This book had me smiling a lot! The moments of cuteness, sadness and reality were chef’s kiss.
The drama and story are super captivating.
I really enjoyed reading this book!!

(4.5) this was fun !! finished under 7 hours, i found myself unable to put it down at times. the pacing felt consistent throughout the whole book, and there was just enough happening. jordans inner monologue was fun and interesting, and i never felt trapped inside her head. in that sense i feel like she was telling me just enough about everything and everuone around her. also the chapters were the perfect length.
the dialogs felt natural, the characters and settings were just enough to set the scenes into motion, and the side character were just side enough if it makes sense. in the chrismas bit i felt like too many names were thrown into the mix, but it didnt affect my reader experience.

i loved jordan standing up for herself in the last bit, and even when i would've appreciated some initiative from noemi, i found jays reactions and their further interactions really guttural and true to her character. she really reacted accordingly to what we learned about her along the book, and i appreciate that the conflict wasnt given that of an easy resolution (even when i felt the ending a little bit rushed).

a book with a stone stud protagonist that doesn't get "fixed" at the end by the love interest is very refreshing to see, amazing !! (we need more studs/butches/mascs,,,). i cant put into words how much liked and appreciated jordan as a protagonist. i would have loved to see more about the relationship with her family. also the masc x masc situationship was a great addition. i just felt the ending a little bit rushed. other than that, an enjoyable reading experience with good characters. (less)

This sapphic romance is a slow-burn gem that highlights the beauty of vulnerability and emotional growth. Noemie and Jordan’s journey toward finding comfort in each other felt genuine and heartfelt, with relatable moments that capture the excitement and uncertainty of falling for someone unexpected. The representation in this book was a standout, and I appreciated how it shed light on facing insecurities while being uncomfortable. While I loved the build-up, the ending felt a little rushed—I wanted more time to savor their connection.

I enjoyed the characters and the setting a lot. It's good to see queer rep that is messy and raw and real.

M.C. HUTSON!!! I have a new auto read author! This book was so, so, SO GAY and I loved every minute of it. Please do yourself a favor and read this! It's got all the tension your little gay heart can ever want. I can't wait to read Hutson's next book.

I read this book straight through because it was so good. I don't normally read romcom books but this one looked interesting so wanted to give it a chance.

It had more depth than a typical romcom and I really enjoyed the mental health rep.

I read more than 200 books a year and in the last 10 years only 2 books managed to make me feel tingles and butterflies in my stomach and this is one of them. I must also admit that I cried a little towards the end.

This will be one of my favorites this year, can highly recommend!

Messy Sapphics is usually a fun read for me, and Jordan is definitely an enjoyable messy Sapphic. There are lots I really liked about Jordan - a stud lesbian working as a shift manager at a cafe and has aspirations of developing her graphic novel. She's multi-dimensional and real, and I truly enjoyed it. I do have some hang-ups, though...

For someone who was afraid of ending up an addict like her father, Jordan consistently engaged in addictive behaviors and did very little to correct them. The casual drug use was never addressed, for example. She did quit smoking a couple of times, but otherwise there was no attempt at quitting any of the other addictive tendencies, even after she mixed alcohol with painkillers. She could definitely have benefitted from some therapy by the end. Even a plan of going to therapy would have been nice.

I did feel like Jordan was really judgmental of Noemie for a lot of the book. At the beginning, it made sense because she didn't know her, but then that same feeling persisted even after Jordan was falling for her. And that Jordan never even considered that Noemie might be bi especially after their obviously charged moments felt weird. Also, a Harry Potter reference in newer queer books always gives me a gross feeling.

While the book sort of limped into its end, I did enjoy the build-up quite a bit. The back and forth with Noemie was really fun to read. I really enjoyed the first 75% and would absolutely read another of the author's books.

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review.

M.C. Hutson’s French Pressed Love is an angsty yet heartwarming romance that blends drama, humor, and slow-burning tension into a rich narrative brew. With its relatable characters, snappy dialogue, and singular point-of-view storytelling, this novel delivers a deeply engaging exploration of self-discovery, personal growth, and unexpected love.

