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Build You Up
A renovation project will either bring first loves together again or make the break official.
Sabrina Ellis will do anything to keep her family construction business afloat. Even take on a renovation job from her first love turned worst enemy. Not that she has much of a choice. Sabrina will be flying solo as general contractor. This is the opportunity she’s been waiting for to take Ellis & Daughter to the next level.
The Peculiar Pumpkin has been in Brandon Blake’s family for two generations. The quirky, Halloween-themed inn suits Falling Leaves—the so-called the most haunted town in Virginia. After high school, Brandon left as quickly as he could. Now he’s a hotelier in Washington, DC. Falling Leaves is the last place he wants to be. But he keeps his promises. Before his mother’s death, he vowed he would renovate the inn and secure the most suitable buyer. That means hiring Ellis & Daughter. Being around Sabrina reminds him of their past love. It’s best for this job to wrap up quickly—before history can repeat itself.
Sabrina and Brandon butt heads over everything, from the budget to design choices. That spark is still there, whether they like it or not. When prospective buyers make assumptions about their relationship, they’re forced to pretend they’re dating. What should be a one-night farce, quickly turns into something more long-term when an emergency forces the buyers to stay in town.
Now they must convince the buyers as well as the town that they’re falling in love for a second time. Soon enough, the farce fades away. What they feel is real. But as renovations come to a close, Brandon’s old life intrudes. Will he run away again, or make the leap to make their fake relationship official?
Sabrina Ellis will do anything to keep her family construction business afloat. Even take on a renovation job from her first love turned worst enemy. Not that she has much of a choice. Sabrina will be flying solo as general contractor. This is the opportunity she’s been waiting for to take Ellis & Daughter to the next level.
The Peculiar Pumpkin has been in Brandon Blake’s family for two generations. The quirky, Halloween-themed inn suits Falling Leaves—the so-called the most haunted town in Virginia. After high school, Brandon left as quickly as he could. Now he’s a hotelier in Washington, DC. Falling Leaves is the last place he wants to be. But he keeps his promises. Before his mother’s death, he vowed he would renovate the inn and secure the most suitable buyer. That means hiring Ellis & Daughter. Being around Sabrina reminds him of their past love. It’s best for this job to wrap up quickly—before history can repeat itself.
Sabrina and Brandon butt heads over everything, from the budget to design choices. That spark is still there, whether they like it or not. When prospective buyers make assumptions about their relationship, they’re forced to pretend they’re dating. What should be a one-night farce, quickly turns into something more long-term when an emergency forces the buyers to stay in town.
Now they must convince the buyers as well as the town that they’re falling in love for a second time. Soon enough, the farce fades away. What they feel is real. But as renovations come to a close, Brandon’s old life intrudes. Will he run away again, or make the leap to make their fake relationship official?
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2024
About the author
Claudia Ambrose
6 books27 followersClaudia Ambrose has loved writing for as long as she can remember. BUILD YOU UP is her debut novel. When she's not writing, she lives in Virginia with her husband and far too many cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
October 10, 2024
“A renovation project will either bring first loves together again or make the break official.”
Lots of small town charm in this slow burn, closed door romance! And nice fall cozy vibes perfect for reading this Fall season!
I enjoyed the small town setting of Falling Leaves- perfect descriptions to be able to make you feel as if you are there. And I really liked all of the characters and the witty banter.
A light and enjoyable read to check out especially if you enjoy the second chance love trope!🩵
Thank you @sunnybabepr & @claudiaawriter for this #gifted e-copy!🫶🏼
Lots of small town charm in this slow burn, closed door romance! And nice fall cozy vibes perfect for reading this Fall season!
I enjoyed the small town setting of Falling Leaves- perfect descriptions to be able to make you feel as if you are there. And I really liked all of the characters and the witty banter.
A light and enjoyable read to check out especially if you enjoy the second chance love trope!🩵
Thank you @sunnybabepr & @claudiaawriter for this #gifted e-copy!🫶🏼
October 14, 2024
This is a cute spooky season romance with a bit of spice and a lot of buried feelings coming out. I loved all of the characters and their imperfections. The bad communication but they kept trying, the sassy interfering “biddies”, and the way the town leans into the spooky. It made my heart happy that it was starting to be revitalized. I didn’t feel a ton of sparks between the two main characters, but it was still a fun read. Also: can I get that pumpkin roll recipe? 😅
❤️ Tropes ❤️
💋 second chance romance
💋fake dating
💋 forced proximity
💋 small town romance
💋it was always you
💋small town girl/big city guy
Sabrina and her dad own a contracting business. They have a proposal for a big project that will help get them through the winter. But when they pull up, it’s to her ex’s place. He inherited the bed and breakfast his mom ran, that he couldn’t run away from fast enough. So fast he didn’t even say goodbye to here after graduation. After clinching the job, her dad shocks everyone when he informs them he is having surgery and she will be in charge of the project. She can be professional. Until the potential buyers catch Brandon helping her up after injuring herself and assume they are dating… and they roll with it. Fake dating never backfires.
Thank you to Sunny Babe PR for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
❤️ Tropes ❤️
💋 second chance romance
💋fake dating
💋 forced proximity
💋 small town romance
💋it was always you
💋small town girl/big city guy
Sabrina and her dad own a contracting business. They have a proposal for a big project that will help get them through the winter. But when they pull up, it’s to her ex’s place. He inherited the bed and breakfast his mom ran, that he couldn’t run away from fast enough. So fast he didn’t even say goodbye to here after graduation. After clinching the job, her dad shocks everyone when he informs them he is having surgery and she will be in charge of the project. She can be professional. Until the potential buyers catch Brandon helping her up after injuring herself and assume they are dating… and they roll with it. Fake dating never backfires.
Thank you to Sunny Babe PR for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
November 18, 2024
The book had cute Gilmore Girls meets HGTV vibes, but overall, it wasn’t for me. The romance felt forced which meant I didn’t buy their relationship, so it was hard to be invested.
Overall I didn’t connect or resonate with the book.
Overall I didn’t connect or resonate with the book.
September 10, 2024
I am thankful to have gotten the eARC for free from Sunny Babe PR and the author so I can leave my voluntary review.
This was such a sweet book that came at the perfect time to get into the fall cozy season.
I loved the town aesthetic which was reminiscent of Gilmore Girls which had a baby with a Halloween Hallmark Movie. While I love me some spice, I am glad this one was without it. It was a perfect “palate cleanser” after reading a dark romance on the opposite side of the spectrum. I was also able to read it in one sitting!
I loved the story arc of the Romance that took place. It seemed authentic and allowed you to get lost in the world the author created. I loved all the fall themed mentions. I could imagine siting at a pumpkin farm drinking warm apple cider whilst reading a book. It was great
The book comes out September 17th so preorder it now so you’ll have it asap!
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
This was such a sweet book that came at the perfect time to get into the fall cozy season.
I loved the town aesthetic which was reminiscent of Gilmore Girls which had a baby with a Halloween Hallmark Movie. While I love me some spice, I am glad this one was without it. It was a perfect “palate cleanser” after reading a dark romance on the opposite side of the spectrum. I was also able to read it in one sitting!
I loved the story arc of the Romance that took place. It seemed authentic and allowed you to get lost in the world the author created. I loved all the fall themed mentions. I could imagine siting at a pumpkin farm drinking warm apple cider whilst reading a book. It was great
The book comes out September 17th so preorder it now so you’ll have it asap!
