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Dream Harbor #2
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store
From the author of the Sunday Times bestseller and viral TikTok phenomenon, The Pumpkin Spice Café, comes a brand new spicy romance set in Dream Harbor!
When a secret message turns up hidden in a book in the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, Hazel can't understand it. As more secret codes appear between the pages, she decides to follow the trail of clues… she just need someone to help her out.
Gorgeous and outgoing fisherman, Noah, is always up for an adventure. And a scavenger hunt sounds like a lot of fun. Even better that the cute bookseller he's been crushing on for months is the one who wants his help!
Hazel didn’t go looking for romance, but as the treasure hunt leads her and Noah around Dream Harbor, their undeniable chemistry might be just as hot as the fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon buns the bookstore sells…
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store is a cozy romantic mystery with a HEA guaranteed!
Tropes:
• opposites attract
• small town
• forced proximity
• he falls first
When a secret message turns up hidden in a book in the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, Hazel can't understand it. As more secret codes appear between the pages, she decides to follow the trail of clues… she just need someone to help her out.
Gorgeous and outgoing fisherman, Noah, is always up for an adventure. And a scavenger hunt sounds like a lot of fun. Even better that the cute bookseller he's been crushing on for months is the one who wants his help!
Hazel didn’t go looking for romance, but as the treasure hunt leads her and Noah around Dream Harbor, their undeniable chemistry might be just as hot as the fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon buns the bookstore sells…
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store is a cozy romantic mystery with a HEA guaranteed!
Tropes:
• opposites attract
• small town
• forced proximity
• he falls first
345 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2024
About the author
Laurie Gilmore
5 books1,886 followersAs Melissa McTernan, I write sweet and steamy fantasy/paranormal romance. I love grumpy heroes, sarcastic heroines, and grown-up fairy tales. I am currently working on The Wolf Brother’s series for One More Chapter (a HarperCollins UK imprint). The trilogy follows three werewolf brothers and their (maybe if they don’t screw it up) Mates.
As Laurie Gilmore (my pen name), I write steamy small-town romance. My Dream Harbor series is filled with quirky townsfolk, cozy settings, and swoon-worthy romance. I love finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strive for that in my own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then these books are definitely for you.
When I’m not writing, I’m most likely reading or wrangling my kids as a stay-at-home mom. I live in upstate New York with my husband, kids, cats, puppy, and full bookshelves. I write romance to keep my sanity.
As Laurie Gilmore (my pen name), I write steamy small-town romance. My Dream Harbor series is filled with quirky townsfolk, cozy settings, and swoon-worthy romance. I love finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strive for that in my own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then these books are definitely for you.
When I’m not writing, I’m most likely reading or wrangling my kids as a stay-at-home mom. I live in upstate New York with my husband, kids, cats, puppy, and full bookshelves. I write romance to keep my sanity.
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September 22, 2024 Omg another super cute book for autumn from Laurie Gilmore!
⁀₊➷ Opposites Attract
⁀₊➷ Small Town
⁀₊➷ Forced Proximity
⁀₊➷ He Falls First
My review for ˚ ༘✶ ⋆｡˚ ⁀➷ The Pumpkin Spice Café - Book 1.
I can't wait for fall. 🍂🍁🌰🥧❤️
⁀₊➷ Opposites Attract
⁀₊➷ Small Town
⁀₊➷ Forced Proximity
⁀₊➷ He Falls First
My review for ˚ ༘✶ ⋆｡˚ ⁀➷ The Pumpkin Spice Café - Book 1.
I can't wait for fall. 🍂🍁🌰🥧❤️
September 24, 2024
Not as good as the first book, but regardless this was an adorable autumn-themed romance! I am really excited for the rest of the books in this series to come out over the next 6 months. Full review to come!📚🍂
Read my reviews for Laurie Gilmore's books here:
The Pumpkin Spice Café - 3.5 stars
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store - 3 stars
Read my reviews for Laurie Gilmore's books here:
The Pumpkin Spice Café - 3.5 stars
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store - 3 stars
September 19, 2024
Looking for love in a good book? This one brought it ALL and I LOVED it 📚😻
‘Come with me, lass, if you want an adventure.’
👣
After absolutely loving the first book in this series I feel like I have been waiting FOREVER to get my hands on this book and it definitely did not disappoint!
FULL REVIEW 👇🏼
This book focuses of two main characters - Hazel and Noah. Hazel works in the bookstore, she ‘was literally surrounded by amazing stories, books filled with love and adventure and life, but Hazel herself was stuck.’ When the realisation that she is turning 30 in 2 months time coincides with secret messages, Hazel throws herself into a mystery of uncovering clues left for her in books. Lucky for her, Noah just so happens to be up for an adventure…
This wonderfully cozy late summer/autumnal read is told from the POV of both Hazel and Noah. I really enjoy this style of writing as it helps massively improves the characterisation of these two brilliant characters. I loved Hazel and could definitely relate to her character. Noah was also a great addition to this storyline as she definitely needed someone to help her on her way. He was more than happy to help. But he found himself also doing AND FEELING new things…
But he was just her adventure guide until she turned 30…and then what?
