Romance Books

Teen romance is not my usual fare, but I felt the need for something very light. A lot of people love this series, so I grabbed it on Libby. As I read, the story felt vaguely familiar--I'm pretty sure I've read it before. That, or it's just that predictable. Which it is.

But it's also charming and sweet. The characters are almost all likeable, and Lara Jean, the main character is endearingly innocent and well-meaning. Her quiet life gets turned upside down when the five secret letters she wrote to the boys she's loved over the years actually get sent to them. Including the one to her sister's recent ex-boyfriend.

In an attempt to get things back to normal, Lara Jean fakes a relationship with one of the boys--Peter--who wants to make his ex-girlfriend jealous.

This was total brain candy, but it struck a nice balance with high school characters who aren't living in a fantasy-land, but they also aren't plumbing the depths of teenage depravity either. I'll probably read the two that follow this for more light summer reading.

School librarian Sam loves her job at a school in Texas. After leaving behind her previous job–and an unrequited crush–she’s had a fresh start. But when that crush, Duncan Carpenter, shows up as the new principal of the school, she sees no option but to leave, knowing she’ll be in his thrall again.

But this Duncan is wholly changed and not the happy, charismatic man she remembered. When he starts imposing strict rules and operating the school like a prison, she knows she has to stay and push back.

I always enjoy a Katherine Center book on audio, and this was another solid listen.

Kat is an American living in London, pursuing her dream of climbing the corporate ladder all the way to the top. When she spies a handsome man who regularly rides the bus that drives by her apartment, she concocts a dream relationship and identity with the mystery man, certain that he is a posh British dreamboat. When she finally works up the courage to go and meet him, the reality is much different. Can she let go of her fantasy and embrace what's real?

I had a lot of trouble getting on board with this one--Kat was insufferable and didn't improve much throughout. It's hard to care about a romance when you don't like one of the characters. This had potential, but unfortunately didn't work for me.

Lorelai Jones is a country music artist who lost her career and her celebrity fiance five years ago after singing a protest song (sounds like another recent read!). The one person who stood by her was Craig (aka Huck), a Nashville music producer who's been in love with Lorelai ever since. When the two come together to rebuild Lorelai's career, the sparks fly, but is it more than just a friends-with-benefits situation?

This is the follow-up to Hahn's Built to Last, and those characters appear again here (though this could stand alone). Huck and Lorelai have a sweet and supportive friendship, and I loved the dual perspectives that allowed us to see how cool and confident they each perceived the other to be, which conflicted with the turmoil they both actually felt. Heads up for some steamy open-door scenes.

This follow-up to the young adult novel To All the Boys I've Loved Before is just as sweet and charming as the first, though I found the overall plot a little less interesting (which boy will she choose?). The real charmer here is Lara Jean herself, who is unfailingly well-meaning and sometimes head-scratchingly innocent. Her devotion to her family is refreshing for a YA novel.

I don't love these books in the way that many readers do, but I will probably pick up the third in the series, and watch the Netflix adaptation. They are sweet, light, and uncomplicated, which is sometimes just what a reader needs.

Ellie is a housewife in the English town of Exmoor. She's a little lonely and bored, and one day on a walk, she meets Dan, a talented harp maker. Sensing her discontent, Dan gifts Ellie with a harp. When her controlling husband protests, Ellie begins visiting in secret to practice on her harp.

Dan and Ellie strike up a friendship that becomes increasingly important to both of them. But, when Ellie discovers a secret that changes Dan's life, her own secret is also in jeopardy.

This is an utterly charming book and is fantastic on audio. Dan is endearing–he's likely on the autism spectrum and is refreshingly, unapologetically himself. His narrator is perfect and does a great job of bringing this autistic hero to life. 

If you’ve read any of my audiobook reviews, you know that Julia Whelan is my favorite narrator. In Thank You for Listening, she brings her talents to her own romance book–while also lending it her deep knowledge of the genre and its tropes (the chapters are named for them!), as well as her experience as an audiobook narrator.

Sewanee had acting dreams that were cut short by a tragic accident, and she now narrates audiobooks–but avoids romance. When a famous romance author dies and leaves a request that she pair up with mysterious heartthrob narrator Brock McKnight to narrate her last book, the offer is too good to pass up–her grandmother needs hands-on care, and this would pay for it.

Before the two even meet in person, sparks fly over their text banter. This being a trope-filled romance, there are plenty of misunderstandings and complications, but the characters and their relationship are fantastic. I had a blast listening to this and didn’t want it to end.

