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Smashed Pumpkins: A Flash Frights Novella
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jun 26
By sundown, the crew will learn the hard in this patch, the pumpkins do the picking.
Valerie is done living the life her mom mapped out. Shaun’s football dreams ended with one bad tackle, and now he’s spiraling without a future. Both need a fresh start, and a day of farmhand work at Farmer Fred’s “Fantastic” Farm, home of Blandville’s Pumpkin Spice Festival, seems harmless enough.
Neither expects to come face-to-face with an old crush while they’re knee-deep in pumpkins and petty chores—let alone feel those sparks reignite. But just as Val and Shaun begin to find comfort, and maybe something more, in each other, Fred’s chemically enhanced fertilizer unleashes a nightmare. The pumpkins carve, the vines want blood, and the volunteers are first on the menu.
Now Val and Shaun must fight their way through one blood-soaked farm if they want to survive the night. Because in Blandville, KY…love might be the only thing strong enough to survive the smash.
Valerie is done living the life her mom mapped out. Shaun’s football dreams ended with one bad tackle, and now he’s spiraling without a future. Both need a fresh start, and a day of farmhand work at Farmer Fred’s “Fantastic” Farm, home of Blandville’s Pumpkin Spice Festival, seems harmless enough.
Neither expects to come face-to-face with an old crush while they’re knee-deep in pumpkins and petty chores—let alone feel those sparks reignite. But just as Val and Shaun begin to find comfort, and maybe something more, in each other, Fred’s chemically enhanced fertilizer unleashes a nightmare. The pumpkins carve, the vines want blood, and the volunteers are first on the menu.
Now Val and Shaun must fight their way through one blood-soaked farm if they want to survive the night. Because in Blandville, KY…love might be the only thing strong enough to survive the smash.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 2, 2026
7 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 19, 2026
Thank you for this ARC from the Author in exchange for my honest option.
Where are all my 90s kids?! This is the books child of goosebumps and attack of the killer tomatoes, except replace the tomatoes with pumpkins! This story was so captivating and kept me turning pages to see how these characters would survive the terrors in this book. The witty banter that Lindsey provides is always top tier and makes me cackle out loud. This will take you on a roller coaster of emotion and soul searching all the way to the end.
If you like horror romance, second chances, the perfect amount romance and gore then this book is for you.
Where are all my 90s kids?! This is the books child of goosebumps and attack of the killer tomatoes, except replace the tomatoes with pumpkins! This story was so captivating and kept me turning pages to see how these characters would survive the terrors in this book. The witty banter that Lindsey provides is always top tier and makes me cackle out loud. This will take you on a roller coaster of emotion and soul searching all the way to the end.
If you like horror romance, second chances, the perfect amount romance and gore then this book is for you.
April 21, 2026
Smashed Pumpkins by Lindsey Montgomery • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Read: 4/20 2026
🌸 Review 🌸
Thank you so much Lindsey Montgomery for this ARC!!
This book truly does give 90s Goosebumps vibes. Lindsey Montgomery is a master at descriptive imagery. Every scene played out perfectly in my mind. On that note, some of those scenes very much freaked me out, but good job! This was gruesome, yet brilliant.
All of the characters had distinct voices with interesting personalities. They also felt very relatable in feeling lost and not knowing what you want to do with your life and what your next chapter is going to be. I, for one, can relate heavily in that aspect.
Character wise, if I was one of them, I fear I would be Cole purely because of my allergies to everything.
Little out of context note that I made while reading: Ch. 11 - why are you following the blood trail? Don’t do that! Go back! Save yourselves! But to quote Ch. 16 Val, “your brain hates not knowing more than it hates danger.” I respect that, but also WHYYYY?!
Releases June 2, 2026
Q: Realistically, do you think you would survive a horror movie/book?
Read: 4/20 2026
🌸 Review 🌸
Thank you so much Lindsey Montgomery for this ARC!!
This book truly does give 90s Goosebumps vibes. Lindsey Montgomery is a master at descriptive imagery. Every scene played out perfectly in my mind. On that note, some of those scenes very much freaked me out, but good job! This was gruesome, yet brilliant.
All of the characters had distinct voices with interesting personalities. They also felt very relatable in feeling lost and not knowing what you want to do with your life and what your next chapter is going to be. I, for one, can relate heavily in that aspect.
Character wise, if I was one of them, I fear I would be Cole purely because of my allergies to everything.
Little out of context note that I made while reading: Ch. 11 - why are you following the blood trail? Don’t do that! Go back! Save yourselves! But to quote Ch. 16 Val, “your brain hates not knowing more than it hates danger.” I respect that, but also WHYYYY?!
Releases June 2, 2026
Q: Realistically, do you think you would survive a horror movie/book?
May 8, 2026
[4.5] rounded up.
Thank you to the author for my ARC!
