My Review for He Falls First by Jill Shalvis read by Lila Winters and Sebastian York

'I straightened and a cheese puff fell out of my shirt.'

I loved the simplicity of this cover and when I was invited to listen to a copy by the lovely Hambright PR, I grabbed it with both ears!

Penny and Ryder are adorable, even when Penny is stressing and Ryder is grumpy, and believe me - that happens a lot. As the title suggests, Ryder falls first, and slowly, but surely he persuades Penny that he will never hurt her, that she absolutely should take a chance on love and that they can have so much fun together. 

This is a small-town romance that I listened to whilst working in my garden. It has all the super-sweet vibes of cute couples, community spirit and family loyalty. Mix all that up with a well-meaning but interfering Granny, and you've got a gorgeous summer read. 

Thank you to That's What She Said Publishing and Hambright PR for the opportunity to listen to and review He Falls First by Jill Shalvis.

About the Book

No one is going to convince her to fall in love again...

Ryder Colburn has his hands full running the family business and caring for the ailing father who’s a virtual stranger from the cold, heavy-handed man he used to be. He’s got zero free time for hobbies or women. Or so he thinks until one walks into his life… and the path of an oncoming car.

Ryder doesn’t mind playing the hero for the skittish, scarred chef Penny. Maybe it’s the secrets in her eyes or the scar on her chin. Whatever the reason, he’s compelled to get closer.

Penny’s learned her lesson and now she’s paying the price. That’s why she’s sharing a dilapidated house in a tiny California town with her feisty grandmother and tween brother living off the leftovers from her catering job. It’s a far cry from her dream life. But who needs dreams… or love… or sex when there’s amateur plumbing projects to tackle and breakfast casseroles to bake?

One thing’s for sure, she’s never falling in love again. Not even with the sexy, snarky contractor who keeps testing the walls she’s built.

About Jill

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis writes contemporary romance and romantic comedies filled with madcap adventures and shenanigans and sexy times. (just don’t tell her mom). She’s sold 20 million plus copies worldwide to date and lives with her family in a small mountain town near Lake Tahoe full of quirky characters (Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is mostly coincidental).

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My Review for Welcome to Glorious Tuga by Francesa Segal read by Kristin Atherton

'Charlotte was alone in the jungle with a creep in Speedos'!

I switched between reading and listening to this one, simply because I had so much stuff to do in the garden and I really wanted to finish it. It was gorgeous, in fact no, it was 'glorious'! Charlotte takes up the position of tortoise researcher on the remote island of Tuga, where you can only come and go when the island is 'open'. Even then, only if there is a boat with enough berths to take you. For half the year, the island is 'closed'. The storms are too frequent for it to be safe for any ship to dock safely in Tuga. So if you're there, you're stuck - no matter what happens!

There are a lot of stories, interwoven into this book, each one unique in its own way, and I loved this. I enjoyed hearing about all the different characters and how they were surviving, living on such a small island, where everyone knows everyone else's business. I'm not sure if I'd like that, where do you go to escape?!

If you fancy a mash-up of The Durrells, James Herriott and a gorgeous sun-soaked island, then I'd recommend reading this, the first in a new series.  

Thank you to Vintage Books for the gifted copy of Welcome to Glorious Tuga by Francesca Segal.

About the Book

Passionate about conservation and fleeing an argument with her mother, newly qualified London vet Charlotte Walker has taken up a fellowship on the tiny South Atlantic island of Tuga de Oro to study the endangered gold coin tortoises in the jungle interior. She can claim the best of reasons for this year in paradise—What better motivation than to save a species?—but the reality is more complex. For Charlotte has secretly come to believe that she has her own connection to this remote and eccentric community, and she is finally determined to solve the mystery that has dominated her life.

But she will have little time for any of her declared or covert investigations. She is inconveniently attracted to the new island doctor. And not only do Tuga’s tortoises need attention but so too do the island’s dogs, goats, and donkeys—not to mention the islanders themselves, determined to win Charlotte over with cake and homemade jam until she relents and becomes vet to all their animals.

