4.5 Stars
John and Chris have been together more than three years at the start of this story. I advise readers to begin by reading TEA, their meet-cute falling in love story, but COFFEE is still enjoyable on its own, too.

John is a big, burly electrician. He'd been accused of forcing himself on a former lover--by the former lover who was hiding his cheating ways. So, he was real skittish about starting a relationship with Chris--who is blind and a severe epileptic. This story is told from Chris' perspective and Chris is definitely more anxious than John, but also more cynical. Both John and Chris are pretty far gone over one another, but conflict arrives in unexpected ways.

Chris inherits the crumbling estate of his late stepfather, along with his beloved stepfather's wedding band. The hint being that Chris should propose to John--something Chris' mother whole-heartedly disagrees with. She's sure that John will tire of caring after Chris' many maladies and Chris will be divorced and despondent. And Chris proposes anyway. Because he knows John isn't a man who'd ever disappoint him. John is taking immense pains to restore the derelict home and help plan their wedding.

This is a heartwarming read and a lovely story of perseverance for a couple dealing with family drama. Chris is pained that his mum won't take back her hurtful sentiments, and John is definitely invested in making amend before their big day comes. It felt real, in that people often have strong opinions that they stand behind, despite all evidence to the contrary. It's a story high on emotion, even though Chris had seemed to be a rather even-keeled character in the previous story. By being inside his head we got toreally plumb the depths of his emotional struggles in a way that we couldn't before--on account of Chris hiding his insecurities. The rest of the family is a bit helter-skelter, but they are 100% behind this union, so it's only more joyous when mum makes the necessary steps to put things right.

I loved both TEA and COFFEE as stories--even though I can't take the actual beverages--and would absolutely read on if LATTE, or CAPPUCCINO, ever becomes a tale. Any Cup of John story is one I want to read.

I love these books! Let me start off by saying that it was an absolute delight to read a book about a main character who is trans and blind and living with a significant illness. There’s so much in these books that makes me feel as though there’s someone out there in the world who gets it and that is amazing! These books are a real gift to the queer community!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

If you haven’t already, read Tea first.

Metzger is one of my favourite authors. This book is consistent with his other work. I have recently had favourite authors release books I have not liked at all - so it’s not a given for me.

I love books like this - it’s a romance about people already in a relationship, about how they both deal with what happens next. The story is set a few years after the last one ends.

Metzger writes wonderful people. I adored this couple from the first book. This one is told from Chris’ point of view. I like the way he depicts people in all their complexity, living in a complex world.

Matthew J. Metzger’s Coffee is the sequel to Tea in the Cup of John series. These stories are meant to be read in order, Tea being the first half of their relationship from John’s point-of-view, and Coffee is the second half told by Chris.

A long time fan of Matthew J. Metzger, I absolutely love his stories. He always creates such unique characters, and his stories are clever and creative. Mostly though, I’m a huge sucker for the beauty of his writing. The way his prose flows is such a pleasure to read. The way imagery repeats, and keeps popping up in different contexts: rings, coffee, scents, the rain - it’s really lovely, and especially poignant coming from Chris' perspective as a blind person.

In spite of the type of angst in the Cup of John stories, the love story between John and Christian is incredibly romantic. Chris gives John a purpose to his life, reshaping his self-confidence, and showing John he is lovable.

It melts my heart over and over again to see big, bruty John reduced to a cuddly teddy-bear as he shows his love for Chris. Chris isn’t an easy person to live with and John’s patience and devotion is remarkable. It’s an amazing journey to watch the changes in both men from the start of Tea. Truly, that’s the power of love.

Thank you for a copy of this book. It*s one of those romantic stories that you don't want to put aside till the end. A good entertaining read I recommend

Matthew J Metzger's Coffee, is a stunning romance. It's a beautiful writing style, and even more stunning tone, which sucked me in immediately and kept me hooked throughout. It's definitely a slow and detailed story, which is something I don't always love. But, it's wonderful.

Coffee's a tender story of family, and finding that one who loves you as you are. It includes a great look into the life of a transgender man who's accepted and in love. It's about a man with epilepsy who's able to deal with his seizures, instead of letting them stop him.

It's a story about a man with some life changing disabilities. Not only is Chris transgender, he lives with seizures, which also caused him to loss his sight and have brain damage. This is why their story includes some large family issues full of distrust, grief, and guilt. It's a tough read at times, and left me heart-broken.

John's a man who's large and struggles with the safety of his partners. I adore the way this is handled, with care and heart.

Best of all though, is that despite Chris's disabilities, the sense of humor is always present. That John can constantly joke about Chris's issues is amazing. Their love is strong, full of respect, and they push each other to do better. They are a phenomenal couple.

