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Her Last First... #4
Her Last First Kiss
Love is brewing where they least expect it.
Ivy Morehouse loves her hourly-wage job at the funky punk-rock-themed Velvet Undergrounds coffee house. Bentley Hollis grew up in a wealthy family and has a Harvard business degree. The only thing they have in common is an appreciation for ironic branding and great pastry.
When Bentley shows up at the Velvet Undergrounds as an employee, Ivy’s certain he’s just another overconfident, rich, handsome jerk—a type she’s unfortunately familiar with. And he’s clearly keeping a secret. Why else would he be working in a coffee shop? But as she overcomes her first impressions, will they both learn that they could be the perfect blend?
Formerly titled Besting the Undercover Billionaire.
Ivy Morehouse loves her hourly-wage job at the funky punk-rock-themed Velvet Undergrounds coffee house. Bentley Hollis grew up in a wealthy family and has a Harvard business degree. The only thing they have in common is an appreciation for ironic branding and great pastry.
When Bentley shows up at the Velvet Undergrounds as an employee, Ivy’s certain he’s just another overconfident, rich, handsome jerk—a type she’s unfortunately familiar with. And he’s clearly keeping a secret. Why else would he be working in a coffee shop? But as she overcomes her first impressions, will they both learn that they could be the perfect blend?
Formerly titled Besting the Undercover Billionaire.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2019
107 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 6, 2019
This is supposedly in a series, but the books aren't at all related. They don't happen in the same place and they don't have any of the same characters. I actually don't mind, but it bears mentioning if you're worried about reading things in order.
This was . . . adequate? The characters are a bit shallow and I didn't really buy either lead as described. Frankly, I'm not sure why I finished this as there wasn't really much to engage with.
Ivy was my biggest source of friction. She has this mammoth classist chip on her shoulder because apparently she has dated two "rich boys" before and they both turned out to be jerks. Because every barista in a coffee shop dates enough rich boys to form an opinion of them as a group? At any rate, she spends an awful lot of time running down the guy who owns the company she works for considering that she actually likes her job—a fact we have to be told because heaven knows it doesn't come out in her actions or internal dialogue. Her treatment of Bentley runs cold and colder with flashes of lukewarm when he pulls some completely unlikely rabbit out of his hat (he can play Gershwin songs on the piano . . . from memory?!?). I kept waiting to find something that Bentley might find attractive, but that didn't really happen.
Bentley started out way more sympathetic. But I lost a lot of that as we got to know his flagrant timidity. The guy hasn't got the spine of a mollusk and I'm supposed to think he's some business genius who can "instinctively" match people with products they desire? It's as much of a fairy tale as the attraction he has for Ivy (and we learn she has for him, supposedly, eventually).
The relationship doesn't work, is what I'm saying. This is no where as evident as when .
The only thing I really engaged with is that Jacobs manages to make the business side of things seem reasonable. Not that things would actually work as described, but the conflicts and trade-offs were nuanced and given in enough detail to make sense. For a while, there was a hint of this tying into the relationship and I kind of hoped that'd happen. But sadly, not so much.
I ended this thinking I'd give it three stars. But in writing it all out, I'm going to go with two. Really, the best interpretation I can put on the story is that it is surface and relies on the reader just going along with being told they're into one another. Personally, I didn't see it.
A note about Chaste: This is perhaps Jacobs' greatest talent. Her stories I've read so far are effortlessly chaste with no hint of missing faith or manipulation to get there.
This was . . . adequate? The characters are a bit shallow and I didn't really buy either lead as described. Frankly, I'm not sure why I finished this as there wasn't really much to engage with.
Ivy was my biggest source of friction. She has this mammoth classist chip on her shoulder because apparently she has dated two "rich boys" before and they both turned out to be jerks. Because every barista in a coffee shop dates enough rich boys to form an opinion of them as a group? At any rate, she spends an awful lot of time running down the guy who owns the company she works for considering that she actually likes her job—a fact we have to be told because heaven knows it doesn't come out in her actions or internal dialogue. Her treatment of Bentley runs cold and colder with flashes of lukewarm when he pulls some completely unlikely rabbit out of his hat (he can play Gershwin songs on the piano . . . from memory?!?). I kept waiting to find something that Bentley might find attractive, but that didn't really happen.
Bentley started out way more sympathetic. But I lost a lot of that as we got to know his flagrant timidity. The guy hasn't got the spine of a mollusk and I'm supposed to think he's some business genius who can "instinctively" match people with products they desire? It's as much of a fairy tale as the attraction he has for Ivy (and we learn she has for him, supposedly, eventually).
