Welcome, book friends!

If you’d prefer to listen to these reviews, you can check out the full episode on The Bookmarks ‘n Blankets Podcast on your favorite podcast platform or listen below.

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There’s something about spring that makes falling in love, with fictional characters, of course, even more magical. Over the past two months, I dove headfirst into seven contemporary romance books, and it was an absolute whirlwind of meet-cutes, emotional growth, and heart-fluttering moments. A couple of these reads were hot-off-the-press new releases, and one in particular? It completely stole my heart and claimed the title of my new all-time favorite romcom.

Curious which swoony stories made the list? Grab your favorite cozy drink, and let’s talk about the romance titles that brightened my spring.

7 Romance Books I Read in March & April

Swept Away by Beth O’Leary

Format: Audiobook – Narrators: Connor Swindells and Rebekah Hinds
Spice Level: Rated R – Open-Door
GR Rating: 3.67
My GR Rating: 3
Read more on GoodReads.

GR Description: What if you were lost at sea…with your one-night stand?

Zeke and Lexi thought it would just be a night of fun. They had no intentions of seeing each other again. Zeke is only in town for the weekend to buy back his late father’s houseboat. Lexi has no time for dating when she needs to help take care of her best friend’s daughter.

Going back home with a stranger seems like a perfect escape from their problems. But a miscommunication in the dark, foggy night means no one tied the houseboat to the dock. The next morning, Zeke and Lexi realize all they can see is miles and miles of water.

With just a few provisions on the idle boat, Zeke and Lexi must figure out how to get back home. But aside from their survival, they’re facing another challenge. Because when you’re stuck together for days on end, it gives you a lot of time to get to know someone—and to fall in love with them.

My Review:

I really wanted to love this story. The premise—a one-night stand turning into a survival story at sea—had so much potential for emotional depth and thrilling moments. Unfortunately, while there were a few enjoyable aspects, the execution fell flat for me.

First, the highlights: I listened to the audiobook and genuinely enjoyed the narrators. The alternating dual POVs between Zeke and Lexi worked well, and both narrators had great accents and delivery that helped bring the characters to life. I also appreciated that the spice level stayed relatively mild—more PG-13 than explicit—and the open-door scenes weren’t overly detailed.

That said, the story itself felt a bit too convenient and, frankly, not very believable. For two people lost at sea, Zeke and Lexi always seemed to have exactly what they needed—food, tools, even time to lust after each other despite the supposedly dire situation. There was very little sense of danger or urgency, which made the entire ordeal feel oddly low-stakes.

The middle of the book dragged significantly. I kept waiting for something big to happen or for their rescue, but instead, it felt like we were just treading water (pun intended). Then, once the rescue finally did come, it felt rushed and abrupt. I would’ve appreciated an extra chapter or two to wrap things up and explore the aftermath more fully.

As for the romance, it leaned heavily on tropes like age gap (8 years), insta-love, and forced proximity, but I never really bought the deep connection between Zeke and Lexi. Their chemistry felt surface-level at best, and their constant fixation on sex felt tone-deaf given the dire circumstances. It was especially hard to take seriously when they’d known each other for barely two weeks and were still in survival mode.

Lexi’s age insecurity was mentioned a lot, and it became repetitive quickly. Her emotional attachment to Mae (a child she helped raise but isn’t hers) also felt unbalanced and borderline unhealthy. I understand the intent, but it didn’t sit right with me.

In the end, this book had the foundation for a more compelling and adventurous romance, but too many plot conveniences, pacing issues, and shallow emotional development held it back. A tighter narrative with more tension and better character chemistry would’ve made a world of difference.

While this book didn’t quite work for me, if the premise intrigues you, it might be worth giving it a shot; it could resonate more with you than it did with me. This was my first time reading Beth O’Leary, and although this one missed the mark, I’m not giving up on her just yet. I’m curious to explore a few of her backlist titles to see if her other works are a better fit for my reading taste.

It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover

Format: Audiobook – Narrators: Olivia Song and Colin Donnell
Spice Level: Rated R – Open-Door
GR Rating: 3.85
My GR Rating: 3
Read more on GoodReads.

GR Description: Lily and her ex-husband, Ryle, have just settled into a civil coparenting rhythm when she suddenly bumps into her first love, Atlas, again. After nearly two years separated, she is elated that for once, time is on their side, and she immediately says yes when Atlas asks her on a date.

