The best romance books that will make you believe in true love

Why am I passionate about this?

Prior to writing my own works of fiction, I actually worked for several years as a romance ghostwriter. I’ve worked for many clients under various pseudonyms, and many of these titles have gone on to the Amazon Top 100 list (I just can’t tell you which one because I signed an NDA). I think that romance as a genre can be a wonderfully cathartic and escapist experience, allowing us the opportunity to swoon, pine, and giddily indulge in the joy of what it’s like to fall in love over and over again. 


I wrote...

Knives, Seasoning, & A Dash of Love

By Katrina Kwan,

Book cover of Knives, Seasoning, & A Dash of Love

What is my book about?

A spicy, funny romcom about two chefs learning to work together in the cutthroat world of haute cuisine. Head Chef Alexander Chen runs his kitchen with an iron fist, struggling to rekindle his passion for food. Eden Monroe is his bubbly, newly hired sous chef… who may or may not have (definitely) lied on her resume to get the job. They’re as opposite as can be. Will they be able to run their kitchen, or are they at risk of things boiling over?

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon

Katrina Kwan Why did I love this book?

A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon is a laugh-out-loud read with just enough spice and tension to get you squirming in your seat.

I adore the grumpy x sunshine dynamic between the two leads, Mariel (the witch who accidentally summoned the demon) and Ozroth (the aforementioned demon who wants Mariel’s soul). This is a fun, delightful, and heartwarming paranormal romance with great stakes and plenty of shenanigans. If this unlikely pair is able to find love, then so can you!

By Sarah Hawley,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Mariel Spark knows not to trust a demon, especially one that wants her soul, but what’s a witch to do when he won’t leave her side—and she kind of doesn’t want him to?

Mariel Spark is prophesied to be the most powerful witch seen in centuries of the famed Spark family, but to the displeasure of her mother, she prefers baking to brewing potions and gardening to casting hexes. When a spell to summon flour goes very wrong, Mariel finds herself staring down a demon—one she inadvertently summoned for a soul bargain.

Ozroth the Ruthless is a legend among demons.…


Book cover of Forget Me Not

Katrina Kwan Why did I love this book?

I believe in second chances. That’s why Forget Me Not is one of my favorite romance reads of the year!

Ama Torres is a wedding planner who (ironically) doesn’t believe in marriage. This may or may not be the reason why handsome and brooding florist Elliot Bloom seems so distant and broken-hearted. They were an item—until something went terribly wrong!

This is a swoon-worthy read with snappy banter and plenty of spice. Watching these two fall in love all over again is sweet enough to give me cavities.

By Julie Soto,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Forget Me Not as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A wedding planner and her grumpy ex must work together to plan a celebrity event in this deliciously spicy and funny novel from Ali Hazelwood's "favorite writer." 

Ama Torres is an optimistic wedding planner who doesn’t believe in marriage. But weddings? They’re amazing. Elliot Bloom is a brooding florist who hates owning a flower shop…until a certain bright-eyed, donut-loving workaholic shows up at his door.

Once upon a time, they collaborated on events by day, and by night, Ama traced the intricate flower tattoos etched along his body. Then Ama shattered his heart and never spoke to Elliot again.    

Now…


Book cover of We'd Know by Then

Katrina Kwan Why did I love this book?

This one will break your heart. It’s more of a romantic tragedy, but I think there’s something wonderful in near-miss romances because it helps you appreciate what you have, when you have it.

In a monochrome world, you can only see color once you’ve met your soulmate. The problem is that the main character, Brighton Evans, has been able to see color since forever—so who on earth is her soulmate and how will she ever be able to tell? We’d Know by Then is without a doubt a tearjerker, so prepare yourselves!

By Kirsten Bohling,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked We'd Know by Then as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Fans of bittersweet titles by Colleen Hoover and Jojo Moyes will have you invested in Brighton and Cain's journey from the first page to the last.

In a monochrome world, Brighton Evans is a splash of brilliant color.

She can see the world in its true, kaleidoscopic form-a privilege reserved for soulmates only after they've found their other halves.

Knowing your soulmate when they come along should be easy, but Brighton can't remember a time when she hasn't seen in color. The past has her convinced that life is safer this way; she doesn't need a soulmate.

When Brighton meets…


Book cover of Deliver Me

Katrina Kwan Why did I love this book?

Deliver Me is without a doubt a tale that will stick with me for a very long time.

We follow Mia, a pastor’s daughter, who volunteers to write letters to prison inmates hoping to offer support and friendship regardless of the crimes they’ve committed. Gabriel Myers happens to be the recipient of these letters, but his tragic and cold backstory make it difficult for him to open up.

Watching their relationship grow from a place of distance to a place of genuine trust and love really drives home that the world is always better with love and compassion.

By Ashley Hawthorne,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Deliver Me as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

She's a pastor's daughter. He's a convicted killer. Forever may be out of reach when she falls in love with one of the dangerous ones.

Faith is more than just a word to Mia Anderson. It's the foundation of her life as a pastor's daughter. At home in her church and at peace with her beliefs, she decides to participate in a program to send letters to inmates regardless of what sins they may have committed.


Gabriel Myers is a convicted criminal, serving life in prison for his father's murder. Facing a hopeless future and haunted by a past that…


Book cover of Playing For Keeps

Katrina Kwan Why did I love this book?

Now, for a light-hearted, fun, and breezy romance! Who doesn’t love plus-sized rep, a grumpy workaholic love interest, and cozy board games to keep things interesting?

Playing For Keeps by Tristen Crone is definitely one of my favorite comfort reads. If you’re ever in a slump, this feel-good romance is a great palate cleanser—just like the honey lemon twice-baked croissant the two main characters fight over in their adorable and memorable meet-cute!


You might also like...

American Flygirl

By Susan Tate Ankeny,

Book cover of American Flygirl

Susan Tate Ankeny Author Of The Girl and the Bombardier: A True Story of Resistance and Rescue in Nazi-Occupied France

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Susan Tate Ankeny left a career in teaching to write the story of her father’s escape from Nazi-occupied France. In 2011, after being led on his path through France by the same Resistance fighters who guided him in 1944, she felt inspired to tell the story of these brave French patriots, especially the 17-year-old- girl who risked her own life to save her father’s. Susan is a member of the 8th Air Force Historical Society, the Air Force Escape and Evasion Society, and the Association des Sauveteurs d’Aviateurs Alliés. 

Susan's book list on women during WW2

What is my book about?

The first and only full-length biography of Hazel Ying Lee, an unrecognized pioneer and unsung World War II hero who fought for a country that actively discriminated against her gender, race, and ambition.

This unique hidden figure defied countless stereotypes to become the first Asian American woman in United States history to earn a pilot's license, and the first female Asian American pilot to fly for the military.

Her achievements, passionate drive, and resistance in the face of oppression as a daughter of Chinese immigrants and a female aviator changed the course of history. Now the remarkable story of a fearless underdog finally surfaces to inspire anyone to reach toward the sky.

American Flygirl

By Susan Tate Ankeny,

What is this book about?

One of WWII’s most uniquely hidden figures, Hazel Ying Lee was the first Asian American woman to earn a pilot’s license, join the WASPs, and fly for the United States military amid widespread anti-Asian sentiment and policies.

Her singular story of patriotism, barrier breaking, and fearless sacrifice is told for the first time in full for readers of The Women with Silver Wings by Katherine Sharp Landdeck, A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell, The Last Boat Out of Shanghai by Helen Zia, Facing the Mountain by Daniel James Brown and all Asian American, women’s and WWII history books.…


5 book lists we think you will like!

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