Excellent start to the book. The premise captivated me instantly and the first three-quarters of the book fully delivered on the promise of the premise. Reekles truly shines in her development of complex and interesting characters with their own individual personalities, and this is not just for the protagonists, but also the secondary characters.. The pacing was good and the plotting was nuanced and well-thought out. However, the last quarter of the book was a bit of a disappointment, because the author seemed to fall into a paint-by-numbers kind of plotting and neatly wrapping up of the threads of the story. The pacing was off and the romantic resolution was hurried. Overall, a solid book by Reekles and a great start to the fledgling Delacorte Romance imprint.

I'm having a really hard time accepting that the person who wrote The Kissing Both is the same person who wrote this book. They have similar vibes, which is the only reason I believe it at all...past that, it's just not there for me.

I couldn't stand Annalise pretty much right off the bat. She seemed very self-involved, very "woe is me" (I'm SO over the pages and pages and PAGES of her inner conflicts) and blamed pretty much all of her struggles on the fact that she was adamant she was going to be different than her mom...even though it was starkly obvious she was her mom's twin. I'm also not really sure where the "financial security" piece comes in; aside from the random comment about her budget, she didn't seem like she was struggling. It also didn't make sense since this was a paid internship, and she didn't have to pay for housing.

The romance between Lloyd and Annalise was not a romance...at all. What it was is an example of a pinball machine. They kiss - then Anna pulls away; they kiss again - Anna pulls away again - wash, rinse, repeat for the entirety of the story. They are so both all up in their emotions and daddy/momma drama that they can't honestly be in a relationship - not truly.

Also, towards the beginning of the book it says for ages 14 and up. I'm a middle school teacher, and there is ZERO chance I would recommend this book to any of my students. The content simply is not appropriate for that age. Maybe when they reach 16/17, but definitely not 14.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Beth Reekles for giving me the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Office romance with two college students, one is the boss’s son and the other lied about her age to get a summer internship. They happen to meet before the internship begins and share a kiss. She shows up for the first day and he ignores her. They go back and forth with a lot of ups and downs. A will they, won’t they type situation. I always enjoy YA books, I only wish the female main character would have been more likable.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.

A 4.5 if you fit into the demographic or like YA then this is a breezy read!

I related to the character having to juggle so many things and the emotions that bring but it made me feel that perhaps there was so much focus on that that then I kinda got lost when the relationship came around.

Perhaps that was just me? Anyways - it was a cute short breezy read so I didn’t not enjoy it but it also left me wanting for a little more depth? However, this could be because I’m not that into YA (I’m 28) but I did like the actual FMC!

I enjoyed Love & Lattes by Beth Reekles. I identified with the struggles that both main characters had with their parents *and* each other. Anna seemed young, naive, and/or possibly neurodivergent (speaking as a late-diagnosed autistic woman) -- but she grew a lot throughout the book, and I enjoyed her journey.

I would classify this one as New Adult, since it has one open-door spicy scene and lots of (legal in the UK!) drinking.

This is a cute, easy read. The cover and title are totally adorable. I think it's a great choice when you want something lighthearted and cute. I definitely saw it coming that Anna and Lloyd would have to work together, but she's young and naive and that makes it entertaining to see how she responds to this discovery. She is immature, but I'm not sure anyone her age at their first internship is super mature, so it fits. Only thing is that it's a lot of work talk and work stories and they're not particularly interesting. Anna, also, is not a tremendously entertaining character. I'd love to see her have more personality or a better sense of humor.

This was an enjoyable read, perfect for when you want something light and easy! However, I really wish the book had focused more on the relationship between Anna and Lloyd. The content revolved around Anna’s work, which became a bit repetitive in my opinion.

