book reviews romance

What are you looking for today?

S upport aar by shopping at amazon., latest comments.

I will join with you in praising this book!

I’ll second both of these recommendations for A Distant Mirror. It’s been decades but I remember being completely engrossed.

I wholeheartedly recommend A DISTANT MIRROR. I can’t believe it’s been over 45 years since I first read it.

Tuckman’s book A Distant Mirror is on sale today! All 1000 plus pages for 2.99! https://amzn.to/3xzfEfI

I have that on my TBR. She actually talks about TZT in the prologue of TGoA. It sounded fascinating.

I’ve not read her so this seems like a good one to begin with.

I can’t wait to read this. I adored The Seven Year Slip (my favorite book of 2023).

I haven’t been reading or watching anything spectacular lately, but I can recommend another Barbara Tuchman WWI book. A few…

New @the Agora

Kindle Double Points Day is June 28

Earn double Kindle Points on Kindle books purchased on …

By Anne Marble , 3 hours ago

Earn Double Kindle Points Today (June 20)

Earn 2x Kindle Points on Kindle books purchased on June…

By Anne Marble , 1 week ago

Latest Rev iews

Not Your Ex’s Hexes

By April Asher

Having read and reviewed April Asher’s Not Your Crush’s Cauldron, the third book in her Supernatural Singles series,…

Reviewed by Maria Rose

A Novel Love Story

By Ashley Poston

Well, this was a fun one. It’s not 100% perfect, but it’s damn close. A Novel Love Story…

Reviewed by Lisa Fernandes

Under Your Spell

By Laura Wood

I heard lots of good chatter about this book and now I know why  –  it’s a treat! It’s got…

Reviewed by Kayne Spooner

Of Jade and Dragons

By Amber Chen

Amber Chen’s Of Jade and Dragons is the sort of novel I would have loved back when I…

Reviewed by Marian Perera

Latest Blogs

What have you been reading? Watching?

By Dabney Grinnan

I have, for the past two months, been reading Barbara Tuchman's The Guns of August. This, dear readers,…

16 comments

the ask@AAR: Has ebook pricing changed lately?

I'm pretty upfront about how terrible I believe Amazon and Kindle Unlimited are for authors and the book…

15 comments

the ask@AAR: What’s your favorite STEM based romance?

Yesterday we reviewed--and loved--the latest by Ali Hazelwood who is one of the doyens of STEM (science, technology,…

27 comments

Fictional Images of Fictional People

By Jenna Harper

Being a Graphic Designer by trade, my feelings towards AI-generated imagery have been ambivalent, to say the least.…

24 comments

Want to get all the AAR every day? Sign up for our daily newsletter!

You'll get links to our reviews, our blogs, and our Steals and Deals!

We don’t spam! We promise we will only use your email to send you our newsletter!

Thank you! We can't wait to connect. Check your inbox for a confirmation email!

Steals & Deals!

It’s summer and hot. So are these deals!

Happy hump day!

It’s Monday! Enjoy these deals.

I don’t usually do Sundays but….

TGIF! Enjoy these deals.

Happy Thursday!

Happy Juneteenth!

Latest reviews, did you know you can search for a book by author, genre, title, date, and other terms  use our power search., recent comments, sign up for aar’s daily steals and deals.

Shopping at Amazon? Start at AAR and then click here. Our affiliate dollars keep us online

An Extremely Opinionated List of the Best Romance Novels

I've read them all, and these are definitely the steamiest books.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Whether you salivate over historical fiction that follows the fluttering hearts of yesteryear, witchy paranormal romance that proves you don't need flesh and blood to get frisky, rom-coms that pair hilarious hijinks with the steamier stuff or the type of stories that might get sidelong glances on public transit, we've got a romance book you'll want to read over and over again.

And to those who think romance is just for bored housewives picking up a bodice-ripper at the grocery store checkout counter, think again. The romance realm has a lot of romance-plus-other to offer that might surprise you — although we'd never turn down one of those fun, flirty grocery store standards either. Many of our favorite romance books also feature exciting adventure, LGBTQ+ love stories and lyrical prose. Add these to your TBR pile, and don't forget to check out the Good Housekeeping book club once you're done, for even more feel-good reads.

Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland (2023)

Sage Flores has been running from her ability to commune with plants ever since her sister passed away. But after she's forced to return to her hometown and slips back into her old life — including reconnecting with a high school flame who broke her heart — she can't deny her gift or her family any longer. You could cut the tension here with a knife, or should we say, a pair of gardening shears.

Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan (2023)

Sports fans know how emotional a high-stakes game can get. Add actual romance into the mix, and all we can say is just remember to hydrate. This heartstring-tugger is all about missed connections, tarnished golden boys and the darkness that can lie beneath the most glittering exteriors.

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang (2018)

More nerdy storylines, please! In this novel from Helen Hoang, Stella Lane is the genius mathematician who puts herself in remedial romance — by hiring escort Michael Phan to teach her the ins and outs of sex. We consider it the perfect equation for a great read.

Bared to You by Sylvia Day (2014)

If you like your romance in multiple installments, try the Crossfire series. Big city newbie Eva Tramell literally falls at the feet of billionaire tycoon Gideon Cross, kickstarting a steamy affair that reveals secrets from both their dark pasts. Sound familiar? There's a reason one Amazon reviewer called it the "soap opera version of Fifty Shades of Grey ."

With Love, from Cold World by Alicia Thompson (2023)

From the author of the hit Love in the Time of Serial Killers comes the perfect workplace romance for fans of a certain mouse-centric theme park. Lauren is a serious bookkeeper at a theme park where it's always winter, which doesn't get quite the crowds as its more famous counterparts. Asa is her fun-loving coworker who's always trying to spice things up around the office. Of course, their boss asks them to team up on a project. And naturally, sparks fly. Read to find out the rest.

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood (2023)

Rival physicists. Fake dating. Real love? Hazelwood's trio of STEM romances that sees her characters spar on both professional and personal fronts are definitely not homework. Did somebody leave a bunsen burner on, or are things heating up in here?

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021)

Twenty years ago, Eva and Shane fell in love over a whirlwind of a week. When they happen to reconnect in Brooklyn, Eva (now an erotica writer) and Shane (now a bestselling author) have a chance at closure, or rekindling the spark that brought them together in the first place. It's sexy, sultry and deliciously steamy.

Violeta by Isabel Allende (2022)

Allende is one of the best romance writers of our time, and her latest doesn't disappoint. This epic story of a woman who perseveres through two pandemics, war, the Great Depression and the battle for equal rights is not only a passionate love story but a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

It Ends with Us Boxed Set by Colleen Hoover (2023)

Grab the box set so you won't have to frantically order the second installment of this smash hit from Colleen Hoover. If you haven't read her books yet, start with these two and then work your way through the back catalog. In them, you'll meet Lily, a woman who finds herself in a bit of a love triangle as she grapples with her new relationship with Ryle, and re-meeting her ex lover, Atlas. It contains a lot of heartbreak, as domestic violence is a critical part of Lily's story, but it's also extremely touching.

