I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley on behalf of the publisher, thank you!
A party planner scraping to get her business up and going, and a farm owner struggling during harvest due to his broken arm, fall for each other in this small town romance during the fall! While I loved the concept, I was less than thrilled about the execution. For me, the connection between the characters felt surface level and I didn't feel the connection. While autism certainly presents itself in a spectrum and the author did acknowledge this, I personally felt that it wasn't incorporated well in the story, in terms of how the character might feel aside from the misunderstandings from the town. I did really enjoy the side characters, I felt that their personalities shone through and they really added to the small town feel of the book. I could see this becoming and interconnected stand alone series, especially with it's cozy and autumnal feel.

There’s Pumpkin About You by Athena Carstairs is the second book I have read by this author; her first book is a cute marriage of convenience story entitled Mr. and Mrs. Fate. In There’s Pumpkin About You, Ms. Carstairs uses the tropes of enemies to lovers, small town, workplace romance (farm), he falls first, and a Grumpy/Sunshine dynamic. After a failed romance and an almost failing business, Wren Southwick is looking to succeed at making her friend’s birthday party a stellar event. Her quest takes her to Goldleaf Pumpkin Farm and into the grumpy orbit of August Finch. August expends a lot of energy navigating the world as a person with neurodivergence and keeping his family’s farm afloat. He really does not have the time to entertain the annoyingly sunny Beauty hellbent on using his farm for her event, even if she is maddeningly attractive!! I felt that August, for all his grumpiness, was a very sympathetic character, grappling with intolerant townspeople and an unsupportive father. I did think that the father angle left a bit of his story untold, there was no additional contact after his phone call. It left me curious. Wren was both annoying and cute at the same time, she had to grow on me😊. Overall, I enjoyed this fun story, and the interesting secondary characters gave flavor and complexity to the narrative.
Thank you Netgalley and the author for this opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.

I almost passed on this book because of the title. I can’t say I’m a fan of it just because I feel like it doesn’t really make sense. However, I did enjoy the relationship between the main characters. Wren’s bubbly energy sparks a delightful contrast with August’s reserved demeanor, promising plenty of witty banter. It’s a typical small town romance with some factors that set it apart. For example, the MMC has neurodivergent traits and that is explored a bit more. I enjoyed it and I think it will be a great fall read for romance lovers

made it out alive, but i think i lost it.

i am very, very disappointed. i know i was reading this out of season, but i don't think reading it in the fall would've changed my opinion on it. between them sharing one (1) conversation, which just so happened to be antagonistic as heck, and gus' brother telling him "oh you like her", gus indirectly calling wren a bitch, and wren's determination to make everyone do her bidding, i did not have fun.

the setting was my favorite part. the side characters weren't particularly memorable and had little going on for them besides their role in the story (the bff! the brother! the GRUMPY brother! the side couple!) and they were just there to serve the main characters' purpose.

overall, i think the author is dedicated. i can't speak on behalf of the ASD representation, but she claims to have done her research and wanted to come from a place of empathy.

First of all, I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC granted to me. It was a quick and compelling reading, cozy and lighthearted story that was super cute( spicy too) to read.

What a super cute fall romance. I really enjoyed the story as well as the characters. It made me want to curl up with a cozy throw blanket and a hot tea and enjoy the fall vibes. We will definitely be purchasing for our romance book club.

This is short and sweet, which is my favorite. Major fall vibes. It is very cozy and heartwarming. A great read for September or October!

It has what it says on the tin!

This is a cosy, pumpkin-filled romance book perfect for autumn or, if you're like me, July :P

It is a romance set in a small town, with your grumpy-sunshine relationship between the main characters, a lovely playlist you can listen to while reading, and all those cosy, autumn, pumpkin-spiced vibes you need for the season.

Has it changed my life? No.
Did I have a good time reading this book? Absolutely.

If you want to start getting into the autumn mood, then this book is what you need!

I really enjoyed this! I’ve not read a romance novel in a little while and this was everything I missed about them: cosy autumn vibes, simmering tension (also I was practically screaming just kiss already at Wren and Gus), and clear communication and character development. A wonderful read.

3.5 Stars


Okay, this one had me craving cinnamon donuts, oversized scarves, and a meet-cute in a pumpkin patch.

Wren Southwick is that girl…ambitious, creative, and the human embodiment of a Pinterest board in October.

When she sets her sights on throwing a once-in-a-lifetime birthday bash at the legendary Goldleaf Pumpkin Farm, she knows exactly what she needs: gourds, glam, and grump-to-lover vibes.

