Firstly thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC audio book

Madison receives a mysterious letter saying that her father needs help navigate home at the Cinnamon Spice Inn. Can she return to her old life or has too much time passed. Will her ex boyfriend be there and what will he have to say to her.

I really didn't like Madison, I just wanted to give her a big shake. The story lines were OK but found it a bit slow at times

The narrator brought the story alive and made it easier to listen to the story.

I struggled with this one a lot more than I was expecting to. Everything about it was right up my alley, so I was looking forward to it. Unfortunately, nothing was really committed to fully and it shows. This book tried to be too many things and it wasn't strong in any of them.

There is no enemies to lovers in this book, unlike what's mentioned. Also, so much of this book revolves around things that happened in the past but we are told about it all, and that really hurt the story. I honestly didn't feel for anything or anyone. All of the characters were superficial and felt like stock characters.

There was a complete lack of chemistry for the love interest. It was a second chance romance but the miscommunication moment that split them up as teenagers (THAT THEY HAVE NEVER RECOVERED FROM ARE YOU KIDDING ME) was ridiculous and so thin for the problem that all the drama was surrounding.

Also, this was kind of Hallmark-esque but there's spicy scenes and stuff so it won't appeal to people who like that, but the spice scenes were pretty underwhelming so I'm not sure it will appeal to spice readers either.

I think if the writer and editors had pushed a little hard, this could have been a fun fall read. I just don't think it's there as is.

One thing to note: The audiobook was advertised as being read by two narrators but the copy of the audiobook I received only had the woman narrator. I think having both would help a little bit.

“Cinnamon is the spice that makes memories taste better!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Curl up with your favorite afghan, a warm cup of cider, and immerse yourself in this fun, steamy romance. Enemies to lovers…small town…second chance romance…childhood sweethearts…cozy autumn vibes!
Madison, a NYC food writer, returns to Maple Falls to save her family’s home/Inn. Zach, the local handyman, is hired to work on the Inn to get it back in shape. Coming face to face after all this time is not what either wants. Can they work together to save the Inn? Will they resume their previous lives or come together to make something new?
Wonderful Narrators: Andi Eloise & Brandon Francis
Book to be published August 27, 2025. Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and Harper Graham for the complimentary ARC. Review is based on my thoughts and opinions.

This book has the perfect fall vibes! I was able to listen to this in one day! The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life. I loved the characters especially the secondary characters. Zack is a hit handy man with a heart of gold. I really enjoyed the letter aspect that the book includes. I cannot wait to see what Harper Graham does next. If you are looking for a cozy second chance romance with fall vibes and a side of miscommunication this needs to be on your fall TBR.

The Cinnamon Spice Inn is a cozy and charming trip into a Hallmark movie but with some spice. This is a story of a big city girl "temporarily" moving back home to help with the family inn. She's confronted with her failed first love and you can guess where it goes from there. It's a predictable and well known story. Definitely a comfort read like a Gilmore Girls rewatch. Lots of fun town folks. It will be an easy series to keep reading.

Andi Eloise and Brandon Francis narrate. I love dual narration and dual POV. I think hearing both voices adds to the story. Their chapters were well balanced and the pacing was well done. They both have lovely voices too!

Thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for this audio ARC.

3.5 🌟
Spice: open door
Format: ALC

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc & alc in exchange for an honest review.

I started this one with the ebook, but switched to audio die to 3rd person. Sadly even the audio confused me with the POV. We only get one narrator for both the male & female pov and it leaves something to be desired. That being said they story is cute. Very Hallmark after dark. It's not however very original in my opinion. It feels like something I've read or watched before. The conflict at the end made everything drag out to a point I was losing interest.

A quick and cozy fall read!

Madison receives an anonymous letter in the mail that brings her back to her hometown to help her father save their family inn. After the loss of her mother the inn has been missing that special touch and is no longer attracting guests to come and stay.

Madison is not planning to stay for long but then she runs into her ex, Zach, and she isn’t sure what she wants anymore. Zach is a handyman and helping to fix up the inn, so they are spending a lot of time together.

