Could you use a little extra lovin' this year? Treat yourself to an escapist romantic read this Valentine's Day.
Here are some of our bookseller favorites!
A captivating debut fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e , in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm and sets her on a dangerous path—where choices come with deadly consequences, and she risks losing more than her heart.
Brimming with magic, romance, and mystery, A Marvellous Light is simply marvelous. Robin is a cheery, warm, nonmagical person who is thrust into a world of impossible magic and hair-raising danger when he is accidentally assigned to work in a magical bureau. He is partnered with Edwin, a cold, enigmatic magician who seemingly wants nothing to do with Robin or the liability he presents. But when Robin and Edwin encounter a terrifying curse, a mysterious fog faced man, a murderous maze, a sentient house pulsing with ancient magic, and powerful contract magic that would be deadly in the wrong hands, they realize that the only way to survive is to stick together.
This historical fantasy/romance was equal parts gripping, sexy, and thrilling, and had me flipping pages for sleepless night after sleepless night. I am infatuated with Robin and Edwin and can't wait to see where Freya Marske takes them next! - Jessi
Red and her sister Neve are destined: Red, as a sacrifice for the Wilderwood, Neve as heir to the throne. When Red is called to the Wilderwood, however, she soon finds that the legends surrounding the mysterious Wolf in the Wilderwood aren’t true - and is dragged into a world of ancient prophecies, dying magic, and sacrifice. Red is forced to work with Eammon the Wolf to save the Wilderwood and the sister she was taken from. This book is perfect for fans of Wolf and the Woodsman and Uprooted, and will slowly wrap its vines around you and root you to the page. - Jessi
THE MIDNIGHT BARGAIN by CL Polk is an enchanting feminist romantic fantasy. Beatrice is desperate for a way out of marriage to save her family from her father's bad debts. Marriage and motherhood would mean losing her magic a sacrifice she is unwilling to make. When Beatrice meets the Lavan siblings, Beatrice finds a kindred spirit in Ysbeta and a man who finally sees her as an equal in Ianthe. But is he offering her everything she has always wanted, family and magic? Or does he only offer her a gilded cage? THE MIDNIGHT BARGAIN is fiercely feminist, and deftly tackles differences of race, class, and custom. It transcends genre by being in turns romantic, fantastical, adventurous and historical. Fans of Polk's earlier works will be thrilled with her this latest work. As will those who have yet to discover her. - Vickie
John Tucker must Die meets The Witches of Eastwick, In Payback's a Witch, as a group of 3 witches plot revenge on the scheming Gareth Blackmoor, who broke all of their hearts after promising them they were the one. It's a sweet and steamy sapphic romance set against the backdrop of a magical competition that will determine the head magical family in Thistle Grove. It's also a coming of age story about finding your place in the (magical) world, and accepting your family legacy, even if you don't think you want it. - Vickie
What fantastic world building! Based on Hindu mythology, the story was electrifying, sad, and inspiring. It was so satisfying to see Mehr gain strength of character and confidence as she grew into her powers and realized what was really important in life, I cannot wait to go back into the world of Empire of Sand! - Julie
Winter’s Orbit is a captivating space romance with action, adventure, and galactic politics. Prince Kiem knows himself to be a minor player of the royal family, best known for creating minor scandals. When the Empress commands him to marry a stranger for the good of the empire, he obeys his grandmother. Count Jainan, a diplomat from vassel planet who has separated himself from his family and compatriots, is enigmatic and desperate to support his husband and liege planet. A slowburn romance, there are lots of threads twisting through the book: a murder mystery, palace intrigue, sinister plots, and a fraying empire. Kiem and Jianan must discover the truth of each other as well as the danger surrounding them; the fate of their planets is at stake. - Julie
I throughly enjoyed immersing myself in modern world of Greek mythology in Neon Gods. Persephone found herself lost and alone after fleeing a publicly announced engagement to Zeus. Only desperation made her cross the River Styx but the freedom she finds gives her the courage to reevaluate everything she knows. A spicy hot romance and fantastic world-building makes me impatient for the next visit to Olympus.
A perfect blend of action and romance in this future dystopian society. Super soldier Gray has a failing implant that’s threatening his life. Maya is slowly learning the truth of her auditory enhancements and starting to trust in her abilities and herself. Author team Kit Rocha does a fantastic job of character development while continuing the over-arching plot to keep this fast paced action series interesting. I can’t wait to see what happens next. - Julie
My favorite urban fantasy, Mark of Truth features a take no shit female lead, the sexiest goblin shifter to ever be penned, and a world full of fae and magic you won't want to leave. This series, written by Mass native Graceley Knox, is truly unputdownable. - Lizy