I flew through this book, not wanting to put it down and needing to absorb every ounce of goodness from this pure and wholesome storyline.
Look no further for a perfect autumnal read my lovelies, this was so much fun and the added mystery made for an interesting read. Plus it also gave me lots of Gilmore girl’s vibes.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
‘Come with me, lass, if you want an adventure.’
👣
After absolutely loving the first book in this series I feel like I have been waiting FOREVER to get my hands on this book and it definitely did not disappoint!
FULL REVIEW 👇🏼
This book focuses of two main characters - Hazel and Noah. Hazel works in the bookstore, she ‘was literally surrounded by amazing stories, books filled with love and adventure and life, but Hazel herself was stuck.’ When the realisation that she is turning 30 in 2 months time coincides with secret messages, Hazel throws herself into a mystery of uncovering clues left for her in books. Lucky for her, Noah just so happens to be up for an adventure…
This wonderfully cozy late summer/autumnal read is told from the POV of both Hazel and Noah. I really enjoy this style of writing as it helps massively improves the characterisation of these two brilliant characters. I loved Hazel and could definitely relate to her character. Noah was also a great addition to this storyline as she definitely needed someone to help her on her way. He was more than happy to help. But he found himself also doing AND FEELING new things…
But he was just her adventure guide until she turned 30…and then what?
I flew through this book, not wanting to put it down and needing to absorb every ounce of goodness from this pure and wholesome storyline.
Look no further for a perfect autumnal read my lovelies, this was so much fun and the added mystery made for an interesting read. Plus it also gave me lots of Gilmore girl’s vibes.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
October 24, 2023
Currently reading the Pumpkin Spice Café and I’m absolutely loving it so far!! But I’m guessing this will be Hazel and Noah’s story, so I’m definitely looking forward to that awkwardness between the two 🩷
September 1, 2024
REVIEW TO COME😍🍁💞!!!!!!!!!
September 17, 2024
5★
I loved the first book so much so i had to get this one. It was SOOOO CUTE. i loved hazel and Noah so much. They were too cute. Fall small town romances are honestly the best books ever because they hit so hard and it just made me so happy. im so excited for the christmas tree farm.
LOVED
I loved the first book so much so i had to get this one. It was SOOOO CUTE. i loved hazel and Noah so much. They were too cute. Fall small town romances are honestly the best books ever because they hit so hard and it just made me so happy. im so excited for the christmas tree farm.
LOVED
September 2, 2024
This was the perfect afternoon read to get into cozy vibes now that September’s here and summer’s winding down. I didn’t remember all the details from the previous book, but it was super easy to dive back into this series. Honestly, it reads almost like an interconnected standalone, which is great! It was much better than The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, the first book in the series. I loved how the author broke the fourth wall with the whole bit about the shop's name constantly changing—such a fun touch!
Hazel is the classic quiet bookworm, while Noah is the guy who gets arounds and is a social butterfly—a total odd couple, but that just makes it even better when he falls for her first. Hazel’s about to turn 30 and realizes she hasn’t experienced much in life. Noah, who’s been head over heels for her for years, steps in to help her have a summer to remember before her big birthday. Of course, she doesn’t expect to catch feelings for him along the way. Noah absolutely nailed the "acts of service" love language, and surprised everyone, especially Hazel.
The little mystery added a nice twist; Hazel starts finding secret messages dog-eared on the pages of certain books in her store, which she takes as a sign that someone’s trying to nudge her out of her comfort zone. But seriously, who would dare vandalize a book to leave clues?
Overall, this was a quick, easy, and adorable read—just pure fluffy romance set in Dream Harbor. I can’t wait to see what this charming town has to offer next!
Hazel is the classic quiet bookworm, while Noah is the guy who gets arounds and is a social butterfly—a total odd couple, but that just makes it even better when he falls for her first. Hazel’s about to turn 30 and realizes she hasn’t experienced much in life. Noah, who’s been head over heels for her for years, steps in to help her have a summer to remember before her big birthday. Of course, she doesn’t expect to catch feelings for him along the way. Noah absolutely nailed the "acts of service" love language, and surprised everyone, especially Hazel.
The little mystery added a nice twist; Hazel starts finding secret messages dog-eared on the pages of certain books in her store, which she takes as a sign that someone’s trying to nudge her out of her comfort zone. But seriously, who would dare vandalize a book to leave clues?
Overall, this was a quick, easy, and adorable read—just pure fluffy romance set in Dream Harbor. I can’t wait to see what this charming town has to offer next!