TRY THESE NEXT: Best BookTok-Recommended Books to Read Right Now

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert (2019)

After a health scare, Chloe Brown makes a list of things to do to help her "get a life," including doing something bad. Naughty doesn't come naturally to good-girl Chloe, so she enlists the help of rough-and-tumble handyman Red. But what she finds is more than meets the eye, in this first in an absolutely devour-able series.

Happy Place by Emily Henry (2023)

Harriet and Wyn’s friend group has spent languorous summer days at the same Maine house for a decade, so when it goes up for sale, they’re determined to soak up one last week of memories. There’s just one problem: Harriet and Wyn haven’t told their crew they’re no longer engaged, so they’re stuck sharing a room to keep up the charade. But is it all really just for show, or are sparks flying? Read this one now while you wait for the queen of beach reads' next hit to drop.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (2012)

Look, we understand that a retelling of The Iliad sounds more like history class than a romantic read, but pick this one up and get ready to eat your words. It's an action-packed epic with one heck of a love story that will change the way you look at the classic tale forever.

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (2023)

If the title doesn't get your attention, and you've somehow missed Sittenfeld's other star-tier books, the sizzling plot will do it. This one's about a late-night comedy writer who falls for a pop star with a rep for dating knockouts, which she definitely is not. If you've ever shipped Saturday Night Live stars, this one's for you.

RELATED: The Best and Most-Anticipated Books of 2023

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston (2022)

Florence is a romance ghostwriter who no longer believes in love, which is kind of a problem for her career. But then, she returns home to bury her beloved father and finds a ghost (yes, an actual ghost) who might just change her mind.

The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory (2018)

You really can't go wrong with any of Jasmine Guillory's fun, romantic romps, but this sporty love story is especially great. Freelance writer Nik's boyfriend proposes at a Dodger's game, and the dude can't even spell her name right. She says no (obviously), and the video goes viral. Handsome doctor Carlos sweeps her away from the frenzy, but he can't possibly be the real deal. Or can he?

RELATED: The 50 Best Romantic Comedies of All Time to Watch With Your Friends

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (2016)

If you've ever carried a torch for a colleague (the scandal!) this novel will feel familiar. Coworkers Lucy Hutton and her sworn nemesis Joshua Templeman have a rivalry as bitter as they come, especially as they compete for the same promotion. At least, it starts out that way.

Vision In White by Nora Roberts (2012)

The prolific Nora Roberts has penned more than 200 romance novels, but this one earned top marks from her fans as the first installment in The Bride Quartet . Wedding photographer Mackensie "Mac" Elliot operates a wedding planning company with three friends. When a day on the job introduces her to sweet and stable English teacher Carter Maguire, their casual fling might lead to her own happy ending.

RELATED: The 25 Best Romantic Movies on Netflix to Put You in the Mood for Love

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (2019)

McQuiston has earned their place in the canon of contemporary romance, and this sexy royals romance is one of the reasons. Ever wonder what would happen if, say, a Kennedy fell in love with a Windsor? With this book, you don't have to.

Delta of Venus by Anais Nin (1977)

If you've never read Anaïs Nin and call yourself a romance fan , fix that right now. This vintage short story collection's erotic vibes still hold up. But don't take our word for it — turn off the lights, slip into something slinky and try it for yourself.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)

This classic is so old, it's free if you have a Kindle! And you should definitely take advantage of that – it's basically the O.G. romance novel. If you're already a Jane Austen fan, check out Curtis Sittenfeld's reinterpretation Eligible , which sets Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy in modern-day Cincinnati.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} All the Best Books to Read Next

There's a New 'Hunger Games' Book in the Works

How to Get Free Books from Barnes & Noble

Laura Jarrett on Her Kids' Book With Poppy Harlow

Craig Melvin Discusses His New Book for Kids

Luis A. Miranda Jr. on Family and His Latino Roots

'Today' Star Al Roker Talks Work-Life Balance

Essential LGBTQ+ Books to Read for Pride

Savannah Guthrie Talks 'Mostly What God Does'

Best Short Story Collections That Keep You Reading

6 Best Taylor Swift Books for Kids of All Ages

Whoopi Goldberg Shares Personal Book Announcement

Your Go-To for Romance Book Reviews

RJ Daily blog

• Romance Junkies on HIATUS

Romance Junkies started in 2003 under the amazing Cat Brown. Ownership transferred to Marie Harte in 2016. For the past six years, we’ve been trucking along providing reviews for romance […]

• Behind VICTORIA & VIOLET by Rachel Brimble

It should be a dream come true to serve the Queen of England… When Violet Parker is told she will be Queen Victoria’s personal housemaid, she cannot believe her good […]

• Syndicate Rising by Amy Craig

A one-night stand turns serious… Nina’s neighbor sets her up on a blind date with a handsome insurance salesman. After a candlelit dinner, Nina hooks up with him in a […]

Books of Note

Recent Posts

• Bewitched by the Barista by Jason Wrench

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Book Reviews

Hot Stuff: The summer's 8 best romance novels are thrilling, fun, and resonant romps

Fall in love in the sun all over again.

Maureen Lee Lenker is a senior writer at Entertainment Weekly with over seven years of experience in the entertainment industry. An award-winning journalist, she's written for Turner Classic Movies, Ms. Magazine , The Hollywood Reporter , and more. She's worked at EW for six years covering film, TV, theater, music, and books. The author of EW's quarterly romance review column, "Hot Stuff," Maureen holds Master's degrees from both the University of Southern California and the University of Oxford. Her debut novel, It Happened One Fight , is now available. Follow her for all things related to classic Hollywood, musicals, the romance genre, and Bruce Springsteen.

As Labor Day approaches, it's almost time to bid a bittersweet adieu to the sun-kissed days of summer.

But for those looking to extend their vacation a little further, we're highlighting the best of the season's romance reads. Summer 2022 brought a veritable smorgasbord of scintillating romance choices, from unique historicals to engrossing contemporary rom-coms.

Check out our eight favorites of this summer season below.

For the Love of the Bard , by Jessica Martin

This charming debut casts a second-chance romance against a Shakespeare-obsessed town with sparkling results. When literary agent and author Miranda Barnes returns to her hometown of Bard's Rest with the goal of finishing her novel, she's sucked into directing a production of Twelfth Night for the town's annual Shakespeare festival. But when she discovers Adam, her high-school ex who broke her heart on prom night, is also back, she has to ponder whether the course of true love ever did run smooth. The book veers slightly into the women's fiction category, with a fair amount of space dedicated to Miranda's relationships with her sisters and her mom's bout with cancer (content warning for all those who would prefer their romance novels sans parental cancer!). But her romance with Adam is so winning and the prose so delightful that we couldn't resist including it here. This book will be pure catnip for anyone with even a passing interest in Shakespeare. The clever puns that dot the town, from the names of businesses to the characters themselves, are winking and fun. And there's nothing quite like reading about two people wooing each other as they mount a production of a Shakespearean comedy. The sleepy summer magic of outdoor Shakespeare casts a heady spell that lends the romance a spark of magic. The most regrettable thing about For the Love of the Bard is that Bard's Rest isn't a real place I can actually visit (or, let's be real, move to).