On a drunken night out at the start of a new year, a group of friends agrees to add some stakes to their resolutions: they would each write down a secret, and if they didn't keep their resolutions at the end of the year, they would have to reveal the secret. The next day, Georgie doesn't just regret her strange and lofty resolutions, she knows she has to get her secret back. Meanwhile, Poppy is dealing with the secrets of her struggle as a new mother, and her misgivings about her husband's odd behavior.

The premise of a pact between friends with a little romance sprinkled in appealed to me as a fun and light listen. Unfortunately, these characters were both immature and didn't seem like as good of friends as they were supposed to be. The miscommunication and lies were just frustrating, and the romance fell flat because Georgie's romantic interest wasn't well-developed. I finished listening, but this could have safely been a DNF.

This third book in the To All the Boys I've Loved Before young adult series is just as sweet as the first two--and the stakes are even lower in this one. Lara Jean, her family, and her boyfriend Peter are just as charming as in the previous two, and that sweetness is really what kept me reading. The dilemma here is about the end of high school and making choices about college and staying together. The plot is thin, but I enjoy the characters that Han created. It's not my standard fare, but this has been an enjoyable series to read quickly between more serious books--and I love the To All the Boys I've Loved Before Netflix adaptation, so now I'm all caught up for the sequels.

In the near future, in a London suffering under the effects of climate change, a civil servant takes a job with the Ministry of Time as a "bridge." Her charge is Commander Graham Gore, who died in 1847 on an Arctic expedition. As the bridge helps Gore adapt to modern life, the two become closer and form a small social circle with two other ridiculously charming time travelers from the past. But all is not what it seems in the Ministry, and both the time travelers and the bridges may be in danger. The question is, who is the threat--and why are they targeting them?

This is a charming take on time travel, and it's a good choice for readers who don't typically read science fiction. The tone has a clinical dryness that feels like a fit with the genre, but the sweet charm of the friendships and slow-burn romance will satisfy readers who have less interest in the sci-fi aspects. Bradley touches on a lot here--the Arctic expeditions (meticulously researched and represented here), the generational trauma of the British-Cambodian bridge, climate change, colonialism, and more. This won't be for everyone; I found the language odd at times and time travel is always a mind-bender, but those willing to immerse themselves in the oddities will appreciate it.

Maggie has a lot going for her: an exciting new job, a new condo, and a brand-new fiancé. But right after the engagement, an accident puts her in the hospital and the dream life starts to crumble around her. Her long-disappeared sister Kit suddenly reappears, while her fiancé Chip falls apart. Maggie is also stuck with Ian for a physical therapist, a cranky (but attractive) Scot who shows her no mercy. Amid all of this, she is trying to make peace with her new normal and figure out just what her future holds.

This was an excellent choice on audiobook--light, but with an interesting story and characters. It's by turns funny, sad, romantic, and hopeful, with none of those characteristics taking over the whole story. The narrator was also fabulous; this one had me hooked.

Hannah is an Executive Protection Agent who travels the world protecting the elite. Her clients are usually wealthy but under the radar, so her assignment to protect Hollywood superstar Jack Stapleton from a stalker fan while he visits his sick mom on their Texas ranch is out of her comfort zone. Jack doesn’t want his family to know about his stalker, so he asks Hannah to pretend to be his girlfriend, and she reluctantly agrees.

This, of course, is a romance, and it’s fairly predictable. But this may just be the Katherine Center novel I’ve enjoyed the most. I loved Hannah and Jack’s relationship and how they just enjoyed one another. The banter doesn’t try too hard to be clever; they just frequently burst out laughing at one another about things that weren’t objectively funny, but were to them. It was such a realistic portrayal of the weird little worlds we build inside of our close relationships and it was so much fun to read.

I struggled with audiobooks this month–there were multiple that I started and never finished–so I was really feeling the need for a sure-fire win. I knew that anything narrated by Julia Whelan would be excellent, so I decided to try her debut novel. Ella is an American who has achieved her dream of a Rhodes Scholarship. She’s determined to make the most of her year, while also remotely pursuing her dream career on a presidential campaign back in the U.S.

Her focus is derailed by a run-in with pompous Jamie Davenport–who later turns out to be one of her instructors. But the more they run into one another, the deeper they connect, and soon her Oxford year has turned into something entirely unexpected.

Julia Whelan tells a great story that feels like more than a romance novel, and her narration is always on point. The perfect choice for getting out of an audio slump.

Rue is a biotech engineer who is content with her life of science, a few close friends, and occasional hookups. When Eli--one of those potential hookups--turns out to be part of a hostile takeover of the company where Rue works, things get complicated. They're on opposite sides, but they can't seem to stay away from each other. Is it just physical--and temporary--or could it be more?

