I loved this so much that I read it in one sitting! The love those characters had for each other was so heartwarming to read. I would describe The Pumpkin Spice Cafe as the funny one, and this one as the sweet one. I loved both so much and I’m glad I found this author!

*Thank you Harper 360 & NetGalley for this ARC to review The Cinnamon Bun Book Store* All opinions are my own.

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶️ 2.5

Hazel is a 29 year old living a pretty mediocre life in the small town of Dream Harbor. She is tired of doing the same thing everyday and never living life on the edge, so she enlists the very attractive local fisherman known as Noah to help her live life more recklessly before she turns 30. Noah is 25 and very interested in Hazel even though Hazel doesn’t see it for herself.

The story is really cute set in this very cozy small town. The summer is ending so Hazel and Noah are going on *dates* based on clues from spicy romance novels at the book store Hazel works at.

It gets a little tiring towards the end of the book with how much either of them won’t just admit how much they each have fallen for each other. They’re adults— be real! Stop beating around the bush. lol. The spice is nice but not overly naughty 😈.

This was my first book in the series and I felt it was fine that I read it as a standalone.
I really did like the book overall, it made me feel cozy and ready for a pumpkin spice latte at the Pumpkin Spice Cafe. Now I also want warm cinnamon buns.. and to read another book by this author in this series.

If you like cozy spicy romance pick this one up this fall!

The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore is a heartwarming romance set in a quaint, small town. Hazel is approaching her thirtieth birthday and feels like she’s spent her twenties being too cautious. When she discovers some mysteriously annotated books at The Cinnamon Bun Book Store, she takes it as a sign to make the most of her last few months in her twenties, following the clues and embracing spontaneity. With the assistance of Noah, a charming and younger fisherman, will she uncover the identity of the person leaving the clues? Will she finally take more risks? Could something deeper develop between her and Noah?
This was a warm and effortless read. Hazel is a character many can relate to, feeling very much like someone you might know in real life, rather than just a fictional figure. I appreciated her journey from insecurity to becoming content and confident in who she is, both in mind and body. Despite Noah and Hazel being so different, their chemistry was evident, and they complemented each other nicely. Seeing the story from both characters’ perspectives added depth and helped me grasp their emotions and thoughts about their relationship. However, I wish there had been more focus on the mystery element. The only real tension stemmed from the characters’ lack of communication about their feelings, which was a bit frustrating. At times, I just wanted to tell them to be honest with each other.
I did enjoy seeing Noah's character develop and the progress in his relationship with his family. I would have liked a scene where Hazel meets Noah's family, as well as a more detailed depiction of Noah meeting Hazel's family. The town itself was depicted as very cozy and realistic, with everyone involved in each other’s lives. I loved Hazel’s friendships and how much she depends on her friends. I wish there had been more exploration of Hazel’s relationship with her parents. I also think there could have been more content between the conclusion of the story and the epilogue.
All in all, this was a charming and quick read. The characters and their personalities were delightful, and the town of Dream Harbor is utterly charming—I’m definitely interested in reading more about it. I was thrilled to dive into this book and am looking forward to what’s next. The cozy atmosphere of this story is truly unmatched.

Spicy contemporary male female romance. I really enjoyed this book! Both leads were interesting and relatable. The way they came together was believable and really cute. Lots of fun and super cozy. I can't wait to read the first book (though this is a standalone I wish I had read them in order).

3.75 ⭐️

This book was such a cute and cozy read. It was perfect to read now since it’s set in August and September. The miscommunication at times was frustrating but overall I loved it. I’m really excited to read book 3 of this series.

Thank you so much to Harper Collins 360, NetGalley and Laurie Gilmore for granting me access to this ARC!

First I would love to thank Harper 360 and NetGalley for the arc of "The Cinnamon Bun Book Store" by Laurie Gilmore.
This book literally has my favorite tropes opposites attract, small town, forced proximity, and he falls first!
So far out of this year, I have to say this was my favorite read and definitely in my Top 5 books! I enjoyed how Hazel and Noah were not perfect (like in real life) and that we could definitely relate to the main characters (honestly all the characters). Ever since I read The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, and heard about The Cinnamon Bun Cafe, I immediately added it to my TBR! These two books were perfect and I really don't think I can thank NetGalley and Harper 360 enough!!! You guys will definitely enjoy this cozy read!!

Thank you Harper 360 and NetGalley for the arc of "The Cinnamon Bun Book Store" by Laurie Gilmore.

