The Pumpkin Spice Café Book Review - No Spoilers
Introduction
This morning I was scraping frost off the car windows in Colorado Springs while sipping weak coffee (yes, the high altitude always messes with my brew strength), and I wished I were wrapped in a cozy blanket sipping pumpkin spice latte instead. That image stayed with me as I opened The Pumpkin Spice Café. I wanted something comforting, warm, and a little indulgent—and that’s exactly what this book promised.
Plot Summary
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore is the first book in the *Dream Harbor* series. Jeanie inherits her aunt’s beloved café in the small town of Dream Harbor when her aunt decides to travel. Tired of her dull desk job and yearning for a fresh start, Jeanie uproots her life and moves to a place she barely knows. In town she meets Logan, a local farmer who is understandably wary of a newcomer disrupting his quiet routines. As Jeanie launches into café renovations and community events, she and Logan cross paths again and again. Their personalities clash—she is bright, bold, and hopeful; he is reserved, cautious, and rooted in past disappointments. Tension and attraction build, especially when Jeanie begins to suspect someone is sabotaging the café’s success. Their relationship evolves amid small-town life, quirky neighbors, and fall-themed events, with the promise of a satisfying happily ever after.
Why I Love This Book
I love how strongly the autumn atmosphere comes alive in this story. The leaves, the cozy events, the crisp air—all of it felt vivid and comforting. I also appreciate the grumpy × sunshine dynamic between Jeanie and Logan. Their push-and-pull gave me butterflies more than once. The café setting is warm and believable, with side characters who bring charm, humor, and community spirit. I was drawn into Dream Harbor and found myself caring about the town as much as I cared about the romance. I also liked that the book doesn’t shy away from sex scenes later in the story—while these are limited and tend toward the sensual rather than graphic, they add an extra layer of emotional intimacy. Finally, the book has low stakes overall, which means it never overwhelms or drags. When I read it on a quiet evening, it felt like slipping into a soft sweater—familiar, safe, and pleasantly indulgent.
Who Will Like This Book
If you love cozy small-town romance, café-centric settings, and fall vibes, you’ll probably enjoy this one. If you’re drawn to the grumpy × sunshine trope, found-family feels, and light romantic tension, this is a good match. This isn’t a heavy plot-driven romance—it’s about two people growing closer in a setting full of community. That makes it perfect as a comfort read or a seasonal treat.
⚠️ Trigger warning: The book includes sexual content (explicit scenes later in the story). If that’s uncomfortable for you, this may not be the ideal pick.
Tagged As
small town, cozy romance, grumpy × sunshine, café romance, found family, contemporary romance, light mystery/sabotage, spicy romance, autumn vibes, dual POV, series, HEA
Steam Level
The romance has definite spice, but it leans more toward sensual than graphic. The erotic moments are concentrated later in the story rather than being constant. If you enjoy a mix of heat with coziness, this will satisfy.
