Stocking Stuffer Ideas for $10, $20 and $50 You Can Still Get in Time for Christmas

Dec 22, 2016

Stocking stuffers can often be left until the last minute, leaving you rushing around convenience stores the day before Christmas trying to come up with something more clever than batteries. Don’t fear — we’ve got you covered with 21 gifts for all budgets that you can still get with Amazon Prime up until the very last minute.

1. Lightdow Wi-Fi Sports Action Camera ($44): While it may not be the GoPro they asked for, this budget action camera actually packs more features and is perfect for mounting on bikes, helmets and drones.

2. Mengo Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker ($34): Perfect for listening to music in the shower, by the pool, around the house or even camping, this little speaker is a must-have.

3. S’ip by S’well ($25): These double-walled insulated water bottles come in so many cute colors and designs, you’ll want to get one of each!

4. Sentey Wireless Foldable Bluetooth Headphones ($48): With wired and wireless options, an in-line mic and on-ear controls, there’s nothing these headphones can’t do. They’re perfect for gaming, exercise and travel.

5. Fujfilm Instax Mini 26 + Rainbow Film Bundle ($54): Okay, this one might be cheating, but with film included in the bundle, it was too perfect to resist. Snap mini photos and share them instantly with friends. It even has a selfie mirror.

6. Sunga Life Polarized Bamboo Sunglasses ($40): It might be winter, but it’s still bright out there! Spoil them with these polarized bamboo Wayfarers that actually float, and they’ll be thanking you all year.

7. Star Wars Steins ($40): Though they might be a tight fit in a stocking, these ceramic steins are sure to win the hearts of Star Wars fans. They also come in other collectible characters, including Stormtroopers, C3-PO and BB-8. (PS: There’s a Tardis one too!)

8. UNCORKED! Games Brew Ha Ha! ($25): For the beer-lover, try this Kickstarter-backed game where players combine their cards to create their own funny descriptions of each beer they try.

$20 or Less:

9. U-Beauty Cartoon Enamel Brooch Set ($14): For the fun-loving, pin-wearing friend, this brooch set is too cute to pass up.

10. Exploding Kittens ($20): A family-friendly card game (provided you don’t grab the NSFW version by mistake), Exploding Kittens is like a strategic version of Russian Roulette where the only goal is to stay alive… until you explode.

11. Comix Dino iPhone Holder ($19) Let this adorable little dino do the hard work of holding up your cell phone or tablet while adding a touch of whimsy to your workspace.

12. Tytan Products Magnetic Putty ($20): What is magnetic putty good for? Endless hours of entertainment. Think of it as silly putty for grown ups — plus, it comes in a variety of colors!

13. AnVei-Nao Cat Socks ($14): No cat lover could resist this adorable pack of striped socks with cats on the toes and heels. And since you get six pairs, you can essentially get six stocking stuffers for <$3 each!

14. Wine Away Red Wine Stain Emergency Kit ($12): Just the thing for wine lovers and party hosts to keep on hand in case of emergency, this little kit zaps away red wine stains like nothing else. Pair with Wine Wipes for a complete gift.

$10 or Less:

15. Umbra Ring Holder ($9): This charming ring holder comes in a variety of shapes and finishes, but we couldn’t resist this adorable rose gold baby elephant.

16. GoStrap ($8): Protect their phone from accidental droppage with this handy adhesive strap. You should probably just go ahead and get one for yourself too.

17. Pantone Universe Business Card Holders ($6): For the artists and designers in your life, these sharp business and credit card holders are sure to make a great first impression.

18. WizGear Car Mount ($8): This clever phone mount clips right into your car’s air vent for hands-free access with magnets that outperform competitors at a bargain price.

19. Windaze Nessie Soup Ladles ($7): Another two-for-one score, these super cute standing ladles are made to be stocking stuffers!

20. Fred & Friends Plunge Wine Bottle Stopper ($7): This adorable mini plunger is actually a wine stopper. You probably already know who needs this in their stocking.

21. KUKPO Milk Frother ($7): Turn that morning cup of joe into a luxurious latte with this mini handheld milk frother. For under $10, it’s a coffee-lover’s best friend.

