What if one masked encounter could crack open a heart long sealed?
Maeve Carter knows the safety of sarcasm and solitude—especially in October, when her little bookstore glows with pumpkin candles and faux cobwebs. But a friend’s insistence drags her to a Halloween masquerade, where a chance meeting in lace and shadows leaves her unexpectedly unguarded.
He’s a quiet craftsman who prefers carving wood to crowded rooms, yet something about her quick wit and hidden kindness pulls him into her orbit. In that dimly lit world of masks and moonlight, they share moments that feel far more honest than any they’ve lived before.
Back in the real world, their paths cross again in texts and tentative invitations—coffee, late-night banter, a shared pastry—each small step a test of their courage. She battles old fears; he wrestles with ghosts of his own past. Yet each gesture, each gift left on a doorstep or whispered in a workshop, chips away at the walls they’ve built.
When misunderstanding and mistrust threaten to undo them, it’s the quiet bravery of unmasking that proves the deepest magic isn’t in grand gestures, but in showing up—again and again—for the chance at something real.
In a story carved piece by piece, Maeve and Eli discover that the truest kind of love is the one you choose to brave.
Kiva Hart is a passionate romance author known for her ability to weave steamy, heart-pounding love stories with unforgettable characters. With a love for exploring intense chemistry, forbidden romance, and emotional conflict, Kiva creates stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Whether it's enemies turning into lovers, brooding heroes falling for bright-eyed heroines, or love blossoming in the most unexpected circumstances, Kiva’s books are filled with sizzling tension and heart-stopping moments.
This was a very cute quick read you get you get a couple I've said a desk and knowing how I feel when I go into a bookstore I want to stay there for a long time looking to see if I can find something extraordinary so bring me a coffee pumpkin spice would be nice and a nice cozy chair to curl up in I hope to see y'all there.
The perfect cute romance that makes you want to cuddle up with a pumpkin spice late and a fuzzy blanket on the couch. It was such a cute short read and exactly what I needed to get me in the fall mood already.
I was lucky enough to be picked as an ARC reader for this adorable little story
Eli and Maeve are very cute together. They are both such sweet characters and they fit together like a puzzle. I had a lot of sympathy for both characters and their past experiences I just wanted them to be happy. I loved all the Halloweeny references and vibes. Really got me into the mood for the season.
My small nitpick would be that at times I thought it was slightly repetitive and that I thought the book was over over a few times before it finally ended. Otherwise it was a cute little, feel good story, that makes you wanna cozy up with a blanket and a pumpkin spice latte. Perfect for the fall season.
I enjoyed the premise of this book, but I feel a developmental editor would have helped it go a long way. There were multiple chapters where it felt like the movie Groundhogs’s Day. The smell of buildings and rooms was repeated incessantly (cinnamon and book pages or cedar)and I found several parts where an issue was resolved but the next chapter discussed it like a brand new issue. It was very confusing and inconsistent.
This book is about two guarded introverts who fall in love despite their best efforts. They’re both awkward and anti-social and their banter really reflects that. I wish we had gotten more on their first meeting, especially with how much it impacted them for the rest of the book. While I enjoyed this book as a quick, cozy fall read, it did have its challenges.
There’s a lot of confusing inconsistencies and what seems to be continuity errors. For instance, when they leave the coffee shop in chapter 6 it says “She turned and walked away… Eli watched her go.” and then he pulls out his phone and texts his sister. Chapter 7 begins with Maeve stepping out of the coffee shop and then “she stared at the spot where Eli had disappeared down Main Street.” So he stood and watched her walk away but somehow she also stood and watched him walk away? There were several points in the story where the timeline of things didn’t seem to line up or wasn’t very clear.
