5 on Five: Romance
Romance is in the air and here are five (well, seven) romances I highly recommend.
February is the month that practically dares us not to think about romance. Hearts everywhere, pink creeping into shop windows, Valentine’s Day looming with its flowers, cards, and wildly different expectations. So instead of fighting it, I’m leaning all the way in. For this month’s post, I’m sharing five romance-forward read, some swoony, some sharp, some surprising. This is part of 5 on Five by Kelly Mayfield, the lovely link-sharing party hosted by her Substack Book Beveling. And a special shout out to Laura K Bray of The Cosy Library for hosting this month! If you’re looking to fall in love with a book (or five), consider one of my clients books:
The Plans I Have for You by Lai Sanders
This book is not your average romance or story, and I love it for that. The Plans I Have for You delivers a gorgeously rendered queer romance wrapped in real suspense, simmering female rage, and a sharp edge of revenge. The love story feels earned and deeply human, while the tension keeps you turning pages long after you meant to stop. It’s romantic in the sense that it believes in desire, connection, and choosing yourself, even when things get dark. The pubs March 24th but can be preordered now.
Just Add Happiness by Julie Anne Hatcher
Pure delight in book form. This one is warm, funny, and genuinely comforting, like a rom-com you want to rewatch on a rainy afternoon. It’s about rediscovering joy when life hasn’t gone according to plan, with a romance that sneaks up on you in the best way. Charming characters, light stakes, and a whole lot of heart, this is the book you read when you want to smile without effort.
The Wild Card by Carolyn Brown
Carolyn Brown knows how to write women’s fiction that feels both cozy and alive, and The Wild Card is no exception. Centered on fresh starts and unexpected turns, the story follows a woman who takes a chance on herself and ends up with more than she bargained for. There’s friendship, small-town warmth, and just enough romance to make your heart flutter without overpowering the journey.
The Restoration Garden by Sara O’Shaughnessy
For readers who love a sweeping sense of time and place, this historical dual-timeline novel is a treat. At its heart is a beautifully crafted romance that echoes across generations, tied together by a garden rich with symbolism and secrets. It’s tender, atmospheric, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of book that reminds you love stories don’t fade, they transform.
If you’re in the mood for light, playful chaos, with kissing, this one is for you. Wedding Issues leans fully into wedding antics: misunderstandings, forced proximity, sparkling banter, and a romance that grows amid all the mess. It’s breezy, fun, and exactly the kind of escapist read February calls for when you want joy on the page.
And a few bonus books that I’ve read and loved (but do not represent):
Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez. What starts as an unlikely meet-cute turns into a long-distance relationship filled with heart, humor, and real-life challenges. Loved it.
The Sweetheart List by Jill Chavis. Their chemistry slowly builds amid town events, supportive characters, and second chances . It has all classics of cozy small‑town romance.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, ignoring it completely, or just using February as an excuse to read more romance (no judgment here I”m doing the same), these five (or 7) books offer something for every mood. Thanks again to Kelly Mayfield and Book Beveling for hosting 5 on Five and happy reading, romantics. 💕
I've not heard of any of these, but am looking forward to checking them out! My list is here: https://laurakbray.substack.com/p/5-romantic-books-to-read-in-february
I’ve heard great things about Restoration Garden but haven’t read it yet. The cover for The Plans I Have for You is gorgeous!