Ali Hazelwood writes STEM romances, and most of them are rom-coms, which I enjoy. This, however, was more of an erotic romance, which is not typically a sub-genre I'd choose. It all felt a little too intense--the (not very interesting) corporate drama, the "forbidden" romance, and Eli's instant obsession with Rue. Not my favorite.

Lilian Girvan is still grieving her husband, who died in a car accident three years ago. Her life is full with her two young daughters, her job as an illustrator, and her sister, who helps keep everything on track.

When her job requires her to take a gardening class to illustrate a book, she thinks it will be a fun activity for all of them. She doesn't count on a class full of quirky people who become unlikely friends--and an intriguing instructor who makes her wonder if she might be ready to date again.

This audiobook hit my sweet spot for audio fiction--light, easy to listen to, a little funny, and a fast-moving story. I'll definitely seek out more Abbi Waxman on audio.

Evvie Drake is packing her bags to leave her husband when she gets a phone call: he has died in an accident. As her small Maine community grieves their beloved doctor, she finds herself in a confusing swirl of regret, grief, and anger. Her best friend Andy offers some small financial relief in the form of a tenant for the apartment attached to her house.

Dean is a professional baseball player, recently sidelined with a case of the “yips”–unexplained inability to pitch. He needs some downtime, and an escape from the spotlight.

While the arc of this story is predictable, its execution is absolutely delightful and charming. The romance wasn’t instant, but hard-won as both Evvie and Dean worked through their own difficulties. Evvie’s platonic friendship with Andy is wonderful and realistic. I enjoyed every minute of listening to this (and Julia Whelan narrates, so you know the narration is good!).

Former child stars join forces in a home renovation show in this second-chance romance novel. Shelby Springfield, Cameron Riggs, and Lyle Jessup were teen stars in a popular kids’ sitcom. Shelby and Cameron were secret childhood sweethearts, but when the show wrapped, Cameron left for college and Shelby and Lyle ended up together.

When it fell apart, Shelby did, too–in a big, public, embarrassing way. Now, a decade later, Shelby is happy, living a quiet life, refurbishing furniture in Michigan. But Lyle has returned with an offer she can’t refuse: a home reno show, with Cameron as her co-star. The two feel the old pull to one another and fight to make the show a success, while finding their way back to each other–despite Lyle’s meddling.

This was a sweet romance and is a great choice for both previous fans of teen shows and current fans of home renovation shows.

Kylie Reed has no intention of ever meeting a man in a bar. Her life is orderly, and she has a plan. So when she falls into the lap–literally–of Harrison Flynn, a handsome superstar hockey player, she’s dismayed at her own attraction to him. They’re opposites in every way, and between her plans and his fame, it seems like an impossibility.

I turned this on for a light listen, and that’s exactly what it was. I didn’t feel overly invested in either character or their relationship, but it was entertaining enough for some walks and workouts. I believe this is part of a series, and I don’t plan to read the rest (or for that matter, more books in the “hockey romance” sub-genre).

Emma Wheeler has long dreamed of being rom-com screenwriter, but her dreams were sidelined when she became a caretaker for her dad after an accident. When her friend and agent offers her a once-in-a-lifetime chance to help superstar screenwriter Charlie Yates rewrite his rom-com, Emma's sister takes over caretaking duties and pushes her to go. Charlie has no use for her help, but when she rips his screenplay to shreds, he admits that Emma might know what she's doing. For the next six weeks, Emma teaches Charlie about the art of the rom-com, but it turns out the "rom" may not just be in the pages of their screenplay.

Readers who are fans of rom-coms will love Emma's passion for the genre and all the ways she convinces Charlie of their value. Katherine Center always builds great tension and creates characters you want to see happy (and together). While The Bodyguard still probably holds my top spot of Center's books (those characters make a few cameos here), I loved the premise of this and flew through it.

Nina is an introvert, bookworm, and trivia buff. She is happy with her regimented, small life working in a bookstore and competing on a trivia team (and trying to decide how she feels about an intriguing competitor). Her life is upended when she is named in the will of the father she's never met--and suddenly she has a large and complicated family.

Nina has moments of mild abrasiveness, excellent snarky humor, and extreme introversion--but I loved how she was quite social, on her own terms. The Bookish Life of Nina Hill was funny, charming, and relatable--I enjoyed it immensely, and it was excellent summer reading. If you've read other Abbi Waxman books, the characters from The Garden of Small Beginnings appear here. You miss nothing if you haven't read the other book, but it is a fun nod to a previous read. Waxman's brand of humor, cultural references, and quick-witted dialogue reminded me a little of Gilmore Girls--if that's up your alley, you might enjoy this book.

