October’s obsessions
Dearest book lovers, October has once again sprinkled its magic with a delightful array of charming romance novels just for you. As we sip our pumpkin spice lattes and don our spooktacular costumes, this month unveils a treasure trove of tales ready to warm our hearts and ignite our imaginations. What’s more, we have 10 sizzling hot romance novels making their grand entrance onto the shelves. Whether you’re craving swoon-worthy love stories, cheeky banter, or a dash of festive cheer, this month has it all. Plus, you can expect everything from steamy enemies-to-lovers antics to enchanting magical romances. So, buckle up because these new releases are set to keep you turning pages well into the witching hours.
Let’s dive into the must-read romance novels of October 2024.
10 New romance novels perfect for chilly October nights
Promise Me Not
by Meagan Brandy
Promise Me Not is a delightful pick for anyone who loves a good “he falls harder” story. This novel is packed with emotion and will definitely make you want to give the characters a big hug. Our hero has always dreamed of playing college football, but his plans take a dramatic turn when he unexpectedly falls for his friend’s little sister, who is still heartbroken over her late boyfriend, the father of her unborn child.
As he supports her as a friend, he battles the ghost of her first love. She encourages him to focus on football, but the arrival of her child shakes things up. In the end, he confronts his feelings and discovers a new dream centred around her and her little one, proving that love can take unexpected turns.
Release Date: 1 October 2024
Slap Shot Surprise
by Melanie Harlow
Who doesn’t love an embarrassing meet-cute? Slap Shot Surprise whisks you away on a wild ride with the female lead, who accidentally spills her most embarrassing secrets to a perfect stranger in a panic during a flight. And surprise, he turns out to be Joe Lupo, a scorching hot professional hockey superstar. After the plane lands safely, she hopes to avoid him; however, fate throws a curveball when he turns out to be a groomsman at the wedding she’s attending. Talk about awkward timing.
Nevertheless, they share a drink and laugh about her panicked confessions, which leads to an unexpected invitation to his room for some no-strings-attached fun. But wait, what she doesn’t expect are two pink lines on a pregnancy test that turn her world upside down. Love seems like a long shot, but Joe has other plans as he aims straight for her heart.
Release Date: 1 October 2024
The Boyfriend
by Freida McFadden
For all the dark romance lovers out there, The Boyfriend will have you hooked and angsty for days this October. The story follows Sydney Shaw, a single woman in New York who’s had more disastrous dates than she can count until she meets the perfect guy. He’s charming, handsome, and a doctor. What could go wrong?
Well, as their relationship heats up, so does a string of brutal murders across the city. The police suspect a mystery man who dates his victims before killing them. Sydney should feel safe, but something’s off. Her suspicions grow, and with someone lurking in the shadows, she’ll have to uncover the truth fast, or she might just become the killer’s next target.
Release Date: 1 October 2024
Don’t Kiss and Spell
by Camilla Isley
Don’t Kiss and Spell serves up the perfect fantasy witchy romance novel for Halloween. This delightful paranormal rom-com, with a sprinkle of cosy mystery, follows Mila Bennet as she brews a love potion on Christmas Eve, hoping to find her Prince Charming. But, her plans take a wild turn when Riley King, Salem’s dashing Magical PD Chief Inquisitor, crashes through her door and arrests her for murder.
Initially, their instant dislike complicates things even more, especially when the potion stirs up an undeniable spark between them. Once Mila clears her name, she must join forces with Riley to crack the murder case despite their electrifying chemistry making it harder than a witch’s brew. As they sift through clues and interrogate suspects, Mila can’t help but wonder if her feelings are the real deal or just potion-induced. Ultimately, she faces the ultimate question: can she accept love brewed from magic, or should she hold out for something truly genuine?
Release Date: 8 October 2024
The Fake Wedding Project
by Pippa Grant
Pippa Grant clearly knew what she was doing when she crafted The Fake Wedding Project, a charming concoction that mixes Romeo and Juliet with a Hallmark Christmas movie. During a visit home, the protagonist’s world flips upside down when Amanda Anderson, his secret high school crush, suddenly announces that they’re engaged. To put an end to the long-standing feud between their families, he reluctantly decides to play along with the charade, hoping their relatives will buy into the illusion of true love.
However, as they dive into planning their faux wedding, he finds it increasingly challenging to keep his heart out of the equation, especially with the town’s festive cheer swirling around them. So, the burning question remains: will they keep the act going, or will they end up saying “I do”?
