Halloween Town by Joss Wood ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Halloween Town was basically everything I want from a fun fall romance. Poppy escaping her wedding in a dress and returning to the quirky town where Halloween happens all year was such a great opening, and then discovering that the inn now belongs to Thom, her childhood hero and her ex-fiancé’s older brother, made the situation wonderfully complicated.

I loved the atmosphere of the story most of all. Pumpkins, cozy traditions, Halloween decorations, small town charm, and a romance that absolutely should be a terrible idea made this such an entertaining read. Poppy and Thom had plenty of chemistry, but I also enjoyed Poppy’s journey of figuring out what she actually wants rather than simply going along with the life she thought she was supposed to have. It was charming, romantic, funny, and wonderfully autumnal. Five stars for this festive little escape! 🎃🍂❤️

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc.

Halloween Town by Joss Wood is a charming small-town romance that wraps second chances, cozy autumn vibes, and a touch of Halloween magic into a wonderfully entertaining read. When Poppy McMaster flees her wedding and returns to the quirky town where Halloween is celebrated year-round, she's hoping for a fresh start, not a complicated attraction to Thom Sheffield, her ex-fiancé's older brother.
Poppy is a relatable and easy-to-love heroine, and her journey toward rediscovering herself gives the story emotional depth. Thom is the perfect brooding romantic lead, balancing strength and vulnerability in a way that makes their growing connection feel authentic and heartfelt.
The true star of the book is the setting. With pumpkins, festive traditions, cozy inns, and a community that embraces spooky season every day of the year, the town feels warm, whimsical, and impossible not to fall in love with. The chemistry between Poppy and Thom builds naturally, making their romance both sweet and satisfying.
While some elements of the plot are predictable, the lovable characters and enchanting atmosphere more than make up for it.

Book #2 in the Halloween Town series opens with Polly escaping a wedding; unfortunately, it's her wedding. The cast of characters we met in Summerween returns to Solstice City, just in time to stir up the ghosts and goblins who live there year-round. Polly arrives at the inn her grandparents owned, only to find out they have sold it and left. Polly has a history with the new owner; he's the stepbrother of the man she just left at the altar. This is where you shake your head and say...only in the movies. Joss Wood had to enjoy crafting this romantic comedy, and it shows. The setting...a year-round Halloween-themed town and characters who stumble now and then, only to find the answers to all their problems in the boy next door. An enjoyable story that's a break from the thrillers I've been reading.

I enjoyed this story it is fun read has a nice plot that flows beautiful. This is a fun read that was easy to read and had some spookiness to the story

It's always spooky season here…
Poppy McMaster was supposed to be getting married, not climbing out of a bathroom window in her wedding dress…

She's leaving her life behind and fleeing to the only place she’s ever truly felt like herself: the small town she grew up in, where Halloween lasts all year.
But home isn’t waiting for Poppy the way she imagined. Her grandparents’ beloved inn is now owned by Thom Sheffield, who just happens to be:
Her childhood hero
Her ex-fiancé’s brooding older brother
The last man on earth she should be fantasizing about…

Because in a town full of pumpkins, cosy traditions, and Halloween magic, falling in love might be the scariest thing of all…

My cozy-spooky heart has officially found its permanent home. The forced proximity? Elite. The banter? Pure fire. Toss in a quirky small town obsessed with pumpkins, meddling local ghosts sabotaging almost-kisses, and delicious slow-burn tension, and you get the ultimate cozy autumn rom-com fix.

I knew the second Poppy climbed out of a bathroom window in her wedding dress and ran away to a town where it’s Halloween year round that I was going to have a good time with this one.

This was such a cute, cozy read. I loved the whole idea of Poppy going back to the place where she’s always felt most like herself and trying to figure out what she actually wants her life to look like. The small town setting, Halloween traditions, pumpkins everywhere, and cozy inn vibes made it even better.

And obviously, coming home only to discover her grandparents’ inn is now owned by her ex-fiancé’s brooding older brother makes things a little more interesting. I really enjoyed Poppy and Thom together, especially with all the history between them and the fact that he’s pretty much the definition of someone she probably shouldn’t be falling for.

It’s sweet, cozy, a little messy, and full of fall vibes. Nothing overly complicated, just a really fun romance that made me want to find a town where Halloween lasts all year and immediately move there.

YAYYYY Poppy's story!! I was so excited to read Poppy's book, it was impossible to put down. Thank GOODNESS Poppy became a ran away bride (BYE BYE BENJI) and I love how Poppy and Thom reconnected after Thom had ghosted her years ago. It starts off with some arguments and resistance to being in the same house but soon they reconnect, deal with their issues from years ago and give into their feelings for each other. I love when the MCs have history that is the building blocks for their relationships.

They both had traumas or struggles to deal with but they were supportive and grew throughout the story finding themselves and believing in themselves. I again loved the way the paranormal is weaved in with the ghosts POV and focusing on a ghost that also has something to learn. Solstice Springs is as kooky and fun as ever and I cannot wait to go back!!