𝐈𝐅 you love a good office romance mixed with those growing up moments we all go through, this one’s going to steal your heart! 💼✨ Anna is such a relatable character, trying to balance work, friendships, and finding herself, all while navigating the drama of a summer internship. And can we talk about the tension between Anna and Lloyd?? So good! 😍 From the mystery kiss to their slow-burn romance, I was totally rooting for them the whole time! 🔥💋

Lloyd definitely gives off “charming-but-I’ll-annoy-you” vibes, but he surprised me! 🥺 He’s more than just the CEO’s son born with a silver spoon—there’s so much more under the surface (and that late-night work bonding? 𝑆𝑤𝑜𝑜𝑛 💕). Watching them go from enemies to something much deeper was 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑦 too satisfying 😏✨

This book seriously brought me back to my early 20s, figuring out life, making mistakes, and finding connections that shape you. I loved the way their relationship grew through all the ups and downs—they felt so real! 🌸✨

Thank you NetGalley & Penguin Random House for my ARC copy!

Content Warning: strained parental relationships

Likes:

+ Annalise is an intern and she’s making new friends, learning the ropes and also trying to avoid a workplace romance with the guy she met before she realized with is the CEO’s son. I like how we see her journey trying to succeed on her own. Also she has some mom-issues that eventually get worked out by the end of the story

+ The romance interested me more in the second half of the book. For the first half, Annalise and Lloyd are trying to figure out how to remain being coworkers and fighting an attraction. But it really develops more in the second half when they can’t fight it anymore. But even from there it’s not easy for them.

Dislikes:

~ I didn’t really love either character. Lloyd seems like a good character in the beginning but I thought he came off as a jerk in some situations, especially when more things about Anna are revealed. As for Anna, I think there was too much back and forth, debating on her feelings about Lloyd. I can see how both of them got frustrated but I didn’t like Lloyd.

~ The romance is too slow, like I said, too much back and forth between them.

Final Thoughts:

I enjoyed this story more in the second half than the first and I didn’t quite warm up to Lloyd so overall I thought it was an okay book.

When I first requested this book on Netgalley, I thought it would be something I would love. The description was right up my alley. However, Love & Lattes by Beth Reekles was not exactly up my alley.
I loved how the book was written- it thought for me. I didn’t really have to put much thought into it. It was fast paced. It was kind of like watching reality TV but in book form. I loved the London setting as well.
On the other hand, I didn’t exactly like Anna. She rubbed off the wrong way. I found many things in the story to be extremely predictable and unrealistic. Now that I’m thinking about it, I don’t think I liked any of the characters.
I really wish I liked this book. I really tried to like it. I just couldn’t take it seriously. There wasn’t a ton of depth to it or anything, and just didn’t sit right with me.

I requested this one because of the author. I've never read The Kissing Booth, but I saw the movie and wasn't impressed. I won't lie; I requested this one to see what the author's writing style was.

I can see why the publisher originally blurbed it as "Brimming with wit and romance, this brand-new, page-turning book from Beth Reekles is perfect for fans of Beth O'Leary and Emily Henry . . ." because this is a YA book that was written like an Adult Romance just with teens. But the writing and storytelling really isn't YA style. If you like Emma Lord's YA books outside of Tweet Cute, this is a very similar writing and storytelling style. Unfortunately, Tweet Cute is the only Emma Lord YA book I've enjoyed. Out of the last few British contemporary romances I've read recently, this seems to be the British style of this genre though.

It's heavy YA Contemporary with a romance plot sewn throughout. It spends a good amount of time on the Before--the two characters meet and kiss and it takes like four or five chapters and then the internship starts and the bomb drops. There wasn't a ton of chemistry even in those first few chapters, and it didn't increase the more I read.

I skimmed a lot about her internship--this is where the book is really a YA Contemporary, not a YA Romance. Take the romance out, it's still a book about a girl getting an internship and struggling with that. But because I skimmed a lot of that and didn't feel there was a ton of chemistry with the romance, this book really wasn't for me. It didn't draw me in or keep me drawn in, unfortunately.

Two stars for me because I skimmed a lot and DNF'd, but it's one I'd consider going back and finishing but probably wouldn't revisit.


Small note: I requested this as Love & Lattes with two to-go coffee cups on the front. Because of this, I didn't pick up that Lloyd was supposed to be not-white. I think the cover used for Sincerely Yours, Anna Sherwood might be better.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.

