What We’re Reading

Given I own a bookstore, it stands to reason that one of my favourite places to escape is in a book. I also love to be able to talk about books with people who come through the store, and for the past little while I have been reading a lot of romance books, as the genre has experienced a bit of a resurgence and we have many customers coming into our store wanting recommendations. Below is a list of some of the romance books I’ve read and enjoyed over the past few months.

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Impractical Magic by Emily Grimoire: Reading this book felt like being curled up with a warm, comforting cup of hot chocolate. It was a sweet, whimsical tale about three sisters needing to repair the magic in Oak Haven, a small town charmed to perpetually be in a state of autumn, with a second-chance romance subplot that adds depth to the Scarlett’s story. Full of witchy puns that had me giggling, along with a sweet will they-won’t they vibe; if you liked the TV show, Gilmore Girls then this one is definitely for you.

The Wedding Forecast by Nina Kenwood: Nina Kenwood’s first foray into adult fiction has resulted in a delightfully joyous read that had me unwilling to put the book down! Initially drawn to this book because I enjoyed Kenwood’s YA fiction, I was delighted to find that this book was no exception. Anna is bridesmaid at her friend’s wedding, and naturally, her ex is one of the groomsmen. What ensues is a tale that had me both laughing and crying along with the characters, the dialogue got me laughing aloud, and the plot took some unexpected turns, which as an avid reader, I love. If you haven’t read Nina Kenwood yet, you absolutely should.

Rumour Has It by Karly Lane: If rural romance is your vibe, Lane presents an engaging tale of romance interwoven amongst a thrilling mystery. Aubree’s life has imploded and she is trying to navigate the messy lives of her grown children along with the scandal her ex-husband’s family has her embroiled in and the resulting gossip that comes along with it. While this is happening, Aubree’s old flame Beau returns to town. There is an emotional depth to Lane’s writing that allows readers into her characters’ minds and I found myself thoroughly engaged in her exploration of the impact of the rumour mill, and resulting consequences.

Story of My Life by Lucy Score: A cosy romance about a writer suffering from a brutal case of writer’s block after her marriage has fallen apart, who upends her life and moves to a small town to try and find inspiration. The ensuing hilarity had me laughing aloud and kicking my feet with glee as main character Hazel finds herself entangled with contractor Campbell, who is fixing up her house. Score presents a story that explores deeply flawed humans and how they grapple with all that life can throw their way, while simultaneously showcasing the charm of small-town life. A healthy dose of ridiculous situations for our protagonist also had me invested. It is a spicy read, so be prepared for that one if you pick this up.

Here Lie All the Boys Who Broke My Heart by Emma Simmerman: A mix between a mystery thriller with an enemies-to-lovers romantic subplot, this book was such a ride. Sloane’s ex-boyfriends keep turning up dead and given her habit of writing “eulogies” for her exes when relationships end, Sloane becomes the prime suspect. The narrative explores her attempts to clear her name, via a series of bad decisions which made for a riot of a read. The love triangle is toxic, and Simmerman doesn’t shy away from exploring the toxic choices people can make, but that didn’t make me any less invested in the outcomes. If you like your romance to be the subplot rather than the main show, this book is the one to go for as it’s definitely heavier on the mystery than the romance.

Face Off by Chelsea Curto: If you’re a hockey romance lover, this one is for you. Book one in a new series, protagonist Emmy is a female hockey player who has secured a place for herself in the National Hockey League. She’s been selected to play on a team captained by the best player in the league and naturally Emmy and Maverick are immediately drawn to one another. A friends-with-benefits situation that kept me deeply invested, Curto has used the genre of hockey romance to address the treatment of women in male-dominated fields and it is a fascinating exploration. With these characters, she has written such a beautiful story of what it means to be seen and loved for who you are. The secondary plot going on about a found family also compelled me to keep reading and I simply wanted to know more about all of them. Thankfully, there are more books in the series to come!

Alchemised by SenLinYu: A dark romance that brings readers into the world of Paladia, where brilliant alchemist Helena has been captured by the corrupt ruling class and forced to live in the crumbling estate of the High Reeve. In a deeply complex narrative that draws readers into the world of alchemy and necromancy, the High Reeve works to unlock Helena’s lost memories; all the while, in order to escape, she is working to uncover his secrets too. Over 1000 pages long in the telling, there was no point where I felt this story was dragging – if anything, I didn’t want to put it down!

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas – I cannot talk about romance books I’ve been reading without including the second book in the ACOTAR series by Maas. I am a huge Maas fan – her character building and world building are next level, and both are on display in this one. For those of you here for the romance of it all, if you haven’t read this series, or if you stopped at book one, I urge you to pick up book two. I love it so much. The intricacies that are layered throughout this series start to become visible in this novel and it makes for compelling reading. Plus, for those readers who love a male lead who would burn the world down to save his love, then you will get all of that and more in this one. Book six in this series is being published in October, so definitely time to pick this one up if you’ve been on the fence so far!

Starside by Alex Aster: Aster’s first adult romantasy introduces Aris, a mortal with a need for vengeance against the gods who killed her family. A beautifully written fantasy novel where magic is claimed via swords, rather than inherited. It was this concept that I fell for when I read this one. I love an underdog story, and Aris is exactly that; her competitors are all heirs from the great houses, unlike Aris, who is an orphaned blacksmith’s apprentice, and when she claims a great sword, she immediately becomes a powerful target. Add an epic slow-burn romance into an already compelling narrative and Aster has provided an excellent page-turner. If romantasy is your vibe, do yourself a favour and pick up this one.

Love Song by Elle Kennedy: Known for compelling hockey romances, Kennedy has stretched it to hockey-adjacent for this romance novel. In Love Song, Blake has run away to her parents’ lake house to hide following a devastating break up. However, when rebel musician Wyatt Graham shows up, the pair find themselves entangled in something more than they expected and needing to decide if they are ready for what might come next. This one is a light, easy read, reminiscent of those first loves people find when they’re not ready for them and seeking what comes from the question ‘what if?’ If you liked Kennedy’s prior novels, you will also enjoy the cameos from some of her other characters that are pe