⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ PERFECT FALL ROMANCE

This book had me laughing, giggling, and even tearing up—sometimes all in the same chapter. The chemistry between the characters was instant and electric, but what really set it apart was the touch of magic woven into the story. Harper being clairvoyant added such a unique and whimsical layer that made the romance feel even more fated and special.

The steamy scenes? Absolute perfection—just the right amount of heat without overpowering the heart of the story. And those wedding scenes? Total swoon-fest. They were written so beautifully I found myself re-reading them just to soak in the emotion again.

I loved every moment with these characters and honestly didn’t want it to end. Lyra Parish gave us something magical, romantic, and emotionally rich. I need more!

This was a really warm and cozy romance read. It came with all the autumn themed elements I love! It made feel lighthearted, emotional, hopeful and relaxed. It even gave me some really good laughs! I loved the characters in the story and felt that even the minor characters stood out! I could really feel the chemistry between the two main characters. This novel is not just filled with pumpkins, fall festivities, and leaves falling, it also comes with spice! Looking at the cover, I would have never guessed that there would be any spicy scenes between the main characters! Fake dating to real feelings is what happens in this billionaire, small town romance comedy! This book reminded me of a hallmark movie, but with spice! I just wanted to grab a cup of warm tea, a big blanket and read this book that’s full of coziness! Overall, I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars!

“Fall I Want” is the first book in the “Cozy Creek Collection”. They can be read as a stand alone or in order. In this first novel, it revolves around a woman named Autumn and a billionaire guy named Zane. They both meet at Cozy Creek. Zane ends up being Autumn’s fake boyfriend, to protect Autumn, because her ex boyfriend had returned. This fake relationship starts turning into something real and a connection between Autumn and Zane develops! This small town comes with a compelling storyline and a happily ever after ending, leaving you wanting more!

This book is perfect for readers who love great autumn romance novels that have emotional depth to it! Content warnings include emotional turbulence and sexual content.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Lyra Parish and Avon and Harper Voyager for this digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book’s new edition is expected to be released on August 19, 2025!

I have such mixed feelings.

1. Relief. I saw a couple reviews mentioning the end going weird and I was so worried it was going to be a dream or just her book being written. So when that didn’t happen, relief. Loathe that trope.

2. Aww. The incredibly hopeless romantic in me had a couple giggly, feet kicking moments. Probably more than I’d want to admit 😅

3. Okay that’s enough. Like the instalove instaloved too hard and too fast and then it just was. Forever. Without any conflict. I kept waiting for literally anything to raise the stakes at least a time bit, but conflict was nowhere. Almost every single character redeemed themselves to everyone and skipped off into the sunset.

4. Magic? It’s contemporary but also fairy taleesque with everyone having some belief in the witchy and no one doubting it ever? Like not even one naysayer? Wild behavior.

5. “Show, don’t tell.” This was drilled into me so hard in college and I didn’t aleast excel but this book told every single thing. We are in a beautiful cozy town and the main character is a writer. I’d love to have a little more visualization instead of being explicitly told every thing.

It’s got positive aspects. The idea was there - the execution wasn’t. It could have been a great as a novella, maybe?

Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this!

I am so excited to buy this because 1) the cover and edges?? are you kidding?? and 2) I ate this up so so much!!

Book Review: Fall I Want by Lyra Parish
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.

If a book could smell like cinnamon, feel like a knit sweater, and wrap you up like a favorite blanket, it would be Fall I Want. Lyra Parish delivers a story that’s sweet, steamy, and bursting with fall magic. From the opening pages, I could feel the crisp air of Cozy Creek, hear the crunch of leaves underfoot, and practically taste the pumpkin spice in every cozy coffee shop scene. This isn’t just a small-town romance—it’s a seasonal escape, full of heart, heat, and healing.

The story begins when Autumn, a barista with a bruised heart and dreams on hold, crosses paths with Zane Alexander—a billionaire running from the wreckage of his past. Their meet-cute is anything but smooth; Zane is curt, dismissive, and way too honest about his opinion of Autumn’s coffee. But like many great romances, their tension quickly turns into curiosity, then connection. What starts as annoyed strangers turns into a fake dating scheme when Autumn’s ex resurfaces, and Zane steps in to play protective boyfriend. Only, he’s too good at it. Too convincing. And neither of them can deny that the pretend part fades fast.

I’ve read plenty of fake dating romances, but this one charmed me because it never relied on manufactured drama. There’s no big betrayal or misunderstanding. Instead, the conflict lives in the characters themselves—in their past hurts, fears, and desire for something safe and real. Zane is the “he falls first” hero to his core. His love is intense, immediate, and total. Autumn is more cautious, burned by past love and unsure she’s ready for something new. Their relationship builds slowly, naturally, with just enough friction to feel earned.

