11 Romance Books to Give Your Best Friend, Personalized by Interest

Astrology lovers will enjoy Star-Crossed by Minnie Darke ($26), a story about childhood best friends Justine Carmichael and Nick Jordan who lose touch and meet again as adults. Justine is interested in Nick and learns that he is a devoted reader of the horoscopes printed in the monthly magazine that she writes for, so she decides to give him a subtle nudge by meddling with his horoscope. Little does she know, her actions will change the course for him and other Aquarians across the community.

A clever and creative premise combined with masterful storytelling makes this one of the most unique books I've read. It's smart, unexpected, and charming! Astrology plays an intense role in the story, so I'd recommend it for those who really get a kick out of reading horoscopes.

Telenovela enthusiasts will want to read You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria ($11), which dives into the story of soap opera actress Jasmine Lin Rodriguez as she begins filming the modern remake of a popular '90s telenovela. When a casting shake-up brings on popular telenovela actor Ashton Suárez as her new co-star, it's their off-screen chemistry that could make or break their careers.

The story compares Jasmine and Ashton's show to the likes of Jane the Virgin and Ugly Betty, so if they enjoy watching those, they might like reading this book! It gives you a look into the production aspect of TV shows, from table reads to scene rehearsals with an intimacy coordinator, plus, the plot of each episode Jasmine and Ashton film plays out on paper alongside their own developing love story. The plot itself is like the perfect soap opera: swoon-y, sexy, and entertaining as hell.

Music plays a central theme in Love Songs For Skeptics by Christina Pishiris ($15), which follows music journalist Zoë Frixos as she tries to save the struggling music magazine she writes for from going under. The one thing she knows can save them is landing an interview with a reclusive rock idol, and she won't let anything stand in her way — not even the musician's very annoying, very sexy publicist.

This is a fast, fun read with lots of personality. The plot is entertaining (there's a lot going on, but in a good way), and the slow-burn romance kept me on my toes — I liked finding some plot developments unexpected, even alongside typical rom-com tropes. And the music theme woven throughout was like the cherry on top! There are a lot of song references throughout, most of them classic throwbacks, and each chapter is a song title!

Intricate hand lettering and signage typography take center stage in Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn ($9). In the story, Meg Mackworth is a professional hand letterer who customizes everything from wedding programs to daily planners for her clients. When a past client, Reid Sutherland, questions her about hiding a message in his wedding program, Meg expects a confrontation — what she doesn't expect is an unlikely friendship.

Kate Clayborn has such a fun and imaginative way with storytelling, and knows how to make even the smallest of facial expressions come alive on the page. The love story between Meg and Reid is swoon-worthy, charming, and very unique. Design-minded folks will enjoy how typography is woven into every aspect of this story, from how Meg sees the world around her to the ways she connects with Reid.

More quirky than strange and cute than creepy, this story includes a few friendly spirits that will make any ghost believer smile. In The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert ($14), Sabrina Monroe has always felt alienated because of the family curse that allows her to see ghosts. While her mom acts as a spirit medium, Sabrina wants nothing to do with the family business. But it isn't until she meets Ray Jasper, the owner of the local supper club, that she starts to realize that maybe being different isn't so bad.

From awkward, anxious Sabrina to sweetly determined Ray to sassy Molly, this story is full of endearing characters! The ghost side stories are fun and add that little something extra to the small-town romance.

Out April 20

Let them tumble into the world of competitive gymnastics with Head Over Heels by Hannah Orenstein ($11). Avery Abrams, a previous Olympic gymnastics hopeful returns home and takes up an opportunity to coach a young gymnast, Hallie, alongside fellow former pro, and former crush, Ryan Nicholson. As Avery trains Hallie, and starts falling for Ryan, she must reckon with her past — and future — in the world of competitive gymnastics.

I thought this was a cute read as someone who doesn't know a whole lot about gymnastics, so I can only imagine how much more enjoyable it would be for someone who does. The romance is sweet, and I love the empowering undertone with satisfying character development for Avery.

Dessert lovers will enjoy sinking their teeth into Kiss My Cupcake by Helena Hunting ($12). Blaire Calloway has worked hard to be able to open her own cupcake and cocktails shop, and won't let anything stand in her way of success — especially not Ronan Knight, who runs the popular sports bar next door. The two may constantly butt heads over winning new customers, but there's also a growing attraction they can't ignore.

In a genre that thrives on farfetched plots (do people actually fake date in real life?!) and fast-developing romances, the thing I always appreciate from Helena Hunting's books is how realistic the dialogue and pacing are, and how she can make entirely plausible and even ordinary scenarios highly entertaining. I found this book charming, with the perfect balance of steamy and sweet — the latter of which definitely includes the delicious cupcake flavors Blaire concocts. And okay, I know I just said I love the author's realistic take on writing romance, but there is one scene in which Ronan meets Blaire's unconventional family that's SO funny in its absurdity.

Fans of Prince William and Kate Middleton have probably heard of this book, and if they haven't read it already, they're in for a real treat. The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan ($12) is a fictional tale inspired by the courtship of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge written by two women who run a popular celebrity fashion site (so if anyone knows the inside scoop, it's probably them). In the story, American Bex Porter meets Nick while she's studying abroad at Oxford. Little does she know, he's actually Nicholas, Prince of Wales, but that doesn't stop her from falling for him.

Anyone who enjoys following royal coverage will delight at the parallels between this story and the lives of the real royal family. It's a fun concept and romantic, yes, but what I actually like about this book is that there's angst too as Bex grapples with what it means to be in a true partnership with someone in Nick's position. It's an emotional rollercoaster ride!

Give them a behind-the-scenes look at all things public radio with The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon ($14), which tells the story of Shay Goldstein, a producer at a struggling public radio station. When Shay pitches a show idea in which two exes dish out relationship advice on air, she never expects her boss to recruit her colleague and work nemesis, Dominic Yun, to be her cohost — a tricky situation considering they never actually dated each other.

In addition to the love story (which is equal parts sweet and steamy), this book gives a fascinating look into public radio and everything that comes with a job in the field, from pitching ideas to producing shows. The book also includes transcript snippets of Shay and Dominic's radio show, which are hilarious.

If your friend is a big Bachelorette fan and hasn't read this book yet, remedy that situation immediately. Bea Schumacher is a curvy fashion blogger who lands an opportunity to be the star of a hit dating reality show in One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London ($11). She's convinced she won't find love on TV, but things take a turn when she meets, and actually starts falling for, her suitors.

This is basically like watching a (very dramatic) season of the Bachelorette unfold, except in book format. It's a fun and fresh premise, with multiple love interests to root for, a cool (fictional) look into the production side, and a lovable leading lady who also happens to be a curvy fashion blogger.

Travel enthusiasts will catch some serious wanderlust from Paris Is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay ($14), which finds the heroine hopping across Europe looking for love. After Chelsea Martin's dad suddenly announces that he's getting remarried, Chelsea realizes she hasn't been truly happy in years, and is hoping some romantic love in her life will change that. So she leaves behind her job and annoying rival coworker and embarks on an adventure through Ireland, France, and Italy hoping to reconnect with her old self — and her former flings.

A book that takes place in Irish countryside, Paris, and Tuscany could not sound more appealing (especially right now), and this book delivers! I truly felt like I was going on an adventure, and even better, loved getting swept up in the swoon-worthy love story.