The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert

Spend Election Day with Marva and Duke in this young adult novel about the importance of casting your first vote. Marva has been looking forward to voting in her first General Election, since, well, forever. She is passionate about social justice and has worked hard canvassing and helping to get people to the polls. So when she sees Duke get turned away at her polling place, she considers it her civic duty to make sure his vote is counted. No matter what obstacles get thrown in their way.

This book tackles issues of voter suppression, being a Black teenager in America, grief, social justice, and privilege balanced by Duke and Marva’s developing romance, typical high school struggles, and Marva’s insta-famous cat. Especially recommended for people of all ages feeling burnt out by politics, as well as anyone who loves a cute, quirky rom-com!

Let's Talk About Love by Claire Kann

Alice is generally pretty happy. She has two best friends who are about to get married, a summer job at her local library, an undeclared college major, and a supportive if overbearing and judgmental family. But things get shaken up when she gets a new coworker, Takumi, who she is instantly attracted to. He's off-the-charts cute, smart, sweet, and funny, and he seems to like her back. There's just one problem-- Alice is asexual, and her previous attempts at relationships have all gone... badly.

Will Alice and Takumi get together? Will she stand up for herself with her family? Will she hold onto her friends as their lives all change? Read it to find out!

This is a charming book. Alice is a quirky and energetic main character who talks a mile a minute and is a joy to follow. She comes off as immature at times, and some of her references are a bit esoteric for those who aren't denizens of Tumblr, but even if those go over your head, there's a lot to like. Asexual characters are a rarity, and asexual characters with romantic arcs even more so, and non-white ones are rarest of all. This book is a gem, and if you're looking for a fresh experience and an unconventional romance, it's worth picking up.

An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

Sophie Beckett, an illegitimate daughter of an earl, plays servant to her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. One night, Sophie sneaks out to attend a masquerade ball at the house of the Bridgertons, a wealthy, popular family within London society. When she meets Benedict Bridgerton, they quickly become enchanted with one another during the magical evening. But when the clock strikes midnight, Sophie disappears, leaving Benedict with no clue what she looks like or who she is.

After many seasons of tiresome London balls, Benedict is immediately captivated by Sophie’s charm and her mysterious demeanor. Determined to find her and vowing to marry no other, he searches all of London-- to no avail. When he begins to develop a romantic relationship with Sophie the maid, he struggles between his vow and knowing he can never actually marry a servant. Sophie, refusing to compromise her principles, struggles between keeping her identity a secret and avoiding her stepmother, who is determined to make her life miserable.

A retelling of Cinderella, Sophie and Benedict’s story is full of passion and longing making for an exciting and sympathetic tale. It is the third book and easily my favorite of the Bridgerton series, although it can also serve as a standalone Regency romance. The Bridgertons have also been adapted into a Netflix series with producer Shonda Rhimes. It is expected to launch sometime in 2020!

My Boyfriend is a Bear by Pamela Ribon

Nora is just like any other woman in her mid-twenties. She works a job she hates, hangs out with friends, and has been through more bad relationships than she can count. She perhaps finds her true love in the most unlikeliest of places: a literal 500 pound American black bear who, after scaring her in the woods, returns something she dropped. Kind, considerate, big, and fuzzy, she must convince her friends, family, and even herself, that this is more than just an extreme rebound: it’s true love.

Calling Ribon’s book an oddball comedy-romance would be doing it a serious disservice. Nora and “The Bear” (as he is always called) do normal couple things: get dressed up, go on dates, hang out with friends, go to parties etc. Their relationship has ups and downs, twists and turns, and doubts from both about the validity of their potential together. Except, The Bear is a bear. The book never tries to hide this fact, nor does anyone doubt what he is. Most of the comedy comes from the sheer absurdity of this as we watch The Bear get a job to support himself and Nora, but we also see him comfort Nora after her cat dies. There’s some real quality insight into not letting others opinions stop you from living your best life, and living life for yourself even if that means not being with the people you care about the most. If you can bear the odd imagery, this book is a fun little story with plenty of cute to satisfy.