The story introduces readers to Jordan Alexander, a coffee shop manager who’s stuck in a rut both personally and professionally. Jordan’s life feels like it’s on autopilot: a demanding job with little payoff, financial stress, and a sense of being adrift. The arrival of Noémie St. Pierre—a seemingly entitled and frustratingly difficult customer—adds a daily dose of irritation to Jordan’s already frazzled existence. However, as the plot unfolds, Noémie’s own struggles come to light, and the interplay between these two characters forms the backbone of the story.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its character development. Hutson takes the time to peel back the layers of her protagonists, revealing their vulnerabilities and complexities. Jordan, with her sarcastic wit and guarded heart, feels entirely real. Her struggles resonate with anyone who has ever faced life’s uncertainties and disappointments. Meanwhile, Noémie’s transformation from an outwardly privileged and petulant woman to someone deeply human and relatable is a triumph of Hutson’s writing. The slow unraveling of Noémie’s facade is particularly poignant, as readers come to understand the pressures she’s faced and the resilience she’s learning to cultivate. Together, their evolving dynamic—from adversaries to reluctant roommates to something more—is as rewarding as it is emotionally charged.

The dialogue in French Pressed Love crackles with authenticity. Whether it’s Jordan’s sharp retorts, Noémie’s biting comebacks, or the quiet moments of vulnerability they share, the conversations feel genuine and organic. Hutson’s knack for capturing the rhythm and cadence of natural speech draws readers further into the world of the novel, making the characters’ emotions all the more impactful. The singular point-of-view narrative, told exclusively through Jordan’s eyes, heightens the intimacy of the story. Her inner monologue—full of humor, frustration, and unspoken longing—adds depth and nuance to her character, while also immersing readers in her perspective. This choice also amplifies the tension, as readers experience Jordan’s uncertainty and emotional turmoil firsthand.

The novel’s pacing is deliberate, with the slow-burn romance at its core mirroring the gradual shifts in Jordan and Noémie’s relationship. Hutson masterfully captures the push-and-pull of their interactions, building a simmering tension that keeps readers hooked. The moments of connection between them—a shared laugh, a quiet confession, a lingering glance—are charged with emotion, making the eventual payoff all the more satisfying.

Beyond the romance, French Pressed Love delves into themes of identity, ambition, and the courage to embrace change. Jordan’s journey is not just about finding love but also about finding herself, and Noémie’s struggles with her family’s expectations add a layer of depth to the narrative. Hutson’s ability to balance these personal journeys with the overarching romance ensures that the story resonates on multiple levels.For readers who enjoy slow-burn romances with complex characters and a touch of latte-fueled drama.

I enjoyed the book, I always like a good enemies to lovers story even though they weren’t actually enemies it’s the same sentiment.

I liked learning new words I think that’s quite unique to this book as I’ve never seen it before.

I loved how Noémie stood up to her dad in the end and that her brother chose her over his parents, i did wonder with the money questions if she’d made amends with her dad and didn’t say anything.

Overall a good book, the only thing that could have made it better would have been to have an epilogue like a year later type thing.

Starting off, thank you for letting me read this amazing ARC. French Pressed Love is written from the point of view of Jordan. Her story begins at Grind That Bean coffee shop in Toronto, Canada. This book follows Jordan’s journey navigating friendship, life’s challenges, and love. This is a slow burn, filled with yearning. The end will have you smiling from ear to ear with even a few happy tears streaming down your face. This book contains many lovable characters, and you are bound to find at least one that you connect with. I highly recommend this book to fellow lovers of queer stories.

M.C. Hutson’s French Pressed Love is a delightful and cozy romance that perfectly blends love, ambition, and the charm of a quaint coffee shop setting. This story is as heartwarming as your favorite cup of coffee, making it a wonderful escape for fans of small-town romance and sweet love stories.

The characters are endearing and relatable, with the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and personal growth taking center stage. The romantic tension between the leads is skillfully built, with their chemistry shining through the pages. Hutson’s ability to capture the magic of unexpected connections makes the romance all the more enjoyable.

