Today, I am here to talk about my upcoming release, Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things. So, brace yourselves because this is a shameless post about my very first rom-com. If your perfect autumn read includes small-town romance, slow-burn chemistry, a charming hero, baking, tons of small-town gossip, and plenty of cozy fall atmosphere, it is my sincere hope you’ll add Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things to your TBR shelf.
Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things is book 2 in the Rosetown Small Town Romance series, but it can be read as a standalone. It is a clean, closed-door adult contemporary romance that follows Olivia, a single mom who has built a life around her daughter, and Riley, a charming distraction she most definitely didn't plan for.
From he-falls-first romance to small-town gossip, here are 10 reasons romance readers might want to pick up this cozy fall love story.
1. Fall Romance
Let's start with the obvious one. Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things is made for readers who love fall romance books.
Autumn settles over Rosetown with changing leaves, seasonal events, cozy gatherings, baking, chaos, and that unmistakable feeling that something new is just around the corner.
If you love reading romance books with an autumn setting, this one brings plenty of fall atmosphere to the story.
2. Small-Town Romance
Welcome to Rosetown, where everyone seems to know everyone else's business (and if they don’t, Mrs. Hendrix, editor and sole staff of The Rosetown Gazette makes sure they do).
Small-town romance is all about the community surrounding the couple, and Rosetown definitely has opinions. There are familiar faces, community events, unexpected interruptions, and enough gossip to make keeping a new romance private nearly impossible.
If you love small-town romance books where the setting feels like part of the story, you'll feel right at home here.
3. He Falls First
Riley knows what he wants. Olivia isn't quite as convinced.
And that makes their romance even more fun.
If he falls first is one of your favorite romance tropes, you'll enjoy watching Riley's feelings develop while Olivia tries to figure out exactly what is happening between them.
4. Slow-Burn Romance
Not every love story needs to happen overnight.
Olivia and Riley's relationship develops gradually through shared moments, conversations, teasing, chemistry, and growing attraction.
Their connection has time to breathe, making this a slow-burn contemporary romance for readers who enjoy watching two people slowly fall for each other.
5. Single Mom Romance
Olivia is a single mom, and her daughter is the most important part of her life. She's not waiting for someone to rescue her or complete her family. She already has a life, responsibilities, and people she loves.
Riley has to find his place in that world.
If you enjoy single mom romance books where motherhood is an important part of the heroine's story, Olivia's journey adds another layer to the romance.
And, as an author, this book is for all the amazing moms out there (single or not). You rock!
6. Baking & Foodie Romance
There is something about a romance set around a bakery or pâtisserie that makes an autumn story even cozier. Olivia works at Rosetown's pâtisserie, bringing plenty of baking and sweet treats into the story (alongside with chaos, of course).
Expect pastries, seasonal treats, kitchen moments, and enough food to make you want to grab something from the bakery while you read.
7. Banter & Romantic Tension
A good slow burn needs chemistry, and Olivia and Riley have plenty of it. Their conversations are filled with teasing, awkward moments, playful exchanges, and the kind of tension that gradually becomes harder to ignore.
If you love romance books with banter, this is another reason to add Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things to your TBR.
8. Small-Town Gossip
In Rosetown, everyone seems to know everyone else's business, and the rumors never really stop. The town gazette might not be reporting on Olivia and Riley's romance, but that doesn't mean the townspeople aren't keeping tabs on each other. From harmless speculation to the latest bit of town drama, the gossip adds plenty of humor and small-town chaos to the story.
9. Clean & Closed-Door Romance
Are you looking for a clean romance book without explicit scenes? Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things is a closed-door contemporary romance that focuses on emotional connection, romantic tension, family, friendship, and the relationship between Olivia and Riley.
It's a sweet option for readers who enjoy romance without on-page spice.
10. Cozy Autumn Vibes
Some books are simply made for a particular season. This is one of them.
If your ideal fall reading list includes changing leaves, cozy gatherings, baking, small-town charm, romantic tension, and a little bit of chaos, Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things has plenty of those elements. (I made sure of it.)
It's the kind of story to pick up when you want your reading mood to match the season outside.
More Themes You'll Find in the Story
The romance tropes are only part of the story. Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things also explores:
👩👦 Motherhood and family 🤝 Friendship and community 💗 Learning to let people in 🫶 Trust and vulnerability 💕 Finding love while maintaining your own life 🌱 Moving beyond the past ✨ Making room for something unexpected 🏡 The importance of having people who support you
The Trope Checklist
If you're choosing your next romance based on tropes, there’s no shame in that! And I’m here to help with the quick version:
🍂 Fall romance
🏡 Small-town romance
💘 He falls first
🐢 Slow burn
👩👧 Single mom romance
💬 Banter
🥐 Baking & pâtisserie setting
👀 Small-town gossip
🤍 Clean romance
🚪 Closed-door romance
💕 Sweet contemporary romance
👨👩👧 Family and community
Who Should Read Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things?
Add this book to your TBR if you love:
🍂 Cozy fall romance books 🏡 Small-town romance novels 👩👦 Single mom romance 💘 He-falls-first romance 🐢 Slow-burn love stories 💕 Clean and closed-door romance 📚 Contemporary romance 🥐 Romance with baking and food 🎃 Books with strong autumn vibes 🤎 Stories centered around family and community
Whether you're building an autumn TBR or simply looking for your next cozy contemporary romance, Rosetown is ready to welcome you.
About the Book & the Series
Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things is Book 2 in the Rosetown Small Town Romance series by Zøe Haslie (that’s me, you guys!). Both books in the series can be read as standalones.
And I made this cute little chart to guide you through this series:
Rosetown Small Town Romance
Ready for a cozy fall romance filled with small-town chaos, baking, banter, and a slow-burn love story?
Add Hearts, Leaves & Other Falling Things to your autumn shelf.
Buy on Amazon (coming soon to KU).
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About Me
📍Dumbo - New York
I'm Zøe!
I write heartfelt, character-driven fiction featuring resilient teenage heroines navigating personal challenges and striving to become their best selves. Beyond my novels, I love storytelling in all its forms. On this blog, I share narrative-rich travel pieces, offering glimpses into my favorite places, hidden corners, and unforgettable encounters around the globe.
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