We go wild over the fated trope—with the stars and planets and universe aligning to bring two people (preferably enemies or opposites or rivals or someone’s sibling’s best friend) together.
But fate can also be found in the moments of our lives as readers, too. For instance, it’s found you here, reading this email on what could have just been a boring Monday morning (and we mean seriously boring. It’s literally TAX DAY) and instead is now filled with a fun bookish reveal that’s destined to bring you all the best romance book feels!
The (just-released!) fantasy romance book is an epic celestial tale, brimming with magic, fae (shadow daddy included), and wistful vibes that scream Bridgerton (think arranged marriage, tension-filled glances, and tea that's piping hot). The books in our May fantasy romance boxes will come with signed bookplates and the playlist will include special author-selected song picks!
The contemporary romance book will have you rooting for a fated happily ever after (and have you craving a delicious midnight dumpling in NYC) as it explores the beautiful lines between fate and choice / art and science / space and written-in-the-stars. This romance is closed-door and is packed with a delightful, opposites attract dual POV and the sweetest slow burn moments that’ll have you giggling and swooning. The books in our May contemporary romance boxes will also come with signed bookplates and the playlist will include special author-selected tracks!
So what exactly does fate have in store for the TBR this May?
Our May Fantasy Romance pick:
All the Chaos of Constellations by Hillary Raymer
Novalise has until the end of Midsummer to marry, but when fate binds her to a male who wants nothing to do with her, she finds herself uncertain of what to do—choose a husband on her own or let her brother decide for her. When a notorious assassin arrives with a tempting solution to her problem, Novalise strikes a bargain in hopes of winning her mate’s heart.
But one stolen kiss will change everything.
Asher wants nothing to do with love or the inevitable pain it brings, so when one fateful kiss reveals his mate, he immediately refuses to accept her. Until the female bound to him announces her engagement to a deadly assassin with a brutal reputation.
When he discovers a plot against the queen that puts Novalise in danger, Asher must decide whether to protect his own heart and walk away forever or challenge her betrothed in a fight he cannot win in hopes of re-claiming what he lost: her heart.
In a world of bargains and magic, betrayal and bonds, not even the stars can promise that love will prevail.
You can expect:
- bookish MMC
- rejected mates
- "You're so damn perfect."
Content warnings:
- adult language
- mild violence
- loss of a family member
- mention of off page suicide
- sexual themes
- anxiety
- mention of physical abuse
- sexually explicit content
- If there is a particular content theme that is triggering for you, we suggest doing additional research on the title to ensure your mental health.
Note: The books in this box will include signed bookplates and the playlist will include special author-selected tracks!
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Our May Contemporary Romance pick:
Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen
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Just a date . . . or a twist of fate?
When it comes to love and art, Rooney Gao believes in signs. Most of all, she believes in the Chinese legend that everyone is tied to their one true love by the red string of fate. And that belief has inspired her career as an artist, as well as the large art installations she makes with (obviously) red string. That is until artist’s block strikes and Rooney begins to question everything. But then fate leads her to the perfect guy . . .
Jack Liu is perfect. He’s absurdly smart, successful, handsome, and after one enchanting New York night—under icy February skies and fueled by fried dumplings—all signs point to destiny. Only Jack doesn’t believe. And after their magical date, it looks like they might be lost to each other forever . . . until they’re given one more chance to reconnect. But can Rooney convince a reluctant skeptic to take a leap of fate?
You can expect:
- forced proximity (at NASA)
- dual POV
- "We shouldn't be doing this."
 Content warnings:
- parental abandonment
- grief
- trespassing
- death of a loved one
- If there is a particular content theme that is triggering for you, we suggest doing additional research on the title to ensure your mental health.
Note: The books in this box will include signed bookplates and the playlist will include special author-selected tracks!
