After the way my parents destroyed their marriage, I prefer my romance fictional—for myself, anyway. When my best friend, Miles, needs a date to an awards ceremony, I'm more than willing to set him up. I’m his ideal matchmaker because I know the shy bookstore owner better than anyone, and I'm completely impartial.
He agrees on one condition—if my setups don’t work out, I’ll be his date to the gala. No problem. Finding him the perfect match will be easy. He’s the kind of low-key hot cinnamon roll that makes bookish girls everywhere swoon. Who wouldn’t fall for Miles?
But I start to suspect he’s sabotaging his dates so I’ll have to go to the gala with him. And I might not be as eager to set him up as I thought I was.
Because it turns out, I’m not impartial at all. I’m very, very partial to Miles. He's better than any imaginary book boyfriend I could dream up.
But if our not-so fictional romance falls apart? I’m not ready for the very real heartache.
Cinnamon Roll Set Up is a matchmaking gone wrong, friends to more romcom with sizzling kisses but no spice. Part of the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice series of books, which can be read in any order.
Genny Carrick is a sucker for an HEA, especially if there's a whole lot of laughter along the way. She writes romances and rom-coms about stubborn women and the men who fall for them.
When she's not lost in swoony reads, she's probably up to something crafty or trying to get her dog and two cats to love her.
Genny recently moved to Texas from the Pacific Northwest with her brilliant husband and two hilarious kids.
Cinnamon Roll Set Up is another wonderful addition to the Cinnamon Rolls & Pumpkin Spice multi-author series of stand alone novels that can be read in any order. These multi-author series are such a great way to find new authors to read. This story was my first by Genny Carrick and I loved it!
Miles and Georgia were such wonderful best friends. They were always there for each other and had a great connection. Of course, Miles had actually been in love with Georgia for around two years, which added a great splash of unrequited pining to the story.
I loved seeing Georgia begin to realize that she might have an interest in Miles and the moment when these two acknowledged that they wanted to try for more was a beautiful scene. I enjoyed this entire book. It had a great balance of pining, friendship, attraction, uncertainty, and humor. And those letters that Miles wrote over the two years that he was in love with Georgia but unable to tell her? Completely swoony and heartfelt!
I love that the author also has a bonus short story available which is about Owen and Josie, two side characters in this book. It it, the reader gets to see their relationship develop. I loved their story, too.
Loved it! This was such a fun, witty, and sweet story, and an absolute pleasure to read! I immediately fell in love with Miles and Georgia, and their friends-to-more romance.
Miles is an author and bookstore owner. Georgia is his best friend and helps run the bookstore with him, as well as being a book cover designer.
When Miles needs a date to an awards ceremony, Georgia decides to play matchmaker and set him up for a date. He reluctantly agrees, but only if she’ll be his date to the gala if none of the setups work out.
Miles is secretly in love with Georgia, so he’s sabotaging his dates. After a date or two, Georgia starts to regret her matchmaking decisions. The thought of Miles being with anyone else is not a happy one.
After her parents’ disastrous marriage, Georgia prefers fictional boyfriends, so even if she is starting to fall for Miles, she just can’t handle the heartache she’s sure will inevitably happen.
What I loved: Friends to more Opposites attract Cinnamon roll mmc Exuberant fmc He falls first Georgia’s sweaters Maverick Bookstore workplace The Letters Kissing Corn Maze “You’re mine”
Miles is a complete sweetheart, and the way he pined after Georgia was so yummy. He’s modest, kind, and gentle, but when Georgia’s dad was being a jerk to her, he doesn’t mince words and lets him have it.
I loved how they were each other’s biggest fans, and encouraged and supported each other. I loved their book and movie references. I loved all the teasing, flirting, and kisses. Essentially, I loved everything about it!
Cinnamon Roll Set Up Is a charming, warm, and fabulous read! It’s an absolute gem and one I highly recommend.
