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Meet Me at the Gazebo
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2026
About the author
Melody Grace
71 books2,697 followersMelody is a New York Times bestselling romance author and screenwriter. You may already know her writing from ‘Bridgerton’ on Netflix, and the romcom movie ‘Jingle Bell Heist’... Now, she's launching a ‘Gilmore Girls meets Beach Read’ small-town/cozy spice romance, ‘The Book Lover’s Beach House’ - coming June 9th!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 14, 2026
I absolutely love nothing more than a Melody Grace book, and when I say this one delivered on the promise of ALL the fall rom-com vibes, it really had everything! 🍂
Jake is a football player returning to Sweetbriar Cove while recovering from an injury, and Mackenzie is his childhood best friend—the girl who had a crush on him growing up. While Jake went off to pursue his football career, Mackenzie stayed in town and built a life of her own as a talented local artist. After all those years apart, watching these two reconnect and find their way back to each other was SO much fun. You could always feel that underlying chemistry and yearning between them, and I loved getting to watch it finally come to light. 🥹
And of course, Melody Grace’s writing is just… intoxicating. There’s something about the way she writes that completely pulls you into the story, and before you know it, you’re completely invested and can’t put the book down. I literally devoured this one in just a couple of hours!
If you’re a fan of friends-to-lovers, small-town romance, football players, and all the cozy fall rom-com vibes, you definitely need to read this one! 🍂🏈❤️
And Sweetbriar Cove?! I swear, I’ve wanted to move there since book one. Give me a little house, a small-town community, and all the romance—I’m ready. 😂
Thank you so much for the ARC, Melody!
Jake is a football player returning to Sweetbriar Cove while recovering from an injury, and Mackenzie is his childhood best friend—the girl who had a crush on him growing up. While Jake went off to pursue his football career, Mackenzie stayed in town and built a life of her own as a talented local artist. After all those years apart, watching these two reconnect and find their way back to each other was SO much fun. You could always feel that underlying chemistry and yearning between them, and I loved getting to watch it finally come to light. 🥹
And of course, Melody Grace’s writing is just… intoxicating. There’s something about the way she writes that completely pulls you into the story, and before you know it, you’re completely invested and can’t put the book down. I literally devoured this one in just a couple of hours!
If you’re a fan of friends-to-lovers, small-town romance, football players, and all the cozy fall rom-com vibes, you definitely need to read this one! 🍂🏈❤️
And Sweetbriar Cove?! I swear, I’ve wanted to move there since book one. Give me a little house, a small-town community, and all the romance—I’m ready. 😂
Thank you so much for the ARC, Melody!
September 8, 2026
Thank you Melody Grace for giving me an arc of this book! I absolutely loved it!! I love Mackenzie and Jack!! They are so cute!! I loved all the fall and winter vibes!! Also I loved the small town vibes!! Mackenzie and jacks story was absolutely precious!! Through out this whole book I laughed, I cried, I giggled. I just loved this book so much!! I can’t wait for everyone to read this book when it comes out September 15th!!
Thank you again Melody Grace for giving me an arc!!
Thank you again Melody Grace for giving me an arc!!
September 19, 2026
🍁 Meet Me at the Gazebo 🍁
((Spoiler-Free ARC Review))
Title- Meet Me at the Gazebo
Author- Melody Grace
Genre- Cozy, Small Town Romance
Series- Sweetbriar Cove Book 4
Trope City-
🍁 Small Town
🍁 Holiday Festival Planning
🍁 Second Chance
🍁 Professional Football FMC
🍁 Childhood Best Friends
When the season changes, I’m immediately on the lookout for the latest romance book from my girl, Melody Grace! I just ooze love for this series. I’m already giddily getting ready for the next book!
Jake (MMC) is an NFL star who was playing in Miami when he sustained a possible career ending knee injury. He returns to his home town of Sweetbriar Cove to stay in his parent’s home while he rehabs with hopes of returning to the field. Mackenzie (FMC) is “Mac” in this beloved series and I’ve been waiting for a story with her on the forefront! She’s always served as the best girl friend, with advice for everyone else on their love adventures. Mac seems to be surrounded by people who have found their storybook HEA. She’s happy in the larger sense- she’s a successful artist and business owner, she’s creative and has a supportive group of friends and she has a great relationship with her parents. What’s missing? And why? Mac accidentally stumbles into Jake after a decade. She’s in full spy Halloween garb and kisses him. He has no idea in the moment that it was his childhood best friend. He also is unaware that Mackenzie has been in love with him since high school. The forced proximity of the small town starts to push these two back together. It’s actually Debra who does the pushing 😂. The bug holiday festival needs a team for planning and Debra senses Jake and Mac to be the perfect pair for the job. Will the forced proximity lead to a real shot at love?
Thank you to my girl Melody Grace for sharing another arc with me! I just love this series so much! Can’t wait for the next 🧡🍁
((Spoiler-Free ARC Review))
Title- Meet Me at the Gazebo
Author- Melody Grace
Genre- Cozy, Small Town Romance
Series- Sweetbriar Cove Book 4
Trope City-
🍁 Small Town
🍁 Holiday Festival Planning
🍁 Second Chance
🍁 Professional Football FMC
🍁 Childhood Best Friends
When the season changes, I’m immediately on the lookout for the latest romance book from my girl, Melody Grace! I just ooze love for this series. I’m already giddily getting ready for the next book!
Jake (MMC) is an NFL star who was playing in Miami when he sustained a possible career ending knee injury. He returns to his home town of Sweetbriar Cove to stay in his parent’s home while he rehabs with hopes of returning to the field. Mackenzie (FMC) is “Mac” in this beloved series and I’ve been waiting for a story with her on the forefront! She’s always served as the best girl friend, with advice for everyone else on their love adventures. Mac seems to be surrounded by people who have found their storybook HEA. She’s happy in the larger sense- she’s a successful artist and business owner, she’s creative and has a supportive group of friends and she has a great relationship with her parents. What’s missing? And why? Mac accidentally stumbles into Jake after a decade. She’s in full spy Halloween garb and kisses him. He has no idea in the moment that it was his childhood best friend. He also is unaware that Mackenzie has been in love with him since high school. The forced proximity of the small town starts to push these two back together. It’s actually Debra who does the pushing 😂. The bug holiday festival needs a team for planning and Debra senses Jake and Mac to be the perfect pair for the job. Will the forced proximity lead to a real shot at love?
Thank you to my girl Melody Grace for sharing another arc with me! I just love this series so much! Can’t wait for the next 🧡🍁
September 16, 2026
3.5 (very good)
This was another short and cute addition to this small town romance series. I liked that Jake and Mackenzie had a history, as best friends in high school. As adults ten years later these two find something more when an accident forces Jake to return. His inevitable major blunder was annoying, even of it was also understandable. Thankfully his stupid did not last long.
Overall, this was another enjoyable short and sweet palate cleanser read and I liked it a little more than the previous book so I rounded up. I will probably continue to read books from this series as Im able, but as the first two remain my favorites Im not in a rush to do so either.
This was another short and cute addition to this small town romance series. I liked that Jake and Mackenzie had a history, as best friends in high school. As adults ten years later these two find something more when an accident forces Jake to return. His inevitable major blunder was annoying, even of it was also understandable. Thankfully his stupid did not last long.
Overall, this was another enjoyable short and sweet palate cleanser read and I liked it a little more than the previous book so I rounded up. I will probably continue to read books from this series as Im able, but as the first two remain my favorites Im not in a rush to do so either.
September 19, 2026
🍂❤️ Sometimes Your Best Friend Was Your Love Story All Along ❤️🍂
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars | 🌶️ 1 Chili Pepper
There are some books that just feel like a warm fall hug, and Meet Me at the Gazebo was absolutely one of those books for me. 🍂❤️
I am a SUCKER for friends-to-lovers, and watching Mackenzie and Jake find their way back to each other after years apart was SO much fun.
Mackenzie and Jake were childhood best friends, and Mackenzie had been carrying a not-so-secret-to-herself crush on him for years. Jake eventually left Sweetbriar Cove to pursue his football career and became an NFL star, while Mackenzie stayed behind and built a life of her own as a talented local artist and owner of a quirky pottery shop.
Then Jake comes home while recovering from an injury that could potentially change the future of his football career.
