Dream Harbor #2
Laurie Gilmore
About the book:
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…
My thoughts:
I’m loving this series! With The Pumpkin Spice Café setting such a high bar, The Cinnamon Bun Book Store more than lived up to my expectations. Dream Harbor continues to charm me, and Hazel’s bookstore is the perfect addition to this delightful small town. Hazel is such a relatable character – smart, funny, and a little anxious about turning 30. Her journey of self-discovery, paired with Noah’s sweet, thoughtful nature, made their story such a joy to read.
The chemistry between Hazel and Noah is just as captivating as the first book’s romance. I loved watching their relationship evolve as they teamed up to solve the mystery behind the secret messages appearing in Hazel’s books. The slow-burn romance was heartwarming, with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. Noah, the confident playboy, reveals a much softer, loyal side that makes him a perfect match for Hazel, the introverted bookworm.
The writing is just as strong as the first book – well-paced, with a great structure that switches between Hazel’s and Noah’s perspectives. I also enjoyed catching up with the side characters, especially Annie and Mac, whose hilarious banter has me hoping they’ll get their own story in the next installment. And Hazel’s dad, Mayor Kelly, continues to be a standout character. I’d love to see him take on a bigger role in future books!
Like the first book, The Cinnamon Bun Book Store is cozy, lighthearted, and perfectly spicy without going overboard. The town of Dream Harbor is so vividly written that I wish I could visit! The businesses, the community, and, of course, the swoon-worthy romance all make this book an absolute must-read. If you enjoyed the first, you’ll fall in love with this one too. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
and more…
Laurie Gilmore is a pen name. In her own words… taken from her website: https://www.melissamct.com
As 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.
All views expressed are my own. This review, or parts thereof, may also be published on my social medial channels – find me everywhere as momobookdiary – and book websites, such as Amazon, Goodreads, LoveReading, StoryGraph, and Waterstones. All links are correct at the time of publication.
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