Spooky, Magical, and Must-Read: October’s Best New Books

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October is here, and you know what that means. It’s time to brew a potion of new October book releases to add to your TBR! This month, the literary world has conjured up some magical reads. From dark and mysterious thrillers to heartwarming family tales, there’s something for every book lover. Whether you’re looking for a chilling graphic novel to embrace the spooky vibes. Or a sweeping historical fiction set in New Orleans, these new October 2024 releases will have you spellbound.

We’re talking about debut novels that could become the book club favorites. Acclaimed authors like Sabaa Tahir weaving more magic, and National Book Award winners are ready to sweep you off your feet. With names like Random House and New York Times bestselling authors leading the charge, it’s clear that this October will be a month you’ll want to rate five stars on Goodreads. Grab your pumpkin-spiced latte. Cozy up. And let’s dive into these must-read books. Because trust me, you’re going to want them on your TBR faster than a witch on a broomstick!

October 1st

Slap Shot Surprise by Melanie Harlow

From USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author Melanie Harlow comes a spicy small-town romance. Slap Shot Surprise is perfect for fans of surprise pregnancies and swoon-worthy athletes. This October 2024 release features Joe Lupo. A professional hockey superstar, and our bookish protagonist, whose worlds collide after a turbulent plane ride leads to an unforgettable one-night stand at a wedding. But when two little pink lines appear, their separate plans are thrown into chaos. Joe has a commitment-phobic lifestyle. And the heroine is longing to plant roots. This debut is a heartfelt rollercoaster about love, unexpected surprises, and finding the courage to take a shot at forever. If you love small-town romance with humor and swoon-worthy tension, this is one for your TBR.

Promise Me Not by Meagan Brandy

From bestselling author Meagan Brandy comes the second book in the Boys of Avix universe. This is a continuation of the TikTok sensation Say You Swear. Payton has fled her toxic past. Leaving behind her hometown. Her mother. Her high school. And her best friend. Who was not only her first love but also the father of her child. When tragedy strikes, Payton is left as a single mother, her world seemingly shrouded in darkness. Enter Mason Johnson, a D1 university quarterback chasing his dream. Finding a new purpose in Payton and her baby boy. But Payton torn between her first love and this unexpected new beginning.

Meagan Brandy delivers a heartfelt story of resilience, second chances, and finding love again after loss. If you’re into emotional, high-stakes romances with characters that fight for their happiness, this is a must-read for your TBR.

Zodiac Rising by Katie Zhao

This is a thrilling tale. A tale where magic intertwines with dark academia. And a secret New York boarding school hides its true nature from the mortal world. When a priceless treasure linked to the Descendants of the Zodiac is stolen and a powerful student is murdered, a band of misfits rises to avenge their classmate. Reclaiming what’s theirs. As the lost zodiac statues resurface, the Descendants—a lineage cursed since the statues were vandalized—discover that the fae may be behind the recent chaos.

To execute this high-stakes heist, they assemble a formidable crew. Evangeline, a vampire whose century-long hunger fuels her desire for revenge. Nicholas, a shapeshifter driven by justice and redemption. Alice, a mortal searching for the truth of her mysterious lineage. And Tristan, a werewolf fighting against his inner beast. Together, they must navigate the shadows and face the fae’s wrath. For one misstep could seal the fate of their kind forever.

If you’re a fan of A Deadly Education and Legendborn, this gripping adventure is a must-add to your TBR. Blending magic, mystery, and the fight for identity in a world steeped in danger.

October 8th

The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak

Frank Szatowski is taken aback when his estranged daughter, Maggie, reaches out after three long years. The invitation to her wedding in New Hampshire fills him with hope, sparking dreams of mending their fractured relationship. However, upon arrival at a lavish, secluded estate, he discovers that Maggie is set to marry Aidan Gardner, the son of a prominent tech billionaire. The Last One at the Wedding has an unexpected twist that makes Frank feel completely out of his depth. And you will too!

As he attempts to reconnect with Maggie, he encounters challenges at every turn: Aidan’s distant demeanor raises red flags. Maggie seems preoccupied. And the locals display an unsettling hostility towards the Gardner family. Driven by a need to understand this new family and protect his daughter, Frank finds himself drawn into a web of mystery and danger. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, he realizes that pushing for the truth might cost him the very relationship he is desperately trying to rebuild.

This edge-of-your-seat thriller is a masterful exploration of family dynamics and the lengths one will go to for love. Making it a must-read for suspense aficionados.

Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole

In this BookTok sensation, the first installment of a slow-burn, epic romantasy series, Diem Bellator is determined to escape her impoverished village in a world where gods reign. And their merciless, magical offspring known as the Descended control everything. When her mother mysteriously vanishes and a dangerous secret about her past comes to light, Diem seizes the chance to infiltrate the treacherous realm of Descended royalty. Hoping to unravel the mysteries left behind by her mother.

As she navigates this perilous new world, she finds herself caught between the handsome yet enigmatic heir to the dying king and a ruthless rebel alliance eager to recruit her for their cause. With everything at stake, including her family’s safety and the fate of mortalkind, Diem must learn to wield love, power, and politics wisely to ignite change and challenge the oppressive regime.

This collectible hardcover edition features stunning full-color endpapers, an exclusive designed case, and a never-before-seen bonus chapter. Making it a must-have for fans of romantic fantasy.

October 13

Immortal Dawn by Eve Newton

In the gripping finale of this dark paranormal romance series, the stakes have never been higher as they face an impossible choice: sacrifice or salvation. With the dark realm threatening to consume everything they hold dear, lovers. Her anchors, her kings—stand with me, our bond defying the very laws of nature and magic.

Together, we are an unstoppable force, but apart, we risk falling into the abyss. As the final battle approaches, the fate of both realms teeters on the edge. To close the portal and save countless lives, we must be willing to risk everything. Our powers, our lives, and the love that binds us. In this crucible of chaos and desire, we have forged something unbreakable, something eternal. They thought they could rid themselves of me, but they were gravely mistaken. Welcome to the dawn of a new era—our era.

This electrifying conclusion is the third book in a reverse harem romance trilogy. Is set in England and written in British English, with important trigger warnings available within.

October 15th

A Woman Under Ground by Andrew Klavan

Cameron Winter is haunted by his past as a government operative, especially the unfinished mission involving a notorious Turkish sex trafficker that continues to plague his heart and mind. While grappling with his painful memories, he unexpectedly encounters his first love, reigniting a passion he thought was long extinguished.

However, just as quickly as she reenters his life, she disappears, sending Winter on a desperate quest to find her. His pursuit plunges him into a chaotic world fraught with partisan violence. Forcing him to navigate a landscape where extremists clash, and alliances are perilous. In his most dangerous case yet, mere survival may be the only victory Winter can hope for.

In A Woman Underground, Edgar Award-winning author Andrew Klavan weaves a poignant narrative that delves into significant contemporary issues. Resulting in a gripping tale filled with intricate plotting, high-stakes action, and deep emotional resonance.

Prince of Fortune by Lisa Tirreno

In this swoony debut young adult romantic fantasy that blends the charm of Red, White & Royal Blue with the magic of A Darker Shade of Magic, we follow the journey of shy Prince Edmund. Destined to become a great king. Gifted with rare magic that allows him to control the plants and weather of his nation, Edmund feels the weight of his responsibilities, including the pressure to secure a perfect diplomatic marriage. Everything changes when he meets Lord Aubrey Ainsley, a charming Seer whose political insignificance makes him an unexpected, yet captivating, distraction.

Though Aubrey is no stranger to visions of war and chaos, he never predicted that he would catch the attention of Prince Edmund, the Prince of Fortune. As their bond deepens, both boys must navigate the turbulent waters of love, destiny, and impending conflict. When the nation of Saben falls under threat from dark sorcery, Edmund and Aubrey must unite against external forces trying to tear them apart. Together, they must discover their inner strength to forge a future that defies the odds. Creating a love story that transcends both politics and magic in a world on the brink of war.

Tangleroot by kalela Williams

Noni Reid has always lived in the formidable shadow of her mother, Dr. Radiance Castine. A renowned scholar of Black literature celebrated for her achievements. However, when Dr. Castine takes a prestigious position as president of Stonepost College in rural Virginia, Noni is uprooted from her familiar New England life. Leaving behind a promising internship and close friends.

They move into Tangleroot Plantation, built by Noni’s ancestor, Cuffee Fortune. An enslaved man who Dr. Castine believes may have founded the college for Black students. As her mother delves into the institution’s history to expose its racist past and honor Cuffee’s legacy, Noni grapples with resentment for their new home. While being drawn to the legacy of the white slaveholding family that once lived there. Unraveling the town’s dark history and confronting lingering prejudices, Noni must navigate her family’s complex past and her own identity. Discovering a hidden truth that will change everything she thought she knew about herself and her mother.

Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon

The special first edition hardcover will feature a stunning shimmering jacket with effects. Brilliantly illustrated four-color endpapers. Striking detailed-stained edges. And a beautiful foil-stamped case.

In a captivating world filled with magical artifacts and fantastical beings, Aspeth Honori, a determined Holder’s daughter, must team up with an unlikely partner. A surly minotaur—to save her family from the disastrous consequences of her father gambling away their precious magical artifacts.