The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez

Kristen is a fierce, loyal, smart, funny, and driven woman who makes life decisions based on logic, not feelings. When she meets Josh, the best man in her best friend’s wedding, she tries to use logic to keep their relationship strictly platonic, even though she’s never felt this way about anyone in her life-- not even her boyfriend (who is overseas in the military). However, wearing her ugliest clothes, no makeup, and forgoing a hairbrush for days doesn’t stop Josh from thinking she’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever met. As a veteran, Josh respects Kristen's boyfriend and doesn’t act on his feelings-- at least not until he breaks up with her through a voicemail telling her he re-enlisted.

Without the boyfriend in between them, they can no longer resist each other. But Kristen has health issues and a secret surgery that will make it impossible for her to have children, the one thing that Josh has made clear is a deal-breaker for him. He wants an entire sports team full of his own kids, and that’s the one thing Kristen can’t give him. No matter how much Kristen loves him, she knows she can’t deny him his dreams and pushes him away. To Josh, however, he doesn’t want a family if he can’t have it with Kristen.

This is a fantastic rom-com that will have you laughing one minute and crying the next as you deal with Kristen’s infertility issues with her.

Check out our e-book or e-audiobook copies from Library on the Go (Libby/Overdrive)!

Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins

Just when she thought things were finally moving in the relationship direction, Millie Quint finds her best friend/almost girlfriend kissing someone else. Faced with spending her senior year in a completely awkward place, Millie decides to apply to boarding school… in Scotland. Where her roommate turns out to be an actual princess.

An enemy-to-lovers, will-they-won’t-they story with the added benefits of rebel royal teenagers and beautiful Scottish scenery. Will Millie and Princess Flora find love at boarding school, or will they kill each other during a school-wide camping challenge? If you’re looking for an easy, fun read and you loved Red, White and Royal Blue, this is the book for you!

The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo

During their senior year of college, Lucy and Gabe randomly come together on September 11, 2001, before going in separate directions. They reconnect years later and fall into a passionate love affair only to be separated again, but this time because Gabe accepts a job as a photographer with the Associated Press overseas and Lucy refuses to leave her job in New York City. Both wanting to make their mark on the world, neither wants to give up their dream for their relationship. Keeping a light friendship post break-up through the years, they are once again reconnected, though in tragedy, thus leaving Lucy with an important decision to make.
This novel had me fully invested after the first page. It's an original idea, a recount of Lucy's life with Gabe, as told by Lucy herself. A story of first love, The Light we Lost is a melancholy story with realistic undertones that make it completely relatable to the reader. To be read with a box of tissues, you will be instantly immersed in Lucy's life from the very beginning through the end.

Check out our e-book or e-audiobook copies of this book through Library on the Go (Libby/Overdrive) or eReadIllinois (Axis360).

This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

In the aftermath of a devastating battle, a cybernetic time-soldier finds a letter left by her opponent, addressing her as "Red" and signed with the moniker "Blue." It's a gloating message of victory, but one that sets off a correspondence through time and space. Red and Blue hide words for each other in bones, in seeds, in water, in trees. Chasing each other through alternate histories, they encode these messages in secret, lest their overlord commanders find out and call it treason. Although the messages start out as taunts and boasts, they soon become curious, and then friendly. The stakes rise as their feelings deepen. And over time (pun intended), friendship blossoms into love.

