Falling for You

by Emily Maple

An irresistible autumn romance to sweep you off your feet. Perfect for fans of Beth O'Leary, Catherine Walsh, and Laurie Gilmore's Pumpkin Spice Cafe.

‘Cosy, happy and heartwarming - joy in book form’ Daisy Buchanan

‘I inhaled this absolute gem of a story in a few greedy sittings. Romantic, funny and poignant’ Nicola Gill

I LOVE autumn. It’s my favourite season – the crisp October air, the smell of pumpkin-spiced lattes, wearing my bright red hand-knitted scarf and beanie. But most of all, I love the costume I made for tonight’s Halloween party. I’m going as a bat, with huge, pop-out wings.

I didn’t expect to impale someone with them though… Or to become so entangled I rip the shirt of the most gorgeously warm-eyed man I’ve ever seen. Or, in fact, to spend all night talking to him before he gets an emergency phone call and dashes off without swapping numbers.

I’ve fallen for a mystery man. Now I just have to find him again…
______________

Praise for Falling For You . . .

'The perfect cosy read with all the autumnal vibes - warm, witty, romantic, with all the Halloween fun, what more could you want?' Emily Stone

'Funny, wise and heartfelt... Grab a blanket, a hot chocolate and park yourself by a fire, this is the perfect Autumn read!' Pernille Hughes

‘Warm, vibrant… uplifting [and] absolutely charming’ Nancy Peach

'An autumnal ray of sunshine... wonderful... quirky... original' Jules Wake

'A joy of a read... Rom com perfection!' Julietta Henderson

'An irresistible autumn romance. Warm, witty, and cosy’ My Weekly
______________

Readers love Falling For You . . .

'A book as sweet as a cinnamon roll. I loved the story from the first page!'
'A very cosy, autumnal read.'
'This book was like a warm hug!'
'A delightful seasonal tale. . .'
'Cozy, heartwarming, and laugh-out-loud.'
'An easy, heart warming and fun romcom which is perfect to read in the autumn.'

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

375 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2025

Reviews

[shonasbookshelf · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was just really bad🫠

[Amy Capener · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just miscommunication after miscommunication after miscommunication. There was hardly any fucking romance. What

[Lisa Smulders · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 ⭐️. Ik vond dit helemaal niks, begon erg cozy!! Maar miste écht de diepgang.

[Eva vs The World · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

Thank you Libro.fm and the publisher for a free ALC!

Falling For You is a fast paced, sugary and cutesy romance set in London in the autumn. Annie is a costume designer who meets Nate, an American who just moved to London, during a Halloween party. They go their separate ways and over the course of the story, they end up finding their way back together a few times.

While the story was quite well developed for a short book, it sometimes lacked the depth in the romance parts. This was an insta lovey kind of book, which isn’t my favourite trope, plus some miscommunication which was really unnecessary and I didn’t think it propelled the story in any way. Despite that, I thought the characters were fleshed out quite well, with believable backstories and own desires and goals.

Please mind that the story centres heavily around a parent with dementia, which could be difficult for some to read about.

[isabella lola · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was fine and definitely a sweet book, but i just wasn’t invested enough and i also don’t really think it can be marketed as a romance!

obviously there is a romance part to the story but that feels more secondary to both annie and nate’s individual stories. i liked them both as characters but didn’t care about either of them enough!!

an easy read but just a bit lacklustre for me!

i did like the fact that the whole trying to find him but him not being on the guest list felt very like the film just my luck lol

i also liked the side characters but again wasn’t invested enough!!

it all just needed a bit more to it i think, i definitely enjoyed it but just didn’t care enough!

thank you to netgalley and cornerstone for this arc!!

[libraryfromJiska · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 🌟 🍁🍂🤎
Echt een heerlijke herfst cozy boekkie. Het is een dun boekje en easy read.
Ik voelde de characters niet zo.. had niet echt een diepgaande feeling bij ze. Echter vind ik het erg knap dat in dit boek het onderwerp dementie aangekaart word. Dat had ik niet verwacht. Dat was een verassing en wel een mooi onderwerp. Het boek bevat zeker ook wat humor maar niet extreem. Het was er leuk maar niet speciaal boekkie.

