Title: Pride and Prejudice

Author: Jane Austen

Rating: 5/5

Review: I wanted to start with a classic romance novel that absolutely made me believe in love. This piece of work is a masterpiece. Austen writes the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy with wit, sly humor, and flawless description. Elizabeth is a curious, lively, and, due to her flaws, relatable protagonist. I did not read this book nearly as fast I as usually consume material because I wanted to savor their story. The descriptive writing of the characters makes you want to engage with them, feel for them, and meet them. The love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy will make your heart melt and charm your thoughts through Austen's intelligent writing (PS - it is an enemies to lovers novel based in the 19th century if you are a fan of that trope).

Title: Yours Truly

Author: Abby Jimenez

Rating: 4.5/5

Review: This book is a contemporary romance novel based in 2023. It follows two ER doctors who walk away with terrible first impressions of each other after meeting. The first few chapters read as an enemies to lovers book, but the characters quickly develop a sweet, tender, and hilarious rapport. I wanted to receive the letters they were writing to each other and answer the weird but funny "Would You Rather" questions that they asked to get to know one another better. I laughed at the TikTok references in the book and I appreciated the way the anxiety of one of the man characters, Jacob, was handled. I did give it a 4.5 because the book had a miscommunication trope (which I can usually handle but it was extensive and lasted for most of the book).

Title: Divine Rivals

Author: Rebecca Ross

Rating: 5/5

Review: This book has been my favorite read of 2024 so far! It is, as coined by TikTok, a Romantasy. Iris and Roman are vying for the same spot as a columnist for the newpaper they work at. There is a war going on with the gods that has taken Iris's brother to the front lines and to satisfy her longing to talk to him, she slips letters to him under her wardrobe door. Only, they vanish and appear to Roman instead, of which she is unaware. Iris and Roman had witty banter, experienced emotional vulnerability, and faced a war that initally tore them apart but ultimately brought them together. The entire book I was dying to see the main characters finally embrace their love. And. It. Killed. Me. The ending is a cliffhanger, so be prepared, but the sequel has already been released (phew!)