Release Date: 8 October 2024
Sun Light
by Devney Perry
Get your boots on for a cowboy romance that sweeps Western romances off their feet. On her first day in Montana, our heroine finds herself in a playful tug-of-war over a grocery cart, but lo and behold, she gets interrupted by the dashing owner of Haven River Ranch, Jax Haven.
She is determined to concentrate on her career, yet she finds herself unable to resist his captivating eyes and rugged appearance. At the annual holiday party, she lets go and allows Jax to sweep her off her feet, resulting in a night in his bed that changes everything. Now, carrying his child, she can no longer deny Jax’s presence in her life.
Release Date: 15 October 2024
The Wedding Witch
by Erin Sterling
What’s better than a witchy tale to enjoy during Halloween month? The Wedding Witch whisks you away to the story of Bowen Penhallow, a reclusive witch studying dark magic in Wales. After much hesitation, he finally agrees to attend a Yuletide wedding at Tywyll House, thanks to some gentle nudging from his ghostly friend. Meanwhile, a human who makes her living dealing with magical items also crashes the wedding, hoping to snag a priceless artefact to fund her retirement.
Here’s the twist: she’s had a crush on the witch for ages but knows getting involved with him might not be the brightest idea. However, when a spell goes hilariously awry, they suddenly find themselves transported back to Tywyll House’s 1957 Yuletide celebration. As they work together to find their way back to the present, they uncover the house’s spooky origins, dodge suspicions from nosy witches, and begin to fall for each other amid the enchantment.
Release Date: 15 October 2024
The Striker
by Ana Huang
Ana Huang never disappoints when it comes to romance novels, and her new series, The Striker, promises to make all of us hopeless romantics swoon once again. Meet Asher Donovan, the football legend known for his jaw-dropping talent and a side of controversy that keeps everyone talking in the Premier League. After a heated feud with his rival-turned-teammate costs their team a championship, they must, therefore, bond during off-season cross-training, because who doesn’t love forced camaraderie?
Everything changes when Asher meets their new trainer, Scarlett DuBois, a stunning former prima ballerina whose career ended due to a tragic accident. Although Scarlett wants nothing to do with Asher, her plans go awry when her brother unexpectedly leaves town. Now, Scarlett finds herself spending the summer in close quarters with the charming striker. Despite her vow not to fall for a footballer, the chemistry between them sizzles, complicating her resolve.
Release Date: 22 October 2024
The Christmas Tree Farm
by Laurie Gilmore
The Christmas Tree Farm is by the same author who wrote The Pumpkin Spice Café, making it the perfect spicy romantic Christmas mystery novel for those who want to snuggle up next to the fireplace this season.
Kira North absolutely loathes Christmas; yet, she impulsively buys a charming Christmas tree farm in a town that’s bursting with festive cheer; how ironic. Meanwhile, Bennett Ellis escapes to Dream Harbor for a holiday, hoping to leave his string of disastrous dates in California behind. After an unexpected run-in with Kira, he initially refuses to help her tackle the overwhelming tasks of the farm, convinced that it’s not his problem. However, fate has other plans.
Before long, he finds himself back at the farm, and as Kira watches him swing an axe at a tree, she can’t help but appreciate his strength. Suddenly, she starts to question her stubbornness about refusing help. Could it be that she’s finally warming up to the holiday spirit, and maybe even to Bennett?
Release Date: 22 October 2024
Perfect Fit
by Clare Gilmore
What’s a more perfect fit than a rom-com during the cosy autumn season? In this delightful tale, Josephine Davis dedicates her twenties to building her fashion brand, Revenant, in Austin. However, when her investor insists she hires a consultant, she’s shocked to discover it’s Will Grant, the twin brother of her ex-best friend.
While they share a past, including a regrettable spring break kiss, they’ve never been friends. She finds him moody, and he thinks she’s shallow. Yet, despite their plans to keep things professional, sparks fly and complicate matters in the most amusing way. Though, with Will’s sister out of the picture and the stress of being an overworked CEO, Josie faces a tough choice: prioritise her career or dive into a chance at love with Will. So, will their love blossom into something beautiful, or will it just be another quirky tale for this October?
Release Date: 29 October 2024
If you missed September’s swoon-worthy reads, don’t worry; catch up right here.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels/ @Ebru Yılmaz