This was a cute and cozy book! My biggest issue was the miscommunication leading to the years of lost time. I can’t imagine that they would both have just ended things without even a conversation when they were so in love. Then when reunited they brought it up so quickly and it was resolved in a second. That was the hardest part for me to take in with this book, because the reasoning for the breakup just seemed so completely silly. With that being said, I did still enjoy this one and it has me so excited for fall!


Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Listening to Cinnamon Spice Inn on audiobook was an absolute treat! The narrator’s performance took an already delightful story and elevated it to another level. Their voice captured the warmth and coziness of the setting perfectly, and each character felt distinct and full of personality. The pacing was spot-on—never rushed, never dragging—and the narration had a soothing quality that made the story even more immersive. I especially loved how the narrator conveyed emotion, drawing me deeper into the relationships and tender moments. Honestly, it felt like being told a charming autumn love story by a close friend. I highly recommend going the audiobook route for this one—the narration was amazing and added so much extra magic to the experience!

As someone who doesn’t usually read contemporary, I devoured this book in 24 hours! The narrator was amazing and the story was so super cute. I have no issues with this book at all I enjoyed how cozy it was and easy to follow along. Thank you so much!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Madison received a mysterious letter stating that her dad needed help with her family’s Cinnamon Spice Inn. She comes back to her hometown, where relationships were left in pieces. She realizes that the laid-back handyman working at the Inn is someone she used to be very close with. Now, she was forced to work alongside her ex, Zack. Convinced that she belongs in NYC, she shares that her stay is only temporary. However, as she works with friends and family to get the Inn ready for the Halloween opening, she realizes she might not want to go back to NYC. Will she fix the Inn and stay in her hometown, or will things blow to pieces and she runs back to NYC?

This story really captivates the feelings of Fall, and it feels like a small town Fall Hallmark movie. I wish I could live here, honestly. This book mentions grief of her mother and the absence of her at the Inn. Harper Graham also mentions how important it is to remember a safe space when you’re feeling scared.

There’s a lot of tension in this story between Madison and Zack that doesn’t really get resolved until towards the end. They lack communication skills, and it was frustrating at times. Although there’s a happy ending, I just wish they communicated better. Also, there was a hint of mystery in this book with trying to figure out who wrote the letters!

-Found family
-forced proximity
-dual POV
-second chance
-small town
-miscommunication!!
-cozy autumn vibes

I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

1.5 stars ✨

I really wanted to like this one. I’m honestly so disappointed, I was looking forward to a cute autumn read to get me into the cosy mood but honestly this book infuriated me more than anything.

[slight spoilers]

This book tried so hard to do way too much and ended up actually doing nothing at all. It tried to attempt a mystery, enemies to lovers, second chance romance and honestly none of it worked for me. It felt too similar to the other Gilmore Girls type of books and I was just expecting something different and better.

Madison comes back because of an anonymous note, which basically doesn’t even come into the play wayyy later in the book so forget that random attempt at a mystery. This is not an enemies to lovers in the slightest omg this book is just miscommunication over the stupidest things. Realistically this couple will not last a day in the real world if they can’t communicate. It was actually so annoying how much miscommunication happens. Like sure okay it happens once and maybe they’d try to be more honest and upfront with their thoughts and emotions right ? Wrong.

I also got the ick from Zack because he clearly knew of Jo at least enough to assume they were a boyfriend back in the city but he still made out with Madison before clearing it up? Yuck.

The smut in this book was so unnecessary especially with the timing on which it happened like it didn’t feel organic or natural at all. There’s no chemistry between the characters at all, they just seem like they miss hooking up at times.

This wasn’t for me, it just felt extremely flat.

The audiobook narrators, Andi Eloise, Brandon Francis are definitely the only reason why I stuck with this novel

Madison got out of her small town roots and on her way to make it big in the food critic scene in New York City. New York City! You know how many food writers wanted to be there and have a piece of that action? She's there, she's going to get that job from the most revered food magazine in the country. So close she can taste it.

