What better way to usher in spring than with stories about love. Because we know love comes in all different forms, in this springtime installment of TRC, we give you three novels that explore the romantic, the platonic, and of course, the self love!

Romantic Love - This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

“I want to meet you in every place I ever loved. Listen to me. I am your echo. I would rather break the world than lose you.”

This is How You Lose the Time War is an epic romance told in the form of letters between Red and Blue—two time-traveling spies from two warring factions. What starts as an unlikely correspondence riddled with jeers and boasts, blooms into something else entirely—something passionate, something terrifying. Co-written by award winning Sci-Fi authors, this fast-paced, intricate adventure drawn in dazzling prose is sure to sweep readers off their feet, taking them on a journey of a love that transcends and traverses space and time, of two rivals who must alter the past to secure their future.

Platonic Love - The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter by Theodora Goss

“Friendship and chocolate cake—they do not heal all ills, but they certainly do help.”

The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter opens with Mary Jekyll, daughter of Dr. Jekyll, as she attempts to unearth the secrets of her father’s past. On her investigation, she meets notable characters from prominent Victorian literature like Sherlock Holmes and Frankenstein’s monster, and befriends multiple fictional daughters and creations: Diana Hyde, Beatrice Rappaccini, Catherin Moreau, and Justine Frankenstein. Together, this colorful and eccentric band of women form the Athena Club, and embark on a mission to uncover the mystery of the string of murders in London. The novel is a quirky reimagining of 19th century gothic literature told through a uniquely feminist lens, bringing to a readers a charming narrative of friendship, empowerment, and adventure that still manages to pay homage to the classics.

Self-love - The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown

“Here's what is truly at the heart of wholeheartedness: Worthy now. Not if, not when, we're worthy of love and belonging now. Right this minute. As is.”

From author, researcher, and educator Dr. Brené Brown comes an honest and powerful book that delves into topics of vulnerability, courage, belonging, and shame. Brown graces readers with ten guideposts on how to accept your inners flaws and live life more wholeheartedly and authentically while operating from a place of freedom, joy, and worthiness.

We hope that you enjoyed this list and that your days are filled with lots of love and, of course, lots and lots of books!