I love romance books. There I said it. I guess it started with the YA fantasy books. Always a dash of romance, a couple I could ship and root for. Preferably not the focus of the story because when the world is literally falling apart, sucking face is a little unrealistic.
But then came the historical romances. I must admit, I used to think they were only erotica, based on those covers. They’re quite misleading. What I found was wonderful stories about determined and amazing heroines with the guys they fall in love with.
I spent like a year and a half lost in historical romances.
But now I’m obsessed with contemporaries, which also sometimes get a bad rep. NA, for example. But truly, these books can be so funny and entertaining!
I wanted to share a few of the ones that have swept me off my feet!
Managed, by Kristen Callihan (VIP #2)
For Kristen Callian’s VIP series, I did it backwards. I started with the last book, Fall. And I fell head over heels for the characters. I said, hell yeah, why not continue? The next one, Managed just… It just blew me away. It was hilarious, and swoony and just… everything I want in a romance book. You know what’s better than bad boys? Broody boys. And even better? Broody men.
Sophie is the complete opposite from Gabriel, who manages his friends’ band. She’s all bubbly and carefree and he’s got to take care of everyone around him. Their personalities clash, and he’s driven crazy from it. I had the time of my life reading about their antics and I hope you will too!
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Moonlight Scandals, by Jennifer Armentrout (De Vincent #3)
I remember back when I fangirled about J.L. Armentrout’s Lux and Covenant series (aliens and demigods for the win!). I’d have never thought she’d have me hooked with books more romance-focused. But she did. She did alright.
This series introduces us to the De Vincent brothers and it’s set in New Orleans. The De Vincent are crazy rich, but are surrounded by mystery, rumors of a curse, and even death. This last book really drives it home because the stakes are higher than ever. I totally wasn’t expecting some of the plot twists included! All in all, this is one romance series that had one of the best wrap-ups I’ve encountered.
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Wait for it, by Mariana Zapata
Mariana Zapata was a totally new-to-me author. Later, I would find out that she has a slow-burn writing technique reputation. This makes me think about how appropiate the title of this book is.
Wait for it is the story of Diana, a character that appears in a previous Mariana Zapata book. She’s starting over with her nephews and it turns out her neighbor is broody hottie that avoids her like the plague at first. Diana takes it like a champ and is just so… I loved being in her head. The romance IS slow, but I had so much fun waiting that I didn’t mind one bit.
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A Place in the Sun, by R.S. Grey
This author has a way of writing her stories that makes them so compelling! Here it’s Georgie looking for an escape from her life in London. She finds it in Italy, in the perfect paradise called Vernazza. And that’s where she meets Luca.
Cue tons of swooning.
Luca’s got a few demons to deal with, but no matter how much he resists, he ends up building a beautiful friendship with Georgie. And see, that’s the part I love in these stories. The actual process of the characters getting closer, and laughing and sharing important moments together. And this author nails that!
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A Piece of Work, by Staci Hart (Red Lipstick Coalition #1)
I’ve read the other books in this series -totally not required to read them in order. And there are things that I’ve loved from this one than in the other ones. The other ones are great and I’m so excited for the next one too!
What I truly appreciate is that each book is so different from the other ones. Each of these women have their own struggles and paths. This is a tight-knit group of friends that have made a vow to each other to be brave and go after what they want in life. And it’s all channeled through -sometimes- being bold and rocking the hell out of their Sephora red lipsticks!
In this one Rin starts working at the Met and meets Court, her boss. He’s… At first I didn’t like him much because as his boss, there’s a power inbalance that made their ‘relationship’ a bit iffy for me at first. He wouldn’t leave her alone. But later when this was addressed, it made me feel better. It didn’t make his attitude at first right, but Rin stood up for herself and totally became the best version of herself, which is what these books are all about.
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I know some seem a little risque, and well yeah, there is some sexually explicit content. But we definitely shouldn’t underestimate how good these books are and what they’re saying.
Spoiler: I’ve found Piece of Work especially uplifting because of the MC’s personal growth. She reminded me of myself in some ways so I could relate with some of her struggles about her insecurities.
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