Typewriter Pen Pals, Widowed Dads, and a 2,000-Year-Old Vampire: This Week's Free Romance

by Sarah Deeham

A bookshop barista falls for an anonymous pen pal who happens to be Hollywood's hottest actor, and the typewriter letters are a charming hook. It's sitting at 3.67 across more than 7,000 ratings, so it's a crowd-pleaser with some lukewarm votes in the mix. Good pick if you like your celebrity romances light and a little cheesy.

by Kerk Murray

A missing rescue dog, a handsome widowed dad who brings him home, and a small town called Hadley Cove. You know exactly what you're getting, and that's the appeal. At 4.23 with nearly 1,700 ratings, it's the best-liked of the clean reads this week, perfect for a cozy evening when you want zero drama.

by Pepper North

This is paranormal romance with a Daddy Dom club setting, and Marcus is a vampire with a 2,000-year history. Reviewers mention fast pacing and a lot of action alongside the steam. It's at 4.3 with 420 ratings and 77 written reviews, which tells me the people who like this niche really like it. Definitely not for everyone, but the series starter seems to deliver for its audience.

“This was an awesome book and wow; does it get this new series off to one terrific start! Marcus and Carina were great characters. The pacing is fast, the steam lush and the feelings rich. This kinky PNR reads smoothly and easily pulls you into this new world, all while delivering the swoon and...”

by Andrea PIckens

Regency-era governess Allegra tutors the son of a moody widowed earl in Yorkshire while hiding her real reason for being there. The mystery gets some praise, and the 4.1 rating looks strong. But a couple of reviewers are furious about the ending, citing the hero yelling at her and a bad choice from him late in the book. I'd go in curious but cautious, especially if you're picky about your heroes.

“I read this ages ago and just can't bring myself to read it after reading the shitastic ending. safety is BAD In the last 80% he yells at her for interfering in how he raises his son. So then when he calms down and offers her money instead of her missing father's book, she won't take it because he...”

by Mia Clark

Very spicy, very kink-forward, and the blurb is blunt about it. Its 3.32 across almost 900 ratings is the lowest on this list, so expect a divisive read. If the spanking-then-cuddling formula is your thing, you'll know within a page. If not, skip it.

by Ruby Wolff

Grumpy, grieving hero who swears he's her worst mistake, and a bright, hopeful heroine who dreams of a fairytale prince. It's a familiar setup, but the 4.36 rating is the highest on the list, even with only 135 ratings so far. A good one for readers who love a brooding man getting slowly thawed by someone sunnier.