Fall is less than a week a way, spooky season is starting to creep in, and it’s my birthday month! With so much happening, it feels like the perfect time to dive into September’s popular Berkley romance releases. Thank you to Berkley Romance for the free books!

The Princess and the P.I. by Nikki Payne
Pub Date: 9/16/25

Fiona Addai, a famed Reddit detective, finds herself accused of murder when her attempt to expose a ruthless corporation goes wrong. With P.I. Maurice Bennett reluctantly by her side, she has to clear her name while picking up some real detective skills and maybe catching unexpected sparks along the way.

When I heard that Nikki Payne had a new book coming out, I was so excited! I loved her modern Jane Austen retellings and couldn’t wait to see her take a different direction with The Princess & the P.I. I didn’t realize until after finishing the book that Maurice was the younger Bennett brother which made the cameo appearances from the Bennett family even more fun. Fiona was such a great FMC. I really enjoyed watching her character grow as she navigated her strained family relationships. The audiobook narration by Arissa Evans and Jaime Lincoln Smith was fantastic and they truly brought the story to life. The only part that didn’t quite work for me was the chemistry between Fiona and Maurice, but I still thought they made a great team as partners in solving the mystery. As for the mystery itself, Nikki Payne did a terrific job tying everything together with a satisfying ending. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

The Heartbreak Hotel by Ellen O’Clover
Pub Date: 9/23/25

Reeling from heartbreak and unable to afford her Colorado home after a breakup, Louisa Walsh convinces her landlord Henry to let her stay by turning it into a bed-and-breakfast for the heartbroken. As the Comeback Inn opens its doors, Lou and Henry are drawn together even as secrets threaten their fragile new beginning.

The Heartbreak Hotel is the first book I’ve read by Ellen O’Clover. Unfortunately, this was a miss for me. The story started off strong, but by the midpoint the pacing slowed and the plot took an odd turn. I did enjoy the vivid Colorado setting and the cozy details of the house which gave the book some charm. The story is told entirely from Lou’s perspective. Her chemistry with Henry is nonexistent. Lou’s character growth is nonexistent which was frustrating. I wanted much more depth from Henry. The supporting characters and their personal journeys were the only aspects that held my interest. This book should also come with clear content warnings which were noticeably absent. Overall, this one is skippable.

Soul Searching by Lyla Sage
Pub Date: 9/30/25

Collins Cartwright returns to Sweetwater Peak to help save her parents’ antique shop, but the ghosts she has always relied on have suddenly gone quiet. When she rents a room from newcomer Brady Cooper, their growing connection and a little push from the spirits make her wonder if home might be exactly where she belongs.

Soul Searching is the first book in the Sweetwater Peak series. When Lyla mentioned that this would take place in a neighboring town to Rebel Blue Ranch and include paranormal elements, I was super excited. I loved how she kept the familiar charm of a western small town while also expanding her writing style in new ways. The duet narration by Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor was fantastic and really brought the story to life. Collins and her family were fascinating. I enjoyed seeing the world through her perspective. I just wish there had been more interaction with the ghosts and more depth in that aspect. It was also fun to see cameo appearances from some of the Wilder family. I was glad to get Brady’s perspective, but his character felt underdeveloped and his chapters did not land as strongly for me. I was craving more insight into his personality. While the natural chemistry between Collins and Brady was sweet, the tension I was hoping for was missing. Overall, I would rate this 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars on Goodreads. I am excited for the next book in the series and really hope it features Collins’ twin sister, Clarke.