Great read. Willow and Reid .set when she homosexuals with her best friend and moves to Connecticut for two months with Reid as her landlord. They don't get on at first but will she win him over? I liked how it was told from both points of view and look forward to the next books in this series.

Made it 25% in, Start of Chapter 5

DNFing because I just don’t enjoy any of these characters. Both Reid and Willow seemed immature to me and the way they interacted wasn’t what I expected or really wanted to read. This was definitely just a “me problem” though and shouldn’t put anyone off on trying this out themselves! No issues with the writing style or skill!

Reid and Willow were grumpy/sunshine. There was humor and Reid’s reluctance to having a crush on Willow was next level self control. Willow’s many attempts to break Reid’s grumpiness succeeded. Both were going through some emotional turmoil and helped each other. A short read that brought tension, angs, humor and all the goodness.

I received a copy of this book as an e-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.

Aspiring musician Willow has decided to call it quits after completely bombing on stage one night. Her best friend, Bailey, lives in a sleepy town in Connecticut, and has been accepted to a screen writing seminar for the summer in NY, which is where WIllow lives. They decide to swap homes for the summer, so they can both get the clarity they need.

Once Willow shows up to the town of Old Ashby, she meets Reid, Bailey's landlord, who is as grumpy as he is hot. And you can guess how it goes from there.

Look, the premise of this book as been done before and it's a cute premise. However, this book just didn't work for me -- though it probably could work for other people. There are a lot of sex scenes that are spicy, if you like that. Reid is the quintessential grump with a heart of gold. Unfortunately, the writing style was overly simple for me, and I felt like I was reading Taylor Swift fan fic or something. The characters are a bit overly-tropey and one dimensional. The plot is very straightforward and predictable. There's a big helping of instalove. I got half way through the book and decided to speed-read skim the rest because I wanted to know how it turned out, and it was what I thought it would be. Now, if you love swapping places romances, dual perspective, instalove, and spicy scenes, you might really enjoy this. The two stars isn't that it's bad, it just feels like it's still in development and could have used some more refining for my tastes.

This was such a good and cute little steamy romance! I really enjoyed reading this. It was a great kick off to the spring/summer season. I feel like this is definitely going to be on the top of lists for summer reading for people to enjoy at the beach or whatever it is they do during those warm months. I am not a huge fan of the title, it feels a little... "I'm bad at titles and couldn't think of anything else" speaking from the perspective of someone who is bad at creating titles lol. I think this was a great read and I predict that it's going to be a popular one for sure!

Swapping homes with her best friend sounded like a good idea but when Willow, a city girl through and through, arrives in the Connecticut countryside she has a rude awakening. Or rather is locked out of the cottage and comes face to face with the rudest and hottest landlord she has ever met. Willow quickly realizes she has got to get on Reid’s good side or the next two months are going to be a disaster. But things only get worse. The cottage floods and Willow must temporarily move in with the gorgeous grump. She gets a part time job at the local bakery which ignites friendship and a much better outlook on the summer. Willow has put her dream as a singer/musician aside and as painful as it may be the bakery is the perfect place to keep her mind occupied. When Willow and Reid realize that their chemistry is off the charts they are too busy hiding behind their fears to face the truth about each other and their dreams. Adorable, fast paced and a little steamy, this romcom had an idyllic setting and sweet romance.

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a nice beach read with some unresolved issues that may be addressed in the following books?

I am an absolute sucker for the grumpy vs. sunshine trope and this book delivered! You just can’t help but feel for Reid. He doesn’t want to be a grump, but life has thrown him so many curves that he doesn’t know how to be anything but. It was sweet to see him transform into this sweet loving guy.

Can’t wait for the second book in this series!

Tropes: Grumpy x Sunshine, Slow Burn, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers

The tropes for this book were everything I love. I found Swap and Smell the Roses to be an easy read. The MCs were relatable, and I liked them. There was some unaddressed angst that I thought could have been explained more. The secondary characters didn't do anything for me.

This is one of those books that you can't really dislike. It's a fluffy romance that makes you happy.

this was a strong start to the Swap series, it had everything that I was looking for in a romance novel. The characters felt like they were supposed to. Karen Booth does a great job in writing realistic characters and the romance was wonderfully done. It left me wanting to read more in this world and glad I got to read this.

This was my first read by this author. I will certainly watch for other works. It was an immensely enjoyable book. Loved the characters and the setting. And the development of Willow and Reid kept me hooked

