Must Love Coffee (425 Madison #1) by Leigh Lennon
ABOUT THE BOOK
Gwen
I was stripped of all my own desires and wants when I was married to my ex-husband. I now carry a list with me–a list that will help me choose a man that will put me first in life. Then the storm cloud of an entitled millionaire appears in my life and knocks me off my axis. This man sends so many mixed signals, my body either quakes with anger or passion when I’m around him. I’m his son’s teacher and his tenant, but I find myself wanting more.
Leo
My life is run with precision with little regard for others until a woman in crazy clothes challenges me to be a better father. She’s one of the few people that puts me in my place and maybe for this very reason–I want her more than I can articulate. With her failed marriage and list of requests she needs from her next partner, I know she’s my future. My life is less than perfect, and with it–baggage that follows me everywhere. Does she want my kind of crazy in her life? I’m her landlord and an a**hole, but I find myself wanting more. Where to begin? For starters, you must love coffee…After all, 425 Madison Avenue is the perfect place to fall in love.
MY REVIEW
I can’t stress enough how much I love this book! It made me laugh, cry, and sigh at the same time. I’ve read A LOT of romances in my life and this one will stay with me for a long time. It’s a beautiful story of how love makes us selfless, love makes us brave, and loves makes us stretch our boundaries.
Was I out of my ever-loving mind? Does he even like coffee? Did it matter because he’d wanted to put me first? And when I surprise my own self, telling him to basically chase me, his wink makes my whole body shake. If I wasn’t already trying to calm the kids from the idea of ooey-gooey pretzel goodness, my response may have been more than a simple smile.
Gwen Ambrose will do anything for her daughter, Luna. Even waive her rights to her slimy ex-husband Dwayne’s millions to get full custody and live on her teacher’s salary. But the awesome judge at the custody hearing has her ex’s number and awards Gwen more than she hoped for…to live a comfortable life with her daughter at Dwayne’s expense. When she thought her life was getting back on track, Leo Eastman stomps into her life and sweeps her off her feet. Could she find someone who would love her for herself?
What is it about the strawberry-blonde teacher in her crazy clothes that pulls at me? I want to get to know her over dinner, with her daughter and my kids. This will have Olive smiling like she hasn’t in years. The idea, this fantasy makes me—hell, happy.
Leo Eastman is used to getting his own way and when a beautiful and sassy teacher questions his bad parenting skills, he’s impressed and determined to get to know her better. But first, he must apologize by giving her a cup of her favorite joe every day when he takes his two children Teague and Olive to school. He hasn’t opened his heart since his divorce, but she makes him laugh and she helped him take a look at his life and make it better.
Leo Eastman is my hero. He is so dependable and honorable with the way he takes care of Gwen and Luna, and the way he stands up to Gwen’s ex had me cheering. Gwen is no slouch herself. The woman is smart and feisty, loves everything Harry Potter, and makes her own unique and fun clothes using themes from various literary books. I also admired the concept of her giving Leo her 10 “must loves” which were her expectations of things that her partner would accept from her and Leo cleverly nails each and every one, especially with the very thoughtful gesture near the end. Let me add that the supporting characters are interesting as well including their children, Gwen’s friend Mallory, and Leo’s friend and Gwen’s boss, Mason.
Overall, Ms. Lennon has become one of my favorite authors overnight and I can’t wait to read more of her books. If you love fast-paced, enemies-to-lovers romances with naughty teachers and hot men who must love coffee, give this one a try. Recommend highly!
Thank you to Ms. Lennon for giving me the opportunity to read her book with no expectation of a positive review.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I am a woman who loves to share all my imaginary friends with the world.
My characters become as real to me as those I call family.
I am a girl, who loves pretty nails, spikey hair and large earrings.
Coffee and wine call to me daily, depending on the time of the day.
I am a mom first and foremost and my kids are the breath of my life.
I met my husband while serving in the military and I am proud to say he’s kicked cancer’s ass!
I write real life issues that reflect a little of my own little world.
My family tolerates the seventh member of our family, my computer, as I lug this vital piece everywhere I go.
Follow Leigh on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.