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The Pumpkin Bride
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26Shrek meets The Princess Bride in this cozy, low-stakes romantic fantasy. The Pumpkin Bride delivers all the autumnal feels, a dash of spice, and a guaranteed HEA.
*Read by Will Watt & Moira Quirk!*
Some curses just need a cozy fire, a little magic, and a second chance to break them.
A cursed knight.
Sir Bram Duncan was once a knight of legend in Harvest Hollow—until the whim of a jealous prince and the trickery of an autumn sprite turned him into the hulking orc Jask Bone-Cracker, and tethered him to Grimroot Farm. For three long, lonely years, he’s hidden his monstrous form and the truth of what happened the night he lost everything, including his true love, Princess Marigold.
A runaway princess.
Fleeing an arranged marriage to the vain and intolerable Prince Crispin, Marigold finds a safe haven when she stumbles across Jask’s charmed pumpkin farm deep in the forest. Sensing glimmers of gentleness—and a surprising talent for baking—beneath the grumpy orc’s imposing exterior, she begins to feel a familiar longing she believed dead when her Bram disappeared.
One true love.
As magic stirs and pies are baked, truths about Jask’s curse begin to surface. But curses don’t break easily, and wronged princes don’t capitulate. As their peace is threatened, Jask and Marigold must decide: cling to the lies that protect them, or risk everything for a love that could set them free.
Tropes:
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Dark Secret
• Beauty and the Beast
• Hidden Identity
• Second Chance
• Childhood Sweetheart
• One True Love
*Read by Will Watt & Moira Quirk!*
Some curses just need a cozy fire, a little magic, and a second chance to break them.
A cursed knight.
Sir Bram Duncan was once a knight of legend in Harvest Hollow—until the whim of a jealous prince and the trickery of an autumn sprite turned him into the hulking orc Jask Bone-Cracker, and tethered him to Grimroot Farm. For three long, lonely years, he’s hidden his monstrous form and the truth of what happened the night he lost everything, including his true love, Princess Marigold.
A runaway princess.
Fleeing an arranged marriage to the vain and intolerable Prince Crispin, Marigold finds a safe haven when she stumbles across Jask’s charmed pumpkin farm deep in the forest. Sensing glimmers of gentleness—and a surprising talent for baking—beneath the grumpy orc’s imposing exterior, she begins to feel a familiar longing she believed dead when her Bram disappeared.
One true love.
As magic stirs and pies are baked, truths about Jask’s curse begin to surface. But curses don’t break easily, and wronged princes don’t capitulate. As their peace is threatened, Jask and Marigold must decide: cling to the lies that protect them, or risk everything for a love that could set them free.
Tropes:
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Dark Secret
• Beauty and the Beast
• Hidden Identity
• Second Chance
• Childhood Sweetheart
• One True Love
Audible Audio
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Fiona Buttercup
1 book42 followersA big fan of romantic mash-ups, Fiona Buttercup writes novels full of enchanting settings, magical spells and cozy vibes. When she's not turning coffee into stories, Fiona is dancing around her kitchen to New Wave and '80's pop while whipping up an intimidating charcuterie board that she enjoys while deep-diving into docuseries and feel-good television.
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June 17, 2026Shrek and The Princess Bride??? Say less 🙂↕️🫶🏼
July 12, 2026
I absolutely loved the core of this story! The author’s description of this book being Shrek meets The Princess Bride is incredibly accurate, serving up massive Beauty and the Beast vibes—but with an orc, a grumpy x sunshine dynamic, and a hidden identity trope that completely worked for me.
As it stands, The Pumpkin Bride is a fantastic, cheeky comfort read. It hits shelves just as all the pumpkin spice products come into play, making it the absolute perfect cozy autumn read for any millennial looking to curl up with a hot drink and a warm, magical romance.
As it stands, The Pumpkin Bride is a fantastic, cheeky comfort read. It hits shelves just as all the pumpkin spice products come into play, making it the absolute perfect cozy autumn read for any millennial looking to curl up with a hot drink and a warm, magical romance.
August 9, 2026
Such a nostalgic cozy warm read and just what i wanted !! This has all the fantastic vibes of a cozy fantasy with the warm sweet vibes of a true love romance. Enjoying this story was easy and gives you that satisfying feeling that true love always wins and evil gets what it deserves !!! Sometimes I just need to know a book is gonna treat me right and this one gave me exactly what it promised !! The fun of shrek combined with that adventure of princess bride towards the kind of ending we need !!! This will go on my comfort reads shelf as something that really hits that spot for me !!
The audiobook was fantastic!! The narrators were utterly perfect in their tone and accents !! Like I honestly can’t think of better choices and it really complimented the story to perfection !! They had wonderful humor and wit throughout!! I loved this at all speeds (1.0 to 2.5 are my normals ) and ended up setteling at 1.7 as my preferred speed for this.
The audiobook was fantastic!! The narrators were utterly perfect in their tone and accents !! Like I honestly can’t think of better choices and it really complimented the story to perfection !! They had wonderful humor and wit throughout!! I loved this at all speeds (1.0 to 2.5 are my normals ) and ended up setteling at 1.7 as my preferred speed for this.
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July 6, 2026🎃🧡 The Pumpkin Bride 🧡🎃
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Cozy Romantasy
• Orc MMC
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Runaway Princess
• Hidden Identity
• Cursed Hero
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: September 1, 2026
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Cozy Romantasy
• Orc MMC
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Runaway Princess
• Hidden Identity
• Cursed Hero
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: September 1, 2026
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
August 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 | 3.75 stars rounded up
Listen. If you tell me there's a Shrek- and Princess Bride-inspired romance, I'm going to read it.
This was a really cute, well-written fantasy story overall. The world was very charming and I enjoyed the plot and pacing. I have no qualms with the inclusion of some spice, but it felt a bit awkward and abrupt, which pulled me out of the story a little bit.
I read this on audio, and the dual narration from Will Watt and Moira Quirk was excellent.
I think lovers of cozy fantasy romance looking for a book that has fall vibes and a comfortingly predictable fairytale-esque plot will like this!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio | MIRA for the ALC!
Listen. If you tell me there's a Shrek- and Princess Bride-inspired romance, I'm going to read it.
This was a really cute, well-written fantasy story overall. The world was very charming and I enjoyed the plot and pacing. I have no qualms with the inclusion of some spice, but it felt a bit awkward and abrupt, which pulled me out of the story a little bit.
I read this on audio, and the dual narration from Will Watt and Moira Quirk was excellent.
I think lovers of cozy fantasy romance looking for a book that has fall vibes and a comfortingly predictable fairytale-esque plot will like this!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio | MIRA for the ALC!
August 10, 2026
Many thanks to The Hive and Harlequin for the preview. All opinions are my own.
This was just so perfectly cute! It’s the exact mix of Shrek and The Princess Bride promised. Maybe a little less action and adventure than those titles might suggest, but it’s cozy, swoony, sweet, romantic, and fairly low stakes.
Bram and Marigold are each other’s true love. And being able to fall in love twice is double the romance. I love how fiercely Marigold assures Bram that she would love him in any form. And Bram is so gone on her! The setting was just autumnal perfection too. A pumpkin farm? And constantly making cider and delicious pies? Yes please!
