Love is on the Menu
Now that the tricks and treats of Halloween are behind us, it’s time for yet another holiday: Thanksgiving! Most people probably don’t think Thanksgiving is a very romantic day – I know I don’t. The day is, at least for me, usually very busy and stressful, and often culminates with me over-eating.
But clearly there ARE romance authors out there who would like to inject a little romance into their turkeys along with their brine or pan drippings. (I apologize for any icky mental images that line may have conjured up!) This month’s Romance Required book is “Thanksgiving” by Janet Evanovich. The book is set in a locale near and dear to my heart, Colonial Williamsburg. The book revolves around Megan, a costumed interpreter for Colonial Williamsburg, and Patrick, a local pediatrician. The unlikely couple find themselves thrown into a sudden babysitting emergency as well as making Thanksgiving dinner for their families – and, of course, falling in love along the way.
If pre-Stephanie Plum Janet Evanovich doesn’t whet your appetite, I’ve listed below a handful of romance novels all set during or around Thanksgiving. You’ll see that some are novellas – meaning a book that doesn’t exceed 40,000 words, or 160 pages. I suppose that makes sense; it’s difficult to write an entire novel off of one day!
“Stuffed: A Thanksgiving Romance,” by Jessica Gadziala.
This novella (only 156 pages) centers around a woman going home for Thanksgiving after a six-year-long absence, where she reconnects with her brother’s best friend. Be warned, this novella does contain explicit content; it is definitely NOT a “closed door” romance.
“Love is at the Table,” by Darci Balogh
Another novella (132 pages), in this book we meet Jenny. Jenny has also avoided her family for the past several years after the death of her mother. She finally goes home one fateful Thanksgiving. Can she reconnect with her family while also resisting the charismatic pull of their handsome, surprise guest?
“A Home for Thanksgiving,” by Kellie A. King
In this clean, uplifting romance, we find a law professor and his student battling a false rumor that is being spread about them while simultaneously falling in love.
“Boyfriend” by Sarina Bowen
Weston, our main male character, offers his services as “pretend boyfriend” to desperate women who want to bring a boyfriend hone for Thanksgiving dinner. His reason is entirely platonic: he simply loves the Thanksgiving meal. Abbi needs a date for Thanksgiving – though she isn’t exactly forthcoming on why – so she “hires” the college hockey player. And, of course, romantic hijinks ensue.
“Lease on Love,” by Falon Ballard
In this “meet cute” novel, our female main character swipes right on the male main character, thinking she was on a roommate-finding app. Imagine her embarrassment when she realizes it was actually a dating app! Well, she still needs an apartment, and he needs a fake girlfriend for Thanksgiving. This involves some of my favorite romance tropes: fake dating, meet cute, AND forced proximity.
“A Match Made for Thanksgiving,” by Jackie Lau
Nick Wong is a playboy, uninterested in serious relationships. He would rather continue on having no-strings-attached one night stands, like he had most recently with the beautiful Lily. Imagine Nick’s surprise when he goes home for Thanksgiving to find his parents and grandparents had schemed together to procure blind dates for him and his siblings. Nick is dismayed to see Lily paired with his brother. Can he win Lily away over the stuffing and turkey?
“Maple Sugar Crush,” by Beth Labonte
In this “fake dating” romance, recent lottery winner Josie is desperate to ward off fortune hunters and men who only want her for her winnings. When her family suddenly arrives in town for Thanksgiving, Josie needs to find a boyfriend for the day, and fast. In walks Riley Parker, her small town’s funeral planner. As Thanksgiving draws closer the couple realizes the turkey isn’t the only thing heating up. But are Riley’s feelings for Josie, or her money?
Don’t forget that Romance Required meets the last Friday of every month, at 1:00pm. Hope to see you then!