Contemporary Romance
Date Published: June 12, 2014
Penny moves back to Miami to start her a job with a list of things to accomplish.1. Find a place to live.2. Avoid her gold-digging mother.3. Reconnect with old high school friends: her best friend Sandra, the dramatic Eva, the dark Michael, her half-brother Wyatt, and her former crush Jay.Jay may have kept her firmly in the “friend zone”, but that didn’t stop her from wanting more. Her five friends have stood by her through some difficult times and she’ll need their help now to accomplish her first two goals.As soon as Jay sees Penny, he puts his plan into motion. His investors need to see him with a stable woman, one who isn’t all flash and no brains; Penny fits the bill perfectly. There’s just one hitch—he wants more.Their pretend date sets off a whirlwind of plots. From mothers who want to control their children’s lives to the loss of her exciting new job, Penny’s world turns upside down. She knows she can overcome all obstacles except one—she’s falling for Jay all over again.
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I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
The moment I read the blurb I knew I have to read this book. I have to say that I loved it! I really enjoyed the story and it was fun to read a contemporary, romantic comedy after a long time. Favorite Coffee, Favorite Crush is like a breath of fresh air from my normally preferred paranormal books.
Penelope has always been crushing on her close friend, Jay. But she didn't do anything about it because she fears they might lose their friendship and... she thinks Jay only sees her as a friend. For years they have been in constant communication with each other but have separate lives of their own. Penny with her job in another state and Jay in a relationship with their friend, Eva. Now Penny is back in Miami; single and in need of a place to live in. Enters Jay; about to be single and in need of a fake girlfriend who's smart and stable. In exchange for a place to live, she poses as his girlfriend for a company event. But somewhere along the way, thoughts of making it real isn't so bad after all for the two. But with meddling, irritating mothers and secrets that might destroy the trust they have for each other, can Penny and Jay create a happy ever after?
As I mentioned before, I love this story. It was funny, romantic, and with likable main characters. I like Penny. She's smart, level-headed, funny, and nice. I like how she can stand her ground despite her strong attraction to Jay. She didn't appear lovesick or infatuated so she doesn't make a fool of herself. She knows what she wants and even with her mother's lack of morals, she grew up to be a decent and respected woman. Jay is fun, considerate, and dependable. Jay has been secretly carrying a torch for Penelope for years, Somehow he also treasured their friendship more than any possible romantic ideas, but he's always been there for Penny. I love Jay and Penny's chemistry when their together. Always with friendship but hinting on so much more. I enjoyed waiting for that moment when they realize that they are indeed in love with each other. The dialogues were fun and never boring.
But of course there are some parts that I didn't like at all. Their mothers! Grrr... How can mothers be so annoying and irritating? If you read this book you'll understand where I'm coming from. I was actually wishing for Penny to slap her mom (yeah I know it's bad but you won't think so when you read the book). Another thing I didn't like in the story is how they hide secrets from each other. Jay and Penny keep some things to themselves which I think they should have told each other. I really didn't understand those parts. With their years of friendship they should have enough trust - romance aside. That part really bothered me while reading.
Story-wise, I love the multiple plots in the story. It kept me interested throughout the book; although I must say, the mafia-ish thing may have overdone it a little. But all in all, the author pulled it through and made an excellent story. The other characters are also pretty interesting. With a romantic side-story hanging, I'm crossing my fingers for a sequel.I would definitely love to read that book.
I'm giving Favorite coffee, Favorite Crush 4.5 fairy wings. I've enjoyed reading the book and I would definitely recommend this to all romance readers especially those who love contemporary romance.
The moment I read the blurb I knew I have to read this book. I have to say that I loved it! I really enjoyed the story and it was fun to read a contemporary, romantic comedy after a long time. Favorite Coffee, Favorite Crush is like a breath of fresh air from my normally preferred paranormal books.
Penelope has always been crushing on her close friend, Jay. But she didn't do anything about it because she fears they might lose their friendship and... she thinks Jay only sees her as a friend. For years they have been in constant communication with each other but have separate lives of their own. Penny with her job in another state and Jay in a relationship with their friend, Eva. Now Penny is back in Miami; single and in need of a place to live in. Enters Jay; about to be single and in need of a fake girlfriend who's smart and stable. In exchange for a place to live, she poses as his girlfriend for a company event. But somewhere along the way, thoughts of making it real isn't so bad after all for the two. But with meddling, irritating mothers and secrets that might destroy the trust they have for each other, can Penny and Jay create a happy ever after?
