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Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

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I absolutely love everything about Halloween!

This is my favorite time of the year. My family, who I'm very close to, own a pumpkin patch and corn maze. Every year, I help my Grandma run it and have a blast doing so. Even on the slow days, I take in the scenery and enjoy the fact that it's finally autumn.

Things get even better when I run into a cute guy at the patch. I think about doing a little flirting until I realize he has a kid with him. Kids are cool and all but I could never date a father. I don't want kids of my own so that's a little too complicated for me.

He is intriguing, though...

Life has never been harder for me.

I'm trying to survive a horrible family tragedy. Usually, I like this time of year. I own a costume shop and Halloween always brings in a lot of business. But right now, I'm living through my own personal hell.

Which means I don't have time for dating. As much as I'd like to, I know nobody is going to want to explore a relationship with me when I've got all this baggage. I have to accept that I'll be doing this on my own for a while.

But, I'm not going to lie, that cute guy at the corn maze is very tempting.

This standalone novel comes complete with HEA ending and bonus material from two of my other books!

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2016

25 people are currently reading
90 people want to read

About the author

Hayden Hunt

23 books54 followers
Hayden also writes under the pseudonyms Aimee Alesi and Edie Bryant .

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5 stars
21 (14%)
4 stars
51 (35%)
3 stars
47 (33%)
2 stars
20 (14%)
1 star
3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Tanu Gill.
575 reviews266 followers
October 9, 2016
3.5 stars

*I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review.*

It was a sweet story, all very low key and predictable. I liked the characters, even Jake and Sabrina, from the little we got to read about them.

It was a feel-good story, it's just that some parts could really have been written better. Or maybe that's just how the author wanted the characters to be viewed, and it wasn't to my liking.

But overall, a fine read. :)
Profile Image for Dia.
534 reviews151 followers
December 24, 2016
3 stars for this story

I received an ARC from the author, in exchange of an honest review.

I love Halloween and everything about it, but this story didn't really work for me. Maybe it's my fault.
Image result for it's me it's not you gif

Maybe I expected too much and I was somehow disappointed we didn't get a deeper story with some really tormented characters who have to work hard to find their HEA? I told you ... it's my fault then.
I really love those stories which wreck my heart and make me ache for the characters. I expect every book to challenge me, to exceed my expectations.

This story was however nice, we got two hot men, attracted to each other, one younger - Peter - independent and sweet, the other - Luke - having a really tough time. We also get some angst, kids problems and Luke's sister being in a serious condition in the hospital, their miscommunication and then their really quick decisions - life altering decisions.

For me, the story seemed a little rushed and well, they said the L word too soon for my taste.

I usually like some sweet talk, but I expect it to happen after they really get to know each other.

Overall it was a light read and if this is what you want to read on Halloween time, then you can expect it to deliver a very, very sweet Epilogue.
Profile Image for Nessa.
1,858 reviews21 followers
October 7, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.......
Poor Luke is watching over his nephew while his sister is in the hospital. When he meets Peter it gives Luke something bright to look forward to. They were adorable and I loved it when Peter took Luke to the haunted house even while knowing that Luke was terrified of haunted houses (I can totally relate :D), although I did feel bad when he fainted. This was a sweetly written very touching romance. I loved it. :)
Profile Image for Deborah.
1,841 reviews
October 9, 2016
Keep Your Options Open

This is a sweet read about a couple who has a chance at a relationship, if only they can only understand themselves a little better. Peter needs to learn to not be so selfish. Luke needs to not be so afraid of being left behind. And then learn to trust each other. Enjoy I did.
758 reviews4 followers
October 9, 2016
Peter and Luke were just such nice MCs. The story was really fast and I had a few things that I didn’t get answered, they weren’t necessary to me enjoying the story, and I expect if this was full length it would probably be answered. I loved the story and it was a sweet romance. I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Lissa.
1,319 reviews142 followers
October 23, 2016
Oh lord. So I was looking to read something relatively light and fluffy in time for Halloween, but there is such a thing as too light and too fluffy, and this book is definitely both of those things.