But her excitement is quickly hampered by the knowledge that, though they are no longer married, Ryle is still very much a part of her life—and Atlas Corrigan is the one man he will hate being in his ex-wife and daughter’s life.

My Review:

For the record, I really didn’t like the first book. At all. But the way it ended left me needing closure; I had to find out what happened next. I’m glad I decided to pick up this sequel, because it gave me the sense of resolution I was looking for and allowed me to say goodbye to these characters.

I will say I enjoyed this installment much more than the first, though it still ended up being just an okay read overall. I personally didn’t care for the profanity or open-door spice scenes, but I did appreciate getting to see Lily and Atlas continue their journey together.

This book felt more like a typical romance novel, unlike the first, which leaned more toward contemporary fiction and dealt heavily with themes of domestic abuse. (If you haven’t read the first book, be sure to check trigger warnings—it’s intense.) This sequel, by contrast, focused on second chances, childhood love, and rebuilding after an incredibly toxic relationship.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators did a great job bringing the story to life. It was a short, easy listen, which I appreciated. I especially liked the dual POV format and getting more insight into Atlas’ perspective. The way he navigated the complexities of Lily’s situation, especially involving her daughter, was thoughtful and admirable. Atlas is truly a good man with a kind heart, and it’s easy to root for him as he finally gets a real chance with Lily.

There’s not much in the way of conflict or surprises in this sequel, but honestly, that felt appropriate after the emotional intensity of book one. I needed a moment to breathe, and this story delivered a gentler, more hopeful tone. While it didn’t wow me, it was a sweet conclusion to a very heavy and difficult story.

If you’ve read the first book, I do recommend reading this sequel for closure. Just go in with realistic expectations—it’s not a groundbreaking read, but it offers a satisfying, heartfelt ending to Lily and Atlas’ story.

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks

Format: Audiobook – Narrator: Holter Graham and NetGalley Digital ARC
Spice Level: Rated G – Closed- Door
GR Rating: 4.19
My GR Rating: 4
Read more on GoodReads.

GR Description: Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents, following in his grandfather’s military footsteps to become an Army Ranger. His whole life has been spent abroad, and he is the proverbial rolling stone… happiest when off on his next adventure, zero desire to settle down. But when his grandmother passes away, her last words to him are: find where you belong. She also drops a bombshell, telling him the name of the father he never knew—and where he might be found.

Tanner is due at his next posting soon, but his curiosity is piqued, and he sets out for Asheboro, North Carolina, to ask around. He’s been in town less than twenty-four hours when he meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a doctor and single mom. They both feel an immediate connection; Tanner knows Kaitlyn has a story to tell, and he wants to hear it. For Kaitlyn, Tanner is mysterious, exciting, and possibly leaving in just a few weeks.

Meanwhile, nearby, eighty-three-year-old Jasper lives alone in a cabin bordering a national forest. With only his old dog Arlo for company, he lives quietly, haunted by a tragic accident that took place decades before. When he hears rumors that a white deer has been spotted in the forest—a creature of legend that inspired his father and grandfather—he becomes obsessed with protecting the deer from poachers.

As these characters’ fates orbit closer together, none of them is expecting a miracle…but that may be exactly what is about to alter their futures forever.

My Review:

Once again, Nicholas Sparks knocks it out of the park with a tender, touching, and heartwarming story. True to his signature style, this novel follows three characters across alternating points of view, gradually revealing how their lives intertwine in meaningful and emotional ways. It’s a clean, closed-door romance with no explicit content or strong language—perfect for readers who enjoy wholesome love stories with emotional depth.

I listened to the audiobook while reading my ARC, and while the narrator wasn’t my favorite, his delivery occasionally grated on me, it was still a decent performance overall.

The story centers around themes of family dynamics, long-held secrets, belonging, forgiveness, and second chances. I found each character compelling in their own way, and the romance subplot offered some truly sweet, tender moments. On the flip side, there were also heartbreaking scenes, particularly those involving Jasper, the older gentleman. His backstory was emotional and layered, and the bullying he endured was difficult to read at times. These moments tugged at my heartstrings and even brought me to tears.