And suddenly, all those old feelings Mackenzie thought she had buried are very much alive. 🥹
Of course, because this is Sweetbriar Cove, things couldn't possibly be simple.
Enter Halloween.
Enter a mysterious costume.
Enter the gazebo.
And enter one VERY memorable kiss between Mackenzie and Jake when he doesn't even realize who he's kissing.
Seriously, Mac. 😂
That is certainly one way to welcome your old best friend home.
What I loved most about these two was the history between them. Their friendship feels genuine, and you can feel how comfortable they are together even after all those years apart. There is this underlying chemistry and yearning between them that has clearly been waiting for its moment, and watching it finally come to the surface was SO satisfying.
Mackenzie completely won me over.
She's creative, warmhearted, loyal, independent, and the kind of person who gives so much of herself to the people around her. She has built a life she loves in Sweetbriar Cove, and I really appreciated that she wasn't simply waiting for Jake to come back and make her life complete.
She has her art.
Her pottery shop.
Her friendships.
Her community.
Her own dreams.
But underneath all that confidence is a woman who still wants to be chosen. She wants someone to see everything she has to offer and love her with the same certainty and devotion she gives to everyone else.
And I really loved watching her begin to trust what she wants.
She may have loved Jake for years, but she isn't willing to settle for whatever scraps he's prepared to give her. She knows her worth, and I appreciated that SO much.
Jake took a little more convincing for me at times. 😂
He's back in town dealing with an injury that could threaten the career he's spent years building, and I think that uncertainty forces him to look at his life differently. Football has been such a huge part of who he is, and suddenly he's having to consider what happens if that future changes.
Meanwhile, Sweetbriar Cove is right there reminding him of everything he left behind.
Including Mackenzie.
And watching Jake slowly realize that the girl who has always been his best friend could actually be the woman he's been missing all along was exactly the kind of friends-to-lovers realization I love.
There was one line in particular that absolutely got me:
“She was the best thing that had ever happened to him and he hadn’t even realized it until she was gone.”
OUCH.
That one hurt in the very best way.
Because that is Jake's journey in so many ways. Realizing what he had. Realizing what he could lose. And finally understanding that Mackenzie was never just the dependable childhood friend he'd always known.
She was so much more.
I also loved the cozy small-town atmosphere in this book.
Sweetbriar Cove is STILL a town I would happily move to. 😂 Give me a little house, a quirky local business, a close-knit community, meddling townspeople who know everyone's business, and an unreasonable amount of romance, and I'm ready to pack my bags.
The townspeople trying to set Mackenzie up, everyone looking out for her, the friendships, the gossip, the holiday festival planning... I loved all of it.
And Mackenzie's pottery shop?!
DELIGHTFUL.
I loved that she had this adorable artistic business with quirky designs and even a slightly morbid twist to some of her cute pottery. It made her feel so uniquely herself.
I also really enjoyed the friendships between the women in Sweetbriar Cove. Mackenzie has people around her who genuinely support her, and that sense of community is such an important part of what makes this series feel so warm and comforting.
And can we talk about the setting for a second?
I went into this expecting a fall romance because LOOK AT THAT COVER. 😂🍂
And while the story does begin around Halloween and gives us plenty of those cozy autumn vibes, it actually moves through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and into winter because of the holiday festival.
So I'm calling this a fall-to-winter cozy romance, and honestly, I'm not mad about it.
Pumpkin spice?
Yes.
Halloween?
Yes.
Small-town holiday chaos?
Absolutely.
Christmas?
Bring it on. 🎄❤️
Melody Grace's writing was another huge reason I flew through this book. There is something so easy and immersive about her storytelling. I literally devoured this one in just a couple of hours because once I started, I did not want to put it down.
The whole story has that warm, addictive, feel-good quality that makes you want to curl up with a pumpkin spice latte and stay in Sweetbriar Cove forever.
And at the center of it all are two people who have known each other almost their entire lives and finally get the chance to see each other differently.
Mackenzie didn't need Jake to give her a life.
She had already built one.
She just needed him to finally see the woman standing right in front of him.
And watching him do exactly that?
Absolutely worth the wait. 🍂❤️
I absolutely adored this one, and I'm officially even more invested in Sweetbriar Cove. I need to keep going with this series because apparently I have now decided this fictional town is where I belong. 😂
Thank you to Melody Grace for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars | 🌶️ 1 Chili Pepper
There are some books that just feel like a warm fall hug, and Meet Me at the Gazebo was absolutely one of those books for me. 🍂❤️
I am a SUCKER for friends-to-lovers, and watching Mackenzie and Jake find their way back to each other after years apart was SO much fun.
Mackenzie and Jake were childhood best friends, and Mackenzie had been carrying a not-so-secret-to-herself crush on him for years. Jake eventually left Sweetbriar Cove to pursue his football career and became an NFL star, while Mackenzie stayed behind and built a life of her own as a talented local artist and owner of a quirky pottery shop.
Then Jake comes home while recovering from an injury that could potentially change the future of his football career.
And suddenly, all those old feelings Mackenzie thought she had buried are very much alive. 🥹
Of course, because this is Sweetbriar Cove, things couldn't possibly be simple.
Enter Halloween.
Enter a mysterious costume.
Enter the gazebo.
And enter one VERY memorable kiss between Mackenzie and Jake when he doesn't even realize who he's kissing.
Seriously, Mac. 😂
That is certainly one way to welcome your old best friend home.
What I loved most about these two was the history between them. Their friendship feels genuine, and you can feel how comfortable they are together even after all those years apart. There is this underlying chemistry and yearning between them that has clearly been waiting for its moment, and watching it finally come to the surface was SO satisfying.
Mackenzie completely won me over.
She's creative, warmhearted, loyal, independent, and the kind of person who gives so much of herself to the people around her. She has built a life she loves in Sweetbriar Cove, and I really appreciated that she wasn't simply waiting for Jake to come back and make her life complete.
She has her art.
Her pottery shop.
Her friendships.
Her community.
Her own dreams.
But underneath all that confidence is a woman who still wants to be chosen. She wants someone to see everything she has to offer and love her with the same certainty and devotion she gives to everyone else.
And I really loved watching her begin to trust what she wants.
She may have loved Jake for years, but she isn't willing to settle for whatever scraps he's prepared to give her. She knows her worth, and I appreciated that SO much.
Jake took a little more convincing for me at times. 😂
He's back in town dealing with an injury that could threaten the career he's spent years building, and I think that uncertainty forces him to look at his life differently. Football has been such a huge part of who he is, and suddenly he's having to consider what happens if that future changes.
Meanwhile, Sweetbriar Cove is right there reminding him of everything he left behind.
Including Mackenzie.
And watching Jake slowly realize that the girl who has always been his best friend could actually be the woman he's been missing all along was exactly the kind of friends-to-lovers realization I love.
There was one line in particular that absolutely got me:
“She was the best thing that had ever happened to him and he hadn’t even realized it until she was gone.”
OUCH.
That one hurt in the very best way.
Because that is Jake's journey in so many ways. Realizing what he had. Realizing what he could lose. And finally understanding that Mackenzie was never just the dependable childhood friend he'd always known.
She was so much more.
I also loved the cozy small-town atmosphere in this book.
Sweetbriar Cove is STILL a town I would happily move to. 😂 Give me a little house, a quirky local business, a close-knit community, meddling townspeople who know everyone's business, and an unreasonable amount of romance, and I'm ready to pack my bags.
The townspeople trying to set Mackenzie up, everyone looking out for her, the friendships, the gossip, the holiday festival planning... I loved all of it.
And Mackenzie's pottery shop?!
DELIGHTFUL.
I loved that she had this adorable artistic business with quirky designs and even a slightly morbid twist to some of her cute pottery. It made her feel so uniquely herself.
I also really enjoyed the friendships between the women in Sweetbriar Cove. Mackenzie has people around her who genuinely support her, and that sense of community is such an important part of what makes this series feel so warm and comforting.
And can we talk about the setting for a second?
I went into this expecting a fall romance because LOOK AT THAT COVER. 😂🍂
And while the story does begin around Halloween and gives us plenty of those cozy autumn vibes, it actually moves through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and into winter because of the holiday festival.
So I'm calling this a fall-to-winter cozy romance, and honestly, I'm not mad about it.