Such a fun read! Fast paced and unexpectedly funny.
This book was definitely eerie. At one point I was reading this in silence and my dog barked and I screamed. If you grew up on goosebumps this is the same vibe and right up your alley.
I’d definitely recommend for spooky season or even a late Summerween read. And I will be thinking twice before carving another pumpkin.
Lindsey is a wordsmith. The amount of times she described something ominous but made it beautiful is insane.
“A chorus of burning things that never had mouths but somehow found voices anyway”
“The corn starts whispering. Leaves scrape together, low and secretive, like they’re trading jokes at my expense.”
The characters had a good amount of depth to them for a shorter story. I was rooting for Shaun the whole time. Hoping he’d live up to the redeemed baby boy title.
Absolutely heartbroken about Drew he was such a sweet soul. Except when it comes to pumpkins.
Thank you to the author for my ARC!
Such a fun read! Fast paced and unexpectedly funny.
This book was definitely eerie. At one point I was reading this in silence and my dog barked and I screamed. If you grew up on goosebumps this is the same vibe and right up your alley.
I’d definitely recommend for spooky season or even a late Summerween read. And I will be thinking twice before carving another pumpkin.
Lindsey is a wordsmith. The amount of times she described something ominous but made it beautiful is insane.
“A chorus of burning things that never had mouths but somehow found voices anyway”
“The corn starts whispering. Leaves scrape together, low and secretive, like they’re trading jokes at my expense.”
The characters had a good amount of depth to them for a shorter story. I was rooting for Shaun the whole time. Hoping he’d live up to the redeemed baby boy title.
Absolutely heartbroken about Drew he was such a sweet soul. Except when it comes to pumpkins.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author and the publisher or publishers for all your hard work! I'm leaving this review voluntarily and happily! Take a look!
This was a blast. I really enjoyed this from start to finish. The cover art is really fun too. You really connect with the main characters rather quickly as they are likable and relatable. The story flows really well and I had no problems enjoying the gore and the deaths that happened. Once the action starts it dont stop and thats something I really enjoy. I have a hard time with slow burn books especially long books. You dont have to worry about that at all here. Also if your squimish about dismembered or torture I wouldnt suggest this book to you.
There is some spice in this book not a huge amount but be warned just a little. Not appropriate at all fot young children. As you can see from above. Read at your own risk.
The creatures/monsters in this were definitely interesting and I bet fun for the writer to write. I certainly had fun reading all about it throughout the book. Im just weird like that and enjoy the gore and torment.
This was a blast. I really enjoyed this from start to finish. The cover art is really fun too. You really connect with the main characters rather quickly as they are likable and relatable. The story flows really well and I had no problems enjoying the gore and the deaths that happened. Once the action starts it dont stop and thats something I really enjoy. I have a hard time with slow burn books especially long books. You dont have to worry about that at all here. Also if your squimish about dismembered or torture I wouldnt suggest this book to you.
There is some spice in this book not a huge amount but be warned just a little. Not appropriate at all fot young children. As you can see from above. Read at your own risk.
The creatures/monsters in this were definitely interesting and I bet fun for the writer to write. I certainly had fun reading all about it throughout the book. Im just weird like that and enjoy the gore and torment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Smashed Pumpkins
By Lindsey Montgomery
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If Planet Terror and Pumpkinhead had a chaotic, gore-filled baby… this would be it.
This novella was absolutely ridiculous—in the best way. Campy as all get out, but with just enough substance beneath the surface to keep it from being pure fluff. You’ve got college kids trying to figure themselves out, a brewing romance, a jerk farmer chasing success, a loyal best friend, a caring mom, shady fertilizer distributors, and yes… even a social media influencer thrown into the mix.
The story centers on Shaun and Val, and I loved both their mutual longing and their total bad-assery. Cole is there too… but he felt more like an afterthought for me.
This was my first read from Montgomery, and it definitely won’t be my last. Between this story and her Instagram presence, I already know she’s exactly my kind of zany.
By Lindsey Montgomery
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If Planet Terror and Pumpkinhead had a chaotic, gore-filled baby… this would be it.
This novella was absolutely ridiculous—in the best way. Campy as all get out, but with just enough substance beneath the surface to keep it from being pure fluff. You’ve got college kids trying to figure themselves out, a brewing romance, a jerk farmer chasing success, a loyal best friend, a caring mom, shady fertilizer distributors, and yes… even a social media influencer thrown into the mix.
The story centers on Shaun and Val, and I loved both their mutual longing and their total bad-assery. Cole is there too… but he felt more like an afterthought for me.
This was my first read from Montgomery, and it definitely won’t be my last. Between this story and her Instagram presence, I already know she’s exactly my kind of zany.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the absolute pleasure of Alpha reading and ARC reading, and let me tell you, this story is a wilder than a hay ride.