September 29, 2024
I looooooooooooved this book. Maybe even more than the pumpkin spice café. Deffo had more "spice" in this one but icl I ate it UP😂 so good 10/10. I think I'm in love with Noah oop
September 14, 2024
do you want a perfect fall book with lovable characters and a well developed romance? bad news, you'll keep wanting it bc this one has none of that 💘
September 18, 2024
I never want to read about anyone "having the hots for" anyone ever again...that was so distracting.
also, do not be deceived like I was: this book does NOT take place in the autumn season until the end about 250 pages in for her birthday/thanksgiving but other than that it's in the summer which was highly disappointing.
however, I will say it was a cute fun lighthearted time, love that the woman was older than the male love interest, and the steamy scenes were decently done.
also, do not be deceived like I was: this book does NOT take place in the autumn season until the end about 250 pages in for her birthday/thanksgiving but other than that it's in the summer which was highly disappointing.
however, I will say it was a cute fun lighthearted time, love that the woman was older than the male love interest, and the steamy scenes were decently done.
September 7, 2024
3.5 stars
This one didn't hit the same as Pumpkin Spiced Cafe for me unfortunately. I'm not fully sure what it is. It's been a while since I read PSC so maybe we did get a bit of Hazel and Noah in the first book, introducing us to their relationship, but this felt a bit insta-love for me. I just wasn't invested in them. Also the miscommunication between the two, not just being honest with the other on how they feel, was driving me nuts.
I loved the atmosphere and it was great to see Jeanie and Logan again, but I just didn't love it as much as the first.
This one didn't hit the same as Pumpkin Spiced Cafe for me unfortunately. I'm not fully sure what it is. It's been a while since I read PSC so maybe we did get a bit of Hazel and Noah in the first book, introducing us to their relationship, but this felt a bit insta-love for me. I just wasn't invested in them. Also the miscommunication between the two, not just being honest with the other on how they feel, was driving me nuts.
I loved the atmosphere and it was great to see Jeanie and Logan again, but I just didn't love it as much as the first.
September 25, 2024
5 stars 🌟
Another easy 5 star read for me ⭐️🍂🍁 I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m now absolutely in love with small town romances!!
I didn’t think I could love any couple more than Jeanie & Logan (from the first book), but Hazel and Noah are just so cute together 🥺
“I was prepared to read every damn book in that bookstore just to spend more time with you.”
So this book follow’s Hazel & Noah’s story: Hazel works in a book shop and is super sensible & shy, whereas Noah is a fisherman, and super outgoing and confident. She wants to let loose and have fun before her 30th birthday, and of course Noah is more than happy to help her with that. They’re total opposites but end up falling for eachother!
It was so much fun returning to Dream Harbour again, and even better that Jeanie, Logan and The Pumpkin Spice Cafe were mentioned aswell! It was nice to have everyone back together again!
Cosy, small town romance books are officially my fave 😍 Can’t wait to read the Christmas one next!!!
Another easy 5 star read for me ⭐️🍂🍁 I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m now absolutely in love with small town romances!!
I didn’t think I could love any couple more than Jeanie & Logan (from the first book), but Hazel and Noah are just so cute together 🥺
“I was prepared to read every damn book in that bookstore just to spend more time with you.”
So this book follow’s Hazel & Noah’s story: Hazel works in a book shop and is super sensible & shy, whereas Noah is a fisherman, and super outgoing and confident. She wants to let loose and have fun before her 30th birthday, and of course Noah is more than happy to help her with that. They’re total opposites but end up falling for eachother!
It was so much fun returning to Dream Harbour again, and even better that Jeanie, Logan and The Pumpkin Spice Cafe were mentioned aswell! It was nice to have everyone back together again!
Cosy, small town romance books are officially my fave 😍 Can’t wait to read the Christmas one next!!!
September 2, 2024
The gangs all back for this second installment of the Dream Harbor series. I discovered this series recently when I thought I was getting into a Halloween cozy mystery. On that note, this is not a traditional G/PG-rated cozy mystery though. Way too much spice and is definitely a romcom, cozy mystery with quite a bit of steam! I just wanted to mention that for those that are more interested in the traditional kind of cozy mystery with just a “wee bit of steam” (as my GR friend, Srivalli would say ).
This installment focuses on another one of Dream Harbor’s residents and business owner, Hazel, who owns the bookstore that is next door to Jeanie’s café from the first installment. Hazel, whose 30th birthday is looming in the very near future, is feeling like her life is desperately missing something and time is running out for her to do something about it. She decides that she wants to spend the next two months of the summer and her 29th year just having fun. It’s then, while straightening up the bookstore, Hazel notices that someone has highlighted a sexy section of one of the books in the romance section. She immediately suspected it was probably one of the members of the smutty book club. Lol😂 That smutty book club and its lascivious members are funny and a good source of humor.