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
October 17, 2024
This cute, cozy and fun book starts a little slow but I promise it is worth reading to the end. It is a second chance, found family, fake dating, behind closed doors romance, third act break up, and miscommunication romance novel.
Falling Leaves is a small Virginia town known for their Halloween themed ambiance. Sabrina is the daughter in the Ellis’s and Daughter construction company.
Brandon Blake has been a lifelong nemesis and ex-boyfriend. Brandon broke Sabrina’s heart after high school graduation, shortly after his father’s death. Brandon left Falling Leaves for college and a high paced job. Sabrina stayed because she loved the town.
Brandon returned to town to help care for his mother who died of cancer and left him the Peculiar Pumpkin, a quaint inn. The Pumpkin was in dire need of renovation that Ellis and Daughter were hired to do. Her father decided to tell her, he was going to have surgery the day she found out they were doing the renovation and she would have to work closely with Brandon. Sabrina still nursing a bruised ego and reputation was not happy about it. The Peculiar Pumpkin is up for sale and some potential buyers have come to stay, an catch Sabrina and Brandon in a situation that is misinterpreted by the buyers. This, begins the fake dating and the fun.
This quick and easy read has great banter and character development. I gave it 3.75 ⭐️rating. I recommend this book to those who want a cozy read that entertains.
(Falling Leaves, book #1)
Falling Leaves is a small Virginia town known for their Halloween themed ambiance. Sabrina is the daughter in the Ellis’s and Daughter construction company.
Brandon Blake has been a lifelong nemesis and ex-boyfriend. Brandon broke Sabrina’s heart after high school graduation, shortly after his father’s death. Brandon left Falling Leaves for college and a high paced job. Sabrina stayed because she loved the town.
Brandon returned to town to help care for his mother who died of cancer and left him the Peculiar Pumpkin, a quaint inn. The Pumpkin was in dire need of renovation that Ellis and Daughter were hired to do. Her father decided to tell her, he was going to have surgery the day she found out they were doing the renovation and she would have to work closely with Brandon. Sabrina still nursing a bruised ego and reputation was not happy about it. The Peculiar Pumpkin is up for sale and some potential buyers have come to stay, an catch Sabrina and Brandon in a situation that is misinterpreted by the buyers. This, begins the fake dating and the fun.
This quick and easy read has great banter and character development. I gave it 3.75 ⭐️rating. I recommend this book to those who want a cozy read that entertains.
(Falling Leaves, book #1)
October 8, 2024
If you’re looking for a cute, small-town romance with just the right amount of spooky season vibes, then you need to grab this one! Sabrina Ellis is trying to save her family’s construction business, and who waltzes back into her life? None other than her first love-turned-arch-nemesis, Brandon Blake. He’s back in Falling Leaves (a charming, haunted town in Virginia, no less) to renovate his family’s quirky inn, The Peculiar Pumpkin.
Let me tell you, the sparks fly immediately—between their banter and their renovation disagreements. You’ll be cracking up one moment over their squabbles about paint colors, and swooning the next when they’re forced to fake-date for the sake of a sale! And, of course, we know where that leads… feelings, anyone?
This story is packed with witty dialogue, small-town charm, and the perfect slow-burn romance. Plus, the Halloween setting just adds to the cozy, fun vibes. Watching Sabrina and Brandon navigate their past while building something new—literally and emotionally—was heartwarming and full of feels.
Build You Up is the perfect read for when you want something light, cute, and completely enjoyable! Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for a sweet second-chance romance with all the autumn feels!
Let me tell you, the sparks fly immediately—between their banter and their renovation disagreements. You’ll be cracking up one moment over their squabbles about paint colors, and swooning the next when they’re forced to fake-date for the sake of a sale! And, of course, we know where that leads… feelings, anyone?
This story is packed with witty dialogue, small-town charm, and the perfect slow-burn romance. Plus, the Halloween setting just adds to the cozy, fun vibes. Watching Sabrina and Brandon navigate their past while building something new—literally and emotionally—was heartwarming and full of feels.
Build You Up is the perfect read for when you want something light, cute, and completely enjoyable! Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for a sweet second-chance romance with all the autumn feels!
October 11, 2024
Give me all the autumnal romance vibes! This book was sweet, cozy, spooky, and truly just a lot of fun.
I love old houses and small towns (living in both myself) and this book has the best of both! It also features my favorite thing to do when I travel - ghost tours.
Sabrina and her dad’s close relationship warmed my heart because I also have a super close relationship with my own dad. It was endearing and adorable and I enjoyed their dialogue so much.
Brando and Sabby are so stubborn and definitely take a bit to come together— but it’s so worth it. I love their dynamic and really enjoyed their journey in finding their way back to one another. I’d say they’re less enemies to lovers and more on the end of rivals to lovers, and it totally works for the story.
The side characters are funny and chatty and give me Miss Patty/Babette from Gilmore Girls energy!
I also need to make pumpkin rolls like immediately. 🎃
Thank you to Sunny Babe PR for this eArc!
I love old houses and small towns (living in both myself) and this book has the best of both! It also features my favorite thing to do when I travel - ghost tours.
Sabrina and her dad’s close relationship warmed my heart because I also have a super close relationship with my own dad. It was endearing and adorable and I enjoyed their dialogue so much.
Brando and Sabby are so stubborn and definitely take a bit to come together— but it’s so worth it. I love their dynamic and really enjoyed their journey in finding their way back to one another. I’d say they’re less enemies to lovers and more on the end of rivals to lovers, and it totally works for the story.
The side characters are funny and chatty and give me Miss Patty/Babette from Gilmore Girls energy!
I also need to make pumpkin rolls like immediately. 🎃
Thank you to Sunny Babe PR for this eArc!
September 30, 2024
4/5 ⭐️
Thank you to Claudia Ambrose and Sunny Babe PR for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very adorable, closed-door, fall themed romance novel! Sabrina and Brandon are high school first loves who get a second chance with each other. This story is set in Falling Leaves a small town obsessed with fall and gossip. This is a perfect fall read that makes you want to eat a pumpkin dessert and curl up with a good book.
My biggest complaint is the epilogue fell flat in my opinion. It is set about 4-6 months after the main story wraps up. While we get some great nuggets of information about what is going on in our characters lives, I wanted more. I really prefer when it’s years in the future and we can see if our characters were able to fulfill all their goals and dreams.
Overall though it was a great story and perfect for fall!
Thank you to Claudia Ambrose and Sunny Babe PR for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very adorable, closed-door, fall themed romance novel! Sabrina and Brandon are high school first loves who get a second chance with each other. This story is set in Falling Leaves a small town obsessed with fall and gossip. This is a perfect fall read that makes you want to eat a pumpkin dessert and curl up with a good book.
My biggest complaint is the epilogue fell flat in my opinion. It is set about 4-6 months after the main story wraps up. While we get some great nuggets of information about what is going on in our characters lives, I wanted more. I really prefer when it’s years in the future and we can see if our characters were able to fulfill all their goals and dreams.
Overall though it was a great story and perfect for fall!
September 18, 2024
If you love a small town cozy romance, with no spice and with a handful of autumn vibes added in then this is a book for you.
“A renovation project will either bring first loves together again or make the break official.”
