Kylie recommends: Friends with Benefits by Marisa Kanter
Genre: Romance
Reading level: Adult
Summary: Lifelong best friends say ‘I do’ to a marriage of convenience, trading vows for a financial safety net and benefits.
Kylie says: This book is perfect for fans of friends to lovers romance. If you liked Would You Rather by Allison Ashley this one is for you.
Kylie recommends: Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Genre: Contemporary romance
Reading level: Adult
Summary: Justin writes a viral Reddit post about his curse where every woman he dates goes on to find their soulmate the second they break up. Emma has this same problem, so she slides into his DMs and they band together to break their curses by “dating” each other so they will both be able to find their soulmates after they break up.
Kylie says: Abby Jimenez takes the typical cutesy contemporary romance and adds layers and deepness to her stories making them not only swoon-worthy, but impactful and heart-wrenching too. If you like the “he falls first,” fake dating, and found-family tropes, then this one is for you.
This title is available at Foster Public Library.
Kylie recommends: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Genre: Historical romantasy
Reading level: YA
Summary: This enchanting historical war-time romantasy story starts with “anonymous” epistolary letters between the main characters, paralleled with their rival positions at the local newspaper, before focusing more on the grittiness and realities of war.
Kylie says: I loved the characters and their romance but found the plot to be a bit slow. The way Ross writes is encapsulating and feels like a breath of fresh air. The ending leaves you on a major cliffhanger, so get ready to pick up book #2 in this duology.
Kylie recommends: The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson
Genre: Paranormal contemporary romance
Reading level: Adult
Summary: I AM WARNING YOU, this is a very spicy paranormal werewolf/shifter romance about a nurse and a doctor who have to fake date, but unbeknownst to them, they are a perfect pairing: an Alpha and Omega.
Kylie says: This is a fast read with the fake dating trope that you will fly right through so buckle up and have a glass of water handy.
Kylie recommends: Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage
Genre: Contemporary cowboy romance
Reading level: Adult
Summary: This is a quick small town country/cowboy romance between Emmy and her older brother’s best friend when she moves back to her hometown after a riding accident.
Kylie says: This dual-POV story is full of romantic tension and the off-limits trope, and features a female main character with ADHD.
Kylie recommends: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Genre: Romantasy
Reading level: Adult
Summary: If you like easy-to-read, immersive stories that give you 2014 nostalgia with trials and tests as well as great worldbuilding, this one is for you.
Kylie says: This is a fast-paced, dark and moody romantasy book with dragons and powerful characters.
Kylie recommends: Next of Kin by Hannah Bonam-Young
Genre: Contemporary romance
Reading level: Adult
Summary: An easy, flowing read that shows the struggles of adoption and the foster system and how important family is.
Kylie says: You really connect with these hard worn characters as they slowly unfurl and become familiar. The diverse representation of the deaf younger brother and adoptive father, along with normal household ASL communication was great to see. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy found family and forced proximity.
Kylie recommends: Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
Genre: Contemporary romance
Reading level: YA
Summary: This is an effortless and delightful young adult read about an older sibling taking on a lot of financial struggles for her family by playing in a chess tournament.
Kylie says: There is great banter and angst in this rivals-to-lovers story. If you like The Queen’s Gambit TV show and Ali Hazelwood’s writing, this one’s for you.
Kylie recommends: Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
Genre: Historical romance
Reading Level: Adult
Summary: This is a spicy regency historical romance from the Bridgerton series following Penelope and Colin as they start to become something more than friends.
Kylie says: Penelope is a wallflower who is plus-size spinster who is often overlooked, while Colin is the third Bridgerton brother who loves to travel and has a reputation. Their romance is enthralling and charming you will get sucked right into their world and will root for them until the very end. If you love the show, you’ll love this one, and make sure you read this book before Season 3, Colin & Penelope’s season, comes out in May 2024.
Cathy recommends: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Genre: Paranormal romance
Reading Level: YA
Summary: If you’re like me and think Bella chose the wrong one in Twilight…
Cathy says: Concise story about an independent student with overly preoccupied parents; all too often the case in recent times. She has to find her own way, with the help of a few good friends. Some say she has an obsession with wolves, but there’s a reason. Plenty of interesting action which quickly moves the plot along. Read it in a day.
This title is available at Tyler Free Library.
