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Pineridge #2
Tricked in October
In this best-friends-to-lovers romance, mistaken identity leads to a Halloween hook-up that might not be so mistaken after all. After losing her husband last winter, the thought of hosting a Halloween couples costume party is the furthest thing from Kelsey O’Henry’s mind. Besides raising three young children, managing O’Henry’s Bar and Grill, and caring for her alcoholic mother, she has more important things to worry about. Like the stack of unpaid business loans that threaten the bar’s existence. As well as her newfound feelings she’s developed for her best guy friend. Davis Vance is tired of being followed around by cameras. He misses the days before he and his twin brother became “Renovation Dudes”—hosts of an HGTV show. When Davis learns Kelsey could lose the bar at the end of the fall season, he sees it as an opportunity to not only help his friend, but as a way out of renewing his HGTV contract. There’s just one problem—lately Davis’s feelings for Kelsey have been less friendly and more romantic. And on the night of the bar’s Halloween party, both Kelsey and Davis can no longer ignore their desires. Will their passionate evening be a one-night stand—only a flicker of heat during the crisp autumn, or will she risk her pride and accept his help?
254 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 22
13 people are currently reading
979 people want to read
About the author
Starla DeKruyf
9 books88 followersStarla DeKruyf is a romance author of sweet stories with a dash of spice that always end in happily ever afters. She writes books that play like movies in your head about characters you wish you could hang out with. Follow her on her socials so you can have fun and be awkward together! When Starla isn’t writing, she’s probably drinking coffee and spending time with her husband, kids, and her rescue pup.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
October 14, 2023
really cute
October 15, 2022
This was such a lovely story with all the feelings of a slow burn love between friends. Kelsey and Davis have been best friends for years.
Kelsey is stubborn and strong, after losing her husband and now she's raising her three kids and running the bar, and helping her mother who is an alcoholic, she is getting overwhelmed. Davis is on a HGTV show with his twin brother Garrett, he hates the camera and lights but for his brother he'll do anything.
I loved Kelsey and Davis as friends and how it slowly became more. He was attentive and cared for her. Their relationship was cute. I enjoyed the switch between their POV, from Davis to Kelsey. It was a sweet October read that I couldn't put down until the very end.
Kelsey is stubborn and strong, after losing her husband and now she's raising her three kids and running the bar, and helping her mother who is an alcoholic, she is getting overwhelmed. Davis is on a HGTV show with his twin brother Garrett, he hates the camera and lights but for his brother he'll do anything.
I loved Kelsey and Davis as friends and how it slowly became more. He was attentive and cared for her. Their relationship was cute. I enjoyed the switch between their POV, from Davis to Kelsey. It was a sweet October read that I couldn't put down until the very end.
October 25, 2022
Unfortunately there was more wrong than right in this small town, dual POV, friends to lovers romance. I really LOVED the HGTV Property Brothers vibes, as twin brothers Davis and Garrett have their own reno show. However the mistaken identity, miscommunication and sadly, cringe-worthy love scenes turned me off.
I also didn't love the FMC, Kelsey. A single mother to three young children and a widow, Kelsey is very relatable as she tries to hold everything together, save her dead husband's bar AND keep her alcoholic mother out of trouble. It's A LOT! But I wished Kelsey was better at asking for help and really wished she had prioritized her children a little more over the bar.
Overall this gave me great Fall vibes and is an Indie romance author I'd read more of in future. I think the story could have benefited a bit more from some beta reading to help work out the kinks. Much thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!!
I also didn't love the FMC, Kelsey. A single mother to three young children and a widow, Kelsey is very relatable as she tries to hold everything together, save her dead husband's bar AND keep her alcoholic mother out of trouble. It's A LOT! But I wished Kelsey was better at asking for help and really wished she had prioritized her children a little more over the bar.
Overall this gave me great Fall vibes and is an Indie romance author I'd read more of in future. I think the story could have benefited a bit more from some beta reading to help work out the kinks. Much thanks to the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!!
October 17, 2022
I am a cover lover. I'll admit to judging a book by it's cover. There are so many book options out there so an appealing cover makes me much more likely to want to grab a book to read and this one did it for me.
This book is perfect for this time of year. It has such a Fallish/Halloweenish vibe all the way through it and it was great.
Tricked in October has a woman who lost her husband last winter. She has so much going on she's tripping over her own feet trying to get it all done. She has three young children,an alcoholic mother who also runs a bakeshop that she wants her to help manage, a bar she's about to lose because of back bills and more. O’Henry’s Bar and Grill was her late husband's bar and though Kelsey O’Henry runs it because it's been in her husband's family a long time she feels she should pass it down to her children but it's giving her more stress than she can handle.
Throw in her best guy friend Davis Vance, she seems to be falling for him. With her responsibilities she really doesn't need this complication.
Davis and his twin brother are filming a HGTV show and are recognizable now. One twin enjoys the extra attention from women,one does not.
Davis has been friends with Kelsey for a long time and would love to move this relationship to a more personal level but will the timing be right or will the Halloween chill be in the air between them?
Loved the Fall vibes in this and will be looking forward to read more by this author.