However, because of the mood that Hazel is in and the state of what she perceives as her boring life, Hazel feels like the passage was some kind of message to her when, on cue, in walksstud puppy local hottie fishing tour guide, Noah, who, by the way, has been secretly crushing on Hazel for a while. Noah is enlisted to help Hazel find out who is highlighting sexy passages in various steamy romance books and leaving them around the bookstore for Hazel to find. As to be expected, Noah ends up helping with a lot more than finding out who’s marking up Hazel’s books. Hazel is determined to have a “friends with benefits” fling (something she has never had with any of the men she has slept with) and then there is the age difference that makes her uncomfortable. Good grief!!! The man is only five years younger, that is not a big deal and if the roles were reversed, no one would think anything a man being five years older. Anyway, of course, Noah is all in for a fling with a townie, since he is infamous for only sleeping with tourists since coming to Dream Harbor about a year earlier.
This was a cute and funny story that was a cozy and silly mystery as well as a hot and steamy romcom. The pacing and storyline were a perfect read for a lazy, Labor Day weekend. I liked how the same set of ensemble characters were all back for this installment. I also loved the quaint and friendly character of the small-town environment of Dream Harbor. Having relocated from my hometown of Los Angeles to a small town in NoCA earlier this year, I have often had the same feeling as I frequent the shops and businesses on Main St (about 6blks long) in the historic district of downtown Rio Vista, CA. While there isn’t a bookstore, there is a café that does make amazing cinnamon buns and while it’s a little early right now, I am told they do make pumpkin lattes. However, they don’t start doing them until the Fall Festival later this month (this place has a festival practically every month).
Anyway, I’m looking at an overall rating of 3.9 that I will be rounding up to a 4star rating. I want to thank NetGalley and Harper 360 for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #Harper360 #TheCinnamonBunBookStore
This installment focuses on another one of Dream Harbor’s residents and business owner, Hazel, who owns the bookstore that is next door to Jeanie’s café from the first installment. Hazel, whose 30th birthday is looming in the very near future, is feeling like her life is desperately missing something and time is running out for her to do something about it. She decides that she wants to spend the next two months of the summer and her 29th year just having fun. It’s then, while straightening up the bookstore, Hazel notices that someone has highlighted a sexy section of one of the books in the romance section. She immediately suspected it was probably one of the members of the smutty book club. Lol😂 That smutty book club and its lascivious members are funny and a good source of humor.
However, because of the mood that Hazel is in and the state of what she perceives as her boring life, Hazel feels like the passage was some kind of message to her when, on cue, in walks
This was a cute and funny story that was a cozy and silly mystery as well as a hot and steamy romcom. The pacing and storyline were a perfect read for a lazy, Labor Day weekend. I liked how the same set of ensemble characters were all back for this installment. I also loved the quaint and friendly character of the small-town environment of Dream Harbor. Having relocated from my hometown of Los Angeles to a small town in NoCA earlier this year, I have often had the same feeling as I frequent the shops and businesses on Main St (about 6blks long) in the historic district of downtown Rio Vista, CA. While there isn’t a bookstore, there is a café that does make amazing cinnamon buns and while it’s a little early right now, I am told they do make pumpkin lattes. However, they don’t start doing them until the Fall Festival later this month (this place has a festival practically every month).
Anyway, I’m looking at an overall rating of 3.9 that I will be rounding up to a 4star rating. I want to thank NetGalley and Harper 360 for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #Harper360 #TheCinnamonBunBookStore
September 3, 2024
Happy publishing day ☕📚
This one was so cute too! This still had all the cozy, autumnal vibes of the first one, which is what I've been after the last few days. These are so easy to read, and such comforting, mindless entertainment a la your favorite sit-com. I am finding I really enjoy the mystery element of these (even with the low stakes) way more than I thought I would so perhaps I need to dabble into more cozy mysteries? (Send cozy mystery recs my way if you have any 👀)I don't think I will ever think about this book again now that I have read it, so a 3🌟 rating feels correct, but I really did enjoy it while I was reading it, and if you want a cute, comforting, spicy romance/mystery for the fall season, I highly recommend giving this series a try!
Thank you so much to Harper 360 and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!!
This one was so cute too! This still had all the cozy, autumnal vibes of the first one, which is what I've been after the last few days. These are so easy to read, and such comforting, mindless entertainment a la your favorite sit-com. I am finding I really enjoy the mystery element of these (even with the low stakes) way more than I thought I would so perhaps I need to dabble into more cozy mysteries? (Send cozy mystery recs my way if you have any 👀)I don't think I will ever think about this book again now that I have read it, so a 3🌟 rating feels correct, but I really did enjoy it while I was reading it, and if you want a cute, comforting, spicy romance/mystery for the fall season, I highly recommend giving this series a try!
Thank you so much to Harper 360 and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!!