This was book two in the Halloween Town series by Joss Wood and they just keep getting better! The vibes and the small-town charm of H-Town are TOO GOOD. I want to book a trip asap

Summary:
Thanks to the help of supernatural powers, Poppy fled her wedding to her childhood hometown where Halloween lasted all year long. She was going to go to her beloved grandparent’s inn, the place where she truly believed she could be herself. Only problem? When she arrived at the inn she found out her ex-fiancés older brother was now the proud owner. Spooky magic, quirky small-town charm, and cozy romance all in one!

Thoughts:
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the ghosts. They add so much to these books and I can’t wait to see who we meet in the next book!! The vibes are everything in this series and get you so excited for Halloween-time.

Thank you to Joss Wood, Netgalley and Harper 360 for an eARC of Halloween Town.

"Half charm, half insanity, zero apologies. Only in H-Town."

Set in a town called Solstice Springs, known as Halloween Town or H-Town to it's residents, this book gives all the cozy small-town romance vibes. All the same characters from Summerween return, but this time the story focuses on Poppy and Thom during Halloween and addition of Felony, Thom's gaseous dog. The story starts on Poppy's wedding day where she is set to marry Benji, her family's safe partner choice for her (and Thom's brother). The meddling ghosts show up in the mirror and encourage her to run. So she runs in her wedding dress and bare feet to Solstice Deep. When she arrives to Solstice Deep, she discovers Thom has purchased and started renovating the Inn.

Poppy and Thom have a history and used to be very close. For reason unknown to Poppy, their friendship faded when they were younger.

I felt this book was predictable simply because there were hints of yearning in book one and Poppy got this during a tarot card reading in the past:

"She had, after all, once predicted that Poppy’s last name would be Sheffield."
When it finally happens, Thom describes their kiss this way:
"Kissing had always been a means to an end, enjoyable, but this kiss was… It was everything. It was a hello, I’ve missed you, and a welcome back. A God, you look good grown up, and a who are you now? It was then and now, thirteen years of suppressed longing and 3 a.m. imagining."

Even knowing it was predictable, the story had some yearning and a very sweet ending with a grand gesture.

🎃 Halloweentown by Joss Wood — 4 Stars

This book was such a fun, spooky little Halloween read! It has that perfect small-town Halloween atmosphere, with just the right mix of romance, mystery, secrets, and creepy vibes. I loved the setting and the overall mood—it really felt like the kind of book you want to curl up with on a chilly fall night and just bask in the vibes!

The story kept me interested, and I especially enjoyed watching the characters and their relationships unfold as the mystery developed. There were plenty of twists and little surprises along the way without making the story feel overly complicated.

If you're looking for a festive Halloween read with romance, suspense, and a fun spooky atmosphere, then Halloween town is a good choice. The author, Joss Wood, is slated to release two more books in this series "Halloween Town." The first book, "Summerween," is also worth checking out. The third book looks like it'll be a Thanksgiving vibe, it's called, "Talk Turkey to Me," The last book is called "Hot Ghoul Summer."
I would definitely recommend checking out the entire series when they are finished. Until then, these two should keep you occupied. 4 stars. I recieved this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my opinion.

Conversation with Gemini
Format my thoughts on Summerween by Joss Wood into a polished review suitable for NetGalley.

Title: Summerween

Author: Joss Wood

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

Review:

Summerween by Joss Wood is a feel-good, delightfully unique romance that delivers the perfect mix of cozy, nostalgic vibes, sharp humor, and a touch of mystery. Bringing together spooky Halloween aesthetics and beachside romance sounds like a tricky balancing act, but Wood pulls it off seamlessly without letting the premise fall into corny tropes.

The chemistry between the lead characters is fantastic from the start. They are engaging, grounded, and written with genuine depth, making their dynamic feel earnest and high-stakes rather than purely lighthearted. The plot moves along at a great pace, balancing the romantic tension with an intriguing mystery element that kept me turning pages.

If you’re looking for a charming, atmospheric comfort read that brings equal parts warmth, wit, and depth, Summerween is a solid four-star choice. Highly recommended for readers who want a fun, high-chemistry romance with a fun twist on the seasonal vibe!

NetGalley Review Checklist:

Where will you cross-post? (e.g., GoodReads, StoryGraph, Instagram @Lambyreads)

Recommend to retail buyers? Yes

Do you have the review i was just working on

Yes, here is the NetGalley review for Summerween by Joss Wood:

Title: Summerween

Author: Joss Wood

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

Review:

Summerween by Joss Wood is a feel-good, delightfully unique romance that delivers the perfect mix of cozy, nostalgic vibes, sharp humor, and a touch of mystery. Bringing together spooky Halloween aesthetics and beachside romance sounds like a tricky balancing act, but Wood pulls it off seamlessly without letting the premise fall into corny tropes.

The chemistry between the lead characters is fantastic from the start. They are engaging, grounded, and written with genuine depth, making their dynamic feel earnest and high-stakes rather than purely lighthearted. The plot moves along at a great pace, balancing the romantic tension with an intriguing mystery element that kept me turning pages.

If you’re looking for a charming, atmospheric comfort read that brings equal parts warmth, wit, and depth, Summerween is a solid four-star choice. Highly recommended for readers who want a fun, high-chemistry romance with a fun twist on the seasonal vibe!

