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The Cowboy and the Barista: Gay Romance MM-Italian
Thomas Lexington is openly gay, confident, and the proud owner of The Coffee Corral. He’s always dreamed of opening his own gourmet coffeehouse in his small hometown of Albin, Colorado, and now that dream is a reality. Opening day is a huge success, and even the town penny-pinchers seem to love the new coffeehouse.
Asher Jones is a ruggedly handsome cowboy who wanders into Thomas’s coffeehouse on opening day. He usually gets his coffee at a local gas station, but his usual haunt is closed for renovations. The minute Asher and Thomas lay eyes on each other, there’s an immediate spark. One huge problem—Asher isn’t out of the closet.
Despite their immediate attraction, Thomas is wary of getting too close to Asher. He’s been hurt many times before by men who use him but refuse to be with him openly. Thomas refuses to ever go back to being someone’s dirty secret. But the two men share a natural, easy friendship that brings them closer and closer.
As their friendship grows, so does their undeniable chemistry. The two men try to keep things platonic, but when Asher tells Thomas he’s willing to come out after all, the men move beyond a platonic relationship. Thomas thinks he’s finally found a man who will love him openly—but then Asher suddenly backs out of his promise.
The Cowboy and the Barista is a 70,000 word story based on a novella written in 2014. The story has been completely rewritten and expanded into a full-length novel.
Asher Jones is a ruggedly handsome cowboy who wanders into Thomas’s coffeehouse on opening day. He usually gets his coffee at a local gas station, but his usual haunt is closed for renovations. The minute Asher and Thomas lay eyes on each other, there’s an immediate spark. One huge problem—Asher isn’t out of the closet.
Despite their immediate attraction, Thomas is wary of getting too close to Asher. He’s been hurt many times before by men who use him but refuse to be with him openly. Thomas refuses to ever go back to being someone’s dirty secret. But the two men share a natural, easy friendship that brings them closer and closer.
As their friendship grows, so does their undeniable chemistry. The two men try to keep things platonic, but when Asher tells Thomas he’s willing to come out after all, the men move beyond a platonic relationship. Thomas thinks he’s finally found a man who will love him openly—but then Asher suddenly backs out of his promise.
The Cowboy and the Barista is a 70,000 word story based on a novella written in 2014. The story has been completely rewritten and expanded into a full-length novel.
403 pages, Paperback
First published June 22, 2014
86 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
S.C. Wynne
67 books587 followersS.C. Wynne is a Lambda Award-winning author for Gay Romance. S.C. started writing m/m romance and mystery in 2013. Her characters are usually a little jaded, funny, and ultimately redeemed through love.
If you’d like to contact S.C. Wynne she'd love to hear from you. You can contact her at scwynne@scwynne.com
If you’d like to contact S.C. Wynne she'd love to hear from you. You can contact her at scwynne@scwynne.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 29, 2015
The non-ending wasn't an issue for me as I knew when I started reading that there will be part two. Anyway, what I didn't like was on the one hand the stilted dialogues and on the other hand the fact that Thomas acted like an immature brat. Yes, of course, after a few 5-min-chats Archer should gladly come out and risk his job, no need to think about it. Adding the wannabe-girlfriend didn't help as well.
To be honest, I don't think I'll read part two.
To be honest, I don't think I'll read part two.
June 8, 2025
This is not bad at all. It’s competently written. Would I read it again? No. Would I recommend it? Maybe.
I liked the characters just fine.
I had two issues that really brought the rating down—the dialogue is at times so unnatural it seems bizarre. One character says something like, “Excuse me, I’m such an oaf.” Okay… have I wandered into a Dickensian parlor?
Second—the main conflict here is one MC is closeted. Okay, fine, but… it just seemed dated and contrived.
So, in summary, good writing but left me with the blahs.
I liked the characters just fine.
I had two issues that really brought the rating down—the dialogue is at times so unnatural it seems bizarre. One character says something like, “Excuse me, I’m such an oaf.” Okay… have I wandered into a Dickensian parlor?
Second—the main conflict here is one MC is closeted. Okay, fine, but… it just seemed dated and contrived.
So, in summary, good writing but left me with the blahs.
August 27, 2024
I don't think this was a story that will appeal to everyone. To be honest I struggled with some of the things in it but I loved the MCs. My heart broke for Asher and Thomas could use a swift kick once in a while but their story was compelling. This one has a lot of angst and heartbreak but if you like that sort of thing this may be for you.
● Contemporary
● Cowboy(deep in the closet)/barista (out and proud)
● Coming out
● Not angst filled but not angst light
● Some really sweet moments
● Broke my heart
● Loved the MCs
● There were some things that made me wince
● Couldn't put this one down
● Satisfying ending
July 29, 2024
When I first started this story I thought it started off great. Thomas's character had a background story that we got informed about early on, his character was described well, as was his coffee shop. Which I loved the name of! His first interaction with Asher was awkward and adorable in equal measure. I thought this book would continue on a good note but unfortunately the characters behavior didn't sit well with me the more the story went on.
Asher's character was hesitant to come out of the closet due to his fear of getting fired from his job. His boss is like a father to Asher and he was scared that coming out would not only result in the loss of his job, but he was worried he would lose the fatherly relationship he had formed with his boss. All of that is completely understandable, I did like that there was angst in this story, and I thought that aspect was handled well. However, I do feel as though it was drawn out a bit too long, from the beginning of this story to almost the end he continues to go back and forth on whether or not he should come out. He didn't speak up for himself for most of the story which brought down the writing. He also was a bit judgemental in the beginning, he made it clear that he believes there are some things that "real men" should and shouldn't do, which threw me out of the story real quick. I get he's closeted and that he's been in an environment that sparks that kind of thought process but I wasn't a fan of reading that.
