Turn the Page: Romance Book Reviews & Spice Ratings
Your Go-To Blog for Romance Book Reviews, Tropes, and Spicy Reads
At Mom Needs a Chapter, I know how precious those reading moments are—whether it's five quiet minutes or a whole naptime window. Here you’ll find book reviews, curated book lists, themed cocktails to pair with your latest read, book club guides, and so much more. It’s your go-to space for romance recs, cozy content, and a little literary joy in the middle of real life. Scroll through and discover your next favorite chapter.
Summer in the City – A Rom-Com That Feels Like a Warm Slice of NYC Sunshine
Looking for your next feel-good summer romance read? Summer in the City by Alex Aster delivers a sharp, swoony enemies-to-lovers story set against a cinematic New York City backdrop. With witty dialogue, slow-burn tension, and a heroine battling writer’s block in a luxury apartment next to her billionaire nemesis-turned-fake-boyfriend, this one had me smiling from start to finish. Bonus: I’ve got the perfect cocktail pairing to sip while you read.
Best Fantasy Romance BookTok List
If you love swoony love stories set in magical worlds, you’ve probably heard the buzz about fantasy romance books on BookTok. From fae courts to dark fantasy realms, the romantasy genre is exploding with unforgettable characters, steamy enemies-to-lovers, and epic adventures. In this post, I’m sharing the best fantasy romance book recommendations trending right now—perfect for your next reading obsession. Whether you’re new to romantasy or a die-hard fan, get ready to dive into worlds you won’t want to leave!
Romance Novels I’d Let My Teen Read—And the Ones I’d Hide (For Now)
My tween just picked up her first romance book—one she found herself. I panicked... then melted. Because I remember being that age, falling hard for fictional love stories. So I put together this guide: age-based romance recs (12+, 14+, 16+), honest spice-level ratings, printable lists, and discussion questions to help you navigate these stories with your kid. Romance can be a powerful way to talk about love, identity, and boundaries—let’s read with them, not around them.
Back to School Romance Reads: 20+ BookTok-Faves
From dorm room drama to magical academy crushes, these school-set romance books bring the heat, the heart, and the hall passes. Whether you're in the mood for high school angst, college roommates-to-lovers, or forbidden student-teacher tension, this curated list is your back-to-school reading fix—with summaries, spice ratings, and author recs to guide you. Pack your book bag and get ready to fall in love (again).
Book Review: Till Summer Do Us Part by Meghan Quinn
If you love your summer romances chaotic, charming, and laugh-out-loud funny, Till Summer Do Us Part by Meghan Quinn needs to be in your beach bag. With a fake husband, an unforgettable summer camp retreat, and some of the most hilarious “therapy sessions” I’ve ever read, this rom-com delivers big laughs, steamy moments, and all the emotional heart Meghan Quinn is known for. I read it late into the night on my iPad—and again poolside with the paperback. Spoiler alert: it’s just as good the second time.
The Starlight Heir: A Must-Read Romantasy
I’ll admit it—I judged this book by its stunning cover. The dreamy, illustrated design had me expecting a sweet YA fantasy. Instead, I was swept into a slow-burn, star-powered romantasy with sharp edges, sizzling tension, and celestial stakes. If you're looking for your next obsession-worthy fantasy romance, The Starlight Heir absolutely delivers.
Early Prime Day Book Deals You Don’t Want to Miss!
Ready to build your ultimate summer TBR? Amazon’s early Prime Day book deals are here, and I’ve rounded up the best titles to snag before the main event. From slow-burn small-town romances and laugh-out-loud rom-coms to lush fantasy worlds and powerful true stories, there’s something for every kind of reader. Don’t wait—these deals are the perfect excuse to treat yourself (or a fellow book lover) and save big!
Shake Up Your TBR with the Romance Reading Challenge
Ready for a romance reading challenge? This month, I’m daring you to try a new genre or subgenre and step outside your reading comfort zone. From my first spicy historical (thanks, Lisa Kleypas!) to discovering fantasy romance through Twilight and From Blood and Ash, I’m sharing how taking a chance led me to my favorite reads—and how it can do the same for you!
Creating a Mood Board for Your Dream Reading Corner
Create your dream reading nook with these cozy book nook ideas, aesthetic inspiration, and budget-friendly decor tips. From gothic and cottagecore styles to modern minimalist and boho chic reading corners, discover how to design a personalized book space perfect for every book lover—even if you’re short on time, space, or budget.
Dive into Shield of Sparrows: A Must-Read Slow Burn Romantasy
Can a story be soft and sharp at the same time? Because Shield of Sparrows cuts deep—and then heals you with hope. Devney Perry’s first foray into fantasy romance is everything I didn’t know I needed: a fierce, flawed heroine, a brooding protector with secrets, and a world laced with political tension and aching vulnerability. If you love slow-burn angst, subtle magic, and enemies-to-lovers dynamics that actually sizzle, keep reading. Whether you’re picking this up for your next book club or just looking for your next binge-worthy read, Shield of Sparrows is about to claim a piece of your heart.
