10 Must-Read Romance Books Coming Out in October 2025
- Joao Nsita
- Sep 21
- 16 min read
It’s a Thursday evening in mid-September, and a new, more intimate mood is beginning to settle over London. The sun is setting a little earlier, casting a soft, golden light across the city, and the first true chill of autumn is in the air. This is the magical, transitional time of year when we instinctively begin to turn inward, to seek out warmth, comfort, and the soul-deep satisfaction of a truly great love story. As we trade the vibrant energy of summer for the cozy embrace of the new season, the publishing world delivers a gift: a spectacular slate of new romance novels perfectly calibrated for autumn reading.
October 2025 is shaping up to be an absolutely phenomenal month for the romance genre. The upcoming releases are a brilliant reflection of the diverse and exciting trends that are captivating readers around the world. On social media platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, the "#BookTok" and "#RomanceBooks" communities are buzzing with anticipation. The trends are a beautiful and eclectic mix: the high-stakes, high-heat world of sports romance continues its reign; dark, epic, and mythology-inspired fantasy romance is more popular than ever; and the comforting, evergreen appeal of holiday romance, with its beloved tropes of fake dating and second chances, is already beginning to fill our feeds.
This is your definitive, in-depth guide to the most exciting and binge-worthy romance novels hitting the shelves this October. We have curated a list of ten of the most anticipated releases, presented in descending order. This is more than just a list; it is a deep dive into the stories that will be defining the conversation, the characters you will be falling in love with, and the tropes that will be stealing your heart. From the sizzling tension of a forbidden, ex-boyfriend's dad romance to the sweeping, epic passion of a Greek god fantasy, this list is your passport to a month of unforgettable reading.
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10. And Then There Was The One by Martha Waters
The Vibe: A charming, witty, and incredibly cozy historical mystery-romance that is the perfect, gentle start to the spooky season. It’s Midsomer Murders meets a classic, bickering rom-com.
The Premise: Set in the idyllic but surprisingly deadly 1930s Cotswolds village of Buncombe-upon-Woolly, the story follows the clever and unassuming Georgiana "Georgie" Radcliffe. After a string of four murders in a single year, Georgie has accidentally developed a reputation as a brilliant amateur sleuth. When the village council chairman suddenly dies of a supposed heart attack, Georgie is the only one who suspects foul play. Her investigation is complicated by the arrival of Sebastian Fletcher-Ford, the handsome, womanizing, and deeply annoying secretary of a famous London detective. They are a classic odd couple, forced to team up to uncover the truth amidst a flurry of scones, nosy neighbours, and a village that has become a bizarre hub for "murder tourists."
Why It's a Must-Read: This book is a pure, unadulterated delight. It masterfully blends a classic, Agatha Christie-style "cozy mystery" with a sharp, witty, and deeply charming grumpy/sunshine romance. The 1930s English village setting is wonderfully atmospheric and perfect for an autumn read. The banter between the sensible, no-nonsense Georgie and the posh, playboy Sebastian is the heart of the novel, a perfect slow burn that moves from mutual annoyance to a genuine and heartwarming connection.
What to Expect: A low-stakes, high-charm mystery with a delightful central romance. Expect laugh-out-loud moments, a cast of quirky and memorable village characters, and a genuinely clever whodunit. It’s the perfect, comforting read for a rainy afternoon. The show’s intricate plot will keep you guessing, a quality it shares with the films on our list of 6 Gripping Suspense Thriller Movies You Can't Miss. For more on the author's charming historical romances, the official Martha Waters website is a great resource.
Where to Buy: You can purchase And Then There Was The One by Martha Waters on Amazon.
9. Some Kind of Famous by Ava Wilder
The Vibe: An emotionally intelligent, deeply heartfelt, and wonderfully steamy contemporary romance about healing from past trauma and finding love in a quiet, small town.
The Premise: A decade ago, Merritt Valentine was a celebrated singer-songwriter on the brink of superstardom. But a very public, career-ending mental breakdown forced her out of the spotlight. She has spent the last ten years in the quiet, snowy ski town of Crested Peak, Colorado, slowly and carefully piecing her life back together. Now, she is finally ready to build a home of her own, and she hires the handsome and kind-hearted local contractor, Niko Petrakis, to help with the renovation. The problem? They’ve had a simmering, inconvenient crush on each other for a while, and the forced proximity of the renovation project turns that simmer into a full-blown blaze.