A woman gets a glimpse of her life five years in the future and grapples with whether it's her fate and what changes could have brought her to that point. A lovely, unexpected love story.

Kristen loves her independence, and she’s not sure how she feels about her boyfriend moving in with her. He’s deployed most of the year and they’ve never spent significant time together. But he’s smart, handsome, accomplished, and–most importantly–doesn’t want children. She would love them, but her lifelong struggles with her period have finally brought her to the point of surgery that would make having kids impossible.

Her doubts about her relationship are amplified when she meets Josh. They get each other, and their chemistry is off the charts. But: he wants kids–and lots of them. As they grow closer, Kristen has to decide what she wants, and if she can accept being unable to give him a family.

Abby Jimenez has quickly become one of my favorite romance authors. She writes characters who try to navigate potential relationships while struggling with real issues, and they always have great chemistry. However, there were things here that just didn’t work.

First, the good: that chemistry! Jimenez always delivers here. She’s also great about weaving in character struggles that are often not addressed in romance novels (e.g., periods, anxiety, etc.).

The bad: she unfortunately employs the “not like other girls” cliche for Kristin–and Josh leans into it heavily, making them both less likable. Kristin was exceptionally frustrating in her inability to communicate. Finally, the ending was a disappointment, and I could see it especially bothering readers who might also be facing infertility.

Jimenez’s talent shows here, but I think she’s grown a lot as an author since this first novel.

Normal People is the story of the complicated relationship between Connell and Marianne. They meet as teens in school, and at Marianne's home where Connell's mother is employed; Connell is popular while Marianne is reserved and lonely. They forge a secret connection and then are separated when both go to college at Trinity College in Dublin. When they meet again, the tables are turned; Marianne is the center of her social circle while Connell is on the outskirts. They continue in one another's orbit for years, drawing closer and then apart, but never able to pull away.

While I love listening to an Irish audiobook, I do wish I had read this one in print instead. Many of the nuances of language and relationships for which Rooney has been receiving accolades were not as impactful on audio. I was intrigued by Connell and Marianne, and this is a rare audiobook that I may revisit in print.

In this YA novel, “A” wakes up in the body of someone else each day. They never know where, or who, they will be from one day to the next, and just try to get through the days causing no harm to their host.

This means no relationships, no real identity that anyone else knows. But everything changes when they fall in love with Rhiannon. The two grapple with the difficulties of a relationship under such bizarre circumstances. A unique, magical premise that touches on issues of gender and identity.

Mira has been trying to find her perfect partner, but even her Indian matchmaker has given up on her after way too many failed matches. When her beloved aunt dies, Mira is surprised to find Naveen--one of the men she rejected--is the lawyer handling the estate.

But that's not the only surprise waiting for her: the two are kidnapped outside of his office, and suddenly they are in a race for their lives--and the sparks between them are flying. If you like your romances to have some fast-paced adventure and outlandish capers, this is the book for you. Fun and easy to listen to on audio.

After losing her beloved grandfather and her job as a greeting card illustrator, Autumn Laine is at a crossroads. Time with her parents in Paris only causes more confusion, when a former boyfriend--who left her heartbroken--re-enters her life. She decides to head to the Lake District to stay with her lifelong pen pal, Rosie, and hopefully get back some artistic inspiration. The beautiful landscape, the Beatrix Potter inspirations around every corner, and the intriguing man she meets quickly revitalize her.

This is a cozy novel of new beginnings, friendship, and sweet romance. It's not a Christmas novel, but very much has the feel of a Hallmark movie. The setting is enchanting and I loved the artistic friendship between Autumn and her new love interest. There was one aspect in the progression of their relationship that was a little odd to me, but aside from that, I enjoyed this cozy, easy listen.

I've read a few Elin Hilderbrand books now, and this one is my favorite so far. Set in a wildly popular Nantucket restaurant, The Blue Bistro reminded me a little of Sweetbitter, but with more likable characters. Adrienne is new to Nantucket and desperately needs a job. Despite having no restaurant experience, Thatcher Smith hires her as the hostess. Thatcher himself is intriguing, but so is the talented and notoriously private chef, Fiona. Adrienne falls in love with life in the restaurant, while growing closer to Thatcher and trying to unravel the secrets surrounding Fiona.