Pub Date 25 Oct 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
This book is perfect for this time of year. It has such a Fallish/Halloweenish vibe all the way through it and it was great.
Tricked in October has a woman who lost her husband last winter. She has so much going on she's tripping over her own feet trying to get it all done. She has three young children,an alcoholic mother who also runs a bakeshop that she wants her to help manage, a bar she's about to lose because of back bills and more. O’Henry’s Bar and Grill was her late husband's bar and though Kelsey O’Henry runs it because it's been in her husband's family a long time she feels she should pass it down to her children but it's giving her more stress than she can handle.
Throw in her best guy friend Davis Vance, she seems to be falling for him. With her responsibilities she really doesn't need this complication.
Davis and his twin brother are filming a HGTV show and are recognizable now. One twin enjoys the extra attention from women,one does not.
Davis has been friends with Kelsey for a long time and would love to move this relationship to a more personal level but will the timing be right or will the Halloween chill be in the air between them?
Loved the Fall vibes in this and will be looking forward to read more by this author.
Pub Date 25 Oct 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
November 14, 2022
This was a very mediocre romcom that I picked up because it was seasonal and had a golden retriever on the cover. What can I say? I'm a simple creature.
Unfortunately, this was a pretty boring book. Kelsey is a widowed mother of three with an alcoholic mother who runs a bar on the verge of bankruptcy. Her long-term best friend, Davis, is a star on an HGTV show called Renovation Dudes (which is essentially Property Brothers, down to the twins). Predictably, the two fall in love. It was a very eh romance and one that I have no interest in reading again. For those interested, there is explicit smut.
** Thanks to NetGalley, Starla DeKruyf, and City Owl Press for this ARC. Tricked in October is available now! **
Unfortunately, this was a pretty boring book. Kelsey is a widowed mother of three with an alcoholic mother who runs a bar on the verge of bankruptcy. Her long-term best friend, Davis, is a star on an HGTV show called Renovation Dudes (which is essentially Property Brothers, down to the twins). Predictably, the two fall in love. It was a very eh romance and one that I have no interest in reading again. For those interested, there is explicit smut.
** Thanks to NetGalley, Starla DeKruyf, and City Owl Press for this ARC. Tricked in October is available now! **
October 23, 2022
Love this sweet small town romance. Best friends to lovers with a slow burn was amazing. I also loved all of the autumn vibes. Definitely recommend!
October 25, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Tricked in October by Starla Dekruyf was released today and features a widowed Mom of 3 trying to run her deceased husband’s bar with the occasional help of her best friend, Davis. Having a male best friend is always a nice thing, and it certainly is a plus for Kelsey, who needs a male presence to help her and be a reliable source of support after the death of her husband. But Davis is also the star of an HGTV show and can't run Kelsey’s bar. Kelsey is burning her candle at both ends, and it becomes apparent that she can’t keep her business, raise her babies, and tend bar. But is giving up the bar the answer for her, and does Davis mean more to her than she wants to admit? All questions are answered in this light romance novel. #romcom #friendsToMore? #TrickedinOctober #widow #bestfriends #barlife #overwhelmed @starlawrites #bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #readersofinstagram @netgalley @cityowlbooks
🍁
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley, City Owl Press and the author for the opportunity to read this book.
#bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #readersofinstagram #reader #booklove #bookreader
Tricked in October by Starla Dekruyf was released today and features a widowed Mom of 3 trying to run her deceased husband’s bar with the occasional help of her best friend, Davis. Having a male best friend is always a nice thing, and it certainly is a plus for Kelsey, who needs a male presence to help her and be a reliable source of support after the death of her husband. But Davis is also the star of an HGTV show and can't run Kelsey’s bar. Kelsey is burning her candle at both ends, and it becomes apparent that she can’t keep her business, raise her babies, and tend bar. But is giving up the bar the answer for her, and does Davis mean more to her than she wants to admit? All questions are answered in this light romance novel. #romcom #friendsToMore? #TrickedinOctober #widow #bestfriends #barlife #overwhelmed @starlawrites #bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #readersofinstagram @netgalley @cityowlbooks
🍁
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley, City Owl Press and the author for the opportunity to read this book.
#bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #readersofinstagram #reader #booklove #bookreader
November 5, 2022
Really loved this read just as much as I expected, if not more! The cover is super cute and fitting. This is such a sweet friends-to-lovers romance with great autumn vibes and a little bit of spice. I couldn’t put it down and finished it within 2 days.
I’m not one that generally can “picture” what I’m reading, but I felt like I really had an image in my head of Kelsey and Davis, and BOY are they cute!
I did feel like the blurb about “a mistaken identity leads to a Halloween hookup” was a bit misleading when I read the story.
Miscommunication tropes in romance can be hit or miss, but I really enjoyed some of the small miscommunication / insecurity tropes throughout this read when they were navigating their new relationship, because they felt really believable and relatable!