Why It's a Must-Read: Ava Wilder is one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary romance, known for her incredible emotional depth and her nuanced explorations of mental health. This book is a beautiful and powerful "second chance at life" story. The forced proximity trope is used to brilliant effect, creating an intimate and emotionally charged atmosphere. The romance is a beautiful, slow burn, as both Merritt and Niko are forced to confront their past wounds and their fear of vulnerability.
What to Expect: A steamy, emotionally resonant, and ultimately life-affirming romance. Expect a powerful and sensitive portrayal of mental health, a beautiful small-town setting, and a central love story that feels incredibly real and earned. It’s a perfect, contemplative read for a cozy autumn evening. The show’s complex heroes are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Favorite Movie Anti-Heroes of All Time. For more on the author's work, the official Ava Wilder website is a great resource.
Where to Buy: You can purchase Some Kind of Famous by Ava Wilder on Amazon.
8. The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah by Jean Meltzer
The Vibe: A wonderfully unique, heartfelt, and hilarious holiday romance that is a Jewish take on the classic story A Christmas Carol.
The Premise: Evelyn Schwartz is a driven, workaholic television producer who is completely consumed by her job producing a live, televised musical of A Christmas Carol. On the first night of Hanukkah, a freak accident on set lands her in the medical bay, where she comes face-to-face with her ex-husband, David Adler, who is the fill-in studio doctor. Following her accident, Evelyn begins to hallucinate a series of "ghosts" from her past relationships, each one forcing her to re-examine the eight key moments—the eight heartbreaks—that led to her and David's divorce.
Why It's a Must-Read: Jean Meltzer has become a beloved and essential voice in the romance genre for her joyful, funny, and deeply authentic Jewish representation. This book is a brilliant and incredibly creative take on the second-chance romance trope. The Christmas Carol-inspired structure is a work of genius, allowing for a story that is both a hilarious holiday romp and a powerful, poignant exploration of love, regret, and the importance of prioritizing your personal life.
What to Expect: A book that will make you laugh out loud and then make you cry, often on the same page. Expect a powerful and emotional journey of self-discovery for its heroine, a beautiful and heartwarming second-chance romance, and a wonderful, celebratory immersion into the traditions of Hanukkah. This kind of powerful, life-changing love is a joy to read about, a theme we also loved in our review of The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang.
Where to Buy: You can purchase The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah by Jean Meltzer on Amazon.
7. Anne of Avenue A by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding
The Vibe: A charming, witty, and deeply romantic modern retelling of Jane Austen's classic novel, Persuasion, set against the cozy, chaotic backdrop of a New York City holiday season.
The Premise: Eight years ago, Anne Elliot was a sensible young woman with a five-year plan, a plan that did not include the adventurous, and at the time, penniless, Freddie Wentworth. Convinced by her family that he was not a suitable match, she broke off their romance, a decision she has regretted ever since. Now, at 30, her own plans are in shambles, and she is living back at home with her financially irresponsible family in Greenwich Village. When her family is forced to rent out her childhood apartment to make ends meet, the new tenant is none other than a now-successful and still-heartbroken Freddie Wentworth.
Why It's a Must-Read: This is the final book in the beloved "For the Love of Austen" series, and it is a perfect, poignant conclusion. The second-chance romance trope is one of the most powerful in the genre, and Persuasion is its ultimate blueprint. This modern retelling promises to be a beautiful and heartfelt exploration of regret, of forgiveness, and of a love that is powerful enough to stand the test of time. The New York City holiday setting is a wonderfully romantic and atmospheric backdrop. For more on the original novel, the Jane Austen's World blog is a fantastic resource.
What to Expect: A swoon-worthy, slow-burn romance with a huge amount of emotional depth. Expect witty banter, a cast of quirky and memorable secondary characters, and a deeply satisfying and romantic conclusion. It’s a must-read for any fan of Jane Austen and a perfect, cozy read for the holiday season. The kind of powerful, life-changing love is a joy to read about, a theme we also loved in our review of Final Offer by Lauren Asher.
