I enjoyed reading this. I felt like it was a little slow in some areas but it helped add to building the relationship between the two main characters. I wouldn’t say if necessarily kept my attention but it was well-written and enjoyable.

Featured presentation: Business of the heart by Claire Forsythe

Should all be fair in love and war?

Cast: Abby Archer has realized her dream of owning a coffee shop and she has poured herself into making it a success. Now she’s looking for someone to share her life with. Lexi Finn is on the verge of sealing a major deal with a hip, up-and-coming company. Her career is her life and she has no need or space for love.

The Plot: Abby knows Lexi as the dragon lady whose assistant comes in daily to fulfill her boss’ caffeine needs. One day Lexi ventures into Abby’s coffee shop to get her own quad shot cappuccino, since aforementioned assistant was busy. Abby and Lexi immediately feel attracted to each other, but the moment is doused with steaming hot cappuccino when Abby accidentally drop Lexi’s drink. And spill it all over Lexi’s immaculate business suit. Both decide against acting on the attraction, but Abby’s good nature compels her to sneak an apology to Lexi and the rest is romance history…

The blazing: Oh, may we all have the wise guidance of a Lily Patterson in our lives! Lily is Lexi’s neighbour and even though she has a small part, she plays a big role in Lexi’s life once Lexi allows her in. Her wisdom is inserted in the right amounts at the right times, but she’s not above tough love or a swift kick to someone’s behind (figuratively, of course).
Ms Forsythe excellently shows us the two most common reactions to getting burned by love. On the one hand, we have Abby. She has taken the time to allow her heart to heal and she is slowly edging back into the world of dating. Even though she is more cautious this time around, she refuses to give up. On the other hand, Lexi has sworn off love for good. She’s willing to give a beautiful woman a chance, but only for one night. Come morning, it’s so long, sweetheart.

The bright: Abby and Lexi spend time getting to know each other. Firstly, through text messages and then they go on a couple of dates. It gives a more realistic feel to their attraction and the inevitable fallout.
Abby’s friends! Jen - her best friend, who certainly has a “way” with words. Luke – a gentle soul and definitely Superman-under-cover.
The grand gesture… I’m not generally a fan of the grand gesture. It often comes off as the character trying to overcompensate and prove something to everyone, not just their beloved. Ms Forsythe included two grand gestures. The first one was exceptionally done! It hit all the possible romantic notes, without being cheapened by theatrics. This was possible as it was done anonymously to all but a select few. The second grand gesture was cheesy as hell, but it still worked as it shoved our MC so far out of her comfort zone she will never find said zone again. And she knew it would be welcomed by her beloved – a point I had to take into consideration, despite my personal tastes…

The bleak: We never learn the full reasons why Abby’s previous relationship ended. It is only touched upon. However, one look at Lexi makes Abby want to jump back into the potentially dangerous dating pool. The same goes for Lexi’s troubled relationship with her mother. Ms Forsythe hinted at more, but we only learn of one heinous act…
Both Abby and Lexi are quick to believe another’s lies and they never communicate about it. It is expected from Lexi, but it felt uncharacteristic for Abby…

The burned-to-ashes: Nothing.

And then The Plot Thickens to the rich texture of a perfectly prepared cappuccino. The first chapters might appear a bit thin, but that is only the foam on top. Ms Forsythe blended rich storytelling and steamy attraction into a comforting romantic read. She found the sweet spot between comedy and angst – entertaining without becoming silly and never dipping too deep into the dramatic that it feels heavy.
The POV switches between Abby and Lexi, both told in the first person. There is enough distinction between the two characters to ensure the reader does not become confused, which is no mean feat.
Overall, Ms Forsythe has written a great debut and I hope to hear (or read…) lots more from her in the future!

Studio: Bold Stokes Books

Closing credits: I willingly leave this review based on an eARC copy graciously granted to me by Bold Stokes Books and NetGalley.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.

A boss who doesn't let anyone too close, her personal assistant who is known to use the women she dates, and a coffee shop owner that they both end up with a crush on... add in a meddling old lady neighbor and some wonderful friends and you have an enjoyable and engrossing story.

I adored this sapphic romance. The characters were believable and multidimensional. The drama felt realistic but was easy to follow along with. The first chapter of the book didn't much hold my interest but once I got past that I ended up reading it all in one sitting!

I am impressed by this first novel by Claire Forsythe. I understand that Business of the Heart was a COVID hiatus project, but I hope she continues to write. This is a very strong start to what I hope will be a prolific career. I will read anything she offers.

