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Rivals and Romance #1

Leaves and Longing

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She wants roots. He collects boarding passes.Travel journalist Knox Sheppherd is supposed to be sipping sangria in Spain. Instead, a forgotten passport renewal strands him in Iowa, covering the Midwest Rival Fest, where two neighboring towns are locked in a decades-old rivalry fueled by pumpkins, apples, and a mischievous goat named Karen.

As Harvest Glen's event planner, Mia Mullins thrives on turning chaos into magic. Between organizing the festival and defending her three-year Pumpkin Palooza winning streak, she has no time for distractions—especially not a charming reporter who's only passing through.

But between runaway livestock, festival disasters, carnival lights, and one increasingly inconvenient attraction, keeping things professional becomes harder by the day. As sparks fly and festival season heats up, Knox and Mia find themselves facing an impossible choice.

Mia is building a future in the place she loves. Knox is always chasing the next destination. With an expiration date looming over their romance, they'll have to decide whether love is worth rewriting the plans they thought they wanted.

Because sometimes the greatest adventure isn't the one that takes you somewhere new—it's the one that makes you want to stay.

Leaves and Longing is a sweet rom-com featuring a hero who falls first (and takes care of her), a small-town festival, opposites attract, and enough cozy fall vibes to fill a pumpkin patch—including campfires, carnival rides, stargazing, a pumpkin regatta, delicious festival food, and one unforgettable goat.

Leaves and Longing is part of the Rivals and Romance series; a collection of six interconnected standalone novel that can be read in any order.

287 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2026

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About the author

Amanda P. Jones

16 books333 followers
When not reading or writing (which is rare), Amanda loves to travel, camp, spend time with family and friends, and eat chocolate chip cookies—or any other excuse she can come up with to avoid doing housework. She lives in the Rocky Mountains with her husband and three children.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
307 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2026
Even though the temperature in my neighborhood is still in the triple digits, I am in full fall mode. So, I was so excited to read Leaves and Longing by Amanda P. Jones and escape into world where the leaves are falling and everything is pumpkin spice or apple cider. Well, I enjoyed every minute of this sweet book.

The story focuses on Knox Sheppard as he heads to Iowa to cover rival fall festivals in neighboring small towns for a travel magazine. Knox isn’t looking forward to this assignment because he was supposed to be in Spain, but a problem with his passport caused him to switch assignments with a colleague. When Knox meets Mia Mullins, the event planner for Harvest Glen’s Pumpkin Palooza, he starts to think his new assignment might not be so bad after all. The story follows Knox as he covers the rival festivals and gets to know Mia better.

I loved both Knox and Mia. Their banter and chemistry were on point and really supported the development of their friendship. Their relationship was so sweet and their connection so strong from the first meeting. It was so fun to watch them fall for each other.

The fall vibes were everywhere! Jones’ writing really brought these small towns and their fall festivals to life. This story was really the best escape into fall.

Leaves and Longing is the first book in the Rivals and Romance multiauthor series. I adored this book, and I’m excited to check out the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Patty Baumeister.
640 reviews29 followers
September 3, 2026
Book Review
Leaves and Longing
A Novel Written By Amanda P. Jones
Fiction - Romance
Published September 2026
287 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the first book in the Rivals and Romance Series. Six interconnected books by six different authors.

Two small towns in Iowa that are rivals. They take their fall festivals very seriously. Harvest Glen has a Pumpkin Palooza. Maple Ridge has an Apple Festival. The winning town gets the goat, Karen.

A passport snafu sends travel writer, Knox Sheppard, to Iowa instead of Spain.
Mia Mullins is an event planner who is in charge of her hometown’s annual Pumpkin Palooza.

After meeting the two become fast friends. They have an instant attraction, chemistry, and banter. Knox is sweet and wants to take care of her. He loves to travel and is always on the go. Mia has never ventured far from her hometown. I was crossing my fingers that the two could find a way to make a relationship work.

“Home is wherever you are….. You’re my favorite adventure.”
Profile Image for Angie (mushmysteriesandmore).
507 reviews
September 2, 2026
Yes! It’s September, and therefore, as far as I’m concerned, it’s officially Fall season. Time for cozy, autumnal reads about Thanksgiving, Fall festivals, pumpkin patches, apple trees and the beautiful landscapes and scenery before the harshness of winter. Oh, and of course, heroes and heroines casting desiring glances across bonfires, baking pies and roaring fires.

