Small town romances are one of my favorite tropes. We are talking top 5 level favorites. In my mind, it just gives off the Hallmark movie vibes, and I am here for it. You know exactly what I’m talking about too. I’m positive of it.
Now, would I ever live in a small town? I absolutely would! Well that is if I were to ever move from my current location. There is just something about a small town that appeals to me. From the potential community events, to the size of the town, to the gossip possibilities, it all calls to me. Especially the knowing of your neighbors, and that community feel. I may be an introvert with social anxiety, but the desire for a community is strong. I do blame Hallmark and Lifetime movies for creating this built up image in my head though.
If you are like me, and enjoy small town romances, then I have some book recommendations for you! I’ll tell you now, ALL of my recommendations are for series, so I apologize. At the same time, you’re welcome, and I hope you love the settings as much as I do.
Let’s dive in.
Southern by Natasha Madison
Should you pick up Southern Chance, book one in the series, go into it with an open mind. Ignore the reviews on Goodreads, and just jump in. I will say that chances are high that you won’t like Savannah. You’ll see her as problematic, and may blame her a bit for what goes down. Again, go in with an open mind, and trust that you’ll learn her full story in Southern Storm. What I can tell you is that you’ll fall for Kallie’s parents. I adore them, and want to be a member of the family.
The Edge by Kristin Turnage
The Edge of Happiness was Kristin's debut novel, and for me, it was a 5 star read. I loved Cassie and Ryan’s story. It was emotional, it was heartbreaking, it was full of healing and growth, and we witnessed Cassie come into this friendship group where they loved and accepted her unconditionally. She was a part of their group, of this found family, and it was everything she needed.
The characters in this series? I FREAKING LOVE THEM! None of them have had an easy go with things, but as we delve into their stories, it just has me falling even harder. Kristin Turnage has released 3 books in this series, and each one has been a 5 star read for me. Kristin has this way of creating relatable characters, building this world where I would love to visit, and her storytelling is fantastic. I can’t get enough, and this is one of those series that i will recommend over and over again. If you are an emotional reader, then have the tissues handy. You'll need them.
The Baileys by Piper Rayne
Please. It was March 2020 when I discovered this series, as well as Piper Rayne, and I was immediately drawn in. IMMEDIATELY I tell you. Lake Starlight is this adorable town in Alaska that I just picture as the quintessential small town. From the downtown, to the community knowing everything that happens with the Baileys, to the chaos that ensues. I just loved it.
So here’s the thing, there are 9 kids in the Bailey family. When Austin (he’s the oldest) was about to pursue his dream of being a professional athlete, his parents died in an accident. This had him returning home to become guardian of his siblings. To keep this family together, he gave up his dreams. Over time those dreams evolved, and he was willing to do what he needed to keep his family together. In Lessons from a One Night Stand we see how Austin and Holly meet, how a workplace romance is set to begin, and how their relationship brings on a bit of healing. Plus we get to meet all of the Baileys. Oh and there’s Grandma Dori who is a hoot. I love her shenanigans.
There are about 12 books in this series. It’s a lot I know. But each person has their own story, and then there are also 3 novellas. The books are all quick reads, they all have HEAs, they are steamy, they are rom-coms, and I highly recommend them.
Oh like I could mention one Alaska family and not the other! The Greene Family series is a spinoff of the Bailey’s, and honestly you’ll see the Bailey’s make the occasional appearance in the books. Especially Grandma Dori who is always with Ethel, and Ethel just so happens to be the Grandma to all these Greene children. The Greene family has a bit of The Brady Bunch feel to it when it comes to how the family was formed. This is a blended family (yours, mine, ours), and with that comes a bit of added drama, emotions, angst, as well as healing.
Similar to the Bailey’s, each sibling has their own story. For the most part. Rylan’s story, he’s the youngest, we don’t get quite yet. That will come eventually, but for now we just have the parents story, as well as each of the older “kids”. In this series, you’ll get a wide variety tropes so there’s a little something for everyone.
