For Readers: Blog

Cozy up with romance reads

As the leaves start to change and the weather cools down, it’s the perfect time of year to settle in with a Hallmark-esque read. Recreate the cozy feeling of your favorite rom-com movie with the quaint communities, witty banter, and awe-inspiring settings of these romances.

Take the Lead by Alexis Daria takes readers behind the scenes of a dance competition show, where a determined dancer is paired with a survivalist. Gina needs this season to be her big break, but her celebrity partner Stone is a reluctant participant. When the unlikely duo finds they have a real connection, it threatens to put their big trophy at risk. Fans of opposites attract and forbidden romances will love this steamy reality television read. [e-book | print | audiobook]

Farrah Rochon’s Pardon My Frenchie is an amusing enemies-to-lovers rom-com for readers who love laugh-out-loud moments alongside the swoon-worthy ones. After their dogs go viral, a doggie daycare owner and a recently retired military veteran (who happens to hate dogs) become surprise partners in a public relations campaign to promote their businesses. This is a satisfying slow-burn romance with plenty of banter. [e-book | print]

The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood has all the makings of a hit rom-com movie. Fast-paced and funny, this story follows Delphie, who unfortunately dies, but very fortunately meets the love of her life in the afterlife’s waiting room. Sent back to Earth for a second chance, Delphie has ten days to find her soulmate in real life and earn another chance to live. Despite the subject matter, this is an upbeat read with likeable characters. [e-book | print | audiobook]

Uzma Jalaluddin’s Much Ado About Nada is a character-driven second-chance romance based on Jane Austen’s Persuasion. Nada is thrilled for her friend’s engagement, but she has a complicated past with the fiancé’s brother. Alternating between past and present, Nada’s history with Baz is slowly revealed, culminating in a powerful reconnection at Toronto’s annual Muslim convention that could change both of their futures. [e-book | print | audiobook]

Birding With Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb is a charming story about finding yourself after divorce, and finding a handsome birdwatcher along the way. Celeste is forging her own path as a divorcée and soon-to-be-empty-nester. Saying yes to every opportunity, she accidentally ends up in a birding competition with a kind but closed-off birdwatcher. Sparks fly as they tick birds off their list, and Celeste will find out if romance means giving up her independence. [e-book | print]

Like a little more mayhem in your rom-coms? I Did Something Bad by Pyae Moe Thet War mixes adventure and romance in this fun read about an actor and journalist who join forces to cover up a murder. In Myanmar to shoot a film, Tyler wants to keep his life out of the spotlight, and out of Khin’s interview. A surprise attack on set shakes things up, and the pair soon become partners in crime, and maybe more... [e-book | print]

⏤Laura