5/5 🌟

🍁 opposites attract
🍁 small town
🍁 forced proximity
🍁 he falls first

One of my favourite reads this year so far! The setting was adorable, the characters lovable and the plot was great. I really enjoyed that Noah and Hazel were not perfect people and I could relate with Hazel a lot. The Pumpkin Spice Cafe has been on my tbr for the longest time but never got around to it, however starting with the second book in the series was no issue at all. I cannot wait to read the third book in the series.

📖 ARC REVIEW 📖

Thank you @harpercollins360 for an early copy of The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore by @lauriegilmore_author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Release date: September 3rd, 2024

Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/196241667-the-cinnamon-bun-bookstore?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=HzgvK90kQx&rank=1


The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore is so so good, and I would argue it’s even better than the first book in the series, The Pumpkin Spice Café! It’s an adorable small-town romance between bookseller Hazel and fisherman Noah, who have been attracted to each other since the first time they met.

Hazel was turning thirty in a few months and realized that she felt stuck in her life, having the same job, same friends, and being in the same town for so long, she wanted to experience some fun and adventure before she hit that milestone in her life. Her character is very relatable; she’s somehow satisfied with how her life is going, being in her comfort zone and all, but feels like there’s more she can do and experience.

Coincidentally, she finds defaced books in her bookshop, dog-eared and with some highlighted passages, seemingly giving her clues on how to have fun. Seeking Noah’s help, the fisherman who doesn’t do long-term relationships, they complete or do each activity highlighted in each book Hazel finds at the bookstore, and with each activity, their attraction for each other grows stronger, and I swear their banter never fails to make me smile! And while they were only doing those fun activities as friends (but honestly I feel like they’re dates with all Noah and Hazel’s flirting!), I can’t help but think that Noah was getting free date ideas from the books’ clues. (But he did come through at the end with a huge grand romantic gesture – which was one of the sweetest ones I have read thus far - *swooonnnn*)

Both Hazel and Noah’s character growth in this book was very evident – with Noah’s help, Hazel was able to get past her insecurities, and Noah finally had that sense of being enough for somebody – their growth made this book all the more satisfying to read.

The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore was such a fun and easy read, with lots of chemistry and spice from Hazel and Noah, and the other characters in Dream Harbor being the ever-nosy but supportive bunch, I would highly recommend you guys pick this up when it releases next month! Ready your pumpkin spice lattes and autumn music playlist for a full Dream Harbor reading experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper360 for the ARC of The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore.

This was a fast, super cute, easy read full of warmth and good feelings. I was expecting a bit more fall/holiday vibes but it’s based mostly in the summer with the last bit in the fall.

The plot was fun- Hazel is about to turn 30 and feels like she needs more adventure in her life. Clues start showing up in Romance books and Hazel asks the sexy fisherman Noah to help her be more adventurous. Not a lot of conflict, a bit of character growth and an overall cute story. Would not say there’s a ton of depth in this one but it’s perfect for an evening curled up on the couch.

The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore is a small town romance about bookstore manager Hazel and fisherman Noah.

This book is another trip into Dream Harbor with many characters we've already met in the Pumpkin Spice Café.

With Hazel's 30th birthday approaching she regrets playing it so safe in her 20s, as codes begin to appear in books in her store, she begins a scavenger hunt for adventure with the help of Noah. Hazel and Noah have amazing chemistry, and although they're complete opposites they compliment each other's personalities.

This next book in the dream harbor series was a quick and cozy read, I love these characters and can't wait to see what comes next.

“i was prepared to read every damn book in that bookstore just to spend more time with you.”₊ ⊹

my thoughts┊ aww! this one was so sweet.

i’m absolutely loving the town of dream harbor; it’s giving inglewild (b.k borison) and westport (tessa bailey) and i would love to go to there. i think i’d fit right in!

definitely think i enjoyed this one a little more than the pumpkin spice cafe. the characters were more fleshed out, as was the relationship, and i really enjoyed the plot progression! this was such a fun story, and i loved seeing everything wrap up in the end. i pretty much binge read this in one sitting just now because i was so in love with the way things were turning out!

hazel was a very relatable main character, and i loved seeing her find her spark again! noah was the perfect match for her; i absolutely adored his character. their romance was so sweet and offered a small amount of angst that made it *chef’s kiss* wonderful. his grand gesture at the end totally had me tearing up a bit!

this series is a fun, low stakes adventure that gives off optimal cozy vibes and good times. very happy i decided to pick it up, and i can’t wait to see what’s next! ᡣ𐭩

Thanks to the publisher & author for the ARC of this book, Hazel who wants to have this great & exciting summer before her 30th birthday, decides to follow clues from her books. Unbeknownst to her who put them there relies on her on the special town hottie for help. Love her & her friends and family, can’t wait to read the Christmas tree farm!