I wish I could’ve liked this more. It was quick and easy and fun but I found the timeline of the book a bit confusing and also there was a point where I thought the characters had realized they were who they met at the party but then they didn’t discover it actually until chapters later, that was confusing
I thought this was a cute short read. Halloween is always a fun time of year. And I thought it was sweet that both Eli and Maeve were coerced into going to a Halloween party. Both coming from relationships that left them feeling like the last thing they wanted was to do it again. They meet, they like each others company. But both were wearing costumes that made them unknown. The mystery! Once they figure it out though they move into conversations and find they enjoy spending time together. Overall is was cute and short.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A sweet Halloween themed clean Romance set in a smalltown. A bookstore owner meets a carpenter at a Halloween party. Both not ready to start anything new. Meeting again by fate or coincidence at her book store they decide to give it a shot. With a little misunderstanding, a lot of feelings, and honesty they make it work. It's a sweet, fall novella about real feelings. I thought this book was done very well, though I was confused with the timeliness. I wasn't sure if it was jumping back & forth between the duet or if I had missed something. The story & plot were great. I loved the smalltown cozy fall feel. This is the ONLY miscommunication trope that I've ever liked. I loved the banter between the characters!
This was a cute, short read that gets you into the Halloween spirit! I loved the dialogues between the characters and the witty banter. Mauve’s best friend and Eli’s sister were great side characters who were rooting for them the entire story! I also really like how the female main character owns a bookstore and enjoys books as much as I do!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Was this novella edited before it was published? There were blatant inconsistencies, a weird time line, a HUGE plot hole, and the similes and metaphors. Don’t get me started. Eli was Eli Torres in the beginning of the book and was Eli Whittaker half way through. Maeve told him at the party she was a librarian, turns out, she owns a book store! We learn Elis wife died, and HE NEVER TELLS MAEVE. If I read, “a plot twist she wasn’t expecting” it will be too soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
In a world of rom-coms that look sweet and are total trash both with language and content— I will take this kind of story with all of its predictable tropes and cliches… fun, light and perfect for seasonal reading.
I found this book to be very enchanting with the story taking place in October and there being Halloween candy, parties, and the bookstore hosting events like trivia and scavenger hunts for kids. I also enjoyed the banter between Maeve and Eli it was very cute and on point with the way they act when they trying to be "ghosts". I like that Eli and Maeve had all of the meet cutes throughout this book between them talking at the party his sister threw, him coming into her store and asking about books for his niece and for book recommendations for himself because he isn't big into horror books (horror isn't for everyone) the day after said party and going out for coffee (wasn't a date) they were just two people wanting to talk over coffee and scones but her realism is what catches him off guard at the coffee shop. I was swooning over these two. This is an easy 5 star read because it reads like a Hallmark movie. This book left in a good mood after I finished it because it gave me everything, I like in a feel-good romance novel I read it for the vibes, and I like a good second chance love story. I would definitely reread this one for the vibes and banter alone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I can’t with the writing style. It’s packed with similes and metaphors and it was exhausting.
And the fall theme… we get it. It’s autumn. Everything smells like cinnamon. It’s mentioned at least ten times, I counted after chapter 6. The book is only 136 pages. Enough already.
Overall, this could’ve been a sweet, light read, but the over-the-top writing and repetitive imagery made it more of a slog than a treat.
Maeve has had her heart broken in the past, so it's no surprise that she's guarded her heart with something more durable than spider webs. Thankfully she has her best friend Jules there to push her out of her comfort zone.
Eli, also suffering from his own type of heart break, is hesitant to get back out into the dating scene. His sister has other plans though.
Maeve and Eli meet at a Halloween party, complete with Masquerade masks. They officially meet when Eli visits Maude's bookstore in search of a book for his niece. This storyline follows your traditional meet cute but add some HalloweenTown vibes- going through the ebbs and flows of two people trying to move passed their own insecurities from past relationships and build a new one together. The book is written from both Maeve and Eli's perspectives, giving readers full insight to how both characters are feeling throughout the book.
Some inconsistencies that drove me somewhat crazy:
1. Eli sounds like my type of man- bearded, flannel wearing, thoughtful, reads... who wouldn't want a man like that? But when his niece, Rosie, refers to him as looking "hot" for the Halloween party- it gave me the ick.
2. In chapter 3, Maeve walks away from Eli, leaving the party and misses seeing Eli's face, as he has removed his mask. Perspective changes and now his mask is back on??
