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! 

Top Ten Tuesday: Cozy/Atmospheric Reads

by Victoria J.

 Better Than the Movies - Lynn Painter

It’s charming, funny, and filled with all the warmth of a feel-good movie night. The cozy vibe comes from the blend of humor, nostalgia, and the gentle thrill of discovering love right where you are.

Falling Like Leaves - Misty Wilson 

When Ellis moves back to her small hometown just in time for fall, she reconnects with her first love and the memories she left behind. Between pumpkin patches, golden leaves, and second chances, she starts to see her life in a new light. Cozy because it captures the beauty of change and the comfort of coming home.

Far From the Tree - Robin Benway

Three siblings, separated by adoption, find each other and slowly learn what family truly means. The story is tender, emotional, and full of empathy. It’s cozy because it centers on healing and connection, proof that love can be built, chosen, and found again.

The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien

Bilbo Baggins’s adventure begins quietly in a hole in the ground, and turns into an unforgettable journey through mountains, forests, and dragons’ lairs. Yet beneath the danger, it’s a tale about courage, comfort, and finding joy in simple things like home-cooked meals and friendship. The cozy magic of The Hobbit is in that even the wildest journey always leads back to warmth and hearth.

Howl's Moving Castle - Diana Wynne Jones

A whimsical tale where magic, humor, and heart meet. Sophie, a hat maker cursed into an old woman, ends up working for the mysterious wizard Howl in his walking castle. Between enchanted doors, talking fires, and floating landscapes, the story glows with warmth and wonder. Its cozy charm lies in the way the everyday and the magical blend so effortlessly, it feels like stepping into a fairytale.

Jellicoe Road - Melina Marchetta

At a quiet boarding school surrounded by forests, Taylor tries to uncover the mystery of her past while navigating fragile friendships and rivalries. The story moves gently between loss and love, building a world that feels both haunting and comforting. Its cozy heart beats in the way it captures connection, like those small, tender moments of being seen, even in the middle of chaos.

The Rest of the Story - Sarah Dessen

When Emma spends a summer with the side of her family she barely knows, she uncovers family secrets, finds new friendships, and learns who she really is. Set on a sunny lakeside town full of soft waves and second chances, the book feels like a slow golden afternoon. It’s cozy in the way it explores belonging and connection, like the kind of story that makes you breathe a little deeper.

Second Chance Summer - Morgan Matson

When Taylor’s family returns to their old lake house for one last summer together, she must face the past, reconnect with old friends, and rediscover what truly matters. Set under golden sunsets and quiet evenings by the water, this book feels deeply human and heartfelt. Cozy in its emotions and setting. 

Sorcery of Thorns - Margaret Rogerson

In a world where enchanted books can come alive, Elisabeth is a library apprentice who must team up with a sorcerer to stop dark magic from spreading. The story is full of dusty libraries, sentient grimoires, and quiet bravery. Cozy because it celebrates everything book lovers adore, curiosity, wonder, and the comfort of finding magic tucked between pages.

Wintersong - S. Jae-Jones

Deep in the winter woods, a girl named Liesl is drawn into the underground world of the mysterious Goblin King. It’s lush, romantic, and filled with music that feels both haunting and warm. The coziness here comes from the contrast, the beauty of firelight against snow, love blooming in cold places, and the warmth of creativity itself.