Are you looking for a fresh new read to kick off the fall season? Whether you’re craving a thrilling mystery or a heartwarming love story, this list of 10 new September fiction releases has something for every type of reader!
1. Best Woman by Rose Dommu
Releasing on September 25th, Best Woman is a literary fiction that follows Julia Rosenberg as she opts to leave her glamorous New York life to become her brother’s “best woman” at his Florida wedding. But as Julia dodges her messy hometown hookup, manages her complicated family dynamics, and rekindles her long lost crush on the maid of honor, her week turns into chaos fueled by just one small lie. Both heartfelt and hilarious, Best Woman is a queer coming of age tale that takes a modern twist on My Best Friend’s Wedding that explores themes of identity, love, and the chaos of having to grow up all over again.
“This is a beautiful story of family, found family, queerness, a celebration of malls, Boca, and love in all its forms.”
From Tell on Goodreads
2. What a Time To Be Alive by Jade Chang
Releasing on September 30th, What a Time To Be Alive is a literary fiction that follows Lola Treasure Gold as she finds herself broke and back in her childhood cottage after the sudden death of her close friend. But when a viral video deems her the unexpected face of a self-help revolution, Lola finds herself embracing the fame as she wrestles with her grief, the accusation of exploitation, and the mystery of her deported mother’s disappearance that continues to haunt her. Filled with both razor-sharp satire and a heartwarming exploration of identity, What a Time to Be Alive asks us if we can confront life’s chaos and still choose love in the thick of it.
“There is plenty of entertaining drama in this novel, but the undertones of how we view and judge these famed folks is a great lesson to everyone whether it’s us who go viral overnight or if we just stay the ones on the other side of the screen that judge.”
From Ellen Ross on Goodreads
3. Will There Ever Be Another You by Patricia Lockwood
Releasing on September 23rd, Will There Ever Be Another You is a literary fiction that follows an unnamed narrator as she battles a mysterious illness that twists her memory, perception of the world, and sense of self. As she questions everything from her friendships and past to her grip on reality, she is forced to explore her identity as it unravels in real time. With dark humor and poetic voice, Will There Ever Be Another You conveys the dizzying experience of living in reality when the past slips away while asking what it means to survive even when your mind no longer feels your own.
“This book is described in its synopsis as “brain-shredding” and that is absolutely true and it makes almost no sense at all but occasionally it makes more sense than anything in the world and that’s saying a lot because nothing in the world makes sense right now.”
From Corrie Liotta on Goodreads
4. Boy From the North Country by Sam Sussman
Releasing on September 16th comes a literary fiction that follows 26-year-old Evan Klausner as he returns to his family’s isolated farmhouse to take care of his dying mother. But as he explores the farmhouse, he discovers a flood of long-buried truths about her mysterious past, such as the identity of his father, who could possibly be Bob Dylan, and the stories that have shaped his life. As Evan’s mother starts to open up during her final days, he is forced to unravel the complicated legacy that she leaves behind.
“The lack of sentimentality, the clear-eyed conveyance of the narrative, means that moments are hard to read (as they should be), but maintain an iron grip on the reader’s emotions. We die and are reborn alongside Evan.”
From Altair Brandon-Salmon on Goodreads
5. No Rest For the Wicked by Rachel Louise Adams
Releasing on September 16th is Rachel Louise Allen’s debut thriller that is packed full of family secrets, buried trauma, and sinister celebrations. No Rest For the Wicked follows forensic pathologist Dolores Hawthorne as she is called back to her Halloween-obsessed hometown to investigate the disappearance of her father. As she works to confront the dark history that she worked hard to leave behind, the town begins preparations for the infamous Halloween festivities. But when secrets begin to come to light and Dolores realizes that trusting anyone in town can be deadly, she is forced to make a decision that could lead to her untimely fate.
“The vibes were immaculate, small town that is absurdly obsessed with Halloween, two legacy family’s feuding in the midst of a murder mystery / serial killer spree .. what more can you actually ask for?!”