The coffee shop setting adds a layer of coziness and charm to the story, and the descriptions of freshly brewed coffee and pastries will have readers craving a visit to their local café. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of humor, tenderness, and just enough conflict to keep the pages turning.

While the story follows familiar tropes, Hutson’s engaging writing style and heartfelt storytelling bring a freshness to the narrative. French Pressed Love is a sweet and satisfying romance, perfect for readers who enjoy stories about love, community, and following one’s heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 🌟

With a cover this stunning I shouldn't have had doubts but I'm happy to report that this lived up to all my expectations. I was obsessed with this from start to finish. I need my sapphic romances to hit this hard because this was so good. The sexual tension and chemistry between the MCs was palpable. These two made sense on all levels and I loved going on this journey with them. It was sexy in all the right moments and packed just the right amount of heart.

I could not put this book down! It kept me curious and intrigued throughout the entire book - I had to know more about the Poutine Princess! There was a great mix of humor with genuine emotional moments. I loved that it was set in Toronto, capturing the essence of the city, and had such a diverse set of characters!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

This fun, easy read from MC Hutson was a warm cup of sapphic tea. Jordan, a manager at Grind That Bean coffee shop, loves and hates Noémie, a regular customer at the shop. Jordan and Noémie come from very different backgrounds and have to learn from each other when they become roommates. They both struggle with being honest with each other and we see that cause strain on their relationship throughout the book.

This book was great but I always struggle with (in my opinion) trivial reasons for the third act breakup. This may have been a sticking point for me but others may quite enjoy.

Overall, I found this book hard to put down and I really enjoyed the diversity of the characters represented throughout the story.

Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for access to the eARC!

If you love a slow burn with some good character development/evolution, French Pressed Love is for you. I’m not a huge fan of a miscommunication trope but it was done damn well, and overall I loved how the story evolved.

The way I tore through this book! Definitely a great read for all romance fans, especially ones who love a good enemies to lovers.

This was a drama-filled, emotional rollercoaster of a novel that covered a range of social and emotional buzzy topics, from race to sexuality to finances to family issues. At different points in the novel, different characters dealt with different life or emotional issues that kept me wanting to read to see what happened next, even when those same characters were highly frustrating. I binge read the entire book in one day and had a massive book hangover when it was done. I’d recommend this novel to someone looking for an angsty, dramatic read.

It took me a minute to get into the writing style but once I did I had a good time. The lack of communication was a little but annoying but it was also funny to see how Jordan could not pick up on any clues. Obviously I know it's a sapphic romance but she was still dropping so many hints and being vague about her sexuality it's a miracle Jordan didn't pick up on it. The third act breakup in the book was so good, I just love a good bet plot. Lowkey wish the book was dual pov but it was fine wothout it.

I received an arc through netgalley.

I recently read French Pressed Love by M.C. Hutson, and I absolutely loved it! This cozy romance perfectly blends love, ambition, and delicious latte drama. The story is filled with raw vulnerability and queer representation, making it a refreshing and engaging read. The characters are relatable and their journey is both heartwarming and inspiring. If you're looking for a delightful romance that will leave you with a smile, this book is a must-read.

This was a beautifully done romance novel, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the use of coffee shop element. The characters had that feel that I wanted and the romance was perfectly done. I enjoyed the way they were written and was invested in what happened with the characters. M.C. Hutson wrote this well and am excited for more.

I got this as an arc on Netgalley and it will come out this month. Me: Yeah I like this sapphic romance. It's entertaining. Sometimes you got to love a toxic couple.
Also me during reading: OH FFS WHY WON'T ANYONE COMMUNICATE AND USE THEIR WORDS???

This book gets stars for a morally grey but still really likeable FMC; very rarely get a more masc MC in a lesbian romance (also she’s over 30!) so loved that change. Representation all around is really great; feel like I learned a lot about both Canadian and Jamaican culture. Liked the spice, loved the espresso bar tension; my only complaint was that the younger love interest didn’t seem to experience enough character growth. I related to her enough to still like her, but I’m worried for the MC!

I received this digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

CWs: smoking, drinking, drugs, explicit sex and language, sexual assault (past), death of a parent (past), addiction, death of a sibling (past), car accident, homophobia, racism, pandemic mention, religious references, toxic relationships, outing.

