Romance Recommendations for Your New Year’s Resolutions

Roman Crazy, by Alice Clayton and Nina Bocci
If you’ve ever dreamed of throwing caution to the wind and living abroad, Roman Crazy will scratch that itch. In the midst of finalizing her divorce, Avery Bardot decides that what she needs is a good ol’ Roman holiday. But while spending the summer in Italy with her best friend, she winds up reconnecting with a sexy architect from her past. As the season ends, Avery will have to choose whether to return to her life in the States or let her vacation last a little while longer.

East in Paradise, by Tif Marcelo
Bryn Aquino used to manage a Filipino restaurant, but now she’s pursuing her own dreams of opening up a foodie business of her own. She has an MBA and an excited investor, and she’s ready to get to work starting a “culinary retreat.” When her retreat winds up going viral on social media, Bryn is shocked at the idea of her life becoming reality TV fodder. The pay and publicity would be amazing, but there’s just one catch. Viewers are vying for a romance between Bryn and the retreat’s landlord: army reservist Mitchell Dunford.
Financial Goals
Perhaps not the most exciting resolution, it’s sometimes necessary to achieve peak-levels of adulting. Maybe you want to save a certain amount of money each month or cut back on impulsive purchases.

Baron, by Joanna Shupe
While Ava Jones isn’t well-off financially, she’s the sort of heroine who will do whatever it takes to make she and her family are cared for and fed. Ava makes her living as “Madame Zolikoff,” a performer who insists she can convene with the spirit world. But her schemes might have come to an end when respected and rich Will Sloane threatens to expose her as a fraud. He needs her helping in winning over the masses for his upcoming political campaign. You can’t knock Ava’s hustle, especially with her humble upbringings of begging, borrowing, and stealing.

The Chase, by Vanessa Fewings
Zara Leighton works at an art investigation firm, appraising art collections and delving into the world of art thievery. The Chase is truly a good lesson in superfluous spending, especially when Tobias Wilder, enigmatic billionaire, makes an appearance. From decked out galas to art exhibitions only for A-list clients, it’ll give you the luxe atmosphere some people can only dream of without managing to hurt your wallet.
Body Positivity
This is an all encompassing resolution since we’re all on different body positivity journeys. I, for one, have joined a gym in an effort to lose weight and complete a 5K sometime this year. But others might just want to change their eating habits or simply learn to be comfortable in the skin they’re in!

Fraternize, by Rachel Van Dyken
As one of professional football’s only plus-sized cheerleaders, Emerson knows all eyes are on her. She’s living her dream, but she also knows that it can come at a high cost to stay in shape while maintaining a positive attitude about her body. Of course, there’s also the benefit of being surrounded by attractive athletes. Emerson’s can-do personality is infectious and I loved the mindset that healthiness isn’t necessarily achieved by hitting a certain number on a scale.

Sweet Disorder, by Rose Lerner
With a disabled hero and a plus-sized heroine, Sweet Disorder is a standout historical romance that promises what its title suggests: sweetness. What’s truly great about this romance is that neither the hero’s disability nor the heroine’s weight is central to the plot of the story. Both aspects are part of their identities and that’s that! Instead, Nicholas Dymond is trying to help his younger brother win an election and the town’s charter allows Phoebe Sparks’ husband to vote. Too bad she doesn’t have one…yet.
Self-Care
It’s tough to just take a moment to breathe or enjoy something you really love. Some of us are conditioned to work, work, work, but it’s okay to accept help and care from others, and to just indulge a little.

Breathless, by Beverly Jenkins
Portia Carmichael runs one of the best hotels in the Arizona Territory and she certainly doesn’t expect to be reunited with a man from her past. And while readers can always count on Jenkins for an amazing romance, Portia’s hotel staff and the women she surrounds herself with provide an amazing sense of girl power. It’s a good reminder that sometimes self-care isn’t always about being alone, but also being in the company of those who support and uplift you in positive ways.

Forever Mine, by Erin Nicholas
There’s something about seeing a friend or loved one enjoying a hobby they’re passionate about. Their excitement and happiness can easily become your own as you watch then geek out over things like fandom, sports, or even a favorite crafting project. And that’s the precise feeling readers will get when they meet Maya Goodwin: martial artist, cosplay enthusiast, and all around nerd. Finding something that relaxes you or puts you in a positive mindset is a great way to exercise self-care. The only downside to not being Maya is the fact that there’s not a hunky doctor to go along with it.
Career Goals
Vying for a new position at work? Hoping to land a dream job? Your new year’s resolution might favor your more professional side. Climb that ladder; you got this!

Dating You/Hating You, by Christina Lauren
Evie Abbey knows she’s good at being a talent agent, despite having to deal with a toxic boss day in and day out. However, one of the bright spots in her day is her charming, budding relationship with fellow agent, Cater Aaron. When they both realize their companies are merging and the new agency can only keep one of them, their relationship quickly comes up short when faced with having to compete for employment. A great read for anyone who’s had to deal with sexism in the workplace!

The Beauty of Us, by Kristen Proby
So far, opening a restaurant with her best friends has granted Riley Gibson with a certain degree of success. But Riley soon has the chance of a lifetime to get their restaurant on national television as part of the Best Bites TV Network. She just has to convince her friend and head chef, Mia that letting a camera crew into the kitchen is a good idea. The inner workings of a restaurant are fascinating and Riley’s creativity in trying to keep things fresh borders on maniacal (but in a fun way!). Too bad attractive executive producer, Trevor Cooper, is about to complicate things.
Which books are great for a new year’s resolution pep talk?