More 4 1/2 🌟 What a cute friends to lovers romance Cinnamon Roll Set Up is! Set in a bookstore with a shy hero, Miles and his coworker Georgia. These two are absolutely adorable and we all need a friendship like these two. I adored all the fall vibes and the friendly banter. This is part of the Cinnamon Roll and Pumpkin Spice series and is perfectly fine as a standalone read. This was a joy to read especially if you like a wholesome story. I received a complementary copy from the author.
I actually finished this last night, but didn’t get a chance to update until now. I loved this one. Not that I had any doubts. Genny’s writing, her characters and their stories are so well done. Swoony Miles… the haunted corn maze, ahhh, his reaction to her dress, her DIY skills, that last conversation between Georgia and Sam… so much to love. Well done!
"Georgia Donnelly is the main character in the love story I want to write, and she has no idea. If only I could dmit to her she's anything but my second choice."
Cinnamon Roll Set Up, is the sixth book in the me Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice series. It’s a multi-author series and all books can be id as a-stand-alone or in any order. This story is a delightful fun story where matchmaking is gone wrong, with friends to more romcom with sizzling, but with no spice! It is charming, witty, and quite heartwarming! The slow-burn romance, with sweet moments like letters and stolen kisses, was precisely done. The relationship between main characters, with their teasing, banter, and the book and movie references made this story extra fun to read! I thoroughly enjoyed the lovely fall vibes and laugh-out-loud moments with endearing characters along the way, as well. I loved how this story showed that, even with some reservations about real life romance, you can come around to realize that you might just be the perfect person for someone after all! It's about being brave and taking the leap for what matters most, and in this case it’s love after all! This dear story is worth the read!📚🙌🏻🍁
"I love you in all possible ways. On your good days and bad days and everything in between. You're the best person I know, and I am in love with you. Desperately."
•Content: Kisses only, light innuendo, minimal mild swears. Indifferent parent (present), death of parent (past), scary moment in a haunted house.
"You make everything better."
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
"Don't forget, while you're helping everyone else out, you're allowed to receive some of that back. You deserve to feel like the most important person in the world sometimes, too."
I think it’s safe to say we have all read at least one book about one friend secretly pining after the other, but too scared to act on it… but I don’t feel like there are as many books about the other friend trying to play matchmaker for the pining friend because they are too hung up on fictional characters, right?!
Georgia wants nothing but the best for Miles! Georgia lives vicariously through the novels she reads and the covers she illustrates. While she may not be living up to her potential according to her father, she is mostly living her best life! I love that she doesn’t bend over backwards to get his approval and focuses on the love she receives from her brother, SIL and Miles (her best friend/boss)!
Miles has a lot going for him in life, he’s a business owner and now an award nominated author. Having been around Magnolia Ridge his whole life has left him feeling like very few things are missing from his life, 1, being true love and 2, his dad – who was killed because of drunk driving accident! Miles is soft spoken, but when he speaks it’s important not wasted breath! I love the underdog in him, and it makes him so endearing! His loyalties to his mom and Georgia are unparalleled, I could go on, but you really should read him for yourself!
While this may not be the complete stereotypical “friends to lovers” trope, it is certainly special! I’ve recently found Genny Carrick’s writing and I’m a big fan! Her characters have the right balance to their personalities, flaws and all but you won’t find me complaining! She has made Magnolia Ridge, Texas and Sunshine, Oregon places I can see myself spending more time in! If you haven’t visited perhaps, you should and if you have been, maybe a return trip is in order!
“I would be that man for you if you’d let me. I would support you and protect you, encourage you and be entirely dedicated to you. I would cherish you, Georgia.”
* Stooppp. A writer? A book cover designer? They run the bookshop TOGETHER?! * Oh, Miles. What a tender sweetie, I love him! * Yessss you go, Grandpa! * My heart cannot take this much cuteness! * Not the accidental shirtless sighting, I’m screaming * Oh man, the conversations kids have 😂 * YES! You go Miles! * They are ridiculous and adorable and I love them * Not the letters 😭🫶
This book is everything my hopeless romantic, book loving heart has ever wanted! It’s so sweet and swoony and funny and you should read it asap.
