October

by Nicole Pyland

Molly Jewel has had a crush on Finley, the IT person at work, for years now, but Finley has always been on and off with her girlfriend. Molly hasn’t ever had the courage to tell her how she feels whenever they’ve been off, and working with Finley and her girlfriend, having to watch them get back together over and over again, hasn’t made things any easier.

Finley Storm is ready to move on from her past relationship, and her new feelings for Molly confirm that for her. She’s been frozen for years, but spending time with Molly has her feeling like she could get the fresh start with someone she’s been craving for a long time.

The only problem is that Molly has had to watch her break up with her ex and get back together so many times that she doesn’t believe it when Finley tells her that it’s finally over for good. Finley is determined to show Molly just how much she’s ready for her now and how perfect they could be for each other if they only give it a chance.

Genres: Lesbian Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Slow Burn, Lesbian, LGBT

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2025

About the author

Nicole Pyland is a bestselling author of lesbian romance novels, including No After You, All the Love Songs, and the series like Chicago, San Francisco, Tahoe, Sports, Boston, and more. Since 2017, she’s published over 30 novels (not including her What Happened After shorts), and more books are on their way!

Nicole grew up in Indiana, studying English & Film and then getting a MS in Behavior Analysis and moving to California, working by day as a Head of Training at a start-up. She lives with her wife and their opinionated cat, who spends his evenings helping her write stories by occupying half the chair.

Website: nicolepyland.com

Newsletter: nicolepyland.com/newsletter

Twitter: @nicole_pyland

Facebook: @nicolepylandauthor

Reviews

[JAYNE · Rating 4 out of 5]

October, by Nicole Pyland, is a sweet workplace romance set in New Orleans. Molly from HR has long crushed on Finley from IT, but Finley’s messy relationship history makes things complicated—until she’s suddenly seated across from Molly and has broken up with her girlfriend again. As their bond deepens, Molly’s anxiety fades and real connection blooms between the two.

Pyland writes their communication with warmth and realism, making both characters feel relatable. A lovely addition to the NOLA series and a must-read for fans of found family and slow-burn sapphic love. As the found family grows in New Orleans, this is one not to be missed.

I received an arc in return for an honest review.

[Aunt Missa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly and Finley are going to be my favorite couple in the NOLA series. This book was different and I really respected the choices that were made in the writing. Molly is full of anxiety, which certainly is genetic, and Finley has started her journey on finding a healthy relationship where she feels like she has a say in the partnership.

Their struggle was so relatable and this is one of the first romance books that I’ve read where one of the MCs has anxiety that interfered with her sex life. It was great representation of what anxiety disorders can do and how it can affect someone in all aspects of their life. I just identified with both characters so much and it was such an enjoyable read in this series.

I also really liked that the relationship wasn’t a super smooth, linear journey and both characters made ridiculous, but understandable, mistakes. Nicole wrote this relationship so well and I’m so pleased with the 10th book in this series.

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

October - Book Number 10

The 10th book in Nicole Pyland’s New Orleans series centers around Molly and Finley.

In this book, you have Finley who has just ended a several-year-long on-again/off-again relationship with India and is determined to be done with the relationship for good this time. Then you have Molly who has had a crush on Finley since day one, but becomes so tongue-tied around her and doesn’t believe she even stands a chance with Finley because of the on-again/off-again relationship Finley's been in with India.

When Finley starts showing interest in Molly and asks her out, Molly doesn’t believe that her dream is finally coming true. However, there is one major roadblock to this dream coming true for Molly, and that is her anxiety which seems to be rearing its ugly head. The way Nicole wrote about living with an anxiety disorder and the fears, self-consciousness and self-doubt that are all a part of it, was really relatable and well written. The way that Finley supports and accepts Molly and helps to ground her when her anxiety-filled thoughts start to intrude was really wonderful to see. I also appreciate how patient Finley is with Molly and how she finds Molly’s shy/bashful antics cute.

This was another great read in the New Orleans series and I’m looking forward to reading the last two books remaining in this series.

[Jayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

10th book in the New Orleans series and it is giving ... hope.

It is getting harder to find good things to say about this series lol. Nicole has managed (at least in my opinion) to make each one amazing, realistic, and truly page-turning.

October follows Molly Jewel who is "hopelessly" in love with her co-worker, Finley. For years, Molly has sat back and watched Finley's hot and cold, on and off again relationship with her ex, India, wishing that she could get past her anxiety and finally ask the girl of her dreams out.

As someone who suffers from anxiety, Molly was such a relatable character. I felt for her every step of the way. I understood her hesitation when it came to Finley's (seemingly) change of heart towards India. She was so very brave to push her fears aside and get her girl. And you have to love Finley's patience and understanding towards Molly's anxiety and doubts. She did everything she could to reassure her girl and I was there for it.