Pumpkin spice?
Yes.
Halloween?
Yes.
Small-town holiday chaos?
Absolutely.
Christmas?
Bring it on. 🎄❤️
Melody Grace's writing was another huge reason I flew through this book. There is something so easy and immersive about her storytelling. I literally devoured this one in just a couple of hours because once I started, I did not want to put it down.
The whole story has that warm, addictive, feel-good quality that makes you want to curl up with a pumpkin spice latte and stay in Sweetbriar Cove forever.
And at the center of it all are two people who have known each other almost their entire lives and finally get the chance to see each other differently.
Mackenzie didn't need Jake to give her a life.
She had already built one.
She just needed him to finally see the woman standing right in front of him.
And watching him do exactly that?
Absolutely worth the wait. 🍂❤️
I absolutely adored this one, and I'm officially even more invested in Sweetbriar Cove. I need to keep going with this series because apparently I have now decided this fictional town is where I belong. 😂
Thank you to Melody Grace for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 10, 2026
There are some books that just feel like a warm fall hug, and “Meet Me at the Gazebo” was absolutely one of those for me. I loved everything about the cozy small town atmosphere, the friendships, the history between these characters, and that wonderful friends to lovers feeling but Mackenzie completely stole my heart.
Mac was easily my favorite part of this story. She’s creative, warmhearted, loyal, and the kind of person who seems to give so much of herself to the people and community around her. Underneath all of that, though, there’s a vulnerability that made her feel incredibly real. She’s approaching thirty, watching the people around her find their happily ever afters, and trying to convince herself that maybe she’s perfectly fine without one of her own. But you can still feel that little piece of her that wants to be chosen, to be seen, and to have someone recognize just how much she has to offer.
I especially loved that Mackenzie wasn’t simply waiting around for romance to make her life complete. She has her art, her dreams, her friendships, and a life she has built for herself. At the same time, she has fears and insecurities that have kept her from taking certain chances not only with Jake, but with herself. Watching her begin to trust what she wants and realize that she deserves to go after it made me love her even more. She has such a huge heart, and I wanted so badly for someone to finally love her with the same certainty and devotion she gives to everyone else.
And then there’s Jake. The history between these two made their romance so much sweeter. Mackenzie has carried feelings for her former best friend for years, while Jake has to return home and finally see the woman who has been right there in a completely different way. There’s something about that realization in a friends to lovers romance that gets me every time, the moment when someone understands that what they’ve been searching for may have been beside them all along.
One line in particular absolutely got me:
“She was the best thing that had ever happened to him and he hadn’t even realized it until she was gone.”
That one hurt in the very best way. There’s so much wrapped up in that sentence: the regret, the realization, and finally understanding the value of someone you once took for granted. After becoming so attached to Mackenzie, I needed Jake to have that realization. I needed him to understand exactly what he stood to lose.
The fall setting, the gazebo, the small town charm, the second chances, and the friends to lovers romance all made this such a cozy read, but it was the emotional journey that made me love it. This is a story about taking chances, recognizing what and who really matters, and realizing that sometimes home isn’t just a place. Sometimes it’s a person.
I absolutely adored this one. Mackenzie deserves every bit of happiness that comes her way, and closing the book left me with that wonderfully satisfied, full heart feeling that only a really good romance can give.
Mac was easily my favorite part of this story. She’s creative, warmhearted, loyal, and the kind of person who seems to give so much of herself to the people and community around her. Underneath all of that, though, there’s a vulnerability that made her feel incredibly real. She’s approaching thirty, watching the people around her find their happily ever afters, and trying to convince herself that maybe she’s perfectly fine without one of her own. But you can still feel that little piece of her that wants to be chosen, to be seen, and to have someone recognize just how much she has to offer.
I especially loved that Mackenzie wasn’t simply waiting around for romance to make her life complete. She has her art, her dreams, her friendships, and a life she has built for herself. At the same time, she has fears and insecurities that have kept her from taking certain chances not only with Jake, but with herself. Watching her begin to trust what she wants and realize that she deserves to go after it made me love her even more. She has such a huge heart, and I wanted so badly for someone to finally love her with the same certainty and devotion she gives to everyone else.
And then there’s Jake. The history between these two made their romance so much sweeter. Mackenzie has carried feelings for her former best friend for years, while Jake has to return home and finally see the woman who has been right there in a completely different way. There’s something about that realization in a friends to lovers romance that gets me every time, the moment when someone understands that what they’ve been searching for may have been beside them all along.
One line in particular absolutely got me:
“She was the best thing that had ever happened to him and he hadn’t even realized it until she was gone.”
That one hurt in the very best way. There’s so much wrapped up in that sentence: the regret, the realization, and finally understanding the value of someone you once took for granted. After becoming so attached to Mackenzie, I needed Jake to have that realization. I needed him to understand exactly what he stood to lose.
The fall setting, the gazebo, the small town charm, the second chances, and the friends to lovers romance all made this such a cozy read, but it was the emotional journey that made me love it. This is a story about taking chances, recognizing what and who really matters, and realizing that sometimes home isn’t just a place. Sometimes it’s a person.
I absolutely adored this one. Mackenzie deserves every bit of happiness that comes her way, and closing the book left me with that wonderfully satisfied, full heart feeling that only a really good romance can give.
September 17, 2026
Melody Grace’s Meet Me at the Gazebo was exactly the kind of cozy romance I wanted with my coffee this weekend, although somebody needs to explain why a book that looks this fall-ish had me mentally decorating for Christmas before I knew what happened. Thank you to Melody Grace for the gifted early copy. Anyone else pick books based on seasonal vibes and then feel personally betrayed when the season changes on you?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mackenzie and Jake were childhood best friends, but Mac was also carrying a not-so-secret-to-herself crush on him. Jake left Sweetbriar Cove and became an NFL star, while Mackenzie stayed and built a life she loves as an artist and pottery shop owner. Now Jake is home recovering from an injury that could change his career, and suddenly these two are back in each other’s orbit.
And it starts with a Halloween kiss at the gazebo when Jake doesn’t even realize who he’s kissing. Seriously, Mac. That is one way to welcome an old friend home.
I really liked Mackenzie. She’s creative, independent, surrounded by people who love her, and knows her worth. She may have loved Jake for years, but she isn’t willing to settle for whatever scraps he’s prepared to give her. I appreciated that SO much.
Jake frustrated me more than once, but I understood some of it. Football has defined so much of his life that possibly losing it leaves him questioning who he is without it. Meanwhile, Sweetbriar Cove—and Mackenzie—are reminding him what he left behind.
Then they get pulled into planning the town’s holiday festival together, because apparently small towns have never met a romantic situation they weren’t willing to meddle in.
Despite that wonderfully autumn-looking cover, this begins around Halloween and moves through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and into winter. I’d call it cozy “ber months” rather than strictly fall.
Sweetbriar Cove is the kind of town where everybody knows your business, everybody has an opinion, and somehow I still want to move there.
Which fictional small town would you happily pack up and move to?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mackenzie and Jake were childhood best friends, but Mac was also carrying a not-so-secret-to-herself crush on him. Jake left Sweetbriar Cove and became an NFL star, while Mackenzie stayed and built a life she loves as an artist and pottery shop owner. Now Jake is home recovering from an injury that could change his career, and suddenly these two are back in each other’s orbit.
And it starts with a Halloween kiss at the gazebo when Jake doesn’t even realize who he’s kissing. Seriously, Mac. That is one way to welcome an old friend home.
I really liked Mackenzie. She’s creative, independent, surrounded by people who love her, and knows her worth. She may have loved Jake for years, but she isn’t willing to settle for whatever scraps he’s prepared to give her. I appreciated that SO much.
Jake frustrated me more than once, but I understood some of it. Football has defined so much of his life that possibly losing it leaves him questioning who he is without it. Meanwhile, Sweetbriar Cove—and Mackenzie—are reminding him what he left behind.
Then they get pulled into planning the town’s holiday festival together, because apparently small towns have never met a romantic situation they weren’t willing to meddle in.
Despite that wonderfully autumn-looking cover, this begins around Halloween and moves through Thanksgiving, Christmas, and into winter. I’d call it cozy “ber months” rather than strictly fall.