Georgia is so fun and over the top! She’s all in with everything she does and it makes for some pretty fun situations. I love how full of life she is and how she was able to work through her fears of trust and love.
Miles is so dreamy! Like my heart cannot take him. I love how obsessed and in love he is with Georgia and how sweet of a friend he is. I loved seeing him gain more confidence in himself as well!
And then together? Cuteness overload. The autumn setting and cute small town were the perfect cherry on top, or should I say sprinkle of cinnamon on top. 😏
“Georgia Donnelly is the main character in the love story I want to write, and she has no idea.”
“Is it so wrong to want to be protected and cherished and loved so totally that all my broken little pieces fit back together?”
“You deserve to feel like the most important person in the world sometimes, too.”
Thank you to the author for the ebook. A positive review wasn’t required and all opinions are my own.
Cinnamon Roll Set Up is the sixth book in the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice series. This is a multi-author series and all books can be enjoyed as standalones or in any order. This book does also take place in Magnolia Ridge (the same world as the author's previous series of the same name) and we see some familiar characters, but you can definitely enjoy this one without having read those too.
Simply put, I absolutely ADORED this book. The pining and the letters!? Oh my goodness! I always love a good 'he falls first' story, and Miles certainly did just that. So, when she decides that she's going to do some matchmaking and find the perfect woman for him!? Well, things certainly get interesting! She has some reservations about real life romance, but I loved seeing her coming around to realize that she might just be the perfect woman for him after all. Miles was such a wonderful character--- I loved all the different sides to him... and when he goes protective of her!? Yes, please. (There were definitely some 'touch her and die' vibes with this one and I was here for it!) This was friends to more done right, with a perfectly slow burn (on her side anyway) and all the fall feels... and I could not get enough!
Cinnamon Roll Set Up is a closed-door romance with kisses only. It does have a bit of innuendo and minimal minor language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
This book is a charming, witty, and heartwarming friends-to-lovers romance that I absolutely adored. Set in a cozy bookstore, Miles, a shy author and bookstore owner, and Georgia, his best friend and book cover designer, are simply delightful together. Their relationship is filled with teasing, banter, and plenty of book and movie references that made this story a joy to read.
The slow-burn romance, with sweet moments like letters and stolen kisses, was beautifully done. Miles' protective side and Georgia’s eventual realization that she might be the perfect woman for him were highlights. Their supportive, fun dynamic, paired with the fall vibes and laugh-out-loud moments from their quirky friends, made this an absolute gem. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a wholesome, feel-good read! Was kicking my feet giggling the whole time!
Miles has been in love with Georgia for 2 years. He’s also an amazing science fiction writer, who was just nominated for an award! So, Georgia, being the kind and loving woman that she is, decided that Miles needs a date to the awards ceremony. But Miles doesn’t want just any date, he wants her.
It was adorable watching Georgia slowly “wake up” and realize that Miles was in love with her, and he was the man for her. I loved the interactions and support from Sam and Harper and the extended family of Harper’s that welcomed both Miles and Georgia with open arms.
If you love a cute friends to lovers with bookshop vibes you’ll love this one!
Thank you for the early copy, Genny! You can read this one on 10/15!
Miles is my kind of hero - bookish, smart, kind, and absolutely head over heels for his best friend - and not afraid to stand up for her. I am a sucker for a good friends-to-more story, and I was rooting for Georgia and Miles from the get-go!
The slow-burn romance was delicious (the kisses! the letters! ugh!), Georgia and Miles were just adorable together, and their quirky group of friends brought plenty of banter and laughs. The story was equally sweet and swoony with a little snark, and I had this huge goofy grin on my face from start to finish.
When I review a book, there are two things I look for. One is the story. Do I enjoy the storyline enough that it keeps me wanting to know more? The second is the writing style. I love it when an author can put words together in a way that makes me notice how good the writing is. In Carrick’s latest book, a sentence like the following makes me appreciate her style. “It’s like I’d kept all my emotions behind this dirty, smudged glass, and little by little, I’ve been washing the gunk away.” It’s so descriptive it makes me visualize the character’s thoughts. Being a book lover, I thoroughly enjoy a story that takes place in a bookstore. Better yet, one that serves coffee and pastries. Not only do I want to hang out with Miles and Georgia, but I also want to eat those fantastic cinnamon rolls while sipping on a great cup of coffee. I want to read the books they share at their book club meetings. I want to meet their friends and family. This book was a true delight and as always, I look forward to reading more.