Thomas's character in the beginning was great, I liked how he held true to his beliefs and stood his ground on his decisions. He was sassy, happy with himself for the most part, and stubborn. He was quite supportive in the beginning, but as the story progressed his character got mean very quickly. I understand him being upset by Asher not coming out when he said he was going to, however, there was very intense circumstances which prevented Asher from doing so. There was fault on both of these men, Thomas shouldn't have been so judgemental and careless, and Asher shouldn't have backed away from Thomas even though he couldn't come out to his boss yet.
Overall, not a bad story but I didn't like the characters behavior towards the end. That's just my opinion though, even though I couldn't get into this story, you might end up loving it!
Asher's character was hesitant to come out of the closet due to his fear of getting fired from his job. His boss is like a father to Asher and he was scared that coming out would not only result in the loss of his job, but he was worried he would lose the fatherly relationship he had formed with his boss. All of that is completely understandable, I did like that there was angst in this story, and I thought that aspect was handled well. However, I do feel as though it was drawn out a bit too long, from the beginning of this story to almost the end he continues to go back and forth on whether or not he should come out. He didn't speak up for himself for most of the story which brought down the writing. He also was a bit judgemental in the beginning, he made it clear that he believes there are some things that "real men" should and shouldn't do, which threw me out of the story real quick. I get he's closeted and that he's been in an environment that sparks that kind of thought process but I wasn't a fan of reading that.
Thomas's character in the beginning was great, I liked how he held true to his beliefs and stood his ground on his decisions. He was sassy, happy with himself for the most part, and stubborn. He was quite supportive in the beginning, but as the story progressed his character got mean very quickly. I understand him being upset by Asher not coming out when he said he was going to, however, there was very intense circumstances which prevented Asher from doing so. There was fault on both of these men, Thomas shouldn't have been so judgemental and careless, and Asher shouldn't have backed away from Thomas even though he couldn't come out to his boss yet.
Overall, not a bad story but I didn't like the characters behavior towards the end. That's just my opinion though, even though I couldn't get into this story, you might end up loving it!
January 8, 2016
“Coffee Corral” is an unusual name for a coffeehouse, but it fits both the environment - a small town in Colorado - and the owner’s character. People are curious and intrigued enough to give the new place a try, and that’s all Thomas needs. He has moved back to the town he grew up in and is hoping to start a new life on familiar, peaceful ground. But the quiet time doesn’t last long, and he’s in for a tough time the moment Asher, a cowboy working at the local dude ranch, walks into his coffee bar. Asher isn’t out, and this is the story of Thomas, unwilling to go back into the closet, and Asher, unwilling to come out of it, dealing with an attraction that is so strong that it has both men wondering what’s up and what’s down.
Thomas may be running a “fancy” coffee establishment now, but he used to ride bulls and has a far more varied background than his “city slicker” exterior suggests. He may not be telling everyone about his orientation, but he isn’t about to hide it either. He’s fought too long and hard ever to consider going into hiding again. And that is where the problems with Asher begin.
Asher is a cowboy who works in the macho environment of a dude ranch. He is scared to death about coming out and losing his job, so he hides who he is to the point that he has a fake girlfriend. Not that Thomas knows this when Asher walks into his coffeehouse for the first time. Asher is as attracted to Thomas as the other way around, and he is disappointed when Thomas doesn’t want to be his “dirty secret”. It gives him something to think about because the longer they casually encounter each other at various events, the more Asher realizes that there is a lot more to the attraction than he thought.
If you like stories about men who refuse to ever go back into the closet no matter what the cost, if a man who agonizes over coming out sounds interesting, and if you’re looking for a read that is realistic in terms of what some gay men go through before coming out, then you may like this story. It may just be the beginning of Thomas and Asher’s journey together, but it’s a vital part of them even getting to the point where they can be a couple and consider working on a relationship. It’s a great start!
NOTE: This book was provided by Evernight Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Thomas may be running a “fancy” coffee establishment now, but he used to ride bulls and has a far more varied background than his “city slicker” exterior suggests. He may not be telling everyone about his orientation, but he isn’t about to hide it either. He’s fought too long and hard ever to consider going into hiding again. And that is where the problems with Asher begin.
Asher is a cowboy who works in the macho environment of a dude ranch. He is scared to death about coming out and losing his job, so he hides who he is to the point that he has a fake girlfriend. Not that Thomas knows this when Asher walks into his coffeehouse for the first time. Asher is as attracted to Thomas as the other way around, and he is disappointed when Thomas doesn’t want to be his “dirty secret”. It gives him something to think about because the longer they casually encounter each other at various events, the more Asher realizes that there is a lot more to the attraction than he thought.
If you like stories about men who refuse to ever go back into the closet no matter what the cost, if a man who agonizes over coming out sounds interesting, and if you’re looking for a read that is realistic in terms of what some gay men go through before coming out, then you may like this story. It may just be the beginning of Thomas and Asher’s journey together, but it’s a vital part of them even getting to the point where they can be a couple and consider working on a relationship. It’s a great start!
NOTE: This book was provided by Evernight Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 14, 2014
If the end of this book had been as good as the beginning, it would have been a solid 4 rating. I loved the Thomas meeting the cowboy, Asher, on opening day of his coffeehouse. Thomas is not quite the city boy Asher assumes him to be and Asher isn’t the stupid shit-kicker Thomas sort of thought him to be. The two have good rapport and they banter back and forth in a way that you can see leading to being good friends, at least.
The trouble is that while they are both attracted to each other, Asher is definitely hiding who he is, so far in the closet there isn’t even a light on. Thomas is out and not about to go back in the closet for anyone. When they go on their first “date”, Thomas is so angry with himself for assuming Asher was out but he’s very upfront with Asher. He spent a long time hiding himself, being ashamed of himself and treating his sexuality like a dirty secret. “It was soul sucking and it almost destroyed me.” He’s just not going back to that for anyone. Asher is scared which I could understand, but then he should leave Thomas alone.