The relationship doesn't work, is what I'm saying. This is no where as evident as when .
The only thing I really engaged with is that Jacobs manages to make the business side of things seem reasonable. Not that things would actually work as described, but the conflicts and trade-offs were nuanced and given in enough detail to make sense. For a while, there was a hint of this tying into the relationship and I kind of hoped that'd happen. But sadly, not so much.
I ended this thinking I'd give it three stars. But in writing it all out, I'm going to go with two. Really, the best interpretation I can put on the story is that it is surface and relies on the reader just going along with being told they're into one another. Personally, I didn't see it.
A note about Chaste: This is perhaps Jacobs' greatest talent. Her stories I've read so far are effortlessly chaste with no hint of missing faith or manipulation to get there.
May 6, 2019
Brenna Jacobs books are pure fun. I laughed out loud several times when I read this one. In B is for Barista, the characters are quirky, the jokes fly fast, and Ivy Morehouse is full of heart and hilarity. It's a well-constructed escapist delight.
May 25, 2020
I bought this when it came out last year but finally got around to reading it. These are cute, contemporary romances without a lot of angst, so they're perfect when you want a fun read. I liked this take on "Undercover Boss".
Ivy is a CNA at a nursing facility and also works at Velvet Undergrounds, a hipster coffee house chain. She's good with the customers and really knows the regulars. One day she's surprised to find out she's training a "new guy" Bentley. Bentley doesn't look anything like a barista, so she gives him an on-the-spot makeover--unbuttoning and untucking his shirt, mussing up his hair then giving him a beanie, etc. It's adorable. Bentley is intrigued by Ivy, especially when he finds out about her CNA job.
I thought Ivy and Bentley were cute together, a total opposites attract pairing. The main obstacle was Ivy's prejudice against wealthy guys--which was completely justified considering how she'd been treated in the past by more than one wealthy guy. Thankfully Bentley proves that he's different than those rich jerks she'd dated in the past.
I enjoyed this cute opposites attract romance. It's a perfect summer read. Althought it's part of the ABC's of dating series, each book is a complete standalone.
Ivy is a CNA at a nursing facility and also works at Velvet Undergrounds, a hipster coffee house chain. She's good with the customers and really knows the regulars. One day she's surprised to find out she's training a "new guy" Bentley. Bentley doesn't look anything like a barista, so she gives him an on-the-spot makeover--unbuttoning and untucking his shirt, mussing up his hair then giving him a beanie, etc. It's adorable. Bentley is intrigued by Ivy, especially when he finds out about her CNA job.
I thought Ivy and Bentley were cute together, a total opposites attract pairing. The main obstacle was Ivy's prejudice against wealthy guys--which was completely justified considering how she'd been treated in the past by more than one wealthy guy. Thankfully Bentley proves that he's different than those rich jerks she'd dated in the past.
I enjoyed this cute opposites attract romance. It's a perfect summer read. Althought it's part of the ABC's of dating series, each book is a complete standalone.
August 31, 2022
This story is pretty cute! The coffeehouse setting is fun as well as Bentley's secret identity. I found his vulnerability and self-consciousness in Velvet Undergrounds surprising since he's at home in the much more intimidating setting of a corporate boardroom. Ivy really catches him off guard and makes him curious about what makes her tick. The chemistry wasn't all there for me, but I enjoyed their interactions and the anticipation of what would happen when his identity was revealed. The mannerisms of the characters really brought them to life. I'm excited for more from this promising series!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
October 31, 2019
I am so confused.... I finished A is for Author and loved it. It almost felt like this was written by a different author. It did not have the same elements that made me love the other book. The two main characters didn't have a lot of interaction with each other. I felt like I really didn't know them. The Hero of the story acted like a teenager and allowed everyone else to make his decisions for him. I felt so sad I didn't get the same feels with this one! Now I don't know what to do! I am also super confused about how many covers and names these books have had... So weird. These are sweet contemporary romances with a couple kisses and no violence or swearing.
May 14, 2019
Romance, clean; Series but stand alone read
Ivy and Ben's romance is a lovely, fun, heartfelt, emotional romp! Ivy is a fun, sassy character with a huge heart and fun sense of style. Ben's awkwardness as he starts working in the coffee shop, and his quick fall for Ivy's genuine, honest heart, and sassy persona was lovely, sweet, and oh so satisfying. Ben character with his genuine, honest heart, kindness and character as he faced his corporate dilemmas, made for a wonderful H.