A complete, vivid world unto itself, Welcome to Glorious Tuga is a bewitching combination of warmth and humor. Immersive and uplifting, it transports the reader to an island that time forgot, bringing to life a cast of flawed, loveable people, like a contemporary James Herriot beneath the coconut palms.

About Francesa

Francesca Segal is an award-winning writer and journalist. She is the author of two critically acclaimed novels, The Innocents (2012) and The Awkward Age (2017), and a memoir of NICU motherhood, Mother Ship (2019). Her writing has won the 2012 Costa First Novel Award, a Betty Trask Award, and been longlisted for the Women's Prize.

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My Review for A Fresh Start at Polkerran Point by Cass Grafton

'The sing song of conversation was punctuated by cups clinking in saucers and plates being passed around. A Mad Hatter's tea party of sorts - with less hats and perhaps slightly more madness'.

'It's beginning to feel like all roads lead to Polkerran Point.'

In this visit to Polkerran Point, we are with Kate, who has made the move to Polkerran to get away from her ass of an ex-husband, and brought along her teenage daughter Mollie. I predicted that the love-interest this time around would be Dev, and I was right! 

Once again, Cass has brought me sunshine and joy with her book, as I excuse myself from real life and disappear into the gorgeous community that makes up Polkerran. I love that Cass can pick me up and deposit me around Anna's kitchen table, as I mingle with the batty locals. Or sit me on Kate's terrace with a glass of wine, listening to the sea in the distance and contemplating life. 

The 'Friends' reference at the beginning of each chapter relates to what the chapter is about and  is brilliantly thought out - you know what I mean 'the one with......'

Of course there is a 'happy-ever-after', I wouldn't expect anything less. Cass's books always make me feel as though someone has picked me up and wrapped me in a massive hug, and no matter what sort of day I was having, I always feel better as I turn the last page. 

I'm thinking Bella might be next - presuming there is another book - please don't stop writing Cass, your books make me happy. 💛

Thank you to Canelo Books, Love Book Tours and Cass Grafton for the gifted copy of A Fresh Start at Polkerran Point.

About the Book

They've both been burned by love before, but will they take a second chance? A year on from the demise of an unhappy marriage, Kate Stretton grabs the opportunity to move to the other end of the country and start afresh in Cornwall with her teenage daughter, Mollie. Unused to the slower pace of life, Kate leaps at the chance to take on Polkerran Point’s ailing annual arts and music festival.

Soon, though, she locks horns with local Rick Devonshire, the main sponsor for the festival. Rick’s marriage has fallen apart in spectacular fashion, and the last thing he needs is Kate pushing to go against the festival’s traditions.

Between unhelpful locals, taunting messages from her ex and trying to be present for her daughter, Kate’s life is rapidly spiralling out of her control. It will take the whole village to make the festival a success, but with her determination and growing friendship with Rick, she might just do it…

About Cass - by Cass

I began my writing life in Regency England, enlisted Jane Austen's help to timetravel between then and the present day and am now happily ensconced in 21st century Cornwall.

Well, in my imagination and soul; my heart and physical presence reside in northern England with my ever-patient husband and Tig and Tag, our cute but exceptionally demanding moggies.

A bit of a nomad, I’ve called three countries home, as well as six different English counties, but my aspiration is to one day reunite with my beloved West Country.

In the meantime, I write feel-good contemporary romances set in Cornwall and, in doing so, manage to live there vicariously through my characters and settings.

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My Review for Finding Love at the Magical Curiosity Shop by Jaimie Admans

'Would he be a better person if he drank lemonade instead?' 'At least it might fizz him up a bit!'

I don't ever want this series to end, not ever! 💖 I'm sure this is the effect that Ever After Street is having on many readers. This time we get to read Mickey and Ren's story. They are polar opposites, Mickey has dyed red hair like Ariel from the Little Mermaid, she wears seashells in her hair and loves everything mermaid 🧜‍♀️ and believes in fairytales. Ren is sensible, strait-laced and Ava, his teenage daughter thinks he's boring. But together they work - well eventually they do - as they set off on a mermaid adventure together.

