Then you’re going to want to put these stores on your travel list so you too can experience a bookstore devoted to romance. With nearly 600,000 ratings on Goodreads and over 530, and 5-star reviews, “Reminders of Him” is the most popular romance book of 2022 amongst Goodreads reviewers. The contemporary romance follows Kenna Rowan as she’s released from prison and tries to rebuild her relationship with her daughter, though it seems everyone is trying to keep them apart. Colleen Hoover has become hugely popular on TikTok — check out more of her books here or, if you’ve already read every “CoHo” novel, check out our recommendations for what to read next. “It Starts With Us” is the highly anticipated sequel to “It Ends With Us” and continues almost a year later as Lily Bloom begins to navigate life once more after everything that happened with Ryle. In this book, readers follow Lily on her journey to a happy ending and learn more about her and Atlas’ history together as teenagers.
A controversial presentation of Civil-War era America, Gone With the Wind explores the complexities of both romantic and platonic love. If you’ve seen the incomparable Vivien Leigh bring her to life on screen, it’s time to meet Scarlett on the page. The quintessential love story that has spawned countless retellings and inspired who knows how many writers, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet — the story of two star-crossed lovers from rival houses — wrote many of the rules of tragic romance.
When it comes to relationships, many people believe that romance is the key to keeping the spark alive. While communication and trust are important factors in any relationship, romance plays a crucial role in keeping the passion alive between partners.
The Importance of Romance
My friend and I wove through every aisle, pointing out enemies-to-lovers books we’d heard good reviews of or seen on BookTok. Run by sisters Leah and Bea Koch, The Ripped Bodice first opened in LA in 2016. The new second location, in Park Slope, generated online hype from videos of Leah renovating the space into a romance-themed haven.
Come for the irresistibly snappy banter and sexual tension in Book Lovers, but stay for the unexpectedly heartfelt connection. To call this romance novel a bookish read may be redundant, but it feels particularly apt when we’re taking about two rivals in the publishing world. This romance book follows Abby, an engaged woman who is so busy with work that her fiancee has to hire a professional bridesmaid, Jordan, to help her keep things in order as the wedding fast approaches. Set in Regency-era, high-society England, Daphne Bridgerton finds her reputation at stake, while the promiscuous Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, is bombarded with more marriage proposals than he can stand.
Romance is not just about grand gestures or extravagant gifts. It’s about showing your partner that you care, love, and appreciate them. Simple acts like leaving love notes, planning surprise dates, or even just holding hands can go a long way in strengthening the bond between you and your partner.
Leah will run the NYC store while Bea will continue to lead operations in LA. An avid DIY-er, Leah Koch is building out most of the store herself with charming display shelves, pink stenciled floors and large-scale art installations made of old books. The data, collected annually 2016 to 2023, shows some improvement, Leah Koch says.
The Ripped Bodice ships books domestically but international shipping is limited. They also started the Read, Romance, Repeat subscription box which is their version of the Romance Book of the Month Club. Evie Whitmore has a dance routine to learn with just hours to spare, and Tyler Davis is the one who is tasked with teaching it to her. Taken by her skill and the effortlessness of their pairing, Tyler is still healing from a past abusive relationship, but he may be ready to let someone new into his life. Thanks to #BookTok, Colleen Hoover’s 2016 romance book It Ends With Us has had a major resurgence. In this bestselling sequel to “It Happened One Summer,” Hannah Bellinger has managed to convince the producer at her job to move their film set to the fishing town of Westport, where her dad is from and her sister now lives.
Keeping the Flame Alive
As relationships evolve and time passes, it’s easy for couples to fall into a routine and forget about the importance of romance. However, making an effort to keep the flame alive by continuing to woo and surprise your partner can help reignite the passion and excitement in your relationship.
In conclusion, romance should not be reserved for special occasions or holidays. It should be a constant presence in your relationship, reminding your partner of your love and commitment. By prioritizing romance in your relationship, you can create a strong and lasting bond built on love and passion.