This book is just so sweet and has so many cute moments, this is a friends to loves trope! Georgia wants the best for her buddy Miles and tries to set him up on blind dates but needless to say none of them work out and the sparks start between Georgia and Miles start! The way they care for each other and treat each other is just the best! One my favourite parts of this book is how my favourite childhood movie was mentioned more than once throughout the book! 🧡
A sweet best friends romance set mostly in a small town indie bookstore. . The dates that Miles went on were so funny, as was the list of dating rules he and Georgia kept coming up with. . I really enjoyed Miles as a sci-fi author worried about promoting his book and being too pushy. He was darling. . If you're looking for a cute romance for October, this might be it!
I received an eARC from rhe author. A positive review was not required.
This book was perfect for Fall! I especially loved the kissing corn maze scene!
Miles and Georgia's story is very low angst and low conflict - really non-existent - friend to lovers comfort read. It felt really true to life, less wish fulfillment and more something real that could happen to any of us. I find that to be true of all Genny Carrick's books, and it's one of the reasons I love them! (I've read them all 😍)
Cinnamon Roll Set Up by Genny Carrick is book 6 in the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice multi author standalone series. This was my first book by this author, and it will not be my last. It was a cute story. This story follows Georgia and Miles. Miles owns the local book store and is an author. Georgia is his best friend who creates book cover and helps run the bookstore with Miles. When Miles needs a date to an awards ceremony, Georgia decides to play matchmaker and set him up for a date. He agrees, but only if she'll be his date to the gala if none of the setups work out. Miles has had a crush on Geogia for the past 2 years, so he is self sabotaging the dates. Their friendship and chemistry were perfection. I adored this whole book. I loved the characters and the story. Miles is the perfect book boyfriend. He was completely sweet and kind, and how he stood up to Georgia's dad was so swoon-worthy.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
”You don't have to know how to do it to love somebody. You just do."
overview: a cheesy, predictable, cute time… I was ready for it to be over 🥲
characters:Georgia was dumb but sweet lol. Miles was a cutie, just a lil too perfect, yk.
romance: predictable and cute but the pacing was a bit oof.
✨ friends to lovers ✨ workplace romance ✨ fake dating
writing: quick, light, easy to read.
atmosphere: cozy bookstore, coffee brewing, the dusting of powered sugar, longing eyes.
season: fall.
———
content:language (H*ll, used a couple times). sexual (few vague innuendo, touches, kisses; no spice). other (a flamboyant man, short page time; mention of someone maybe being demisexual).
Miles and Georgia ❤️❤️ I loved this fall read. He falls first - and hard - but she has no clue. Their friendship is all the good things: safe, warm, and hilarious. Miles and Georgia already have an excellent foundation of deep desire for the best of each other. Watching their friendship grow into something even more lovely is beautiful. Also, Miles may be a cinnamon roll, but definitely also a fierce protector. Favorite scenes include: cover character inspiration, haunted house, and the little sister’s birthday party. You knocked it out of the park, Genny!
Great addition to the series, and so much fun. I adore unrequited best friends, and this was perfectly done! So many feels, I had to keep turning pages past my bedtime!
4.5 /5 Genre: Sweet Romcom 🚨TW: ignorance/neglectful father 🔥 Level: Closed door with kisses only. A few minor curses, mild innuendos and sensual description.