In Karen Booth's charming novel, "Swap and Smell the Roses," Willow Moore's aspirations of music stardom crumble, leading her to seek solace in the serene Connecticut countryside. Trading her bustling Brooklyn apartment for two tranquil months, Willow embraces a life of rustic simplicity, where baking bread, visiting farmers' markets, and indulging in nature's beauty become her daily rhythm. However, her idyllic escape takes an unexpected turn with the presence of Reid Harrell, her enigmatic landlord and former chef. Reid exudes an air of grouchiness and reserve, a stark contrast to Willow's outgoing and loquacious nature. Despite their differing personalities, an undeniable chemistry sparks between them. As they engage in banter and heated arguments, Willow senses a flicker of pain beneath Reid's gruff exterior. She begins to realize that they share a common past of chasing success and the disillusionment that followed. Willow's infectious enthusiasm gradually chips away at Reid's stoic demeanor. Unexpectedly, one of their arguments inspires a creative spark in Willow, reigniting her passion for music. This newfound inspiration awakens something within them both, drawing them into a whirlwind of undeniable passion. As the summer draws to a close, Willow must grapple with her desires and aspirations, including her enigmatic landlord. Reid, too, must confront his past and his longing for a quiet life. Through its exploration of dreams, heartbreak, and the transformative power of unexpected connections, "Swap and Smell the Roses" weaves a poignant tale. It is a reminder that even in the face of shattered aspirations, the path forward may lie in embracing the unknown and following one's heart, no matter where it may lead. With its vivid characters, enchanting setting, and heartwarming message, Booth's novel offers a refreshing and relatable escape for readers seeking a story that celebrates the beauty of second chances and the power of human connection.

I could not put this book down! I loved it. It did take me a little bit to warm up to Reid but half way through I did. Willow is renting his cottage, making Reid her landlord when she switches with her best friend for the over. She will go to Connecticut and her friend Bailey to New York. Willow loves music but had a bad experience making her not want to play again. Reid was more of a cranky/rude guy to start with. He was a former chef and recent lost his dad, which was extremely hard on him. He was a loner not talking to really anyone. Willow sure tried though. A flood at the cottage happens forcing Willow to move in with Reid. This is where they start getting closer and closer. Reid letting his walls down and Willow getting back into her music.
I loved the transformation in Reid. Willow really made him become a stronger guy and more open and loving.
I would definitely recommend this book.
Soon we will get her friend Bailey’s book. I am thinking that will involve Willow’s brother Gabe as well. Can’t wait

I absolutely adored Willow from the very beginning! The romance was super steamy but so romantic and sweet. I loved the setting so much too! I love a good swapping locations story.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin-Romance, Afterglow Books for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a beautifully written romance, filled with warmth, tenderness, and steamy moments, all wrapped up in fun and sweetness!! So immerse yourself in a charming tale featuring a grumpy guy, a burned out female musician, both seeking solace and new beginnings amidst the cozy ambiance of a countryside cottage in a quaint small town. Starring a city girl as the female protagonist, this story explores the dynamics of opposites attracting, forced closeness, and the gradual development of romance. It's rich with longing, angst, tension, lively banter, heartfelt moments, undeniable chemistry, spice, humor, heartwarming friendships, and unwavering support. I absolutely adored this book and eagerly await the second installment in the series! It had me smiling, giggling, swooning, and shedding a few tears all while tugging at my heartstrings!!! 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

When Willow Moore's lifelong dream of music stardom crumbles, she's left feeling burnt out and in need of a drastic change. Trading her Brooklyn apartment for two months in the Connecticut countryside. Embracing a cottage lifestyle, she finds herself baking bread, spending Saturday's at the local farmer's market, and stopping to smell the roses. However, not everything in her new rural life is pleasant, especially her landlord, former chef Reid Harrell. Reid is as grouchy and reserved as Willow is chatty and outgoing, presenting a tempting yet challenging dynamic. Despite their differences, Willow is drawn to Reid's hidden pain and begins to see parallels between their struggles. As their heated arguments ignite sparks of creativity, Willow and Reid find themselves caught in a passionate whirlwind neither anticipated. As summer comes to an end, Willow must confront her desires and uncertainties, including her feelings for Reid, leading her to reconsider her dreams and flow her heart, wherever it may lead.

If you're searching for a fun, heartwarming, and spicy rom-com, I wholeheartedly recommend this book and it deserves all the stars!! 💫💫💫💫💫

Super cute and well done story. The characters were well written and fun to read. I loved this story.

Willow and her best friend Bailey swap homes for 2 months so Bailey can take a class in NYC. Willow is in Bailey cottage in Connecticut. Willow has given up on her dreams of being a musician and finds a summer job working in a bakery. Her landlord Reid is a former chef who is in mourning for his father. Reid is closed off and at first very annoyed by Willow, But Willows bubbly personality eventually pulls Reid out of his hardened shell. This is a cute story. There is some profanity sprinkled through the book which I could have done without. All in all it was an enjoyable read.

Already excited for the next book in this new series. I adored the characters and the swap plot! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Swap and Smell the Roses provided the perfect dose of warm-hearted romance I was craving. Willow and Reid, individually captivating, shone even brighter together.

While Willow's character development was admirable, I wished for deeper exploration into her complexities. Reid, on the other hand, was a delightful embodiment of the cinnamon roll trope—a tough exterior masking a heart of gold.

In sum, Swap and Smell the Roses offers a swift yet satisfying romantic escapade. It's a must-read for fans of shorter, sweeter love stories.

I would like to extend a huge thank you to Karen Booth and Harlequin for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this novel.

A great beginning to a new series - though I really did want to drop-kick the heroine's brother (and I wasn't 100% sure why she didn't get that he and her best friend were absolutely together - but I guess that's what looking forward to the next book is for!).