This is How You Lose the Time War is a short sci-fi novel (or novella), mostly consisting of letters between the nemeses and star-crossed lovers Red and Blue as they battle and trick each other through time and space. The letters are entertaining and poetic, although the plot and worldbuilding are twisty and sometimes cryptic. The audiobook is performed by two narrators who both put a lot of emotion into their delivery. It's a quick read if you are looking for a creative and highly unconventional romance.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Professor Don Tillman is a brilliant academic. He lives in a world ruled by logic. His people skills, however, are rather poor. In order to find a wife, he comes up with a questionnaire for women to answer. It’s succinct, quickly weeding out the candidates who do not match his requirements. One day, his friend offers to set him up with someone. When Don meets Rosie, he immediately determines that she doesn’t measure up. Poor math skills. Vegetarian. Can’t cook. Doesn’t exercise. A smoker. But Rosie has a problem that Don finds intriguing. She is trying to find her biological father. As a result, he puts his “wife project” on hold, and instead, Don begins his “father project,” and as a consequence, his once orderly world begins to shatter.

This is a light, amusing, and easy-to-read story for fans of unconventional romances. While it can be appreciated on its own, The Rosie Project is the first in a series. For fans of audiobooks, the narrator for this one has a bold, appealing accent that really underlines the novel's Australian setting.

Meg & Jo by Virginia Kantra

In this timely retelling of the classic Little Women, we see Meg and Jo as modern women navigating their relationships in a 21st century world. Meg is dealing with her need to live up to her mother's reputation of being able to "do it all," thus creating small rifts in her marriage. Jo is trying to figure out her life after being let go from her newspaper employer and figure out how to juggle her foodie blog and the new relationship with her Chef boss. While we see the two eldest March sisters struggle with their personal lives, we see them tend to their mother, who needs back surgery and therefore is not able to work the farm. And to the dismay of the girls, their father, Asher, is absent while he delivers ministry to his not-for-profit helping war veterans instead of helping at home or with their mother.

This is a fantastic retelling, really bringing the magic of the March women to current times. It was enjoyable to see them as young feminists, all the while keeping their obligations to family close to their heart and at the top of their priorities. Kantra's take on Asher March was surprising to me, but very much in keeping with the modern feel of the retelling. I wouldn't have had it any other way. This story was cute and perfect for readers with a fondness and love for Alcott's Little Women. And it's just in time for the new movie!

The Simplicity of Cider by Amy E. Reichert

Idun’s Orchard has been in the Lund family for five generations, and cider-maker Sanna Lund can’t imagine living anywhere else. She’s perfectly content spending her days tending the orchard with her father and experimenting with new blends of cider made from their heirloom apple trees. But Sanna’s cider isn’t selling like they’d hoped and business isn’t exactly booming at the orchard. With only the two of them, and Sanna’s father getting on in years, can they really keep going the way they always have?

Enter Isaac and his son Bass (full name Sebastian, but he answers to any fish). Originally from California but spending their summer driving across the U.S. (and away from heartbreak at home), the pair end up as hired hands at Idun’s. Sanna is less than thrilled at the prospect of having a ten-year-old boy underfoot and tries to ignore how distracted she is by Isaac’s presence. But as her life gets more and more complicated, Sanna relies on the relationships she’s forming with Bass and Isaac, especially when the orchard seems to be slipping further and further out of her control.

The Simplicity of Cider is a heartwarming story of love, family, cider, and a little bit of magic. Set in Door County, Wisconsin, the author perfectly captures the feel of a small Midwestern town, where your neighbors might be nosy but they’ll be there for you at the first sign of trouble. The characters are authentic and real, and so are their struggles. There is an overall theme of healing in this book, from Sanna's father after a fall, to the heirloom trees after an accident, to the relationships both Sanna and Bass have with their parents, particularly their mothers. Recommended for fans of Jenny Colgan and Sarah Addison Allen.

Dashing Through the Snow by Debbie Macomber

'Tis the season to be reading a Debbie Macomber holiday story! In Dashing Through the Snow, Ashley is desperately trying, last minute, to get a flight to Seattle to spend the holiday with her mom. At the same time, Dash is trying to get a flight to Seattle for a very important job interview. Neither is successful. The next option is by car, and of course, there is only one car left available. Grudgingly, the two decide to share the ride. At the same time, unbeknownst to Ashley, her name has come up on the Do-Not-Fly list. Her attempt to get a flight to Seattle has prompted the FBI to come to the airport to find her, but at that point, she and Dash had already gotten their car and were on the road. Thus begins the secondary story of an FBI hunt for them.