There’s a lot of hiding, lying (Charlotte) and basically not being honest to one’s own self. Sometimes it seems like Asher was trying, other times, not so much. He made me crazy sometimes – bringing Charlotte to the fair and then wondering why Thomas is stubborn and won’t give an inch. I wanted Asher to go figure out what he wanted by himself and not come back until he knew.
The problem for me was the ending. I felt like we were missing some chapters. Nothing had really changed, in my opinion, except for the lip service given. I wanted to see something happen!
The trouble is that while they are both attracted to each other, Asher is definitely hiding who he is, so far in the closet there isn’t even a light on. Thomas is out and not about to go back in the closet for anyone. When they go on their first “date”, Thomas is so angry with himself for assuming Asher was out but he’s very upfront with Asher. He spent a long time hiding himself, being ashamed of himself and treating his sexuality like a dirty secret. “It was soul sucking and it almost destroyed me.” He’s just not going back to that for anyone. Asher is scared which I could understand, but then he should leave Thomas alone.
There’s a lot of hiding, lying (Charlotte) and basically not being honest to one’s own self. Sometimes it seems like Asher was trying, other times, not so much. He made me crazy sometimes – bringing Charlotte to the fair and then wondering why Thomas is stubborn and won’t give an inch. I wanted Asher to go figure out what he wanted by himself and not come back until he knew.
The problem for me was the ending. I felt like we were missing some chapters. Nothing had really changed, in my opinion, except for the lip service given. I wanted to see something happen!
July 13, 2014
I loved the story and the passion between the characters. It was raw and realistic. I've felt the things that Thomas feels in the story and anyone can relate to Asher's hesitation about a certain situation (don't want to spoil it for anyone). It's beautifully written. There's this time in life when we encounter that one person that it just clicks and takes us over. And that's exactly what happens in this story. It was a wonderful read and I totally adore Thomas. He's like that really cool hard-shelled friend (with just the right touch of tender) who you can't help but adore and Asher is just sexy. He's everything a cowboy is made of and more.
August 18, 2014
I just didn't like the way Thomas handled Asher at all in this book. Both of them were whiny and icky. Asher in the closet, Thomas trying to force him out and being nasty about the whole thing. Just rubbed me wrong. And don't even get me going about the ending. What exactly was resolved? Nothing!
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March 16, 2025Couverture à l'ambiance un peu feutrée et aux personnages plutôt beaux gosses, titre qui ressemble un peu à un Barbara Cartland (je précise que je n'ai rien contre cette littérature, qui a toujours eu ses adeptes), j'étais aussi un peu curieuse face à l'émergence de nouveaux auteurs.
J'ai donc entamé ce roman, comme ça, un peu à l'improvisade.
Et... comment dire... je peux pas dire que ce soit si mal écrit (et si mal traduit) que ça en fait, quoique un peu trop linéaire, les dialogues manquaient d'émotion et de réalisme, j'ai juste été trop agacée par l'un des personnages (le cowboy) durant la totalité du roman. Et quand on supporte pas l'un des deux protagonistes d'une romance, c'est mal barré.
Thomas, de retour dans sa ville natale, vient d'y ouvrir son café. Gay, il refuse totalement d'être à nouveau le sale petit secret de quelqu'un et s'est fixé comme ligne de conduite de ne pas sortir avec un gars encore dans le placard.
Et si Asher, le cowboy, est plutôt sexy, et qu'il semble assez open, il n'est pas du tout décidé de faire son coming-out (ce qui se respecte, après tout, chacun sa vie).
Les deux hommes vont alors tenter une amitié, ce qui bien sûr ne va pas fonctionner et nous allons alors assister à 200 pages d'un pas en avant/2 pas en arrière/on prend les mêmes et on recommence, rajoutez à ça la fille du patron d'Asher qui aimerait bien se le taper (avec la bénédiction de papounet).
Si j'ai trouvé Thomas assez cohérent dans son attitude, Asher m'a prodigieusement agacée par son insistance lourdingue et son côté geignard.
Bref, si en finalité j'ai été plutôt surprise par la forme du roman (traduction, écriture, même si dialogues abrupts...), c'est vraiment le fond qui ne m'a pas séduite, même si je n'en attendais pas grand chose, à cause du cowboy.
Après, c'est une expérience qui se tente...
J'ai donc entamé ce roman, comme ça, un peu à l'improvisade.
Et... comment dire... je peux pas dire que ce soit si mal écrit (et si mal traduit) que ça en fait, quoique un peu trop linéaire, les dialogues manquaient d'émotion et de réalisme, j'ai juste été trop agacée par l'un des personnages (le cowboy) durant la totalité du roman. Et quand on supporte pas l'un des deux protagonistes d'une romance, c'est mal barré.
Thomas, de retour dans sa ville natale, vient d'y ouvrir son café. Gay, il refuse totalement d'être à nouveau le sale petit secret de quelqu'un et s'est fixé comme ligne de conduite de ne pas sortir avec un gars encore dans le placard.
Et si Asher, le cowboy, est plutôt sexy, et qu'il semble assez open, il n'est pas du tout décidé de faire son coming-out (ce qui se respecte, après tout, chacun sa vie).
Les deux hommes vont alors tenter une amitié, ce qui bien sûr ne va pas fonctionner et nous allons alors assister à 200 pages d'un pas en avant/2 pas en arrière/on prend les mêmes et on recommence, rajoutez à ça la fille du patron d'Asher qui aimerait bien se le taper (avec la bénédiction de papounet).
Si j'ai trouvé Thomas assez cohérent dans son attitude, Asher m'a prodigieusement agacée par son insistance lourdingue et son côté geignard.
