I've always been a big reader, someone who would rather stay at home and finish off a series rather than attending Friday's big football game. Maybe that made me boring or anti-social, but I could honestly care less. Over the summer, I read over 20 books.

I explored several genres, like horror, fantasy, romance, and even some literary works. On the last week of summer, I went to Target and bought 8 books, determined to maintain my reading habit during the school year.

But once school started, my free time disappeared fast. I told myself that I would read during study hall, but I had to switch it for choir instead. Then I tried reading before bed, but most nights I was too tired to pick up a book. Still, I wasn't going to waste the $70 I spent on all those books.

So, I made it my main goal to get out of a reading slump this fall. If you're anything like me, you try to find the beauty in every moment and love to romanticize every season, too. That's why I specifically chose books that feel like autumn.

After testing out a few books and different genres, these are the books that made me fall in love with reading all over again:

Once Upon a Broken Heart - Stephanie Garber

Genre: YA Romantasy

Goodreads Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.06 stars)

Evangeline Fox has always believed in true love and the magic of happy endings. But when the man she adores suddenly marries her sister, her world shatters. Desperate to get the love of her life back, she turns to Jacks, the dangerous yet charming Prince of Hearts.

But bargains with Fates are never easy. In chasing her happily ever after, Evangeline might just lose the very thing she’s fighting for.

My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

At first, I was a bit reluctant to read it. Most of the books I read because of BookTok just didn't do it for me. This one was definitely an exception.

I love how fast paced it is while actually having a good plot and magic system. And don't even get me started on Evangeline and Jack's chemistry! Besides the romance, both of the characters are written so well (especially Jacks).

If you're going for a whimsical vibe this fall, definitely consider reading the whole trilogy! (click here for more information)

“I believe there are far more possibilities than happily ever after or tragedy. Every story has the potential for infinite endings.”

A Spoiler-Free Vlog:

Video by Taylor Halbert

Take the Quiz: Which Popular YA Novel Series Should I Read Next?

Find out your next great read after this quiz!

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice - Katie Cicatelli-Kuc

Genre: YA Coming of Age

Goodreads Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.02 stars)

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice features 16-year-old Lucy Kane who works in her mother's coffee shop, Cup o' Jo, in a small town in New England. They're used to getting a big crowd during autumn, because Briar Glenn is a popular tourist spot. But this year, it's not.

A big corporate coffee chain, Java Junction, moves in right across the street from them, causing them to lose loyal customers and puts them at risk for going bankrupt. It doesn't help that Lucy may or may not be catching feelings for the owners infuriatingly perfect son, Jack Harper. Is Lucy going to be able save to her mom's coffee shop?

My Review: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

A friend of mine did a book swap with me about a month ago, she let me borrow this book and I let her borrow one of my favorites. She warned me that it was very cringey and there wasn't much romance. I have to admit that she is right.

I don't understand why this was marketed as a romance novel because the most connection we see between the two love interests is fighting, baking, and minimal physical contact. But I'm assuming that is because it was published by Scholastic so maybe they gave the author restrictions on what she could write, which is totally understandable and okay because it's targeted at a younger audience anyway.

Now the good things: it promised a cozy fall, Gilmore Girls like book, and it absolutely delivered. When I talk about this book, I always say it's a coming of age novel because the author does a really good job with the message, helping Lucy learn that it's okay to live a little and that you should enjoy your time in high school before it's over. The scenes in this book are so cute and fall-coded too, with festivals, baking, etc. I'm not going to spoil all of them here, though.

If you want an easy-to-read book that genuinely feels like fall, this one is for you! (click here for more information)

"If you’re too busy planning your life, you’re going to miss it. It’s going to pass right by you.”

Another spoiler-free vlog + similar recommendations:

Video by Tiffanie Leighann

The Inheritance Games – Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Genre: Mystery

Goodreads Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.13 stars)

Avery Kylie Grambs's life isn't what you call privileged. Her mom died when she was 15, her dead-beat dad could care less about her existence, and she's forced to live in her car to avoid her sister's on-and-off again abusive boyfriend. But one school office visit changes her life forever.

She's notified that Tobias Hawthorne, a billionaire in Texas, died recently. And for some reason... he gave all his assets to her. She doesn't even know him. Now, Avery and Tobias's four grandsons have to play a dangerous, twisted game to find out why.