Als je op zoek bent naar een snelle easy fall read dan kan je deze er zeker bij pakken!

[tanith jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️

[Sams_Fireside · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Go and live out your best Hugh Grant fantasy.”

Ohhhhh — Annie and Nate, I loved them so much! Although, Annie is a bit needy, right? It wasn’t just me who thought that? Come on, girl — it’s time to get out and explore a bit more; you can’t stay cooped up in a house with your besties forever! 😂

Falling for You is a cute, fast read (or listen!) that gave me all the autumnal, cozy vibes as I popped in my earbuds and strolled along the country lanes of Norfolk — chatting with the piggies and immersing myself in Annie’s hunt for Prince Charming after he disappears into the night without a backward glance.

If you’re a fan of autumn, The Holiday, or anything starring Hugh Grant, grab yourself a copy of this one. You won’t be disappointed.

Thank you to Libro.fm and Penguin Randomhouse Audio for the opportunity to listen to and review Falling for You by Emily Maple.

[Morgan Mushet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m shocked at the low reviews… I absolutely loved this book. Everything about it. 10/10, creative, cosy, romantic, cheesy, wholesome… loved it

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sugar-y sweet and lovely fall romance for those who want a quick read that's relaxing and set in romantic London. Emily Maple expertly captured two well intentioned people who fate keeps bringing back together and pulling apart, rinse, wash, repeat until the very end.

My highest praise for this book was unexpected but in Nathan's, the MMC, experience with dementia with his mother. As someone who also takes care of loved one (grandmother) with dementia, I felt so seen, validated and felt everything he (and Stevie, his brother) were feeling. Both had vastly different perspectives on the matter, but both are incredibly valid. It's very hard to relate to if you personally haven't gone through it so I commend Emily's ability to put those rollercoaster of emotions into words and it's well woven into this story.

Why isn't this read rated higher for me? Personally, it took a few chapters to get into and at about 50% I got sucked in enough to be like ok I'm in this and I'm enjoying it. The pace was a little slow at times but again, eventually it found its rhythm for a strong and enjoyable second half.

There were a few moments where Nathan said things like 'rubbish' that no American fresh into London would say that I think could've been caught in editing. I also think there was a missed opportunity to explore the experience of an expat, Stevie for example, because being torn between two places and feeling an obligation towards one. We see it with Nathan but he was still fresh from leaving home. I also wish Nathan's career was explored better because he didn't seem to be a great writer? Felt like a bit of a plot hole but it was minor enough to not be hindering.

Overall, this is a delightful seasonal tale, especially for my fellow basic girlies who are just looking forward to fall!

Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Maple and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Laced In Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

Trigger warning - Dementia

Cute autumn read but holy moly the miscommunication trope was super frustrating at times!
British FMC Annie is autumn obsessed working a corporate girlie day job and spending her spare time making custom clothes and costumes using her creative touch.
MMC Nate travels to the UK from America to track down his Aunt in order to bring her home to spend time with his mum, her sister since she cant stop talking about the good old days.
Taking in the British culture and spending time with his brother whilst in the UK, Nate also makes a good friend in cab driver Remy.
After a costume mishap, the main characters exchange a conversation but Nate has to leave abruptly leaving Annie confused.
Annie and Nate bump into eachother time and time again in different settings yet the timing is not quite right for either of them.
Will they finally give in to fate that keeps bringing them together?
This was an easy read and the characters were relatable, so much so I would have liked to hear more about what came next for the pair.

Thank you to Random House UK and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

Follow me on TikTok for more 🩷 Laced in Lit... 🎀 Booktok

[Kirsty · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m so sorry but this is the worst book I’ve ever read.

I wish I could rate it zero stars and I’m normally overly generous with my ratings but at 75% in I had to call it quits but for the time I wasted reading this far I’m counting it towards my book goal for the year 😂

There was literally no point in this book. The two main characters Annie and Nate didn’t meet each other until like chapter 20 or something and then they did meet it was kinda cute and funny but they talked for 5 minutes before he ran off like Cinderella leaving his ring behind. They thought they had a connection, I mean in a literal way they did as her bat costume caught into his suit and they were joined together for a moment.

