Bridget Shadesglow is loyal and no-nonsense to a fault.
Her first, second, and third priority is making sure that her boss, Vlad Everdark, stays in office as mayor of the Halloween Neighborhood. Everything else in her life has taken a backseat to this goal, including her neglected love life. But when all the pumpkins in the entire village go missing a week before Halloween and Vlad’s credibility is in jeopardy, Bridget springs into action, even if it means contacting the ex she’s been struggling to forget.
Loki Hauntington has never been able to get over Bridget.
He knows that he was too immature when they were together, but now, years later, all he wants is a chance to prove to her that he’s changed in all the right ways, but she never gives him the time of day. So when she comes to him, suspecting that he had something to do with the mystery of the missing pumpkins, Loki suggests teaming up to solve the crime. All he needs is an in to show that he’s a changed poltergeist.
Sparks fly as old feelings reemerge and the mystery deepens.
Halloween gets closer and closer, but Bridget and Loki are still far from solving this case. Will they be able to crack this whodunit in time to save the holiday celebrations and Bridget’s career? And will they find that some things deserve a second chance?
Another cute story in the Holiday Village, this time we are back in the Halloween village, with FMC Bridget Shadesglow who works for the Mayor Vlad Everdark. She takes her job very seriously, and when all of the pumpkins, every singe one, goes missing from the pumpkin farmers right before the Halloween celebration, she makes it her number 1 priority to find the culprit.
Bridget's first stop is to visit suspect number 1, MMC Loki Hauntington, he is not only Bridget's ex, but also a known prankster. His biggest regret is losing Bridget, and though he claims to not have stolen the pumpkins, sees this as a perfect opportunity to work with Bridget and show her that he has matured.
This story is so cute and cozy. I love that Bridget is a banshee and Loki a poltergeist. It is so fun to read about all the different types of creatures that live in the Halloween village, as well as the other holiday villages. I can totally understand why Bridget broke up with Loki though, if I was constantly getting pranked by my significant other, that would not be ok! But, Loki has seen the error of his ways, and does everything he can to show Bridget that he has matured and is the guy for her. The angry pumpkin farmers in the story I find to be really amusing. And when Bridget and Loki discover what happened to the pumpkins, I find it even more amusing! You will have to read this cozy novella to find out!
Some fav quotes: "Besides, when I get home, I can always give my vibrator a workout. No need for awkward flirting interactions that make me uncomfortable and make the whole evening go sour."
"I fell asleep at my desk again and now have a throbbing head and neck. Far be it from me to explain why a spectral being would get muscle aches when we don't technically have muscles, but I think it has something to do with over-taxing my ectoplasm or something."
""Booty call?" I ask teasingly, injecting a little playful hope into my tone. I'd be up for it. If there was one person in the village I'd let use me for just about anything, it would be her. Bridget's dark eyes flash."
"Underneath it all, I'm still crazy in love with this banshee. I'm desperate for her to give me another chance, would do anything to make that happen."
"The little sounds she makes drive me mad, my uptight banshee coming undone in my arms."
Thank you so much to the author for a copy of this book.
I had such a good time with this one. The world is so easy to get lost in and the characters make it even better. It’s got the perfect mix of cozy, spooky, and romance vibes. The spice is light but adds a nice touch. Overall, a really fun 4-star read that makes me want more from this series.
I’ve read every single one of Jordyn Alexander’s books in this series and I always get excited for them. This lived up to the rest of the books. Adorable, cute and spicy. I love the spin she puts on different characters and the holidays. I still say I want to live in the Holiday Village.
I absolutely love this series. The pumpkin predicament was everything I have come to expect from the holiday village romances...feel good and heart warming stories that get me in the mood for the coming season.
I instantly liked the characters and loved Loki's cheeky flirting, and the little pet name for bridget was an instant hit for me.
LOKI and Bridget are the perfect polar opposites and I love a reformed naughty poltergeist who's not Afraid to say how he feels
This pulled me out of a little reading slump and i love how Jordyn's work are always easy to pick up and hard to put down
I love the Holiday Village Romances. Loki and Bridget are my fave. We've caught glimpses of them in the adventures that came before. This one hits everything: fantasy, romance, mystery, spice, magic, and a 2nd chance romance. It flows perfectly. But man, Loki can call me gorgeous anytime he wants.
It's super cute and a perfect read to start your spiral into fall reads.
Another fun & whimsical read full of Halloween vibes! I honestly don't know what to say that I hadn't already said in my review of The Heartbreak Hex.