Will Watt and Moira Quirk are 2 of my favorite narrators, and they do such an amazing job with Bram and Marigold. I can’t recommend the audio enough! The Pumpkin Bride is going to be a huge hit for cozy season!
This was just so perfectly cute! It’s the exact mix of Shrek and The Princess Bride promised. Maybe a little less action and adventure than those titles might suggest, but it’s cozy, swoony, sweet, romantic, and fairly low stakes.
Bram and Marigold are each other’s true love. And being able to fall in love twice is double the romance. I love how fiercely Marigold assures Bram that she would love him in any form. And Bram is so gone on her! The setting was just autumnal perfection too. A pumpkin farm? And constantly making cider and delicious pies? Yes please!
Will Watt and Moira Quirk are 2 of my favorite narrators, and they do such an amazing job with Bram and Marigold. I can’t recommend the audio enough! The Pumpkin Bride is going to be a huge hit for cozy season!
June 12, 2026
I loved this story. The characters were so adorable and had great character development. I am a sucker for a grumpy sunshine. It was everything that it promised. My only issue was that the spice was somewhat awkward and rushed. I think it would be fine without the spice, or it could be slowed down with better descriptive language. Overall, I really enjoyed it. Great cozy start for a debut author.
August 10, 2026
Thank you so much Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy of The Pumpkin Bride! This duet narration with Will Watt and Moira Quirk was fabulous!
This is the epitome of a cozy fantasy. This was described as “Shrek meets the Princess Bride” and I think that’s perfect! It was whimsical and fun while also highlighting that true love is all that matters in the end.
I loved the sneaky riddles from the Autumn Sprite and the plot twist of secret magic and loopholes of the curse. This was so fun and just cozy from start to finish.
If you liked Tress of the Emerald Sea, the Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, or Legends and Lattes, you’ll love this one too.
This is the epitome of a cozy fantasy. This was described as “Shrek meets the Princess Bride” and I think that’s perfect! It was whimsical and fun while also highlighting that true love is all that matters in the end.
I loved the sneaky riddles from the Autumn Sprite and the plot twist of secret magic and loopholes of the curse. This was so fun and just cozy from start to finish.
If you liked Tress of the Emerald Sea, the Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, or Legends and Lattes, you’ll love this one too.
July 21, 2026
Thank you to Mira Books & HTP Books for providing me with a gifted ebook copy of The Pumpkin Bride through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy to add to your Fall TBR, then look no further than The Pumpkin Bride. The book’s description is true to a mix of The Princess Bride and Shrek. There’s some fun magic, sprites, a vain Prince, and a sweet romance that brings all of the true love vibes to the story.
Marigold and Bram were both so lovable as the FMC and MMC and I loved them together. Since this is low stakes fantasy, the pacing is a bit slower, but I didn’t really mind that because it was so cute and cozy.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Cozy Fantasy
* Low Stakes
* Secrets & Curses
* Second Chance
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 🌶️
The Pumpkin Bride is a great magical world to get lost in if you’re wanting to curl up with a fun read, warm drink, and cozy blanket.
If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy to add to your Fall TBR, then look no further than The Pumpkin Bride. The book’s description is true to a mix of The Princess Bride and Shrek. There’s some fun magic, sprites, a vain Prince, and a sweet romance that brings all of the true love vibes to the story.
Marigold and Bram were both so lovable as the FMC and MMC and I loved them together. Since this is low stakes fantasy, the pacing is a bit slower, but I didn’t really mind that because it was so cute and cozy.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Cozy Fantasy
* Low Stakes
* Secrets & Curses
* Second Chance
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 🌶️
The Pumpkin Bride is a great magical world to get lost in if you’re wanting to curl up with a fun read, warm drink, and cozy blanket.
August 10, 2026
This is a cute autumnal mashup of The Princess Bride and Shrek that ultimately just wasn’t for me. It was a bit too “on the nose,” and I had a hard time getting fully engaged with the prose. However, this is absolutely a me issue, and I can easily see fans of either movie eating this one up.
I received a complimentary ALC and eARC from The Hive via NetGalley. I quickly dropped the eARC and went with the audio because, honestly, I just wanted to get through it.
The narration by Will Watt and Moira Quirk was fine. They had good pacing and lovely British accents, but it simply wasn’t enough to hook me into the story.
If you enjoy grumpy sunshine, dark secrets, and one true love tropes, along with reimaginings of The Princess Bride and Shrek, this one may be right up your alley!
I received a complimentary ALC and eARC from The Hive via NetGalley. I quickly dropped the eARC and went with the audio because, honestly, I just wanted to get through it.
The narration by Will Watt and Moira Quirk was fine. They had good pacing and lovely British accents, but it simply wasn’t enough to hook me into the story.
If you enjoy grumpy sunshine, dark secrets, and one true love tropes, along with reimaginings of The Princess Bride and Shrek, this one may be right up your alley!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to #NetGalley, Harlequin Audio, MIRA Books, and HarperCollins for providing me with a free advanced listening copy of The Pumpkin Bride by Fiona Buttercup. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After several high-stakes and emotionally intense reads, I was ready for something cozy, comforting, and low-stakes. The Pumpkin Bride was exactly the autumn escape I needed.
Marketed as Shrek meets The Princess Bride, this cozy romantic fantasy absolutely captures the fairy-tale charm, humor, and heart of both stories. However, Bram is not an ogre. He's a legendary knight cursed into the body of an orc, and honestly, I think that's even better. What makes him truly unforgettable isn't his appearance, but the fact that he's a baking hero. Give me a grumpy orc baking pies on a magical pumpkin farm, and I'm completely invested.
When runaway Princess Marigold escapes an arranged marriage and finds refuge at Grimroot Farm, she doesn't realize the grumpy orc farmer she's growing attached to is actually her long-lost love, Sir Bram Duncan. As they settle into a cozy routine filled with baking, harvest magic, and life on the farm, old feelings begin to resurface.
One of my favorite things about this story was the atmosphere. This book practically smells like cinnamon, pumpkin pie, fallen leaves, and woodsmoke. The magical pumpkin patch, enchanted forest, cozy farmhouse, and domestic magic created a setting I never wanted to leave. It felt like the perfect book to kick off fall reading season.
Bram and Marigold were absolutely delightful together. Bram may have a fearsome exterior, but beneath the curse is a kind, loyal, and deeply caring man. Watching him show love through baking and quiet acts of service made him impossible not to adore. Marigold's warmth, resilience, and optimism balanced him perfectly, creating a sweet and satisfying grumpy-meets-sunshine romance.
The audiobook narration elevated this story even further.
Will Watt was phenomenal as Bram. He perfectly captured the contrast between the intimidating orc exterior and the vulnerable knight still hiding beneath the curse. His performance brought so much heart, longing, and tenderness to the character.
Moira Quirk was equally wonderful as Marigold. She infused her with warmth, humor, determination, and emotional depth, making her feel vibrant and authentic.
Together, Watt and Quirk made this story feel like a fairy tale being told beside a cozy autumn fire. Their performances enhanced the romance, humor, and emotional moments, creating an immersive listening experience from beginning to end.
If you're looking for a cozy fantasy romance filled with pumpkin patch magic, fairy-tale charm, autumn vibes, a lovable baking hero, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after, The Pumpkin Bride is a delightful seasonal treat.
