5 on Five
Five book recs on the fifth of the month… this month we’re spotlighting romances that make you believe again.
Hi Book Lovers,
I’m popping into your inbox with everyone’s favorite thing: book recs. And for once, I’m going to keep this post brief (dare I say it might actually fit nice and neatly in your email and save you any “click to read more” nonsense?! Who is this Danielle and what have you done with my long-winded friend?).
This month I’m teaming up with some other fabulous book lovers to bring you five book recs on the fifth of the month—and this round, we’re talking romance, baby.
And honestly, thank goodness, because this is where I shine. That, and it is the month of loooove after all (are we sick of me saying it like that yet?). Being the mildly unhinged, deeply committed romance reader that I am, I had to rein myself in a little… so naturally, I decided to create a theme within a theme. Because if the queen of romance herself, EmHen, has taught me anything, it’s that theme matters.
So this month I’m recommending five romances that feel like “that can’t-eat, can’t-sleep, reach-for-the-stars, over-the-fence, World Series kind of stuff.” That’s right — we’re leaning fully into peak 90s romance vibes.
This content may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission (just enough to grab a coffee) at no additional cost to you!
If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia
Fall may have come and gone, but this book is a full mood and absolutely worth picking up regardless of season. Bonus points because it’s actually set in the 90s (so perhaps its technically winces historical romance). Michelle returns to Copper Run to help with her family’s B&B, promising herself it’s temporary. Cliff, the local baker and single dad, is as much a staple of the town as his cinnamon rolls. Between coffee deliveries, small-town gossip, and Rocket the scene-stealing border collie, their lives start to intertwine in all the best ways.
(Read my full review | buy the book)
Small Town + Reverse Grumpy x Sunshine + Friends to Lovers + Cozy B&B + Sassy Border Collie + Single Dad
And yes… there is a full 90s playlist for this book.
First Time Caller by B.K. Borison
Hopeless romantics, this is your book. This kicks off Borison’s Heartstrings universe, where each book pulls inspiration from a classic 90s rom-com. This installment draws from Sleepless in Seattle (Meg Ryan + Tom Hanks = cultural canon). Lucie Stone is beyond mortified when she finds out her 12-year-old daughter, Maya, has called into Baltimore’s romance hotline, Heartstrings, in an attempt to help her find love. On the other end of the line is Aiden Valentine, the jaded host of the show. His cynical views on life and love are turned upside down when he teams up with Lucie on her quest for that magical, once-in-a-lifetime romance. Welcome to Lucie’s Road to Love (brought to you by Mr. Tire).
(Read my full review | Buy the book)
Single Mom + Grumpy x Sunshine + Slow Burn + Dual POV + Grand Gestures
PS: Book two in this universe releases this month and is equally swoon-worthy. (Read about it in the February edition of The Book Beat)
Is She Really Going Out With Him? by Sophie Cousens
This book will make you laugh out loud, give you butterflies, and feels very classic 90s rom-com. PLUS it packs in some top-tier tropes. Anna Appleby, a single mom and columnist, is fully done with love after her divorce. Unfortunately for her, her kids decide to stage an intervention by setting her up on seven offline dates.
From awkward encounters with waiters to her celebrity crush, Anna gamely tackles her kids’ matchmaking scheme. But soon a surprising connection grows between her and an office rival.
(Read my full review | buy the book)
Single Mom + Enemies to Lovers + One Bed + Workplace Romance + Dating Mishaps + Jane Austen
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
This book is basically a love letter to everyone who has ever defended rom-coms like it’s a full-time job (hi, it’s me). Emma Wheeler is a proud rom-com screenwriter juggling her Hollywood dreams with caring for her dad when she lands the opportunity of a lifetime: rewriting a script for her idol, Charlie Yates. The problem? Charlie does not believe in romance, rom-coms, or happily ever afters. Emma very much does. Watching her slowly dismantle his cynicism while falling for him is pure genre joy. Katherine Center truly champions love, vulnerability, and emotional bravery here—and honestly, this book feels like it’s standing on a football field, microphone in hand, declaring love in front of the entire school.
(Read my full review | buy the book)
Hollywood Setting + Roommates + Closed Door + Single POV + Banter
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
A heartfelt, nostalgia-soaked homage to both romantic movies and the soundtrack moments that define them. While technically YA, this one absolutely hits for adult rom-com lovers, too. Liz Buxbaum is convinced her life should follow classic movie logic—meet-cutes, grand gestures, perfectly timed declarations, the works. When she hatches a plan to win over her longtime crush, she reluctantly teams up with her annoying neighbor Michael… who quickly becomes the far superior leading man candidate. Packed with references to beloved rom-coms and filled with swoony slow-burn magic, this book feels like a highlight reel of every reason we fell in love with love stories in the first place.
(Read my full review | buy the book)
Young Adult + Closed Door + Rom-Com Appreciation + Fake Dating + Slow Burn + Enemies to Lovers
And yes, because I am nothing if not committed to the bit… there’s also a playlist for this one.
If you’re noticing a little overlap with this month’s Book Beat recs, don’t panic — I have plenty more romance and Valentine’s reads headed your way.
Thank you for being here and talking books with me! Your support truly makes all the difference! If you enjoyed the newsletter, a like, comment or share helps it find its way to other readers like you.
Next Month’s “5 on Five”
Meet the fabulous Charlotte at The Hidden Book Nook! She’s the next host for March’s “5 on Five.”
And, she’s chosen the theme: Spring Cleaning: Books for a fresh start.
Keep the pages turning,
I'm all in for this 90s rom-com theme! I really need to read If It Makes You Happy. And you're right - why wait until Fall to read it!
I love this theme! Here’s my list: https://laurakbray.substack.com/p/5-romantic-books-to-read-in-february