This is seriously a great story that deals with a mental health issue in a sensitive and respectful way. Molly and Finley's relationship is cute and sweet. The angst is a bit higher than those in the past but not by much.

10/10 would recommend and read again!

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

October is the latest book in the New Orleans Series, and if you haven’t read any of these books yet, get on it. My favorite part about almost all these books is how you’re always hooked. So much so that you are still attempting to turn the page because you don’t realize it’s the end. Yet, even though it’s ended, I’m completely satisfied, because there will be more glimpses of their lives in future books of the series.
I love the authenticity of October. Life is messy, and that is certainly true for Finley and Molly. They deal with things like telling little white lies that you don’t think will matter, only to find out later they might, or getting stuck in those repetitive loops that feel impossible to break out of. There was relatable miscommunication that led to problems, but without catastrophic consequences.
Molly and Finley both face their own unique challenges they need to navigate to find their happily ever after. Luckily, they have a lot of amazing, supportive friends to lean on. And I have to say, Pyland truly does an amazing job of writing characters with anxiety where you can really feel their struggles.
If you’re into books with heart, real-life issues, and a little bit of football, October is definitely worth a read!

[Haley Bungay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Number 10 in a 12 book series by Nicole Pyland and I really enjoyed reading it! Giving it 4.5 stars just because I thought it seemed too repetitive for me.

Molly has been in love with Finley basically since she laid eyes on her. Finley has been on again off again with India for what seems like forever but this time Finley really needs it to stick. When she ends things with India and asks Molly on a date things take off but its a steady stream of neither of them communicating they way they constantly said they would with each other.

I really loved both of these characters and their development....especially Molly. We get to see her struggle with her mental health and anxiety and I felt the author did it justice. Finley is trying to break her streak of constantly going back with India and being with Molly finally gets her there.

Again...I love Nicole Pyland and her books...they're a bright spot whenever I get to read her stories. I think the non-communication trope just isn't for me and this was a big theme throughout.

[Blanca · Rating 5 out of 5]

#9 in the NOLA series and I really enjoyed Molly’s journey.I liked how different she is to every other character in the series so far. When we first meet Molly in September’s book, we learn that she has had a crush on her co-worker Finley but at the time Finley had a girlfriend she been on and off again for years. Now in this book we get to learn more about Molly and the kind of struggles she deals with. We also see how things might turn out if Finley doesn’t get back with her ex. The development between Molly and Finley is the sweetest. The way Finley is so understanding of what Molly needs,is so patience with her and just treats her just perfectly. How can you not love these two.

The series continues to flow nicely and the characters are all people I love to be friends with!!!!
Looking forward to the next one.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like alot of people can relate to this book and the MC's,. Molly and Finley are the cutest. They are real when it comes to expressing how they are feeling and even in the spicy scenes they have to learn how to communicate with eachother. It's so overlooked these days that some relationships take work. In 'October' it gives you a new way to learn how to do that. Molly and Finley start out as work friends and become a couple throughout the book. Molly has been in love with Finley from afar for years and it's now Finley that's finally seeing Molly as more than a work friend. They work there way through some ups and downs but eventually they find there way and the book ends on a happy note. It was a great read. This book is up there as one of the better books I've read. Only 2 books left in the series. I'm excited to see how it all comes to a close.

[AngBen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dream Come True

What happens when the woman of your dreams, the one that’s been unattainable and unavailable, is single and interested? Short answer - it’s stressful.

This story follows a woman who finally gets her chance, but is she strong enough to take it? This is a great slow burn, examining the anxiety that comes when fantasies are taken over by reality.

I loved the realness of the characters, especially Molly. The author also does an excellent job incorporating likable side characters. Candace in wedding planning mode made me chuckle with every appearance. It was lovely revisiting everyone we’ve met since January.

Excellent read.

[Robin Kenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An anxiety disorder can be a huge roadblock to a healthy relationship, just ask anyone living with it.

Nicole Pyland has again worked her magic with this story complicated by new relationships vs repeating mistakes and add in an anxiety disorder. Fin and India, on again/off again relationship finally has reached its end when Fin sees Molly as the “one”. Their love story is full of dropped passes, penalties and flags just like their favorite team the Saints! Eventually they are able to communicate on an even playing field and there are no further interceptions, they score big time! Metaphors aside, a great love story for us to all enjoy!

