With Valentine's Day finally here, you might be tempted to read a higher than usual amount of romance in the coming weeks. So I thought I'd share of six of my favourite romance or romance adjacent books that you simply must check out.
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy is set in a world full of magic, demigods and zombies, and follows Mercy, our sunshiney protagonist who’s been single-handedly keeping her families’ undertaking business afloat. And Hart, a grumpy demigod Marshall, whose duty involves patrolling the magical wilds of Tanria and protecting people from the Zombie-like drudges who can possess the dead.
Their chosen fields lead Hart and Mercy into constant contact but despite the similarities the pair just despise one another. Until one day, after yet another run-in with Mercy, Hart pens a letter addressed simply to “A Friend”. Much to his surprise, an anonymous letter comes back in return and a tentative friendship is born.
If only Hart knew he’s been baring his soul to the person who irritates him the most—Mercy.
My Thoughts:
This was quite possibly my favourite romance of 2022 and the blend of fantasy and romance was utter PERFECTION! From the humour, whimsical characters and swoon-worthy romance— there's soo much to love!
If you enjoy the grumpy x sunshine trope and a slow burn, but utterly intense romance full of drama and heart stoppingly emotional scenes (seriously there were a few scenes that had me literally SOBBING) then I definitely recommend checking this out.
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
The Dead Romantics follows ghost writer, Florence (who can see ghosts) and her new editor Benji (who has suddenly become a ghost less 24hrs since Florence last saw him.) As she attempts to process her grief surrounding the unexpected death of her father and the year long writer’s block (caused by a bad break up) which threatens to tank her career. And all while returning to the hometown which drove her away ten years prior.
My thoughts:
This was a wonderfully whimsical small town romance with a paranormal twist and I was surprised by how cosy it was given it's central theme is grief and death (the MC also, unconventionally, grew up in a funeral home as it happens to be the family business.)
It definitely feels like the love child of Book Lovers and The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy —so, if you loved either (or both) of those books, then you'll probably really enjoy this!
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Mika Moon, a witch who (like most witches) lost her parents at a young age and was raised in isolation so as not to draw attention to her magic. Mika has gotten used to her solitary life, only meeting with fellow witches sporadically to limit the risk of detection. But, all that changes when Mika receives a message asking her to travel to Nowhere House and teach three young witches in need of her guidance—a post she readily accepts.
Mika’s arrival at Nowhere house heralds a big change for the young witches, their guardians and for Mika who feels—for the first time in her life—that she can truly belong.
My Thoughts:
I know I've said this for every pick so far, but The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches was another super heartwarming romance that I absolutely loved. Yes it's also technically fantasy but, it is witchy and my personal opinion is you can never go wrong with a good witchy romance. It's premise is very Prectical Magic meets Mary Poppins and the swoon-worthy, sunshine x grump romance between Mika and cranky Librarian, Jamie was really well written.
So, if you love a gently humorous rom-com with endearing, larger than life characters (and a heap of magic and whimsy) then I definitely recommend you give this a read.
Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales
It's been two years since Maya dumped her cheating ex, Jordy. So when she receives a call to participate in Second Chance Romance - a reality show in which the now famous Jordy re-dates his ex girlfriends - she isn't interested...
Until she realises she can use this to finally exact revenge. If she can make it to the final, she can reject Jordy on national TV and break his heart. Mint the contestants also include Skye the girl Jordy cheated on her with. And Maya is frustrated to find that everyone is charmed by her.
And somehow, amidst the reality show's competitive (and backstabby) environment - Maya and Skye find themselves becoming friends and decide to plot the ultimate revenge against Jordy...
Only along the way, these former rivals turned co-conspirators find themselves developing feelings for one another. But with the season finale approaching, and the pressure (and Maya's complicated feelings) mounting can Maya pull off their elaborate plan or will she find herself going off script?
My Thoughts:
This was a genuinely funny rom-com with soo many entertaining, laugh out loud moments that really kept the pace (and hijinks) swiftly moving.
And of course, I can't forget all the loveable, well developed characters that gave us a wonderful glimpse into their guarded hearts, career motivations and often very personal reasons for appearing on the show.
The plot does have huge John Tucker Must Die meets The Bachelor vibes (you know, if the exes plotting his demise ended up falling for each other instead) so if you enjoy either (or both) of these then you'll definitely enjoy reading this. Especially if you love well deserved revenge plots, reality tv drama and snarky protagonists you can't help but root for.
Better Than Fiction by Alexa Martin
This charming and utterly relatable rom-com follows a reluctant (and book hating) bookstore owner, Drew Young who learns to reevaluate her pessimistic outlook on love—and life when she meets kindhearted (and gorgeously handsome) romance author Jasper Williams.
As he curates her a book bucket list guaranteed to show her the joy of reading in exchange for her help exploring the Denver's local scene for his upcoming novel.
My Thoughts:
I'm a sucker for a grumpy x sunshine rom-com especially when books are involved in the plot so I knew I definitely needed to read this.
And, I'm glad I did because the endearing and emotionally complex protagonists paired with a sizzlingly swoon-worthy romance (and a vast cast of quirky but loveable supporting characters) really made for an entertaining and unforgettably poignant read.
Violet Made of Thorns by Gina Chen
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