Welcome to the Book Club. Think of this as a virtual staff picks shelf in a dreamy little studio space. No assigned reading. No pressure. Just a gathering of books I’ve found inspiring, relaxing, fun, or helpful during particular moments in life.

This isn’t a book club with required reading or literary pressure. I reach for books that bring me joy, allow me to have a gentle escape, maybe a good laugh, or discover a new way of seeing things. Sometimes they’re sweet and romantic, other times they explore creativity, design, or big life shifts. All of them, in one way or another, feel like a good companion for the moment. So how are we kicking things off? With books for vacation, of course. And not just any books, contemporary romance.

The books in this genre ask absolutely nothing of you. You get the slow burn, the chemistry, the banter, and the comforting promise of a satisfying ending. That’s really the secret sauce of it all. These stories are perfect poolside. So grab the sunnies, a cool drink, pop on a playlist (I’ve got you), and get ready to jet away.

Whether you’re actually by the water, or just pretending (wink), these are a few books I dive into to slip into that magical, mellow vacation state of mind.

💘 Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura

Spicy and playful with a dose of adventure. This one’s got great banter and big Indiana Jones energy, but with a modern twist.

💘 Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood

Ali Hazelwood is one of my go-to authors for smart, sassy romance. Her protagonists are always sharp and funny, and this one brings a juicy vacation setup with just the right amount of chaos. Set in Italy, it serves up romantic tension and awkward hilarity against a swoony Mediterranean backdrop. Total escapist fun.

💘 Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen

Pure charm. This story blends sweetness, cultural nuance, and a lot of yummy food references, all set in Los Angeles. The city comes to life in that La La Land, 500 Days of Summer kind of way with plenty of “will-they-won’t-they” moments.

💘 The Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady

Romance tropes galore, set in the world of rival indie bookstores in Boston. It’s fun, self-aware, and packed with little nods for book lovers, plus a competitive streak that makes the chemistry even more entertaining.

Why I Love This Genre

I’ve been drawn to contemporary romance since I first picked up Bridget Jones’s Diary (an absolute gem). From there, it was Confessions of a Shopaholic, and the spiral continued. These days, the genre has expanded into a full-blown multiverse of its own. If you think the Marvel universe is big, the romance multiverse is just as rich, full of emotional arcs, layered characters, and endless possibilities.

Finding your favorites takes a little trial and error. Think of it like kissing a few frogs before landing on your bookish prince. Luckily, there are great resources to help you navigate. One of my go-to tools is Romance.io, a searchable database where you can filter by tropes, spice level, themes, and more. It’s super helpful for finding exactly what you’re in the mood for.And if you’re just starting to explore, check out your local library or a shop like Half Price Books. It’s a great way to discover new-to-you authors without breaking the bank.