In regards to the town, the way I have Sunrise Bay pictured just creates this atmosphere of community building, community events, and ease of getting around. Now how I have it pictured may be completely different than the Piper and Rayne have it envisioned, but I’m perfectly content with the town square image going on in my head.
Go read this series, but definitely read it after the Baileys. Trust me on that. Plus you’ll understand Dori and Ethel (as well as Midge) a bit better. Oh those Grandmas!
Cowboys + Small town = GIVE ME!!
Ryder Ranch is a 4 book series set in the small town of Warrenville Texas. The Ryder family is comprised of Dad (Mack), and his four kids (Wilder, Hunter, Maverick, and Molly). Together they work the ranch, and are a constant in each others lives. They’ve all been hurt emotionally since the moment the kids mom walked away. Her leaving caused so much heartache, grief, and relationship problems that they all are still working through.
Hoping for Hunter kicks off this series, and our meet cute involves a cow. Yes, you read that right. It was that a little tidbit of info that had my curiosity piqued. How does a cow cause our couple to meet? That just doesn’t make sense. BUT once you start reading, you’ll understand. These Ryder men are all quite alpha, and a bit afraid of falling in love. So to watch each one topple is spectacular. This series brings on a few different tropes, from age gap, to grumpy/sunshine, to second chance, to opposites attract, but all the stories take place in the small town of Warrenville. Dad and the boys books are all part of this series, where as Molly’s story is part of Guarding Her series. The story of her and Brooks journey to a happily ever after is called Break. I haven’t read that one yet, but it is on my list.
Now don’t get confused with this series title. I know it is VERY close to the Anna Brooks series I just mentioned, but they are different. Obviously.
The Ryker family lives in Montana, and their whole world is the family ranch. It’s an amazing property, and it employs a lot of people.However since Dad died they’ve been struggling financially. Those financial woes could be a thing of the past though if this reality TV show takes off. Now Clint just needs to take the jump, and not fall for the producer of the show.
This family has etched itself into my heart. I am a bit obsessed with them, and I regret nothing. I have adopted Mama Ryker as my second mom, and I would like to go stay with her for a few weeks. Her and Mama Barnes from the Southern series cannot be beat. These two matriarchs are phenomenal. Hands down. I aspire to be like them. Which also means I need to work on my cooking skills.
Anyway, this series set in small town Montana may have you wanting to live in that world. There’s just this strong community feeling, and you know you’ll have support there for you whenever you need it. There are currently 4 books, plus a novella, released, as well as a couple of spin-off titles. Trope wise we are talking opposites attract, forbidden, workplace, fake relationship, friends to lovers, surprise pregnancy, second chance, and a few others sprinkled in. Kim Loraine has created this setting, this community, that just feels like home. Then there are the storylines that pull you in, and have you wanting more from this cast of characters.
This four book series is one that I discovered through Amazon Prime Reading. I devoured Her Maine Attraction, and immediately purchased the series. There was just something with the setting, with this group of friends, and with the potential relationships that had my attention.
The first book alone lured me in because this woman decided to just move to this coastal community where she knew no one, had no job, and was creating this fresh start for herself. Her Maine Attraction was a steamy, insta-love story, and I could not put it down. It is also in this first book where we meet Ally’s friends, and slowly but surely they too make the decision to relocate to Pine Cove. All of the love stories are filled with emotion, conflict, healing, self discovery, and finding of community.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy read, then consider checking this one out. I will say that I prefer the original covers (shown above) versus the updated covers, but that's just me.
So here’s the thing, there are 9 kids in the Bailey family. When Austin (he’s the oldest) was about to pursue his dream of being a professional athlete, his parents died in an accident. This had him returning home to become guardian of his siblings. To keep this family together, he gave up his dreams. Over time those dreams evolved, and he was willing to do what he needed to keep his family together. In Lessons from a One Night Stand we see how Austin and Holly meet, how a workplace romance is set to begin, and how their relationship brings on a bit of healing. Plus we get to meet all of the Baileys. Oh and there’s Grandma Dori who is a hoot. I love her shenanigans.