The main characters are interesting, complex and they don’t always behave well. I mean Alexis doesn’t behave well – she is often unpleasant, discourteous, and downright obnoxious. I adore her anyway -- she’s a tough, self-made businesswoman. Abby, on the other hand, is usually sweet and kind, but she will defend her family, friends, and her business. When they meet, sparks (as well as coffee) fly. They tentatively tease and flirt with each other. Their courtship is funny and sweet – too bad they both carry the scars from past relationships and find opening their hearts difficult. There is a bumpy road ahead of them if they want a relationship.

The supporting characters are stellar and add much to the story. I particularly adored Abby’s best friend, Jen, and Lexi’s elderly neighbor Lily. The rest of Abby’s folks are lovely too. Unfortunately, Lexi doesn’t have a circle of friends around her. In fact, the person she spends the most time with is her assistant, Vanessa who consistently refers to her Cruella de Ville.

I highly recommend Business of the Heart – I certainly enjoyed every minute I spent reading it.

this was SO cute! i absolutely adored this book, however swipe to see a comment i don't think is okay at all.
this is one of the reasons I had to rate the book 3,5-4 stars instead of 5; however, let's start with what i liked first. most of all, i liked how i felt while reading it. the book was sweet, almost cheesy, but it just felt wonderful to read it. the story started right away and even though it was predictable, i kept wanting to read on. i loved all the characters (except for one, but no spoilers!!!!) and both of the main characters had inner struggles that were very understandable and relatable, even. what annoyed me was, first of all, the text passage i inserted in the following slide (a homophobic slur used against gay men). i also think that the conflict in the last half of the book was a bit exaggerated and dramatic, as the conflict could have been solved so easily. apart from these two things, however, it was a very sweet book and maybe this text passage will be taken out. if it does, i would recommend this book without hesitation.

Abby Archer owns and runs a quaint coffee shop. She likes her life and friends and isn't looking for love. Lexi Finn puts her career before anything else. She runs a successful advertising firm and is on the verge of a large contract. She isn't looking for a relationship either until she steps into Haze coffee shop and sees Abby. The attraction is instant but they take their time. Cute notes, texting and a very sweet first date with an elderly neighbor as chaperone all are building to something more. Of course things can't go smoothly especially when Lexi's personal assistant intentionally causes troubles.

This is a very cute, slow burn romance. I believe it is a debut book by the author. I love the dialogue and would encourage her to trust that to move the story forward. When Abby professes her love or with Lexi's grand gestures the writing is great. I was slowed down a little by the inner monologues where the author was explaining each characters thoughts, actions and feelings. There are good side characters/friends that add to the story. I love the cover and will be on the lookout for future books from the author. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars rounding up)

Business of the Heart by Claire Forsythe is a “connection at first sight”, ice queen - sunshine romance. Abby is the owner of a coffee shop named “Haze” and Lexi is the ice-queen ruling her company, her only weakness - addiction to coffee from “Haze” and possibly the owner too.

I love a good ice queen romance and I liked the premise of this book. Even though it’s connection at first sight, it’s a slowish burn with lots of flirty banter and exchanges. The side characters are fun and add levity to the happenings.

The story is told from both POVs and while I don’t mind that, I think the internal monologue by the characters was a little distracting. The dialogues on the other hand when they were speaking with each other or texting was great. It was engaging, funny, flirty and I liked it a lot.

The angst portion of this book is probably best described as soap opera level high end melodrama with a nasty villain to boot. Not quite my thing, but for folks who enjoy that sort of angst you’ll love it. Overall a cute story and an easy read. 3🌟s

Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was cute charming story.

Abby despite being hurt by her ex she still believes in finding the one and she won’t settle for less. She own a little coffee shop Haze that’s doing well a best friend who tell it’s like it is. Lexi is career focus and doesn’t have time for friends or let alone time to date when she goes to Haze for coffee she meets Abby and it’s a instantly attraction on both sides even if it did go horribly wrong in a cute way. Abby and Lexi both grow closer as they try not let old wounds interfere with their budding romance.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Business of the Heart is a story between two women who both have their hearts broken in the past but are having a different outlook on future relationships. While Abby is open to finding the one, Lexi seems content in being alone. The book has its fair share of angst but the main characters have chemistry and there’s good humour throughout. It’s a bit heavy on descriptions in places and, as such, I found parts a bit slow to read but it’s well written and will keep you rooting not only for the two MC but also for the best friend. .

This is a charming story about two women finding love despite being burned by past relationships. It's a bit corny and angsty, but the dialogue made me chuckle throughout (the best friend sidekick is a riot), and the love story had me grinning from ear to ear.

Short Summary: Abby has everything she needs to be happy: her own successful business, wonderful friends, and a happy family, but she is missing her big, romantic love story. Lexi is all about her business: she doesn't need friends, family, certainly not love. What will happen when Lexi walks in Abby's coffee shop and is faced with an attraction that shocks her to her core?

Okay okay, don't overlook this book. I really enjoyed the story, though trite, it had great romance, tension, and chemistry.