Isabelle Popp has written all sorts of things, ranging from astrophysics research articles and math tests to crossword puzzles and poetry. These days she's writing romance. When she's not reading or writing, she's probably knitting or scouring used book stores for vintage gothic romance paperbacks. Originally from New York, she's as surprised as anyone that she lives in Bloomington, Indiana.
It’s almost International Coffee Day! Did you know the first of October marks this event that, to be fair, many of us celebrate on a daily basis? We all know that books and coffee make a perfect pair. More than that, romance books and coffee elevate that pairing to the next level.
Coffee makes us feel warm and energized, and so do romance books. I think this explains why coffee shops make for a common backdrop in romance books. So many of us hope for a meet-cute while we’re in line for coffee or hanging out in a café. Romance authors have taken that idea and run with it.
Coffee, like any food or drink, offers a chance for connection between people who share it. There’s an element of ritual to it that allows people to carve out time, savor their drink, and focus on those with whom they are sharing it. Coffee shops represent a place outside of work and home that allows new relationships to form. Plus, let’s face it, both caffeine and love are drugs.
So I’ve chosen some romance books for you that revolve around coffee, and I’ve paired them each with a coffee drink. So head to your local bookstore, pick up one of these, and then sit down with your books and some coffee. You could go to a café, or you might have the best coffee setup at home, but you’ll feel the love either way.
Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe by C.B. Lee
Pair this book with a s’mores latte, the ultimate cozy drink.
In this sapphic YA romance, Brenda meets Kat at Kat’s family coffee shop. They are immediately taken with each other. The only problem? They don’t inhabit the same universe. They have to figure out how their universes collided in the first place as they also find their way to each other. This adorable novel takes the idea of the “coffeeshop alternate universe” common in fanfiction very literally!
Book Deals
Sign up for our Book Deals newsletter and get up to 80% off books you actually want to read.
Crema by Johnnie Christmas, illustrated by Dante Luiz and Ryan Ferrier
Pair this with an espresso, so you can appreciate the crema.
Do you like coffee? Ghosts? Lesbians? Do I have the book for you! This was originally a webcomic, now compiled into one volume. It tells the whirlwind tale of Esme and Yara. Esme sees ghosts when she’s had too much coffee (relatable). The two of them travel to Brazil to solve a ghostly family mystery and fall in love along the way. It’s a quick, delightful read you will drink right up.
Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca
Pair this book with a hazelnut iced latte, which the male main character of this book makes perfectly.
In this paranormal romance, Cassie blows up her life and moves to Boneyard Key, Florida (again, relatable). It’s a haunted town that relies on ghost tourism, and Nick, the owner of the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop, is into it. As Nick and Cassie get closer, there may be some supernatural forces opposed to the match. This book kicks off a series, and if you like a richly drawn setting, get into it!
Bingsu for Two by Sujin Witherspoon
Pair this book with coffee bingsu, obviously!
This book has all the coffee shop vibes. River just quit working at his parents’ café and got a new job at Bingsu for Two, a Korean coffee shop. There he clashes with Sarang, who’s trying to save her family’s business. When River posts a video that goes viral and has strangers shipping the two of them, you might know how this goes. They have to fake a relationship to save Bingsu for Two! And eventually it isn’t fake anymore! This heartfelt YA romance is delightful while also being deeply emotional.
Love, Coffee, and Revolution by Stefanie Leder
Pair this book with a cup of black coffee acquired directly from farmers in Costa Rica, through a company like Thrive Famers.
This romance investigates how the fair trade coffee industry does not always avoid exploitation. It follows college student Dee to Costa Rica, where she has her eyes opened to the realities of the industry. She also meets a sexy organizer there. This story balances a fun romance with the weightier topics of labor and environmental justice.
Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun
Pair this book with a peppermint mocha, because ‘tis the season.
This book is for people who love mess! Ellie is working at a coffee shop and really struggling financially. The landlord of the shop, Andrew, offers her a marriage of convenience because he’s got money to spare. When the two visit Andrew’s family for Christmas, ready to fake their relationship, Ellie meets Andrew’s sister Jack. Ellie and Jack had a whirlwind Christmas love that Ellie is absolutely not over. If you like a love triangle, this book gives you a whole quadrangle, and you will love it even more.
How are you celebrating International Coffee Day? You can find some more books about coffee, or more book and drink pairings. The important thing is that you drink some coffee, but not so much that you start seeing ghosts.
English (US) · 