Spice

Unhinged Holidays #1

by Alyson Archer

It all starts with a pumpkin spice latte on Halloween…

I'm just trying to survive another shift as a barista at The Cauldron.
Then Ezra Blackthorne walks in. He's tall, dark, broody… and cursed.
Like, literally cursed.
He takes one sip of his coffee, locks eyes with me in a way that feels indecent, and announces I’m the only witch in the world who can save him.
By midnight.
And the way I'm going to save him?
That's indecent, too.

Now I’m in his mansion, glowing with ancient magic, sprawled across an altar while he mutters filthy things like “Give me one more,” and “I need to fill you before the curse takes me.”

So, yeah… this Halloween’s going a little differently than planned.

Spice is a very spicy instalove novella with a massive age gap (we’re talking over 200 years) between a sweet witch and a cursed warlock. Enjoy the magical mishaps!

Genres: Halloween, Novella, Amazon, Holiday, Smut, Erotic Romance, Paranormal Romance

86 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2025

About the author

Alyson Archer is a writer and romance fanatic who’s been obsessed with fictional heroes ever since crushing on Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid. Ever since, she’s been dreaming up her own heroes and romantic situations.

Alyson is a pen name for an award winning contemporary romance author, and before writing full-time, she spent over a decade working as a public librarian. Now, she spends her days writing spicy books and drinking too much coffee.

Alyson lives in Hamilton, Ontario with her husband, daughter, and stubborn-but-adorable dachshund. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading, playing video games, watching figure skating, and enjoying nature.

Reviews

[CrazyGal609 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, hot, cute story that’s yummy-intense, has sweetness & some fun mentioning of auras❤️ and lots of hot, amazing, magical sex, a.k.a. “smutty goodness”!!!
🎃Absolutely LOVED this!!!!!🎃
💛🩷💜🩷💛
“Did your house just hug me?” - that has to be such an awesome feeling 💟
🔥WoW🔥 when he’s painting those runes on her 🥵🤯🔥🔥❤️‍🔥
✨💋✨A Witch’s & A Warlock’s HEA✨💋✨
And don’t forget to get the Bonus Epilogue “where you get a peek at some sweet (but still filthy) married sex with more magical mishaps”

Sorry…but- That cover needs an upgrade!!!!!!

[Jenelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was meh to me. Very short, quick read. For something that was pretty much intended to just be spice, really didn't do it. I found the writing and actual sex scenes very lackluster and even though I know it was a short novel, it still went from 0 to 100 in not an alluring way

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up!

I had so much fun with this one!

This was perfect for the Halloween vibes. Two lost souls, one cursed the other the salvation. A witch and a warlock.

The way these two felt connected from the moment they met was special. Willow and her pumpkin spice lattes were the perfect excuse for Ezra to be reeled in. Fate was a funny thing because on his last day of the curse he finds the cure.

Their relationship was fast, steamy and sweet all at once. And whoever complains of insta-lust, I will hurt because this book is for the vibes and the spice…like it’s in the title babes. But Alyson once again, had the steamiest spice with the plot running through making it lock in together for a quick but entertaining read.

Thank you for the e-arc, I really hope we get more witchy stories from Alyson!


Quotes:

Willow Ashwood is fated to be mine.
And it's time to make her see that, too.

This is not a normal kiss. This is fate. I can taste my future on Willow's pretty lips.

Even if she wasn't the one who could help me break the curse, I'd willingly choose to spend my last day on Earth with her.

How have I gone over two-hundred years without this woman in my arms? I can't fathom not having her.

[Ashley Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ // 4🌶️
Insta-lust Halloween novella.
It’s a bit if a “hear me out” situation with the sex magic and such. At the same time, it was a cozy witchy hug… with breeding 😂🤷‍♀️

[Ciru · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was bored for most of this story.
This book had a slightly better cover than book 2.
Everything moved way too fast and too insta.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by magic, consumed by love, saved by each other.

Barista Willow doesn’t think her small sparks of magic amount to much. Life’s simple until a stranger walks into her café on Halloween claiming her family cursed him decades ago. Ezra is ancient, powerful, and running out of time, and Willow’s the only witch who can help him break the spell before it’s too late. When she agrees to help, her world tilts, and everything she thought she knew about magic, fate, and love begins to shift.