Where to Buy: You can purchase Anne of Avenue A on Amazon.
6. My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely
The Vibe: A fun, flirty, and incredibly steamy holiday romance that is a perfect, indulgent escape. It’s a classic fake dating story with a billionaire, single-dad twist.
The Premise: Fable Calloway's holiday season gets off to a disastrous start when she catches her boyfriend cheating on her at her billionaire boss's holiday party. To make matters worse, she discovers that her sister has just gotten engaged to her boss's best friend, meaning she will be forced to spend the holidays with her ex at a snowy, destination wedding. Her sexy, single-dad boss, Wilder Blaine, has his own holiday predicament: a matchmaking aunt who is determined to set him up. They strike a deal: they will fake-date through the holiday season to solve both their problems.
Why It's a Must-Read: Lauren Blakely is a master of the fun, high-heat contemporary romance, and this book is a perfect example of her talent. The fake dating and forced proximity tropes are a recipe for incredible romantic tension and a whole lot of steam. The book is a perfect blend of a fun, low-stakes plot, a cast of charming characters, and a central romance that is both incredibly sexy and surprisingly sweet. For more on the author's work, the official Lauren Blakely website is a great resource.
What to Expect: A fast-paced, funny, and very spicy holiday read. Expect witty banter, a cast of lovable secondary characters, and a central romance that will have you swooning. It’s the perfect, indulgent, and purely entertaining read to get you in the holiday spirit. The kind of powerful, life-changing love is a joy to read about, a theme we also loved in our review of The Fine Print by Lauren Asher.
Where to Buy: You can purchase My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely on Amazon.
5. Cover Story by Mhairi McFarlane
The Vibe: A sharp, witty, and incredibly smart contemporary romance that is a perfect blend of a tense, high-stakes thriller and a classic, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers story.
The Premise: Mhairi McFarlane is one of the most acclaimed and beloved authors in the romance genre, known for her incredible wit and her emotionally intelligent storytelling. Cover Story follows Bel Macauley, a respected investigative journalist who gets an anonymous tip about a powerful and predatory local politician. This could be the biggest story of her career. Her investigation is complicated by the arrival of Connor Adams, a former high-flying financier from London who has decided to become a lowly intern at her tiny Manchester newspaper. The two clash immediately, but when Bel's undercover operation is nearly blown, she is forced to improvise and claim that the arrogant Connor is her adoring boyfriend.
Why It's a Must-Read: This book is a masterclass in the enemies-to-lovers and fake dating tropes. The witty, sharp, and often hilarious banter between Bel and Connor is the engine of the story. But beneath the rom-com setup is a genuinely compelling and high-stakes journalistic thriller. The book also promises a deep and nuanced exploration of its characters' emotional lives, with both Bel and Connor grappling with their own past traumas and mental health issues. For more on the author's incredible body of work, the official Mhairi McFarlane website is a great resource.
What to Expect: A smart, funny, and incredibly gripping read. Expect a perfect, slow-burn romance, a compelling central mystery, and a story with a huge amount of emotional depth. It’s a must-read for any fan of intelligent, character-driven contemporary romance. The show’s complex and often fiery relationships are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our review of Twisted Love by Ana Huang.
Where to Buy: You can purchase Cover Story by Mhairi McFarlane on Amazon.
4. Bonds of Hercules by Jasmine Mas
The Vibe: A dark, epic, and incredibly steamy fantasy romance that is a thrilling and unique reimagining of Greek mythology.
The Premise: This is the second book in the "Villains of Lore" series, a dark fantasy romance that follows a female incarnation of the Greek hero, Hercules. The story picks up after the events of the first book, with our heroine, Alexis, now eternally and unwillingly bound in marriage to her terrifying enemies, the dark heirs of the Underworld. Reeling from this coerced union, she joins the Assembly of Death, determined to get her revenge on her new husbands. Her quest for vengeance is complicated by a mysterious entity that is killing Olympians, the growing threat of the Titans, and the undeniable, dangerous attraction she feels for the dark gods she is sworn to destroy.
Why It's a Must-Read: The trend for dark, steamy, and mythology-inspired fantasy romance is one of the biggest in the entire genre, and this series is a fantastic and unique addition. The "why choose" or reverse harem element, where the heroine doesn't have to choose between her multiple love interests, is a hugely popular trope on BookTok. This book promises to be a thrilling, action-packed, and incredibly spicy ride.
