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smalltownfae · 10 months

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This is a post asking for contemporary romance books recommendations.

So, seems like I am in a weird contemporary romance kick – which is a genre I never cared about before in books. I always enjoyed it ocasionally in movies or korean dramas. Love that for me tbh because I am exploring something new. The problem is that I am so terribly picky and I can't tell beforehand what will and will not work for me in this...

All I can tell is that I like the character dynamics of the ones that I enjoyed and that I seem to love opposites attract and that doesn't necessarily mean grumpy/sunshine (which seems to be a popular trope). Seems like the books also need to be queer in some way, but I did enjoy Book Lovers even though that was an heterosexual one. Usually funny books work the best for me in this genre and I have been noticing that the ones I find funny are by authors from the UK (not surprised at all about this tbh), but I also think I would enjoy something dramatic. I mean, Glitterland had an mc dealing with mental health and got quite heart hitting at times. Seems that I also like series that focus on a different person in a friend group or something. For example, a character is introduced in the first book and they are just a friend of the main character or a sibling or whatever and then they get their own story in the next book in the series.

This is all to ask what are the standouts in this genre? The ones that you love, especially if you are also picky about contemporary romance and like when it makes you laugh or cry (preferably both).

I have been adding books to try on my tbr, but I still don't exactly know where to start.

Books I really liked so far:

Glitterland by Alexis Hall: I had some little problems with this book, but overall I found it dramatic and very funny. I liked to see a main character in romance that was quite unlikeable too and stated that his behaviour could not be excused because of his mental health. I found it pretty unique. I enjoyed Boyfriend Material, but not nearly as much and since that series seems to go on with the same main characters getting married and then having a baby or something I don't think I will continue because those are not the things I like to read about. I do want to read more books by the author though and I plan to continue the Spires series soon.

Heartbreak Boys by Simon James Green: apparently I like YA if it's funny and it doesn't happen in a school setting. This also had some bits I didn't like that came out as a bit preachy, but it made me laugh out loud and the premise is so petty and messy it could only be good (to me).

First and First by Santino Hassel: Fine. I am putting my hands in the fire with this one. I know about the mess surrounding this author now, but I didn't when I started this series (my fault for not researching names I guess). There are two specific scenes I hate in this book, but I would be lying if I said I didn't like it a lot overall. It is messy, a bit kinky and has a lot of smut that makes sense for the plot because it is about a guy learning to let go and not be embarassed about sex. I can't help liking both main characters and their dynamic, but I bet most people would hate it. It also looks quite not set in reality because some of the stuff here is wild and everyone is like "yeah, this could happen" 😂 This also made me like the word "baby" to refer to a love interest just like Robin Hobb made me like the word "beloved". Authors, please, let me be a hater. Still hate the "babe/babes" version even though I tolerated it both in this series and in Glitterland.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry: This was good. Read it last year and I can't remember having any issue with any scenes tbh which makes it weird when I say it's the one I enjoyed the least out of these and yet I would still rank it the highest... I will probably try more books by this author.

Did not like: Red, White and Royal Blue and Get a Life Chloe Brown was good except for the sex scenes. (Unsure if I should try any more Tahlia Hibbert because apparently I dislike the word tit as much as I dislike the word shaft. If it's used once or twice in a book I can bear it but not often)

Authors to try: Cat Sebastian (read 1 book that was ok and I am currently reading the sequel but they are historical romance which surprisingly is not what is working for me at the moment); Ashley Herring Blake and Alison Cochrun.

#contemporary romance books #book recs #booklr

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story-addict · 1 year

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This. This is why books have ruined men for me.

“Why don’t you like Owen?” I asked once he was out of earshot. “Who said I didn’t like him?” “I do. You barely say a word to him.” “He gets to spend entire days with you in here.” “So?” “I don’t,” he grumbled

#marriage for one #jack hawthorne #rose hawthorne #contemporary romance books #romance books

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nerdynatreads · 2 years

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book review || Well Played by Jen DeLuca

video review || Raid My Shelves 4 — Reading Vlog: Secret Identity Romances

alright so let’s go ahead and get the most awkward bit of this story out of the way: it’s a catfish romance. In most contexts, I’d have definitely said, “girl, drag him for lying to you,” but this is a romance book, so of course, I suspended my disbelief and in the end, I actually really enjoyed this!

While this didn’t have the dynamite banter that was prevalent in Well Met, I absolutely melted over the sweet and heartfelt emails and texts that took up the first 100 pages of this book. Maybe because I’ve been in a long-distance relationship myself, I could definitely relate to the feelings taking place. Stacey is incredibly likable and I was really rooting for her to get a happy ending, especially once we learn about her past. Really loved the way she talked about her body, highlighting that she can like how she looks but still be self-conscious about her weight at times.