As the night deepens, desire tangles with danger. What starts as a risky ritual turns into a connection neither can deny, their magic feeding on emotion and trust. With each spell and touch, the line between survival and surrender fades, and Willow realizes that fate doesn’t just pull them together, it tests them.

Secrets simmer beneath every spark of power, and the cost of love grows heavier with every heartbeat. Through chaos and revelation, Willow discovers strength in her lineage, and Ezra rediscovers hope after centuries of regret. Together, they learn that redemption isn’t granted, it’s earned through love that refuses to break.

A steamy, age gap, instalove, paranormal, small town, Halloween, witch and warlock romance exploring love, destiny, transformation, self-acceptance, power, sacrifice, trust, redemption, and rebirth. It’s about the magic that binds souls, the cost of breaking old curses, and the strength that comes from embracing who you are and who you love. At its heart, it’s about two people who find salvation in each other, turning fate into choice, and discovering that love, transformative, healing, and eternal, is the truest magic of all.

[Nika Ilona Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy Indeed
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🔥🔥🔥
If you’re in the mood for a fun & saucy instalove novella, perfect for all the Halloween vibes, you’ve found your book.

Spice, by Alyson Archer is the first book in her new Unhinged Holidays series, and what a way to begin.

We first meet Willow, our FMC at work. Willow is a witch who is less than confident in her powers. Stuck in her life, including her mundane job at the local coffee shop; if she has to hear “The Monster Mash” one more time, things might get ugly. Discontent & struggling to figure out a new path, Willow is going through the motions of making her 10 thousandth pumpkin spice latte of the season when the door to the shop opens & the energy shifts. In walks sex appeal all dressed in black & when said hunk opens his mouth, Willow is doubly smitten by a subtle British accent. Immediately able to sense within this devastatingly handsome strangers aura that he’s a powerful warlock, Willow prepares his pumpkin spice latte as requested, sprinkling the required spices (& a little spell) on top.

Ezra is all business & running out of time. Grumpily stomping into the local coffee shop, he is immediately floored by the enticing little witch behind the counter. Having heard the pumpkin spice latte’s are the best around, he orders one & when Willow & Ezra’s hands inadvertently touch both are made immediately & acutely aware that their attraction is beyond magnetic, its divine.

You see, Ezra is 241 years old (though he doesn’t look a day over 45) & cursed… by none other than Willow’s grandmother for a long ago transgression. Only a blood descendant of the witch who cursed him can break the hex that will end Ezra’s life at the stroke of midnight, & after that gentle touch from Willow, Ezra is certain that she is the key to saving his life, along with sex magic. Lots & lots of sex magic.

And so begins Spice, aptly named & deliciously dirty. Alyson Archer has knocked it out of the park with this one & I can’t wait to see future books in her Unhinged Holidays series. Well written & fast paced, Spice hits all the sweet spots that I have come to love in an Alyson Archer book. So if you love an steamy, instalove age-gap, with magical seasonal appeal do not hesitate to grab Spice!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean, of course it all starts with a PSL on Halloween...would we expect anything else? ;)

Alyson Archer's latest is a witchy and atmospheric age gap (200 years...), instalove (but there's magic! and fated mate-ing going on, so that makes it more believable, right?) steamy romance, and I was here for it! It's exactly what I needed to put me (even more!) in the Halloween mood this week.

I really enjoyed Spice--Willow and Ezra have all kinds of chemistry, and the added complication of a decades-old curse with a midnight deadline (they must do a s*xual ritual! And it must have results--the nine-month kind, ifyouknowwhatimean) gave their brand new relationship all kinds of stakes. And the epilogue was all kinds of adorable. Can't wait to see what is in store for us with the bonus epilogue, come release day :)

Also--that cover? Absolute love! <3

I'm looking forward to seeing how much more "unhinged" the holidays can get!

