My fall reading started off with a bang with these great September reads! Even though I didn’t have a full 5-star, I really, really enjoyed almost everything I read this month, and the seasonal vibes were perfect, even though the weather still thinks it’s summer. I was on vacation for the end of the month, and finished 4 books during that time, which I was very happy with. Let’s get into it!

Stats

Total books read: 9

Fall vibes books: 8

Physical books: 5

BOTM: 2

A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft (4.25 stars) – This was a really great fantasy read, my first from this author, that was an interesting combination of dark academia, complicated friendship dynamics, murder mystery, Sapphic rivals-to-lovers romance, and historical commentary on anti-Semitism. I thought the writing was great and the characters complex, and the romance worked very well for me. The plot went in different directions than I expected, which wasn’t at all a bad thing, and I was left really glad I finally picked this one up. This definitely won’t be my last read from Allison Saft!

Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (4 stars) – I have high expectations when it comes to Rachel Harrison, and so even though I think this was a great book, it wasn’t close to my favorite of hers. I did really like how the book’s present-day action was interspersed with snippets of her mother’s book, and also the protagonist’s relationships with her two older sisters that really anchored the story. The romance, though, didn’t really feel necessary to me, and I could have used a bit more horror in its place.

You’re Invited by Amanda Jayatissa (4 stars) – This was a really well-written mystery/thriller that I apparently wrote down years ago when it was recommended on a BookTube video and never really thought about picking up until I was scrolling through audiobook options on Libby. The wedding setup, friendship/family relationship gone wrong, “unlikable/unreliable” narrator, and influencer aspects all really added up to a great book that I’ll be recommending a bunch.

My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey (4 stars) – A very fun romance with a murder mystery subplot that I really enjoyed reading while I was on my own vacation, which thankfully included no murders. I’m glad this was a Tessa Bailey that worked for me; I’ve read a bunch that have, and a few that haven’t, but this was great.

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera (4 stars) – Why are mystery/thrillers featuring podcasts so much more appealing to me than those without? I really enjoyed this on audio, despite the fact that I’m not much of a mystery/thriller reader. It’s a good hook, and even though I find an amnesia plot kind of frustrating, I enjoyed the pacing, mystery, and podcast segments in this one.

ZomRomCom by Olivia Dade (4 stars) – This was less zombie horror and more spicy romance with a side of quirky fantasy characters than I was expecting, but definitely not in a bad way. I liked both the romance and the plot in this one, and Dade sets us up well for possible sequels featuring other characters and supernatural species in the future.

Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer (4 stars) – This series continues to be a fun and funny romantasy, with a combination of action, romance, and silliness that works great when I’m in the mood for it. I’m less interested in the overarching plot than I am in all of the lovable characters, and I’ll definitely be continuing on with Accomplice to the Villain at some point.

The Night Guest by Hildur Knutsdottir (3.5 stars) – This was a short, creepy horror audiobook that really worked for me this month. Even if it wasn’t a perfect read, I was intrigued and enjoyed the writing style as well as the dawning horror of the plot.

Follow Me to Ground by Sue Rainsford (3 stars) – This was my only disappointing read this month. I’ve had it on my TBR for years, and always assumed that I’d really enjoy this short horror novel. Instead, I really wasn’t into either the writing or the story itself.

Stats

Total books read: 10

Physical books: 5

Audiobooks: 4

ebooks: 1

BOTM: 3

2025 releases: 4

This Princess Kills Monsters by Ry Herman (4 stars) – This was an unexpectedly really great and unique take on fairy tales, which is one of the very specific sub-genres I love. The characters are well-drawn and easy to root for; the protagonist is great; her relationship with her family members was so much fun to read about; both love interests were interesting in their own way. I don’t think it’s as popular as it should be; it’s a book that so many people are going to love. I’ll also be really interested to see more from this author!

Cobalt Red by Siddharth Kara (4 stars) – This was a very informative, investigative piece of nonfiction focusing on a deep dive into cobalt mining in the DRC. I learned a lot, particularly about the concept of “artisanal mining,” and how harmful the demand for rechargeable batteries has been for the people of the Congo. I think this is an important topic, and I’d definitely recommend checking this one out.

Bloom by Delilah S. Dawson (4 stars) – This was a short, unsettling Sapphic horror novel featuring a cottagecore romance and creeping unease. It’s a perfect book to pick up during the fall; well-written and an easily one-sitting read.

Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross (4 stars) – I feel like I’d have preferred this duology to be a standalone historical fantasy romance, but I still enjoyed reading about Iris and Roman, even though they were separated for the majority of the book. I’m glad I finished their story, and I think Rebecca Ross writes well–I’m just not sure that this book was actually necessary in its entirety.

White Tears, Brown Scars by Ruby Hamad (4 stars) – Another nonfiction I picked up this month and would recommend; this one focused on how harmful the actions of white women have been historically, and still are today, towards people of color, and the need for greater awareness and action.

Chlorine by Jade Song (4 stars) – Even though I gave this 4 stars, this was kind of a disappointment, as I had envisioned it as a clear 5-star read. I love both fabulism and mermaids, so this seemed like it would be a slam dunk–and it was good, just not as amazing as I’d built it up in my head. Sometimes my expectations are the problem!

The Risk by Elle Kennedy (4 stars) – This was my 3rd Elle Kennedy sports romance of 2025, and they continue to be really fun.

Looking for Group by Alexis Hall (3.5 stars) – I’ve been a fan of Alexis Hall for many years, and I did enjoy this contemporary gaming-focused romance, but it wasn’t as strong for me as many of his other works have been.

Room for Two by Lana Ferguson (3.5 stars) – This was my introduction to Lana Ferguson, and I have several of her books on my TBR. It was a cute contemporary romance novella; I liked it but didn’t love it. It hasn’t really made me any more or less eager to try her other books, and I probably will at some point.

How Freaking Romantic by Emily Harding (3 stars) – I was disappointed by this contemporary romance from one of the co-authors of the modern Jane Austen retellings that I love (Elizabeth of East Hampton, Emma of 83rd Street). I didn’t feel like the characters had enough depth, and I didn’t enjoy the romance very much. The protagonist seemed very immature and under-informed for a law student, and I just wish I’d liked this one more than I did.