Ava was awesome, for a thirteen-year-old, she was pretty perceptive and not without her wily ways to try to get her grumpy Dad and awesome new friend together. She's sassy and fun and I liked her a lot. 

We have shops like Mickey's Curiosity Shop close to where I live. Sort of antiquey crossed with a jumble sale! 🤣 You never know what you're going to find in there and I love the mystery that comes with a visit to any shop like that.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review Finding Love at the Magical Curiosity Shop by Jaimie Admans.

About the Book

Don't miss the gorgeously romantic and BRAND NEW story from Jaimie Admans, guaranteed to warm your heart and bring a smile to your face! In a shop full of stories, some magic is real.

Mickey Teasdale loves her quaint curiosity shop, where every item feels magical to her. She loves imagining the past owners of her knick-knacks and telling her made-up tales to customers, but lately, the magic has dimmed; the shop feels cluttered, and even her stories seem as worn as the items she sells.

Everything changes when the grumpiest customer Mickey’s ever met—single dad Ren Montague—walks in with his surly teen daughter, Ava. Ren hates mess and clutter and prefers order and calm, but he'll do anything to see Ava smile. Yet, something shifts in him when he meets Mickey, who seems like she stepped out of her very own fairy tale.

When Ava discovers a secret diary, hidden from years long ago, she and Mickey believe it must have once belonged to a real-life mermaid! Ever sceptical, Ren tries to protect Ava from disappointment, but as they unravel the mystery together, something special happens…

Ren learns that happy ever afters still exist if you're brave enough to look for them, and Mickey discovers that real-life can sometimes be way more magical than anything she could have ever imagined.

About Jaimie

Jaimie is a 38-year-old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name. She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, watching horror movies, and drinking tea, although she’s seriously considering marrying her coffee machine. 

She loves autumn and winter, and singing songs from musicals despite the fact she’s got the voice of a dying hyena. She hates spiders, hot weather, and cheese & onion crisps. She spends far too much time on Twitter and owns too many pairs of boots. 

She will never have time to read all the books she wants to read.

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My Review for A Honey for the Beekeeper by Nina Crespo

'She never stayed in one place for long…

Until she felt the sweet sting of love'.

A Honey for the Beekeeper was a gorgeous and beautiful book. From beginning to end, it made me feel all warm and cosy inside. Brooke and Gable were adorable, and at first, they appear to be on the very same page, just up for an 'in the moment' relationship. No strings, no ties, and all ready to enjoy spending time together while they're living in the same place. Short-term is what they both want...or is it?

If I had the space and an agreeable husband, I'd love to try my hand at beekeeping, what better way to spend those summer days than caring for the delightful honeybees. Surprisingly I learnt quite a lot, just from reading Nina's lovely book!

I loved how Nina sensitively dealt with both Gable and Brooke's individual stories, how they come to terms with loss and eventually how communicating with other people, can actually help.

If you are in the mood for a cute, sweet romance, then pick up a copy of Nina's new book. I'll definitely be back for the next in the series. 

Thank you to Literary Media Tours and Nina Crespo for the opportunity to read and review A Honey for the Beekeeper.

About the Book

She never stayed in one place for long…

Until she felt the sweet sting of love.

Brooke Bishop thrives on adventure, from skiing slopes to sailing yachts—anything to avoid her family's bee farm. But when Brooke and her estranged sister inherit the farm, she’s stuck there until her sister can buy her out. And then Brooke meets country singer Gable Kincaid—and she finds herself wondering if wanderlust is a bit overrated…

Seeking refuge from fame and a painful past, Gable finds Brooke is just the balm he needs. As their budding attraction blossoms, the music industry he’s trying to avoid threatens to reclaim Gable. And Brooke would rather head out of town than feel the sting of that loss. As they’re pulled down separate paths, will Brooke and Gable discover that, sometimes, home is a place found in each other?

