Nostalgic Book Review: Prisoner of My Desire by Johanna Lindsey
The first 30% of this 1991 medieval romance hooked me, and then I couldn’t get past what came next. Here’s my honest review of Prisoner of My Desire by Johanna Lindsey, with my rating, spice level, content warnings, and whether it holds up in 2026.
Fallen Rook by LJ Shen: A Dark, Funny, Heartbreaking MM Mafia Romance
My first MM romance and it did not disappoint. Fallen Rook by LJ Shen is a dark, funny, angsty mafia romance with an FBI agent, a closeted enforcer, and some of the hottest spice I’ve ever read. Here’s my full review, rating, tropes, and content warnings.
Nostalgic Book Review: It Had to Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Phoebe is one of my favorite heroines ever, and It Had to Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips is a funny, smart, sexy 1994 sports romance I already want to reread. Here’s my honest review, rating, tropes, and spoiler-free thoughts.
Nostalgic Book Review: Amanda by Kay Hooper
Amanda by Kay Hooper is a 1996 gothic romantic suspense that kept me guessing until the very end. Here’s my honest review, rating, tropes, and whether it holds up in 2026.
How I Rate Spice in My Romance Book Reviews (0 to 5 Chili Peppers)
Have you ever picked up a romance and found it way spicier or way tamer than you expected? That’s why I include a spice rating in every review. In this post I’m breaking down my 0 to 5 chili pepper scale, including what I look for at each level and a few books that fit.
Hidden Gem Romance of the Week: Silent Surrender
Silent Surrender by Netra Antoinette is a gripping romantic suspense that perfectly balances romance and suspense. With a vigilante heroine, complicated characters, dark secrets, and a romance filled with baggage, this hidden gem kept me turning the pages. I’m sharing my full review, rating, spice level, tropes, and everything you need to know before adding it to your TBR.
Book Review: In the Dark by Shain Rose
In the Dark by Shain Rose is a spicy, over-the-top mafia romance packed with enemies-to-lovers tension, marriage of convenience, obsession, and plenty of drama. I loved the chemistry and banter between Jas and Cal, but the predictable mystery kept this from being a 4+ star read for me.
I Read Julia Wolf’s Let’s Be Real & Can’t Stop Thinking About It
I went into Let’s Be Real expecting a cute fake-dating romance, but Julia Wolf completely surprised me with a story full of emotional depth, complex characters, incredible chemistry, and some seriously spicy scenes. This quickly became one of my favorite fake-dating romances I've ever read.
5 Foodie Romance Books to Add to Your TBR
If you love romance books with chefs, restaurants, delicious food, and plenty of chemistry, these foodie romances need to be on your TBR. From Michelin-starred chefs and farm-to-table restaurants to a yacht chef with Below Deck vibes, these five books are perfect for your next cozy romance read.
Nostalgic Book Review: The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss changed romance forever when it was published in 1972, helping establish the modern bodice ripper and transforming historical romance. But how does a book this influential hold up more than 50 years later? I’m breaking down the story, tropes, historical significance, problematic elements, and everything I loved (and didn’t love) about this controversial romance classic.
Nostalgic Book Review: Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Can a great heroine save a romance with a problematic hero? Dream a Little Dream wasn't one of my favorite Susan Elizabeth Phillips books, but I absolutely loved Rachael. Her journey from down-on-her-luck single mom to a woman slowly rebuilding her confidence was easily the best part of the book. I also loved the suspense and mystery, but Gabe and Rachael's romance was much harder for me to get on board with. It's one of those nostalgic romances where the “Does this hold up?” conversation is complex.
For the Record, I Hate You: The Second-Chance Romance That’s Criminally Underhyped
A hidden gem for second-chance romance lovers! For the Record, I Hate You by indie author Amanda Gambill is packed with angst, tension, banter, revenge, and all the unresolved feelings that make a second-chance romance impossible to put down. I gave this underhyped romance 4.5 stars—and I'm still wondering why more people aren't talking about it.
6 Romance Books Under 300 Pages That Are Actually Worth Reading
Whether you're in a reading slump, short on time, or simply in the mood for something quick, I've rounded up six romances that clock in at around 300 pages or less. And these aren't books that sacrifice chemistry, spice, angst, or emotional depth just because they're short. From sweet small-town romance to dark, forbidden love and books that will leave you emotionally wrecked, these are the short romances that are actually worth adding to your TBR.
7 Funny Romance Books for Millennials Who Miss Early 2000s Rom-Coms
Looking for a romance that will actually make you laugh out loud? If you grew up on early 2000s rom-coms, SNL, Amy Poehler, Will Ferrell, Bridesmaids, and Baby Mama, these seven funny romance books are for you. Expect witty banter, chaotic characters, petty antics, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.
Book Review: Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
A five-star review of Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, a nostalgic marriage-of-convenience romance featuring an emotionally unavailable hero, a traveling circus, unforgettable character growth, and two very lovable animals.
Book Review: The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker
A cozy Alaskan romance filled with slow-burn tension, family drama, and one seriously grumpy bush pilot. The Simple Wild completely consumed me—I stayed up all night reading, couldn’t put it down, and somehow fell completely in love with a low-spice romance. The yearning? Immaculate. The character arcs? Beautiful. Jonah? Exactly my kind of hero.
How to Fall in Love With Reading Again: Stop Reading Books You Think You Should Read
If you want to fall in love with reading again, you might need to stop reading the books you think you should read and start reading the books you’ll actually enjoy. Here’s why reading for pure entertainment might be the best way to get back into the habit—and the book that got me back into reading (and into romance) in the first place.
10 Best Nostalgic Romance Novels: Classic Romance Books Our Moms Loved, Ranked
I spent the last nine months reading the classic romance books our moms loved—from 80s and 90s historical romances to romantic suspense and contemporary love stories. Now I’m ranking the 10 I’ve read so far, including Judith McNaught, Lisa Kleypas, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Johanna Lindsey, and more. Find out which 90s romance novels still hold up today—and which one earned my #1 spot.