One of my favorite elements of the book was the subtle thread of magical realism. Autumn has dreamt of Zane—literally—for years, and when he walks into her coffee shop, there’s a strange familiarity she can’t explain. Zane’s psychic sister adds to the mystical undertone, nudging the plot forward in unexpected but tender ways. These moments never overtake the story but add just enough sparkle to make the romance feel fated. It’s a soft kind of magic, the kind that feels like believing in love at first sight without needing to question it.

The setting of Cozy Creek is a character in itself. Parish brings the town to life with hayrides, haunted houses, cider stands, and group texts named after the Hocus Pocus witches. Every detail feels intentional and immersive, making it a book you want to read slowly, savoring each page like a seasonal treat. Autumn’s friend group adds depth and warmth, and it’s easy to imagine future books springing from these side characters’ lives (and if they do—I’m in).

Zane’s character arc was a highlight. Yes, he’s rich, hot, and wildly generous, but he’s also nursing grief and regret from his past, especially around his mother’s death. His vulnerability gives the story weight. He’s not just another alpha billionaire who throws money at problems—though he does that too. He’s someone trying to make up for the ways he’s shut people out, and it’s through Autumn that he learns how to open his heart again. One of the most memorable lines from the book is when he says, “I should keep my broken heart in check, but instead, I fight for love that feels like magic.” That perfectly sums up Zane’s emotional journey. He’s all in, even when he’s scared.

That said, the book isn’t without its flaws. The pacing stumbles a bit in the second half. Once Autumn and Zane acknowledge their feelings and enter full-blown relationship mode, the plot loses momentum. There’s a stretch of the book where declarations of love and spicy scenes repeat without much forward movement. The tension that drove the first half fizzles, and I found myself wishing for more stakes or surprises. The story also leans heavily into idealized love, which might not be for every reader. Some moments felt more like fantasy fulfillment than grounded romance. But if you’re in the mood for swoon and sugar? This book brings it.

And yes, the spice is real. The chemistry between Autumn and Zane is undeniable, and the intimate scenes are frequent and explicit. It’s not over-the-top for the genre, but it’s definitely more open-door than closed. The physical connection between the characters mirrors their emotional closeness, though at times it slightly overshadows the plot.

Despite the softness of the setting and the romance, there’s real emotional growth here. Autumn’s journey—learning to trust again, to believe she’s worth loving, and to pursue her creative dreams—is satisfying and sincere. Zane’s transformation from guarded loner to devoted partner feels authentic, especially in the quiet moments between them when they talk about fear, loss, and hope.

By the end, Fall I Want delivered exactly what I hoped for: a romance that made me smile, a town I wanted to live in, and characters I rooted for. It’s cozy but not cheesy, spicy but still sweet, and the perfect book to curl up with on a chilly evening. Light a candle, grab a blanket, and let yourself believe in love that arrives when you least expect it—preferably holding a latte and a haunted house key. 4.5/5⭐️

Okay, when I first picked this book, I thought it was going to be a cutesy rom-com, which it is! But also, HOLY spice balls was it hottttttttt🥵🔥

Autumn and Zane are such a cute magical couple! They have that two people from different worlds who balance and lift each other up kinda relationship.
Aside from our adorable main couple, I really enjoyed the other relationships in the books. I love how the book describes how Zane is going through his grief even years after losing his mom. I enjoyed the journey they both went through forgiveness and realizing that in order to find their HEA, they needed to wade through the rough times. I honestly didn't expect to love it the way that I did!

Overall, it is a really great read! Definitely the right balance of sweet and heartwarming moments with smoking hot spicy scenes to keep ya wanting more. It was exactly what I needed to get me into a cozy ready for fall vibe even though it is still July! 🍂✨️

Fall I Want by Lyra Parish is like autumn in book form—crisp, cozy, and totally irresistible. The chemistry? Scorching. The banter? Chef’s kiss. It’s the kind of romance that makes you want to curl up in a hoodie, sip something pumpkin-spiced, and believe in love all over again.

This was such a fun book! It gives off hallmark movie vibes! I loved the witty banter of this book also!

This book starts out strong with super cute, fall cozy vibes. Its a billionaire, small town romance that reminds you of a Hallmark movie. But after a while there was no more tension and a lot more spice, which made the book drag in the end. I'd say pick this up if you just want all the sweet (and spicy) romance with no drama just vibes. But personally I would have preferred if it was shortened or had a bit more layers of depth to the plot.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

This book was so adorable. It was like your typical romance book but also wasn't. Like you're typical romance. Boy meets girl. They try to deny their feelings but eventually give in. But unlike your typical romance. These two don't experience that big bad time/event that they need to fight through to find their way back to each other or to stay together. Instead, you get a couple who both have their own side dramas and traumas they have to overcome but they do it while growing together as a couple. It's so wholesome and adorable. And the spice thrown in is just a great bonus.