About Nina

Nina Crespo is an award-winning romance author known for her captivating and steamy novels. She writes in various subgenres of romance, including contemporary, paranormal, and erotic romance. Her books often feature strong, independent heroines and charismatic heroes who navigate passionate and sometimes complicated relationships. Nina’s work has been published by Harlequin, Pocket Books, Kensington, and Entangled Publishing.

When she’s not writing, Nina indulges in her favorite passions — the beach, a good glass of wine, date night with her own real-life hero and dancing.

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My Review for Work Trip by Chloe Ford, read by Grace Calder

Laugh-out-loud hilarious!

This was such a fun book to listen to and I finished it within 24 hours. Who doesn't want to be stuck in the Highlands of Scotland with a work colleague that they absolutely cannot stand, with only tents and the random contents of backpacks to survive on??

First off, I cannot imagine anything worse than a team-building exercise away from the office. In the office is bad enough, but overnight, with people you barely tolerate - absolutely no way, thank you very much! But Fliss and James have no choice, they have been abandoned by their boss in the middle of nowhere and need to find their way back to civilisation. There are injuries, awful weather, and arguments, but there is also laughter, camaraderie, and yes, eventually teamwork, and of course maybe there is a smidgen of romance thrown in for good measure. 

Grace Calder narrates Work Trip, and she does an amazing job of nailing the atmosphere, arguments, and romance of what will inevitably be love in the Highlands.

Thank you to NetGalley, Head of Zeus Audiobooks and Aria for the opportunity to listen to and review Work Trip by Chloe Ford.

About the Book

For Fliss, the prospect of a team building work trip fills her with dread. Mostly because she cannot stand her pushy colleague James, who often attempts to derail her brilliant plans. But when the two arrive in the Scottish Highlands, they find themselves facing a unique challenge: their boss has abandoned them in the middle of nowhere with only one tent, two sleeping bags and a few protein bars.

Cut off from the outside world, the pair are forced to put aside their differences to weather the unpredictable elements of the Highlands and get home. As they set out on a journey across miles of rugged wilderness - pushing each other to survive and testing their physical and emotional limits - they remain fully aware of their boss’s manipulative plan to orchestrate a hook up between them.

But even with only each other for company, Fliss and James stand firm in their resolve: they won't give in to any romantic notions. Or will they?

About Chloe, by Chloe

I'm Chloe Ford. I write British set romantic comedies. I grew up in rural Sussex but am now based in Gloucestershire. I have an affinity with all things country, from riding horses to muddy walks. My love for writing began at secondary school when my English teacher would set a writing task for the whole hour. As an avid reader, I started sneaking Mills & Boon books out from under my mum’s bed as a teenager and haven't stopped devouring romance books ever since. 

Some of my all time favourite authors (who I will always recommend) include Lisa Kleypas, Emily Henry and Beth O'Leary. While I do love romance, as a reader, I will also venture into thrillers, historical fiction and huge literary masterpieces such as Barbara Kingsolver's Demon Copperhead.

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My Review for The Match by Sarah Adams, read by Rusty Mewha and Leanne Woodward

Gorgeous dogs and hot, single men!

I adored this book from beginning to end. Evie and Charlie together, wrapped me up in a big warm hug and then Sam and Daisy did it all over again. I loved that Evie was helping to train service dogs and to help others be able to keep their independence. 

It very definitely isn't love at first sight for Evie and Jacob, but slowly and surely they wear each other down, and with a little bit of cajoling from Sam, of course we get our happy ever after.

The audiobook narration was brilliant. Rusty Mewha and Leanne Woodward complemented each other well and an audiobook with great narrators makes for an even better story.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Libro FM for the opportunity to listen to and review The Match by Sarah Adams.

About the Book

Sometimes love finds you when you least expect it.