This book, Leaves and Longing, has such a Fall feel to it. It’s the first in a multi-author series called Rivals and Romance, six interconnected but standalone reads featuring two rival towns and their Fall Festival. On one side is Maple Ridge and their Apple Festival. On the other side is Harvest Glen and their Pumpkin Palooza. The prize? Custody of a goat called Karen, a male goat called Karen.

So book 1 is set in Harvest Glen. Mia is the event planner and works ten times as hard as everyone else to make sure the Pumpkin Palooza outshines the apple festival and has won the past 3 years. This year, Knox Sheppard arrives; his magazine has sent him to do an article on both events, and she is determined to showcase her town. Spending time with Knox is no hardship. He’s easy on the eyes, and he’s fun and charming to boot. But he’s here only temporarily, and Mia wants roots.

Mia was a good person; she’s kind and hard-working, and she’s loyal and dedicated to the town. So much so, she’s pretty stubborn when it comes to even entertaining the idea of working alongside the other town to create a single, outstanding festival. Knox is more open-minded, although he doesn’t have the history and lore of the town in his blood like Mia. However, as much as he tries to stay unbiased and fair, his growing attraction to Mia means he does lean more towards pumpkins than apples.

I loved Mia and Knox’s relationship. It was full of fun-filled flirting and I loved watching Knox take care of Mia, making her eat, helping her get rest and standing up for her when needed. He was adorable.
Profile Image for VickydpBooks.
1,235 reviews21 followers
September 1, 2026
This is a perfect autumn read! 🍂🎃

I absolutely loved the whole small-town festival setting. Give me pumpkins, carnival rides, bonfires, good food and a ridiculous goat called Karen and I’m pretty much sold 😂.

Mia and Knox were really likeable together. I loved that Mia is so rooted in her hometown and has this clear idea of the life she wants, while Knox is basically the complete opposite and is always thinking about where he’s going next. The whole opposites-attract thing worked really well for them.

Knox was definitely a favourite for me. He falls first, and you can tell how much he cares about Mia even though he knows there’s an expiration date hanging over their relationship. There were some really sweet moments between them that had me smiling.

And the festival chaos was brilliant. Between the rival towns, pumpkin competitions, runaway livestock and Karen the goat causing trouble, there was always something going on. 😂 It gave the book a really fun, lighthearted feel.

I also liked the more emotional side of the story. Mia and Knox both have to figure out whether the lives they’ve planned for themselves are actually what they want, and whether they’re willing to change those plans for someone else.

This was exactly the kind of cosy rom-com I was in the mood for. Sweet romance, small-town vibes, autumn atmosphere, plenty of laughs and a hero who’s completely gone for the heroine.

And honestly, Karen the goat deserves her own book. 😂🐐

If you’re looking for a feel-good fall romance to curl up with, definitely add this one to your list!
Profile Image for Cathy.
2,096 reviews71 followers
September 25, 2026
I loved this book by Amanda P Jones! It's got the most fun fall vibes and carnival. I love the town of Harvest Glen and their irrational hate for their rival town of Maple Ridge. I didn't want this book to end!

Knox is a travel guy. He writes about festivals and things all over the world. Unfortunately for him, he let his passport expire and ends up having to stay stateside for his next assignment. It's in the middle of nowhere and he is not thrilled. I loved watching Knox as he navigates the assignment he didn't want. And as it starts to grow on him.

Mia is the planner working hard to plan the Pumpkin Palooza to keep Harvest Glen's festival winning. But...wow...that girl had a ton of work! I loved the way Knox was able to step in and help her when she needed him most.

This book is just so cute! I loved it!
Profile Image for Sydney.
1,107 reviews136 followers
September 4, 2026
Knox and Mia are the absolute cutest. They are from two completely different worlds and complete opposites, but boy do the sparks fly. Between all the festivities and chasing down the most mischievous goat ever, Karen. These two can't help falling for each other. Sweet romance and all the fall vibes, this story is perfect for the -ber months!! Fabulous start to this rivalry small town series.