This book was so easy to read and the characters were so sweet, it was like a warm hug every time I picked up the book. Autumn is just my favourite season and this book is full to the brim with this season, I mean the town is even called falling leaves 🍂 🥰 I get the feeling there will definitely be a book two 🤞 as I really want to know what happens next 😂 4 stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“A renovation project will either bring first loves together again or make the break official.”
This book was so easy to read and the characters were so sweet, it was like a warm hug every time I picked up the book. Autumn is just my favourite season and this book is full to the brim with this season, I mean the town is even called falling leaves 🍂 🥰 I get the feeling there will definitely be a book two 🤞 as I really want to know what happens next 😂 4 stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 10, 2024
Thank you sunnybabepr for this arc!
Second chance romance between teenage first loves Sabrina and Brandon in a Gilmore Girls coded small town obsessed with fall and gossip, will the renovation project of the Peculiar Pumpkin (Brandon’s Halloween themed inn) bring them back together or make the break official?
This was a really cute quick fall read. Loved Sabrina’s tomboy strong female character.
Second chance romance between teenage first loves Sabrina and Brandon in a Gilmore Girls coded small town obsessed with fall and gossip, will the renovation project of the Peculiar Pumpkin (Brandon’s Halloween themed inn) bring them back together or make the break official?
This was a really cute quick fall read. Loved Sabrina’s tomboy strong female character.
October 15, 2024
Plot: 4📍
Spice: 0.5 ❤️🔥
Overall: 3.5 ⭐
I wanted to like this so much but it fell short for me.
This was a Black Cat FMC/Golden Retriever MMC story, but the FMC was just unlikeable to me. She had no sense of humor, came across as entirely brash and just rude instead of to-the-point and quirky. I did love that she was a general contractor and actually worked the site, made plans and designs, etc.
But while I struggled with most of the book, checking my progress frequently, the ending was just a massive turn off for me. There's a “miscommunication trope” that a.) isn't a miscommunication if the FMC had remembered the conversations she'd just had days earlier. And b.) there was no MIS-communication, as she just refused to even let the MMC speak at all.
Assumptions are the death of any relationship, and the FMC always assumed the worst of people.
I found no chemistry between the characters either. Yes, this is a closed door romances with only a few on-page smooches and those have hardly any discussion. But I mean the tension, the build-up, whitty banter or sweet nothings that make you want more. None. It seemed like just spiteful bickering until it wasn't.
If you're looking for wonderful CDR authors that still give butterflies, I'm not sure this is the one for me. But, maybe it is for you.
Spice: 0.5 ❤️🔥
Overall: 3.5 ⭐
I wanted to like this so much but it fell short for me.
This was a Black Cat FMC/Golden Retriever MMC story, but the FMC was just unlikeable to me. She had no sense of humor, came across as entirely brash and just rude instead of to-the-point and quirky. I did love that she was a general contractor and actually worked the site, made plans and designs, etc.
But while I struggled with most of the book, checking my progress frequently, the ending was just a massive turn off for me. There's a “miscommunication trope” that a.) isn't a miscommunication if the FMC had remembered the conversations she'd just had days earlier. And b.) there was no MIS-communication, as she just refused to even let the MMC speak at all.
Assumptions are the death of any relationship, and the FMC always assumed the worst of people.
I found no chemistry between the characters either. Yes, this is a closed door romances with only a few on-page smooches and those have hardly any discussion. But I mean the tension, the build-up, whitty banter or sweet nothings that make you want more. None. It seemed like just spiteful bickering until it wasn't.
If you're looking for wonderful CDR authors that still give butterflies, I'm not sure this is the one for me. But, maybe it is for you.
October 21, 2024
Thank you to Claudia + Sunny Babe PR for the eARC!
This book drew me in for the cozy fall read that has small town and light Halloween vibes.
I thought it was neat how the FMC was a general contractor and actually worked the job site! That's not something you typically see a FMC doing in romance novels.
Unfortunately, this fell a little short for me... I didn't feel that "pull" between the two characters as much as maybe the comfortability of knowing each other for so long and having done the relationship thing before. There is hesitancy considering there is heartbreak that needs navigating, but it felt more "settled" and "content" than “head over heels, I’m giving up what I want for you” type of love.
🏨 enemies to lovers
🍂 fake dating
🏨 second chance
🍂 small town
🏨 third person pov
🍂 closed door
This book drew me in for the cozy fall read that has small town and light Halloween vibes.
I thought it was neat how the FMC was a general contractor and actually worked the job site! That's not something you typically see a FMC doing in romance novels.
Unfortunately, this fell a little short for me... I didn't feel that "pull" between the two characters as much as maybe the comfortability of knowing each other for so long and having done the relationship thing before. There is hesitancy considering there is heartbreak that needs navigating, but it felt more "settled" and "content" than “head over heels, I’m giving up what I want for you” type of love.
🏨 enemies to lovers
🍂 fake dating
🏨 second chance
🍂 small town
🏨 third person pov
🍂 closed door
September 15, 2024
✨Build You Up by Claudia Ambrose✨ 4/5⭐️
ARC Review - Release Date - 17 Sept 2024
“You’re worth waiting for.”
✨A Glimpse of What to Expect:
Sabrina Ellis, of Ellis and Daughter, is willing to do what is necessary to keep her family’s construction business afloat. Even if that means taking a job from her first love who broke her heart. The Peculiar Pumpkin is a Halloween themed BNB located in the most haunted town in Virginia. While Brandon Blake would prefer to be anywhere but Falling Leaves, life had a different plan. Before his mother got sick and passed, he promised her he would fix up the old BNB and sell it to the most suitable buyer. That meant working with his ex and their breakup was anything but pretty. Sabrina and Brandon butt heads constantly, but when prospective buyers assume they are a couple, they agree to fake date for one night to help the deal. Unexpectedly, an emergency keeps the buyers in town longer than anticipated, so Brandon and Sabrina not only have to convince them they are a couple but also the noisy town. When sparks start to rekindle, will they figure out a way to come back together or will they repeat history?
✨My Thoughts:
Build You Up by Claudia Ambrose was such a cute read and perfect for the fall season!! Oh, how I wish the town of Falling Leaves was real! Someone please tell me where I can find a spooky Halloween themed Bed and Breakfast with a haunted tour and delicious pumpkin rolls 🙏🏼 I especially enjoyed the mysterious notes that appeared with cryptic messages throughout the book. I would have been spooked just like Brandon but I definitely would investigate! For those of you who aren’t a fan of spicy scenes, this is a closed door book making it perfect for you! This is a small town and second chance romance, and while I am normally not the biggest fan of second chance romance, I really enjoyed this one and I highly recommend this cozy fall romance read!!!
✨Tropes:
-Fake Dating
-Second Chance Romance
-Small Town Romance
-Halloween/Fall Vibes
-Spice Free Romance
Thank you @sunnybabepr and @ for this ARC opportunity! It was an amazing fall read! 💕
ARC Review - Release Date - 17 Sept 2024
“You’re worth waiting for.”
✨A Glimpse of What to Expect:
Sabrina Ellis, of Ellis and Daughter, is willing to do what is necessary to keep her family’s construction business afloat. Even if that means taking a job from her first love who broke her heart. The Peculiar Pumpkin is a Halloween themed BNB located in the most haunted town in Virginia. While Brandon Blake would prefer to be anywhere but Falling Leaves, life had a different plan. Before his mother got sick and passed, he promised her he would fix up the old BNB and sell it to the most suitable buyer. That meant working with his ex and their breakup was anything but pretty. Sabrina and Brandon butt heads constantly, but when prospective buyers assume they are a couple, they agree to fake date for one night to help the deal. Unexpectedly, an emergency keeps the buyers in town longer than anticipated, so Brandon and Sabrina not only have to convince them they are a couple but also the noisy town. When sparks start to rekindle, will they figure out a way to come back together or will they repeat history?