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15 Trader Joe’s Finds Under $13 That Make Perfect Last-Minute Gifts

Trader Joe’s has been popping off lately, thanks to the holiday season. The grocer always brings out the big guns once Christmas starts creeping up – my favorite items being the Dark Chocolate Stars, Candy Cane Joe-Joe's, Jingle Jangle, and Candy Cane Green Tea, just to name a few.

If you’re also an avid TJ’s shopper, you know the vibe. This year, share all the Trader Joe’s love with your loved ones by getting some of your gift shopping done at the beloved store. These 15 Trader Joe’s gifts are all under $13, and span across food and non-food gift ideas so you can perfect your holiday haul.

Scroll on to see the best Trader Joe’s gifts to give this year!

Trader Joe's Food Gifts

Trader Joe's

Rum Balls

These fudgy bites are infused with rum, making them one of the best gifts for your pal who loves all things boozy.

Trader Joe's

Cocoa Berry Black Tea Blend

Give the tea lover in your life a box of this fruity-yet-warm tea blend alongside a mug (new or thrifted!) for an adorable gift. You'll definitely want to snag a box for yourself, too.

Trader Joe's

Hot Chocolate Stirring Spoon

This $1 hot chocolate spoon makes such a great, yummy stocking stuffer. I'll absolutely be grabbing a minimum of 15 to give to friends and family.

Trader Joe's

Boozy Bottles

This 9-pack of "sweet and sophisticated" chocolate bottles will instantly get the Christmas party started, thanks to the cognac liqueur inside of 'em.

Trader Joe's

Dark Chocolate Dipped French Butter Cookies

You truly can't go wrong with chocolate when it comes to Trader Joe's gifts. Case in point: these "exquisite" dark choc-dipped butter cookies!

Trader Joe's

Crunchy Chili Onion

This chili and onion jar can be used as a dressing, dip, or cooking agent. The crunch is the best part! Just pop a cute lil' bow on this bad boy to totally nail your foodie's stocking stuffer.

Trader Joe's

La Burgondie Cremant De Bourgogne Rose Brut

This $12 raspberry-flavored wine is full of "delicate and refreshingly crisp" sips. It makes the perfect gift to give a host or simply just the wino in your life.

Trader Joe's

Cinnamon Spiced Coffee

Coffee snobs will go crazy for the cinnamon-y goodness of these beans. Try pairing it with TJ's Cinnamon Coffee Cake Muffins to seal the deal!

Non-Food Trader Joe's Gifts

Trader Joe's

Candy Cane Body Scrub

This coarse, yet nourishing body scrub will give your giftee a taste of the holidays with a refreshing candy cane scent that blooms in every shower.

Trader Joe's

Orange & Spice Scented Candle & Room Spritz

Anyone who loves a good scent will adore this spicy orange duo!

Trader Joe's

Body Wash & Serum Duo

If they still haven't tried any Trader Joe's beauty goodies, this gift set is the perfect pick!

Trader Joe's

Hyaluronic Moisture Boost Serum

Instantly upgrade their winter skincare routine with this hyaluronic serum that expertly locks in the skin's natural moisture. It's only $9!

Trader Joe's

Brazil Nut Body Trio

This gift set hosts possibly one of TJ's most viral body care scents, Brazil Nut. Many shoppers say it's a nice dupe for the Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Cream. Using the body butter, body oil, and body mist in conjunction will have your giftee smelling heavenly!

Trader Joe's

Lip Butter Balm Duo

This fan-fave Summer Fridays dupe can hang right on the Christmas tree for a nice December 25 surprise!

Trader Joe's

Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream Trio

The same goes for this adorable hand cream trio, which includes scents like olive oil, cherry blossom, and lavender.

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8 Most-Loved Deep Conditioners To Repair Dry Hair With Split Ends

If your hair has been feeling more like straw than silk lately, it’s time to give it some TLC with a good deep conditioner. Deep conditioners work wonders at healing dry and damaged hair– the best ones are often formulated with ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, and keratin. Whether you’re battling winter dryness, heat damage, or just need a little extra moisture, these 8 deep conditioners will leave your locks soft, shiny, and oh-so manageable, no matter your hair type!

Scroll on to see the top-rated deep conditioners that'll instantly revive dry, damaged hair.