The ending was the perfect way to wrap this book up and I immediately purchased Eight Days of Christmas, and can’t wait to read it! Something about Starla’s writing really had me hooked. I feel like the atmosphere was done really well (without being overdone), so I’m really looking forward to a winter read, and more by her!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
I’m not one that generally can “picture” what I’m reading, but I felt like I really had an image in my head of Kelsey and Davis, and BOY are they cute!
I did feel like the blurb about “a mistaken identity leads to a Halloween hookup” was a bit misleading when I read the story.
Miscommunication tropes in romance can be hit or miss, but I really enjoyed some of the small miscommunication / insecurity tropes throughout this read when they were navigating their new relationship, because they felt really believable and relatable!
The ending was the perfect way to wrap this book up and I immediately purchased Eight Days of Christmas, and can’t wait to read it! Something about Starla’s writing really had me hooked. I feel like the atmosphere was done really well (without being overdone), so I’m really looking forward to a winter read, and more by her!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
October 24, 2023
I just have to start out by saying it is not very often I read a book that is so captivating that I read it in one sitting and this book was just that.
Kelsey is a one-woman show juggling busy days from being a mom of 3, managing O’Henrys and dealing with her alcoholic mother & she’s falling behind on payments at the bar.
Kelsey & Davis have been best friends for years and after Kelsey’s Husband passed she never thought love would be in the cards for her again but with a best friend like Davis who would do anything for her.. lines begin to blur.
Can Kelsey save the bar & get her happily ever after while juggling everything life is throwing at her? Come find out in book 2 of the Pineridge series!
I was saving this one to read in October with the fall and halloween vibes and it was so perfect. I absolutely love when the guy falls first & Davis was just such great step-dad material it was so refreshing!
TW: death of a loved one, alcoholic parent
Kelsey is a one-woman show juggling busy days from being a mom of 3, managing O’Henrys and dealing with her alcoholic mother & she’s falling behind on payments at the bar.
Kelsey & Davis have been best friends for years and after Kelsey’s Husband passed she never thought love would be in the cards for her again but with a best friend like Davis who would do anything for her.. lines begin to blur.
Can Kelsey save the bar & get her happily ever after while juggling everything life is throwing at her? Come find out in book 2 of the Pineridge series!
I was saving this one to read in October with the fall and halloween vibes and it was so perfect. I absolutely love when the guy falls first & Davis was just such great step-dad material it was so refreshing!
TW: death of a loved one, alcoholic parent
December 12, 2022
Rating: 3.5/5.0
All readers are going to want to save a few hours to finish this addicting holiday novel that has everyone’s two favorite H’s: Halloween and hotness; this read will definitely live “rent free” in readers’ heads for weeks.
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
All readers are going to want to save a few hours to finish this addicting holiday novel that has everyone’s two favorite H’s: Halloween and hotness; this read will definitely live “rent free” in readers’ heads for weeks.
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
October 15, 2022
Advance Copy Review
I was gifted the ebook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review by the author. Minor spoilers for Book One Eight Days of Christmas are included in this review so don't read on if you are wanting to read Book One first! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
"But what if he wanted to? What if he wanted to be the one to catch her when she fell?"
Thank goodness we have Kelsey's story next as the second book of the Pineridge series of holiday romances by Starla DeKruyf as we were seriously left hanging in the epilogue of Eight Days of Christmas by a couple of last minute plot twists.
Another dual POV, Tricked in October tells the story of recently widowed Kelsey O'Henry as she juggles the grieving of her husband Ricky who passed away 10 months ago, being a single mum to 3 kids, managing the family bar which is in mountains of debt, and on top of that she seems to be developing feelings for her best guy friend. Davis is a dog-loving, introverted, carpenter who hates crowds and the spotlight, yet has somehow agreed to be a part of a TV show with his twin brother, Garrett.
The book mentions characters from book one, but you could get away without reading it if you wanted. However, I love having the backstory of side characters and it adds to the world building for me, especially as it gives depth to this series of small town romances. Speaking of romance, this one is definitely more of a slow burn than Book One and it does have a good level of spice.
Both the main characters Kelsey & Davis did annoy me a bit with Kelsey's continuing stubbornness and Davis being a bit of a pushover. My only other criticism is that I was left wanting to hear more about Garrett's story and Kesley's mum. Yet they were both endearing to me, and I couldn't help but root for them to end up together. I also love that although the book didn't have a happy ending on all fronts, that neither of the main characters ended being stuck in an environment of convenience or duty, but of love and free will.
'Tricked in October' cements DeKruyf's modern and casual writing style, with its many pop culture references being relatable to life in the 2020's. A lighthearted read, that once again leaves me wanting more. I can't wait for the next stories in the series. There are so many possible storylines that I hope we get to read them all!
You could build a reading playlist out of the many artists mentioned in this book (and I did just that here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7l9... )
I was gifted the ebook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review by the author. Minor spoilers for Book One Eight Days of Christmas are included in this review so don't read on if you are wanting to read Book One first! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
"But what if he wanted to? What if he wanted to be the one to catch her when she fell?"
Thank goodness we have Kelsey's story next as the second book of the Pineridge series of holiday romances by Starla DeKruyf as we were seriously left hanging in the epilogue of Eight Days of Christmas by a couple of last minute plot twists.
