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By Nicole Danielle
My Milwaukee Romance Haul: Finds from Romance Con & Two Amazing Bookstores
A Romance-Filled Weekend in Milwaukee
The first weekend of September was quite the adventure: my first romance book convention + visits two indie bookstores (Thirst & The Well Red Damsel) while swishing my Victorian taffeta skirt over several city blocks during the From Milwaukee with Love event. I came home with a stack that already has my heart racing. From regency intrigue to spicy contemporary vibes, there’s a little something for every romance mood. I shopped partly for the podcast … and partly just for me! Here are my new treasures, with authors, subgenres, and why I’m excited for each one.
My Stack & What I’m Most Looking Forward To
Here are the books in the picture, in order from top to bottom, with what attracted me to the book and what I’m anticipating:
Poppy and the Pirate (with a bonus short story, A Turn About the Room) by Elizabeth Cole
Genre: Regency Romany, Historical Romance
Synopsis: Poppy St. George is sharp-tongued, used to being misunderstood, and when her childhood friend gets married she feels adrift in the very rigid world of society. She escapes to Cornwall for a summer and runs into Carlos de la Guerra, someone she secretly loved before. Carlos had duty pull him abroad and now he’s back, determined to make things right. There’s mystery, danger (smugglers, social climbers), and the usual battle between social expectations vs. following your heart.
The Attraction: As a long time fan of historical romance, I am a sucker for a beautiful book cover. Both the book I purchased and complementary short story I received from Elizabeth Cole have gorgeous covers. And, you know what else is gorgeous? The author herself. She was an absolute joy and delight to talk to both at her author table and when I ran into her later at an author mingle event after the book walk. Down to earth and a woman I found to be incredibly relatable to, Cole is an author I’m excited to read and get to know better. Be sure to check out her website which features beautiful illustrations.
Get the Book: The Ripped Bodice or Amazon
A Holiday Crush by Angela Seals
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance
Synopsis: A Holiday Crush is a friends to lovers romance short that contains humor and provokes heartwarming feelings.
The Attraction: A romance based on a Capricorn? Count me in. As a Capricorn (married to a Capricorn), I am all in for a Zodiac-themed romance. “When Capricorns fall, they fall hard,” appears on the front cover. Yep. You’re not wrong, Angela Seals. So, of course, I snatched this book up without hesitation. Holidays and Capricorns. Say no more.
Get the Book: Amazon
Pumpkin to Talk About and Christmas by Design by Allie Samberts
Genre: Holiday Romance, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Synopses:
In Pumpkin to Talk About, Mike Page returns to his hometown to help his sister, only to collide with Belle Allen — the quirky librarian and his former high school nemesis. Between Halloween festivities, old grudges, and undeniable sparks; they must decide if their autumn fling can survive once Mike leaves town.
Christmas by Design:
When Holly Grant lands her dream job designing costumes for a holiday festival, the last thing she expects is to clash with Nick (the grumpy carpenter in charge of sets). But as snow falls and sparks fly, their frosty rivalry may turn into something far merrier.
The Attraction: I am a sucker for holiday anything. I love Halloween, I love Christmas. And these seemed like delicious treats to read for my favorite part of the year.
Get the Books: Pumpkin to Talk About from The Ripped Bodice or Amazon, Christmas by Design from The Ripped Bodice or Amazon
Ellena’s Secret by Elizabeth Donne
Genre: Regency Romance, Historical Romance
Synopsis: Ellena Trenton dreads her future — a marriage arranged by her father, without ever having met the groom. She believes she’s doomed to the same loveless fate as her parents. But when she’s betrothed sight unseen to Lord George Howell, the most eligible (but tongue-tied) viscount in Munro, the path isn’t quite what she expected. After a carriage accident leaves her stranded overnight with a mysterious stranger, and her cousin schemes for her fortune, Ellena must decide between duty and the stirrings of real feeling. For Lord Howell, Ellena is more than a title — if only they can get past misunderstandings and give their hearts a chance.
The Attraction: I got to meet Elizabeth Donne, the author, at her table at the convention. I couldn’t quite place her lovely accent but after a little internet stalking later on, I discovered she spent most of her life in South Africa. This is the book Donne suggested for me after we chatted. She signed my copy and her assistant lovingly wrapped the book with a beautiful organza bow. Her book covers are beautiful and, as mentioned with Elizabeth Cole’s books, I’m always a sucker for a gorgeous book cover and a sweeping historical romance.
