Lifestyle
10 new and classic romance stories to fall in love with
Like it or not, Valentine’s Day means there’s more than a hint of romance around the month of February. To low-key celebrate, bestselling author Allison Tait rounds up 10 books that lean into love and relationships.
By Allison Tait
On 21 January this year, a book called Onyx Storm by American author Rebecca Yarros was published and, according to The New York Times, became the fastest-selling adult novel in 20 years, selling 2.7 million copies in its first week. Onyx Storm is the third book in the blockbuster Fourth Wing series, which is categorised as ‘romantasy’ – a blend of romance and fantasy, and the most popular genre for readers at the moment.
None of which would come as a surprise to readers who like stories that either focus on romance or have romantic elements – including a lot of Aussies. In fact, Australians read 3 million romance novels in 2024, spending $46.4 million.
And the real joy of love stories is that there’s something for everyone, from contemporary rom-coms to modern literary classics.
Here are 10 sparkling new releases and a couple of timeless favourites to get you in the mood.
The Cicada House by Ella Ward
Described as a ‘magical love story’, this is also a story of loss, learning to live and some unexpected time travel. Caitlin inherits a significant sum of money on her fortieth birthday – and her life blows up soon after. With an engaging main character, immersive descriptions and a lot of questions, it’s the perfect read for summer when the cicadas are singing or for a long winter’s day when you’re dreaming of the sun. Perfect for book clubs, too.
Eat Your Heart Out by Victoria Brownlee
The Hunger Games meets Masterchef in Paris and beyond… Chloe Bridgers, Australian food blogger, has landed an interview to write the tell-all memoir of controversial celebrity chef Carla Duris. The only catch? To get the job, she has to spend the weekend in a villa with a bunch of cut-throat, world-class food writers – and win it. Throw in old school French journalist Henri de la Fontaine and the result is a delicious rom-com confection. Out on 25 February.
Show Don’t Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld
Sittenfeld’s second collection of short stories dives into marriage, friendship and ambition, mostly through the eyes of middle-aged characters, including revisiting some familiar characters from her novels. Some powerful insights into the ways in which relationships evolve over time.
Possession: A Romance by A. S Byatt (Vintage Quarterbound Classics)
If you’re looking for a beautiful gift for the book lover you love, go no further than the Vintage Quarterbound Classics editions and, in particular, the new hardback edition of this Booker Prize winning novel. A romance, a literary quest, a modern classic, all wrapped up in a stunning cover? Yes, please.
The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng
Love, betrayal and morality in 1920s Penang. It is 1921 and at Cassowary House in the Straits Settlements of Penang, Robert Hamlyn is a well-to-do lawyer and his steely wife Lesley a society hostess. The House of Doors is a masterful novel of public morality and private truth a century ago. Based on real events it is a drama of love and betrayal under the shadow of Empire.
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
With Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands, book #2 in this charming series, out now, it seemed like a good time to highlight the first book in case you missed it. A fun, witty read that’s well-researched (yes, really) and well-written, it’s the kind of ‘breath of fresh air’ book that will lift you from a reading slump. Cambridge Professor Emily Wilde is the foremost expert of the study of faeries, a genius scholar and meticulous researcher, but she’s not good at ‘people’. But as she gets closer to uncovering the secrets of the faeries, her academic rival Wendell Bambleby provides her with another mystery all together.
Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
Love, marriage, heartbreak, self-discovery – and Pulitzer Prize winner Anne Tyler. This short novel (176 pages) is the humorous and heart-warming tale of Gail Baines, a socially awkward mother of the bride navigating the days before and after her daughter’s wedding.
The Bad Bridesmaid by Rachael Johns
The latest novel from Johns, this one is classic rom-com territory and the perfect escape read. Serial dater Winifred (Fred) Darling is the maid of honour at her mother’s sixth wedding and determined to do everything she can to stop it. Enter Leo, the groom’s ‘hot muso son’, who’s just as set against the wedding. As the two work together on ‘Operation Break-Up’, sparks fly, mayhem ensues and there are Feelings. Lots of fun.
Rachael Johns recommends
Rachael Johns is not just a writer but a prolific reader as well, and founder of Rachael Johns’ Book Club with Anthea Hodgson. We asked her to share a couple of her favourite recent reads!
That Island Feeling by Karina May
A whirlwind island romance becomes something more in this uplifting romantic comedy about finding yourself after heartbreak. A terrific mix of romance, friends, laugh-out-loud moments and a glorious beach setting will take you on holidays no matter where you are.
Last Shot by Emma Pignatiello
Pignatiello wrote her debut romantic suspense novel ‘Last Shot’ because ‘not enough people were being murdered in the romance books she was reading’. If you like your love stories full of witty banter, simmering tension and a side-serving of crime, this one is for you!
Allison Tait is a bestselling author, dedicated reader and co-founder of the Your Own Next Read and Your Kids Next Read Facebook groups. Find her on Instagram.
All book images sourced from Amazon, used with permission
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