Lyndsie Manusos’s fiction has appeared in PANK, SmokeLong Quarterly, and other publications. She holds an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has worked in web production and content management. When she’s not nesting among her books and rough drafts, she’s chasing the baby while the dog watches in confused amusement. She lives with her family in a suburb of Indianapolis.
I know I’m not the only one ready for Fall. As I write this, we’re weathering the last sweltering days of August, and I am over summer, dear reader. To bring the vibes (and cool weather) forth, I wore a T-shirt the other day with the words, “Spooky is a Lifestyle” above a ghost drinking an iced coffee on the front. The AMOUNT of compliments and “oh my god, I can’t wait for Fall, too!” comments I received! People are ready for autumn, and I bet you are as well. Is it the persistent heat? The sticky corn sweat? The horrors of an oppressive, authoritarian government consistently and methodically stripping us of our freedoms? All the above? Yes, I think all the above.
One of the many ways I cope is by saying screw it and let myself fall into Autumn and the Halloween season with complete abandon. Halloween decor in August? Yes. Halloween outfits, as mentioned above? Let’s do it. Fall-themed romances? Hell yes, give me all of them.
Which brings me to this sweet treat of a list.
I’ve included four books, increasing in “pumpkin” spice level, that I find perfect for the Fall season. Be sure to check the content warnings, especially regarding the last one, which really goes there in terms of spice and horror.
I’ve ranked them in spice from one to five pumpkin spices, one being minimal or closed-door, and five being brace yourself, because things are about to get spicy as hell.
Lyndsie Manusos’s fiction has appeared in PANK, SmokeLong Quarterly, and other publications. She holds an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has worked in web production and content management. When she’s not nesting among her books and rough drafts, she’s chasing the baby while the dog watches in confused amusement. She lives with her family in a suburb of Indianapolis.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Spice Level: 2 Pumpkin Spices
For those looking for a cozy romance this Fall season, look no further than Mandanna’s stunning work. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is the first book in this world of witches, magic, and cozy settings. The second book—A Witch’s Guide to Magical Inkeeping—came out in July. I have not read the second one yet, but I am eager to dive in as soon as a cool, Fall breeze arrives.
Mandanna’s books are like a warm hug and a hot pot of tea, but there is still exquisite yearning and romance. It follows Mika Moon, who has to hide her magic from the real world, though she posts videos on “pretending” to be a witch. Because of those videos, she’s invited to Nowhere House to teach three young witches how to control their powers. In addition to the children, Mika meets a host of interesting characters, including the handsome librarian, Jamie, who distrusts Mika and believes she’s a threat to their comfortable way of life.
Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh
Spice Level: 3.5 Pumpkin Spices
Nalini Singh is the Queen of Paranormal Romance. The Psy-Changeling Series is such a triumph, and it’s a great series to dive into for the Fall season. You have animal changelings of all types, with characters who are powerful psychics. Starting from book one is ideal, but if you want to read a romance set during early Autumn with fantastic rivals-to-lovers vibes, I give you my favorite of the series, Branded By Fire.
Mercy is a cat changeling and powerful sentinel in the DarkRiver pack, and Riley is a lieutenant from the SnowDancer wolf changeling pack. They both are undeniably attracted to each other, but neither wants to give up their connection to their pack, and both are extremely dominant. Now, they have to work together to find a kidnapped changeling researcher. Who will give in?
The Magpie Lord by KJ Charles
Spice Level: 4 Pumpkin Spices
KJ Charles’s love of m/m romance, fantasy, and Victorian gothic stories led her to create the A Charm of Magpies series, which has it all. And nothing beats a Victorian gothic book of fantasy romance to hit those Fall vibes.
Lucien Vaudrey never planned to return to England, but after his father’s and brother’s mysterious deaths, Lucien has come home to inherit an earldom. Lucien also needs magical assistance, because he’s inherited his family’s enemies, too. Which is where magician Stephen Day comes in. Stephen doesn’t like the Crane family, but he’s thrown off his feet when he meets the rough, tattooed Lucien. Their attraction is quick, but they’re constantly interrupted while trying to solve the mystery of who killed Lucien’s family.
Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver
Spice Level: 5 Pumpkin Spices
Honestly, give this one all the pumpkin spices, with a topping of extra spice. This is the last book in Weaver’s Ruinous Love Trilogy. All three are great choices for the Autumn and Halloween season, but Scythe & Sparrow really embraces the vibes, particularly toward the end. It doesn’t spoil anything to say that the heroine, Rose Evans, dresses partially as Art the Clown from the Terrifier series, and a climactic scene takes place in a walk-through haunted house attraction. The hero, Doctor Fionn Kane, has to go after her. That scene alone should get your Halloween senses tingling.
This trilogy is fantastic for fans who love horror—and I mean really love horror. This trilogy is not a book for weak stomachs. Read the content warning for this book, both for the spicy content and blood and gore.
I hope this list gets you started on your So Over Summer, Let’s Go Pumpkin Spice Fall journey. May the weather be cooler, may sweaters and scarves take over your closet, and may the smell of apple cinnamon and pumpkin spice radiate through your home.
For more Fall-themed articles, check out these lovely posts from my fellow Book Rioters:
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