Romance Novels for Every Hobby

We’ve noticed a trend this year in our romance books- 2024 has been the year of romance for every reader! If you want a romance featuring a specific hobby, interest, or activity, the publishing world has you covered, and so do we! Take a look at some of the niche romances we have in our collection.

Click on the book title to request a print copy of the book, or check out Libby or Hoopla for eBook and eAudiobook offerings.

For the pickleball enthusiast:

Pickleballers by Ilana Long

Meg Bloomberg is in a pickle. When Meg’s ex turns out to be a total dink, her bestie suggests a mood-lifting pickleball excursion to Bainbridge Island. It’s supposed to be an easy lob, a way to heal–not the opening serve to a new courtside romance that’s doomed to spin out. But no matter how Meg tries, she can’t shake her feelings for Ethan Fine. A charismatic environmental consultant and Bainbridge local, Ethan is eager to play with her on–and off–the court.

For the word game puzzler:

A Five Letter Word for Love by Amy James

Twenty-seven-year-old Emily doesn’t have a lot going well in her life right now. She dreams of a creative career, longs for big city life and craves a close group of friends but is stuck with irritating, car-obsessed coworkers.

What Emily does have is a 300+ day streak on the New York Times Wordle. But one day, with only one guess left and no clue what the answer is, she’s forced to turn to one of her irritating, car-obsessed coworkers, John, for help–and in doing so, realizes that he might not be so irritating after all.

For the beginner birder:

Birding With Benefits by Sarah T. Dubb

Newly-divorced, almost-empty-nester Celeste is finally seeking adventure and putting herself first, cliches be damned. So when a friend asks Celeste to “partner” with his buddy John for an event, Celeste throws herself into the role of his temporary girlfriend. But quiet cinnamon roll John isn’t looking for love, just birds–he needs a partner for Tucson’s biggest bird-watching contest if he’s ever going to launch his own guiding business.

For the aspiring astrologer:

Looking For a Sign by Susie Dumond

Gray feels her biological clock ticking and is determined to meet someone, settle down, and build the loving, accepting family she’s always wanted. When her best friend Cherry suggests Gray look for answers from Madame Nouvelle Lune, an astrologer, Gray’s skeptical. So when Madame encourages her to look to the stars, she finds herself mapping out a plan: go on a date with someone of each sign before her birthday, when Saturn will make its first return to the same celestial alignment as her birth (a major turning point in every person’s life, she’s learned).

For the Olympic fan:

Let the Games Begin by Rufaro Faith Mazarura

Olivia Nkomo has always been ambitious, smart, and an overall go-getter. Now that she’s graduated from university, she’s willing to do whatever it takes to land her dream job at the Summer Games. The first step? Securing her new internship, which will put her in the center of all the action, where she hopes to run into some of her favorite athletes. Ezekiel “Zeke” Moyo, the heartthrob star runner of Team Great Britain, is more than ready to claim his title as the fastest man in the world, following in the footsteps of the greatest athletes of all time.

For the DIYer:

Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair by Laura Piper Lee

Hannah hardly believe her eyes when she finds an engagement ring. Killian, her super responsible, incredibly attractive boyfriend–and the father of her new baby, Bowie–is finally going to propose. But a romantic night out goes horribly wrong when Killian reveals he’s dumping Hannah. Furious and heartbroken, Hannah takes Bowie and moves in with her mama and stepdaddy in the mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia. Hannah realizes that her parents’ cabin has vacation property gold written all over it. Only problem? The cabin’s décor is . . . mildly terrifying and it’s in desperate need of renovation.

Happy reading!

-Melinda

Bored? DIY!

One of my favorite things to do when I’m feeling restless and bored is to see how I can change up my living space. Sometimes all it takes is finally putting up that picture that’s been sitting on the floor since I got it or rearranging the furniture in my bedroom, but other times I want to tackle a project. I love flipping through interior design books and thinking “one day!”. Fortunately, there are plenty of DIY books with inexpensive ideas to occupy my time for at least a few days. And sometimes all you need are quick ideas for holiday decorations or easy home improvement tips. Here are a few books to hopefully inspire you and maybe you’ll even learn some new tricks! 

If you have an outdoor space, often just mowing the lawn can feel like enough of a project. But if you’re interested in making that space into a focal point of your home, Big Impact Landscaping by Sara Bendrick is worth checking out. Build that privacy wall, the outdoor fireplace, or a stone patio you never thought you could and enjoy your new gathering space! 

Marian Parsons’ Feels Like Home takes us through each room in her home, showing us budget-friendly ways to incorporate our own uniqueness into each space. With tutorials, design ideas, and tips, your home will feel more like an extension of yourself in no time. 

While for most people, all 10,001 solutions won’t be new, almost anyone can learn something from Bruce and Jeanne Lubin’s Who Knew? 10,001 Household Solutions. You’ll learn a myriad of tricks with common household products, like using beer for removing rust or making fluffier pancakes, putting whole cloves in drawers or other spots you see creepy crawlies, and removing scuffs on shoes with lemon or rubbing alcohol.  

I’m sure most of us have spent too much money on pet accessories because how can you resist that cute cat bed?? But if you’re looking to cut down (but never entirely!) on fancy things your pet definitely needs, DIY Projects for Cats and Dogs by Armelle Rau has the inexpensive solution for even a novice DIY-er. From the ever-needed scratching posts to leash racks, this book covers a variety of projects, all in a functional, minimalist style to fit any home décor.  

Enjoy exploring your DIY side and your new handmade projects!