5 books for hopeless romantics

I am not afraid to admit that I am a hopeless romantic. I dream of a storybook love, one where we are perfectly imperfect; the love between us immeasurable as we go through life together, uplifting one another. However, that’s yet to happen. So, for now I choose to live vicariously through the books I read.

Here are some books for my fellow hopeless romantics:

1. Again, but Better by Christine Riccio

This book is perfect for anyone who dreams of finding romance while studying abroad… but better. It’s the perfect vitamin to supplement your Lizzie Maguire Fantasy of riding on the back of some beautiful person’s Vespa in the beautiful city of Rome. We’ll ignore the fact that Paolo turned out to be a walking red flag. Nonetheless, I just want to live my Lizzie Mcguire fantasy. And this book allows you to do so.

College student Shane was tired of always trying to please others. When was she going to finally live life for herself? Shane needed a change, so when a study abroad program in London called her name, she quickly answered. Carrying a list of goals in her pocket, Shane flew across the pond for a new beginning. Her top goals were making friends, meeting boys, and having adventures. So when she met a charming, guitar-playing Pilot, she fell hard. So, what could have possibly gone wrong? Read this book to cure your wanderlust and maybe, possibly, live your European love dreams.

2. The Paris Connection by Lorraine Brown

I’m not obsessed with the idea of falling in love in front of the Eiffel tower – you are. Hannah had one job– that is to take a train from Venice to Amsterdam to make it in time for her boyfriend’s sister’s wedding. Simple, right? Not. Especially when her train decides to split when she was taking a little walk, and now she’s stuck going to Paris, the city of love, without her boyfriend. What was she supposed to do there? Especially because Paris, the croissant capital of the world, didn’t exactly bring her fond memories.

To make matters even worse– insufferable Leo keeps popping up out of nowhere. And Hannah was not in the mood to deal with anyone’s b*llsh*t, especially not condescending Leo. But of course, the world just loves screwing Hannah over. She lost her phone, her luggage is with her boyfriend, and now she’s stranded in Paris all alone. Or is she? I guess you’ll have to take a Parisian vacation through this book to find out!

3. Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

What happens when the son of America’s first woman president meets England’s, Prince Henry? Well, this royal crossover is a must-read. Alex Claremont-Diaz is the First Son of the United States dealing with the daily pressures of his mother’s re-election campaign, being a full-time student at Georgetown, and his famous feud with none other than England’s Prince Henry. It’s an enemies-to-lovers trope we’re all too familiar with. 

As Alex and Prince Henry have a royal rift to save, could their forced friendship become something more? If you are also obsessed with watching shows about royalty, but also a hopeless romantic that loves cute banter, I’d say this is the book for you. 

4. One to Watch  by Kate Stayman-London

Are you a fan of The Bachelorette? Bea is a stylish fashion blogger obsessed with reality dating shows (just like us), one of which is called the Main Squeeze. The Main Squeeze is a fictional version of the Bachelorette that is filled with fantasy dates, rejections, and too many guys named “Chad”. Similar to the Bachelorette, there is also a lack of body diversity on the show. And Bea did not like that. So she wanted to change it. 

As soon as Bea swore off dating for good, she was suddenly chosen to be the next big star of The Main Squeeze. Is this a horrible idea or an offer she can’t refuse? But Bea agreed, under the condition that she would not actually fall in love. I’ve been there before. She decided to join the show to subvert harmful beauty standards, and also get a free balloon ride. As she should. But under no circumstances will she allow herself to fall in love. Read this to find out if she withholds from love, or…? Does she allow herself to fall in love? I guess you’ll have to read to find out. 

5. One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

One unexpected trip on the Q train in Brooklyn leaves August forever changed. A run-in with the mysterious Jane is a meet-cute that blossoms into a wonderful love story. As August navigates her new life as a student in New York City, she finds a chosen family, many pancake dinners, and a yearning to go back on the Q train to see Jane. Only, every time August is on the Q train… so is Jane. Is it too good to be true?

Turns out there’s much more to Jane than meets the eye, or the space-time continuum. The magic, the mystery, the supernatural all come together and wrap this charming love story with a red bow. It’s a gift for all to read as August grapples with love, life, and time travel.