✨My Thoughts:
Build You Up by Claudia Ambrose was such a cute read and perfect for the fall season!! Oh, how I wish the town of Falling Leaves was real! Someone please tell me where I can find a spooky Halloween themed Bed and Breakfast with a haunted tour and delicious pumpkin rolls 🙏🏼 I especially enjoyed the mysterious notes that appeared with cryptic messages throughout the book. I would have been spooked just like Brandon but I definitely would investigate! For those of you who aren’t a fan of spicy scenes, this is a closed door book making it perfect for you! This is a small town and second chance romance, and while I am normally not the biggest fan of second chance romance, I really enjoyed this one and I highly recommend this cozy fall romance read!!!
✨Tropes:
-Fake Dating
-Second Chance Romance
-Small Town Romance
-Halloween/Fall Vibes
-Spice Free Romance
Thank you @sunnybabepr and @ for this ARC opportunity! It was an amazing fall read! 💕
October 12, 2024
Thank you Sunny Babe PR and Claudia for the ARC!
"Build You Up" by Claudia Ambrose is a charming, fall-themed romance that captures the magic of second chances and small-town life. The story centers on Sabrina Ellis, a determined contractor who is tasked with renovating an inn owned by her ex, Brandon Blake. The inn, known as The Peculiar Pumpkin, has been in Brandon's family for generations, and while he's desperate to sell it and move on, Sabrina sees this as the opportunity to save her family business.
The tension between Sabrina and Brandon is evident from the start, with their shared history of love and heartbreak hanging over every interaction. As they butt heads over design decisions and budgets, it’s clear their chemistry is far from dead. Forced to fake a relationship for the sake of prospective buyers, they soon find themselves rekindling what was lost, but old wounds and Brandon's desire to escape Falling Leaves threaten to undo everything.
Set in the quaint town of Falling Leaves, decorated in autumn hues and haunted by its own ghostly legends, the setting is perfect for readers looking for cozy, seasonal vibes. The small-town charm, coupled with the quirky traditions like pageants and gossiping neighbors, adds a layer of warmth to the novel.
While the romance eventually finds its rhythm, the beginning of the book focuses heavily on Sabrina and Brandon’s individual struggles with their businesses and personal lives, slowing the pacing. Readers who enjoy a slow-burn romance and second-chance love stories will find "Build You Up" satisfying, though some may wish for more focus on the central romance earlier on. Sabrina’s tough, no-nonsense personality pairs well with Brandon’s brooding, grief-stricken demeanor, making for a well-matched couple.
The closed-door spice keeps the focus on the emotional journey, and the ending delivers a satisfying conclusion to their story. This book is perfect for fans of small-town romances with a dash of Halloween mystery, and the potential for future books—especially one featuring Sabrina’s brother Caleb—adds to its charm.
"Build You Up" by Claudia Ambrose is a charming, fall-themed romance that captures the magic of second chances and small-town life. The story centers on Sabrina Ellis, a determined contractor who is tasked with renovating an inn owned by her ex, Brandon Blake. The inn, known as The Peculiar Pumpkin, has been in Brandon's family for generations, and while he's desperate to sell it and move on, Sabrina sees this as the opportunity to save her family business.
The tension between Sabrina and Brandon is evident from the start, with their shared history of love and heartbreak hanging over every interaction. As they butt heads over design decisions and budgets, it’s clear their chemistry is far from dead. Forced to fake a relationship for the sake of prospective buyers, they soon find themselves rekindling what was lost, but old wounds and Brandon's desire to escape Falling Leaves threaten to undo everything.
Set in the quaint town of Falling Leaves, decorated in autumn hues and haunted by its own ghostly legends, the setting is perfect for readers looking for cozy, seasonal vibes. The small-town charm, coupled with the quirky traditions like pageants and gossiping neighbors, adds a layer of warmth to the novel.
While the romance eventually finds its rhythm, the beginning of the book focuses heavily on Sabrina and Brandon’s individual struggles with their businesses and personal lives, slowing the pacing. Readers who enjoy a slow-burn romance and second-chance love stories will find "Build You Up" satisfying, though some may wish for more focus on the central romance earlier on. Sabrina’s tough, no-nonsense personality pairs well with Brandon’s brooding, grief-stricken demeanor, making for a well-matched couple.
The closed-door spice keeps the focus on the emotional journey, and the ending delivers a satisfying conclusion to their story. This book is perfect for fans of small-town romances with a dash of Halloween mystery, and the potential for future books—especially one featuring Sabrina’s brother Caleb—adds to its charm.
October 2, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Cute, Autumn Vibes/ Halloween romance novel!
This book was such a cute read for this time of year. The Book is set in a small town called Falling Leaves. The town is decorated with fall and Halloween decor giving you all the fall feels while reading. If you are looking for something sweet and cozy to read this would be a great option for you :)
This book is your typical small romance, second chance love trope, which I enjoy! The book started off a bit slow for me.. the begining didn’t catch my attention too much, a slow burn-ish. I was ready for the romance to start. Most of the chapters in the beginning focused on the past, the businesses (the pumpkin and elis and daughter) and the pagent. As a personal preference I hoped that there would be more focus on the second chance romance rather than other events occurring in the book. There were some parts that were suspenseful and made me a bit nervous haha (not in a bad way, you’ll see why).
I enjoyed the characters. Sabrina and Brandon were great mains. Sabrina is a Tom boy , the contractor and wood worker the daughter of the dad’s business. She is funny and gives off some attitude not letting people walk all over her. Unless it is her mother. Brandon is her childhood ex boyfriend.. he struggles with grief and loss and hates Falling Leaves.. he is a genuinely caring guy who cares for his friends , family and staff.
Overall, I think this book is a great read. I loved the ending and it made up for the slower beginning. It would be cute to see what happens after and perhaps at story about her brother Caleb.
Closed door spice.
Topics and Tropes:
- childhood boyfriend
- firsts
- ex lovers
- second chance
- small town
- enemies to lovers
- autumn / Halloween setting
- loss and grief
- Inn
- Suspense/ Creepy events
- Pageants
- Family & Friends
- Small town gossips
- heartbreak
Thank you Sunny Babe PR & Claudia for the ARC
Cute, Autumn Vibes/ Halloween romance novel!
This book was such a cute read for this time of year. The Book is set in a small town called Falling Leaves. The town is decorated with fall and Halloween decor giving you all the fall feels while reading. If you are looking for something sweet and cozy to read this would be a great option for you :)
This book is your typical small romance, second chance love trope, which I enjoy! The book started off a bit slow for me.. the begining didn’t catch my attention too much, a slow burn-ish. I was ready for the romance to start. Most of the chapters in the beginning focused on the past, the businesses (the pumpkin and elis and daughter) and the pagent. As a personal preference I hoped that there would be more focus on the second chance romance rather than other events occurring in the book. There were some parts that were suspenseful and made me a bit nervous haha (not in a bad way, you’ll see why).
