Isabelle Popp’s Let’s Give ’Em Pumpkin to Talk About is a spicy, small-town romance that blends humor, heart, and just the right amount of fall coziness. With its grumpy-meets-sunshine dynamic, an eccentric Midwestern setting, and a fair dose of pumpkin-scented chaos, this book aims to deliver all the warm fuzzies of an autumn rom-com with a few extra degrees of heat.
The Story
Sadie Fox, a tattooed textile artist with an edge, reluctantly returns to her hometown of Pea Blossom, Indiana, to take care of her father’s prized pumpkin patch while he recovers. Her mission is simple: grow a record-breaking pumpkin, win the Indiana State Fair, and earn her father’s long-withheld respect.
That plan unravels when wild hogs destroy the entire patch, leaving Sadie’s summer and her shot at redemption in ruins. Enter Josh Thatcher, a wealthy, relentlessly optimistic tech entrepreneur who left Silicon Valley to grow experimental squash hybrids next door. He’s sunshine personified, and to Sadie’s eternal irritation (and eventual delight), he insists on helping her rebuild the patch.
As the two work side by side under the Indiana sun, their chemistry becomes impossible to ignore. A storm-fueled kiss changes everything, forcing Sadie to confront not only her growing feelings for Josh but also her own fear of vulnerability and love.
The Vibe
At its best, this novel feels like a rom-com ready for a Hallmark movie makeover if Hallmark suddenly discovered light BDSM and pumpkin spice martinis. The story balances humor and sensuality, exploring themes of self-acceptance, forgiveness, and the complicated love between fathers and daughters.
Sadie is a refreshing lead: edgy, artistic, and unapologetically herself. Josh, meanwhile, is the golden retriever of love interests kind, grounded, and patient in ways that challenge Sadie’s cynicism. Their chemistry is undeniable, and while some of the spicier scenes are more explicit than you might expect from a cozy setup, the emotional connection between them keeps the story from becoming hollow heat.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Readers who enjoy witty banter, opposites-attract tension, and strong fall aesthetics will find plenty to love. The small-town setting is vivid, filled with community quirks and pumpkin-themed charm. The dialogue feels natural, and Sadie’s inner monologue adds a snarky sense of humor that makes her both relatable and real.
However, Let’s Give ’Em Pumpkin to Talk About isn’t for everyone. The level of spice is high, and not all readers will appreciate the detailed intimacy scenes that often overshadow the emotional beats. Some subplots, like the retaliation over the destroyed pumpkins, feel unnecessary, and the book occasionally leans more on sexual tension than story development.
That said, for those who want a steamy, feel-good romance with an edge, this delivers exactly what it promises a blend of heart, humor, and heat that leaves you both smiling and blushing.
Final Thoughts
Let’s Give ’Em Pumpkin to Talk About is bold, flirty, and unapologetically fun. Isabelle Popp crafts a story that feels modern and playful while still giving space for emotional growth and self-discovery. Sadie and Josh’s relationship might start in the dirt of a ruined pumpkin patch, but it blossoms into something messy, genuine, and deeply human.
If you’re in the mood for a spicy small-town romance filled with fall vibes, witty banter, and a lot of heart, this one’s worth adding to your TBR.
Get your copy of Let’s Give ’Em Pumpkin to Talk About here: https://amzn.to/4nXWWCM