Coffee's a remarkable story, with thought provoking issues, and a memorable love story. It's truly amazing as we follow John and Chris through their engagement and wedding plans.

Coffee is the second of the A Cup of John books, and while I don’t think you absolutely have to read the first to appreciate the story, it’s probably better if you do.

It’s three years after the events of the previous novel, and Chris and John are an established couple. When Chris’s stepfather dies, the loss prompts him to propose that he and John make it official and get married. But while most of their family and friends are thrilled for them, Chris’s mother has doubts about whether John can really be trusted to be there for Chris in the long run, given all of Chris’s issues. Chris just wants to be happy about his wedding, but his mother’s disapproval casts a shadow over all of his plans for the future.

The story is very simple—it really is mostly about John and Chris planning their wedding and their future together. Chris’s mother provides the only bit of conflict and angst in the plot. Otherwise, it’s mostly Chris and John being swoony in love, and demonstrating it every chance they get. If I had to sum up the mood of the story, it would be pretty easy; all I would need would be a heart eyes emoji.

Most of the things that bothered me about the previous book aren’t an issue in this one. John’s anxieties are mostly under control, rather than being a constant overwhelming presence. Chris was much easier for me to like this time around. He’s still a prickly guy, but it helps that he acknowledges that he’s the difficult one in their relationship. Having the story told from Chris’s POV also helps, since the reader sees events from his perspective and knows when his sharp tongue is hiding an excess of tender emotions.

If you’re in the mood for a wedding, this romance is probably a good choice, particularly if you are looking for a trans #ownvoices read.

A copy of this book was provided through NetGalley for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

When Chris’s stepfather passes away, he finds his mother withdraws into herself and seems to be pushing him away. Chris can’t understand why she won’t let him in or support his relationship with John even though they have been together for so long. Chris’s friends help support him and John shows he’s made of solid gold.
I was excited to read this book as I really enjoyed Tea, who wouldn’t want a cup of John? I found myself feeling warm and cosy whilst reading John and Chris’s story. Highly recommended. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love these books! Let me start off by saying that it was an absolute delight to read a book about a main character who is trans and blind and living with a significant illness. There’s so much in these books that makes me feel as though there’s someone out there in the world who gets it and that is amazing! These books are a real gift to the queer community!

So Chris and John bump into each other in book one – literally – and are instantly attracted. I loved the way that their issues and challenges didn’t play into their initial meeting. They met on neutral territory and even ground… it was fantastic. I was instantly drawn in by their connection… I have developed such a soft spot for John. He’s the kind of man that people judge when they see him… and that speaks to me on many levels. Chris doesn’t judge him…. he just takes a chance on him.

Their relationship progresses quickly even though John is still healing from a very negative experience that ended his previous relationship. As a result, John is already in deep when Chris reveals that he is transgender. This is an #ownvoices novel so it’s no wonder that the reveal was written realistically and in a great way. Now, I’m a Cisgender woman but I have spent a lot of time reading reviews and non-fiction books written by members of the trans community. I feel as though the authentic voice of author, Metzger is the kind of voice that the trans community needs to be hearing from.

Chris is an independent young man who is still discovering some things about himself while, at the same time, being certain of who he is in many ways. As the relationship grows stronger, John and Chris work through so many issues that are relevant to those of us living a queer life or a life that is affected by illness or disability. Bravo Matthew J. Metzger!

There are many things revealed about these two characters in the first book and I don’t want to go into them all. I really want people to be able to read this series and let it unfold naturally. The way the first book is written, the relationship grows and blossoms in a very organic way.

The second book in this series, Coffee, is due to be released on August 19! In the second book, John and Chris have been together for four years. Again, the couple faces grief when Chris’ step-father, Jack, finally succumbs to Parkinson’s. It’s Chris’ mum who struggles the most when Chris decides that he is ready for the next step with John – and proposes.

The author’s exploration of grief and the way that a person processes losing their partner read truth to me. Grief is a very individuals experience but Metzger does a great job of allowing all the characters to experience grief and loss in a different way. Chris’ mum’s resistance to the marriage of the two main characters is painful and yet again, Chris faces off with someone who believes that his disabilities will be too much for someone to love him.

Metzger is a great writer, treating many delicate issues with respect and finesse when necessary and humor and forth-rightness when it works. Great combination!

I highly recommend this series!

this was so dreamy and romantic. it's guaranteed to cheer you up and warm your soul. it will definitely be a real comfort read for me in the future.

Heartwarming story for the gentle soul. Perfect book to read over a nice cup of coffee. 5/5 stars for a new beautiful, cozy masterpiece.