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.

unfortunately i ended up DNF'ing this book at no fault of the narrator but i felt like it was so much telling but not showing. it had all the pieces to be a great cozy fall romance book but too much miscommunication between our main characters, the characters were underdeveloped to me and lacked the depth i needed to be invested in them.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to provide my honest review of The Cinnamon Spice Inn.

This is one spicy autumn romance! 🌶️

Madison may be a NYC girl—or at least that’s what she keeps telling herself. But when she’s called back to her hometown of Maple Falls to help save her family’s beloved inn, everything she thought she left behind comes rushing back.

Zach, a local handyman, agrees to help renovate the inn. He’s reliable, skilled, and definitely wasn’t expecting to be working alongside his strong-willed ex.

Can Madison get the inn ready for its grand reopening and rekindle an old flame? Or will it all go up in smoke?
This book is packed with romance, a good dose of spice, cozy autumn vibes, and even a hint of mystery.

If you’re a fan of Laurie Gilmore, this one’s for you!

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

This was such a cozy fall romance, the kind of book that makes you want to curl up with a blanket, a mug of cider, and sink into all the small-town charm. The inn vibes were immaculate and gave the story such a warm, inviting atmosphere. It truly felt like autumn captured in book form.

I adored the romance overall: it was sweet, heartwarming, and fit the cozy setting so well. The chemistry was lovely, and the audiobook narration made the whole experience even more immersive.

The only reason I couldn’t give it the full five stars was because the central conflict relied heavily on miscommunication. After it happened twice, it started to feel a bit repetitive, and I found myself wishing for something a little fresher to drive the tension.

Still, this was such a delightful read and a perfect pick for anyone who loves small-town romances, cozy inns, and all things fall. The Cinnamon Spice Inn will give you all the autumnal feels. 🍂✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture (and Audio) for the e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

The story started off well and had a lot of potential, but the ending felt rushed. Maddie came across as pretty immature, and honestly, I didn’t think she deserved Zach.

Miscommunication is one of my least favorite tropes, and this book leaned on it heavily. I just wanted to scream at the characters to grow up and actually talk to each other!

Overall, it had some sweet moments, but it didn’t fully work for me. I enjoyed getting to experience as an audiobook and on kindle.

3.7/5 stars
Thank you, @netgalley and @bookouture for my first ALC!!
Stepping into this story felt like wrapping myself in a warm blanket on a crisp autumn day, delivering desirable and cozy fall vibes and feels. The narration was a particular highlight, truly enhancing the experience of what was a very cute story. Far from being the enemies-to-lovers tale, that it is advertised as, this is a delightful second chance at love for Madi and Zach, a dynamic I found, at times, to be charming. As a self-proclaimed big city girl, I enjoyed how well the author conveyed the warm comfort and inviting atmosphere of small-town life.
However, while much of the book offered a comforting embrace, there were moments of slight frustration. The constant reliance on miscommunication, while a common trope, occasionally felt prolonged and slightly exasperating. And while Zach was undeniably the "hot ex" Madi clearly hadn't moved past, I longed for a deeper emotional exploration of his character, beyond his undeniable charm, to truly invest in their rekindling romance. Despite these minor quibbles, if you're a fan of contemporary romance and need a cozy read, give this a try!

3.5⭐️ Rounded Up

I absolutely loved the small town fall vibes of this story. The community and all the older busybodies are amazing. It’s definitely not an enemies to lovers romance in my opinion, but more of a second chance romance. Not sure why it is marketed as such but I never really expected E to L based on the blurb anyways, so I was not disappointed. I would love to see more books from Maple Falls, especially Kit and/Liam getting their own stories.
My only real issue with this story is the miscommunication trope, which I am not fond of. Madison just shuts Zach put over and over during the story and it’s infuriating. Zach isn’t perfect either. He gets spooked (rightfully) about Madison possibly having a lover in NYC and pulls back too…..he just doesn’t take as long to bring it up as Madison seems prone to do.
Andi Eloise and Brandon Francis both do really well on the narration, though this is mostly Andi. I would have preferred more of a duet style since we had Brandon available for Zach’s chapters, but I do think Andi does a great job on her own as well.
All in all, great read if you are looking for cozy fall vibes with a HEA. and the potential for more standalone romances in the future. I know I will be watching for them.

