Caffeinated Reviewer | There’s Pumpkin About You by Athena Carstairs
28th Oct
Sophia Rose is here with a review of There’s Pumpkin About You by Athena Carstairs. A grumpy-sunshine contemporary romance perfect for fall.
There’s Pumpkin About You
by Athena Carstairs
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm *affiliate
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
One determined party planner + one grumpy pumpkin farmer = a fall to remember…
Given the chance to plan her bestie’s 30th birthday bash, Wren Southwick is determined to create an experience so big and so bold that the name of her party planning business spreads beyond the confines of her own small town.
The key to her plan? The Finch family’s Goldleaf Pumpkin Farm. It’s not just the perfect venue but also the perfect supply partner for the autumnal-themed bash Wren envisions. But to get what she wants – and needs – she’ll have to get gorgeous grouch August Finch on board.
The table is set, and the battle is about to begin … but who will fall first?
Sophia Rose’s Review
She’s got gumption, and he’s got his grumpy on. His brother sees love at first sight, but that looked more like fight at first sight. Autumn vibes and a fun grumpy-sunshine romance brought me to new to me author, Athena Carstair’s standalone There’s Pumpkin About You.
Wren’s got big plans to make her bestie’s party THE “Event”. She has stars in her eyes for leaving the small town for the big time with a successful launch of her career to the broader world. The pumpkin farm run by August “Gus” and his brother is spot on for venue and supplier. Only, erm, she and Gus get off on the wrong foot- a goat bite in the tush will do it.
From Gus’ perspective, the one-woman whirlwind is an itch he can’t scratch. Neurodivergent and treated poorly by his local community, Gus’ world is the farm that isn’t doing well financially. He can’t read people’s expressions and is direct to the point of rudeness in other’s eyes, but on the inside, he’s warmhearted and lonely. This pair get off to a firecracker start, but Wren’s ways, as abrasive as Gus’, work for them. He gets her and, bless her, Wren, for her faults, gets Gus.
There’s Pumpkin About You was a surprise both good and not-so good. I was unaware there was a neuro-divergent hero, and Wren’s forcefulness took me aback. I didn’t like her at first and for a long while, to be frank, and, when I think about it- the party planner might actually want to roll up her sleeves and party plan.
I really appreciated the author’s choice to tell this from both their perspectives. I needed to see the story from both sides. And without personal knowledge, I felt Gus’ character and thoughts were authentic. Some happenings near the end got me muttering, but all around the fall flavor and this romance pair when they ironed it out and fell for each other, it hit the caramel apple level of sweetness I was anticipating.
Pour a cup of There’s Pumpkin About You to spice up your fall reading.
About Athena Carstairs
Athena Carstairs is a Romance and Fantasy author with a desperate need for pining men. Her debut novel, Mr & Mrs Fate, is out now and her Fall-themed spicy romcom There’s Pumpkin About You will be out in 2025. She lives in London.
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About Sophia Rose
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat.