September 7, 2024
This wasn’t a fall book so what was the point
September 19, 2024
I have been deceived by the cozy aesthetic of the book cover and now, I felt like I have to rethink my life decisions 😂. I kid u not, I thought this book is gonna be a cute, cozy fall romance in a small town called Dream Harbour, I mean how cute is that name of the town. The main attraction for me when I saw the book cover is the title with the book store, cinnamon bun and fall themed. I got these elements but only small percentage of them which made me tad disappointed. This book is a flurry blast on full of heavy romance & veryyy spicy scenes. I blamed myself for being tricked by the cover and didnt read the synopsis properly or maybe at the time, I was just thinking this gonna be a cutesy romance with lots of books or bookstore elements. The story focused more on the insta love relationship between Hazel Kelly and Noah, the oh so sexy redhead fisherman 😌 as they soon embark on a summer fun journey before Hazel turns 30.
Hazel worked in the Cinammon Bun Bookstore and found these little clues scattered in the bookstore where a certain page was annotated or dog eared on a romance novel. These little clues are like saying that she need some adventures in her straight laced, serious life. Hazel then recruit the help of Noah, the man who seems too gorgeous to be true and maybe or maybe not have hots on her. The summer turned more passionate with their developing romance.
The whole concept is based on these 2 characters having feelings for each other which to me felt too sudden and too lusty 😌, i just wished they both communicate better with talking rather than yknow what😂. There are two POV in this book as we get to see from Hazel and Noah's perspective so we get to see whats their struggles & fears, Hazel with her seemingly want to break free from her constraints and Noah wants to get approval from his father. I just wished we had more of the bookstore charms in this book but this book is more focused on the romance & the explicitness of them which like too much for me. If u like romance, maybe u will like this better, I'm just not the right reader.
Thank u @timesreads for the review copy
Hazel worked in the Cinammon Bun Bookstore and found these little clues scattered in the bookstore where a certain page was annotated or dog eared on a romance novel. These little clues are like saying that she need some adventures in her straight laced, serious life. Hazel then recruit the help of Noah, the man who seems too gorgeous to be true and maybe or maybe not have hots on her. The summer turned more passionate with their developing romance.
The whole concept is based on these 2 characters having feelings for each other which to me felt too sudden and too lusty 😌, i just wished they both communicate better with talking rather than yknow what😂. There are two POV in this book as we get to see from Hazel and Noah's perspective so we get to see whats their struggles & fears, Hazel with her seemingly want to break free from her constraints and Noah wants to get approval from his father. I just wished we had more of the bookstore charms in this book but this book is more focused on the romance & the explicitness of them which like too much for me. If u like romance, maybe u will like this better, I'm just not the right reader.
Thank u @timesreads for the review copy
August 26, 2024
4 stars!
I enjoyed Laurie Gilmore's "The Cinnamon Bun Book Store" more than I enjoyed "The Pumpkin Spice Cafe." It is a wonderful summer-to-fall transition book that I think readers will devour! I loved Hazel and Noah so, so much, way more than I thought I would! Anyone who has ever felt lost in life, like they are stuck spinning their wheels, can and will relate to Hazel. She is on the verge of turning 30 and feels like she hasn't had any grand adventures in life. She lives in a small town, has had the same friends forever, and works in the same bookshop that she has loved for years. Her life is fine. She is content... but there's no excitement, no chaos, no spontaneity. She starts getting secret messages dog-eared on the pages of certain books in her store, and she takes that as a sign that someone is leaving her clues to help get her out of her comfort zone. Enter Noah, who has been head over heels for Hazel for years. Hazel asks for Noah's help to have a memorable summer before she turns 30... but she doesn't expect to fall in love with him in the process! This book will surely satisfy people who are looking for a blend of spicy and sweet. It's shockingly more spicy than I expected! Sure, some of the dialogue is super cheesy bordering on cringe-worthy, but I think there is enough substance and fun here that most readers will overlook the goofiness. I liked this book quite a bit and cannot wait for the next installment in the series!
Thank you to NetGalley, Laurie Gilmore, and Harper 360 for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
I enjoyed Laurie Gilmore's "The Cinnamon Bun Book Store" more than I enjoyed "The Pumpkin Spice Cafe." It is a wonderful summer-to-fall transition book that I think readers will devour! I loved Hazel and Noah so, so much, way more than I thought I would! Anyone who has ever felt lost in life, like they are stuck spinning their wheels, can and will relate to Hazel. She is on the verge of turning 30 and feels like she hasn't had any grand adventures in life. She lives in a small town, has had the same friends forever, and works in the same bookshop that she has loved for years. Her life is fine. She is content... but there's no excitement, no chaos, no spontaneity. She starts getting secret messages dog-eared on the pages of certain books in her store, and she takes that as a sign that someone is leaving her clues to help get her out of her comfort zone. Enter Noah, who has been head over heels for Hazel for years. Hazel asks for Noah's help to have a memorable summer before she turns 30... but she doesn't expect to fall in love with him in the process! This book will surely satisfy people who are looking for a blend of spicy and sweet. It's shockingly more spicy than I expected! Sure, some of the dialogue is super cheesy bordering on cringe-worthy, but I think there is enough substance and fun here that most readers will overlook the goofiness. I liked this book quite a bit and cannot wait for the next installment in the series!
