Dirty Latte by Regina Bergen

A Frothy, Flawed, but Fun Coffee Shop Romance

Dirty Latte, the second book in Regina Bergen’s Small Town Dirt series, is a quick, caffeinated romance that delivers plenty of flirtation, froth, and workplace drama. Set in the cozy confines of Cold Brew on Main, it follows Morgan, a newly promoted manager trying to keep the café—and her emotions—in check, and Jet, the frustratingly charming new barista who turns everything upside down with his perfect latte art and impromptu guitar serenades.

There’s undeniable appeal in the setup: small-town gossip, steamy workplace tension, and two characters with clashing personalities and magnetic chemistry. Morgan and Jet’s dynamic is fast-paced and emotionally charged, veering from snarky banter to meaningful glances before you’ve even finished your (dirty) chai. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t ask too much from the reader—just to sit back, sip your coffee, and enjoy the romantic ride.

That said, Dirty Latte does carry some of that fanfiction energy—and not always in a polished, “comfort read” kind of way. There are bursts of melodrama, love-at-light-speed moments, and more than a few typos that made me pause. It sometimes feels like a draft that needed another editorial pass, especially in terms of pacing and dialogue. But even with those bumps, there’s something undeniably fun about it. Like scrolling through a slightly chaotic but addictive fic, you’ll probably find yourself reading “just one more chapter” before bed.

The emotional stakes—especially the family tension and Morgan’s internal tug-of-war between independence and vulnerability—add some depth, even if they don’t always get the room they deserve. And Jet, while almost too perfect at times, is still a swoony presence with enough charm to carry his side of the romance.

Final Thoughts:
Dirty Latte might not be the most refined romance out there, but it’s got heart, heat, and a whole lot of frothy fun. If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced coffee shop romance with a hint of drama, a dash of spice, and a few typos that you can laugh off, it’s worth a weekend read. Sometimes, messy can still be entertaining.

Rating: 3/5
Best paired with: a dirty chai, a cozy blanket, and low expectations for grammar but high hopes for chemistry.