Whether you’re reading to take your mind off school, de-stress from everyday life, or to have a good time, romance books will transport you to a whole other world. The moment you find the right one, nothing is ever the same. You find yourself drawn into the swoon-worthy scenes that become addictive with the turn of each page. I should know, as I’ve spent countless hours, days, and nights unable to put down a good romance book. I need to read one more chapter, and before I know it, I’ve read another 10. As we approach fall, one of my favourite seasons of the year, I believe nothing is better than curling up with a romance book, sipping some hot chocolate, and watching the mirage of red and orange leaves fill the sky. Some of the best romance books I’ve read were during those fall months. A few of them have lived up to my expectations, but the ones that did, I think everyone should read if they are looking for a cozy romance.
Here, I’ll list some of my favourites that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside as the breeze becomes cooler and the seasons change.
1. The Dead Romantics – Ashley Poston
The Dead Romantics has it all: a down-on-her-luck ghost writer trying to finish her manuscript, a strict, handsome editor, and a mystical gift. The novel begins with the main character, Florence (the ghostwriter), unable to finish her latest manuscript, and then being called back to her hometown after her father’s passing. Once there, she is shocked to find Benji (her new editor) before her, but as a ghost. Yes, Florence does, in fact, have the ability to see ghosts. Thus begins her and Benji’s story, as they embark on a magical journey towards healing, love, and their uncertain future together. They strike a deal that Benji will help Florence finish her manuscript with the time he has left, and Florence will help him cross over, but feelings deepen as the novel goes on, leaving them questioning if they have a future together.
I absolutely loved this book. I found it to be a very healing and beautiful story as Poston blended the elements of lyrical prose and magical realism in such a fluid and engaging way. Poston delves into the supernatural romance hybrid in such a fun and personal way, making you connect with the characters and the ups and downs they experience as their relationship deepens. The mix of ghostly elements, an uncanny relationship and a quirky hometown complete the cozy vibes for this mystical romance. Florence and Benji’s romance will leave you laughing, crying, and swooning as their chemistry blooms during this otherworldly ride of a novel.
2. Tangled Up In You – Christina Lauren
This one is for all the girls whose favourite movie growing up was Tangled, as this novel is a modern retelling of Rapunzel in a college setting. In a modern twist, this book follows Ren. She has been raised on a homestead her whole life with very protective parents and is going to college for the first time. There she meets Fitz, a devilish charmer who is trying to graduate and get his criminal record wiped clean. The book follows them as they end up going on an unexpected road trip together, where hidden truths are uncovered and a cute, feel-good romance forms between our main characters.
This book is one of Christina Lauren’s newer yet still underrated romances, and I think it deserves more attention. Christina Lauren has been one of my favourite authors for a while now, and this book is the definition of a fluffy, cute romance. To start, the banter between Ren and Fitz is well executed with funny quips and a well-paced buildup of tension as they develop feelings for each other. This, in combination with the road trip setting, also leads to a delightful story of self-discovery, new possibilities, and the beginning of love as Ren comes to terms with a new world. I like how Ren and Fitz’s relationship is well-crafted to give a nod to Tangled, but still has details and quirks that make them different in their own way, which adds more layers to their “grumpy x sunshine” dynamic. All in all, this book is a perfect fall read if you’re looking for a slow-burn, storybook-like romance with a twist as Ren and Fitz discover if they are meant to be.
3. The Ex Hex – Erin Sterling
“Never mix vodka and witchcraft,” they say as this book begins in a small town, with a bad breakup and an accidental curse. The book follows Vivi and Rhys and involves a tiny curse that Vivi put on Rhys nine years ago when they broke up. It wouldn’t hurt him, though, right? Unless, of course, Vivi is a witch and might have made the curse worse than she thought. Our adventure begins when Rhys comes back to their hometown for the annual fall festival, and mysterious things start to go wrong. Suddenly, Vivi and Rhys are thrown back together to figure out how to stop the breakup curse that Vivi cast. They will have to work together and save the day as old feelings resurface.
With the spooky witchcraft aspects and a second-chance romance, this book was a really fun and quick fall-themed read that has you rooting for the characters to save the day. It has immaculate cozy vibes as the book is set in the small town of Graves Glen, Georgia, during the fall festival, which completely immerses the reader in the autumnal ambiance. That setting, combined with the fast-paced romance, made it a really light-hearted, amusing book to devour in one sitting. The chemistry between the leading characters will no doubt have you giggling and kicking your feet as they are thrown together in hilarious, magical situations.
4. Book Lovers – Emily Henry
Yes, this book is set at the end of summer. Is it still one of the best cozy books to read during fall? Absolutely. This book follows Nora and Charlie, two rivals in the publishing industry who keep running into each other. As a workaholic literary agent, Nora’s personal life has been on the back burner, so when her sister begs her to go on a vacation to Sunshine Falls, she agrees, hoping she will be able to take a break and rediscover herself. But surprise, surprise, she once again finds herself running into none other than Charlie, the brooding, sarcastic book editor and the two end up being thrown together over and over again.
Despite being set in summer, I found this to be one of the best books to read during fall. The themes of a small town romance and two rival book editors struggling to find themselves exuded a sense of coziness as I watched their story unfold. Nora and Charlie both have interesting personalities, and Henry delves into their past and emotional baggage in a way that makes their romance more relatable as they gain a deeper understanding of each other. Their relationship starts on a foundation of rivalry and witty banter, but it grows into a beautiful romance of mutual respect and love. This book is also a great cozy read for eldest daughters, as Nora is a very relatable representation of how being an eldest daughter can come with a lot of weight and responsibility. Nora’s character development is well-built as she comes to terms with what she has held on to as the eldest daughter of her family and how that is affecting her life now and her future with Charlie. At the end, the combination of banter and exploration of past baggage will leave you feeling sentimental as Nora and Charlie come together.
5. The Seven Year Slip – Ashley Poston
I’m probably biased, but I have put two books by Ashley Poston, as I believe The Seven Year Slip is just too good and such a magical fall read. This book takes place after Clementine, a busy book publicist, inherits her late Aunt’s apartment. One day, Clementine comes home to find a strange man (Iwan) in her apartment, a man who is exactly the kind that she would fall in love with. Except there’s a hitch: he is from seven years in the past, and she lives seven years in the future. Crazy, right? Clementine’s Aunt always said her apartment was magical, but she didn’t believe it until that moment. And thus the journey between Clementine and Iwan begins as they grow closer in this paranormal time-slip romance.
I was so addicted to this book that I read it in one sitting. The blend of a time slip and the main characters falling in love with each other in the past, present, and future felt so tragically beautiful. It makes the reader fully invested in these characters, questioning if their love is strong enough to be worth it. Spoiler alert—it is definitely worth it. The interactions Clementine and Iwan have in that apartment are adorable as Clementine tries not to fall for him but keeps finding herself inexplicably drawn closer and closer, the more time they spend together. This metaphysical romance leaves the reader thinking of the possibility of love breaking through even when all the odds are stacked against them. The mystical time slip and adorable chemistry between the leads make this book an unforgettable, heartwarming story to read just in time for fall.
If you are looking for some cozy romances that will leave you with a feeling of happiness and warmth, I suggest you give these books a try. Each book explores its own magical, ghostly, witchy and generally cute rom-com theme, making them some of the best reads to give you a relaxing break as your lives and schoolwork ramp up for the fall. They are all wonderful and special in their own way, and I believe the romances will sweep you off your feet and right into the mood for the new season. Now, grab your sweaters and find a reading spot to get whisked away in one of these cozy romantic adventures!