Thank you to NetGalley, Laurie Gilmore, and Harper 360 for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
September 1, 2024
Oh, Hazel, I get you girl, I get you. Sometimes fine life is just that - fine life and sometimes that fine life needs be that littlle bit more. And you deserve more than just fine life, Hazel. Becuse sometimes when you turn away from fine and safe, life turns out to be great. And your great might just be better because Noah... Yes, Noah... Be still my beating heart but Noah... Noah is definitely where life gets to be more than just fine. Life gets to be great. But you need to let it happen.
Laurie Gilmore continues Dream Harbor series with The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore. And I think it's better than The Pumpkin Spice Cafe which I liked a lot. There's that beautiful transition from summer to autumn, you get that feeling of something ending and hope for sommething else to begin. There's the cosiness, the laughs and heartbreak and love and hope. And spice. There's definitely spice.
Dream Harbor series definitely has my heart. Can't wait for more books. Love love love.
Laurie Gilmore continues Dream Harbor series with The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore. And I think it's better than The Pumpkin Spice Cafe which I liked a lot. There's that beautiful transition from summer to autumn, you get that feeling of something ending and hope for sommething else to begin. There's the cosiness, the laughs and heartbreak and love and hope. And spice. There's definitely spice.
Dream Harbor series definitely has my heart. Can't wait for more books. Love love love.
September 18, 2024
I have no idea why, but these books are so addicting and it makes no sense 😂
They’re just so comforting and predictable - the way a hallmark movie marathon is during Christmas time.
This is the second in the series, and follows the town bookstore manager, Hazel, and the fisherman, Noah.
Hazel wants to have a fun summer fling before she turns 30, and Noah doesn’t ever do long-term relationships. So obviously they fall in love and bang a lot.
I liked this one even more than the first! Their romance made me smile the entire time, I LOVE Hazel because I’m a lot like her, and I love that the story revolved around books.
This series makes me feel so cozy and smily, even though they’re kind of cheesy. But I can’t help it 🤷🏻♀️
I’m very excited for the third book to come out 😁
They’re just so comforting and predictable - the way a hallmark movie marathon is during Christmas time.
This is the second in the series, and follows the town bookstore manager, Hazel, and the fisherman, Noah.
Hazel wants to have a fun summer fling before she turns 30, and Noah doesn’t ever do long-term relationships. So obviously they fall in love and bang a lot.
I liked this one even more than the first! Their romance made me smile the entire time, I LOVE Hazel because I’m a lot like her, and I love that the story revolved around books.
This series makes me feel so cozy and smily, even though they’re kind of cheesy. But I can’t help it 🤷🏻♀️
I’m very excited for the third book to come out 😁
September 28, 2024
Well this was definitely sugar and spice, and everything nice 🌶️😏
I mean small town romance, cozy autumn vibes, little messages left in books, cinnamon buns - what else can a girl ask for? 🍁🫶
And a moment for how precious 🥺 Noah is??!! Like buying a book from Hazel’s store every time he walked in there?? and ACTUALLY reading it?? - all very intentionally as well? AHHHH. Truly, one of my favourite books that I have read in a long time. I’ve already pre-ordered the Christmas Tree Farm so watch me devour that as the holiday season slowly creeps in 🤭🎄
I mean small town romance, cozy autumn vibes, little messages left in books, cinnamon buns - what else can a girl ask for? 🍁🫶
And a moment for how precious 🥺 Noah is??!! Like buying a book from Hazel’s store every time he walked in there?? and ACTUALLY reading it?? - all very intentionally as well? AHHHH. Truly, one of my favourite books that I have read in a long time. I’ve already pre-ordered the Christmas Tree Farm so watch me devour that as the holiday season slowly creeps in 🤭🎄
September 5, 2024
My favourite part of the book was when it ended
September 27, 2024
4 ⭐️
3 🌶️
‘I was prepared to read every damn book in that bookstore just to spend more time with you.’
Okay, take everything you know about me not liking 3rd person POV and throw it out the window. This book was AMAZING, and I DEVOURED it in one day.🤓
Dream Harbour is such a charming city, full of cozy vibes that make you feel right at home. I loved the depth of Noah's character, and honestly, if my future boyfriend doesn't declare his love for me through books the way Noah did, I don't want him! This is just another reminder to never judge a book by its cover - it looks all cute and innocent, but it's not, IT IS SPICYYYYYY! 🔥🤭
'Trust me, okay? I'll keep you safe. Promise.'
