The books Southern indie booksellers are recommending to readers everywhere!

Romantic Comedy

Love Is a War Song by Danica Nava

, , , , ,
Love Is a War Song by Danica Nava
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

I spent the last 30 minutes of reading Love Is a War Song in tears. They were very emotional tears- sad, and then happy, but I found the story so moving, I didn’t even realize I was actively crying. Avery Fox’s journey to finding herself, what mattered to her, and happiness really touched me. I loved how intricate Love Is a War Song is. The story isn’t just about Avery, but it’s also about Lucas Iron Eyes, Lottie (Avery’s grandmother), and those who also live on the ranch. Danica Nava’s sophomore novel is incredible. I couldn’t put it down and I really resonated with the themes of identity and family, among others. I’m so impressed Danica actually wrote a song to go in the book and I can’t wait to hear it be played. I loved every minute of reading Love Is a War Song. I need more cowboy romances like this one, ones that showcase the myriad experiences and peoples who live this life daily. Love Is a War Song is real, in ways you wouldn’t expect from a celebrity-cowboy romance, and I love it all the more for it.

Love Is a War Song by Danica Nava, (List Price: $19, Berkley, 9780593642627, July 2025)

Reviewed by Preet Singh, Eagle Eye Book Shop in Decatur, Georgia

Love Is a War Song by Danica Nava Read More »

Funny Story by Emily Henry

, , , ,
Funny Story by Emily Henry
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

Emily Henry just GETS IT. She has the perfect recipe for a book that has just the right amount of humor, romance, and the kind of real-life hurdles that hit close to home. What sets this book apart are the characters, who are grappling with life’s ups and downs in a way that feels incredibly real. It’s the “just one more chapter” book that you’ll actually stay awake until 1 AM to finish. And hey, maybe I’m speaking from personal experience.

Funny Story by Emily Henry, (List Price: $19, Berkley, 9780593441213, February 2025)

Reviewed by Janisie Rodriguez, Copperfish Books in Punta Gorda, Florida

Funny Story by Emily Henry Read More »

Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto

, , , , , ,
Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.

Mulan was a badass woman warrior in history, and Jesse Sutanto portrays that beautifully in this contemporary retelling. I have always loved the story of Mulan. That was then amplified when Disney made a movie about her. Sutanto does an amazing job of twisting the tale into a contemporary storyline without losing the original meaning and lessons from the original. In my opinion, you could not have found a better author to take on Mulan’s story and blow it out of the park.

Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto, (List Price: $26.99, Hyperion Avenue, 9781368112802, June 2025)

Reviewed by Mandy Harris, Angel Wings Bookstore & Bistro in Oxford, North Carolina

Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto Read More »

Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria

, , ,
Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

I have never had such a sexy book hurt my feelings so much. As a Latina woman, Alexis Daria writes the most relatable characters, and it makes me love her stories even more. Ava is one of the best characters I have ever read. She is beautiful and wonderfully flawed that I knew from the beginning that she was my favorite prima. And Roman….. This man is 10/10 , the best, green flags all around, top tier. Heart-wrenching, relatable, and absolutely delicious, this was one of my favorite reads of the year.

Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria, (List Price: $18.99, Avon, 9780062960009, May 2025)

Reviewed by Mekhala Villegas-Rogers, Tombolo Books in St Petersburg, Florida

Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria Read More »

On Again, Awkward Again by Kelly Erin Entrada

, , ,
On Again, Awkward Again by Kelly Erin Entrada
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

First loves and crushes are always awkward, but never have they been this awkward. From raging bowels to horrible allergy attacks, Star Trek references and Vanilla Ice, Pacy and Cecil are two hot messes. This story of nerd love will leave your heart full as you can’t help by root for these two to get together, but you also can’t help feeling a little vicarious embarrassment as things go horribly wrong.

On Again, Awkward Again by Kelly Erin Entrada, (List Price: $19.99, Amulet Books, 9781419775635, April 2025)

Reviewed by Melissa Taylor, E. Shaver Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia

On Again, Awkward Again by Kelly Erin Entrada Read More »

Recommended Reading by Paul Coccia

, , , , ,
Recommended Reading by Paul Coccia
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.

