Prepare to swoon your way through October, because this month's best new romance reads include a return to Virgin River [1], the latest Sophie Kinsella book, and enough holiday cheer to make you contemplate decking the halls before Thanksgiving. Whether you're looking for something steamy or sweet, this month's selection has a little bit of everything. So go ahead and start making room on your shelves and in your heart, because these new romantic reads [2] are sure to win you over with their warmth, charm, and abundance of meet cutes. And hey, if these 11 books don't serve up enough love-story goodness for you, then check out our September favourites [3] for backup.
Goodbye, Orchid by Carol Van Den Hende
Grab a box of tissues before you dive into Goodbye, Orchid [4] by Carol Van Den Hende. Phoenix Walker can't stop himself for falling for Orchid Paige as they work on a winning military campaign, but when an accident leaves him injured, he begins to wonder if he should let Orchid go, or fight to hold on to the love of his life.
Out Oct. 1
Roommaid by Sariah Wilson
When a privileged woman named Madison decides she wants to make her own way in the world without relying on her parents' money she takes a job as the cleaner and cook for a rich, penthouse owner in Sariah Wilson's Roommaid [5]. The only problem? She's never actually cleaned or cooked anything, and she can't stop herself from falling for her new employer even though he comes from the same world she wants to leave behind.
Out Oct. 1
Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade
Spoiler Alert [6] by Olivia Dade is a body positive, fandom-approved novel about a cosplaying, fan fiction writing heroine named April Whittier who ends up on a date with Marcus Caster-Ruppstar, the star of her favourite show. What she doesn't know is that Marcus is also her closest online fandom friend. Now these two fantasy loving romantics will have to embrace the fannish side of their lives if they have any hope of making their relationship work.
Out Oct. 6
A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday
Do you watch Netflix's A Christmas Prince on repeat every year? Then allow me to introduce you to your new favourite book. In A Princess for Christmas [7] by Jenny Holiday, a cynical and overworked taxi driver ends up driving an actual princess around New York, and you had better believe that sparks fly.
Out Oct. 13
Return to Virgin River by Robyn Carr
Before it was a hit Netflix series, Virgin River was a book series by Robyn Carr, and she's continuing the small town drama in Return to Virgin River [8]. In an attempt to escape the grief over her mother's death and the writer's block that keeps making her miss deadlines, Kaylee rents a cabin in Virgin River. However, when she arrives, her perfect cabin has gone up in flames, leading her to Jack's bar and a new beginning.
Out Oct. 13
Simmer Down by Sarah Smith
Simmer Down [9] by Sarah Smith is a story of rival food trucks and unexpected attraction. Nikki DiMarco loves working with her mother on their food truck where they serve up delicious Filipino dishes, but when a British food truck owner, Callum James, sets up shop near Nikki's mom's truck a feud starts brewing — as does the simmeing attraction between Nikki and Callum.
Out Oct. 13
The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss
With its cosy, small town setting and adorable premise, The Twelve Dates of Christmas [10] is the perfect book for anyone looking for a charming holiday romance. The story follows Kate, a successful woman whose best friend decides to sign her up for a dating experiment: with 24 days until Christmas, she'll go on 12 dates with different men in search of the one. What she doesn't realise is that "the one" might just be in her life already.
Out Oct. 13
Snapped by Alexa Martin
Alexa Martin continues her series of steamy, sports-themed romances with Snapped [11]. As the Strategic Communications Manager for the Denver Mustangs, Elliot Reed's job is to manage the players, and when star quarterback Quinton takes a knee during a game, she's supposed to get him back in line. Instead, she realises they have more in common than she ever could have imagined.
Out Oct. 20
Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams
The Bromance Book Club series continues in Lyssa Kay Adams's Crazy Stupid Bromance [12]. This time around computer genius and former hacker Noah is struggling to confess his feelings to his best friend, but when she approaches him for help after a woman claims to be her sister, he may finally have a chance to tell her how he really feels.
Out Oct. 27
Love Your Life by Sophie Kinsella
Sophie Kinsella is back with the new heartfelt rom-com Love Your Life [13]. After a bad breakup, Ava heads off on a writer's retreat where she's not allowed to use her real name. While she's there she meets the perfect guy, and they embark on a whirlwind romance that gets complicated the minute they return home to their normal lives.
Out Oct. 27
Happily Letter After by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward
Happily Letter After [14] by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward is the Sleepless in Seattle of our times. When the daughter of a handsome single dad writes to a magazine in hopes of having her wishes granted, a writer can't resist making the little girl's dreams come true. But things get a little too real when she can't stop herself from showing up on the doorstep of the family she's been playing fairy godmother to.
Out Oct. 20