After several high-stakes and emotionally intense reads, I was ready for something cozy, comforting, and low-stakes. The Pumpkin Bride was exactly the autumn escape I needed.
Marketed as Shrek meets The Princess Bride, this cozy romantic fantasy absolutely captures the fairy-tale charm, humor, and heart of both stories. However, Bram is not an ogre. He's a legendary knight cursed into the body of an orc, and honestly, I think that's even better. What makes him truly unforgettable isn't his appearance, but the fact that he's a baking hero. Give me a grumpy orc baking pies on a magical pumpkin farm, and I'm completely invested.
When runaway Princess Marigold escapes an arranged marriage and finds refuge at Grimroot Farm, she doesn't realize the grumpy orc farmer she's growing attached to is actually her long-lost love, Sir Bram Duncan. As they settle into a cozy routine filled with baking, harvest magic, and life on the farm, old feelings begin to resurface.
One of my favorite things about this story was the atmosphere. This book practically smells like cinnamon, pumpkin pie, fallen leaves, and woodsmoke. The magical pumpkin patch, enchanted forest, cozy farmhouse, and domestic magic created a setting I never wanted to leave. It felt like the perfect book to kick off fall reading season.
Bram and Marigold were absolutely delightful together. Bram may have a fearsome exterior, but beneath the curse is a kind, loyal, and deeply caring man. Watching him show love through baking and quiet acts of service made him impossible not to adore. Marigold's warmth, resilience, and optimism balanced him perfectly, creating a sweet and satisfying grumpy-meets-sunshine romance.
The audiobook narration elevated this story even further.
Will Watt was phenomenal as Bram. He perfectly captured the contrast between the intimidating orc exterior and the vulnerable knight still hiding beneath the curse. His performance brought so much heart, longing, and tenderness to the character.
Moira Quirk was equally wonderful as Marigold. She infused her with warmth, humor, determination, and emotional depth, making her feel vibrant and authentic.
Together, Watt and Quirk made this story feel like a fairy tale being told beside a cozy autumn fire. Their performances enhanced the romance, humor, and emotional moments, creating an immersive listening experience from beginning to end.
If you're looking for a cozy fantasy romance filled with pumpkin patch magic, fairy-tale charm, autumn vibes, a lovable baking hero, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after, The Pumpkin Bride is a delightful seasonal treat.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is basically what would happen if Shrek and the Princess Bride had a cozy autumn baby and I mean that in the best possible way 👀
Cursed knight turned grumpy orc plus a runaway princess… are you cozy enough for this? 🎃
🧠 Micro Synopsis
Sir Bram Duncan was once a knight of legend until a jealous prince and a tricky autumn sprite cursed him into the form of a hulking orc named Jask and tethered him to a pumpkin farm in the middle of the forest. When Princess Marigold stumbles onto his farm while fleeing her own terrible arranged marriage she starts to feel something strangely familiar about the grumpy orc who bakes surprisingly excellent pies. Neither of them is ready for what that feeling means.
🔥 Reasons to Read This If You Love…
Grumpy Sunshine 🎃 · Cozy Fall Magic 🍂 · Beauty and the Beast 🌹
This is such a cute and cozy fusion of two beloved stories and it leans into that combination really charmingly.
Watching these two fall in love with each other all over again despite one of them being in disguise is genuinely sweet and it works.
Bram is absolutely book boyfriend material and I will not be taking criticism on that point.
If you love Shrek or the Princess Bride you are going to have a lot of fun watching how this story develops and pays homage to both.
But I do want to set expectations clearly because this is not a book with a lot of complexity or deep world building.
It is very much about the romance and the autumn vibes and it leans fully into that rather than apologizing for it.
My analytical brain did get snagged on a few plot holes and some character choices that pulled me out of the story a little.
But I also recognize that is a me problem more than a book problem for this particular type of read.
This is genuinely the perfect book to curl up with on a cold fall evening when you just want something warm and magical.
If you need a little cozy escapism and you are not looking to think too hard, this one is going to scratch exactly that itch.
Cursed knight turned grumpy orc plus a runaway princess… are you cozy enough for this? 🎃
🧠 Micro Synopsis
Sir Bram Duncan was once a knight of legend until a jealous prince and a tricky autumn sprite cursed him into the form of a hulking orc named Jask and tethered him to a pumpkin farm in the middle of the forest. When Princess Marigold stumbles onto his farm while fleeing her own terrible arranged marriage she starts to feel something strangely familiar about the grumpy orc who bakes surprisingly excellent pies. Neither of them is ready for what that feeling means.
🔥 Reasons to Read This If You Love…
Grumpy Sunshine 🎃 · Cozy Fall Magic 🍂 · Beauty and the Beast 🌹
This is such a cute and cozy fusion of two beloved stories and it leans into that combination really charmingly.
Watching these two fall in love with each other all over again despite one of them being in disguise is genuinely sweet and it works.
Bram is absolutely book boyfriend material and I will not be taking criticism on that point.
If you love Shrek or the Princess Bride you are going to have a lot of fun watching how this story develops and pays homage to both.
But I do want to set expectations clearly because this is not a book with a lot of complexity or deep world building.
It is very much about the romance and the autumn vibes and it leans fully into that rather than apologizing for it.
My analytical brain did get snagged on a few plot holes and some character choices that pulled me out of the story a little.
But I also recognize that is a me problem more than a book problem for this particular type of read.
This is genuinely the perfect book to curl up with on a cold fall evening when you just want something warm and magical.
If you need a little cozy escapism and you are not looking to think too hard, this one is going to scratch exactly that itch.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️.5
This was a cozy fairytale x Shrek but with an Orc romantasy. It felt like it mashed together a bit of the Princess Bride, Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, and Beauty & the Beast all into one. Overall I finished this in one sitting while skimming some of the pages that were a bit unnecessary and in my opinion didn't add much to the storyline. Still I really enjoyed this book and will be following the author for what's next.
Bram is a knight with no rank or money to his name. Though he is desperately in love with Marigold the younger Princess to his kingdom, he leaves her to find riches and a title to be worthy of her. Instead he gets tricked by a fairy and becomes stuck in an Orc's body and restricted to a farm he can't leave.
After years of waiting for and then mourning Bram, Marigold accepts the neighboring kingdom's offer of marriage from Prince Caspian. When she realizes that Caspian doesn't have her best interest for her or her kingdom at heart she runs away and seeks shelter on Bram's farm- but doesn't recognize him.
I think this is a beautiful story though I got pretty frustrated with Bram's character. He was always questioning Marigold and what was best- best for her, best for the future, best for her heart. I felt like there were a some deep relationship advice in there that he kept missing. In the end he lost years with the love of his life because he trusted more in what others thought about them as a couple and being worthy of her vs. what Marigold wanted.
By the end I still had some questions (Bastion????) so I'm hoping there will be a book 2 maybe.
Defintiely add to your TBR- this was the perfect Fall cozy romantasy my heart was yearning for!
Tropes:
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Runaway Princess
-Hidden Identities
-He names his farm animals after her (flower names)
- Banter with a fairy sprite
- True love
-Fairytale vibes
-HEA
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for allowing me to ARC read.
