Lit Hit List: Recent Romance Reads - January 2021

“To Have and to Hoax” by Martha Waters (Bookshop | Kindle) - 3.75

Regency romances were my gateway into this genre of reading (thanks for that, Lauren Willig), and so when I see a new release from this era, I’m likely going to read it and enjoy it. I am enamored by the idea of dance cards and marriage markets, and honestly, empire waists are one of the most comfortable styles for my particular body type. Martha Waters’ debut novel was fun and frothy — a perfect anecdote to winter weather and general gloom. Wow, sorry for all that alliteration. This is the story of Violet and James who fell at love at first sight, and out of it almost as quickly after they were married post-ruination on a balcony — and ultimately how they come back together after an escalating series of pranks and misdeeds. It’s clever, it’s charming, and it will make you want to go to Almack’s, stat.

“Yes No Maybe So” by Becky Albertalli & Aisha Saeed (Bookshop | Kindle) - 3.75

Trigger warning: islamophobia, racism

This is another one of those books that I’ve had in my apartment for way too long, and I had a hard time picking it up before we knew election results (mental health >>>). Jamie and Maya are two teenagers outside Atlanta having a rough summer (high school is tough) and they end up spending their time canvassing door-to-door for an up-and-coming candidate in a local Georgia election. It’s an adorable teen romance, but it’s also a clever and candid commentary on being “different” — Maya is a practicing Muslim, Jamie is Jewish, and in finding each other, they also find their voices.

In some ways, I wish I had read this in the run up to the election last year, but ultimately, the ending felt almost more satisfying after the January Georgia runoff. It will bring you hope, it will bring you joy, and it will make you want to actively canvass in the 2022 elections - fair warning!

“Playing with Matches” by Hannah Orenstein (Bookshop | Kindle) - 3.5

I’ve read and reviewed two of Hannah Orenstein’s books (Love at First Like | Head Over Heels) this year, so it seemed only natural that I read find and add her first to my TBR pile. Of the three, I have to say that this was the one I enjoyed the least, but that’s only because I really had a hard time connecting to these characters. They just seemed so young, and honestly, I felt like Sasha was totally unbearable. Luckily, you don’t have to like every character in every book you read, and I really enjoyed the premise of this book - maybe I just wanted it from a different perspective? The idea of professional matchmakers and the lives they lead in New York City is an incredible hook, and I wanted more of that in this book, not just Sasha’s personal story. That said, Hannah Orenstein has a way with words and is so creative with her plot lines, so I know her other books — if there are any! — will continue to stay on my to-read list.

“This Time Next Year” by Sophie Cousens (Bookshop | Kindle) - 4

I am a sucker for a well-written British rom com (as can be seen by my review history), and this is one of the best I have read in quite a while. Minnie and Quinn’s lives have been literally connected since the very beginning - they were born within minutes of each other - and a chance meeting on their shared birthday brings them together as adults. Their lives couldn’t be more different, and rational or not, Minnie resents Quinn for being just a little bit ahead of her, always. As they become closer as friends, they learn more about each other, and honestly, it’s just heartwarming to see these two complicated humans find peace and find each other. Great premise, and Sophie Cousens executed it incredibly well.

“Kiss My Cupcake” by Helena Hunting (Bookshop | Kindle) - 3.75

I admit, I was pulled into this book by the cover (and an earlier enjoyment of “Meet Cute”), and I am glad I read it. In some ways, it was like the cupcake of romance novels — sweet, sugary, and not the best for me but I still enjoyed it. Blaire and Ronan have instant chemistry and instant disdain for one another, and as I’m sure you can imagine, it doesn’t last long. Blaire’s cupcake bar is right next to Ronan’s traditional pub, and nothing brings together two “enemies” faster than a shared enemy and the potential for a big prize — this novel has both! It also has family drama (like, soap opera style family drama), amazing side characters, and a lot of heart.

“25 Days ‘Til Christmas” by Poppy Alexander (Bookshop | Kindle) - 4

Trigger warnings: suicide, family death

I promise I did actually read this book before Christmas, I’m just really behind on posting this round-up! There’s nothing more heartwarming to this self-admitted sap than two lonely people finding love, and when you can combine that with a hopeful holiday story…winner, winner, chicken dinner. Kate’s a single mom, down on her luck, until she has a chance encounter with kind soul Daniel. The two help each other get through the holiday season, and they find happiness in the interim. I do want to caution that this isn’t just a normal fluffy novel that are in these round-ups; it’s a deeper exploration of loneliness and grief and how that shapes our lives and loves.

“A Taste of Sage” by Yaffa S. Santos (Bookshop | Kindle) - 3.5

I really, really, really wanted to love this one more than I ended up enjoying it, and honestly, that may be a me issue and not a book issue. I couldn’t figure out what this book was - a novel of female empowerment? a steamy romance? a revenge story? a love note to the restaurant industry? - and on my reading, Yaffa Santos may have tried to put a little bit too much into a small package. I loved Lumi as a protagonist, and I wish that we had spent the whole book in her head/could actually eat in her kitchen. I wanted the best for her, and I’m still not sure it was Julien tbh.

“Spoiler Alert” by Olivia Dade (Bookshop | Kindle) - 4.25

Trigger warnings: eating disorders

If you only read one book on this list, I implore you to make it “Spoiler Alert.” Trust me, I try not to steer you wrong when it comes to fluff and romance, and this is within the top ones I’ve read in the past few years. I know I’m not the only one that loved reading fanfic as a kid (#dramione for life), and so a love story that started in that very specific community appealed. It’s even better because our protagonists fell in love without ever seeing each other — well, mostly. You’ll see if you read it. And you should! Immediately! Marcus and April are a love story for the ages, and I have to admit, I’ve already picked up this one a second time.

“In Case You Missed It” by Lindsey Kelk (Bookshop | Kindle) - 4

I’ve touched on it in other reviews (like this one), but I sometimes feel cursed with a good memory and a creative mind because I often go down the “what could have been” path, wondering about past lives, loves, and choices, and how they all conspired to get me to where I am currently. So, offer me a British romcom where the heroine actually gets to go back and revisit those past choices and loves? Hell yes. Ros comes back to London after three years away, and she expects everything to be exactly the same: her parents, her friends, her love life. For a while it is, and then everything changes — and Ros is forced to grow up and realize what she really wants. If you’ll allow a comparison to another rom com hero, Ros reminds me of a modern-day Bridget Jones, and that’s one of the highest compliments I can imagine.

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