Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Romance Books I Look Forward To Reading This Year

by Enola

Romance is one of the most popular genres in books. Everybody reads some kind of romance, whether it’s a romantasy, a mystery with a side of a romance, a Christmas romance, or a rom-com. I happen to like all four. Since Valentine’s Day is coming up, I thought I’d share the top ten romance books I look forward to reading this year based on their descriptions. I mean, what better time to talk about all books romance, right?




  1. Kiki’s Delivery Service Film Comic based on the novel by Eiko Kadono

Kiki is a thirteen year old half-witch who chooses a new town to live in for a year as per witch tradition. She ends up in Koriko, a seaside village, where it’s a little hard to get the locals to trust her. She has a cat companion named Jiji, and she also meets Tombo, a boy her age who has a crush on her. I literally want to read this book as soon as possible.

 

  2. Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

Love & Gelato sounds like the perfect romantic summer read! What’s more enchanting than reading an Italian romance with some gelato by your side? I think this book sounds very cute and wholesome, and I definitely want to give it a read. The story follows Lina, who is spending the summer in Italy fulfilling her mother’s dying wish for Lina to get to know her father. But, when Lina is given her mother’s old journal, she sets out to find a secret and possibly love. 

 

  3. P.S. I Like You by Kasie West

This novel by Kasie West is a sweet and funny romance novel where high school student Lily writes down some music lyrics on her class desk only to return the next day to find someone has written the rest of the lyrics and also included a message. She becomes pen pals with this mysterious person. The more they share, the more Lily realizes that she might have a crush on him, but she has no idea who he is. I think it sounds like a delightful and romantic read. 

 

  4. Witty in Pink by Erica George

Calling all Jane Austen fans! This book is a historical romance about two frenemies. Briggs Goswick is the male lead in this story but Blythe can’t stand him. Actually, he doesn’t care much for her either. Blythe describes him as a man-child but an attractive man-child. As Blythe is busy trying to save her family’s name and fortune, she soon discovers Briggs is also financially broke. Blythe must come up with a plan to save her family from ruins. Briggs is also in a desperate need of money so they have to help each other out. It sounds like a funny enemies to lovers, which I think I’ll really enjoy.

 

  5. Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Of course it’s a curse! Poor Sophie Hatter is cursed by the Witch of the Waste and becomes an old woman. Lucky for Sophie, the solution is (kind of) simple. All she has to do is head to Howl’s Moving Castle. Once there, Sophie meets Howl, who might just be her soulmate, and Calcifer, a fire demon who Sophie makes a deal with. The goal? Find the Witch of the Waste and face her head-on. This fantasy sounds like the perfect mix of friendship, adventure, and romance, making it perfect for people looking for a nice read.


 

  6. Angelica and the Bear Prince by Trung Le Nguyen

I’ve seen this book quite a few times and I’ve always thought it looked sweet and wholesome. So, finally, this year I’m making sure I read it! Angelica and the Bear Prince follows main character Angelica, a high-schooler who finds herself worn out. Angelica starts to receive encouraging messages from the local theater mascot, and in hopes to discover who exactly is behind the bear costume, Angelica gets an internship at the theater. This read sounds very sweet and also sounds like a nice palate-cleanser, as it is also a graphic novel.

 

  7. My Favorite Color is Mistletoe by Eva Austin

I like Christmas books. Something about reading festive books during the holiday season with a cup of hot chocolate in hand is very magical, and I’ve heard a lot of good reviews about this one. The story follows Audrey, who is going through a breakup, and now dreading all the couple’s activities at her family’s annual Christmas gathering. She agrees to fake date Jax but soon enough Audrey realizes maybe she can find love. It sounds like a wholesome Christmas read which I’ll read during the holiday season.

 

  8. Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo

I’ve been wanting to read this book. It seems right up my alley with a good mix of fantasy and romance. This book is also a Netflix series, which is great. The story follows Alina Starkov, a solider who, when her regiment is attacked, suddenly releases magic unknown to her to save them. This plunges her into a world of magic as she trains with the Grisha, her country’s magical elite. The only problem seems to be their leader, the Darkling, who believes she is the only one who can destroy the Shadowfold once she masters her gift. 

 

  9. Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc

I really enjoyed Mint To Be written by this author last holiday season, so I’ve been wanting to give her other novel, (featuring characters from Mint To Be) a shot. The story follows Lucy Kane, who works at her mom’s coffee shop in Briar Glen called Cup o’ Joe. Unfortunately, business hasn’t been too great, but it usually gets better during the fall—or at least it did because now Java Junction, a coffee chain, just became Cup o’ Joe’s neighbor and rival. The worst part is that Jack Harper, Lucy’s crush, is the owner’s son. I think this read will be great for October. It also sounds quite funny.