Bref, si en finalité j'ai été plutôt surprise par la forme du roman (traduction, écriture, même si dialogues abrupts...), c'est vraiment le fond qui ne m'a pas séduite, même si je n'en attendais pas grand chose, à cause du cowboy.
Après, c'est une expérience qui se tente...
July 28, 2024
I'm rounding this up from 3.5. While this wasn't my favorite story from this author, it was entertaining to read. There were just a few things that didn't work well for me.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
August 4, 2024
My rating for The Cowboy and the Barista stands at 3.5 stars.
This book was so different from the others I have read of S.C. Wynne. The gist of the story was great but as I kept reading I started to get a bit annoyed at Asher and Thomas's characters.
Initially, Thomas was portrayed as a well settled business owner, outgoing, funny, a lovable character, but as the story progressed he became annoying and his stubborn nagging attitude towards Asher for not coming out when he promised dragged on till almost the end of the story. That put me off quite a bit.
As for Asher, a cowboy who worked on a ranch got pushed around, did not speak up for himself, but his love for Thomas was real and finally had the guts to come out to his boss who was more of a father figure than a boss, brought the story to a happy ending.
If only Thomas had shown more understanding and being supportive of Asher's dilemma, who was scared of coming out at that time in his life would have given the story more heart.
Coming out at that stage of your life, when almost thirty, must have been a very scary experience for him. My sympathy was more towards Asher than Thomas.
At one point in the story I wanted to smack Thomas on the head for being so self centered and rude and only thinking of his feelings and what he had gone through with his various other relationships. Like Asher's feelings did not matter at all, and he still kept on saying he loved Asher, which was very unkind.
But, then common sense prevailed, Asher came out, and it all ended well and happy.
This book was so different from the others I have read of S.C. Wynne. The gist of the story was great but as I kept reading I started to get a bit annoyed at Asher and Thomas's characters.
Initially, Thomas was portrayed as a well settled business owner, outgoing, funny, a lovable character, but as the story progressed he became annoying and his stubborn nagging attitude towards Asher for not coming out when he promised dragged on till almost the end of the story. That put me off quite a bit.
As for Asher, a cowboy who worked on a ranch got pushed around, did not speak up for himself, but his love for Thomas was real and finally had the guts to come out to his boss who was more of a father figure than a boss, brought the story to a happy ending.
If only Thomas had shown more understanding and being supportive of Asher's dilemma, who was scared of coming out at that time in his life would have given the story more heart.
Coming out at that stage of your life, when almost thirty, must have been a very scary experience for him. My sympathy was more towards Asher than Thomas.
At one point in the story I wanted to smack Thomas on the head for being so self centered and rude and only thinking of his feelings and what he had gone through with his various other relationships. Like Asher's feelings did not matter at all, and he still kept on saying he loved Asher, which was very unkind.
But, then common sense prevailed, Asher came out, and it all ended well and happy.
on-hold
August 7, 2024I really like the Dr. Thornton series of this author and was looking forward to this book.
But now I am at 53% and I am unsure if I can continue.
We only see Thomas perspective, but I don't like what I see.
He is judgemental and selfish ... at least for me. I understand why he wants to protect himself but to force someone out of the closet is not ok, especially not in Ashers situation.
So, I have to step back and think about if I want to go on
But now I am at 53% and I am unsure if I can continue.
We only see Thomas perspective, but I don't like what I see.
He is judgemental and selfish ... at least for me. I understand why he wants to protect himself but to force someone out of the closet is not ok, especially not in Ashers situation.
So, I have to step back and think about if I want to go on
July 29, 2024
DNF. Got about 80% through the book and then there was a scene at a fair or festival where they’re being antagonistic to one another and where it was leading to had me going “Oh HELL NO” you’re not breaking one of the most basic rules of decency and humanity in the LGTBQ+ community. (In my opinion)
The pining was good and I thought there was a lot of potential but the stubbornness and resolute determination to just not give an inch on anything or have any empathy or compassion and then go and do (or potentially do) something I consider unforgivable? Nope. Not a couple I root for.
As they put it, they don’t trust each other so why should they be together? Well….then don’t be together. Is my opinion. Find someone you do trust.
The pining was good and I thought there was a lot of potential but the stubbornness and resolute determination to just not give an inch on anything or have any empathy or compassion and then go and do (or potentially do) something I consider unforgivable? Nope. Not a couple I root for.
As they put it, they don’t trust each other so why should they be together? Well….then don’t be together. Is my opinion. Find someone you do trust.
July 28, 2024
Not what I expected
The story is about a cowboy that are scared to come out the closet.
I didn't like the fact that the topic of coming out dragged for too long. And the character that supposed to be supportive, is the one that's forcing him out.
This book is not something that I would recommend at all. Well it's not a story I like. 🙄
The story is about a cowboy that are scared to come out the closet.
I didn't like the fact that the topic of coming out dragged for too long. And the character that supposed to be supportive, is the one that's forcing him out.
This book is not something that I would recommend at all. Well it's not a story I like. 🙄
July 27, 2014
Review: The Cowboy and the Barista by S.C. Wynne
When Thomas Lexington, ex-bullrider, decides to set up a coffee shop in the middle of nowhere sleepy town, no one but he and his best friend knew it was going to click. What, with a town full of tight wads that only knew coffee as either free of oil based. On the very first day of opening, in walks a cowboy dreamboy who was shy and quiet and a hunk. Immediate attraction is set and their relationship develops from barista and cowboy to friendlies and finally to second base. Theirs was a fast developing relationship and things are all rosy glowy when everything hits the fan leaving both men in confusion, anger, disappointment and need.
This really started out well, so well written in fact that from page one I had this huge grin on my face it started to worry my hubby. I could not get enough out of Thomas and Asher's exchanges for they were funny, sappy, verbally erotic and delicious. When their relationship hit bottom, unfortunately, the story hit bottom too. Especially with the way things ended. I was left hanging and confused, disappointed that what could have been a sure thing just got lost.
