What To Read (and Wear) If...
A round-up for new romance readers, plus, a super simple style formula I always fall back on.
Hi, friends. I loved seeing the poll results from my last newsletter! It was so fun to learn about your reading habits, so thank you for participating. Many of you messaged (or commented) about your love of audiobooks, which I didn’t include in the polls. I fully support listening to books—sadly, I’m just bad at it! But maybe I haven’t listened to the right book yet? You’ve convinced me to give it another shot, so I’ll report back when I do.
Before we dive into romance recs, I have an important question to ask you: is it as hard for you to get dressed everyday as it is for me? Y’all, I struggle. I’m not sure if it was the back-to-back pregnancies, the pandemic, or the fact that I’ve been working from home for the past five years, but I’ve completely forgotten how to put an outfit together. I stand in my closet in utter befuddlement, trying on multiple things, second-guessing my judgment, wondering why literally nothing fits like it used to (the reality of postpartum).
Whenever I’m at a loss for what to wear, which is too often, I tend to fall back on tried-and-true formulas—extremely simple, no-brainer formulas. It has inspired me to launch a new column called When In Doubt, where I’ll share a few ways I navigate said wardrobe befuddlement. I’ve described one of my favorite formulas already in I’ll Have What She’s Having, but I have another top contender that’s far easier: dressing in the same color head to toe.
WHEN IN DOUBT: MONOCHROME
This style formula is by no means revolutionary, but that’s precisely why I fall back on it: it’s easy and comforting (aka the theme of RA!). I most often stick with whites and creams, but I don’t discriminate any color. Once I’ve decided on a monochrome palette, it’s easier to narrow down my closet search to a handful of items. After I’ve chosen my base, it then feels less daunting to add pops of color or texture if needed. I’m all about simplifying the mental load, y’all!
I feel like you guys get it—like I said, dressing in one color is not anything new, but it’s honestly such an easy way to shop your own closet when you can’t think of anything to wear. And while there are absolutely no rules to monochrome dressing (GO WILD!), the one styling note I tend to follow is wearing a contrasting shoe—just something that breaks up the color a bit.
A few examples below!
WHITE/CREAM:
NAVY:
BLACK:
DENIM:
BROWN:
GRAY:
RED:
When I started this newsletter, I received a lot of questions about what to read if you’re totally new to the romance genre. This question is always fun for me because I rarely give the same answer twice, depending on who is asking. I like to take into account what you normally read, what kind of shows and films you like, and what your hobbies are. Is there a trope that interests you? A spice level that you’re curious about?
There is truly something for everyone, so I thought I’d put together a few scenarios for random life things. I’m keeping descriptions short and sweet, but assume all of my ratings for them are high. I will include a note on spice levels, though.
Quick q before we begin: do you want links to books? I feel like we all read books in so many different ways so I’m not sure if a link is necessary. I’m keeping them link-free this time, but if it’s helpful to include, let me know!
WHAT TO READ IF…
You watch Practical Magic every October and know your Hogwarts House (before JK Rowling fucked everything up)
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna is a perfect starter romance because it’s not just about romantic love (which is slow burn with loads of tension), but there is also a found-family element that’s extremely heartwarming. Plus, there are witches, which makes any book 10x more fun? Spice: 1/5
You’re in STEM and have zero time outside of studying or research
I plan to dedicate an entire newsletter to Ali Hazelwood books, but just know that the majority of her novels feature a woman in STEM whose love interest is tall, brooding, and borderline genius. The gal found a winning formula and sticks to it like glue. The Love Hypothesis is her first novel, but I’ve read them all and enjoyed them equally, so if you read the descriptions and one suits your fancy, go with that one. Spice: 3/5
Other very strong contenders for this category are The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang and The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren. Spice: 4/5 for both
You just discovered the word “Romantasy” on booktok
First and foremost, you’ll need to read Sarah J. Maas. This is nonnegotiable. I always recommend starting with her ACOTAR series (my favorite), then Throne of Glass, then Crescent City. After reading SJM’s entire lexicon, you’re going to be ravenous for more. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is perfect for those withdrawals. You’ve already read those? One of my favorite romantasy novels is A Fate of Wrath and Flame by KA Tucker, which is on Kindle Unlimited if you’re a subscriber. Once you’re on a romantasy kick, it’s hard to get off, so if you need more, just message me. Spice: 3.5/5 for ACOTAR (although ACOSF is a solid 5/5), 2/5 for TOG, 4.5/5 for CC, 3.5/5 for Fourth Wing, 3/5 for AFOWAF
You’re a writer who likes reading about other writers
I’m basically the target demo here because I love reading about writers. Seven Days in June by Tia Williams is one of my favorite versions of this—the protagonist is a bestselling erotic writer and her love interest is also a novelist. But, it’s so much more than that! Their second chance romance adds so much depth and warmth and excitement to their relationship. Spice: 3.5/5
Other contenders that fit the bill: Book Lovers by Emily Henry (I will ALWAYS rec Emily Henry novels!) and The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka. Spice: I think around 3/5 but I read them over a year ago so don’t take my word for it
You’re counting down the days for Bridgerton Season 3
Call me basic but I really love Regency era romance novels and read them frequently. Bringing Down the Duke (and the others in the series) by Evie Dunmore is one of my go-tos because there is a suffragist element that sets it apart from others in the subgenre—more female empowerment, less use of fainting salts. Spice: 3/5
You’re curious about the “fake dating” trope after I mentioned it several times in the last newsletter
You guys. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas is truly one of the most fun, delicious, spicy, and swoon-worthy—all! the! romance! keywords!—novels I’ve ever read. You must! Plus, it’s on Kindle Unlimited. Spice: 4/5
You want to be absolutely gutted
I’ve mentioned Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross before, but if you’re looking for a sweeping, epic, heart-wrenching masterpiece, look no further. I’m not even kidding when I say it will gut you in the best way possible. Trust!!! Also on KU. Spice: 1/5
I had about ten more of these lined up—cowboys! small town! sports! modern retellings! murder mystery-adjacent!—but Substack says my newsletter is already too long (WHY!). I’ll save them for next time. In the meantime, will you let me know if you have a request for a certain type of book? I’ll include a recommendation in my next round-up!
ICYMI:
I loved learning about your reading preferences here.
Why do I read so many romance novels? I wrote an essay on my love for HEAs (note the TW before reading).
*I occasionally use affiliate links and will receive a small percentage of a sale linked through this newsletter. For books, I always advocate to borrow from the library (Libby!) or buy in your local bookstore. If you’d like to buy online, consider bookshop.org
Can't wait to read your additional recommendations, especially murder mystery-adjacent! I actually just found a cowboys! book on Goodreads that caught my eye, I think by Lyla Sage? The problem with reading two romance books back-to-back is that now reading a non-romance is so ... dare I say ... boring (or do I really just mean smut-free and therefore boring).
Also, I have sung their praises in your comments already many times, but YES (yes, a thousand times yes) to The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and Divine Rivals. I almost wish I could read Divine Rivals again for the first time. My goodness, what a book.
I can't remember if I've already recced this one, but I also enjoyed Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez.
Hi! How is the sizing for Donni’s rib flare pants? Are you a size small? (I’m 5’8” and a size 4 and trying to decide to get a small or medium based on website reviews)