Sweetbriar Cove is the kind of town where everybody knows your business, everybody has an opinion, and somehow I still want to move there.
Which fictional small town would you happily pack up and move to?
September 16, 2026
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book for free, and this is my honest review.
A sweet‑and‑spicy small‑town romance with cozy fall charm, friends‑to‑lovers tension, and Gilmore‑Girls‑level comfort that makes you want to curl up with a pumpkin spice latte and never leave Sweetbriar Cove.
Melody Grace delivers an irresistibly warm rom‑com that feels like stepping into an autumn postcard. Local artist Mackenzie—the unofficial “last single girl in town”—is perfectly content running her quirky pottery studio and surviving a string of hilariously bad dates. But everything tilts when she shares a sizzling, masked Halloween kiss… and later discovers the mystery man might be none other than Jake, her dependable childhood friend turned injured football star.
Jake’s return to Sweetbriar Cove is supposed to be about healing and laying low, not falling for a seductive secret agent who might actually be the girl next door. Their chemistry snaps instantly, but the real magic is in the quiet moments: shared memories, lingering glances, and the way Mackenzie’s sunshine slowly melts Jake’s guarded edges. The friends‑to‑lovers arc is deliciously paced, full of banter, longing, and the kind of emotional vulnerability that makes the payoff feel earned.
When they’re roped into planning the town’s holiday festival, the story leans into everything readers love about cozy fall romances—pumpkin‑spice warmth, quirky townsfolk, festive chaos, and that unmistakable Gilmore Girls vibe. Mackenzie’s determination to show Jake what’s right in front of him gives the book its heart, while their spicy moments add just the right amount of heat.
A totally addictive, feel‑good 4.5-star read perfect for fans of Laurie Gilmore, Emily Henry, and anyone craving a sweet‑and‑spicy escape with an unputdownable HEA. It’s time to fall for this charming romance.
A sweet‑and‑spicy small‑town romance with cozy fall charm, friends‑to‑lovers tension, and Gilmore‑Girls‑level comfort that makes you want to curl up with a pumpkin spice latte and never leave Sweetbriar Cove.
Melody Grace delivers an irresistibly warm rom‑com that feels like stepping into an autumn postcard. Local artist Mackenzie—the unofficial “last single girl in town”—is perfectly content running her quirky pottery studio and surviving a string of hilariously bad dates. But everything tilts when she shares a sizzling, masked Halloween kiss… and later discovers the mystery man might be none other than Jake, her dependable childhood friend turned injured football star.
Jake’s return to Sweetbriar Cove is supposed to be about healing and laying low, not falling for a seductive secret agent who might actually be the girl next door. Their chemistry snaps instantly, but the real magic is in the quiet moments: shared memories, lingering glances, and the way Mackenzie’s sunshine slowly melts Jake’s guarded edges. The friends‑to‑lovers arc is deliciously paced, full of banter, longing, and the kind of emotional vulnerability that makes the payoff feel earned.
When they’re roped into planning the town’s holiday festival, the story leans into everything readers love about cozy fall romances—pumpkin‑spice warmth, quirky townsfolk, festive chaos, and that unmistakable Gilmore Girls vibe. Mackenzie’s determination to show Jake what’s right in front of him gives the book its heart, while their spicy moments add just the right amount of heat.
A totally addictive, feel‑good 4.5-star read perfect for fans of Laurie Gilmore, Emily Henry, and anyone craving a sweet‑and‑spicy escape with an unputdownable HEA. It’s time to fall for this charming romance.
September 21, 2026
A lovely friends to lovers story from Melody Grace.
He didn't recognise her, The boy that she had last seen ten years ago, the boy that had been her best friend, the only boy that she had ever loved was now a man staring into her eyes as he caught her when she stumbled.
McKenzie Lane had been best friends with Jake Sullivan until he walked out of her life to become famous footballer, recognised by all and adored by his fans.
McKenzie had stayed in Sweetbrier Cove, the charming small town that she loved, she had built up a reputation as an artist, she had a studio where she made and hand painted ceramics to order and for the tourist trade.
Sweetbrier Cove loved to party, any reason for a celebration and the town turned out, it was after a Halloween celebration that McKenzie, with her red curls tucked into an itchy black wig, wearing a black cat suit and stacked platform boots, that she bumped into the gorgeous football player.
Jake Sullivan had returned to Sweetbrier Cove to recover from a serious injury but he couldn't wait to get back to the city and the game that he loved.
Tn true romaine Style, McKenzie and Jake rekindled their friendship. McKenzie had been tasked with arranging a major festival and Jake had offered to help. McKenzie had never fallen out of love with Jake but she knew that as soon as he was fit enough he would be returning to the city. Jake had fallen in love with McKenzie but he couldn't see a future, when he was fit he would be leaving Sweetbrier Cove but there was a chance that he would never play again and McKenzie deserved more than a clapped out football player with no future.
McKenzie and Jake's journey was bumpy but with the encouragement for their friends they reached their HEA
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary
He didn't recognise her, The boy that she had last seen ten years ago, the boy that had been her best friend, the only boy that she had ever loved was now a man staring into her eyes as he caught her when she stumbled.
McKenzie Lane had been best friends with Jake Sullivan until he walked out of her life to become famous footballer, recognised by all and adored by his fans.
McKenzie had stayed in Sweetbrier Cove, the charming small town that she loved, she had built up a reputation as an artist, she had a studio where she made and hand painted ceramics to order and for the tourist trade.
Sweetbrier Cove loved to party, any reason for a celebration and the town turned out, it was after a Halloween celebration that McKenzie, with her red curls tucked into an itchy black wig, wearing a black cat suit and stacked platform boots, that she bumped into the gorgeous football player.
Jake Sullivan had returned to Sweetbrier Cove to recover from a serious injury but he couldn't wait to get back to the city and the game that he loved.
Tn true romaine Style, McKenzie and Jake rekindled their friendship. McKenzie had been tasked with arranging a major festival and Jake had offered to help. McKenzie had never fallen out of love with Jake but she knew that as soon as he was fit enough he would be returning to the city. Jake had fallen in love with McKenzie but he couldn't see a future, when he was fit he would be leaving Sweetbrier Cove but there was a chance that he would never play again and McKenzie deserved more than a clapped out football player with no future.
McKenzie and Jake's journey was bumpy but with the encouragement for their friends they reached their HEA
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary
Review of advance copy received from Author
Meet Me at the Gazebo by Melody Grace is book 4 in the Sweetbriar Cove series and a feel-good friends-to-lovers romance set in the quirky small town we’ve come to love.
The story follows Mackenzie Lane, the town potter and fun-loving artist, and her high school crush, Jake Sullivan. Mac and Jake were best friends in high school, and Mac had always harboured a crush on him. Jake was a talented footballer who left town years ago to pursue a career in the NFL. Now, after a near career-ending injury, he’s back home in Sweetbriar Cove to rest and rehab.
I loved the reunion between these two, especially when Jake doesn’t even realise it’s Mackenzie because of her Halloween costume. It was such a fun way to kick off their story!
What I loved most was how genuine their friendship felt. You can really see the history, comfort and connection between Mac and Jake, and it made watching their relationship develop into something more all the more enjoyable. Their chemistry is sweet, natural and full of that familiar friends-to-lovers tension. The third-act breakup really had my heart clenched, hoping Jake would make things right.
I’m really enjoying the Sweetbriar Cove series and the way each book brings another heartfelt romance while giving us more of this charming little town. There’s something so cosy and comforting about Sweetbriar Cove, with its lovable, relatable characters and strong sense of community. Mac and Jake’s story was such a sweet addition to the series, filled with friendship, heart, chemistry and plenty of swoony moments. I can’t wait for the next story so I can return to Sweetbriar Cove and catch up with all these characters again.
The story follows Mackenzie Lane, the town potter and fun-loving artist, and her high school crush, Jake Sullivan. Mac and Jake were best friends in high school, and Mac had always harboured a crush on him. Jake was a talented footballer who left town years ago to pursue a career in the NFL. Now, after a near career-ending injury, he’s back home in Sweetbriar Cove to rest and rehab.
I loved the reunion between these two, especially when Jake doesn’t even realise it’s Mackenzie because of her Halloween costume. It was such a fun way to kick off their story!