Delightful! I was totally enthralled by this darling romance by new-to-me author M.C. Hutson! What a great read to start off the new year!

Fewf. This book was so, so, SO messy. Literally everyone in it (except not you Céline). The whole thing was drama. Drama that I could not put it down. I read this book overnight. I probably stayed up way too late (actually I definitely did).

That being said, these characters are flawed. So very flawed, and so very far from perfect. The main characters may be incredibly toxic for one another, and I think it’s important to recognize this. A reader can probably learn a lot of what not to do (ie everyone needs therapy here). I don’t expect everything to be wrapped up nice and neat at the end (and they weren’t in this book). I don’t expect books like this to be a paragon of healthy relationships. But I can appreciate them regardless.

One aspect I really enjoyed was the main character’s struggle with her culture and Blackness. I always enjoy seeing these topics in books, and it means a lot for them to be included.

While this level of drama may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I could not take my eyes off the page. I had to know what happened next, and the chemistry between the main characters was sizzling. I can see this won’t be a book for everyone, but I look forward to future work by this author.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of French Pressed Love. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I am leaving this review of my own volition.

I LOVED this! It was my first book in the new year, and as someone who's rather picky with contemporary romance, it charmed me utterly.

I feel that it might draw some mixed opinions from readers because these characters are Messy with the capital 'M'. But that's why it won me over, as I get rather bored of the same kind of characters featured in romance books nowadays.

The novel's setup is simple but works very well: Jordan must shack up with her most irritating customer, Noémie, at the cafe where she works. The two learn to befriend one another and discover a fierce chemistry behind the prickling tension. There's just one problem: Noémie is straight. Right?

Both Jordan and Noémie are complicated people. Their irritable personalities cause many misunderstandings in their relationships. But again, I really enjoyed this. It was surprising and refreshing in a human way. I can definitely foresee readers disliking some of the twists and developments in the novel, but if you like your sapphics messy af, this is PERFECT.

<i>Thank you to M.C. Huston and Netgalley for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.</i>

This book definitely made me feel things!

I confess, there were times I disliked Jordan and Noémie throughout the run of the story. Really disliked them. The author talks about how she wanted to see a romance about messy people, and I get that it was also inspired by her own experiences in the Toronto lesbian dating scene, and that's all good, I get that. That said, I was hoping for a little more growth from the characters at the end of the story (<spoiler>instead of just kind of saying 'ok' and putting it aside...seriously, Jordan, use some of your kickstarter money to get professional help, you got a lot of shit to work through!</spoiler>).

There's several people calling the leads toxic, and I guess that's fair. At the same time, there were things I really appreciated about just how broken Jordan felt (<spoiler>like her experiences when she was 14, like not liking to be touched...without going into details, I get that, and appreciated that it was addressed, even though I wanted her to show she was going to take steps to deal with her trauma</spoiler>). I will freely admit that I'm at a point in my life where I really appreciate proper communication with my partners, so the amount they don't talk wasn't a selling point for me, but YMMV.

And all that said, when this story was cute, it was reeaally fucking cute. I love the images of them enjoying dinner and watching Netflix on the couch (points for the Hill House refence...). And it should also be noted that the bulk of my reading of the story, after a bit of a slow start, happened last night. I was up until nearly 4am so I literally could not put the book down, so if that isn't a not a point in the plus column I don't know what is.

Long story short: This is not going to be a book for everyone. These are messy, broken people (who are also occasionally shining beacons of wonderfulness). But for people who like messy, broken people, I think this is definitely worth a read. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because of that 'cannot put it down' aspect.

A kind of enemies-to-lovers/friends sapphic romance, this touched all the bases with this reader. I must read the author again.
Am catching up on all the reviews I haven't left over the year, so sorry this is late, but my thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the reading copy.