This is perfect summer reading/listening; light and easy enough to follow easily, with enough gravitas to make me care about what happens next. Also, I wouldn't call myself a foodie, but I am starting to love a good food-centered book. The descriptions were mouthwatering!

A woman has to decide on her future after the husband she thought had died in an accident is found alive.

Alexis is a successful ER doctor in Minneapolis, obligated to carry on her family's medical legacy. Daniel is a struggling innkeeper, shouldering his own family's legacy in the small town of Wakan. When Alexis ends up in the ditch outside of town one night, he gives her a tow. That night leads to an unexpected connection that Alexis knows can't last, but she and Daniel are drawn to one another. Soon, she's returning to Daniel and Wakan, where the small community welcomes her in ways no one ever has. But a lifetime of obligation and relentless pressure make this relationship impossible; their worlds are simply not compatible.

One of my favorite things in romance novels is when the couple simply enjoys one another's company, right from the start. I'm not a die-hard romance reader, but I have been reading more lately because they're a fun pick-me-up, and reading about that kind of relationship just gives those feel-good vibes. If you're into Hallmark Christmas movies (and this is VERY in that vein--without the Christmas), this is for you.

At the same time, Jimenez carefully included several threads of domestic abuse, so well-done without a "savior" for any of them, but with emphasis on the need for readiness to save oneself. I loved this.

Iris left England for a new start in New York, but her restart has been slow. She's dealing with some major traumas, as well as the loss of her mother, and she's slowly trying to get her bearings. When she stumbles on a familiar door to a gelateria in Little Italy, she knows she's seen it in one of her mother's photos--and she may hold the key to saving it. The famous gelato recipe is a secret known only to Gio's uncle, who has forgotten it after a recent stroke. When Iris tastes a bit of the last batch, she realizes it's her recipe--the one her mother passed to her, that shaped some of her most precious memories. Realizing she's stumbled on some complicated history that may not be hers to share, she offers her chef skills to help Gio recreate the recipe.

I was in the mood for a light winter read with I picked this Book of the Month selection, but as I read, I wasn't sure if the gelato angle would be too cutesy for me. I'm glad I stuck with it. While this is a romance, it didn't feel central to me. Iris's unpacking of her complex trauma and the charming ensemble cast of characters were the things that really kept me reading, and this had a lot more depth than I expected.

Like so many of my audiobook listens, I'm not sure The Bookshop on the Corner would have stood out had I read it in print, but I loved listening to it. English librarian Nina Redmond has lost her job--and the world of libraries is changing in ways she doesn't like. She has an idea to buy a van and start a roving bookstore, and when she finds the perfect van in the Scottish Highlands, she also unwittingly finds the perfect place to start her store.

Filled with charming characters, sweet romance, lots of book love, and a setting so vivid you can almost smell the fresh air, this book reached the part of me that adored the escapism of Under the Tuscan Sun (movie version for that one!). Give this one a listen if you love a light story about books and enjoy a good Scottish brogue.

Two people dealing with horrific past traumas help each other heal through a friends-with-benefits arrangement that could turn out to be more.

Allison is thrilled to be starting a prestigious Ph.D. program in medieval lit--until Colin--her ex from undergrad, the guy who broke her heart and stole her academic thunder--shows up in her graduate program. Not only does she have to study with him, but they also have to TA together and are competing for the mentorship she’s been dreaming of.

She's furious, but Colin is intent on convincing her he’s changed–and getting her back. She doesn’t trust him, but soon she feels herself drawn to him again.

Enemies to lovers is not my favorite romance trope anyway, and unfortunately, I wasn’t convinced by Colin–that he had changed, that he was then or is now worth Allison’s time. I like a good romance set in academia, but without a compelling love interest to root for, this was just okay for me.

Firefighter Cassie Hanwell is a rising star in her Austin firehouse, but an incident that puts her career in jeopardy, as well as her mother's request to move to Boston to help care for her, have her starting over at an unfamiliar boys club. Determined to prove herself, she finds only one ally in another new firefighter, a rookie that she finds herself thinking about more and more.

Any book by Katherine Center is now going on my auto-LISTEN pile. Her books (How to Walk Away is the other one I've listened to) strike exactly the right smart-but-light note that I love in my audiobook listening. Therese Plummer's excellent narration take Center's books up a notch--I'm not sure if I would have rated either one as highly if I'd read them in print.

Dani Brown is a PhD student bent on academic success--and on staying single. When security guard (and former famous rugby star) Zaf rescues Dani during a firedrill, they are quickly memed as couple goals. It's embarrassing, but Zaf also sees a chance to get publicity for his children's sports charity--and spend time with Dani. Dani agrees to play along and soon their fake relationship doesn't feel so fake.