Anytime Andi Eloise is the narrator of a book, it is an automatic add to my TBR.

Brandon and Andi did an amazing job of showing the pain and hope of Zach and Madison's second chance at love. The level of suspense on the mystery letters was a fun way to keep my attention while waiting for Zach and Madison to work out their stuff.

The Cinnamon Spice Inn brought the spice in the best way throughout the whole book. You read every level of spice and tension with every chapter. As a HEA Girl I knew there would be one. It made for such a fun listen. This is the perfect fun fall audiobook/book to grab this year.

I did something very unusual for me… I didn’t finish a book. Normally, once I start reading, I have to see it through (even if it takes forever), but The Cinnamon Spice Inn by Harper Graham just wasn’t it for me. While it definitely had some cozy vibes, I couldn’t connect with the characters and honestly found myself bored. Since I didn’t finish, I don’t feel comfortable giving it a star rating, but I’m moving on to the next read instead. Do you DNF books or push through no matter what?

I had the absolute joy of listening to The Cinnamon Spice Inn on audio, and it was such a cozy escape! From the first chapter, I felt like I’d been wrapped in a blanket of cinnamon, laughter, and small-town charm. The story itself is sweet, heartwarming, and full of that perfect mix of romance and comfort, but what really made it shine was the narration. The narrator brought the characters to life with so much emotion and nuance. It felt like I was right there at the inn, hearing every moment firsthand. Thank you so much for the chance to listen early—I adored every minute!

The Cinnamon Spice Inn by Harper Graham - 3.5/5 stars (ebook), 4/5 stars (audiobook)

This cozy small-town romance delivers exactly what it promises: Gilmore Girls vibes with plenty of autumn atmosphere and steamy scenes. The second-chance romance between the coffee-loving city girl and laid-back handyman explores what happens when former childhood sweethearts reunite after a breakup caused by miscommunication - with her return to fix her family's legacy inn providing the perfect forced proximity setup.

As my first contemporary romance, I wasn't sure what to expect, but Graham creates a charming small-town setting that feels warmly familiar. The fall vibes are perfectly captured, and there's definitely plenty of open-door spice for readers who enjoy that element.

However, the heavy reliance on miscommunication - both in their past breakup and current interactions - became frustrating for me. I found myself wanting more substance and more personality from Zach (besides being sexy).

Andi Eloise's narration in the audiobook was engaging and added an extra half-star to my rating. While this was a solid debut into the genre for me, I think I'll be seeking out romance with more complex plotting going forward. Perfect for cozy fall reading if you're already a contemporary romance fan.

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and Bookouture for the eARC & ALC in exchange for an honest review.

3/5⭐️ 📖🎧

Thank you @netgalley for this audio copy!

While listening to this I kept getting Dragon Fly Inn vibes (iykyk) and it made me love this that much more.

Madison comes back to her family inn in Maple Falls to help out, chains of mysterious letters start being delivered and of course runs in to her first love…

This will forsure get you in the mood for cozy season! While this isn’t original- this was still a well executed story of small town second chance love, family and growing.

Cinnamon Spice Inn
Harper Graham
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Book: 63
Song: Both of You- Steven Universe
Thank you Netgalley, Harper Graham, and Bookouture Audio for allowing me the opportunity to listen to the ARC of Cinnamon Spice Inn.
I always have trouble picking out a favorite quote from audiobooks because I get so into listening that I forget to write down the quotes that I like. So, I think I will now choose a song that makes me think of the book. The song I chose for Cinnamon Spice Inn is Both of You by Steven Universe from the show, Steven Universe. I chose this song because it starts with

"Why don't you talk to each other?
Why don't you talk to each other?
Just give it a try
Why don't you talk about what happened?
I know you're trying to avoid it, but I don't know why"

And I feel like that really encapsulates how I felt with this book. This book could be retitled Miscommunication and Avoidance the hallmark novel. So many issues could have been avoided if Madison and Zach would just talk to one another. Overall, I feel the book was good. I was a little worried it was going to be a rip off the Dream Harbor series and while it carried some of the same elements, the main similarity was just the name of the inn. The two town gossips do mirror Babette and Ms. Patty from Gilmore Girls. The whole vibe does carry the Gilmore Girls theming so if that is what you are looking for and you loved the Dream Harbor series, this is definitely for you!