NetGalley Review Checklist:

Where will you cross-post? (e.g., GoodReads, StoryGraph, Instagram @Lambyreads)

Recommend to retail buyers? Yes

Another review

As someone who absolutely loves Christmas, this book was such a fun and cozy read! The advent-style countdown made it feel extra magical and gave the story a unique twist that kept me wanting to read “just one more chapter” every night.



The festive atmosphere was honestly my favorite part - all the Christmas charm, romance, traditions, and anticipation made this feel like the perfect holiday escape. I loved the idea of the 25 dates unfolding like little advent surprises, and it captured that warm, hopeful feeling that Christmas romances do best. This is also really fun to share with a daughter or friends to bring the holidays to life.



If you enjoy seasonal rom-coms with lots of holiday spirit, cute chemistry, and a creative Christmas theme, this one is definitely worth adding to your winter reading

"25 Dates of Christmas" broke me emotionally in the best way. Anne recently lost her brother, Colin. Luke lost his best friend, who was also like a brother to him, the only family he had.



Colin had one last request of them both: to open an advent calendar and do whatever adventure was inside together.



Luke is grumpy, arrogant, emotionally closed off, yet handsome. He lost his mom to cancer when he was younger and never really healed. Luke has a lot of guilt and unprocessed emotions. He struggles with expressing his emotions and would rather ignore them altogether.



Anne is struggling with loss, but she's determined to follow through on her brother's final wish.



I really enjoyed seeing them both work through their grief together in different ways. The holidays are often tough for so many people when they've lost loved ones. I loved that Colin pushed them together during Christmastime. They might not have loved all the challenges/adventures, but they realized they enjoyed doing them together and weren't so lonely.



The progression of their story was beautiful; we really got to see their relationship grow over the 25 days. Not only was their relationship full of heartbreak, it was also inspiring and relatable. It was written so well, and I couldn't stop reading. It was cute, emotional, and definitely worth the read!

Title: 25 Dates of Christmas

Rating: 5 / 5 Stars

Review:

As someone who absolutely loves Christmas, 25 Dates of Christmas was such an emotional, fun, and cozy read! The advent-style countdown gave the story a unique, magical twist that kept me saying "just one more chapter" late into the night. Beneath the festive charm lies a deeply touching story that broke me emotionally in the best way possible.

The plot follows Anne and Luke, who are both grieving an overwhelming loss—Anne recently lost her brother Colin, and Luke lost his best friend, who was like the only family he had. Colin’s final wish forces them together: open an advent calendar and complete whichever challenge or adventure is inside each day. Luke is grumpy, arrogant, and emotionally guarded, carrying unprocessed grief from losing his mom to cancer at a young age. Anne is equally heartbroken, but fiercely determined to honor her brother's final request.

Watching these two navigate their grief alongside the holiday season felt grounded, inspiring, and deeply relatable. The holidays are often a difficult time for those who have lost loved ones, and Colin’s push brought them out of their isolation. As the 25 days unfold, their dynamic beautifully shifts from forced reluctance to genuine connection. They may not have enjoyed every single challenge, but they realized they didn't have to carry their loneliness alone.

The festive atmosphere—filled with Christmas traditions, romance, and anticipation—makes this the ultimate holiday escape, yet the raw emotional depth gives it so much heart. It was written so well that I simply couldn't put it down. If you enjoy seasonal rom-coms with high emotional stakes, incredible character growth, and a heartwarming holiday message, this one is an absolute must-read!

NetGalley Review Checklist:

Where will you cross-post? (e.g., Goodreads, StoryGraph, Instagram @Lambyreads)

Recommend to retail buyers? Yes

Make it short, sweet and straight to the point

Title: 25 Dates of Christmas

Rating: 5 / 5 Stars

Review:

25 Dates of Christmas is an emotional, cozy, and magical holiday romance that completely stole my heart! The advent-style countdown kept me turning pages late into the night, blending fun festive traditions with a deeply moving story about grief and healing.

Anne and Luke are forced together by a final wish from Anne’s brother (and Luke’s best friend): complete the 25 daily advent challenges together. Luke is a grumpy, emotionally guarded hero carrying past trauma, while Anne is heartbroken but determined to honor her brother. Watching them work through their loss and move from forced reluctance to a genuine, deep connection was deeply relatable and beautifully written.

It balances festive charm and romantic chemistry with real emotional depth. A heartwarming, compelling, and utterly cozy must-read for fans of seasonal rom-coms!

NetGalley Review Checklist:

Cross-posting: Goodreads, StoryGraph, Instagram @Lambyreads

Recommend to retail buyers: Yes

Another review

Between the hallmark feel and thriller twist I wasn’t able to put The Tinsel Twist down! I instantly fell in love with every character and was cheering all of them on through the whole book! While reading this you want nothing but the best for everyone! At one point I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how everything played out! If there is a follow up to this book I’ll be 100% reading it so I can see where everyone has ended up! Rosie J. Potter this was absolutely amazing and can’t wait to read more of your books!!