The dramatic tension larger event was so hard, painful, and heart wrenching after so many moments that were leading to Ivy+Ben. Ben's stepping into his corporate persona was interesting to read.
Great side characters, setting, and plot was not overly dramatic. So many of these quick read romances are overdone on the plot twists and turns. This was a perfect read! B.J. is one of my new favorite go-to authors. My only big criticism isn't this wasn't enough! Would have loved staying in this romance for longer! Full-length novel for the next one?? Pretty please! Work more magic for us readers!
Ivy and Ben's romance is a lovely, fun, heartfelt, emotional romp! Ivy is a fun, sassy character with a huge heart and fun sense of style. Ben's awkwardness as he starts working in the coffee shop, and his quick fall for Ivy's genuine, honest heart, and sassy persona was lovely, sweet, and oh so satisfying. Ben character with his genuine, honest heart, kindness and character as he faced his corporate dilemmas, made for a wonderful H.
The dramatic tension larger event was so hard, painful, and heart wrenching after so many moments that were leading to Ivy+Ben. Ben's stepping into his corporate persona was interesting to read.
Great side characters, setting, and plot was not overly dramatic. So many of these quick read romances are overdone on the plot twists and turns. This was a perfect read! B.J. is one of my new favorite go-to authors. My only big criticism isn't this wasn't enough! Would have loved staying in this romance for longer! Full-length novel for the next one?? Pretty please! Work more magic for us readers!
May 30, 2019
These books in The ABC’s of Love series are so much fun! I read A is for Author last month and loved it. So this month I borrowed B is for Barista. I’m glad I did, I loved everything about it.
Ivy is trying to make ends meet at her two jobs in Phoenix. She works as a CNA at a local nursing home and as a Barista at Velvet Undergrounds Coffee. I loved the way she was with the sweet elderly people. She cares fiercely about them and what happens to them. But Ivy has so many layers. She’s a bit of a rebel. And she walks or bikes everywhere.
One day she’s asked to train the new guy, Bentley, on the fine art of making coffee. But she doesn’t just train him on his job, she also trains him on how he should dress, do his hair and anything else she can think of to make him look more like a barista. Bentley happens to be not only a young man from a wealthy family, he’s also the undercover owner of the Velvet Undergrounds Coffee shop chain.
There were so many parts that I found hilarious about this pairing. It was just funny that Ivy is training Bentley to work in his own store. But she also talks about the owner of the company, sometimes not very nicely. She has valid reasons for that, but I don’t want to give too much away. It just makes for a fun dynamic between the two of them.
I loved the plot of this one. There are so many great parts! And the ending is just what I would have hoped for. I can’t wait for the next book in this series! Make sure you read the other two. They don’t need to be read in any particular order.
Ivy is trying to make ends meet at her two jobs in Phoenix. She works as a CNA at a local nursing home and as a Barista at Velvet Undergrounds Coffee. I loved the way she was with the sweet elderly people. She cares fiercely about them and what happens to them. But Ivy has so many layers. She’s a bit of a rebel. And she walks or bikes everywhere.
One day she’s asked to train the new guy, Bentley, on the fine art of making coffee. But she doesn’t just train him on his job, she also trains him on how he should dress, do his hair and anything else she can think of to make him look more like a barista. Bentley happens to be not only a young man from a wealthy family, he’s also the undercover owner of the Velvet Undergrounds Coffee shop chain.
There were so many parts that I found hilarious about this pairing. It was just funny that Ivy is training Bentley to work in his own store. But she also talks about the owner of the company, sometimes not very nicely. She has valid reasons for that, but I don’t want to give too much away. It just makes for a fun dynamic between the two of them.
I loved the plot of this one. There are so many great parts! And the ending is just what I would have hoped for. I can’t wait for the next book in this series! Make sure you read the other two. They don’t need to be read in any particular order.
May 9, 2019
Fabulously fluffy, with interesting characters. Wrapped up perhaps a bit too easily and quickly, but still, lots of fun. Just what I needed.
August 3, 2019
4.5 stars - I also read this one on vacation; I am really enjoying this series!
June 14, 2019
Cute
Its cute. It's light. It's sweet. It's short. A good poolside afternoon read. Alternating points of view. Happily ever after.
Its cute. It's light. It's sweet. It's short. A good poolside afternoon read. Alternating points of view. Happily ever after.