Get the Book: The Ripped Bodice or Amazon
Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Scottish Romance, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Romantic Comedy
Synopsis: Keyanna “Key” MacKay returns to Scotland after her father’s death, hoping to connect with her estranged family and fulfill his wishes. She’s drawn into mysteries her father cloaked in silence —especially after discovering a childhood story about a monster that saved him. On the way to her grandparents’ farm, a near-drowning at a loch pulls her into Lachlan Greer’s world — a man with secrets and grudges, who just might be more than human. As Key develops strange powers, and the curse binding Lachlan’s lineage becomes more dangerous, the two must navigate family betrayal, ancient magic, icy lochs, and a growing, reluctant attraction.
The Attraction: In my youth, I was obsessed with the Loch Ness monster. And, I can trace my Scottish ancestry all the way back to the 1700s in Cromarty, and I’ve always had a thing for hot Scots. So when I came across this title by Lana Ferguson earlier this year, I definitely added it to my shopping and TBR (to be read) lists. And when I saw it on the shelf at Thirst, I instantly added it to the pile of books I purchased that weekend in Milwaukee. If you love a good Scottish romp as much as I do, I also suggest checking out my blog post with a bevy of Scotch romance recommendations here.
Get the Book: The Ripped Bodice or Amazon
The Deathless One by Emma Hamm
Genre: Fantasy Romance, Romantasy
Synopsis: Murdered at the altar by her new husband, Princess Jessamine strikes a dangerous bargain with the god of death: her life and kingdom in exchange for his return to the mortal realm. But as vengeance turns into desire, Jessamine must choose between saving her people — or claiming a throne at his side.
The Attraction: When my podcast co-host, Meghan, read Whispers of the Deep for Season 2 Episode 11: Diving Into Underwater Romance, it put the author — Emma Hamm — on my radar. And when I saw The Deathless One release, I was super intrigued and excitedly noted it on my shopping and TBR lists. Happily, Kerrie Berg of Thirst had it on her store bookshelves and so I eagerly snapped up a copy for myself. This will be my first time reading a book from Hamm and I can’t wait to get to it.
Get the Book: The Ripped Bodice or Amazon
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy
Synopsis: Nora Stephens, a sharp-edged literary agent, agrees to a month-long getaway with her sister in Sunshine Falls. Instead of the small-town romance Libby envisions, Nora keeps running into Charlie Lastra, a brooding editor from the city. Forced together again and again, Nora and Charlie discover that the stories they’ve written about themselves might not be the whole truth.
The Attraction: Stephens. North Carolina. Emily Henry. Okay, okay. A little more explanation. My married name is Stephens and any time I see it spelled correctly, I instantly rejoice. And I now live in NC. So I always get excited about NC settings in romance novels. And it’s Emily Henry, a bestselling romance author for a reason.
Get the Book: The Ripped Bodice or Amazon
White Wedding by Carla Luna
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Romantic Comedy
Synopsis: Victoria Blackwood is stuck coordinating her ex’s lavish Christmas wedding at her family’s winery—complete with a missing caterer. Enter Rafael Sanchez, the chef she once had a fling with and never expected to see again. Sparks fly as old flames resurface, but to pull off the perfect wedding, they’ll have to keep their past (and growing attraction) under wraps.
The Attraction: As a perused all the wonderful reading options at The Well Red Damsel, I came across White Wedding by Carla Luna. The cover is cute (and, yes, I’m totally one of those people who frequently buys wine and books strictly based on cute labels or covers) and synopsis sounded fabulously Hallmark-y to me. So into my shopping bag it went!
Get the Book: The Ripped Bodice or Amazon
Bound to the Fae by K. Rose
Genre: Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Shifter Romance, Fae Smut, Paranormal Romance
Synopsis: A human woman, severely wounded and kept alive only for her blood, must survive among powerful wolf-shifting fae who are bound by curses of their own. After being rescued by three possessive wolf fae, she finds safety — but also danger, as the fae realm’s politics, curses, and need for her blood to heal their people force her into a role she neither asked for nor understands. As she reclaims her strength, and as hearts and loyalties shift, she might just be more than the prize — they might realize she’s essential to their survival.
The Attraction: I met K. Rose live and in person during our convention and book walk adventures. She took the time to chat with me about her books and, based on my preferences, she suggested Bound to the Fae to me. I really appreciated getting a personalized recommendation. I also love werewolf/wolf-shifter vibes so I’m happy to add this to my TBR pile.
Get the Book: The Ripped Bodice or Amazon
Heartless Game by Jo Brenner
Genre: Dark Romance, Sports Romance (Hockey)
Synopsis: Tovah is working on a journalism degree — and an explosive article about Isaac Jones’s family. Isaac is not just the adored hockey star at Reina University; he’s hiding a violent, twisted past. When Tovah starts digging, Isaac will stop at nothing to bury her story forever, using every power and secret at his disposal. But things get dangerous when power dynamics, secrets, and attraction collide —and Tovah realizes she might be falling for the very man she wants to expose. She must decide: expose him and protect her family, or risk everything on a heart that might betray her. Contains many intense/dark themes.