What I loved most was how genuine their friendship felt. You can really see the history, comfort and connection between Mac and Jake, and it made watching their relationship develop into something more all the more enjoyable. Their chemistry is sweet, natural and full of that familiar friends-to-lovers tension. The third-act breakup really had my heart clenched, hoping Jake would make things right.
I’m really enjoying the Sweetbriar Cove series and the way each book brings another heartfelt romance while giving us more of this charming little town. There’s something so cosy and comforting about Sweetbriar Cove, with its lovable, relatable characters and strong sense of community. Mac and Jake’s story was such a sweet addition to the series, filled with friendship, heart, chemistry and plenty of swoony moments. I can’t wait for the next story so I can return to Sweetbriar Cove and catch up with all these characters again.
September 16, 2026
I loved this books so much! You will fall in love with Mackenzie and Jake and their story! It's definitely going to pull at your heart strings so be ready! 5 Sweetbriar Stars for this one!
Mackenzie calls herself the spinster of Sweetbriar. She is still single, and dressing up sexy and mysterious for the Halloween get together in town. Of course in Sweetbriar Cove, no matter how you try to disguise yourself, everyone knows who you are! When she takes a break from the celebrations and heads to the gazebo, she's startled to see her old best friend, football star Jake sitting there. As they speak, she realizes he has no idea who she is, and they share a hot kiss, one she's been waiting for since she was 16! And then she takes off! She figures he's just in town visiting and she will not see him again, yet oh boy she does run into him again, and learns he's here for the time being recovering from his injury. This should be interesting!
Jake came back to Sweetbriar Cove to get a break recover from his injury. When he kissed that woman at the gazebo, he's not going to lie, that was the hottest kiss he's ever experienced! He soon figures out who that mystery woman is, and to say he's shocked, is mild! Mack is his bestie, he always thought of her as a sister, but that kiss, and talking to some of his old friends, he realizes she's always had a crush on him. How could he not see it! No matter how hard he tries to stay away from her, he just can't! These two light up the nights with their hot escapades! But one decision he makes, would change everything between them.
This story has it all, this series has been one hit after another! Grab this on NOW!
Mackenzie calls herself the spinster of Sweetbriar. She is still single, and dressing up sexy and mysterious for the Halloween get together in town. Of course in Sweetbriar Cove, no matter how you try to disguise yourself, everyone knows who you are! When she takes a break from the celebrations and heads to the gazebo, she's startled to see her old best friend, football star Jake sitting there. As they speak, she realizes he has no idea who she is, and they share a hot kiss, one she's been waiting for since she was 16! And then she takes off! She figures he's just in town visiting and she will not see him again, yet oh boy she does run into him again, and learns he's here for the time being recovering from his injury. This should be interesting!
Jake came back to Sweetbriar Cove to get a break recover from his injury. When he kissed that woman at the gazebo, he's not going to lie, that was the hottest kiss he's ever experienced! He soon figures out who that mystery woman is, and to say he's shocked, is mild! Mack is his bestie, he always thought of her as a sister, but that kiss, and talking to some of his old friends, he realizes she's always had a crush on him. How could he not see it! No matter how hard he tries to stay away from her, he just can't! These two light up the nights with their hot escapades! But one decision he makes, would change everything between them.
This story has it all, this series has been one hit after another! Grab this on NOW!
September 10, 2026
Another Sweetbriar Cove book I thoroughly enjoyed! 🧡
There’s something about this series that just works for me. These are sweet, engaging, well-written romances with characters I genuinely enjoy spending time with, and Meet Me at the Gazebo was no exception.
I read 83% in one sitting before finally forcing myself to go to bed at 2:30 AM 😂, then picked it right back up the next night and finished it. I was completely invested in these characters and their relationship.
One of the things I really appreciated was getting both POVs. I obviously can’t relate to being an injured NFL star trying to figure out what comes next 😂, but I could relate to the feelings behind what he was going through. Being inside his head helped me understand his choices and reactions, and I loved that she knew her worth, communicated what she needed, and stood her ground.
I also continue to love the friendships in this series. The female friendships are supportive and genuine, and I really appreciate the positive, nontoxic male friendships too.
These books can absolutely be read as standalones, but I think reading the series makes each one even better. Characters and relationships carry over, and every book makes Sweetbriar Cove feel more like a real little community you get to return to.
It’s cozy, romantic, and just a genuinely fun place to spend your time. Sometimes I just want a sweet, feel-good romance that keeps me turning the pages, and this series continues to deliver exactly that. 🧡
There’s something about this series that just works for me. These are sweet, engaging, well-written romances with characters I genuinely enjoy spending time with, and Meet Me at the Gazebo was no exception.
I read 83% in one sitting before finally forcing myself to go to bed at 2:30 AM 😂, then picked it right back up the next night and finished it. I was completely invested in these characters and their relationship.
One of the things I really appreciated was getting both POVs. I obviously can’t relate to being an injured NFL star trying to figure out what comes next 😂, but I could relate to the feelings behind what he was going through. Being inside his head helped me understand his choices and reactions, and I loved that she knew her worth, communicated what she needed, and stood her ground.
I also continue to love the friendships in this series. The female friendships are supportive and genuine, and I really appreciate the positive, nontoxic male friendships too.
These books can absolutely be read as standalones, but I think reading the series makes each one even better. Characters and relationships carry over, and every book makes Sweetbriar Cove feel more like a real little community you get to return to.
It’s cozy, romantic, and just a genuinely fun place to spend your time. Sometimes I just want a sweet, feel-good romance that keeps me turning the pages, and this series continues to deliver exactly that. 🧡
September 12, 2026
I wish I could do half stars because this one is actually 4 1/2 stars for me! I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. It was the perfect cute romance story, with great characters and a charming setting. I loved the pace of they story. I loved how little language and crass talk there was in the book. It was simply a feel good book.
The story is a friends to lovers trope with our FMC a small town artist coming face to face, or lips to lips, with her old high school crush and Best friend, an injured football player who has come back home to recover. This book is definitely the small town romance I’ve been wanting.
Why missing the other .5 star then? Well I’m naturally stingy with my five stars. But also two reasons…
First , the book is advertised as the perfect fall cozy book, and while it does have some fall vibes it felt more Christmas to me. It starts on Halloween and briefly passes thanksgiving, and then there is a lot of Christmas themed moments while planning the holiday festival. It’s still good lol, just too early for me! I’m in fall mode and not ready for snow!!
Secondly, this is book 4 in a series, and while I was perfectly fine following it all as a stand alone, i really really want to go back and get the other stories now!! I feel like this is one to be done in order but that’s just me 🤷♀️
The story is a friends to lovers trope with our FMC a small town artist coming face to face, or lips to lips, with her old high school crush and Best friend, an injured football player who has come back home to recover. This book is definitely the small town romance I’ve been wanting.
Why missing the other .5 star then? Well I’m naturally stingy with my five stars. But also two reasons…
First , the book is advertised as the perfect fall cozy book, and while it does have some fall vibes it felt more Christmas to me. It starts on Halloween and briefly passes thanksgiving, and then there is a lot of Christmas themed moments while planning the holiday festival. It’s still good lol, just too early for me! I’m in fall mode and not ready for snow!!
Secondly, this is book 4 in a series, and while I was perfectly fine following it all as a stand alone, i really really want to go back and get the other stories now!! I feel like this is one to be done in order but that’s just me 🤷♀️
September 11, 2026
First things first, thanks to the author for the ARC of this book! It was so good!
I thought it was going to be a fall themed romance, but never judge a book by its cover! Beyond the start on Halloween with a kiss between the MCs it’s all Christmas, small town festival planning!!! Which is a good thing, I like Christmas more than fall 😅
The small town was entertaining, everyone trying to set the FMC up with their relation, it’s even made fun of in the book. She could walk around town and greet everyone, and they were all mildly protective of her.
The fact that she owns and runs a pottery shop with quirky designs? DELIGHTFUL! I was obsessed with the fact that she put a morbid twist to her cutesy plates and such.
She had a wonderful friend group that really banded around her for everything (mostly gossip and food), a stark contrast to the MMC’s friends who seemed to disappear once he got injured. It was a stark contrast that I think worked really well to showcase just what he was missing by leaving his hometown.
Plus the stories about when they were younger were fabulous! Especially the prom one (shhhh, no spoilers). It definitely made me want to read the books about the FMC’s friends now!
