Matcha & Matches

By: Cara Tanamachi

One cup of matcha, a splash of rivalry, an unforgettable summer in Japan—the recipe for romance. Get your matcha whisk ready for this frothy YA romance!

Rina’s been helping her mother build up their Matcha Much café empire and eager to learn even more from her estranged father in Japan. But as soon as she arrives, she’s completely thrown off her game. Instead of learning how the matcha farm works, she’s stuck behind the counter of his traditional tea house—taking orders from Takashi, star employee and the most irritatingly attractive boy she’s ever met.

Takashi’s a matcha prodigy, a tea ceremony master, and basically perfect at everything. The easy bond he shares with Rina’s father? Absolutely not something that bothers her… not even a little. But Rina was raised to win; Takashi is just another rival to beat. Unless, of course, the real danger isn’t losing to him—but falling for him.

• Pack your bags: Japan, matcha, and a barista who about becomes the real destination await.
• Rivals catching feelings? Behind the counter, the real heat isn’t from the matcha—it’s from the simmering rivals-to-lovers tension.
• More to come: A brand-new romance is brewing in Horchata & Hearts!