Reed realized that where he thought he should be wasn’t where he really needed to be and that being appreciated goes a long way. Very sweet love story!

I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It contains elements which I love, which is paranormal and mpreg. Reed works for a talent agency, but is considered more as a errand boy as he is not as cutthroat as the rest. Tyler came to town as his brother opened up a coffee shop in town. Reed came in for coffee and treats and met Tyler. I loved how Tyler made Reed feel special and didn’t put him down for the extra pounds that he was carrying. Great heat, no angst story of mates meeting and mating.

I received a copy of this book for my review

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this gentle story of two bear shifter mates who find each other and get their HEA. I am a sucker for any story involving coffee shops and watching Tyler work to get his business going made for great reading. Reed's struggles with deciding if the life he'd been working so hard to build might not really be the one for him hit home as I've known several people dealing with that and it was well handled here. These two talk things through and that males their relationship interesting and believable.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Minerva Howe and this book did not disappoint! This book is low angst sweet, and super sexy. Tyler and Reed were great together. Reed is a talent agent who feels underappreciated (he is), and Tyler is working on opening a new coffee shop (his family's business). I loved that Tyler sort of broke Reed out of the funk that he was in and created a safe place for him and a family. Reed really was a honeybun. He was super cute. definitely recommend this book. I can't wait for the next book in this series!! I received an ARC of this from GRR and this is my honest review.

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

LITTLE BEAR

What an Absolutely DELIGHTFUL Book. This is the beginning of a new series. MINERVA HOWE is a skilled storyteller with Beautiful Happily Ever Afters. Reed is an Omega Bear trying to make it in the entertainment industry. He works so hard in an under appreciated job. Tyler is an Alpha new in town who runs a new coffee house. Tyler knew that Reed was special the first time he saw him. These two are just Beautiful together. I just loved this Book. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reed and Tyler were so sweet together and the way their relationship blooms was heart-warming. I liked the way Tyler supported Reed and gave him strength and confidence to give up a job where he wasn't appreciated, gave him love and happiness, a family that adores him and a job that made him happy and blooming. The parents are so sweet and supportive and bond so fast with the happy couple.
I liked their relationship, how they interacted and I'm looking forward to see what happens.

[Rachel Blomberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet story, so sweet with lots of honey and love. Reed was working himself ragged to people didn't appreciate him and he let his weight bother him. When he caught Tyler eye and heart all that stress melted away. Sometimes you can't let what other people get you down you are built just perfect for your mate and no one else matters.
I volunteer to review this Advanced Readers Copy of this book.

[Elayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is so much a feel good story between fated mates. It has all the feels, lots of heated action, a not very bad, bad guy, wonderful family interactions, shifting bears, a pregnancy and a baby.
Tyler is a lovely Alpha and Reed such an out of place Omega.
It’s part of a multi author series set in Valleywood, is set quite a bit in the mountains and stands alone very well. Just a couple of hours to read and time we’ll spent.

[MezzoMom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet as Honey!

What a wonderful story. Reed and Tyler are so sweet together! This insta love book had all the feels and heat one could ask for. Reading how Reed grows in confidence and in love with Tyler’s support was very satisfying. I recommend this story if you like sweet bears and a HEA.

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.