Evie Jones has dedicated her life and very limited funds working for Southern Service Paws, the company that matched her with the love of her life: Charlie, a service dog trained to assist with her epilepsy. But it’s no secret that the company has been struggling to make ends meet. It’s up to her and her longtime mentor and boss to throw the fundraiser of the century to keep the doors open.

Then, Evie meets Jacob Broaden at a client consultation meeting. There are instant sparks—but not the good kind, because Jacob’s daughter set up the meeting without his knowledge. Ten-year-old Sam has been recently diagnosed with epilepsy and has wanted a service animal ever since. While he has hesitations at first, it doesn’t take long for Jacob to be convinced that a service dog and possibly Evie, with her magical, woodland-green eyes, might just be the best thing for him and his daughter.

As Evie spends more time with Jacob and helps Sam find her perfect match with a lovable golden retriever named Daisy, she starts longing for something she’s never had before—a loving family. For Jacob, falling in love with Evie is the last thing he should be doing, but love has a way of finding those who need it most.

About Sarah

Born and raised in Nashville TN, Sarah Adams loves her family, warm days, and making people smile. 

Sarah has dreamed of being a writer since she was a girl, but finally wrote her first novel when her daughters were napping and she no longer had any excuses to put it off. 

Sarah is a coffee addict, a British history nerd, a mom of two daughters, married to her best friend, and an indecisive introvert. Her hope is to always write stories that make you laugh, maybe even cry; but always leave you happier than when you started reading.

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My Review for The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore

Unusually, it's the woman who is the grump in this one....

I'm a bit late with this review, but I did read it in December when I was feeling Christmassy! The Christmas Tree Farm is the third in the Dream Harbor series and I loved this one, although Cinnamon Bun is still my favourite!

Kira is awesome. Despite her tetchy exterior, we soon discover that deep, deep down, beneath all the crotchetiness, she has a heart of gold, and she loves dogs so yep, that's more than enough for me! I adored her dogged determination as she tried to make her farmhouse at least a tiny bit habitable, and little by little she lets Bennett in to help her. Bennett had the patience of a saint, dealing with Kira's mood swings and stubbornness, but of course they get there in the end.

As others have mentioned, this would be great as a Christmas rom-com - think The Holiday! I love that movie!

I've already read and reviewed The Strawberry Patch Pancake House, so go back and read my review for that one too. I'm loving this series, and I'm looking forward to finally hearing Annie and Mac's story.

About the Book

Kira North hates Christmas. Which is unfortunate since she just bought a Christmas tree farm in a town that’s too cute for its own good.

Bennett Ellis is on vacation in Dream Harbor taking a break from his life in California. And most importantly, taking a break from his latest run of disastrous dates.

After a run in with Kira in her fields, Ben has no intention of offering to help the grumpy owner set up her tree farm, despite the fact she’s clearly got no idea what she’s doing.

Kira knows she should stop being so stubborn, but her farm is not all cute and cozy like people always show on social media, it’s borderline dangerous with no heating, and she’d rather no one saw it.

But somehow fate finds Ben at Kira’s farm once more, and as Kira watches him swing an ax at the first tree, she finds herself appreciating his strength and questionning why she refused help in the first place..

About Laurie/Melissa - by Laurie

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.

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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My Review for The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore, read by Regina Reagan

Archer, Iris and Olive, a gorgeous family in the making...

Laurie Gilmore has once again blown me away with another cute story from Dream Harbor (yes, I'm using the US spelling)! I love the small town vibe, where everyone knows everyone, and that includes everyone's business. The elderly contingent of Dream Harbor are awesome, such gossips, but equally their hearts are in the right place, and they just want to help. 

Olive is a cute, sassy little girl who knows what she wants, and goes all out to get it, and that includes getting her Dad and Iris together. She was so funny and made me laugh a lot. Regina Reagan, as the narrator did a great job with all the characters, but particularly Olive, she had her spot on.

I listened to this book in less than 24 hours, whilst I was outside, getting my garden ready for spring. If you're up for an adorable, slightly spicy, small-town romance, then grab a copy of this and settle down with a cuppa and a packet of biscuits and relocate to Dream Harbor for a few hours.