There was far too much time wasted in their backstory’s, I actually don’t know how I read as much as I did... Annie acts like a teenager, her parents and friends treat her like a child, Stevie acts like a grumpy toddler, Aunt Tell is a weirdo, Nate is ‘in love’ after 5 minutes of meeting her and can’t stop thinking about her even tho he didn’t even ask her her name. 🙄🙄🙄

The only normal person in this book is Nate’s mum and she has dementia.

Wish I could get back the time I wasted reading this book.

[CrazyCatLadyReadsBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Annie LOVES Autumn, it's her favourite season - one of those reasons is that she gets to make her Halloween costume. This year she has an elaborate bat costume... which proceeds to impale someone else: Nate.
Annie and Nate have a great night but suddenly he gets a phone call and he has to go - without asking for her phone number!

The Pro's:
* I was a big fan of Annie the FMC - quirky but not over the top. Plus I loved her passion towards costume making
* Perfect Autumn read and Annie LOVES Autumn
* I liked the writing style and it had the right amount of humour in it
* Had some fun additions in the book like trying to find the cottage in the film The Holiday

The Con's:
* The Characters are too fickle 😕 It makes it hard to root for them as a couple
* There is too much conflict/too many obstructions in regards to the characters romance.

Summary:
I really liked the writing style in the book and the humour. I was a big fan of the female main character and her passion for costume making BUT there were too many conflicts obstructing the romance and it really ruined the book for me!

I rated the book 3.25 stars.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this to be a cosy autumnal read and although it did deliver in some parts, I just felt a little underwhelmed.
Annie & Nate were such great and diverse characters, with the dual perspective really effective, in that we got to know both of them and their backgrounds. They each were on their own journeys and the development for them both was really well written. I loved reading all about Annie's creations and the bat costume sounded so unique.
In regards to the romance aspect, there were a lot of misunderstandings between the characters in the book, which did work initially, but it was really slow paced. I am happy with how the story ended for them though and it did leave you feeling wholesome.
There were quite a few important topics discussed within the book, including Dementia. This was researched and written about really well and you could see Nathan's emotions portrayed throughout, all of which were really valid.
Overall, this was a good romance read, but I just felt like it needed more.

[Harps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annie lives for autumn—like, full-on Halloween fangirl. She’s all about the spooky vibes, pumpkin spice everything, and coming up with the best costumes ever.

This year, instead of the usual Halloween bash with her roommates, they score an invite to a super fancy masquerade ball. Naturally, Annie shows up in her latest DIY masterpiece—a bat costume with actual pop-out wings (because of course she does). The only hiccup? She accidentally impales someone with them. Enter Nate.

Despite the slightly stabby meet-cute, sparks fly. They totally click, start chatting, and just when things are going so well—boom, Nate gets an emergency call and has to rush off. No number, no details, just gone.

What follows is a fun, sweet, and slightly frustrating (in the best way) ride full of missed connections and twisty little fate moments. You get both Annie and Nate’s perspectives, which I loved—because knowing what’s going on in both their heads made it even more fun to root for them.

I really enjoyed this one! The writing style was super easy to get into, and if you're a fan of Olivia Beirne's books, you're in for a treat—Emily Maple is her pen name here. It had that same cozy, heartwarming, laugh-out-loud charm.

Thank you NetGalley for the download

[Zoe Radley]

Sorry I couldn’t finish this one… it didn’t really seem to go anywhere and it just felt flat. I know it’s a rom-com and the trope is supposed to be endearing and heart eyes gushingly lovely but I am sad to say personally I didn’t get that, I got annoyed with the characters who just seem to be playing up to a stereotype of where they come from, tea drinking English (yes I don’t mind a cup of tea but I adore a cup, mug a barrel of coffee) I also started despising the other side characters such as the MMC brother who just seems to act like a dick towards his own mum…. Ok am sure it will all be sorted at the end like most romances are… I just couldn’t force myself to read further.. seriously it felt like it wasn’t going anywhere at all… and even when they did meet I didn’t feel any spark. Seriously when were they ever going to get together 😂. I am sure it will connect better with someone else… it’s just not for me.