What to Expect: A dark, complex, and high-stakes fantasy romance. Expect a morally grey, badass heroine, a rich and imaginative world inspired by Greek mythology, and a huge amount of political intrigue and steamy tension. It’s a must-read for any fan of authors like Jennifer L. Armentrout and Scarlett St. Clair. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Favorite Movie Anti-Heroes of All Time.
Where to Buy: You can purchase Bonds of Hercules by Jasmine Mas on Amazon.
3. Breathe With Me by Becka Mack
The Vibe: A deeply emotional, heartfelt, and powerful conclusion to one of the most beloved series in the hockey romance genre.
The Premise: This is the fifth and final book in the incredibly popular "Playing for Keeps" series, and it focuses on the fan-favourite couple, Cara Hunter and Emmett Brodie. After a whirlwind, all-consuming romance, the fearless, self-made businesswoman and the charming, hotshot hockey player are now facing their greatest challenge yet: a difficult and heartbreaking journey with infertility. The story is a raw, honest, and deeply emotional exploration of how the immense strain of infertility and fertility treatments impacts their seemingly perfect relationship.
Why It's a Must-Read: Becka Mack is beloved by fans for her ability to write stories that are both incredibly spicy and deeply, profoundly emotional, and this book promises to be her most powerful yet. The story tackles a difficult and often underrepresented topic with sensitivity and care. It’s a powerful exploration of a couple at their most vulnerable, a testament to the fact that even the strongest love can be tested by life's most painful challenges.
What to Expect: An emotional and cathartic reading experience. Expect a story that will make you cry, but will also be full of the warmth, humour, and found-family dynamics that have made the series so beloved. It is a must-read for fans of the series and a powerful, standalone story about the enduring strength of love. The show’s focus on a powerful marriage is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies About Marriages.
Where to Buy: You can purchase Breathe With Me by Becka Mack on Amazon.
2. The Defender by Ana Huang
The Vibe: A glamorous, high-stakes, and incredibly steamy sports romance from the undisputed queen of the genre.
The Premise: This is the second book in the "Gods of the Game" series, and it follows the story of Vincent DuBois, the captain of a professional football (soccer) club and one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. When his fame brings a dangerous threat to his doorstep, he is forced into a secret and unwilling living arrangement: sharing a flat with his coach’s daughter, the brilliant and infuriatingly tempting sports nutritionist, Brooklyn Armstrong. Brooklyn is also his best friend's sister, making her completely off-limits. Their forced proximity and a competitive bet between them only serve to ignite the explosive, undeniable chemistry that they are both trying to fight.
Why It's a Must-Read: Ana Huang is a global publishing phenomenon, and a new release from her is a major event. This book is a perfect storm of beloved tropes: sports romance, forced proximity, and the best friend's sister dynamic. Huang is a master of creating glamorous, high-stakes worlds and incredibly intense, high-heat relationships. The European football setting is a fantastic and exciting backdrop for the romance. For more on the author's work, the official Ana Huang website is a great resource.
What to Expect: A fast-paced, glamorous, and incredibly spicy romance. Expect witty banter, a cast of lovable secondary characters, and a central romance that is pure, unadulterated, escapist perfection. It is guaranteed to be one of the biggest and most talked-about romance releases of the year. This kind of powerful, life-changing love is a joy to read about, a theme we also loved in our review of King of Wrath by Ana Huang.
Where to Buy: You can purchase The Defender by Ana Huang on Amazon.
1. Mate by Ali Hazelwood
The Vibe: A smart, funny, and incredibly steamy paranormal romance from the undisputed queen of the "STEMinist" rom-com. This is the most anticipated paranormal romance release of the year.
The Premise: Mate is the highly anticipated companion novel to Ali Hazelwood's massively successful 2024 paranormal debut, Bride. The story follows Serena Paris, the first and only human-werewolf hybrid. Her existence, which was meant to be a bridge between the species, has instead made her a political pawn and a target for assassination. Her only hope for survival is to seek the protection of Koen Alexander, the powerful, formidable, and incredibly handsome Alpha of the Northwest werewolf pack, a man she believes is her fated mate. Koen is determined to protect her, but Serena, who is fiercely independent, is not so sure she wants his help, or his heart.