🌶️🌶️.5
This was a cozy fairytale x Shrek but with an Orc romantasy. It felt like it mashed together a bit of the Princess Bride, Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, and Beauty & the Beast all into one. Overall I finished this in one sitting while skimming some of the pages that were a bit unnecessary and in my opinion didn't add much to the storyline. Still I really enjoyed this book and will be following the author for what's next.
Bram is a knight with no rank or money to his name. Though he is desperately in love with Marigold the younger Princess to his kingdom, he leaves her to find riches and a title to be worthy of her. Instead he gets tricked by a fairy and becomes stuck in an Orc's body and restricted to a farm he can't leave.
After years of waiting for and then mourning Bram, Marigold accepts the neighboring kingdom's offer of marriage from Prince Caspian. When she realizes that Caspian doesn't have her best interest for her or her kingdom at heart she runs away and seeks shelter on Bram's farm- but doesn't recognize him.
I think this is a beautiful story though I got pretty frustrated with Bram's character. He was always questioning Marigold and what was best- best for her, best for the future, best for her heart. I felt like there were a some deep relationship advice in there that he kept missing. In the end he lost years with the love of his life because he trusted more in what others thought about them as a couple and being worthy of her vs. what Marigold wanted.
By the end I still had some questions (Bastion????) so I'm hoping there will be a book 2 maybe.
Defintiely add to your TBR- this was the perfect Fall cozy romantasy my heart was yearning for!
Tropes:
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Runaway Princess
-Hidden Identities
-He names his farm animals after her (flower names)
- Banter with a fairy sprite
- True love
-Fairytale vibes
-HEA
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for allowing me to ARC read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🍂 ARC Review | The Pumpkin Bride by Fiona Buttercup 🍂
This story gave me all the fairy tale vibes and I honestly felt like I was watching a Disney movie while reading. The charming pumpkin farm, magical forests, cozy fall activities, and vivid autumn atmosphere made Harvest Hollow feel like the perfect place to spend the season.
I absolutely adored Bram and Marigold, watching them fall in love all over again was everything. Their shared history, childhood friendship, and enduring connection made their romance feel both heartwarming and unforgettable.
Bram/Jaks is the ultimate hopeless romantic, strong, honorable, and willing to sacrifice everything for the woman he loves. He was hands down my favorite part of this book. The fact that Fiona Buttercup made an orc this sexy should be studied, she somehow took an orc and turned him into one of the most swoon worthy and I'm absolutely not mad about it.
Marigold was such a wonderful heroine, she was sweet yet incredibly resilient, with magical abilities and a special bond with her twin that added so much depth to the story.
The character development was fantastic and even the villain, Prince Crispin, had me fully invested in wanting to see him get what he deserved.
I wasn't expecting any spice in this book, so that was a fun surprise, just enough to add a little extra heat without taking away from the cozy fantasy feel.
This book has been described as Shrek meets The Princess Bride meets Beauty and the Beast, and honestly, I couldn't agree more.
The Pumpkin Bride was everything I want in a cozy fantasy, magical curses, pumpkin pies, second chance romance, fairy tale charm, and all the fall vibes I crave. If you're looking for a heartwarming escape filled with magic, friendship, and love, this book absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR
Thank you to The Hive and Fiona Buttercup for the eARC!
This story gave me all the fairy tale vibes and I honestly felt like I was watching a Disney movie while reading. The charming pumpkin farm, magical forests, cozy fall activities, and vivid autumn atmosphere made Harvest Hollow feel like the perfect place to spend the season.
I absolutely adored Bram and Marigold, watching them fall in love all over again was everything. Their shared history, childhood friendship, and enduring connection made their romance feel both heartwarming and unforgettable.
Bram/Jaks is the ultimate hopeless romantic, strong, honorable, and willing to sacrifice everything for the woman he loves. He was hands down my favorite part of this book. The fact that Fiona Buttercup made an orc this sexy should be studied, she somehow took an orc and turned him into one of the most swoon worthy and I'm absolutely not mad about it.
Marigold was such a wonderful heroine, she was sweet yet incredibly resilient, with magical abilities and a special bond with her twin that added so much depth to the story.
The character development was fantastic and even the villain, Prince Crispin, had me fully invested in wanting to see him get what he deserved.
I wasn't expecting any spice in this book, so that was a fun surprise, just enough to add a little extra heat without taking away from the cozy fantasy feel.
This book has been described as Shrek meets The Princess Bride meets Beauty and the Beast, and honestly, I couldn't agree more.
The Pumpkin Bride was everything I want in a cozy fantasy, magical curses, pumpkin pies, second chance romance, fairy tale charm, and all the fall vibes I crave. If you're looking for a heartwarming escape filled with magic, friendship, and love, this book absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR
Thank you to The Hive and Fiona Buttercup for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I feel like I’m always searching for the perfect cozy low stakes fantasy but then end up being more bored then entertained and thankfully this book did not disappoint me at all in that category. It’s a super sweet story I’d describe as Princess Bride meets Beauty and the Beast written in an adult lens and it was done so well. I was pulled in from the very beginning of the story where the curse happens until the ending which was done to perfection. Bram and Marigold truly proved they were each others true loves again and again and despite the curse they found each other again and worked around the villain in the story by their wit and loyalty to each other and kindness to others around them.
The setting was so fall coded, Bram is cursed to live as an orc on a pumpkin farm so the book takes place their in the middle of the forest and the descriptions of the setting made the book feel so cozy and all the food they made as well made me crave so many delicious autumn dishes. The characters also were so well rounded and I loved how they knew each other since they were children but after years apart they both noticed and spoke about the changes they’d gone through and the growth they made individually in adulthood without each other as well as all the growth they both experience throughout the story. I received the audiobook copy of this story and it was done so perfectly I loved both of their voices the duet narration was great and I really liked how Bram’s inner monologue had a different tone than his actual orc voice it was just one of the many things that made the narration done well. If you grew up loving Shrek like me I think you’ll adore this book. Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audjo for this ALC it comes out later this month and I think it makes for the perfect cozy fairy tale that’s both unique and nostalgic! 4.5 stars
The setting was so fall coded, Bram is cursed to live as an orc on a pumpkin farm so the book takes place their in the middle of the forest and the descriptions of the setting made the book feel so cozy and all the food they made as well made me crave so many delicious autumn dishes. The characters also were so well rounded and I loved how they knew each other since they were children but after years apart they both noticed and spoke about the changes they’d gone through and the growth they made individually in adulthood without each other as well as all the growth they both experience throughout the story. I received the audiobook copy of this story and it was done so perfectly I loved both of their voices the duet narration was great and I really liked how Bram’s inner monologue had a different tone than his actual orc voice it was just one of the many things that made the narration done well. If you grew up loving Shrek like me I think you’ll adore this book. Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audjo for this ALC it comes out later this month and I think it makes for the perfect cozy fairy tale that’s both unique and nostalgic! 4.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Pumpkin Bride by Fiona Buttercup is exactly the kind of wonderfully strange, atmospheric story I want to pick up when I’m craving something with a little romance, a little darkness, and a whole lot of autumnal charm. This story has such a fun fairytale-meets-gothic feel to it. There’s something delightfully eerie about the world Buttercup creates, but it never loses its whimsical charm. The story is filled with pumpkins, magic, romance, and just enough darkness to make it feel perfect for spooky season. I really enjoyed Fiona Buttercup’s writing style. It has a dreamy, almost storybook quality that makes the book easy to fall into. The descriptions helped create that cozy-but-creepy atmosphere without overwhelming the story. I could practically picture the autumn setting around me while reading, which made this feel like the perfect October read.