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥 Grade: B+

Always Be My Duchess , by Amalie Howard

Inspired by Pretty Woman , Always Be My Duchess is a sparkling tale of a romance that begins as a business deal and transforms into something all-consuming. When ballerina Genevieve Valery, known as Neve, rescues the intoxicated Lord Lysander Blackstone, the Duke of Montcroix, from a group of ruffians in a Covent Garden alley, he realizes she might help solve his problems. If she'll pose as his fiancée in exchange for a hefty sum, she could be the key to making a business deal he's been chasing. Neve accepts, but the more time she spends in Lysander's home and company, the more they fall for each other. Lysander is on the spectrum, a man who is seen as cold or calculating by outsiders but whose heart is kind and fiercely loyal. As Neve brings him out of his shell, he helps her rediscover her love of dance, purely for the pleasure of it. The two have an undeniable chemistry from the moment they're pressed against each other in a dark alley, and Howard crafts a saucy, titillating romance between the two of them. Her love scenes are fiery and engrossing, but it's the depth of caring and ferocity in her two protagonists that makes the book such a charming romance. Neve knows her own value, allowing Howard to wisely craft an arrangement between Neve and Lysander that makes their uneven power dynamic an acknowledged issue without ever veering into problematic territory. When it comes to their physical and romantic connection, every choice is mutual and Neve is a willing, outright eager participant — but she still grapples with whether Lysander truly loves her or sees her as merely another business transaction. It's her keen sense of self-worth and commitment to her principles that make her an irresistible heroine, even as she has to push past her assumptions to understand Lysander's sometimes overly logical or literal approach to things. Always Be My Duchess is a dreamy summer romance designed to sweep you up into a world of ballerinas, hunky dukes, cheeky girl gangs, and delicious sex scenes. Light on angst and heavy on charm, it's a feel-good read of the highest order.

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Grade: A-

The Accidental Pinup , by Danielle Jackson

Romance reviewer Danielle Jackson makes her debut with this steamy contemporary romance about rival photographers who must work together to complete a dream project. Cassie Harris is a badass photog, making a name for herself with her company Buxom Boudoir, which offers clients a modern twist on classic pinup photography. With her best friend, Dana, about to launch her own lingerie line, Cassie is optimistic she'll finally have a shot at the bigger contracts she knows she deserves. But when the company opts for Reid Montgomery, her longtime competitor behind the camera, she finds herself thrust into a new role as a model. But what happens when their professional lingerie shoots turn into something more personal and sexy off the clock? Jackson knows just what romance readers want — from Cassie's infectious self-confidence and empowered approach to life to Reid's easy sex appeal and plenty of spicy interludes in between. There's an immediate spark between them, and the fact that they're taking photos for a lingerie campaign only fans the flames. Cassie is a plus-size Black woman, and she not only owns that identity proudly, but takes a firm approach to explaining Reid's own privilege to him. He's not merely a rival because they're in the same line of work, but because as a white man, he gets the benefit of the doubt she never does. Their romance is perched upon this precarious truth, and Reid holds onto his secret of spying on Cassie for corporate higher-ups a hair too long to make their reunion entirely satisfying. But Jackson offers up a vibrant world of fierce, sex-positive women who are not only incredibly self-possessed, but eager to help others unlock that within themselves. Reid, with his worn-in leather jacket, is the gentle bad boy every reader has probably fantasized about at some point in their life. So while we can nitpick one pesky loose thread in the storytelling, overall Jackson's debut is the perfect boudoir offering: sexy, playful, enticing, and difficult to divert one's attention from.

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Grade: A-

Heartbreaker , by Sarah MacLean

With the collective trauma of the pandemic, romance seems particularly soft as late — an even comfier spot to land than the promise of an HEA already offers. But Sarah MacLean returns to prove that love stories can have a fire in their bellies. Heartbreaker is MacLean in top form, a rip-roaring, sensual adventure that manages to turn a series of small rooms in coaching inns into sexy, exciting spaces. As a member of the Hell's Belles, Adelaide Frampton maneuvers her way through Mayfair ballrooms, moving pawns with ease. But she's actually the South Bank's most talented pickpocket, a girl who escaped the cold, unfeeling life of her father's criminal enterprise. When she ends up on a madcap journey across Britain with Henry, Duke of Clayborn, she knows he's not for her — no matter how much she can't stop thinking about their kiss on the Thames. But Henry couldn't disagree more and is all too willing to let Adelaide steal his heart, in spite of his own vow to never marry. MacLean's latest is fun with a capital F, a spectacular, near-cinematic adventure with the stakes and enjoyment of an Indiana Jones movie. Adelaide has spent her life knowing she doesn't truly belong anywhere, but Henry woos her with his dogged refusal to rest until his eloping brother is found and Adelaide has experienced pleasure in a myriad of ways. The roadside interludes are sexy as all hell, and it's staggering how thrilling MacLean manages to make a novel that largely takes place in tiny rooms. But that setting is an ode to the quiet yearnings of the heart, a promise that love can be exhilarating, wondrous, and all-consuming just about anywhere with the right person. And small rooms do not equal small storytelling, with MacLean instead leaning into that intimacy as a means to draw her most robust and intriguing character studies yet. The more MacLean has wandered from ballrooms and the glittering world of society, the more she's found her stride, perfecting a way of storytelling that blends wit, grit, and the subversive promise of radical women and the men who love them. As always, MacLean's writing is delectably feminist. How could it not be with with Adelaide's and the Hell's Belles aims to bring down bad men protected by wealth and power? But Heartbreaker is also slyly provocative in the ways in which Henry is engaged by Adelaide — how he finds her fire, her thievery, and her self-assurance to be assets rather than turn-offs. He's the most decent of heroes, a man dedicated to protecting a family secret while stubbornly insisting on giving his rapscallion brother his due. And his bruising determination to protect Adelaide, even when she insists he not, is romantic in the extreme. Unlike many of MacLean's heroes, Henry isn't a rogue or a member of a criminal enterprise — he's merely a good man, full stop. And for Adelaide and readers alike, few things are as thrilling or rare. But most of all, Heartbreaker is a full-hearted, deeply romantic reminder that romance novels can and should be dangerous and fun in equal measure.

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Grade: A+

Aphrodite and the Duke , by J.J. McAvoy

J.J. McAvoy adds a new entry to romance's expanding crop of historical romances that center protagonists of color. She opts for the Bridgerton route, employing an alt-history of Black joy and wealth that elides the realities of the 19th century. There's much debate over what is more powerful: historical romance that finds an HEA in spite of such truths and in the context of the past, or one that chooses to gift its characters an escapist fantasy generally the domain of white protagonists. Regardless of where a reader falls on that debate, there's no denying that McAvoy has crafted a lushly romantic tale with a real thread of danger in its pages and a swoony second-chance romance. Aphrodite Du Bell has spent four years nursing a broken heart after the love of her life, Evander Eagleman, the Duke of Everely, inexplicably married another woman. Now that he is a widower, Aphrodite is wary of risking her heart with again, but Evander is determined to win Aphrodite's trust and her hand, even with the litany of secrets he's been keeping. Aphrodite and the Duke reads like a throwback historical romance. Its ballroom glances, illicit eroticism, and a devious illegitimate brother to rival King Lear 's Edmund are delicious in the ways they grant people of color a place amid some of the genre's most beloved tropes and soapy plotting. McAvoy's storytelling isn't particularly revelatory, but it is an engrossing read with characters who are easy to root for and just a touch of the Gothic to keep readers on the edge of their seats. And sometimes that joy and that engagement with a setting and story long off limits to people of color is enough.