Amazon

Artnatural Argan Oil + Aloe Vera Deep Conditioner

This deep conditioner with a 4.7-star rating includes nourishing argan oil and aloe vera. It even comes with a silk bonnet to wear while the product works its magic overnight. The extra layer helps prevent frizz, split ends, and further hair damage. The best part is it's only $13 (was $18)!

Promising review: "Makes your hair soft, shiny and smells amazing! It’s moisturizing, does not weigh my hair down. Definitely improves my hair health, I have highlighted blond hair so I use the mask every two to 3 days to keep up the healthy hair look! You don’t need to use a lot - normal amount from mid strand to ends."

Amazon

Palmer's Coconut Oil Moisture Boost Deep Conditioner

The coconut oil in this 4.6-star deep conditioner's formula will totally transform dry locks. Its especially hydrating for curly hair of any curl type! The ingredients are fully plant-based, so you can trust they'll always be healthy for your hair.

Promising review: "I know that some ladies are very uptight about ingredients, etc for their hair. I can honestly say that this works so much better than any other deep conditioner that I have either made or bought. I don't get too caught up in the "expensive is better" or "cheap products are junk" debate. I use what works for my hair and this definitely does an excellent job of moisturizing my hair and making it shiny. It only leave it on for the length of my shower and wow!"

Amazon

Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

Amazon shoppers have granted this heavenly-smelling deep conditioner 4.6 out of 5 stars for how effective it is. The $16 product works wonders at preventing hair thinning, shedding, and breakage. The mango butter acts as a nice emollient to lock in all the moisture.

Promising review: "It’s difficult to find a deep conditioner that actually brings moisture to my hair and revives it. I kinda followed the instructions on the label but I left it on longer than stated. It’s thick and I feel like that’s what my hair needed. I rinsed my hair, dried it with a towel mannn I didn’t have to do much untangling!! It left my hair soft and easy to comb through. I’m now looking to purchase some of the other products."

Amazon

SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Masque

SheaMoisture is one of my favorite hair care brands because every one of their products I've tried actually do what they say they do. This 4.6-star hair mask is no exception – it truly does provide "intensive" hair repair and hydration. The formula with manuka honey and mafura oil is friendly on over-processed, damaged, or color-treated hair and helps you build stronger, healthier, and frizz-free strands.

Promising review: "i have naturally wavy/curly hair but i damaged it so bad with bleach that they kind of went away. i did a lot of hair masks, gave it a lot of time to breathe, etc etc etc and this is the only thing to come close to restoring my natural curl pattern. it smells amazing, helps with frizziness, and definitely helps my hair feel healthier, moisturized, and as shiny as it can be. i also notice that it's better than a lot of other products when it comes to maintaining hair color. my dyed hair doesn't bleed or become discolored with this product. love the ingredients too!! phenomenal brand and product overall."

Amazon

Unove Deep Damage Hair Treatment Mask

This 4.6-star pick comes complete with highly-concentrated proteins that seep deep into your locks for noticeable shine and hydration. What sets it apart the most is it's fast-acting, so you don't necessarily need to let it sit on your head for a long time – just a quick application in the shower will do! It also smells ahh-mazing with notes of citrus and flowers.

Promising review: "This is my favorite treatment I’ve ever used. My hair is thick and dry, but this product makes it feel soft and manageable. It seems to reduce damage as well; every time I go to the salon, my stylist comments on how strong and healthy my hair looks. The scent is just right—not too strong, which I appreciate."

Amazon

Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner

Mielle makes my absolute favorite conditioner (read about it here!), so this 4.5-star deep conditioner is definitely next-up on my self-care "buy" list. The blend of natural oils and fatty acids help reduce breakage and smooth ends, frizz, and flyaways – all without weighing down your hair. It's safe for all hair types, too, so you could easily share the love with your roomie or S.O.

Promising review: "This is my favorite deep conditioner. I sometimes use this as a cowash instead of after shampooing. Smells great and leaves my hair feeling soft and looks shiny. I have natural curly hair with blonde highlights. I wish there was a bigger tub. I go through this fast."

Amazon

Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Hair Mask + Deep Conditioner

This $13 deep conditioner leaves your locks with such a luxurious feel, thanks to the strengthening and hydrating argan oil. The shine it gives is also impeccable! Shoppers have given it 4.5 out of 5 stars for its rich texture, effectiveness, and its ability to deliver "salon-quality" results.