This is the second in Hibbert's Brown sister trilogy, and Dani and Zaf are just as charming as Red and Chloe were in Get a Life, Chloe Brown. It's another sweet, steamy, feel-good romance, perfect for summer reading.

When Ari and Josh first meet, they hate each other. Things don't get much friendlier over their next couple of encounters, years apart. Until finally, they run into each other one more time and something clicks: friendship. As Ari struggles with the end of her marriage and Josh struggles with a failed dream, they find comfort and support in one another. Can they risk their friendship when they start feeling more?

This one had a slow start through the years of encounters and enmity, but it was faster moving once the friendship began. Your feelings about it may depend on your trope preferences; enemies to lovers isn't my favorite, but friends to lovers is. As characters, these two also weren't my favorite--Ari is abrasive and overdramatic, while Josh is a little dull. The chemistry came together in this, but overall it was uneven. The overall tone and struggles of the characters may resonate more with younger readers (Gen Z).

A fun fictional peek into life in the British royal family, from the perspective of an American girl who falls in love the prince. Filled with humor and hijinks, this is also a surprisingly smart rom-com. Pure enjoyment and brain candy, and often held up as the model "if you liked this..." book when other rom-coms are marketed.

Lucy and Gabe meet in college, brought together in the chaos of 9/11. A year after this meeting, they come together again and fall in love. But what brought them together also separates them, when Gabe decides to go to the Middle East as a photojournalist. The two follow different paths that sometimes intersect over the years, even as Lucy gets married and has children. This novel is Lucy reflecting on their years together and apart before she makes one final decision.

This was an emotional listen--especially with the backdrop of 9/11 and all that came after. However, the characters were often so frustrating and unlikable that it took away from the emotional resonance of their story. Mixed feelings on this, but I did want to keep listening, so...

Emily Henry is back with a second-chance romance/fake relationship novel that is perfect for summer reading. Harriet and Wyn were the perfect couple. They met in college and were deeply in love, even engaged to be married. When they both arrive at their friend’s beloved vacation home and learn it’s the last visit before it will be sold, they know they can’t tell their dear friends they broke up five months ago. Now, Harriet’s “happy place” has turned into one of deep discomfort, but she needs this one last trip, and she’s sure everyone else does, too.

As they white-knuckle through their lie, their chemistry–and Harriet’s confusion over their sudden breakup–leads to cracks in the facade. Can they keep up the charade, or will it all come crashing down and ruin their last friend vacation in paradise?

This novel is more melancholy than Henry’s previous books. Both Harriet and Wyn could be frustrating, in very realistic ways. When it started, I thought I was reading an “enemies to lovers” type book (not my favorite), but it soon became clear this wasn’t that–I loved their relationship. Even more: I loved the central place that friendship had in this book. Because I love great friendships in novels, it should be no surprise that this and People We Meet on Vacation are my two favorite Henry books.

Sadie is a portrait artist, struggling to find her footing. When a freak accident leaves her with face blindness, the timing couldn't be worse; she's just about to have her big break in a national contest. She's desperate to find a way to work around these new limitations. Never mind that she can't trust her own perceptions, and she's having fantasies about her vet and a neighbor in her building.

While not my favorite of Katherine Center's (Sadie was a little immature), this was creative and an interesting exploration of a condition I knew nothing about. I also loved her author's note at the end about why we read romance. I related to her words about hope and anticipation--which is why I think I (and many readers) have been leaning into romances and up-lit more than ever before. This provides plenty of both.

Noni Blake has been nursing some Big Life Hurts, and she’s started looking back on a few things and wondering, “what if?” She decides it’s time to indulge herself, for once in her life, and embark on a 6-month European tour focused on pure pleasure–her own.

Noni’s trip may make you blush (it’s unapologetically racy), but it may also prompt you to examine how well you treat yourself–and whether you might deserve your own version of Noni’s pleasure quest. I didn’t always love Noni or her choices, but I did like how she pushed herself to be brave, step out of her comfort zone, and do what felt right for her.

An autistic woman hires an escort to help her get better at relationships but they both start developing feelings for one another.

Fern and Will met ten years ago and spent one day together, talking and touring Toronto. They were both in relationships at the time but felt a connection. Nothing happened and they didn't stay in touch, but they decided to meet in one year, at Fern's family's lake resort, to check in on one another. Will didn't show up, and Fern never stopped thinking of him.

