Christina Lauren: A Romance Book for Every Mood
The writing duo Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, also known as Christina Lauren, have tackled the rom-com world with 19 New York Times Bestsellers and are not slowing down yet. Having read (and loved) 12 of their adult romance novels, it is clear to me that Christina Lauren has found a sweet spot in the genre. They have been published in over 30 languages, been inducted into the Library Reads Hall of Fame, and nominated for several Goodreads Choice Awards among other accomplishments.
With so many Christina Lauren books to choose from, where do you start? I have broken down my favorite reads from this writing duo into a list that will hopefully help my fellow adult romance readers decide which book to pick up first.
If you need a good cry:
“Love and Other Words”
Goodreads Rating: 4.3 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
This one made me cry. Weep. Crawl into a fetal position and contemplate life. With over 200,000 five-star reviews on Goodreads, this is one of Christina Lauren’s most popular books. Love and Other Words follows Macy and Elliot on their road back to each other. The two reunite unexpectedly and begin to unravel the secrets that led to a decade of silence. With alternating timelines, this book grabs ahold of you and does not let go until the very end.
This one has heavy themes of heartbreak and loss so be ready to feel all the emotions if you pick this up in the future.
If you love quirky characters
“josh and hazels guide to not dating”
Goodreads Rating: 3.97 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating is one of my personal favorite Christina Lauren books. Josh and Hazel give each other support in the daunting dating world by setting each other up on blind dates. While they go on horrible dates and learn more about what they don’t want in a partner, they realize that maybe what they want is each other. I particularly loved the character Hazel because of her ability to be herself unapologetically. She’s strong, loud, and passionate, like many women in my life.
With funny characters that live out loud, this book will make you laugh out loud.
If you’re a minnesotan
“The Unhoneymooners”
Goodreads Rating: 3.93 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
The first Christina Lauren book I picked up was The Unhoneymooners. I will admit Bookstagram made me try it, and once I did, I was hooked. This book took me by surprise with the references to the Minnesota State Fair, Dinkytown, and MSP. While most of the book is set on a beautiful Hawaiian island, the subtle references to my hometown were a weird and refreshing twist. This book follows Olive and Ethan on a honeymoon trip meant for their newlywed siblings.
Pretending to be her twin sister and Ethan pretending to be his younger brother, the two find love through their fake dating schemes. A definite read for romance readers from the Minneapolis area.
If you want a feel-good romance
“The Soulmate equation”
Goodreads Rating: 4.02 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
This one took me a while to get into because I don’t have a scientific background and thought the premise might not be for me but I was wrong. I loved this book. It was sweet, funny, and involved one very adorable 7-year-old daughter that made my preschool teacher heart swoon. When Jess and River receive a 98% biological compatibility score, they are forced to look at each other in a new light. A heartfelt romantic comedy, this one sucked me in until the very end.
1000% would recommend this book to anyone interested in Christina Lauren.
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