3. Also in chapter 3, Rosies is described as being 11 years old, but when Eli visits Maeve's store in chapter 4 she's 10.
4. Eli visits Maeve's bookstore twice in one day in Chapter 4 because Rosie has read through the first book he picked up... he's also changed outfits. First, that's some fast reading, but believable. What I find less believable is that he's changed outfits. It's a small detail, but still.
5. There's mention about Maeve giving Eli her number, but no mention (that I could find) about him giving her his number. But out of the blue now Maeve is texting Eli first?? Maybe the reader is supposed to assume that they've been texting about books and pastries intermittently since he got her number and it just isn't mentioned at all.
6. Eli's name discrepancy... I thought we might be talking about a 2nd man with, ironically, the same first name... but I think it was just a small editing error. In chapter 2, we're introduced to Eli Torres. Again, chapter 5 his name is Eli Torres, but in Chapter 6 his name is Eli Whitaker.
7. I guess I just assumed Eli's sister, Sofia, threw the Halloween party that Maeve and Eli met at, because a text interaction between Eli and Sofia has her asking him for help setting up and getting ready for the party. But Maeve is attending a Halloween party thrown by Callie and Greg- who are never mentioned again.
Maeve’s best friend forces her to dress up and come to a Halloween party. Eli’s sister and niece force him to dress up and come to a Halloween party. 2 masked strangers spend an hour by the punch bowl having an wonderful time chatting. Then like Cinderella the beautiful masked lady flees from the party. No names or phones numbers exchanged. Will they meet again? Maeve owns a cozy bookstore. Eli is a wood craftsman. Eli stumbles into Maeve’s store to find a gift for his niece. The chemistry between Eli and Maeve is undeniable, and they both had a sense that they already know the other. After a few dates and a fun Halloween party at the bookstore they finally realize they are the same people from the Halloween party punch bowl. They both have a painful past they are trying to over come and it takes a lot of strength and support from good friends and family to push them both into their future. A future without loneliness. Will this be a happy ending? I mean, it is a romance… This book left me Wanting more back story of both of the main characters. There are also some timeline inconsistencies, mainly when talking about dates that just happened or past dates and forgetting about the most recent ones. That being said it is a really cute, cozy, romance. No spice. If you are looking for a story full of cute fall romance clichés, this is the book for you.
Unlucky in Love by Kiva Hart is such a cute, feel-good contemporary romance. Maeve and Eli’s story has that perfect blend of sarcasm, warmth, and quiet vulnerability. They have the kind of banter that makes you grin because you just know they’re falling for each other even if they don’t. Their meeting at the Halloween masquerade (that neither of them wanted to go to) was such a fun and romantic setup.
The small-town setting and Maeve’s cozy little bookstore gave the whole story that warm, comforting vibe I love in a fall read. Between the pumpkin candles, cool October air, and sweet slow-burn moments, it’s basically the literary version of a cozy sweater and a cup of warm cider.
It’s a no-spice romance, but the vulnerability and connection between Maeve and Eli are more than enough to make you swoon. The writing is quick, smooth, and easy to fall into. I finished it in less than a day. I’m already excited to pick up the other holiday-themed books in this series.
A heartfelt, cute story. It's a Halloween season. Two sad, grumpy strangers, who prefer solitude, encounter at a masquerade party. Their identities remain a mystery. They meet again in different circumstances. Despite being emotionally fragile and feeling fear, they slowly open up to each other. MC has a special, sweet way to show how he feels. In this book You may find witty, sarcastic banters between MCs, as well as relatives and friends, who keep an eye on them, so they wouldn't detach themselves from the surrounding world. The closest ones encourages them and help aknowledge their romantic feelings. As FMC loves books and has a charming bookstore, there's a lot of bookish references. Second book in a row I'm reading, where MC has a doughsour starter.
Eli and Maeve, both social introverts, are emotionally blackmailed to attend a halloween party. Their plans were to stay on the sidelines and take off as soon as they could without interacting with anyone. But they manage to find one another.