It’s pretty clear from the beginning that it’s Daniel who Stacey’s been communicating with, which added that fun layer of dramatic irony, but once she realized, the Cyrano references had me dying laughing and fit so perfectly with the setting of the renaissance faire. The atmosphere was so strong, even when they weren’t working the faire, and I’m really glad I read this so soon after attending one myself.

Obviously ignoring the lying, Daniel was incredibly charming and funny, a perfect fit for Stacey. Any time they interacted, whether through a screen or in person, I was squealing and fawning. Decent spice, but could have done with more. The third act conflict was predictable, but I think it was handled far better than the first book, which is a big reason this beats the first for me. Also absolutely loved seeing more of Emily and Simon, as well as the beginning of Mitch and April’s relationship.

Main complaint, outside the lying, is it was grating for Stacey to compare Dex and Daniel so much in the beginning and after Daniel is revealed to be the person she’s been talking with. I wouldn’t really constitute this a true love triangle, since Dex isn’t very prevalent outside of Stacey’s memories.

4 / 5 stars

#book review #studyblr #bookblr #booklr #book tumblr #booktube #booktuber #book youtube #romance books #romance book recs #romance book recommendations #well played #well played by jen deluca #contemporary romances #contemporary romance books

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thebooksanctum · 2 months

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#booktube #booktuber #contemporary romance #romance books #contemporary romance books #fantasy reader #booknerd #bookish #youtube #yabooks #alwaysreading #bookwormsunite #bookblr #reading vlog #simon vs the homosapiens agenda #red white and royal blue #marvel comics #Youtube

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annafromuni · 7 months

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The Best Rom-Com Book I've Read This Year

I’m not a rom-com fanatic, nor do I really read a lot of contemporary fiction, so picking this up was a surprise in itself. Imagine my face when I come to discover that not only is The No-Show an incredible book but it is the leading reason why I’m dipping in contemporary fiction one toe at a time. Beth O’Leary is a genius and she may also have gotten me interested in becoming a tree…

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#the noshow #beth oleary #contemporary romance books #romcom books #romance books #ya fiction #adult fiction #contemporary romance author #favourite contemporary romance author

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2000sandtoday · 1 year

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Book Talk Tok: The Better Bully by Roxanne Tully.

Book Talk Tok: The better Bully by Roxanne Tully. #books #booktok #bullyromance #romancebooks #contemporaryromance #sportsromance #roxannetully #newadultromance

The Better Bully is a New Adult, steamy, contemporary college romance by Roxanne Tully. Violet has always been protective of her brother Max, to a fault. But she never expects her past mistakes in protecting him to come back and haunt her in the form of hunky football player, Reed Hayes. The asshole that made her life miserable in high school. The two frequently butt heads as Violet tried to…

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#book tok #books #contemporary romance books #new adult #romance books #roxanne tully #roxannetully

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writersexchangeepublishing · 2 years

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Adventures in Amethyst Trio of Holiday Romances

Amethyst, Wisconsin is a small, peaceful town on a pristine lake with an active tourist season in summer. When the air turns chill, the area is transformed into a ghost town with only a handful of lifers who stay. Populated with colorful characters, Amethyst is bursting with mystery, romance, and jealousy. Come and visit a place where anything is possible all-year-round. (3 Holiday Romance…

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scifrey · 3 months

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NINE-TENTHS

Oh my gosh, the book is now officially out! This is the first original novel I've published since 2018 and I am very excited and very nervous to share it.

☕♥️🐉

➡️ You can read it here. ⬅️

Chapters drop Wednesdays and Saturdays, and if you're worried, the story is already finished and fully uploaded. This is not a WIP that I will abandon later--it's totally complete.

About the book:

Twenty-four is one year too young for a quarter-life crisis, but hey, Colin's always been an overachiever. He's got a degree in Sustainable Tourism, which his family says he's wasting as a barista, an annoying anxiety disorder, and no freaking idea what to do with his life. The only thing going his way is the cute coffee shop regular, a homo draconis named Dav (who, in his humanshape, is a total hottie.) Still, it'd be easier if Dav didn't have a habit of accidentally setting things on fire when he's startled. Like the café kitchen.

When Dav breaks draconic taboo and volunteers as a replacement bean-roaster to apologize for the inferno meet-ugly, sparks really fly. Everything's finally happening for Colin, until he learns that hooking up with Dav means that under dragon law, Colin is absorbed into Dav's hoard.

Possession may be nine-tenths of the law, but becoming his boyfriend's property does not make this whole identity crisis thing easier. Especially now that Colin must navigate politics, paparazzi, and legal questions about his personhood. Colin's still angling for his Happily Ever After, but the growing scrutiny on his relationship with Dav threatens their budding romance. And if he's not careful, Colin's fight for agency may just destroy symbiotic human/dragon relationships worldwide.

