Cozy small town romances to fall for
World building is one of the best parts (in my opinion) of the romance genre. We have ice-planets, sweeping Scottish Highlands, west coast fishing ports, southern tourist traps, Spindle Cove, I can do this for hours - you get the picture.
Small towns (of which I grew up) are cozy AF. There is an inherent sense of comfort in them (for me at least) and adding a sweeping romance to these settings, ramps up all the warm fuzzy feelings.
The other benefit of small town romances is they are generally perfect candidates for extended series! So many of these books end up having other characters getting their own happily ever afters. Great for them (obviously) and EXCELLENT for me (of course). We’ve got a little for everyone today, and as always if there is something that should be on this list, slide into my DM’s and let me know!
Truth or Beard by Penny Reid
Ah the bearded, wild, wonderful Winston brothers. Penny Reid’s small town romance series centres around a wild group of brothers and the cast of wacky and sinister characters in Green Valley Tennessee. Book one has Jessica and Duane Winston (twin of largely beloved Beau Winston) doing the childhood enemies to adult enemies to lovers in the best way. We love a grumpy sunshine pairing, one of which has just been in love with the other since birth. Just saying.
Beard in Mind by Penny Reid
Beard in Mind sees normally easy going Beau (single brother of now redeemed twin Duane) finding his forever with fellow auto mechanic, and brilliant artist Shelly. Y’all I am very biased. Like Shelly I have OCD, and seeing that represented here was really, deeply touching. Penny does a great job explaining how debilitating it is to live with the obsessions and compulsions. The need for reassurance and how doing ERP work is scary as hell. Let alone trying to include a person you are trying to date into the fold.
Seeing Duane love Shelly not despite of but because, is so uniquely special. I wont spoil the end, but that gift the entire Winston clan is in on, made me ugly cry.
Craft by Adriana Lock (Free on KU)
Book 2 of the Gibson brother series is all about Lance (hot teacher Gibson bro) and his fave colleague, librarian Mariah. These two, my word. How they “meet” is hilarious, I can’t say more without totally spoiling the plot. I think the thing I loved about these two was their genuine friendship. Lance supports the ever loving heck out of Mariah, especially when her bummer of a mom is around. We’ve got it all, small town teachers, friends to lovers, fake dating. Sex in a walk in pantry. It has it all, really.
Crave by Adriana Locke (Free on KU)
This is book 3 of Adriana Locke’s Gibson brothers series, and follows youngest and grumpiest brother Machlan as he has his entire world blown up when Hadley comes waltzing back into his small town bar and life. This is book, my lord. It lulls you in with an enemies to lovers story that pretty rapidly descends into something so much deeper. You’ll love how Machlan loves Hadley. These two will break your heart (just a little bit), and Adriana will ensure it’s mended back up at the end. I promise.
The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler
Alert, bearded mountain men incoming. I repeat. Bearded mountain men incoming. Tourist Attraction, has us venturing into the wilds of Moose Springs Alaska, where our gal Zoey is finally living out a bucket list item: simply visiting the state of her dreams. She pretty quickly stumbles into Graham’s aptly named Tourist Trap diner, a few reindeer dogs later and one very alcoholic drink and Graham is smitten, begrudgingly.
Lots to like about this one. Mountain man. Communal dog. One amorous moose. Alaska wilds. Locals only cinnamon buns. Threats of incarceration. You name it, this has got it.
Whiskey Chaser by Lucy Score & Claire Kingsley
Welcome to sleepy Bootleg Springs West Virginia! Where we find local handy-woman and tomboy Scarlett Bodine and grumpy (hiding from scandal) congressional hopeful Devlin McCallister. This book caught me right off-guard. It’s kinda fun, seems breezy. Lots of great spice-related content. And then BAM unsolved cold-case that may or may not be linked to Scarlett’s family? Yeah, I know.
Fair warning this is a series, with the mystery progressing across all of the romance novels. You’ll get to meet the rest of Scarlett’s brothers and see them fall in love, while the threat of something a touch ugly hangs in the balance.
Wild Man Creek by Robyn Carr
Set in small California mountain town Virgin River, is a twenty book series (now a Netflix series) that follows different folks as they find, recover or discover love. This is book 12 in the series, and most of the books do have cameo’s, so if you are not wanting to have anything spoiled, you might consider reading them in order, but it is not a requirement.
This instalment has Colin Riordan, back in town recovering from a military helicopter crash, he stumbles (quite literally) onto Jillian Matlock’s property while trying to find the perfect set up to paint some wildlife. Jillian is also, starting over in Virgin River, and what’s that saying: like calls to like? These two really made me feel things. Colin, is gruff and refuses to let anyone in. Jillian, god bless her, is ready to be loved the way she deserves, regardless of how hurt she has been in the past. This one will make you, smile, sigh dreamily, cry and ultimately feel very hopeful.
Forever Never by Lucy Score (Free on KU)
I have read a handful of Lucy Score books this year, and this one was really something. It’s kind of a second chance romance. Kind of romantic suspense. Kind of it’s always been you. But all parts small town romance, specifically on Mackinac Island. Brick is one of the most memorable book boyfriends I’ve read this year. He is gruff, demanding and loves the absolute SHIT out of Remi. Remi, sweet, artistic, lonely and scared Remi. This one gave me ALL the feels. Plus Synesthesia.
The Highland Fling by Meghan Quinn (Free on KU)
Two friends decide to “start over” by running a small coffee shop in Corsekelly Scotland. Ah this story is very sweet, and has everything I’ve come to love about a M-Quinn joint. Some delightfully wacky moments, genuine heart-felt relationship development, angst that makes sense, all the spice. And this one has a GOAT! You’ll love journeying around the highlands with Bonnie and Rowan (what did I tell you, Scottish and ROWAN, sold).
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
Schitt’s Creek inspired small town rom com features slightly out of touch influencer and professional party girl Piper who sets out to prove to her stepfather that she can be independent. Enter Westport and big bearded grumpy sea captain Brendan. This is a great small town, romance that is perfect parts sweet, spicy and funny. Also, butt stuff. So, its a win all around.