I enjoyed the characters. Sabrina and Brandon were great mains. Sabrina is a Tom boy , the contractor and wood worker the daughter of the dad’s business. She is funny and gives off some attitude not letting people walk all over her. Unless it is her mother. Brandon is her childhood ex boyfriend.. he struggles with grief and loss and hates Falling Leaves.. he is a genuinely caring guy who cares for his friends , family and staff.
Overall, I think this book is a great read. I loved the ending and it made up for the slower beginning. It would be cute to see what happens after and perhaps at story about her brother Caleb.
Closed door spice.
Topics and Tropes:
- childhood boyfriend
- firsts
- ex lovers
- second chance
- small town
- enemies to lovers
- autumn / Halloween setting
- loss and grief
- Inn
- Suspense/ Creepy events
- Pageants
- Family & Friends
- Small town gossips
- heartbreak
Thank you Sunny Babe PR & Claudia for the ARC
October 12, 2024
ARC review/Book recommendation🍂🧡🍁:
Build you up by @Claudia Ambrose
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Topics throughout the book are:
🍂 Third person POV
🧡 second chance romance
🍁 Halloween shenanigans
🍂 fake dating
🧡 renovations
🍁 quirky small town
Summary🍂🧡🍁:
Ellis & Daughter has secured their largest contract yet, which will help keep their business afloat: the renovation of the Particular Pumpkin, a B&B owned by the Blake family for decades. Sabrina is determined to do whatever it takes to save her family’s business, even if it means working alongside her first love, turned worst enemy, Brandon Blake. Brandon, on the other hand, is focused on renovating the inn to sell it, hoping to leave the quirky town of Falling Leaves behind to open a mountain lodge. Will Sabrina and Brandon be able to set aside their differences to complete the project? And could working so closely reignite their old romance? Read to find out!
This book is one of the Falling Leaves Series and gives you a cozy fall, Gilmore girls, second chance and first love romcom vibes. It's a perfect introduction to the spooky season that is ahead of us! Book writing in third person is typically not my favorite. I honestly have a hard time getting through a novel, however, the writing style of this book was spectacular, it was captivating, it set the scene, the characters had banter. Overall, this was an easy read with a fall theme perfect for the chilling weather that’s coming in! Keep in mind that there are trigger warnings, so please review carefully. Available now on Kindle and Amazon!
Many thanks to Claudia and Sunny Babes PR for providing me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
#pumpkins #autumn #renovation #gilmoregirls #romancesbook #smalltown #secondchance #firstlove #sunnybabespr #fallvibes
Build you up by @Claudia Ambrose
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Topics throughout the book are:
🍂 Third person POV
🧡 second chance romance
🍁 Halloween shenanigans
🍂 fake dating
🧡 renovations
🍁 quirky small town
Summary🍂🧡🍁:
Ellis & Daughter has secured their largest contract yet, which will help keep their business afloat: the renovation of the Particular Pumpkin, a B&B owned by the Blake family for decades. Sabrina is determined to do whatever it takes to save her family’s business, even if it means working alongside her first love, turned worst enemy, Brandon Blake. Brandon, on the other hand, is focused on renovating the inn to sell it, hoping to leave the quirky town of Falling Leaves behind to open a mountain lodge. Will Sabrina and Brandon be able to set aside their differences to complete the project? And could working so closely reignite their old romance? Read to find out!
This book is one of the Falling Leaves Series and gives you a cozy fall, Gilmore girls, second chance and first love romcom vibes. It's a perfect introduction to the spooky season that is ahead of us! Book writing in third person is typically not my favorite. I honestly have a hard time getting through a novel, however, the writing style of this book was spectacular, it was captivating, it set the scene, the characters had banter. Overall, this was an easy read with a fall theme perfect for the chilling weather that’s coming in! Keep in mind that there are trigger warnings, so please review carefully. Available now on Kindle and Amazon!
Many thanks to Claudia and Sunny Babes PR for providing me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
#pumpkins #autumn #renovation #gilmoregirls #romancesbook #smalltown #secondchance #firstlove #sunnybabespr #fallvibes
October 14, 2024
Thank you @sunnybabepr for sending me a copy of this book. I’m a bit late on this ARC review due to a case of pneumonia, and I so appreciate Chloe and the author’s patience while I dealt with that.
This book thankfully better than the last few I’ve read, which was refreshing. There’s definitely readers who would love it, and I definitely enjoyed it overall. It, in my opinion, was a very lighthearted, fluffy fall read, which is exactly what I was hoping to get out of it. I didn’t have tons of strong emotions while reading, but that’s okay.
I would describe this book as Gilmore Girls meets Fixer Upper. There were a lot of rom-com-eque moments as well as a “mystery” aspect that while I felt was sort of obvious, was very cute. At times, the dialogue seemed a bit awkward, but the more you read, the more it kind of makes sense for the characters. It wasn’t bad enough to take away from the book much, and I would definitely read another book by this author, especially if it were another season-vibe read.
You should read this if:
🍁You’re looking for a fall cozy read
🍁You love Gilmore Girls/Fixer Upper
🍁You like a second-chance fluffy romance
TW, tropes, and things to know:
Second chance, childhood rivals-to-sweethearts, workplace, fall/halloween, alcohol, mentions divorce and parent cancer/heart issues/death, happily ever after
🌶️:None
This book thankfully better than the last few I’ve read, which was refreshing. There’s definitely readers who would love it, and I definitely enjoyed it overall. It, in my opinion, was a very lighthearted, fluffy fall read, which is exactly what I was hoping to get out of it. I didn’t have tons of strong emotions while reading, but that’s okay.
I would describe this book as Gilmore Girls meets Fixer Upper. There were a lot of rom-com-eque moments as well as a “mystery” aspect that while I felt was sort of obvious, was very cute. At times, the dialogue seemed a bit awkward, but the more you read, the more it kind of makes sense for the characters. It wasn’t bad enough to take away from the book much, and I would definitely read another book by this author, especially if it were another season-vibe read.
You should read this if:
🍁You’re looking for a fall cozy read
🍁You love Gilmore Girls/Fixer Upper
🍁You like a second-chance fluffy romance
TW, tropes, and things to know:
Second chance, childhood rivals-to-sweethearts, workplace, fall/halloween, alcohol, mentions divorce and parent cancer/heart issues/death, happily ever after
🌶️:None
October 18, 2024
Thank you to Sunny Babe PR for the ARC.
Plot 3.5/5
Characters 3.5/5
Ending 3.5/5
Interest 3.5/5
Overall 3.5/5
-A very average book in my opinion. Nothing was really wrong with this book but it just wasn’t right up my alley. Romances in general aren’t my perfect cup of tea even though I enjoy the from time to time. But if I have to admit, this book wasn’t all that fun or interesting to read. There was potential to add a small mystery side plot with the autumn vibes but that wasn’t taken advantage of. So that kind of disappointed me.
-I liked the fact that the characters weren’t the typical romance book characters. They have different jobs than what I am used to read in these types of books. Especially small towns, where they are usually farmers of something in that range. Additionally, I’m still confused as to what happened between them in the past and how they reacted certain ways.
-I’m not really sure how to feel about the ending. In a way I’m glad that these characters got their happily ever after but when the book started, they wanted completely different things out of life. In the end, they ended up together and changed their minds about what they wanted and it felt either unrealistic, or they tried to settle for something else or even they were so in love that they were blinded.