There were definitely moments that reminded me of the whimsical darkness of The Nightmare Before Christmas, the strange fairytale atmosphere of Coraline, and the magical, cozy feeling I love in books like Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries. It has that same sense of stepping into a world that is familiar enough to be comforting but strange enough to keep you curious. What I loved most is that The Pumpkin Bride doesn't feel like every other fantasy romance. It embraces its unusual premise and leans into the quirky, spooky, fairytale atmosphere. It’s fun, imaginative, romantic, and just a little creepy in all the right ways. If you love gothic fairytales, unusual romances, whimsical fantasy, autumn settings, or books that feel like they belong on a Halloween reading list, I absolutely recommend giving this one a try. A perfect book for cozy blankets, chilly nights, pumpkin spice, and spooky-season reading.
There were definitely moments that reminded me of the whimsical darkness of The Nightmare Before Christmas, the strange fairytale atmosphere of Coraline, and the magical, cozy feeling I love in books like Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries. It has that same sense of stepping into a world that is familiar enough to be comforting but strange enough to keep you curious. What I loved most is that The Pumpkin Bride doesn't feel like every other fantasy romance. It embraces its unusual premise and leans into the quirky, spooky, fairytale atmosphere. It’s fun, imaginative, romantic, and just a little creepy in all the right ways. If you love gothic fairytales, unusual romances, whimsical fantasy, autumn settings, or books that feel like they belong on a Halloween reading list, I absolutely recommend giving this one a try. A perfect book for cozy blankets, chilly nights, pumpkin spice, and spooky-season reading.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
For those of you craving cooler days and pumpkin season, this is the perfect cozy fall read. 🍂 While touted as Shrek meets The Princess Bride, the vibes I got were much more Beauty and the Beast. Basically, if you are a fan of Disney movies, I think you’ll love this story.
The farm girl in me loved the charm of Grimroot Farm, while the whimsical side of me appreciated the magical forest. It was so atmospheric that even in the heat of summer, I could practically smell the fall leaves and warm apple cider.
I did this one as an immersive read, enjoying both the print book and audiobook, and I highly recommend that approach. The narration really brought the characters and magical world to life for me and added even more to those cozy, whimsical vibes.
I appreciated Marigold’s tenacity to save her brothers and herself from the awful Prince Crispin, along with her determination to save her one true love. But the part of her story I adored the most was watching her come to love the farm, its chores and, of course, its critters. ❤️
While this is noted as a grumpy/sunshine trope, I didn’t get that quite as much. After all, if I was turned into an orc, I’d probably be a little grumpy, too! Bram was strong and self-sufficient, determined to make the best of the hand he’d been dealt.
And Bram and Marigold made such an adorable couple. I especially loved how the things that made Bram Bram, not his looks, but his personality, his heart and who he was at his core, allowed Marigold to fall in love with him all over again.
If you’re a fan of magic, whimsy, farm charm and second-chance love, add this cozy romance to your fall reading list! 🍁📚
The farm girl in me loved the charm of Grimroot Farm, while the whimsical side of me appreciated the magical forest. It was so atmospheric that even in the heat of summer, I could practically smell the fall leaves and warm apple cider.
I did this one as an immersive read, enjoying both the print book and audiobook, and I highly recommend that approach. The narration really brought the characters and magical world to life for me and added even more to those cozy, whimsical vibes.
I appreciated Marigold’s tenacity to save her brothers and herself from the awful Prince Crispin, along with her determination to save her one true love. But the part of her story I adored the most was watching her come to love the farm, its chores and, of course, its critters. ❤️
While this is noted as a grumpy/sunshine trope, I didn’t get that quite as much. After all, if I was turned into an orc, I’d probably be a little grumpy, too! Bram was strong and self-sufficient, determined to make the best of the hand he’d been dealt.
And Bram and Marigold made such an adorable couple. I especially loved how the things that made Bram Bram, not his looks, but his personality, his heart and who he was at his core, allowed Marigold to fall in love with him all over again.
If you’re a fan of magic, whimsy, farm charm and second-chance love, add this cozy romance to your fall reading list! 🍁📚
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you’re looking for an entertaining, cozy romance story, this is the book for you.
The romance between Marigold and Bram/Jask was sweet, well written, and the best part of this book. I really enjoyed reading about Marigold falling in love with Bram for the second time.
The external conflict is very bad and felt like an afterthought.
Things are too convenient.
• Marigold needs to know something specific that will break the curse. Next chapter, a boy just tells her out of nowhere.
• All the major players just meet up at the festival, and hang out until Marigold and Bram return.
• Bram feels a frisson whenever someone enters the farm, but sometimes he misses that feeling if he’s busy or he’ll ignore it. Again, this only happens/doesn’t happen to push the plot forward.
Characters are 'Too Stupid To Live'
• Marigold is hiding yet they decide to have a giant festival and invite all the villagers. They discuss the possibility of the Prince and knights showing up, but hand wave it off and don’t make a plan.
• There’s two ways to break the curse - a potentially risky way and a 100% safe, easy way. Marigold chooses the risky way.
Things are dropped
• There’s no explanation for why Marigold initially stays with Bram after successfully hiding from Crispin. There’s no urgency. Conversely, Crispin is suspicious but doesn’t check in on Bram.
• One of the reasons why they’re throwing the festival is so the villagers stop being scared of Bram. This is never addressed during the festival.
• Bram doesn’t trust Corby, and then trusts Corby.
These are nitpicks that annoyed me
• This was a throwaway line, but Bram, who is an incredibly busy farmer, somehow made a dozen tables in a few weeks.
• Marigold’s mom reveals she has magic, and we never find out what her magic is.
• Bram doesn’t recognize a childhood friend he’s known for decades, but can tell Corby’s shadow through a door. This happens within pages of each other.
• When a character is catching someone else up on the plot, you don’t need to recap the book’s plot. You can have a cutaway scene!
• This was actually huge, because it broke immersion for me. Marigold referenced Greek mythology. I then spent some time wondering that if there’s a Greece, does that mean there’s also an England, China, etc?
Overall, I did find it entertaining and found the romance part to be great. The external conflict had great potential, but ended up just making me roll my eyes a lot..
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this book.
The romance between Marigold and Bram/Jask was sweet, well written, and the best part of this book. I really enjoyed reading about Marigold falling in love with Bram for the second time.
The external conflict is very bad and felt like an afterthought.
Things are too convenient.
• Marigold needs to know something specific that will break the curse. Next chapter, a boy just tells her out of nowhere.
• All the major players just meet up at the festival, and hang out until Marigold and Bram return.
• Bram feels a frisson whenever someone enters the farm, but sometimes he misses that feeling if he’s busy or he’ll ignore it. Again, this only happens/doesn’t happen to push the plot forward.
Characters are 'Too Stupid To Live'
• Marigold is hiding yet they decide to have a giant festival and invite all the villagers. They discuss the possibility of the Prince and knights showing up, but hand wave it off and don’t make a plan.