Until one day, she got a letter that said the Inn that belongs to her family needs her. No name, no signature, no return address, but must be someone from the town, right? Since her mom passed 3 yrs ago, Madison avoided the town, the people, the memories, and her first love all far far behind. How dreadful would it be to come back?

Meanwhile, good-hearted Zach is just trying to move on with his life after having it shattered by Madison. It's a small town, he's just going to grin and bear it. Shaking Madison like a bad memory, except... when he saw her, she took his breath away. But wait, stay calm, stay calm.

Though the weeks, you see how Madison.& Zach are both stubborn and trying to be cordial, but the heat is still there. When they do get together, it's not just spice, it's on fire. But they both still have so much insecurities, so much to get thru, get vulnerable, and get honest.

I will note these couple of things: when she ate her first cinnamon roll since her mom passed and cried, it brought tears to my eyes too. You feel all the feels for Mads. The coming and splitting were starting to give me a whiplash, so thank you for finally have them both working things out. This is a second chance romance for two very stubborn people to grow up. The side characters are interesting, definitely nosy to add to the mix.

I got the audiobook too, and while I liked the narrator, Andi Eloise. I feel since this book is dual POV, having a male narrator to compliment would've been nice.

Thank you for NetGalley & Bookouture audio for the ARC

Cute little cozy story.
Wish the audio was done in female and male voices.
Female voice was easy to listen too.
Story reminded me of other books I have read but I still enjoyed it.

Finished 8/19/2025

TW: death/grief of parent

Small town Contractor MMC. Kind of city girl Food Critic and Family Inn Owner FMC. They are older than mid-20s but dont remember or if it was started if they are out of their 20s. I was so glad the past misunderstanding got out of the way early in the book, but got got only to of course have more big misunderstandings later on. This book is full of miscommunications. I liked their flirty banter but the flip flop yearning to angry bitterness towards each other in their own thoughts got so tiring thru half the book. The self deprecation as a result of the miscommunication was just sad. Not a big fan of Third person but appreciated the dual POV, it helped a lot to push their emotions forward. The cozy vibes that came from the small town's setting were set up nice. Called the letters thing early but it was really nicely wrapped up and sweet.

First time Author for me, I would continue this series, Liam seems like he'd the best and everyone loves him.

Audiobook narrators: Andi Eloise
Dual POV, Third Person, SINGLE NARRATION- Supposedly theres Bonus content with Brandon Francis but my copy did not have that
Tropes: Small Town, Second Chance - Ex Bestfriends/Lovers to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Workplace, Miscommunication
Notable Microtropes: First and only Love, Hand Flex, "tell me to stop", Bachelor auction
Spice: 2/5 (Personal Scale) - 5 Open door scenes however many of them short in length. Vanilla monogamous sexual acts. More explicit/descriptive sexual language. No kinks.

Listened at 1.5x speed.
First time listening to this narrator, she did double work also speaking for the Male POV. Her delivery was cute and sarcastic. Kept me engaged and good emotional moments. The MC voices were great but she doesn't really have a range of other character voices. Got lost a few times when other characters were talking.

Thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for providing an ALC.

If you need a Hallmark movie-esque book that gives all the Fall vibes, look no further!
Big city girl returns to small town to save family inn and sees her first love again.

I liked the narrator for the MCs voices, but her voices for all the other characters were over the top and hard to listen to.

The Cinnamon Spice Inn gives me all the fall feels, a small-town romance that lands just the right balance of heartache, hope, and healing. Madison comes home to help her dad save the family inn, only to discover not much has changed, especially her lingering feelings for ex Zach. Cue the angst, the banter, and a town that ships them like it’s a full time job. Both Madison and Zach are equally irritating and charming at once, stubborn and poor at communicating, which would have avoided a lot of heartbreak if they’d just be honest and drop the assumptions. Their second chance romance is sweet as pumpkin spice and perfect for cozy fall days, warm drinks, and blankets. I also loved Gram’s meddling, Madison’s friends, old and new, and especially Madison’s father and his rescued animals. This book is charming enough to get you in the mood for pumpkin spice lattes, crackling fires, and autumnal comfort. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc.

