Review of The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore

Synopsis:
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 needs 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…

Review:
I wasn’t sure I’d like Hazel because she is very standoffish and, honestly, because she comes across as the stereotypical book nerd but since the first book, I’d hoped Noah would pluck up the courage and see what might happen between them. It was great to see Hazel come out of her shell, though I thought there were times that the intimate scenes were just a bit too long/overdrawn for me. All in all, a quick, cozy read if you like romance.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Forked by Melanie Harlow

Synopsis:
I have trouble saying no.

To shoes, handbags, the dessert tray… you name it.

But when I agreed to plan a last-minute engagement bash for a spoiled Mafia princess, I had no idea she’d demand that my sexy ex, Nick Lupo, cater it. Sure, he’s now a famous celebrity chef, but to me he’s just the boy who broke my heart.

Still, I need the money for a down payment on my dream house, so I summon all my strength and approach him. I should have known Nick would turn the situation to his advantage.

He’ll agree to work for me, but only if I agree to spend a weekend with him.

Hear him out. Give him a second chance.

Did I mention my weakness for dark eyes and tattoos?

I’m completely and totally forked.

Review:
I absolutely loved both Coco and Nick. Seeing their interactions, and how he clearly still is head over heels for her, made me team Nick from the beginning. I love how supportive Nick is, how he tries so hard to do and be everything Coco needs and wanted him to. There were times when they obviously needed to communicate a little better, and one in particular made NO SENSE AT ALL. No one goes that long without a phone in today’s day and age. Yet, in the end, this was an absolutely beautiful story and I am so glad I read it; even if it was so long after I read Frenched that I was reading about completely new people I didn’t really remember.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