The Hookup Plan , by Farrah Rochon

All good things must come to an end, and so we must bid a bittersweet adieu to Farrah Rochon's Boyfriend Project series. Of course, she makes it even harder on her readers by delivering another engrossing, feel-good rom-com with plenty of gal-pal banter to boot. Pediatric surgeon London Kelley really needs to figure out this work-life balance thing. When her high-school reunion leads to a casual hookup with her old nemesis Drew Sullivan, she figures she's found the perfect outlet for de-stressing. But the problem is that Drew is not only superb in bed, he's also a caring, decent guy who is the opposite of the arrogant jerk she pegged him for in school. The more time they spend together, the more London can't help but falling for Drew, his grand gestures, and his tender approach to her. The book bursts with Rochon's signature sense of humor, steamy sex scenes, and squee-inducing romance. This series has always been an equal-part love story about the female friendship between London, Samiah, and Taylor — and the conclusion to their story doesn't skimp on that either. Part of London's decision to and commitment to finding a healthier lifestyle stems from their encouragement and advice. The Hookup Plan is a vibrant reminder that no one is an island, and one's entire support system should never be just their significant other. Much of the storytelling also wrestles with the weight of familial expectations. London's unrelenting ambition and rivalry with Drew began with her desire to impress her father, while Drew still carries guilt over his mom's death. London has to learn to let go — of old grudges and impossible expectations. Her happy ending isn't in resolving that trauma so much as it is in claiming her space for herself and setting boundaries. All of which Drew actively supports with his actions and words. Between her father and her status as a Black woman in the medical field, London has spent her entire life working overtime to prove her worthiness. She doesn't need to learn to do more; she needs to give herself a break and a little bit of grace. But the miracle of Rochon's storytelling is that her books are that for her readers in the most meta sense. The first of this series, The Boyfriend Project , hit shelves in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each of the three novels has been a balm, and as I recently read The Hookup Plan in the middle of a 3 a.m. bout with insomnia, I thought to myself, "I wish London had Rochon's books to read." They're deliciously fun and sexy, but best of all, they're about forging and accepting love (friendship, romance, familial) on your own terms — and I can't think of anything more soothing.

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Grade: A

After Hours on Milagro Street , by Angelina M. Lopez

Angelina M. Lopez has already proved that she can spin the divinely soapy and filthy into resonant romantic gold, but she amplifies that with this first title in her new series. Inspired by her own upbringing as a Mexican American in Kansas, Lopez offers a steamy love story that is also a repudiation of whitewashing history for the sake of upholding narrow definitions of what it is to be American. When Alejandra "Alex" Torres returns to her small hometown with a plan to revitalize her family's bar, she's dismayed to discover that tweedy Professor Jeremiah Post has wormed his way into their hearts and the fabric of the bar. His plan isn't to spruce up the bar to attract more customers, but rather to transform it into a museum. From their first hot-and-heavy meeting, sparks fly between Alex and Jeremiah. Yet their immediate lust is overshadowed by his wariness of her reputation and her resentment of his presumed place in her family. A long-buried family mystery soon forces them to work together, as they both search for a sense of belonging. A family scandal has left Alex feeling abandoned by her family, while Jeremiah feels like the Torres clan are the first people to ever show him what family really means. Lopez's writing aches with a sense of yearning — for love, for acceptance, for a place and a people to call home. The racist bigwigs of her hometown have long asserted their dominance until Jeremiah and Alex realize that the truth offers a far more diverse, inclusive picture than one might assume. After Hours on Milagro Street is about not only uncovering forgotten (or deliberately obscured) histories, it's about restoring the narrative of our collective past and the contributions of a rich tapestry of peoples whose story is often reduced or erased altogether. Romance is almost always an inherently political genre in the ways it asserts its messages about sexuality, pleasure, power dynamics, and more. But Lopez raises that to the next level, making a profound statement about being an American amid absolutely mind-blowing sex scenes. It's her ability to balance these lascivious passages with pointed, meaningful storytelling that sets her work apart and makes her a writer worth returning to again and again.

Scandalized , by Ivy Owens

Scandalized — a debut from the pen name of Lauren Billings, half of the bestselling duo Christina Lauren — lives up to its title. When a flight delay makes journalist Georgia Ross collide with her teenage crush, her best friend's older brother Alec Kim, they spend the hours before their rescheduled flight rediscovering each other. What Georgia doesn't realize is that Alec is a monumentally famous actor with an unlikely connection to the high-profile sex abuse case she's been overseas investigating. The two are purely combustible together, barely able to keep their hands off each other. Owens writes each love scene with gusto, combining a charged eroticism with a tale of hard choices and unexpected romance. Despite their small amount of time together, Alec and Georgia can't get enough, attempting to honor both their harried careers and their growing feelings. The novel's sexual encounters might scandalize the faint of heart, but that just leaves more sinfully delicious sexy times for those of us with filthier minds. The dividing line between romance and erotica often lies in how much the sex scenes advance the plot and character arcs. Owens deftly walks that line, ensuring that each encounter helps Alec and Gigi learn more about themselves, their values, the definition of happiness, and what they're willing to give up for one another. She also writes with a knack for the idiosyncrasies of fandom and Hollywood life, lending the novel a vibrant authenticity. This romance is also threaded with a timely tale of international scandal, sexual assault, and abuse of power. It's a sobering reminder that the #MeToo movement has barely scratched the surface in exposing the most monstrous among us. But Owens is here to remind us that love (and really, really, really hot sex) conquers all.

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Grade: A

Related content:

• 5 great Beauty and the Beast -inspired romance novels to enchant you
• When will Hollywood stop ignoring the financial power of romance novels?
• The 10 best LGBTQ+ romance novels of the last five years

Related Articles

Get your book reviewed by a professioanl reviewer for $50!

Get your book reviewed by a professional reviewer

Submit your book to Reedsy Discovery for $50.

Best Romance Book Review Blogs in 2024

Showing 113 blogs that match your search.

Smart Bitches Trashy Books

http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/

The Smart Bitches Trashy Books blog began in 2005 as a community of romance readers eager to talk about which romance novels rocked their worlds, and which ones made them throw the book with as much velocity as possible. Are you dying to see us review a particular book? Yours, perhaps (it certainly doesn't have to be)? Use this form, and yes, we really do need all this info. Thanks.

Blogger : Smart Bitches

Genres : Romance

🌐 Domain authority: 59

👀 Average monthly visits: 24,600 p/mo

💌 Preferred contact method: Website contact form

⭐️ Accepts indie books? Yes

Paperback Princess

https://thepaperbprincess.wordpress.com/

My name is Eva (pronounced Ava) and my favourite thing to do in the world is read. If I can't be reading, I'd like to be talking about books. I'm really good at recommending books to other people and one day I decided to take that to the next level and blog about books.