I really enjoyed reading this book! I was initially a little nervous, because it is third person POV but this was a great book. Hazel’s quest to decode secret messages hidden in books leads her to a heartwarming scavenger hunt with the charming fisherman, Noah. Their journey through Dream Harbor is as fun and flirty as it is endearing, and such a great fall read. Their chemistry was just perfection. The cozy small-town setting and vibrant characters make this read feel like a warm hug, and also the right balance of sweet and spicy. Overall, I loved this book and this entire series and I cannot wait for the next book!

After adoring the Pumpkin Spice Cafe, I couldn’t wait to dive into this one. What a warm and cozy read. Thank you NetGalley.

Sweet, Spicy, and Totally Addictive
Okay, so, The Cinnamon Bun Book Store is basically like a warm hug in book form, if hugging also leads to more steamy pursuits. It's got everything you could want: a cute bookstore owner, a hot fisherman, and a mystery that'll keep you guessing.
Hazel, the bookstore manager, is totally relatable. And Noah? I'm a sucker for a ginger, and he's a cinnamon roll himself.
The mystery part was pretty cool too. But let's be real, the best part was watching Hazel and Noah's relationship blossom. It was like watching a slow-burn rom-com, but with way better characters.
If you're looking for a book to curl up with and forget about the world, this is it. Trust me, you won't regret it.

Adding this author to my must read list after being gifted this A R C and happily volunteering my review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

When I read the Pumpkin Spice cafe I couldn’t wait for the next in the series and let me tell you this one did not disappoint! I read this is one sitting and I was hooked! I think I may have even liked this one better.

Hazel is a 29 year old book seller who has never really had any adventures in her life. Now she’s two months away from turning 30 and she wants to have adventures before her big birthday. Then one day someone starts leaving book askew in her shop…but once she goes to fix them she notices they are dog eared and passages are highlighted. She doesn’t think anything about it until she mentions it to the hot local fisherman who mentions they might be clues to a scavenger hunt. So she recruits him to help her and they go on a huge scavenger hunt to have adventures before her birthday! But will love be her biggest adventure of all?

This was such a fun cozy read.
4/5 stars and I would highly recommend this whole series so far!

The perfect end of summer read! Hazel and Noah’s love story was adorable. Just like the first in the series I continue to find myself charmed by the fictional town of Dream Harbor. If I could live in any fictional town - it’s Dream Harbor. The secondary characters are just so quirky and endearing. If you loved the first book or even if you love Gilmore Girls - this is a must read! I flew through the book. It was really sweet that Hazel and Noah discovered new parts of themselves together. They really brought out the best in each other. Don’t let the cozy name fool you there is still spice 😉 I enjoyed the cozy mystery aspect of trying to figure out who was leaving in the bookstore to encourage Hazel to get out of her comfort zone and have fun! I found her character to be so relatable. I won’t give away any spoilers but that ending was so sweet! Truly the perfect ending.

Look at that cover! This book contains all the good stuff that makes up my dreams. There's a great cozy setting, so many books, a cute bunch of shops, mystery, love, and more! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This is the perfect second book in this series! I enjoyed Hazel and Noah's story. I loved the idea of the secret messages inside the books encouraging Hazel to go on adventures and Noah being the perfect partner! The only thing I wish we got more of was Noah with his family. I think both of their families kind of fell off in this story and it would have been nice to have a little more of that in there.

The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️

A huge thank you to One More Chapter, Netgalley, and Laurie Gilmore for granting me access to this ARC.

Laurie Gilmore’s second book of her Dream Harbor series did not disappoint! After reading (and absolutely LOVING!!!) The Pumpkin Spice Cafe last fall, I was thrilled to read the second installment of this wonderfully cozy and cute series. This is a perfectly quintessential small town romance with a cozy mystery element, late summer adventures, swoon worthy moments throughout, and spice.

Hazel, who is turning 30 soon and has been extremely responsible throughout her twenties, sets out to do something different and go on an exciting adventure. The opportunity arises when she starts finding random clues in the books from the bookshop where she works. This gives Noah, the sexy fisherman who has been harboring a crush on Hazel, the opportunity to spend more time with her. As the story progresses, we see Hazel become more carefree and fun-loving, while Noah grows in confidence. Overall, such great character development! Hazel and Noah have incredible chemistry and their differing personalities work well together.

This entire series is so comforting and I can’t wait for the next Dream Harbor book!