October books on my radar
09:00
Series: None
Author: Kelsey Rodkey
October 1st 2024 by HarperCollins
Ella knew transferring to a new school wouldn’t be easy. The first day, while defending her sister, Ella makes an enemy out of the student council president and lands in detention. Swearing revenge on him, Ella will stop at nothing to unseat him—even calling for a redo election in which she’s the only one brave enough to run against him.
As a new student, Ella isn’t sure she can secure the votes until she meets unfailingly flirtatious Patrick and hears his wild idea to help her. He’ll pretend to be her boyfriend and show their classmates that she and her ideas for the school aren’t so bad. It’s like something out of her sister’s fan fiction.
But when their fake romance starts feeling too real, and Patrick’s true motives for their arrangement come to light, Ella has to decide what’s more important: Patrick or the polls.
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Ashley Herring Blake
October 1st 2024 by Berkley
Two exes find themselves stuck at the same house for Christmas in this holiday romance by Ashley Herring Blake, USA Today bestselling author of Iris Kelly Doesn't Date.
It's been five years since Charlotte Donovan was ditched at the altar by her ex-fiancée, and she’s doing more than okay. Sure, her single mother never checks in, but she has her strings ensemble, the Rosalind Quartet, and her life in New York is a dream come true. As the holidays draw near, her ensemble mate Sloane persuades Charlotte and the rest of the quartet to spend Christmas with her family in Colorado—it is much cozier and quieter than Manhattan, and it would guarantee more practice time for the quartet’s upcoming tour. But when Charlotte arrives, she discovers that Sloane’s sister Adele also brought a friend home—and that friend is none other than her ex, Brighton. All Brighton Fairbrook wanted was to have the holliest, jolliest Christmas—and try to forget that her band kicked her out. But instead, she’s stuck pretending like she and her ex are strangers—which proves to be difficult when Sloane and Adele’s mom signs them all up for a series of Christmas dating events. Charlotte and Brighton are soon entrenched in horseback riding and cookie decorating, but Charlotte still won’t talk to her. Brighton can hardly blame her after what she did. After a few days, however, things start to slip through. Memories. Music. The way they used to play together—Brighton on guitar, Charlotte on her violin—and it all feels painfully familiar. But it’s all in the past and nothing can melt the ice in their hearts...right?
Goodreads
Series: The Sanctuary for Supernatural Creatures #1
Author: Charlotte Stein
October 1st 2024 by St. Martin's Griffin
What We Do in the Shadows with the small town feels of Gilmore Girls in this swoon-worthy romance that will leave readers delightfully cozy and hungry for more.
When Cassandra Camberwell returns to her hometown of Hollow Brook to clear out her late grandmother’s ramshackle old house, the last thing she expects is Seth Brubaker on her doorstep. Her former best friend was responsible for the worst moment of her high school life, and she can’t imagine he wants to do anything but torment her all over again.
Until she unearths the real reason this annoyingly gorgeous beast of a man keeps hanging around: he’s an actual werewolf, who’s certain she’s the witch that will ease his suffering. But Cassie just isn’t sure if she can trust him again. So Seth offers a pact: he’ll teach her all about her undiscovered magic, and she will brew the potions he needs. No feelings, no funny business, just a witch and a werewolf striking a deal.
Totally doable. Until they get hit with a do-or-die mating bond. And now the heat is rising, in between fights with formers bullies and encounters with talking raccoons. They just have to not give in. Unless giving in just might be the very thing they never knew they always wanted.
Goodreads
Series: Chicago Heartbreakers #2
Author: Ally Wiegand
October 1st 2024 by 8th Note Press
One thing that Nolan Hill needed to learn about me though: I could be just as stubborn as he was when it came to my job.
Everyone knows Nolan Hill as the legendary quarterback of the Chicago Bobcats - two-time Super Bowl champ and heartthrob to countless fans. But to Lottie Thompson, he's just the stubborn pain in the ass who refuses her physio treatment. She's worked hard to command respect in a male-dominated industry, and she's not about to let a 6ft, too-handsome-for-his-own-good football player run all over her.
But when Nolan's injury threatens his Super Bowl dreams, he and Lottie strike a deal: he'll follow her rehab plan in exchange for helping her tick off her bucket list. As Nolan's performance on the field soars, Lottie finds their partnership off the field heating up too. Somewhere between sweaty morning runs and late-night strategy sessions, their rivalry has turned into the kind of truce that involves lingering touches and stolen kisses.
Now Lottie isn't one to back down from a challenge, but can this grumpy quarterback finally break through her defences?
A headstrong NFL player meets his match in his new no-nonsense physio therapist in this steamy, tension-filled sports romance. Perfect for fans of Becka Mack, Stephanie Archer and Elsie Silver.
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Amanda Elliot
October 8th 2024 by Berkley
Love comes home for the challah-days in this sparkling romance.
Snow is falling, holiday lights are twinkling, and Abby Cohen is pissed. For one thing, her most annoying customer, Seth, has been coming into her café every morning with his sunshiny attitude, determined to break down her carefully constructed emotional walls. And, as the only Jew on the tourism board of her Vermont town, Abby's been charged with planning their fledgling Hanukkah festival. Unfortunately, the local vendors don’t understand that the story of Hanukkah cannot be told with light-up plastic figures from the Nativity scene, even if the Three Wise Men wear yarmulkes.
Desperate for support, Abby puts out a call for help online and discovers she was wrong about being the only Jew within a hundred miles. There's one Seth.
