A Sign of Affection, Vol. 6 by Suu Morishita

A Sign of Affection, Vol. 6 by Suu Morishita

Yubisaki to Renren #6, 196 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Since Yuki met Itsuomi in that moment of kismet on the train, and then decided to pursue him, she's felt a new drive in her life. The two new lovers have been shopping, traveling, and walking in the snow. They've spent a quiet, thrilling day together under blooming flowers. But the text message that he didn't let her read sticks in her mind, and when Yuki and Itsuomi are all alone together at last, and she finally reads it, a nagging question is all she can think about. And she has no idea how Itsuomi will react.

The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 4 by Natsu Hyuuga

The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 4 by Natsu Hyuuga

The Apothecary Diaries #4, 194 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

The trail of the garden banquet leads Maomao to the Garnet Palace! Aiming to uncover the identity and motives of the culprit who nearly succeeded in turning the festivities into a tragedy, the young apothecary-turned-lady's maid temporarily takes up there at Jinshi's behest. Home to Lady Aduo—the consort with the longest tenure in the Emperor's affections—the Garnet palace harbors many intrigues, some more shocking than even Maomao could have imagined! Will solving the mystery at hand lose Maomao her job...and maybe even her life?!

Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows

Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows -- 384 pages

Millie was never one to take the expected path. She's an entomologist who loves her job as a natural science curator, inspiring museum visitors every day. It's her dream to take a larger role in the planning of her department, so when a director position opens up, she is determined not to let anything distract her from her goals. Especially her grumpy coworker with his permanent scowl, electric blue eyes, and nerdy astronomy ties.

. . . Not that she’s spent much time noticing any of those things.

Finn doesn’t mean to glare at everyone, but he’s juggling his role at the museum, navigating the grief of losing his sister, attempting to make his nieces smile, and trying not to ruin dinner for the fifth night in a row. He can't afford to let anything slip, and certainly doesn't need anything more on his plate. Millie literally stumbling into him with her bright smile and sunny optimism, is the last thing he needs. They want nothing to do with each other. But with Finn on the interview committee, avoidance is impossible. And Millie soon realizes it's one thing when a job is on the line. It's quite another when it's her heart.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

An Ember in the Ashes #1, 480 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Laia is a slave. Elias is a soldier. Neither is free.

Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.

It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do.

But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy.

There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.

Twilight Tides by Samantha Young

Twilight Tides by Samantha Young -- 417 pages

When I escaped to a Scottish island, I never expected I’d agree to a marriage of convenience with rugged local businessman and single dad, Murray Shaw.

That was before my dangerous ex started threatening me and my visa. The thought of being kicked out of Scotland, leaving behind my friends and the safety I’ve found here, is unthinkable. I’m determined to solve the problem myself. Everyone knows Murray is battling his ex-wife for control of his company and the only way to stop her is to remarry. So I propose a marriage deal that’ll solve both our issues. The fact that I’ve been attracted to the handsome, gentle giant of a Scot since we met is something I’ll just have to ignore if I want to remain in Scotland.

But marriage to Murray is proving to be complicated. Living under the same roof is a far bigger temptation than I anticipated. Beneath Murray’s reserve is a passionate nature that stokes the fires of my own. Soon we’re fighting a searing attraction and an intense emotional connection that’s as thrilling as it is terrifying. After my last disastrous relationship, I don’t trust myself enough to admit there’s far more than physical desire between us. Yet when Murray finds himself caught in the grasp of a criminal organization intent on using his business for their own means, just as my ex decides to intensify his harassment, I realize there’s no denying that what I feel for my husband is a life-changing kind of love. However, just as I begin to trust myself enough to give our marriage a real chance, danger rushes to our shore on rough tides, submerging us in a battle that might tear us apart forever…

Through the Dust by Amber Palmer

Through the Dust by Amber Palmer -- 356 pages

Lennox Hayes has always been a spitfire. She’s got a stubborn streak a mile wide, and big dreams of getting back on the pro rodeo circuit. Until then, she’s stuck working the family ranch under the watchful eye of Bishop Bryant—the grumpy, no-nonsense foreman who’s made it clear he doesn’t have time for her wild ways.

Bishop has spent his life proving himself at Black Springs Ranch. The Hayes family took him in when he had nothing, and he owes them everything, including occasionally keeping an eye on their reckless youngest daughter. But Lennox isn’t a little kid anymore. She’s a fierce, frustrating woman who knows just how to get under his skin. They’ve never gotten along, and they’ve never tried to. But when they are forced to work together, sparks fly and tempers flare. Beneath the arguments and tension lies something neither of them is ready to admit. Hating each other was easy. Resisting each other might be impossible. But risking their hearts? That could cost them everything.

