Since tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, here are some recent romances that I loved. I hope you enjoy them too. What I love about these books is that they’re not just about romance, they’re so much more. They talk about guilt, death, dreams, business plans, friendship, loyalty, family, photography, running, fitting in, being in the spotlight, and learning about yourself.
Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes
When Lainey’s boyfriend of two years breaks up with her, she’s devastated. She’s determined to win him back. Lainey and her BFF pour over the Art of War looking for a battle plan. Lainey and her co-worker agree to fake-date each other to woo back their exes with jealousy. As the summer progresses, she learns a little more about herself and who she wants to be.
Blind Spot for Boys by Justina Chen
Shana’s officially on a boy moratorium since the last one broke her heart. She’s hoping to create one last picture for her photography portfolio when she meets Quattro. She keeps seeing him wherever she goes – including her family’s trip to Machu Picchu. Could the universe be trying to tell her something?
Breathe Annie Breathe by Miranda Kenneally
Annie’s ex-boyfriend died while in the middle of training for a marathon. Annie’s consumed with guilt since they hung out the night he died. She decides to train for the marathon – running in his honor. Annie hires a trainer; Matt has all sorts of helpful hints besides just a running plan. But even he can’t get rid of the guilt or her stomach problems. Matt’s brother runs with them occasionally and he makes Annie feel, something she hasn’t been able to do since Kyle’s death.
Bridge from Me to You by Lisa Schroeder
Lauren’s new to town, she just moved in with her aunt, uncle, and two cousins. Lauren’s trying to put her past behind her and move on, but she can’t move on if she can’t find a place to call home. Colby lives in the same small town, but has visions of escaping. He doesn’t want to be known for his football skills. In fact, he doesn’t even want to play football in college. In a football loving town, how can he share that secret with anyone? Can the two of them figure out a way to belong?
The Chapel Wars by Lindsey Leavitt
Holly’s grandfather dies and leaves his wedding chapel to her in his will. Holly’s happy until she learns the chapel’s in serious financial trouble. Holly must make some hard choices – offering services that her grandfather refused in hopes of getting out from under debt and keeping the chapel in the family. On top of that, she’s fallen for the grandson of her family’s worst enemy. Dax is amazing and perfect for Holly. She knows she can’t keep their relationship a secret. She’s terrified to lose anything else, but can she really juggle everything?
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‘ll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios
Skylar can’t wait to leave her hometown behind and spread her wings in the fall when she goes off to art school and escape small town life. When her mother looses her job, Skylar can’t break through the walls of depression. With her home life in tatters, the only person who can take her mind off her troubles is Josh – a marine veteran who just returned home after losing his leg. Together they attempt to weather the ups and downs of their small town.
Just Like the Movies by Kelly Fiore
Prom season’s coming up and the boys are starting to get creative with promposals. Marijke can’t wait to see how her boyfriend will ask her. He’s not getting her hints. To make matters worse, they have a huge fight. Lily’s views on romance have soured after watching her mother’s bad boyfriends, plus the guy Lily’s crushing over doesn’t know she’s alive. One night, the two girls find themselves unhappy and watching Titanic in a movie theater. They end up ditching the movie and going for coffee where they talk for the first time, confiding in each other. A plan is born – one worthy of Hollywood, where they reenact movie scenes to help them achieve their dreams.
Love, Lucy by April Lindner
Lucy made a bargain with father; she’ll major in business instead of theater. For her sacrifice, she will be allowed to spend her summer before college touring Europe. On the second to last stop in Florence, Lucy meets a boy. Before long, she’s spending her time with Jesse. After a vacation romance, Lucy returns home and back to reality but she’s not ready to give up on her dreams.
Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan
Emma’s grown up on TV – through the awkward situations, including her first kiss. She’s made some bad boyfriend choices in the past and now that she’s about to star in a new teen drama, she’s sworn off dating co-stars. That was before she met Jake. The model turned actor who’s off limits and not just because of her past. Her BFF adores him (or at least the him on paper). The more Emma hangs out with Jake, the more she falls for him. Can she risk both her friendship and her heart on another co-star?
Wildflower by Alicia Whitaker
Bird’s family plays country music on the road. One night her father can’t speak, so he asks Bird to fill in for him. At first, she’s really nervous but soon she’s shinning in the spotlight. In the audience is a man from one of the biggest recording labels. He wants a meeting with her dad. When her dad gets back, the family has a meeting of their own to share the news. The label doesn’t want the family – just Bird. Bird’s really excited for the opportunity, but she has to think about the business side of the deal. Could she achieve her dreams and become a star?
~ Jennifer Rummel currently reading We Can Work It Out by Elizabeth Eulberg
Only heterosexual love. Disappointing.