Though not labeled as Christian fiction, the story includes strong spiritual undertones, with references to God, faith, and biblical themes. I appreciated these moments—they added depth and offered some thoughtful reflections on life and personal growth.

The pacing starts off slow, and I did have trouble getting into the story at first. But around the halfway point, I found myself more engaged and eager to see how everything would come together.

While this isn’t my absolute favorite Nicholas Sparks novel, it’s still a beautiful and worthwhile read. It’s filled with heartfelt moments, meaningful life lessons, and characters you’ll root for. Sparks continues to be a go-to author for cozy, emotionally resonant stories—and he hasn’t let me down yet.

Highly recommend!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center

Format: Tandem – Kindle Unlimited & Audiobook – Narrator: Marguerite Gavin
Spice Level: Rated PG-13 – Closed-Door
GR Rating: 4.05 
My GR Rating: 4
Read more on GoodReads.

GR Description: A year after getting divorced, Helen Carpenter, thirty-two, lets her annoying, ten years younger brother talk her into signing up for a wilderness survival course. It’s supposed to be a chance for her to pull herself together again, but when she discovers that her brother’s even-more-annoying best friend is also coming on the trip, she can’t imagine how it will be anything other than a disaster. Thus begins the strangest adventure of Helen’s well-behaved life: three weeks in the remotest wilderness of a mountain range in Wyoming where she will survive mosquito infestations, a surprise summer blizzard, and a group of sorority girls.

Yet, despite everything, the vast wilderness has a way of making Helen’s own little life seem bigger, too. And, somehow the people who annoy her the most start teaching her the very things she needs to learn. Like how to stand up for herself. And how being scared can make you brave. And how sometimes you just have to get really, really lost before you can even have a hope of being found.

My Review:

(If you want more of my thoughts while reading this book and watching the movie, listen to my real-time reaction episode.)

Katherine Center has quickly become one of my favorite contemporary romance authors—especially because she writes closed-door romances, which I always appreciate. While I enjoyed this book overall, it wasn’t quite what I expected. There was a lot of untapped potential that left me wanting more. Still, I really liked getting to know the characters and following them on this emotional adventure. It’s the kind of book that makes a perfect summer read—or even a great pick for those late spring days when you’re ready for something uplifting and warm.

Going in, I thought the story would center more heavily on Helen’s survival hiking trip, but that portion only made up about half the book. The first 30% is all setup before Helen even arrives at camp, and while it was interesting, it did feel like a slow start. Once the hiking began, I expected more in terms of daily life on the trail—funny moments in nature, emotional bonding, personal revelations—but those scenes felt rushed. The timeline jumped quickly from week to week, which made the middle feel a bit underdeveloped.

That said, I really liked Helen from the start. She’s relatable and easy to root for, especially as she’s trying to bounce back after a painful divorce. Her desire to heal and rediscover herself gave the story heart. Jake, on the other hand, took some warming up to. For much of the book, I wasn’t sold on him, but once we learn more about what he’s going through, my perspective shifted. By the end, I appreciated him much more.

Though it’s marketed as a romance—and yes, there is a romantic arc—I’d actually categorize this more as women’s fiction or “chick lit” with a romantic subplot. Helen’s journey of self-growth and emotional healing takes center stage. I just wish we’d gotten a deeper dive into that transformation. There were a few nice nuggets of wisdom, but I kept hoping for more introspection or powerful moments of discovery. Helen does grow through the hiking experience, but the change felt subtle rather than transformative.

There is a steamy moment early on, but it’s not graphic, which I was glad to see. There’s also some language, but overall it maintains that closed-door romance feel.

If you’re into women’s fiction or romance with themes like the brother’s best friend trope, a subtle enemies-to-lovers vibe, a 10-year age gap, and a backdrop of outdoor adventure and personal growth, then this might be your kind of read.

Now, regarding the movie adaptation: unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the book. It felt flat and lacked the emotion, richness, and character depth that made the novel enjoyable. A lot was cut, and it just didn’t capture the same magic. The casting also felt like it prioritized diversity checking boxes over staying true to the characters (cue the eye roll). If you’ve read the book, I’d honestly recommend skipping the movie. But if you’ve only seen the movie, definitely pick up the book—it’s a much more fulfilling experience.

I’m excited to continue my journey of reading the author’s entire backlist and finding more hidden gems.

Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter

Format: Audiobook – Narrators: Charlie Bushnell and Jesse Vilinsky
Spice Level: Rated PG – Closed-Door
GR Rating: 3.98
My GR Rating: 4
Read more on GoodReads.

GR Description: For a few beautiful months, Wes had his dream girl: strong-willed girl-next-door Liz. But right as the two were about to set off to UCLA to start their freshman year together, tragedy struck. Wes was left dealing with the fallout, which ultimately meant losing Liz in the process.

Flash forward months and months later, and Wes and Liz find themselves in college, together. In a healthier place now, Wes knows he broke Liz’s heart when he ended things, but he is determined to make her fall back in love with him.

Wes knows Liz better than anyone, and he has a foolproof plan to win her back with the rom-com worthy big gestures she loves. Only…Liz will have none of it. Wes has to scheme like a rom-com hero to figure out how to see her. Even worse, Liz has a new friend…a guy friend.

Still, Wes won’t give up, adapting his clever plans and going hard to get Liz’s attention and win back her affection. But after his best efforts get him nowhere, Wes is left wondering if their relationship is really over for good.

My Review:

This sequel didn’t quite capture the same charm as the first book, which I absolutely adored and rated five stars. While I was eager to dive back into the world of Wes and Liz, I ended up feeling a bit disappointed with how things unfolded. That said, I still enjoyed reconnecting with these characters and seeing where their story went next.

I listened to the audiobook and was thoroughly impressed by the narrators. They brought the characters and emotions to life beautifully, and I’d definitely recommend the audio version if you’re planning to read this one.

In this installment, we follow Wes and Liz into their college years, and things haven’t gone well between them. They’re no longer together, and much of the story centers around Wes trying to win Liz back. It was heartbreaking to see them broken up after how the first book ended, but there’s something satisfying about watching them try to navigate their way back to each other. There are definitely some fun and funny moments that I enjoyed. 

However, the teenage angst between them was a bit much at times. I understand this is a YA romance, but their back-and-forth felt overly immature and occasionally grating. There were several moments that had me rolling my eyes due to their childish behavior. It took away some of the emotional weight the story could have carried.

There are definitely flaws in the narrative. The direction the story takes feels a bit strange and even off-putting at times. I also didn’t love the amount of cursing throughout the book. On a positive note, it remains a closed-door romance, which I appreciated considering it’s aimed at a YA audience.

If you loved the first book and are curious about what happens next, this sequel might be worth reading just to get closure. However, if you were content with how Book One ended, I’d honestly recommend leaving it at that. This sequel doesn’t add much to Wes and Liz’s story and veers in a direction that doesn’t quite live up to the emotional depth of the original.

Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

Format: Audiobook – Narrators: Christine Lakin and Matt Lanter
Spice Level: Rated R – Open-Door
GR Rating: 4.09
My GR Rating: 4
Read more on GoodReads.

GR Description: There might be no such thing as a perfect guy, but Xavier Rush comes disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediately yes. That is, until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolutely wrong thing. Like, really wrong. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong…

…unless, of course, he can admit he made a mistake. But after one incredible and seemingly endless date—possibly the best in living history—Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be.

Only no amount of distance or time is nearly enough to forget that something between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life—and even a love—worth remembering.

My Review:

While I don’t always love the excessive cursing or open-door spicy scenes in Abby’s books, I keep coming back for the heartfelt stories and the emotional depth of her characters. Her books consistently go beyond the surface-level fluff of typical romcoms—they hit deeper, with weighty themes and layered storytelling.

This particular book leaned even more into serious subject matter, which slightly overshadowed the cute romance at times. Still, I found it an enjoyable read overall. I listened to the audiobook and really liked the dual narration from Xavier and Sam’s perspectives—the narrators brought both characters to life in a way that made the emotional beats land even harder.

The grumpy/sunshine dynamic is one of my favorite tropes, and this story delivered on that front. The witty banter was sharp, and the humor hit the mark, offering a great balance between laugh-out-loud moments and swoony, heartfelt ones. I also liked that the story featured a long-distance romance. It’s not a trope I come across often. While I’m still undecided if it’s one I love, it did offer a fresh perspective. That said, the constant focus on the challenges of being apart did feel a bit repetitive after a while. Still, the chemistry between the couple was undeniable, and their relationship felt authentic and emotionally satisfying.