First off, I'm not sure why this book is called "gay for you" in the description, because both of the main characters are definitely gay and have absolutely no doubts about their own sexuality. I don't really care for "gay for you" as a trope anyway, so I'm not complaining about that.

But what I am complaining about is just...the rest of the book. Haha. I made it to about 30%, realized I absolutely didn't give a crap and life was too short to read bad books, and called it quits. They fall in love practically overnight - and instalove is one of my least favorite things ever. And then there's Peter, who keeps saying how he doesn't like fathers and would never date someone who has kids. I mean, he harps on this constantly. I got sick of that really fast. It seemed quite shallow of him.

Plus the characters just didn't feel...real. I was distinctly aware that I was reading a romance novel the entire time, and not only that, but a romance novel geared toward straight women. And I know one could argue that most, if not all, of the m/m romance market is geared toward straight women (which isn't me, by the way), but this book feels above and beyond for straight women who want a shit ton of fluff. Because that is all there really is. I mean Peter, at one point, is talking about how he can't wait to ask Luke to be his boyfriend. LOLWAT. Do people even DO that in adult relationships? Because I can say, without a doubt, that I have never asked someone to be my girlfriend.

Nope. Life is too short. On to the next book.
Profile Image for Isabella ~Mikku-chan~.
799 reviews40 followers
October 12, 2016
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*

The start was very pleasant but overall the book itself was a bit rushed.

Although the character were pleasant you never really learned about each other the way you would like it. It felt a bit undeveloped. Yet it was a good book, something for a nice evening.

Despite the halloween topic there is a slight angst topic in there. It is hard to endure the pain of Luke sometimes.

I can say I was entertained while reading but unfortunately a few things in the book disturbed me a bit. One aspect I think was nice that it changed but it was a bit unrealistic tbh, for example Peter's denial towards children. It's a pity because the posibility to lift this book from a average to a really good one was missed because of the lacking elements.

I was also a bit unsatisfied by the erotic scenes. I don't need action every page, too much isn't pleasant but this time it was a bit too less.

Here and there were a few typos or switch in names (Luke instead of Jake) but it was okay. :) I was only a bit disappointed that the book finished at ~65%. The rest are preview of other books... This could have been shorter and so a bit more character development could have been at this place.

All in all a light warming story but with rushed elements so unfortunately only 3,5-4 stars.


Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,250 reviews272 followers
October 10, 2016
-- Peter is a single gay man that helps his Gran, Dad and Mom manage a farm and in October, the Pumpkin Patch. He thinks Fall is the best time of year.
* While tending the ticket gate, he looks up to find a shaggy haired, blonde, blue-eyed man,

well dressed and handsome coming up to him.
Peter was interested until he saw the little boy.

Peter doesn't want kids. He's adopted and feels extremely lucky to be in his family, because his birth parents were a nightmare. What if it's hereditary? He didn't want to find out. Now, we have costume shop owner, Luke, the handsome blonde, who is caring for his nephew while his sister is in the hospital The next day Luke is back at the Pumpkin Patch looking for the stuffed animal his nephew dropped. They agree to have dinner.
Our characters are different, with Peter seeming simplistic; Luke is darker with all that is hanging over him. Peter struggles with inner turmoil of parenting and his biology. Strong Luke, is warring with all the heaviness of decisions he must make and the huge responsibility ahead. Neither man wants to lose the other.
As the weeks pass, the intensity of the emotions build. the title implies that this is a lighthearted story, but it has a deepness running throughout.
There is romance/sex , but not the intensity as I would have liked, especially with the way the men are insinuated to be like.

But in all - it is a worthwhile story of love, faith, and patience. ENJOY !
=======================
The story ends at 65%, then there are excerpts from another book.

Profile Image for Bert.
784 reviews20 followers
October 27, 2016
What a perfect Halloween story that helped me out of my book slump... This week I started 2 ya horror novels that I really just couldn't get into, both of them were badly written, slow paced and BORING, I decided I needed something fun and easy to get me out of the slump and this book was just perfect.