FTC: Thank you to Amanda P. Jones for a complimentary copy of the book. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Marie Campbell.
345 reviews11 followers
September 21, 2026
Absolutely adored this read! Everything flowed smoothly. The characters were so lifelike and their stories were very relatable. The storyline was cute. Who doesn’t love a good pumpkin festival with a goofy escape artist of a goat?!?! Loved this book. I look forward to reading the other five books in this series from different authors. I also can’t wait to read more from this author. Her writing style keeps you going with no dull moment.
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,873 reviews
September 14, 2026
The Rivals and Romance series is off to a solid start with Amanda P. Jones’s “Leaves and Longing.” I loved all the autumn elements and and Mia & Knox were completely adorable. Mia especially made
me giggle and I loved Gram. Mia’s family drama added an interesting layer and seeing Knox’s protective side come out made me swoon. I am so excited for the rest of this series!

I received an ARC of this story and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Kaci Bonar.
474 reviews10 followers
September 24, 2026
The blurb for this story caught my attention from the moment it was first posted… maybe it’s the inner traveler that has an itch to scratch or maybe because the story is set in Iowa (the state my grandparents grew up in)?!  Either way, I was very curious as to what the author would bring to the table… wasn’t disappointed in the slightest!

Knox is a travel writer, been what seems like a million places across the globe but has never really spent a ton of time stateside.  Which is unfortunate, but much to his (and his boss’s) surprise a passport hiccup forces him to change assignments with a colleague.  Midwest here he comes!  He initially rolls his eyes at the fact that he will be spending 6 weeks on assignment reporting about a rivalry between 2 small communities trying to outdo in an annual competition.  What’s even more of a shock is the grand prize includes a goat named Karen!

Mia oversees the Pumpkin Palooza for Harvest Glen!  She has won the last 3 years and isn’t about to handover the win this year!  Unlike her rival event coordinator, she at least grew up in the area she’s representing and brings a wealth of information on why/how things are the way they are.  Throw in her gran’s homecooked meals and Knox starts to see the appeal of a slower pace of small-town America.  Mia has big aspirations for life, not just winning the rivalry, she wants roots, set up life and ultimately a lodge in which to host events out of.  

Over the course of the story, we see the two MCs have a natural chemistry between them and it has nothing to do with the nickname of “Zip” she bestowed upon him.  While both can see how the other appears to thrive in their environment, their tug towards each other is amazing!  Not everything is sunshine, roses, and plump pumpkins… they do butt heads when challenged with facing what could be.  There were both big and little gestures on both sides that I found endearing and finding a happy place in the middle.  This book was special and I think for being a woman having lived in big cities and small towns alike made it that way!  Bravo Amanda!
Profile Image for Krystal.
11 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2026
I love this story and the vibes it gives off. In my opinion, nothing can beat the vibes of Fall (which is my favorite season) and the fall activities in a small town. While we are at it's, let us throw a mischievous goat who just happens to be named Karen. I honestly do not think there was any aspect of this book that I did not like. It was funny, charming, and has the rival every small town that neighbor one another has.

The characters are people everyone can relate to. We have Gran, who treats everyone like they are her own and only wants the best for people. Riley, who is an amazing best friend to Mia and seems to know her best. Then there is Emily, the evil sister.

The main characters are people you can grow up with throughout the book. Mia is an event planner who runs towards fires during her events but in her personal life she tends to be a runner. Then there is Knox who is a traveling journalist, who never thought he would have somewhere he could call home. He loves his job and never wants to give it up.

When these two meet it is a breath of fresh air for both. It feels like they were meant for one another and I absolutely love their interactions throughout the story. It is supposed to be just business for both; however, from the first meeting the flirting begins, and they feel at ease with one another. It had me laughing throughout. It has you wondering what will happen to their story once Knox must leave. Will they make it or will they not? That you will have to read and find out.

To end this review, I would have to say that I loved the quotes from this story amd that the one that really got me is, "You're my favorite adventure" because I feel this way about my husband.

Thank you for letting me be an ARC for this book and I cannot wait to read the other authors as they continue this series.
Profile Image for Wendy.
797 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 21, 2026
This is the first book in the multi-author series Rivals and Romance. While the books could be read as a standalone, you are going to want to read the full series in order.

Harvest Glen and Maple Ridge have been rivals for years - pumpkins vs apples. During the fall festivals, they compete to get the prize and basically prove that they are the better town.

This is a delightful story where we get friendship, a town rivalry, laugh out loud moments, instant attraction, swoon moments, an amazing Gran, and a trouble making goat!

I was quickly pulled into the story and stayed up way to late because I didn't want to put the book down. Amanda P Jones does an amazing job at creating characters that you connect with and root for throughout the story.

