2021 Fall Reading Guide
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I feel like it’s a universally accepted truth that readers were made for Autumn. Cozy sweaters, big blankets, and a hot beverage feel like the hallmarks of being a reader. Summer is my favorite season for reading but I also LOVE the Fall and it’s a great season for book releases!
September is a BIG release month, as usual and there are a ton of holiday books coming out as well. Those will be on the Holiday Reading Guide, coming in November! 😉
A couple notes about my reading guides:
This list is made up of new releases but I will have other reading guides throughout the Fall with favorites from Autumns past!
This is by no means a comprehensive list of ALL the books coming out this Fall, but the ones that fit my reading taste and preferences. So yes, lots of romance and cozy reads.
I’ve read most of these books but if I haven’t read them, I’ve made it clear! If you have any questions, go ahead and leave a comment, email me, or DM!
September Releases
As If On Cue by Marisa Kanter—September 7—
This love letter to high school theatre made my heart so happy. It follows Natalie, a high school junior who is afraid to follow her heart and make art her life. It’s an enemies to lovers YA novel full of sweet moments, pranks that may go too far, and friends standing up for what is right. Thank you Simon Teen for my copy!
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling—September 28—
This book is a witchy romcom that is so fun and perfect for the first cool days of the season. It’s like Halloweentown meets Christina Lauren books. It’s easy, entertaining, sexy, and fun so if you’re looking for a cozy read that doesn’t deal with anything from the real world, this is the book for you. Thank you Avon Books for my copy!
Hello (From Here) by Chandler Baker & Wesley King—September 7—
This one has the potential to be a little too much too soon, as it starts with the very beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic. It’s about falling in love in isolation, the digital age in general, and I think it really captured the fear and uncertainty we all felt during those first few months. It’s VERY raw and like “hey there’s a pandemic.” Huge content warnings for grief, death, and Covid-19. It’s very YA, which is the genre, but I always like to remind people going in that they may be disappointed if they’re not the target audience! Thank you Penguin Teen for my copy!
A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria
Alexis Daria has done it again. I LOVE her books so much and A Lot Like Adios came at just the right time. It’s about Michelle and Gabe, childhood friends who never took their relationship to the next level, until the night before Gabe leaves for California. Gabe and Michelle reconnect years later and sparks fly. This book is almost like a backwards romance novel. It has everything: second chance romance, fake dating, a meddling family, strong female friendships, and STEAM. I loved! Thank you Avon Books for my copy!
The Charm Offensive by Allison Cochrun—September 7—
I simply loved this book. It’s a queer romcom set on a reality TV dating show similar to The Bachelor. It also deals with mental health, struggling with anxiety and depression, and understanding your sexual and gender identity. Loved it! Thank you to Atria Books for my copy!
Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis—September 28—
If you enjoyed One Day in December and Dear Emmie Blue, you’ll enjoy this book! It’s about Noelle, who meets Sam when they get stranded in a snowstorm. Noelle has been feeling stuck while she cares for her mother, who suffered a stroke, and this chance meeting gives her something new to focus on. And when fate keeps bringing Sam and Noelle back together, maybe her luck is finally turning around. Thank you Atria Books for my copy!
When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting—September 21—
A friends to lovers romance that keeps things funny, charming, and emotional? Sign me up. I plan on reading this one ASAP as it’s become a favorite trope. It’s the story of Avery, who has everything going for her until a car accident leaves her needing her best friend and roommate, Declan, even more. Declan usually avoids relationships but feels responsible for Avery’s accident, but spending more time together in compromising positions leaves the attraction they’ve been ignoring impossible to keep on the back burner any longer. Thank you St. Martin’s Press for my copy!
The Legacy by Elle Kennedy—September 21—
It’s no secret I’ve been a fan of the Off Campus series and I am SO excited for this extension of the series! I’ve been following Elle Kennedy on TikTok and even though I usually get nervous with a jump into the future, I think this is going to live up to my expectations! This is a series that needs to be read in order. The first book is called The Deal followed by The Mistake, The Score, and The Goal.
Timber (Hades Book 4) by Tate James—September 3—
I have been waiting to binge the spin to the Madison Kate series since January! Tate James is the queen of cliffhangers so I knew I wouldn’t survive waiting for each book lol. I’ve read book 1 and so far and I am ALL IN. Remember, this is dark romance reverse harem so it may not be for everyone. This is the conclusion and it must be read in order: 7th Circle, Anarchy, Club 22, Timber
White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson—September 14—
I am OBSESSED with Tiffany D. Jackson’s work. I read Grown last year and really enjoyed her writing so this is definitely one that is on my radar. It has ghosts, shadows, mysteriously disappearing household items, and disembodied voices…sounds perfect for Fall!
Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes by Alexa Martin—September 7—
This book!!!! I loved it so much. It’s juicy and drama filled but also has so much heart. It’s about two best friends, one an Instagram famous Influencer and the other a single mom, who move into together since they’re both single. It deals with mental health, toxic relationships, and the relationships between mothers and daughters. It’s SO GOOD! Thank you Berkley Publishing for my copy!
Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray—September 21
I always crave fantasy in the Fall, probably because I don’t read a lot of thrillers and horror so this is how I get into the spirit of cozy and magic for Halloween. I am DYING to read this book, it sounds so good! Two teenagers band together by fate strike up an alliance to track down the menacing beasts terrorizing their home. It sounds to have magic, romance, and a main character finding powers from within.