As I mentioned before, I love this story. It was funny, romantic, and with likable main characters. I like Penny. She's smart, level-headed, funny, and nice. I like how she can stand her ground despite her strong attraction to Jay. She didn't appear lovesick or infatuated so she doesn't make a fool of herself. She knows what she wants and even with her mother's lack of morals, she grew up to be a decent and respected woman. Jay is fun, considerate, and dependable. Jay has been secretly carrying a torch for Penelope for years, Somehow he also treasured their friendship more than any possible romantic ideas, but he's always been there for Penny. I love Jay and Penny's chemistry when their together. Always with friendship but hinting on so much more. I enjoyed waiting for that moment when they realize that they are indeed in love with each other. The dialogues were fun and never boring.
But of course there are some parts that I didn't like at all. Their mothers! Grrr... How can mothers be so annoying and irritating? If you read this book you'll understand where I'm coming from. I was actually wishing for Penny to slap her mom (yeah I know it's bad but you won't think so when you read the book). Another thing I didn't like in the story is how they hide secrets from each other. Jay and Penny keep some things to themselves which I think they should have told each other. I really didn't understand those parts. With their years of friendship they should have enough trust - romance aside. That part really bothered me while reading.
Story-wise, I love the multiple plots in the story. It kept me interested throughout the book; although I must say, the mafia-ish thing may have overdone it a little. But all in all, the author pulled it through and made an excellent story. The other characters are also pretty interesting. With a romantic side-story hanging, I'm crossing my fingers for a sequel.I would definitely love to read that book.
I'm giving Favorite coffee, Favorite Crush 4.5 fairy wings. I've enjoyed reading the book and I would definitely recommend this to all romance readers especially those who love contemporary romance.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Victoria Pinder
Victoria Pinder grew up in Irish Catholic Boston before moving to the Miami sun. She’s worked in engineering, after passing many tests proving how easy Math came to her. Then hating her life at the age of twenty four, she decided to go to law school. Four years later, after passing the bar and practicing very little, she realized that she hates the practice of law. She refused to one day turn 50 and realize she had nothing but her career and hours at a desk. After realizing she needed change, she became a high school teacher. Teaching is rewarding, but writing is a passion.
During all this time, she always wrote stories to entertain herself or calm down. Her parents are practical minded people demanding a job, and Victoria spent too many years living other people’s dreams, but when she sat down to see what skill she had that matched what she enjoyed doing, writing became so obvious. The middle school year book when someone wrote in it that one day she’d be a writer made sense when she turned thirty.
Besides her full time job of teaching, in 2013 and 2014, she sold on her own sold books to three different publishers. The Zoastra Affair, Chaperoning Paris, Borrowing the Doctor, and Electing Love will be published from Soul mate Publishing. Mything the Throne will be published with Double Dragon Ebooks. Favorite Coffee, Favorite Crush will be published with Jupiter Press.
Now she is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency and she hopes to continue selling her novels that she writes. Moving up to the next level from hard work and determination is rewarding, and partnerships bring new opportunities.
Also she’s the Vice President of Programs for the Florida Romance Writers. She’s gone to multiple conferences and intends to continue. She learns and meets so many people at conferences. Her website is www.victoriapinder.com, and she’ll continue to grow my web presence. She is working hard on other projects and found the time to plan her wedding this year.
Before writing, her father had taken her to many star trek conventions and on her own she grew up as the only girl in the 90s at the comic book store. Science Fiction was her first love, but contemporary romance was her second. She’s sticking with contemporaries for the near future.
Member of Florida Romance Writers, Contemporary Romance, Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA, Celtic Hearts and Savvy Authors.
Hm, now you got me. I could tell what I did once and it is still my favourite New Years Eve. Me and my partner took a hot bubly bath and a glass of vine. After coundown he took me out of the water to the bed and made love with me. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Lily
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