10 October romance releases to fall in love with this month

October is upon us, and for some readers, that means breaking out the thrillers and Stephen King novels. For others, the cool weather marks the perfect time to snuggle up with a sweet romance story. And there are plenty of exciting October romance releases to choose from.

To start, October seems to be the month for holiday-themed romances — and no, not just Halloween. Although readers can find one or two witchy books to swoon over this month, they’ll also notice a few novels centered on the winter holidays. (Is it really that time of year already?!)

Those looking to meet at the intersection between romance and fantasy also have a few fun releases to enjoy. Roshani Chokshi’s Once More Upon a Time and Jennifer L. Armentrout’s A Shadow in the Ember both promise magic, adventure, and love.

October has something for every romance reader to look forward to. Here are 10 new releases to keep an eye out for while you work through your TBR this month.

October  2021 release: Once More Upon a Time by Roshani Chokshi

Roshani Chokshi already has several successful series under her belt, including The Gilded Wolves, The Star-Touched Queen, and the Pandava Quartet. This month, she’ll bring fans a new addition to her lineup: Once More Upon a Time. 

Touted on Goodreads as a “fairy tale about falling in love again,” this novella takes place in a land aptly named Love’s Keep. Unfortunately, the love between the kingdom’s rulers is dwindling. That’s because Ambrose traded their passion to a witch in order to save Imelda’s life.

When the novella picks up, the two don’t quite know why they’re together — but they’re stuck that way nonetheless. When the witch returns and sends them on a journey, they begin to remember what drew them to one another in the first place. Their adventure builds to one big question:

"“When the end of their journey nears and they confront parting ways forever, a new decision faces them. Will Imelda and Ambrose choose their deepest wishes, or will they choose each other — again?”"

Those looking for a quick and magical read won’t want to miss out on Once More Upon a Time this month. It’s available in print, ebook, and audiobook format starting Oct. 5.

October 2021 release: A Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli

Sonya Lalli, author of The Matchmaker’s List and Grown-Up Pose, returns this month with a new holiday rom-com: A Holly Jolly Diwali. 

Lalli’s latest follows 29-year-old Niki Randhawa, who embarks on an impromptu journey to Mumbai after she’s laid off from her role as a data analyst. She’s been invited to a friend’s wedding, but she gets there just in time to celebrate Diwali — and more than adventure awaits her at the festival of lights.

Niki also discovers romance with Sameer Mukherji, a musician from London. The two hit it off almost immediately, and they wind up accompanying the bride and groom on a group honeymoon. Niki spends the trip learning about her Indian roots and connecting with Sameer. Of course, that makes things difficult when it comes time to decide what’s next:

"“When she gets a new job offer back home, Niki must decide what she wants out of the next chapter of her life — to cling to the straight and narrow like always, or to take a leap of faith and live the kind of bold life the old Niki never would have dreamed of.”"

Lalli’s story is about growth and connecting with one’s culture as much as it’s about love, and readers looking for a well-rounded romance read will no doubt want to check it out. A Holly Jolly Diwali is the ideal story of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone, and it’s available to read in print, ebook, and audiobook format starting on Oct. 5.

October 2021 release: Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist by Codi Hall

Another romance for those hoping to embrace the winter holidays a little early, Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist hits shelves this month. And Codi Hall’s debut sounds every bit as adorable as its cover suggests.

A friends-to-lovers romance, Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist sees Nick Winter coming home from the military and sharing an unexpected kiss with his best friend Noel. It’s not what he had planned for the holiday season, but then, he wasn’t expecting his longtime girlfriend to dump him when he got home either.

Fortunately, it sounds like Nick and Noel will find happiness in one another just in time for Christmas — that is, if his ex doesn’t get in the way:

"“If Noel can turn Nick’s Blue Christmas merry and bright, this might be the last Christmas Nick spends with a broken heart. This year, they’ll be Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree as a couple―as long as Nick’s ex doesn’t go standing under any mistletoe.”"

Christmas song references, beloved romance tropes, and that dog on the cover — do we really need any more reasons to dig into this novel?

Nick and Noel’s Christmas Playlist comes out in print, ebook, and audiobook format on Oct. 5.

Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper

October 2021 release: Many of the October romance releases headed our way focus on the winter holidays, but Lana Harper’s Payback’s a Witch is keeping us in the Spooky Season. Described on Goodreads as “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina meets The L Word,” this novel will appeal to Halloween lovers and romance enthusiasts alike.

Payback’s a Witch follows Emmy Harlow, a witch whose powers have dwindled, mostly because she’s been away from Thistle Grove for so long. She’s got plenty of valid reasons for avoiding her magical home, from familial drama to Gareth Blackmoore, the person who broke her heart.

When Emmy returns to Thistle Grove for a spellcasting tournament, she discovers she’s not the only person who’s been burned by Gareth. She teams up with Linden and Talia Avramov to seek revenge — but she might find more than that in their alliance:

"“But most concerning of all: Why can’t she stop thinking about the terrifyingly competent, devastatingly gorgeous, wickedly charming Talia Avramov?”"

If the stunning cover didn’t sell you, the witch romance, magic tournament, and revenge storyline sure will. Payback’s a Witch sounds like an all-around fun time. It’s available in print, ebook, and audiobook on Oct. 5. Check out our review of it here!

October 2021 release: A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Jennifer L. Armentrout is known for crafting stories that balance magic and adventure with romance, and it sounds like her newest novel will follow that tradition.

A Shadow in the Ember is the first installment in her Flesh and Fire series, and it promises a forbidden romance with plenty of action. The novel follows Chosen One Seraphena Mierel, who’s been tasked with one responsibility her whole life: upholding a bargain her ancestor and becoming Consort of the Primal of Death.

Of course, this means leaving her entire life behind. And that’s not the only problem with her lifelong plans. According to the synopsis, Seraphena isn’t actually the promised Maiden at all, but an assassin with the goal of destroying the Primal of Death:

"“However, Sera’s real destiny is the most closely guarded secret in all of Lasania — she’s not the well protected Maiden but an assassin with one mission — one target. Make the Primal of Death fall in love, become his weakness, and then…end him. If she fails, she dooms her kingdom to a slow demise at the hands of the Rot.”"

Getting the Primal of Death to fall in love with her sounds like a solid plan, but what happens when she starts to catch feelings for him? With Life and Death dictating her every move, she’ll have some difficult choices to make, promising fans a tale full of conflict and desire.

A Shadow in the Ember is available in print, ebook, and audiobook format beginning on Oct. 19.

October 2021 release: Well Matched by Jen DeLuca

Jen DeLuca returns to the romance scene this month with the third book in her Well Met series, Well Matched. A love letter to the romance genre and Renaissance fairs, Well Matched is a must-read release for any reader who makes a point of dressing up in flower crowns and costumes every year.

The novel follows April Parker, a single mom who’s about to take advantage of an empty nest by moving away from her small town. She enlists her friend Mitch Malone to help her fix up her home before the move, and he asks for a favor in return: to pose as his girlfriend during a family dinner.

That’s right, on top of Renaissance fun, Well Matched features the fake-dating trope — and in the best way possible. Mitch doesn’t want to hear about how he needs to “settle down” from his family, so he and April pretend he’s on the way to doing so.

Of course, April and Mitch’s fake romance comes to an end after the family gathering. However, when April volunteers for the local Renaissance Faire and runs into the group, she jumps into Mitch’s arms once again — and this time doesn’t feel like pretend:

"“Despite their obvious connection, April insists they’ve just been putting on an act. But when there’s the chance for something real, she has to decide whether to change her plans — and open her heart — for the kilt-wearing hunk who might just be the love of her life.”"

It seems the pair could fall in love for real during the Renaissance Faire. What better backdrop could romance readers ask for?

Well Matched arrives in print, ebook, and audiobook format on Oct. 19.

October 2021 release: A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss

Jenny Bayliss, the author of The Twelve Dates of Christmas, is back this year with another seasonal romance sure to be every bit as cute as its cover. A Season for Second Chances sees its leading lady finding a new lease on life — and a new relationship to boot.

The book picks up after Annie Sharpe has run into a bit of a rut. Her 26-year marriage has ended, her kids are adults, and she has a well-established career as a restauranteur — one that doesn’t spark much excitement. To find some passion, Annie decides to leave the city and head to a coastal town for the winter, where she’ll look after a seaside home.