Thank you to Libro FM and Harper Collins for the opportunity to listen to and review The Strawberry Patch Pancake House.

About the Book

As a renowned chef, single-dad Archer never planned on moving to a small town, let alone running a pancake restaurant. But Dream Harbor needs a new chef, and Archer needs a community to help raise his daughter, Olive.

Iris has never managed to hold down a job for more than a few months. So when Mayor Kelly suggests Archer is looking for a nanny, and Iris might be available, she shudders at the thought. But in need of money she reluctantly agrees.

As Archer and Iris get used to their new roles, is it possible that they might have more in common than they first thought, or is Olive just determined to play match-maker…

About Laurie/Melissa - by Laurie

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.

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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My Review for Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley

Scotland's beautiful landscape, in all its glory.

I loved being a part of Alex's Street Team and I loved immersing myself into Brooke and Jack's lives and their trip along the Skye Trail, with all the authenticity of the incredible scenery, as the pair are thrown together once again, as they hike their way along, taking incredible photographs and writing up their travels as they go. 

Told in two timelines, then, (seven years ago) and now. We flip between the two with 'then' explaining just what happened between the two of them and in my opinion, the mistake Jack made, all those years ago when he broke Brooke's heart. But now they get a second chance at the love they had for each other, but only time will tell if Brooke can put the past behind her.

Scot and Bothered is another enjoyable read from Alex, and her love and passion for Scotland and all things Scottish is evident through her writing. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Alexandra Kiley for the opportunity to read and review Scot and Bothered.

About the Book

Brooke Sinclair’s dream of being a published author derailed when she was expelled from the University of Edinburgh seven years ago. Now a ghostwriter, she sticks to other people’s stories. But when her college mentor Mhairi McCallister needs a co-writer for her memoir about Scotland’s most challenging trek, Brooke would do anything for the opportunity—including agreeing to hike the rugged Skye Trail for authenticity’s sake... not knowing the nature photographer who’ll join her is Jack Sutherland, the man who shattered Brooke’s writing career—and her heart.

Between getting sacked from the University and walking away from his family’s tour-guiding business to follow his photography dreams, Jack is desperate to prove he didn’t disappoint his family for nothing. And he can’t ignore his Aunt Mhairi’s final wishes for her memoir. Even if it means acting as guide and storyteller for the one who got away. Even if it means keeping secrets about Mhairi’s health.

As Jack and Brooke head into the solitude of the sweeping Scottish landscape, they’re forced to confront old feelings that haven’t disappeared with time. But can two weeks and eighty miles heal years of unspoken hurt and offer a second chance at the end of the trail?

About Alex

Alexandra Kiley writes big-hearted romances full of banter, found-family, and deep love. When she’s not writing, you can find her drinking tea, hiking, or gazing adoringly at the mountains of Colorado where she lives with her husband and two kids. Her novels are inspired by her semester in Scotland where she fell in love with not only the lush and magical land, but also the people who invited her into their homes and made her feel like family.

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My Review for The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore

I'm so pleased I discovered the Dream Harbor series - if you haven't read it - make this the year you do!

OMG this was so cute and so gorgeous and all the things that I'd love a man to do for me - I've been married for 23 years, so that isn't going to happen now! But never mind, it's so sweet, I'll just have to be content living through Hazel and throwing myself into the bookish treasure hunt with her. 

I'm not sure about the defacing of books, but I'll forgive it for the sake of the gorgeous story and the gorgeous Noah and the beautiful romance that is inevitable as Hazel and Noah hook-up for the summer, but is it only for the summer...?

I liked The Pumpkin Spice Café, but I adored The Cinnamon Bun Book Store. I've read The Christmas Tree Farm too, and I'll post my review for that one soon!

Thank you to my Laurie Gilmore friends for including me in the chat and introducing me to her books.

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…

About Laurie/Melissa

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.

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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