Ask a Bookseller: Caden and Anna from Book Lovers Bookshop

What is your favourite unique romance novel? One that you didn't anticipate you'd love so much? – Amy

There are so many answers I could offer for this question, but I will do my best to stick to one recommendation. It's a book called Love and Other Conspiracies by Mallory Marlowe. It follows a paranormal conspiracy theorist and a web series producer, who have to work together to produce and star in a fun conspiracy-themed monster hunting mini-series. This book has the perfect combination of heart, humour and spice!

I love Jane Austen-esque Regency romances. What do you recommend? – Sarah

We would recommend A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adrianna Herrera, A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall, and A Shore Thing by Joanna Lowell. All are wonderful Regency romances by contemporary authors we love, who have brought their own unique voices to the genre. 

I am struggling to find a good book with asexual representation. Do you know of any good stories that I could pick up? – Kacy

Yes, of course! I always recommend The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann, Don't Let The Forest In by CG Drews, and Loveless by Alice Oseman. If you're looking for books that have representation on the asexual spectrum (such as demisexual representation), I recommend The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun or Fighting Spirit by Anna Harrison.

What would be a good fiction book for a book club of six women in their 30s, who all live abroad and are engineers/scientists? – Deniz

There is so much to choose from, but if you are looking for a book which may reflect the world of engineers/scientists and tap into some of these women's experiences, Not Safe for Work by Nisha J. Tuli is one we love.

Nisha previously worked as an engineer, before a career change led her to become a successful author of fantasy romance. In 2025, she pivoted from fantasy and released Not Safe for Work, which is her first contemporary romance and the book she says she always wanted to write reflecting her experience as a woman in the engineering field. On top of that, it's wonderfully escapist, set on a tropical work retreat, and is sexy and swoony to boot!

I love books with a sense of place. Which book would you recommend to give me an idea of what it is like living where you do? – Amy

This is a lovely question. We are lucky to have a variety of romance books set in
Scotland that we adore. This includes Whisky Business by Elliot Fletcher, set on
the Isle of Skye, On Dublin Street by Samantha Young, set in Edinburgh, and Kilt
Trip by Alexandra Kiley, set in the Highlands. All render different parts of Scotland in an authentic and gorgeous fashion.

What is a book you wish more people would read? – Pallavi

I wish more people would read A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria, because it is
truly one of the best friends-lovers romance books I have ever read. I fell in love with both of the characters and their love story, and the bisexual representation in this book means the world to me.

What books do you recommend to help scratch the Sally Rooney itch I have? – Lauren

Sally Rooney is incomparable and I can't promise anything will give you the exact same feeling as her books have. However, I would say that The Favourites by Layne Fargo is a good place to start, along with the works of Emily Henry who sits somewhere between Sally Rooney and a romcom author. She definitely manages to marry the two tones into complex, melancholy, character-driven romances.

Are there any short story collections you could recommend for someone who isn't usually a fan of shorter books? Something that feels well developed and meaningful? – Julia

We would recommend Love in Colour by Bolu Babalola, which is a beautiful
contemporary romance anthology. It's a collection of romantic stories from
throughout history and mythology, retold in gorgeous fashion in Bolu's fresh literary voice.

Another recommendation, if you're looking for more of a romcom, is Loathe to Love You, a collection of wintery romcom novellas by Ali Hazelwood.