From Heathers_readss on Goodreads
6. Hot Wax by M.L. Rio
Releasing on September 9th is a new thriller from best-selling author M.L. Rio. Hot Wax follows ten-year-old Suzanne in the summer of 1989 as she is pulled into her father Gil’s wild world of rock n roll fame, full of band rivalries. But when she witnesses a violent act, she vows never to return, and she spends decades working to escape her past as she settles into her quiet suburban life. But when her father unexpectedly dies, she leaves her husband, Rob, to travel cross-country with two wanderers as she seeks answers and rediscovers her wild spirit that she once thought was lost.
“M.L. Rio is a rock god, and this has cemented her greatness in my mind. I’ll read anything she writes forever.”
From Jenna on Goodreads
7. The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell
Releasing on September 16th comes a romance that follows Tess Bright as she lands her dream role in a Northanger Abbey adaptation that gives her the opportunity to prove herself and honor her late mother. But her co-star, Hugh Balfour, is a snobbish and far from easy person to work with, and when an electrical accident sends them hurtling back 200 years to Jane Austen’s Regency era, they must come together to navigate history. Using their wit and unexpected chemistry, Hugh and Tess work to find a way home in this charming rom-com that is all about second chances, love, and is a timeless tribute to Jane Austen’s literary genius.
“I cried two times and misted a third because the Jane vibes were really vibing. When I say ‘I’m very fond of walking’ and no one gets it, I shall turn to this book for solace therein.”
From Jillian on Goodreads
8. Pitcher Perfect by Tessa Bailey
The fourth book in best-selling author Tessa Bailey’s series releases September 9th. Pitcher Perfect follows Boston Bearcats rookie Robbie Corrigan, who seems to be living the dream he’s always wanted. That is, until he meets Skylar Paige, a competitive Division 1 softball pitcher who is immune to his typical charm. But when Skylar recruits Robbie to become her fake boyfriend to help win over her crush, their playful arrangement turns into something so much deeper. As unexpected feelings begin to spark, Robbie and Skylar are forced to navigate trust and competition as what once started as a game turns into a steamy romance that neither of them saw coming.
“This book had everything I love about a Tessa Bailey book: the silliness, the goofiness, the good time vibes. I ate it up. Fake dating is a top tier trope and I loved the way it was used here!”
From brazenandbookish on Goodreads
9. Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross
Releasing on September 2nd is a fantasy that follows Matilda, a young goddess with a special type of messenger magic, as she hides a dangerous secret that could get her killed. But when she reappears in the life of a mortal who once dreamed of her, named Vincent, fate once again pushes them together. But when their paths intertwine in a world where gods fight for power and trust doesn’t come easily, Matilda is forced to choose between her survival and vulnerability and discover if duty or the possibility of love is more important.
“I will forever be amazed by rebecca’s writing. the ending truly had me eyes wide and jaw on the floor. the wardrobe, the letter, the typewriters, the infamous vows…. set centuries before divine rivals and somehow everything tied together so perfect; the parallels were genius.”
From liz on Goodreads
10. Thief of Night by Holly Black
On September 23rd, the highly anticipated sequel to the bestselling fantasy novel Book of Night will be released. In Thief of Night, readers are returned to the dark and dazzling world of shadow magic to follow Charlie Hall, a con artist who’s always been a bit questionable and too willing to make bad decisions more than once. But this time, she’s not just attempting to steal secrets; she’s out to steal back a heart that once was hers. Now with darkness closing in, Charlie must defeat powerful enemies, betrayals, and finally confront the truth of who she’s become.
“I know I keep saying it, but this book is so good, it is one of my top books so far this year. Holly Black is magic.”
From Mandy Webb on Goodreads
Whether you’re looking for a new read or to return to a world you’ve already fallen in love with, these September releases offer unforgettable journeys that will stick with you long after the final page.
Need to catch up on past releases? Check out our article, Coming In Hot: July Fiction Releases You Need to Read!
Find these new releases and more on our Bookshop 2025 New Releases You Need to Grab Today bookshelf!