Another dual POV, Tricked in October tells the story of recently widowed Kelsey O'Henry as she juggles the grieving of her husband Ricky who passed away 10 months ago, being a single mum to 3 kids, managing the family bar which is in mountains of debt, and on top of that she seems to be developing feelings for her best guy friend. Davis is a dog-loving, introverted, carpenter who hates crowds and the spotlight, yet has somehow agreed to be a part of a TV show with his twin brother, Garrett.
The book mentions characters from book one, but you could get away without reading it if you wanted. However, I love having the backstory of side characters and it adds to the world building for me, especially as it gives depth to this series of small town romances. Speaking of romance, this one is definitely more of a slow burn than Book One and it does have a good level of spice.
Both the main characters Kelsey & Davis did annoy me a bit with Kelsey's continuing stubbornness and Davis being a bit of a pushover. My only other criticism is that I was left wanting to hear more about Garrett's story and Kesley's mum. Yet they were both endearing to me, and I couldn't help but root for them to end up together. I also love that although the book didn't have a happy ending on all fronts, that neither of the main characters ended being stuck in an environment of convenience or duty, but of love and free will.
'Tricked in October' cements DeKruyf's modern and casual writing style, with its many pop culture references being relatable to life in the 2020's. A lighthearted read, that once again leaves me wanting more. I can't wait for the next stories in the series. There are so many possible storylines that I hope we get to read them all!
You could build a reading playlist out of the many artists mentioned in this book (and I did just that here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7l9... )
October 29, 2022
Recent widow of three children, Kelsey O’Henry has a lot on her plate. On top of the possibility of losing her bar and restaurant, her mother’s alcoholism continues to take a toll on her, and she may be developing feelings for her best friend?!
TRICKED IN OCTOBER by Starla DeKruyf is the second book in the Pineridge series (can be read as a standalone!) and is my first read by this author.
It will come as no surprise that I was drawn to this book by that cute-as-heck cover! BUT that’s about where my love for this book ends… this one is flaunted as a ‘best-friends-to-lovers’ romance, but I felt no sense of friendship AT ALL. It felt more like, ‘I sat next to this guy in 4th grade once, and now we sometimes run into each other in our small town…and then we banged.’
There were also several instances of MCs losing loved ones in freak accidents, which just felt like an exceptionally bizarre way to create a plot point. Speaking of main characters, our leading lady, Kelsey, was both annoying and a teenager??? I honestly get so irritated when characters who are meant to be in their late twenties/early thirties are as emotionally mature as a high-schooler.
I don’t know, y’all. This one felt messy and under-developed, and just completely missed the mark for me… THAT COVER THOUGH!
Thanks to NetGalley and City Owl Press for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This one is out now!
TRICKED IN OCTOBER by Starla DeKruyf is the second book in the Pineridge series (can be read as a standalone!) and is my first read by this author.
It will come as no surprise that I was drawn to this book by that cute-as-heck cover! BUT that’s about where my love for this book ends… this one is flaunted as a ‘best-friends-to-lovers’ romance, but I felt no sense of friendship AT ALL. It felt more like, ‘I sat next to this guy in 4th grade once, and now we sometimes run into each other in our small town…and then we banged.’
There were also several instances of MCs losing loved ones in freak accidents, which just felt like an exceptionally bizarre way to create a plot point. Speaking of main characters, our leading lady, Kelsey, was both annoying and a teenager??? I honestly get so irritated when characters who are meant to be in their late twenties/early thirties are as emotionally mature as a high-schooler.
I don’t know, y’all. This one felt messy and under-developed, and just completely missed the mark for me… THAT COVER THOUGH!
Thanks to NetGalley and City Owl Press for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This one is out now!
January 13, 2024
Quick Summary: A best friends who become more romance novel
My Review: Tricked in October by Starla DeKruyf is book 2 in the Pineridge series.
About the Book: Two friends who are attracted to one another try to find their way, despite the busy, uncomfortable moments in their lives. Juggling work, family, community gossip and more, Kelsy O'Henry and Davis Vance do their best to carve out a special relationship in the midst of it all.
My Final Say: This story was messy and sweet. The friendship that Kelsy and Davis had was of the "through thick and thin" variety. It was nice to see how they truly felt about each other, in the end.
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Series: Yes
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (City Owl Press), and to NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to review this title.
My Review: Tricked in October by Starla DeKruyf is book 2 in the Pineridge series.
About the Book: Two friends who are attracted to one another try to find their way, despite the busy, uncomfortable moments in their lives. Juggling work, family, community gossip and more, Kelsy O'Henry and Davis Vance do their best to carve out a special relationship in the midst of it all.
My Final Say: This story was messy and sweet. The friendship that Kelsy and Davis had was of the "through thick and thin" variety. It was nice to see how they truly felt about each other, in the end.
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Series: Yes
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (City Owl Press), and to NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to review this title.
November 7, 2022
Kelsey has endured more tragedy in her 30 something short years, than most people experience in a lifetime and it just keeps coming.
When one night lands her in a situation she never saw coming, she is forced to take a really big step back and decide once and for all where she sees her future.