Plot 3.5/5
Characters 3.5/5
Ending 3.5/5
Interest 3.5/5
Overall 3.5/5
-A very average book in my opinion. Nothing was really wrong with this book but it just wasn’t right up my alley. Romances in general aren’t my perfect cup of tea even though I enjoy the from time to time. But if I have to admit, this book wasn’t all that fun or interesting to read. There was potential to add a small mystery side plot with the autumn vibes but that wasn’t taken advantage of. So that kind of disappointed me.
-I liked the fact that the characters weren’t the typical romance book characters. They have different jobs than what I am used to read in these types of books. Especially small towns, where they are usually farmers of something in that range. Additionally, I’m still confused as to what happened between them in the past and how they reacted certain ways.
-I’m not really sure how to feel about the ending. In a way I’m glad that these characters got their happily ever after but when the book started, they wanted completely different things out of life. In the end, they ended up together and changed their minds about what they wanted and it felt either unrealistic, or they tried to settle for something else or even they were so in love that they were blinded.
October 12, 2024
Another new to me author thanks to Sunny Babe PR
I absolutely love finding new to me authors.
This is an adorable small-town romance with a bit of spooky season built right in! I am the town is named Falling Leaves!
This is perfect if you are looking for something light, and absolutely adorable.
I appreciated that it was fall themed and closed doored. I never know what I may run into when reading a second chance romance, but this one had Gilmore girl small town, obsessed with town gossip and fall vibes. The book made me want to curl up with the story and a blanket along with a cup of cinnamon spiced chai!
I loved the town, the characters, mysterious notes and cryptic messages. I too was a tomboy, so I adored having a tomboy FMC! Loved that she could do things are her own, there is nothing wrong with being able to get your hands dirty and fix it on your own.
This was sent to me as an advanced readers copy. I would like to thank Sunny babe PR and the author for the opportunity to read and give my honest opinion
I think that I sensed that there may be a book two, if so, I am ready for it!
Thank you to Sunnybabe PR and the author Claudia Ambrose for the ARC and opportunity to offer my honest opinion.
I absolutely love finding new to me authors.
This is an adorable small-town romance with a bit of spooky season built right in! I am the town is named Falling Leaves!
This is perfect if you are looking for something light, and absolutely adorable.
I appreciated that it was fall themed and closed doored. I never know what I may run into when reading a second chance romance, but this one had Gilmore girl small town, obsessed with town gossip and fall vibes. The book made me want to curl up with the story and a blanket along with a cup of cinnamon spiced chai!
I loved the town, the characters, mysterious notes and cryptic messages. I too was a tomboy, so I adored having a tomboy FMC! Loved that she could do things are her own, there is nothing wrong with being able to get your hands dirty and fix it on your own.
This was sent to me as an advanced readers copy. I would like to thank Sunny babe PR and the author for the opportunity to read and give my honest opinion
I think that I sensed that there may be a book two, if so, I am ready for it!
Thank you to Sunnybabe PR and the author Claudia Ambrose for the ARC and opportunity to offer my honest opinion.
October 13, 2024
Book Review: Build You Up by Claudia Ambrose
This is a first read for me by this author but it won’t be the last I am looking forward to what is next in the series. It’s a perfect cozy fall read. It is in third person which I tend to not read but I really enjoyed this book. It’s got all the elements of a Hallmark story meets Gilmore Girls small town and an Inn. It’s a closed door romance and it was just so sweet. I loved how the story unfolded former first loves pretending to fake date after a misunderstanding that leads to something else it was so well done and relatable. I just got finished with a fantasy novel and a dark romance so it was the perfect little read to enjoy! It’s also a quick read I had it done in a few hours.
Beautifully written, rich world building, deep characters and connections with them, and a small town I want to go explore on Halloween!!! There is a small mystery and some tender sweet moments along with emotional hurts from the past. It was a great story and how the characters grew and learned to trust each other and realized that maybe their love story wasn’t over.
🏘️Small Town
🥰First Love
🎃Halloween Shenanigans
🔨Renovation Romance
💕Second Chance
👩❤️👨Fake Dating
🫣Spice Free
This is a first read for me by this author but it won’t be the last I am looking forward to what is next in the series. It’s a perfect cozy fall read. It is in third person which I tend to not read but I really enjoyed this book. It’s got all the elements of a Hallmark story meets Gilmore Girls small town and an Inn. It’s a closed door romance and it was just so sweet. I loved how the story unfolded former first loves pretending to fake date after a misunderstanding that leads to something else it was so well done and relatable. I just got finished with a fantasy novel and a dark romance so it was the perfect little read to enjoy! It’s also a quick read I had it done in a few hours.
Beautifully written, rich world building, deep characters and connections with them, and a small town I want to go explore on Halloween!!! There is a small mystery and some tender sweet moments along with emotional hurts from the past. It was a great story and how the characters grew and learned to trust each other and realized that maybe their love story wasn’t over.
🏘️Small Town
🥰First Love
🎃Halloween Shenanigans
🔨Renovation Romance
💕Second Chance
👩❤️👨Fake Dating
🫣Spice Free
September 11, 2024
My rating 4.5/5 ✨
This book was just everything for me. The first 2 chapters made me feel like maybe this isn't for me but I'm soooo glad i stayed with the story because 5 chapters in and i was absolutely invested. Sabrina and Brandon's relationship is just so realistic with no unnecessary drama. The character development of both the protags throughout the story was very visible and i loved it. Falling Leaves, the town where the story is set in, made me fall in love with itself and its people because what do u mean y'all organise pageants every year and there's a Halloween decoration competition between all the houses???? I'm moving there asap.
The story revolves around Brandon and Sabrina who were once rivals, then dated only for things to go south and they again end up harbouring hate for each other. They do their best to avoid running into each other but they are brought together when Brandon's old inn has to be renovated under Sabrina's renovation company.
Build You Up is a beautifully written simple story about love and everything it takes to stay together. From the cozy autumn vibes to crazy characters, this story has it all and i ABSOLUTELY loved it.
This book was just everything for me. The first 2 chapters made me feel like maybe this isn't for me but I'm soooo glad i stayed with the story because 5 chapters in and i was absolutely invested. Sabrina and Brandon's relationship is just so realistic with no unnecessary drama. The character development of both the protags throughout the story was very visible and i loved it. Falling Leaves, the town where the story is set in, made me fall in love with itself and its people because what do u mean y'all organise pageants every year and there's a Halloween decoration competition between all the houses???? I'm moving there asap.
The story revolves around Brandon and Sabrina who were once rivals, then dated only for things to go south and they again end up harbouring hate for each other. They do their best to avoid running into each other but they are brought together when Brandon's old inn has to be renovated under Sabrina's renovation company.
Build You Up is a beautifully written simple story about love and everything it takes to stay together. From the cozy autumn vibes to crazy characters, this story has it all and i ABSOLUTELY loved it.
October 7, 2024
First off thank you to sunnybabepr and Claudia Ambrose for sending me this ARC in exchange for my review.
If you like Gilmore Girls, small towns with a little mystery, and everything Halloween then you will love this book.
Sabrina, a small town contractor gets tricked into renovating her ex Brandon’s Halloween—themed inn. She is not one to back down on a challenge so she accepts the offer knowing that he has plans to sell the inn once the renovations are complete. She thinks he’s leaving anyways so what’s the big deal. Well throw in some unexpected twists and turns and we are left with Sabrina and Brandon fake dating to help sell the inn to the only buyer that Brandon has lined up.
