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By Meghan Leigh
Reading Romance on the Road: A Travel Readathon in Spain and Beyond
“We travel for romance, we travel for architecture, and we travel to be lost.” – Ray Bradbury
My older sister and her family currently live in Spain just outside of Barcelona. It had been far too long since my last visit, so when the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance to traipse off to Europe.
Because my nephews are both heavily occupied with school and extracurricular activities this time of year, I knew I’d have some decent downtime during our visit. Cue my brilliant idea for a readathon. How many novels is too many novels to drag on an international flight? We were about to find out.
Nine full days away from home. Innumerable gifts. Four novels tucked into various nooks and crannies. My luggage was bloated and loudly protesting the excessive weight. Despite the impracticalities of hauling extra pounds through layovers and customs, I was determined. This vacation would be time with my family and a much-needed sabbatical for me and my books.
Love and Latkes by Stacey Agdern
Spice Level: 🌶️ Green pepper
I started Love and Latkes while waiting to board my first flight out of Wisconsin. By the time I landed in Chicago, I had made solid progress.
This is a second-chance romance set during the Hanukkah season, bringing together two former friends who still clearly care for each other. Their reconnection unfolds through food, baking and a competition that gently nudges them back together.
Favorite quote:
“Allyship is a verb.”
Overall, this is a very tame seasonal romance. Think Hallmark movie on paper. It’s cozy, safe and absolutely something you could share with your grandma without fear.
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The Deathless One by Emma Hamm
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Jalapeño
This one was a surprise stowaway. I’d been on the library waitlist for The Deathless One for ages and had honestly forgotten about it. The day before departure, I got the notification that it was ready for pickup. Naturally, I grabbed it and took it all the way to Spain.
The story unfolds in a dark, magical world filled with fallen gods, murdered royalty and persecuted witches. The central pairing features an emotionally complicated shadow daddy and a powerful, beautiful and vindictive woman just beginning to claim her strength.
I loved it. I love world-building and I love Emma Hamm.
Favorite quote:
“We are chaos and blood. Wetness and rage. Howling at the moon that we will not be silenced or forgotten. We are everything that they fear and covet.”
This book was exactly my speed and I’m thrilled it’s part of a series because I’m not ready to leave that world.
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Dead Egyptians by Del Blackwater
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Jalapeño
I picked up Dead Egyptians last September during the Romance Crawl along North Avenue in Milwaukee and was happy to finally work it into the lineup.
This novel blends historical and supernatural romance. The central couple is reincarnated lifetime after lifetime, destined to find each other again and again. Tenth-chance romance? Fated incarnates? Whatever you call it, I found it deeply engaging.
I need my romance novels to do some heavy lifting in the plot department, and this one delivered.
Favorite quote:
“Some people are so empathetic that they can simply look at your face and feel your Za – they don’t even have to touch you.”
Del’s website doesn’t yet hint at when the next installment will drop, but I’ve been promised there’s more to come.
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The Body Trail by A. L. Wilder
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Carolina Reaper
This novel was graciously gifted to me by the author and offered a sharp turn from the rest of my reading stack.
Anyone considering The Body Trail should take the trigger warning pages seriously. The story follows a young woman fascinated by the macabre who finds solace in studying the lives and crimes of serial killers.
While there are romantic elements, this reads more like a psychological thriller. Lines are aggressively blurred between sex and violence, right and wrong, good and evil.
Favorite quote:
“She plucked a carnation from the vase on the counter without asking. A keepsake. Something beautiful to remember the ugly by.”
This is a twisted ride. It’s not for every reader, but it’s a compelling choice for those interested in dark psychology and morally complex storytelling.
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The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Jalapeño
I stumbled upon this English-language edition while shopping in Vilanova. Buying a romance novel in Spain, partially set in Spain, written by an author who shares my sister’s first name? Sold.
This enemies-to-lovers romance is light, funny and genuinely charming. I laughed out loud more than once.
Favorite quote:
“Five tacos – Aaron had gotten me five tacos and not four, like I had told him.”
That’s the moment she should have known he loved her.
I also deeply appreciated that the heroine highlights her reading materials. I felt seen. Vindicated. My orange highlighter was sitting right next to me the entire time.
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Final Thoughts
I left the States with four unread romance novels and returned with five completed. I’m calling that a win.
For an already wonderful vacation, this approach added an extra layer of joy. And let’s be honest — those bookish glamour shots were half the fun.
How about you? What’s your approach to reading while traveling? Any recommendations I should pack for my next adventure?
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