The Shop Around the Corner vibes around in Ali Brady’s newest novel about rival bookstore owners! Josie manages a literary bookstore just two doors down from the romance bookstore that Ryan manages. But now, the owner of both stores is planning to combine them, but there’s only room for one manager. The one who has the best sales during the next three months wins. They clash instantly after they first meet. But neither realizes that this isn’t the first time they’ve met. They’re actually really good friends on a booksellers’ forum online.

Recommended Reading by Paul Coccia, (List Price: $19.99, Zando Young Readers, 9781638931492, January 2025)

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones, Bookmiser in Marietta, Georgia

Recommended Reading by Paul Coccia Read More »

The Broposal by Sonora Reyes

, , , , , , ,
The Broposal by Sonora Reyes
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

The Broposal was a wild ride from start to finish. Alejandro (Han for short) has been best friends with Kenny since they were 8. Now, at 23, they are still inseparable. When Kenny learns that Han lost his job that was meant to sponsor his visa, he comes up with the idea of fake-marrying Han for his citizenship instead. Although their plan seems foolproof, Kenny’s ex Jackie continues to cause trouble for the two. This book has the fun romance trope of fake relationships while also showing the struggle of an undocumented person in America. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry, and hope for their happily ever after.

The Broposal by Sonora Reyes, (List Price: $17.99, Forever, 9781538766682, January 2025)

Reviewed by Gabriela Warner, Epilogue: Books Chocolate Brews in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

The Broposal by Sonora Reyes Read More »

Spotlight on: Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson

, , , ,
ad

Lana Ferguson, author image credit the author

I love having a space to dump all the silly things running through my brain. I feel like living in my head is like sharing an apartment with five other personalities at any given time, and being a writer means not having to ignore them aggressively (and possibly vent about them to my therapist), but instead write them down, free them into the world, so to speak. Writing means the stories running through my head and the ideas that wake me up in excitement in the middle of the night aren’t just for me, but something I can share with everyone, in a sense, and that is just very cool to me.

― Lana Ferguson, Interview, Nerd Daily

Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson

What booksellers are saying about Under Loch and Key

  • Lana Ferguson is an A grade writer of smart smut. She has quickly become a favorite author of mine. I never know what genre she’s going to write in, but I know I’m guaranteed an unforgettable story. Under Loch and Key takes the premise of the Loch Ness monster and gives it a twist that is unique and then does it so well. The story is about so much more than Nessie- the themes of finding family are so well woven into Keyanna and Lachlan’s individual character arcs . Finding who you are is as important as finding the one for you. Under Loch and Key has the steam and spice I’ve come to see as Lana Ferguson’s hallmark, but with a depth of emotion and mystery that will leave you turning the pages as fast you can read them!
      ― Preet Singh, Eagle Eye Book Shop in Decatur, Georgia | BUY

  • Okay, so, I didn’t know going in that this was a shape-shifter cryptid romance. It is, for the record. It happens to be my first not-vampire-or-werewolf shape-shifter rom I’ve ever read, and I have to say…………I kinda really enjoyed it! It’s a hundred percent ridiculous, but it’s also hot and charming and fun with a lil mysterious element that (spoiler) gets worked out. How? I’ll never tell! Give me a story about an American gal falling in love with (and getting taken to poundtown by) a hot Scottish stud any day. Mix in a lil shapeyshifty and a quest to break a family curse, and you have me ten toes down for it all day every day.
      ― Thomas Wallace, Reading Rock Books in Dickson, Tennessee | BUY

  • A cute and thoughtful reimagining of the Loch Ness monster! I think this book could’ve easily been 300 pages and not closer to 500, but I enjoyed it nonetheless! Lana’s creative way of tying in with the OG tale was truly fun to read! and who doesn’t love a bit of a monster romance!?
      ― Fiona McPherson, Givens Books Little Dickens in Lynchburg, Virginia | BUY

