Laurie Gilmore Cozy Romance Reads – Where to Start & What to Expect

Laurie Gilmore has quickly become a favorite among romance readers, thanks to her feel-good, small-town stories packed with heartwarming moments.

Gilmore is the pen name of Melissa McTernan, who found success through her Dream Harbor series and a growing TikTok fanbase.

Her books combine the warmth of small-town life with steamy romance and relatable characters, making them an easy choice for readers seeking comfort and a little spice.

Cozy settings, engaging characters, and well-balanced romantic tension define Gilmore’s writing style. The popularity of her books stems from the way they capture everyday emotional struggles while maintaining a hopeful tone.

Success on TikTok has only broadened her reach, helping the Dream Harbor series gain traction with both seasoned romance readers and new fans.

Where to Start with Laurie Gilmore?

Laurie Gilmore’s Dream Harbor series has become a favorite for romance readers who enjoy heartfelt stories set in cozy small towns. Each book features a mix of steamy romance, emotional depth, and relatable characters.

The Pumpkin Spice Café (2023)

Jeanie returns to Dream Harbor after inheriting her aunt’s café, determined to turn it into a successful business. Logan, a grumpy local farmer, steps in to help her, albeit reluctantly. Their relationship starts rocky, with Logan’s reserved and guarded nature clashing with Jeanie’s determination and warmth.

Spending time together at the café forces them to confront their differences and develop a mutual understanding. Jeanie’s journey of self-discovery plays a key role as she works to establish herself in the community and overcome her fear of failure.

Logan’s protective nature begins to surface as he supports Jeanie’s ambitions, even when his gruff exterior suggests otherwise. Their emotional push-and-pull dynamic creates plenty of tension, leading to a romantic connection, sometimes even erotic, that feels earned and satisfying.

Jeanie’s resilience and Logan’s transformation from guarded to vulnerable provide emotional depth to the story. Moments of humor and tenderness balance the emotional weight, making this an easy entry point for readers discovering Laurie Gilmore and her work.

The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore (2024)

Hazel has always preferred a quiet life. Running a cozy bookstore in Dream Harbor allows her to maintain a low profile and avoid the complications of romance. Noah, an adventurous fisherman, shakes up that quiet existence when a treasure hunt leads him to Hazel’s shop.

His outgoing personality and sense of adventure clash with Hazel’s cautious and measured nature, but the spark between them becomes undeniable.

Reluctantly drawn into Noah’s quest, Hazel begins to let down her guard. Their search for hidden treasure mirrors Hazel’s emotional journey toward trusting Noah and opening herself up to love.

Noah’s easy confidence and affection for Hazel stand in contrast to her hesitation, creating a delicious slow-burn tension.

Small-town life plays a significant role, with quirky side characters adding humor and warmth. Noah’s charm and persistence gradually win Hazel over, creating a layered romance that evolves naturally. The friends-to-lovers dynamic heightens the emotional stakes, making their eventual connection feel well-deserved.

Hazel’s quiet strength and Noah’s playful spirit make for an engaging contrast. Their emotional vulnerability deepens the connection, balancing lighthearted moments with genuine romantic tension.

The Christmas Tree Farm (2024)

Kira purchases a struggling tree farm, seeking a fresh start. Bennett, a Californian with local ties, opposes the changes Kira wants to make. His resistance stems from his attachment to the farm’s history and his connection to Dream Harbor.

Forced to work together to prepare the farm for the holiday season, Kira and Bennett clash at every turn. Their disagreements create simmering tension, punctuated by moments of unexpected tenderness. Bennett’s protective instincts and Kira’s determination to succeed form the foundation of their growing bond.

The holiday setting amplifies the emotional stakes. Moments of shared vulnerability under twinkling lights and snow-covered trees highlight the gradual shift in their relationship. A cozy “one bed” situation adds extra heat, as proximity forces Kira and Bennett to confront their feelings head-on.

Kira’s drive to succeed and Bennett’s quiet vulnerability create a satisfying emotional arc. Romantic tension paired with festive warmth makes this story an ideal holiday read.

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House (March 2025)

Archer, a single dad and owner of the Strawberry Patch Pancake House, struggles to balance running his business and raising his young daughter. When Iris, a free-spirited woman in need of a fresh start, arrives in town, Archer reluctantly hires her as a nanny.

Iris’s playful nature and creative spirit quickly win over Archer’s daughter and start to break down Archer’s guarded exterior.

Archer’s structured and protective nature clashes with Iris’s laid-back attitude, but their growing attraction becomes hard to ignore. Iris’s ability to connect with Archer’s daughter strengthens the bond between them, but Archer’s fear of getting hurt holds him back.

Slow-burn tension dominates their relationship as Archer struggles to let down his guard. Emotional depth surfaces as Iris helps him navigate parenting challenges and rediscover his sense of joy.

Moments of vulnerability and quiet intimacy gradually draw them together, making their eventual romance feel authentic.

Archer’s emotional walls come down as Iris brings warmth and spontaneity into his life. Their connection, grounded in shared responsibility and trust, creates a satisfying and emotionally resonant love story.

The Gingerbread Bakery (September 2025)

Annie runs Dream Harbor’s beloved bakery, but financial struggles threaten to close the business. Mac, the town’s pub owner, and Annie’s long-time rival, steps in with an offer to partner up.

Their personalities clash immediately, with Annie’s perfectionism and Mac’s laid-back attitude creating sparks of tension and frustration.

Annie’s initial resistance to Mac’s involvement gradually fades as they work side by side. Forced proximity intensifies the emotional tension, with Mac’s easy confidence and Annie’s stubborn nature creating an entertaining push-and-pull dynamic.

A wedding in Dream Harbor adds to the pressure, as Annie and Mac’s business partnership becomes more complicated by their growing attraction.

Their ability to rely on each other through challenging moments strengthens the foundation of their relationship.

Emotional tension and playful banter drive the connection between Annie and Mac. Their shift from rivals to partners creates a layered romance, where trust and emotional vulnerability lead to a deeply satisfying resolution.

About Laurie Gilmore

Melissa McTernan grew up in upstate New York and turned her passion for storytelling into a career after becoming a stay-at-home mom. Writing began as a creative outlet during naptimes and quiet evenings.

Early works were self-published before catching the attention of One More Chapter, an imprint of HarperCollins, which helped launch her professional career.

Gilmore Girls served as a major influence on her writing style. The quirky charm of Stars Hollow inspired the close-knit feel of Dream Harbor, where everyone knows everyone, and romance feels inevitable. Gilmore’s ability to create engaging side characters and cozy atmospheres stems directly from this inspiration.

The balance of humor and heartache in her books reflects real-life relationships and small-town dynamics.

The Bottom Line

Starting with The Pumpkin Spice Café offers a solid introduction to Laurie Gilmore, her style and worldbuilding.

Readers who prefer specific tropes, like grumpy x sunshine or friends-to-lovers, may want to begin with titles that feature those dynamics.

Laurie Gilmore’s style resembles authors like Elsie Silver and Emily Henry, making her books a natural fit for fans of heartfelt, steamy romance with emotional depth.