With Valentine's Day just around the corner we thought it appropriate to share with you some of our favorite books in the Romance or RomCom genres. I (Shannon) tend to lean more heavily towards these genres but we both definitely have our favorites.
Shannon's Favorites:
The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
Synopsis: Ira Levinson is in trouble. At ninety-one years old, in poor health and alone in the world, he finds himself stranded on an isolated embankment after a car crash. He struggles to retain consciousness until a blurry image materializes and comes into focus beside him: his beloved wife Ruth, who passed away nine years ago. A few miles away, at a local rodeo, a Wake Forest College senior’s life is about to change. Recovering from a recent break-up, Sophia Danko meets a young cowboy named Luke. Through Luke, Sophia is introduced to a world in which the stakes of survival and success, ruin and reward -- even life and death – loom large in everyday life. As she and Luke fall in love, Sophia finds herself imagining a future far removed from her plans. Ira and Ruth. Sophia and Luke. Two couples who have little in common, and who are separated by years and experience. Yet their lives will converge with unexpected poignancy, reminding us all that even the most difficult decisions can yield extraordinary journeys: beyond despair, beyond death, to the farthest reaches of the human heart.
Why I love it: Nicholas Sparks writes some of my favorite romance books. His books are always full of amazing love stories that make you wish they were real life. This book in particular highlights two relationships, one very new and one old, and shows how love between two people may be hard but can grow into something beautiful.
Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Synopsis: First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince this side of the Atlantic. International socialite duties do have downsides—namely, when photos of a confrontation with his longtime nemesis Prince Henry at a royal wedding leak to the tabloids and threaten American/British relations. The plan for damage control: staging a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince. As President Claremont kicks off her reelection bid, Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret relationship with Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations.
Why I love it: First off I love this book because it is laugh out loud funny. The wit and banter between the characters make this book so enjoyable. I also love this book because it shows a male/male romance, which I don't read often.
Bared to You Series by Sylvia Day
Synopsis: Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness. He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I'd never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily. Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other's most private wounds and desires. The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn't tear us apart
Why I love it: I LOVE this book series because it is steamy and keeps you coming back for more. I love that it is a series so you get to keep enjoying the characters through multiple books.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Synopsis: Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.
Why I love it: This book brings a love story in the midst turmoil. Augustus is every girls dream guy. This book will make you laugh and cry, so be prepared.
Sarah's Favorites:
Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
Synopsis: After Lina's mom dies, she is sent to live with the father she has never met in Italy. While staying with her dad she is presented with the journal her mom kept during her time there. With the help of a boy she meets she will duplicate her mom's adventures and maybe find love for herself.
Why I love it: This book is a slow burn YA set in Italy. Could you ask for anything more? I love the setting, and the innocent romance is so sweet.
Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman
Synopsis: Elio's parents host an intern at there summer home in Italy every year. This summer Oliver will stay with them working on his dissertation and helping Elio's father with his work. Elio and Oliver grow from friends to something more in this beautiful coming of age novel.
Why I love it: Again set in Italy, this book evoked so many different emotions throughout my reading experience. I loved Elio so much, and flew through this in a day. It also has an amazing movie adaptation starring Timothee Chalamet and Armie Hammer.
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Synopsis: Louisa is hired to be a care aid for Will, whom was in a horrible accident and is now a paraplegic. As Louisa, with her bubbly and positive attitude, begins to care for moody Will she realizes that his happiness is all that matters to her.
Why I love it: This book was absolutely beautiful and showed romance in its purest form. This is an absolute tear jerker, but a must read.
Love Your Life by Sophie Kinsella
Synopsis: On a writers retreat, in Italy, a woman and a man from very different walks of life meet and fall in love. The problem is on the writing retreat they are not allowed to share any personal information. When they arrive back home in England will their differences be too drastic in a way that will destroy the love they thought they found?
Why I love it: Sophie Kinsella is hilarious and I love her books. This one again set in Italy (see a theme here?) is at the same time funny and heart wrenching. It is a roller coaster of a book in the best way!
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