Guys. When I say that Starla exceeded my expectations with this one, I mean SHE EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS.
First and foremost, the relationship between Kelsey and Davis was so good. I love the history, the familiarity and then that heated tension. Yessssss 🙌🏻
Without giving away any spoilers, I will say that this story could have gone so many ways. But I was very pleasantly surprised and pleased with the way it went. It was, in my opinion, an unexpected route but a necessary one for the story we were given.
Another important relationship we got to explore was Kelsey and her mom. I was very happy with the way her mom's situation was depicted. It's such a real thing and something we don't see addressed often.
Overall, this story was even more incredible than I could have imagine. I'm so happy Kelsey got her HEA. It was a heck of a ride, but she got there.
I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Thank you Starla for the gifted eARC.🤍
When one night lands her in a situation she never saw coming, she is forced to take a really big step back and decide once and for all where she sees her future.
Guys. When I say that Starla exceeded my expectations with this one, I mean SHE EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS.
First and foremost, the relationship between Kelsey and Davis was so good. I love the history, the familiarity and then that heated tension. Yessssss 🙌🏻
Without giving away any spoilers, I will say that this story could have gone so many ways. But I was very pleasantly surprised and pleased with the way it went. It was, in my opinion, an unexpected route but a necessary one for the story we were given.
Another important relationship we got to explore was Kelsey and her mom. I was very happy with the way her mom's situation was depicted. It's such a real thing and something we don't see addressed often.
Overall, this story was even more incredible than I could have imagine. I'm so happy Kelsey got her HEA. It was a heck of a ride, but she got there.
I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Thank you Starla for the gifted eARC.🤍
January 1, 2023
I’ve judged this book just because of the cover , ‘cause it’s AMAZIIIING!
Usually I don’t read synopses ( not a big fan ) , so, I didn ‘t knew what was the book about . ( obviasly romance, but anything in specific )
It was actually a nice surprise about two best friends who slowly fall in love .
Normally this kind of trope annoys me, but in this case i liked it a lot.
It’s sweet and cute and everything i needed to read wright now.
Kelsey and Davis will be in my memory for a long time!
Thanks NetGalley for giving me the oportunity to read this great book :D
Usually I don’t read synopses ( not a big fan ) , so, I didn ‘t knew what was the book about . ( obviasly romance, but anything in specific )
It was actually a nice surprise about two best friends who slowly fall in love .
Normally this kind of trope annoys me, but in this case i liked it a lot.
It’s sweet and cute and everything i needed to read wright now.
Kelsey and Davis will be in my memory for a long time!
Thanks NetGalley for giving me the oportunity to read this great book :D
December 30, 2022
This book was the perfect fall read. It was so cute. I really enjoyed reading about the characters and how their relationship progressed. There was some triggering content so make sure to look up the triggers before reading. 4.5 stars
October 27, 2022
I was granted a copy of this book by Netgalley, in exchange for my honest opinion. This book was recently released on 25 of October 2022 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕
For lovers of tropes like friends to lovers. There's only one bed, a small town, slow-burn but steamy situations. This is for you.
Kelsey is lost her husband Ricky in an unexpected accident a year ago. She sees herself struggling between taking care of their kid’s way too small to lose their father and O’Henry’s Bar, her husband's pride and joy, a bar passed out from his family to theirs, while that's on she's not having a life at all... The reality kicks in when bills are piling on and Kelsey does not know what more to do, to keep her business going.
The famous twins the “ Renovation Dudes” from HGTV Davis the quiet and shy guy that would do anything to just not have the attention that comes with the notoriety of having a show on tv and Garrett the opposite loving the perks of fame and the spotlight.
This was hands down the perfect read for fall, it grabbed me from the start, I enjoyed the main character Kelsey, a very hard-working mother, everything sounded so relatable and realistic, in the most simple way. the writing was beautiful and descriptive without being exhaustive. It made me tear up early in the book. The way the world-building was portrayed, was so easy to imagine the places described, there's more than one focus in the story, therefore we don't see a focus only on the main character, the plot was good I enjoyed the slow-burn romance. The romantic and sexy scenes were written perfectly.
I'm so glad I was able to review this book, I'm in love, the cover it's the cutest thing I'm definitely buying a copy, I can see myself rereading this adorable romance. #TrickedinOctober #NetGalley #bestfallretreatever
For lovers of tropes like friends to lovers. There's only one bed, a small town, slow-burn but steamy situations. This is for you.
Kelsey is lost her husband Ricky in an unexpected accident a year ago. She sees herself struggling between taking care of their kid’s way too small to lose their father and O’Henry’s Bar, her husband's pride and joy, a bar passed out from his family to theirs, while that's on she's not having a life at all... The reality kicks in when bills are piling on and Kelsey does not know what more to do, to keep her business going.
The famous twins the “ Renovation Dudes” from HGTV Davis the quiet and shy guy that would do anything to just not have the attention that comes with the notoriety of having a show on tv and Garrett the opposite loving the perks of fame and the spotlight.