I do like that, while this is a series it doesn't need to be read as such. Obviously, I suggest you start with the first novella: The Heartbreak Hex as it sets up details for the entire series. But I read this novella (#4) second and I feel like it flowed nicely from the first story. I'm saving the other two (now 3 since the 5th novella is coming out in December) for the respective holidays - Christmas and Valentine's day.
Once again, I feel like I'm back in Halloweentown. I love how this author world builds and has created such fun and likeable unique characters without it coming across like an easy grab at a spooky season story. I liked Loki and Bridget, and their take on second chance romance. I really like that these novella's are able to cover so much ground while still being short and to the point. Now while I feel like this author is a bit overly detailed, it's still easy enough to look past and continue on reading. I love that I walk away from her novella's and feel like I had just read a full on book. Though again, my only gripe with this novella is I wish the spice was behind closed doors. Normally, I'm not one to shy away from spice - but there's something about it that feels misplaced in these novellas. Of course give me a good slow burn or lusting but I just think the getting together in these novellas is better behind closed doors. I'm not here to read about Halloween creatures banging it out…Let's stick to solving the mystery & yes of course the characters falling for each other, just…perhaps maybe in more of a YA novel kind of way.
But like I've said before that's just me being nitpicky. That truly being my only big gripe with these novellas really doesn't make or break my opinion on them. They've been one of the best seasonal novellas I've read and I look forward to the next one I dive into!
None of these stories in the Holiday village ever disappoint! I am learning I just love and look forward to each new story and character.
Also getting to see how all characters mingle into each other’s stories.
Cute, Cozy and Whimsical ✨
The Pumpkin Predicament - Jordyn Alexander
I love that this book wraps second chance romance and a little cold case solving in the mix together! It made for such a fun read.
Bridget and Loki have great chemistry together and I love their story.
Tropes include: 🎃 Second Chances 🎃 Mystery 🎃 Poltergeist x Banshee 🎃 Slow Burn 🎃 Cozy Fantasy
BLURB:
Her first, second, and third priority is making sure that her boss, Vlad Everdark, stays in office as mayor of the Halloween Neighborhood. Everything else in her life has taken a backseat to this goal, including her neglected love life. But when all the pumpkins in the entire village go missing a week before Halloween and Vlad's credibility is in jeopardy, Bridget springs into action, even if it means contacting the ex she's been struggling to forget. Loki Hauntington has never been able to get over Bridget.
He knows that he was too immature when they were together, but now, years later, all he wants is a chance to prove to her that he's changed in all the right ways, but she never gives him the time of day. So when she comes to him, suspecting that he had something to do with the mystery of the missing pumpkins, Loki suggests teaming up to solve the crime. All he needs is an in to show that he's a changed poltergeist. Sparks fly as old feelings reemerge and the mystery deepens.
Halloween gets closer and closer, but Bridget and Loki are still far from solving this case. Will they be able to crack this whodunit in time to save the holiday celebrations and Bridget's career? And will they find that some things deserve a second chance?
I received an eARC from the author, thank you so much! My review is my own thoughts.
**
What an adorable second chance novella. This story is about Bridget, whom we’ve met before in earlier book as she’s the mayors assistant, and Loki, her ex-boyfriend. The story actually starts in Vlad and Gertrude’s wedding where Bridget finds out that the Pumpkin Coalition is very angry over their pumpkins that have disappeared. Who would do such a thing but her ex-beau Loki the poltergeist? But did he do it and why did they break up?
Second chance romance works really well here. We have some pretty great emotional growth that has happened with Loki during the time they’ve been apart and I really like how the author could capture it so vividly. The way he’s determined to win Bridget back while also realizing that he messed up before was wonderful to see. I do love to see a man who can admit when he’s wrong. And Bridget is such a fun and cool character and I loved getting to know her better. She’s determined and ambitious and I think it was wonderful to see her hold tight to her aspirations and wants.
The case of the missing pumpkins is fun and offers a nice backdrop for the romance. We meet new characters, and old ones too, and get a better understanding of the politics that are in play at the Holiday Villages. It’s an interesting mix of light and fluffy and lore and I’m once again enjoying how these stories interconnect and give us a deeper look into the universe. I also enjoyed the pacing of the book and just flew through the pages.
I’m curious to see what comes next, the little tease we got at the end is so promising! And I’m so so happy that one more couple has found their adorable HEA!