Promising review: "My hair is three feet long. I use this generously around every couple weeks after I shampoo. I get as much water out of my hair, I slather on about half the tub (again, my hair is very long). I leave it in while I shave and soap up and rinse. Then I rinse it out. One side bonus is that it makes the skin on my body so soft. The smell is beautiful and I get comments about the nice smell. The end result is that my hair flows from the top to bottom. The areas that tend to look a little dry (bottom) look just as shiny and moisturized as the rest of my hair. I will use this the rest of my life and recommend it to everyone."

Amazon

OUAI Thick Hair Mask

If you want your locks to look and feel expensive, this 4.5-star OUAI hair mask is the way to go. Just one use will leave your hair feeling smoother, softer, and stronger. The formula includes ilipe and shea butters to condition, almond, olive, and macadamia oils to soften and smooth, and hydrolyzed keratin to prevent breakage.

Promising review: "I have oily scalp and dry ends. My end are so dry that they soak up water and takes hours to air dry. I used this today for the first time and my hair air dried 50% faster than normal. My hair feels soft, but not oily. This is my new favorite hair product!"

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10 Easy Thrifted Gift Ideas That Will Mean Way More Than A Gift Card

As we dive into gifting season, I’d argue that gifting something old can oftentimes be a lot better than gifting something new. Sure, that Black Friday deal is gonna help yousave some money on a brand-new gaming set for him – but you can reserve heapsmore once you step foot in a thrift store.

Any thrift store near you is going to have a very unique selection of items that can actually be flipped (or, in some cases, given as-is) to make ahh-mazing gifts. You’ll be surprised at each item’s uniqueness and the ease of each project.

Discover 10 new ways to incorporate thrifted gift ideas into your holiday haul this year!

Tips For Finding Thrifted Gift Ideas

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

I’d say keeping an open mind about your potential finds before venturing off to your local secondhand store is super important for executing these thrifted gift ideas.

If you’re shopping for a candle holder to gift with something too specific in mind, you may find yourself in an endless and unsuccessful search for the “perfect” piece. Instead, be open to combing through the knick-knack shelves and clothing racks – you never know what you may find!

Use the 10 thrifted gift ideas ahead to directly guide your gift-making journey, or let each one inspire you to find your own gift!

Roman Odintsov / PEXELS

1. Use thrifted jars to put homemade jam, spice mixes, or snacks in.

Mason jars and other kitchen-y vessels are some of the most common items at the thrift. Pick up several this season, clean them off, then use them for holding homemade food goods to gift! You could even use some to put plant cuttings in.

Anna Shvets / PEXELS

2. Fill up thrifted vessels like mugs, vases, and bowls to pour candles in.

Making your own candles is actually super easy once you have the materials. Just melt some candle wax with some (or no) fragrance over a fixed wick that you've placed in a thrifted container. Everyone loves a cozy lil' candle!

Yaroslav Shuraev / PEXELS

3. Thrift and gift a pre-loved jewelry box alongside a new or handcrafted jewelry piece.

This thrifted gift idea will really impress, especially if you're able to find a unique jewelry box, or one in your giftee's personal style. As far as jewelry goes, you could make your own beaded necklace or earring set, or check out our favorite statement earringsfor inspiration.

Bon Bons Studio / PEXELS

4. Add matches and a striker to a small vessel for a unique match holder.

A box of 300 matches goes for about $10 online, and a dozen striker stickers are about $6. Get the most out of your dollar by thrifting a ton of small vessels (like a shot glass or shallow teacup dish), adding the matches and strikers to them, then gifting out multiple to friends and coworkers.

Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

5. Thrift a velvet garment to cut into strips for handmade bows.

You can transform a $2 shirt into countless bows )for making hair clips and/or gift toppers) by following a simple bow-making tutorial. Sometimes you can even find unused gift bags and boxes in between the aisles to save on wrapping.

Laura James / PEXELS

6. Thrift cookie tins for all the holiday treats you’ll make (and gift) this season.

Cookie tins and food storage containers are always hiding out at the thrift store. Snag a few and wash them thoroughly before stuffing them full of sweet treats (I always go with puppy chow/muddy buddies) to share! You can also use cookie tins and plastic containers as complete gift wrapping for anything small.

