There's something truly comforting about being wrapped in a cozy blanket, sipping a hot beverage, and delving into the pages of a scary and/or spicy story. With each turn of the page, the ambience of the cold weather outside seems to merge seamlessly with the narrative, creating an immersive experience that enhances the thrill of the plot. As the rain pitter-patters against the windowpanes, there's a notable sense of suspense in the air, perfectly complementing the mysterious twists and turns within a novel. Whether it's a haunting ghost story, a gripping thriller or a sexy dark romance, the combination of atmospheric elements and captivating writing, can really transform a simple reading session into a cozy journey through the realms of fiction.
Without further ado, here is my cozy, spicy, spooky fall TBR (to be read) list:
- The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore is a heartwarming novel about love, friendship, and pumpkin spice. Jeanie's aunt gives her the beloved cafe in the small town of Dream Harbor, offering her a fresh start away from her dull desk job. Meanwhile, local farmer Logan tries to avoid town gossip but finds himself drawn to the new, irritatingly upbeat girl, disrupting his routine. It's a cozy romantic story with a grumpy x sunshine dynamic set in a small town.
- The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling follows Vivienne Jones as she curses her terrible boyfriend with magic. However, calamity strikes when Rhys Penhallow, a descendant of the town's ancestors, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. Vivi realizes her curse may not have been harmless, and the town is suddenly under attack from murderous wind-up toys, an angry ghost, and a talking cat with some intriguing revelations. Despite their undeniable chemistry, Vivi and Rhys must work together to save the town and break the curse before it's too late.
- The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker follows Calla Fletcher's journey to reconnect with her estranged father in the Alaskan wilderness and the romantic relationship that unfolds amidst the stunning backdrop. Calla's journey is filled with unexpected twists and emotional discoveries, as she navigates the complexities of family dynamics and the captivating allure of the Alaskan wilderness.
- The Ritual by Shantel Tessier is about embracing a new role and getting sucked into the dark, twisted world of the Lords. It turns into a fight for survival, where death is the only way out. The protagonist, despite growing up with money, feels trapped until Ryat Alexander Archer offers her a chance for a better life. However, she soon realizes that her supposed freedom is just another manipulation by the Lords.
- Corrupt by Penelope Douglas: Erika Fane fixates on her boyfriend's older brother, a former college basketball star, but he knows the hold he has on her and how much she fears him. When Michael’s brother leaves for the military, leaving Rika alone and unprotected, Michael sees an opportunity too good to be true, and her nightmares are about to come true.
- Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann - Cora Lawson attends her sister's birthday party and ends up stranded and dependent on her sister's fiancé, Dean Asher. They both get kidnapped and must work together to escape, which ultimately changes their relationship.
- Five brothers by Penelope Douglas: The story of a woman discovering the secrets of the five Jaeger brothers. Macon, the eldest at thirty-one, is an ex-marine with rare smiles. Army, aged twenty-eight, is a single father with striking green eyes who is unaware of his true identity. Iron, who may soon face imprisonment, is unexpectedly friendly yet easily agitated. Dallas, twenty-one, is disliked for his cruelty and selfishness. Trace briefly belonged to the woman before she decided to leave. It's captivating, exciting, thrilling, spicy, emotional, happy, sad, and freaky.
- Out on a limb by Hannah Bonam-Young centers around Win, a fiercely independent woman with a limb difference, who finds herself pregnant after a one-night stand with Bo. Despite her uncertainty, Bo is eager to step up, and they agree to co-parent as friends. However, they soon realize that life has unexpected plans.
- One by One by Freida McFadden - A gripping tale of betrayal and survival set in the woods. When Claire's dream vacation turns into a nightmare, she must fight for her life in a battle of wits and courage.
- The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston follows a book publicist who falls in love with her temporary roommate. But he lives seven years in the past. If Clementine lets her heart fall, she’ll be doomed. This contemporary romance novel is filled with unexpected twists and heartwarming moments that will keep readers captivated from beginning to end.
Please let me know if you have read any of these or plan on reading them. I would love to hear your thoughts. Until next time, check out my other book recommendations here.
x, Dijana