The Pumpkin Predicament is another Halloween romance by Jordyn Alexander with a grumpy banshee FMC and a sunshine poltergeist MMC. This second-chance romance will leave you blushing!
It's a week before Halloween when every single pumpkin vanishes, vines and all. The Pumpkin Coalition is now threatening to run against the Mayor of the Halloween neighborhood and Bridget's boss, Vlad. Bridget will do everything and anything to find the person responsible for the missing pumpkins. First on her suspect list, her ex-boyfriend and the King of Pranks, Loki. Loki knows he took Bridget for granted. He never deserved her, but now that Bridget has acknowledged his existence again, he will prove to her that he isn't the same poltergeist he was when they were together.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I think Loki is my favorite MMC from the Halloween Village Romances so far. After his break-up with Bridget, he focused on himself. He did the needed self-reflection and went to therapy. He gave Bridget space, and when she finally showed up at his door, he went out of his way to help her figure out the mystery. Both his words and his actions throughout the entire novella proved that he had matured.
I loved following along while Bridget and Loki solved the mystery of the missing pumpkins and got to know each other again. They were the perfect team.
cozy fantasy • cozy romance • ghost • grumpy x sunshine • halloween • high fantasy • holiday • holiday romance • novella • paranormal romance • romantasy • second chance
My thoughts: The Pumpkin Predicament absolutely swept me away. Jordyn Alexander has created a story that is both playful and poignant – a mystery driven by the vanishing pumpkins, but equally by the tangled threads of love, forgiveness, and personal growth.
What struck me most was the central theme of second chances. Watching Loki Hauntington try to prove he’s more than his past, while Bridget Shadesglow wrestles with her own doubts and hurts, felt so tender and genuine. Their chemistry had that delicious pull of tension mixed with vulnerability – the kind of romance where you can’t help but hope they’ll find their way back to one another.
There are lines in this book that made me pause and really feel. One that lingered with me was: “You don’t lose the best thing to ever happen to you without doing some self-reflecting.” It’s the sort of truth that makes a cosy Halloween tale turn quietly profound. Another moment that hit hard was: “When you hurt people, you don’t get to decide that their feelings don’t matter because you didn’t mean to hurt them.” – such a necessary reminder, and one that makes the character arcs all the more satisfying.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The novel is full of sweetness too – in Bridget’s fierce care for her community, in the festive spirit threatened but never fully dimmed, and in the cameos from familiar faces that make the world feel so alive. The mystery kept me curious (and chuckling at times), and the resolution tied everything together in a way that felt both uplifting and complete.
I could not love the Holiday Village Romance series more. The Pumpkin Predicament is everything I love about Jordyn Alexander's magical, cosy, and whimsical holiday novellas!
Bridget is a hard working banshee, assistant to the mayor, tasked with solving the mystery of the missing pumpkins. With only a few days until Halloween she has no time to spare. Unfortunately, her best help on the case is her ex, Loki, a poltergeist who loves pranks and takes nothing seriously. For Loki, Bridget is the one who got away, but can he show her how much he's changed by helping her solve the case?
I am always feral for a second chance romance, and this one was so good! I love that there was a big growth arc for Loki and real and demonstrated character growth and change. It made the chance for rekindling the relationship so believable and made me really root for the two of them. I loved the way they worked together while working through their past issues.
This is the perfect autumn holiday read if you're looking for a cosy, small town, second chance romance with lots of magic, loveable characters, swoon-worthy romance, and some spice to top it all off!
4.6 stars I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and this is a voluntary review.
This was a short novella, but as always with this author, it packs a punch. This is book 4 in her Holiday Village interconnected series and each one is a joy to read. I loved the development of the storyline and the FMC Bridget and MMC Loki. Even though the author alludes to this series as light and whimsical, there is always depth to the main characters. The way the writing style draws you into the story, making paranormal quirks believable is a natural aptitude. The author's ability to pull the reader into the story and convince us of the paranormal elements makes her books such a pleasure to read. There was magic, romance, mystery, comedy and so much heart. I have read every one of this author’s books so far since discovering her last year. If you need a quick read that gives you everything you need in a paranormal romance, I highly recommend this entire series of novellas for complete satisfaction. Also, definitely check out her Brides of Adrik series (those are ORC romance).
“Some things are worth giving second chances. I’d like to think that we’re one of them.”
The Pumpkin Predicament is the perfect cozy Halloween romance with just enough tension, mystery, and second-chance angst to keep the pages turning.
Bridget Shadesglow is equal parts relatable and frustrating in the best way—fiercely loyal, stubborn to a fault, and so focused on her work that she almost misses what’s right in front of her. Loki, on the other hand, is the ultimate reformed bad boy (or, well, bad poltergeist) whose chemistry with Bridget jumps off the page. Watching them navigate their shared past and rediscover that spark was both heartwarming and deliciously torturous.
The mystery of the missing pumpkins adds a fun, festive backdrop, but make no mistake—the real story here is the one between Bridget and Loki. The angst is palpable, the banter snappy, and when the spice hits... it’s scorching. 🔥 I only wish there had been a little more of it!
A perfect Halloween treat full of heart, humor, and a hauntingly sweet second chance at love. 🎃
This paranormal romance combines a poltergeist–banshee pairing with a second-chance storyline, and the mix works surprisingly well. On top of that, they end up investigating a case of mysteriously disappearing pumpkins, which gives the whole book a fun detective-style layer that I honestly didn’t expect but really enjoyed.
The characters are engaging, well-constructed, and easy to root for. Their dynamic feels lively and the paranormal elements fit nicely into the story without overwhelming the romance. I had a lot of fun following their investigation and watching them reconnect.
The only drawback is that the language can get repetitive at times. Certain questions or phrases appear almost word-for-word multiple times, which pulls you out of the flow a bit. A little more variety in the wording would have made the story even stronger.
Still, it’s an entertaining, quirky, and charming paranormal read, perfect if you want something light, fun, and unusual.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As per usual - my only gripe is that the book didn’t keep on going 😫🤣
These Holiday Village stories are so perfect, but especially so when you’re reading them around their respective seasons!
Jordyn’s got an incredible way of making me ignore my biases against certain tropes (see: enemies to lovers in Cupid Conspiracy that I absolutely loved - even though I’m usually leery) - and in this case, it was Second Chances. Sometimes I find that the reason they broke up isn’t really resolved, but we have to ignore it anyway.
Not the case here. We’ve got an absolutely smitten fella who respects his ambitious and caring lady, and they make a heck of a dynamic duo tackling the pumpkin caper!
Loved it, and *cannot wait* for the next installment! (Happy to get the ARC for this, but will also be buying it once it’s released!)
Ohhhh I adored this story and this little paranormal town that Jordyn has created! I loved that these two main characters had a second chance and that Loki realized he had hurt people and did some self reflection and self improvement with some therapy before they got back together. I love a good redemption arc! This is a cute, quick read and perfect for spooky season 🎃
❤️ Tropes ❤️ 💋 paranormal romance 💋 second chance romance 💋 opposites attract
Bridget has worked hard to become the assistant to the Mayor, and now with the election coming up quickly she will do anything to help him win again. She didn’t think that would be necessary until all of the pumpkins in town disappeared right before Halloween and the pumpkin farmers threaten to put up their own candidate to run against Vlad since he didn’t protect the town. And now she has to do the one thing she swore she would never do. She has to go see her ex, Loki, because this sounds exactly like an elaborate prank he would pull.
Bridget Shadesglow works for the mayor, Vlad Everdark. So when the village's pumpkins all disappear and Halloween is almost here, she immediately suspects her ex-boyfriend poltergeist Loki Hauntington may be responsible. To ensure that her boss is not negatively impacted by the missing pumpkins, Bridget needs to contact Loki right away. He still loves Bridget and recognizes he was at fault for their breakup due to his immaturity at that time. He has gotten his priorities straight now. So he offers to partner with her on investigating the missing pumpkins. Can they figure it out in time? Will Bridget lose her job over this? And will the two of them working together be willing to accept a second chance for their relationship?
Book 4 of the Holiday Village Romances series. Can be read as a standalone.
'Bridget Shadesglow is loyal and no-nonsense to a fault. Loki Hauntington has never been able to get over Bridget. Sparks fly as old feelings reemerge. Will they find that some things deserve a second chance?'
