my mental health is deteriorating and I need a good romance book to cure me

hi everyone. for confidentiality purposes, let’s say my name is Sue.

everyone ceremoniously says “hi sue”

I, Sue, have been going through the gutter. I just turned 24 and got my masters degree last December. unfortunately, I’m still unemployed, living at home with my parents, and I have no prospects (not that I want anyone but the internet makes you feel like you should have a s/o).

Also, I’m not sure how to do my own taxes.

I know those things don’t make me a loser yet I still feel like one. The only time I don’t feel bad about myself is when I read a well-written romance book.

Romance has become my favorite genre. I love escaping into a world where life may be complicated, but a happy ending is always guaranteed. Unlike, reality where “guaranteed” is God’s favorite joke.

So everyone, if you’re up for it, I need help finding romance novels that feed my soul and make me laugh. I’ve read nearly every one of booktoks’ recommendations and I’ve found them to be either incredibly boring or bad —-poorly written.

I am open to all genres as long as romance is involved. I want a book where the characters are flawed and beautiful, the storyline is unique, and the writing is actually good. I’m also okay with books that are just for giggles as well.

I try not to think about tropes when it comes to reading but I am a sucker for witty banter and jealousy moments.

Below I’ve provided a list of books that I’ve loved, liked, and hated. Love means I found the book to be thought provoking and I adored the characters. Liked means I had fun reading the book—the writing wasn’t necessarily great but it was a good time. Hate means I felt angered or annoyed after closing the book.

I hope this list helps with you guys giving me recs! Please provide indie authors as well!

The books I’ve loved: Out on A Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young, Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan, Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez, Seven Days in June by Tia Williams, The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston Funny Story AND Book Lovers by Emily Henry The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan Me Before You by Jojo Meyers

The books I’ve liked: Reckless, Heartless, AND Wild Love by Elsie Fisher Love Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood Love Unwritten by Lauren Asher The Windy City Series by Liz Tomforde Bad Billionaire Bosses Series by Kyra Parsi Blind Side by Kandi Steiner The Maddest Obsession by Dani Lori First Time Caller by B.K. Borison

The books I’ve hated: Normal People by Sally Rooney (sorry guys!!!) Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez Icebreaker by Hannah Grace Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston The Sweetest Oblivion by Dani Lori Hail Mary by Kandi Steiner Reckless by Lauren Roberts Today, Tonight, Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Please help me escape reality! Thank you so much.

• Yours, Sue