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Dearest Gentle Reader, 

Romance can come in all forms this Valentine’s Day, and that includes between the pages of a new heart-fluttering novel. With the season of love upon us, the Scene asked a few of Nashville’s favorite readers, from booksellers to book club organizers, what their go-to romance (and smut) picks are. No matter your preference — enemies to lovers, second chance, fake dating — there’s a selection here you’ll absolutely fall for. 

Persuasion by Jane Austen 

While most folks are familiar with Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion is another Austen classic. This one follows the second-chance love story between Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth. The story begins with Elliot seeing Captain Wentworth eight years after breaking off their engagement, with many will-they-or-won’t-they moments up to the very end.  

“There’s no love story more swoon-worthy (in my book, anyway) than this simply perfect tale of second chances,” says Joelle Herr, owner of The Bookshop. “The ardent profession-of-love letter toward the end makes me giddy every single time I read it — and I’ve read it many times.” 

The Prospects by KT Hoffman

In KT Hoffman’s 2024 novel The Prospects, Gene Ionescu is the first openly trans baseball player on the minor league Beaverton Beavers, and has his eye on the playoffs and the majors. Then Luis Estrada, Gene’s former college teammate and new rival, is traded to the Beavers. Their tension may begin on the field, but only escalates when they realize they play better together. 

“This book is big-hearted and exciting,” said Deezy Youngdahl, co-owner of Novelette Booksellers. “There’s great chemistry, great friendships, and an ear-piercing scene I need everyone to read and DM me about.” 

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

Book publicist Clementine moves into the Upper West Side apartment left to her in her aunt’s will. What she didn’t realize after moving in is that she’d be meeting a handsome stranger — a stranger who is living seven years in the past. Not only does Clementine have to unravel the mystery of the apartment — she also finds herself falling for Iwan. 

“When I first read it in the summer of 2024, I experienced every emotion physically possible,” says Emily Marshman, resident romance reader at Silent Book Club Nashville. “It stretched the limits of what I believed a romance novel could be, laced with magical realism and an unconventional love story. I read the entire book in one single night, and when it was over, I was more than a little devastated. It ends happily, don’t worry.” 

Yin Yang Love Song by Lauren Kung Jessen

Following a string of failed relationships, Chinese herbalist Chryssy Hua Williams runs a healing retreat center for broken hearts alongside her aunties. Fully convinced that the Hua family curse is real and that she will not find love, Chryssy agrees to a fake relationship with celebrity cellist Vin Chao to help her family business.

“Jessen’s writing blossoms in her latest book with hilarious banter, and crackling tension between her two leads, Chryssy and Vin, will delight,” says Katie Garaby, Between the Covers romance book club leader and curator of the Love, Parnassus romance subscription box. “YYLS is a romance book for all the readers out there who miss the heyday of the ’90s rom-com and want to feel deliciously twitterpated again.”

Bleed for Cupid by Aiden Pierce

Callum Reaver is an angel (yes, angel) and the CEO of Cupid Inc., a company dedicated to creating love-related products that has been facing controversy. Robin is his human secretary, and the mole who has been leaking information about the latest products to groups protesting the company. 

“This novella has a darker take on love,” share Alexa Sierra, Maryssa Edwards, Tyler Billings and Lauren Chabira, the creators of the book club Nashville Smut Lovers. “Aiden Pierce has an intense and emotional way of writing, so if you’re looking for depth, heat and a quick read, this is it!” 

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

Emily Walker and Jack Bennett are colleagues and neighbors, and they cannot stand each other. In addition to working as second-grade teachers, they each write novels on the side — she writes romance, he writes mysteries — which only adds to the rivalry. But when Emily needs help getting a manuscript back from their school principal’s email, Jack (surprisingly) agrees. 

“It’s a small-town enemies-to-lovers rom-com that was so beautiful and romantic,” says Tonya Pineda, owner of Slow Burn, a mobile romance bookshop. “I think it would be perfect for Valentine’s Day. Also, Sarah is a Nashville local!” 

To pick up your next read, make sure to visit some of our local booksellers: Novelette and The Bookshop located in East Nashville, or Parnassus Books in Green Hills. Slow Burn (@slowburntn) will pop up at different locations between Clarksville and Nashville throughout the month. To find a new literary friend (or crush, maybe?) check out Silent Book Club (@silentbookclubnash) or Nashville Smut (@nashvillesmut) for in-person reading nights.

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