My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

This book was on my "to be read" list for months before I finally bought it at Target. This book has all my favorite characteristics. Fast-paced?

Check. Addictive plot? Double check. And an intensely entertaining love triangle? Triple check. This is one of my favorite series I read ever, and that's surprising considering that I don't usually like reading mysteries much. All the characters are interesting and well developed (Xander Hawthorne is the best, fight me).

If you're looking for a mysterious route this season, this trilogy is for you! (click here for more information)

“If there's one thing the Hawthorne family isn't, it's fine. They were a twisted, broken mess before you got here, and they'll be a twisted, broken mess once you're gone.”

Still not convinced? Watch this video:

Video by naisha

Divine Rivals - Rebecca Ross

Genre: Romantasy

Goodreads Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.15 stars)

Honestly, there's not much I can say about the plot without spoiling it, so I'll just say the basics. Iris Winnow is having a really hard time right now. Her brother, Forest, left to serve in the Gods war, leaving her stuck in a messy apartment with her alcoholic mother. It doesn't help that Roman Kitt, her coworker at the Oath Gazette, is constantly trying to be better than her so he can get the columnist promotion, even though she is a better writer and needs it more than him.

One night, Iris uses her typewriter to write a letter to her brother and sends it through a portal from under her wardrobe. She usually doesn't get a response, but tonight? She does. But it's not from her brother...

My Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)

At first, I only picked this book up because I saw that it was a love story between two journalists, which aligned with my interests because I wanted to become a journalist, and I saw the enemies/academic rivals to lovers TikToks. What I was not expecting was for this to become one of my favorite romance reads of 2025. It's technically dual POV and the back-and-forth letters that they send to each other are so sweet and wholesome. Hot take: Roman Kitt is one of the best so called "book boyfriends" I've ever read so far, if not the best.

If you're into a wholesome yet heart aching rivals to lovers with one of the best magical systems and an amazing love interest, The Letters of Enchantment is perfect for you! (click here for more information)

“It’s not a crime to feel joy, even when things seem hopeless. Iris, look at me. You deserve all the happiness in the world. And I intend to see that you have it.”

You know by now that I love a good spoiler-free review, so here's another:

Video by Elliot Brooks

Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan

Genre: Fantasy/Action

Goodreads Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.31 stars)

Percy Jackson was always known as a "troubled kid." Expelled from six schools, blowing up a bus with a cannon, and getting pulled out of nearly every class definitely didn’t help. But when he overhears his best friend, Grover, talking with his Latin teacher, Mr. Brunner, about how they need to keep him alive over the summer, Percy realizes he might actually be in real danger.

By the time Grover drags him off to a special summer camp called Camp Half-Blood, Percy’s life is officially anything but normal. Turns out he’s not just a “troubled kid” after all… he’s a demigod.

My Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5 stars)

Look, I didn't want to be obsessed with this series. The same friend who I mentioned in the earlier review would constantly talk about this book, and I would be absolutely clueless. She encouraged me to read it, and I have to thank her for that, because this series is what made me love reading in the first place.

So, let's get to the actual review; like I said, I wasn't expecting to love this book so much because I didn't read a lot at the time. I think it was a combination of Percy's sassy narrations, the fast-paced plot, the fight scenes, and the humor that pulled me in. Also, this whole book evolves around Greek Mythology, but it actually makes it interesting.

Camp Half Blood also is such a cool place, especially with the cabins being associated with each god (like I would be in Cabin 11, because I'm a Hermes child. If you take one of the quizzes, do not take the one on Riordan's site). It’s hard to even put into words how amazing this book is. You'll just have to read it yourself to find out.

If you love classics like Harry Potter or love Greek Mythology stories like EPIC: The Musical, this book is a must-read for this season. Actually, it's a must-read for everyone, so make sure to check it out! (click here for more information).

“Even strength must bow to wisdom sometimes.”

Here's another review, but on the whole series (you'll need it):

Video by fictionalfates

The Takeaway

Whether you're stuck in a reading slump right now or want to get into reading and don't know where to start, I hope this guide helped you find what books you're interested in. Stories like these remind me of why I love reading: the escape, emotions, unforgettable characters, and worlds that you never want to leave. So this fall, make time for yourself and pick up a book. Trust me, it's worth it.