It begins with a group of misfit young adults helping out at Farmer Fred’s Farm for the annual pumpkin festival, then quickly (and gruesomely) turns into pumpkin chaos and vines galore.
The second chance romance was super cute and pumpkin spicy considering the length of the novella.
The side characters were all so unique and fun, they really left me guessing who was going to survive to the end.
Fans of zombies, goosebumps, and attack of the killer tomatoes, you will absolutely en-gourd yourself with this book. But, you might not look at Jack-o-lanterns the same way. You have been warned.
Did I mention it’s also hay-larious and full of puns?
It begins with a group of misfit young adults helping out at Farmer Fred’s Farm for the annual pumpkin festival, then quickly (and gruesomely) turns into pumpkin chaos and vines galore.
The second chance romance was super cute and pumpkin spicy considering the length of the novella.
The side characters were all so unique and fun, they really left me guessing who was going to survive to the end.
Fans of zombies, goosebumps, and attack of the killer tomatoes, you will absolutely en-gourd yourself with this book. But, you might not look at Jack-o-lanterns the same way. You have been warned.
Did I mention it’s also hay-larious and full of puns?
May 8, 2026
ARC COPY REVIEWED.
90’s original goosebumps plot with alittle bit of spice and some characters that you’ll care for by the end of the story. The theme is great and very well written. The romance is a bit in your face at times and a bit cringy but that’s just me. I’m not very well versed in the romance genre. I Loved the action horror scenes and the final girl moments from all the characters. The goriness of the scenes and pure rage from the pumpkins was great. It was really interesting and cool to see the pumpkins learn and adapt. You really feel for the characters and what they are going through beyond the storyline. Overall, it was an entertaining book.
90’s original goosebumps plot with alittle bit of spice and some characters that you’ll care for by the end of the story. The theme is great and very well written. The romance is a bit in your face at times and a bit cringy but that’s just me. I’m not very well versed in the romance genre. I Loved the action horror scenes and the final girl moments from all the characters. The goriness of the scenes and pure rage from the pumpkins was great. It was really interesting and cool to see the pumpkins learn and adapt. You really feel for the characters and what they are going through beyond the storyline. Overall, it was an entertaining book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
eARC COPY REIVEW
Smashed Pumpkins is a solid horror romance with a splash of comedy, though readers should definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in. The romance is cute, even if it gets a little cringy at times, and the spice felt lighter than expected considering the “explicit sex” warning.
The story leans into classic horror stereotypes like the Final Girl, the reformed jock, and the nerd, which adds to the fun. There is also plenty of gore and violence, along with some creepy pumpkins that adapt to their surroundings.
The whole book has a nostalgic feel that reminded me of Goosebumps and low-budget horror movies. It is also a very easy and quick read since it is a novella. Even as a slower reader, I finished it in about five hours.
Smashed Pumpkins is a solid horror romance with a splash of comedy, though readers should definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in. The romance is cute, even if it gets a little cringy at times, and the spice felt lighter than expected considering the “explicit sex” warning.
The story leans into classic horror stereotypes like the Final Girl, the reformed jock, and the nerd, which adds to the fun. There is also plenty of gore and violence, along with some creepy pumpkins that adapt to their surroundings.
The whole book has a nostalgic feel that reminded me of Goosebumps and low-budget horror movies. It is also a very easy and quick read since it is a novella. Even as a slower reader, I finished it in about five hours.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really wish I would’ve read this during the Halloween season. I normally only read books like this around that time of year, and this one had my reality completely distorted. The suspense in some parts had me forgetting it was 80 degrees outside.
This is the second book I’ve read by Lindsey. Both were ARCs, and I ended up purchasing physical copies of both afterward. I’m officially a signed, sealed, and delivered fan.
Her books are the perfect mix of suspense, horror, romance, and hilarity. They have me pulling out my credit card, ready to pay for the next one.
Cannot wait to see what she puts out next!
This is the second book I’ve read by Lindsey. Both were ARCs, and I ended up purchasing physical copies of both afterward. I’m officially a signed, sealed, and delivered fan.
Her books are the perfect mix of suspense, horror, romance, and hilarity. They have me pulling out my credit card, ready to pay for the next one.
Cannot wait to see what she puts out next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where do I even begin?! If you love horror, with a dash of romance, unhinged deaths, sentient pumpkins and dark comedy then this is the book for you. I was lucky enough to be given an early ebook from Lindsey to Beta read and when I say no notes, I mean no constructive notes for her but lots of unhinged gifs and comments from me to her Instagram!
The plot was fast paced with plenty of action, multiple POVs that you could tell were different people from their quirks and dialogue, the characters were fabulous but don’t get attached!
Just go and preorder Smashed Pumpkins now.
The plot was fast paced with plenty of action, multiple POVs that you could tell were different people from their quirks and dialogue, the characters were fabulous but don’t get attached!