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

All right, confession time: this filthy little novella isn’t exactly here to reinvent storytelling. The “plot” is basically a convenient excuse to get cursed hottie Ezra and witchy wonder woman Willow in the same room before midnight because someone’s gotta break that blasted curse. And how does one lift a curse, you ask? With sex magic, of course, one orgasm after another. Luckily for Ezra, Willow is more than willing and able to get the job done. (Spoiler: she does it very thoroughly.) Let’s be real, this isn’t high literature unless the Pulitzer committee suddenly starts rewarding “Outstanding Contributions to the Fine Art of Sex Magic.” But who cares? It’s fast, filthy, and an absolute blast. The chemistry sizzles, the spells sparkle, and the altar… well, let’s just say it sees a lot of action. Even though it’s set at Halloween, the heat level is timeless — pumpkin spice optional but highly encouraged. You’ll never look at your latte foam the same way again. So yes, it may be “Unhinged Holidays,” but I’d call this installment downright Uninhibited.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vinita P Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but sweet

I totally loved the chemistry between Willow n Ezra. I mean a witch n a warlock meeting by random circumstances. Whoa!!
Willow works in a coffee shop, it's Halloween, making pumpkin spice lattes infusing magic as she sprinkles spices atop the whipped cream to her customers. Whispering a magic spell specifically to them. Good luck, prosperity, a happy life or whatever as she serves them. So sweet!! In walks Ezra, she feels his magic instantly infused with a dark essence. As she's making his latte, again she whispers a low incantation, wishing he finds inner peace n help with whatever troubles him.
Ezra usually goes to another coffee shop, but its closed. As he enters he can feel the magic from Willow n knows she's a powerful witch, unbeknownst to Willow. One sip of the latte n he knows she's the only one who can lift his curse before midnight, or else he dies.
I enjoyed this story so much n was waiting with baited breath as I turned each page. The flow of the story captures your heart, mind n soul. Kudos to the author for a job well done. Will I read more from this author? Absolutely!!

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPICE is the first novella in the Unhinged Holidays series, and I can't wait for more!

Willow is a barista, working at The Cauldron, with small magic of her own, or so she thinks. Her life is upended when Ezra walks in for a pumpkin spice latte and realises she is the witch to break his curse. What follows is instalove, hot, spicy, and oh-so-sweet.

It isn't 'just' s3x, though; it's the connection between the two, the romantic lines from the heart, the attention to detail, and the setting. All of it combined is a novella to keep and re-read every October.

I would love for this novella to be expanded into a full-length novel. I want to hear more about Willow's relationship with her grandmother and mother. More about how Ezra was cursed and why. And more about the two (then three) of them together. Basically, I just want more.

Absolutely fantastic and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oct 8, 2025

[Mimi Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the small town Bramble Hollow Willow Ashwood, true believer in magic, works at The Cauldron, a coffee shop aptly named for this Halloween season rife with pumkim spice lattes. One day in walks a handsome British man dressed head to toe in black named Ezra Blackwood, a warlock who proclaims that 50 years ago he was cursed by Willow’s now deceased grandmother and that Willow can help him break the curse because she carries the bloodline. And if he doesn’t do it by midnight, he will lose his magic and die, so Willow immediately agrees.

Wow, insta-love for Halloween rocks as Willow and Ezra are surrounded by magic on steroids! I literally could not put the book down from start to finish, then I wanted more. If you are looking for a holiday story filled with incredible sizzling romantic scenes that will leave you breathless and a plot that is set in another universe, then Spice is it - so good!

I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily offer my honest opinion.

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow Ashwood is just trying to survive another long shift at The Cauldron, Bramble Hollow’s favorite coffee shop and the epicenter of all things autumn. She’s got a touch of magic in her veins—nothing wild, just enough to make her lattes a little luckier and her charms work most of the time. But then Ezra Blackthorne walks in—dark suit, darker eyes, and a British accent that could melt whipped cream. One sip of his latte later, and he’s declaring that Willow is the witch destined to break the curse that’s been eating at him for fifty years.

No pressure, right?