Why It's at the Top: Ali Hazelwood is a true publishing superstar. Her unique and beloved brand of romance—featuring smart, funny, and capable heroines in STEM fields—has earned her a massive and devoted fanbase. Her pivot into the world of paranormal romance with Bride was a huge success, and Mate is set to be even bigger. The book is a perfect blend of intricate, political world-building and a classic, steamy, fated-mates romance. The "grumpy-sunshine" dynamic between the powerful, stoic Alpha and the resilient, independent hybrid is a recipe for incredible romantic tension.
What to Expect: A smart, funny, sexy, and completely unputdownable read. Expect Ali Hazelwood's signature witty banter, a well-developed and fascinating paranormal world, and a central romance that is both incredibly steamy and deeply, profoundly romantic. This is, without a doubt, the most anticipated and must-read romance novel of October 2025. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Movies with an Origin Story.
Where to Buy: You can purchase Mate by Ali Hazelwood on Amazon.
Conclusion
October 2025 is a month that is absolutely brimming with a diverse and thrilling array of new romance releases. It is a lineup that perfectly captures the exciting and dynamic spirit of the modern romance genre, offering a story for every reader and every mood. From the cozy, heartwarming charm of a holiday romance to the dark, epic, and sweeping passion of a fantasy saga, these ten books are a testament to the incredible creativity and talent of the authors who are shaping the future of the genre.
These books are more than just stories; they are invitations. They are invitations to escape, to feel, to connect, and to experience the profound, life-affirming magic of a great love story. As the cozy, introspective season of autumn truly begins, there is no better time to lose yourself in one of these brilliant, binge-worthy worlds. Your next great love story awaits.
Enjoyed what you read? If you found this article insightful and it helps you discover your next great read, please consider supporting our work. Your generosity allows us to continue creating and sharing in-depth literary content. You can make a donation by moving your cursor to the top of the article or scrolling down to the bottom. Every little bit helps us spread the love, one article at a time!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the biggest romance genre trends for Fall 2025? The biggest trends are fantasy romance (or "romantasy"), dark romance, and sports romance. There is also a strong and growing trend for cozy, low-angst reads like small-town and holiday romances.
2. What does "dark romance" mean? Dark romance is a subgenre that explores darker themes and often features morally grey or anti-hero protagonists. These stories can contain content that some readers may find challenging, so it's always important to check for specific content warnings.
3. What is "BookTok"? "BookTok" is the name for the community of readers and authors on the social media platform TikTok. It has become an incredibly powerful force for book discovery and has been instrumental in the recent surge in popularity of the romance genre.
4. What does "enemies-to-lovers" mean? This is a very popular romance trope where the two main characters start off as enemies or rivals and, over the course of the story, their relationship evolves into a romantic one. The tension and banter are key elements of this trope.
5. Are all the books on this list spicy? The spice levels vary, but many of the authors on this list, such as Ana Huang, Tessa Bailey, and Ali Hazelwood, are known for writing spicy romance with explicit scenes. Always check individual reviews for specific "steam level" ratings.
6. Do I need to have read the previous books by these authors? For the most part, no. All the books highlighted are either standalones or are part of an "interconnected standalone" series, meaning each book focuses on a different couple and can be read and enjoyed on its own.
7. Where can I find out more about these new book releases? Websites like Goodreads and BookBub are excellent resources. They allow you to follow your favourite authors and get notifications about their new releases. Romance-specific blogs, like She Reads Romance Books, are also fantastic.
8. What is a "TBR" list? "TBR" stands for "To Be Read." It’s the term that readers use for the (often impossibly long!) list of all the books they want to read.
9. Why are so many fantasy books being marketed as "romance" now? The "romantasy" genre has exploded in popularity because readers love stories that combine epic, high-stakes fantasy plots with a central, well-developed romantic relationship. Publishers are responding to this huge market demand.
10. I'm new to the romance genre. Which October 2025 release would be a good starting point? For a beginner, My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely would be a great entry into a very popular subgenre (holiday romance) by a beloved author. It’s fun, flirty, and a great example of a modern rom-com.
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