A cute workplace romance. Set in London the book focuses on our hardworking, Lazer focused fmc as she struggles to balance her summer internship, family issues, making friends, and the hot kiss she shared with an unexpected stranger that shows up where she least expects it. There is one smutty scene with a lot of build-up. A great read for romance readers.

This was so much fun. I really hope that they turn it into a movie. You can feel the characters and the scenes as you move page by page through the book. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this one!

Thanks to Netgalley & Random House Children's for the E-ARC! Very fast-paced & enjoyed the characters. Also liked the setting. Cute YA book!

Love & Lattes is a light and easy read, filled with workplace tension and a budding romance between two opposites. The premise—a no-nonsense overachiever, Annalise, unknowingly locking lips with the CEO’s charming son, Lloyd, just before her coveted summer internship—sets the stage for a rom-com full of misunderstandings, witty banter, and late-night sparks.
Annalise’s driven nature and focus on her career are admirable, but her rigidity can sometimes make her come across as too serious, especially in contrast to Lloyd, whose carefree, privileged attitude rubs her the wrong way. The chemistry between Anna and Lloyd is slow to develop, and although their back-and-forth banter adds a nice layer of tension, it sometimes feels a bit forced.
One of the book’s highlights is its setting—the high-pressure, fast-paced environment of a prestigious internship. The author does a great job capturing the competitive atmosphere and the stakes involved for Annalise, which adds a sense of urgency to her character's emotional and professional journey. However, the romance itself feels somewhat rushed in the final act, and their shift from enemies to something more could have been explored with a little more depth.
Overall, Love & Lattes is a fun and breezy read but I didn't feel super connected to the characters or their relationship.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a review.

Anna is so annoying. The entire book she jumps to every wrong conclusion immediately and with the hatred of a thousands suns. She has no chill, but she is also such a massive liar throughout the book. I know i don't have to like a character to like a book but I so much disliked her that I could not finish reading this one. Three stars cause the book wasn't bad but it definitely wasn't for me.

One summer internship. Two complete opposites. And a connection neither expected...
Annalise Sherwood has worked herself to the bone to get a place on a prestigious internship program and nothing is going to stop her now. Work hard, play later, that's her motto. She figures one night letting her guard down won't hurt, though - especially when it ends with the best kiss of her life.
But to Anna's horror, she discovers that the mystery guy she kissed that night is none other than Lloyd, the company CEO's son. Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he's everyone's favorite guy and a total charmer, swanning around like he owns the place. And from the moment they meet again, he rubs Anna up the wrong way.
As the summer and the internship wane on, Lloyd seems to be finding any excuse to annoy Anna, and she's not afraid to give it right back to him. But when a lot of late night working brings them unexpectedly closer, she begins to wonder if there's more to him than she originally thought..

This is a book. More specifically, this is a New Adult (a little more mature than YA) rom-com book, and it feels just like that. A book. It reads quite quickly and feels very short, however, something about the writing just fell flat. First off, it's set in London with a first-person British narrator yet all the slang (i.e. college, line, etc) are purely American. Put simply, it doesn't make sense and feels like some American editor tweaked all the Britishisms that would be authentic. It was fine, sure, and honestly I was just glad I reached the final page.

Cute premise, but the hot and cold aspect was immediately noticeable and not done in a compelling way. Anna blames Lloyd like she didn't have an equal opportunity to talk to him at any point. Just wasn't for me.

I love a good love story and oh my goodness, this was darling! I loved the characters and their journey. It was darling!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's | Delacorte Romance for this ARC! *Love & Lattes* by Beth Reekles is a charming and heartwarming romance that blends sweetness with genuine emotion. Reekles’ writing is engaging and relatable, bringing to life a delightful love story set against the backdrop of a cozy café. The characters are endearing and well-developed, with their romantic journey unfolding in a way that feels both fresh and familiar. While some plot points may be predictable, the novel's warmth and charm make it an enjoyable escape. Overall, it’s a feel-good read perfect for fans of contemporary romance looking for a light, yet heartfelt, story.