A Sign of Affection, Vol. 5 by Suu Morishita

A Sign of Affection, Vol. 5 by Suu Morishita

Yubisaki to Renren #5, 164 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Yuki's life revolved around friends, fashion, her classes, and social media, until something interrupted her routine: a chance meeting with Itsuomi, a classmate-with a passion for languages, world travel, movies—and, increasingly, for Yuki. Amazed at how casually Itsuomi asked her out, Yuki couldn't help but wonder how serious this relationship was for him, but, with Itsuomi showing his devotion in little ways, every day, another thrilling thought has entered her mind: What if this new happiness could become her new normal?

A Sign of Affection, Vol. 4 by Suu Morishita

A Sign of Affection, Vol. 4 by Suu Morishita

Yubisaki to Renren #4, 164 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Yuki, a deaf college student who’s led a relatively sheltered life, has just taken a huge step: She’s got a boyfriend! And he seems like a keeper: Itsuomi is a multilingual globetrotter who works hard, and he’s a knockout, to boot. Yuki can still scarcely believe that Itsuomi casually dropped the question, “Wanna go out with me?” And she can’t help wondering—when will Itsuomi start to open up to her about his past, and his dreams for the future? Is this a whim, or is it real?

A Sign of Affection, Vol. 3 by Suu Morishita

A Sign of Affection, Vol. 3 by Suu Morishita

Yubisaki to Renren #3, 160 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Does he really see me as a girl? Yuki's a Deaf college student who is at first enchanted by and soon falls in love with an upperclassman in her school named Itsuomi who doesn't care about her lack of hearing but treats her like anyone else. Yuki resolves to face that love head-on and really pursue it proactively. Soon Itsuomi, who was once a riddle for Yuki, starts to really open up to her and express his truest feelings.

A Sign of Affection, Vol. 2 by Suu Morishita

A Sign of Affection, Vol. 2 by Suu Morishita

Yubisaki to Renren #2, 162 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Why must the time we spend together always be so short? Yuki's a hearing-impaired college student whose path crosses with Itsuomi, an upperclassman from her school. Against all expectations, Itsuomi doesn't bat an eye at her condition, treating her more normally than she's ever felt in her life, and she begins to fall in love with him. Resolving to be strong and face that love head-on, Yuki hopes to get to know him better... but that's easier said than done!

A Sign of Affection, Vol. 1 by Suu Morishita

A Sign of Affection, Vol. 1 by Suu Morishita

Yubisaki to Renren #1, 198 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Yuki is a typical college student, whose world revolves around her friends, social media, and the latest sales. But when a chance encounter on a train leads to her meeting friend-of-a-friend and fellow student Itsuomi-san, her world starts to widen. But even though Itsuomi-kun can speak three languages, sign language isn't one of them. Can the two learn to communicate the budding feelings between them?

Between the Pines by Amber Palmer

Between the Pines by Amber Palmer -- 312 pages

Josie Hayes is always on the run. From bad decisions. From heartbreak. From cowboys. Her latest escape was supposed to be a quiet reset at her family’s cabin in Tennessee—not a reckless detour at a smoky backwoods bar, and definitely not a collision with Lincoln Carter. Rugged and magnetic, he’s temptation in a cowboy hat, and his slow smile makes forgetting her rules far too easy.

Their connection is instant, electric, and impossible to ignore. What starts with teasing glances and lingering touches spiral into a series of nights that feel like more—too much more. By the end of the week, Josie does what she does best: she bolts, leaving behind only her name and the memory of a man she can’t shake.

A year later, Josie’s done running. With a steady job, a new boyfriend, and her life finally on track, she’s ready to prove she’s not the same girl she used to be. Except her father’s prestigious summer horse training program just brought a ghost from her past straight to her front door. Lincoln isn’t the forgiving type, and now that he’s on the ranch, he’s determined to show Josie exactly what she left behind—and what they could have had if she’d stayed. As old wounds reopen and sparks reignite, Josie must decide: keep running from her past or take a chance on the cowboy who just might be worth staying for.

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

238 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon Over Mississippi, she can't really sing. Instead she's the set designer for the drama department stage crew, and this year she's determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn't know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage AND offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen. And when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier!

Grim and Bear it by Juliette Cross

Grim and Bear it by Juliette Cross -- 364 pages

Not even Death can take her from him.

Clara Savoie is so confused. She is absolutely positive that Henry Blackwater is practically in love with her. But for some strange reason, he won’t even ask her on a single date. Time to take matters into her own hands.

When Clara shows up on his doorstep with an unusual invitation, tempting cupcakes, and naughty innuendo, Henry has no choice but to say yes. Now he’s the newest member of the High Tea Romance Book Club. While Clara learns the haunting secrets of her broody grim, Henry shows her what commitment from a necromancer truly means. But when his father is arrested for murder, Henry is dragged back into the nightmare he’s been avoiding all his life. When he steps back into his father’s world, he isn’t just endangering himself but also the bright, beautiful woman he can no longer live without. But he just might have to.