As it turns out, Seth’s parents have been badgering him to bring a Nice Jewish Girlfriend home to New York City for Hanukkah, and if Abby can survive his incessant, irritatingly handsome smiles, he’ll introduce her to all the vendors she needs to make the festival a success. But over latkes, doughnuts, and winter adventures in Manhattan, Abby begins to realize that her fake boyfriend and his family might just be igniting a flame in her own guarded heart.
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Julia McKay
October 8th 2024 by G.P. Putnam's Sons
When doppelgänger best friends trade one’s cabin Christmas vacation for the other’s Hawaiian would’ve-been-honeymoon, both might just find love they weren’t expecting.
Holly Beech and Ivy Casey are bury-the-body besties. They’re so in sync, they even look alike. So when Holly’s fiancé jilts her, leaving her in shock and with a nonrefundable honeymoon, Holly convinces Ivy to switch places. Ivy will go on the Hawaiian honeymoon her best friend can’t bear to take alone, while Holly escapes to Ivy’s rented Hudson Valley cabin to binge-watch holiday movies and heal.
But Holly’s wallowing is interrupted when her rugged Airbnb host turns out to be her high school academic rival who’s had a major glow-up. Meanwhile, Ivy’s (now Hawaiian) annual solo art retreat is upended when Holly’s ex-fiancé checks into the honeymoon suite—with a new woman. Raging and bedless, the last thing Ivy expects is for the hot hotel bartender to come to her rescue. Against all odds, this Christmas might prove the most magical yet.
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: L.A. Schwartz
October 8th 2024 by Alcove Press
A slick conwoman meets her match in a hot and nerdy small-town librarian in this debut romance, perfect for fans of Spoiler Alert and Act Your Age, Eve Brown.
Conwoman Harmony Hale has sold lies up and down California for years, never looking back at her crafty scams or one-night stands. Now she’s come to Brookville, California, with her sights set on its wealthy mayor—the man who stole her father’s music-streaming algorithm and ruined his life. Harmony is finally ready to take him down, with her trusty con of selling a nonexistent music festival. All she needs is the cooperation of the man who owns the potential festival site.
Autistic librarian and piano teacher Preston Jones spends his days fighting book challengers trying to shut down his library programs. He’s responsible for raising his selectively nonspeaking little sister and needs to focus on keeping his job. He doesn’t have time for a romance like the ones in his books—and certainly none for the brassy festival promoter who wants to use his land for her “Coachella North.” Preston sees things in black and white, and he sees Harmony—amazing curves, flashy smile, and all—as nothing but trouble.
But when Harmony promises to help him win the public over and save his youth programs, Preston finds himself wondering if this hustler with a heart of gold might be the someone he’s been waiting for. Soon things are getting steamy in the stacks, and with her con coming to a crescendo, Harmony needs to choose: revenge and running again or the happy ending she never saw coming.
Romance readers and musical theater fans alike will adore this steamy, gender-swapped homage to The Music Man.
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Noelle Douglas
October 8th 2024 by Alcove Press
A small-town baker and a career woman working for a cookie conglomerate get all mixed up in this Christmas romcom, perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey and Maggie Knox.
Marketing executive Elena Voss’s newest assignment for Sparkle Cookie, a large cookie conglomerate, was meant to be a much-needed break from her toxic boss and the stressful city. She never expected to get in a public—and embarrassing—argument with a sexy baker in New Hope, Pennsylvania. But the townsfolk aren’t exactly thrilled about a corporate chain bakery coming in to ruin their small town feel.
Lawrence Higgins–and his dog Sugar–have been a beloved staple in New Hope for years. Their bakery specializes in cookies, but with Sparkle Cookie’s upcoming grand opening, he’s worried about rent spikes and stolen customers. Elena wants to write Lawrence off as an opponent she can crush, but his good looks and passion for baking make it difficult to stay professional.
Elena and Lawrence immediately butt heads at a town hall meeting. When a cookie competition makes them join forces, sparks fly, and they find first impressions are often wrong. Can their blossoming connection survive the ensuing cookie war?
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Amber Roberts
October 8th 2024 by Alcove Press
A dashing ghost hunter and the bookseller who made up the ghosts he’s chasing wind up entangled in more ways than one in this steamy contemporary romance from the author of Text Appeal, perfect for fans of Ashley Poston and Chloe Liese.
Homebody Lex McCall loves her sleepy Vermont town and quiet bookstore job. After her family, friends, and exes all moved away to seek futures elsewhere, Lex set one rule: no dating tourists, newcomers, or anyone else who is bound to leave her behind. When the bookshop owner, eager to offload the supposedly haunted building, offers to sell the store to Lex at an unbeatable price, Lex jumps at the chance to further put down roots.
Then handsome stranger James stops by the bookstore. Lex assumes he’s just another tourist passing through, but it turns out he’s part of a ghost-hunting documentary crew that’s looking into the many “verified” ghost stories in town. Lex can’t resist getting involved—especially because these so-called ghosts are actually made up stories from Haunted Happenings, her hobby vlog from a decade prior. Worried her ghost-faking secret will get out and ruin her chance to buy the store, she tampers with the ghosthunters' research and skews the results. After all, James’s stay is only temporary and her career dreams come first.
