Fall is finally in full swing, and what better way to celebrate than by cozying up with some brand-new YA releases? Whether you’re in the mood for heart-fluttering romances, the gut-punch of raw emotional journeys, or intricate webs of family intrigue, October has got your reading list covered. Here are four highly anticipated releases that will have you glued to the pages faster than you can say “pumpkin spice.”
Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter
If you devoured Better Than the Movies with all its rom-com glory, then brace yourself for the sequel. In Nothing Like the Movies, Liz and Wes are back, but things are…complicated. After a romantic whirlwind, Wes broke Liz’s heart just before their freshman year at UCLA. Now, months later, both are back at college, and Wes is on a mission to win her over again. Classic big rom-com gestures? Check. Complications in the form of a new guy friend? Oh yeah. But Wes soon finds out that making grand gestures doesn’t always translate into a happy ending.
For those who live for second-chance romances with characters who feel real, this one’s a must-read. The chemistry, the drama, and the heart-warming (or breaking?) moments will have you rooting for them all over again. Click here
Love in the Time of Midterms by Mia Harper
Debut author Mia Harper brings us Love in the Time of Midterms, a story that feels like the warm hug every stressed-out college student needs. Lily Carter is trying to survive her first year of university, but between the grueling workload, making friends, and finding herself, she’s also battling feelings for the oh-so-charming Finn Anderson. From late-night study sessions to chaotic campus mishaps, their chemistry is undeniable, but can their blossoming romance handle midterms and student elections? Or is everything destined to crash and burn?
Packed with heart, humor, and just the right amount of chaos, Lily’s journey of self-discovery and balancing love and friendship will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by college life. If you love romantic comedies and relatable heroines, don’t sleep on this one. Click here
The Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow
Prepare to have your heart shattered in the best way possible with Kathleen Glasgow’s The Glass Girl. Known for her raw and unflinching takes on trauma, Glasgow delivers another gut-wrenching story about Bella, a 15-year-old girl whose life spirals into addiction after the death of her beloved grandmother. Bella’s alcohol use goes from a way to numb the pain to a serious issue, and after a near-death experience, she is forced into rehab.
This novel is a deep dive into the complexities of addiction and what it really takes to heal. If you loved Girl in Pieces, you already know Glasgow’s writing is beautifully raw and devastating, and The Glass Girl doesn’t disappoint. Click here
The Brothers Hawthorne by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Jennifer Lynn Barnes is back with The Brothers Hawthorne, the latest installment in The Inheritance Games universe. The Hawthorne brothers have captured the hearts of readers everywhere, and this time, Grayson and Jameson are each pulled into high-stakes, dangerous games—literally on opposite sides of the world. Grayson must protect his half-sisters, while Jameson is embroiled in an underground gambling challenge in London. Family loyalty, high risks, and mind-bending puzzles? Sign me up.
For fans of twisty thrillers with rich characters and nonstop action, this book is the perfect escape. Plus, Barnes weaves these intricate family dynamics so well, you won’t be able to put it down.
WRAPPING UP
So, there you have it: four YA books dropping this October that will keep you company through midterms, fall break, or even those late-night binge-reading sessions. Whether you want love, laughs, tears, or thrills, this month’s releases have got something for everyone.
Happy reading, bookworms.
