Romance

I have been waiting my whole life for a f/f bodice ripper, written by a woman who experiences same-gender attraction. To make it even better, the two main characters are an astronomer and an artist with deep love for plants and natural history! Lady's Guide manages to be fun and evocative; I'd suggest it to romance lovers who are nerds for historical fiction like me. - MJ

Shoutout to bookseller Karena for introducing me to contemporary romance through Alisha Rai. Her characters are diverse, flawed, and completely relatable (and the chemistry is hot as heck). I generally read non-fic, but Rai’s books have me hugging them and squeaking out happy noises because of how straight-up delighted they make me. Clear your mind of any preconceived notions of the genre and enjoy this amazing book. - Rachel

A tattoo artist and budding CEO, haunted by their shared past, are given a second change – at love, but more importantly at their own lives. I was pulled in from the start to this taut tale of redemption, betrayal, sex, and romance. With complex characters, sizzling tension, juicy drama, and intricate tattoos (and desert) I finished this book fully satisfied – but ready for Alisha Rai’s next installment. - Jocelyn

In the center of New Orleans's Reconstruction efforts, Drake LeVeq and Valinda Lacy are trying to build a better world for the newly free city. I'd never read a historical novel set in this era before and I completely devoured this. Jenkins brings this world to life with all its competing factions, lively rebirth, ruling families, and steamy passion. Laissez les bon temps rouler! - Clara

I love a good Robin Hood story. This one just happens to take place in space in this perfect blend of scifi and romance. It's so very steamy, full of adventure, and really just a lot of fun. Bouchet knows how to create characters you want to go on a journey with. While you're waiting for the rest of this series, also read her Kingmaker Chronicles. - Karena

I hesistate to tell you anything about the plot of this book because it absolutely should not work. And yet, it is one of the most touching, charming, and romantic books I've ever read. It’s a neurodiverse, feel-good, feminist rom-com. Take a break from the stress of life and immerse yourself in this smart, sexy fantasy. - Clara

I loved Guillory’s debut The Wedding Date so much that I jumped at the chance to read The Proposal. The story starts with the Most Awkward Meet Cute, then blends together hilarious dialogue and steamy sexy times. Guillory gives Nik fantastic girlfriends who are there for her but will not let her get away with anything. This is the romcom we’ve been waiting for. Someone call Shonda Rhimes and make this a movie. - Karena

I think I’ve yet to dislike a book by Tessa Dare. She knows how to give us the romance we want and deserve. She gives us a bookstore meet cute, a heroine who is unafraid to take risks even though she’s a timekeeper not a governess (thank you very much), and a hero who is the kind of guy you can take home to mama, but also will kiss you blind as soon as she leaves the room. The very best part? His wards are two little girls whose hobbies include daily funerals for a doll named Daisy. - Karena

Sweet, sexy Katie is a small-town girl who was a champion rider in Kentucky and writes letters to her mama every week. Bold, handsome Cassidy has built her life around playing as hard as she works. Both are ambitious lawyers whose tension sizzles across the boardroom table and in the dark corners of a divey, neighborhood lesbian bar. This book is the perfect rom-com! - Clara

Stella is a brilliant, beautiful econometrician. While most people don’t know she has Asperger’s, her past sexual encounters have been less than exceptional, and Stella decides she needs professional help so that she can snag a mate. Michael, a charming Vietnamese escort, takes her under his wing, but both learn more than they bargained for. This novel is smart, tender, and sexy, an exploration of self-discovery and a fabulously fun read. - Sara