Now she's back at the resort after her mother's death, trying to decide what to do with the place, when Will shows up. He had agreed to consult with her mother, and stays on to help Fern. He seems changed, but as she gets to know him, she realizes he's the same guy she fell for--and he seems to feel the same. But something is holding him back, and Fern knows Will needs her--if he'll let her in.

This had flavors of some of my old favorite movies: Dirty Dancing and Before Sunrise. The setting is incredible--romantic and nostalgic. The 10-year flame they both held after one meeting felt a little unrealistic, but it was sweet and can be fun to think about a what-if for some of those chance encounters that become part of our pasts.

Paxton Andrews is a sheltered southern girl whose eyes open to the world when she goes to Berkeley and decides to become a journalist. She then goes to Vietnam to report on the war, writing a newspaper column about what it’s really like for the soldiers and the Vietnamese. Through her travels and reporting, she meets men who are on the front lines, and her relationships with them shape her life–while the war has its own impact on her and those relationships.

This is the only Danielle Steel novel I’ve ever read, but I loved it. I read this several times in high school and while there is plenty of romance (it is a Steel novel, after all), it also brought places like Saigon, Da Nang, and Cu Chi to life. I learned about the “tunnel rats” who bravely burrowed into the Viet Cong’s secret tunnels and the way veterans were broken after fighting this losing war. It’s been ages since I read it and I’m not sure how it holds up, but it looms large in my memory, and I think that alone is a strong endorsement.

A When Harry Met Sally-inspired novel about Poppy and Alex, two opposites who have been best friends since college. Every year, they take a vacation together. It was the highlight of their year-- until two years ago in Croatia. They've hardly spoken since. Now, they've joined for another trip to repair their friendship. Alternating between past and present, we see the evolution of Poppy and Alex's friendship and how they ended up here.

I adored this feel-good book that had me smiling throughout. From the banter to the travel to the devotion between Poppy and Alex, there's a lot here for people looking for a heartwarming and uplifting read.

After years of isolation because of chronic pain, Chloe Brown has decided to get a life. The first step is getting her own place--but befriending the burly superintendent is NOT on her list.

Red is not so fond of Chloe either, but he's also intrigued. This, of course, is a rom-com, so the path from dislike to banter to romance is predictable, but it's also sweet, funny, and uplifting. (Note that this is very open-door and steamy, so skip it if that's not your thing.)

Rachel is a financial analyst who is not good with people. When she gets a promotion to lead a team in San Francisco, her boss makes it clear that she has to succeed. She pledges to improve her social skills and goes out to a bar on her first night in town. She ends up having a one-night stand with Luke. They’re both surprised when they see each other again, but they realize they can help each other: he can help with her social skills and she can consult on his new business.

They pledge to keep it professional, but this is a rom-com, so there is chemistry and complications. Overall, this was a cute and entertaining romance but not a standout.

Emma and her friend Maddy are traveling nurses, moving to new places every few months and never settling anywhere. It suits Emma fine. When she reads a post from a man who says the women he dates always find “the one” after they break up, she responds on a whim and says the same is true for her. They begin texting and she feels pulled to go to Minnesota, where he lives. They agree to date for a short time, with the idea that they will each then meet their “one” after they break up. It’s a fun summer plan, but it goes sideways when they start to have real feelings. And Justin has complications that Emma is not ready to take on, while Emma’s past makes her just want to run.

This is the third in Jimenez’s Part of Your World series, though each book stands alone (the second one is Yours Truly). I love all of Jimenez’s books–this one maybe a little less than the previous two, probably because the characters are younger. But Jimenez is amazing at giving her characters real issues to deal with. There aren’t easy answers here, for either Justin or Emma, and this really isn’t a rom-com. It has all the sweetness and banter of a good romance, with the depth that makes Jimenez one of the very best of modern romance authors.

When Sara's mother dies, she leaves the task of finishing the last book in her bestselling series to her daughter.

In a fictional White House family, Alex is a golden boy with a quiet rivalry/fascination with Prince Henry of Wales that usually has little effect on his life–until a tense encounter forces them into a false PR campaign highlighting their "close friendship." The two grudgingly go along until their clever banter turns to real friendship–and then to more.

This was a fun audiobook listen with sweet romance (note: it's a little steamy), witty banter, and insider-y political maneuverings. A great choice if you're looking for an uplifting romance.

When Sophie needs to call off her wedding but can’t do it herself, she turns to a professional wedding objector. Max has fallen into the odd job of objecting at people’s weddings when they need it, and once her own disaster of a wedding is over, Sophie is intrigued. She starts working with him and soon the sparks are flying. But since neither of them believe in love, it couldn’t possibly be anything more than chemistry–right?

