Romance is a predictable genre; it’s why I love it. You know you’re headed for a happy ending, even if you don’t exactly how you’re going to get there. But there are romance novels where the HEA seems impossible to reach. Here’s a list of ones with a twist, ones that actually need a spoiler warning, and might be best to go into blind.
Some deal with fate, or a little bit of magic. Maybe tragedy, or situations you can’t imagine the characters finding their way out of.
All my thoughts are as spoiler-free as possible. Enjoy!
The No-Show by Beth O’Leary
Three women stood up by the same man on Valentine’s Day. How are they all connected?
This book was sad, but also heartwarming and hopeful. I loved all three women and was so surprised about how everything came together in the end.
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
Florence is a ghost writer who can also see ghosts! When an unexpected tragedy brings her back to her hometown, she meets a hot ghost who can help her with her writer’s block.
I guessed the twist on this one but it didn’t ruin it for me at all. If anything, it made the reading experience even more enjoyable! I’ve been thinking about this almost on the daily since I finished.
Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle
This Holiday book is a wild ride. The hero is a Holiday Spirit accidently summoned by Bettie, a washed-up influencer who needs a serioius attitude adjustment. The cheerful, endearing spirit, named Hall, tries to bring holiday cheer to Bettie and her dysfunctional family before time runs out and he disappears into mist again.
Amidst the joyous chaos of the best holiday week ever, feelings develop. But how can they get together if his time on earth as a corporeal being is limited?
Magical, eccentric, and charming, this book is my new favorite holiday read.
Ravishing the Heiress by Sherry Thomas
Thomas loves to put her characters into impossible situations, and you have no idea how they’re going to find happily ever after.
Our two main characters have a marriage of convivence. They promised not to consummate the marriage for a few years, but now the time is come because Fitz? wants to take a up a mistress (an old flame from his youth) and wants to have an heir first.
The hero is about to cheat, his wife knows it but can’t stop it. How is this going to work out in a satisfactory way?
You Were There Too by Colleen Oakley
This barely qualifies as a romance but I’m throwing it in here anyway. (The happily ever after is… complicated to say the least.) I loved this book and it broke my heart.
Mia has vivid dreams about a man she’s never met. When she and her husband move to a new town, she meets this mystery man. And turns out, he’s been dreaming about her too!
The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver
Lydia’s fiancé, Freddie, tragically dies. She is prescribed a sleeping pill that somehow pulls her into an alternate dimension – one where Freddie is still alive.
She keeps going back and forth between these two worlds. Will she pick one? Is that even possible?
Meant to be Mine by Hannah Orenstein
Her grandma can predict the precise date her family members will meet the love of their lives. She’s been right over and over again.
The prophecy seems to work out for Edie. Is it too good to be true?
An interesting look at fate and destiny.
Meg Loves Words 