But as they spend more time together, Lex realizes she’s falling for James. Worse, there’s more at stake than her simply being found out and losing his affection: his mission isn’t as frivolous as it seems, and her interference may cost him much more than a spooky story. This not-quite-ghost-story is sure to delight Gilmore Girls fans and anyone who loves flirty romances with a little extra spirit.
Goodreads
Series: Frontrunners #1
Author: Josie Juniper
October 8th 2024 by Forever
Phaedra Morgan is one of the best race engineers in Formula 1. She’s a math prodigy with dazzling skill, cutting wit, and no patience for matters of the heart. Of course, her job would be a lot easier if she didn’t keep butting heads with their team’s cocky and infuriatingly hot new driver.
Cosmin Ardelean is intense and committed, but as famous for his off-track romantic exploits as his on-track wizardry. Yet his devil-may-care façade conceals a haunted past. When the pair strikes up a secret—and thrillingly forbidden—“arrangement” to improve their communication and bond of trust, the heat of their attraction turns to something more . . .
But no secret stays hidden for long in the racing world, and soon things are spinning out of control. With everything on the line, will they be able to strip away all their defenses and go full throttle for a chance at love?
Goodreads
Series: About An Earl #1
Author: Jess Michaels
October 8th 2024 by The Passionate Pen, LLC
Lady Marianne has been a wallflower since her disastrous debut, but because since she always had a friend, Claudia, along the wall, she never minded much. But when Claudia dies and leaves her a beautiful jewelry box, and a hidden list of things her friend wanted to do in her life, everything is turned on its head. Marianne begins to question what she knows about herself, her dreams and what could be possible for her future. It all inspires her to try to complete her dear friend’s bucket list. If only she could find someone more experienced to help her…
Sebastian, Earl of Ramsbury, has been best friends with Marianne’s brother for almost his entire life, and the two men have seen each other through it all. His friend’s edict never to turn his wicked ways on Marianne has always been easy to follow, she’s the only woman he’s ever considered a true friend and not a conquest. But when she starts acting strangely, asking for his help with the most unexpected and shocking things, he begins to see her in a different light…and want her in ways he never could have thought possible.
As Marianne grows closer to completing Claudia’s list, she also continues to spiral toward to a passion with Sebastian that neither of them could ever see coming. But will an old promise to a dear friend stop a growing connection before it can come to fruition? Or will the last item on Marianne’s bucket list be to fall head over heels in love with a wicked rake?
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Bella Osborne
October 10th 2024 by Aria
Olivia Bingham has bad luck with men.
She's been ghosted more times than she can count, but this Christmas she's finally met someone really special Fraser Douglas, a Scottish chef working at an idyllic hotel in the Highlands. He's sweet and sensitive, thoughtful and funny – not to mention incredibly good looking.
Just when she thinks things couldn't be going any better, Fraser's dating profile vanishes, and Olivia fears the worst. Frustrated and wounded, Olivia decides she's going to drive all the way out to Loch Lochy Hotel and confront Fraser.
But when she arrives, things don't go exactly as she hoped. Worse still, Fraser doesn't seem to have any idea who she is....
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Baylin Wing
October 10th 2024 by Gayau Productions
For fans of cute slow-burn romance of Kimi Ni Todoke and high school senior vibes of Prom Pact; a heartwarming story about two broken teenagers finding solace in each other as they survive a senior year full of high school romance, friendship drama, and a jealous ex.
Thoughtful-but-misunderstood Kayla Summers has always been the second choice; to her father, her former crush, and her childhood friend. Tired of feeling like a screwup, she’s given up on getting too close to people. However, on the last day of her junior year, she fails to comfort her crying friend and ends up overhearing a dramatic breakup of an old crush of hers. Another innocent mistake, but it might just be the best one she’s ever made. That’s if . . . she’s willing to be a choice again.
Emotionally-worn-out Aiden McLaren will never be good enough; not for his dad nor his cheating girlfriend. Bruised by one-sided efforts and unmeetable expectations, getting involved with another girl is the last thing this football jock needs. But when the very witness of his humiliation provides him the comfort and healing he didn’t know he needed, maybe this girl can be trusted. Still, he’s learned a few things. Good things never last . . . or so he keeps telling himself to escape another broken heart.
She’ll give and he’ll give to their newfound relationship, but to what extent will they take?
It’s senior year.
Anything can happen.
Goodreads
Series: The Denton Sisters #1
Author: MéLisa Ryun
October 10th 2024 by Create Mode Media
Failure is not an option. Even if it means fake dating my best friend.
I’m Maddie, girl boss coder. I've poured my heart and soul into LoveScore, the dating app that's going to disrupt the industry. We're so close to securing major funding and launching. Nothing can stop us now.
Nothing except… our investor's impossible demand - add intimate physical data to our algorithm in just six weeks. How the hell are we supposed to do that?
The solution is as brilliant as it is insane. My sexy, off-limits co-founder Zack and I will have to fake date, role-play steamy scenarios, and gather the data ourselves.
With the clock ticking down to our big launch, I'm cosplaying as fantasy girlfriends, working overtime to keep my cool, and ignoring my very non-platonic feelings developing for Zack.
It's strictly business. At least, that's what I keep telling myself as things heat up.
Goodreads
Series: The Queen's Deadly Damsels #2
Author: Darcy McGuire
October 12th 2024 by Boldwood Books
A BRAND NEW spicy historical romance series, featuring a cast of deadly damsels! Wallflower at risk of ruin…
Secret femme-fatale in training Millicent Whittenburg needs to escape her unpleasant betrothal. Taking matters into her own hands, she plans her eventual ruin! Then she can disappear from society to carry out the Queen’s deadly missions. Step 1: seduce the one man who despises marriage more than her!
