The Books I’m Looking Forward to This Season

Romance Reads for a Fresh Start: My Spring TBR

Recently, I learned that I’m a Manifesting Generator. My energy and workflow move in cycles, and the seasons play a big role in how I function. I’ve leaned into this by honoring my natural rhythms.

Lauren Ficklin writes about her Spring TBR List

With that, my favorite season is winter—cozy indoor vibes, statement coats and boots, and dramatic displays from Mother Nature via rain, winds, and darkness. It’s a time for rest, hearty meals, deep self-reflection, and books that make me think.

But this month, spring begins. And with it comes energy, renewal, and the intention to start new things and refresh old ones. That includes my TBR list. This spring, I’m sticking to my usual romance genre but with a twist. I want stories where the leading lady starts over, rebuilds herself, or taps into her creativity. Take a look at what I’ll be reading.

🌸 Feel-Good Romance: Light & Refreshing

Dream Girl DramaTessa Bailey

Whenever I need a fun, modern romance with the perfect blend of banter, steam, and heart, I turn to Tessa Bailey. Her books never take themselves too seriously, and I always walk away smiling.

Dream Girl Drama is the third book in the Big Shots series, and since I’ve read the first two, I already know I’ll love this one. The setup is a steamy, unexpected encounter between a pro hockey player and the free-spirited woman he can’t forget—except things take a turn when they realize their parents are engaged. Gasp! It’s promising awkwardness, chaos, and wild entertainment. And I can’t wait.

💕 Emotional & Deep: Love That Heals

AfterAnna Todd

Like much of the romance-obsessed world, I devoured every After movie on Netflix. I fell for Tessa and Hardin’s messy, all-consuming love. But even more, I loved their love of literature and the way they grew into themselves throughout the series.

So when my sister bought me the books, it was only a matter of time.

The story follows Tessa, a girl with a picture-perfect life—good grades, a steady boyfriend, and a mother determined to keep her in line. But everything shifts when she meets Hardin Scott—British, tattooed, and the human definition of a red flag. He’s rude, cold, and exactly the type of guy she shouldn’t fall for. And yet, she does.

This spring, I’ll finally experience their tumultuous love story the way it was meant to be—on the page.

🔥 Spicy & Fun: Page-Turners for a Little Thrill

Deep EndAli Hazelwood

I’ve read two Ali Hazelwood books, and she never misses. The STEM heroines, slow-burn romance, and subtle nods to Stanford (my alma mater!) always make for a page-turner. But Deep End seems to have a darker edge that immediately caught my attention.

This one follows a competitive diver and an elite swimmer who are drawn to each other in ways they shouldn’t be. Forbidden romance, tension, and high stakes in and out of the water—what’s not to love? Something tells me this one is going to be impossible to put down.

Honorable Mentions: Other Books on My Spring List

Find Your Unicorn SpaceEve Rodsky: A nonfiction pick for my resurgence of creativity this spring. Rodsky explores how women can reclaim time for themselves, for their creative pursuits, beyond work and family roles.

The Third Gilmore GirlKelly Bishop: A memoir from Kelly Bishop (aka Emily Gilmore). A perfect end-of-Women’s-History-Month read about ambition, reinvention, and navigating life as a woman in the entertainment industry.

The Duke and IJulia Quinn: A classic Bridgerton novel—because sometimes, a little historical romance is exactly what the season calls for.

Conclusion

Spring is a season of new beginnings, and my TBR list seeks to embody that—a mix of fresh starts, self-discovery, and romance in all its forms. Whether it’s lighthearted fun, emotional healing, or forbidden tension, these books promise stories that match the energy of the season. I’ll be diving into these over the next few months—so stay tuned for reviews, thoughts, and maybe a few rants along the way.

What’s on your spring reading list? Drop your favorites—I’m always looking for a good rec!

 
Lauren Ficklin

🌸 Coach’s Wife, Girl Mom, Creative

✍🏽 Author + Brand Strategist

✨ Sharing Real-Life Moments & Branding Tips

👇🏽 Let’s Connect!

https://itslaurenmarie.com
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