Holiday rom com set over fall and Halloween. Points for this time period, the beautiful cover, but it is book two in a series that I haven't read #1. My library does not have the book, so I had just go into this one hoping reading the first didn't matter. After looking it up on GR, it appears it doesn't matter. I am not really a friends to lovers trope reader, so this one was slow for me. Also, I don't watch nor want to know about HGTV or similar which might have influenced my review. All this to say, supporting indie writers is important, so go grab this one and see if it's right for you! Thanks NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This was such an autumnal book, pumped with small town romance, very slow burn. What more could I ask for?

A festive and pumpkin spiced small town romance, with a very slow burn friends to lovers trope. Yes, I predicted the ending, but most romance novels aren't exactly a mystery. The characters were fun to spend time with and the autumnal vibes were on point.

After losing her partner and the father of her kids, Kelsey has been having a rough time. The bar her partner ran is in financial trouble and she can't get any help from the bank. Her best friend Davis could help. Now a semi-celebrity thanks to a renovating reality show with his twin brother, Davis is looking for an escape from his TV contract, and becoming a partner in Kelsey's bar could help him do that. He and Kelsey have been friends for so long, however, that he knows she'd never take his help without some trickery. The trouble is, Davis' feelings for Kelsey have changed lately too. He's been seeing her in a different light, and can't stop thinking about her in a way that's deeper than their friendship, and he's starting to think Kelsey might feel the same way. There are lots of will-they-won't-they? tension in this book and both Kelsey and Davis are fun characters with flaws dealing with expectations, family pressures, and new feelings neither of them expected. They're the kind of characters you want to follow to the last page to see how things work out for them, which makes Tricked In October an all-around fun read, especially for fans of best-friends-to-lovers tropes.

Starla writes fun seasonal romances. Snuggle up with a blanket and cup of coffee and get pulled into this fun fall romance.

A sweet, slow burn, friends to lovers story. Kelsey is a widowed mom of three who is working to raise her kids, run her family’s bar, and help her mom. She is understandably overwhelmed.
Her best friend Davis has been showing interest in her lately, and is very attentive, kind, and patient. Along with his twin brother, he is filming and HGTV show, but Davis would have preferred to remain anonymous instead of recognizable.
Several “miscommunication” tropes occur during this book, which adds to the slow burn of Davis and Kelsey’s relationship.
The Halloween and fall vibes continue throughout the book and will hook anyone who loves a sweet Halloween theme!

This was a cute little romcom with all the fall feels. I really enjoy this author and feel like I will be reaching out to find more of her her work four out of five recommend

This friends to lovers romance can mostly be described as cute. A lovely story with a great setting and atmosphere (I love me a good Halloween story even though I read it in the wrong time of the year).
I enjoyed the characters, their dual POV and their relationship and the romance. Unfortunately, some parts fell a bit flat and it was sometimes a bit boring and mediocre. Nevertheless a fun read!

Cute book that was easy to read. I liked the main characters in this one as they carried the book well. The whole thing was very cute and easy to read,

This was a fuzzy and cosy romance that was perfect for reading in the autumn and the run up to Halloween. Even though it was predictable, it was an enjoyable with lovely characters,

I have been trying to get in to romance this year and the cover made me pick up this one. However, it was just for me. Thank you netgalley for the chance to read it!

Best friends to lovers and mistaken identity were done perfectly and I couldn't put this book down. I will be reading more of DeKruyf in the future!

Quick Summary: A best friends who become more romance novel

My Review: Tricked in October by Starla DeKruyf is book 2 in the Pineridge series.

About the Book: Two friends who are attracted to one another try to find their way, despite the busy, uncomfortable moments in their lives. Juggling work, family, community gossip and more, Kelsy O'Henry and Davis Vance do their best to carve out a special relationship in the midst of it all.

My Final Say: This story was messy and sweet. The friendship that Kelsy and Davis had was of the "through thick and thin" variety. It was nice to see how they truly felt about each other, in the end.

Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Series: Yes

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (City Owl Press), and to NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to review this title.

Tricked in October by Starla DeKruyf exceeded my expectations and left me wanting more! From the moment I saw the adorable cover, I knew I was in for a treat. This friends-to-lovers romance truly captures the essence of autumn and provides the perfect amount of spice to keep readers hooked from start to finish. I couldn't put it down and finished it in just two days.

One thing I particularly loved about this book was the vivid imagery. Despite not being one to typically visualize what I'm reading, I felt like I had a clear picture of Kelsey and Davis in my mind. They were an absolutely adorable couple that I found myself rooting for throughout the story.

While the blurb mentions a Halloween hookup due to mistaken identity, I found that this element was not as prominent in the actual story. However, the small miscommunications and insecurities that arose as Kelsey and Davis navigated their new relationship were relatable and added depth to the plot.

The ending of the book was the perfect conclusion, leaving me satisfied while also eager to read more. In fact, I immediately purchased Eight Days of Christmas by Starla DeKruyf because her writing had completely captivated me. The atmospheric setting was beautifully depicted without being overwhelming, and I can't wait to immerse myself in a winter read by this talented author.

Overall, Tricked in October is a heartwarming and relatable read that captures the essence of fall. The main character, Kelsey, is a strong and hardworking mother, making her easy to root for. The writing is beautiful, descriptive, and evocative, creating a world that is easy to imagine and lose oneself in. The slow-burn romance is both romantic and steamy, written with perfection.

I am incredibly grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book. I am head over heels in love and will definitely be purchasing a copy to revisit this charming romance again and again. #TrickedinOctober #NetGalley #fallromance

The perfect cosy read within the fall - I loved the endearing characters within this story and the premise was really enjoyable.

I liked this rom com that's more on the serious side. Don't let the cover fool you, it's not a light but it is a good fall read if you don't mind hard stuff in your books. Trigger warning for death and grief.

This book has all the fall cozy feels. I enjoyed the friends to lovers story, all the fall descriptions, and song selections the characters were listening to. If you’re looking for fall vibes, grab this one.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of “Tricked in October” by Starla DeKruyf. All opinions are my own.

I love a fall romance and the premise was cute. Longtime friends have a second chance to realize their true feelings for each other. Set in the fall season, it had all of the cozy autumn vibes I wanted.

I wasn’t a big fan of the characters or the writing style. I cannot believe the FMC let the bar close rather than accept help from her friend of like 10+ years. Also the speed at which they worked out their issues in the last chapter was so sudden.

Tricked in October is a sweet friends to lovers romance novel, written in dual point of view. With all the autumn feels, this slow burning love story is like a cosy pumpkin spiced latte by the fire and a warm comforting hug.

Headstrong Kelsey lost her husband a year ago, since then she has been struggling to juggle raising her three young children, caring for her alcoholic mother and managing O'Henry's Bar and Grill. Bills are now stacking up and Kelsey has to face the possibility of losing her late husband's beloved bar. Too proud to ask for help and way out of her depth, Kelsey has no idea what to do.
Spending time with her long time best friend Davis, Kelsey starts to realise her feelings aren't strictly platonic.
Davis and his identical twin are hosts of a hit HGTV show "Renovation Dudes". With his contract soon coming to an end and tired of being followed by cameras, Davis has a bright idea to help his friend and give him a way out of renewing his contract. However a spanner is thrown in the works, when shy Davis realises he is developing feelings for his best friend.

Such an uplifting, feel good read. If you love autumn, romance and seasonal books, definitely give this one a go.

This was sooo sweet.Also can we talk about the book cover!!😍😍😍😍

I really liked Kelsey character, she was so strong even when everything was kinda falling apart! I personally would have broken down and threw a fit! I loved Davis! He was so kind sooo sweet. Love how he respected Kelsey and helped her. This whole relationship is goals! Love the idea of being friends first! :) I highly recommend this one. The cover is alllll fall vibes. I am giving it 4.5 stars! Love the simple writing. Love the short chapters. Yes plz!