2026 Yes/No Expanded
The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh
Rating: 4/5 stars
Genre: Adult contemporary romance
Spice: kissing
Language: no
Content Warnings: depression
The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley is a sweet small-town romance about a socially awkward researcher who sets out to prove a 31-ways-to-be-happy magazine article wrong (spoiler alert, she doesn’t!) and finds herself pulled into friendship and unexpected love.
It’s a really wholesome read: not Christian fiction exactly, but written by a Christian with a solid worldview. The romance is gentle, the friendship dynamics are genuinely touching, and it’s one of those books that just feels good to read. Definitely worth picking up!
2. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
Rating: 3.5/5
Genre: 2011 YA romantasy
Spice: kissing
Language: mild
Content warning: angels, fallen angels
Unearthly follows Clara, a teenage girl who is part angel and tasked with the heavenly purpose to save a boy from a fire.
It’s definitely giving mid-2000s YA paranormal romance vibes in the best way. The angel dynamic had me questioning things as a Christian at first, but it ended up being really thoughtfully and respectfully handled. I actually found myself encountering God through the reality that we only ever see and understand our purpose in part. It was a fun read, not a life changing one, but if you were a 2011 paranormal romance girlie it’s worth picking up!
3. The Vikingby Carrie Cotten
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Genre: adult Christian midevil action/romance
Spice: kissing
Language: none
Content warning: sexual assault in past, violence
The Viking is the sequel to the huntress but I think it could work as standalone. We follow Astrid (the queen's warrior from book 1) as she’s kidnapped by someone from her past and drawn into a complicated scheme, while the king’s main warrior takes off to rescue her.
I liked The Huntress, but I loved The Viking. The romance is so fun, the action is genuinely exciting, and the faith elements feel deep and real. It’s one of those books that I slept on for way too long!
4. An Embroidery of Soulsby Ruby Martinez
Rating: 4/5 stars
Genre: YA romantasy
Spice: fade to black
Language: mild
Content warning: death of parents, violence, gore, anxiety
Embroidery of Souls follows a soul weaver whose ability to stitch characteristics into and out of souls pulls her into a dangerous plot (with a boy cause duh).
I really loved that the FMC is a soft girl and an anxiety girl, and that her strength comes from her skills and creativity. The protective romance was great, and the world-building was surprisingly rich for a standalone! I like that we didn’t have any morally grey here either: good was good and evil was evil!
5. The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel
Rating: 4/5 stars
Genre: Christian historial romance
Spice: kissing
Language: none
Content warning: none
The Maid of Ballymacool is about a mistreated scullery maid in historic Ireland who captures the attention of a wealthy lord.
This was a very sweet romance! Think Cinderella meets The Little Princess. The Christian worldview is present throughout, but there isn’t necessarily a strong faith arc. This was my first Jennifer Deibel but it won’t be my last! A very easy, wholesome romance.
6. Betting on You by Lynn Painter
Rating: 4/5 stars
Genre: YA contemporary romance
Language: yes
Spice: kissing
Content warning: Divorce
Betting on You is a super fun high school rom-com about two teens who hate each other until a bet, a new job, and a little fake dating enters the chat.
There are no major red flags here, but Lynn lovessss her cuss words, so just a heads-up on that. I liked how the divorce elements were handled and how the parent/teen relationships developed alongside the romance. Even at 30, I was fully invested in the big dance at the end. If you liked Better Than the Movies, this one will be right up your alley.
7. How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson
Rating: 4/5 stars
Genre: adult romcom
Spice: kissing
Language: none
Content warning: none
Plotting a Payback is a fun rom-com about a screenwriter and an actress with a complicated history who end up working together (and falling in love). It’s lighthearted, easy, and basically feels like it’s set in the world of Friends. If you like Sarah Adams’s no-spice rom-coms, this one has a really similar vibe. While it’s secular fiction, I did find out that Melissa is a Christian which was fun!
8. The Lumber Baron’s Wife by Lynn Austin
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Christian dual timeline historical
Spice: none
Language: none
Content warning: domestic violence, abortion, cancer
The Lumber Baron’s Wife is a dual timeline following a woman in the 1800s and one in present day living in the same house! Our present day FMC is restoring the lumber baron’s mansion while trying to uncover why his wife mysteriously disappeared.
I was surprised by how much I loved it! I usually gravitate toward more romance and all of our MCs were already married at the start of this one so the yearning was low, but the mystery completely pulled me through the story. The faith elements are beautifully layered. It reminded me a lot of The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers.
9. Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Genre: YA romantasy
Spice: kissing only
Language: mild
Content warning: death, violence
Heir of Storms is about young adults with elemental magic competing in a series of trials for a throne.
I loved this book and fully expect it to blow up in the romantasy world. The story is addictive, the writing has some really beautiful lines, and the plot twists were well laid out but still hard to predict. I already preordered book 2!
10. Bourne and Tributary by Lisa T Bergen
Rating: 4/5
Genre: YA Christian Biblical time travel action romance
Spice: closed door (married)
Language: none
Content warning: violence
Bourne & Tributary continues were the River of Time series left off, following the modern teen sisters who accidentally time traveled to 14th century Italy. High action. High romance. This series was written for 12-15 years olds and is amazing for that age group, but I also love it as an adult. The writing is a little young but the plot propels you through! It gives romantasy vibes, but clean and with a Christian bend.
11. Gilded andCursedby Marissa Meyer
Rating: 4/5 stars
Genre: YA gothic fantasy with romance
Spice: fade to black
Language: occasional
Content warning: ghosts, child death, gods and goddesses, gore
Gilded & Cursed by Marissa Meyer is a darkly whimsical YA fantasy with romance, inspired by Rumpelstiltskin. It felt a little like Once Upon a Broken Heart met The Haunted Mansion. The beginning moved a bit slowly for me, but once the pieces clicked into place, the story really came together.
Worldview-wise, this isn’t Christian fantasy. The heroine is considered “god-cursed” (or blessed, depending on who you ask) by the god of lies, and much of the story involves searching for other gods and goddesses in the land. There are non-gendered supernatural beings, and her skill for lying is often praised as a strength. It’s also a little gory, though in a very YA-fantasy way.
That said, there’s still a lot to admire. I connected with her bravery, selflessness, and commitment to doing what’s right no matter the cost. And I appreciated the underlying message that we are more than what others label us to be.
If you enjoy slightly darker fairy-tale retellings with romance and high stakes, this one is fun!
12. Authentically Izzy by Pepper Basham
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Adult lightly Christian contemporary romance
Spice: kissing only
Language: none
Content warning: none
Authentically, Izzy by Pepper Basham is a mostly epistolary romance (told through letters and emails) which threw me off a bit at first. But once I settled into the format, I absolutely adored it.
Izzy is a sweet, introverted librarian who’s been wounded by love. When she begins corresponding with a European bookseller, their connection grows slowly and tenderly through words alone. They fall in love through emails long before they ever meet in person (which doesn’t happen until the final third of the book), and watching that relationship unfold felt uniquely intimate as a reader.
Worldview-wise, this is lightly Christian fiction, and the faith elements are woven in gently. One of my favorite takeaways was the reminder that our gifts are given intentionally and meant to be used for God’s purposes and that stepping into the life we were created for often requires courage. A super sweet, tender read that I highly recommend.
13. The Notorious Vitues by Alwyn Hamilton
Rating: 4/5 stars
Genre: YA fantasy with romance
Spice: kissing
Language: yes
Content warning: Violence
The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton is a super fun fantasy with light romance, following a powerful family competing in a series of “Trials of Virtue” to determine who will rule and claim the power that comes with it.
It has all the elements I love in a romantasy: court intrigue, high-stakes trials, betrayal, shifting alliances, and just enough romantic tension to keep things interesting (though the romance threads are fairly light compared to the political drama).
Worldview-wise, this one was interesting. The entire premise centers around virtue, but what does that actually mean? Is it enough to perform virtuous acts if your motives are selfish? Or does true virtue require depth of character and integrity when no one is watching? The characters start out unlikable but I loved that they had real stuff to overcome.
I loved this one and highly recommend it with the caveat that book two isn’t out yet, and depending on where the story goes, it could take a darker turn.
14. The Selection by Kiera Cass
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Genre:YA dystopian romance
Spice: kissing
Language: none
Content warning: none
The Selection by Kiera Cass is essentially The Bachelor set in a dystopian kingdom: 36 girls competing on live television for the prince’s hand in marriage.
I really wanted to love this one more than I did. It’s cute and highly readable, and I can absolutely see why it became so popular. The premise is super fun and the romance is high. But for me, it felt very young. I had a similar experience reading Shatter Me where my 30 year old brain just struggled with some of the FMC’s decisions.