I was excited to read this book which is being advertised with vibes like the Laurie Gilmore Dream Harbor series. I can see why they are doing that as book towns have small town Stars Hollowesque appeal. This book is definitely the Hallmark channel version. Like exactly. Like no script necessary, this could be a movie next week. Now, thats great for fans of that type of unrealistic, cotton candy romance, but i am not a fan. I hate books when adult characters break up and get resentful (for years) rarher than having a simple conversation. If you are supposed to be in love and thinking of living with someone, why would you not be willing to be vulnerable enough to say "hey babe? What's going on here?" These two were toxic. The behavior of wanting someone to fight for you, rather than being willing to talk and ask questions, is toxic, not romantic. I got through 1/3 od thia book and DNFed because i couldnt deal with the number of times these two went over the same feeling. This author also coulsnt decide if the book was spicy or if they should be ashamed of their sexuality. And the narrator, bless her heart, was trying hard. Butthe direction of being breathy and super "sexy" in one line and then a minute later being a charactiture of an old lady (complete with high achool play vibrato) was just too much.

If you are a fan of Hallmark you will enjoy this. It doesn't come close to the charm of Dream Harbor and the tone is uneven. Thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for this advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

This was a warm hug wrapped in all the small town fall goodness. I already want more. This story had me wanting to snuggle on the back porch around a fire while sipping a warm cup of coffee (a cinnamon bun wouldn't hurt either.) I loved falling into the town and that I was able to get to know multiple townspeople and not just the FMC and MMC. The small mystery had me guessing until the very end. I am never a fan of the 3rd act breakup angst, so I usually fly through those pages. I already want more of the main couple and the rest of the town. I was pleasantly surprised with how much inclusivity was included in this cozy (but spicy) romance. I found myself wanting to savor all the cozy feels that this book provided. The author did such a great job of painting the town's sights, smells and overall feel through her words. I felt like I was able to really fall into the book and experience all Maple Falls had to offer.
I was also given the opportunity to listen to the audiobook of this story after reading it. As I am an audio girlie, I loved getting to experience Maple Falls in a new way. I felt like I was able to get lost in this cozy world even more the second time I was able to experience it. Andi Eloise did a fantastic job of bringing this story to life and helped me further immerse myself in the story. Spice 2.5/5 (with plot and storytelling being the main focus)

If you're looking for cute, cosy, small town vibes - this is it!

I loved this. It was like drinking a cup of hot chocolate, whilst wrapped up in a blanket. The characters were likeable, the story was cute, and the setting was just right.

The plot isnt unique - City girl heads back to small town she grew up in, has a 'will they won't they' with local guy (this time being her ex). But although it's not original, it works. Its a good trope for cosy autumn reads and I flew through this one.

The inn gave Gilmore Girls (the dragonfly inn) vibes and I am obsessed. The MMC being a handyman and offering to help fix up the place brought in even more of a forced proximity than just being in the same small town.

The chemistry between the two main characters is undeniable. Previous miscommunication aside, they have both grown in their time apart and I feel their characters were well developed. This definitely isn't enemies to lovers though, it is second chance romance.

The side characters leave this open for the possibility of future books and I would love to see where the author takes us next.

I listened to the audio of this and I really enjoyed the narrators. It's mostly Andi Eloise who did a fantastic job. I felt completely immersed in the story whilst listening.

Overall, perfect fall vibes for those who enjoy Gilmore girls and The Pumpkin Spice Cafe.

Thank you to Bookouture audio for this advanced audio copy.

Fall vibes! The best kind of cozy romance you need to ease yourself into the autumn season!  So comforting. It feels a lot like modern-day Persuasion. Small town vibes. Lush and vibrant description of autumnal scenery. It is touted as enemies-to-lovers, but it is really a second-chance romance due to a whole lot of miscommunication issues. Honestly, the communication issues are a bit frustrating. They work it out, which isn't really a spoiler - because well - it's a romance book!

The dual narration was wonderful throughout this, and I really enjoyed to back and forth dialogue. The narrators felt like the two of them had a lot of chemistry.