Don’t get me wrong–I love carting massive novels around wherever I go and immersing myself in intense storytelling, but sometimes, the mood for something a little lighter strikes.
Sometimes, you just want to read a romance novel.
As the weather begins to warm, I’ve worked to step outside of my usual genres for something more seasonally appropriate. I have to admit that once I got into the flow of a contemporary novel, I understood why they’re so popular; they’re the perfect complement to an afternoon by the pool, the beach, or in a patch of shade somewhere sunny. There’s nothing quite like giggling and kicking your feet at a perfect match finally discovering their chemistry.
So far, I’ve taken a liking to:
- Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
- Book Lovers by Emily Henry
- Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
The medium I’ve found most compatible with these types of books is audiobooks. Since the stories feel so casual and don’t have too many threads to keep track of, it’s easy to press play and take a drive, run an errand, or clean the house. If I miss a moment or line because of the closing of a cupboard or the honking of the horn, I’m not worried that I’ve lost my place in the story. And, if it’s been a couple of days since I listened, I can pick it right back up where I left off with no confusion.
My first recommendation, Yours Truly, came to me in the form of a hardcover courtesy of Book of the Month (check out why I love it so much here). Out of all the romance books I’ve read so far, I’m glad I held its pages in my hands because it ended up being my favorite. I fell in love with the characters and their connection very early on and pined just like they did, which leads me to believe I will be rereading their story in the future.
Better Than the Movies was also up there on my favorites list and brought me back to the high school daydreams we all have about movie tropes becoming a reality. It was sweet, Young Adult focused, and hopelessly endearing. It reminded me a lot of She’s All That!
For those breaking into the genre like myself, know that the books outside of YA often include more mature scenes! So pick your age category accordingly (or read/skip pertinent chapters at your discretion) and enjoy watching two unlikely, authentic, and fated people fall head over heels in love with each other this summer.