She’s torn between two men (while also frustrated if they don’t exclusively want her), and she repeatedly gets herself into situations that feel… unnecessary. I liked book one enough to continue, but I ended up doing a soft DNF on book two.
That said, lots of readers say the third book makes the series, so I may circle back someday. On a fun note: Kiera Cass is a Christian author, and the story was partially inspired by the book of Esther which I love!
If you enjoy dramatic love triangles, royal settings, and high-stakes romance with a younger feel, this one might be for you!
15. He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox
Rating: 4/5 stars
Genre: Adult Christian Women’s fiction
Spice: none
Language: none
Content warning: anxiety, addition, abandonment
He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox is a women’s fiction story about two women who unexpectedly split the inheritance of a farm and must untangle how they’re connected while deciding whether to sell the land or fight to keep it.
I typically gravitate toward stories with a stronger romance thread (this one is very light), but I really loved this book. The mystery surrounding their connection was compelling enough to carry the story, and once you become invested in each woman’s journey, you can’t help but root for both of them. Their struggles felt real and layered, and the payoff was worth it.
Amanda Cox’s writing style is lovely, with gentle faith elements woven into the story. If you enjoy women’s fiction I recommend this one.
16. What The River Knows by Isabel Ibanez
Rating: 5/5
Genre: YA romantasy
Spice: passionate kissing in book 1. Lightly descriptive fade to black in book 2
Language: occasional
Content warning: magic, violence
What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez is officially my favorite in this genre since The Prison Healer and that’s saying something!
The story follows a young woman from Argentina who travels to Egypt after the mysterious death of her parents. Determined to uncover the truth, she finds herself chasing clues through ancient tombs and dangerous settings all while being trailed by her uncle’s (handsome, of course) assistant.
This one was a full five stars for me. I was staying up late to read it, listening while cooking, switching back and forth between audio and physical so I wouldn’t have to stop — basically all the things I do when I completely fall in love with a book. I found in the acknowledgments that the author is a Christian and critique partners with Rebecca Ross which only made me love it more!
17. Fake Skating by Lynn Painter
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Genre: YA contemporary romance
Language: yes (lots!)
Spice: kissing
Content warning: Divorce
Fake Skating by Lynn Painter is a sweet high school hockey romance about two old friends who’ve drifted apart and reconnect when our FMC moves back to town after her parents’ divorce. To help save his hockey career, they enter into a fake dating scheme (and of course catch real feelings).
The premise is cute with childhood history, unresolved tension, forced proximity, and all the awkward sweetness you’d expect from a teen rom-com. There’s no spice and the emotional beats between them are genuinely cute.
That said, there’s quite a bit of language (including frequent F-bombs), which makes it hard for me to recommend to younger teens. And while the setup had so much potential, I felt like the plot itself was a little underdeveloped in places. Some character choices left me scratching my head (why did she take that guy to their spot??), and I wanted a bit more depth overall.
I probably wouldn’t hand this one to most adults either, but if you already love Lynn Painter’s voice and writing style, you may still enjoy it for the banter and nostalgia.
18. Meet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson
Rating: 4/5 stars
Genre: adult romcom
Spice: kissing
Language: none
Content warning: none
Meet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson is a sweet rom-com about an aspiring author working at a publishing house and secretly writing a romance manuscript on the side. When someone begins leaving edits and commentary in the margins of her draft, an anonymous back-and-forth begins.
This one was light, fun, and especially so for my writer brain. The inside-publishing details, the vulnerability of sharing early pages, and the slow unfolding of connection made it such an enjoyable read. It’s published by a Christian imprint, though there’s nothing overtly Christian in the story itself.
If you’ve loved Sarah Adams in the past but miss her earlier, lower-spice stories, this definitely scratches that itch. And bonus: it’s getting a movie adaptation!
19. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Rating: 3/5 stars
Age Rating: 14+
Genre: YA contemporary romance
Spice: kissing
Language: occasional
Content warning: teen drinking and mention of sex (not by MC)
This one is perfect for the mid range teens in your life (13-16ish depending on maturity). The story follows Lara Jean as her secret love letters are unexpectedly sent out, turning her life upside down.
I really liked the family dynamics and sister bonds in this one, but found myself wishing for a bit more depth in the characters. I feel like the movie was such a good depiction of the complexities of teens, while the book came across a little bit more one dimensional.