Blogger : Eva

🌐 Domain authority: 13

👀 Average monthly visits: 5,000 p/mo

Books In Brogan

http://booksinbrogan.com/

I enjoy reading somewhat eclectic range of book, but I especially enjoy reading paranormal, science fiction, fantasy and contemporary romance in both adult and YA books. I'm not a huge fan of horror I also don't read much erotica or anything overly graphic, abusive or with a blatant amount of excessive violence.

Blogger : Brogan

🌐 Domain authority: 11

👀 Average monthly visits: 3,000 p/mo

Linda's Book Bag

https://lindasbookbag.com/

The blog was initially designed to share a few thoughts about the books I read and that's the aspect I still enjoy most. I don't give star ratings as my 5 stars might be someone else's 3 so I say what I thought instead, trying to be as honest as I can and I make the review personal to me as a reader. After a few months of blogging I realised just how hard it is for smaller publishers and independent authors to get their books noticed so I'm always willing to feature them if I can.

Blogger : Linda Hill

🌐 Domain authority: 39

💌 Preferred contact method: Mail

The Kindle Book Review

https://www.thekindlebookreview.net/

We are a book review and promotion site but we NEVER charge for reviews. There other other sites that have tried to imitate us. We are The Kindle Book Review dot Net. We've reviewed over 1,750 books on Amazon since 2009. We promote quality ebooks and authors, post author resources, and we've sponsored the annual "Kindle Book Awards" since 2012 with industry pros like Digital Book Today, K-Boards, Author Marketing Club, Bargain Booksy, and others.

Blogger : Amber & Team

🌐 Domain authority: 38

👀 Average monthly visits: 7,000 p/mo

Romance Rehab

http://www.romancerehab.com/

At Romance Rehab, we debunk all the ridiculous romance myths that exist out there. And for every book we read and review, we'll let readers know if it helps crush the romance stigma or perpetuate it. We LOVE the romance genre and want to help you discover the books and authors you'll adore and avoid the ones that will make you cringe.

Blogger : Jennifer

🌐 Domain authority: 30

💌 Preferred contact method: Email

My Chestnut Reading Tree

https://mychestnutreadingtree.wordpress.com/

Hi, my name is Jo and I love reading which is why I set up My Chestnut Reading Tree in February 2016 so I could share my thoughts about the books I read with the world! I read mainly crime and psychological thrillers but I also love women's fiction...basically I just love a good story and will review most books apart from sci-fi or horror.

Blogger : Jo

⭐️ Accepts indie books? No

Books, Coffee & Passion

https://bookscoffeeandpassion.wordpress.com/

My name is Andie, I'm 32 and live in a beautiful small town. I have a lot of passions but books are my #1 crush. After spending years following other book blogs, I needed to create my own to gush about books with fellow book lovers. Feel free to contact me. Happy reading!

Blogger : Andie

👀 Average monthly visits: 500 p/mo

Read. Eat. Repeat.

https://readeatrepeat.net/

Hi! I’m Jordan, wife to one husband and mom to two little girls. Blogging and writing are my side gig, and I love creating delicious recipes and reading lots of books to share with you guys! My favorite genre to review is historical fiction but I do read a bit of everything.

Blogger : Jordan

🌐 Domain authority: 26

👀 Average monthly visits: 2,500 p/mo

Jo Reads Romance

https://joreadsromance.co.uk/

Jo Reads Romance is dedicated to my love of all kinds of romance novels. I aim to write fair and honest reviews - helping other readers decide whether to spend their hard earned money. However, even if I don’t like a book - I’m never mean. If a blurb, story or cover takes my fancy, I’m game for almost anything. So long as the romance is central to the story. But I tend to avoid dark romances, Mafia, vampires, m/m and menage.

Blogger : Joanna Lee

🌐 Domain authority: 3

👀 Average monthly visits: 1,500 p/mo

Dear Author

http://dearauthor.com

We review contemporary romance books, paranormal romance books, historical romance books, urban fantasy, science fiction, and fantasy. From time to time, we will review mystery books but rarely. The site is primarily devoted to the romance genre.

Blogger : The DA Team

🌐 Domain authority: 57

👀 Average monthly visits: 10,000 p/mo

http://bookpage.com/

BookPage reviews almost every category of new books, including literary and popular fiction, nonfiction, children's books, audiobooks and gift books. We rarely review poetry or scholarly books, and we do not give review consideration to self-published books, print-on-demand titles or books from presses that lack major distribution.

Blogger : Book Page Contributors

🌐 Domain authority: 67

👀 Average monthly visits: 135,000 p/mo

Shalini's Books & Reviews

https://bookreviewsbyshalini.com/

My first love has always been BOOKS. My blog features my reviews, author interviews, book spotlights, and other bookish events. I read nearly all genres, according to my mood.

Blogger : Shalini

🌐 Domain authority: 25

💌 Preferred contact method: Social media

http://www.smexybooks.com/

The purpose of our book reviews and this book review blog is to engage our readers in honest discussion of romance (all sub-genres) and urban fantasy books. While we are eager to try books based on blurbs that appeal to us, not every request will be reviewed.

Blogger : Mandi

🌐 Domain authority: 47

👀 Average monthly visits: 16,000 p/mo

Whispering Stories

https://www.whisperingstories.com/

Whispering Stories was established in 2015. We are a team of reviewers committed in providing professional, 100% honest, unbiased book reviews, for FREE. The majority of our reviews are for fictional books, including children’s books, (we do review non-fictional books too).

Blogger : Stacey

🌐 Domain authority: 28

👀 Average monthly visits: 6,000 p/mo

So you want to find a book blog?

If you’re a voracious reader, you might think of a book blog as an oasis in the middle of the desert: a place on the Internet that brims with talk about books, books, and more books.

Well, good news — we built this directory of the 200 of the best book blogs  to satiate your thirst. Take a walk around, use the filters to narrow down your search to blogs in your preferred genre, and feel free to bookmark this page and come back, as we do update it regularly with more of the best book blogs out there. 

If you’re an aspiring author, you might see a book blog more as a book review blog: a place where you can get your yet-to-be published book reviewed. In that case, you’ll be glad to know that most of the book blogs in our directory are open to review requests and accept indie books! We expressly designed this page (and our book marketing platform, Reedsy Discovery ) to be useful to indie book authors who need book reviews. If you’re wondering how to approach a book blog for a review request, please read on. 

You’ve found a book blog. Now what? 