 

  10. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

This classic novel which I’ve been wanting to read is set in Regency England and follows the rivalry, and eventual romance of Elizabeth Bennet, one of the five Bennet daughters, and the arrogant Mr. Darcy. I plan on reading it very soon. The reviews for this are amazing, and people are always recommending it.

 

This concludes my “Top Ten Romance Books I Look Forward To Reading This Year”. I hope this helped you find some books to add to your TBR. Happy reading! 

Friday, January 23, 2026

Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken

Reviewed by Emmanuela
Grade 8

In a world of magic, Tasmin Lark was born without it and hunts ancient relics with magical sources. After her foster father's disappearance seven years ago, her main goal is to protect her brother, Cabell, and break his life-threatening curse. She learns of a ring that can break any spell and seeks it to save her brother. On her quest, she is forced to work with her rival, Emrys Dye, who also wants the ring. Along the way, they meet a sorcerer, Neve, and together venture to Avalon, a world steeped in death and decay. Tasmin faces dark secrets and must reveal her own to protect those she loves and escape the shadows of death.

Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken is the perfect blend of mystery, a hint of horror, and a touch of romance that kept me turning the pages. I loved the intriguing language and plot; the twists and characters kept me engaged. The story starts fast, and I had to push through, but I'm glad I did because from the middle to the end—especially the end—it got so good I bookmarked pages to revisit because I loved them.

This book put me through a whirlpool of emotions--made me scream and cry--which made this book absolutely superb. I CAN NOT WAIT to read the second book. Tasmin is brave, strong, and stubborn. Her love for her brother just seemed more unconditional every step of the way. Emrys is like a two-sided, charming character that I honestly didn't like at the beginning, but he DEFINITELY grew on me (I might have gotten a little attached). 

*SPOILER ALERT* These two characters make the enemies to lovers theme so electrifying and thrilling. Cabell really disappointed me, and I really didn't expect things to happen the way they did. And the twists were NOT obvious, The amount of cliffhangers that made me keep reading was INSANE. 

In the past, I've had a hard time finding books that actually keep me engaged, and that actually match my tempo, and this book is literally just the best book. 

PS- PLEASE DONT STOP READING…IT GETS BETTER- TRUST.

*MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE BOOK*

​Fantasy

Adventure

Horror (if you haven't read yet...brace yourself. Words go a long way.)

Romance (made me giggle and squeal, SO CUTE) 

Betrayal (made me cry and cover my mouth for a whole segment..I WAS SPEECHLESS) 

Twists and turns (probably the main reason I kept reading)

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Top Ten Tuesday: Best Books I Read in 2025

by Enola

For all the book-lovers out there, having a favorite read of the year is a common thing. There is always one book that truly stands out to each reader. One that makes us happy. One where we love the characters. One that excites us and keeps us on the edge of our seats. One we can’t stop thinking about. But unfortunately, the biggest problem is when somebody asks “What’s the top book you read this year?” We usually reply, “I have multiple” or our brains go blank and we can’t decide which is our favorite. It’s hard! There are a lot of great books out there. So, I’m putting together my top ten best books of 2025.

 


 

1. Once Upon A Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

            Starting off with an absolute fantasy-favorite and bestselling book, I absolutely loved Once Upon a Broken Heart. I’d recommend it to anyone. The book was magical and romantic with a fairytale-like setting and such interesting, complex characters. The story follows Evangeline Fox, who makes a dangerous deal with the notorious Prince of Hearts in order to stop the man she loves from marrying her stepsister. This then leads to a dangerous journey of love, curses, and magic. If you love romantasy that will whisk you away into a whole new world that you can get lost in, this is definitely the book for you.

 

2. Caraval by Stephanie Garber

            Yet another Stephanie Garber book made it onto my list and for a good reason. This romantasy is whimsical and mysterious; you can’t predict a thing! The book follows protagonist Scarlett Dragna as she partakes in the magical and mysterious performance known as Caraval and explores the Isla De Suenos--the island on which it takes place--with a mysterious young man named Julian Santos, as they quickly try to win this year’s game. With action, mystery, old secrets, and whimsy, this is the perfect book for all fantasy (and romance) fans. I loved it and flew through this book. The plot twists were absolutely mind-blowing (don’t worry, no spoilers here). I definitely recommend it.

