Clean Sweep

Coffee Shop #8

by Katie Cross

Leslie:

The last thing I ever asked for was a divorce.

Four amazing boys, one awesome life, and one failed marriage later, I’m smack dab in the middle of my forties with nowhere to go.

Talk about unexpected.

Then again, romance has always let me down.

While juggling my newfound career responsibilities, I reach out for help in the only way I know how: a housekeeper.

Someone’s gotta clean this house and it hasn’t been me lately.
When I meet Tanner, he’s not what I’m expecting. I can tell he feels the same way.

And suddenly, the world looks a whole lot different than I expected.


Tanner:

There’s something cathartic about running a house cleaning company, but when my two employees quit to elope together and start a new life in Las Vegas, I’m stuck scrubbing other people’s houses.

Not my dream job, but not so bad either.

When a desperate woman calls to beg me for some help, the last thing I expect is the torrential disaster that I run into. Turns out, there’s a bigger mess here than just days-old cereal on the counters.

Four boys + single mom + new divorce = I got this.

Turns out, I need Leslie more than she needs me. When our two worlds collide, the fallout isn’t what I expected.


CLEAN SWEEP is a clean, contemporary romance (but not religious) with a little sizzle and spice and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. It’s the eighth book in the Coffee Shop Series. This book can be read as a standalone, but maximum enjoyment comes from reading the series from the beginning.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 13, 2021

About the author

My 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

Reviews

[Jane Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Add another jewel to her crown!!

Clean Sweep solidifies Katie Cross’s place as the Queen of Clean Contemporary Romance. As the Coffee Shop Series grows, readers are falling more in love with Pineville, and more in love with its residents. Readers are also reminded quite clearly why they want their romance-loving teenagers to read books written by Katie Cross. Her books have just as much passion and emotion as any novel. The difference is that these books do not contain an adult-only rating. There is nothing in these books that I would hesitate to allow my teen daughter to read.

In the latest installment of the Coffee Shop Series, Katie Cross explores a whole new demographic. All books up to now have centered around young adults in Pineville figuring out love and life all at once. Clean Sweep introduces Leslie and Tanner. Both are divorced single parents. Each has created a life that is comfortable, and neither wants to disturb the status quo.

When Leslie’s oldest son announces he is bringing his fiancé home, shock does not quite describe her feelings. Landon has only known Starla for four weeks, and they are already engaged. Then she looks around and realizes that she cannot let Starla see her house the way it is. That is when she calls T&C Cleaning. She needs her house deep cleaned, and she does not care how much it costs, as long is it smells lemony at the end of the day.

Tanner receives a new house assignment the same day his most reliable employee elopes and forgets to call and tell him. That means he must clean the house himself. The house takes over six hours to complete, but the results are priceless. The only problem is that in a rush to pick up his daughter at the Frolicking Moose Coffee Shop, Tanner left a vacuum and other cleaning supplies at Leslie’s house.

A spur-of-the-moment lunch with Leslie, her four boys, Tanner and his daughter turns into a scene for family drama that could not be more awkward for Leslie and Tanner. They hardly know each other. They know each other’s kids, but not each other. Tanner’s intuitive nature and calming presence help Leslie through the bombs thrown at her from Landon. She does not realize just how much Tanner is going to help though.

Leslie and Tanner’s story is about new beginnings. Old loves have been let go. Life has moved on. They are settled into adulthood, and each is in a good place. Long phone conversations every night and special moments spent together blow up when Leslie learns that Tanner has been keeping a secret from her – a secret that affects not only her but also Landon and Starla. Leslie is angry and hurt and turns Tanner away.

Can what they have be salvaged? Is it too late for them to start over? Can Leslie forgive Tanner for the perceived betrayal? In order to make any kind of relationship work between them, Leslie and Tanner must have forgiveness and acceptance and openness. After the secret Tanner has kept for over a month, it may be too much for Leslie to forgive.

Clean Sweep does not disappoint! Every installment of the Coffee Shop Series makes me fall in love with Pineville and its residents more and more. I’m seriously ready to pack my bags and go spend time hanging out with all my friends at the Frolicking Moose. It will be wonderful!!!! I can hardly wait to get back.

[Andy Gonzalez De M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story, the Mom in me hopes to be as cool as Leslie! Hahaha Again, I love how each story in this series is so unique! I must wish I could go down the road with each of her kids and see how their lives move forward hahaha and then come back and keep on this one. Loved this book! Thank you Katie for another awesome book! Need/Want to know more about Celest! Will her future involve any of the Miller boys?!

