Is there anything more satisfying than reading about a romance novel bad boy who falls ass-over-elbow into love? Don't answer that. It's rhetorical.  I already know the answer. So, that said, here's a list of some of the romance novel bad boys who fell the hardest (And yes, I realize the picture of Spike is in no way related to the list. I just like him. So what? Sue me.): 

I've talked before about my favorite villains and why I think they deserved redemption arcs AND romance. I've also talked about why villains are sometimes WAY more interesting than heroes. But I've never specifically recommended romance reads where the villain gets a much-deserved happily ever after. Until today: 

If you've spent any time on the interwebs, you know that everyone is talking about A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas. And I'm not going to badmouth it. Like most books, some folks love it, and some loathe it. That's just part of the publishing game. But the one negative thing I WILL say is that it's on EVERY "must read" fantasy romance list, and frankly, I get tired of seeing it there. So, my list isn't going to include it. (Same goes for From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L Armentrout) I'm a contrarian that way. Instead, here are some fantasy romance reads that AREN'T ACoTAR. And, hey, who knows? Maybe you'll find something here you like even more:  

Serotonin is a chemical in our bodies. Without getting all science-y, it's very important to our well being. Low serotonin levels can impact your mental health tremendously. So, with that in mind, in case you need a quick shot of serotonin to improve your day, today's list includes some romance novels that did that very thing for me. These are sweet-but-also-spicy, joy-inspiring romances that are good for your mental health (in my entirely non doctor-y and non science-y opinion):  

Apparently, witch romance novels are popular right now. Who am I to knock a trend? So, without further ado, here are some wickedly good witch romance novels you'll be powerless to put down:  

Who doesn't want to find their very own royal love interest? Since I've been married for a thousand years and live in the middle of the US, it probably won't happen for me. So, I console myself with these amazing, swoon-worthy royal romances:  

Who says happily ever afters have to be between humans to be romantic? I've read plenty of awesome alien romances that tell me otherwise. Here are but a few of my faves:  

Just because I haven't been reviewing a lot lately doesn't mean I haven't been reading. In fact, I've read some great stuff lately. And I've read some not so great stuff. Here's a breakdown and some super quick reviews:

Look, I'm not going to say that any author is EXACTLY like Jennifer Crusie, OR that if you love her, you'll love this other list of authors I'm about to give you. She's an icon and no one will ever be exactly like her. But, that said, there are a few hallmarks of Crusie's writing that I have found in other authors. Namely, hilarious banter, strong heroines, charming quirkiness, men who don't venture into nasty alphahole territory, and plots that are slightly wacky without being unbelievable.  So if you, like me, adore these elements of Crusie's writing and have already read all her books, then you'll definitely want to check THESE authors out: 

Given the state of the world, I'd like to move into a happy, fictional small town now more than ever. Here are some of my top picks for places I'd like to live: 

I think every book needs a great dog in it. Maybe more than one. So, authors, if your book isn't selling, maybe it's time to ask yourself: Does my work include enough dog representation? Just something to ponder. But I digress. Anyhoo, here are some great romance novels featuring awesome dog representation:  

We can always use more diversity in romance, right? With that in mind, here are some of the most highly recommended romance novels with disability rep I can find from all over the interwebs. (And no one better recommend Me Before You because I'll go off on a "that's not a romance novel" rant that might not EVER end). Check it out: 

A while back, I did a book recommendations list for romance novels where the heroes had strong "touch her and die" vibes.  Well, heroes aren't the only ones who can get feral in defense of their loved ones. There are plenty of dangerous women in romance novels, too. Here are some of my faves:   

There are few things I love more in romance novels than a strong, silent hero. You know, the kind of hero who doesn't say much, but when he DOES communicate, it's always something important (or hot). So, with that in mind, here are a few of my favorite strong, silent heroes (for now, because I reserve the right to update or change the list at ANY time):