This sweet, clean romance has these two characters navigating the start of a romance neither one was expecting. Throw in some fall vibes and halloween themes and you have a cozy, comforting read. This passage from the beginning of the book sums it up perfectly.
“All Hallow’s Eve, when masks are worn, And whispered truths are safely sworn, Let not the soul behind the guise, Be lost beneath the costumed lies.”
Get swept away with these gentle love story. A 4 star for me.
This is a Halloween Hallmark movie in book form. Loved the meet-cute. The timeline seemed a bit off. They would talk about past events like it was the first time they saw each other since the event, but had also met prior to that follow up conversation. It kind of took me out of the story. It was also repetitive for only 136 pages. If I had to read that the bookshop smelled like cinnamon and books one more time I was going to throw my Kindle across the room.
If you are looking for a quick themed read. This one isn't a bad choice. The overall story was cute.
Be warned for the miscommunication trope, which was unnecessary in my opinion. There were plenty of other conflict-inducing points that could've been used instead of that trope.
Overall, the book grabbed me in the first few pages. The characters were believable and the chemistry was great. Both had scars from previous relationships and were hesitant to start something new. Loved that they were honest about that.
There were inconsistencies in the plot that threw me off a bit while reading. As an example, mentions of a first kiss when the first kiss had happened earlier in the story. Conflicting timelines, name of the coffee shop, age of a niece. Didn't derail the romance, but took me away from being swept off my feet completely.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received this book as an arc reader and was very excited to find a Halloween based romance. This book was a nice easy read, both characters had backstories that made the reader both sad for them and hopeful for the possibility of love finding them again. Maeve has been crossed by love and that can make anyone skeptical when starting a new relationship. Eli had love and lost her. Their relationship started by simply being themselves and enjoying the others company. This book was sweet and had a nice happily ever after. I would recommend the book to anyone looking for a nice, sweet and quick little romance novel.
It was short, simple, interesting. Perfect for this time of year. Usually, books like this draw me right into the story. I can imagine every detail. Something held me back here. I couldn't visualize everything. The emotions weren't fully conveyed either. Some of the descriptions felt like they were written as an advertisement, not something Maeve or Eli felt. But I liked them. Separate stories. Each had their reasons for staying away. And a masked party brought them together without either of them realizing it. Then, it was as if fate wanted to bring them together. There was nothing rushed.
This was such a fun and enjoyable little read. I at first thought just by the cover for the copy I read from (couple in formal wear, unlike this one) that this would be more of a New Years Eve Romance kind of vibe, but it ended up being about a bookshop and Halloween two things I absolutely adore. Maeve and Eli were two very likable characters and I’m a SUCKER for banter so this book had me hooked from the beginning. I am not usually one to pick up romance as much, as I find them either corny or too dragged out. This was perfect length for a quick read for me and I enjoyed it! If you like cute little small town romance with a hallmark-esque vibe, this book will be perfect for you!
Despite of some confusing Halloween timeline and neverending Halloween parties, the story itself was really with touch of Magic. I loved the characters and their way to open up. They were so right for each other. And the way how this story is written - it was so funny and entertaining. The jokes and sarcasm just make you smile all the time. ANd great word building that keeps you engaged and feels so at ease. Perfect seasonal read to enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The perfect fall read with loads of witty banter, a dash of Halloween mystic and best of all - A bucket full of love. A slice of life novel that follows the dual POV of Maeve and Eli who happens to meet under mysterious masks at halloween and then again without knowing at Maeve's bookshop. They've both stepped away from love for different reasons but their encounter lights a long forgotten spark that pulls them closer beyond the festivities of Samhain.
I'm really just starting to love all this authors books at this point beautiful story. It was a mysterious love one where they don't rush things, and also don't really know what either of them are feeling. But just going on feelings that they assume the other feels. Their love story shows its never easy to fall in love in general or if you have been hurt before. To overcome your fears of being hurt and all the pain you have endured for the sake of moving on with someone else. But feelings are always hard to express and overcome.