Will Dash and Ashley make it to Seattle in time? During the trip, will the sparks fly between the two? Will the FBI catch up to them? There is a lot going on in this slim novel. Debbie Macomber has written a sweet, mildly suspenseful romance that is perfect for a quick holiday read!

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory

When Vivian Forest is given the opportunity to join her daughter to the country "cottage" of the British Royal family, she reluctantly agrees to go. Upon arriving at the this cottage, however, she meets Malcolm Hudson, the ultra-handsome private secretary to the Queen herself! And sparks fly instantly for both as Malcolm introduces Vivian to many new experiences, and Vivian brings out a fun playfulness in Malcolm that he hasn't felt in years.

The playful yet mature banter between Malcolm and Vivian was so enjoyable and it made me giggle out loud many times throughout the story. Guillory has a great way of portraying relationships perfectly as they should be, but also keeping them realistic by creating practical obstacles for the couple to hash through and overcome. Vivian and Malcolm are two extremely likable characters whom you root for from the very beginning. This is just the book to kick off a fun and flirty holiday season!

Every Day by David Levithan

A is a teenager living a most unusual life. A grows and learns and ages, but has no actual body of their own. Instead, they spend each day in a new host body. A does their best not to disturb the lives of those they “borrow” for the day, and generally A’s presence goes unnoticed, with memories of the borrowed day somewhat blurry. A always inhabits someone their own age and in the same geographical area as the day before, but otherwise circumstances vary wildly. A has been different genders, races, social classes, and states of health. Though A learns a lot about people through all these experiences, it is a very lonely life. Despite this, they are fairly happy. But then A meets Rhiannon and falls in love. Determined to continue seeing her, A starts taking risks and spilling secrets that may change everything.

This is a nice romance that explores the broader concepts of identity and the consequences of our actions in the lives of others. Wondering who A would be the next morning and how that would affect the story added an interesting twist to the reading. This is the first book in a set of three. A companion book, Another Day, examines this same story from Rhiannon’s point of view and the sequel, Someday, reveals that A is not the only body-traveler out there. The book was also adapted into a movie in 2018.

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary

Tiffy needs a new flat, and preferably one without suspicious mold growing behind the toilet. Leon, a nurse on the night shift, has a flat he’s rarely in and could use some extra cash. Why not rent out the apartment overnight to someone with a regular 9 to 5? Someone like Tiffy? They share a flat. They share a bed. But they’ve never met. Their friends think they’re crazy, but it works for them. Tiffy leaves for work before Leon gets off of his shift, and Leon, in turn, leaves to start his day right before Tiffy comes home for the evening. They leave notes throughout the apartment; Tiffy bakes, Leon occasionally makes dinner and leaves leftovers. They become close, as two people who share a space are bound to do-- even if they’re never in the same place at the same time.

This is, of course, a romance, so the pair do eventually meet. As life throws them curves in the form of manipulative ex-boyfriends, a wrongfully imprisoned brother, sick patients, and demanding clients, Tiffy and Leon learn to lean on each other until they can’t imagine making it through without the other person there.

An emotionally resonant story disguised as a fluffy meet-cute, O’Leary touches on themes of emotional abuse, violence, and gaslighting. And yet, there is humor and light and romance to carry these characters through to a very promising end. Recommended for fans of Marian Keyes or Christina Lauren.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

This ultra-charming "new adult" book is about Alex, the First Son of the United States, and HRH ("his royal highness") Prince Henry of Wales falling head over heels in love with one another. It starts with a mishap with a wedding cake, resulting in a weekend of forced friendship that ultimately turns into a clandestine kiss in a garden. A secret relationship is formed, and love happens (along with sex and a whole lot of kissing!). But then, just as the campaign for his mother’s re-election as President is heating up, a horrific sex scandal causes chaos with the untimely outing of both Alex and Prince Henry!

