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By Meghan Leigh
A Romance-Filled Weekend in Milwaukee
My podcast cohost Nicole and I were lucky enough to spend a lovely weekend exploring the romantic nature of Milwaukee.
(And don’t try telling me that a blue-collar, Midwestern, baseball-loving city like Milwaukee isn’t romantic. I’m not buying it. If anything, it checks off so many of the boxes we see in romance novel tropes today – and I’m here for it.)
Our foray into the city brought us face-to-face with some of the best contemporary romance authors of the day. After tromping up and down twenty-some blocks of North Avenue, my heart was full, my wallet was empty, and my shoulder was sore from schlepping all my new novels.
In no particular order – i.e., the order in which they were pulled out of the tote – here are my fabulous finds from our time in Milwaukee.
My Romance Book Crawl Haul
1. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Chosen partially because of the sweet cover art, this YA novel features a gay, Latino protagonist who accidentally unleashes a ghost into his school. A cute, bad-boy type of ghost. Picked up directly from The Well Red Damsel bookstore.
- Amazon (print)
- Audible
- Kindle
- Libro.fm
2. All on the Line by Lo Everett
Part of a larger series, but works as a stand-alone. A baseball-themed romance with “You’ve Got Mail” vibes. Enemies to lovers. Did I mention baseball? First book I grabbed that day!
3. Sorry, Bro by Taleen Voskuni
A queer romance with an Armenian protagonist. Love is found over traditional dishes and witchy arts. Snagged this gem at Thirst Bookstore.
4. Dead Egyptians by Del Blackwater
A well-researched dive into Egyptian history with occult adventures, magic and a gay slow-burn romance. Bonus: I got to chat with the author about her travels and writing process — so excited to read this!
Update: I read this book while traveling earlier this year. You can read my review here.
5. Find Me by Liz Lincoln
Book three in the Milwaukee Men at Work series, but can be read out of order. It’s a Christmas, second-chance romance set in one of my favorite places. Yes, please.
I actually gave this book to my podcast co-host Nicole to read for one of the podcast episodes. You can read her review here and catch the episode here.
6. It’s a Fabulous Life by Kelly Farmer
A modern queer retelling of It’s a Wonderful Life, carrying the tagline “Make the Yuletide Gay.” Can one have too many Christmas romance novels? I think not.
I read this one for our Christmas in July bonus episode this year. You can catch the episode and get my signature cocktail recipe to go with the book here.
7. Caulky by K. M. Neuhold
Part of the Four Bears Construction series. Between the cheeky title and cover abs, I’m ready for this sexy rebound romance, possibly with forced proximity.
8. Wood You Marry Me by Daphne Elliot
A marriage-of-convenience, slow-burn romance with a lumberjack hero. Sold the minute I saw the heroine married for health insurance. Practical, relatable, and hilarious.
I enjoyed reading this book for one of our podcast episodes this past summer. You can catch the episode here.
9. Winner Takes All by Amanda Bryk
According to the author, this one gets overlooked — but it’s her personal favorite. With zero plot clues on the back cover, I’m intrigued and ready for the mystery.
10. Tanabata Wish by Sara Fujimura
A YA coming-of-age romance set in Japan. Bought this one for my niece, who’s learning Japanese—seemed like the perfect fit.
11. Ruckus by L. J. Shen
A second-chance, forbidden romance wrapped in the complexities of chronic illness. Didn’t realize it’s book two in a series … fingers crossed it still reads smoothly!
I read this book for Season 3 Episode 3: Billionaires & Boundaries. You can listen to my thoughts here.
12. Sea of Ruin by Pam Godwin
When I wondered aloud if pirate romances still exist, this one magically appeared at Thirst bookstore. Can’t wait to see how a contemporary pirate romance stacks up against the Fabio covers of the ’80s.
I read this book for one of our Arr-gust Pirate Month episodes, Ship Happens. You can listen to the episode here.
13. Three Swedish Mountain Men by Lily Gold
Self-discovery after heartbreak. Forced proximity. Reverse harem. Swedish vacation. Honestly—how could I say no? (My co-host Nicole actually had this on her shopping/TBR list and I didn’t know that when I bought it!)
Bonus Books & Surprises
Not mentioned above:
- A mysterious book-in-an-envelope gifted by Robin at our Bookish Biddie Brunch.
- A mystery-date-with-a-book package. Hints included: slow burn, grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, gentle protagonist. All tropes I adore.
- A book I got to swap with Nicole. Shhh. No spoilers.
Wrapping It Up
Sweet 16 books in total!
I don’t know about you, but I’d say that’s a pretty solid haul. Next year (please say there’s going to be a next year), I’ll definitely be bringing a bigger bag. (Update: There was a next year but we were too busy to go.)
Happy reading, friends!
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!