• There’s two ways to break the curse - a potentially risky way and a 100% safe, easy way. Marigold chooses the risky way.
Things are dropped
• There’s no explanation for why Marigold initially stays with Bram after successfully hiding from Crispin. There’s no urgency. Conversely, Crispin is suspicious but doesn’t check in on Bram.
• One of the reasons why they’re throwing the festival is so the villagers stop being scared of Bram. This is never addressed during the festival.
• Bram doesn’t trust Corby, and then trusts Corby.
These are nitpicks that annoyed me
• This was a throwaway line, but Bram, who is an incredibly busy farmer, somehow made a dozen tables in a few weeks.
• Marigold’s mom reveals she has magic, and we never find out what her magic is.
• Bram doesn’t recognize a childhood friend he’s known for decades, but can tell Corby’s shadow through a door. This happens within pages of each other.
• When a character is catching someone else up on the plot, you don’t need to recap the book’s plot. You can have a cutaway scene!
• This was actually huge, because it broke immersion for me. Marigold referenced Greek mythology. I then spent some time wondering that if there’s a Greece, does that mean there’s also an England, China, etc?
Overall, I did find it entertaining and found the romance part to be great. The external conflict had great potential, but ended up just making me roll my eyes a lot..
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Pumpkin Bride is a delightful ode to Shrek and The Princess Bride. This cozy fantasy is funny and entertaining, with witty characters and plenty of magic too.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sir Bram was only trying to find his fortune so he could marry Princess Marigold, when he ran afoul of Prince Crispin. Now he’s been living as an orc for three years, can’t leave his farm, and can’t tell anyone his true identity. So when Marigold escapes from her impending wedding to Prince Crispin, the orc now known as Jask helps her hide. Marigold knows something feels familiar about the gruff, kind green guy, but can she figure out that he’s her true love?
This story is perfect for fans of:
🍁 witty banter
👑 fairytales
🍁 fall vibes
👑 forced proximity
🍁 hidden identity
👑 bumbling, evil princes
🍁 grumpy x sunshine
👑 one true love
If you are an audiobook fan, you want to listen to this book! It’s a standout, with fantastic narration from Will Watt and Moira Quirk. They both bring just the right tone to the story, and highlight the banter and comedic moments perfectly.
The Pumpkin Bride is a cute, cozy fairytale romance. It’s billed as being inspired by Shrek and The Princess Bride, which is most certainly is. I’d also say that it would appeal to fans of Assistant to the Villain, since it has a similar light, contemporary tone. If you are looking for a romance with magical fall vibes, definitely listen to this story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ALC of this audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sir Bram was only trying to find his fortune so he could marry Princess Marigold, when he ran afoul of Prince Crispin. Now he’s been living as an orc for three years, can’t leave his farm, and can’t tell anyone his true identity. So when Marigold escapes from her impending wedding to Prince Crispin, the orc now known as Jask helps her hide. Marigold knows something feels familiar about the gruff, kind green guy, but can she figure out that he’s her true love?
This story is perfect for fans of:
🍁 witty banter
👑 fairytales
🍁 fall vibes
👑 forced proximity
🍁 hidden identity
👑 bumbling, evil princes
🍁 grumpy x sunshine
👑 one true love
If you are an audiobook fan, you want to listen to this book! It’s a standout, with fantastic narration from Will Watt and Moira Quirk. They both bring just the right tone to the story, and highlight the banter and comedic moments perfectly.
The Pumpkin Bride is a cute, cozy fairytale romance. It’s billed as being inspired by Shrek and The Princess Bride, which is most certainly is. I’d also say that it would appeal to fans of Assistant to the Villain, since it has a similar light, contemporary tone. If you are looking for a romance with magical fall vibes, definitely listen to this story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ALC of this audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.75 ⭐
First off, a huge thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing both the ebook and audiobook. I've really been enjoying immersive reading lately, and having both formats definitely made the experience even better.
As for the book itself, I started out really loving it. The Shrek meets The Princess Bride comparison was spot on, and I absolutely adored the fairy tale vibes and overall atmosphere. It drew me in right away, and I was eager to see how the story would unfold.
Unfortunately, I started to lose interest along the way, specifically once the romance kicked in. After that, I found myself becoming less and less invested. I wanted to root for them, but the relationship never really clicked for me, and a lot of the romantic moments came across as cheesy.
The pacing didn't help either. There was a long stretch where the story began to drag, and by the time things picked up again, I'd already started to lose interest.
I also think the writing style played a part. It had a much younger feel than I was expecting from an adult romance. Honestly, if it wasn't for the occasional spicy scene, I probably would have assumed I was reading a young adult novel. The overall tone just felt a little off to me.
That said, it's an incredibly easy read with likable characters. If you're looking for a cozy, lighthearted romance, this could be exactly what you're looking for. It just wasn't for me.
I was fortunate to receive both the digital ARC and the advanced audiobook recording of this publication via NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Harlequin Audio . Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
First off, a huge thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing both the ebook and audiobook. I've really been enjoying immersive reading lately, and having both formats definitely made the experience even better.
As for the book itself, I started out really loving it. The Shrek meets The Princess Bride comparison was spot on, and I absolutely adored the fairy tale vibes and overall atmosphere. It drew me in right away, and I was eager to see how the story would unfold.
Unfortunately, I started to lose interest along the way, specifically once the romance kicked in. After that, I found myself becoming less and less invested. I wanted to root for them, but the relationship never really clicked for me, and a lot of the romantic moments came across as cheesy.
The pacing didn't help either. There was a long stretch where the story began to drag, and by the time things picked up again, I'd already started to lose interest.
I also think the writing style played a part. It had a much younger feel than I was expecting from an adult romance. Honestly, if it wasn't for the occasional spicy scene, I probably would have assumed I was reading a young adult novel. The overall tone just felt a little off to me.
That said, it's an incredibly easy read with likable characters. If you're looking for a cozy, lighthearted romance, this could be exactly what you're looking for. It just wasn't for me.
I was fortunate to receive both the digital ARC and the advanced audiobook recording of this publication via NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and Harlequin Audio . Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ALC Review ☆☆☆☆☆☆
Oh my holy autumn - I swear by all the pumpkins, fallen leafs, rainy days, hot beverages and cosy blankets, this audiobook is now one of my new all time favourites! It is mind-blowingly incredible and I cherished every second. The plot, the characters, the twists, the feelings that the book invokes in me are exceptional.
Bram/Jask is now one of my top favourite book boyfriends. He is caring, protective, charming and lovely. I love him as a knight and a pumpkin farmer with all his animal friends and grumpy mood. I love his POV!
Marigold is fierce, strong and amazing. I love how this book is not about warriors and fights but about the small strengths and obstacles in life. A princess who learns daily chores and loves the small life and cherishes the important things in life.
The side characters bring such joy and laughter and add to the heartwarming feeling. The autumn sprite is my absolute favourite! I love him ♡
The world is beautiful and I love all the little hints to fairytales.
I laughed, I cried, my heart melted and I felt content. It is an all-around masterpiece of a cosy fairytale autumn book.
The narrators are very talented and give you the perfect vibe for the characters and feeling of the book.
I 100% recommend this book and the audiobook edition!