Sam’s storyline involves some heavy emotional terrain—caring for a mother with dementia, navigating tense sibling relationships, battling depression, and processing grief after a family member’s death. These topics are handled with care and realism, and while they may be triggering for some readers, they also make the story incredibly relatable and moving. The portrayal of a family dealing with dementia was especially well done—it was raw, immersive, and emotionally resonant.

Overall, this was a fast-paced, heartfelt read that balanced emotional depth with humor and romance. It’s touching, funny, and full of authentic moments. Highly recommend—especially the audiobook!

My Lucky Charm by Courtney Walsh

Format: Kindle Unlimited
Spice Level: Rated PG – Closed-Door
GR Rating: 4.35
My GR Rating: 5
Read more on GoodReads.

GR Description: It’s no secret that I love life. And Dr Pepper. But also, I love a challenge. . .

So when the coach of the Chicago Comets gives me the opportunity to help their star player, newly traded to their team, acclimate to life in Chicago, I’m all in.

I have to be. After my last job went up in flames, I have something to prove.

It turns out that the player, Grayson Hawke, is the rudest, most off-putting, reclusive guy I’ve ever met.

It also turns out that he is the beautiful stranger I kissed on New Year’s Eve.

I can do this job. I can do this job. I can do this job.

And I can. Really well.

I can make Gray’s life easier, show him all the reasons to fall in love with this city, and in the process, hopefully, completely forget that the amazing kiss ever happened.

How hard can it be? We’re total opposites anyway.

I love people… and all their stories. Gray loves hockey… and nothing else.

I love to talk. Gray only stares.

I’m happy-go-lucky. Gray’s all work and no play.

There’s just one problem. The more time I spend with Grayson Hawke, the more I start to see that underneath his bristly, standoffish exterior, he’s nothing like the man everyone thinks he is.

And suddenly, all the reasons for keeping my distance, staying professional, and not falling for someone again… are impossible to remember.

My Review:

Cue Gushing: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book!! An easy 6 stars—if I could give it more, I would! This book just dethroned my previous favorite and now officially holds the title of my all-time favorite romcom. (Apparently, sports romances are my thing now—The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams used to hold the top spot on my romcom list!)

This is the fourth book I’ve read by Courtney Walsh, and she has solidified her spot as one of my favorite romance authors. I really appreciate that her stories are clean and closed-door—no cursing, no spice—just heartfelt romance, great characters, and genuine emotion.

This is the second book in the series about the Hart sisters, and I actually loved it even more than My Phony Valentine. This story follows Eloise, the youngest sister, and she completely stole my heart. She’s lovable, spunky, sweet, and incredibly relatable. She’s insecure, constantly comparing herself to her “perfect” sisters, feels like a walking disaster, but still believes the best in people. A total sunshine character—goofy, chatty, optimistic, and always trying to turn awkward moments into something funny or heartwarming. I adored her vulnerability and the way she wears her heart on her sleeve. All she wants is a simple, joy-filled life: a husband, a few kids, a dog, and love. Her character resonated with me so deeply.

This book gave me all the feels—I was a full-on, blubbering mess by the end. Courtney Walsh doesn’t just write cute romcoms; she brings real emotional depth to her stories. There’s powerful character growth and heartfelt life lessons woven throughout. In this one, the messages that stood out were: stop worrying about who likes you, stop trying to please everyone, and start doing what truly makes you happy.

The romance is classic sunshine/grumpy, and Gray was VERY grumpy—almost hard to like at first. But once Eloise started breaking down his walls, he became such a lovable, layered character. I also adored his daughter, Scarlett, a sassy preteen who stole every scene she was in. Watching Scarlett and Eloise form a close bond was one of the sweetest parts of the story. It’s dual POV, which I appreciated both perspectives. 

There’s so much to love here: hilarious banter, swoony romance, laugh-out-loud moments, and tender emotional beats. The friend group of hockey players added fun and warmth, and the Hart family dynamic was just as heartening. This book ticked every box for me.

The story is set around St. Patrick’s Day, but the holiday plays such a small role that it can easily be enjoyed any time of year.

Highly, highly recommend!

If you haven’t read the first book yet, I’d suggest starting there. It gives helpful background on the characters, and many return in this story. But whether you start with book one or jump into this one, you’re in for an absolute treat!