5 romance books that are about more than love

Listen, I love a good romance book. Especially as the weather gets cold and I just want to curl up with a cozy blanket and read all day. But when a book is able to give me a swoon-worthy love store AND talk about some deep issues? Consider me sold! More Than A Second Chance by Lisa Renee does just that, so as a part of the blog tour today I’m reviewing her book and giving you some other romance books that tackle big topics too.

More Than A Second Chance by Lisa Renee

Okay, first let’s talk about what this post is all about! More Than A Second Chance is about Cassie, who works with youth struggling with substance abuse and other addictions. While the primary story is about her developing relationship with Chris, an aspiring chef 6 romance books that are about more than love | Penn & Paper #romance #books #amreading and restaurant owner, it touches on some big topics like parental abuse, drug use, and abortion. It’s a Christian love story, so ultimately it’s about how Cassie and Chris’s faith helps them navigate these hard areas of life.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into it–although I’m a person of faith, I don’t tend to read much Christian romance. But I really appreciated how even though this book had a clear worldview it was coming from, it didn’t shy away from dealing with hard topics head-on. Christian fiction (and sometimes people, if I’m being honest) can often have its head in the sand and pretend there aren’t really hard things that people go through that aren’t always fixed with a simple prayer, so I was glad to read a Christian book that dealt with the real issues of life. Also, the fact that it was set in Australia and had lots of descriptions of food that Chris cooked didn’t hurt! If it sounds like a book you’d be interested in, keep reading to the end of the post for more info on a giveaway!

Emergency Contact by Mary HK Choi

Hello, yes, I will forever be screaming this book’s praises from the rooftops. It’s about Penny and Sam, both in their early twenties and trying to figure out what the heck to do with their lives. It’s a super sweet romance as their friendship and relationship develops over texting, but also writes honestly about anxiety, depression, and sexual assault. Also, it’s set in my home state of Texas, so bonus points for that.

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

I read this one more recently for a book club, and I am so glad I did! Leon is a nurse who works the nightshift, so he decides to rent out his flat (the book is set in London) during his nighttime shift, and Tiffy is desperately in need of a new place to live, so she decides to take up the offer. Slowly their romance grows through the short notes they leave on Post-Its for each other throughout the apartment. So already this premise is super cute, but if that weren’t enough, Leon’s brother has been wrongfully imprisoned and Tiffy is slowly realizing her ex-boyfriend was emotionally abusive. This book handles these topics so well and so respectfully, and I ended up staying up until 2am one night (when I had work the next morning!) to finish it.

The Boy Who Steals Houses by C.G. Drews

This YA love story features a soft, shy boy and wild, ambitious girl, so already I am here for it. Add in a giant, crazy family with complicated dynamics and lots of shouting and it’s just chock-full of goodness. It’s not just about boy-meets-girl though–Drews also weaves in OwnVoices representation of autism and anxiety. It’s so well done, and just rips your heart out in the best way possible.

The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

This book has been causing a buzz for a while, and so I was excited to snag a copy at my library’s book sale last month. When I read it, I completely understood the excitement! Alexa and Drew meet when they get stuck in an elevator after the power goes out. She ends up agreeing to be his pretend girlfriend at his ex’s wedding that weekend, and (surprise!) they end up falling for each other. But what makes this book differ from a lot of other romances is that it features a main character (Alexa) who is Black, and isn’t afraid to dive into the intricacies of interracial relationships and common experiences of Black people, from microaggressions to blatant racism. The balance between steamy romance and hard-hitting topics is just right, and it deserves all the attention it’s been getting.

5 romance books about more than love | Penn & Paper #reading #romance #books

Alright, about that giveaway I mentioned!

About More Than A Second Chance

Cassie Chambers, a dedicated youth worker, is determined to rescue the troubled youth in the city of Perth, Australia. Cassie has made mistakes but hasn’t allowed tragedy or divorce to stop her. She devotes every working hour at Youth Connect. But her own needs are neglected. Chef Chris Evanson offers work experience to young men from Youth Connect. Cassie and Chris’s encounters become more than sassy bantering with a hint of attraction. Chris is a sincere romantic. How will Chris respond when he finds out her secret? She must tell him before he falls in love. Will he believe she deserves more than a second chance? To complicate matters, one of Youth Connect’s troubled teens needs rescuing. She’s pregnant and moves in with Cassie, bringing absolute chaos. Chris gains insight into what life with Cassie involves. Does he still want the total package? Is Chris her true soul mate?

Sound interesting? Click here to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a free ebook!

About the author

Lisa Renee is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Omega Writers, Australia. With an Australian theme, she wrote the Single Again series featuring More Than a Second Chance and Acres of Promise, to encourage women to heal past wounds and to dare trust again. Lisa adores babies enough to have seven of her own. Recently, Lisa has taken up breeding Ragdoll cats instead of breeding humans. The tribe lives in Australia, where Lisa and her husband enjoy their writing projects, public speaking, and are on the pastoral team at their church.