This was cute and entertaining, if not especially memorable. The premise was a little silly and the will-they/won’t-they stakes weren’t too high. But I enjoyed the characters enough to keep listening until the happily ever after, and sometimes, that’s all you need from a romance audiobook.

This sweet book follows Don Tillman, an Australian genetics professor who decides to embark on what he calls The Wife Project to find his perfect partner. Don likely has Aspergers syndrome, and he figures his best chance of finding someone is using a scientific approach.

Along the way, he meets Rosie, a woman he quickly eliminates from The Wife Project, but who intrigues him with her search for her biological father. He quickly jumps into The Father Project in the first of many bursts of spontaneity and excitement that Rosie brings into his well-ordered life.

Twenty-three-year-old August is ready to escape her past. After spending her life helping her mother investigate the disappearance of August’s uncle, August is now an ace detective—with little to show for it. She’s hoping for a new start in New York City. She soon falls into a community, with her welcoming and quirky new roommates and job at a beloved diner. But it’s the intriguing girl on the subway who really piques her interest. As she and Jane grow closer, August discovers a new mystery to solve: Jane is from the 1970s and forever stuck on the subway. Why, and how can they fix it?

McQuiston—best known for the wildly popular Red, White & Royal Blue—brings us this new LGBTQ romantic comedy, set in a slightly alternate universe and filled with their signature banter and diverse characters. The narration is excellent–I highly recommend this on audio.

Emily Henry’s rom-coms are must-reads for me, not least because they often feature…well, book lovers, but also because they always feel like a little more than a rom-com. Both Beach Read and The People We Meet on Vacation offered interesting backstories, and Book Lovers is no different.

Nora is a literary agent, proud of her independence and tough reputation. When her sister wants to take an extended vacation to the site of Nora’s client’s hit novel, they make a checklist of Hallmark highlights they need to complete. Nora doesn’t really believe she’ll have a charming small-town romance, especially not with Charlie Lastra, a cranky literary editor who happens to be from the town.

While I didn’t love this quite as much as Henry’s first two novels, it still includes the great banter and emotional connections that made them great–and it’s excellent on audio.

Daphne has upended her life to move to her fiance, Peter's, small town in Michigan--just in time for him to leave her for his childhood best friend Petra. With obligations to fulfill at her beloved library job but nowhere to live, she proposes that she and Miles--Petra's ex--become roommates. Miles and Daphne are opposites and don't know much about one another, but they slowly become friends through their shared heartbreak. Soon they realize how easy it is to put on a show and make everyone (including their exes) think they're more than friends--and it's possible they actually might be.

One thing I love about Henry's novels is that she chooses great settings. A small lakeside town in Michigan has the perfect summer feel and provides plenty of moments for cute banter and adventures as these two get to know one another. Fake dating isn't my favorite trope, but it doesn't feel heavy-handed here, and Miles is a charming and unexpected surprise for Daphne. Charm, banter, and just enough emotional backstory are par for the course for Henry, and this is another must-read if you like her other books.

Powered by the dreams and struggles of three generations, The Thorn Birds is the epic saga of a family rooted in the Australian sheep country. At the story's heart is the love of Meggie Cleary, who can never possess the man she desperately adores, and Ralph de Bricassart, who rises from parish priest to the inner circles of the Vatican...but whose passion for Meggie will follow him all the days of his life.

As Mallory lay on her deathbed, she tells her son to call Jake McCloud–the husband of the leading candidate for President. He can’t imagine how she knows Jake.

The story flashes back 28 years to 1993, when Mallory and Jake first meet at the Nantucket cottage she inherited. Over the next few decades, the two meet every year for one weekend, never having contact in the time between. Their connection runs deep, and complicates the lives they live outside of that weekend–but it is also essential to each of them.

While there were frustrating parts of this (at times it was hard to believe they didn’t just decide to be together), I loved listening. The characters were compelling and Hilderbrand’s Nantucket is always a dream. She’s another go-to for me on audio, and this is one of her best.

When Sarah Foster runs away from home at 16, she leaves behind her first girlfriend, found dead in a lake, and the understanding that people in her life may have been involved. Starting from nothing is hard, but she makes her way into bartending and soon becomes famous for her creative signature cocktails.

When she meets Emilie at a restaurant, their connection is instant. But both have complications from their pasts that make it difficult to fall into a relationship. As they ebb and flow toward and away from one another, they start to understand how they might fit together.

This was a lovely story, with complex, sensitive characters and relationships. This is LaCour’s debut adult novel (she usually writes YA) and I hope she continues to write for adults.