There are about 12 books in this series. It’s a lot I know. But each person has their own story, and then there are also 3 novellas. The books are all quick reads, they all have HEAs, they are steamy, they are rom-coms, and I highly recommend them.
The Greene Family by Piper Rayne
Similar to the Bailey’s, each sibling has their own story. For the most part. Rylan’s story, he’s the youngest, we don’t get quite yet. That will come eventually, but for now we just have the parents story, as well as each of the older “kids”. In this series, you’ll get a wide variety tropes so there’s a little something for everyone.
In regards to the town, the way I have Sunrise Bay pictured just creates this atmosphere of community building, community events, and ease of getting around. Now how I have it pictured may be completely different than the Piper and Rayne have it envisioned, but I’m perfectly content with the town square image going on in my head.
Go read this series, but definitely read it after the Baileys. Trust me on that. Plus you’ll understand Dori and Ethel (as well as Midge) a bit better. Oh those Grandmas!
Ryder Ranch by Anna Brooks
Ryder Ranch is a 4 book series set in the small town of Warrenville Texas. The Ryder family is comprised of Dad (Mack), and his four kids (Wilder, Hunter, Maverick, and Molly). Together they work the ranch, and are a constant in each others lives. They’ve all been hurt emotionally since the moment the kids mom walked away. Her leaving caused so much heartache, grief, and relationship problems that they all are still working through.
Hoping for Hunter kicks off this series, and our meet cute involves a cow. Yes, you read that right. It was that a little tidbit of info that had my curiosity piqued. How does a cow cause our couple to meet? That just doesn’t make sense. BUT once you start reading, you’ll understand. These Ryder men are all quite alpha, and a bit afraid of falling in love. So to watch each one topple is spectacular. This series brings on a few different tropes, from age gap, to grumpy/sunshine, to second chance, to opposites attract, but all the stories take place in the small town of Warrenville. Dad and the boys books are all part of this series, where as Molly’s story is part of Guarding Her series. The story of her and Brooks journey to a happily ever after is called Break. I haven’t read that one yet, but it is on my list.
Ryker Ranch by Kim Loraine
The Ryker family lives in Montana, and their whole world is the family ranch. It’s an amazing property, and it employs a lot of people.However since Dad died they’ve been struggling financially. Those financial woes could be a thing of the past though if this reality TV show takes off. Now Clint just needs to take the jump, and not fall for the producer of the show.
This family has etched itself into my heart. I am a bit obsessed with them, and I regret nothing. I have adopted Mama Ryker as my second mom, and I would like to go stay with her for a few weeks. Her and Mama Barnes from the Southern series cannot be beat. These two matriarchs are phenomenal. Hands down. I aspire to be like them. Which also means I need to work on my cooking skills.
Anyway, this series set in small town Montana may have you wanting to live in that world. There’s just this strong community feeling, and you know you’ll have support there for you whenever you need it. There are currently 4 books, plus a novella, released, as well as a couple of spin-off titles. Trope wise we are talking opposites attract, forbidden, workplace, fake relationship, friends to lovers, surprise pregnancy, second chance, and a few others sprinkled in. Kim Loraine has created this setting, this community, that just feels like home. Then there are the storylines that pull you in, and have you wanting more from this cast of characters.
Pine Cove by Rebecca Gannon
The first book alone lured me in because this woman decided to just move to this coastal community where she knew no one, had no job, and was creating this fresh start for herself. Her Maine Attraction was a steamy, insta-love story, and I could not put it down. It is also in this first book where we meet Ally’s friends, and slowly but surely they too make the decision to relocate to Pine Cove. All of the love stories are filled with emotion, conflict, healing, self discovery, and finding of community.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy read, then consider checking this one out. I will say that I prefer the original covers (shown above) versus the updated covers, but that's just me.