The Tinsel Twist by Rosie J. Potter is a cozy and engaging holiday romance that mixes festive cheer, second-chance love, and a touch of suspense. Adelaide Burke's return to Tinsley Falls after a professional setback makes for a relatable fresh-start story, and her reunion with Jace Stanton delivers plenty of heartfelt chemistry and unresolved feelings.

I especially enjoyed the small-town Christmas setting, which feels warm, welcoming, and full of holiday spirit. The romance develops naturally as Adelaide and Jace work together to save the town's Christmas feast, while the mystery and sabotage plot adds enough tension to keep the story moving. Their emotional journey toward trusting each other again is sweet and satisfying.

At times, the suspense elements can overshadow the romance, and some plot developments feel a bit predictable. However, the likable characters, festive atmosphere, and combination of romance and intrigue make for an entertaining holiday read.

Overall, The Tinsel Twist is a charming debut that offers romance, danger, and Christmas magic in equal measure. Fans of small-town holiday romances will find plenty to enjoy.

Title: The Tinsel Twist

Author: Rosie J. Potter

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

Review:

The Tinsel Twist is an engaging, cozy holiday read that seamlessly blends a classic Hallmark feel with a suspenseful thriller twist. Adelaide Burke’s return to Tinsley Falls after a professional setback sets up a great fresh-start story, and her reunion with Jace Stanton brings plenty of natural chemistry, second-chance romance, and unresolved feelings.

The small-town Christmas setting is warm and atmospheric, providing the perfect backdrop as Adelaide and Jace team up to save the town's Christmas feast. The addition of a sabotage subplot adds a layer of edge-of-your-seat tension that kept me turning pages late into the night. While the suspense elements occasionally overshadow the romance and a few plot developments lean predictable, the warm community, endearing characters, and sweet emotional journey towards trust make everyone easy to root for.

Rosie J. Potter delivers a charming debut full of holiday spirit, heartfelt romance, and just enough danger to keep you hooked. A great pick for readers who love small-town holiday romances with an extra kick of intrigue!

NetGalley Review Checklist:

Cross-posting: Goodreads, StoryGraph, Instagram @Lambyreads

Recommend to retail buyers: Yes

Make it short sweet and straight to the point

Title: The Tinsel Twist

Author: Rosie J. Potter

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

Review:

The Tinsel Twist is a cozy, edge-of-your-seat holiday read that perfectly combines classic Hallmark charm with an unexpected thriller twist! Adelaide’s return to Tinsley Falls and her second-chance romance with Jace deliver fantastic chemistry and real heart as they team up to save the town's holiday feast.

The small-town setting is wonderfully atmospheric, and the sabotage plot line adds just enough suspense to keep you hooked from start to finish. With lovable characters, high-stakes tension, and plenty of festive spirit, Rosie J. Potter delivers a charming debut you won't want to put down. Highly recommended for fans of cozy holiday romances with a splash of intrigue!

NetGalley Review Checklist:

Cross-posting: Goodreads, StoryGraph, Instagram @Lambyreads

Recommend to retail buyers: Yes

The Tinsel Twist is a cozy, edge-of-your-seat holiday read that perfectly combines classic Hallmark charm with an unexpected thriller twist! I love Hallmark style books and have been in a mood for thriller books so this was perfect read for me. Adelaide’s return to Tinsley Falls and her second-chance romance with Jace delivers a fantastic chemistry as they team up to save the town's holiday feast.

The small-town setting is wonderfully atmospheric, and the sabotage plot line adds just enough suspense to keep you hooked from start to finish. With lovable characters, high-stakes tension, and plenty of festive spirit, Rosie J. Potter delivers a charming debut you won't want to put down. Highly recommended for fans of cozy holiday romances with a splash of intrigue!

Title: The Tinsel Twist

Author: Rosie J. Potter

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

Review:

The Tinsel Twist is a cozy, edge-of-your-seat holiday read that perfectly combines classic Hallmark charm with an unexpected thriller twist! As someone who loves Hallmark-style tropes but has been in the mood for a thriller, this was the absolute perfect read for me.

Adelaide’s return to Tinsley Falls and her second-chance romance with Jace deliver fantastic chemistry as they team up to save the town's holiday feast. The small-town setting is wonderfully atmospheric, and the sabotage plotline adds just enough suspense to keep you hooked from start to finish.

With lovable characters, high-stakes tension, and plenty of festive spirit, Rosie J. Potter delivers a charming debut you won't want to put down. Highly recommended for fans of cozy holiday romances with a splash of intrigue!

NetGalley Review Checklist:

Cross-posting: Goodreads, StoryGraph, Instagram @Lambyreads

Recommend to retail buyers: Yes

Another short, sweet and straight to the point review please

This was a serial killer/police procedural book that follows an escaped serial killer on a killing spree. I found the first part not so interesting, but once he becomes fixated on a young girl it grabbed me. Though this is in a series featuring Erica Stands, she is not the main character here, it is her father the killer. After reading this, I'll definitely go back and read the other books in the series, however it was easily read as a stand alone.