The writing was funny and light hearted. The small town feels were all there down to the old biddies that know everything about everyone and keep the gossip going in the town.
The book was just a bit PG-13 for my liking but if you are looking for a book with low spice then this is for you. This is the perfect book to read on your weekend away while seeing the fall foliage.
If you like Gilmore Girls, small towns with a little mystery, and everything Halloween then you will love this book.
Sabrina, a small town contractor gets tricked into renovating her ex Brandon’s Halloween—themed inn. She is not one to back down on a challenge so she accepts the offer knowing that he has plans to sell the inn once the renovations are complete. She thinks he’s leaving anyways so what’s the big deal. Well throw in some unexpected twists and turns and we are left with Sabrina and Brandon fake dating to help sell the inn to the only buyer that Brandon has lined up.
The writing was funny and light hearted. The small town feels were all there down to the old biddies that know everything about everyone and keep the gossip going in the town.
The book was just a bit PG-13 for my liking but if you are looking for a book with low spice then this is for you. This is the perfect book to read on your weekend away while seeing the fall foliage.
October 8, 2024
Build You Up by Claudia Ambrose is the first book in the Falling Leaves series and this is a cozy close door romance with Sabrina and Brandon .
Brandon left Fallen Leaves shortly after his father died and left a broken hearted Sabrina behind. Brandon returns years later to spend time with his mother before she dies. He wants to sell the Peculiar Pumpkin but he made a promise to his mother that he will stay in Fallen Leaves to renovate the inn and find a suitable buyer.
Sabrina doesn't want to leave Fallen Leaves and she will do anything to keep her family business. She will even take a renovation job from her first love turned enemy.
This was a quick, cozy Fall read. I love the small town community, the gossip, the town's meddling and the Halloween vibes. I love the chemistry between Brandon and Sabrina and this second change love was done so well. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
This is a Small Town romance with first love, Halloween Shenanigans, Renovation Romance, Second Change and Fake Dating.
Thank you Sunny Babe PR and Claudia Ambrose for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review .
Brandon left Fallen Leaves shortly after his father died and left a broken hearted Sabrina behind. Brandon returns years later to spend time with his mother before she dies. He wants to sell the Peculiar Pumpkin but he made a promise to his mother that he will stay in Fallen Leaves to renovate the inn and find a suitable buyer.
Sabrina doesn't want to leave Fallen Leaves and she will do anything to keep her family business. She will even take a renovation job from her first love turned enemy.
This was a quick, cozy Fall read. I love the small town community, the gossip, the town's meddling and the Halloween vibes. I love the chemistry between Brandon and Sabrina and this second change love was done so well. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
This is a Small Town romance with first love, Halloween Shenanigans, Renovation Romance, Second Change and Fake Dating.
Thank you Sunny Babe PR and Claudia Ambrose for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review .
October 11, 2024
The layers! The setting has all the typical small-town elements you love - It's rumored to be haunted, so of course the B&B is called the Pecular Pumpkin and specializes in pumpkin rolls. There's a group of nosy ladies who have an official group name. And everyone is very conscious that everyone knows everything about everyone.
That comfortable setting belies two adults trying to navigate some trying times. Sabrina's father waits until the last minute to tell her he needs knee-replacement surgery so she has to lead a construction project with her high school rival-turned-sweetheart who traumatically ghosted her after graduation.
Meanwhile, Brandon's mother recently passed, so he's renovating her B&B to sell it and get back to his life away from his hometown.
Of course, it's not that simple. Push in fake dating, forced proximity, longing, and low/no spice, and well... you've just got to read it see what happens next. Claudia strikes the perfect balance between the fun and the serious in these tropes.
Thank you, Sunny Babe PR, for sending me a copy of this book!
Overall rating: 4⭐
Spice: Cozy
Tropes: Fake dating, small town, second chance, spooky vibes/"mystery"
That comfortable setting belies two adults trying to navigate some trying times. Sabrina's father waits until the last minute to tell her he needs knee-replacement surgery so she has to lead a construction project with her high school rival-turned-sweetheart who traumatically ghosted her after graduation.
Meanwhile, Brandon's mother recently passed, so he's renovating her B&B to sell it and get back to his life away from his hometown.
Of course, it's not that simple. Push in fake dating, forced proximity, longing, and low/no spice, and well... you've just got to read it see what happens next. Claudia strikes the perfect balance between the fun and the serious in these tropes.
Thank you, Sunny Babe PR, for sending me a copy of this book!
Overall rating: 4⭐
Spice: Cozy
Tropes: Fake dating, small town, second chance, spooky vibes/"mystery"
October 11, 2024
Thank you, @sunnybabepr and @claudiaawriter for this ARC!
This was such a fun Autumn/Halloween romance! It had all the cozy vibes you’d want for this time of year! I loved Sabrina and her chemistry with Brandon. Their complicated, long history creates a lot of tension when they’re forced to work together on renovating Brandon’s family-owned inn.
The quirky, Halloween-themed inn, The Peculiar Pumpkin, in the town of Falling Leaves was a perfect setting for an Autumn romance, and I found it so cute and charming!
I was really invested in the characters and couldn’t wait to keep turning the page to see what would become of Sabrina and Brandon, especially when they were forced to fake date. I looked forward to every moment between them, and their interactions had a lot of sparks and tension. I found myself laughing often over their witty banter and how they liked to drive each other crazy. It’s a great, quick read that will give you all the cozy Autumn feels!
If you like:
🍁 Second Chance
🍂 High School Sweethearts
🍁 Small Town
🍂 Renovation Romance
🍁 Fake Dating
🍂 Cozy Fall & Halloween Vibes
🍁 Spice Free
…Then this is a book for you!!
This was such a fun Autumn/Halloween romance! It had all the cozy vibes you’d want for this time of year! I loved Sabrina and her chemistry with Brandon. Their complicated, long history creates a lot of tension when they’re forced to work together on renovating Brandon’s family-owned inn.
The quirky, Halloween-themed inn, The Peculiar Pumpkin, in the town of Falling Leaves was a perfect setting for an Autumn romance, and I found it so cute and charming!
I was really invested in the characters and couldn’t wait to keep turning the page to see what would become of Sabrina and Brandon, especially when they were forced to fake date. I looked forward to every moment between them, and their interactions had a lot of sparks and tension. I found myself laughing often over their witty banter and how they liked to drive each other crazy. It’s a great, quick read that will give you all the cozy Autumn feels!
If you like:
🍁 Second Chance
🍂 High School Sweethearts
🍁 Small Town
🍂 Renovation Romance
🍁 Fake Dating
🍂 Cozy Fall & Halloween Vibes
🍁 Spice Free
…Then this is a book for you!!
October 13, 2024
arc read review
Falling Leaves *:･ﾟ
Sabrina Ellis will do anything to keep her family construction business afloat. Even take on a renovation job from her first love turned worst enemy. Not that she has much of a choice. After high school, Brandon left as quickly as he could. Now he’s a hotelier in Washington, DC. Falling Leaves is the last place he wants to be. But he keeps his promises. Before his mother’s death, he vowed he would renovate the inn and secure the most suitable buyer. That means hiring Ellis & Daughter. Will he run away again, or make the leap to make their fake relationship official?
