Hey September, good to see you! With the promise of cooler weather comes autumn-themed romances and pumpkins dotting every store shelf. September’s release calendar is absolutely jam-packed with contemporary romances, romance sequels, and romantasies. I hope you and your romantic heart can take it. Since Halloween is just around the corner, the September releases feature speculative themes with witches, ghosts, and plenty of pumpkin spice. Even more winter holiday romances are being released this month, but considering it’s approximately 10 million degrees outside, winter holiday books can wait.
September is a month of great books, so pick out a stack and settle in for a spell.
Grim Tidings by B.K. Borison
When Darcy Moore decides to outrun her fate as a Grim Reaper, she finds herself face-to-face with Guardian Angel, Gabriel Aetos. Gabriel doesn’t mess around when it comes to protecting territory, but is Darcy actually as dangerous as her reputation? Can Darcy and Gabriel come to an understanding before the Department of Hauntings and Spirits comes looking for Darcy? This whimsically haunting romance is perfect for resurrecting the fans of Dead Like Me.
Isn’t He Romantic by Adib Khorram
At nearly 40, Arya has always been wary of love, but maybe it’s time to start looking for something beyond hookups. Things get complicated when Arya discovers his latest partner, Ben, is the committee chair of the charity ball his company is planning. To scare off an ex, Ben claims Arya is his boyfriend. Since they’re already spending time together, what will a little fake dating hurt?
You’re The One That I Haunt by Katie Jung
Libby’s best friend and crush Carter is about to get married to someone else. When Carter’s dead cousin Trip appears to Libby asking for help, Libby knows it’s because of the family curse. Tracing clues across the city with Trip, Libby begins questioning her crush on Carter and the dynamics of their friendship. Confused about her growing attraction to the ghost, Libby must choose between helping Trip or clinging to what’s left of her friendship with Carter.
From Beijing With Love by Bei Lin
After an ugly breakup, Daniel decides to get out of Amsterdam and travel to Beijing where his late father grew up. Daniel takes a solo tour of The Great Wall, where he meets Yang Li, a cynical PhD student and tour guide. As Daniel and Yang meet again and again by chance, they find connection over food, travel joys, and shared struggles.
Doomsdate by Laura Piper Lee
Making it past the first date is less of a concern to Maisie than the real possibility of a zombie apocalypse. Her first date with Everett, a handsome film professor, turns from awkward to terrifying when they are forced to run from the new horde of zombies that came from the virus sweeping the nation. To survive, Maisie and Everett trade skills. She’ll teach him the basics of doomsday survival and he’ll teach her about life—art, travel, and even sex! Part road trip comedy, part high-stakes thriller, this romance is steamy and fun.
Storm Caller by Nisha J. Tuli
In this sequel to Storm Breaker, Poet Graves is pulled further into Rook’s world, unable to deny the love she feels. Poet’s safe place is turned upside down and her friends become enemies. Poet and Rook are left to fight for what they believe in with everything they have left.
The Invisible Roommate by Timothy Janovsky
Exhausted by the demands of music stardom, Gerard leaves his bandmate brothers to go to a remote island in the Chesapeake Bay. Gerard finds an apartment in a crumbling Victorian manor, but he’s not the only resident. Grad school dropout Emory is hiding out from the police and working on his invisibility research. Dancing around each other, Gerard and Emory find a way to hide away from the world while slowly opening up to one another. This charming speculative romance has just enough autumn spark to get you through to October.
So what’s next? Find a back-to-school sweetheart with these romance books or check out the Best Romance Books of 2026 for just a few more suggestions.