This is an ARC review. I want to thank Harper Graham and Bookouture Audio for allowing me the chance to listen to this book ahead of release day! One of the best fall and cozy books you can read/listen to year around!

Maple Falls sounds like a dream! The author did a great job describing what it would be like to live and walk the streets of the town. I cannot imagine anyone wanting to leave. Except for Madison.

Madison aka Mads who is obsessed with lattes and sweet treats (girl, me too) made a comeback to her hometown after living in New York after receiving a mysterious letter to come home. She came back to her family’s inn, the Cinnamon Spice Inn, in complete shambles! Thankfully in walks Zach, the local handyman and her infamous ex-boyfriend that had her not coming home.

Their previous relationship ended from a serious lack of communication on both ends. Their chemistry was constant and electrifying. Just like their ongoing lack of communication skills. Things could have really been better for the had they just talked and not be petty! But once they did and were honest…I completely fell in love with their love.

SIDENOTE: Madison’s best friend, Joe, I immediately fell in love with her. She is the kind of best friend and comedy relief everyone needs in their lives.

Although it says it’s narrated by Andi Eloise and Brandon Francis but it was really mostly Andi Eloise who read both parts. I’d rather if it’s dual POV to have the different voices speak their parts to avoid confusion but overall Andi Eloise did a great job.

The small town vibes were immaculate. Autumn if my favorite season and I really liked the cozy feeling this town and story had. I also really liked the side characters, and possibly more than our MCs. I spent the whole time wondering about Liam and his story so I’m definitely excited for his book.

However, the relationship side of this book ? Not so great. It is marketed as an enemies to lovers but it’s more of a second chance romance that couldve been avoided if they had a 30 seconds conversation years ago. If that was the only problem, I could’ve gotten over it but the miscommunication followed through into the story and it was too much.
It felt almost a bit immature.

I’m in no way criticizing the author’s writing because I actually quite enjoyed it, but the relationship plot here was the problem because the premises of this book are amazing.

The audiobook was nice to listen to even though I’m not the biggest fan of the overall story.

Thank you to netgalley and Bookouture audio for the ALC to review.

This book got me right into all the cozy fall feelings! We follow Madison who lives in NYC as a respected food critic. One day she gets a mysterious letter that her parent’s Inn in Maple Falls needs help. With all the intentions to save the Cinnamon Spice Inn she goes back to the small town she grew up in. Back in Maple Falls she runs into her first love who is fixing the roof of the Inn after a tree fell through.

“Madison Kelly wasn’t just any girl. She was the only one who had ever wrecked him-and the only one he hadn’t been able to forget.”

Being back in Maple Falls and having to work with your ex makes for some sizzling tension. Especially after a breakup based on miscommunication, where the both of them didn’t get closure.

“The way he looked at her now, like she was something he needed to be alive, like she was his life force, more vital than the blood pumping through his veins.”

The author has a way in describing the town and the characters, you get transported right to Maple Falls! This book made me want to get started right away with all the fall baking (currently making a batch of apple butter) and decorating! This book feels like a warm hug and is the perfect read to get you into cosy season!

The audiobook is really good as well, the narrator brought the story to life! Perfect to put on while you bake some cinnamon rolls or make your own batch of apple butter!

The one thing I disliked about this book was repeating the miscommunication trope in the third act breakup. I just wanted to shake the characters and tell them to TALK TO EACH OTHER!

What to expect:
- Dual POV
- Second chance romance
- Cozy small town vibes
- Sizzling tension
- A kitchen pantry spicy scene
TW: grief & loss of a parent

The cover on this book tells you everything you need to know. It is full of autumnal vibes and I was ready for it.
Madison lives in New York and a letter arrives saying her family business ‘The Cinnamon Spice Inn’ is in trouble. She heads back home to her old life and bumps into old friends, old flames and tries to bring the Inn back to life.
The description of the cakes and pastries were amazing, I could taste them. One description said ‘cosy, comfortable and sweet’ and I think those three words alone sum up the book.
When Madisons old boyfriend shows up, we know there is a back story there but we don’t know what exactly until near the end. I was rooting for them throughout the whole book.
I loved the characters, loved the setting, such an easy , comfortable and cosy story (with some spice!).