Read it if you like: 🍁Dual POV 🍁 Friends to lovers 🍁 Matchmaking gone wrong 🍁 Workplace romance 🍁 Bookish MCs 🍁 He falls first 🍁 Harvest Festival
Favourite Moments 🍁 Him admiring her decoration and art. 🍁 They encourage and support each other towards their dreams 🍁 Her trying so hard to find him a date which he is not interested 🍁 Moments with her half-siblings 🍁 Milla’s birthday party (can’t spoil it) 🍁 The movie night 🍁 Her taking care of him when he got sick 🍁Her fixing the bookmobile bike. 🍁 The Kissing Corn Field (can’t spoil it)
(lots more)
Swoony Moments 🍁 He cares and protect her 🍁 He is there for her whenever she needs him 🍁 He falls for her first 🍁 He wrote her love letters (aww…) 🍁 He helps her when she is babysitting her half-siblings
Synopsis: Georgia A book cover illustrator who also works in the bookshop. She decorates the bookshop anyway she wants
Miles The bookshop owner who is a sci-fi author. But he lay low and doesn't really want people to know that he is the author. He is in love with his best friend.
They had been best friends for 5 years. They are really close to each other. One day, he received an e-mail that he is nominated as the rising star for his sci-fi book in the Andromeda Awards and he needed a date to go with him to the gala. She vowed to find him a most suitable date and Miles go along with her suggestions though he already set his mind on someone else whom he wants to be with because to make her happy. Will she able to find the suitable date for him? Read to Cinnamon Roll Set Up to find out!!
Review: This friends to lovers’ story are just so sweet. A shy sci-fi author and a book cover illustrator working together to run a bookshop. He is an owner of the bookshop and Georgia is working for him. They had been best friends for 5 years. Loving her best friend so much she decided to start finding a date for him for the gala but however she didn't know that he has been in love with her for the longest time. And also, in the process of it she slowly realised her feelings. Love that they encourage and support each other to continue on with their dreams. And her brother and grandfather help her realised that she can’t find perfect love in the real world because people make mistake and don’t let their parents’ failed marriage stop her from having her love on her own. Not only her brother and grandfather even her best friends told her to look at their marriage as an example not all marriages end up in divorce. Love that he stood up for her because of her father not happy with her career choice and he helped her father to realised how good is she at her work. Love their practice date and also the Kissing Corn Maze scene (can’t spoil much you will have to find out). This book made me smile, laugh and also frustrated at times because of another character (can’t spoil it read then you will know) .
P.S I wish a guy will write love letters to me too. Haha…
I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own. Thanks @gennycarrickwriter for the ARC.
This is the first book that I read from Genny Carrick and enjoyed it so much. Can’t wait to read her other books.
This is the 6th book of the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice series. This series consist of 8 books and it is written by 8 authors.
List of books in the series: Hating the Cinnamon Roll CEO by Camilla Evergreen (@authorannemilla) Falling for Autumn (Again) by Jen Atkinson (@authorjenatkinson) Paris, Pumpkins & Puns by Marion De Re (@marionderewrites) Fall With Me by Amanda P. Jones (@authoramandapjones) Cinnamon & Spice Conundrum by Leah Busboom (@LeahB1959) Cinnamon Roll Set Up by Genny Carrick (@gennycarrickwriter) Coffee Break With The Billionaire by Holly Kerr (@hollykerr.author) The Friendly Fall by Kristine W. Joy (@kristinewjoy)
You can purchase this book on Amazon and it’s available on KU.
Isn’t there a saying: two “quirky’s” make a “right”? Well, if there’s not, there should be, and this book is the reason. Because these two quirky characters were…oh, so right! They were funny and adorable and sweet on their pathway to togetherness (did I mention the quirkiness?) I loved every second of it.
Plus, it made for plenty of laughter! I laughed out loud more than once (sorry, sleeping hubby), and found myself “tickled pink” more times than I could count. Ever read a book where the perma-grin on your face eventually becomes sorta painful? Well, this book did that to me, so much so, that I had to resort to reading in short increments. (Great job, Genny, on getting the “com” part right in “rom-com”).
Though, she absolutely nailed the “rom” part, too. Two words for you: The. Kisses!!!! (Swoon warning, swoon warning). For I while there I didn’t think it would ever happen, but Genny got us hooked, then let us burn, until the timing was just right (took you long enough, Georgia!) But, like I said: the timing was just right. Georgia had to get there, but her “awakening” was oh, so satisfying!