I am a bit disappointed where this went for it all started out fantastic and the author was brilliant but somewhere along the way, the story got lost and try hard as I could to find it, I kept going in circles. Until that end.
Do I want changes? I definitely do! This was such a solid story and if only it were a little longer it could go all the way. I wish the author would rethink and re-do this for I really loved both Thomas and Asher, even if Asher was a bit of a four legged honking animal at times. There is something here that I got to have a good look at but it disappeared. I really hope to see it again.
When Thomas Lexington, ex-bullrider, decides to set up a coffee shop in the middle of nowhere sleepy town, no one but he and his best friend knew it was going to click. What, with a town full of tight wads that only knew coffee as either free of oil based. On the very first day of opening, in walks a cowboy dreamboy who was shy and quiet and a hunk. Immediate attraction is set and their relationship develops from barista and cowboy to friendlies and finally to second base. Theirs was a fast developing relationship and things are all rosy glowy when everything hits the fan leaving both men in confusion, anger, disappointment and need.
This really started out well, so well written in fact that from page one I had this huge grin on my face it started to worry my hubby. I could not get enough out of Thomas and Asher's exchanges for they were funny, sappy, verbally erotic and delicious. When their relationship hit bottom, unfortunately, the story hit bottom too. Especially with the way things ended. I was left hanging and confused, disappointed that what could have been a sure thing just got lost.
I am a bit disappointed where this went for it all started out fantastic and the author was brilliant but somewhere along the way, the story got lost and try hard as I could to find it, I kept going in circles. Until that end.
Do I want changes? I definitely do! This was such a solid story and if only it were a little longer it could go all the way. I wish the author would rethink and re-do this for I really loved both Thomas and Asher, even if Asher was a bit of a four legged honking animal at times. There is something here that I got to have a good look at but it disappeared. I really hope to see it again.
July 2, 2014
Wow the ending of this novella is truly anticlimactic, even lame. Personally it's pointless and as Staceyr's wrote in her review, we got nothing realistic out of Asher, only an empty promise. I'm disappointed!
April 17, 2015
Im so happy to find out this is only part 01. Loved the sense of humor on main characters.
It is refreshing reading a book that has some flirting instead of instant sex.
I can only imagine how thomas felt having to deal with secret meetings. Totally agree with his new resolutions!!
Since it is part one i can only imagine their HFN ending is temporary.
It is refreshing reading a book that has some flirting instead of instant sex.
I can only imagine how thomas felt having to deal with secret meetings. Totally agree with his new resolutions!!
Since it is part one i can only imagine their HFN ending is temporary.
August 4, 2016
Cute book. I liked the humorous dialog and appreciated that Thomas didn't expect Asher to come out for him only. It had to be Asher's decision. I liked Sal, she was funny. I will check out more from this author for sure.
July 21, 2014
http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
It’s a quick read. The plot isn't overly complicated and nothing ground breaking happens to really pull a reader in but it is very well written for a fast, easy romance.
It’s a quick read. The plot isn't overly complicated and nothing ground breaking happens to really pull a reader in but it is very well written for a fast, easy romance.
June 30, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It was funny and well written. It ended earlier than I would have preferred. I'm hoping there will be a sequel maybe.
July 5, 2014
3.5 fairly light but cute
July 6, 2014
3.5 stars
August 22, 2024
'The Cowboy and the Barista', by S.C. Wynne
Update: I did eventually finish reading this...
I have started, and stopped (rinse-repeat) reading this book on & off, picking it back up and trying to read more, several times, before I gave up; I just really struggled to get into it.
(and I love the cowboy trope, plus the cover is absolutely gorgeous!)
So many stereotypes...too much drama-trauma and whiney BS, too much stubbornly holding onto perceived hurts (from Thomas, the barista) which mostly were based on past experiences with how he was mis-treated by other guys, but also the on-again, off-again treatment from his new lover, Asher.
And cowboy Asher's fear-based choices afraid of anyone in town or at his work discovering he's gay! Welp, you know I do understand his fears, because he's been in the closet his whole life and if he comes out now, there IS a very real chance he could lose not only his job as a working-ranch foreman, but also the love and support of his boss, who is like a father to him. He could also be attacked, beaten, and murdered for being gay...a very real fear!
Don't get me wrong, having lived in various parts of Colorado I do understand how conservative and homophobic it can be, especially when one is living/working outside of the Denver/Boulder area, which can be more liberal in many instances.
There's SO much mis-communication and really, lack of understanding on both their parts! And too much selfishness. I just kept wanting to whack each of them up-side their head with a big ol' cowboy boot, for being idiots!
So...I didn't particularly care about any of the characters, except the barista's best gal-pal Sal; she was the only one who seemed like she saw things as they really were. Everyone else was just...meh...annoying & frustrating to hear the same whines...over & over & over again! Don't even get me started on the ranch owner's delusional daughter who wanted to date and marry the cowboy! What a piece of work! Weirdly though, for all the possessiveness from her around Asher in most of the book, at the end she doesn't seem to be around?
It kinda seemed liked an oddly skewed "Hallmark" type movie storyline; just switch out the barista with a young woman...and "pfft!" there ya go! The usual silly romance trope, a bit boring, tbh...
...oh well, except I DO like a good cowboy story...plus deep, dark rich black coffee (no sugary slop, nor fake creamer to muck it all up!) I like my whiskey neat, too. ;-)
(btw, apologies to the author for the rant, as I feel like they tried to write a good storyline; it was just a bit of a failure for me)
Update: I did eventually finish reading this...
I have started, and stopped (rinse-repeat) reading this book on & off, picking it back up and trying to read more, several times, before I gave up; I just really struggled to get into it.
(and I love the cowboy trope, plus the cover is absolutely gorgeous!)
