Book matchmaking from Lighthouse Bookshop and Book Lovers

It's the sexiest time of the year, by which we mean it's over 17 degrees and everyone has taken off their jumpers, so what better time for a sexy book festival. It's the third edition of First Date, the romance book festival launched by Lighthouse Bookshop in 2023 – this year they're working together with Book Lovers Bookshop, Edinburgh's dedicated romance bookshop (!!!) for two weeks worth of author events, workshops and nighttime book markets dedicated to all things romance, running from 17-31 May.

To celebrate what will be a steamy few weeks, we asked Christina from Lighthouse Bookshop and Caden from Book Lovers Bookshop to give us some hyperspecific recommendations. Find your perfect vibe and perfect new read here, and head on here for the full list of recommendations. Happy sexy reading!

For the polyamorous person in your life who can’t stop talking about botanicals and who has a bar cart in their house with really nice glasses – may we recommend polyamorous romance Triple Sec by TJ Alexander? We think this person would also really like You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi because it’s a sexy book about food and this person always has extremely good artisanal crisps at home. [Christina] 

For the reader who loves fandom culture and fan conventions and wants romance books that celebrate these communities while pairing emotional storylines and the perfect amount of spice, may I recommend Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade and Game On by Seressia Glass. [Caden]

For the sapphic romance lover in your life who is obsessed with fun and flirty rom-coms that center sapphic romances, nature, gardening, and flowers then they have to read Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings and The Great Orchid Heist by Eleanor Vendrell. [Caden]

If you grew up falling in love with Nora Ephron characters on screen, now is the time to read the most perfect rom-coms inspired by the beloved 90s classics. If you love Sleepless in Seattle, we recommend First-Time Caller by BK Borison and if you love When Harry Met Sally, you have to read You, Again by Kate Goldbeck. [Caden]

Did you grow up loving classic monster films and you loved The Shape of Water and asked the question: what if the monster was the love interest? Well, we have the best recommendations for you! Some of our favourite monster romance books include The Dragon’s Bride by Katee Robert, Stupid Cupid by Maeve Black and Not So Kind Regards by Clio Evans. [Caden]

Did you like the TV show The Bear? May I recommend The Slowest Burn by Sarah Chamberlain, which focuses on a protagonist who is a cookbook ghostwriter? She has to work with a chaotic chef (who is hot) and the book reveals a lot about what it’s like to translate restaurant cooking to home cooking! I also really enjoyed two books which focus on cooking competitions: The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar (intended for young readers, but I’m fully 34 and also enjoyed it immensely!) or The Pairing by Casey McQuiston (very hot rivals-to-lovers second-chances bi4bi romance set on a food tour through Europe, extremely summery). [Christina]

Illustrations by Magda Michalak.

For the readers who continuously listen to true crime podcasts and hyperfixate on Criminal Minds and Dexter, you will love romance books such as Fragile Sanctuary by Catherine Cowles and Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson – and if you’re interested in diving into dark romance, we have to recommend Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver. [Caden]

If you grew up reading Queer fanfiction, love The Nightmare Before Christmas and Elf, then we have the most perfect holiday-themed paranormal romance for you! Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch is the perfect magical rom-com where the prince of Christmas falls for the one person he can’t fall in love with…the prince of Halloween. [Caden]

For the reader who is keen to read a book with a fat protagonist who loves themselves, we recommend Chaotic Energy by Stephanie Yeboah, Experienced by Kate Young, Big Date Energy by Bethany Rutter – all these are extremely funny rom-coms where the characters get to love and be loved for who they are. Oh, and bonus recommendation for 1980s-set novel Neon Roses by Rachel Dawson, which is deeply researched and will make you want to join a union/go campaigning. [Christina]

First Date takes place 17-31 May at Lighthouse Bookshop, Book Lovers Bookshop, Lady and The Bear Cafe and Edinburgh Community Church. Find the full programme here

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