20. Taming Lady Temperance by Karen Witemeyer
Rating: 3/5
Age Rating: 15+
Genre: Adult Christian historical romance
Spice: kissing only
Language: none
Content warning: abuse, alcoholism
This one is a fun pick if you enjoy historical romance with a strong faith thread woven throughout. Our FMC is a headstrong heroine very much in line with the Taming of the Shrew inspiration.
I found her a little bit annoying and hard to connect with at times, which made it tougher to fully invest in the story or the romance. That said, I really loved how the faith elements were handled and her dynamic with the other spinsters in town. I’d definitely still pick up book two!
21. Blade of Secrets by Tricia Levenseller
Rating: 3/5 stars
Age Rating: 14+
Genre: YA fantasy with romance
Spice: kissing
Language: mild
Content warning: Violence
This one is a good pick if you like fantasy with a unique female lead. It follows a gifted blacksmith who forges magical weapons and is forced to flee with her dangerous creation when her secret is exposed. The FMC is six feet tall and struggles with severe anxiety (rep for the tall, anxious girlies!)
I loved Daughter of the Pirate King, but her other books have felt a little flatter to me, and this one followed that trend. The plot felt pretty formulaic and predictable. Even though I enjoyed it overall, I don’t feel a strong pull to continue on with book two in the duology.
22. Hearts on the Fly by Toni Shiloh
Rating: 4/5 stars
Age Rating: 15+
Genre: Adult Christian hockey romance
Spice: kissing only
Language: none
Content warning: blindness
This one is such a fun pick if you love a sports romance with heart. A hockey player ends up on a bind date with his ex’s little sister while navigating a career ending injury. It’s a hockey romance with strong Christian faith elements, and I thought those were really well woven into the story.
I loved the disability representation (the MMC is losing his eyesight) and the way the family dynamics were handled. Overall, I highly recommend this if you’re a sports romance girl!
23. The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Age Rating: 16+
Genre: YA thriller
Language: moderate
Spice: kissing
Content warning: serial killer POV chapters, murder
This one was addicting in the best way. Fast-paced, exciting, and such a creative concept. It follows a group of teens with unique profiling abilities who are recruited by the FBI to help solve cold cases. It really pulled me in and felt like a total page-turner from start to finish.
That said, it is a thriller (even if YA), and I found the serial killer POV chapters a bit too disturbing for me personally. I’m definitely on the more sensitive side when it comes to anything scary, so you may feel totally fine with it!
24. Twenty Something Elseby Stephanie Mack
Rating: 4/5 stars
Age Rating: 16+
Genre: Christian contemporary women’s fiction (plus time travel)
Spice: kissing
Language: none
Content warning: attempted assault (not detailed)
On her 40th birthday, a woman gets the opportunity to go back to her 20s and relive them, making all different decisions.
It was such a fun read. I laughed, I cried, and it was relatable on multiple levels. Definitely for the girls, and especially for the true millennials (if you’re in your late 30s or early 40s I think it’s a must read)!
I loved the themes of free will vs. sovereignty and the exploration of all the different versions of girlhood and how they shape us.
25. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Rating: 4/5
Age Rating: 16+
Genre:contemporary literary fiction
Spice: closed door
Language: yes
Content warning: drug use mention, death
This one follows a widow working at an aquarium who forms an unexpected connection with a remarkably observant octopus (I know that doesn’t sound very good but stay with me)!
I really enjoyed this one and so did my book club! The mystery kept me engaged, but it was the gentle, beautiful storytelling that made it feel extra special. It’s thoughtful, a little quirky, and just a really unique reading experience. Also, it’s now a movie!
26. A Language of Dragons (books 1 and 2) by S.F. Williamson
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Age Rating: 15+
Genre: YA academic fantasy + romance
Spice: kissing
Language: yes
Content warning: death, violence
This one follows a linguist studying dragon languages in a more academic setting, where language, power, and politics all intertwine. I went in hoping it would feel like a cleaner version of Fourth Wing, but it definitely has a different vibe.
There were some fun moments, but I never felt fully gripped by the story. The author is a Christian though and the very Biblical exploration of forgiveness added a really meaningful layer to the book!
27. That Fine Line and Double or Nothing by Cindy Steel
Rating: 4/5
Age Rating: 16+
Genre:Adult rom com
Spice: kissing only
Language: none
Content warning: Eating disorder in That Fine Line
This is a new author for me, and I absolutely adore her writing. Think clean rom-coms with summery vibes and sweet, wholesome love stories. Very Sarah Adams before she started adding spice. I’ll definitely be reading more of hers!