Let’s say that you’re an author, and you’ve found a couple of book blogs that would be perfect fits to review your book. What now? Here are some tips as you go about getting your book reviews:

• Be sure to read the review policy. First, check that the book blog you’re querying is open to review requests. If that’s the fortunate case, carefully read the blog’s review policy and make sure that you follow the directions to a T.  
• Individualize your pitches. Book bloggers will be able to immediately tell apart the bulk pitches, which simply come across as thoughtless and indifferent. If you didn’t take the time to craft a good pitch, why should the blogger take the time to read your book? Personalize each pitch to up your chances of getting a response. 
• Format your book in a professional manner before sending it out. Ensure that your manuscript isn’t presented sloppily. If the book blogger asks for a digital ARC, you might want to check out apps such as Instafreebie or Bookfunnel. 
• Create a spreadsheet to track your progress. Wading through so many book blogs can be troublesome — not to mention trying to remember which ones you’ve already contacted. To save yourself the time and trouble, use a simple Excel spreadsheet to keep track of your progress (and results). 

Looking to learn even more about the process? Awesome 👍 For a detailed guide, check out this post that’s all about getting book reviews . 

Join a community of over 1 million authors

Reedsy is more than just a blog. Become a member today to discover how we can help you publish a beautiful book.

Save your shortlist

Enter your email address to save your shortlist so that you don't lose it!

By continuing, you will also receive Reedsy's weekly publishing tips and access to our free webinars.

We sent over your shortlist. Thank you for using Reedsy's Book Review Blogs Directory, happy publishing! 🙌

It's easier than you think

Submit your book to Reedsy Discovery and choose from hundreds of reviewers.

1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.

Enter your email or get started with a social account:

Advertisement

Supported by

Sugar and Spice and (Almost) Everything Nice

A dangerously sexy ghost-befriending witch, a dessert shop owner, a witty divorced librarian: You’ll fall for the characters in these new romance novels and stories.

• Share full article

By Olivia Waite

Romance does not generally get credit for its full range of prose styles. For every floral classic like Laura Kinsale’s “For My Lady’s Heart,” you can find a clear-as-a-mountain-stream western like Beverly Jenkins’s “Topaz” or a sharp, sardonic contemporary like “Boyfriend Material,” by Alexis Hall. Despite its reputation for euphemism and overwrought metaphor, the genre is filled with writing that gets right to the point and stays out of the reader’s way.

Few writers do this as effectively as Jackie Lau, whose trope-forward contemporaries are as sugary and irresistible as the desserts her characters create. She hooked me with the joyous “Grumpy Fake Boyfriend,” and I’ve been a fan ever since. Her sentences seem transparent, but the more you read, the more they filter the light until you glimpse something delicately shaded and beautiful.

DONUT FALL IN LOVE (Berkley, 368 pp., paper, $16) is classic Lau, a gently funny Toronto-set romance about a movie star with famous abs and the doughnut shop owner giving him lessons before his appearance on the show “Baking Fail.” This is the trope-y glaze over a base of grief and vulnerability: Ryan and Lindsay, who have both lost parents relatively young, are struggling with the ways loss has etched their emotional landscapes.

The book is a perfect example of how realistic personal stakes — say, your disappointed dad starting a dry but hilarious Twitter account to roast you in public — can feel world-shiftingly large in the right hands.

There are roughly two kinds of anthologies — one, a collection of stories as different as possible, and two, a matched set that aims for cohesion and unity. Contrasting or complementary flavors, you might say. AMOR ACTUALLY (Adriana Herrera, Kindle, $4.99) is definitely the latter, a multiauthor Latinx holiday story cycle riffing on the various plotlines of “Love Actually.” Holiday romances are one of the whitest subgenres around, so an anthology that organically celebrates the rich traditions of people of color stands out as a welcome expansion.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

6 Great Books Like Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Eat Pray Love, written by Elizabeth Gilbert, is a remarkable memoir that has captivated readers around the world. Its powerful narrative takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, spirituality, and personal transformation. If you have enjoyed reading Eat Pray Love and are looking for similar books to delve into, you’re in luck! In this article, we … Read more

10 Fun Summer Books Like It Happened One Summer (By Tessa Bailey)

Tessa Bailey is an author known for her work in the romance genre. Bridging the gap between earnest and intense romance, she has created a series of novels that have captivated readers worldwide. With unique characters and tight plots, her novels exploded in the late 2010s and early 2020s, with more to come in the … Read more

14 Books Like The Hating Game Perfect For Fans Of The Sally Thorne Novel

In The Hating Game, we are introduced to Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman who absolutely despise one another. In fact, Lucy Hutton would go as far as to call Joshua Templeman her nemesis, and that is what sets the scene of this enemies-to-lovers romance novel. Working alongside one another as assistants to co-CEOs of a … Read more

10 Moving Romance Books Like Beach Read That You Need To Check Out

When Emily Henry’s novel Beach Read was published in 2020, it took the world by storm. This heartwarming romance novel about a romance writer who no longer believes in love and a literary writer stuck in a rut really lived up to its name, as it made the perfect beach read for so many people. … Read more

5 Books Like Bridgerton To Feed Your Obsession

Most Bridgerton fans may have heard about it through the super popular Netflix show, but the true fans have devoured the Bridgerton series novels too. And if you haven’t started the books just yet, you really should – even if you’ve seen all the shows so far… The books have everything the show has and … Read more

6 Incredibly Good Books Like The Spanish Love Deception

Not all romance novels feature smile-widening banter, fake dating, and enemies-to-lovers tropes, but The Spanish Love Deception sure does! Readers have been known to scream, swoon and melt with all the charm, fondness, awkwardness, angst, romance, and yearning, the book truly delivers. Author Elena Armas did such a great job writing the TikTok sensation The … Read more

12 Books Like Red, White, And Royal Blue You Will Love

Regardless of when you last read Red, White, and Royal Blue, it is likely that Alex and Henry are living rent-free in your head and all the romance involved. Looking for something just as heart-warming that is sure to leave you feeling giddy? Then you’ve come to the right place. If you’re unfamiliar with Red, … Read more

7 Books Like Punk 57 That Will Captivate You

Punk 57, by Penelope Douglas, isn’t the heartfelt romance book you may think it is, instead, it portrays real love with all the messiness of life involved – perfect for those looking for a more relatable novel. The story follows Ryen and Misha who have been best friends and pen pals for seven years, but … Read more

20 Books Like The Love Hypothesis

Ali Hazelwood is a bestselling author who has written 7 novels, but her most popular and well-received is The Love Hypothesis. The Love Hypothesis is the ultimate fake romance novel, but it manages to make this relatively common trope feel fresh and exciting with its workplace setting and themes of science and academia. In this … Read more

Books Like Book Lovers (7 Book Recommendations)

When it comes to the best books like Book Lovers, there are a lot of great choices out there. From romance novels to fantasy and science fiction tales, these books can provide readers with plenty of thrilling stories. Whether you’re looking for a heartfelt romance story or an exciting epic adventure, these book recommendations have … Read more

SPORTS ALERT: Bronny James, son of career scoring leader LeBron James, selected 55th by Los Angeles Lakers in NBA draft

Book Review: Serena Kaylor’s ‘Calculation’ proves predictable romance can be uproarious, nail-biting

The Associated Press

June 17, 2024, 12:58 PM

• Share This:
• share on facebook
• share on threads
• share on linkedin
• share on email

Marlowe Meadows has great grades and a loving family, two best friends who understand her and all her autistic quirks, and a picture-perfect, blue-eyed, football-playing, romantic boyfriend, Josh. At least, until he breaks up with her unceremoniously at the end of junior year, sending her perfectly categorized world into a tailspin.

