Johnathan Walker:Breakups are hard, but 'It's Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake' will make you believe in love again

This week in Dear Bookseller,Johnathan Walker the well-read wizards at The Novel Neighbor in St. Louis help a heartbroken lover of romance believe in love again after a bad breakup.

Dear Bookseller,

I broke up with my boyfriend and now I need to believe in love again. We weren't compatible anymore and I have all these goals that I want to accomplish, but he wasn't being supportive. So clearly, he had to go. 

Even though I broke things off, I'm very heartbroken about it. I feel awful that I just "fell out of love" with him. Now I have this desperate need to read romance books and try to believe things can work again in the future. 

A note: Enemies-to-lovers is king, especially in modern rom-com settings. Fake dating is also a great trope!

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

Best, 

Maxi B.

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Dear Maxi, 

Boy, oh boy, breakups are hard, but it sounds like you did the absolute best thing. You know your worth and you deserve someone who will grow and change alongside you. We our pouring our hearts into this mystery box so we can assure you that real love is out there. Don’t worry, we’ve picked out some absolute gems. 

“It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake” by Claire Christian is one of our favorite post-break-up, falling-in-self-love, and then in-love-with-another books out there!

After ending a 10-year relationship, Noni decides she is going to go on a globe-trotting self-love quest to find out what makes her truly happy. We love this story about starting over and living life for yourself. This book is super sex-positive and fresh, and it features a plus-size, bisexual main character. We think it’ll hit the spot.

We love fake dating, too! One of our recent favorites is “A Proposal They Can’t Refuse” by Natalie Caña. 

This is full of hijinks! A Puerto Rican chef and Irish whiskey distiller are forced into a fake engagement due to the meddling of their scheming grandparents. This is full of some hijinks! A Puerto Rican chef and Irish whiskey distiller are forced into a fake engagement due to the meddling of their scheming grandparents. This book is filled with a lot of heart and even more food (seriously, be prepared to place a takeout order as you read). You’ll laugh, you’ll swoon, and maybe even cry.

And we've got a great enemies-to-lovers recommendation. “You, With a View” by Jessica Joyce has taken our booksellers by storm; everyone has rated it five stars.

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Two former high school rivals are forced to go on a road trip inspired by a broken-engagement trip their grandparents once planned to take. If you’re looking for excellent banter in your romances, look no further. This book balances big emotions with lots of tension and joy.

Maxi, we hope these romances pick you back up and help you open your heart. You deserve big love, and we know it’s coming your way! 

Best, 

The Novel Neighbor

In the mood for a good book but don't know what title to pick? The Novel Neighbor is here to help.

The independently owned and operated bookstore in St. Louis puts its well-read booksellers' expertise to the test with their popular Mystery Box program. Readers write in, sharing details about the kinds of books they're looking for, sharing biographical details and personal tastes to help find the right match.

To order your own Mystery Box, visit thenovelneighbor.com.