September ended up being a really fun mix of emotional romances, short and spicy novellas, and a few stories that made me laugh more than I expected. Some books hit harder than others (looking at you, Jessa Hastings), but overall, it was a solid month of reading!
Falling by Christina Lauren
⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️
This one was fine, but not a favorite from Christina Lauren. The premise had potential, but the ending was quite abrupt. I needed a bit more.
Vibe: Halloween romance,
📚 Find it on Amazon | Listen on Audible
Hot for Slayer by Ali Hazelwood
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️
A short and spicy paranormal novella from Ali Hazelwood that was exactly what I needed for the start of spooky season. Quick, clever, and fun.
Vibe: Vampire romance, enemies-to-lovers, Halloween fun
📚 Find it on Amazon | Listen on Audible
Set Piece by Lana Schwartz
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶️🌶️
Part of the 831 Stories collection, and such a fun surprise! It’s a celebrity romance about a Hollywood actor and a production designer who cross paths and their chemistry is chef’s kiss. Short, punchy, and full of banter and behind-the-scenes vibes.
Vibe: Celebrity romance, one-night-stand, Hollywood setting
📚 Find it on Bookshop | Find it on Amazon
Time of Your Life (Time of Your Life #1) by Jessa Hastings
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
She certainly knows how to write toxic characters. Easily my favorite of the month. Set in the 90’s with a musician and a supermodel. It’s MESSY.
Vibe: Found family, heartbreak, self-discovery
📚 Find it on Bookshop | Find it on Amazon | Listen on Audible
The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Yes, this is the same author as Fourth Wing and yet, it’s so different! This was a heavy book, to say the least. It was full of grief, healing, and second chances. While I didn’t totally connect with the romance at times, I appreciated the heart and emotion Rebecca Yarros always brings.
Vibe: Military romance, grief, redemption
📚 Find it on Bookshop | Find it on Amazon | Listen on Audible
My Favorite Lost Cause (The Favorites #2) by Elizabeth O’ Roark
⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️
Elizabeth O’Roark always writes a good quick read, and while this wasn’t my top pick of the series, it’s still worth picking up. This does involve an ex-step sibling relationship AND one trigger warning that I don’t want to spoil. DM me if you want more details!
Vibe: Contemporary romance, emotional growth, imperfect love
📚 Find it on Bookshop | Find it on Amazon
One Problematic Summer by Ali Hazelwood
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/ 🌶️🌶️
If I had to hear the word “trouble” one more time… 😂
I enjoyed this one overall, but it wasn’t a standout for me. I don’t mind an age-gap romance, but I don’t need to be reminded of the age-gap every few pages. That said, there were several swoon-worthy moments that reminded me why I love Ali Hazelwood’s writing.
Vibe: Age-gap romance, summer fling, STEM-adjacent charm
📚 Find it on Bookshop | Find it on Amazon | Listen on Libro.fm
Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/ 🌶️
I went into this one totally blind — and wow, it was a lot heavier than I expected. It deals with grief, healing, and second chances in a really tender way. I didn’t love every part of the romance, but Cara Bastone’s writing always finds a way to feel honest and hopeful. Plus, if you’ve lost someone you love, this book will HIT you hard.
Vibe: Grief, emotional healing, second chances
📚 Find it on Bookshop | Find it on Amazon | Listen on Libro.fm
September’s stack had a little bit of everything from quick novellas, emotional slow burns, and messy love stories. As we head into October, I’m ready for cozy mysteries, moody fall romances, and maybe a thriller or two.
What was your favorite September read? Tell me in the comments! I’m always adding to my TBR!
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