These are both stand alone but work together, following different leads as they get their summer romance! Plenty of bets, prank, banter, and just fun! If you want a sweet, light rom com pick up one of these!
28. The Raven by Carrie Cotten
Rating: 4/5 stars
Age Rating: 15+
Genre: Christian viking action + romance
Spice: kissing
Language: no
Content warning: death, violence, assault (not detailed)
This is book three in the The Huntress Series, and it follows a side character from book 1 as she goes off on her quest for vengeance. The whole series is Christian viking era romance with plenty of action.
I absolutely loved this one: high action, high romance, and such strong, meaningful faith elements woven throughout. Book one didn’t totally grip me, but books two and three have completely pulled me in. I can’t stop thinking about them!
29. This Woven Kingdomby Tahereh Mafi
Rating: 3/5
Age Rating: 15+
Genre: YA romantasy
Spice: kissing
Language: mild
Content warning: mentions of the devil, magic
This one has a bit of a Cinderella-inspired feel, following a hidden servant girl whose life becomes entangled with royalty, secrets, and an ancient destiny.
I really wanted to love this one, but it just didn’t quite work for me. The pacing felt off, and I never fully got hooked into the story or connected to the characters in the way I hoped to. I’ve also heard the series gets darker and spicier as it continues, so I’ll personally be stopping after book one. For me, this one’s a skip!
30. The Fur Trader’s Lady by Gabrielle Meyer
Rating: 4/5
Age Rating: 16+
Genre: Adult Christian historical romance
Spice: kissing only
Language: none
Content warning: none
This story follows a young woman trying to reach her fiancé by pretending to be a man in the fur trade.
I was glued to this one from page one! It’s high swoon, high action, and kept me fully invested the entire way through. The faith elements were well done too. This one is absolutely worth grabbing!
31. Up From Dust by Heather Kaufman
Rating: 4/5 stars
Age Rating: 14+
Genre: Christian Biblical fiction
Spice: kissing
Language: none
Content warning: death
This book club pick was the perfect Easter read, following the Biblical story of Martha from childhood through the resurrection of Jesus.
One of my favorite things about biblical fiction is how it can take us deeper into the Bible and make familiar stories feel fresh and personal again. This one was such a sweet, gentle read.
32. Famous for a Living by Melissa Ferguson
Rating: 4/5 stars
Age Rating: 15+
Genre: adult rom com
Spice: kissing only
Language: none
Content warning: none
This rom com follows an influencer whose carefully curated online life gets turned upside down when she’s forced to unplug and reconnect with real life in a small town.
This one was fun and cute in exactly the way a good rom com is meant to be. I had such a great time reading it, and as someone who works on my phone, I definitely felt the conviction around phone addiction and constantly being connected. It was lighthearted, entertaining, and still had a meaningful message woven in.
33. Gelato at the Villa by Robin Jones Gunn
Rating: 4/5 stars
Age Rating: 15+
Genre: Adult Christian women’s fiction
Spice: none
Language: none
Content warning: assault in past
This story follows a sweet journey through Italy filled with friendship, faith, and the beauty of slowing down and savoring life.
I love all of Robin’s books because they always feel like a deep breath, and this one was no exception. It was touching, sweet, and such a perfect summer read. It made me want to book a trip to Italy immediately! This isn’t a high-action story, but it’s the kind of book that makes you want to live a little slower.
34. Finlay Donovan is Killing it by Elle Cosimano
Rating: 4/5
Age Rating: 18+
Genre: Adult cozy mystery
Spice: kissing and innuendo
Language: moderate
Content warning: murder
This quirky mystery follows a struggling novelist who is accidentally mistaken for a contract killer, pulling her into a wildly chaotic who-done-it mystery.
As a professional scaredy cat, I don’t read a lot of mystery, but this one came highly recommended and the premise sounded so fun that I decided to go for it. I ended up loving it! It wasn’t too scary or gory, and the story was so creative, clever, and genuinely fun to read.
35. Into a Golden Era by Gabrielle Meyer
Rating: 4/5 stars
Age Rating: 16+
Genre: Christian historical time travel romance
Language: none
Spice: kissing only
Content warning: none
This latest installment in the Timeless series follows Allie, a time crosser living in the golden age of Hollywood as an actress playing Jo in Little women and the 1800s gold rush with a famous California gang.