The change of location is pleasant, as are the townspeople. Of course, there’s one gentleman who isn’t thrilled with her appearance, especially since his family owns the property she’s staying at. It seems her arrival has upended his own plans, something that’s sure to lead to animosity — and perhaps segue into something more.

Alongside those tensions, Annie will need to confront her own future and what she plans to do when the winter is over:

"“As Christmas approaches, tensions and tides rise in Willow Bay, and Annie’s future seems less and less certain. But with a little can-do spirit and holiday magic, the most difficult time of her life will become…a season for second chances.”"

With its charmingly quaint setting and a relatable protagonist, Bayliss’ latest sounds like the perfect story to cuddle up with as the weather gets cooler. A Season for Second Chances is available in print, ebook, and audiobook format beginning on Oct. 19.

October 2021 release: Before and After You by Hope Ellis

Been There Done That author Hope Ellis brings readers the second installment in her Leffersbee series this October: Before and After You. An opposites-attract story, Ellis’ latest has it all: familial drama, secrets, and sparks flying.

Before and After You follows a lover and a fighter. The lover in question is Walker Leffersbee, a ladies’ man with lots on his plate. Running his family’s bank and a blossoming property renovation business doesn’t leave much time for romance. Of course, that won’t stop it from coming for him.

It does so in the form of his sister’s best friend and the aforementioned fighter, Leigh D’Alessandro. Leigh has already overcome a dysfunctional family and terrible marriage, and she’s ready to go to war for the community hospital she works for.

She’s not able to fight her feelings for Walker, though. And when the two find themselves spending more time together, just about anything can happen:

"“When a home renovation project brings them too close for comfort, they both struggle to withstand the growing heat. As they grow closer helping each other navigate family minefields, Walker learns that love is not a four-letter word, and Leigh realizes that some battles are meant to be lost.”"

Despite their attraction to one another, there is one thing weighing on Walker and Leigh’s blossoming relationship: a secret that could destroy his life as he knows it — one that Leigh already knows about.

Will the duo be able to overcome whatever Walker’s been hiding? Find out when Before and After You arrives in print and ebook format on Oct. 19.

October 2021 release: All the Feels by Olivia Dade

Following on the heels of Spoiler Alert, Olivia Dade is bringing fans the second book in her series of the same name. All the Feels promises to be just as delightful and entertaining as its predecessor — and it centers on the star of a hit television series.

All the Feels opens with charming actor Alexander Woodroe landing the lead role as Cupid on a popular TV show. However, his personal life proves a bit more tumultuous than his on-screen persona would suggest. And when he gets himself into trouble, his agents hire former ER therapist Lauren Clegg to keep an eye on him.

As the two get to know one another, something begins to brew beneath the surface of their professional relationship. And no matter how hard Lauren tries to keep things in line, she can’t deny they’re into one another — which makes the arrival of yet another scandal that much harder:

"“When another scandal lands Alex in major hot water and costs Lauren her job, she’ll have to choose between protecting him and offering him what he really wants — her. But he’s determined to keep his improbably short, impossibly stubborn, and extremely endearing minder in his life any way he can.”"

When the two wind up on a road trip together, Alex proves how badly he wants to keep Lauren in his life. It could change everything for them.

All the Feels is available in print, ebook, and audiobook format starting on Oct. 26.

October 2021 release: Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday

Jenny Holiday brings readers another Christmas-themed novel this year, and its October release gives them plenty of time to pick it up ahead of the winter holidays. Duke, Actually chronicles the blossoming romance between a playboy baron and a professor who’s 100-percent done trying to find the one. Well, maybe not 100 percent.

When fate brings Maximillian von Hansburg and Dani Martinez together, the two attempt to use each other, mostly as a distraction from everything else they’ve got going on. Of course, that never works out in the romance world. Before they know it, their relationship is turning into something far more. And their drastically different lives could prove a challenge to making it work:

"“As their bond begins to deepen, so does their attraction, until they end up in bed together. Falling in love was never part of the plan — Max’s family doesn’t see Dani as a perfect match, even as his heart tells him she’s the one, and Dani isn’t sure she can make it in Max’s world.”"

Will the two be willing to face those obstacles so they can be together? Readers can find out when Duke, Actually arrives in print, ebook, and audiobook format on Oct. 26.

Which romance read are you picking up this October? Share your recommendations in the comments below!