Mia can be quirky and tends to word vomit when she gets nervous. Knox really is a golden retriever MMC, and while he didn't want to come to Iowa at first, really starts to see the appeal of the festival. I enjoyed their banter and loved how their relationship progressed.

This is a great start to the series and I can't wait to read the next book where we get Riley and Ally's story.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Quotes:
"People let feelings, especially angry and bitter ones take root. Those feelings fester until you want everyone else to suffer the way you do."

"...you are pretty unforgettable."

"Why is life so difficult sometimes?"

"You make me want to be a better person."

"Sometimes adulting sucks."

"Families are messy..."

"I already found what I was hoping to win."

"You're my favorite adventure."
Profile Image for Jacquie.
302 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2026
Leaves and Longing is Book #1 in the Rivals and Romance series, and it is an absolutely adorable, fall-themed rom-com! 🍁❤️ This book has everything I love in a small-town romance—a charming little town, quirky characters, plenty of laughs, sweet romance, and even a hilarious goat who happens to be the prize for whichever town wins the best fall festival!

Knox is a travel journalist who loves exploring the world, meeting new people, and experiencing the places other people call home. Since he doesn’t have much of a family or a place he considers home himself, he loves getting a glimpse into the lives and families of others. But when an unexpected event keeps him from traveling internationally, he finds himself stuck evaluating a fall festival in a small Midwestern town. And then he meets Mia. Mia is an event-planning extraordinaire who is kind, funny, spunky, and impossible not to love. As she introduces Knox to the town, and all of its wonderfully entertaining characters, the two develop a beautiful friendship that slowly turns into something more.

I loved the chemistry between Knox and Mia, and there were so many funny and heartwarming moments throughout the story. The fall setting added the perfect cozy touch, and the small-town atmosphere made this such a fun read. If you’re looking for a sweet, funny, feel-good rom-com with great chemistry, quirky small-town characters, and ALL the fall vibes, I definitely recommend Leaves and Longing!

Also, the bonus chapter that the author wrote is the cherry on top of this adorable story, so make sure you check that out!
Profile Image for Melanie.
82 reviews9 followers
August 28, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author

This is the first book in the multi-author series Rivals and Romance. It could be read as a standalone but will be best enjoyed if you read all of the 6 books of the series in order.

Harvest Glen is a small town in Iowa, that has a Pumpkin Palooza every fall. Knox Shepperd, a traveling journalist, is assigned to cover the Midwest Rival Fest between Harvest Glen and Maple Ridge. They compete against each other to win the main prize, and prove which town and festival is the best.

Amanda P. Jones is a favorite author that quickly pulls you into the story. I didn't want to put this book down. My favorite season is fall, and I love everything pumpkin. Throw in some funny, laugh out loud moments, as well as some swoon and you have me hooked.

Mia Mullins is the event planner for the Pumpkin Palooza each year. She's a spunky, loyal lover of her home town. She doesn't have time for any distractions, especially with the hunky and charming journalist, who is just passing through until his next destination. Amongst all the chaos, as well as the hilarious and mischievous goat, Karen, Mia and Knox build a "best" friendship, that starts to progress to something more.

I enjoyed everything about this story and can't wait to continue with the series. Which is better- pumpkins or apples?

Thanks to the author for my gifted copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Quotes:
"Traveling is fun on occasion, but there's nothing quite like home."

"I'm falling for you... In a way I never thought I was capable of."

"Since meeting you... the things I wanted in life have changed."

"Home is wherever you are."

"You're my favorite adventure."
Profile Image for Riella Cristobal .
520 reviews10 followers
September 1, 2026
The first in the Rivals and Romance series, Leaves and Longing is an adorable romcom perfect for the fall! I was so excited to come to this small town and to get to know some people there.
It was a lot of fun to follow Knox as he got to know Harvest Glen and Maple Ridge. He was a newcomer too and it helped to have his perspective. He had been traveling all over the world, but was finding the appeal of a small town and the community that it brought. I loved Mia’s spirit! She was hard working and determined to make the Pumpkin Palooza a success. Mia loved her town and wanted its success in the years-long rivalry. It was her home. I loved her relationship with her Gram too! She was so sweet and supportive of Mia.
Know and Mia were adorable together! He fell so quickly and threw himself into supporting her. He was such a romantic! I loved seeing them work together and to experience the events through him. Knox offered Mia a perspective bigger than she was used to and he gave her the place to reevaluate some of her own views around her town and family.
I loved the introduction to the two towns of Harvest Glen and Maple Ridge! We already get peeks into some of the other characters and I cannot wait to read their stories. Both towns are full of quirky traditions and pretty hilarious events. I loved seeing Mia and Knox going to the events and their different perspectives. This was a cozy and sweet romcom with some passionate kisses.
I received an ARC.
Profile Image for Kelli M. Stowers.
228 reviews4 followers
September 1, 2026
What a way to start the Fall season!