This was hands down the perfect read for fall, it grabbed me from the start, I enjoyed the main character Kelsey, a very hard-working mother, everything sounded so relatable and realistic, in the most simple way. the writing was beautiful and descriptive without being exhaustive. It made me tear up early in the book. The way the world-building was portrayed, was so easy to imagine the places described, there's more than one focus in the story, therefore we don't see a focus only on the main character, the plot was good I enjoyed the slow-burn romance. The romantic and sexy scenes were written perfectly.
I'm so glad I was able to review this book, I'm in love, the cover it's the cutest thing I'm definitely buying a copy, I can see myself rereading this adorable romance. #TrickedinOctober #NetGalley #bestfallretreatever
October 21, 2022
3.5/5⭐️
Kelsey O’Henry is struggling. Less than a year ago she tragically lost her husband and now she finds herself juggling her three kids, alcoholic mother, failing business, and the growing feelings she has for her best friend Davis. It just seems like Kelsey can’t catch a break and she’s desperate to keep everything afloat, but in order to save her family she may have to let something go.
This was a really cozy feeling fall read complete with specialty brews and a love interest who is a reluctant HGTV star. I was able to relate to some of Kelsey’s struggles, especially with her mother. I could also understand both Davis and Kelsey’s internal struggle while they were trying to decide what to do with these feelings they had for each other. They both wanted to protect their friendship which I understand.
I think my only criticism is just how much of the book was dedicated to this internal struggle. For a decent portion of the book we see this back and forth of them being more physical then immediately thinking “what if we ruin the friendship”. I think this was more of a me problem though and not a major criticism of the book itself.
Overall I think this was a good read and people looking for a cozy fall read with friends to lovers vibes would be happy with this. Thank you to NetGalley and Victory editing for providing me a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Kelsey O’Henry is struggling. Less than a year ago she tragically lost her husband and now she finds herself juggling her three kids, alcoholic mother, failing business, and the growing feelings she has for her best friend Davis. It just seems like Kelsey can’t catch a break and she’s desperate to keep everything afloat, but in order to save her family she may have to let something go.
This was a really cozy feeling fall read complete with specialty brews and a love interest who is a reluctant HGTV star. I was able to relate to some of Kelsey’s struggles, especially with her mother. I could also understand both Davis and Kelsey’s internal struggle while they were trying to decide what to do with these feelings they had for each other. They both wanted to protect their friendship which I understand.
I think my only criticism is just how much of the book was dedicated to this internal struggle. For a decent portion of the book we see this back and forth of them being more physical then immediately thinking “what if we ruin the friendship”. I think this was more of a me problem though and not a major criticism of the book itself.
Overall I think this was a good read and people looking for a cozy fall read with friends to lovers vibes would be happy with this. Thank you to NetGalley and Victory editing for providing me a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review.
January 28, 2023
This was a cute rom-com featuring the best friends to lover’s trope with an added spice of missed chance at romance before Kelsey got married to her husband. Kelsey is a widow with 3 young children and trying to manage her struggling bar OHenry’s Bar and Grill as well as manage her alcoholic mother and she has a stack of unpaid bills that are piling up. But she is stubborn and refuses to ask for help from anyone, she wants to do everything on her own and prove that she can do it. The only one she lets help is her best friend Davis Vance who with his twin brother has a property brothers like show on HGTV which he hates since he doesn’t like fame and the spotlight. Of course they have a one-night stand on Halloween which turns into something of a relationship with Kelsey still determined to save the bar and take no help for it. Misunderstanding abound but get resolved pretty quickly with Kelsey figuring out what she really wants to do about her relationships and her business.
Thanks to City Owl Press and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in e-book form. All opinions in this review are my own.
Thanks to City Owl Press and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in e-book form. All opinions in this review are my own.
October 25, 2022
Tricked in October was a cute best friends to lovers book, and gave me all the fall feels!
Kelsey is grieving the loss of her husband, is the primary care giver to her 3 children, looks after her alcoholic mother, is owner of the family bar and grill, and is buried under a mountain of debt.
Davis (her best friend) and his twin brother are HGTV stars on a home improvement show, and Davis is always around to lend a hand when Kelsey needs him. Things have always been platonic between the two, until a late night water fiasco leaves them both feeling not so platonic, and wondering if the expense of their friendship is worth the risk of something more.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story, but was surprised at how lighthearted the book seemed with the two MCs at times, with such heavy topic undertones. I could have personally done with less scenes with Kelsey’s mom as well, I felt they took away from the story a bit.
Thank you NetGalley and city owl press for my ARC in exchange for my honest feedback!
Kelsey is grieving the loss of her husband, is the primary care giver to her 3 children, looks after her alcoholic mother, is owner of the family bar and grill, and is buried under a mountain of debt.
Davis (her best friend) and his twin brother are HGTV stars on a home improvement show, and Davis is always around to lend a hand when Kelsey needs him. Things have always been platonic between the two, until a late night water fiasco leaves them both feeling not so platonic, and wondering if the expense of their friendship is worth the risk of something more.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story, but was surprised at how lighthearted the book seemed with the two MCs at times, with such heavy topic undertones. I could have personally done with less scenes with Kelsey’s mom as well, I felt they took away from the story a bit.