  • My auto buy author does it again. A splash of paranormal with enemies to lovers made this a wonderful book to read. The banter and tension between Loch and Key were top notch and I believed them when they believed that they didn’t like each other. But as always Lana Ferguson writes, sexy , heartwarming and hilarious books that make it to the top of my lists every time.
      ― Mekhala Villegas-Rogers, Tombolo Books in St. Petersburg, Florida | BUY

About Lana Ferguson

Lana Ferguson is a USA Today bestselling author and sex-positive nerd whose works never shy from spice or sass. A faded Fabio cover found its way into her hands at fifteen, and she’s never been the same since. When she isn’t writing, you can find her randomly singing show tunes, arguing over which Batman is superior, and subjecting her friends to the extended editions of The Lord of the Rings. Lana lives mostly in her own head but can sometimes be found chasing her corgi through the coppice of the great American outdoors.

ad

Spotlight on: Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson Read More »

Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter

, ,
Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

This was a stunning sequel to arguably the best YA romcom, Better Than the Movies. After facing the sudden death of his dad during his first year of college, Wes breaks up with Liz, believing he is holding her back. Now, two years later, Wes is more determined than ever to win her back. Lynn Painter always manages to build real characters and relationship dynamics and this book is no exception. This is a must-read!

Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter, (List Price: $19.99, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 9781665947138, October 2024)

Reviewed by Makayla Summers, Main Street Reads in Summerville, South Carolina

Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter Read More »

Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet by Samantha Allen

, , ,
Roland Rogers Isn't Dead Yet by Samantha Allen
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

Hollywood It Man Roland Rogers is ready to tell his big secret with no time to spare. He isn’t quite dead yet – but it’s not looking good. With the minimal power he can get from his home intercom system, he hires struggling writer Adam to bring new meaning to the term “ghostwriter” and get his memoir out before he is gone completely. As they rush to get it all done in a month, sparks fly, and Walls come down. This is very different from Allen’s first novel (which I also love), but it’s just as good. Fair warning – THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE.

Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet by Samantha Allen, (List Price: $18, Zando, 9781638931539, December 2024)

Reviewed by Andrea Richardson, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia

Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet by Samantha Allen Read More »

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

, , , ,
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

If Knives Out and Hallmark Christmas movies had a baby and Agatha Christie was the nanny, it would be this book. Seriously Maggie and Ethan are everything, and I want to spend all my holidays with them. This book is smart, witty, and uplifting. Is it possible to get Ally Carter to write an entire series with these two characters?

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter, (List Price: $24.99, Avon, 9780063276680, September 2024)

Reviewed by Michelle Whittaker, Fonts Books in Mclean, Virginia

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter Read More »

The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julia Mckay

, , , ,
The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julia Mckay
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

If you’re looking for a little spicier Hallmark Christmas movie-type story, then look no further! Best friends Holly and Ivy actually aren’t fond of Christmas, thank you very much. But they find themselves planning a Christmas wedding for Holly anyway. But when Holly is jilted the night before the wedding, they decide to trade their holiday trips. Holly goes to the remote cabin Ivy has booked and Ivy takes the Hawaiian honeymoon that Holly can’t face. But they both find a little more than they were looking for.

The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julia Mckay, (List Price: $19, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 9780593716281, October 2024)

Reviewed by Jennifer Jones, Bookmiser in Marietta, Georgia

The Holiday Honeymoon Switch by Julia Mckay Read More »

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee

, , ,
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

This Grand Tour was supposed to be Monty’s last big hurrah before adulthood, but it has quickly turned into an unmitigated disaster. Instead of partying and gambling through Europe in style with his (unfairly handsome) best friend Percy, Monty is stuck with a dour chaperone who’s forbidden him from doing anything fun, his unpleasantly bookish sister, and a growing rift between him and (the still handsome) Percy. And that is before the highwaymen attack, setting Mackenzi Lee’s delightful characters on a swashbuckling caper from the highways of France, through Barcelona’s darkened alleys, to the sparkling (and sinking) islands of Venice. A Room with a View meets The Goonies in waistcoats and cravats, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice & Virtue is charming, witty, and heartfelt, and it’s bound to become an instant classic!