Notable Quotables:
- My attention drifts to Miles at the counter, but he’s already watching me. The force of his gaze hits me square in the chest, spreading warmth through me like red ink running on wet paper. I try to swallow, but my throat sticks. I’m staring too long. I am. But I can’t look away. It’s like I’ve caught fire and all I can do is sit here and burn. - He seriously doesn’t realize how much his support means to me? I don’t even care anymore that my dad doesn’t feel those things about me, but to know that Miles does? That he’ll stand up for me and talk me up and encourage me? That he always sees the best in me, even when I feel one lane short of a full highway? Harper’s words echo around in my head: he’s my champion. - His fingertips dance along my hairline, smoothing strokes from my temples to my jaw. His gaze roams over my face, warming my skin like a caress. His focus finally lands on my mouth. I am nothing but nerve endings lit up to spell one word: Miles.
Yep. See what I mean? I’m fanning myself over here!
This entire author-collab series was good, but this book right here was a stand-out for me. Thank you, dear Genny, for doing friends-to-lovers so well. It’s not (usually) my first-pick in trope-ville, but you hit the nail on the head, and when it’s done right, friends-to-lovers can be amazing. So, thank you for getting it right.
I give this one all the stars, because it kept me turning pages late into the night, eager to find out exactly how these two would finally cross over the friend-zone into lovers-ville. Don’t miss Cinnamon Roll Set Up, a true stand-out in this series!
“She runs her fingers through my hair, messing it up more than it already was. I have to force myself not to close my eyes and lean into her hand like a touch-starved kitten. Each sweep of her fingers sends shockwaves through my body and down my limbs.
I want more. I crave it. This is a dangerous game, but I’m not ready to take my wins and fold.
…When her fingertip grazes over my lips, I think I might be dead. I’m definitely not breathing. Then again, my heart is pounding fast enough to be a bigger medical concern than my injured face. We’ve touched hundreds of times before. We hug. Snuggle. Hold hands. But that always has an air of innocence over it, like she’s pasted the “friendly” label on those touches, and they barely even register to her as a point of connection.
But this…this is something new.”
Oh. My. Lanta. I believe I have found my new book boyfriend. And YES, I realize the irony of that statement, as sweet Georgia is too consumed with waiting for her special ops book boyfriend to materialize that she cannot see her best friend Miles pining for her.
But that is OK because I need Miles for ME. There, I’ve said it, and I am not taking it back! Just, um, keep this info on the down low so my husband doesn’t get jealous…
Cinnamon Roll Set Up by Genny Carrick is a must read. Miles is truly one delicious cinnamon roll MMC – one that must be savored layer by layer. Georgia is super cute, spunky, and a very good best friend. I absolutely love their story of friendship turning into something more! The tension, slow burn romance is AMAZING. The side characters add depth and humor to make this book shine.
Things to enjoy: Dual POV Employer/employee He falls first Matchmaking efforts Text messages Maroon sweater The almost kiss Birthday Party The.First.Kiss Letters
I highly recommend reading Cinnamon Roll Set Up!
This book is part of the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice series, but is a standalone. Genny Carrick is a new-to-me author that I am now a huge fan of. I cannot wait to dive into her other books!
CW: kisses only, mild/light innuendo, mild/minimal bible swears, mentions of accidents from drunk driving (past), death of parent (past)
Before I begin, I would like to thank Genny Carrick for allowing me to read her upcoming book, Cinnamon Roll Set-Up, which is part of the multi-author Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice series and is available on Amazon on October 15th, 2024.