However, she hugely underestimates her target. Major General Beaufort Drake. Fearsome private investigator, he’s notoriously cold and visibly battle scarred. But Millie’s scandalously public kiss awakens a deeply suppressed desire in Drake. Instead of allowing them both to succumb to shame he does the unthinkable, and offers for her hand in a convenient marriage.
Nothing prepares them for the fireworks when a fearless damsel collides with a dangerous Major General! And as their secret missions align they face their hardest test on the glittering battlefield – a week long wedding house party where there is nowhere to escape…only new and wicked lessons to be learnt!
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Erin Hahn
October 15th 2024 by St. Martin's Griffin
In Erin Hahn's latest cozy, swoony romance, Maren Laughlin has been fishing her whole life, but she’s finally ready to be caught.
At thirty-three, Maren Laughlin's just turned down her boyfriend’s proposal, walked away from her decade-long position as a park ranger, and returned to her childhood playground in Northern Wisconsin to accept her inheritance: a decrepit waterfront bait shop. After a lifetime of letting things happen to her, she’s ready to start making her own moves, even if everyone else thinks she’s making the wrong ones. Well, not everyone—at least the local heartstopper and resort owner is on her side.
Josiah Cole has made some missteps in his life, but he’s proud of what he has: two awesome kids and the keys to the kind of getaway spot that has families coming back every summer– their up north home away from home. After his marriage dissolved, leaving him a single dad, he feels he’s the last person to judge Maren for her recent transformation (even if his best friend, her brother, wants him to feel otherwise). Besides, he genuinely likes having her around. She’s a breath of fresh air, his kids adore her (not to mention her dog, Rogers), and it doesn’t hurt that she’s beautiful.
Things between Maren and Joe are easy. So easy, they’re fully immersed in the middle before they even decide to begin. It’s not a question of should they, but rather can they make it last? Are things too easy, or is this just how real love works? In Erin Hahn’s heartwarmingly sexy Catch and Keep, Maren and Joe have to be brave enough to find out.
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Emily Stone
October 15th 2024 by Dell
When an unexpected inheritance forces two total opposites to work together, Lexie must decide if Theo is going to push her out—or pull her in for the kiss of a lifetime—in this heartwarming holiday novel from the author of Always, in December and One Last Gift
When Lexie learns of her father’s death, she doesn’t know how to feel; they’ve barely spoken in the last ten years. And she’s even more confused when she discovers he’s left her half of his holiday travel company, a successful niche business specializing in trips that explore the holiday traditions of cultures all over the world.
Meanwhile, the other half of the company has been left to her father’s handsome but bad-tempered young executive, Theo. And the will stipulates that the two of them must find a way to run the company together for a year before they decide its fate.
Lexie intends to leave once the year is over, even though, as a wanderer herself, she finds the company’s mission more compelling than she first thought. And a work trip to sizzling Spain reveals a chemistry between Lexie and Theo that is impossible to deny.
There may have been some snap judgments made about each other. But mixing business and pleasure isn’t always a good idea.
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Laura Carter
October 15th 2024 by Boldwood Books
It’s hard to stay professional when you’re stuck on a tiny island… with your ex
Carrie Briggs is on the cusp of a career breakthrough. About to be made partner at her accountancy firm, she’s been given one more hoop to jump through before it can be made official.
And she could think of worse clients to work with – because world-renowned billionaire Joe Hettich is flying her out to his private island in the Caribbean.
But her hopes of career highs (and relaxing in the gorgeous sun in her spare time, of course!) are dashed when she meets the CFO of Joe’s company: Luke Chalmers, the man who broke her heart seven years ago when he chose his ex over her.
With a storm brewing in paradise – both in her heart and literally, on the island – she’s going to have to put her big girl pants on and get through this, before all those feelings have a chance to resurface…
A sun-filled and heartwarming romance, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Christina Lauren.
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Meghan Quinn
October 15th 2024 by Bloom Books
A new winter holiday, enemies-to-lovers romance, from the undeniably funny and always spicy, USA Today bestselling author, Meghan Quinn.
Living in a year around Christmas town has it's drawbacks. The caroling, the decorations, the insanely cheery spirit, it never disappears. It's why I like to hibernate away in my cave--I mean house--keeping a healthy distance from the holly jolly spirits.
And all was going according to plan until my nemesis, Storee Taylor, moved in next door to care for her Aunt Cindy. Without blinking, she turned my simple world into a real nightmare-before-Christmas, especially when she decided to enter the town Christmas Kringle contest - which she was determine to win.
Well guess what? Over my cold-hearted body.
There was no way I was going to let her win, not after the history we'd shared.
So despite my promise to myself of never participating in the sickening Christmas season, I entered the competition as well. That's right, I planned on beating Storee at her own game by pretending this grump’s heart grew three sizes this season.
And it was working until feelings between us started heating up.
We pretended to date.
We kissed.
And well, sparks flew from there.
Which led to one explosive night involving Christmas lights, the competition, and a ladder. Don't let me convince you who stole Christmas, I think you need to find out for yourself . . .
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Olivia Spring
October 16th 2024 by Boldwood Books
What if the one who got away is really the one?