Dare I say this is maybe my favorite in the series? I already love Little Women, so that definitely helped, but this whole series has become such a beautiful reminder of God’s sovereignty for me. I’ve genuinely loved every single book, and if you haven’t started the series yet, it’s officially time to pick up book one!
36. We’re a Bad Idea, Right? by K.L. Walther
Rating: 4/5 stars
Age Rating: 18+
Genre: YA contemporary romance
Spice: semi detailed fade to black
Language: moderate
Content warning: none
This one follows two teens fake dating with all the charm and awkwardness of high school romance, while renting out her parent’s beach home to make money for college.
This one really felt like a Lynn Painter-style book to me in the sweetest, most relatable high school ways. My only real ick was a non-detailed sex scene at the very end that felt like it came out of nowhere. I’d still consider this one low spice since nothing was physically graphic, but it does make me a little wary about where YA publishing seems to be heading.
37. The One with the Kiss Cam by Cindy Steel
Rating: 4/5
Age Rating: 16+
Genre: Adult rom com
Spice: kissing only
Language: none
Content warning: none
This rom com follows an unexpected relationship sparked by a viral kiss cam moment, leading to plenty of chemistry, workplace tension, and funny moments along the way.
This is officially my favorite Cindy Steel book yet! I enjoy her writing style so much, and at this point I fully plan to work my way through her entire backlist. I especially loved the work dynamics in this one — it made the romance feel extra fun, layered, and engaging.
38. Her Hidden Fire by Cliodhna O’Sullivan
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Age Rating: 16+
Genre: YA romantasy
Spice: detailed intimate kiss scene (chapter 27)
Language: yes
Content warning: attempted sexual assault, oppression
An ordinary girl unexpectedly manifests power in a world where only elites are meant to have it. Best friends with the prince who has none, she pretends her power is his and follows him to a school to be trained in the art of channeling power.
This was our latest book club pick, and I absolutely flew through it. I haven’t felt this excited about a romantasy in awhile! The world building was so creative (think The Will of the Many meets dragons). It has a dark academia feel with definitely heavier themes, but it was all really well done and kept me completely hooked. And thankfully, book two comes out in November!
39. The Voice We Find by Nicole Deese
Rating: 4/5
Age Rating: 16+
Genre:Adult contemporary romance
Spice: kissing only
Language: none
Content warning: death of parents
A failed Broadway actress returns home to narrate audiobooks and falls for her sound engineer who is raising his hearing-impaired sister.
This was my first Nichole Deese book, and I ended up loving her writing style so much. I really liked the deaf representation, the faith elements, and the complex family dynamics. Overall this one really stayed with me. I’ll definitely be reading more of her books!
40. Without a Clue by Melissa Ferguson
Rating: 4/5 stars
Age Rating: 15+
Genre: Adult cozy mystery + romance
Spice: kissing
Language: no
Content warning: death (non graphic)
An assistant to a group of mystery authors must solve a murder on a book-themed cruise ship after her boss is found dead.
I was expecting a super fluffy rom com, so the dead body really threw me at first, but this actually ended up being my favorite Melissa Ferguson book so far! I had such a great time reading it, and the cast of characters was silly, charming, and so much fun. This one feels like a lighthearted can’t-miss to me.
41. Tempest and Tea Leavesby Rachel Morgan
Rating: 4/5
Age Rating: 15+
Genre: Adult cozy romantasy
Spice: kissing
Language: none
Content warning: magic, fae
Think fae magic meets Pride and Prejudice. When a half fae girl unexpectedly manifests magic (the ability to fold paper) she joins fae society and clashes with the stuffy son of a powerful family.
I loved this one. It was a sweet, easy read that never tried to be more complicated than it needed to be. Plus, I always love discovering great indie authors!
42. Just Friends by Haley Pham
Rating: 2.5/5
Age Rating: 15+
Genre: Adult contemporary romance
Spice: kissing only
Language: none
Content warning: grief
Two adults reconnect after a high school breakup as they navigate grief, healing, and the possibility of becoming something more.
I really wanted to love this one, but it fell a little flat for me. While it's marketed as an adult romance, the story felt much more YA in both the character dynamics and the romance itself. I did like how Haley handled grief and female friendships, but this one was tough for me to finish.
43. First and Forever by Lynn Painter
Rating: 3/5 stars
Age Rating: 18+
Genre: Adult spots romance
Spice: descriptive kissing + fade to black intimacy
Language: frequent
Content warning: none
This adult football romance follows an NFL player who ends up dating a fan for publicity.