Serena Kaylor’s second novel, “The Calculation of You and Me,” is a phenomenal teen romance that celebrates romance itself — the concept and the genre — as Marlowe discovers what makes a healthy, happy relationship through her journey to try and win back Josh.

Realizing she’s failed to adequately show her love and appreciation for Josh — and the normalcy and popularity that dating him brought to her life — Marlowe decides to prove just how romantic she can be. And when her English teacher pairs her with a quiet, moody goth boy, Marlowe sees an opportunity.

Ash is an anomaly in their small-town Georgia high school. His emotional intelligence rivals Marlowe’s calculus skills, he’s well-read in romance and writes tortured, lovesick song lyrics for his band. Marlowe just needs to get him to teach her a thing or two about sweeping gestures and cute dates.

OK, we all know where this is going.

But even when things pan out as expected, it is deliciously satisfying. When they don’t, it’s equally delightful — and nail-biting, tear-inducing, uproarious, and generally just all the feels.

“Calculation” is everything you expect from the bubblegum cover and more; alongside the unsurprising romance arc, Kaylor’s characters have to learn to navigate everything from bullying to societal expectations to effective communication and relationship-building.

The novel has the sap and safe predictability of a Hallmark movie, but with the bonus ability to make you laugh out loud and cry real tears and become way more invested in the characters than any silly romance ought to make you do. Kaylor has a real knack for storytelling that left me flying through the pages, and she writes her characters with respect and thoughtfulness, no matter their sexual orientation, age, background, or the way their brains function. It’s a brutally honest account of navigating a relationship, with the added layers of autism and high school and Southern niceties.

Marlowe’s endeavor is juxtaposed with the books she reads that shape her understanding of her own situation: the classics she has to read in school that seem to show conflict and dissatisfaction in love, and the romance that offers a mysteriously unattainable shining path to happy-ever-after. These allusions also make for some juicy dramatic irony.

I’ve read a lot of YA and romance, but never one so sweet, funny, and page-turning as Kaylor’s. “Calculation” gets into the flow early and becomes a rushing river that you’re only too glad to be carried along.

AP book reviews: https://apnews.com/hub/book-reviews

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

Related News

US-Best-Sellers-Books-PW

Review: ‘The Bear’ returns for Season 3, doubling down on dramatic ingredients without comic spice

Reveal and Mother Jones publisher sues OpenAI and Microsoft for ‘exploitative’ copyright infringement

Recommended.

Montgomery County school system violated its own policy on crisis management contracts, report finds

How many people got a ticket in Fairfax County's latest crackdown on dangerous driving?

Investigation into fatal motorcycle crash closes Route 28 near Dulles

Related categories:.

• ADMIN AREA MY BOOKSHELF MY DASHBOARD MY PROFILE SIGN OUT SIGN IN

Best Romance Novels of 2023

JAN. 24, 2023

by Kate Clayborn

A modern yet timeless love story. Full review >

APRIL 4, 2023

by Liana De la Rosa

An enjoyable start to an exciting new series and a new direction for historical romance. Full review >

AUG. 8, 2023

by Felicia Grossman

A masterful, original take on a beloved fairy tale is sure to please romance readers. Full review >

JUNE 6, 2023

by Alexis Hall

Part historical, part fantasy, all top-notch queer romance. Full review >

MAY 2, 2023

by Farah Heron

A beautiful, compelling romance celebrating second chances and forgiveness. Full review >

MAY 30, 2023

by Adriana Herrera

Empowering and exhilarating. Full review >

JULY 25, 2023

by Julie Anne Long

A Regency romantic drama seething with emotional quakes in the vein of Lisa Kleypas. Full review >

AUG. 22, 2023

by Sarah MacLean

This sensational romance completely lives up to its title. Full review >

JULY 4, 2023

by Rachel Lynn Solomon

A must-read modern romance that emphasizes silliness and sexiness in equal parts. Solomon’s best yet. Full review >

More Book Lists

Recent News & Features

• In the News

• Seen & Heard

• Book to Screen

• 20 Best July Books for Young Readers
• 20 Best Books To Read in July
• 40 Indies Worth Discovering
• Best Indie Books of June
• Episode 378: Olivia Laing
• Episode 377: Guest Host Karen M. McManus
• Episode 376: The Pride Episode With Yael van der Wouden
• Episode 375: Summer Reads With Nicola Yoon

The Magazine: Kirkus Reviews

Featuring 289 industry-first reviews of fiction, nonfiction, children’s, and YA books; also in this issue: interviews with Vashti Harrison, Amandeep Kochar of Baker & Taylor, Elin Hilderbrand, Ann Powers, Tomi Adeyemi; and more

The Kirkus Star

One of the most coveted designations in the book industry, the Kirkus Star marks books of exceptional merit.

The Kirkus Prize

The Kirkus Prize is among the richest literary awards in America, awarding $50,000 in three categories annually.

Great Books & News Curated For You

Be the first to read books news and see reviews, news and features in Kirkus Reviews . Get awesome content delivered to your inbox every week.

• Discover Books Fiction Thriller & Suspense Mystery & Detective Romance Science Fiction & Fantasy Nonfiction Biography & Memoir Teens & Young Adult Children's
• News & Features Bestsellers Book Lists Profiles Perspectives Awards Seen & Heard Book to Screen Kirkus TV videos In the News
• Kirkus Prize Winners & Finalists About the Kirkus Prize Kirkus Prize Judges
• Magazine Current Issue All Issues Manage My Subscription Subscribe
• Writers’ Center Hire a Professional Book Editor Get Your Book Reviewed Advertise Your Book Launch a Pro Connect Author Page Learn About The Book Industry
• More Kirkus Diversity Collections Kirkus Pro Connect My Account/Login
• About Kirkus History Our Team Contest FAQ Press Center Info For Publishers
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Reprints, Permission & Excerpting Policy

© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Popular in this Genre

Hey there, book lover.

We’re glad you found a book that interests you!

Please select an existing bookshelf

Create a new bookshelf.

We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!

Please sign up to continue.

It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!

Already have an account? Log in.

Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.

Almost there!

• Industry Professional

Welcome Back!

Sign in using your Kirkus account

Contact us: 1-800-316-9361 or email [email protected].

Don’t fret. We’ll find you.

Magazine Subscribers ( How to Find Your Reader Number )

If You’ve Purchased Author Services

Don’t have an account yet? Sign Up.

'My Lady Jane' Review: Prime Video's Revisionist, Romantic Look at the Nine-Day Queen

Your changes have been saved

Email Is sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

The Big Picture

• Lady Jane Grey's story gets a modern twist in Prime Video's My Lady Jane , embracing its lead's independence without sacrificing her romantic plot.
• The series mixes comedy and heart through nods to history as well as its diverse ensemble cast.
• Emily Bader and Edward Bluemel shine with fantastic chemistry in this delightful, alternate-history tale.