When Stella finds herself back home with a string of disastrous dates under her belt, she's certain she’s hit rock bottom. Until she discovers her mother has signed her up to The Love Hotel: a luxury matchmaking service where a perfect love match is guaranteed! Stella is adamant she'll have nothing to do with this nonsense! But then a match is found faster than she can say 'Not.A.Chance!' So, how bad can two weeks in the scorching Spanish sunshine be?
Very bad, actually. Because when Stella arrives, she’s mortified to learn her date is no perfect stranger. In fact she knows him a little too well. Because Max is the childhood sweetheart who broke her heart, who her heart remembers and who is more gorgeous than ever.
With no refunds, Stella reluctantly decides to stay and enjoy the holiday - all she has to do is keep Max at an arm’s length...right? Easier said than done when Max is impossible to ignore. And as the Love Hotel begins to work its matchmaking magic, Stella can't deny that the sparks still sizzle between them. And maybe, the experts were right after all...
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Madeleine Roux
October 22nd 2024 by Dell
Madeleine Roux’s next season in Regency England follows a rebellious writer and the man who risks everything to publish her.
In a world where women are expected to be demure and dainty, Margaret Arden would much rather be passionate and daring like the characters in her novel. The idyllic life at Mosely Cottage with her two younger sisters and mother is fine, but Margaret knows there’s so much more to achieve. After a particularly brutal rejection letter from a renowned publisher, Margaret fears the worst; She’ll amount to nothing more than what society expects of her. That’s until her cousin's glamorous wedding masquerade brings her out of her stupor and onto a collision course with scandal, notoriety, and even love.
Captain Bridger Dryden is starting over after years of bloody action fighting for his country. Now home and struggling with all he’s seen and experienced; Bridger is turning to his love of books as a new partner at Dockarty & Dryden publishing. So when he journeys to Pressmore Estate for the wedding of his dearest friend, and stumbles upon loose pages of an astonishing book, Bridger knows he must publish it. But upon meeting the author, Bridger is stunned to discover that he is in fact she , and his publisher has already rejected her.
While Bridger is keen to gain her trust and rescind the initial rejection, Margaret can’t help but be skeptical of his intentions. He may be smart, witty, and handsome, but what does he have to gain from taking such a risk? Sparks fly between the two, just as the wedding of the season starts to descend into chaos when a masked dance leads to a case of mistaken identities. But undeniable chemistry has a way of defying such obstacles. . .
Goodreads
Series: First Responders #2
Author: Adele Buck
October 22nd 2024 by Afterglow Books by Harlequin
Relationship Status: Doesn’t Get More Complicated Than This
In this offbeat holiday romantic comedy, an overworked firefighter turned social media coordinator and a librarian with an unrequited crush break a few rules in the company handbook…
For Thea Martinelli, burnout is real. After working as a firefighter for the Emergency Services Department over the last ten years, she can’t stomach any more close calls. Just when she’s ready to hang up the hose for good, she’s offered an out: stay on as the station’s new social media coordinator. It’s a move that would keep her on the squad and off the truck—if she makes it through the probation period.
Basically, she needs to learn everything there is to know about social media…fast.
Librarian and social media coordinator Simon Osman is shocked to learn his new responsibilities include showing Thea Martinelli—his high school crush—the ins and outs of digital engagement. And the fact that she doesn’t even remember him? Not helpful. Still, this could be his chance to finally turn his part-time role into something long-term.
But as the chaos of the holiday season unfolds, Thea and Simon find that the closer they work together, the hotter their attraction burns. Yet giving in to these feelings could mean giving up their careers. Are they willing to risk everything they’ve worked toward…for each other?
Goodreads
Series: The Palace of Rogues #8
Author: Julie Anne Long
October 22nd 2024 by Avon
A blue-blooded beauty bartered to a Beast…
He would pay any price to possess her. But even though Alexandra Bellamy sacrifices herself to save her family’s fortunes, a shocking betrayal sunders her marriage to a taciturn brute of a war hero, Colonel Magnus Brightwall, before it even begins. Five years of icy separation later, a scandal—with Alexandra at the middle—reunites them, and Magnus issues an edict: they will confront the ton, rescue their reputations, then Magnus will banish her to another continent—forever.
But alone in a suite at the Grand Palace on the Thames, a new battle begins—between pride and the unexpected volcanic passion stirring between them. The danger is real: Magnus rediscovers why Alexandra is the only woman who could ever break him. And even as she lays bare the beautiful heart beating beneath the battered hide of the near-stranger she married, Alexandra knows she may have already lost him—even as she finally falls fatally, irrevocably in love.
Goodreads
Series: Silver Pines Ranch #1
Author: Paisley Hope
October 22nd 2024 by Dell
In this steamy cowboy romance, a woman returns to her family's ranch after a broken engagement and finds herself falling for her brother's best friend—the first novel in the Silver Pines Ranch series.
Take a deep breath and let go of the reins.
Cecilia “CeCe” Ashby is finally escaping the toxic relationship that has consumed her entire adult life. She's returning to her hometown of Laurel Creek, Kentucky, and to her family’s equestrian ranch, unsure of what the future holds.
Nash Carter, the newly retired superstar of the Dallas Stars, is Laurel Creek's hometown hero, local business owner, and notorious bachelor. He’s also the unofficial fourth sibling in the Ashby clan. It’s been years since his days of tormenting CeCe with her older brothers Wade and Cole. So, when CeCe needs a job, he feels drawn to help her.