Georgia doesn’t want to deal with any kind of romance, not after what happened to her parents’ marriage. That doesn’t stop her from trying to find Miles, her best friend, the perfect match for him. He agrees, with the condition that if the dates don’t work out then she would be his date to the gala. It shouldn’t be a problem to find the right person for him because he’s wonderful. But what if she’s less impartial to finding him a match after all? Can Georgia take the risk of heartbreak in exchange for falling in love with her favorite person
I absolutely loved this book. You have Georgia, a sweet, beautiful, talented young artist that cares about her family, friends, and her community. You have Miles, the quiet, handsome, wonderful author that does his best to hide from the spotlight and devote his time to his loved ones. The banter between the main characters was fantastic, and I loved Sam, Owen, and Josie as well. The kids were sweet, and honestly, I want to visit this bookstore. I cheered on both Georgia and Miles as they grew throughout the story. I loved how they supported each other both in front of doubts and doubters, and when they were together by themselves. Overall, if you love healthy relationships, great friend and sibling dynamics, fantastic banter, bookstores, art, and sweet small-town best friends-to-lovers romance with low amounts of spice, then I would highly recommend this book. Here’s the link for more information: Amazon.com: Cinnamon Roll Set Up: A Sweet Romcom (Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice Book 6) eBook : Carrick, Genny: Kindle Store
I absolutely loved Miles and Georgia! They are the cutest friends to lovers I’ve read in a long time. The are the best of friends and coworkers. I love that they both have literary jobs outside of the bookshop they work in. It's just so good...
Georgia is a graphic designer-turned-bookstore clerk, slinging coffee, cinnamon rolls, and new reads by day, and illustrating book covers by night. Miles is the owner of the bookstore and a sci-fi author who happens to be in love with his best friend and employee. Georgia hasn’t had good examples of loving relationships in her life with divorced parents and a complicated step-parent relationship. She “is a firm believer in romance - as long as it’s fictional. Bring her a book with a couple on the cover, and she’s ready to fall in love. But a real, living, breathing person? She loses all interest…the only good boyfriend is a book boyfriend.” Georgia thinks Miles is great, but only sees him as a friend. She thinks he needs to date more, so she decides she’s going to play matchmaker to find him a date to an event. Miles only has eyes for Georgia which complicates this whole “find Miles his one true love” plan, and she is the only one who can't see it.
It was so fun to watch Miles love Georgia from a distance. The PINING! So good. He is the quintessential cinnamon roll. It really enjoyed watching Georgia let go of her fears and come to the realization that “maybe not all love is fictional, after all.”
Genny Carrick’s 6th installment of the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice multi-author series knocked my favorite trope out of the park!
Happy to report that friends to lovers is still one of my favorite tropes… and so happy to have found a new author I love in Genny Carrick! This was my first book from her, but I already downloaded another one of her books that I can’t wait to start it! Miles is Dogeared’s (part cafe, bakery and bookstore) owner, as well as an author. Miles has also been in love with his best friend Georgia pretty much since he met her. Georgia works part time at Dogeared, and also illustrates book covers. Miles is not-so-secretly (at least to everyone except Georgia), Georgia’s biggest fan and will do everything in his power to support and care for her… even if it means constantly torturing himself by being around her. Georgia has big ideas about romance and what love is supposed to be like based upon her obsession with fictional book men. But just because she thinks it will never happen for her, doesn’t mean she doesn’t want that for the people she cares for. That’s why she decides to set Miles up on dates to help him find “the one”. What started out as a challenge to find him a date to a very important Awards Gala, turns into a disaster when Georgia starts realizing that maybe Miles is actually the one for her?! But, they can’t possibly chance risking their friendship for something more… right? I highly suggest reading this book to find out what happens to this best friend duo! I loved all the fall vibes, family dysfunction/growth, meddling characters, and true friendship/love this book emotes.
Man, I love this book. Genny Carrick has quickly become one of my favorites, if she writes it, I'll read it. I'm not always a fan of friends to lovers, but I'm am a huge fan of Georgia and Miles.
Georgia is a jaded hopeless romantic, which sounds like a contradiction, but the way she's written is so authentic, it just makes sense (and I personally can attest to those attributes not being mutually exclusive). She is joyful and creative and supportive and (self-proclaimed) extra, and I love all of it. And her growth as she realizes her feelings for Miles and desires for her life is just lovely.