Enter August Finch, the resident pumpkin grower and professionally surly man in flannel. He's not looking for party planning chaos on his land, but what he doesn’t realise is Wren’s determination is harder to shake than hay in your boots.

What follows is a cozy collision of fall festivities and emotional softening as Wren and August navigate stubborn pride, surprise chemistry, and the odd runaway scarecrow.

The vibes? Immaculate.
The romance? More slow-burn than bonfire, but satisfying in that marshmallow-melty way.

This is a warm mug of Pumpkin Spice Latte in book form. Comforting, a little spicy, and full of good vibes.

Not groundbreaking, but a definite feel-good pick for pumpkin season.

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was an enjoyable fall book. I liked the characters and the plot.

Love romances that show how past relationships can affect every relationship in your future! People need to move beyond the hurt, broken heart to find something loving and lasting!!!!

I adored this sweet romance story that fits in for my Halloween itch. Following August, gus, and Wren in a dual POV story. Wren is a party planner that has hit a rough spot. August the owner of a rundown pumpkin farm. Both of them in need of something from the other, however they get off on the wrong foot and argue and bicker back and forth.
I enjoyed the way that August was portrayed as an autistic male character it was bittersweet and cute to see into the possible mindset of an autistic character. I enjoyed the character development of these two. The side characters also helped make this story.
Perfect for those lovers of fall and who are in the summer blues waiting for the fall weather.

2.5⭐ rounded up.
Unfortunately, this was lackluster for me. It was supposed to be sunshine/grumpy but was more enemies to lovers. Too much fighting and why couldn't the MC understand Angus is autistic? She was so rude at times.

Wren Southwick is a party planner who needs a big break. When the opportunity comes up to plan her best friend's birthday party, she is all in.

August Finch owns a pumpkin patch two towns over. He recently broke his arm and is faced with the fall harvest season.

Alright y'all, this review is painful to write. I don't like leaving 2 star reviews, and if this wasn't an eARC I would just carry on with no review. I DNF this book.

I wanted to love this book. August is autistic, Wren is BIPOC, and it's set on a pumpkin farm with lattes, puppies, and fall vibes. Yes please!

However, this book needed about 3 more revisions before going to print. I kept getting yanked out of the story by details that didn't make sense, and then I kept seeing them everywhere. The book is set in America, somewhere on the East coast, and is set in a small town on a lake, which is surrounded by 5 small towns. I'm not sure the author has ever visited America if she thinks 5 small towns will fit around one lake. On top of this, the main character drives two towns over, and nobody knows her. Again, if we're driving an hour to get to a small town, how big is this lake!!?? And if it's less time, I can guarantee that you need to go more than 2 towns over for nobody to know you in rural America.

The misconception of space continued through the book. A character elopes to Vegas and then moves to California because they "don't like the small town life." Is the author not aware that there are big towns on the East coast? That most people don't move cross-country just for a big city, and you don't have to go to Vegas to elope? Another example - the farm is said to be 3 acres, but it takes 3 minutes to drive down the dirt road to the farm. My local pumpkin patch is 16 acres, and our smaller patch is 6.5 acres. I can't imagine a 3 acre pumpkin patch, it would be miniscule. The character also makes a comment about how kids can't "safely pick their own pumpkins," which is absurd. Again, I ask, has the author ever visited an American pumpkin patch?

Maybe these details won't bother other readers. But if you put the details in, they need to make sense, otherwise I keep getting pulled out of the story.

Moving on from the setting inconsistencies, the author had an obsession with the word "whilst." I lost count after 20 uses. And I only got halfway through the book. This should have been caught by editors for the international market, but I have a hard time believing that even those in the UK use this word casually. And if your book is set in America, you definitely need to eliminate "whilst." While will do just fine.

The setting and the copy editing aside, I finally put down the book when the main character falls asleep in the office, and is carried from the office, to a truck (in the rain), is driven down a dirt road, carried inside, put in bed, and doesn't wake up for any of it. I know that some people are deep sleepers, but this was extreme.