I thought it was going to be a fall themed romance, but never judge a book by its cover! Beyond the start on Halloween with a kiss between the MCs it’s all Christmas, small town festival planning!!! Which is a good thing, I like Christmas more than fall 😅
The small town was entertaining, everyone trying to set the FMC up with their relation, it’s even made fun of in the book. She could walk around town and greet everyone, and they were all mildly protective of her.
The fact that she owns and runs a pottery shop with quirky designs? DELIGHTFUL! I was obsessed with the fact that she put a morbid twist to her cutesy plates and such.
She had a wonderful friend group that really banded around her for everything (mostly gossip and food), a stark contrast to the MMC’s friends who seemed to disappear once he got injured. It was a stark contrast that I think worked really well to showcase just what he was missing by leaving his hometown.
Plus the stories about when they were younger were fabulous! Especially the prom one (shhhh, no spoilers). It definitely made me want to read the books about the FMC’s friends now!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I wanted to love this book so badly but unfortunately was just ok for me. I'm a sucker for a childhood friends to lovers story and this definitely did have some fun, sweet moments along with mild spice, but I just felt like I needed...more. Everything felt very surface level to me.
I feel like I went into this with high hopes because it's marketed as a fall book and that's not necessarily what I got. Yes, it's got its small town charm and the gazebo but both Halloween and Thanksgiving were mentioned in a chapter each, with more of a focus on their winter festival. I think it's better categorized as a BER months book, heavy on December/winter festivities.
Meet Me at the Gazebo is book 4 in the Sweetbriar series. In my opinion, in order to really connect with the other characters (the fmc's friends), you need to have read the previous books in the series. I wanted to know so much more about them and feel like I didn't get enough (that's my fault for not starting in order. 😅)
Overall, would I recommend this book for a quick read? Sure, why not? But if you're a mood reader and looking for something fall-specific, maybe skip this one.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
I feel like I went into this with high hopes because it's marketed as a fall book and that's not necessarily what I got. Yes, it's got its small town charm and the gazebo but both Halloween and Thanksgiving were mentioned in a chapter each, with more of a focus on their winter festival. I think it's better categorized as a BER months book, heavy on December/winter festivities.
Meet Me at the Gazebo is book 4 in the Sweetbriar series. In my opinion, in order to really connect with the other characters (the fmc's friends), you need to have read the previous books in the series. I wanted to know so much more about them and feel like I didn't get enough (that's my fault for not starting in order. 😅)
Overall, would I recommend this book for a quick read? Sure, why not? But if you're a mood reader and looking for something fall-specific, maybe skip this one.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book Review
Meet Me At The Gazebo
A Novel Written By Melody Grace
Fiction - Romance
Published September 2026
253 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the fourth book in the author’s Sweetbriar Cove Series. All the books in this series are set in Sweetbriar Cove on Cape Cod. Readers will experience fall on Cape Cod in this book.
Mackenzie Lane finally gets her chance at love in this sweet and spicy romance. Readers of this series know Mackenzie from the other books in the series. Mackenzie is an artist who has her own gallery where she makes and sells the pottery she creates. Because she has been unlucky at love, she has given herself the title The Spinster of Sweetbriar Cove. Everything changes for her when she kisses her secret crush on Halloween. The power of the black cat costume!
Her secret crush is her childhood friend Jake Sullivan, the NFL star. Recovering from a knee injury has brought Jake back home to Sweetbriar Cove.
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes. Both characters are cautious about starting a relationship. Especially since Jake hopes to return to playing football.
“I’ve never known anyone the way I know you, Mackenzie. And I’ve never loved anyone like this either.”
Meet Me At The Gazebo
A Novel Written By Melody Grace
Fiction - Romance
Published September 2026
253 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the fourth book in the author’s Sweetbriar Cove Series. All the books in this series are set in Sweetbriar Cove on Cape Cod. Readers will experience fall on Cape Cod in this book.
Mackenzie Lane finally gets her chance at love in this sweet and spicy romance. Readers of this series know Mackenzie from the other books in the series. Mackenzie is an artist who has her own gallery where she makes and sells the pottery she creates. Because she has been unlucky at love, she has given herself the title The Spinster of Sweetbriar Cove. Everything changes for her when she kisses her secret crush on Halloween. The power of the black cat costume!
Her secret crush is her childhood friend Jake Sullivan, the NFL star. Recovering from a knee injury has brought Jake back home to Sweetbriar Cove.
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes. Both characters are cautious about starting a relationship. Especially since Jake hopes to return to playing football.
“I’ve never known anyone the way I know you, Mackenzie. And I’ve never loved anyone like this either.”
September 18, 2026
cozy, spicy friends to lovers!
“It was just a brief brush of his lips against hers, swift and light, but it felt like finding gravity: drawn by some power beyond his control.”
Such a cute small town romance book with all the fall cozy vibes!
Mackenzie can’t believe her secret crush, Jake is back in town. They used to be inseparable until they lost touch after Jake left college and became a football star. Due to an injury, he’s back at Sweetbriar Cove. All the feelings Mackenzie thought she buried came rushing back but he’s only in town temporarily and he never saw her anything but a friend. But after sharing a kiss in the Gazebo, sparks flying everywhere, Mackenzie can’t help but hope especially when they’re forced to spend time together planning the night holiday festival.
Love all the small town fall vibes and meddling townspeople 😉. I enjoyed hearing about their friendship when they were younger. We get some strong female friendships and I love that.
Jake and Mackenzie were great as friends but even better as more. There were some parts that made me cry, you’ll just have to read it to find out which ones.
A great addition to the series! Sweetbriar Cove is a great town I’d want to visit!
“It was just a brief brush of his lips against hers, swift and light, but it felt like finding gravity: drawn by some power beyond his control.”
Such a cute small town romance book with all the fall cozy vibes!
Mackenzie can’t believe her secret crush, Jake is back in town. They used to be inseparable until they lost touch after Jake left college and became a football star. Due to an injury, he’s back at Sweetbriar Cove. All the feelings Mackenzie thought she buried came rushing back but he’s only in town temporarily and he never saw her anything but a friend. But after sharing a kiss in the Gazebo, sparks flying everywhere, Mackenzie can’t help but hope especially when they’re forced to spend time together planning the night holiday festival.
Love all the small town fall vibes and meddling townspeople 😉. I enjoyed hearing about their friendship when they were younger. We get some strong female friendships and I love that.
Jake and Mackenzie were great as friends but even better as more. There were some parts that made me cry, you’ll just have to read it to find out which ones.
A great addition to the series! Sweetbriar Cove is a great town I’d want to visit!
September 15, 2026
I ate this cute romcom up! This was such a fun fall romance, and watching Mackenzie’s feelings for her old best friend Jake slowly turn into something more was so cute. They hadn’t seen each other since Jake left for college, so when they shared a kiss on Halloween that changed everything, I was completely invested!
They were also roped into planning the town’s annual Christmas event together, and if you know me, you know I love Christmas, so I was completely here for it!
I absolutely loved Mackenzie. She was so cute and quirky, completely herself, and I loved how she followed her passion for pottery and her adorable shop while always showing up for the people in her town. Jake was so easy to root for, too. Coming home after being gone for so long, trying to heal and figure out what life looked like after football, and slowly realizing that the girl who had always been his best friend could be something more made his story so sweet.
Such a cozy, feel good romance with the cutest small town charm and all the fall and Christmas vibes I could ask for. I can’t wait to read more of the books in this series!
They were also roped into planning the town’s annual Christmas event together, and if you know me, you know I love Christmas, so I was completely here for it!
I absolutely loved Mackenzie. She was so cute and quirky, completely herself, and I loved how she followed her passion for pottery and her adorable shop while always showing up for the people in her town. Jake was so easy to root for, too. Coming home after being gone for so long, trying to heal and figure out what life looked like after football, and slowly realizing that the girl who had always been his best friend could be something more made his story so sweet.
Such a cozy, feel good romance with the cutest small town charm and all the fall and Christmas vibes I could ask for. I can’t wait to read more of the books in this series!
