Do you have an upcoming release? Would you like to share something of value with this audience of romance readers? Let me know by responding to this email or emailing [email protected].
These are the romances I turn to when I need some peace, and I think they’re all great choices if you're starting to read romance for the first time (though I recommend reading series in order). Can you please take 30 seconds and share your favorite comfort reads with us in the comments?
💃 Comfort Romance Reads Recommendations
Suddenly You
Lisa’s Wallflowers and Revenels series gets more attention, but Suddenly You is a masterpiece. Amanda becomes a successful author and hires a male escort to take her virginity before she turns 30. Jack shows up at her door at just the right time and is happy to oblige.
Isn’t It Bromantic?
Vlad “the Russian” is a hockey player who’s done being content with his marriage of convenience. Elena is a journalist who is determined to get her career off the ground but returns to Nashville to take care of her injured hockey husband. You must read this series to feel the payoff.
A Duke By Default
Portia arrives in Scotland for a forging apprenticeship with gruff silver fox Tavish. The sexual tension and sarcasm are hot as hell. If that’s not enough, this book has great representation of ADHD, therapy, and self-defense in the form of pepper spray (which Portia accidentally turns on Tavish).
A Heart of Blood and Ashes
I’ve recommended this one before and I will again and again. Yvenne is a small disabled woman that warrior Maddek underestimates even as she proposes marriage to him so they can get revenge. This epic fantasy is a true enemies-to-lovers.
Blitzed
Brynn owns the bar we all wish existed where women gather to drink wine and watch reality TV. She knows she’d be crazy to date a professional athlete, but Maxwell is oh so shy, kind, and smart.
🎉 Romance Releases
Contemporary | ||
|---|---|---|
Holiday Hostilities by Katie Bailey | A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley | The Geography of Happiness by Jay Hogan |
Missed Sunrise by Lane O’Neil | All Folked Up by Penny Reid | Santa Maybe by Carla Luna |
Fantasy | ||
|---|---|---|
The Songbird and the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent | Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley | Seduced by the Werewolves by Lyonne Riley |
Historical | ||
|---|---|---|
The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Matthews |
💾 Romancelandia Jobs
Chelsea Curto needs an artist for NSFW romance books in 2025
Kayliani Shi needs an artist for an illustration in a special edition
Tainia Damha needs an editor for a contemporary romance
Hannah Cowen needs a PR company in March 2025
Mayra De Gracia needs a TikTok creator
Please let me know if you’re interested in joining a freelance talent directory where people working in romance can discover your services. I’ll build it if there’s enough interest.
💌 Romancelandia News
Bluesky is rising. Threads became the place to connect with other readers and authors as Twitter crumbled, but Bluesky’s rise this week has brought more book conversations. Allie put together a great Romancelandia list if you’re just getting started there.
Shelf Love Holiday Fairies is back with the opportunity to give mutual aid to people in need through Christmas.
Blush just opened in Dallas. Swoon Books & Wine will open in Oakwood in 2025 and needs funders. Bad Women Books is looking for new indie books to feature in its store.
New podcast Rebel Ever After covers writing progressive romance novels. Listen on your favorite podcast app!
Kennedy Ryan’s Reel is being republished by Hachette Book Group’s Forever imprint. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros is on sale now. Critical Role’s in-game Tusk Love is now a real romance novel.
Fated Mates suggested great comfort reads.
🥰 Free Books
The Naughty List by Jade West
His Christmas Miracle by Dani Collins
Concrete Evidence by Rachel Grant
Roses in Red Wax by Louise Mayberry
To Win His Wife by Kate Condie
A Second Wedding Night by Emilie Jacobsen
Daring by Kylie Gilmore
Woods in Mourning by Angelica Stahl
In The Myx by La Crook
Take Me by Monica Walters
All He Ever Needed by Tay Mo’Nae
Take Me Apart by Brea Alepoú
Silk and Secrets by Mary Jo Putney
In The Light of the Moon by Noelle Upton
Married to a Rich Gangster by Tatum James
Love on the Scottish Summer Coast by Beatrice Bradshaw
Something Like Autumn by Jay Bell
Sin Bin Baby by Coco Elliot
The Bully’s Dare by Adora Crooks
I include affiliate links to Bookshop.org and Amazon in these editions and can make a commission off your purchases.
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This newsletter was written while watching Crime Scene Kitchen. Forward to a friend who likes cooking.
