A Love Like Pumpkin Spice by Hailey Frost 

Welcome to Wayward Hollow – Where strangers become family and love finds a way.

After catching my fiancé tangled up with my sister (yes, my sister), and being told by my parents I was “overreacting,” I packed my best friend and what was left of my dignity to flee to Wayward Hollow – a picturesque little town that looks like it was plucked straight out of a Hallmark movie.

I try to put myself back together. People-pleasing? Officially retired. Love? Off the table.
At least that was the plan.

But Chaos unfolds when my attempt to save a stray cat leads me to Henry. The town’s beloved veterinarian is gentle, ridiculously attractive, and seems to have a sixth sense for broken things…including me.
Just when I start to believe in new beginnings, the past comes knocking—loud, uninvited, and far from finished.

My Review

Nic is an actress, finally ready to retire and step into the next chapter of her life. She’s spent years in the spotlight, but she’s more than ready for something quieter, something real. Thankfully, she has her best friend, Lauren, cheering her on, supportive, loving, and exactly the kind of friend you want in your corner when life gets messy. And life does get messy fast. When Nic catches her fiancé in a compromising position, everything she thought she knew comes crashing down. It’s a betrayal that hits hard, but it also sets the perfect stage for the story ahead.

Honestly, the epilogue alone shows just how strong Nic is, even when she’s shattered. She handles the situation with a calm, heartbreaking honesty that pulled me right in. And this is only the prologue.

We also learn that Nic’s full name is Nicola, something small, but somehow it feels intimate and fitting for the fresh start she’s walking into. This book is incredibly quotable, especially as she sheds the gaslighting and steps into a life she chooses for herself. And because she has a huge, squishy heart, she ends up rescuing an injured cat on the side of the road during her big move. Classic Nic. Wayward Hollow feels like the perfect place for her to land, even if her arrival is chaotic, fast, and slightly dangerous. I really loved how her connection with Lauren stays strong even as she settles into her new world.

Then there’s Henry. The town vet, who gets a wonderfully thorough introduction alongside his adorable husky, Jensen. The town may, or may not, also have a ghost pet situation happening, which only adds to the gossip and charm. Nic’s habit of rescuing cats means her path crosses with Henry pretty quickly, and from there, the chemistry just keeps building.

The small town vibes are everything. The banter is quick, funny, and endlessly charming, both between Nic and Henry and their friends Lauren and Caleb. There’s also this totally unexpected antique shop that adds such a fun, quirky layer to the overall setting.

Let’s talk animals for a moment: Pumpkin, Cinnamon, the ghost cat Chaos, and Jensen the husky all make this cast feel alive, chaotic, and so endearing. They each add something to the story—heart, humor, or just pure sweetness.

The romance definitely heats up as Nic and Henry find their footing. I highlighted so many lines because the quotes in this one are just that good. Of course, Nic’s past doesn’t stay buried. It creeps back in, causing drama and stirring up all the emotions, but the people responsible eventually get exactly what they deserve. That theme of letting go, healing, and reclaiming your life is woven beautifully through the story.

And then we get to the ending,sweet, cozy, heart-warming. Friendsgiving, rescued pets, found family vibes… it all comes together in the best way. If you love romance stories that mix small-town charm, deep emotion, animal chaos, and healing journeys, this one hits all the right notes. It’s a must-read for animal lovers and anyone who enjoys a heroine who comes out stronger, brighter, and finally home where she belongs.

If you would like to read A Love like Pumpkin Spice by Hailey Frost you can find this book on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn on qualifying purchases.

If you like this book you may also enjoy books with these tags and categories: Friends to Lovers, Cinnamon Roll and He Falls First.