Is a happy ending on the horizon for this royal couple? You’ll have to read it to find out!

I absolutely loved every minute of reading this book. It was adorable, witty, funny, heartwarming, and very well written. I couldn’t put it down!

The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory

Freelance writer Nikole Paterson is at a Dodgers game with her boyfriend, when he proposes to her on the Jumbotron, but everything about this moment is horrible. They've only been dating for five months, and they've never even talked about getting married. Worst of all, he couldn't even spell her name right. Nik obviously turns him down, only to be met by a camera crew intent on further capturing her humiliation.

Carlos Ibarra and his sister Angela swoop in to save the say, hustling Nik out of the stadium and into a bar where her friends are waiting to help her lick her wounds.

This is such a warm, engaging romance novel, where we see Nik and Carlos evolve from friends to more than friends, all the while trying to carefully navigate the threads of their casual relationship as it develops into something more. While this is technically a sequel to The Wedding Date, you do not have to read it to enjoy this one.

Full of fun and with a sharp feminist edge, The Proposal is a romance novel you definitely don't want to miss.

One Day in December by Josie Silver

On a snowy December night in London, Laurie James looks out the window of her bus and sees him-- the man she's convinced, in that split second, is the one. Their eyes meet, he makes a move in her direction... and then the bus drives away. Laurie becomes obsessed, spending months scanning every face at every bus stop and every cafe in the hopes that it's him. But it never is.

That is, until her best friend and roommate, Sarah, introduces him to Laurie at a Christmas party a year later as Jack, the man of Sarah's dreams.

One Day in December is a tense but moving romance spanning almost a decade as Laurie and Jack try to navigate life with each other... but not with each other. Theirs is not the only love story, though. The relationship between Laurie and Sarah is just as, if not more, important than whatever Laurie and Jack may or may not have. It's why Laurie keeps Jack's identity as "bus boy" a secret, so as not to break Sarah's heart. And it's why the ultimate climax of the book takes on an even deeper meaning-- Laurie and Sarah's relationship has to be solid before any relationship between Laurie and Jack can begin.

From Twinkle, With Love by Sandhya Menon

Aspiring filmmaker Twinkle Mehra has stories she wants to tell and universes she wants to explore, if only the world would listen. When fellow film geek Sahil Roy approaches her to direct a movie for the upcoming Summer Festival, it's a dream come true for Twinkle. Then a mysterious "N" starts to email her, and Twinkle is sure it's her longtime crush, Neil Roy (a.k.a. Sahil's twin brother). The only problem is, that in the course of movie making, she's falling for Sahil.

Told through the letters Twinkle writes to her favorite female filmmakers, From Twinkle, With Love navigates big truths about friendship, family, and the unexpected places love can find you. A must-read for fans of When Dimple Met Rishi.

In His Hands by Adriana Anders

Abby has belonged to the Church of Apocalyptic Faith for so long she can barely remember her life before, except for living in a car with her mom and going hungry. However, her small community of faith is not as idyllic as it appears. Abby wants out, but leaving the Church isn't easy. If caught fleeing, she could be killed... or worse.

Luc, the grape grower next door, just wants to be left alone with his vines. He keeps to himself and in return has no problems with his strange neighbors. But when Abby lands on his doorstep, something in her eyes won't let him turn her away. And just like that, he's in the middle of a war with the Church during the worst snowstorm he's ever seen, all while falling for a woman he's just met.

This is the third book in the Blank Canvas series. Each story is a standalone, but there are some spoilers if you read them out of order. Adriana Anders's books are all in paperback only, but she isn't your average mass-market paperback writer. While her novels are definitely romances, they also touch on very deep, serious subject matters. In His Hands takes you inside an apocalyptic cult, bringing light to all its blessings and evils. Anders's writing style is engrossing, but it does use a vast vocabulary-- I had to look up a few words in the dictionary! I highly recommend this entire series, and I can't wait to read her other works!