Steamy Reading : Recommended Romance Books
Who doesn’t love a good romance novel to spice life up a little? Especially during February, the month of love! I’ve been reading romance novels since my Grandmother introduced me to Nora Roberts and Kathleen E. Woodiwiss at age 13 (yeah, that was a bit early…). And I enjoy all types: Historical Romance, Rom-coms, Contemporary Romance, and yes, even Thriller Romance (I see you, Colleen Hoover.). For me, usually the smuttier the better (Sorry, Mom). All that to say, Romance is a very fun genre and one I enjoy reading immensely.
Without further ado, here’re some romance reads to check out:
1) Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks aka: the King of romance. I’ll admit, I rarely read Nicholas Sparks, but this was a recommendation from a great friend, and I really enjoyed it! I’ve always enjoyed the small town beach settings that Sparks employs in his novels, and this was no different! This is a love story that spans decades and continents as two very different people are at a crossroads, Hope from North Carolina and Tru from Zimbabwe. This novel has you experience the amazingness and also the heartbreak of true love.
2) People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry. I loved Beach Read by Emily Henry, so I couldn’t wait to read this one! The premise is a lot of fun: Two best friends. Ten summer trips. One last chance to fall in love. It gives me all the “When Harry Met Sally”, friends-to-lovers vibes for sure! So, if you love second chance romance, opposites attract, and friends turned lovers, need I say more?!
3) While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guilliory (I love her characters!). I absolutely love the wittiness and fun this author brings to her novels! In my opinion, she’s the queen of modern day romance novels! In While We Were Dating, when the opportunity comes to turn their real-life fling into something more for the Hollywood spotlight, will Ben be content to play the background role in Anna’s life and then be able to leave when the cameras stop rolling? Or could he be the leading man she needs him to be? Yesss…the drama!!!
4) Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon (yes, I said series. It has to be recommended. Sorry, not sorry.). Do you love Jamie Fraser on Outlander, the tv show?! Reward yourself with the book series, my friends! You won’t be disappointed! Book Jamie > tv Jamie. Yes, I said it. Plus, the latest book in the series, Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone: A Novel (book 9), was recently released! So you’re welcome to binge read the series and get ahead of the tv show’s plot!
5) Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover (This is on my next to-read and I can’t wait!). I loved Verity by Colleen Hoover and she’s quickly becoming a favorite author of mine! The characters attempt a “friends with benefits” type relationship without falling in love. The short snippet got me quickly: “Don’t ever ask about the past. Don’t expect a future. They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all. Hearts get infiltrated. Promises get broken. Rules get shattered. Love gets ugly.” Say no more. ::adds to cart::
6) The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren. Who doesn’t love the enemies to lovers trope? Honestly, it’s one of my favorite kind of romance books to read! For two sworn enemies, anything can happen during a trip of a lifetime (also known as her sister’s honeymoon that she can’t go on due to the entire wedding party minus Olive and Ethan getting food poisoning). Can Olive and Ethan pretend to be newlyweds for 10 days without anything else going wrong? Bonus, it’s a romantic -comedy that is set in Maui. Hello escape read! ::praise hands::
7) Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert is on my to-read list after it was recommended by several Goodreads friends. Chloe Brown is a confident, sarcastic, and cute as hell plus-size black British woman with a chronic illness. After being temporarily knocked down by her illness, she decides to reclaim her life by making a to-do list that includes: ride a motorcycle, have meaningless but thoroughly enjoyable sex, go camping, etc. I truly look forward to reading this inclusive, body positive, and steamy book!
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Not only does the Memphis Mom Collective love books, but we love supporting locally owned businesses. That’s why, if any of these titles stick out to you and you’re considering the buying the book, click here to purchase from independently-owned Novel. In fact, contributing writer Erin’s choices (listed above!) will be on display in the front of the store for easy grabbing.
Located in East Memphis’ Laurelwood Plaza, Novel also offers special orders, curbside pick up and even home delivery! Just call (901) 922-5526. They’re open Monday-Saturday 9am – 8pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm.
