Skip to the happy ending with five great romance series
Inaugural guest post!
With Valentine’s Day and all, February seems like the perfect time to think about romance — more specifically, some romance escapism. Being a huge reader, I like to recommend books, but unfortunately, I’m not well versed in the romance genre. So, I turned to an expert: Emily Voss, romance novel-reading fiend and artist. The owner of the creative business Hey Lemon, Emily makes bookmarks, stickers, and other bookish accessories. She’s also a queer, feminist progressive, so of course I think she’s great.
I asked Emily for book recommendations, but she did one better by coming up with a list of series. Without any further ado, check out Emily’s recommendations. Happy reading!
Romance series to spice up your life
by Emily Voss
When I was a kiddo, I devoured books whole. I really got into fantasy and although I didn’t realize it then, the romance undertones in fantasy books were one of the reasons I loved them so dearly. As I got older I began to really dig into adult fantasy with heavy romance, and I fell in love. I also dug deep into historical romance and some contemporary, too. I love the comfort of courting, of experiencing both parties’ emotions as they grow to adore each other, and the reassurance of a “happily ever after.” No matter what anyone else says, a happy ending is a MUST in a true romance book.
I love books that explore real life issues, trauma, mental health, family relationships (or lack thereof), and show the characters living with these issues while they find love. I also love a super strong female MC. I love natural banter, mutual respect (even in enemies-to-lovers tropes), and an acknowledgment of each other as equals in their own way. But if I see a miscommunication trope, I will run the other way! If the whole book rests on a miscommunication that can be cleared up in one sentence, that drives me nuts. So rest assured that will not be present in my recommendations.
Here are five romance series I highly recommend!
Chloe Liese’s Bergman Brothers series
Austistic author Chloe Liese includes different neurologies, disabilities, and chronic illnesses in her books. I CANNOT GET ENOUGH. Everyone is so beautifully depicted and there is so much understanding and acceptance in the books towards these characters. And in real life, Chloe is an overwhelmingly lovely person. Highly recommend anything she writes.
Favorite: Ever After Always
Talia Hibbert’s Brown Sisters series
Talia Hibbert writes about neurologies and disabilities as well, and I absolutely ADORE her writing and her characters. Her books are funny and spicy and heartwarming and just so much fun to read.
Favorite: Take A Hint, Dani Brown
Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series
This is technically a paranormal romance series but OMG I love it so much. I have laughed out loud at these books and the spice is off the charts. The stories and characters all intertwine and you get to know and love all of them. There are some problematic themes in some of the earlier books which were written a while back, so I also recommend the incredible companion podcast, “Fated Mates,” which talks about these themes and critically analyzes the IAD series in the most fun way ever. This series makes better sense if you read chronologically, but the first in the series is definitely skippable.
Favorite: No Rest for the Wicked
Alisha Rai’s Forbidden Hearts series
Rai’s contemporary romance novels set in a small town are just SO GOOD. They include past trauma, familial relationship problems, and some differing neurologies as well. The dialogue, the romance, the spice…all of it is just chef’s kiss. Alisha Rai is a must read author for me.
Favorite: Hate to Want You
Sarah Maclean’s Love by Numbers series
Sarah Maclean, a historical romance author, hosts the Fated Mates podcast I mentioned above! Her writing is so smart and funny and spicy. Her female MCs are super strong willed and intelligent and so fun to read about. Her books introduced me to historical romance, and I recommend her to anyone who enjoys that genre.
Favorite: Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake
A huge thank you to Emily for guest blogging this month.
What are you reading?