See You Next Fall Book Review - No Spoilers
Introduction
I was standing in the grocery aisle, debating whether to splurge on pumpkin spice creamer or stick with plain milk, when my mind wandered to a romance I’d been eyeing—**See You Next Fall**. The crisp autumn air has lately been teasing us here in Colorado Springs, and I craved something cozy, tender, and full of emotional warmth. That little internal tug was enough reason for me to settle down that evening and dive into Elle and Quinn’s story. Let me tell you how it felt to fall with them each October.
Plot Summary
See You Next Fall by Annabelle McCormack is the first book in the *Wanderlust Contemporary Romance* series. Elle Winnick and Quinn Camden meet by chance during a college conference and form a bond. Because of distance, timing, and unspoken tension, they set a pact: they will meet in person every first week of October. Over the years, despite living in different countries (Elle in the U.S., Quinn in England), they keep to their standing date—with rules: no sex, total honesty. As their friendship deepens, their romantic feelings become harder to ignore. Misunderstandings, secrecy, and life’s demands strain their bond. Elle must face heartbreak and trust issues; Quinn must navigate family expectations and his feelings. The novel follows their seasonal reunions, the challenges between them, and the question of whether breaking the rules is risk worth taking.
Why I Love This Book
I love how the friends-to-lovers slow burn in this book is paced so deliberately. The yearly meetings give space and weight to each moment. I felt the longing in every pause, every unsaid line, every absence. I also adore how realistic the characters feel: Elle’s vulnerability, her fear of risking the friendship; Quinn’s duty, his hesitance, his struggle with boundaries. Their internal battles made me care deeply. The “rules” they set for themselves—no sex, total honesty—are clever constraints that heighten tension while also making their bond feel sacred. The emotional stakes are real: hurt, silence, separation, trust. I was rooting for them from page one. I also appreciated the dual POV structure and the way the narrative shifts between past and present to deepen context. And, yes, that autumnal, wistful tone throughout—meeting in October, rainy walks, crisp air—gave me cozy goosebumps. It’s the kind of book I want to revisit when leaves turn gold.
Who Will Like This Book
If you like friends-to-lovers romance, long-distance tension, slow burns, and emotional intimacy, this will likely resonate deeply. If you prefer a romance with internal conflict, quiet longing, and meaningful connection over dramatic external crises, this book will feel like home. Also, if you love seasonal, cozy atmospheres (especially fall), you’ll likely savor the setting.
⚠️ Trigger warning: This book deals with heartbreak, emotional pain, distance strain, and miscommunication. While it doesn’t veer into dark territory, be mindful if you're sensitive to prolonged emotional angst.
Tagged As
friends to lovers, long distance, slow burn, dual POV, contemporary romance, emotional romance, seasonal romance, autumn vibes, secret longing, mismatch in geography, HEA, cozy romance
Steam Level
This is neither a chaste romance nor scorching erotica—its heat leans toward emotional tension and sensual moments rather than full explicit scenes. The intimate scenes are restrained but meaningful, adding emotional depth without overpowering the story.