[Annalise Cowley · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF :(

I'm going to be honest I was unable to finish this book after about half.
I really struggled reading this even though I was originally super excited. I felt as if the book moved very slowly and the time-frame of a week lasted for half of the book. It was very descriptive but not for the right reasons (explaining when someone got a cup of tea etc). I also didn't like how childish and horrible Nate's brother was when he wouldn't find time to go and see his mother.

I had high hopes for this book as my first Autumn read of the year however I was a bit disappointed. However it might be fit for someone else.

Really sorry! :(

[Iram · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're an autumn girlie, you will absolutely love this book. Annie was just sooo endearing, she was really wholesome, and felt like such a well-rounded character. It was so refreshing to read about a female MC who has a good relationship with her parents, and she isn't terribly embarrassed of them. Her parents were adorable, and I loved reading about them. And finally, a love story with a male MC who ISN'T TOXIC AND CONTROLLING! Who communicates really well, and isn't afraid to be vulnerable with the main girl? And he isn't codependent?? Ah.. this book was really a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed reading everything about it, it made me so unbelievably happy.

[Jenny’s Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed most of this book, it was cosy, it sparked my creativity, it even made me want to live in London 🤭!

Falling For You follows the lives of Annie, an aspiring costume designer/ corporate girl from the Cotswolds , and Nate, an American writer from New York. After meeting at a Halloween party in London and not exchanging contact details, we go through stages on how destiny can affect their lives.

I loved how we got to see parts of their lives separately but I would have loved the whole story more if it wasn’t for the amount of miscommunication (I hate this trope with my whole soul 😅).

[Demi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I needed another cosy Autumn story while I was in a reading slump and this is the only one that I actually enjoyed. Although it’s a cute, Autumn story, it’s actually realistic and it’s well-written with no overly descriptive parts about things that don’t matter. It is predictable but in a good way where you’re pleased that you were right, rather than boring in a way that you don’t want to read. I think this is one that I would read again each Autumn and be happy to come back to.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Took me a while because it’s been so busy, but this was a good read. Two protagonists with their own lives and struggles, with the romance as only part of their story, just how I like it. A few frustrating miscommunications, maybe one too many, which made it less linear. I loved the detail that she lives where he’s always wanted to visit. seeing her have such a supportive parents was really sweet. Big big fan!

[Louise Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed Falling for You. Annie and Nate are both great characters and I could feel the connection between them. In the heatwave we've been having here in the UK recently, it was lovely to escape to a cool, crisp autumn.

I love how passionate Annie is about Halloween and the costumes she creates sound amazing.

Nate's such a sweetheart, taking on so much responsibility for his family. Nate's brother, Stevie is a fun side character. He comes across as very selfish at the beginning but there's a heartbreaking reason why he behaves the way that he does.

The only downside was the miscommunication between Annie and Nate could be a bit frustrating at times. I wanted to yell at them to just talk to each other instead of making assumptions.

[Sarah Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Falling for You by Emily Maple is a sweet rom com set in England in the autumn. There seems to be a flurry of this type of book set in the Autumn / Fall this year. This was a nice enough read, more aimed at the younger market. It was well written with a pretty predictable plot line. I never really warmed to the main character who seemed a little bit juvenile to me. A quick cosy read.

[Rachel Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annie meets Nate at a Halloween ball, and thinks they have hit it off, but then he disappears. A series of coincidences lead to them meeting again, but will they end up together? I liked how it was told from both points of view.

[Esmee Streefkerk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Het idee opzich is leuk, maar jeetje wat hebben de hoofdpersonages mij geïrriteerd. De focus op dementie was helemaal niet natuurlijk en mega geforceerd, terwijl dat juist een hele interessante wending kon zijn. Maar ik begrijp niet hoe deze romance en zoveel miscommunicatie ontstaan is..

[Emma Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute and cosy read. Perfect for the autumn months. I loved the easy to follow story and there was a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.

[Rachel Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fell in love with these characters, I hope they are going to be in more books. Such a sensitive portrayal of Dementia and how it affects the wider family. Please can the next book focus on Stevie’s love life!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved everything about it except them constantly breaking up every two minutes, omg give them a chance!

[leexlg]

dnf

[Larissa ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cutesy autumn-y read, I truly enjoyed! 📖☕️🍂
_no spice for anyone wondering. But s.x is mentioned once._