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee, (List Price: $15.99, Katherine Tegan Books, 9780062382818, August 2018)

Reviewed by Rebecca Speas, One More Page Books in Arlington, Virginia

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee Read More »

Director’s Cut by Carlyn Greenwald

, , , , ,
Director's Cut by Carlyn Greenwald
buy this book

Buy from your local indie.
Get the audiobook

Hollywood meets Academia in this refreshing sapphic romance! Director’s Cut follows Valeria, an Oscar-winning actor who has recently come out as a lesbian and is attempting to shift the conversation from her sexuality to her work. Disillusioned by Hollywood, she tries to return to her academic roots by guest lecturing at USC. Her co-professor Maeve isn’t amused by her foray into academia, but Maeve’s animosity toward the celeb’s designer clothing doesn’t dissuade Val’s inconvenient crush. Good range of queer representation, discussions of anxiety, and a generous amount of movie-musical musings. I raced through it!

Director’s Cut by Carlyn Greenwald, (List Price: $18, Vintage, 9780593468227, June 2024)

Reviewed by Julia Lewis, Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, Virginia

Director’s Cut by Carlyn Greenwald Read More »

Spotlight On: Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings

, , ,
ad

Mazey Eddings, photo courtesy the author

Most of us, at one point or another, have fantasized about winning the lottery, how it would solve all our problems and allow all our dreams to come true. But what happens if winning the lottery actually ruins your life? For my bi-disaster main character, Opal Devlin, that’s exactly what happens. Opal thinks her winning scratch-off is her key to a drama-free life, only to learn that it places a magnifying glass on how the people in her life want to use and abuse her giving nature.

It is my deep and unwavering belief that every person is deserving of profound, beautiful love, whether that be platonic, romantic, and/or familial, and Opal and Pepper’s journey exemplifies that. These two queer, neurodivergent women are messy and emotional and terrified to show anyone just how much they feel for fear of being hurt. But, in spite of that fear, they recognize the love they deserve and grab for it with both hands.

― Mazey Eddings, Letter from the author

Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings

What booksellers are saying about Late Bloomer

  • The best romances indulge parts of ourselves that really want every meet to be freaking cute — making us ask “if I’m not making the sappiest part of me happy, what am I really doing?” When I bet on loving Mazey Eddings’ romances, I always win — this time delivering a relatable, sweet, and gooey queer romance that will make your tenderest parts blush. This is a deliriously sapphic, endearingly punny, neurodivergent love letter to taking time in letting love root, grow, and bloom (sorry).
      ― RC Collman, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina | BUY

  • I LOVE this book. Such a beautiful story of love and diversity. I have never had the inclination to run away to a flower farm and now it is on my to do list.
      ― Tessa Dandridge, The Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, North Carolina | BUY

  • Sunshiny, optimistic Opal and grumpy, cynical Pepper make a wonderfully fun rom-com with lots of laughs. Recommended for fans of Ashley Herring Blake.
      ― Melissa Oates, Fiction Addiction in Greenville, South Carolina | BUY

  • Wow this book was so cute!!! *insert crying emoji here* -Dual Timeline -WLW -Autistic MC -Deals with parental neglect/drinking problems -Fluffyyyyy -Forced Proximity 3 Spicy Peppers (; Bonus Points: Mazey Eddings at the end talks about how she got to the name Late Bloomer and how she originally wanted to call it “Lavender Haze” from the TSwift song.
      ― Stephanie St. John, E. Shaver, Bookseller in Savannah, Georgia | BUY

About Mazey Eddings

Mazey Eddings is a neurodiverse author, dentist, and (most importantly) stage mom to her cats, Yaya and Zadie. She can most often be found reading romance novels under her weighted blanket and asking her fiancé to bring her snacks. She’s made it her personal mission in life to destigmatize mental health issues and write love stories for every brain. With roots in Ohio and Philadelphia, she now calls Asheville, North Carolina home. She is the author of A Brush with Love, Lizzie Blake’s Best Mistake, and The Plus One.

ad

Spotlight On: Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings Read More »

Scroll to Top