#read romance

[artform-virtue]

i’m sooooo sick of people acting like romance is an inferior genre. like show me in your pretentious litfic books a story where a fat woman gets to fall in love. show me where queer people get to be happy while experiencing virtually no homophobia. show me the space where the male gaze is practically nonexistent. go on, don’t be shy!

[jessread-s]

✩❄️🪩Review:

Jessica Joyce has given me no choice but to read this annually!

“A Risk Worth Taking” follows Claire Ashford as she prepares to pursue a job opportunity in San Francisco after she realizes how much her cautious nature has cost her. The night before she leaves, she decides to take a risk and spend it with Connor Stella, the gorgeous stranger at the holiday party where she’s bartending. But the weather has other plans, and soon one night with no strings attached turns into an entire weekend. Claire’s new adventure is just a plane ride away, but her heart belongs to the man she’ll have to leave behind.

This was simply the most delightful little novella I’ve ever read. It was only 78 pages and it had me giggling and smiling like crazy!

I am simply in love with Claire (my kindred spirit), Connor (my golden retriever boy), and their relationship. Sparks fly the moment they cross paths and Joyce works her magic to make their connection palpable. Their banter, the way take care with each other, and their physical compatibility made it clear that they were meant to be more to each other than a one night stand and I loved watching that come to fruition!

Cross-posted to: Instagram | Amazon | Goodreads | StoryGraph

[dargeereads]

By Frenzy I Ruin by Cora Reilly

4 stars

Overall, I really like this story, and I completely got tied up in the story, wondering what was going to happen next! There were a few twists, but the core of the relationship between Nevio and Aurora played out, for most of the book, in a pretty predictable manner, based on who they are and their families. How was it going to change? That was the part that kept turning page after page, and when it all finally fell into place, it was just so right <3

[bree-unabashedly]

We have Harlequin Afterglow news, shared with us by Harlequin Editor, John Jacobson. Find out all about Harlequin’s upcoming sexy contemporary line 🩵

[shannonstacey]

[iamgonnagetyouback]

!!!!!!!

[sheepgirl3]

About to rearrange and sort my bookshelves! What are your favorite ways to sort your bookshelves?

[clonerightsagenda]

Spotted the word "blorbo" in The New York Times book review. Listen NYT romance reviewer, I really do not think your paper's audience is going to recognize that one

[thriftdyke]

it really does bother me how no one can seem to answer the question “what even is romantic attraction, really.” like some people are like “it’s who you wanna kiss and cuddle <3” and I’m like ok well kisses and cuddles can be either sexual or platonic depending on context. “It’s who you feel passion/desire/arousal for” well that just sounds like sexual attraction which you can have without even knowing somebody so I fail to see how that’s romantic. “It’s who you want to go on dates with” I go on dates with friends all the time plus “date” is a social construct anyway there’s really no innate difference between a date and hanging out. “it’s who you have deep feelings for” great news for you that can be literally any type of relationship. my friend told me she defined it as “who you wanna give roses to” and I’m like do u hear urself??? like the more I talk to people the more I’m convinced romance and romantic attraction is an elaborate socially fabricated illusion that has no real defining characteristics. and like there’s nothing Wrong with it being a constuct but why people are so attached to defending the supremacy of it is something I cannot for the life of me figure out

[majunju]

graphic design is my passion

[theywontletmebeprincipal]

* “go-to” doesn’t mean “only”! there’s a bunch of situational signoffs I haven’t put here, this is more about what you use by default

[mintypsii]

what is this guy's issue 😭

[jessread-s]

✩📚❤️‍🔥Review: “Book Lovers” is the first book that I have read by Emily Henry and now I absolutely understand all the praise she receives for her writing. The novel is told from the perspective of Nora Stephens, a dedicated literary agent and proud resident of New York City. Though she is very attached to her job, Nora always makes time for her sister Libby, which is why she agrees to vacation in Sunshine Falls for the duration of August. Nora’s time away from New York is anything but relaxing when she runs into her arch nemesis Charlie Lastra, a well known editor. The more the two continue too bump into each other, however, the harder it is to deny the sparks between them. Henry’s enemies-to-lovers romance features well-written banter and the perfect amount of steamy scenes. But this story is so much more than your typical romantic comedy. "Book Lovers” also explores the heartbreaking pain that comes with losing a parent and not being able to trust yourself with happiness. Nora goes through a lot, but with her little sister and Charlie by her side, she ultimately learns that it is okay to choose yourself. As a creative writing student, I love how both Charlie and Nora’s careers are a huge part of the book. Their jobs provide the reader with an inside look at what goes on behind the scenes in the publishing industry. I would love to read more books that focus on this in the future! ➤ 4.25 stars

Cross-posted to: Instagram | Amazon | Goodreads | StoryGraph

[dargeereads]

The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy

5 stars

audiobook

It literally felt like coming home when I started this book! The feel, the atmosphere, everything, like the two previous series set at Briar U, I was all in from the start. Gigi and Ryder were, well, they sparked off each other. They challenged each other. They worked so well together. They brought out the best in each other. They frustrated each other. And the chemistry, the heat,  those were stratospheric with how much in sync and in tune with each other they were. It is a slow burn for the first half of the book, and once it takes off, watch out, it is scorching hot! Secret relationship, lots of amazing supporting characters, no third act break-up, and the passion they have on and off the ice, mesmerizing. These two are most definitely one of the top couples of the year for me <3

[shannonstacey]

Stranded In A Small Town Christmas (11.22.2022)

[a-kind-of-merry-war]

What do you do when you hear your best friend's hand in marriage is the grand prize in a tournament? You steal your brother's armour, cut off all your hair, and enter in disguise to rescue her. Obviously.

All The Painted Stars is a sapphic, medieval romance novel with...

⭐ Knight's Tale Vibes ⭐ Women in armour ⭐ Skinny dipping ⭐ Ruining arranged marriages ⭐ The pain of being in love with your best friend

It's OUT NOW wherever books are sold in paperback, ebook and audiobook!

Bookshop.org / Waterstones / Blackwells / Amazon / Kobo

Full blurb & content warnings under the cut.

Oxfordshire 1362

When Lily Barden discovers her best friend Johanna’s hand in marriage is being awarded as the main prize at a tournament, she is determined to stop it. Disguised as a knight, she infiltrates the contest, preparing to fight for Jo’s hand. But her conduct ruffles feathers, and when a dangerous incident escalates out of Lily’s control, Jo must help her escape.

Finding safety with a local brewster, Lily and Jo soon settle into their new freedom, and amongst blackberry bushes and lakeside walks an unexpected relationship blossoms. But when Jo’s past catches up with her and Lily’s reckless behaviour threatens their newfound happiness, both women realise that love must always come at a cost.

Content warnings:

ATPS contains mention of past emotional and physical abuse, and some mild violence.

It also contains explicit on-page sex scenes.