Nash can’t seem to take his eyes off of his best friend's sister, and it seems she’s been staring right back, not without animosity left over from his childish teasing back in the day. Despite their initial reluctance, the fire between them ignites and it isn't long before they jump into the flames.
Goodreads
Series: Gods of the Game #1
Author: Ana Huang
October 22nd 2024 by Bloom Books
Asher Donovan is a living legend—the darling of the Premier League, the (arguably) greatest footballer in the world.
But his reckless antics and recent team transfer have caused much controversy, and when his feud with his rival-turned-teammate costs them a championship, they’re forced to “bond” during off-season cross-training.
Surviving the summer shouldn’t be hard…until Asher meets their new trainer. She’s beautiful, talented, and no matter how hard he tries, he can’t take his mind off her.
The only problem? She’s his rival’s sister—and completely off limits.
***
Scarlett DuBois is a former prima ballerina whose career was cut short by a tragic accident.
Now a teacher at a prestigious dance academy but still haunted by the ghosts of her past, the last thing she wants is to spend the summer cross-training Asher Donovan, of all people.
She swore she would never date a footballer, but when her brother leaves town for an emergency, she finds herself thrown into dangerously close proximity with the gorgeous, charming striker.
Training, she can deal with. But falling in love? That’s out of the question—especially when he’s the only person with the power to break her heart.
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Holly Cassidy
October 22nd 2024 by G.P. Putnam's Sons
From the author of The Christmas Wager comes a charming holiday rom-com about a young, recently heartbroken woman who is tasked by her sister to complete Advent calendar challenges in the lead up to Christmas to reignite her belief in herself, the holidays, and love again.
She’s given up on love and Christmas…but fate has other plans.
All Callie wants for Christmas is to hibernate. She's still reeling from being dumped by her childhood sweetheart, and under no circumstances will she go home for the holidays considering her ex will be right next door with his new, perfect partner. Callie is officially in grinch mode, but her meddling sister, Anita, won’t let her give up on life, love, and Christmas quite so easily.
Anita stages a Christmas intervention for Callie with a homemade Advent calendar challenge—cheerful tasks to push Callie out of her comfort zone and into the holiday spirit, inspired by a childhood tradition. Callie reluctantly plays along, but when she comes face-to-face with a charming baker who just might be the spoonful of sugar she needs, her strict rules on love and the holidays are tested.
As they strike a deal to do the activities together, could the twenty four little doors on Callie’s Advent calendar not only open up one, but two closed-off hearts?
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Martha Waters
October 22nd 2024 by Atria Books
A former child star learns that holiday magic can come from a change in perspective in this charming and hilarious holiday rom-com.
Charlotte hates the holidays. As a former child actress, she starred in a modern classic of a holiday movie, and its fans won’t let her move on. When a piece revealing that her reluctance nixed plans for a reboot, she flees to London to spend the five-week countdown to the holidays with her sister.
But the ghosts of Christmas past follow her there when she ends up at Eden Priory, a filming location for the movie she has never visited. There, after being recognized by a fan while viewing the extraordinary holiday decorations, she’s accidently left behind, forcing her to accept a ride back to London by Graham, the son of the owners. Their family business—and the funds to keep their historic house running—relies on holiday cheer, and Graham knows a visit from a holiday star would bring in more visitors.
Now an illustrator, Charlotte accepts a commission illustrating iconic holiday movie scenes in London and its environs. Graham offers to help escort her, as long as she’ll commit to an art workshop at Eden Priory. But as Charlotte’s chaotic family holiday goes awry, she begins spending more time scouting locations with Graham. Charlotte may not love Christmas, but is it so bad if you’re also falling in love?
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Deanna Faison
October 22nd 2024 by W by Wattpad Books
Spring Break is about having fun–and a steamy friends with benefits relationship for Maddie and Cameron until they realize they might be falling in love. This BookTok sensation is perfect for fans of Hannah Grace’s Icebreaker and Tessa Bailey’s spicy rom-coms.
What started as a game just got serious.
Cameron's a hot NFL prospect, and a total player on and off the field. But his moves don't seem to work on Maddie. While she once crushed on him hard, that crush has since faded. She’s got big plans of her own and they don’t include him.
Then Spring Break turns their plans, and their feelings, upside down. Maddie and Cameron start a steamy affair, sneaking around behind their families’ backs. But there's one big problem: Maddie’s WAY overprotective brother–who happens to be Cameron’s BFF.
Will Cam be able to admit he's got real feelings? Will Maddie ever be able to stand up to her brother and make her own decisions?
One thing's for sure, their choices will change their life playbooks for good.
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: J.J. Knight
October 22nd 2024 by Montlake
On a cross-country road trip, an expert in romantic comedies finds herself living one in a funny, refreshing, and flirty novel about really falling in love by USA Today bestselling author JJ Knight.
Kelsey Whitaker knows every hit rom-com by heart and why they work. It’s her job. As a casting assistant to a fearsome boss nicknamed the Demon, Kelsey creates chemistry with perfect leads. Let the tropes take it from there. So where’s the meet-cute in her own life? That she’ll have to make happen herself.
With the help of her best friend and wingman, Zachery Carter—a total Hemsworth, even if his career is ebbing—Kelsey trades in her big-city stilettos for small-town tennies and hits the back roads. Somewhere between Hollywood and her Alabama roots, she’s determined to strategically stumble into the arms of an all-American flannel-wearing, decent-hearted, rustic boy next door. It’s a blockbuster blueprint for success! Isn’t it?
