With all of my spare time when I’m not working, playing volleyball, or with friends, I love to read. In 2018 alone, I have read over thirty books. Most of which have been romance novels, because I love love. And so I want to share these titles with you today!
#1 From Lukov With Love
Summary: If someone were to ask Jasmine Santos to describe the last few years of her life with a single word, it would definitely be a four-letter one. After seventeen years—and countless broken bones and broken promises—she knows her window to compete in figure skating is coming to a close. But when the offer of a lifetime comes in from an arrogant idiot she’s spent the last decade dreaming about pushing in the way of a moving bus, Jasmine might have to reconsider everything. Including Ivan Lukov.
My opinion: I gave this book 5 stars because it was so well written! It was a slow-burn romance, so it felt completely natural. Not to mention, I love figure skating and it did a great job of portraying an athlete and their drive. Highly, highly recommend! It’s also available through the Kindle Unlimited Program, so if you have that subscription, it’s completely free! You can find it here.
#2 Bailey and the Bad Boy
Summary: It’s the last day of school, and everyone is excited for the big summer leading up to our senior year. I was too…until my heart was ripped out of my chest. As if getting dumped wasn’t bad enough, I’m forced to endure the humiliation of witnessing my ex-boyfriend flaunt his new girl—who also happens to be my now ex-best friend—all over town. Double whammy. Now I’m the pathetic ex-girlfriend left gutted, heartbroken, and nose deep in a bucket of ice cream. I’m doomed to spend the summer sulking over a guy who thought I was predictable and bad in bed. So, when I get an offer guaranteeing me some well-deserved payback, of course I’m going to take it. Besides, the plan is simple. Pretend like I’m dating Ryder, the town’s popular bad boy, and make my ex wallow in a pit of jealousy and regret. It’s perfect. I mean…what could possibly go wrong?
My opinion: Besides the most cliche title possible, I promise this is a good read. I am a sucker for “faking it” plot lines, and this one is so cute. The whole time I was reading it, I had a smile on my face. Very cute, fast read for when you’re feeling super sentimental and in the mood for a romantic read. Also a part of the Kindle Unlimited Program! You can find it here!
#3 Anna and the French Kiss
Summary: Anna can’t wait for her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a good job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. So she’s not too thrilled when her father unexpectedly ships her off to boarding school in Paris – until she meets Etienne St. Clair, the perfect boy. The only problem? He’s taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her crush back home. Will a year of romantic near-misses end in the French kiss Anna awaits?
My opinion: I have read this book at least three times over the past couple years, and every time, I smile. It’s a very cutesy novel set in France, where Anna meets the most delicious boy ever. Lots of twists and turns, the plot really leaves you biting your nails, hoping that the main characters get together! An absolute favorite and will always be in my top ten books ever! You can find it here.
#4 The Selection
Summary: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape a rigid caste system, live in a palace, and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon. But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her, and competing for a crown she doesn’t want. Then America meets Prince Maxon—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
My opinion: There is a lot of romance in this series, and it’s one of my all-time favorites. I have reread the series at least four times since finding it and I can’t suggest it enough. Perfect flow throughout each novel, with plot twists that will leave you on the edge of your seat. I compare it to The Hunger Games, except with romance instead of killing people off. There is a great plot line with a lot of moving parts. An absolute ten out of ten. You can find it here! (Bonus, the first book of the series is part of the Kindle Unlimited Program!)
#5 Better Off Friends
Summary: For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can’t be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are super close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan’s friends. They are platonic and happy that way. Eventually they realize they’re best friends — which wouldn’t be so bad if they didn’t keep getting in each other’s way. Guys won’t ask Macallan out because they think she’s with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan, and maybe not enough time with his date. They can’t help but wonder . . . are they more than friends or are they better off without making it even more complicated?
My opinion: No joke, I finished this book in about an hour. I was so intrigued by the characters and their relationships. I remember exactly where I was when I finished this book, and when I see it on my bookshelf, I remember exactly what that book made me feel. Because of that, this book has to be on this list. I loved it, and I couldn’t put it down until I knew what was going to happen. You can find it here!
These are all of the best romance books I’ve read in the past couple years! I loved every single one of them and just know I will reread them whenever I get the chance. Fortunately, they are all available for Kindle or part of the Kindle Unlimited Program (which is worth every penny if you’re a big reader like me!).
If you like the book recommendations, please leave a comment below or contact me and I will be happy to suggest a book or series for you! Thank you so much for reading!
Love,
Kaitlin
Kaitlin H Powell 