Fall Romance Books
Is it just me, or has there been an uptick in Fall romance books lately? I think it’s the popularity of series like Lovelight Farms and Dream Harbor (the first book of which is the wildly popular Pumpkin Spice Cafe), which have even had special editions printed in recent years. Or maybe it’s the itch we all get for warm beverages and a walk through a gorgeous autumnal landscape that prompts these stories to hit the bestseller lists again and again.
Normally, I go right from beach reads to Christmas stories. In recent years, I’ve been making the transition between seasons less dramatic by indulging in a couple of Fall romance books in between each season. With numerous subpar options available, I wanted to share a few of my favorites with you.
The Best Fall Romance Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Small Town Fall Romance Book
If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia – Jump to Section
The Best Fall Romance Book Set in the UK
My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Small Town Fall Romance Books
The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn
Author: Valerie Bowman
Year: 2025
Genre: Romance
More info: Honeycrisp Orchard Romance #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
After a rough 24 hours leave Ellie with no job, boyfriend, or place to live, she heads back to her hometown. She’s there under the guise of helping her parents run the Harvest Festival they hope will help turn around the Inn’s finances, and as an event planner, Ellie is confident she can help.
But she didn’t count on Aiden, the son of her parents’ business partners – now a partner himself. He has his own plans for the festival and the inn. While Ellie and Aiden figure out how to work together for a common goal, they reconnect as friends and find love along the way.
Why Kirsten loves it
The cozy setting was my favorite part of this story. I felt swept into the atmosphere, longing to go to a fall festival myself. I also kept craving the foods the characters were tasting throughout the book, so be warned. You will need an apple cider donut while reading!
The Pumpkin Spice Cafe
Author: Laurie Gilmore
Year: 2023
Genre: Romance
More info: Dream Harbor #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Jeanie needs a change of pace, and it comes when her aunt leaves her a small-town cafe to run. Logan is the local farmer who is grumpy, handsome, and a loner, who is beloved by the town and not looking for love. When someone starts sabotaging Jeanie’s store, Logan can’t sit back and watch her struggle. Instead, he helps acclimate her to the town and catches feelings in the process.
Why Kirsten loves it
I had so many Gilmore Girls flashbacks with this one! I swear I was picturing Luke and Lorelai the entire time I was reading this charming story. I can’t wait to dive into the rest of this series!
Find This Book in: Cozy Fall Books
If It Makes You Happy
Author: Julie Olivia
Year: 2025
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Gilmore Girls lovers rejoice! This book is everything you wanted in a small-town fall romance!
Travel back to 1997, in a small town in Vermont, to a charming B&B where Michelle (aka Luke) is running the inn after the death of her mom – and she’s failing miserably. So, who can she ask for help? What about goofy, single-dad Cliff (aka Lorelai), the beloved local baker.
Why Kirsten loves it
If Stars Hollow is your favorite fictional town and Autumn is your favorite season, this must be added to your TBR. Cliff and Michelle’s reverse-grumpy sunshine romance lit me up, and the many festivals and town activities had me craving a Gilmore Girls rewatch. There is some steam, but those scenes are easily skipped if needed. I loved Michelle’s dog Rocket, Cliff’s amazing daughters, and all the other side characters. It was a perfect romance. #Gifted by Berkley Romance
Find this book in: Cozy Fall Books / Best Romance Books of 2025
Fall I Want
Author: Lyra Parish
Year: 2025
Genre: Romance
More info: Cozy Creek #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
In the cute ski town of Cozy Creek, Autumn works as a local barista as she works on writing her first novel. She’s a fantastic barista, which is why Zane catches her by surprise by telling her she ruined his coffee. Their initial animosity slowly turns into friendship as Autumn takes Zane all around the town’s fall festivities…and then more when their attraction can’t be denied.
But Zane has a secret, and Autumn has a gaslighting ex who’s just returned to town. Can these two last more than just one season?
Why Kirsten loves it
This is almost like two books in one. The first part is all cozy fall vibes, and then BOOM we are in a Fifty Shades novel, complete with jetsetting and makeover scenes. It was a little jarring, but also fun. I was certainly entertained!
Fall Romance Books Set in the UK
Kilt Trip
Author: Alexandra Kiley
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Addie Macrae is a travel consultant coming to Scotland to save Logan Sutherland’s Scottish tour business. He’s resistant to change, she’s trying to prove herself in her new job and sparks are flying in the office as they try to sabotage each other with ridiculous pranks.
But Addie is also looking to reconnect with her deceased mother’s past – by trying to find the places in Scotland her mother loved best. As Logan helps her find the hidden sites in a bid to help her see things his way, they both share vulnerabilities and connect in ways they weren’t expecting (but we were because it’s a romance 😜)
Trigger Warnings
Grief
Why Kirsten loves it
Looking for some literary travel plans? Come visit Scotland with a romance novel that will leave you with butterflies in your stomach. I felt like I was traveling around Scotland with these lovebirds – the push and pull between them, the funny pranks, and the cast of secondary characters made this romance stand out!
Find this book in: Books Set in Scotland
My Oxford Year
Author: Julia Whelan
Year: 2018
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Ella has moved to Oxford to study for one year before heading back to America to work on a political campaign, fulfilling a lifelong dream to study in the famed English school. But then she falls for her professor and must decide what she wants from the future.
Trigger Warnings
Cancer
Why Kirsten loves it
I picked up this contemporary fiction book to help combat my Royal Wedding withdrawal. I assumed it was going to be a light and fluffy romance — I had no idea I was going to be sobbing my eyes out with what is essentially the newest JoJo Moyes.
Adaptation Information
Sophie Carson, Corey Mylchreest, Dougray Scott, and Catherine McCormack star in the Netflix adaptation of this book.
Find this book in: Books Set in College / Best Contemporary Fiction / British Romance Novels / British Books
Helpful Tip
- Try making a simmer pot to set the mood while reading these stories. Throw a cinnamon stick, cloves, apple slices and/or orange peels into a large pot of water. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Your house will smell fantastic.
- Check the kisses to know how much spice you want! One kiss is kissing only, while five kisses make a book closer to Fifty Shades of Grey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some romantic fall-themed novels?
When it comes to fall romance books, I love The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore, If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia, and My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan.
Is The Pumpkin Spice Cafe a series?
Yes! The Pumpkin Spice Cafe is the first book in Laurie Gilmore’s Dream Harbor series. Other books include The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, The Christmas Tree Farm, The Strawberry Patch Pancake House, The Gingerbread Bakery, and The Daisy Chain Flower Shop.
Related Content
Epilogue
So far, my favorite romance on this list is If It Makes You Happy, but I’m still exploring more stories in the genre! Did your favorite fall romance books make the list? Do you have any to recommend? Let me know below!
Book Lists by Genre
Are you looking for more books in your favorite genre? This hub will let you choose which genre to dive into!