Beautiful cover art by @seancefemme

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torpublishinggroup · 1 year

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This advertisement is for a dark urban fantasy romance called ONE FOR MY ENEMY by Olivie Blake, a new title from the bestselling author of THE ATLAS SIX. The book features original interior art by Little Chmura and the pic features Dolly, a puppy who kinda has people eyes lol

WHAT IT’S ABOUT

Our stage is Manhattan in the modern day, where rival syndicates run by criminal witches tolerate uneasy peace, until fresh blood opens old wounds. Now, the descendants of bitter adversaries must navigate a treacherous crossroads.

The Antonova sisters—beautiful, cunning, and ruthless—serve their mother, the elusive Baba Yaga. The Federov brothers serve Koschei the Deathless, a shadow-kingpin of magical Manhattan…and their father. Star-crossed lovers, wayward scions, the angry, and the hurt—all must choose where they stand.

This is a story of the struggle between siblings, lethal magic, and tangled love. It’s Shakespeare run afoul of Slavic Folklore's more treacherous specters, emerging shaking and bloody.

#tor books #one for my enemy #olivie blake #little chmura #the atlas six #the atlas paradox #bookblr #urban fantasy #contemporary fantasy #be but mine #baba yaga #koschei the deathless #books #romeo & juliet #romeo & juliet but even messier #dogs with people eyes #to read #romance

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luciehercndale · 4 months

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2023 books - happy place by emily henry

It doesn't matter how busy life's been, how long the five of us have gone without seeing one another: meeting at the cottage is like pulling on a favourite sweatshirt, worn to perfection. Time doesn't move the same way when we're there. Things change, but we stretch and grow and make room for one another. Our love is a place we can always come back to, and it will be waiting, the same as it ever was.

You belong here.

#happy place #emily henry #bookedit #romanceedit #litedit #harriet kilpatrick #wyn connor #contemporary romance #chick lit #2023 books #my posts 3

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story-addict · 1 year

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THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS by Ali Hazelwood Non-Spoiler Review

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A post shared by 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓜 𝓦𝓸𝓻𝓭 (@themword.books)

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#the love hypothesis #ali hazelwood #adam carlsen #olive smith #fake dating #ya books #young adult book #contemporary books #contemporary romance books #romance books #Instagram

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nerdynatreads · 2 years

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book review || Well Matched by Jen DeLuca

video review || Final Book Support Group 48 hr Readathon -- Reading Vlog Issue 208

Okay, I think this might actually be my favorite of the series so far. I really appreciate that we saw an older, divorcee heroine as the main character. April felt very rounded out and realistic based on her life experience. The struggles we see her dealing with really made her as the heroine, and this romance, stand out.

Especially loved seeing more about April as a single mom, her divorce, and her relationship with Caitlin, her daughter.

I’ve loved Mitch since the first book and was so glad we finally were getting to see more of his character beneath his ever-happy exterior. Although we don’t see from his POV, he also feels well created, fits with everything we’ve seen of him previously, and has some strong development throughout the book.

The small dose of them we got in the last book was what had me excited and from the start, I was hooked by their back and forth. The chemistry was good, but I could have gone for a little more before our first spicy scene. The sexual tension was also impeccable, particularly after April gets involved with the faire.

With this being fake dating, I still found myself eye-rolling at some of the inner dialogue regarding it, but it didn’t feel overdone, thankfully. Always love an only one-bed trope though.

The pacing and overall plot felt a bit off though, taking me out of the story with the back and forth between Mitch’s family reunion, April’s house renovations, Caitlin graduating high school, and the renaissance faire. It felt disjointed and didn’t flow between all of these well at times.

All in all though, really enjoyed this and am even more excited for the next installment!

4 / 5 stars

#book review #romance books #well matched #well matched by jen deluca #jen deluca #well met series #romance book recs #romance book recommendations #contemporary romance books #romance book reviews #bookblr #booklr #book tumblr #booktube #booktuber #book youtube #doggo

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sunfortune · 1 month

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i will never forget reading the unhoneymooners by christina lauren, a NYT bestselling romance that was contemporary! and the first fight they had as a couple in the classic third act. AFTER they’re supposedly already in love. he calls her a bitch. like FULLY in a derogatory way. i couldn’t belieeeeeeeve that shit

was reading the rest of the book where they make up (with barely any groveling BTW) like i can not do this. im gonna need him to get killed with hammers. im sorry. we’ll find you love somewhere else

#like this wasn’t an alpha male dark romance whatever bullshit #this was a lighthearted contemporary romcom #like WHAT IN THE WORLD #AND the kicker was the argument they had SHE ended up being right about #books

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sapphicbookoftheday · 1 year

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Sorry, Bro by Taleen Voskuni

Today's sapphic book of the day is Sorry, Bro by Taleen Voskuni!