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslie has four sons and works at the Frolicking Moose as the manager. Only one son lives at home now but her eldest has just given her some crazy news. He is bringing home a fiancee when they have only known each other for four weeks. Leslie needs someone to come and clean her house as she hates cleaning. She calls on Tanner's cleaning service. Gorgeous silver-fox Tanner. What she doesn't know is that Tanner himself ends up cleaning the house and he does an absolutely fantastic job. Tanner has a seventeen-year-old daughter called Celeste who goes to high school with Leslie's son Blake. Leslie and Celeste know each other very well as she goes to the coffee shop of an afternoon to do her homework while waiting for Tanner to pick her up. Tanner and Celeste end up being at the lunch with Leslie and her boys when another bomb is dropped. A double whammy you might say but there is still something Leslie doesn't know. A huge secret still to come. A terrible diagnosis. A very ill young woman. Oh no! An argument. Christmas. A huge reunion. Kisses. Hot kisses. What does it all mean? A beautiful wedding. And love.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I start? I just loved this book. It was refreshing to read a book about more mature characters and their struggles with their ex's, their almost-grown children and their decisions, as well as their love lives. Although this is another installment in the Coffee Shop series, it can be read as a stand-alone, but I do think it's more fun to read them all in order. It's also great to see some of the characters from the previous books "visit". And of course, any time "sweet baby pineapple" makes an appearance, I just smile from ear to ear. As usual with Katie's books, I couldn't put this one down and am now sad that I've completed it and have to wait until next year for Katie's next book and to hang out at the Frockling Moose again.

[Lianne Takach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why ISN’T there a better word than boyfriend when you’re in your forties?! Leslie’s not even sure she wants one! But she just can’t get Tanner off her mind after he cleans her home…but she has other things going on, including a son who’s decided to give up his dream of medical school. Oh, and this son is engaged to a girl he met 4 weeks earlier.

I’ve enjoyed the other stories in the Coffee Shop series but this one really hit close to home! I , too, had to start over after a 20+ year marriage in my mid forties. I started a new career and my child moved 7 hours away to start adulting in Cincinnati. I SO related to Leslie!

Katie has given us a whole town to love! I can’t wait for our next adventure into Pineville and my favorite coffee shop, the Frolicking Moose!

[DayDreamer8912 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.8/5
🚨TW: mentions of divorce, mentions of illness
🚨CW: mild curses

Love Leslie and Tanner. They are just so sweet together. They both have the same struggle as single parent and also they both married young. How they actually meet is when she called his company for cleaning services and the service was top notch and also he left his cleaning supplies there. And she got to know that he is Celeste's dad, a girl who is a regular to Frolicking Moose.

Things get interesting when her boys came back and inviting him to eat with them. Leslie was speechless but agree to the arrangement. And they spend time together and they got to know her son is getting married which he just dated the girl for like a month which shocked Leslie and she is trying her best to get to know the situation but her son Landon is tight-lipped which made her sad.

Love Tanner can see her body languages and knows how to help her. Love that they open up to each other and be there for each other. Love that they care for each other's children too. And as they get to know each other they grew closer.

And also her sons really like him and also trusted him especially Landon with things that he couldn't tell Leslie about. He tried his best to help him and also keep the secret until he is ready to tell.

And also his daughter, Celeste likes Leslie too and she has always been talking about her to him. Love the relationship of his daughter and him too, it so sweet.

Can't really spoil the story you will have to read it to find out more. But you can look forward to a wedding and why did Landon want to move the wedding date that early.

[Pat Percival · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pineville is a small town teeming with romance. “Clean Sweep” spotlights a potential romance between Leslie and Tanner, following similar doubts and stomach flutters other Pineville residents have experienced as a relationship is born. For me, the heart of the book lies in the story of Leslie’s son, Landon, and the family dynamics surrounding his relationship with Starla. Landon and Starla with Leslie are the main course, and Leslie with Tanner is the dessert. It’s a balance between thoughtful consideration of issues and the lighthearted joy of enjoying someone’s company. Another winner for the Coffee Shop series.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the realness of Katie's characters. There are no forced dramas or ridiculous scenarios used to move the story forward with her books. Everyone comes with baggage (some more than others), and Katie's characters always handle situations with a realness that's lacking from a lot of romance novels.

This novel was a bit of a changeup from the usual young adults falling in love. Reading Leslie and Tanner's love story was sweet and refreshing. Reading how two divorced single parents work through their doubts and fall in love just melted my heart. It was the perfect heartwarming read for these cold winter days.

[Laila Savolainen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, deep sigh of satisfaction...I loved this book, it's characters and the rich world Katie has created.
This is such a beautiful, fun, deep, heart felt, timeless story. Like all the Coffee Shop series it's unique with it's own complex endearing characters, and feels so totally different from all the others...no repeat plots here...or in any of them.
Gift your heart with this delicious, full bodied, scrumptious story so deftly crafted by this masterful romance author...Katie thank you, I look forward to the next in series...