Final note. Character development - August's autism is handled okay. It's neither the best nor the worst representation I've read. It tends to rely on generalizations, I don't get a clear view into how August himself is a person with autism, and not a character sample of someone with autistic traits. Background characters are mentioned but then forgotten. Wren's best friend is shown on the first page of the book, and she's the one with the birthday party, but by the middle of the book she hasn't appeared again. Sandra is a side character who reads like a villain, always out to get August (to the extent of calling a town hall meeting - again, where did this author get her idea of small towns???) but without real motive. August has two brothers, one of whom is notably absent. One morning Wren is buying coffee and is told the third brother is out on the farm, so she buys him a coffee. So, we're about to meet him, right? Wrong. Not mentioned in the chapter again.

The book needed a few more story edits, at least one copy edit. It had potential. Execution... not so much. A plea to the author & publisher - this could be great! If the setting is going to play such a big role, make a point to visit some locations, talk to some owners, do a virtual tour and visit if you can't go in person, immerse yourself in the world you're creating. And make sure to get a really good editor for cross-markets. This book obviously did hit the spot for many people (based on other reviews), but it's going to get scrapped by many American readers who feel the dissonance in the setting.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wren is determined to throw the ultimate autumn-themed 30th birthday bash for her best friend—and turn it into the big break for her party planning business.
Her perfect venue and pumpkin supplier? Goldleaf Pumpkin Farm. But to make it happen, she needs the cooperation of its owner, August Finch—a gorgeous grouch who isn’t exactly thrilled by her big ideas.
Between hay bales and heated arguments, sparks fly as they clash, collaborate, and slowly fall for each other.

Okay, it might be the middle of summer, but this book had me in full cozy autumn mode from page one! Pumpkins, chilly weather, grumpy x sunshine, small-town vibes… it's everything you want in a fall read.
Wren and Gus are such fun characters. I loved that the MMC is on the autism spectrum—it's portrayed so well, showing what daily life can look like and how he navigates relationships. Honestly, one of the best reps I’ve read so far!
Set on the Goldleaf Pumpkin Farm, the story has minimal drama (which I really appreciated!), amazing character growth, and a super sweet slow burn romance. Don’t expect a ton of spice—just one scene—but trust me, you won’t miss it with everything else going on.
It’s such an easy, feel-good read that made me smile, warmed my heart, and has me so ready for sweater weather. Highly recommend if you need a soft, cozy fall pick!

Ahh this book is the perfect fall romance.

Party planner meets grumpy pumpkin farmer.

The autistic rep was on point and honestly I could read all about Wren and Gus’ romance all day long.

There were some niggly wee points that just annoyed me but they were minor and I get the author was attempting to portray an autistic character but there was a need for the extent of the rage sometimes.

Overall I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend.

I honestly really enjoyed this book. I love a good fall book and fall vibes and this book had that. It also had some other really good tropes that were well done, ie: grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity.

I thought Wren and August have a really cute and realistic relationship. It's not perfect especially at first. It takes time and communication. Another big plus for me is when they talk about about autism in this book they talk about the spectrum and how everyone is different in that spectrum. Really well done in my opinion.

Tropes
*grumpy x sunshine
*Forced Proximity
*fall
*small town

3.75🌟
1ish 🌶

I was genuinely excited for There’s Pumpkin About You—the grumpy-sunshine setup, party planning chaos, and a pumpkin farm backdrop sounded like the perfect blend of autumnal charm and romantic tension. 🎃

Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with this story.

While Wren is positioned as determined and ambitious, her behaviour often came across as intrusive and inconsiderate—particularly in her interactions with Gus. What was meant to be flirty friction leaned too far into discomfort, as Wren repeatedly pushed past Gus’s clearly communicated boundaries. Instead of charming banter, many of their scenes felt one-sided, with Gus compromising and Wren steamrolling.

As someone familiar with the nuances of navigating relationships where emotional boundaries and neurodiverse communication matter, this dynamic felt mishandled. The heart of a good grumpy-sunshine romance lies in mutual respect beneath the contrast—and I found that lacking here.

Despite a strong seasonal premise and a few sweet moments, the imbalance between the leads made this difficult to enjoy.

★☆☆☆☆ — A promising idea, but the execution missed the mark. Recommended with caution for readers sensitive to boundary-pushing romance dynamics.

There’s pumpkin about you… it’s a slow burn romance that’s perfect for the autumn girlies.

Wren- Party planner
Gus- pumpkin farmer
What was a business arrangement turns into something more cozy for the pair of them.

Autistic rep in this was beautifully written. Although most don’t understand him, Wren did. Not only did she learn to understand him and supported him she done it in a way that encourages him and I love that for him.

This book gave me all the autumnal feels and truly made me feel warm inside!

Thank you Netgallery and publisher for this arc.