I've really enjoyed Lynn Painter's YA romances, so I was excited to hear she wrote a low spin adult book. Unfortunately, it just didn't quite work for me. The characters felt much younger than their ages and the dialogue was a little cringey.
This one wasn't a standout for me, but if you're already a Lynn Painter fan, it may still be worth a read!
44. The Weaver Bride by Lydia Gregovic
Rating: 4/5 stars
Age Rating: 16+
Genre: YA romantasy
Spice: descriptive kissing
Language: mild
Content warning: violence
A young silk witch is pulled into a world of court politics, secrets, and dangerous intrigue.
I put off reading this one for quite a while because witch-based fantasy isn't usually my thing. But it turns out it’s not spells and cauldron witches, it’s just a power connected to her hair (her hair allows her to unlock doors). Once I finally picked it up, I was hooked.
If you like romantasy with strong court intrigue, plenty of secrets and twists, this one is definitely worth picking up.
45. What the Wind Knowsby Amy Harmon
Rating: 5/5 stars
Age Rating: 18+
Genre: Adult Historical Time Slip Romance
Spice: poetic, brief open door scenes
Language: mild
Content warning: violence
This Irish historical time slip romance was absolutely stunning.
I adored this one. It's a true five-star read for me, and one of those rare books where everything just works. The writing is beautiful, the romance is swoony, the pacing was perfect, and the twists took me out.
Spice wise, this one was pitched to me as low spice, but I’d say it edges towards medium. We have two open-door scenes that are both brief and written in a poetic, emotional style rather than a lusty, descriptive one (very similar to Rebecca Ross’s style in Wild Reverence). You decide based on your convictions if that’s something you’re comfortable with!
46. Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘em Dead by Elle Cosimano
Rating: 4/5
Age Rating: 18+
Genre: Adult cozy mystery
Spice: kissing and heavy innuendo
Language: moderate
Content warning: murder
Book two in the Finlay Donovan series picks up right where the chaos left off, following a single mom who keeps finding herself hired as an accidental hitman.
This one follows the same fun formula as book one. and is fast-paced and funny. Still no on page space but this one does have more crass humor and innuendo than book 1.
If you enjoyed the first book, you'll likely have a great time with this one too!
47. The Thorn Queen by Sasha Peyton Smith
Rating: 3/5 stars
Age Rating: 16+
Genre: YA romantasy
Spice: descriptive kissing
Language: mild
Content warning: magic, fae, violence
This sequel wraps up The Rose Bargain duology, bringing the fae court trials, romance, and political maneuvering to a close. Overall, this one was fine for me. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either.
If you're someone who loves YA court-intrigue romantasies and wants to read all the major releases in that space, by all means add it to your list. But if you're only planning to pick up one series from this particular subgenre, I probably wouldn't make this the one.
The first book included a somewhat zoomed-out open-door scene, and I was worried this sequel might go further but it actually scaled things back.
48. The Cowboy’s Game by Cindy Steel
Rating: 4/5
Age Rating: 16+
Genre: Adult rom com
Spice: kissing only
Language: none
Content warning: none
This friends-to-lovers rom-com is the perfect summertime small-town read.
I enjoyed it overall. It was cute, lighthearted, and easy to fly through. Cindy Steel knows how to write a clean romance with great chemistry, and this book definitely delivered on that front.
It wasn't my favorite in the series (I think I prefer her frenemies to lovers style) but I had fun!
49. Flame Theory by C.F.E. Black
Rating: 3.5/5
Age Rating: 15+
Genre: YA Romantasy
Spice: kissing only
Language: none
Content warning: violence
A slum girl infiltrates a dragon racing school to bring down the system from the inside.
The plot moved quickly and made it very hard to put down. If you're someone who reads fantasy primarily for the adventure, mystery, and overarching story I think you’ll love it!
Since I have aphantasia, I tend to read more for the internal aspects of a book: relationships, character arcs, etc, and that was missing for me in this one. The internal stakes stayed pretty surface level, but it’s for sure a page turner!
50. Wild Darling by Alexandra Moody
Rating: 4/5 stars
Age Rating: 15+
Genre: YA hockey romance
Spice: kissing
Language: moderate
Content warning: none
Book 3 in the Darling series: A female hockey player tries out for her school team with a boy she met from hockey camp.
