Unlocking Romance: The Book Cow’s Recommended Reading List

Peter Arnaudo • March 16, 2025

Are you wanting to immerse yourself into the world of romance? It can be a daunting task to choose your next book when it feels like there are thousands of options. 


Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Popular authors like
Ana Huang, Emily Henry, and Rainbow Rowell all have new releases that are bound to be instant favourites.

5 Romance Books for Beginners


Romance has always been a controversial genre, with some readers arguing that there’s no value in it. We STRONGLY disagree. 


A book doesn’t have to be intellectually stimulating or challenging in order to be enjoyable. Everyone deserves a feel-good gooey love story. 


1. Pictures of You by Emma Grey


Do you want to read a book that’s urgent, profoundly affecting and utterly unforgettable? Of course you do!


Emma Grey’s
'Pictures of You' is more than a romance book, it’s an exploration of self that is going to make you laugh, then cry, then laugh again. 


It balances deep, heartfelt vulnerability with an uplifting second-chance romance; guaranteeing you’re captivated from the very first page.


2. The Striker by Ana Huang


It’s time to tell you a secret… forbidden romance is my favourite trope. There’s just something extra special about anticipating the inevitable.


'
The Striker' is best-selling author Ana Huang’s latest release and it promises to be as addictive as her other books. It’s the perfect one to get you invested in romance.


3. Funny Story by Emily Henry


Emily Henry has done it again. Without a doubt, she should be your go-to romance author when you’re craving a five-star read that you’ll fly through. 


'Funny Story' is exactly as the title promises: light-hearted, comedic, and hopelessly romantic. You’ll need an ice cream to keep cool while reading about these two main characters and their downright wicked shenanigans. 


4. Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell


Rainbow Rowell has always had a talent for writing funny, light-hearted contemporary romances that fly off the shelves across the world. 


She’s written so many bestsellers that she might as well have an entire production of the New York Times dedicated to her. 


'Slow Dance' promises to entertain every soft-hearted, wide-eyed romantic in Australia. You are no exception. If you’re a fan of a long-lost second chance, you’ll be a fan of this book.


5. Wedding Forecast by Nina Kenwood


Would you ever believe a psychic’s forecast about who the love of your life is? 


Whether you'd scoff or giggle, you’ll have fun watching
'The Wedding Forecast's' main character, Anna, spiral into absolute chaos as she battles fate and chooses between two seemingly perfect guys.


Nobody ever said life was easy.


By Peter Arnaudo June 30, 2025
Just when you're starting to get on top of your TBR... we release another newsletter for you to browse!
By Peter Arnaudo June 29, 2025
All bookworms love dragons. It’s a fact. Even if you never read fantasy books, you have to admit… they’re one of the coolest mythological creatures out there. Sure, unicorns are pretty and mermaids can breathe underwater, but dragons are powerful, intelligent, and bloodthirsty. I’ll admit, I picked up A Language of Dragons because I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to re-read Fourth Wing for the third time. “This’ll scratch the itch,” I thought to myself as I browsed the ARCs sent to The Book Cow. Boy, was I right. A Language of Dragons is everything the cover promises. There’s action, adventure, and fun galore. I loved seeing dragons depicted in our world and, for once, they weren’t written as some superior, untouchable species. In fact, the whole plot revolves around them fighting humans for more rights. Consider me intrigued. The main character, much like Violet, is a bit of a geek - but not in an insufferable way. Although I would have preferred for her to find her voice a little sooner, she does eventually recognise that she’s on the wrong path. We love a self-aware queen! If you’re a fan of academia, great world-building, and a fantastic cast of characters, A Language of Dragons might just be the book for you. It’s fast-paced, addictive, and a refreshing take on the fantasy genre. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
By Peter Arnaudo June 21, 2025
Are the early 2010s back in fashion?! I must admit… I’m here for it. Silver Elite presented a not-so-refreshing take on the dystopian genre but, despite its reliance on popular tropes, I am officially OBSESSED. It reads like a romantasy book wrapped in a destroy-the-government package - bringing me very happy memories of enjoying Divergent in my early teenhood. If you’re a fan of cheesy (admittedly captivating) writing and like books that are a lot of fun, I highly recommend Silver Elite… that’s not to say it doesn’t get serious. This book is not for the light-hearted. The author, Dani Francis, is not afraid to play with your emotions. Even the main character isn't safe from the ever-haunting threat of death, forcing you to remain on the edge of your seat.  I’d love to see a movie adaptation in the near future! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
By Peter Arnaudo June 14, 2025
Whether you are a parent, teacher, librarian, or just an avid book lover... these are our must-have titles for 2025. From picture books right through to YA - these page-turners are bound to captivate and intrigue the children in your life. If any strike your fancy, let us know and we can reserve them for you!
By Peter Arnaudo June 7, 2025
How often do you read outside of your preferred genre? My answer to this question is never.
By Peter Arnaudo May 25, 2025
June is coming at us full force! Our latest monthly newsletter covers next month's not-to-be missed highlights - featuring the latest and greatest.
By Peter Arnaudo May 18, 2025
Are you constantly trying to encourage your children to read? We've got you covered. Instead of relying on us adults to point you toward books that your kids will love, we asked for help from local students.
By Peter Arnaudo May 11, 2025
As Canberra’s specialist children’s bookshop, we’ve become the go-to for recommendations. Now, we’re passing over the baton… to the students themselves. Over the past few weeks, The Book Cow has been working with local schools to gain insight into their favourite titles. These reviews are by kids, for kids.
By Peter Arnaudo May 4, 2025
One of the best months of the year is finally here, bringing tons of new titles to our shelves. From fantasy to romance, fiction to non-fiction, you’ll definitely need to go book shopping at least once (or twice!) over the next few weeks. 
By Peter Arnaudo April 27, 2025
Has the synopsis of a book ever made you fall hopelessly and irrevocably in love? From the get-go, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil promised to tick all of my boxes. Not only is it by an author I’ve adored since 2015, but it drew me in with the promise of toxic, lesbian vampires. I was not disappointed.

Stay Up To Date

Keep up with the herd by following us on social media! Never miss out on the latest updates, exciting announcements and upcoming events from The Book Cow.