Thank you NetGalley and city owl press for my ARC in exchange for my honest feedback!
November 5, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The things that drew me most to this book we're the title, cover, setting (Halloween) and friends-to-lovers trope.
Kelsey is a single mother with three kids. Ever since her husband passed away she has been struggling with keeping a balance between being a parent and running O'Henry's Bar and Grill. Her mom being an alcoholic doesn't help...
Trigger warning: mention of loved one's passing.
I loved the nice, easy to follow writing style; dual POV; short chapters; realistic (first) intimate moment and small character development of Kelsey towards her mother.
Unfortunately, I did find the book repetitive, rushed, unrealistic at times and did not like the main characters. Most characters fell a bit flat for me and one of my least favorite terms (cock-blocked) was used. Kelsey is extremely stubborn and Davis overthinks things too much which causes a lot of unnecessary problems. Around one third into the book, it is said that Davis has a secret - but this secret is never revealed...
I think this book would be great for readers who enjoy an atmospheric, quick, friends-to-lovers romance.
The things that drew me most to this book we're the title, cover, setting (Halloween) and friends-to-lovers trope.
Kelsey is a single mother with three kids. Ever since her husband passed away she has been struggling with keeping a balance between being a parent and running O'Henry's Bar and Grill. Her mom being an alcoholic doesn't help...
Trigger warning: mention of loved one's passing.
I loved the nice, easy to follow writing style; dual POV; short chapters; realistic (first) intimate moment and small character development of Kelsey towards her mother.
Unfortunately, I did find the book repetitive, rushed, unrealistic at times and did not like the main characters. Most characters fell a bit flat for me and one of my least favorite terms (cock-blocked) was used. Kelsey is extremely stubborn and Davis overthinks things too much which causes a lot of unnecessary problems. Around one third into the book, it is said that Davis has a secret - but this secret is never revealed...
I think this book would be great for readers who enjoy an atmospheric, quick, friends-to-lovers romance.
November 2, 2022
I wanted to love this book so badly: I mean, look at that cover. It's so fall. While Tricked in October did give me cozy fall vibes, it was lacking pretty much everywhere else. There was no character development, the unsettling amount of dead ex-love interests, the wildly unrealistic relationship portrayed between Kelsey and her mom, Kelsey herself was unlikeable and cared way too much about the bar (more, dare I say, than her 3 KIDS) and for some reason I loathed the twin's entire plot. Davis's whole complex about being confused for his twin brother was just...weird. He was so obsessive about how the world perceived him vs Garrett and I just did not care - they were both described as devastatingly handsome and wildly successful multiple times, calm down Davis, you're fine. It was also way longer than it needed to be. Thank you so much to Netgalley and City Owl Press for providing me with an ARC of this book!
October 28, 2022
I liked this and I like her writing style, but I didn't like the development of the characters and, especially, of the relationship. I think we could have seen more of them as friends or slowly discovering their feelings for each other and not the story beginning at the exact moment they got feelings, after years without having any more than friendship.
I also think some flashbacks could be a plus.
Davis was too whiny towards his job and his brother and Kelsey was too much with the not wanting any help, and we don't know why she is like this, why she wants to be so independent even when things are extremely bad for her to solve alone.
All in all, this was still a good friends to lovers and I really liked how Davis was great with Kelsey's children.
*I've received an ARC of this book, from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
I also think some flashbacks could be a plus.
Davis was too whiny towards his job and his brother and Kelsey was too much with the not wanting any help, and we don't know why she is like this, why she wants to be so independent even when things are extremely bad for her to solve alone.
All in all, this was still a good friends to lovers and I really liked how Davis was great with Kelsey's children.
*I've received an ARC of this book, from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2022
all warm fall-themed elements made for a great read. so is tricked in october by Starla DeKruyf. the internal conflict davis and kelsey were experiencing as they considered what to do with their relationship was something i could also relate to. they were so real and dimensional. kelsey's relationship with her mother was a significant one that we got to examine. i like the way her mother's circumstance was portrayed we don't often see it addressed, but it's a very serious issue. all things considered, this narrative was even more amazing than i had anticipated. overall, i thought this was an excellent book, and i think it would appeal to anyone seeking for a romantic or friendly fall read.
thank you to the author and victory editing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
thank you to the author and victory editing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2022
Tricked in October (Pineridge, Book 2) by Starla DeKruyf
This was a cozy cute October Fall vibe read. Definitely was a super slow burn romance with a just a tad of spice thrown in. The cover is cute, and it was an easy light read.
Many thanks to Starla DeKruyf, NetGalley, and City Owl Press for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cozy cute October Fall vibe read. Definitely was a super slow burn romance with a just a tad of spice thrown in. The cover is cute, and it was an easy light read.
Many thanks to Starla DeKruyf, NetGalley, and City Owl Press for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2022
4.5 stars
November 15, 2022
2.8⭐️
I feel like the whole synopsis and title is like what? There was no trickery (or even misconstrued trickery?) and there wasn’t really mistaken identity. This whole book was just like, Kelsey needs help but refuses to ask for it or accept it. There was an HEA and I was happy enough with the ending but I was mostly annoyed for the first like 60%.
