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3.5 AVERAGE
3.5 AVERAGE
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Cinnamon Spiced Inn delivers exactly what it promises—a cozy, small-town romance wrapped in an autumnal atmosphere. The setting is charming, and the story has a gentle, easy-to-read quality that would pair perfectly with a blanket and hot chocolate by the fire.
That said, I found the plot stayed fairly surface-level, and I struggled to connect deeply with the characters. The persistent lack of communication between the leads was more frustrating than endearing, which made it harder to root for their relationship.
Overall, it’s a sweet, seasonal read for when you want something light and comforting, but it might not leave a lasting impression.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
The Cinnamon Spice Inn had everything I love: cozy small-town charm, pumpkins on porches, crisp autumn air, and a family inn at the heart of the story. The fall vibes were chef’s kiss and had me ready to dig out my sweaters and sip cider. I especially loved that the cows were named Pumpkin and Spice. The side characters, especially Liam and Kit, had potential, and I honestly would not mind reading a spin-off about them.
Unfortunately, the romance was a big miss for me. This was billed as “enemies to lovers” but by chapter three she was already fantasizing about him and it never stopped. The constant pining made the “enemies” part feel nonexistent. The miscommunication was exhausting. The reason they broke up years ago could have been cleared up in under a minute, but instead it became the foundation of their entire conflict. They would reunite, avoid saying what needed to be said, then storm off, only for it to magically resolve like nothing happened. This repeated again and again. It made it hard to root for them, and honestly, I was quietly hoping they would just break up for good.
The writing leaned heavily on telling rather than showing, with long descriptions that did not add much and too many inner monologues. On top of that, the author often ended chapters with questions, which pulled me out of the story instead of keeping me hooked. Madison’s behavior made her hard to like, Zach forgave too easily, and their relationship never felt like it had a solid emotional foundation. It relied mostly on physical attraction and nostalgia.
While this one was not for me, I did enjoy the autumn setting and small-town details. If you are looking for something light, cozy, and full of fall atmosphere, and you do not mind a heavy dose of miscommunication, you might still enjoy it. I will be holding out hope that Liam’s story delivers the cozy romance I was looking for here.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC
Unfortunately, the romance was a big miss for me. This was billed as “enemies to lovers” but by chapter three she was already fantasizing about him and it never stopped. The constant pining made the “enemies” part feel nonexistent. The miscommunication was exhausting. The reason they broke up years ago could have been cleared up in under a minute, but instead it became the foundation of their entire conflict. They would reunite, avoid saying what needed to be said, then storm off, only for it to magically resolve like nothing happened. This repeated again and again. It made it hard to root for them, and honestly, I was quietly hoping they would just break up for good.
The writing leaned heavily on telling rather than showing, with long descriptions that did not add much and too many inner monologues. On top of that, the author often ended chapters with questions, which pulled me out of the story instead of keeping me hooked. Madison’s behavior made her hard to like, Zach forgave too easily, and their relationship never felt like it had a solid emotional foundation. It relied mostly on physical attraction and nostalgia.
While this one was not for me, I did enjoy the autumn setting and small-town details. If you are looking for something light, cozy, and full of fall atmosphere, and you do not mind a heavy dose of miscommunication, you might still enjoy it. I will be holding out hope that Liam’s story delivers the cozy romance I was looking for here.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don’t often read romance, but this one was exactly what I was craving — warm, cozy, and just a little bit spicy, the perfect fall escape.
Kit was my absolute favorite. Her love for cooking and baking (especially those cinnamon rolls!) leapt off the page, and I adored how unapologetically herself she was. The casual, positive LGBTQ representation was another highlight, adding depth and authenticity without feeling forced.
If anything, I found myself wishing Kit had her own romance — perhaps with the mayor’s niece? That would have been a sweet surprise!
Heartwarming, flavorful, and charming from start to finish — a story that leaves you feeling hugged
Kit was my absolute favorite. Her love for cooking and baking (especially those cinnamon rolls!) leapt off the page, and I adored how unapologetically herself she was. The casual, positive LGBTQ representation was another highlight, adding depth and authenticity without feeling forced.
If anything, I found myself wishing Kit had her own romance — perhaps with the mayor’s niece? That would have been a sweet surprise!
Heartwarming, flavorful, and charming from start to finish — a story that leaves you feeling hugged
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
medium-paced
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book was definitely giving the energy of a hallmark movie where a small town girl moves to the big city only to receive an anonymous letter asking that she return. If you enjoy that type of story, you’ll probably enjoy this! I think the characters could have been fleshed out more so they felt complex but for the purpose of the story I think it was fine. One con for me was the consistent miscommunication between the main characters…just ASK each other, stop assuming everything.