This was probably my favorite in the series so far. Alexandra Moody is great at writing high school. It’s not life changing but if you like a YA sports romance this is a fun one!
51. The Shippers by Katherine Center
Rating: 4.5/5
Age Rating: 16+
Genre: Adult rom com
Spice: kissing and innuendo
Language: mild
Content warning: none
Katherine Center has become one of those authors I can count on for a good time, and The Shippers was no exception.
Two childhood friends fake date on a wedding cruise ship. You’ll giggle and kick your feet! She has a way of creating lovable characters with just enough real takeaways that feels fun without taking itself too seriously.
If you're already a Katherine Center fan, I think you'll have a great time with this one. And if you're new to her books, it's a great example of why she's become such an auto-read author for so many romance readers.
52. Warrior of the Wildby Tricia Levenseller
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Age Rating: 16+
Genre: YA Action + Romance
Spice: descriptive kissing
Language: mild
Content warning: violence, little g gods
A young warrior must kill an unbeatable god to prove to her village that she belongs.
Okay so this book actually had a surprising exploration of man-made gods and the ways they promise salvation while actually keeping people bound. I actually loved how that played out!
The action was great but I never fully bought into the romance. And while I enjoyed this book overall, it still doesn't quite measure up to her pirate series for me. I’m forever chasing the high of that one.
53. Shadow Reaper by Lynette Nonie
Rating: 4/5
Age Rating: 16+
Genre: YA dark romantasy
Spice: kissing
Language: mild
Content warning: death, murder, magic rituals
A hunter teams up with an evil reaper (who was once a childhood friend) to put a stop to a scheme that would destroy the world.
I love Lynette Noni and while this didn’t quite live up to the prison healer for me, it was worth the read! Romantasy meets the vampire diaries (no vampires though just vibes).
54. A Brewed Awakening by Pepper Basham
Rating: 4/5
Age Rating: 15+
Genre: Adult Christian rom com
Spice: kissing only
Language: none
Content warning: natural disaster
A tea shop owner clashes with a single dad starting a pub in a small town. It’s definitely giving Hallmark but if you’re good with that I think you’ll enjoy it!
55. Lowcountry Lost by T.I. Lowe
Rating: 4/5 stars
Age Rating: 18+
Genre: Adult Christian romance
Spice: kissing
Language: none
Content warning: miscarriage, death of a child, stillbirth
A divorced couple reconnects while fixing up an old town.
This was a beautiful second chance romance where a couple torn apart by grief finds each there again. As someone who los several babies, those parts were told very beautifully and respectfully.
56. A Curse So Dark and Lonely books 1 and 2
Rating: 4.2/5 stars
Age Rating: 15+
Genre: YA Romantasy
Spice: kissing
Language: mild
Content warning: violence, death, curses, attempted assault
A beauty and the beast retelling about a modern teen with cerebral palsy swept into a magical realm with a cursed prince. This was such a fun series! The writing felt fresh and original, I loved each of our characters. I have no complaints! Except maybe that book 2 changes are POV characters but stick with it!
57. Shortbread in the Highlands by Robin Jones Gunn
Rating: 4/5
Age Rating: 16+
Genre: Christian women’s fiction
Spice: none
Language: none
Content warning: none
Two cousins travel to Scotland to find their grandmother’s journal. Robin Gunn’s writing always has me encountering God! We read it for book club and while the pacing is slow and sweet, we all enjoyed it for the genre. If you grew up as a Christy Miller girl you’re going to love it!
58. The Good Part by Sophie Cousens
Rating: 4/5 stars
Age Rating: 18+
Genre: Adult rom com
Language: yes
Spice: fade to black married intimacy
Content warning: miscarriage
A 26 year old woman who’s life is a mess makes a wish to skip to the good part of her life and wakes up in her 40s married with 2 kids and no memories.
I loved it! The beginning stressed me out but it ended up being so tender and making me cry. The language is a bit more crass in the first half so just FYI.
59. The Lady of Red River Valley by Gabrielle Meyer
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Age Rating: 16+
Genre: Christian historical romance
Spice: kissing
Language: none
Content warning: violence, death
A lady with a ruined reputation heads into the wilderness to become a teacher and reconnect with a love she turned down 5 years ago.
I absolutely loved the first in this (not connected) series, but this one wasn’t quite as good to me. The romance was more mild because the couple was already in love at the start, and the history was maybe more than I cared to know. I just found it a slower pace overall, but if you enjoy history and a second chance romance it’s worth the read!