What follows is a deliciously wicked night full of ancient spells, glowing altars, and a chemistry that’s hotter than a cauldron in full boil. The clock’s ticking toward midnight, the curse is closing in, and somewhere between spellcraft and seduction, Willow realizes that this isn’t just magic—it’s fate.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mache · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice is a steamy, magical Halloween novella that blends witchy charm, sizzling chemistry, and just the right touch of the supernatural. Alyson Archer weaves a story that’s equal parts seductive and enchanting—a quick, passionate read perfect for spooky season romance lovers.

The connection between Willow and Ezra is instant yet deeply felt, radiating tension and tenderness in equal measure. Their bond crackles with magical energy, and Archer does a fantastic job of balancing heat with heart. The writing flows beautifully, wrapping you in candlelight, spellcraft, and the promise of freedom.

Though short, Spice feels complete—an addictive mix of romance and magic. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to light a candle, grab a pumpkin spice latte, and get lost in a world where love and power are one and the same.

If you’re craving a sexy, witchy age gap read with autumn vibes, tons of spice, and a dash of destiny, Spice will absolutely cast its spell on you.

[Elyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 133 of 2025

I love picking up an @AlysonArcher and having a quick ready of "smutty goodness" as she says. This one was on the nose with the fall / Halloween theme, but I didn't know just how much until I dove in. Honestly, the acknowledgments make the most sense -- she said that she wanted to write something different that was fun with magical elements. This delivered that for sure. Once again my biggest problem is that Ezra and Willow could have been three times as long! I loved the idea of their magic and the curse and coming together and the magical spells surrounding them. It was light and fun and oh so spicy, just what @AlysonArcher always delivers. I can't wait to see what else is in store for these Unhinged Holidays because this one started off with a spark and a bang!

Rating -- three stars
Format -- kindle unlimited

[Felecia Rodney · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:

“I feel like an orchestra, with every part of my body a different instrument, and Ezra is my conductor, guiding me through a symphony of magical sensation.” That line? Chef’s kiss.

Tropes:
Massive Age Gap
Cursed Hero
Witch x Warlock
Magical Realism / Fantasy Romance
Fated Mates Vibes

Willow, a sweet but slightly frazzled barista witch, just wants to survive another shift—until cursed warlock Ezra walks in. From that moment, sparks fly (literally), and she’s the only witch who can save him before midnight. The twist? The way they break the curse is very indecent.

It’s fast-paced, fun, and oh-so-steamy. Thank you to Alyson Archer for the ARC—this was the perfect cozy-meets-spicy Halloween escape!

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a fast-paced, super steamy, instant attraction, younger witch (Willow)/much older cursed warlock (Ezra), fated mates, Halloween romance. I enjoyed the strength of the immediate attraction. I enjoyed Ezra’s sustained encouragement of Willow’s self confidence. I enjoyed Willow’s joyful surprise at Ezra’s commitment. I enjoyed the steamy magical and erotic intimate scenes. I enjoyed the encouraging and happy ending. This might be my favourite story from this author!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Katherine Gisleson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️s
🌶️🌶️1/2 - medium to heavy spice; the spice was a major focus, but there was still plenty of plot

LOVES:
- The whole we-need-to-perform-sex-magic-to-break-a-curse thing, honestly had me happy to go along for the ride!
- Aww, his sentient house hugged her and welcomed her, so cute 🥰
- The way their mate bond effected each other and connected them was neat
- Even though I knew there would be an HEA, Alyson still had me going for a minute there wondering what would happen

I have to be honest, I don’t love this cover, but who cares! This was such a fun novella, I’m totally on board for more content like this 🎃

Thanks to the author for the advance copy 💝 Releases October 10th!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short and very sexy paranormal romance that is perfect for that Halloween vibe. Willow and Ezra were a great couple. It was insta-love for him and Willow wasn’t far behind. I would have liked to find out why Willow’s family hid her magic and the fact that she’s really powerful. That was brushed aside too quickly. But the chemistry between Ezra and Willow and the magical world the author created were fantastic. I’d love to read more in this world. If you’re looking for a quick and very spicy read this one should hit the spooky spot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alida Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

After reading Spice, I've decided to become a barista like Willow so I can wait for my Ezra to come tell me that unless we partake in a super hot soul shattering evening of smexy times with an insane amount of o's he will simply no longer exist. On a scale of 1-10 spicy chilies this story earns a solid 30. Ezra needed Willow because of something he did several hundred years prior and only found her because he was craving a PSL on what was supposed to be his last day on earth. I need more stories like this one. While I wait I'll just go offer a barista at the nearest coffee shop if I can volunteer to work their Halloween shift this year, lol.