With their lives and hold at stake, Aspeth decides to join the Royal Artifactual Guild to retrieve coveted arcane items from ancient underground ruins. But she faces a major obstacle: the guild refuses to train her because she’s a woman. To circumvent this issue, Aspeth hatches a plan to marry a guild member who can help her become an apprentice. Enter her grumpy teacher, the minotaur, who has his own needs and no idea of her noble background. As Aspeth navigates guild tests, a fortune hunter, and her growing feelings for her monstrous husband. Who’s about to go into rut—she must dig deep, literally and figuratively, to save her family and her heart.

October 22nd

The Striker by Ana Huang

The Striker is the first installment in a brand new series. Following the story of Asher Donovan, a living legend in the Premier League. And arguably the greatest footballer in the world. Known for his reckless antics and recent team transfer, Asher finds himself embroiled in controversy. Especially after a feud with his rival-turned-teammate costs them a championship.

Forced to bond during off-season cross-training, he thinks surviving the summer will be easy. Until he meets their new trainer, Scarlett DuBois. Beautiful and talented, Scarlett becomes the only woman he wants. But there’s a catch: she’s his rival’s sister and completely off-limits. Scarlett, a former prima ballerina whose career ended in a tragic accident, is now a dance academy teacher haunted by her past. With her brother away on an emergency, she’s reluctantly thrown into close quarters with the charming striker. Training is manageable, but falling in love with Asher Donovan? That’s a line she swore she’d never cross, especially when he’s the only one who could break her heart.

Love and Lattes by Beth Reekles

One summer internship, two complete opposites, and an unexpected connection that neither saw coming… Annalise Sherwood has poured her heart and soul into securing a spot in a prestigious internship program. Believing that hard work is the key to success. With a motto of “work hard, play later,” Anna decides that a single night of letting loose won’t hurt. Especially when it ends with the most incredible kiss of her life.

To her horror, she later discovers that her mystery kiss was with none other than Lloyd, the charming son of the company’s CEO. Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Lloyd is the quintessential favorite. A total charmer who seems to own the place and rubs Anna the wrong way from their first encounter. As the summer drags on and the internship progresses, Lloyd finds every opportunity to annoy Anna, who is more than willing to dish it right back. However, as they share late nights working together, Anna begins to see a different side of him. Sparking a glimmer of doubt about her initial impressions. Could there be more to Lloyd than meets the eye? As their banter evolves into something deeper, Anna must navigate the complexities of their budding connection while still pursuing her ambitious dreams.

The Fury of the Gods by John Gwynne

The final battle for the fate of Vigrid is on the horizon, and tensions are running high. Varg has faced the demons of his past and earned his place among the Bloodsworn. But now they confront their greatest challenge yet: slaying a fearsome dragon. Meanwhile, Elvar fights to solidify her power in Snakavik, grappling with threats from both outside enemies and treachery within her ranks.

As she strives to assert her authority in preparation for the impending conflict, she must also manage the uncontrollable rage of a wolf god. To the north, Biórr and his warband thirst for blood. While Guðvarr embarks on a secretive mission to win Lik-Rifa’s favor, eager to fulfill his own ambitions. All paths converge in Snakavik. Where battle lines are drawn for a titanic clash that will shake the very foundations of the world. And unveiling the true wrath of the gods.

October 29th

For She is Wrath by Emily Varga

This is a sweeping Pakistani romantic fantasy reimagining of The Count of Monte Cristo. Within the pages Dania counts down the days until she can exact revenge against those who betrayed her. Including Mazin, the boy responsible for her downfall and the one she still can’t forget. Wrongfully imprisoned for a crime she didn’t commit, Dania learns that a fellow prisoner may hold the key to her vengeance. A stolen djinn treasure.

Together, they execute a daring escape, setting off on a quest to find the hidden treasure. Armed with dark magic and a new identity, Dania crafts a plan to bring down her enemies. Even as Mazin stands in her way. However, seeking revenge proves to be a dangerous game, especially when the undeniable fire between them complicates her mission. As Dania delves deeper into a world of traps and deception, she risks losing not only her humanity in her fight for vengeance but also her heart to the only boy she’s ever loved.

The Syndicator by RuNyx

In a saga that intertwines the destinies of four couples across six books, it ends where it begins.

Tristan and Morana. Dante and Amara. Alpha, and Zephyr. Shadow Man and Lyla. Four couples navigating a world shrouded in darkness. Where the game has become more perilous and the stakes are higher than ever.

As each couple faces their unique challenges. And a new era emerges. Reshaping their lives and relationships in ways they never imagined. Will they triumph over the impending dangers, or will the shadows of their past consume them?

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