Romance Roundup: October
Welcome to “Romance Roundup” where I share mini-reviews of 3 to 4 romance novels I’ve recently read. This month’s edition includes a story about celebrity romance, an amateur sleuth who falls in love, and a woman juggling a matchmaker’s list.
Like Nobody’s Watching by Tara Frejas (2017)
It’s all fun and games until someone catches feelings.
If there’s something Pio Alvez is good at, it’s pretending to be someone he’s not. On stage and on-screen, the actor has mastered the art of becoming the characters he plays, and his new role should be no different. After all, how difficult would it be to pretend to be smitten with a beautiful, intelligent go-getter like Audrey Alonzo?
Perhaps it’s more difficult pretending not to be.
This is my second time reading a Tara Frejas novel and I enjoyed it so much! It’s a fast-paced story that has a cute romance with a fake dating trope. Though the main characters are dealing with past broken relationships they work hard to heal the rift in their hearts. Their meet-cute style of dates was entertaining and the book is lighthearted. I would consider this book to be a fluffy romance read. I like the chemistry of the two leads, Pio and Audrey, and their relationship felt realistic.
Final Verdict:
The Liar’s Dice (The Pingkang Li Mysteries #2.5) by Jeannie Lin (2017)
Tang Dynasty China, 849 A.D.
Lady Bai, called Wei-wei by her aristocratic family, has always been the perfectly obedient daughter–but only on the outside. Inwardly she dreams of freedom. When she dares to pay a forbidden visit to a public tea garden in men’s clothing, only Gao looks close enough to notice her borrowed robes. Alas, looking closely at the enigmatic Gao tells Wei-wei only one thing: he’s a scoundrel.
When the pair witness a fatal stabbing, Gao surprises her by staying at her side as she investigates the brutal crime. Together they uncover more secrets, somehow tied to her brother and the seedy gambling dens he’s been visiting on the sly. Gao seems to know far too much about the brutal ways of the street, but Wei-wei is drawn to him and his habit of seeing through all her disguises.
Wei-wei revels in her newfound independence and her growing feelings for her mysterious companion, but all too soon she’s faced with a cruel choice — discover the truth and bring the killer to justice, or protect her family at all costs.
I’ve read one novel in the Lotus Palace series so I was excited to dig into this novella. This series is an excellent blend of mystery and romance in a historical setting. I loved the suspense factors and the female lead ends up becoming an amateur sleuth of sorts, intrigued by an unexpected mystery. It was nice to see familiar characters along with new additions to the series.
I enjoyed the main character, Wei-wei who is determined to break out of her sheltered background and find her own path in life. Her confidence and strong ambition are what make the readers root for her. The romance aspect is small but there are sparks of a potential relationship with Gao through their interactions. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!
Final Verdict:
The Matchmaker’s List by Sonya Lalli (2019)
Raina Anand may have finally given in to family pressure and agreed to let her grandmother play matchmaker, but that doesn’t mean she has to like it–or that she has to play by the rules. Nani always took Raina’s side when she tried to push past the traditional expectations of their tight-knit Indian-immigrant community, but now she’s ambushing Raina with a list of suitable bachelors. Is it too much to ask for a little space? Besides, what Nani doesn’t know won’t hurt her…
As Raina’s life spirals into a parade of Nani-approved bachelors and disastrous blind dates, she must find a way out of this modern-day arranged-marriage trap without shattering her beloved grandmother’s dreams.
This novel felt like a self-discovery story mixed with a modern romance element. Raina struggles to date and find the perfect guy but realizes those heavy expectations have been leading her astray. The novel is complex and touches on navigating culture, identity, romance, and family. Raina is vulnerable and messy and faces her own obstacles she’s thrown on herself.
Reckoning with family and her relationship is just one step to getting clarity and peace in her life. Despite the heavier topics in the novel, this is an entertaining romantic comedy. It reminds me that the roads we choose in life are never easy and that you can find love where you least expect it.
Final Verdict:
What romance novels have you read lately? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. If you have any recommendations feel free to share those as well.
