Second chances at love, holiday cheer, and fresh starts abound in the best new romance books of October [1]. This month's selection of fresh reads puts the focus squarely on characters who are chasing the lives they want, even if it means defying family expectations or reevaluating their own stance on love. One thing is certain: every single one of these lovely books will leave you swooning [2] as you root for a bevy of captivating characters to realise they're perfect for one another. Need even more romance in your life? Once you've read these 14 knockouts, don't forget to check out the best romance reads of September [3], too.
Love, Comment, Subscribe by Cathy Yardley
Love, Comment, Subscribe [4] by Cathy Yardley is a romance for the internet age. Former misfits and frenemies Lily Wang and Tobin Bui have both carved out careers for themselves online, but they're in need of a little push to reach superstar status. When it becomes clear their brands need a bit of a makeover, they reluctantly turn to each for a collaboration that could be the start of something more than just a career boost.
Out Oct. 1
After Perfect by Maan Gabriel
After 16 years of marriage, Gabriella Stevens's husband suddenly asks for a divorce in Maan Gabriel's After Perfect [5]. What seems like a tragedy at first opens the door for Gabriella to go back to school, start a career, and find a new love, who might just give her a real happily ever after this time.
Out Oct. 4
The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox
The Holiday Swap [6] by Maggie Knox is every bit as warm and cosy as a Hallmark Christmas movie. Just days before Christmas, twins Charlie and Cass switch places after an accident leaves baking show judge Charlie without her sense of taste or smell. However, the twins' simple deception quickly becomes complicated when two potential suitors enter the picture.
Out Oct. 5
A Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli
The ever practical Niki Randhawa finds an awfully handsome reason to throw caution to the wind in A Holly Jolly Diwali [7] by Sonya Lalli. While attending her friend's wedding in Mumbai, Niki meets a man who encourages her to embrace her creative side, but her new romance is threatened when a job offer back home leaves her torn between listening to her heart or doing what she feels is best for her family.
Out Oct. 5
Once More Upon a Time by Roshani Chokshi
Once More Upon a Time [8] by Roshani Chokshi is a slight novella, but the beautifully written fairy tale is still a feast of a book. The story follows Imelda and Ambrose, a couple trapped in a loveless relationship who find a second chance at happiness in the most unexpected of places.
Out Oct. 5
Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper
Once you visit the magical small town of Thistle Grove, you'll never want to leave. In Payback's a Witch [9], Lana Harper crafts a delicious tale of witchy fun, revenge, and romance as a witch named Emmy returns home just in time to team up with her ex's two most recent exes to teach him a lesson about playing with people's hearts.
Out Oct. 5
The Other Man by Farhad J. Dadyburjor
Farhad J. Dadyburjor's The Other Man [10] is all about living the life you want, not the one that is expected of you. At 38, Ved Mehra is the heir of a Mumbai business empire, who seems to be living a charmed life. But what his family doesn't know is that he's gay, and although he has finally agreed to an arranged marriage, he has also found the man of his dreams.
Out Oct. 12
The Last Season by Jenny Judson and Danielle Mahfood
If you love a juicy, Victorian-era story of forbidden love, then The Last Season [11] by Jenny Judson and Danielle Mahfood deserves to be at the top of your TBR pile. High-society woman Cassandra Drayton knows she can never truly be with her childhood friend and former stable boy Crispin St. John, but when he sets off to make his own fortune, it seems destiny might draw them together after all.
Out Oct. 18
A Season For Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss
With her children grown and her 26-year marriage over, Annie Sharpe finds a new purpose as the caretaker of a seaside resort in A Season For Second Chances [12] by Jenny Bayliss. What she doesn't expect is for the owner's nephew to be so maddeningly annoyed by her presence in his family's business.
Out Oct. 19
Well Matched by Jen DeLuca
Jen DeLuca's renaissance faire series continues with Well Matched [13], which focuses on a single mom. April is on the verge of becoming an empty nester and leaving Willow Creek behind when Mitch comes barreling into her life, asking if she'll pose as his fake girlfriend. But what begins as a fake relationship quickly becomes something more for this adorable pair.
Out Oct. 19
Before and After You by Hope Ellis
If you haven't read a Hope Ellis romance yet, then you're seriously missing out. The author's latest is Before and After You [14], the story of community hospital worker Leigh D'Alessandro and her best friend's brother, Walker Leffersbee, whom she can't seem to resist falling for, even though she knows that she most definitely should.
Out Oct. 21
All the Feels by Olivia Dade
Olivia Dade follows up Spoiler Alert with another body-positive romance set in the world of fandom in All the Feels [15]. After earning himself the wrong kind of media attention due to a bar fight, Gods of the Gates star Alex is assigned an official minder in the form of Lauren Clegg. And as you might have guessed, it doesn't take long for both of them to catch a serious case of feelings.
Out Oct. 26
Donut Fall in Love by Jackie Lau
Donut Fall in Love [16] by Jackie Lau is a warmhearted romance about finding love in the midst of grief. After the death of his mother, actor Ryan Kwok is taking a break from Hollywood to focus on himself and his family. What he doesn't expect is for a local baker to steal his heart.
Out Oct. 26
Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday
Christmas and royal romances are as perfect together as warm cookies and milk, as illustrated by Jenny Holiday's swoony new holiday read Duke, Actually [17]. Max is a duke who has recently been dumped, while Dani is still stinging from a breakup herself. However, there's no denying the sparks that fly between these two lonely hearts as the Christmas season approaches.
Out Oct. 26