'Swap and Smell The Roses' by Karen Booth is a small-town romance starring a burnt out musician Willow who moves to the countryside, and immediately notices Reid, an ex-chef who happens to be her extremely grumpy landlord. The two become almost-instant enemies, until a blazing row sparks an idea for a song... and it's not only musical sparks that are flying!

I liked the pace of the novel, the spiciness and the cosy small-town vibes. I always love a good grumpy-sunshine romance and this book delivered! However, I didn't really relate well to either character, and honestly wasn't as invested as I would have hoped to be in their journey to HEA. Overall this was a three-star read for me - worthwhile as a quick, lighthearted beach read but not one of my favourites of the genre.

I am grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a digital copy of this book for review consideration.

This is a well written book with strong characters in Willow and Reid. The author does a great job developing the story and takes you into their lives with both trying to overcome trauma, helping each other and discovering a new future together. She moves the story fluidly and delivers a terrific read.

This book is a perfect summer read; there was some spice, grumpy meets sunshine, fresh starts, musical FMC, small town romance, shy guy, handyman, sexual tension, forced proximity and potential for a book 2.

I really enjoyed this book; I was fully invested in the characters stories, I’m a sucker for a happy ending! P.S. I wish I could hear the music through the pages because Willows music sounds so good!

Willow ends up living next door to Reid when he swaps city for country. Will these opposites attract? A great read.

I enjoyed this engaging mix of sugar and spice in a small-town setting. Willow agrees to swap her New York Apartment for her best friend's country rental. Once she gets used to the silence, she has to come to terms with Reid, the sexy but taciturn landlord who lives on the property, too. Their chemistry simmers until it unexpectedly ignites, leading to an argument and a rekindling of Willow's creativity. I like the humour, the emotion and the reliability of the characters. It's an easy-to-read, heartwarming tale.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Title: Swap And Smell The Roses by Karen Booth
Release Date: May, 9th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

"Swap And Smell The Roses" by Karen Booth delivers an adorable and fast-paced romantic comedy that is both heartwarming and steamy. Set in the tranquility of the Connecticut countryside, the story follows Willow Moore as she escapes the bustle of city life to embrace a simpler existence. When she encounters her grouchy yet attractive landlord, Reid Harrell, sparks fly, leading to witty banter and undeniable chemistry. Embracing a new #cottagecore lifestyle, she trades city life for baking bread and enjoying the simple pleasures. However, her landlord, former chef Reid Harrell, proves to be a thorn in her side. Despite his gruff demeanour, Willow senses a shared pain beneath Reid's tough exterior, sparking a curiosity about their similarities and potential connection.

Booth masterfully blends humour, romance, and a touch of spice, creating a captivating story that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The romance between Willow and Reid is sweet and satisfying, with plenty of delightful moments that will leave readers swooning.

This is a delightful romantic escapade that is perfect for fans of shorter, sweeter love stories. With its charming characters, peaceful setting, and irresistible romance, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a feel-good read to brighten their day.

Tropes:

Grumpy/sunshine
Slow burn
Small town romance
Forced proximity
Enemies to friends with benefits to lovers
Two creatives who have lost their spark


Thank you to The Publisher Mills & Boon | Afterglow Books , The Author Karen Booth & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

A gentle romance. Yes, Reid the landlord is ornery, taciturn and sometimes downright rude, but getting behind his defences is an excellent plot line. There is sadness in the book as characters deal with loss, but also lots and lots of hope. New life and new growth coming out of death, in the literal sense in a garden as well as for the characters. The romance and music are intertwined and give a great backdrop to the love story that is front and centre.

This was a really beautiful story that I couldn't get enough of. Willow and Reid are complete opposites but they ended up working so stunningly together, they both brought out the best in one another and I loved following their journey of falling in love and finding themselves. I adored the small town vibes and all of the characters within, I would absolutely love to return to them all eventually. I loved the subtle hints regarding Bailey and Gabe as well, there's definitely something going on there... book two maybe? Let's hope so!

Thanks to netgalley for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, I think this book is a 3.5-4 stars. It was a typical romance novel but for me it was just too predictable. From the very first chapter it was clear what was going to happen. The storyline wasn't awful, it was just too obvious. There was also a few things that didn't get answered, like Bailey and Gabe at the end?? Something was clearly going on but it was just brushed under the carpet and kind of forgotten about.
My first time reading from this author, sadly I won't be in a rush to try again.