It’s all a secretly smitten Zachery can do not to tell Kelsey she’s looking for love in all the wrong places. If she really wants a happy ending, they may have to do a little rewriting, town by town and mile by mile. Together.
Goodreads
Series: Village of Yule #2
Author: Kate Callaghan
October 24th 2024 by CallaghanWriter
Gifted an old family chest, aspiring editor Juliet Frost stumbles upon closely guarded family secrets… and her tranquil holiday season transforms into a whimsical circus of revelations. For starters, how is she supposed to process the fact that she is the outcome of a forbidden love affair – let alone that she has connections to some kind of magical Christmas village called Yule? To complicate matters, the mysterious Will Duncan, whom she never thought she’d see again after a night of passion, reappears with the answers she seeks about her past. It swiftly becomes clear that he has plenty of secrets of his own. Is their chance meeting fate, or the result of a carefully laid plot? Juliet will have to battle her heart and her head to discover who she is… and where she truly belongs.
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Emma Tallon
October 24th 2024 by Bookouture
Everyone is heading home for the holidays. Everyone except Kate. Having just run away her boyfriend Lance’s unexpected proposal (in front of her entire family), Kate was the only person in her office happy to take a last-minute work trip posting to Boston.
Arriving in the snow-covered, fairy-light-filled city, Kate feels immediately at home. That is until she meets Sam, a cross between a lumberjack and an Abercrombie model standing in the kitchen of her new place. Which also happens to be his home thanks to a work mix-up. Given that it’s Christmas and there is nowhere else to stay, they agree to make it work.
But pretty soon it’s clear that Sam is not the ideal house mate. From drinking all the milk, turning the hot water off whilst she’s showering, and insisting she stay in her room for the entirety of ‘game night’ with the boys, Kate thinks Sam is the absolute worst. And he thinks the same of her.
When Sam surprisingly comes to her rescue, his frosty exterior finally thaws and when they open up to each other, they realise they have more in common than they thought. But when Lance unexpectedly arrives, Kate’s heart is torn. Go home with Lance or spend the holidays with a man she hardly knows, but who could turn out to be the one…
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Christy McKellen
October 27th 2024 by Boldwood Books
Keeping it strictly professional...
Radio DJ Lula Lazenby isn’t often lost for words, but this time she’s speechless! The man she just shared an exquisite one night with turns out to be her new boss…and his first job is to fire her!
Executive Tristan Bamfield wasn’t planning to stay in London long. Turn up, handle his father’s business and leave. But his inconvenient and instantaneous attraction to Lula has really gone and complicated things!
Tristan is a professional and everyone deserves a second chance – especially when you can’t escape the red-hot memories so he quickly reinstates Lula. Until that leads to weeks of tantalizing torture working with Lula in the studio. Tristan’s not here for a happy ever after, but his challenge now is going to be figuring out how to keep their off-the-charts attraction under wraps until it’s time to leave.
Goodreads
Series: Vega Family Love Stories #3
Author: Jenny
October 29th 2024 by Natalie Caña
The third book in the riotously funny Vega Family Love Stories finds self-assured firefighter Leo Vega trying to reignite a flame that’s gone cold and finally bring his secret love affair into the open.
Leo Vega’s love life has been on life support since long before the gunshot wound that put him on leave from the fire department. Now, a year after his injury, he’s finally able to return to work, but he’s no closer to fixing things with Sofi, his sister’s best friend and the woman he’s had a secret on-again, off-again relationship with for years. Sofi is still reeling from the revelation that her best friend lied to her years ago, setting her life on a course she’s resented ever since. She’s done with the Vega family, and that includes Leo, who has always prioritized his tight-knit clan over their relationship. She’s moving on with her life, but then circumstances beyond their control push Sofi and Leo into a tense roommate situation. It’s almost impossible to move on with someone new when Leo is there, reminding her what they had, every day.
When his great-granddaughter Rosie tips Papo Vega off about what’s been going on between Leo and Sofi, he’s on the case, with reinforcements. Working behind the scenes alongside Sofi’s mom, he’s determined to help these two stubborn lovebirds end up where they belong—together.
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Lily Joseph
October 29th 2024 by Bookouture
The hate is real. So is the chemistry.
Annie is heading into the holidays alone. And as a confirmed singleton, she decides to open a shop selling the kind of treats every single woman would want to find under the tree. After all, who doesn’t like to get a 'Premium Sensual Lifestyle Product' for Christmas, right?
Penn is in a bind. He needs to come home for Christmas with a girl, or his parents will set him up with someone ‘suitable’. Nothing is too good for the Honourable Peregrine Burton-Edwards after all. But that’s not what Penn wants. He just wants to sell vintage records in his shop and meet a nice, normal girl.
The first time Annie and Penn meet, Annie feels a flutter in her chest – he’s tall, dark and handsome, with cheekbones you could sharpen a blade on. So when he offers to share the shop with her to save on rent, she gladly accepts.
Huge mistake… Annie and Penn are poles apart and butt heads at every turn. But with the holidays looming, Penn will soon need to ask for a big favour, and Annie, with no plans to speak of, is the only girl who can help. As the arguments get more heated, so do the sparks flying between them. Will they put their differences aside and come together? And could it be for more than just Christmas?
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Clare Gilmore
October 29th 2024 by St. Martin's Griffin
A hilarious and heartfelt rom-com about having it all, slowing down to see the big picture, and finding out that the person you least expect could be your perfect fit.