Mia and Knox have the sweetest love story. I loved how easily they settled into a friendship first with the teasing and banter coming quickly after. They have so many good heart to heart conversations throughout. Even though they both have things they’re running from, they’re also figuring out how to run to each other.

Mia is the quintessential small town girl. She loves her town, loves her people, and will do anything to see them all succeed. Knox is an adventurer and doesn’t really realize that he’s looking for something more than his nomadic life can give him. I loved seeing them find each other, even when they denied what was happening.

As someone who grew up in a few different small towns, I can honestly say that as different as they are, they’re all the same, and Harvest Glen is no exception. I loved all the small town antics, the rivalry between town festivals, the wily goat, and the pranks. I could easily picture any number of these events happening in my own town.

I am a sucker for found family, and I loved seeing it as such a huge theme for both Mia and Knox throughout the book.

This opposites attract, forced proximity, small town romance is the 1st of 6 books in the Rivals and Romance multi-author series about two small Iowa towns competing for the ultimate prize in their Rival Fest - Pumpkin Palooza vs. Apple Festival. Much humor, hijinks, and heart is happening in Harvest Glen and Maple Ridge this Fall!
Profile Image for Megan Benson.
77 reviews22 followers
September 10, 2026
Looking for a great fall series? Want to snuggle in with all the pumpkin and apple vibes? Then you need to check out the Rivals and Romance Series!

Amanda hit it out of the park with this first book in a new fall
multi-author, multi-book series! I seriously couldn't put it down and finished it in just two days. I believe this is the first book I've read by her, and I loved every minute of it!

There were parts of Mia's story that really resonated with me, and Knox, the traveling journalist, had me laughing from the moment his assignment changed. Having grown up in a small town myself, I could literally picture exactly what was going through his mind! 😂

The characters felt so real and down-to-earth, and I loved the rivalry, the Palooza and festival, and all the funny things that happened in between. It was such a fun read! If you love small towns, rivals, shenanigans and a little swoon here and there you need to check out this whole series.

I can't wait to read the rest of the series and see who comes out the winner in the end.

Team Pumpkin 🎃 or Team Apple 🍎?


I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 26, 2026
Do you love fall? Do you love pumpkins? Do you hate apples? Do you love a goat named Karen?

If you answered yes to any of these then you MUST read this book!

Mia is a go getter that is determined to make this year Pumpkin Palooza the best yet! Harvest Glen is her hometown that she’s proud of and is thrilled to be in charge of the palooza again, but something will be different this year. An unexpected connection might just make her realize what she’s been missing all along.

Knox is a world traveler and loves meeting new people, but when he makes a big mistake he ends up on an assignment for the magazine company he works for covering a couple of small towns in Iowa for rival fall festivals. Will he become team Pumpkin or team Apple? Will a certain palooza planner challenge his whole thinking in life?

This book seriously sets all the fall vibes alight in you! You can almost smell the pumpkin spice but this no spice romance gives you all the longing and romance without crossing lines. I loved this book so much and Mia and Knox are just the greatest together!
2,228 reviews39 followers
September 2, 2026
- Small town romance
- Rival towns
- Goat
- City boy/Country girl

This is the first book in a new multi-author series and I. Am. H00ked! This has the most clever town rivalry as the premise of the story. Mia is from the town of Harvest Glen, which is best known for its Pumpkin Palooza. Their rival town, Maple Ridge, has an apple festival. The two towns compete each year, with the prize being bragging rights and cust0dy of Karen, the goat.

Mia has been the festival chair for the last 3 years, and is undefeated in her tenure. The competition has drawn the attention of a travel magazine, so they send Knox (he's the sub since he forgot to renew his travel docs). Knox is not happy at first to be sent to cover a midwestern festival, but soon discovers the quirkiness of the festival and both towns. He is especially intrigued by the beautiful Mia, who has been his point of contact.