I didn’t realise this was part of a series until I was well into it, but it does work as a standalone book. Charles Sterling is a mass murderer, and he starts off by killing his own daughter, who is a police detective. He commits other murders and the detail in the plotting is clever. Then he gets fixated on a young girl, Jenna, who he tries to get close to through her mother. There are plenty of twists and turns, and surprises in this book, and it kept me engrossed to the end. It certainly piqued my interest enough that I think I will go back and read the preceding three books, just to see how it all worked.

This was a really enjoyable, twisty psychological thriller. I hadn’t read the previous books in the series, but I had no problem picking this one up as a standalone.



Charles Sterling is a seriously unsettling character, and I was immediately suspicious of him. Jenna’s instincts about him made me want to keep reading to find out exactly what he was hiding and whether she was right to be worried.



There are plenty of secrets and lies along the way, with the tension building nicely as Jenna starts digging into Sterling’s past. I did manage to guess a couple of things, but there were still enough twists to keep me interested and wanting to see how everything would play out.



A dark, easy to read thriller with plenty of suspense. I’ll definitely be checking out Gregg Dunnett’s other books.

Author: Gregg Dunnett

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

Review:

This was a really enjoyable, twisty psychological thriller! Though it's part of the Erica Sands series, it easily works as a standalone book—focusing on her serial killer father, Charles Sterling, while he's on the run.

While the beginning took a moment to get going, the plot completely hooked me once Sterling becomes fixated on a young girl named Jenna. Sterling is a genuinely unsettling character, and watching Jenna trust her instincts as tension and secrets build made it impossible to stop reading. The clever plotting, suspenseful cat-and-mouse dynamic, and surprising twists kept me engrossed all the way to the end.

A dark, fast-paced read with plenty of suspense. It definitely piqued my interest enough that I’ll be going back to read the rest of Gregg Dunnett’s books in the series!

NetGalley Review Checklist:

Cross-posting: Goodreads, StoryGraph, Instagram @Lambyreads

Recommend to retail buyers: Yes

This was a really enjoyable, twisty psychological thriller! Though it's part of the Erica Sands series, it easily works as a standalone book—focusing on her serial killer father, Charles Sterling, while he's on the run.

While the beginning took a moment to get going, the plot completely hooked me once Sterling becomes fixated on a young girl named Jenna. Sterling is a genuinely unsettling character, and watching Jenna trust her instincts as tension and secrets build made it impossible to stop reading. The clever plotting, suspenseful cat-and-mouse dynamic, and surprising twists kept me engrossed all the way to the end.

A dark, fast-paced read with plenty of suspense. It definitely piqued my interest enough that I’ll be going back to read the rest of Gregg Dunnett’s books in the series!

Title: The Serial Killer's Daughter (or series title)

Author: Gregg Dunnett

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

Review:

This was a really enjoyable, twisty psychological thriller! Though it's part of the series featuring Erica Sands, it easily works as a standalone book—focusing on her serial killer father, Charles Sterling, while he's on the run.

While the beginning took a moment to get going, the plot completely hooked me once Sterling becomes fixated on a young girl named Jenna. Sterling is a genuinely unsettling character, and watching Jenna trust her instincts as tension and secrets build made it impossible to stop reading. The clever plotting, suspenseful cat-and-mouse dynamic, and surprising twists kept me engrossed all the way to the end.

A dark, fast-paced read with plenty of suspense. It definitely piqued my interest enough that I’ll be going back to read the rest of Gregg Dunnett’s books in the series!

NetGalley Review Checklist:

Cross-posting: Goodreads, StoryGraph, Instagram @Lambyreads

Recommend to retail buyers: Yes

If you like dark fantasy with romance subplots this is the book for you. Full of magic and secrets this book will keep you on your toes until the very end.



Evanee is a wonderful FMC who, is imperfect but, really does her best to stand on her own. Working to find and rescue herself from the chaotic world she finds herself in.



Also, all characters are mid-20s or older. So if you are looking for older characters this series might be for you.

This book was really good. The author kept the readers guessing about the FMC’s background throughout the story. Her attitude did not match how she was portrayed in the beginning but as the story developed, so did the readers understanding of her. Nothing was as it seemed and every character wasn’t who you thought they were. Some characters I liked at the beginning I ended up not liking and vice versa. The ending was super intense and had my heart pounding. The ending was so abrupt (in a good way) that I went forward and back in the book to see if I skipped over the last chapter. :). Definitely recommend this!

Wow! This was different in a very good way. It's atmospheric and mysterious. Evanee has spent the last three years of her life in servitude to the fae with no recollection of her past beyond the last three years. Who and what she really is, is so much more. One day the Captain of the king's fae guard comes to take her away. She is bound to him so she can't escape on the journey. Evanee is smart and has reservations about who she's traveling with. We as readers very slowly recover her memories with her. It becomes very complicated very quickly. I loved that we had POVs from other characters and that we still only received snippets of information as the story progressed. This got really intense once all the players revealed themselves and this ends, not just on a cliffhanger, it just stops mid action so be prepared. The writing and world building in this is exceptional, I absolutely loved this. The author did a great job characterizing everyone. There was an undertone of who was trustworthy and who wasn't. I love how this book played out and I'm chomping at the bit for the next one. I need to know what happens to everyone! It was an honor to read an advanced copy of this book. Thank you to the author for the opportunity.

