In the past several years, I've been reading a ton of romances, but something I've never gotten to read yet? A romance starring Native American characters. Mysteries, thrillers, and literary fiction, sure, but no romances. So I was excited to learn of not one, but two new romances out this year by Indigenous authors and... Continue Reading →
In the last few years, there have been a number of books by Sajni Patel that I've wanted to read. Her new novel, The Design of Us, is out today, and it seemed like a great place to start. Set in Hawaii, it follows two bickering co-workers who start fake dating for the sake of... Continue Reading →
Tomorrow, one of my most anticipated July romances comes out: Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto. It's set in the world of music, but instead of the pop and rock that I usually read about, this takes us into the contemporary classical realm. Violinists and cellists, a New York City orchestra, and rivals who... Continue Reading →
Last year I adored Tehlor Kay Mejia's adult debut, Sammy Espinoza's Last Review, and I knew I wanted to read more from them. So I was excited to read their new romance, Cash Delgado Is Living the Dream. Set in the same world as the previous book, this one introduces us Cash, a single mom,... Continue Reading →
Like so many, I've been hooked on Ali Hazelwood's romances ever since The Love Hypothesis first came out in 2021. But as much as I enjoyed that hilarious and awkward book, she's only gotten better with time. Her latest novel, Not in Love, may be her strongest yet. Special thanks to the publicists at Penguin,... Continue Reading →
For many months, I've been looking forward to Barely Even Friends, the debut novel by Mae Bennett. A contemporary romance that reimagines Beauty and the Beast and combines it with restoring an old mansion, I thought this would be a book I'd immediately love. Special thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, Betty Cayouette released her debut novel, One Last Shot. The stunning cover and the fact that it's set in Italy are the first things that made me want to read this. It's a second-chance romance between two former best friends, with a marriage pact bringing them back together for a one-week photo shoot in... Continue Reading →
Nisha Sharma is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I've read two of her books—Dating Dr. Dil and Tastes Like Shakkar, the first two in her If Shakespeare Was an Auntie trilogy—and have many more on my TBR. Her latest release is her first New Adult romance: The Letters We Keep, about two rival... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, A. H. Cunningham released her latest contemporary romance, Out of Office. Set between Panamá and Florida, it follows an ambitious, work-oriented woman during a months-long business trip to Central America, where she forms an intimate bond with a local man. But what starts off as a brief vacation fling develops into something deeper... if... Continue Reading →
Romance readers, listen up! Etta Easton is a new author to get into, starting with her debut novel, The Kiss Countdown. This fake dating romance puts a risk-averse event planner with a thrill-seeking astronaut, and the result is a love story that will leave you starry eyed. Special thanks to the publicists at Penguin Random... Continue Reading →
I was perusing NetGalley a few months ago when I came across Manila Takes Manhattan by Carla de Guzman. It combines so many elements that excite me as a reader: a strong theme of music, a romantic plot, and diverse characters, in this case, Filipino celebrities. I was excited to read about two people torn... Continue Reading →
Early last year, I absolutely loved Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan. The first in her Skyland trilogy, I was left eager to continue the series (and to read more from this author in general!). This week, the Skyland series continues with This Could Be Us, offering a hard-earned happily ever after for Soledad.... Continue Reading →
It was thanks to some lovely authors I follow on Instagram that I first heard about Raiders of the Lost Heart, the debut novel by Jo Segura. Set in the Mexican jungle, it follows a team of archaeologists as they search for the long-lost remains of an Aztec warrior. However, the two leading this dig... Continue Reading →
All of this year I’ve been looking forward to Thank You for Sharing, the debut novel by Rachel Runya Katz, and this week it’s finally here! This second-chance romance stars two Jewish people of color as they work together, rebuild their friendship, and develop a deeper connection along the way. It’s light and fun, but... Continue Reading →
One of my most anticipated books this month is A Shot in the Dark, the adult romance debut by Victoria Lee. Set during one summer in New York City, it’s a love story between two recovering addicts. The story highlights a character who was raised in an Orthodox Jewish community and a character who is... Continue Reading →
Do you have a favorite author, one whom you like to emulate in real life? This is the concept behind What Would Jane Austen Do? by Linda Corbett. It's a charming novel of romance, community, and a bit of family mystery, and Jane Austen's quotes consistently prove helpful no matter how trying the situation. This... Continue Reading →
This week, Jodie Slaughter releases her newest romance, Play to Win. Set in the same world as her 2022 book, Bet on It, this novel is a second chance at love between two estranged spouses, all thanks to a winning lottery ticket. But will that ticket bring them back together... or at long last finalize... Continue Reading →
A debut romance I could hardly wait for this year was Wanderlust by Elle Everhart. When two virtual strangers win a trip around the world, they're stuck in close quarters and butt heads a lot... before slowly developing deeper feelings. But one of them is keeping secrets that could prevent a romance from fully blooming... Continue Reading →
Last year, I loved reading Ramón and Julieta, a Romeo and Juliet romance retelling by Alana Quintana Albertson. Her Love and Tacos series continues with Kiss Me, Mi Amor, out today. This one is a romantic take on The Taming of the Shrew. It stars the middle Montez brother, Enrique, and a new character named... Continue Reading →
Ciao for Now by Kate Bromley first caught my attention due to its setting in Rome. Italy is one of my favorite countries that I’ve visited, and reading a romance set there sounded like the perfect escape until my next vacation to Europe. Special thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with... Continue Reading →
I love music, so I’m always on the lookout for books about musicians or music lovers. A debut novel that particularly caught my interest was All the Right Notes by Dominic Lim. This dual timeline romance stars two Asian American men, from their time in high school in the 1990s to the present day when... Continue Reading →
Last year, I loved reading Jenn McKinlay's 2020 novel, Paris Is Always a Good Idea. Now she has a brand new book, Summer Reading, and I was thrilled to be included in the book tour for it. With a neurodivergent heroine, a librarian hero, and a focus on family, this is a sweet and inclusive romance.... Continue Reading →
A few months ago, I reread my favorite classic novel, Jane Eyre. It's as perfect as I'd remembered, and I wanted to then explore some retellings of it. One such reimagining I was eager to read is Jane & Edward, the debut novel by Melodie Edwards. This book had been on my radar since last... Continue Reading →
Last year, Lynn Painter's Mr. Wrong Number was a popular contemporary romance, and rightfully so. This week, the series continues with her new novel, The Love Wager. This friends-to-lovers romance follows Jack and Hallie as they navigate dating app dates and wedding parties, all while denying their obvious feelings for each other. It's a cute... Continue Reading →
Amanda's Book Corner 