romancereadinglist's Reviews (417)

Just Think of the Scandal

Anne Knight

5.0

adventurous emotional funny fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Convergence of Desire

Felicity Niven

5.0

emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Us: Getting Past You & Me to Build a More Loving Relationship

Terrence Real

4.0

hopeful informative fast-paced

When Araminta Greaves Traded Her Dignity for Bliss

Andrea Jenelle

4.0

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

The Stranger I Wed

Harper St. George

4.75

emotional hopeful informative medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Marriage of convenience is my favorite historical romance trope, and here Harper St George executes it near flawlessly. I loved the development of Devonthorpe and Cora’s relationship, through collaborating on his policial speeches (swoon). Neither of them expect anything beyond the instrumental (money/status) from this marriage, but the gradual build-up of sexual attraction and emotional attachment is very satisfying. I only wish the denouement had felt a little less rushed. Bonus demisexual rep!

Earl Crush

Alexandra Vasti

4.5

emotional funny reflective tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Make Room for Love

Darcy Liao

5.0

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I absolutely loved this deft, emotional modern romance from Darcy Liao. Mira is a multiracial trans woman struggling through grad school and escaping her abusive ex when she meets Isabel, a frosty but compelling butch lesbian with a spare room to rent. The two of them bond over union work and labor organizing (Isabel is a union electrician; Mira is trying to organise the grad students at her college) - swoon. Mira’s bi awakening is rendered really beautifully, and Isabel’s reckoning with her grief and emotional baggage is so moving. A wonderful book and can’t wait to see more from this author!

Content Warnings