The Attraction: I got to meet the author, Jo Brenner, face to face at her booth during our Milwaukee adventures. I love her straightforward manner and she explained the key highlights and differences of her novels for me so I could pick one that appealed to me. I can tell Brenner’s books are out of my comfort zone and this one might even be too dark for me. But it’s a got hockey (one of my favorite sports) and Meghan and I are committed to reading ALL romance genres for the podcast this year and I have yet to read a dark romance. I’ve already peaked at a few pages in the book and it’s definitely got me wondering if I’ve finally found my first Carolina Reaper book. (You can read more about our spiciness levels for the podcast here.)
Get the Book: The Ripped Bodice or Amazon
A Fate of Onyx and Ivory by O’Junea Brown
Genre: Fantasy Romance, Romantasy
Synopsis: To support her family, Amira strikes a risky bargain with a witch and is thrust into the fae realm of Solaris. Torn between loyalty to her family and a growing bond with a powerful winged fae, she must survive dark magic, hidden truths, and the pull of fate — or risk losing everything.
The Attraction: I love getting to meet romance authors and O’Junea Brown is no exception. And when I saw the absolutely gorgeous cover for her book, A Fate of Onyx & Ivory, I immediately purchased a copy (which she signed for me — squeeeee!). This is the first book in her series, The Obsidian Blade, and I can’t wait to dive into it.
Get the Book: Amazon
Every Version of You by Sloan Spencer
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy, Sports Romance (Rugby)
Synopsis: Angie Johanssen has always held things together — oldest of five siblings, family responsibilities, a caring heart. But her safe, structured life gets shaken up when her childhood best friend and roommate, Rafael Jimenez — a charismatic, salsa-dancing rugby player — moves back to Philly. Especially after one tequila-fueled night leaves both of them dealing with unexpected feelings. As they navigate old crushes, role-playing, banter, and a mess of emotions, Angie starts to wonder: can she risk her heart when things are already so complicated?
The Attraction: Sloan Spencer is another author I got to meet during our busy book weekend. She’s personable, vivacious and does an excellent job sharing the themes and major plot points of her books to help you choose which one to read. I’ve never read a rugby romance but I’ve known a few rugby players over the years and thought, why the hell not? I also love that the heroine in Every Version of You is a full-figured gal.
Get the Book: Amazon
Total Dreamboat Katelyn Doyle
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy, Vacation Romance
Synopsis: Hope Lanover needs a break: her relationship is over, her creative spark is gone. Her best friend drags her on a luxury cruise. Felix Segrave is a sober, driven chef who doesn’t do vacations but goes on this cruise for his family. Sparks fly, there’s forced proximity, misunderstandings, comedic elements, and emotional growth. Essentially, a beachy, fun escape with real feelings.
The Attraction: This is the second book I picked up from The Well Red Damsel. I saw the title on the spine on one of the store shelves and decided to read the synopsis. Cruise ship? Say no more. I’m in. I LOVE going on cruises and I’m sure this will be a great poolside or beach read on my next vacation.
Get the Book: The Ripped Bodice or Amazon
And Another Book I Wanted to Buy …
There was one more book Meghan and I both wanted to buy during the From Milwaukee with Love Event. And That’s A Forrest for the Holidays by Erin Marie Bassett. We both took a fun quiz via a QR codes Bassett had displayed at her booth on the book walk and got matched with this novel. Sadly for us (but happily for her), all her on-hand copies of the book were already sold out.
Why I Love Romance Cons & Indie Bookstores
Visiting Romance Con (and these stores in Milwaukee) reminded me why the romance community feels so special: authors you’ve followed, books you haven’t heard of, people geeking out over covers, and the joy of holding that physical book in your hands. Thirst and The Well Red Damsel both have such curated selections — you feel the love with every display and book shelf.
What’s Next
I plan to consume a few of these right away, especially:
- The Deathless One … I’ve just been super stoked about this one since it came out
- Every Version of You … I think I’ll enjoy a spicy rom com right now
- Under Loch & Key … definitely putting this Scottish romp in the queue right away
Stay tuned: I’ll be reviewing some of these on Romance on the Rocks Podcast soon. If there’s one you want me to start with, holler in the comments!
✨ Your Turn: Which one of these would you read first? Have you read any? Drop your recs or your faves. I love hearing what you all are excited about!