As the festival approaches, Knox and Mia form a friendship, which turns into more. As a lover of all things fall and street fairs (festivals), this book was such a cozy treat!
1,552 reviews19 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 30, 2026
Apples or pumpkins, who has the best festival or who does Karen the goat really belong to? This is an adorable rivals and romance beginning. Mia is in charge of the Harvest Glen pumpkin festival. And there has been a long-standing rival with the neighboring Maple Ridge Apple Festival. Now this rivalry has caught the attention of a popular travel magazine that will be sending Knox Shepherd to cover both festivals. Knox is known for his world travel adventures, and knows nothing about small towns in rural America.. This trip could possibly change his life in many ways. This story is filled with fall festival vibes with every contest/competition you can imagine from pumpkin catapults to apple-sauce clogging. But of course, the best part of the story is the charming romance that blossoms and grows. This is a delightful, feel good, clean romance with witty banter, family drama, and all the fall festivities you could ask for.
Profile Image for Jordan.
Author 1 book22 followers
August 28, 2026
this is the first book in a multiseries author, and it didn’t disappoint! 6 interconnected standalones, 6 authors and alllll of the fall vibes.

I really enjoyed the characters and the story as a whole. The banter between the MCs was really fun, and the book really gave those cozy fall vibes that I enjoy so much. I loved the setting and the town that this story took place in. It gave me gilmore girls vibes and that's everything I want in a fall book.

Amanda P. Jone's writing is something that I always really enjoy. It's engaging, has the perfect amount of details, super bingable and has a flow that I really enjoy.

I would definitely recommend this one, and can't wait to see where the series goes and to revisit the towns & their rivalries.

The Vibes:
-Small Town Romance
-Fall Setting/Vibes
-He Falls First
-Found Family
-Fall Festival
1,627 reviews8 followers
September 1, 2026
I loved this story, a small town with all the fall vibes and fun fall actives you can think of with a crazy Karen who is so mischievous. Wonderful characters including Gran, small but spunky, a great best friend Riley and of course the main characters Knox, a travel journalist, and Mia an event planner. I loved the fun interactions between them, it had me laughing out loud and smiling the rest of the time, just what I want in a story that I read. There were so many quotes I liked: “Your soul is as bright as the sun. I didn’t realize I was living in the dark until I met you and you shined your glorious rays on parts of my life I hadn’t wanted to think about.” Or “I’m choosing to come here because it’s where I found what I was searching for.” Knox is so swoony, add this must read, fantastic story to your TBR for sure.
Profile Image for Michelle Houghton.
238 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 22, 2026
Perfectly pumpkin spice! What a wonderful series opener to the Rivals and Romance series. 6 authors, 6 interconnected standalones. I loved the characters and their banter, loved meeting some of the other characters we might hear more about along the way. Sweet and swoony, kissing only romance and a goat that runs amok! I can’t wait to see where the rest of the series fills in the gaps of the Pumpkin Palooza and Apple festival rivalry and mischief!
I think my favorite part was watching these two busy adults try to figure out how to make a relationship work, knowing they both still wanted their lives to include their careers and passions and trying to find realistic solutions, not easy and not perfect but oh so real!
Profile Image for Sarah Putrow.
157 reviews
September 5, 2026
Really cute cozy fall read. The rivalry made it entertaining and engaging. I always love a story with a small town feel. Lots of shenanigans and a goat named Karen.

Knox is a travel journalist assigned to do a piece on the two small town rivalries one of them being planner Mia. Mia ends up spending a lot of time with Knox showing him her town and that's how they end up falling for each other.

Knox and Mia were really sweet together and I really liked the whole opposite attraction angle. I love it when the guy falls hard fast and first I think it makes it even sweeter. They had wonderful chemistry together too.

This is a heartwarming feel good story that will make you laugh and smile throughout. Definitely a recommended read.
Profile Image for Megan | Reads Alotl Books.
410 reviews11 followers
September 6, 2026
This books was delightful and a great kick off to the fall season! This fun series is about 2 small towns who have a rival going with their respective festivals. The pranks they play on the other town were funny and charming. You're either Town Pumpkins or Town Apples.

Amanda had so many funny moments in the book that had me covering my mouth in the middle of the night so I didn't wake anyone up. I loved all of the travel stories from Knox and how he was instantly smitten with Mia. Mia is running herself ragged and I love that Knox sees it and takes care of her. And of course, no fall book is complete without a hysterical farm animal wrecking havoc...enter Karen the Goat. Also...GO PUMPKINS!
Profile Image for Cherilyn (Cherwhatyouread).
523 reviews17 followers
August 17, 2026
Oh I loved the first book in the pumpkins versus apples debate. Currently team pumpkin with how adorable the whole book was!