May 15, 2019
Cute third book by Brenna Jacobs. Ivy is a fun heroine--cute and edgy. Ben is adorable as he tries to learn the ropes at the coffee shop without letting on that he's actually the founder of the whole chain. I loved his growth arc as he changes from letting other people make all of the decisions and starts realizing that he needs to pay attention to who is being impacted by those decisions.
June 6, 2019
If you're looking for a light, fun read, this is it. It's full of wit, charm, and delightful voice.
June 10, 2020
a light well written collection of characters and dialogue. It is a happy little romance so don't expect challenging concepts and twists but this is a good example of a lovely holiday read
January 22, 2021
This book-When I read it, was titled Her Last First Kiss. It was pretty good. I didn’t get near the feels as reading some of the precious books that I’ve read this year. But I thought that the characters, ivy and Bentley were really cute. Bentley is a multimillion dollar wonderboy who needs to work at his incredibly successful startup company of a punk rock shop next door but also franchise coffee shop for 60 days in order to gain majority shareholding in his company when he meets Ivy-the quirky, not so rich girl who works at the shop and they fall in love. Cute story. Nothing to write home about though. I probably wouldn’t read more of the books if I hadn’t purchased 3 of the others in the series as a set. But still cute. I didn’t like her writing as much as other authors, but found the story different and compelling enough to finish.
May 6, 2021
Just okay
I’d give it 2.5 stars. There were character inconsistencies that didn’t make sense. The H was billed as a genius CEO type, but he was pretty wishy washy and kinda a pushover and those two qualities just didn’t seem to jive together. Also why did this buttoned up Harvard business guy create a coffee business based on the punk music world. That wasn’t explained at all.
Also I was disappointed that the author chose to tell instead of show. Case in point, their first date was described and summarized instead of played out for the reader in real time.
Also there seemed to be an undercurrent of anti capitalism that I didn’t like.
I’d give it 2.5 stars. There were character inconsistencies that didn’t make sense. The H was billed as a genius CEO type, but he was pretty wishy washy and kinda a pushover and those two qualities just didn’t seem to jive together. Also why did this buttoned up Harvard business guy create a coffee business based on the punk music world. That wasn’t explained at all.
Also I was disappointed that the author chose to tell instead of show. Case in point, their first date was described and summarized instead of played out for the reader in real time.
Also there seemed to be an undercurrent of anti capitalism that I didn’t like.
October 1, 2022
Out of the 4 books in this series, Her Last First Kiss was the one I disliked the most. The MCs didn't have much of a story, did not even have much interaction imo, zero chemistry. The male MC was all over the place, he was described as the smart businessman, the brains behind the coffee shop business, but he acts like a teenager and a pushover.
Giving this a ⭐.5/5. All books in this series can be read as standalones, but if ever you do want to read the entire collection, you can skip this last book.
Giving this a ⭐.5/5. All books in this series can be read as standalones, but if ever you do want to read the entire collection, you can skip this last book.
June 19, 2019
I give it 4 stars because I like the writing. I liked the supporting characters & H. The h wasn't my favorite she had quite the prejudice and chip on her shoulder about the wealthy that didn't seem to get resolved. Admittitedly we get her back story which makes since why she's so prideful and unforgiving. However, I think the H disproves her broad brushed assumptions but pride gets the h in trouble. I will read C for cowboy.
July 13, 2019
"One hundred percent? Those are hard odds to argue with."
I may not be 100% in love with this book, but it is certainly very close. There were so many laugh out loud moments and when you couple that with the tender glances, kindness, and a little sassiness, this book was hard to put down. It was interesting to read about the two personas that Ivy maintains, while watching Ben go through similar adjustments.
On a steaminess level I would rate this a hot PG.
I may not be 100% in love with this book, but it is certainly very close. There were so many laugh out loud moments and when you couple that with the tender glances, kindness, and a little sassiness, this book was hard to put down. It was interesting to read about the two personas that Ivy maintains, while watching Ben go through similar adjustments.
On a steaminess level I would rate this a hot PG.
May 7, 2019
I LOVE Brenna Jacobs' books! This was really fun. I loved Ivy as a quirky character, and how deep inside she was amazing, and how she kept herself busy with things that mattered the most. It also helped that there was a handsome someone that also appreciated her company! Great job Brenna Jacobs! I can't wait to read the next one in this series!
June 1, 2019
Fun
It was a good read. The story was well done, the characters interesting and believable. I live coffee, so the setting was enticing. Most of all, I enjoyed Lucille and her ways. She made it for me. The ending was a great turn around from corporate dollar to caring for others too. Well done.