September 3, 2026
ARC Review
Meet Me at the Gazebo was as amazing as the rest of the series but felt deeper than the other books. Mackenzie and Jake are the most complex characters with both struggling with their own internal feelings and struggles. Mackenzie deemed herself to be the spinster of Sweetbriar after endless bad dates, everyone wanting to matchmake for her, and all her friends being in loving relationships. Jake is a superstar NFL player who is back in town due to a potentially career ending injury. Both characters internally struggle through how they thought their lives would look and the obstacles that get in the way.
Their romance is sweet and apparent early on but doesn’t heat up as fast as the other books. I thought this was very fitting for their stories and didn’t make anything feel forced.
For the football fans - There are inaccuracies when they talk about Jake and his NFL career but nothing that fundamentally changes the story. You just have to look past it and enjoy the story for what it is.
Meet Me at the Gazebo was as amazing as the rest of the series but felt deeper than the other books. Mackenzie and Jake are the most complex characters with both struggling with their own internal feelings and struggles. Mackenzie deemed herself to be the spinster of Sweetbriar after endless bad dates, everyone wanting to matchmake for her, and all her friends being in loving relationships. Jake is a superstar NFL player who is back in town due to a potentially career ending injury. Both characters internally struggle through how they thought their lives would look and the obstacles that get in the way.
Their romance is sweet and apparent early on but doesn’t heat up as fast as the other books. I thought this was very fitting for their stories and didn’t make anything feel forced.
For the football fans - There are inaccuracies when they talk about Jake and his NFL career but nothing that fundamentally changes the story. You just have to look past it and enjoy the story for what it is.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one was such a cute small town rom-com. One in perfect time for fall too!
We follow Mackenzie, who’s the town artist and has a studio where she sells her pottery. A bunch of her friends are in town (but this is one that you can read without reading the others - I did). And her high school best friend is back in town. He’s an injured NFL player and is house sitting for his parents, and lo and behold - we get to see old friends reconnect.
What starts as a secret kiss on Halloween - the chemistry between these two is off the charts. Mackenzie realizes that her feelings for him never quite went away. And Jake? Well he never knew about them.
AND, they get roped into planning the annual Christmas events because the lady who normally does it broke her foot. So we get a lot of time spent together and the burning build up of these two.
So we get that what happens when he’s recovered? Long distance? Will they make it?
A huge thank you to Melody Grace for an eARC in return for an honest review.
We follow Mackenzie, who’s the town artist and has a studio where she sells her pottery. A bunch of her friends are in town (but this is one that you can read without reading the others - I did). And her high school best friend is back in town. He’s an injured NFL player and is house sitting for his parents, and lo and behold - we get to see old friends reconnect.
What starts as a secret kiss on Halloween - the chemistry between these two is off the charts. Mackenzie realizes that her feelings for him never quite went away. And Jake? Well he never knew about them.
AND, they get roped into planning the annual Christmas events because the lady who normally does it broke her foot. So we get a lot of time spent together and the burning build up of these two.
So we get that what happens when he’s recovered? Long distance? Will they make it?
A huge thank you to Melody Grace for an eARC in return for an honest review.
September 13, 2026
Meet Me at the Gazebo by Melody Grace is book 4 of the Sweetbriar Cove series and was a super cute friends-to-lovers, cozy small-town romance. This is a great fall read since it starts on the night of Halloween and then goes through Christmas. Mackenzie and Jake were best friends back in high school, but when Jake’s dream of playing professional football came true, he took off without a backwards glance. Now he’s back 10 years later due to an injury, and kissing Mackenzie on the night of Halloween. However, he has no idea he’s kissing her and she knows exactly who is kissing her. Mackenzie has always been in love with Jake. Is now the chance for the two to become more?
While this was a super cute read, I could not stand Jake. He was more concerned with everything going on around him that he came off self-centered and didn’t really deserve Mackenzie. But she’s been in love with him since she was sixteen, so gives him a chance and truly shows up for him. What does Jake do when the going gets tough, he makes epic plans WITHOUT her. He doesn’t even consider talking to Mackenzie about his decision. So yes, there is a third act breakup, and they do get back together but it was just so anti-climactic.
Cute, fun, easy to read – absolutely; I just wish Jake did more groveling to win Mackenzie back.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️
Thank you, Melody Grace for the eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While this was a super cute read, I could not stand Jake. He was more concerned with everything going on around him that he came off self-centered and didn’t really deserve Mackenzie. But she’s been in love with him since she was sixteen, so gives him a chance and truly shows up for him. What does Jake do when the going gets tough, he makes epic plans WITHOUT her. He doesn’t even consider talking to Mackenzie about his decision. So yes, there is a third act breakup, and they do get back together but it was just so anti-climactic.
Cute, fun, easy to read – absolutely; I just wish Jake did more groveling to win Mackenzie back.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️.5
Spice: 🌶️
Thank you, Melody Grace for the eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 15, 2026
I love a good cosy, autumnal read and this is exactly what Meet Me At The Gazebo was! It was full of slow burn romance between two childhood friends. I loved watching the two grow together, and how frustrating it was when they just weren't realising how each other felt! The MMC gave me just the right amount of frustration at his behaviours, which melted away as the book developed further. The two MCs worked together to help with the community's upcoming festival and watching them fall into old habits after such a long time apart was so heartwarming. The side characters were honestly adorable and I love how this fits into a series.
I love all things autumn, so the setting, the small town vibes, the cover, it was all right up my street. I really did love this one, and I loved that I could imagine myself in this small, quirky town. It definitely has me ready to curl up and rewatch Gilmore Girls as I do every year! Thank you for getting me fully ready for autumn! I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves small town romances, cosy reads and autumnal vibes!
I love all things autumn, so the setting, the small town vibes, the cover, it was all right up my street. I really did love this one, and I loved that I could imagine myself in this small, quirky town. It definitely has me ready to curl up and rewatch Gilmore Girls as I do every year! Thank you for getting me fully ready for autumn! I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves small town romances, cosy reads and autumnal vibes!
September 16, 2026
Meet Me at the Gazebo by Melody Grace eARC Review 🧡
I truly felt like I was transported into a fall inspired hallmark movie while reading this book.
What a sweet, friends to lovers story. This one is adorable with all of the cozy vibes. Mackenzie and Jake are so sweet. Friends that lost touch but are thrown together to help plan a big town event. The sparks are flying from the very beginning and I loved watching them fall head over heels for one another.
If you are ready for pumpkin spice, cooler weather and fall activities, this book is perfect for you!
What to expect:
🧡Friends to lovers
🍂 Cozy Gilmore girls fall vibes
🤎Quirky smalltown
🍁 Artist X Football player
🧡Holiday festivals
🍂Sweet and (pumpkin) spicy
Releases September 15!
“It was her. Mackenzie. It had been her all along.”
“She was the best thing that had ever happened to him, and he hadn’t even realized it until she was gone.”
“I love you,” she whispered, coming up for air. “I think a part of me has always loved you.”
Thank you so much Melody for the earc and the gifted physical copy of Meet Me at the Gazebo!
I truly felt like I was transported into a fall inspired hallmark movie while reading this book.
What a sweet, friends to lovers story. This one is adorable with all of the cozy vibes. Mackenzie and Jake are so sweet. Friends that lost touch but are thrown together to help plan a big town event. The sparks are flying from the very beginning and I loved watching them fall head over heels for one another.
If you are ready for pumpkin spice, cooler weather and fall activities, this book is perfect for you!
What to expect:
🧡Friends to lovers
🍂 Cozy Gilmore girls fall vibes
🤎Quirky smalltown
🍁 Artist X Football player
🧡Holiday festivals
🍂Sweet and (pumpkin) spicy
Releases September 15!
“It was her. Mackenzie. It had been her all along.”
“She was the best thing that had ever happened to him, and he hadn’t even realized it until she was gone.”
“I love you,” she whispered, coming up for air. “I think a part of me has always loved you.”
Thank you so much Melody for the earc and the gifted physical copy of Meet Me at the Gazebo!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Another adorable read from Melody Grace!
As a note, I save 5 stars for my all time favorites so my rating a 4 is still a “this book was adorable and I loved it!”
Mackenzie and Jake go way back…to high school. And now back in Sweetbriar Cove, she, as an artist and he as an injured/future-unknown NFL star, they meet again in the fall in the spiciest of ways!
