Librarian shares her top picks
Author of the article:
Kate Mendonca
Published Jul 23, 2024 • Last updated Jul 23, 2024 • 4 minute read
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If you’ve spent much time in your local bookstore or online, you’ll know that the romance genre is having a major resurgence. These aren’t your grandmother’s harlequin romances though.
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“[Romance books] are not full of princesses and castles or dukes riding into the sunset; it’s everyday people we’re reading about now, which is easier to relate to,” says Tiffany Boxill, a library assistant at the Mississauga Library.
Boxill noted that romance has had a major comeback thanks to the popularity of BookTok and Bookstagram – dedicated accounts where Instagram and TikTok influencers post book reviews online. According to BookNet Canada, romance book sales climbed 42 per cent between 2017 and 2022, and continue to rise.
“Reading romance isn’t taboo anymore,” Boxill adds. “It’s an escape into a reality people dream of: being swooned over and lusted after. In a world where we are all consumed by our phones, books can put the spice back into our everyday lives.”
With beach days and warm weather leading many to search for more lighthearted reads, summer is the ideal time to dive into a romance novel that can sweep you off your feet. Ahead, find a selection of romance novels that are winning over Canadian readers, with picks for every spice level.
Spicy
Set On You, Amy Lea
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In Amy Lea’s debut novel, when fitness influencer Crystal Chen meets firefighter Scott Ritchie at the gym, sparks fly as the competitive rivals fall for each other. However, when a photo of the duo goes viral, their budding relationship will be put to the test.
Where to buy: Indigo | Amazon
King of Wrath, Ana Haung
As the first novel in the Kings of Sin series, the book is a must for fans of Huang’s Twisted series. An arranged marriage brings together billionaire CEO Dante Russo and the daughter of his latest enemy, jewelry heiress Vivian Lau.
Where to buy: Indigo | Amazon
A Fate Inked in Blood, Danielle L. Jensen
Romance meets fantasy in Jensen’s latest acclaimed novel. Inspired by Norse mythology, protagonist Freya must train to fight and learn to control her magic, all while facing perilous tests set before her by the gods.
Where to buy: Indigo | Amazon
Spicier
Heartless, Elsie Silver
Elsie Silver’s Chestnut Springs series has the small town setting covered, along with a mix of humour and heart – and spice. In Heartless, a grumpy single dad and a big-city girl come together for a short-term contract that ends up being more than either bargained for.
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Where to buy: Indigo | Amazon
You, with a View, Jessica Joyce
When Noelle discovers decades-old photos of her late grandmother and a loving mystery man, she takes it upon herself to learn more about the relationship. However, Noelle is shocked when her high school nemesis, Theo, turns out to be the grandson of the man in the photo.
Where to buy: Indigo | Amazon
In the Weeds, B.K. Borison
The second book of the Lovelight series sees Evie and Beckett reunited after a whirlwind weekend that neither has been able to forget. But when the two reconnect, will they be able to put aside their history and start fresh?
Where to buy: Indigo | Amazon
Spiciest
Scarred, Emily McIntire
Taking inspiration from classic fairy tales and Shakespearean tragedies, Emily Mcintire’s Never After series has captivated readers. This dark romance has a classic enemies to lovers storyline with a slow burn that readers say they couldn’t put down.
Where to buy: Indigo | Amazon
The Nanny, Lana Ferguson
When Cassie loses her job, desperate times call for desperate measures as she takes on a nannying job for single dad Aiden. However, when her online past threatens to reveal more than Cassie hoped, she must grapple with telling Aidan the whole truth.
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Where to buy: Indigo | Amazon
Priest, Sierra Simone
After a family tragedy set Tyler on the road to priesthood, he was willing to give everything up for the sake of his spiritual journey. However, when he meets Poppy he can’t help but break all his rules ― no matter what it might cost them both.
Where to buy: Indigo | Amazon
Recommended from Editorial
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