I can't remember when I first heard the story of Lady Jane Grey . At first, I thought it was included in the historical notes of Scholastic's Royal Diaries book about Elizabeth I, but it's not (and yes, I did just go check). All I know is 1) I was young, probably not much older than 11, and 2) It freaked me out to no end. An unwilling young woman suddenly made Queen of England, and, within nine days, found guilty of crimes and executed by her cousins? It seemed supremely unfair. It wouldn't be until 2016 that the Nine Days Queen finally earned an opportunity for some justice with Bodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand , and Jodi Meadows ' novel My Lady Jane , which has now been adapted as a delightful new series for Prime Video .

My Lady Jane (2024)

What is 'my lady jane' about.

Like the novel, My Lady Jane makes it clear from the jump that it is an ahistorical retelling of the life of Lady Jane Grey ( Emily Bader ). The series kicks off with a quick summary of history as we know it, then immediately and explicitly dismisses it in favor of the story it wants to tell instead. Things begin in the lead-up to Jane's marriage to Lord Guildford Dudley ( Edward Bluemel ) , an affair arranged by her extremely meddlesome mother, Lady Frances Grey ( Anna Chancellor ), and Guildford's scheming father, Lord Dudley ( Rob Brydon ).

With no way out of this arrangement — fortunately for them, they're both hot — the show then follows Jane as she and her husband try to make the best of their new circumstances. She's named heir to the throne of England by her cousin Edward VI ( Jordan Peters ), much to the chagrin of his sister, Princess Mary ( Kate O'Flynn ), and her chief advisor, Lord Seymour ( Dominic Cooper ). Jane also becomes mired in the ideological tensions of this alternate timeline — the tensions between Ethians (those who can change into animals at will) and Veritys (those who cannot).

'My Lady Jane' Doesn't Sacrifice Romance in the Name of Independence

Something I've seen happen far too often for my liking — be it in general discourse with people in my day-to-day life, or in media itself — is the idea that romance and independence/character growth are somehow mutually exclusive. Look no further than the "subversion" of the princess trope we see in Hulu's The Princess or Netflix's Damsel , or the fact that early concept art for Disney's Wish included a romantic subplot for its heroine, all because it would undermine their respective story arcs somehow. There's also commentary we hear from actors, or from viewers, indicating that a heroine cannot possibly want love because she is "more" than that; she doesn't need a romantic interest, she's simply too independent. Any romance novel , particularly one published in this day and age, is proof enough that, when written well, a love plot and a strong sense of character can actually work hand-in-hand to strengthen the story.

Our introduction to Jane comes as she's working in her little at-home laboratory, with simply no time or inclination for marriage. Her personal wishes were not a concern in and of themselves. My only worry was that the show would pursue this girlboss angle to its tried-and-true conclusion: sacrificing romance in the name of personal independence, as though the two cannot possibly coexist. And before anyone throws the "well, historically speaking" at me, this is a story where people also turn into animals on a whim. Imagine my surprise when her arranged marriage to Guildford — who is about 17 different book boyfriend tropes wrapped into one charming package —is given equal importance to everything else going on.

Trust me, the marketing is not luring you in with false promises. When it plays up the swooniness of Jane and Guildford's relationship, that's because it's a huge part of the story. Their feelings for each other are actually inextricable from the drama at large. The plot does not work without the romance. On the flip side, the romance does not work without Jane's interests and aspirations, which is part of what not only brings them together but keeps them together. I wish I could say that this is something we can just take for granted, but I really can't. It's a massive advantage for the show to really lean into the romance, as well as all the delicious tropes — forced proximity and arranged marriage chief among them — because Bader and Bluemel have fantastic, simmering chemistry that would have been utterly wasted on a story that saw no value in spotlighting it at every turn.

'My Lady Jane' Balances Comedy With Heart

With story elements like "people turn into animals sometimes" and "real history is stupid, let's do it our way," it's safe to say that My Lady Jane is not a series that takes itself too seriously , and every single actor is wonderfully in on the joke. O'Flynn and Cooper are wonderfully over-the-top villains, and Chancellor and Brydon's scheming would put the likes of Bridgerton 's Portia Featherington ( Polly Walker ) to shame. Save for a few less successful toilet humor jokes, the series' comedy is absurd and laugh-out-loud funny. It's anachronistic in the vein of A Knight's Tale , most obviously reflected in the music and the language, and in the sort of way more productions should embrace.

My Lady Jane also follows the modern — and honestly overdue — trend of presenting a historical setting populated by a diverse ensemble . Unlike something like Bridgerton , however, which made that diversity a part of the story — sometimes successfully, sometimes less so — My Lady Jane takes more of a 1997 Cinderella approach: it is what it is, and you will roll with it, as the narrative will not stop and hold your hand through the idea that history was not lily-white. I cannot speak for everyone, but I personally enjoy seeing myself and others like me reflected in a story incidentally: a part of the world, but not so strange a part of it that we feel it must be drawn attention to within the narrative.

It's been a long time since I read the book, so I don't remember it well. The humor of the series does fall in line with that of the book, some of the story elements are similar, though I can't recall the source material well enough to speak to how good an "adaptation" the series is. What I can say is I walked away with the same feeling I had then. My Lady Jane fully embraces the heart and the message of the story it is trying to tell , with comedy and romance woven in masterfully. In the end, isn't that all we want in an adaptation, anyway?

Prime Video's My Lady Jane is a delightful, romantic series that presents an alternate take on English history.

• Emily Bader and Edward Bluemel have fantastic, romance novel-level chemistry.
• The concepts of Jane's desire for independence and for romance are not mutually exclusive.
• The series is laugh-out-loud funny but also clearly has something to say.

My Lady Jane premieres June 27 on Prime Video.

Watch on Prime Video

Sign in to add this item to your wishlist, follow it, or mark it as ignored

Planned Release Date: 16 Jul, 2024

This game plans to unlock in approximately 2 weeks

About This Game

■game features.

• Easy-to-operate field exploration!
• A unique battle system where your skills are determined by the items you own!
• Who are your close comrades? A favorability system that changes depending on your choices!
• More than 90 illustrations to liven up events!

■Remastered Additional Elements

• BGM change function with 5 types of sound sources!
• Play mode with up to 5x speed!
• Event skip function!
• All illustrations are available in HD!
• Reliable auto save function!
• Ease of play greatly improved by difficulty level and mode selection!
• Boost function that allows you to quickly learn skills!
• Improved user-friendly interface!
• Function to switch voices between Japanese and English!

Mature Content Description

The developers describe the content like this:

This Game may contain content not appropriate for all ages, or may not be appropriate for viewing at work: Some Nudity or Sexual Content, General Mature Content

System Requirements

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows10 64bit
• Memory: 2 GB RAM
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 700 MB available space
• Storage: 1 GB available space

©STING ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc./©BANDAI

More like this

What curators say.

You can write your own review for this product to share your experience with the community. Use the area above the purchase buttons on this page to write your review.

You can use this widget-maker to generate a bit of HTML that can be embedded in your website to easily allow customers to purchase this game on Steam.

Enter up to 375 characters to add a description to your widget:

Copy and paste the HTML below into your website to make the above widget appear

Popular user-defined tags for this product: (?)

Sign in to add your own tags to this product.