Recs if you like Just for the Summer...

This handpicked list brings back the heart-fluttering nostalgia of early-2000s rom-coms-think flirty banter, iconic soundtracks, and heroines with way too much emotional labor but perfect hair. Whether you're nursing a breakup, dodging one, or just craving a little lighthearted love, these movies will deliver serotonin, drama, and maybe even hope. You want that "why don't guys do grand gestures anymore?" energy? This list's got you.

this is for aesthetics only

Here's every book so far from BOTM's monthly shortlist since February 2015 for anyone who wants to read them all like I do!

books with covers that look like another

Featuring morally gray men, unreliable narrators, emotional damage, dragons, serial killers, fake dating, enemies-to-lovers, and at least 47 books someone claimed “changed their life.” Proceed with caution.

Romance books which just make you feel good while reading them. They have a happy end and good vibes overall. Maybe you enjoy reading them during the summer or when you need a little something to take your mind of things. They don't have very dark topic, though they don't have to be without a little conflict to keep you entertained. Feel free to comment so I can add more recommendations!

Fiction where we learn perhaps a bit too much about someone's bathroom habits

books that were better on audio

basically every memoir is also going to be better on audio, especially if the author narrates it, but I have a separate list for those

books to read if you love nerdy love interests! scientists, comic book enthusiasts, doctors, librarians and more! one things for sure, we love an intellectual and passionate main character. — willing to take suggestions to add to or adjust this list!

the doctor will see you now 🩺 doctors, nurses and all round medical professionals here to raise your heart rate and get you back to your best in no time.

if you’re good, you might even leave with a lollipop and a sticker for being brave 🤭

Clean and closed door romance

Fiction reads featuring characters with disabilities, physical and/or mental health both included.

Recommendations welcome!

these MCs have trauma they need to work through: parental neglect, absent mother, loss of a parent, emotional / physical / psychological ab*se, divorce. this list may be books that you want to read or those that you want to avoid - whichever applies to you, it’s here nonetheless. bonus points if the MCs partner/s help them work through their trauma.

🚨 please check your triggers 🚨

clean or closed door romances that will have you giggling and kicking your feet

romance book heroes that are gentle, shy or nerdy in every sub-genre

Book in hand, toes in sand.

love sad books all day every day

The perfect beach reads! Fluffy romance that takes place on the beach, the lake, the river...anywhere that feels like summer. Make sure you leave your recs below :)

As a sapphic who can’t stand about 90% of MMCs in straight romances, and can’t stand Straight Nonsense™️ in general, finding a heterosexual romance book that not only I like, but has me swooning, is rare as heck, so I decided to document the ones that have cleared this high bar. This is an ever-growing list, so be sure to check back periodically if you want recommondations :)

recs from a girl who loves books that simultaneously make her cry and heal her