Valerie Voila / PEXELS

7. Find some candlestick holders or candelabras, clean them off, then gift them with a few candlesticks.

'Tis the era of candlesticks. Candelabras are hot right now, and you're bound to find some on the thrift store shelves. Add them to cart, clean them off, then gift them with a pair of candlesticks tied with a ribbon bow for a cute touch.

Disha Sheta / PEXELS

8. Thrift a picture frame and use it to hold a collage, a painting, or a photo that’s special to the recipient.

It's not hard to find old picture frames or prints that are still intact. Framing a photo you have of a favorite memory with your gift recipient or a place they love could really hit home and win their heart over! This example with pressed leaves and flowers is adorable, too.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

9. If your giftee is a fashionista, scour the thrift store racks for some cool and unique pre-loved garments.

You could even package a few as a ‘style bundle.’ Bonus points if they’re winter-friendly! Just make sure you give everything a good wash before gifting them.

Timur Weber / PEXELS

10. Use thrifted bottles to put homemade infused liquors in.

Just add any flavor combination you’d like (lemon + vodka, jalapeño + tequila, candy cane + vodka, coffee grounds + vodka) to some clean, thrifted, and airtight glass bottles – the more elegant the better – and let it steep for up to a month for a single-batch spirit.

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This post has been updated.

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Yikes, Keira Knightley Admits Iconic 'Love Actually' Scene Is "Quite Creepy"

There are few holiday moviescenes as iconic as THE Love Actually cue card scene. In case you haven't watched the movie since last Christmas, the scene comes at the end of the film, when Juliet (Kiera Knightley) finds Mark (Andrew Lincoln) outside with cue cards declaring his love for her, and a Christmas carol-playing boombox to mask their conversation. They stand gazing into each other's eyes, and share a kiss before the credits roll.

But even though this moment is cemented in pop culture history, I've always found it really icky for one reason: Juliet's husband, and Mark's best friend, is inside, oblivious to the whole thing!!! And turns out, I'm not the only one who doesn't like this Love Actually scene — Keira Knightley found it super weird to film.

Here's what Keira Knightley had to say about the iconic Love Actually cue card scene.

Keira Knightley might not remember much about 'Love Actually,' but she remembers disliking the end.

Believe it or not, Keira Knightley doesn't actually remember much about Love Actually, but she'll never forget filming the cue card scene. "The slightly stalkerish aspect of it — I do remember that," she told the LA Times. "My memory is of [director] Richard [Curtis], who is now a very dear friend, of me doing the scene, and him going, 'No, you’re looking at [Lincoln] like he’s creepy,' and I’m like [in a dramatic whisper], “But it is quite creepy.' And then having to redo it to fix my face to make him seem not creepy."

The Black Dovesactress has a good reason for not remembering much of the movie, though: she was on set for five days...and she was only 17. "Most of my films I have either never seen or I have only seen once," she continues. "So it’s nothing against Love Actually. It’s lovely because it didn’t do as well as everyone thought it was going to when it came out. Suddenly, like three or four years later, it sort of took on a life of its own. It’s the only film I’ve had that found this life afterward. The problem is, I was on it for about five days. I was 17, so I don’t actually have any memory whatsoever of it."

Okay, I would totally disagree that Love Actually is the only movie with a life of its own — I'd say Pride & Prejudice definitely became its own beautiful creature.

Keira also revealed the real reason she wore the iconic baker boy hat.

The cue card scene isn't the only piece of Love Actually lore Keira's dropped in recent years. She also told BBC 1 she wasn't technically supposed to wear her baker boy hat (another iconic detail from the movie). Then she got a huge zit on her forehead.

“This is the problem with being 17 and being in films," she says. "I mean — it was humongous so there was no choice but we had to find a hat to cover it. Cause there was no lighting, there was no makeup that was going to cover it.”

“It’s funny how you just remember extreme embarrassment, isn't it?" Keira continues. "I remember coming in in the morning, being like, ‘Oh wow, I’ve got another head on my head. What are we going to do? There’s nothing we can do about this.' But there is, because you can always put a hat over it!” And that's a rule I like to live by.