I just love the “Fallmark” vibes of Jake helping with the town festival and the fact that this story spans Fall and Winter ❄️ it’s perfect for so many vibes!
Melody Grace gives any spicy, swoony love story reader the perfect mix of cinnamon and spice!
I really like Mackenzie’s pride in her own life as a strong FMC and a “don’t take no crap from no man” vibe that’s still willing to give love a try. As for Jake, I can’t say I’m surprised by a stubborn man’s man of a character but I love his growth through the read!
This is a definite read for lovers of fall, spice and swoony holiday love!
As a note, I save 5 stars for my all time favorites so my rating a 4 is still a “this book was adorable and I loved it!”
Mackenzie and Jake go way back…to high school. And now back in Sweetbriar Cove, she, as an artist and he as an injured/future-unknown NFL star, they meet again in the fall in the spiciest of ways!
I just love the “Fallmark” vibes of Jake helping with the town festival and the fact that this story spans Fall and Winter ❄️ it’s perfect for so many vibes!
Melody Grace gives any spicy, swoony love story reader the perfect mix of cinnamon and spice!
I really like Mackenzie’s pride in her own life as a strong FMC and a “don’t take no crap from no man” vibe that’s still willing to give love a try. As for Jake, I can’t say I’m surprised by a stubborn man’s man of a character but I love his growth through the read!
This is a definite read for lovers of fall, spice and swoony holiday love!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another delightful Sweetbriar Cove story from the “pen” of Ms. Grace! This time around, we peek into the lives of MacKenzie and Jake. He's the local boy made good …. NFL superstar back in town sidelined with potentially career-ending injury. She’s his best friend from high school, now a successful local artist/business owner. Thrown together to organize the town’s holiday festival, the logs on the fire aren't the only things causing sparks.
This friends-to-lovers/second chance romp gives us a Hallmark movie setting but is spicy enough to melt the town square snowman a bit. The mix of small town charm, holiday celebrations, and zany ancillary characters is a winning combination. I understand this is a lightly edited version of the previously released “I’m Yours”, but it was brand new to me, and what a delight. I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this rewrite from the author. It is my pleasure to give you my own opinions. Buy it! You'll be glad you did.
This friends-to-lovers/second chance romp gives us a Hallmark movie setting but is spicy enough to melt the town square snowman a bit. The mix of small town charm, holiday celebrations, and zany ancillary characters is a winning combination. I understand this is a lightly edited version of the previously released “I’m Yours”, but it was brand new to me, and what a delight. I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this rewrite from the author. It is my pleasure to give you my own opinions. Buy it! You'll be glad you did.
September 15, 2026
I have been loving this series so much and this book does not disappoint! If you've read the other instalments you are familiar with Mackenzie and her "always a bridesmaid, never a bride" position in Sweet Briar Cove. She's always the best friend giving her unconditional loving support to the whole town, always giving never taking, so her getting to have her happily ever after makes you want to stand up and cheer. Jake is a wonderfully supportive counterpoint. While it takes him some time to show his face back in town, once he does he immediately steps up and helps without hesitation, matching Mackenzie's ability to love through service. I really appreciate that the secrecy and tension isn't drawn out in the book but instead flows really nicely and doesn't leave you yelling, "clue in already" at the book. Overall this is a really heartwarming book that fits right in with the feel good Sweet Briar Cove series that I love so much.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved Meet Me at the Gazebo!! It is such a sweet and cozy read! Jake and Mackenzie’s childhood-friends-to-lovers story was absolutely adorable. She’s spent years quietly pining for her completely oblivious best friend, but when Jake returns to Sweetbriar Cove following an NFL injury, their friendship begins turning into something neither of them can ignore.
One thing I always love is a good small-town romance, and this one had everything I wanted.. the slow burn, tender moments, just the right amount of spice, a mysterious Halloween kiss, and planning a charming Christmas festival. It truly hit all the right spots!
This is the perfect cozy romance for fall or winter. Thank you so much, Melody Grace, for sending me a copy! I absolutely loved it, and I can’t wait to read all of the Sweetbriar Cove stories! 🧡🍂🎄
One thing I always love is a good small-town romance, and this one had everything I wanted.. the slow burn, tender moments, just the right amount of spice, a mysterious Halloween kiss, and planning a charming Christmas festival. It truly hit all the right spots!
This is the perfect cozy romance for fall or winter. Thank you so much, Melody Grace, for sending me a copy! I absolutely loved it, and I can’t wait to read all of the Sweetbriar Cove stories! 🧡🍂🎄
Review of advance copy received from Author
Artist Mackenzie Lane is almost thirty and still single, which, according to her neighbors, pretty much makes her the Spinster of Sweetbriar Cove. She’s sworn off terrible fix-ups, and is looking forward to her solo future of woolly mumus and cats. (Lots of cats). But a chance Halloween rendezvous awakens her reckless spirit, and makes her wonder if love might be in the cards, after all…
Jake Nash is back in town for the first time in years, recovering from a career-ending sports injury. He’s dazzled by the mysterious woman he meets by chance - and even more intrigued when he discovers it’s his high-school friend Mackenzie.
Ten years ago, Jake was the first (and only) guy to put a dent in Mackenzie’s invincible heart. She’s determined not to make the same mistake again, but when the pair are forced to team up to plan the annual Starbright Festival, old sparks fly - and new passion runs riot.
Soon, Mackenzie and Jake are risking it all. But will their connection last longer than the first snowfall? And can these old friends start a new chapter for love?
Loved Mackenzie & Jake's story! Beautifully written, and heartfelt! Your heart broke for Jake with the loss of his Football career! I've loved this series! This has been my favorite thus far.
Jake Nash is back in town for the first time in years, recovering from a career-ending sports injury. He’s dazzled by the mysterious woman he meets by chance - and even more intrigued when he discovers it’s his high-school friend Mackenzie.
Ten years ago, Jake was the first (and only) guy to put a dent in Mackenzie’s invincible heart. She’s determined not to make the same mistake again, but when the pair are forced to team up to plan the annual Starbright Festival, old sparks fly - and new passion runs riot.
Soon, Mackenzie and Jake are risking it all. But will their connection last longer than the first snowfall? And can these old friends start a new chapter for love?
Loved Mackenzie & Jake's story! Beautifully written, and heartfelt! Your heart broke for Jake with the loss of his Football career! I've loved this series! This has been my favorite thus far.
September 5, 2026
I’ve been waiting for MacKenzie’s book forever and I wasn’t disappointed.
Mackenzie was best friends with Jake at school, she fell for him and mistakenly heard him at a party one night saying she wasn’t his type, she left heartbroken and he got drafted to play football.
Then ten years later she’s at a festival in Sweetbriar Cove and she leaves the festivities to get some air and goes to the gazebo, she’s dressed in a cat woman outfit, he’s in the Gazebo wondering how he ended up back in his hometown with a damaged knee and in his childhood bedroom.
Jake and Mackenzie have a beautiful friends to lovers rekindled romance. I am so happy to have read this, Melody has outdone herself with this book and I’m privileged to have read the ARC. I give this book 5 stars 🌟
Mackenzie was best friends with Jake at school, she fell for him and mistakenly heard him at a party one night saying she wasn’t his type, she left heartbroken and he got drafted to play football.
Then ten years later she’s at a festival in Sweetbriar Cove and she leaves the festivities to get some air and goes to the gazebo, she’s dressed in a cat woman outfit, he’s in the Gazebo wondering how he ended up back in his hometown with a damaged knee and in his childhood bedroom.
Jake and Mackenzie have a beautiful friends to lovers rekindled romance. I am so happy to have read this, Melody has outdone herself with this book and I’m privileged to have read the ARC. I give this book 5 stars 🌟
September 15, 2026
This was such a cute and cozy read that also packed in a little emotion. I loved how Mackenzie and Jake have a history together but they pretty much start brand new instead of hanging onto their previous friendship. Mackenzie is a great character and she wasn’t going to sit around and wait for him to get his head together. I love when a character finally realizes what they wanted or needed had been there the entire time. The small town shenanigans and festivals were so fun and of course the gazebo was a favorite. This was definitely a good time and perfect for the fall when wanting to read something that reminds you of Gilmore girls.
Thank you Melody for this arc in exchange for my honest review! 🧡
Thank you Melody for this arc in exchange for my honest review! 🧡
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