Summer and romantic books go together like a package
I don't know about you, but during the summer months I enjoy romantic novels more than anything else. Whether they are spicy, emotional, or realistic, they keep me the best company!
So let's see some that are worth adding to your list this summer:
From Another World, by Abby Jimenez
After an unbelievable bet, a gourmet sandwich, and a few cuddles with a little goat wearing pajamas, everything in Alexis Montgomery’s world is turned upside down. The reason? Daniel Grant. Incredibly handsome. A carpenter. Ten years younger than her and the embodiment of laid-back ease. In other words, the exact opposite of the sophisticated cosmopolitan Alexis. And yet, the chemistry between them—in every way—is undeniable.
While Alexis’s wealthy, world-famous surgeon parents demand that she continue the family tradition, she herself wants neither fame nor glamour. All she needs is to be a simple doctor in the Emergency Department. And with every minute she spends with Daniel in the small town, she discovers what is truly important to her. But if she allows their acquaintance to develop into something more, she will have to turn her back on her family and give up the chance to help thousands of people.
It is impossible for Daniel to become part of her world, but she cannot imagine her life without him. How can Alexis choose between her world and his?
Fun, fresh, and romantic, this modern fairy tale reminds us that what brings us together is always greater than what divides us.
This particular novel was very enjoyable, fresh & sweet, featuring [characters from another world because in this one there is no] adorable woodcutter Daniel who lives in a small village [and has a little goat, I mean tell me that doesn't make you smile…] and Alexis, a wealthy doctor who carries the weight of her family name.
"It was a moment I could savor. Like reaching the finish line after a race. Or letting out a breath I had been holding for a long time. Or finally returning home."
One of the powerful books of its genre, which did not fail to mention the importance of psychotherapy, toxic human relationships, and the importance of priorities in our lives. I recommend it 100%, it lifted my mood and I would love for it to be made into a movie!
Roommates with Expiration Date, by Elena Armas
Rosie Graham has a problem. To be honest, not just one. She quit her well-paying job to secretly dedicate herself to writing romance novels.
Only the inspiration is missing and her apartment is falling apart. Literally. She quickly moves temporarily to her best friend Lina's house while she is abroad. However, she is unaware of the following: Lina has temporarily lent her apartment to her cousin Lucas, her online crush, an attractive Spanish surfer with a charming smile and great cooking skills.
Lucas agrees to let Rosie stay with him, at least temporarily. And he has an outrageous idea to help her: to go on a few experimental dates together to rekindle her inspiration for writing and her romantic mood.
Rosie has nothing to lose. Her frivolous crush is under control, but Lucas's time in New York has an expiration date and six weeks may not be enough for either her or her deadline.
The ceiling in Rosie's apartment collapses, so she goes to stay at her friend's house. Just when she relaxes carefree, someone knocks on the door, trying to open it. She freaks out, thinking it's a burglar.
But noooo!
It's Lucas, her eternal one-sided crush that she has been eager to see up close for years. Who happens to be her friend's cousin as well, and has come to stay at her house.
So, they end up roommates for 6 weeks...
This particular book caught me completely off guard because I really enjoyed it so much and I didn't expect it at all.
Okay, it was a bit funny that Rosie had almost fallen in love with Lucas before even meeting him, but luckily the course of the story went so well that it didn't bother me.
The love story was perfect and exactly what I wanted. Slow burn, with humor, nice flirtation, and characters that were not toxic at all, which I really enjoy seeing.
The ending, although a bit cheesy, was worth it because sometimes I really want to read very very optimistic books that will make me laugh and realize that unfortunately the sweet Spaniards who cook for you every day, fall madly in love with you, and have completely golden retriever energy only exist in books...
The Dead Romantics, by Ashley Poston
AMONG THE BEST BOOKS OF 2022 ACCORDING TO THE NEW YORK TIMES
Florence Day makes her living writing romances on behalf of a famous elderly author of love stories. Only, she no longer believes in love and romance. After her last breakup, romance is dead to her. And it’s not just her love life that’s dead, but her career too, which is also going downhill, as her new editor, who is unbelievably handsome, won’t give her an extension to turn in the new book.
Things get worse for Florence when she receives a phone call she never wanted to get: she has to return to her childhood home for the funeral of her beloved father. For ten years she had avoided this small town where she grew up, but where she was never truly understood. Although she missed the warm Southern nights and her eccentric family, she can’t bring herself to stay. She hates that everything there remains the same and only her father is gone.
Until the ghost of a man appears on the doorstep of her family’s funeral home, unbelievably handsome, just as he was in life. And confused. He doesn’t know why he ended up there—with her. Romance is definitely dead… but so is her new editor. Yet the unfinished business he has left behind will make Florence rethink everything she knows about romances.
Florence is a "ghostwriter," as she writes books on behalf of a famous elderly romance author, even though she no longer believes in love herself. Her life is already going from bad to worse, with the cherry on top being that her new - tall and unbelievably handsome - editor is not giving her an extension for the delivery of her book. Perfect? Oh, and one more crucial detail of the story: Florence sees ghosts!
This particular book is not the typical romantic novel from what I understood. I found the idea of the author creating a protagonist who falls in love with a ghost very clever. I have never read anything similar and found it very original!
"Love was not a whisper in the quiet night. It was a scream into the void, shouting that you were here."
Surprisingly, it conveys a very pleasant feeling. It flows nicely, has doses of humor, clever dialogues, references to books and authors, is a bit macabre but at the same time full of optimism and definitely keeps your interest.
A different proposal, which I think is worth seeing.
Roua Mat, by Ali Hazelwood
Mallory Greenleaf is only nineteen years old. And a chess prodigy. From a very young age, chess had become her life. Until everything changed. A violent breakup, a car accident, a guilt she does not dare put into words, leave deep scars on her and she abandons both the sport and her talent.
However, a series of people will help Mallory get back on her feet and return to her favorite game stronger than ever, ready to confront the sexism women face. There, she will meet the world champion, Nolan Sawyer, who is one year older than her, and Mallory will be called upon to decide how long she will keep her feelings locked away.
Through Mallory and Nolan, as well as the traumatic past each carries, Hazelwood shapes a feminist narrative that sheds light on the sexism female chess players face from their male colleagues, all centered on a romance that will captivate you.
If you are a big fan of chess, then this book is for you.
If you are a fan of romantic novels, then this book is also for you.
If you love books with the enemies to lovers trope, then guess what... this book is for you!
The protagonist of the book, Mallory, although 19 years old, has already been through a lot. With the help of some random (or not) people, she manages to start playing chess again, something she has talent for despite denying it. She will then come face to face with Nolan, a world chess champion, and everything she knew about herself will change.
Roi Mât is a very fresh and sweet novel that appeals to various ages and deals with different social messages, emphasizing the racism that women in the field face.
Having read two other books by the author, it is definitely a safe choice for me, and I believe it will not disappoint you either.
People We Meet on Vacation, by Emily Henry
A summer, two uninspired writers, and a bet that will make them reconsider everything they thought was certain.
A romantic fiction writer who no longer believes in love and an award-winning high literature writer will face their worst nightmare: a lack of inspiration!
Augustus Everett is considered one of the most important writers of his generation.
January Andrews' books are at the top of the best sellers list.
While she skillfully writes about happy love stories, he kills off all the main characters in one scene!
They are objectively complete opposites!
In fact, the only thing they have in common is that they will be staying in neighboring beach houses for the next three months: broke, unable to find inspiration for their next book, with their publishers' deadlines approaching…
On a dull afternoon, in the desperation of the moment, they will make a quite risky bet: Augustus will spend the rest of his summer writing a book with a happy ending, and January will write a book that will be praised by literary critics.
January will introduce Augustus to romantic literature and help him find inspiration through trips to cinematic landscapes.
Similarly, under Augustus' guidance, she will interview the surviving members of a sect.
The rules are simple: whoever sells their book first, wins.
This book is not just another love story… Or is it after all?
There is no summer without Emily Henry. It's an unwritten law.
For me, her books are exactly what I'm looking for when I seek a romantic novel. I simply love them all.
In this particular one, we have a romance writer and an award-winning literary author, who will face their worst nightmare: lack of inspiration. So, they make a bet: each one has to write a book in the genre the other writes. Thus, Gus will write a romantic book and January a mystery. How do you know you're reading a good romantic book?
(a) When you identify with the heroes (b) When social issues are touched upon (c) When you envy the love story like crazy (d) All of the above As you understand, the correct answer is (d), and that's what I experienced with this book.
It is one of my favorites, as beyond the sweet element, it has depth as it deals with the theme of loss & second chances.
It is a guaranteed pleasure!
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