One of the best books I read in October doesn't even come out until April of 2026. People should definitely keep an eye out for Anna Cowan's The Duke, a beautifully drawn romance set in a version of England where women can be titled peers. Kate and Celine are angsty and sexy and romantic—and well worth the wait! Fortunately, other books I devoured this past month are very much available right now. Like Charish Reid's Read Me Slow! This smoking-hot story of indie romance author Maya recording her steamy audiobook with a horror podcaster—who happens to be her little brother's best friend—was just what I needed to lift my spirits during a rough month. And Aydra Richards's latest historical romance continues her streak of excellence. The lengths to which Ian goes to make up for his past mistakes with Felicity...? It got me right in the feels.
Breakout Year by KD Casey (contemporary romance, m/m romance)
The Duke by Anna Cowan (out 4/28/26, historical romance, f/f romance)
[Redacted] by TK (out 2/3/26, suspense, thriller, for professional review purposes)
The Night and the Butcherbird by Alix E. Harrow (short story, SFF, speculative fiction)
The Villa, Once Beloved by Victor Manibo (out 11/25, gothic horror)
Read Me Slow by Charish Reid (contemporary romance)
Felicity Cabot Sells Her Soul by Aydra Richards (historical romance)
Backlist titles & rereads: I returned to several favorites in October, like Any Old Diamonds and Gilded Cage by KJ Charles and Waking the Witch by Kelley Armstrong. I wrapped up a trip back to Illona Andrews's Hidden Legacy with Diamond Fire, Sapphire Flames, Emerald Blaze and Ruby Fever. Then I picked up Beast by Judith Ivory, which I really enjoyed. Especially after reading its spiritual successor, Sherry Thomas's Beguiling the Beauty in September. Edge of Nowhere by Felicia Davin was a fun, queer, sci-fi romance—a treat amidst my steady diet of historical rereads. And then I went back to Sherry Thomas for another pass through Ravishing the Heiress and my first time with Tempting the Bride. (Now that I've read all three Fitzhugh books, I can say with certainty that Fitz and Millie are still my favorite.)
Currently reading: Almost Heaven by Judith McNaught.
On the wish list/TBR
The Haunting of Paynes Hollow by Kelley Armstrong
Three Chances to Cherish by Grace Callaway
In a Second by Kate Canterbary
All of Us Murderers by KJ Charles
The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow
The Lines We Cross by Ausma Zehanat Khan
The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
A Box Full of Darkness by Simone St. James