 

3. Glorious Rivals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

            This outstanding second book in The Grandest Game trilogy, the popular TheInheritance Games spinoff, is a beautiful combination of romance and mystery. It is definitely a book that will blow your mind. Full of twists and turns, danger and romance, this book was very fun. It was so interesting! The book is told through the perspectives of Lyra Kane, Gigi Grayson, and Rohan as they partake in the annual Grandest Game and solve all the puzzles that come along with it. A must-read for mystery fans! I absolutely loved it.

 

4. Mint To Be by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc

            Tis the season! Would this really be a “Top Ten Best Books I Read in 2025” without at least one Christmas rom-com? I don’t think so. Mint To Be follows two leads, Emma and Aidan, two childhood best friends whose relationship is strained when Emma leaves for boarding school without saying goodbye, only to return for the holidays with her boyfriend. Emma’s return forces her and Aidan to reconnect. The book is a small-town holiday romance and perfect for readers looking for a short read to get them into the Christmas spirit. I definitely enjoyed it this holiday season.

 

5. ASAP by Axie Oh

            Romance readers, K-pop fans, and K-drama fans, you need to read this book…ASAP! ASAP by Axie Oh is a very adorable K-pop romance about Sori, a rich trainee and the daughter of a K-pop company owner, as she deals with family expectations, duty, the industry, and returning feelings for her ex-boyfriend, K-pop star Nathaniel. It was very wholesome, light-hearted, and entertaining. I really liked it. It was a great short and sweet novel.




 

6. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

            When I tell you this book was AMAZING, I truly mean it. The Inheritance Games series is my second favorite series of all time. I will forever recommend this to everyone and anyone, whether you are a fantasy, romance, sci-fi, dystopia, or mystery reader, though keep in mind this book is mystery with a sprinkle of romance. This mystery follows a teenage girl named Avery Grambs, who randomly inherits billions from a stranger, Tobias Hawthorne, as she tries to figure out the mystery of why she of all people was chosen to inherit everything. The book was super interesting and complex, it will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat! This was a book I could not put down. The whole series was amazing (The Inheritance Games, The Hawthorne Legacy, The Final Gambit, The Brothers Hawthorne, Games Untold, and The Grandest Game Trilogy) but I chose to talk about only a few of the books so I could make room for other amazing books.

 

7. The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh

            Yet another book from Axie Oh made it onto this list. The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is not a book to miss! Blending fantasy, Korean mythology, and romance, The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is an interesting and fantastical retelling of The Tale of Shim Cheong, a classic Korean folktale. The story follows Mina, a girl who (in this version of the story) sacrifices herself instead of Shim Cheong, in order to save her older brother, Joon, and his love, Shim Cheong, from the wrath of the Sea God. The story then follows her journey through the Spirit Realm, where she meets Shin, a mysterious spirit. I loved this book especially since I am a fan of mythology. All the mythology fans, here is your sign to pick another mythology book (aka, The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea).

 

8. The Grandest Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

            If you loved The Inheritance Games series and decided to start The Grandest Game trilogy, prepare yourself for a high-stakes spinoff where nothing is as it seems. With dangerous secrets, intricate puzzles, limited time, and a hidden threat, The Grandest Game is a very entertaining and action-packed story. This book is told through the perspectives of Lyra Kane, Gigi Grayson, and Rohan as they each make their own alliances and fight to win. The Grandest Game is the perfect mystery to pick up if you’re looking for unpredictable plot twists, romance, mystery, and danger. This book will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat.

 

9. True Beauty by Yaongyi

            All right graphic novel fans, this one is for you! True Beauty is a fun and entertaining story about a girl (Jugyeong Lim), navigating high-school (and later college), beauty standards, makeup, and romance. For most of her life, Jugyeong was bullied and laughed at for her looks, but soon, she learns makeup and is able to use it to make herself beautiful. She changes her style, face, and likes just to be liked, and Jugyeong becomes a popular girl at her new school, Saebom High. But things get complicated when Jugyeong is caught in a love triangle with Suho Lee, the cold and smart student, and Seojun Han, the handsome bad-boy. I had so much fun with this series, even though I’ve only read volumes 1-7 so far.

 

10. Games Untold by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

            We finally made it to the last book on this list and the spot goes to…Games Untold, yet another book in The Inheritance Games saga! This novella was very entertaining, with multiple short stories featuring characters from the world of The Inheritance Games. It featured stories focused on Nash and Libby Hawthorne, the four Hawthorne brothers, Toby Hawthorne, and more! It was a fun and short read. I definitely recommend it to fans of The Inheritance Games and mystery fans alike.