When I saw that @ had a fall read with Gilmore Girls/cozy vibes I was all in !!
Brando & Sabby are the cutest couple to ever rekindle. Neither one ever stood a chance honestly.
From Sabrina’s relationship with her dad, best friend Eleanor, and even Carlos. (loved the bits of Spanish btw). To “The Biddies” aka the town gossip mill. This was honestly the best introduction to fall. 4⭐️
Please read if you love
♡ small town romance
♡ enemies to lovers
♡ fake dating
♡ second chance love
Falling Leaves *:･ﾟ
Sabrina Ellis will do anything to keep her family construction business afloat. Even take on a renovation job from her first love turned worst enemy. Not that she has much of a choice. After high school, Brandon left as quickly as he could. Now he’s a hotelier in Washington, DC. Falling Leaves is the last place he wants to be. But he keeps his promises. Before his mother’s death, he vowed he would renovate the inn and secure the most suitable buyer. That means hiring Ellis & Daughter. Will he run away again, or make the leap to make their fake relationship official?
When I saw that @ had a fall read with Gilmore Girls/cozy vibes I was all in !!
Brando & Sabby are the cutest couple to ever rekindle. Neither one ever stood a chance honestly.
From Sabrina’s relationship with her dad, best friend Eleanor, and even Carlos. (loved the bits of Spanish btw). To “The Biddies” aka the town gossip mill. This was honestly the best introduction to fall. 4⭐️
Please read if you love
♡ small town romance
♡ enemies to lovers
♡ fake dating
♡ second chance love
September 15, 2024
Thank you to Sunnybabe PR for my free copy.
Sabrina Ellis avoids Brandon Blake as much as possibly since he left town after graduation with only a text. He has been back a few times since but she tries not to interact with him. Now, she must work with him to renovate his family’s Bed and Breakfast The Peculiar Pumpkin. With Sabrina’s dad out of commission, she has to work with Brandon alone and hopefully not get sucked back into the relationship they once had. Brandon is ready to get out of Falling Leaves, Virginia again. He is only here to make sure the Pumpkin gets renovated like his mom wanted and then he can sell and be gone. But seeing Sabrina again and interacting with her sparks something. But then, potential new buyers think they are together so to make sure they won’t back out Brandon asks Sabrina to pretend to be his girlfriend. Sparks fly between them , but will they get their hearts broken again? What happens when Brandon sells and he goes back to Washington DC?
I love a good reno especially in a fall/halloween themed town. It was fun to see a woman contractor and have her dad’s full support, even renaming the business to Ellis and Daughter. I liked Sabrina and Brandon both and thought they were cute together. The other characters were interesting too. I like the sheriff who is also Sabrina’s roommate. The one thing I am unsure about is it didn’t seem like Sabrina and Brandon ever really talked about him leaving with just a text message. That was a big deal for Sabrina so not to really address it was odd to me. Overall a cute fun fall romance read!
Sabrina Ellis avoids Brandon Blake as much as possibly since he left town after graduation with only a text. He has been back a few times since but she tries not to interact with him. Now, she must work with him to renovate his family’s Bed and Breakfast The Peculiar Pumpkin. With Sabrina’s dad out of commission, she has to work with Brandon alone and hopefully not get sucked back into the relationship they once had. Brandon is ready to get out of Falling Leaves, Virginia again. He is only here to make sure the Pumpkin gets renovated like his mom wanted and then he can sell and be gone. But seeing Sabrina again and interacting with her sparks something. But then, potential new buyers think they are together so to make sure they won’t back out Brandon asks Sabrina to pretend to be his girlfriend. Sparks fly between them , but will they get their hearts broken again? What happens when Brandon sells and he goes back to Washington DC?
I love a good reno especially in a fall/halloween themed town. It was fun to see a woman contractor and have her dad’s full support, even renaming the business to Ellis and Daughter. I liked Sabrina and Brandon both and thought they were cute together. The other characters were interesting too. I like the sheriff who is also Sabrina’s roommate. The one thing I am unsure about is it didn’t seem like Sabrina and Brandon ever really talked about him leaving with just a text message. That was a big deal for Sabrina so not to really address it was odd to me. Overall a cute fun fall romance read!
October 11, 2024
Build You Up by Claudia Ambrose
•Small Town Romance
•Second Chance
•Fake Dating
•Closed Door
This is a small town romance story focusing on Sabrina Ellis and Brandon Blake, their second chance story. I loved that Sabrina was the one who worked on the construction side of things and really showed how tough she was but then showed a softer side with Brandon. On the flip side I love that Brandon was a little bit of a scaredy cat but felt strong and confident when with Sabrina.
It’s giving Gilmore girls but mixed with a renovation show. I loved the small town vibe throughout this book and the whole town working together or getting in everyone’s business. It was just a cute story, perfect for fall. The whole time I was reading it I felt like I could see a movie playing out in my head. It was easy to get sucked in and enjoy the ride.
Also, a huge thanks to Sunny Babe PR for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review. 💛
•Small Town Romance
•Second Chance
•Fake Dating
•Closed Door
This is a small town romance story focusing on Sabrina Ellis and Brandon Blake, their second chance story. I loved that Sabrina was the one who worked on the construction side of things and really showed how tough she was but then showed a softer side with Brandon. On the flip side I love that Brandon was a little bit of a scaredy cat but felt strong and confident when with Sabrina.
It’s giving Gilmore girls but mixed with a renovation show. I loved the small town vibe throughout this book and the whole town working together or getting in everyone’s business. It was just a cute story, perfect for fall. The whole time I was reading it I felt like I could see a movie playing out in my head. It was easy to get sucked in and enjoy the ride.
Also, a huge thanks to Sunny Babe PR for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review. 💛
October 12, 2024
ARC Book Review
As a Halloween/Fall LOVER this book was right up my alley. I wanna find a Halloween themed inn to stay at ASAP lol! For those who prefer spice free reads that are heartwarming this is a good pick for you.
While trying to keep her family’s construction business afloat Sabrina gets thrown off guard when her old flame turned enemy comes back into her life. Pretty much the last thing either of them needed. Brandon came back to save his family's failing inn The Peculiar Pumpkin (such a cute name!) and get out of Falling Leaves ASAP. They disagreed right and left about everything which was definitely entertaining. There's obvious feelings still there between the two.
This book had me chuckling and going "aww" all at the same time. Claudia Ambrose definitely has a great sense of humor and it showed in her writing! I really enjoyed the story and the small town she built! I can't wait for more in Falling Leaves!
Thank you Sunnybabepr for sending me a copy of this book!
As a Halloween/Fall LOVER this book was right up my alley. I wanna find a Halloween themed inn to stay at ASAP lol! For those who prefer spice free reads that are heartwarming this is a good pick for you.
While trying to keep her family’s construction business afloat Sabrina gets thrown off guard when her old flame turned enemy comes back into her life. Pretty much the last thing either of them needed. Brandon came back to save his family's failing inn The Peculiar Pumpkin (such a cute name!) and get out of Falling Leaves ASAP. They disagreed right and left about everything which was definitely entertaining. There's obvious feelings still there between the two.
This book had me chuckling and going "aww" all at the same time. Claudia Ambrose definitely has a great sense of humor and it showed in her writing! I really enjoyed the story and the small town she built! I can't wait for more in Falling Leaves!
Thank you Sunnybabepr for sending me a copy of this book!
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