I feel like the whole synopsis and title is like what? There was no trickery (or even misconstrued trickery?) and there wasn’t really mistaken identity. This whole book was just like, Kelsey needs help but refuses to ask for it or accept it. There was an HEA and I was happy enough with the ending but I was mostly annoyed for the first like 60%.
November 5, 2022
Looking for your next read? Have I got a title for you! Newly available from author Starla Dekruyf make room on your TBR for TRICKED IN OCTOBER!
I saw this one in a post from the author on instagram, and thought... why not? I mean, yes, my reading schedule is booked, and yes, I didn't really need to add something else to it unplanned, but it sounded too good to miss, and really.... we're readers and bloggers so that rush of another title to read, share, and enjoy is our drug! 😉
Loved this one from the start. If you're a contemporary romance fan that enjoys the friends to lovers trope, don't miss this. The chaos we initially walk into is laughable, but plausible, and allows for a meet cute of sorts right off the bat. They may have known each other for forever, but they've never had their time. Now, well let's just say life seems to be throwing everything in their path to give them a chance to be together... and so long as stubborn pride doesn't get in the way, it may just be their moment.
Oh and those moments! Favorite scene... well there were loads, but one of them... THE FERRIS WHEEL! 😍 I can't say more about that, don't want to ruin anything, but watch for it. You'll see what I mean.
*ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
I saw this one in a post from the author on instagram, and thought... why not? I mean, yes, my reading schedule is booked, and yes, I didn't really need to add something else to it unplanned, but it sounded too good to miss, and really.... we're readers and bloggers so that rush of another title to read, share, and enjoy is our drug! 😉
Loved this one from the start. If you're a contemporary romance fan that enjoys the friends to lovers trope, don't miss this. The chaos we initially walk into is laughable, but plausible, and allows for a meet cute of sorts right off the bat. They may have known each other for forever, but they've never had their time. Now, well let's just say life seems to be throwing everything in their path to give them a chance to be together... and so long as stubborn pride doesn't get in the way, it may just be their moment.
Oh and those moments! Favorite scene... well there were loads, but one of them... THE FERRIS WHEEL! 😍 I can't say more about that, don't want to ruin anything, but watch for it. You'll see what I mean.
*ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
November 1, 2022
Kelsey and Davis . . .
Kelsey O’Henry’s husband died the previous winter and she is working way harder than one person should have to. She has three young children who need her attention. She also has an alcoholic mother she has to care for. But her mother also has a bake shop and expects Kelsey to help her manage it when Kelsey is “running on fumes” as it is. And then she has the issue of running her deceased husband’s bar which may end up closing if she can’t pay the business loans she is currently behind on. Yet it would be nice to one day pass it down to their children, if she can keep it long enough. So the thought of hosting a Halloween costume party at the bar is just one more burden to deal with.
Her best friend, Davis Vance, is another complication. He stars as one of the “Renovation Dudes” with his twin brother on a popular HGTV show. Kelsey is afraid she might be falling for him and the stress is driving her crazy. As for Davis, he is ready to take their friendship to the next level, even though he hasn’t discussed it with her. He wants out of the show and helping her get the bar out of debt might be the answer for both of them. Will he tell her how he feels? Will she admit that she also has feelings for him? Are they ready to make such an important commitment? Or will she be stubborn and refuse his help that she desperately needs? Could the one-night-stand on the night of the Halloween Party help convince her this is what she wants, or not?
Kelsey O’Henry’s husband died the previous winter and she is working way harder than one person should have to. She has three young children who need her attention. She also has an alcoholic mother she has to care for. But her mother also has a bake shop and expects Kelsey to help her manage it when Kelsey is “running on fumes” as it is. And then she has the issue of running her deceased husband’s bar which may end up closing if she can’t pay the business loans she is currently behind on. Yet it would be nice to one day pass it down to their children, if she can keep it long enough. So the thought of hosting a Halloween costume party at the bar is just one more burden to deal with.
Her best friend, Davis Vance, is another complication. He stars as one of the “Renovation Dudes” with his twin brother on a popular HGTV show. Kelsey is afraid she might be falling for him and the stress is driving her crazy. As for Davis, he is ready to take their friendship to the next level, even though he hasn’t discussed it with her. He wants out of the show and helping her get the bar out of debt might be the answer for both of them. Will he tell her how he feels? Will she admit that she also has feelings for him? Are they ready to make such an important commitment? Or will she be stubborn and refuse his help that she desperately needs? Could the one-night-stand on the night of the Halloween Party help convince her this is what she wants, or not?
November 24, 2024
I love the new cover and title for this re-release. Such a fun harvest/autumn/Halloween/October romance story. I enjoyed this friends to lovers storyline and the real-life aspects Ms. DeKruyf added. It can be a challenge to write a story with twins and Ms. DeKruyf did a wonderful job! I'm horrible at writing reviews, so if you love fall and Halloween vibes in a romance story, then pick this book up.
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