Literary in the City

I am proud to say that I officially entered my small-town romance era this summer. Something about the summer air and all the gorgeous nature around me made me crave the coziness and charm of a town where everyone knows everything about everyone.

If you haven’t already tried a novel of this genre, I highly recommend it! These books are perfect for anyone who wants something comforting, genuine, and swoonworthy. So, without further ado, here are 7 of my small-town romance recommendations!

—

1. Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage (or literally anything by Lyla Sage)

If the gorgeous covers of these books don’t draw you in, the insane chemistry in them should. The first book in her Rebel Blue Ranch series, Done and Dusted follows Emmy, an equestrian who has just returned to the town of Meadowlark. Upon her arrival, she crosses paths with Luke, who just so happens to be her brother’s best friend. Cue sparks flying everywhere! Honestly, just read this. It’s sweet, heartfelt, and had me giggling and kicking my feet multiple times.

2. Indigo Ridge by Devney Perry

As the new chief of police of Quincy, a small-town in Montana, Winslow Covington has her work cut out for her. Sure, she may have had a one-night stand with the town’s golden boy, Griffin Eden, but it’s nothing she can’t handle. However, when someone is found murdered on the Eden property, Winslow has to juggle both a budding romance and a killer on the loose… I think this is my favorite Devney Perry book because it skillfully blends romance and mystery into one captivating story. Often, I wish I could reread this book for the first time again. 

3. Powerless by Elsie Silver

If you haven’t read a book by Elsie Silver yet…what are you doing? Powerless is actually the third book in the Chestnut Springs series, but it’s probably my favorite. I don’t usually like the friends-to-lovers trope, but Jasper and Sloane’s story was so well-written that I couldn’t help rooting for them by the end. There are five books in total in this series (and they can all be read as standalones), so I highly recommend looking through them. I guarantee you, though, you won’t be able to stop at just one!

4. Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle

When Maybell inherits her great aunt’s estate, she jumps at the chance to make a life for herself. However, things get a little confusing when she meets Wesley, the grumpy (and really handsome) groundskeeper who claims to be a coinheritor. This is less small-town and more literally-in-the-middle-of-nowhere, but I wanted to include this book because it definitely gives you that small-town, cozy feeling. If you’ve been reading very intense, emotional books, this one is very low-stakes, which is a nice palate refresher.

5. The Long Game by Elena Armas

So, I’ve had this little tradition where, whenever I go on vacation, I read a book by Elena Armas. The Long Game was so good that I did not get a wink of sleep on the plane; I just kept on thumbing through the pages. If you watched the Euros or the Copa América this summer and are currently going through a football/soccer phase, this could just what you’re looking for, as both the main characters are connected to the football/soccer world. 

6. Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams

This is the second book in the When in Rome series, and it is made for anyone looking for something quick yet upbeat. Practice Makes Perfect is about the unlikely love story between shy, sweet Annie and tattooed, handsome Will. Again, this is a perfect, low-stakes book to get you out of a slump. I think I flew through this in one afternoon, with a glass of lemonade of course!

7. Book Lovers by Emily Henry

I will never shut up about this book. If you’d like to see more of my thoughts on it, check out this link.

—

I hope you enjoyed these recommendations; hopefully, you’ve found something for your TBR 👀

Let me know if you liked this compilation-style article. And of course, if you do end up reading something off this list, let me know what you thought!

XOXO,

H.