[Cheyenne Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like having a crush, that you know is never is ever going to come of. Until Finely tells Molly her and India are done for good this time. Finely has been recently promoted and has her choice of seats in the office and chooses to sit next to Molly. Molly slow to believe Finely and India are done but begins to form a friendship with Finely that starts developing into a relationship. Molly's anxiety flares but doesn't dominate and Finely is patient and understanding. Overall another fantastic book in the series that respectfully discusses how scary a crush can be when it becomes a real option and the toll it can cause on one's mental health.

[Tammy Carney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

October is the month of ghoulish things and football. We meet Molly and Finley again but this time Finley is finally done with her ex. She wants someone that likes some of the things that she likes to do mainly football. Molly loves football but had fib to Finley that she didn't know the game. Molly is very unsure of herself she has always had a crush on Finley but she doesn't believe that they are a real couple. We get some updates of the other couples when there is a big bbq. Finley helps Molly gain her confidence and Molly just blossoms. A wonderful story for the month of October

[Geina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever had a crush that whenever you were near them you got tongue-tied? Meet Molly Jewel, she’s basically been in love with Finley Storm since the moment she met her. Problem is, Finley was always in a relationship with her on again off again girlfriend. When Finley ends her relationship for what she says is for good, is Molly ready for her? Anxiety is a real problem for Molly as well, which makes her crush all the more harder, discovering she is strong enough to be with the person she wants makes for an amazing HEA.

[Rein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anxiety and Acceptance

Ohhhh how I adored this couple! I wish I understood the office layout but that’s not all that important. Fin hot IT butch and Anxiety ridden Molly, finally together.

While I wasn’t even remotely interested in this couple I’m glad to get them. Molly reminds me a bit of me in some ways and to see the acceptance and support Fin shows her is beautiful. I’m glad they both got it together.

[Ty Lotus · Rating 5 out of 5]

October, a captivating love story, follows Molly and Finley’s journey from a long-standing crush to reality. The narrative was an enjoyable read, and I appreciated the exploration of Molly’s struggles with anxiety, particularly the intricate family history aspect. Pyland deftly navigates the serious topic of anxiety, striking a balance between profound depth and heartfelt emotion. In conclusion, October stands as another triumphant installment in the NOLA series.

[Milena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is just awesome!
Ms Pyland does an awesomely spellbinding job of giving us characters that have anxiety and insecurities that feel so real. It was an absolute joy getting to know Finley and Molly. The puppy date was amazing. Finley is one of those characters that you can absolutely tell she cares about those around her. I love how she helps Molly and gives her the time Molly thinks she needs.

Wells and Echo were a delight that they now have a forever family.

[Kelli D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read! I identified a lot with Molly and her anxiety issues so it was nice to read about someone like me. I also enjoyed getting to know more about Finley, who I also loved.

This book is one of those books you can easily get lost in and finish in one sitting. Definitely in my read again pile!

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly and Finley’s story had me hooked right away—the mix of tension, longing, and finally getting the timing right was so satisfying. Molly’s doubts felt real and relatable, and I loved watching Finley fight to prove she was ready for something new and lasting. Their chemistry was amazing, and the romance was both sweet and emotional. A perfect feel-good read!

[David Goldstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in this very interesting series. This talented author has explored two deeply different characters, their individual emotional issues, and has come out on the other side presenting us with a compelling novel. I have really enjoyed all in this series, not a small feat by this author.

[Christine Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow Nicole Pyland every book in this series is phenomenal, including this one i just couldn't get enough of the main characters their connection was beautifully presented giving you front row seats , I couldn't put it down definitely must read congratulations

[KJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this entire series. I could really relate to the main characters in this one.

[Rebecca Gaddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

finally meshing

Although I had a bit of confusion about who was with whom, I enjoyed the coming together of another great Nee Orleans couple complete with drama & dynamics!

[Karen]

Dnf

[AJT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner by Nicole Pyland! This is a sweet story of two women who deal with a crush in two very different ways. Molly has such debilitating anxiety and self doubt that she can barely speak around the object of her affection. Finley seems to be settled in an endless cycle of breaking up and reuniting with her uncompromising partner. She has interest elsewhere but struggles to break free from her relationship. Neither realizes the crush is mutual and someone needs to be brave and take the first step. It takes a lot of bravery, patience and understanding but that’s all part of loving someone. There was a lot of repeated angst, but not so much that I couldn’t relate from my own self doubts. Of course, the story also includes updates on some prior couples, the obligatory blessing of the fortune teller and a bonus of a really cute puppy. It’s definitely an excellent addition to the New Orleans series.

[Shannon Peeples · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly has a crush— a big one. She knows there’s no chance with Finley, until there is. As both navigate changes in their lives, they grow in their friendship. Both come with their own set baggage— do they let it get in the way of new starts?