Inheritance by Nora Roberts. 2023. St. Martin’s Press
There’s nothing Nora Roberts, the queen of romance, does better than a romance trilogy. And when it involves a family legacy, ghosts, and the power of love to heal old wounds? You get the first book in the Lost Brides trilogy, with all the elements of a classic gothic romance, wrapped in Roberts’ trademark writing, well-crafted characters, and lush romance. A woman seeking a fresh start in an inherited — and haunted — ancestral home finds a family mystery to solve. And she’d better do it quickly, because her family isn’t just haunted, but cursed. Sophie will need to learn what happened to the ghost who has haunted her family for generations to free them both, and finds her own love of a lifetime along the way.
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst. 2024. Tor/Forge
There’s nothing hotter than romantasy right now, and this is a cozy, charming take on the genre. Cozy, low-stakes fantasy meets rom-com, with a witchy cottage-core aesthetic. Kiela, who prefers books to people, returns home after her old life in the city goes up, literally, in flames, secretly carrying a trove of magical books. With the help of a sentient magical plant, some illegal magic, and a nosy neighbour, she makes jam and spells for those who need it, and finds kindness in return. It’s a book full of everyday kinds of magic, gentle romance, and finding joy in unexpected places.
Sunshine and Spice by Aurora Palit, 2024. Penguin Publishing Group
Need something cozy for Valentine’s Day? Aurora Palit’s Sunshine and Spice has you covered. Naomi and Dev are realistic characters that are impossible not to root for. The one — a bright and determined woman who gives her job everything — has to make her client’s rebrand a success. The other — a shy and reserved son of said client — tries to do everything in his power to avoid getting married by the matchmaker. Even though they come from very different backgrounds, the chemistry between the two is undeniably sweet and addicting. Throughout the novel, Palit tactfully explores the different ways people learn to connect, and adhere to their cultures, while understanding there is no one way to do it. Engaging and witty, cute and thoughtful, Sunshine and Spice is undoubtedly worth a spot on your Valentine’s to-read list.