Oh my holy autumn - I swear by all the pumpkins, fallen leafs, rainy days, hot beverages and cosy blankets, this audiobook is now one of my new all time favourites! It is mind-blowingly incredible and I cherished every second. The plot, the characters, the twists, the feelings that the book invokes in me are exceptional.
Bram/Jask is now one of my top favourite book boyfriends. He is caring, protective, charming and lovely. I love him as a knight and a pumpkin farmer with all his animal friends and grumpy mood. I love his POV!
Marigold is fierce, strong and amazing. I love how this book is not about warriors and fights but about the small strengths and obstacles in life. A princess who learns daily chores and loves the small life and cherishes the important things in life.
The side characters bring such joy and laughter and add to the heartwarming feeling. The autumn sprite is my absolute favourite! I love him ♡
The world is beautiful and I love all the little hints to fairytales.
I laughed, I cried, my heart melted and I felt content. It is an all-around masterpiece of a cosy fairytale autumn book.
The narrators are very talented and give you the perfect vibe for the characters and feeling of the book.
I 100% recommend this book and the audiobook edition!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The perfect way to get into the fall spirit.
I loved all the different stories that inspired and influenced this book; the Beauty and the Beast theming was, I think, my favorite, but I liked the Princess Bride and Shrek feel sprinkled in to it as well, and I think they worked perfectly together.
Marigold and Bram were such an adorable couple. I loved that even though they were separated and she was, in a sense, taken from him, they got to fall in love all over again. It was such a sweet thing to see, and his personality was something else that I really liked
Even with something terrible having happened to him, it didn't completely change him. He might be a bit grumpy, but who wouldn't be when essentially your life is completely changed, but he still shows her he still cares for her as he always has. She's also a great heroine; she's determined to save herself and her brother from an awful man and also to find and save her true love so they can have the life they should've been able to have years ago.
I really enjoyed this read, and I highly recommend checking it out. It's a book you should for sure add to your TBR. It was a perfect fall read.
Thank you, NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, and Fiona Buttercup for the early copy. This wonderful read will be out officially on September 1st.
I loved all the different stories that inspired and influenced this book; the Beauty and the Beast theming was, I think, my favorite, but I liked the Princess Bride and Shrek feel sprinkled in to it as well, and I think they worked perfectly together.
Marigold and Bram were such an adorable couple. I loved that even though they were separated and she was, in a sense, taken from him, they got to fall in love all over again. It was such a sweet thing to see, and his personality was something else that I really liked
Even with something terrible having happened to him, it didn't completely change him. He might be a bit grumpy, but who wouldn't be when essentially your life is completely changed, but he still shows her he still cares for her as he always has. She's also a great heroine; she's determined to save herself and her brother from an awful man and also to find and save her true love so they can have the life they should've been able to have years ago.
I really enjoyed this read, and I highly recommend checking it out. It's a book you should for sure add to your TBR. It was a perfect fall read.
Thank you, NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, and Fiona Buttercup for the early copy. This wonderful read will be out officially on September 1st.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I like to thank Edelweiss and the publisher for allowing me a read.
With a book like The Pumpkin Bride, you know what you're getting into: a mashup between The Princess Bride, Shrek, and maybe a smidge of Beauty and the Beast?
The synopsis is as it is: princess has a love who has been changed into a Orc and he is forbidden to tell her who he really is when she shows up five years later on his doorstep, looking to escape from the prince who doomed him to the form.
There is also a coziness to it, which has to do with the fact that no longer a knight of the realm, the orc has resulted to baking and tending to his new home daily. There is a lot of cooking, cleaning, etc. etc.
I think the problem I have with this book, which is why I marked it down, is how modern it read / came off. Some of the things the princess would say and some of the things that they would do felt like I was watching two modern-day folk hanging out in ye'olden-days. Which, I get, the author can have her characters talk how they should talk. But I *do* think that you're going to give them unique voices (the princess is very independent and revolutionary), you can make them that way with making them seem like they come from the lands that you're putting them in.
Overall it's cute, and if you like easy reads then you'll enjoy this. But if you want something with depth and more non-modern characters, this might be a bit o
With a book like The Pumpkin Bride, you know what you're getting into: a mashup between The Princess Bride, Shrek, and maybe a smidge of Beauty and the Beast?
The synopsis is as it is: princess has a love who has been changed into a Orc and he is forbidden to tell her who he really is when she shows up five years later on his doorstep, looking to escape from the prince who doomed him to the form.
There is also a coziness to it, which has to do with the fact that no longer a knight of the realm, the orc has resulted to baking and tending to his new home daily. There is a lot of cooking, cleaning, etc. etc.
I think the problem I have with this book, which is why I marked it down, is how modern it read / came off. Some of the things the princess would say and some of the things that they would do felt like I was watching two modern-day folk hanging out in ye'olden-days. Which, I get, the author can have her characters talk how they should talk. But I *do* think that you're going to give them unique voices (the princess is very independent and revolutionary), you can make them that way with making them seem like they come from the lands that you're putting them in.
Overall it's cute, and if you like easy reads then you'll enjoy this. But if you want something with depth and more non-modern characters, this might be a bit o
August 6, 2026
The Pumpkin Bride started out super cute and full of fun banter and delightful day to day experiences. There were about 8 chapters in the middle that didn’t quite work for me but then it ended better, albeit a little rushed. The reason this isn’t a higher rating was because some of the plot lines weren’t followed fully and there were also quite a few contradictions from the start of the story to the end. If those had been cleaned up a bit I could’ve seen myself loving this because I really did loved all the characters, especially the Autumn Sprite!
The narrators Moira Quirk and Will Watt were fantastic and had I been listening the entire time I think I would’ve enjoyed this more, they captured the characters better than my own imagination did!
This was pitched as Shrek meets Princess Bride (I love that the author chose a pen name using the two books that inspired this story!) and that comparison does feel correct but with a dash of spice.
Pub day: September 1
Rating: 3.5⭐️
Thanks to HTP Hive for the e-arc and HTPBooks Audio for the alc #gifted
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This was so cute. It is a Princess Bride and Shrek mash up. Princess Marigold's true love is turned into an orc, but she is told he died. With his curse he is not allowed to tell anyone who he really is. Years later, Bram has made a life for himself alone, as a farmer. Marigold is being forced to marry a man she doesn't love and she runs. She ends up on Bram's doorstep. She ends up staying with him and obviously he knows who she is and it is killing him that his best friend is right in front of him and he can't tell her. I enjoyed this one. I couldn't put it down. It is just a nice, cozy read. Perfect for the fall with lots of pumpkins and apples. I smiled a lot while reading it.
-The fact that he spoke few words made her eager to hear whatever he was fighting to say.
-"We all go through periods of change. But it's true we're largely the same at our core."
-To be seen was to be loved.
-It always seemed the people least responsible bore the most guilt.
-The fact that he spoke few words made her eager to hear whatever he was fighting to say.
-"We all go through periods of change. But it's true we're largely the same at our core."
-To be seen was to be loved.
-It always seemed the people least responsible bore the most guilt.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Pumpkin Bride by Fiona Buttercup is a fun blend of fairy tale charm that feels like Shrek and The Princess Bride wrapped up in the coziest story imaginable. A cursed knight trapped in the form of a grumpy orc, a runaway princess escaping an unwanted marriage, a pumpkin farm, homemade pies, and plenty of fall magic create the perfect backdrop for a heartwarming romance. I loved being able to read Bram and Marigold as they slowly rediscovered each other, proving that love can see beyond appearances. Their chemistry is sweet, the grumpy/sunshine dynamic is adorable, and Bram easily earns his place as an unforgettable book boyfriend.