Being Halloween time I couldn't resist reading this delightful story, it's set during October in the lead up to the big day 31, one of our MC'S works in a costume shop while the other works at a pumpkin patch, they meet, flirt, fall in love etc etc etc - pretty basic romance novel stuff but it had a charm that others lack. The 2 guys in this book reminded me of the guys from Rustic Memory by Nic Starr, more mature guys who are willing to settle down and are I guess non scene, these are the kind of guys that I really enjoy reading about. One thing that I wonder about though is the race of the 2 characters - the cover features a mixed race couple however not once in the book is it mentioned if they actually are a mixed race couple, that's definitely something i'd love to know, I guess it doesn't really matter but i'm intrigued because i'd love it even more if they were a mixed race couple. The love scene between them was surprisingly explicit, the general vibe of the book is very pg rated but when it came to the love scene chapter it was complete porn - definitely a surprise that i'm certainly not complaining about.

I would love if to read more with these characters - I do hope that the author decides to turn it into a series however if he doesn't I'll still be happy with this book. It's now time to look through his other books and see which one strikes my fancy.

Happy Halloween.
Profile Image for L.P. Lindeman.
Author 5 books15 followers
October 8, 2016
Heartwarming

Wow talk about every emotion coming together this was it. This was a nice romantic read that rugged you in many different directions but all well worth it. The characters are people you want to meet in real life and be part of their family. Not only did the author give you an amazing connection but the way to story was written you were transported in vivid details to each scene. Great job with this one and will recommend it to everyone. Well written and easy to follow.
Profile Image for Amber.
242 reviews
October 26, 2016
dnf @ 14% because.....

“I don’t want to pay attention to some arbitrary social rules and regulations. I don’t want to make small talk all night and avoid being our honest selves until, say, the third date. Let’s just throw those silly societal rules out the window and be ourselves, shall we?”
Profile Image for Yi1ian.
849 reviews15 followers
October 11, 2016
Terrible terrible story. Plot and MCs operated on the surface. Too neat and tidy. Chicks with dicks.

I barely made myself finish it.
Profile Image for Lillian Francis.
Author 15 books102 followers
author-behaving-badly
June 27, 2018
I need an author behaving badly shelf.

And this author just made it there.


I’d like to thank @ease_dropper from bringing this to attention.

Hayden Hunt=Eddie Bryant and M/M books that become F/F books so easily. Are you double dipping?? Every damn word from each book is the exact freaking same! #GETLOUD pic.twitter.com/N3jcQN0mol

— Pants Off ~Sock Puppet~ Reviews (@DarienMoya) June 26, 2018
Profile Image for Gustaf.
1,444 reviews200 followers
April 2, 2020
Good but not great.

Very shallow, very light and very warm. Usually my type of book but this one was almost too much. A bit over the top maybe? Even the insta love was almost too much for me? And I love almost everything insta love.

I couldn't find the kindle edition of this book so I listened to it, I think I was a bit disconnected to Peter and Luke because of the narration. It was very static, and Peters voice was not matching his personality at all.
Profile Image for Liza.
1,520 reviews18 followers
November 16, 2017
A little too insta-everything for me. A huge conflict that one MC was deadset on was resolved pretty much immediately. The ending was a little abrupt, going into the epilogue faster than I thought it should have. The story had so much potential, but I was just not satisfied with it.
Profile Image for MariF.
860 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2018
I was bored to tears and felt relief when it was over. This story had all the right elements to be interesting but somehow ended up lukewarm. I felt completely detached from both MCs.
Could be me not the book.
Profile Image for Christine.
701 reviews4 followers
November 6, 2017
This book just wasn't for me. The issues of the story were stressful ones but the way the story reads everything is easy peasy in the end. IMO it needed more fleshing out but that's just me.
351 reviews
October 15, 2016
Halloween miracles!

You will love this story it I'd very romantic. The characters are well developed and interesting. There was some errors in grammar and story line that threw Mr off and made the story difficult to follow along. The story line is along the lines of a Christmas miracles but at Halloween instead.
Profile Image for Bethany.
569 reviews
October 6, 2016
I was given this to read and to give and honest review.

