… oh my!

Cross-posted on Substack.

You may have seen it on Instagram already, but I have some major announcements (including a new, hot-off-the-press, just-released, SURPRISE Halloween book!) But first…

I know this is Allie’s Coffee Break, but I bought some amazing tea last weekend. Pumpkin spice flavored, of course, but I also bought one that’s flavored like sweet potato pie. Neither are sweet in and of themselves, but they both have some creamy, spicy notes that are perfect for fall. (Those aren’t affiliate links. I just really like them.)

Of course, the problem with drinking tea and not coffee when you’re used to drinking multiple cups of coffee a day is that you’re not quite as awake as you’re used to being. Maybe that’s a good thing, because I went home last night and slept from around 8pm to 5am, which is the longest I’ve slept consecutively in a long time.

But, do I have my pumpkin coffee with me today? You bet I do. I can’t be tired. I’ve got holiday novellas to drop. No rest for the wicked.

We are skipping straight to the updates today, because that’s where the good stuff is this week.

In case you missed it, I SURPRISE-RELEASED A NOVELLA! This is incredible for me, not because of the speed with which it all came together, but because I actually kept it a secret for as long as I did.

Pumpkin to Talk About is available now!

But look at her! Isn’t she gorgeous?! Lorissa Padilla did the cover, and she’s an absolute genius. (She also put it together in like four days, so she’s a FAST genius!) I love it so, so much.

Let’s pause and take a moment for the full paperback wrap, too, shall we?

Paperbacks and e-books are available now, and it’s also on KU!

Not judging a book by its cover? I hear you. How about this summary?

Mike Page fled Ironwood Flats, Texas the moment he tossed his high school cap in the air and never looked back. But when his little sister, Annie, is suddenly left raising two kids on her own, one desperate call brings him right back to the one place he swore he’d never return. Now, stuck playing uncle, Mike’s in for more than he bargained for, especially since it means surviving the town’s infamous Halloween celebrations—his personal nightmare.

Belle Allen has always been a bit eclectic. As Ironwood Elementary’s quirky part-time librarian by day and bartender by night, she has finally found her rhythm. That is, until Mike, her high school nemesis, walks into the bar bringing painful memories back with him. 

Old wounds run deep, but so do new sparks when they keep bumping into each other. As they’re pulled together by chance encounters and unexpected chemistry, Mike and Belle realize they’re not the same people they were in high school. But just as they start falling harder than autumn leaves, reality hits—Mike’s heading back to Indiana after Halloween. 

Can they admit they’re bewitched with each other? Or will the spell of their romance be broken?

Still not convinced? Mike Page? Yeah, he’s Mike from Common Grounds. If you’re Team Mike, this one’s for you. And if you haven’t read Common Grounds yet, first of all, what are you waiting for??? And second of all, no worries because I wrote this one so you didn’t have to read that one. This is a spinoff that’s just barely interconnected. You can absolutely read one without the other.

I hope Pumpkin to Talk About makes it to your hands this spooky season. If you read it, let me know!

AND IN OTHER NEWS…

Since I surprise-released Pumpkin to Talk About with zero ARCs or advance notice, I’ve decided to do a *VERY LIMITED* run of e-ARCs for Christmas by Design. When I say “very limited,” I mean I’m only giving out 50-100, so apply soon if you’re interested! (But it’s still only $0.99 to pre-order if you aren’t accepted for an ARC.) You can apply here.

When you’re done with Pumpkin to Talk About, Holly June Smith (you may remember her from my Feature Friday last week) has a $0.99 sale on The Best Book Boyfriend! Grab your copy today!

So much good news this week! I hope you check out Pumpkin to Talk About, and tell a friend. (Oh, and if you do, please leave a review. It means the world and can help so much!)

Happy reading,
Allie