So many stereotypes...too much drama-trauma and whiney BS, too much stubbornly holding onto perceived hurts (from Thomas, the barista) which mostly were based on past experiences with how he was mis-treated by other guys, but also the on-again, off-again treatment from his new lover, Asher.
And cowboy Asher's fear-based choices afraid of anyone in town or at his work discovering he's gay! Welp, you know I do understand his fears, because he's been in the closet his whole life and if he comes out now, there IS a very real chance he could lose not only his job as a working-ranch foreman, but also the love and support of his boss, who is like a father to him. He could also be attacked, beaten, and murdered for being gay...a very real fear!
Don't get me wrong, having lived in various parts of Colorado I do understand how conservative and homophobic it can be, especially when one is living/working outside of the Denver/Boulder area, which can be more liberal in many instances.
There's SO much mis-communication and really, lack of understanding on both their parts! And too much selfishness. I just kept wanting to whack each of them up-side their head with a big ol' cowboy boot, for being idiots!
So...I didn't particularly care about any of the characters, except the barista's best gal-pal Sal; she was the only one who seemed like she saw things as they really were. Everyone else was just...meh...annoying & frustrating to hear the same whines...over & over & over again! Don't even get me started on the ranch owner's delusional daughter who wanted to date and marry the cowboy! What a piece of work! Weirdly though, for all the possessiveness from her around Asher in most of the book, at the end she doesn't seem to be around?
It kinda seemed liked an oddly skewed "Hallmark" type movie storyline; just switch out the barista with a young woman...and "pfft!" there ya go! The usual silly romance trope, a bit boring, tbh...
...oh well, except I DO like a good cowboy story...plus deep, dark rich black coffee (no sugary slop, nor fake creamer to muck it all up!) I like my whiskey neat, too. ;-)
(btw, apologies to the author for the rant, as I feel like they tried to write a good storyline; it was just a bit of a failure for me)
August 4, 2024
I enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and the dynamic between literally a cowboy and a barista. I loved the name of Thomas's coffee house: The Coffee Corral. I loved the first meeting(s) between Thomas and Asher. They were cute and a little awkward and totally made me smile. (Scott's staring lovestruck at Asher, and his cheerful, sassy, attitude also made me laugh and fall for him. I hope he gets his own book!) I liked the way Asher and Thomas's relationship developed. But these two had to fight for their happy ending. Thomas has been hurt too many times by guys in the closet who wanted him as their dirty secret and mistreated him.
'I’d been down this road many times with guys. Guys who weren’t comfortable with their sexuality. Guys who wanted a taste, but didn’t want anyone to know they’d had that taste. The way they sometimes treated you could be very painful and degrading.'
Asher wasn't out of the closet- afraid coming out would cost him his job and his relationship with his boss who's like a father to him. But the chemistry and attraction were there. I personally was drawn in to Asher's quiet, almost shy demeaner. I also like that he took the initiative and asked Thomas to be friends early on.
Asher was trying to keep his homosexuality a secret but at some point he promised Thomas he would come out to Hank (boss) because he wanted a relationship with Thomas, who refused to be with someone in the closet again and get hurt. Asher was terrified of doing it but wanted to.
“Honestly? I’m scared shitless. But I don’t feel like I have a choice. I want to be with you, and I know this is the only way that can happen.”
When a medical emergency happens to get in the way of that, Thomas's reaction was so unexpected. It was exactly that- an emergency- and instead of being understanding and supportive, considering Hank was still an important person and father figure to Asher, he closed up and reacted in anger. As a gay man, he should understand that the act of coming out can be so hard in and of itself- especially after Asher voiced his fear over it. So him hurting Asher at a time that he needed him really hurt me to read. He was too hung up on his past relationships that I think he acted really badly and I lost a lot of my like for him. I really did. Sal was so much more reasonable as she tried to make him see things more clearly. But I was still disappointed. I wanted to see a relationship and so much time was wasted not together that even though we get a happy ending, I wasn't satisfied. 3 stars
'I’d been down this road many times with guys. Guys who weren’t comfortable with their sexuality. Guys who wanted a taste, but didn’t want anyone to know they’d had that taste. The way they sometimes treated you could be very painful and degrading.'
Asher wasn't out of the closet- afraid coming out would cost him his job and his relationship with his boss who's like a father to him. But the chemistry and attraction were there. I personally was drawn in to Asher's quiet, almost shy demeaner. I also like that he took the initiative and asked Thomas to be friends early on.
Asher was trying to keep his homosexuality a secret but at some point he promised Thomas he would come out to Hank (boss) because he wanted a relationship with Thomas, who refused to be with someone in the closet again and get hurt. Asher was terrified of doing it but wanted to.
“Honestly? I’m scared shitless. But I don’t feel like I have a choice. I want to be with you, and I know this is the only way that can happen.”
When a medical emergency happens to get in the way of that, Thomas's reaction was so unexpected. It was exactly that- an emergency- and instead of being understanding and supportive, considering Hank was still an important person and father figure to Asher, he closed up and reacted in anger. As a gay man, he should understand that the act of coming out can be so hard in and of itself- especially after Asher voiced his fear over it. So him hurting Asher at a time that he needed him really hurt me to read. He was too hung up on his past relationships that I think he acted really badly and I lost a lot of my like for him. I really did. Sal was so much more reasonable as she tried to make him see things more clearly. But I was still disappointed. I wanted to see a relationship and so much time was wasted not together that even though we get a happy ending, I wasn't satisfied. 3 stars
September 15, 2024
3.25 stars
I loved some aspects of this and didn't like some others. It's well-written with good characters in Asher and Thomas. I love me a big, dark haired, blue eyed cowboy like Asher. The story had a good bit of drama, though, and it made me seesaw a bit in reading it.