This story was amazing. I loved the characters, its perfect for the time of year, and sweet as candy. This should be a definite read for those that enjoy the fall season and MCs that develop and become stronger and I absolutely recommend this for anyone who loves romances and a story with heart. I'm eager now to read more.
Profile Image for m. ✨ On Hiatus ✨ .
624 reviews11 followers
October 14, 2016
4.5 stars

Peter works on his family's farm in the annual pumpkin patch. Halloween is his favorite time of year and he can't wait to see all of the happy faces who come to find their perfect fall decoration. He is immediately intrigued by a customer who arrives with a little boy in tow. Both look so sad and Peter wishes there was something he could do to add a little happiness to their lives.

Luke is struggling. He loves caring for his nephew, but the weight of tragedy hangs over the heads constantly. The one bright spot, other than his nephew, is the handsome man at the pumpkin patch. Peter provides a wonderful respite from all of drama and sadness currently in his life, but how long with that happiness last?

This is a lovely, relatively uncomplicated love story. Both of MCs are very likeable, and the secondary characters are just as great. They didn't bog down the story and added more depth to the MCs respective storylines. The "big misunderstanding" was somewhat of an eye roll moment for me, but I could definitely see things from both sides and didn't let the situation tarnish my view of the overall book.

If you're looking for a quick read with complex and relatable characters, this is the book for you!

A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

For more m/m romance reviews, visit Slashsessed.
Profile Image for Sassy Beta Reading & Review.
1,239 reviews24 followers
May 31, 2017
Hayden does it again with this very entertaining read. Just in time for the holiday. However, this claims to be a Gay for you romance, but both characters were up front from the beginning that they were gay, so I do not call that "gay for you". From what I could tell, they had both already had experience with the same sex.

Loved Peter and Luke. Peter is working on his grandmothers "pumpkin patch". His favorite holiday ever is Halloween and can not get enough of it. He never imagines that he would find the man of his dreams visiting the patch with a small child. Luke is with his nephew, trying to get both of their minds off the heartbreaking situation that is happening to their family. Luke never imagined that he would find the light at the end of the tunnel in Peter.

Peter and Luke are just what the other needs. Both need healing and find what they need in each other. The road is not an easy one, but in the end, there is a HEA

Written as a multi pov.

Would I recommend this book? Yes

Would I read more from this author? Yes

Sassy Beta Reading & Review





Professional Reader
Profile Image for Patricia Hoffstaetter.
3,160 reviews40 followers
October 10, 2016
What a wonderful heartwarming book to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This book covers the journey of two men and the problems they go through before finding love and happiness with each other. What you will find in this book is: a young man adopted as a small child into a loving and accepting family (Peter), a handsome man (Luke) looking after his nephew (Jake), his sister in hospital (Sabina), drama, fall, a elderly grandmother, ticket booth, a unhappy child, a handsome man, a lost toy, Luke going back for toy, a date, talking, happy, another date, Haunted house, fear, home, prognoses for sister not good, breaking up with Peter, loneliness, trick or treat, apologizing, a call, good news, lust, emotional feelings and erotic scenes. The story-line and plot is well thought out and written, the pace is steady and not rushed. The characters have needs and desires according to their personality. I would recommend this book to people that like to read a well written M/M romance with a HEA.
Profile Image for Joelle Mendes.
1,489 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2018
3.5 stars

I was really excited to find a book set around Halloween. There doesn't seem to be enough of them.

Peter and Luke's story was good and had some sweet moments. I really liked that Peter helped his Grandma out at the corn maze and that Luke owned a costume store. I would have liked to see more of their dates, maybe them strolling and kissing in the corn maze or Luke showing Peter his store. It's hard for me to connect to characters without seeing them interact with each other. Even at their lunch with Peter's family, we only saw some of it. Some of their lunch chat would have been great!

I did love that they had such different views on kids. They were each so steadfast in their feelings, it made me wonder how they'd ever make things work. This conflict made the book for me. It was nice to see something so important not get glossed over.

