Does it feel like the months are flying by all of a sudden? Do you feel it too? It’s kinda’ like how quickly the toilet paper roll disappears when you get towards the end, no? Just me? Well, we have some incredible selections in this month’s Frolic Favorite reads arsenal. Gather up your Halloween candy and prepare to add to your steadily growing TBR pile!
Donna Soluri | The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller
Set in 1875, The Widow of Rose House is not just my favorite read of October, it may well be my favorite read of 2019. This historical romance, set in the gilded age of New York, is equal parts mystery, paranormal and gothic in feel. Our heroine, the recently scandalized and widowed Alva Webster, is back from spending a mourning period in France with the hopes of landing a book deal chronicling her adventures in renovating a mysterious old, rundown house. Our hero, oh, our hero is Professor Sam Moore. He is a delicious genius with a penchant for ghost hunting. Sam is scientific at his core, his interest in ghosts runs more of the explanation of energies path, than the typical paranormal stint. However, he quickly learns you don’t mess with spirits when the woman you’ve fallen head over heels in love with can fall prey to their mind manipulations.
Oh yes, The Widow of Rose House is a brilliantly written story with characters that will immediately endear you. Alva is a smart, capable, determined woman who simply wants to get on with her life after years in an abusive marriage. Sam is the perfect hero. He recognizes Alva’s worth immediately and also respects her need to make it on her own, to fight her own battles. He is willing to wait, albeit at the ready at all times until she recognizes she’s fallen in love with him as much as he has with her. And don’t get me started on the chemistry these two have. The heat simmers beneath the surface and then explodes onto the page in a way that will leave you breathless. The love of a good man is a glorious thing, something our dear Alva has never experienced. The secondary characters are a dream cast. Also, I do hope Ms. Biller will give us more; Sam’s family is nothing if not exciting…with a touch of explosive!
Bree Hill | The Headmaster by Tiffany Reisz
My favorite October read goes to The Headmaster. You think you kind of have things figured out, and then the ending comes, and you realize aside from it being the mix of heartwarming and sexy, just how paranormal it is. An unexpected ghost story. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since I finished it!
Mary Dube | Down Too Deep by J. Daniels
Prepare yourself to feel absolutely everything when you read one of my favorite books of 2019 – J. Daniels’ Down Too Deep. You do not want to miss this emotional, sexy, and utterly sigh-worthy romance in which a tortured single dad, Nate, finds redemption and love again with an endearing single mom, Jenna, and her adorable twins. Their relationship begins with Jenna offers to help Nate by Babysitting his daughter, and she’s like a life raft to him. He’s been struggling to deal with guilt over his wife’s death two years ago while also trying to manage parenting by himself and running his busy restaurant. He and Jenna have an awkward beginning that quickly turns into an easy, supportive friendship, and although they are extremely attracted to one another, Nate still holds back. But Jenna proves to be precisely the catalyst he needs to heal, and he is certain to be on a lot of book-boyfriend lists this year. Their three children add charm and a ton of heart to this absolutely captivating romance, and I cannot recommend Down Too Deep enough.
Lisa Ward | The Stopover by T.L. Swan
The Stopover is the first standalone book in the Miles High Club Series by T.L. Swan.
This story had some of my favorite elements in a romance; witty banter, a little suspense, a hero who can be grouchy, but also swoony sweet, a heroine who is smart, strong-willed, as well as funny, and fantastic secondary characters.
The Stopover immediately pulled me in from the very beginning. The couple’s off the charts chemistry, and frequent bickering endeared them to me. I missed them both as soon as it ended.
Aurora Dominguez | House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig
In this dramatic “Twelve Dancing Princesses” fairy tale retelling, a group of sisters is cursed in a dramatic seaside village as they are constantly in mourning due to a series of tragic deaths. Expect spooks, beautiful atmospheric imagery, and quite the ending! The book had me turning each page in anticipation, and I am hoping you will make it a favorite read for any upcoming month that you are in the mood for romance, mystery, and all in all creepy tales. It’ll mostly make you wonder…what’s going on and who might be next.Â
Alexandra Someillan | Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell
Pumpkinheads was the first graphic novel I have read in a while, and this book was the perfect start. This story about two friends working in the last shift of the pumpkin patch was one of the fluffiest fall reads I have ever read! My fall loving heart was filled with joy as I read about the pumpkin patch of my dreams that practically seemed like I was reading about a theme park. There were amazing attractions in the Pumpkin Patch such as the Pumpkin Drop, a S’ mores Pit, yummy fall treats galore, and did I mention a place called a Pumpkin Bomb where you can get a pumpkin pie slice on a stick smothered in vanilla ice cream and chocolate?! Pumpkinheads put a smile on my face when I was having a rough day, and I hope it does the same for you.
Frolic Media Co-Founder Sarah Penna | The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis
This isn’t my normal genre and isn’t a classic romance novel with an HEA so be forewarned, but it is a satisfying adventure story that manages to seamlessly blend dystopian, fantasy, action, romance and western into a compelling tale of sisterhood and survival. The world building is fantastic and the characters are strong, dynamic and exciting.
What was your favorite read this October? Let us know in the comments.