It was a good read. The story was well done, the characters interesting and believable. I live coffee, so the setting was enticing. Most of all, I enjoyed Lucille and her ways. She made it for me. The ending was a great turn around from corporate dollar to caring for others too. Well done.
July 8, 2019
A great story!
I love that this books centers around a coffee shop. Ivy has to train a new employee. Bentley is learning new things, so he goes to work at a chain coffee shop. But he is hiding a big secret. What will happen when Ivy finds out the truth? I can't wait to read the other books in this series.
I love that this books centers around a coffee shop. Ivy has to train a new employee. Bentley is learning new things, so he goes to work at a chain coffee shop. But he is hiding a big secret. What will happen when Ivy finds out the truth? I can't wait to read the other books in this series.
December 15, 2019
Sweet Romance
Ivy is the perfect person to sell coffee and then the owner of the company comes undercover and falls for her. Ben has a serious conundrum and a bossy sister. I liked the plot line and the people. I did not like the one swear word, since it wasn’t needed at all. I also thought the romance was a little strange. It was the typical rich guy saves the day.
Ivy is the perfect person to sell coffee and then the owner of the company comes undercover and falls for her. Ben has a serious conundrum and a bossy sister. I liked the plot line and the people. I did not like the one swear word, since it wasn’t needed at all. I also thought the romance was a little strange. It was the typical rich guy saves the day.
March 29, 2020
2.5
The romance and characters are weaker than the first book. Which is disappointing and confusing (I guess I expect writing to improve/strengthen with experience)
It has more cons than pros, again, surprising and disappointing.
This is closer to the garbage I expect to find on Kindle Unlimited.
The romance and characters are weaker than the first book. Which is disappointing and confusing (I guess I expect writing to improve/strengthen with experience)
It has more cons than pros, again, surprising and disappointing.
This is closer to the garbage I expect to find on Kindle Unlimited.
March 3, 2022
It's adorable.
Bentley is adorable. and I love Ivy. But my favorite character would of course be Lucille.
The plot was entertaining. This was definitely a light read. Relaxing and fun.
I'd recommend it to coffee lovers and especially those who like staying in coffee shops for long hours. This specific coffee shop chain sounds awesome and I would love to visit.
Bentley is adorable. and I love Ivy. But my favorite character would of course be Lucille.
The plot was entertaining. This was definitely a light read. Relaxing and fun.
I'd recommend it to coffee lovers and especially those who like staying in coffee shops for long hours. This specific coffee shop chain sounds awesome and I would love to visit.
May 11, 2019
Fun read
I really liked the chemistry between the two characters. The story itself isn’t too surprising, but what makes it enjoyable is the fresh, complex people living in the pages of the story. I want to spend an afternoon with Lucille!
I really liked the chemistry between the two characters. The story itself isn’t too surprising, but what makes it enjoyable is the fresh, complex people living in the pages of the story. I want to spend an afternoon with Lucille!
June 18, 2019
I LOVE all of Melanie Jacobson's books and this was so boring, I couldn't get into it and didn't finish it. I got to 30% and every time I picked it up I fell asleep. Nothing urged me to continue or grabbed my interest.
Quite disappointed as I loved the first two in the series.
Quite disappointed as I loved the first two in the series.
November 4, 2019
Confusion abounds
Ivy and Bentley's story is filled with confusion and misdirection. It takes awhile for these two characters to come together with all the interference by family and friends going on in the background.
Ivy and Bentley's story is filled with confusion and misdirection. It takes awhile for these two characters to come together with all the interference by family and friends going on in the background.
November 13, 2019
This was a fun read. I loved how the rich guy was flawed and uncertain about himself. Too often in the "Billionaire" books the guy is arrogant and too sure of himself. I liked that this guy just wasn't sure. I loved the dynamic of the two MC's and how everything played out.
December 15, 2019
Another fun clean, contemporary romance by Brenna Jacobs. I loved Ivy’s sass, and though Ben’s awkward shyness was endearing, his actions sometimes made me feel like he was younger than he was. Still totally enjoyed the read.
February 15, 2020
Eh..light but too easy
This was a light, clean story but everything was too easy and I couldn't get into the characters. I struggled to want to finish the story but I am sure others would like it just fine.
This was a light, clean story but everything was too easy and I couldn't get into the characters. I struggled to want to finish the story but I am sure others would like it just fine.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews