The Best Fall Romance Books to read in 2023
Table of Contents
Fall Romance Books
Autumn ā or Fall ā is the ultimate reading season. It’s hard to say if it’s the atmosphere, the nostalgia, or the irresistible urge to snuggle up with a warm blanket, a steaming cup of coffee or cocoa, and lose myself in a cozy book while gazing out the window…
Ā
And what could be more delightful than a cozy romance or a captivating ‘romantasy’?
Ā
While this blog is typically more fantasy romance-oriented, I’ve got a soft spot for rom-coms. And if they happen to include some paranormal elements, even better!
Rom-coms full of cozy vibes with witches an magical beings as protagonists. As I mentioned before, a sprinkle of paranormal in my readings is sometimes everything I need to make my reading experience perfect. I’ve added some titles with this in mind for your enjoyment as well. š
It’s not easy to find a fantasy romance with fall vibes.
Ā
I have some very specific characteristics in mind for a ‘romantasy‘ to fit this category, hehe. I think the ones I’ve selected pass the test, and they all give me a spooky feeling and warm feelings simultaneously (does that make sense? I hope it does!! Haha).
These are specially curated picks, featuring recently released titles and some beloved fall romance books from 2022.
These cozy fall romance books have everything you need: a little bit of spice, cinnamon male heroes (with a wicked side), charming small-town vibes, and in some cases, a sprinkle of paranormal and fantasy elements.
Ā
Without further ado, let’s get to the list of the best fall romance books to read in 2023. š
Best Witchy and Paranormal Fall Books
Witchy rom-com with Enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine, double POV and spicy scenes
When Reggie Johnson answers a job ad in the paper, sheās astonished to find that sheās not applying to work at her favorite card game, Spellcraft: The Magicking. Instead, sheās applying to be an actual familiar for an actual witch. As in, real magic.
The new job has a few perks – great room and board, excellent pay, and she’s apprenticing to a powerful witch. Sure, the witch is aĀ bitĀ eccentric. And sure, there was that issue with the black cat Reggie would prefer to forget about. The biggest problem, however, is warlock Ben Magnus, her employer’s nephew and the most arrogant, insufferable, maddening man to ever cast a spell.
Ā
Reggie absolutely hates him. He’s handsome, but he’s also bossy and irritating and orders her around. Ben’s butt might look great in a crystal ball vision, but that’s as far as it goes. But when someone with a vendetta targets the household, she finds herself working with Ben to break a deadly curse. Apparently, when they’re not fighting like cats and dogs, things get downright…bewitching.
Why you should read it
Grumpy Sunshine – enemies to lovers at its finest. Go Hex Yourself is packed with lots of magic, witches, and a grumpy love interest who despises our heroine from the beginning.
Ā
With plenty of banter and sensual tension, you’ll meet your quota of spicy scenes with Go Hex Yourself while enjoying a good witchy paranormal rom-com fantasy.
Ā
If you want to continue enjoying this paranormal steamy series, check out the second book in this series What the HexĀ (but I absolutely recommend starting with this one first!!)
Paranormal spicy rom-com, cinnamon werewolf with a bad side
Unable to shift for three months,Ā Mateo CruzĀ knows all too well. His wolf has taken up residence in his head, taunting him night and day with vividly violent and carnal thoughts. Convinced he’s cursed, he needs the help of a powerful witch before he literally goes insane.
Evie SavoieĀ has always obeyed the house rules of her coven–no werewolves. They’re known for being moody and volatile. So, when a distempered, dangerous werewolf strolls in the bar and almost strangles one of her late-night customers, she’s ready to bounce him through the door. But the desperation in his eyes when he begs her to help him softens her heart and convinces her to bend the rules.
What Evie doesn’t know is that Mateo’s wolf has a mind of his own. And now that she’s in his sights, he wants only one thing.Ā Her.
Why you should read it
The perfect read for spooky season, Wolf Gone Wild looks like a sweet paranormal rom-com at first sight… and it is… but it’s also packed with delightful spicy scenes as well.
Ā
Mateo Cruz is a werewolf who cannot shift into his wolf form. This is causing him trouble because the wolf part of him seems to be constantly in his head, making him do wolfy things.
Ā
He reaches out to Evie, our heroine (who happens to be a witch that removes curses), and she’s the only one who seems to be able to ‘tame the wolf in him.’
Ā
I love this paranormal rom-com!! With a cinnamon love interest who is all soft and tender but who goes wild for the heroine…
Ā
Perfect for binge-reading and one of my favorites!!
Paranormal rom com with a ghost boyfriend
Florence Day is the ghostwriter for one of the most prolific romance authors in the industry, and she has a problemāafter a terrible breakup, she no longer believes in love. Itās as good as dead.
Ā
When her new editor, a too-handsome mountain of a man, won’t give her an extension on her book deadline, Florence prepares to kiss her career goodbye. But then she gets a phone call she never wanted to receive, and she must return home for the first time in a decade to help her family bury her beloved father.
Ā
For ten years, she’s run from the town that never understood her, and even though she misses the sound of a warm Southern night and her eccentric, loving family and their funeral parlor, she canāt bring herself to stay. Even with her father gone, it feels like nothing in this town has changed. And she hates it.
Ā
Until she finds a ghost standing at the funeral parlorās front door, just as broad and infuriatingly handsome as ever, and heās just as confused about why heās there as she is.
Ā
Romance is most certainly dead . . . but so is her new editor, and his unfinished business will have her second-guessing everything sheās ever known about love stories.
Why you should read it
The Death Romantics is cuteness overload. I loved that this book revolves around the book industry. Florence is a ghostwriter, and she meets her new editor, who happens to be a fantastic Kylo Ren version.
Ā
They don’t get along very well in their first encounter, and something happens in Florence’s family that requires her immediate return to her small town.
Ā
Florence has the ability to see ghosts, so imagine her surprise when she discovers that her handsome new editor is a ghost himself! I adored the found family vibes this book radiated.
Ā
It turned out to be a cozy small-town paranormal romance that explores more than just romance.
Ā
Themes of how everyone copes with grief and hilarious situations with her family (who happen to own a funeral home) are all present in this heartwarming romantic comedy.
Cozy romantic mystery with small town vibes and grumpy sunshine trope with spice
When Jeanieās aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice CafĆ© in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job.
Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harborās gossip at all costs. But Jeanieās arrival disrupts Loganās routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her.
Will Jeanieās happy-go-lucky attitude win over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan, or has this city girl found the one person in town who wonāt fall for her charm, or her pumpkin spice lattesā¦
Why you should read it
For fans of Tessa Bailey’s ‘It Happened One Summer’ but with all the fall vibes!! This fall romance book is just your perfect choice if you are craving some small-town vibes and SPICE with all the comfy cozy feelings
Ā
The Pumpkin Spice CafƩ is a third-person, dual-POV story featuring Jeanie, a city girl, and Logan, a local farmer who wants to avoid any strange changes to his quiet routine at all costs.
Ā
Be sure to read this with a Pumpkin Spice Latte on hand for a better atmosphere. I guarantee this book will put a smile on your face after you read it!
Cozy paranormal rom-com with a golden retriever boyfriend ( with a wicked side )
Cassie Greenberg loves being an artist, but itās a tough way to make a living. On the brink of eviction, sheās desperate when she finds a too-good-to-be-true apartment in a beautiful Chicago neighborhood. Cassie knows there has to be a catchāonly someone with a secret to hide would rent out a room for that price.
Of course, her new roommate Frederick J. Fitzwilliam is far from normal. He sleeps all day, is out at night on business, and talks like he walked out of a regency romance novel. He also leaves Cassie heart-melting notes around the apartment, cares about her art, and asks about her day. And he doesnāt look half bad shirtless, on the rare occasions theyāre both home and awake. But when Cassie finds bags of blood in the fridge thatĀ definitelyĀ werenāt there earlier, Frederick has to come clean…
Cassieās sexy new roommate is a vampire. And he has a proposition for her.
Why you should read it
My Roommate is a Vampire was one of my favorite reads this year. Seriously, it was AMAZING. I’d give it a solid 5 stars for its cozy paranormal charm!
Ā
I can’t even express how infatuated I was with Frederick J Fitzwillian (yeah, that’s his name, hehe). He was the ultimate cinnamon roll, but a total bad boy in bed… like, seriously, AHH!
Ā
I have a serious weakness for golden retriever book boyfriends who are all sweet and cute but have a wicked side with a bad side š, and Frederick was just that… WITH FANGS!
Ā
Go read this now,and thank me later šš„š
Cozi paranormal romcom romance with Wutches and demons, curvy heroine and fake dating
Mariel Spark is prophesied to be the most powerful witch seen in centuries of the famed Spark family, but to the displeasure of her mother, she prefers baking to brewing potions and gardening to casting hexes. When a spell to summon flour goes very wrong, Mariel finds herself staring down a demon – one she inadvertently summoned for a soul bargain.
Ozroth the Ruthless is a legend among demons. Powerful and merciless, he drives hard bargains to collect mortal souls. But his reputation has suffered ever since a bargain went awry – if he can strike a deal with Mariel, he will earn back his deadly reputation. Ozroth can’t leave Mariel’s side until they complete a bargain, which she refuses to do (turns out some humans are attached to their souls).
But the witch is funny. And curvy. And disgustingly yet endearingly cheerful. Becoming awkward roommates quickly escalates when Mariel, terrified to confess the inadvertent summoning to her mother, blurts out that she’s dating Ozroth. As Ozroth and Mariel struggle to maintain a fake relationship, real attraction blooms between them. But Ozroth has a limited amount of time to strike the deal, and if Mariel gives up her soul, she’ll lose all her emotions – including love – which will only spell disaster for them both.
Why you should read it
A Wtich’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon is the perfect cozy paranormal read. Mariel and Ozroth had amazing chemistry and were the perfect couple.
Ā
Their banter was off the charts, and Ozroth didn’t hold back with his dirty talk..
Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, particularly in rom-coms. If you like this trope , you’ll absolutely love this book
Cozi witchy rom com with historical romance vibes.OTT banter and mytery
Iāve got one chance to prove to my coven that Iām worth my wand. But to do it, I’m going to have to make a deal with a vampire duke. I get to use his gorgeous estate in Cornwall to host the Beltane Ball–and in exchange, I’ll pretend to be his girlfriend. But it’s all a show for his grandmother.
The rules of our fake relationship are simple:
No flirting. No emotion. No sex. Easy, right?
Except I can’t seem to ignore the allure of the infuriating and devastatingly sexy vampire. Falling for a duke isnāt an option, though. I would lose the anonymity that protects me and my coven, and that would ruin my life–andĀ the lives of those in my coven.
So yeah,Ā totallyĀ easy.
Why you should read it
I just love paranormal rom-coms š; they’re my top choice when I’m in the mood for something cozy and heartwarming with a touch of fantasy.
Ā
“How to Fake a Date with a Vampire” is the perfect example. In this rom-com with witches and magical beings, our heroineāa witchāneeds to prove her worthiness to her coven by organizing an annual ball. She reluctantly agrees to fake date the owner of the most beautiful estate in town.
Ā
However, it will prove to be a real challenge to avoid risking her heart to the man in question, especially when he’s a hot and sexy vampire duke
Best Fantasy Romances to read this Fall
Rivals to lovers, hidden identities, and letters. World War I vibes with bits of fantasy.
After centuries of sleep, the gods are warring again. But eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow just wants to hold her family together. Her mother is suffering from addiction and her brother is missing from the front lines. Her best bet is to win the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.
To combat her worries, Iris writes letters to her brother and slips them beneath her wardrobe door, where they vanishāinto the hands of Roman Kitt, her cold and handsome rival at the paper. When he anonymously writes Iris back, the two of them forge a connection that will follow Iris all the way to the front lines of battle: for her brother, the fate of mankind, and love.
Shadow and BoneĀ meetsĀ LoreĀ in Rebecca Ross’sĀ Divine Rivals, an epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel filled with hope and heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love.
Why you should read it
Another 5-star gem from 2023!. Divine Rivals is a character-driven book that delivers all the feels. It’s perfect to read in the fall.
Ā
The love story between these two, with their heartwarming letters, is pure romance and gives you those warm and fuzzy vibes, perfect for curling up with on those breezy, overcast autumn days.
Ā
And the ending… itāll shatter your heart into pieces, but don’t worry, the last book is coming out in December
A Vicxtorian era paranormal romance with gothic vibes and death as the love interest.
A duke has been murdered. The lord of Thorn Grove has been framed. And Fate, the elusive brother of Death, has taken up residence in a sumptuous palace nearby. He’s hell-bent on revenge after Death took the life of the woman he loved many years ago…and now heās determined to have Signa for himself, no matter the cost.
Signa and her cousin Blythe are certain that Fate can save Elijah Hawthorne from wrongful imprisonmentĀ ifĀ the girls will entertain Fateās presence. But the more time they spend with him, the more frightening their reality becomes as Signa exhibits dramatic new powers that link her to Fateās past. With mysteries and danger around every corner, the cousins must decide whomĀ they can trust as they navigate their futures in high society, unravel the murders that haunt their family, and play Fateās unexpected gamesāall with their destinies hanging in the balance.
Why you should read it
This marks the second installment in the Belladonna series. It’s a paranormal romance with a dash of mystery and Jane Austen vibes.
Ā
You’ll find some Gothic elements sprinkled throughout, creating an overall cozy atmosphere.
Ā
I’m totally hooked on this series so far and counting down the days until the third book drops! If you fancy a fantasy romance book where the love interest falls in love first thenĀ this one is a must-read!
Read my in-depth review of Belladonna here :
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace In Depth Book review
Ā
Monsters, hidden identities and original magic system.
ELSPETH NEEDS A MONSTER. THE MONSTER MIGHT BE HER.
An ancient, mercurial spirit is trapped inside Elspeth Spindle’s head – she calls him the Nightmare. He protects her. He keeps her secrets. But nothing comes for free, especially magic.
When Elspeth meets a mysterious highwayman on the forest road, she is thrust into a world of shadow and deception. Together, they embark on a dangerous quest to cure the town of Blunder from the dark magic infecting it. As the stakes heighten and their undeniable attraction intensifies, Elspeth is forced to face her darkest secret yet: the Nightmare is slowly, darkly, taking over her mind. And she might not be able to stop him.
Why you should read it
Imagine if “Death Note” and a fantasy romance book had a babyāwell, that’s pretty much One Dark Window
Ā
This story combines romance and monsters, all within the context of a unique set of cards known as the Providence cards, which everyone wants to collect due to their great powers
Ā
Our heroine, Elspeth, has a unique connection to the cards because one of the monsters representing the cards literally lives in her head.
Ā
One Dark Window makes for the perfect spooky read to get you into that Halloween spirit! šš
Read my In-depth One Dark Window review here:
One Dark Window is the dark gothic romance I didnāt know I needed
Fantasy romance with witches and demons. Very spicy with a walking red flag love interest
Raised to be my fatherās weapon against the Coven that took away his sister and his birthright, I would do anything to protect my younger brother from suffering the same fate. My duty forces me to the secret town of Crystal Hollow and the prestigious Hollowās Grove Universityāwhere the best and brightest of my kind learn to practice their magic free from human judgment.
There are no whispered words here. No condemnation for the blood that flows through my veins. The only animosity I face comes from the beautiful and infuriating Headmaster, Alaric Grayson Thorne, a man who despises me just as much as I loathe him and everything he stands for.
But that doesnāt mean secrets donāt threaten to tear the school in two. No one talks about the bloody massacre that forced it to close decades prior, only the opportunity it can afford to those fortunate enough to attend.
Because for the first time in fifty years, the Coven will open its wards to theĀ Thirteen.
Thirteen promising students destined to change the world.
If the ghosts of Hollowās Grove’s victims donāt kill them first.
Why you should read it
Looking for a fantasy romance with witches and demons to get into that Halloween spirit?
The CovenĀ is the perfect choice
Ā
Furthermore, Harper L. Woods writes exquisite, dark, steamy scenes. Her male characters are borderline possessive and total red flags.
Ā
They truly embody the definition of POSSESSIVE ALPHA MALES
If you’re a fan of intense male characters and fancy a gothic dark academia fantasy romance, this book is definitely for you.
Don't miss this free
BOOK TEMPLATES FOR INSTAGRAM
Bring color to your Instagram stories with these FREE FANTASY AND DARK ROMANCE TEMPLATES. Simply fill out the form below to get your free templates directly into your inbox!
Cozy Rom-Com Fall Romance Books
Revenge plot, dual pov, banter bodyguard trope comfy rom com with steamy scenes
What if you actually had a hot FBI agent watching your search history while you plot revenge on an exā¦ and what if it became his mission to keep you out of trouble?
When Olivia Anderson gets left at the altar, she decides to do what all modern women doāhit up Google. When a couple of searches land her in a support group for jilted brides, she immediately takes the reins and decides they all deserve revenge on their exes.
Andre Valenti is tired of watching spoiled rich Olivia Anderson’s every move, but his career depends on putting her ex behind bars. He’s managed to stay off her radar until one day he realizes her search history is peppered with revenge that will land her in prison and ruin her status as a reliable witness.