“He can slap my butt and call me pumpkin”

Fall I Want is such a cute read. Autumn and Zane are adorable together and I love the funny moments between them. This is the perfect book for a cozy fall read. I’m giving it 4/5 stars. The paperback edition with beautiful stenciled edges releases on August 18th!

This book literally epitomizes fall. Like anything fall you can think of- this book has it. It is cozy and cute with a side of spooky clairvoyance. If you ever watched the show The Good Witch- this is giving those vibes and I am OBSESSED.

We get a low drama, fake dating, he falls first and harder story with a billionaire MMC all wrapped up in this cozy spooky small town and I could not have loved it more.

The girl group of friends- LOVE. Could not love them more. The fact that their text thread is called the Sanderson Sisters- if I hadn't already been in love, I would have been then.

I for sure will be reading this again in the fall!

This story follows Autumn and Zane in a whirlwind fall romance.

Their love story is very fast-paced and seems to be rooted in a sort of "too good to be true", fairytale-esque vibe. While refreshing in the way Autumn wholeheartedly accepts Zane's doting and spoiling of her, it is rather difficult to accept his treatment of employees and staff. He often parades his family name to get his way and throws money at any inconvenience. This may work in favor of the "fairytale prince" vibe, sweeping in to make her life easier, but it left me desiring a lot more depth from his character.

Overall, this book is a nice, quick read. If someone is looking for quick gratification and a hint of magic in a spooky season romance, this would be the one.

Fall I Want started off strong with a cozy, engaging setup and promising chemistry between the leads. The first half delivered on the fall vibes and had me hooked. However, the second half lost some momentum for me—the pacing felt rushed, with frequent love declarations and a quick marriage timeline that made it harder to stay grounded in the story. I’m a fan of billionaire romances and the tropes here had potential, but I found myself missing the seasonal charm and emotional balance that made the beginning so enjoyable. Looking forward to seeing how Lyra Parish’s future works evolve!

Very cozy fall vibes! This was an easy read and had all the fall staples you want to read about. Zane and Autumn were drawn to each other immediately and it’s always fun to read about a billionaire spoiling their partner!

This book is marketed as a hallmark movie in a book and that’s exactly what you're going to get. It was cute and fluffy with not a lot of substance. And I don’t mean that in a bad way!! This is also sold as a fake dating book and let me tell you… the fake dating only happens for .5 seconds. Don’t get me wrong, I can like a book for what it is and have fun. I don’t need a book to be a mind blowing, changing the world kind of book to love it. Where this book falls short for me is deffo in the dialogue. There were so many points in the book where it was like…. Have these characters ever had a conversation with a person before? There were times where phrasing was just so awkward and stilted that it took me out of the story. With that being said, i did have fun! It was super cheesy (like i expect a hallmark movie to be) Be prepared, you are going to get insta-love, everything magically working out, and lots of fluff, just like a hallmark movie!

This is great for you if you want a light and easy read to get you in the fall mood! Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager and the author for an ARC for my honest review :)

Five stars. This is the first book in the cozy Creek series, and the series will forever have my heart.. I adore Lyra Parish’s writing style, and I can’t wait to read more in the series and with the author. 10/10 recommend.

The cover just broadcasts the cozy fall reads. If you want to read during the changing of the seasons. I've become a bit of a seasonal reader and it is a really fun way to enjoy a book if you can time it right.

A lighthearted and wonderful connection between Autumn and Zane. These stories of fake dating to real dating are a show of connection. You know someone so much better when you build that trust with someone else. Reasons why ex's should stay ex's. The other road block is finding out what you want for yourself and sometimes that shows up in a different way that expected.

I loved the beginning of the book. I loved the idea of the book as well. The only thing that really threw me off was how it obsessed they were with each other. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed to book but there was just a bit something that I didn’t sit with me. If. I could put into words what it was I could.
With that being said I still really enjoyed the book and everything that happened. The fate things with the friend and sister was what really caught my eye through the book. It was a good romance although I wanted a bit more of a fall vibe.
Overall 4 stars! Thanks for the ARC!

Fall I Want had such a promising start. I was completely hooked by the cozy fall vibes, the small-town charm, and the instant connection between Autumn and Zane. The first half of the book felt like the perfect seasonal romance—sweet, warm, and just the right amount of emotional depth. I was all in.
Once the characters fell in love, the story seemed to stall. The second half of the book became a nonstop loop of love confessions and over-the-top affection. Every interaction turned into a proclamation of undying love, and the pacing just dragged. Don't get me. wrong, I still had a good time,but I definitely think the story would’ve benefited from being a bit shorter and tighter in the second half.
The romance escalated unbelievably fast. It felt more like a teenager’s fantasy of whirlwind love than a romance between adults in their 30s. Despite Autumn’s past heartbreaks, her decision-making felt rushed.
One of my favorite parts was the side characters—Harper, Julie, and the town locals added so much life and heart to the story. They made the world feel welcoming .