Beautiful World, Where Are You? by Sally Rooney—September 7
Thank you FSG Books and Libro.fm for my copy! Ready for a confession? I hadn’t read any Sally Rooney until this book and now that I have, I understand a lot more why people say you’ll either love her work or hate it. It’s very literary and deep, yet it can feel like nothing is happening. This book is character driven and by the end, I was glad I read it. It’s about friends and love and sex and our identities beyond our careers. It’s a little meta, with a very young and famous writer as a character, plus touches on the pandemic at the very end. Thank you FSG Books and Libro.fm for my copy!
October Releases
Payback’s a Witch—October
I love a good witchy book this time of year! This is sapphic revenge romance where two witches team up to get back at their mutual ex boyfriend and end up falling for each other instead. Thank you Berkley Publishing for my copy!
Well Matched by Jen Deluca—October 19—
The much anticipated third book in the Well Met series! Another summer with our dear characters at the Willow Creek Renaissance Faire. This time, following April a single mom (and Emily’s sister) and Mitch, the hunk in a kilt. Thank you Berkley Romance for my copy!
All the Feels by Olivia Dade—October 26—
I LOVED Spoiler Alert last year so Olivia Dade’s latest is a must. We follow along with another actor, this time Alexander who has a “devil may care” attitude and Lauren, his handler. Alexander has fallen hard for Lauren but she’s trying to keep work and her love life separate…until she can’t. Thank you Avon Books for my copy!
A Holly Jolly Diwali—October 5—
One type-A data analyst discovers her free-spirited side on an impulsive journey from bustling Mumbai to the gorgeous beaches of Goa and finds love waiting for her on Christmas morning. Thank you Berkley Publishing for my copy!
A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout—October 19—
Okay to be fair, I haven’t even read A Crown of Gilded Bones yet, but I am planning on reading it this Fall. This is a prequel in the From Blood and Ash universe and I’m hoping it provides some answers to a number of questions I’ve had!
A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow—October 5—
I haven’t read this one yet but the description alone has me excited and feeling all the Fall vibes! It’s a sapphic Sleeping Beauty retelling following Charm and Zinnia.
November Releases
Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult—November 30
I have not read this one but there’s a piece of me that is intrigued, because I love to punish myself emotionally sometimes. It might be too close to home for some, as it follows a young woman during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Her boyfriend is a doctor and is forced to stay behind in NYC as it’s “all hands on deck” at the hospital but tells her to go on their vacation without him. But then, the borders close and she’s trapped on the Galapagos in quarantine. It seems like a coming of age/big self discovery story with a very real setting.
Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships—November 23—
If you’re a fan of Below Deck, I think this might be a book for you. Yacht stewardess Jo has been working on a bucket list to complete before she turns 30, which is rapidly approaching. But when the death of her nephew rocks her family, her nieces come to stay with her and help her finish off her list. One of those items? Kiss a stranger. Thank you Berkley Publishing for my copy!
Miss Moriarty, I Presume? by Sherry Thomas—November 2—
My friends Ashley and Diane have been trying to convince me to read this gender swapped retelling of Sherlock Holmes and I finally making it a priority this Fall. If you love historical romance and a good slow burn, this is the series for you. Miss Moriarty, I Presume? is the sixth book in the series! Thank you Berkley Publishing for my copy!
The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams—November 2—
Do we know how much I love Denise Williams yet? This is the latest in the How to Fail at Flirting universe, but this time we get to follow personal trainer, Wes, who we met in Naya and Jake’s story. Lifestyle blogger Britta falls for her personal trainer and creator of a body positive fitness app! Thank you Berkley Romance for my copy!
Heard It in a Love Song by Tracey Garvis Graces—November 2—
I loved Graves last novel, The Girl he Used to Know, so this is a must read for me. Newly divorced Layla and single dad Josh find each other and strike up a friendship that has the potential to be something more. But since it’s the first time either of them have reentered the dating pool, will they be setting themselves up for happiness or heartbreak? Thank you St. Martin’s Press for my copy!
Margot Mertz Takes It Down by Carrie McCrossen; Ian McWethy—November 2—
This COVER!!! This is a feminist YA novel about Margot, who is working to take down a revenge porn site targeting girls at her school. Thank you Penguin Teen for my copy!
December Releases
Remember, my Holiday Reading Guide will be coming last this Fall! But here are some December releases that aren’t holiday themed.
Here’s to Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera—December 28—
The sequel to What If It’s Us is finally here! I loved Arthur and Ben’s story so I’m excited to catch up with them a couple years after we first got to know them. And we’re headed back to New York City which is always a setting I welcome in books!
The Big Reveal by Jen Larson—December 7—
As a mid to plussize gal, I am very excited to read this book about Addie, a fat and fabulous dancer who was accepted into the prestigious dance company of her dreams. When it turns out that she can’t afford to go, she turns to her friends to come up with a secret, invitation only burlesque show to raise funds. But soon, slut shaming and fatphobic comments arise and Addie isn’t sure if she’s been fighting the patriarchy or playing into their hands.
Phew, and that’s it! I hope this guide in helpful and let me know what you think! Which books are you most excited to read?! If you share on social media, make sure to tag me so I can see!
And don’t worry, more atmospheric Fall book lists are coming! Whether they’re spooky for Halloween, cozy for all the Autumnal vibes, or focus on the holidays…you know I love a theme 😉