Just go and preorder Smashed Pumpkins now.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: 4 stars / Spice: 1.5/5 peppers
What to expect: - Campy Horror Romance - Sentient Pumpkin Patch - 2nd Chance - Gore and Violence
Such a fun and nostalgic ride with 90s horror vibes and a little dash of romance! I was fully immersed in this story, with the vibrant and descriptive setting and intensely action-packed battles against pumpkin monsters - I couldn't put it down. The characters were fun and dorky and lovable, and I was definitely rooting for our Final Girl the whole time! Perfect for fans of the Goosebumps Books, cheesy horror movies, and cozy-turned-murderous Fall vibes.
What to expect: - Campy Horror Romance - Sentient Pumpkin Patch - 2nd Chance - Gore and Violence
Such a fun and nostalgic ride with 90s horror vibes and a little dash of romance! I was fully immersed in this story, with the vibrant and descriptive setting and intensely action-packed battles against pumpkin monsters - I couldn't put it down. The characters were fun and dorky and lovable, and I was definitely rooting for our Final Girl the whole time! Perfect for fans of the Goosebumps Books, cheesy horror movies, and cozy-turned-murderous Fall vibes.
Read
May 8, 2026I devoured this novella. It has humor, fun facts, banter, little bit of romance, and horror all wrapped up on a farm. There's killer pumpkins and vines that trap you. Lindsey's writing is very descriptive which allows you to easily visualize what's happening as it unfold. Be ready for some crazy, unhinged moments between the characters, tractors and pumpkins! It gives off 90's horror vibes, think Goosebumps, which I absolutely love!
I can't wait to see what else Lindsey comes up with!
Thank you Lindsey for this ARC!
I can't wait to see what else Lindsey comes up with!
Thank you Lindsey for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Auteur
Thanks to Lindsey Montgomery for the ARC!
Lindsey's writing is so good: she knows how to write a horror romance while keeping it funny and witty. It really is for the Goosebumps fans with a touch of (pumpkin?) spice. Expect gore and violence, and to never want to be in a pumpkin patch again.
Tropes to look for:
🎃 Highschool crush
🎃 Small town horror
🎃 Smart FMC
🎃 Jock MMC
🎃 Dark humor
🎃 Monsters
🎃 Multiple POVs
🎃 Slasher meets dark romcom
Lindsey's writing is so good: she knows how to write a horror romance while keeping it funny and witty. It really is for the Goosebumps fans with a touch of (pumpkin?) spice. Expect gore and violence, and to never want to be in a pumpkin patch again.
Tropes to look for:
🎃 Highschool crush
🎃 Small town horror
🎃 Smart FMC
🎃 Jock MMC
🎃 Dark humor
🎃 Monsters
🎃 Multiple POVs
🎃 Slasher meets dark romcom
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was so good and creepy! The deaths were so vivid ! I loved the way the POV was written. I had such a good time with this . It was more horror vibes than romance . The comedy parts had me laughing out loud . The little remarks and things said by the characters had me cracking up. I was so sad with some of the deaths! This had me having all kinds of emotions in such a short read. I loved it!
April 23, 2026
Excuse me ma’am but where the heck do you get all these freakin’ awesome stories from? I LOVED IT! Perfect sense of dark humor, perfect💀scenes with a splash of romance. I can always feel like I’m in a movie with your writing. Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy (e-arc). #val #shaun #lindseymontgomery #smashedpumpkins
Review of advance copy received from Author
Full RTC but definitely add this to your list if you loved Goosebumps as a kid and now love romance as an adult. A perfect blend of love and horror.
May 12, 2026
Lindsey Montgomery’s sense of humor is what made me fall in love with her writing, and Smashed Pumpkins lived up to my expectations.
However, humor doesn’t imply a lack of depth. This novella blended horror, heart, and humor, creating a perfect recipe.
The pacing was great, and the use of multiple perspectives heightened the intensity of the situation. It also brought me a sense of peace. I don’t feel any guilt about never liking pumpkin spice.
I cannot wait to read what Lindsey writes next.
However, humor doesn’t imply a lack of depth. This novella blended horror, heart, and humor, creating a perfect recipe.
The pacing was great, and the use of multiple perspectives heightened the intensity of the situation. It also brought me a sense of peace. I don’t feel any guilt about never liking pumpkin spice.
I cannot wait to read what Lindsey writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A book about evil pumpkins really shouldn't be this creepy. This book was a perfect mix of a second chance romance, and slasher survival vibes. I loved the banter and the creepy factor! Great read
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is amazing and awesome, from the atmosphere to Val's random facts. I enjoyed this book so much!!
I was reading it at night and i was looking over my shoulder at some points!! highly recommended!
I was reading it at night and i was looking over my shoulder at some points!! highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews