Happy Fall Y’all! Is it a coincidence that October books drop on the first day south Texas has a high in the 80s? I think not! I love summer, but Fall is the season I thrive in and I am ready for all the spooky vibes!
This month there are 7 main books to choose and 2 add-on picks. Of the 9 books, I have copies of 6 of the releases and have read 3 of this months picks so far. I’ll be sure to link my reviews below!
One of my favorite things about BOTM is finding new debut to read. While we have books from 2 repeat authors, the fact that we have 4 this month makes my little heart happy. Since October is spooky month, I’m excited to see some magical, paranormal, and witchy vibe books as options. Keep scrolling to see which ones I have read already and what I’m putting in my box!
If you are still looking for something to read be sure to check out some of my Most Anticipated New Releases lists. If you’re looking for add-ons to put into your boxes be sure to check out my BOTM add-on recommendations, which I update every couple of months.
October MOST ANTICIPATED
Fall 2022 MOST ANTICIPATED
BOTM ADD-ON GUIDE
**Quick shameless plug: In the middle of August our SPEAKING_BOOKS Instagram account was disabled by IG. I have filed countless appeals to try and get my account back (that I’ve had for 4+years ) and have only gotten vague and generic responses. If you like reading my rambles, I would love for you to follow my new account @SPEAKINGOF.BOOKS.**
October BOTM Picks
October Add-Ons
My Box
I already have copies of Hester, The Family Game, and Foul Lady Fortune. I have not read these three yet, so will be skipping getting a physical copy. I have heard nothing but good things about Hester though I’m a bit hesitate on it, because Gothic books are not always my favorite. With that said it’s a Scarlett Letter retellings, and while it makes references to the classic, you don’t need to have read Nathanial Hawthorne’s story to enjoy this one. I’ve also heard good things about Foul Lady Fortune. It is the first in a YA duology series and has been on my radar for a bit. Chloe Gong is a repeat author, and her first BOTM book These Violet Delights is still available to get from BOTM. The Family Game is the quintessential BOTM thriller and is a safe option for my thriller lovers.
I have read Spells for Forgetting, Sign Here, and The Kiss Curse. I really enjoyed The Ex Hex last year and was stoked to get an ARC of The Kiss Curse. But it really didn’t do much for me. The plot line was almost an after thought and the chemistry just wasn’t there for the main characters for me. You don’t have to have read The Ex Hex to read the second in the series but if you didn’t enjoy the first one, you most certainly won’t enjoy the second. I have the BOTM version of The Ex Hex and while I love matching books, I didn’t like this one near enough to pick up a hardcopy.
The Kiss Curse Review
Spells for Forgetting is 100% will give you all the fall vibes and is purely an atmospheric read. I enjoyed the book but felt that the ‘magic’ wasn’t fully fleshed out and the pacing was a bit off for me. Still enjoyable and is great if you like slow burn stories with a mysterious atmosphere.
Spells for Forgetting review
Sign Here was such a fun read! One of the genre listings for it is ‘horror’ and while it takes place particular in ‘Hell’, I wouldn’t consider this to be a scary or horror read. Paranormal fiction with a mystery tied in is more what you should expect. It gave me all ‘The Good Place’ vibes, and is the one I recommend the most of this month’s picks. At least from the ones I’ve read so far. It’s a debut so a perfect pick for the BOTM challenge.
Sign Here REview
Of the remaining three options, I decided to skip Jacqueline in Paris. I have not been in a historical fiction mood lately, so while it seems interesting, it would probably just sit on my shelf. Both Thistlefoot and As Long as the Lemon Trees grow are on my Most Anticipated List, so I’m excited to see them as picks this month!
That’s what’s in my box this month! Did we pick any of the same books this month? Let me know in the comments below or over on my Instagram HERE.
I thought BOTM nailed it this month, I think I’ll eventually read all of these. I picked Sign Here (mainly because I’m not sure where else it will even be available for purchase.) And The Kiss Curse (because I really liked The Ex Hex and wanted a light witchy book for October.) I put library holds on all the others.
Loved Sign Here. I really like The Ex Hex last year but found The Kiss Curse to be not as good. I hope you enjoy them!
I was so excited to see 7 options this month and also glad there’s add-ons! I chose Sign Here as my BOTM and added on You’re Invited, which I had been wanting and didn’t choose a previous month—so excited for my box to arrive!
Spells For Forgetting was already sold out so I didn’t even realize it was an add-on until reading your post! I hope they get more so I can add it in a future month!
I heard they might. But we shall see!
Same!! I think 7 is a good number 😂 but really I think it makes it easier to provide something for all different genres.