With February in full swing, I am devoting the entire month to reading all romance including graphic novels and manga. Romance is one of my favorite genres to read and I think it helps to keep my spirits high for February. Before delving into my romance TBR, I am going to share a quick recap of last month to see if I was able to read everything that I had set out to. From there, I’ll go into more detail about the romance books that I picked out.

In January, I set out to read three books: The Last Housewife by Ashley Winstead, The Vanishing by Wendy Webb, and Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine. I wrote two reviews; one for The Last Housewife and Stillhouse Lake. The Vanishing was the last book I read in January and I rated this book one star. I rarely ever give out one-star ratings, but The Vanishing was not it. I think the book was trying too hard to be like Shutter Island with a psychological twist towards the end. The twist felt completely out of left field and seemed improbable. I think the twist ruined the book for me. I don’t enjoy hating on books, so I have no plans on writing a review of The Vanishing. If you’re curious, I did write a full Goodreads review where I give out spoilers as to why I didn’t like the book. While I didn’t like The Vanishing, I’m still glad that I set out to read everything that I wanted to for the month. Now I will break down all the romance books that I want to read this month.

Well Matched by Jen DeLuca

April Parker is a single mom living in Willow Creek who is ready to leave the town and begin a new journey for herself. She asks Mitch Malone for assistance in helping her with renovating her house, so it’s ready to sell. In exchange for helping her, Mitch asks April if she can pretend to be his girlfriend in front of his family, so he doesn’t get the same lectures. While Mitch and April are fake dating, April volunteers at the Renaissance Faire at Willow Creek for the first time. As Mitch and April keep up their facade, they both start to realize that maybe this is becoming a bit too real.

Well Matched is the third book in the Willow Creek Renaissance Faire series. I love this series, it’s probably one of the best romance series that I have read. I like how the Renaissance Faire is the background of all the books. With this series taking place in a small town, it’s easy to connect with the characters and want them to all have their happy ever after.

Wildfire by Hannah Grace

Aurora Roberts and Russ Callaghan have a one-night stand. Aurora quietly leaves before Russ can properly ask Aurora on a date. Aurora and Russ awkwardly run into each other as they both are working as camp counselors for the summer. Aurora and Russ will begin to rekindle what sparks they had a few days ago.

I find a lot of book recommendations on Instagram and Hannah Grace’s book, Icebreaker, has been making the rounds on social media. I spotted Wildfire at a local bookstore, so I figured it would be worthwhile to give the book a chance. Also, I think the cover is pretty. I like the art style along with the peach-colored background.

Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

Alexis Montgomery is an ER doctor who is facing pressure from her parents to become a surgeon. Alexis meets Daniel Grant, a hot carpenter, who is ten years younger than Alexis. Alexis and Daniel’s chemistry is apparent. As Alexis spends more time with Daniel, she starts to re-evaluate her own life and what is truly important to her.

Abby Jimenez is a local Minnesotan which I didn’t know until I purchased this book. Abby also owns Nadia’s Cakes, a local bakery that has a few locations throughout the Twin Cities metro. It’s cool to see someone local getting so much success both as a writer and a local business owner. I have also been seeing Part of Your World popping up on social media, so I hope that this book is worth the hype.

If You’ll Have Me by Eunnie

Momo Gardner is an introverted, sweet, and quiet person who always puts others above herself. PG is known as being a flirt and is a little more outspoken than Momo. Momo and PG end up meeting and connecting despite their differences. If You’ll Have Me is a meet-cute with plenty of awkward and cute moments.

I didn’t know this graphic novel existed until I saw it at Barnes & Noble. I think what drew me to this was the art. I paged through a few of the panels and the art is so good. I like the art style a lot which is important to me when I pick out graphic novels to read.

Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon by Shio Usui

Uno Hinako is a young woman starting her professional career. She’s trying to transition into the real world and find her style at her corporate company. She has had trouble with dating in the past, so she feels a little let down at not being able to find someone. Uno meets her coworker, Satou Ashai, who also works at their company. Uno and Satou start a friendship that begins to become far more intimate.

Barnes & Noble has vastly improved their graphic novel and manga selection. I found this in the same section as If You’ll Have Me. I think what gravitated me toward Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon is the title. Do Uno and Satou go on a date at a doughnut shop because that would be lovely.

For those that might be wondering, where is the library book on this list? I had several opportunities these past few weeks to buy books at local bookstores, so I actually don’t have a library book in my current TBR. However, I thought about potentially renting romance-themed graphic novels or manga since I don’t think it will take me a full month to read through If You’ll Have Me and Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon. I will say, I have already planned out my TBR for March and I will for sure be renting a book from the library next month.