The Best Summer Romance Books to Pack for Your Vacation
Looking for the perfect book to match your summer getaway? Whether you're jetting off to the Mediterranean, road-tripping across the U.S., or lounging lakeside at a cozy cabin, this guide pairs dreamy destinations with equally swoony summer romance books. I may not be traveling far this year, but you can bet I’m living vicariously through every page—sun, spice, and all.
Honest Review of Jilted by Vi Keeland: Flirty Banter
After being left at the altar, the last thing Sydney wants is another wedding—or worse, a ridiculously hot coworker shadowing her every move at Bride magazine. Vi Keeland’s Jilted delivers a slow-burn, second-chance-at-love setup with all the rom-com trimmings, but for me, the spark fizzled before the fire really started. If you’re in the mood for something light, low-angst, and easy to breeze through in a weekend, this one might be worth a look—but don’t expect fireworks.
Single Dads & Nannies: The Romance Trope That Steals Hearts
From sleepless nights to playground scrapes, there’s something undeniably swoony about a single dad juggling life and love—especially when the nanny he hires turns out to be his perfect match. Whether you're drawn to the emotional depth of fatherhood or the slow-burn chemistry of a forced proximity romance, this trope delivers all the feels. In honor of Father’s Day, we’re spotlighting our favorite single dad love stories—complete with protective dads, adorable kids, and the women who steal their hearts.
25 Top-rated Romance Novels for Busy Moms
Being a mom means you’re constantly pulled in a hundred directions—but that doesn’t mean your “me time” has to vanish into the laundry pile. Whether you’ve got five stolen minutes in the school pickup line or a full hour after bedtime (miracles do happen), there is time to get lost in a great love story. This list of 25 top-rated romance novels is tailor-made for busy moms—think short chapters, swoon-worthy characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and just the right amount of steam. From magical fantasy escapes to comforting small-town love stories, there’s something here for every mood and every mom. Bonus: We’ve included honest spice ratings and reading tips to help you sneak in every delicious page.
Honest Book Review: Kiss of the Basilisk by Lindsay Straube
I always want to support bold, creative romance authors—but sometimes a book just doesn’t work for me. Kiss of the Basilisk by Lindsay Straube was a DNF I didn’t expect. While the premise was intriguing, the heavy focus on explicit content, controversial plot points, and lack of emotional depth pushed me out of the story. If monster erotica is your thing, you might love it. But for me, it definitely crossed a line.
Which Dark Fantasy Hero Would You Swipe Right For?
Think you know your taste in brooding, morally gray book boyfriends? Take this dark fantasy quiz to find out which fictional bad boy you'd match with on Fated—the dating app where your next swipe could be a blood oath.
Why E-Readers Are a Gamechanger for Busy Moms
I used to say I’d never read an e-book. I was a ride-or-die physical book girl—bookshelf aesthetics, page flips, and that irresistible old-book smell. But everything changed in 2013, when I became a mom and found myself up at 3 a.m. with a sleeping baby and nothing to do. Enter: my first Kindle. What started as a convenience quickly became a lifeline—and now, I’m sharing my honest, unsponsored thoughts on e-readers, Kindle Unlimited, and whether I’m finally ready to give Audible a try. (Spoiler: I just might be.)
2025 Fantasy Romance Book Releases: Top Romantasy Picks
If you're already building your 2025 TBR, one genre you cannot skip is romantasy — the perfect blend of fantasy worldbuilding and heart-stopping romance. From dragon riders and cursed royals to enemies-turned-lovers and magic-fueled love stories, the upcoming romantasy releases are already setting BookTok and Goodreads on fire.
The Best Upcoming Romance Releases of 2025
If your TBR pile is already towering but you still can’t resist adding just one more, this post is for you. We’re diving into the most buzzworthy upcoming romance releases that readers are already raving about — from forbidden slow burns to sizzling enemies-to-lovers drama. Whether you're in the mood for sweet or spicy, cozy or chaotic, these new titles belong at the top of your list. Bonus: I’ve included spice ratings and quick summaries so you know exactly what you're getting into before you one-click. Let’s build your perfect romance lineup — no guesswork required.
Kiss, Curse, Consume: Wicked Drinks for Romantasy Reads
Sink into dark romantasy worlds with brooding antiheroes, forbidden magic, and smoldering tension—paired perfectly with sexy, mystical cocktails and mocktails. Whether you're indulging in a solo escape or hosting a fantasy-themed book club night, these drink and book pairings will enchant your senses and ignite your imagination.
About the Author
I’m a mom of two spirited girls and one oversized Saint Bernard. I have a degree in English from the University of Wisconsin. By day, I work in health care as a Health Literacy expert; by night, I’m off wandering swoony fictional worlds, chasing plot twists and happily-ever-afters. I’ve been in love with the romance genre for as long as I can remember—I've read thousands of love stories and even had my own meet-cute with my library director husband… in a bookstore, of course.
-Frances
Mom Needs A Chapter