Move over vampires and werewolves ( and other mystical creatures) - GARGOYLES have entered the chat. But not just any gargoyles, hot, muscular, broody, protective, and did I mention HOT gargoyles. The only problem- you won’t even know who the Gargoyles are right away, but that’s part of the fun of this book!



I was sucked in and invested from page 1. There is so much unknown in this world! Every chapter gave a little nugget of information that I had to save to try to figure out what was going on.



There is a diverse cast of characters in this book and I love that Ilissa gives us some of tbeir point of views as well. They give off dysfunctional found family vibes. Lyra has got to a favorite side character and she brought some much needed humor when things get intense!



There is romance and spice and banter and tension, but you won’t know between who until you read!



I don’t know what’s worse Evanee not remembering anything or her getting bits and pieces back but not making sense of it all, or her rembering EVERYTHING and things still not working out the way she thought!



I will be impatiently waiting for book 2!

Keep it very short, sweet and straight to the point. Its a review for amazon

Rating: 5 / 5 Stars

Review:

If you love atmospheric dark fantasy with romance subplots, mystery, and an incredible cast of older characters (mid-20s+), this book is a must-read!

Evanee is a fantastic, imperfect FMC. Starting with no memories of her past and bound to a broody Fae Captain, her journey is full of secrets, complex world-building, and high-stakes tension. The author gives you just enough snippets of information to keep you guessing, and nothing is as it seems—characters you love will surprise you, and gargoyles have officially entered the chat! With multiple POVs, high-chemistry banter, spice, and a dysfunctional found family, the story builds to an intensely abrupt cliffhanger that will leave you desperate for book two.

A thrilling, captivating read from page one. Highly recommended!

Summerween review

Title: Summerween

Author: Joss Wood

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

Review:

Summerween by Joss Wood is a feel-good, delightfully unique romance that delivers the perfect mix of cozy, nostalgic vibes, sharp humor, and a touch of mystery. Bringing together spooky Halloween aesthetics and beachside romance sounds like a tricky balancing act, but Wood pulls it off seamlessly without letting the premise fall into corny tropes.

The chemistry between the lead characters is fantastic from the start. They are engaging, grounded, and written with genuine depth, making their dynamic feel earnest and high-stakes rather than purely lighthearted. The plot moves along at a great pace, balancing the romantic tension with an intriguing mystery element that kept me turning pages.

If you’re looking for a charming, atmospheric comfort read that brings equal parts warmth, wit, and depth, Summerween is a solid four-star choice. Highly recommended for readers who want a fun, high-chemistry romance with a fun twist on the seasonal vibe!

NetGalley Review Checklist:

Cross-posting: Goodreads, StoryGraph, Instagram @Lambyreads

Recommend to retail buyers: Yes

Can we change it some make it more shorter.

Title: Summerween

Author: Joss Wood

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

Review:

Summerween is a feel-good, cozy romance that perfectly blends spooky Halloween vibes with beachside summer flirting! Joss Wood balances lighthearted humor, genuine character chemistry, and a touch of mystery seamlessly without falling into cheesy tropes. It’s atmospheric, charming, and offers just enough depth to keep you turning pages. A solid 4-star comfort read for anyone wanting a high-chemistry romance with a fun seasonal twist!

NetGalley Review Checklist:

Cross-posting: Goodreads, StoryGraph, Instagram @Lambyreads

Recommend to retail buyers: Yes

Halloween town

Are you looking for a book review format for a specific novel titled Halloweentown (or a spooky seasonal romance/mystery), or did you want to discuss/review the classic Disney movie Halloweentown?

If you have your notes or rough thoughts ready for a review, feel free to drop them here and I'll polish them up into another short, sweet, and straight-to-the-point review!

The book. Did I do a review already?

You haven't done a review for a book titled Halloweentown yet.

The reviews you've completed so far are:

Summerween by Joss Wood

25 Dates of Christmas

The Tinsel Twist by Rosie J. Potter

A serial killer/police procedural thriller by Gregg Dunnett

A dark fantasy/gargoyle romance (Facade / Gargoyle Chronicles)

If you have a specific Halloween or Halloweentown book in mind (like Shea Ernshaw's Long Live the Pumpkin Queen, Lucy Ruggles' Tales from Halloweentown, or another spooky seasonal read), drop your notes or rough thoughts here and I'll format a quick, polished review for you!



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Description

It's always spooky season here…



Poppy McMaster was supposed to be getting married, not climbing out of a bathroom window in her wedding dress…



She's...



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Additional Information

Featured Reviews

Rubie C, Reviewer

5 stars

5 stars

5 stars

5 stars

5 stars

Halloween Town by Joss Wood ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



Halloween Town was basically everything I want from a fun fall romance. Poppy escaping her wedding in a dress and returning to the quirky town where Halloween happens all year was such a great opening, and then discovering that the inn now belongs to Thom, her childhood hero and her ex-fiancé’s older brother, made the situation wonderfully complicated.