But the best scene of the book for me was the haunted house. It was awesome! I kinda feel bad for laughing because I would have acted exactly like Luke did but it was really really funny!
Profile Image for Lisa1269.
322 reviews4 followers
October 5, 2016
“I don’t need easy… I need something real.”
I was charmed by this sweet treat, the love story between Peter and Luke felt like it flowed naturally as the attraction between them grew into something more substantial. Peter, working at his family’s pumpkin patch, finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Luke, a clearly troubled man trying to distract a young boy with some festive activities. As their story reveals itself, and we find out the weight of Luke’s burden, I couldn’t help but feel for how overwhelmed he must be while trying to balance taking care of his family, his business and nurture a new relationship. His connection with Peter shines some light into his world though, and I loved how open they were about how happy they made each other, even if there were some bumps in the road. This quick-paced novella is a great choice if you’re looking for a little seasonal cheer.
Please note that I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for Sara MacRae.
261 reviews3 followers
October 16, 2016
Another sweet story by author Hayden Hunt featuring two easy-to-like guys who confront their individual hold-ups only to realize that love is worth fighting for and will guide you through.

The story backdrop of a Midwestern pumpkin patch and a costume shop, coupled with adoption (both on Peter’s part as an adopted child and the couple’s eventual pursuit to be dads) and overcoming a family member’s tragic car accident, offered a refreshingly different story angle for a traditionally themed plot. Luke and Peter are likable characters who you just know will get and are deserving of their HEA, and Luke’s young nephew Jake is relatable and realistic and offers a simple yet poignant approach to love and life.

As usual, the sex scenes are tame and the writing itself could use a thorough edit/proofread to help it read more smoothly and correctly, but each book is an improvement over earlier ones.

This 4-star read is a carefree, enjoyable and heartwarming story.
Profile Image for Kendra T.
3,099 reviews39 followers
March 21, 2021
I'm voluntarily reviewing a free advance reader copy I received from the author

Luke is such a good man. His sister was recently in a terrible accident, and he has been taking care of his nephew as best as he can. The love he has for Jake and Sabrina is very clear and wonderful.

Peter works at his family's corn maze, and he sees Luke come in with Jake. He is attracted to him, but assumes he must be married with a kid. When they meet a second time, there is a chemistry between them. They start to date, but there are definite challenges with Peter's determination that he does not want kids. This makes Luke nervous; he doesn't know if his sister will pull through and if he will become Jake's permanent guardian. Plus, he loves kids. This is an area the guys have to work through to get their HEA, but fortunately, they do get there. I did enjoy this story.
922 reviews7 followers
October 15, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

This was a sweet romance with little angst and a low level of heat.
Peter and Luke were perfect for each other from the start. They just had to get over a couple of trust issues and the subject of children.
I enjoyed the side story of Sabrina and how Luke was left with his nephew to look after and the juggling that involved.
I enjoyed the horror angle of the book with them both having businesses that relied on this time of year.
I enjoyed the book the relationship of the two Mcs seemed really natural and the progression of the relationship seemed true. I will be reading more books by this author
Profile Image for Shelley Chastagner.
2,735 reviews38 followers
October 19, 2016
A terrific book for the season. Peter is a tiny bit full of himself at the beginning, but proves to be an amazing man once he meets Luke. Luke is the definition of hero. He gives, and gives and gives of himself. There is a tiny bit of angst, but is quickly resolved. The commitment of these two for one another is lovely. I liked that they took things slowly even after they made their declaration of devotion. The responsibilities they were facing took precedence. I think what really impressed me was while they were a bi-racial couple, the book wasn't about that. It was about two people falling in love, sacrificing and supporting each other. I loved the ending.
Adult read
Profile Image for SoCalBookReviews.
602 reviews20 followers
Read
June 29, 2018
**Update: Changing my review, removing rating, because I am annoyed... This Author has the same exact book under a pseudonym, Edie Bryant and/or Aimee Alesi and changed the character Genders From F/F to M/F to M/M. To me personally, it just seems really dishonest to take the exact same books with the exact same wording (basically plagiarizing your own work) and then republishing them all with different gender pronouns, I personally do not feel comfortable reading this authors books and will no longer be purchasing or reviewing them either.***
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