WOW. I devoured this book in 24 hours - I truly couldn't put it down. Safe to say this was an easy 5 stars for me. As a former barista, I am definitely also a sucker for a book where our main characters are baristas ;p

Thank you to NetGalley for an arc copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

French Pressed Love is a sapphic slow-burn romance that will keep you engrossed with every page. Jordan and Noemie's will they, won't they is so addictive and I was obsessively reading to find out what would happen next. Jordan narrates the story perfectly and really tugs on your heartstrings as she struggles with her feelings towards Noemie and not wanting anything to impact their friendship, despite her growing attraction. The emotions and trauma in this book are perfectly delivered in a way that will take you on a roller coaster of your own.

Aside from Jordan and Noemie, I loved our other characters as well and I think they rounded out the story really well. The drama with Wayne, the other coffee shop employees, and Jordan's friends all filled out the book nicely and made it feel more authentic to me as they went through their own conflicts that did not necessarily relate to our main couple's struggles.

This story is also perfectly paced, which is usually a big sticking point for me. I often find romance books to drag on and are in desperate need of an edit, but I applaud M.C. Hutson for her planning and execution of a story that is engaging and entertaining with every scene.

Overall, this book is absolutely worth picking up if you are looking for an emotional, slow-burn, but ultimately satisfying romance. This book is a triumph and I am so happy that I picked it up!

I loved this book. Jay is one of my favourite characters ever. There is so much pining, yearning…it was emotional and not too moody but not too light either. I was happy to read about a stone stud, because authors often don’t write about them. I adored all the culture and the insight into Toronto life. It was definitely a bit messy but it’s cozy and sweet too with good character arcs. I Will definitely be reading this author’s other book and highly anticipating any and all future ones!!!

"French Pressed Love" delivers both plenty of coffee and a love that takes time and effort. Jordan is a professional barista and a hobbist comic artist who needs a new place to stay. Noémie, high maintaince customer turned newby barista, offers Jordan her spare bedroom to rent when she gets financially cut off from her rich father. Oh my God they were roommates, but might they be something more?

I really enjoyed how flawed Jordan was and getting inside her head. She has bad habits, stubborn to a fault, but willing to be there for someone whether it's a friend or a new roommate. There are revelations you might realize before she does which kept me reading. I wanted her to find out what I knew. Noémie does take a while to know and with it being a single pov, that gradual release of information worked really well with keeping the plot at a nice steady pace.

Noémie is so well developed, she has so many quirks like the colors she wears or the way she takes her coffee with 2 different milks. She's such a schemer and a liar, I don't blame anyone especially Jay with getting fed up with her antics. She feels so real in the small ways that makes their love story work because I really like her, I like them both. I think the plot being mostly them hanging out or avoiding one another really works to build a foundation for their eventual love.

This is my first time reading about sapphic characters where there is a stone lesbian. There is a alot of variety in sexuality and it's not plainly gender preference but also expression. Not everyone completes in the same way, and its nice to see that represented.

I knew going into this one that it would be messy—and wow, did it deliver! Communication mishaps, jealousy, and secrets are front and center, but so is a swoon-worthy slow burn.
Noemie, a fiery French Canadian redhead with sass to spare, and Jay, the effortlessly cool, motorcycle-riding barista/artist, share a connection that’s both tender and complicated. While I wish we’d had more cozy coffee shop scenes and deeper emotional growth, I loved the months-long journey we took with them across vibrant settings and intimate moments.
The side characters shine, the queer spaces feel alive, and the ending—while brief—left me with a satisfied smile. If you love angsty sapphic romances with complex leads, this one’s for you.
Thank you, @NetGalley, for the ARC! I’m already eyeing another Hutson book on my TBR. 🖤✨

I really liked this book! I liked the cute moments and laughed a lot. I definitely do recommend this book a lot!

This book was messy and dramatic and I loved every second of it. Life is messy, people are messy and this book honestly captured that brilliantly even if it WAS dramatic.

Strong pacing and cute moments has me unwilling to put this quick read romance down! It’s the type of romance you might stay up all night just trying to get to the other side,

I really enjoyed the slow burn of Jordan and Noémie’s relationship. I wasn’t entirely sure on how it was going to end and every time I put it down I found myself picking it back up, I needed more. This book was like a drug, keeping me addicted to it. Such a great story.