When Knox goes to report on the pumpkin palooza, he didn’t know what he was going to find with Mia. Mia and Knox were so fun! I loved how Mia welcomed Knox in with open arms, but made sure to tell him pumpkins were the best!

The protagonist was Mia’s sister and she was truly awful. But watching Knox stand up for her. So good.

Favorite parts
-their first meeting and Mia’s word vomit
-gas station snacks and Knox taking caring of Mia later.
-the pumpkin regatta
-Ferris wheel
-Karen the goat
-decorating the basement
-the proposal
-Mia’s nickname for Knox. Ha!


Favorite Quotes:
Man, I like this woman.
I smile. “Hey, beautiful.”
Mia waves a hand in front of her face. “Do you see the bags under my eyes? My sagging skin? That’s stress, not beauty.”
“Sure, under your eyes there’s a little purple, but when I look at you, M, I see your kindness, confidence, drive, and big heart.”

Knox is everything I never knew I needed in my life. He challenges me while also being supportive and sweet. He’s my hype-man and cheerleader.

I’ve traveled the world searching for someplace where I wanted to claim I’m from. Only, it wasn’t until Mia that I learned it’s not a pin on a map. It’s a person. My person.
1,413 reviews
September 1, 2026
Knox is a journalist that works for Detour Travel Magazine.
Mia is the event planner for The Pumpkin Palooza Festival in Harvest Glenn
Camille is the event planner of The Apple Festival for Maple Ridge.

This is the first book in the series Rivals and Romance. Knox and Mia meet, when Knox
is sent to cover The Pumpkin Palooza Festival ( Harvest Glen) and The Apple Festival (Maple Ridge) for
Detour Travel Magazine.
There is a rival competition between two towns for the prize of Karen, The Goat.
Who is going to win? Can Knox and Mia have a Happily Ever After?
You will have to read the book.

This book has tradition, competition, family drama and emotions.

Great Job Amanda P Jones !!!!
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1,666 reviews13 followers
September 1, 2026
This is just the book that I was looking for to put me in the mood for Autumn. Full of family dynamics, rival Fall festivals, and a travel writer that is surprised by what he discovered I could not stop reading this book! The book made me feel all the things as I laughed at the antics of Karen and the Fall festival events, ached along with Mia, and finished the book smiling. The characters are interesting and relatable and I want to attend the festivals.

I am still thinking about Mia and Knox and the rival festivals and highly recommend you add this to your Fall reading list.

Thanks to the author for the free, gifted copy.
59 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2026
Longing is correct. Knox and Mia make you go through it in this book. The banter and longing looks/thoughts just kill you. Both characters are beautifully written. Knox the forever world traveler being forced to travel to rival small town festivals is just perfect for him to get a new perspective on life. Mia, homegrown and very much part of the rivalry, has her own baggage but it trying to do good. Mia's grandma is the sweetest thing in the world and makes me miss my grandma.
This book is a great book to get you in the mood for fall, but beware, you are going to wish that you could participate in these towns events.
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464 reviews28 followers
September 17, 2026
What a beautiful start to the multi-author Rivals and Romance series. And a perfect start to autumn reading. Or anytime you want autumn vibes in your life.

This opposites attract, two completely different worlds romance in a small town setting is bound to have chemistry. And boy, Know and Mia have chemistry. And pumpkins. And the rival apples. And a goat. It’s a hoot, it’s got that magic autumn air throughout and it is swoony.

Pick this one up, along with a cozy sweater and read the day away!

*I received a complimentary copy from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. A review was not required and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Julie.
926 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 28, 2026
Thank you for the advanced copy from the author. This is a volunteer review and all opinions are my own.

If you love Fall, pumpkins, lovable characters and a crazy goat, this book is for you.

Knox 'Zip' Shepard is a travel journalist that finds himself in Iowa covering the Pumpkin Palooza and Maple Ridge Apple Festival. He was supposed to be in Spain but forgot to renew his passport.

Mia Mullens is the curvy, outgoing event planner that is in charge of the Pumpkin Palooza.

There is instant chemistry and interest between Knox and Mia. This is a fun, sweet romance.
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