She tipped her face up to his. 'I do trust you. There's just a lot of ways this could go wrong.’
‘Yeah, but think of all the ways it could go right.’
He’d read just one more chapter and then deal with his own shit.
- Same Noah, sameeeee
Tropes:
📚 Small town romance
📚 He falls first
📚 Age gap (5 years)
📚 Friends to lovers
📚 Opposites attract
📚 Forced proximity
Song:
📚 Sun to me - Zach Bryan
3 🌶️
‘I was prepared to read every damn book in that bookstore just to spend more time with you.’
Okay, take everything you know about me not liking 3rd person POV and throw it out the window. This book was AMAZING, and I DEVOURED it in one day.🤓
Dream Harbour is such a charming city, full of cozy vibes that make you feel right at home. I loved the depth of Noah's character, and honestly, if my future boyfriend doesn't declare his love for me through books the way Noah did, I don't want him! This is just another reminder to never judge a book by its cover - it looks all cute and innocent, but it's not, IT IS SPICYYYYYY! 🔥🤭
'Trust me, okay? I'll keep you safe. Promise.'
She tipped her face up to his. 'I do trust you. There's just a lot of ways this could go wrong.’
‘Yeah, but think of all the ways it could go right.’
He’d read just one more chapter and then deal with his own shit.
- Same Noah, sameeeee
Tropes:
📚 Small town romance
📚 He falls first
📚 Age gap (5 years)
📚 Friends to lovers
📚 Opposites attract
📚 Forced proximity
Song:
📚 Sun to me - Zach Bryan
Want to read
August 21, 2024͙͘͡★ GOT THE ARC this cover is to die for but I’m saving this for October cause of the vibes
September 6, 2024
2,5 ⭐️
Why is it so spicy
Why is it so spicy
September 22, 2024
While this book was cute, I didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as The Pumpkin Spice Café. One of the main reasons was the storyline—I’m not a big fan of the friends-with-benefits trope, and this book leaned much more on the physical side of the relationship compared to the first.
The story follows Hazel, who discovers a series of mysterious messages hidden within the books at her bookstore. Taking it as a sign to embark on a summer adventure, she’s joined by Noah, a charming fisherman who typically avoids commitment and prefers casual flings with tourists.
I loved watching Noah, usually so carefree, become completely swept up in his feelings for Hazel, the girl he can’t get out of his head. Hazel’s journey, on the other hand, is about learning to take risks and trusting that good things can come from stepping outside her comfort zone. I really liked both of them as characters!
What I missed in this book, though, was the cozy, seasonal feel that made The Pumpkin Spice Café so enjoyable. Despite the cover of The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore suggesting otherwise, most of the story is set during the summer. Very misleading! Without that warm, seasonal atmosphere, this romance felt more generic to me.
(heat level: multiple open-door scenes, explicit details)
The story follows Hazel, who discovers a series of mysterious messages hidden within the books at her bookstore. Taking it as a sign to embark on a summer adventure, she’s joined by Noah, a charming fisherman who typically avoids commitment and prefers casual flings with tourists.
I loved watching Noah, usually so carefree, become completely swept up in his feelings for Hazel, the girl he can’t get out of his head. Hazel’s journey, on the other hand, is about learning to take risks and trusting that good things can come from stepping outside her comfort zone. I really liked both of them as characters!
What I missed in this book, though, was the cozy, seasonal feel that made The Pumpkin Spice Café so enjoyable. Despite the cover of The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore suggesting otherwise, most of the story is set during the summer. Very misleading! Without that warm, seasonal atmosphere, this romance felt more generic to me.
(heat level: multiple open-door scenes, explicit details)
September 5, 2024
Well if that wasn’t the cutest, sweetest book! I read The Pumpkin Spice Café last year, so I was a little rusty on all things Dream Harbor. I’m so glad I picked this up, it was like a warm hug! And made me want a cinnamon roll, real bad. Anywho, Hazel is the manager of the titular bookshop, and only months from turning thirty is coming to realize that it’s really all she can say about herself. She’s indoorsy, bookish, and…that’s it. There is no excitement, no adventure. Until books start showing up in the shop after being defaced, and Hazel realizes they may be clues someone is trying to give her to get a life. Enter Noah.
Noah is the town heartthrob, having arrived into town a mystery to most people. He spends his days giving fishing tours on his charter boat and doing whatever he pleases. It’s well known that Noah is down for a good time, not a long time, as is evident by his use of the tourist women. But lately Hazel has noticed Noah finding reasons to come talk to her, and after they put their heads together about the mysterious book clues, they decide on a summer of fun and adventure…together. Hazel wants to prove to her mystery clue-layer that she can be fun and spontaneous, and honestly she has quite a bit to prove to herself, too. Noah knows she sees him as a fling, but he wants more and he wants it with Hazel. Now to tell her…
I thought this was short, sweet, and to the point in the best ways. Lots of small town fun, sexy times with a sexy boat captain, and I totally saw myself in Hazel! I can’t wait to keep reading and meet the whole cast of lovable characters and see what they get up to!!!