The plot was intriguing and well paced. World building continues to impress. The characters drove the storyline and they were so very appealing and likeable and perfectly steamy together. All in all a great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Just like the rest of the books in this series, this ine was written well! The main characters Bridget and Loki were great! I loved the banter between the two. The plot of this one really went deep into the holiday village politics, but it worked and the story flowed smoothly. The missing pumpkins was just the right storyline for a good fall read! I love all of the small details from the names of the characters to the type of holiday character they are. Just great! Another thing, the spice…it was slow burn, but so hot once things got to sizzling. It’s always just the right amount for these quick novellas! Overall I recommend this book—the whole series actually lol
I received this book as an ARC and thought it was really cute!! I read the Cupid Conspiracy back in February, and it was nice to see some of the characters from that book in the Pumpkin Predicament. I really liked the mystery aspect of the book, and actually didn’t predict what had happened to the pumpkins (for once—I’m a chronic end-spoiler lol). I enjoyed the characters and the development they had throughout the book, and of course the happily ever after. My only issue with the book was that the romance seemed a bit rushed. As this is Jordyn Alexander’s first second-chance romance book, I tried to keep an open mind, I just felt like the second-chance could have been built up a bit more!! Overall I did enjoy the read, and am excited to see what the Mistletoe Mistake will have in store!!
This is part 4 of the Holiday Village romances And yet again it's such a good story. I love Jordyn's writing style so much. We are back at the Halloween village with a Banshee and a Poltergeist and I truly can't get enough of this series, it's so easy to get lost in this world and forget about time. At the same time they're such quick nice short novella's.
Loved the 'whodunit' part of the story, it gave it such a nice mystery touch. Such a cozy romance as well. Loved Bridget and Loki and their banter. It had some light spice as well.
Thanks to Jordyn Alexander for trusting me with an advanced readers copy to write my honest opinion about.
Crimes against pumpkins - Bridget and Loki team up to find out who stole all the pumpkins in Holiday Village. The exes make an unlikely pairing but their chemistry is still there, even if Bridget tries to be cold. He hurt her with his prankster ways before and she doesn't want a repeat of that sour experience. Loki has turned over a new leaf, a more mature poltergeist now who protects and defends the banshee he still loves against his family and friends. A fun second chance romance with a whacky mystery to solve.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 ⭐ Another Fascinating Story from the Holiday Village Romance Series!!! ✨🎃🥧
The Pumpkin Predicament is an absolutely charming story from the Holiday Village series! I loved every bit of the cozy autumn atmosphere, the sweet romance, and the sense of adventure woven throughout. The characters were so fun to follow, and the village setting made it feel magical from start to finish.
It’s a heartwarming, and I can’t wait to keep exploring more stories from Holiday Village—this one was truly delightful! 🧡🧡
This cozy mystery was the perfect way to start fall! 🍂 It reminded me of a cozy Hallmark movie—but with a little extra spice to keep things interesting. The small-town setting, autumn vibes, and quirky side characters made me feel like I was right there in the story. I especially loved seeing the growth of the MMC—his character arc added so much depth and kept me invested. The mix of mystery, romance, and seasonal charm made this such a fun and comforting read. Definitely one I’d recommend curling up with alongside a blanket and a cup of tea!
loved it !! love Loki and Bridget... this is their story and mystery to solve... a fun fast paced rom/com mystery drama... they broke up !! she working hard and then, the pumpkins go missing right before Halloween ... her job's on the line and so is the mayor.. she bets Loki did it !! her ex... he says no, it wasn't him !! maybe they could solve this together ? he so want's her back !! he's changed for the better... but, she's changed as well... so ....
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I always enjoy reading books from Jordyn Alexander, it had that mystery element that I was wanting and enjoyed the use of the fourth entry in the Holiday Village Romances world. It was everything that I was looking for and enjoyed about this world. The characters were everything that I wanted and enjoyed the overall feel of this book. I always enjoy reading the books from Jordyn Alexander and can't wait for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jordyn Alexander's first try at a second-chance romance, and guess what? She nails it! This is another adorable story set in Holiday Village featuring Bridget, Vlad's secretary, that we met in the first book in the series. When all the pumpkins are stolen days before Halloween, Bridget teams up with her prankster ex-boyfriend, Loki, to find them before Vlad's mayorship is in jeopardy. Is Loki behind the prank or is he ready to be the boyfriend Bridget deserves?
This is such a cute and feel good read. I loved seeing Loki recognising his own flaws, the nature of poltergeists mirror toxic masculinity, and working on himself without expecting to be forgiven. Bridget's initial severe nature is explained so well as you follow their past and chase the leads to the missing pumpkins. Honestly cannot wait to see more of the residents of Holiday Village.
Fantastic Halloween holiday romance with Bridget who is a banshee she is also Vlad’s secretary and a bridesmaid at his wedding when a problem arises there are people who want to see the mayor and if he doesn’t help well the people are threatening to have one of their own people put up for mayor, this is a disaster of biblical proportions. There is so much more going on in this fantastic and entertaining story and I highly recommend reading this book.