I really loved the atmosphere and believe this will be a fun fall read at a cafe with a latte and cinnamon bun.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a second chance small town romance with a miscommunication trope. It is a debut novel written by Harper Graham and is book 1 of the Maple Falls series. It is a cozy romance with some spice. I loved the fall setting and it's lead up to Halloween. I was irritated by Madison and Zach's miscommunication, which caused unnecessary heartache for them both. This book will release on 08/27/2025 and is 344 pages total. I would recommend this book for a cozy fall vibe. I am grateful that I was given the chance to read this one NetGalley and I look forward to the rest of the series.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I would like to thank Netgalley & Bookouture for an advanced copy of this!!
This book was able to accomplish in a day what me & my therapist haven't been able to accomplish in a year. The dopamine shot this book gives should be studied.
If you've been reading my reviews, you should already know, this is absolutely NOTHINGGGG like what I usually read. I am not a romance/ contemporary romance (basically anything that brings straight joy) girlie. But maybe this is my sign to change that.
I was first drawn to this when Gilmore Girls was mentioned in the synopsis. Gilmore Girls has always had my little black heart in a chokehold. This delivered on that promise in the most absolutely perfect ways!
I was feeling all the feels with this one, feelings I didn't even know were possible to obtain from a book. Happy tears, frustrated tears, goosebumps, nausea, & I swear I thought I was going to dry heaving once or twice.. The pining 🤌🏻🤌🏻 the yearning 🤌🏻🤌🏻 the lack of flippin communication that leaves you raging 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
Also, like many, I've been ready for spooky season since yesterday & have finally started to gaslight myself into thinking it's here. Which was another reason I was drawn to this
This book delivers smoother than an obstetrician. The mood is SUPERB! Everything I needed to catapult every fiber of my being to cozy season. This book kicks all five of your senses into overdrive! Apple vanilla lattes!? Baked goods that will make you swoon almost as fast as the cinnamon roll of a man we have here!? & Again GILMORE GIRLS!? I feel as if that should be "nuff said" right there.
I really wanted to like this book, but it ended up being just blah for me. The miscommunication trope is on the next level in this book and it honestly made me want to throw my device across the room. The ending seemed super abrupt, like all of a sudden years of miscommunication, not talking, and heartache were just forgotten in the blink of an eye, no, that is not how it happens. Madison and Zach have the worst relationship I’ve ever seen, but are supposed to be all self sacrificing, but are really self sabotaging, they never talk about anything and just jump straight into bed. I’m sure there are some people who could like this book, but one of them isn’t me. I rated it three stars because one I actually finished the book, and two I know that miscommunication is one of my big icks, so it could just be me. I did like all of the side characters and wish I saw more of all the full collection of animals that are kept at the inn. And the people of Maple Falls do seem to really care about each other, and I liked Zach just fine, but don’t think he and Madison would last without some serious couple therapy.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
⭐️⭐️
The Cinnamon Spice Inn had a charming fall setting and a cozy small-town vibe, but the execution didn’t quite work for me. The pacing felt uneven, with lots of telling rather than showing, and lengthy descriptions that didn’t add much to the story.
The romance was frustrating — built on multiple miscommunications and very little actual conversation. Despite being a second chance romance, it leaned more toward insta-lust than emotional connection. Madison’s constant avoidance made her hard to root for, and Zach forgives her too easily. Their emotional bond never felt fully developed, aside from one strong moment during the storm.
Liam and Kit were the standout characters, but the rest of the cast felt underdeveloped. While the premise was cute, the story leaned too heavily on inner monologues and unresolved tension, rather than meaningful growth or connection.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
The Cinnamon Spice Inn had a charming fall setting and a cozy small-town vibe, but the execution didn’t quite work for me. The pacing felt uneven, with lots of telling rather than showing, and lengthy descriptions that didn’t add much to the story.
The romance was frustrating — built on multiple miscommunications and very little actual conversation. Despite being a second chance romance, it leaned more toward insta-lust than emotional connection. Madison’s constant avoidance made her hard to root for, and Zach forgives her too easily. Their emotional bond never felt fully developed, aside from one strong moment during the storm.
Liam and Kit were the standout characters, but the rest of the cast felt underdeveloped. While the premise was cute, the story leaned too heavily on inner monologues and unresolved tension, rather than meaningful growth or connection.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC! All opinions are my own.