Noah is the town heartthrob, having arrived into town a mystery to most people. He spends his days giving fishing tours on his charter boat and doing whatever he pleases. It’s well known that Noah is down for a good time, not a long time, as is evident by his use of the tourist women. But lately Hazel has noticed Noah finding reasons to come talk to her, and after they put their heads together about the mysterious book clues, they decide on a summer of fun and adventure…together. Hazel wants to prove to her mystery clue-layer that she can be fun and spontaneous, and honestly she has quite a bit to prove to herself, too. Noah knows she sees him as a fling, but he wants more and he wants it with Hazel. Now to tell her…
I thought this was short, sweet, and to the point in the best ways. Lots of small town fun, sexy times with a sexy boat captain, and I totally saw myself in Hazel! I can’t wait to keep reading and meet the whole cast of lovable characters and see what they get up to!!!
September 9, 2024
I’m so upset about how upset I am over this book. It was really repetitive, the main characters conversations really bothered me, their chemistry was… off, the spicy scenes were cringy, BUT the end was really sweet, it was incredibly cozy, it did what it was meant to do & I will definitely be reading the next one.
August 29, 2024
The perfect summer-to-fall transition book. It's exactly what it looks like- a cute, cozy, small town romance. Hazel works at a bookstore and was such a relatable character and Noah is THE acts of service man. Their relationship and their "summer of fun" was so sweet. I am definitely going to read the rest of the books in this series!
September 8, 2024
Okayyyy, *sigh* I feel let down.
Let me preface this by saying The Pumpkin Spice Cafe is truly one of my favorite romance books of all time. I think it was the perfect book for fall.
I think I bamboozled myself a bit by thinking this book was also a fall vibes book. It being a summer bucket list type of romance just threw me off for a second.
Now, this story (if it is not taking itself seriously) is super remnant of a 2000s romcom. The nerdy librarian girl takes off her glasses and omg shes been sexy the whole time! I think it’s ridiculous but a good ridiculous if it can laugh at itself.
However, as I near my 30s I am really done with the self-conscious women who need a man to help her realize her confidence. ESPECIALLY a man who is half a decade younger than her. Gtfo of here with that.
Then Noah… i’ll be honest, I havent 0 sympathy for a man who sleeps with many women and when he is known for sleeping with many women he gets upset when people bring it up? No one is judging him, they are just observing that he doesnt date long term and typically does short flings. Why is he so “oh woah is me, im just the fun sex guy”. Like you can change that any time you want?
Besides the characters being teetering on unlikeable, this whole book was pretty much the miscommunication trope. Womp womp.
These people are just not my Jeanie and Logan.
A few good things:
I love all of our characters as a whole and how they fit into this small town feel. The town hall meeting was remnant of Gilmore Girls and that was enjoyable.
Also the *love confession* (I wont spoil it but) it was one of my favorite admissions I have ever read. It was super unique and I had to show my fiance’ because I loved it that much.
Idk how two books in a series could have such opposite ratings from me, but here we are. I WILL still be reading the next Christmas book because i’m hoping for a redemption.
Let me preface this by saying The Pumpkin Spice Cafe is truly one of my favorite romance books of all time. I think it was the perfect book for fall.
I think I bamboozled myself a bit by thinking this book was also a fall vibes book. It being a summer bucket list type of romance just threw me off for a second.
Now, this story (if it is not taking itself seriously) is super remnant of a 2000s romcom. The nerdy librarian girl takes off her glasses and omg shes been sexy the whole time! I think it’s ridiculous but a good ridiculous if it can laugh at itself.
However, as I near my 30s I am really done with the self-conscious women who need a man to help her realize her confidence. ESPECIALLY a man who is half a decade younger than her. Gtfo of here with that.
Then Noah… i’ll be honest, I havent 0 sympathy for a man who sleeps with many women and when he is known for sleeping with many women he gets upset when people bring it up? No one is judging him, they are just observing that he doesnt date long term and typically does short flings. Why is he so “oh woah is me, im just the fun sex guy”. Like you can change that any time you want?
Besides the characters being teetering on unlikeable, this whole book was pretty much the miscommunication trope. Womp womp.
These people are just not my Jeanie and Logan.
A few good things:
I love all of our characters as a whole and how they fit into this small town feel. The town hall meeting was remnant of Gilmore Girls and that was enjoyable.
Also the *love confession* (I wont spoil it but) it was one of my favorite admissions I have ever read. It was super unique and I had to show my fiance’ because I loved it that much.
Idk how two books in a series could have such opposite ratings from me, but here we are. I WILL still be reading the next Christmas book because i’m hoping for a redemption.
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