[♥ WishfulMiss ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a spicy short insta-love romance with a splash of autumn vibes and magic, Spice is the perfect quickie. I loved the world the author built even if it was just a quick little taste. I was captivated and the spice was off the charts!

SAFETY INFO:
Ages : Not disclosed but I’d guess the FMC is in her mid to late 20s and MMC is a few hundred years old.

Cheating : None

OM/OW drama : None

Separation : None

Triggers/Tropes/Content Warnings: insta-love, open door spice, sex magic, curse breaking, breeding

HEA/HFN : HEA with epilogue (baby!)

[Vievie2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book - it’s a beautifully written, magical romance that perfectly blends passion, fate, and self-discovery. Willow and Ezra’s connection is instantly captivating, and their journey from strangers to soulmates feels both powerful and tender. The Halloween setting adds a cozy yet mysterious atmosphere, and the mix of magic and emotion makes it impossible to put down. It’s a story about love that transforms, heals, and defies time - enchanting from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ezra Blackthorne has walked this earth for hundreds of years and now his time is closing in on him. He desperately needs to break this curse and only Willow can save him. The attraction is real at first glance and there is no denying the literal sparks that are flying when they touch, but will their time together be enough to stop the ticking clock that hangs over them? This was a super hot east to read short story that is perfect for this time of year. I thought it was fun and oh so steamy.

[Melissa B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A smutty, Halloween-themed witchy novella.
It's a quick read with instant lust, fated mates, a curse that's been around for 50 years, age gap, and pumpkin spice and everything nice.

Willow and Ezra are a witch and wizard who are bound together by fate — or by a curse placed on Ezra by her grandmother. There's not much development, per se; it's quite fast-paced. I wished it had been longer!

I was given a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[H S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willow and Ezra are hot!!! He was cursed by her grandmother and has now been alive for over 200 years. In order to break the curse he has to sleep with and breed Willow. Wow is their chemistry magical! She has to become pregnant in order for the curse to be broken and Ezra to remain alive. Can they make it happen? Will they both survive their magical explosions?? A great, fast, hot Halloween read!

[Anj Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The perfect ‘read-in-one-go’ novella, especially for spooky season 🤩

Ezra is hot, determined and full of magical power, his match Willow has good intent and girl, I would go with the flow too if Ezra was there in front of me 😮‍💨

This was an enjoyable book, ticked all the boxes of quick plot, spice 😜 and a little magical fantasy, that was actually palpable and described perfectly to image every moment.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice is the first in a new series by Alyson Archer. It's a quick read and one that you can get through quickly, and is really more of a short story than a novella. If you're after a Halloween read with a magical twist and (not exactly surprising from the title) a nice dolop of spice, then this will suit you down to the ground. It's a bit of a change from Alyson Archer's recent books, which adds to the enjoyment for me.
All in all, a quick and satisfying read.

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A witchy age gap romance that most definitely delivers the heat! It’s fun, perfect for the fall season, and there is something strangely charming about the idea that sex is all you need to break a curse. It’s got plenty of that fated mate mine, the connection between Ezra and Willow is electric, like pretty much literally, and well written, there’s just enough plot to justify all the spice and make it surprisingly meaningful, and it’s all around a pleasure to read.

[Elly Christmas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a 3.5; the instant love was there. I enjoyed how quick it was, honestly. I crave her pumpkin spice latte with sprinkles. It sounds amazing. There was no huge drama or urgent issue to solve. It was just good old clean sex. Okay, hot sex. It was a good Halloween lay. I recommend reading the way they became fated mates with electrifying magic to boot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lisa moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice is the story of a cursed warlock who had been searching for the descendent of the witch who cursed him. He accidently walking into the RIGHT coffee shop and meets the witch of his dreams. The only problem is she doesn't even know she is a powerful witch.

novella
sweet and spicy
cute story line
breeding
magic.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.