As Andre gets more involved in Olivia’s schemes, will he be able to keep it professional? Or will the subject of his work assignment become….something more.
Why you should read it
OMG this book!!š± The Fall of Bradley Redd tt’s actually the third instalment in the ‘Seasons of Revenge’ series. (If you’re curious about the other holiday book, you can find more details here).
Ā
Meet Liv, our heroine who has been left at the altar, via text. Naturally, she’s livid and plotting revenge against her ex. However, Liv’s well-laid plans take an unexpected turn when she finds herself being shadowed by Andre, an FBI agent investigating her ex for the crimes he’s committed.
Ā
Upon discovering Liv’s online search history, filled with schemes to exact vengeance on her former partner, Andre decides to step in before Liv goes too far.
Ā
This book has a mix of various tropes, featuring the bodyguard trope, grumpy sunshine and fake dating ( with spice in the mix!! ). It has all the cosy small-town vibes you need in a fall romance book
Hockey player Brotherās best friend cozy small-town rom-com. Clean romance
Before Logan Barnes was hockeyās hottest bad boy, he was my brotherās best friend ā¦ and my first crush. Oh, yeah–and the guy who ghosted me and broke my teenage heart.
Now Logan is back in Harvest Hollow, but not willingly. Recovering from an injury (and some bad press), heās stuck playing for our minor league team.
Which means Iāll be working with him almost daily.
As the hockey team’s social media manager, itās my job to wrangle all the guys into filming TikTok trending videos. But Logan doesnāt want to be wrangled.
Turns out ā¦ neither does my heart.
Because my old crush never died.
And when Logan becomes my accidental fake boyfriend, those old feelings flare hot enough to melt the ice.
But this is all totally one-sided. Totally fake. Isn’t it?
No matter what signals he seems to be giving me or how real things start to feel, I know Loganās not home for good.
I survived Logan leaving me once. But this time, Iām not so sure my heart will recover ā¦
Why you should read it
I donāt know about you, but autumn makes me want to curl up on a comfy sofa and read all weekend. And this cute rom-com is the perfect complement for a cloudy Saturday.
Ā
A hockey romance without spicy scenes?? Yes, it’s totally possible!! You get all the feels and tension in this closed-doors sports romance. Logan is the bad-boy hockey player with his grumpy attitude… until he isn’t, hehe.
Ā
I totally swooned for him and Parker the whole book!!
Enemies to lovers second chance cozy small town romance.
Lucian Rollins is a lean, mean vengeance-seeking mogul. Determined to erase his abusive father’s mark on his family name, he spends every waking minute pulling strings and building his empire. The more money and power he gains, the safer he feels.
Except when it comes to one feisty small-town librarian.
Although they are bonded by a dark secret from the past and their current mutual disdain, Sloane Walton only trusts Lucian as far as she can throw him. Until their bickering accidentally turns to foreplay, fanning flames of desire that can’t be put out.
But with Sloane eager to start a family and Lucian refusing to even consider the idea, these enemies-to-lovers are stuck at an impasse.
And when Lucian learns the hard way that leaving Sloane is impossible, he vows to do everything he can to keep her safe. Whatever the cost . . .
Why you should read it
This is the third installment in the Knochemout series, but each book can be read as a standalone.
Ā
Things we Left Behind is Suit Daddy Lucianās book, and I couldn’t be happier!! I loved the dynamics between Lucian and our beloved small-town librarian, Sloane. It’s a true enemies-to-lovers story!
Ā
Throughout books 1 and 2, we saw how these two hated each other to the point of NEEDING TO BE PHYSICALLY SEPARATED. They were my favourite side characters by far, and I was anticipating this book so much!!
Ā
Lucian and Sloane were friends in their childhood; she was the lovely girl next door. However, something occurred, and they became entangled in a two-decade-long feud with neither of them talking to each other…
Ā
This book finally unravels that mystery.. If you yearn for some good enemies-to-lovers banter, tension, and steamy scenes, don’t miss out on this book!!
It’s the quintessential fall romance book, infused with all the charming small town vibes.
Final Thoughts:
This sums up my Fall Romance Book List for 2023. It’s filled with plenty of cozy and feel-good vibes, and of course, steamy scenes!!
If I had to choose my top three, my absolute favourites for fall would be:Ā
Which fall romance books do you have on your reading list this year?
Feel free to share your choices in the comments below!
Enjoyed this post? Feel free to spread the love by sharing it! Thank you!!
