Sorry if this title is too bossy. Maybe you should read these whenever you get a chance. “Right now” is really presumptuous. I mean, we are all moms, and we all know how busy moms can be. I do not want to assume that you have time to read. I don’t have time to read. It’s not all bon-bons and fuzzy slippers over here, so I get it.
Also, I say read, but actually? I am addicted to audio books, either through Audible or the Libby app from my library. My very favorite thing to do these days is pop my AirPods in my ears and listen to one of these fluffy little delights while I do housework or nurse the baby.
Ok—one more disclaimer: Some of these are kind of raunchy, and some of them are thoroughly closed-door romance novels. I like the closed-door variety best, but sometimes the steamy ones are pretty great, too.
The Central Park Pact trilogy by Lauren Layne: Ok, so maybe this is actually three books, but Passion on Park Avenue, Love on Lexington Avenue, and Marriage on Madison Avenue are all charming and delightful reads about friends Naomi, Claire, and Audrey who meet because they are all sleeping with, married to, or dating the same man. Yikes, right? Each book spotlights a different friend and her unlikely happily ever after.
Hey Siri, Who Am I by Sam Tschida: This book is adorable and features a computer geek and an influencer with amnesia—what’s not to love?
Meet Cute by Helena Hunting: I loved this book even though the ending is a foregone conclusion. The characters are fun, and there’s an aunt you’ll love to hate.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood: This book is so cheesy and ridiculous that I could not get enough. I’m an academic myself, and there are never any hot shirtless professors at our department picnics who can push broken-down cars out of harm’s way one-handed. Also? If a grad student dated a professor and sat on his lap for a guest lecture in a crowded auditorium? I mean, you guys. I can’t even finish that sentence.
Love at First by Kate Clayborn: A really cute peak at 2 almost star-crossed lovers who meet as kids and are reunited as conflicted adults who both happen to love kittens. These are not Pulitzer prize winners, you guys, so you have to roll with these plot points, m kay?
Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn: I LOVED this one about a whimsical wedding calligrapher and a granite-jawed business man—it’s so cleverly written (despite the granite jaw situation) and romantic. I can picture the movie with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan from back in the day.
The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morganthaler: This one is uber cute, and it’s the first in a series! Definitely a closed-door romance, and the audiobook is adorable. Plus, who doesn’t love a romance set in Alaska with NARWHALS??
The Idea of You by Robinne Lee: This one is better written than your average bodice-ripper. It is so sad and romantic. Plus it stars a gorgeous 40-something mom who has a torrid affair with her teen daughter’s boy band crush WHICH COULD TOTALLY HAPPEN.
I read a lot (like a lot, a lot), and this is the first time in my whole life since I was a Danielle Steel-obsessed middle schooler (don’t ask—my grandma had a thing for her books) that I have embraced the chick lit romance novel. It’s so fun to tune into some fluff when the world feels heavy—dive into one of these books, and let me know how you like it. Have you read any good romances lately? I’d love to hear about them in the comments. Happy reading!