Josephine Davis has spent her entire twenties building Revenant: a fashion brand headquartered in downtown Austin. When her biggest investor orders Josie to hire a consultant, the last person she expects to be working with is Will Grant – the twin brother of Josie’s ex best friend.
Sure, Will and Josie may have shared one mistake of a kiss during senior spring break nine years ago, but they’ve never been friends. She remembers him as moody; he always thought of her as shallow. Romance isn’t on the table for either of them until they blink, and realize there’s a reason they can’t stay away from each other.
But there’s Will’s sister to consider – whom Josie hasn’t spoken with since their falling out – not to mention, Will and Josie live seventeen hundred miles apart. And it’s not like she has time for a boyfriend anyway when she’s an overworked CEO. As Josie’s burnout looms while she falls deeper and harder for Will, she contends with the fact that eventually, she’ll have to make a choice: stay alone to be productive, or slow down to be in love.
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Molly Dunn
October 29th 2024 by 8th Note Press
Fanfiction clashes with reality when an anonymous fic writer meets the real-life celebrity behind her stories ... who happens to secretly be her top reader, in a romantic comedy perfect for fans of Thank You For Listening and Mr. Wrong Number.
By day, Diana works as a line cook at her family’s French café in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, juggling brunch service and finicky customers. She's happy to help at the café, but it's financially in dire straits, and she's not sure how much longer she can help keep things going. By night, she escapes into the Sam Raymond fandom, penning smutty real-person fanfiction (RPF) about the dreamy rockstar-of-the-moment for thousands of readers. And those readers are eating it up more than usual after a vocal injury that's sidelined Sam's tour. One of Diana's most avid followers, the mysterious "S," has even sent her a series of flirtatious DMs on Tumblr.
When the real Sam Raymond shows up at the Diana's café for brunch, her carefully separated worlds collide (and she's gotta make the best goddamn lemon crème crêpes of her life). Despite her nerves, the crêpes are a hit, and Sam keeps coming back for more; soon, the two strike up an easy friendship over their shared taste in music and love of NYC.
But Sam has secrets of his own. He's finding it harder and harder to suppress his panic attacks, with setbacks slowing his vocal recovery and threatening a potential end to his singing career. The only comfort he finds is in interacting with a clever online fic writer in, embarrassingly, his own fandom. And then he meets Diana. As Sam isolates himself away from his normally chaotic life, he becomes intrigued by this cute chef and her big, boisterous family. He can't help but spend more time at the classic French bistro they call home.
As the writer and the rockstar grow closer, Diana must balance her connection with S and attraction to Sam— and her guilt in keeping up her pseudo-Sam-themed stories, which she knows is her best chance to get out of the kitchen and become a professional writer. Meanwhile, Sam is forced to confront the anxiety threatening to break him once and for all, or he risks losing both his connection with Diana and his career. Will this end in OTP or disaster?
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Jenni Fletcher
October 31st 2024 by Penguin
A sizzling Formula One romance perfect for fans of BookTok faves Hannah Grace, Lauren Asher, and Kat Ransom.
He’s a future F1 champion, but she’s making it hard to stay on track…
F1’s resident bad boy Giovanni Bauer isn’t used to losing, but when his non-stop partying leaves his position on the team at risk, he needs to turn his reputation around - fast.
Maisie Evans is a dedicated psychology student, desperate to break into Gio’s competitive world and reignite her dreams of a glittering sports career, but with no clue how to do it.
When Gio and Maisie’s worlds collide, the answer to their problems seems a fake relationship. She gets to travel the world and brush shoulders with sports royalty, and he gets to fix his image by settling down.
But as sparks fly on and off the track, will their ‘relationship’ see them cross the line together, or crash and burn?
Goodreads
Series: None
Author: Suzanne Collier
October 31st 2024 by Splitrail Publishing
Deeply Personal is a contemporary romance that's perfect for fans of Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams, Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey, and Set On You by Amy Lea. It's about two people, entranched in their careers, who aren’t looking for forever when it finds them unexpectedly, a slow-burn romance sprinkled with humor.
When 32 year old Jessica Chandler, interior designer extraordinaire, collapses from dehydration at the Turkey Trot fun walk in a small town in Tennessee, she’s rescued by gorgeous personal trainer Paul Brady. He swoops her up and carries her to a medical tent. For Jessica, their chance meeting feels like fate. A driven business owner who has neglected her health, Jessica has developed heart issues as a result. But the path to healing her heart might just be led by the man who, quite literally, swept her off her feet.
While Paul’s got a very fine exterior, his man-cave of a condo desperately needs an upgrade, and, as Jessica discovers, his interior design style can only be described as…well…nonexistent. He craves being surrounded by things he loves, but the idea of committing to purchasing the “right” furniture gives him the willies.
Jessica proposes a her design expertise for his healthy lifestyle chops. As the two swap skillsets, they realize they might be able to help one another in more areas of their lives than just their professional savvy. Inspiration strikes Paul, and he convinces Jessica to go on a fake date in order to impress a major account. Afterward, the professional distances and hesitancies between them begin to blur. But if the two can’t get over their fear of commitment and learn to bridge the distance between their isolating jobs, they’ll lose out on a chance to find what they need and dream of most of all—love forever.
Goodreads
What has caught your eye for October? Have you read any of these? Let me know :)
0 comments