It's all from Thomas's point of view, so you really understand where he's coming from and are sympathetic to his stance, but he does let his past relationships influence him too much in how he treats Asher. Asher gets more of my sympathy for how things go, but not by much. I'm probably 52% Asher's side, 48% Thomas's. I feel like they both really needed to take a chill pill. Maybe switch to decaf coffee for a bit. It didn't have to be so intense and urgent and do this now or we're over now. I believe that even couples who cohabitate should have time apart to themselves. Each person needs time and space to be themselves and it's not good to want to spend all free time together.
Asher is in the closet. He feels the need to stay there due to work concerns. He knows that Thomas has very strong feelings about being with someone who isn't open about their sexuality or relationships. As friends or more, Asher should have given more space. It was kind of obsessive how he needed to see and spend time with Thomas. It was no wonder why Thomas pushed the way he did and felt conflicted, but so much of his past hurt drove him in how he acted that he often wasn't really reacting to what was happening with Asher to delay his coming out. I feel like Sal, seeing both sides and just wanting the guys to take a beat then work it out. The happy ending comes about so quickly after all the more dramatic back and forth that it doesn't feel fitting. Like if you can set it all aside so quickly, why was like 75% of the book about this hurdle? Both characters were pretty set on their individual side of things until Yippee, that's all just dealt with? Finding out at the end that it was pretty much instalove for both of them when they first met makes some of it make sense, but not that repeated back and forth over coming out. The ending makes it feel like some, if not nearly all, of that was just to increase the page count rather than fleshing out the characters' story.
All that said, before I talk myself into a lower rating, I did like this. It was engaging and I eagerly read it all. I also love the cover art. That image definitely helped get this title on my actual reading list over a ridiculously long to be read list.
I loved some aspects of this and didn't like some others. It's well-written with good characters in Asher and Thomas. I love me a big, dark haired, blue eyed cowboy like Asher. The story had a good bit of drama, though, and it made me seesaw a bit in reading it.
It's all from Thomas's point of view, so you really understand where he's coming from and are sympathetic to his stance, but he does let his past relationships influence him too much in how he treats Asher. Asher gets more of my sympathy for how things go, but not by much. I'm probably 52% Asher's side, 48% Thomas's. I feel like they both really needed to take a chill pill. Maybe switch to decaf coffee for a bit. It didn't have to be so intense and urgent and do this now or we're over now. I believe that even couples who cohabitate should have time apart to themselves. Each person needs time and space to be themselves and it's not good to want to spend all free time together.
Asher is in the closet. He feels the need to stay there due to work concerns. He knows that Thomas has very strong feelings about being with someone who isn't open about their sexuality or relationships. As friends or more, Asher should have given more space. It was kind of obsessive how he needed to see and spend time with Thomas. It was no wonder why Thomas pushed the way he did and felt conflicted, but so much of his past hurt drove him in how he acted that he often wasn't really reacting to what was happening with Asher to delay his coming out. I feel like Sal, seeing both sides and just wanting the guys to take a beat then work it out. The happy ending comes about so quickly after all the more dramatic back and forth that it doesn't feel fitting. Like if you can set it all aside so quickly, why was like 75% of the book about this hurdle? Both characters were pretty set on their individual side of things until Yippee, that's all just dealt with? Finding out at the end that it was pretty much instalove for both of them when they first met makes some of it make sense, but not that repeated back and forth over coming out. The ending makes it feel like some, if not nearly all, of that was just to increase the page count rather than fleshing out the characters' story.
All that said, before I talk myself into a lower rating, I did like this. It was engaging and I eagerly read it all. I also love the cover art. That image definitely helped get this title on my actual reading list over a ridiculously long to be read list.
July 29, 2024
This is the story of Thomas Lexington and Asher Jones. Thomas is a small town boy who returned home and opened up his own coffee shop, The Coffee Corral. it is a labor of love for him. Thomas is an out and proud gay man. Asher is a cowboy working at a local ranch while his broken leg heals. They meet when Asher strolls in for a coffee. This is their story. I really liked the beginning of this book. The characters interaction and chemistry was wonderful. It is later in the book when my opinion begins to change. Due to his employment Asher is not out at work. This is an unhealthy work environment that Thomas has experienced and is well familiar with. When Asher promises to tell his boss, they have a medical emergency and it doesn't happen. Asher explains to Thomas what happened. He is up front and honest with Thomas. Thomas does not react like you would expect. He becomes angry and mean. He acts like Asher has to pay for the actions of all the men that came before him and broke Thomas's heart. I was thrown out of the story by this. And I have to say that I didn't really enjoy the story from that point on. Coming out is a deeply personal decision and I felt that Thomas should have handled it much better. I know that the two of them overcome their difficulties to reach their own happy ending but at that point I didn't really want them to get together. But that is just how I felt. The book is written well and is easy to read. I am sure that others will enjoy it very much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2024
Loveable Characters and a Sweet Romance💜
I really enjoyed this sweet and sexy romance. Thomas an out and proud Barista and Asher a gorgeous very closeted quiet cowboy, I love a small town romance.
Asher goes into town for his usual cup of Joe, the sludge from the petrol station, to find its closed for renovations. This coincides with Thomas’ new coffee shop opening and Asher finds himself in a real coffee shop selling real coffee! The chemistry between these two is instant and when Thomas finds out that Asher is gay all bets are off. Not really, when Thomas finds out that Asher is in the closet with no plans to come out all his old insecurities and demons come out to play, he has been hurt too many times by men who refuse to acknowledge him in public, but he can’t keep away from Asher.
They give being friends a go and find they get on very well but they still fall quickly and deeply and Asher makes Thomas promises but when circumstances change, Thomas erects huge barriers and shuts Asher out.
I have to say that I felt for Asher, he was devastated and the circumstances were beyond his control and we saw a not so sweet side to Thomas. Thank god for his amazing bestie Sal who tried to talk him round and when all else failed set him up. We also got a homophobic boss and a spoilt clingy daughter and I devoured the book in one go!
