what to read in april
spring has returned and so have my lists of upcoming romance books for you to read
For fifty weeks of the year, if you asked me what my favourite season is, I would immediately say Fall. But for two weeks in late-March/early-April, I betray my inner autumnal-self and say it is Spring. There is just something about the way that the pale pink cherry blossoms and magnolia petals burst out from the seemingly barren, murky browns and greys of the last weeks of winter that does something good to my soul. It feels cliched to say it makes me feel hopeful, but if I am being honest that is the truth. The flowers bloom, and so do I.
It’s that simple.
In honour of this renewed springtime joviality, here are the romance books that I am most excited to read in April!
April Romance Releases
Ana María and the Fox by Liana De la Rosa
I mean the cover alone has me swooning, but add in a hero described as “austere” and a heroine described as “vexing” … this is my absolute favorite brand of romance book. I am going to devour this the second I get my hands on it!
To Swoon and To Spar by Martha Waters
I received an ARC of this book a few weeks ago and read it in one sitting. It’s everything you would expect from a Martha Waters historical: goofy hijinks (heroine attempts to scare hero away from ancestral home by making it seem like it is haunted) underlaid by deep character work that gives you all the feels. I would describe this book as an homage to Northanger Abbey, but instead of Catherine Morland you get Jane, who is prickly and obstinant and so in need of love it makes you want to reach through the pages to give her a hug. This is a perfect springtime read.
French Holiday by Sarah Ready
This seems like the perfect contemporary pairing for To Swoon and To Spar, in that it also involves two people with opposing personalities stuck together in an old castle. Add in a French countryside setting and a rogue lobster and you have a fun rom-com to enjoy!
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
An epistolary rival doctor’s romance??? Who knew that was a thing that I needed?? I’m not 100% sure about the “he donates an organ to her brother” part of the plot synopsis…..but all I know is that if Abby Jimenez writes it, I will read it and probably love it and also probably sob through at least 25% of it.
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Speaking about sobbing while reading… how will Emily Henry destroy my soul this time? Second chance AND fake dating AND opposites attract … this book might actually kill me.
Recent Reads I Enjoyed
Finn Rhodes Forever by Stephanie Archer — very cute, mega pining from the MC.
Sweet Enough by Alison Roman — a dessert cookbook full of all the spring/summer recipes you can dream of. Also, it just aesthetically looks fantastic.
The No Judgement Zone by Ellie K. Wilde — a solid rainy afternoon read, full of feels, and slow burn hotness.
Other Recommendations
Reformed Rakes Podcast — A new podcast hosted by some of my favorite, super intelligent, BookTok follows. Their first episode was all about the works of Cecilia Grant, and I am so excited to follow what they do next!
This pattern for “The Chunky Dahlia” sweater that I am excited to knit next
Rye Lane (hulu/ Disney +) — modern romance filmmaking, at its very best.
Happy Spring! xx —Georgia