I loved the atmosphere of the story most of all. Pumpkins, cozy traditions, Halloween decorations, small town charm, and a romance that absolutely should be a terrible idea made this such an entertaining read. Poppy and Thom had plenty of chemistry, but I also enjoyed Poppy’s journey of figuring out what she actually wants rather than simply going along with the life she thought she was supposed to have. It was charming, romantic, funny, and wonderfully autumnal. Five stars for this festive little escape! 🎃🍂❤️



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Laura G, Reviewer

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc.



Halloween Town by Joss Wood is a charming small-town romance that wraps second chances, cozy autumn vibes, and a touch of Halloween magic into a wonderfully entertaining read. When Poppy McMaster flees her wedding and returns to the quirky town where Halloween is celebrated year-round, she's hoping for a fresh start, not a complicated attraction to Thom Sheffield, her ex-fiancé's older brother.

Poppy is a relatable and easy-to-love heroine, and her journey toward rediscovering herself gives the story emotional depth. Thom is the perfect brooding romantic lead, balancing strength and vulnerability in a way that makes their growing connection feel authentic and heartfelt.

The true star of the book is the setting. With pumpkins, festive traditions, cozy inns, and a community that embraces spooky season every day of the year, the town feels warm, whimsical, and impossible not to fall in love with. The chemistry between Poppy and Thom builds naturally, making their romance both sweet and satisfying.

While some elements of the plot are predictable, the lovable characters and enchanting atmosphere more than make up for it.



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Denice L, Reviewer

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

Book #2 in the Halloween Town series opens with Polly escaping a wedding; unfortunately, it's her wedding. The cast of characters we met in Summerween returns to Solstice City, just in time to stir up the ghosts and goblins who live there year-round. Polly arrives at the inn her grandparents owned, only to find out they have sold it and left. Polly has a history with the new owner; he's the stepbrother of the man she just left at the altar. This is where you shake your head and say...only in the movies. Joss Wood had to enjoy crafting this romantic comedy, and it shows. The setting...a year-round Halloween-themed town and characters who stumble now and then, only to find the answers to all their problems in the boy next door. An enjoyable story that's a break from the thrillers I've been reading.



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Gina B, Reviewer

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

I enjoyed this story it is fun read has a nice plot that flows beautiful. This is a fun read that was easy to read and had some spookiness to the story



It's always spooky season here…

Poppy McMaster was supposed to be getting married, not climbing out of a bathroom window in her wedding dress…



She's leaving her life behind and fleeing to the only place she’s ever truly felt like herself: the small town she grew up in, where Halloween lasts all year.

But home isn’t waiting for Poppy the way she imagined. Her grandparents’ beloved inn is now owned by Thom Sheffield, who just happens to be:

Her childhood hero

Her ex-fiancé’s brooding older brother

The last man on earth she should be fantasizing about…



Because in a town full of pumpkins, cosy traditions, and Halloween magic, falling in love might be the scariest thing of all…



Finished Reading? Give Feedback

Talking about this book? Use #HalloweenTown #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!



Description

It's always spooky season here…



Poppy McMaster was supposed to be getting married, not climbing out of a bathroom window in her wedding dress…



She's...



Read More

Additional Information

Featured Reviews

Rubie C, Reviewer

5 stars

5 stars

5 stars

5 stars

5 stars

Halloween Town by Joss Wood ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



Halloween Town was basically everything I want from a fun fall romance. Poppy escaping her wedding in a dress and returning to the quirky town where Halloween happens all year was such a great opening, and then discovering that the inn now belongs to Thom, her childhood hero and her ex-fiancé’s older brother, made the situation wonderfully complicated.



I loved the atmosphere of the story most of all. Pumpkins, cozy traditions, Halloween decorations, small town charm, and a romance that absolutely should be a terrible idea made this such an entertaining read. Poppy and Thom had plenty of chemistry, but I also enjoyed Poppy’s journey of figuring out what she actually wants rather than simply going along with the life she thought she was supposed to have. It was charming, romantic, funny, and wonderfully autumnal. Five stars for this festive little escape! 🎃🍂❤️



Was this review helpful?

Laura G, Reviewer

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc.



Halloween Town by Joss Wood is a charming small-town romance that wraps second chances, cozy autumn vibes, and a touch of Halloween magic into a wonderfully entertaining read. When Poppy McMaster flees her wedding and returns to the quirky town where Halloween is celebrated year-round, she's hoping for a fresh start, not a complicated attraction to Thom Sheffield, her ex-fiancé's older brother.

Poppy is a relatable and easy-to-love heroine, and her journey toward rediscovering herself gives the story emotional depth. Thom is the perfect brooding romantic lead, balancing strength and vulnerability in a way that makes their growing connection feel authentic and heartfelt.

The true star of the book is the setting. With pumpkins, festive traditions, cozy inns, and a community that embraces spooky season every day of the year, the town feels warm, whimsical, and impossible not to fall in love with. The chemistry between Poppy and Thom builds naturally, making their romance both sweet and satisfying.

While some elements of the plot are predictable, the lovable characters and enchanting atmosphere more than make up for it.



Was this review helpful?