This isn't a story that focuses on world-building, it's all about the romance and cozy atmosphere. If you're looking for an easy, feel-good read filled with pumpkins, fairy tale vibes, and a happily-ever-after that leaves you smiling, The Pumpkin Bride is the perfect book to enjoy with a warm blanket and your favorite fall drink.
This isn't a story that focuses on world-building, it's all about the romance and cozy atmosphere. If you're looking for an easy, feel-good read filled with pumpkins, fairy tale vibes, and a happily-ever-after that leaves you smiling, The Pumpkin Bride is the perfect book to enjoy with a warm blanket and your favorite fall drink.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I don't normally listen to romance, but when I saw that two of my favorite narrators, Will Watt & Moira Quirk, narrated this book, I didn't hesitate to give it a try.
Now, keep in mind that I am NOT into romance because, honestly, I don't normally care about who's shagging whom in a story (so the less steam the better!). But, this one was really well done. I enjoyed the story, the magical world was kind of cool and I loved the characters. I quickly got very invested in the story. I enjoyed the cozy/slice of life vibes of life on a farm: cooking, baking, farm chores, milking the cow, etc. I loved that the animals (the cow, the cat, the pig, and even the chickens) had some personality and weren't just set pieces. They also played a part in the story, no matter how small it was.
HIGHLY recommended for fans of cozy romantasy. Not my normal cup of tea but it was a great listen.
Now, keep in mind that I am NOT into romance because, honestly, I don't normally care about who's shagging whom in a story (so the less steam the better!). But, this one was really well done. I enjoyed the story, the magical world was kind of cool and I loved the characters. I quickly got very invested in the story. I enjoyed the cozy/slice of life vibes of life on a farm: cooking, baking, farm chores, milking the cow, etc. I loved that the animals (the cow, the cat, the pig, and even the chickens) had some personality and weren't just set pieces. They also played a part in the story, no matter how small it was.
HIGHLY recommended for fans of cozy romantasy. Not my normal cup of tea but it was a great listen.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Any book which blends two of my favorite movies, Shrek and The Princess Bride, was going to be an automatic Yes for me. Toss in the author's pseudonym of Fiona Buttercup, both of which are nods to the aforementioned titles, and I knew this would be a fun read.
Swap the ogre for an orc, Buttercup for Marigold, Prince Humperdinck for Crispin and you've the Pumpkin Bride in a nutshell.
While there are no quotable lines which will be repeated for decades to come the novel is clearly an ode to both Shrek and the Princess Bride. With more spice than the former, an annoying rooster, a lovable cat, and an autumn sprite with a sweet tooth instead of dread pirates, annoying donkeys, and love sick dragons.
I found this to be a fun read, but predictable. It serves as a good palate cleanser between heavier fare and a decent autumn vibes read.
3.5-3.75 stars rounded up to 4
Thanks NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for the e-arc All opinions are my own and freely given.
Swap the ogre for an orc, Buttercup for Marigold, Prince Humperdinck for Crispin and you've the Pumpkin Bride in a nutshell.
While there are no quotable lines which will be repeated for decades to come the novel is clearly an ode to both Shrek and the Princess Bride. With more spice than the former, an annoying rooster, a lovable cat, and an autumn sprite with a sweet tooth instead of dread pirates, annoying donkeys, and love sick dragons.
I found this to be a fun read, but predictable. It serves as a good palate cleanser between heavier fare and a decent autumn vibes read.
3.5-3.75 stars rounded up to 4
Thanks NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA for the e-arc All opinions are my own and freely given.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
🎧📖 The Pumpkin Bride
✍️ Fiona Buttercup
🎙️ Will Watt & Moira Quirk
✨ Harlequin Audio
🤓 I enjoyed via 🎧📖 NetGalley
Fiona, it’s so nice to meet you. This was such a sweet and cosy story! Filled with pumpkins, meddling creatures, new friendships, and all the warm fuzzy feels. 🎃✨
Will, I could listen to you all day. In fact, I did! Your accent and cadence were absolutely delightful. I could hear the love, longing, and devotion in every word. ❤️
Moira, you have such a beautiful voice! I adored your accent and sweet lilt. You brought our girl to life perfectly with her humour, determination, and big heart.
If you’re looking for a cosy Romantasy filled with quirky characters, meddling magical elements, and a love that feels everlasting, look no further! This slow burn will leave you with ALL the feelings.
Just beware of the acorns, okay?! 🌰 You’ve been warned!
Thank you Fiona Buttercup & Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to listen, enjoy & review.
🌶️🌶️
🎧📖 The Pumpkin Bride
✍️ Fiona Buttercup
🎙️ Will Watt & Moira Quirk
✨ Harlequin Audio
🤓 I enjoyed via 🎧📖 NetGalley
Fiona, it’s so nice to meet you. This was such a sweet and cosy story! Filled with pumpkins, meddling creatures, new friendships, and all the warm fuzzy feels. 🎃✨
Will, I could listen to you all day. In fact, I did! Your accent and cadence were absolutely delightful. I could hear the love, longing, and devotion in every word. ❤️
Moira, you have such a beautiful voice! I adored your accent and sweet lilt. You brought our girl to life perfectly with her humour, determination, and big heart.
If you’re looking for a cosy Romantasy filled with quirky characters, meddling magical elements, and a love that feels everlasting, look no further! This slow burn will leave you with ALL the feelings.
Just beware of the acorns, okay?! 🌰 You’ve been warned!
Thank you Fiona Buttercup & Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to listen, enjoy & review.
Read
August 10, 2026Thank you to Harlequin Audio | MIRA for the ALC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The Pumpkin Bride is a crossover of two well known stories, Shrek and The Princess Bride. Princess Marigold is running away from an arranged marriage when she stumbles into Grimroot Farm and the farmer, Jask. She doesn’t remember him, nor recognize his current form; but he does, and he would do anything to protect her (and win her back).
This book is straight up quirky and every other descriptor falls short of explaining the story. I’m giving it three stars because it lacked the sharp wit that I associate with The Princess Bride, leaning more into its other influences. It’s a very cute fall read.
Did I pick up this ALC because I knew I loved Moira Quirk? It’s highly possible (yes, I did). I knew the narration was going to be great, and I was absolutely correct. Moira and Will Watt are both great in this audiobook.
The Pumpkin Bride is a crossover of two well known stories, Shrek and The Princess Bride. Princess Marigold is running away from an arranged marriage when she stumbles into Grimroot Farm and the farmer, Jask. She doesn’t remember him, nor recognize his current form; but he does, and he would do anything to protect her (and win her back).
This book is straight up quirky and every other descriptor falls short of explaining the story. I’m giving it three stars because it lacked the sharp wit that I associate with The Princess Bride, leaning more into its other influences. It’s a very cute fall read.
Did I pick up this ALC because I knew I loved Moira Quirk? It’s highly possible (yes, I did). I knew the narration was going to be great, and I was absolutely correct. Moira and Will Watt are both great in this audiobook.
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