Summary: "An Armenian-American woman rediscovers her roots and embraces who she really is in this vibrant and heartfelt queer rom-com by debut author Taleen Voskuni.

When Nar’s non-Armenian boyfriend gets down on one knee and proposes to her in front of a room full of drunk San Francisco tech boys, she realizes it’s time to find someone who shares her idea of romance.

Enter her mother: armed with plenty of mom-guilt and a spreadsheet of Facebook-stalked Armenian men, she convinces Nar to attend Explore Armenia, a month-long series of events in the city. But it’s not the mom-approved playboy doctor or wealthy engineer who catches her eye—it’s Erebuni, a woman as equally immersed in the witchy arts as she is in preserving Armenian identity. Suddenly, with Erebuni as her wingwoman, the events feel like far less of a chore, and much more of an adventure. Who knew cooking up kuftes together could be so . . . sexy?

Erebuni helps Nar see the beauty of their shared culture and makes her feel understood in a way she never has before. But there’s one teeny problem: Nar’s not exactly out as bisexual. The clock is ticking on Nar’s double life, though—the closing event banquet is coming up, and her entire extended family will be there, along with Erebuni. Her worlds will inevitably collide, but Nar is determined to be brave, determined to claim her happiness: proudly Armenian, proudly bisexual, and proudly herself for the first time in her life."

#bisexual #bi #queer #wlw #lgbtqia #lgbtq #lgbt #books #book recs #book recommendations #booklr #romance #contemporary romance #sapphic #sorry bro #taleen voskuni

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apolline-lucy · 3 months

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THE ANATOMY OF DYING is now officially out in the world! 🩵✨

After losing the most important person in her life, Lily’s struggles with depression and an eating disorder seem insurmountable. But an encounter with the captivating Gwenna changes everything. Gwenna’s presence becomes a lifeline—she listens to Lily like no one else has before, and when Lily feels like drowning she knows how to bring her back to shore. What follows will either be the best summer of their life, or the last.  Can Lily trust Gwenna not to dig the lakebed and bury her deeper? 🌊  

If you like it sad and poetic, yet playful and hopeful, this contemporary sapphic novella, The Anatomy of Dying, is for you! It is available on Amazon (ebook and paperback) and Kindle Unlimited~

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up-in-flames-writing · 4 months

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In lieu of Stuff Your Kindle day, can we talk about the issue of how the m/m genre of books, romance or not, is almost entirely dominated by women? Can we talk about how the most recognisable gay couples in media are written by women? Can we talk about how queer men can't even write about ourselves, how we are only allowed to exist when it's from the point of view of a straight woman sexualising us?

Can we talk about that? Or am I going to get called misogynistic for pointing out the disparity between who gets the writing deals, & who gets their books turned into movies, & whose shit gets popular versus whose doesn't? Can we talk about how m/m fiction is only allowed when it appeals to a cishet gaze, or is that too much for tumblr to take?

Can we also talk about how trans queer men are even more hated by publishing? Can we talk about how we get shit from both sides? Can we talk about how books about the experiences of being a queer man, written by queer men, never get the same recognition as books written by women on this subject (barring academia which has its own problems)?

Can we talk about that? Can we?

#booker speaks #no bloody clue how to tag this #this is for the tags only but #people would get up in arms if the f/f book scene was dominated by cismen only #why are we not extending this same energy to ciswomen writers of m/m?#why did we forget about the original meaning of own voices?#why are queer men pushed out of publishing in the way that we are?#& im not just talking about romance here #like there are fantasy & scifi & contemporary novels about men loving men that are written by ciswomen who have a very narrow view of what #m/m relationships are like. & this extends towards stuff like manga too but im not gonna get into that cause i dont read mangs/comics #can we talk about how hard it is to find queer masc authors nowadays?#saying this both as a reader & as a writer #can we also talk about how lists of queer & especially trans novels almost always forget to include anything by transmascs & gay transmascs #or if they do include us its 1 transmasc book to 1 enby book to 8 transfem books or books about the 'trans experience' in nebulous terms #can we stop reccing detransition baby & start reccing the spirit bares its teeth?#can we look at works written by queer masc people that arent just red white royal blue & stone butch blues?#go read cemetary boys #read alexis hall & max turner #read bloom if you like comics. or nimona #read my shit too!#im gonna be focusing on my writing blog way more this year #& im working on some projects that may or may not end up being published in physical form #read more queer masc stories by queer masc authors!

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