Gingerbread bakery
So after such a heavy fantasy series I felt like a cozy romance would be the right call.
My dear friend got this book for Christmas.
I wish my physical library was bigger. Imagine Belle’s library in beauty in the beast, it’s every reader’s true dream. But alas, most of my books are audiobooks thanks to the ability to mulit-task.
But the chance to grow my library by even one book is good with me!
Now I didn’t know this was part of a series. I usually do my research on books before I start them but I put my trust in my friend – which I would do a thousand times over – and she didn’t put the same level of research in.
Turns our this is like book #4 out of 5 in the series.
So there are other couples already paired off and a good amount of history mentioned that I just skimmed over.
Will I read the other 4 books?
Honestly, nope.
This is due partially because I started on book 4. But also because I read this as my read bug hit.
That’s what I will officially be calling it from here on out, a read bug. And the recovery is rough, but I’m coming out of it.
But if you’re looking for cozy romance you’ve hit the jackpot here!
The characters are cute and all the right scenarios happen.
Our FMC is bitter about the MMC, he left and lived his life for, idk 10 years?
Not a text, or a call, or even a postcard.
Leaving our poor FMC to heal without closure.
When he does return she ignores him. Unfortunately for her they have to work together as Best Man and Maid of Honor in their friend’s wedding.
The two are cute and the flashbacks to their senior year are well placed.
It’s also set in the middle of winter, so the snowy scenes, hot chocolate, and Christmas shopping just add to the cozyness. Grab a blanket, some mood lighting, and a do not disturb sign on the door for this one!
This is also a cute spicy book where the two only get together once on page. And man is it hot. They can’t keep their hands off each other at the end of the wedding, barely even making it to his truck.
And back at her place the clothes really come off!
From there the two confirm they love each other and have another spicy scene off page, or maybe it’s just alluded to?
But cute.
Cozy.
Wintery.
And an HEA of course!
Overall ⭐⭐⭐.5 | 📚 Glad I Read It | 💫 A – Adult (Ages 18+)
Worldbuilding🗺️🗺️
Ick Factor 😇
Fangirl Moments 💖
Spice🌶️🌶️.5
Errors/Plot Holes ❗
Tropes: if applicable Cozy, Small Town, Second Chance, Grumpy Sunshine
Title: Gingerbread Bakery
Author: Laurie Gilmore
Genre: Romance
Series: Dream Harbor
Format: Physical
Release Date: September 16, 2025
Length: 5 hours (ish)