Denice L, Reviewer

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

Book #2 in the Halloween Town series opens with Polly escaping a wedding; unfortunately, it's her wedding. The cast of characters we met in Summerween returns to Solstice City, just in time to stir up the ghosts and goblins who live there year-round. Polly arrives at the inn her grandparents owned, only to find out they have sold it and left. Polly has a history with the new owner; he's the stepbrother of the man she just left at the altar. This is where you shake your head and say...only in the movies. Joss Wood had to enjoy crafting this romantic comedy, and it shows. The setting...a year-round Halloween-themed town and characters who stumble now and then, only to find the answers to all their problems in the boy next door. An enjoyable story that's a break from the thrillers I've been reading.



Was this review helpful?

Gina B, Reviewer

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

I enjoyed this story it is fun read has a nice plot that flows beautiful. This is a fun read that was easy to read and had some spookiness to the story



It's always spooky season here…

Poppy McMaster was supposed to be getting married, not climbing out of a bathroom window in her wedding dress…



She's leaving her life behind and fleeing to the only place she’s ever truly felt like herself: the small town she grew up in, where Halloween lasts all year.

But home isn’t waiting for Poppy the way she imagined. Her grandparents’ beloved inn is now owned by Thom Sheffield, who just happens to be:

Her childhood hero

Her ex-fiancé’s brooding older brother

The last man on earth she should be fantasizing about…



Because in a town full of pumpkins, cosy traditions, and Halloween magic, falling in love might be the scariest thing of all…



Was this review helpful?

Jessica T, Reviewer

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

My cozy-spooky heart has officially found its permanent home. The forced proximity? Elite. The banter? Pure fire. Toss in a quirky small town obsessed with pumpkins, meddling local ghosts sabotaging almost-kisses, and delicious slow-burn tension, and you get the ultimate cozy autumn rom-com fix.



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Sarah P, Bookseller

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

I knew the second Poppy climbed out of a bathroom window in her wedding dress and ran away to a town where it’s Halloween year round that I was going to have a good time with this one.



This was such a cute, cozy read. I loved the whole idea of Poppy going back to the place where she’s always felt most like herself and trying to figure out what she actually wants her life to look like. The small town setting, Halloween traditions, pumpkins everywhere, and cozy inn vibes made it even better.



And obviously, coming home only to discover her grandparents’ inn is now owned by her ex-fiancé’s brooding older brother makes things a little more interesting. I really enjoyed Poppy and Thom together, especially with all the history between them and the fact that he’s pretty much the definition of someone she probably shouldn’t be falling for.



It’s sweet, cozy, a little messy, and full of fall vibes. Nothing overly complicated, just a really fun romance that made me want to find a town where Halloween lasts all year and immediately move there.



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Elia W, Reviewer

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

4 stars

YAYYYY Poppy's story!! I was so excited to read Poppy's book, it was impossible to put down. Thank GOODNESS Poppy became a ran away bride (BYE BYE BENJI) and I love how Poppy and Thom reconnected after Thom had ghosted her years ago. It starts off with some arguments and resistance to being in the same house but soon they reconnect, deal with their issues from years ago and give into their feelings for each other. I love when the MCs have history that is the building blocks for their relationships.



They both had traumas or struggles to deal with but they were supportive and grew throughout the story finding themselves and believing in themselves. I again loved the way the paranormal is weaved in with the ghosts POV and focusing on a ghost that also has something to learn. Solstice Springs is as kooky and fun as ever and I cannot wait to go back!!

Make the review very very short and to the point. Throw in cute Halloween emojis

Title: Halloween Town

Author: Joss Wood

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars 🎃✨

Review:

Halloween Town is the ultimate cozy autumn rom-com! 🎃🍂 Poppy escaping her wedding in a wedding dress and fleeing to a town where it's spooky season year-round is such a fun hook. 👻 Returning home only to find her grandparents’ inn now belongs to Thom—her brooding childhood crush and ex-fiancé’s older brother—makes for delicious slow-burn tension and elite banter! 🖤✨

The year-round Halloween setting is warm, atmospheric, and impossible not to fall in love with. 🕸️🕯️ Joss Wood delivers a charming, funny, and satisfying second-chance romance about finding yourself and falling in love when you least expect it. A festive, heartwarming escape! 🎃🌾❤️

NetGalley Review Checklist:

Cross-posting: Goodreads, StoryGraph, Instagram @Lambyreads

Recommend to retail buyers: Yes

Make it shorter

Title: Halloween Town

Author: Joss Wood

Rating: 4 / 5 Stars 🎃✨

Review:

Halloween Town is the ultimate cozy autumn rom-com! 🎃🍂 Poppy escaping her wedding to a town where it's Halloween year-round is such a fun hook. 👻 Discovering her grandparents’ inn now belongs to Thom—her brooding childhood crush and ex-fiancé’s older brother—delivers elite banter, slow-burn tension, and incredible chemistry! 🖤✨

The spooky, pumpkin-filled setting is warm and atmospheric, making Poppy’s journey to self-discovery so much fun. 🕸️🕯️ A charming, funny, and satisfying festive escape! 🎃🌾❤️