Miles is a dry and hilarious and sweet and humble, and I adore him. He supports and defends Georgia at every turn, and while yes he's in love with her, he truly loves her as his best friend and if she were to not feel the same, her friendship is truly enough. And his love letters? Adorable. They are so good together and their text chain chapters were some of my favorite.
The side characters were wonderful as well. I loved Georgia's little siblings and how they interacted with both Georgia and Miles. I haven't read the Magnolia Ridge series, so this was my introductions to all of those character, and now I have to catch up on all their stories. I also loved the quick nod to Grant and Lila, who are one of my favorite book couples.
This is my third book by Genny Carrick, and so far they have all been phenomenal. I cannot recommend her books enough. So, if you're looking for a friends to lovers with a humble cinnomon roll MMC, then this is definitely the book for you. Thank you, Genny, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is book 6 in the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice Series, a multi author standalone series. Cinnamon Roll Set Up is told through Georgia and Miles pov and is a sweet friends to lovers romance.
CW: strained relationship with parent Spice: light innuendo and steamy kisses
Given how Georgia grew up, it was understandable why she felt the way that she did about love and relationships. Yet, even if she thought real love wasn't for her, she didn't close herself off from friendships and cared about others - which is what led her to believe she needed to find love for Miles, her best friend. Like her, Miles was someone who was caring and thoughtful towards other but he didn't like the spotlight. Having the woman he had feelings for set him up on dates wasn't ideal at all yet he couldn't deny something that make her happy. I know readers may feel iffy about that but the author approached it in a way that's funny and actually continues to bring Georgia and Miles closer together. I guarantee that the slow burn romance will be worth the wait. Those who have read the author's Magnolia Ridge series will be pleasantly surprised to see familiar characters but, even if you haven't, you will be charmed by the small town and Georgia and Miles love story. I highly recommend this book to those who want a feel good read, and especially those who love friends to lovers romances.
📚 Book Review 📚 || Cinnamon Roll Set Up || || Author: Genny Carrick || Format: ebook Release Date: October 15, 2024 Read from: October 20, 2024 to October 29, 2024 2024 RG: 126/100
MCs: Miles and Georgia
🍂 Author x cover illustrator 🍂 Dual pov 🍂 “Boss/employee” 🍂 Bookshop 🍂 Best friends to lovers 🍂 Matchmaker 🍂 Cinnamon roll mmc 🍂 Forced proximity 🍂 Secret pining
Georgia Donnelly does not date. It’s not that she never would, it’s just that it terrifies her. What if it doesn’t work out like her parents’ marriage did? What if it’s all just a lie? She is perfectly content with working with her best friend at Dogeared (an indie bookstore), illustrating book covers, and… helping set up her best friend on dates with the hope of finding his love match? But why does the thought of him loving on a woman make her nauseous?
Miles Forrester has been in love with Georgia Donnelly for two years. She had no idea. Now she’s trying to find him a date for his sci-fi author awards ceremony (why can’t it be her?), and whatever Georgia wants, Miles will do his best to make it reality. It’s not easy being secretly in love with your best friend.
The sixth in a multi-author series (Cinnamon Rolls & Pumpkin Spice)!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
“Every day with you, I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”
When Miles, a science fiction author, is nominated for an award, his friend, Georgia, takes it upon herself to find him a date for the ceremony. She knows him better than anyone else, so she’s perfect for the job. The problem is, Miles isn’t so excited, he already knows who he wants to take. But how do you confess your love to your best friend if you’re not sure what her feeling are towards you?
This was such a great friends to lovers trope! It was so fun to see Georgia set Miles up and slowly realizing her feelings towards him. Miles was a perfect cinnamon roll of a MMC. Georgia is over the top but fun and I loved it! Their chemistry was great and swoon worthy. The side characters and the kids were funny. Always listen to grandpa, he knows what he’s talking about! The setting was perfect for a fall read. Overall, I really enjoyed this closed door romcom.
This is the 6th book in the Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice series but can be read as a standalone. This book will publish on October 15, 2024. Thank you to author Genny Carrick for my advanced readers copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.