I’ve always enjoyed this authors writing and I recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this sweet and sexy romance. Thomas an out and proud Barista and Asher a gorgeous very closeted quiet cowboy, I love a small town romance.
Asher goes into town for his usual cup of Joe, the sludge from the petrol station, to find its closed for renovations. This coincides with Thomas’ new coffee shop opening and Asher finds himself in a real coffee shop selling real coffee! The chemistry between these two is instant and when Thomas finds out that Asher is gay all bets are off. Not really, when Thomas finds out that Asher is in the closet with no plans to come out all his old insecurities and demons come out to play, he has been hurt too many times by men who refuse to acknowledge him in public, but he can’t keep away from Asher.
They give being friends a go and find they get on very well but they still fall quickly and deeply and Asher makes Thomas promises but when circumstances change, Thomas erects huge barriers and shuts Asher out.
I have to say that I felt for Asher, he was devastated and the circumstances were beyond his control and we saw a not so sweet side to Thomas. Thank god for his amazing bestie Sal who tried to talk him round and when all else failed set him up. We also got a homophobic boss and a spoilt clingy daughter and I devoured the book in one go!
I’ve always enjoyed this authors writing and I recommend this book.
March 27, 2025
I know this was written in 2014, and times were different but I am really annoyed.
Asher can't take no for an answer and tries to get Thomas back into the closet so they can have a secret little affair and he gets to keep his job/life and sex to boot while Thomas has to stay officially single and only has a relationship in secret. DNF'ed it at 31% in.
I just can't accept a person who pushes and pushes for another person to agree to go back into the closet, just because they can make each other feel good.
Sorry, this could turn out to be the cutest romance from here on out but Asher feels like those high school boys who pressure their girl friends to put out if they "really love him".
Also can't believe that so many readers who left a review hated on Thomas. Do they know how hard it is to have come out? To endanger their life and their whole livelyhood to come out and live their truth? To live normal, unapologetically and out in the open like anyone else? To COMMIT? And then being forced to take away that act of bravery for "lurve". You all say Thomas has no right to demand Asher to come out. But I ask you, Asher has to right to limit and force Asher back into the closet while he, Asher, keeps the cake and gets to eat it.
Asher can't take no for an answer and tries to get Thomas back into the closet so they can have a secret little affair and he gets to keep his job/life and sex to boot while Thomas has to stay officially single and only has a relationship in secret. DNF'ed it at 31% in.
I just can't accept a person who pushes and pushes for another person to agree to go back into the closet, just because they can make each other feel good.
Sorry, this could turn out to be the cutest romance from here on out but Asher feels like those high school boys who pressure their girl friends to put out if they "really love him".
Also can't believe that so many readers who left a review hated on Thomas. Do they know how hard it is to have come out? To endanger their life and their whole livelyhood to come out and live their truth? To live normal, unapologetically and out in the open like anyone else? To COMMIT? And then being forced to take away that act of bravery for "lurve". You all say Thomas has no right to demand Asher to come out. But I ask you, Asher has to right to limit and force Asher back into the closet while he, Asher, keeps the cake and gets to eat it.
July 29, 2024
2⭐️
I’ve read another book by this author that I absolutely loved, a compelling five star read. I liked the premise and enjoy romances set in coffee shops, but overall this one wasn’t for me. The dialogue read a bit stilted which made it challenging to connect with the main characters. Thomas comes across a bit harsh and juvenile. Asher’s reluctance to come out is very understandable and the author does a good job establishing his struggle. However, the decisions he makes were not my favorite. Like his decision to fake date his boss’s daughter Charlotte was very frustrating, especially after Thomas lays out very clearly why this is a terrible idea. Charlotte herself was unfortunately unpleasant, shallow, and entitled. Plus, the idea that Hank needs Asher to hopefully marry and take care of Charlotte, an adult woman wasn’t my favorite. There are moments towards the end where Thomas and Asher show promise as a couple but I wish there was more development of the relationship, and less time worrying about Hank and Charlotte. I did love the cover art, which is lovely and eye catching.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I’ve read another book by this author that I absolutely loved, a compelling five star read. I liked the premise and enjoy romances set in coffee shops, but overall this one wasn’t for me. The dialogue read a bit stilted which made it challenging to connect with the main characters. Thomas comes across a bit harsh and juvenile. Asher’s reluctance to come out is very understandable and the author does a good job establishing his struggle. However, the decisions he makes were not my favorite. Like his decision to fake date his boss’s daughter Charlotte was very frustrating, especially after Thomas lays out very clearly why this is a terrible idea. Charlotte herself was unfortunately unpleasant, shallow, and entitled. Plus, the idea that Hank needs Asher to hopefully marry and take care of Charlotte, an adult woman wasn’t my favorite. There are moments towards the end where Thomas and Asher show promise as a couple but I wish there was more development of the relationship, and less time worrying about Hank and Charlotte. I did love the cover art, which is lovely and eye catching.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 30, 2024
Realistic dilemma of what you want vs what he wants. Thomas is out and proud. He is the new owner of a coffeehouse and ready to prove his mettle. Asher is a cowboy deep in the closet attracted to Thomas. He is attracted to Thomas, but fighting it because of his fear of homophobic consequences. Thomas has been burnt in the past by partners wanting to keep him on the down low and he's not willing to enter that rodeo again, even though he's wildly attracted to Asher. This is a story of Asher working through being a gay man and his fear of potential retribution from employers and acquaintances. Thomas must consider his feelings and any consequences catching feels of a man deep in the closet. It is painful watching their struggle. I thought Asher was a selfish clod but understood he was still finding himself. Thomas is a boss, guiding and sticking by Ashe as he works to become a more complete open and honest person. Good story. The feelings and nuances of 'coming out' and living your truth, are handled realistically. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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