Go For It, Nakamura! by Syundei

Go For It, Nakamura! by Syundei

Ganbare! Nakamura-kun!! #1, 200 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐.25/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Nakamura has fallen in love-at-first-sight with one of his classmates, Hirose -- but there's a problem: they haven't actually met yet...and Nakamura is a total klutz who might bungle things before they even begin!

Resting Witch Face by Juliette Cross

Resting Witch Face by Juliette Cross -- 366 pages

Twelve years ago, Jules Savoie ended her relationship with the vampire overlord of New Orleans, Ruben Dubois. For good reasons. A woman in power must often make sacrifices to protect others. She knows the truth of it down to her aching heart.

When Ruben watches his best friend Devraj get married, a stinging realization hits him hard…he’s done waiting. They say time heals all wounds. In this case, it merely sharpened the pain and made one fact crystal clear. Jules Savoie is his soulmate, and nothing would keep him from her. Not anymore. Forced to work side by side to fight for the werewolf cause, they campaign together at covens from New Orleans to London. The reignited spark burns hotter than ever before. But when a power-hungry vampire sets his predatory sights on Jules, will their love be strong enough against black magic? Or will he lose her again? And this time, maybe…for good.

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Anaïs Flogny

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes by Anaïs Flogny

240 pages

⭐⭐⭐.75/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Chicago, 1930. Jules Tivoli is a penniless Italian immigrant doing odd jobs to make ends meet. A twist of fate causes him to cross paths with Adam, a kingpin in Chicago’s criminal underworld who sees something in Jules that nobody else does—something special.

Under Adam’s wing, Jules becomes somebody and falls in love hard with the man who made him. But after an FBI crackdown, Adam and Jules must flee to New York to escape being caught in the ensuing chaos.

In New York, Jules’s Italian heritage gains him access, recognition, and power in the Cosa Nostra crime family. As he becomes more important in a city where Adam can’t seem to catch a break, he meets Eufrasio—his handsome, violent, and ambitious new partner who insists that Adam is holding Jules back. But Jules would be nothing without Adam—wouldn’t he?

Torn between his past and his future, a sudden betrayal forces Jules to find a way to protect his love and prove his loyalty—if he can even manage to make it out alive.

Always Practice Safe Hex by Juliette Cross

Always Practice Safe Hex by Juliette Cross -- 381 pages

There's a reason no one messes with a grim...

Livvy Savoie is a people person. Not only does she have the magical gift of persuasion, but her natural charisma charms everyone she meets. She hasn’t met a person she didn’t like. Until her annoyingly brilliant competitor walks through the door. No matter how hard she denies it, loathing isn’t the only emotion she feels for him.

Grim reaper Gareth Blackwater is rarely, if ever, moved beyond his broody, stoic state. But the witch he’s partnered with in the public relations contest is destroying his peace of mind. He’s convinced that the flesh-melting attraction he feels for her is merely her witchy magic at work. But forced proximity proves there is more than magic sparking between them. Livvy learns this enigmatic grim’s abilities are beyond any supernatural she has ever known. And when Livvy becomes the obsessive target of a dangerous wizard, Gareth proves just how powerful he truly is. Because no one is going to hurt his Lavinia.

The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 3 by Natsu Hyuuga

The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 3 by Natsu Hyuuga

The Apothecary Diaries #3, 193 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

After putting on a successful and sensual(?) show of food tasting at the garden banquet, Maomao is the talk of the palace! But she soon discovers that notoriety isn't the only thing the party has granted her! Her collection of hairpins from the event brings the young herbalist a brief window of freedom beyond the palace walls, as she returns to the pleasure district for the first time in ten months! But while reunions with her father and her friends await, so too does another mystery...

Witches Get Stitches by Juliette Cross

Witches Get Stitches by Juliette Cross -- 392 pages

Violet Savoie has a plan. A dream, rather. To open her own tattoo shop, which caters to supernaturals in need of permanent charms. As a powerful Seer, she has the potent magic to cast every kind of spell. Except the kind to give werewolves control over their beastly side. And her business partner Nico needs help in the worst kind of way.

Nico Cruz has a secret. A motive, rather. To subtly stalk and seduce Violet until she finally recognizes they are fated to be together. Ever since their heated encounter in Austin on New Year’s Eve two years earlier, he’s been dying to get his hands—and his tongue—back on her body. He knows a woman like Violet can’t be courted in the usual way. Luckily, Nico has no scruples about misbehaving to get what he wants.

But when his former pack roams into town, and an old friend is far too interested in Violet, his focus shifts to the threat venturing into his territory. Nico may come across as the quiet, broody one, but the intruders are about to regret stepping foot in New Orleans. And when Violet goes missing, no charm or spell can keep Nico’s wolf at bay.