𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔾𝕚𝕤𝕥:
When Hazel finds a secret message tucked inside a book at the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, she’s puzzled—but intrigued. As more coded clues start appearing, she sets off on a scavenger hunt around Dream Harbor, roping in charming fisherman Noah to help. He’s more than happy to join—especially since he’s had a quiet crush on Hazel for a while. As the mystery unfolds, so does something else: a sweet and unexpected romance that’s as warm and irresistible as the bakery’s famous cinnamon buns.

𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤:
🧲 Opposites attract
🏡 Small town
❤️‍🔥 Forced proximity
😍 He falls first

𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore is the second book in the Dream Harbor series, and just like Pumpkin Spice Cafe, I adored this story. It was exactly what I needed; a sweet, cheesy & predictable, steamy romance with a dash of mystery.

I loved our confident and sexy fisherman, Noah. His excuses to see Hazel were so cute and I *ate up* his big gesture at the end. Fans of Hallmark movies would love this book, as well as the rest of the Dream Harbor series.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄.

𝕄𝕪 ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (𝟰/𝟱)

𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖 ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘:
🌶️🌶️ (𝟮/𝟱)

Laurie Gilmore you have done it again. I LOVEEEE this series. There is nothing better than a cozy, character-focused romance! Hazel and Noah were so cute. The scavenger hunt was such a unique way to drive the plot, and I loved how it invited reader interaction! (Who was the culprit! I was guessing the whole time). Gilmore is so talented with character arcs---Noah and Hazel finding themselves and opening up felt so natural and human, in a way that can be difficult to come across in text. I'll be (im)patiently awaiting the rest of the series.

I already knew to expect a cozy book since I have read her other ones. I thought it was cute and light which is just what you need sometimes

This book was like a warm hug and a gooey cinnamon bun all wrapped into one. I adored the cozy setting and the sweet romance—it was the perfect escape. The characters had great chemistry, and I loved watching their relationship unfold inside such a charming, bookish backdrop. It had just enough heart, humor, and heat to keep me hooked from beginning to end. Definitely one of those reads that makes you want to curl up with a blanket, a snack, and never leave the fictional town.

The cinnamon bun book store was a very cute cozy ready. Your typical small town romance. I couldn’t stop reading. I love the personalities of the main characters and it was easy to be invested in their lives.

The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore was such a sweet surprise—like a warm hug in book form. I loved the cozy small-town vibes, the charming bookstore setting, and of course, the hint of romance. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to curl up with a pastry and never leave the pages. A feel-good read from start to finish!

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

3.75/5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️


Hazel and Noah’s story in The Cinnamon Bun Book Store was cute. Not quite as cute as Jeannie & Logan’s, but cute nonetheless!
The flirty relationship between the introverted bookshop manager and the extroverted boat tour guide/bartender was everything you’d expect it to be 🩷 I was very happy about their ending. In fact, everything after Hazel turned 30 knocked my rating up the extra .75 😊

This was so cute and just a nice light read with positive energy. It had way more romance and less mystery than The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! All the characters were very loveable. I especially loved that Hazel is a bookseller and could really relate to all her bookish quirks. This was a great follow up to The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, and in my opinion far superior to it.

Thank you Netgalley, Harper 360, and Laurie Gilmore for the complimentary eARC.

The Cinnamon Bun Book Store is out now!

This book was so cute I liked it better than the first one!! I got to read this last year from NetGalley and just realized I never posted my review! This was such a cozy read and a little bit spicy 🌶️ I enjoyed it so much, the first one wasn’t my favorite so I didn’t have high hopes but I loved it.

I loved Laurie Gilmore's first romance novel set in the same town, but this one wasn't as fun. It felt stale and I had trouble finishing it. All in all it took me about 6 months to get through since I wasn't too interested in the story or characters. That being said, once I did finish it I felt I was originally too harsh on it to begin with. Solidly average for me.

This author is new to me, but I will be keeping an eye out for anything else they publish. I loved the story and the characters. The pacing of the story was great. This author is new to me, but I will be keeping an eye out for anything else they publish. I loved the story and the characters. The pacing of the story was great and the characters were relatable.at and the characters were relatable.

Super cute story. I do feel like it was missing something for me. I just can’t put my finger on it. I would like more character development and stronger plot.

Title: The Cinnamon Bun Book Store
Author: Laurie Gilmore
Genre: Romantic Mystery
Tropes: Opposites attract, small town, forced proximity, he falls first
Format: eARC
Rating: 4 Stars

Summary:
Hazel is owner of the Cinnamon bun book store. Approaching 30, she feels stuck in her small town life. When she begins to find clues hidden in books in her store she is determined chase the adventure and follow the clues. She enlists the help of Noah, a local fisherman, playboy, and avid adventurer. Together they follow the clues in a search for a culprit. As their friendship grows into something more, Noah helps Hazel gain confidence in herself and Hazel helps Noah be vulnerable and grow.

Thoughts:
I just love the covers of these books. I absolutely love a bookish MC! I enjoyed the chemistry between the MCs. This is an interconnected standalone and I enjoyed seeing more of the couple from The Pumpkin Spice Café too! The cast of characters in these books are so delightful. It is such a light, easy read with a sweet and spicy romance and a cozy mystery.

Great for readers who love a bookish FMC, small town vibes, and spice!

Thank you to the Harper Collins (Harper360) and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this eARC in exchange for my honest review. Reviews posted to NetGalley, Amazon, and GoodReads.

So fun to read more in the town of Dream Harbor. Loved getting to know about Hazel and Noah. And of course the bookstore. Excited to read the next one.

The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore promised a cozy autumn read, but it leaned more towards a summery vibe for most of the story—despite its fall-themed cover. While it wasn’t a bad read, it didn’t leave a lasting impression. A light, easy read, but not quite the warm and cozy experience I was expecting.

This was cute and cozy! If you liked the other book(s) in this series, I think you’ll enjoy this too.

ADORED THIS!

Laurie Gilmore is truly becoming the best of the best for these charming small town romance novels. I loved Hazel and Noah’s dynamic in this. It’s the perfect mix of spicy and endearing. It’s books like this that remind me why romance novels are so important and necessary; they can be a soothing balm as well as an escape! And that’s exactly what this is!

Dive in for a heartwarming read with loads of chemistry and whimsical, small town charm.

I absolutely adore how cozy how cute and how raw and honest this work is! Each character is so expressive and honest, I haven’t actually read the first book in this world, but I’ve heard it’s even better than this version of this book and I cannot wait to grab book one! Through out book 2 it vaguely mentions book 3 character, and Austin mentions Café of book one! There’s angst and funny jokes and amazing ambience. I highly recommend this book. It is amazing and I cannot wait to read the rest of the entire series.

If you're in the mood for a quick and easy read, Hazel and Noah might just do the trick. The chemistry between the two main characters is the best part of the book. Otherwise, I just couldn't stop feeling like this was just "okay". It has all of the elements of a good romance or cozy mystery....it just lacks something that I can't put my finger on.