[Wendy Forester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie cross is a favorite author of mine. Her books are romance without the awkward sex scenes. And Clean Sweep, had my attention from the get go. A Christmas romance that always makes your heart pitter patter. It’s Walk to Remember meets Hallmark!!! It was a quick read and was a great break from all of my holiday stress. Leslie and tanner show that love isn’t just for 20 somethings or a once and done type of thing.

[Crystal Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be honest, I intentionally savored this book as I knew the next wouldn’t be released for more than 6 months. This was a great read and definitely not the typical age group written about for this author. Some harder subjects were covered to. Given that I am in my 30s and have friends with teenagers I could relate to this story a lot more. Great read and can’t wait until July 18th for the next!

[Nati · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about second chances, true love, family and friendship. Can Leslie and Tanner have a future together with secrets kept from him while trying to help her? Facing adulthood, motherhood, divorce, are tough things to go trough but with the right people by your side make it easier. Great as always Katie!!!

[Loni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t want to put this book down! The perfect clean romance for right before Christmas! This book will grapple with your heart as you learn about Leslie, the single mom of 4 boys—one left at home and of Tanner, the single dad of one girl. Another great book by Katie that you should definitely read today!

[Tricia Anson · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s done it again!

This series has been fantastic from the start and this book fell right in line. I loved the shift to an older couple with almost grown children, a second chance at a HEA, and how well done it was. I’m loving the variety in this series while it still cohesively continues the stories of everyone else we’ve met so far.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite possibly one of my favorite clean romance series. Katie Cross does a wonderful job with the two main protagonists and after everything the HEA is even sweeter. I highly recommend reading the books in order since this book has many returning characters will make more sense if you as the reader have read the other books.

[Annette Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this whole series. This one has a second chance at love sweet romance, as well as a love at first sight very emotional romance. There are strong women with kind and supportive men. This story is very readable on its own, but even better when you have read the whole series.

[Kim Keeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great adventure by Katie Cross!

Excellent storyline! I love how Katie includes people from all different backgrounds and experiences in her stories and this one is a great one! Quick read that will leave you ready for the next book in the series.

[Chrissy Woj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't typically get into a lot of second chance romances, but I found this one absolutely delightful. The characters are well-rounded and come to life through the pages. I love that the background story about Landon and his girlfriend Starla was unexpected and unpredictable. The holiday atmosphere was super charming, and of course the swoony, but clean, romance scenes were adorable.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver Fox!

As I happen to be in the age category represented by these main characters, it was refreshing to read such a sweet romance with mature characters. This was delightful! I loved all of it!

[Jeri · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Divorcée Leslie meets cute with mutually aged “silver fox.” Too much teenage angst for adult behavior, but her sons were pretty awesome. And at least one is going to have his own book. Amiright, Nicholas?

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I miss Pineville already

As with all the other books in this series it was terrific. You find yourself rooting for Leslie and wondering what her eldest is hiding. Our hero enters and you just follow along to see how things will end. Great story great series.

[Sharon King-Hanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most “grown up” of all the romances in the Coffee Shop series, and I loved it. I can relate to being a boy mom, finding love after divorce, seeing my child grow into an adult and how that changes a parent-child relationship, and finding love again unexpectedly. This was a joy to read.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice family friendly romance story. I enjoyed the Landon Starla secret twist.

[Lindsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book!

Katie Cross did it again! Loved every minute of this book. The people, the relationships! Ahhh so good! Well done!

[Chris Boesiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by Chris B.

I totally enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend you take some special time to enjoy reading it also.

[Lorna Schutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie Cross is the best.

Loved this one even though I cried a lot. I will miss all these friends who have such a wonderful time together.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this one really hits home since this is my age range. Definitely in the feels with all the emotions of having older children

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute read from Katie Cross. The MC’s are divorced with older kids and trying to find love around the Holidays.

[KayLynn Zollinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute. Leslie and Tanner are forty somethings with kids who get a second chance at love. I thought they were really cute together and love that they bonded over parenting and being grownups before any romance happened. 4/5 soulmates. The background story with Leslie's son, Landon was actually cute and sweet too. I'm hoping with future books we get an update about that situation. Very enjoyable.

Quotes
"It's hard, isn't it," I asked. "Being a parent. You want your kids to take care of themselves but you don't want them to be idiots doing it."
[Uh yeah. That about sums up the parent experience for me.]

[Mary(Beth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Clean Sweep! This was a sweet story of two divorced people who found true love after horrible marriages except for their children. It was a warm, loving book with many twists and turns that only a parent could appreciate.