Read up on The Most Stylish Holiday Movie Leading Ladies, Ranked and The Best The Holiday Relationship Has Nothing To Do With Romance for more Christmas movie goodness!

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The 10 Best Romance Books From 2024 That Are "So Spicy"

Am I really that delusional to think reading the best romance books of the year had something to do with the deepened connection between my fiancé and I? Maybe, maybe not. What I do know is that these books sparked my imagination which led to more dates and the growth of a love language I used to cringe at — consistent physical touch.

If you love the classic romance troupes, you'll enjoy getting to know the many ways people can fall in love with these 10 books.

Here are 10 best romance books that were so spicy — & I totally fell in love with this year!

Amazon

1. How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

How many times will I add this book to a "best of" roundup? It's hard to say, but this probably won't be the last time you hear about How to End a Love Story.

I don't want to cheapen it's plot by saying it follows the familiar enemies-to-lovers troupe because Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard's trajectory stems from a tragic situation they couldn't control. What readers will discover is they were unfairly thrust in the middle of something that requires a lot of them and have had to try to build their lives after it.

The fact they get to work together on an adaptation of one of Helen's most popular books is just the beginning of the dismantling of their rigid shells.

Amazon

2. The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

The Paradise Problemis the other book I'll forever champion because you couldn't tell it was written by two authors! That's right, Christina Lauren is a bestie duo that managed to craft Anna and Liam's story in a way that makes me wish I could meet them in my mind for the first time.

Unknown to them, they're both dealing with family issues. The only difference is that Anna's always know what it's liked to loved and supported by her dad while Liam's had to face a cold, calculating one. Together, they'll learn that a fake relationship can give way to something beautiful if they're able to work past the looming disaster that's waiting for them.

Amazon

3. Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell

Rainbow Rowell created magic with Slow Dance and it has everything to do with the fact two best friends didn't realize they were in love with each other. Their names? Shiloh and Cary.

They used to be really close when they were younger, but adulthood pulled them in separate directions and things sort of fell apart. For Shiloh, being a single mother whose dreams didn't pan out the way she wanted feels particularly tough.

Still, attending a friend's wedding gives her a spark of hope and anxiety because she knows she'll see Cary again. When they do lay eyes on each other, all of their memories and unspoken words come rushing back.

Amazon

4. The Slowest Burn by Sarah Chamberlain

The Slowest Burn is the only piece of fiction that inspired me to start cooking recipes with my fiancé again this year. It's full of tasty glimpses of recipes and a little spicy romance that'll make you blush.

Ellie Wasserman and Kiernan O'Neill couldn't be more different than each other, but yet they're forced to get a little more acquainted when they get into a verbal spat during the latter's big night at the restaurant he works at. Ellie's supposed to be the ghostwriter for Kiernan's cookbook, but he has no idea what he wants to include and that aggravates Ellie because she thinks he has the privilege of not caring.

However, a weeks days together proves they've misjudged each other and things start heating up in more ways than one.

Amazon

5. Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Just for the Summer is another fun rom-com that I enjoyed reading for it's interesting plot. Justin and Emma find their way into each other's lives as they grapple with having back luck in the love department. They've both watched countless exes find love and happiness after dating them so they decide it's worth date each other for a while before calling it quits. The problem is that their little time on Lake Minnesota comes with a lot more than they bargained for.

Amazon

6. This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

What is it about flings that makes us think they're a good idea? I don't think we have the answers, especially Lucy and Felix. They have a great time together while she's visiting Prince Edward Island, but Felix has very close ties to Lucy's best friend. Over time, Lucy's trips to the island with her bestie Bridget become more frequent and she swears off having another intimate moment with Felix.

One day, Bridget gets a case of the wedding jitters and leaves for Toronto. Wanting to come to figure out what's going on, Lucy trails behind her. She'll have to ease her friend's fears and pretend she doesn't feel anything for the man she can't stop thinking about.

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7. Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan

Ali Morris reminds me of everyone who's know how to help other people keep track of things while their own life is a mess. She's still grieving her mom when her marriage crumbles so she kind of gives up on life. When she decides to at least get out of the house, she meets Ethan...while wearing overalls of all things.

She's not sure what will happen, but she decides to let herself get caught up in Ethan for the summer. She's genuinely surprised when it genuinely seems like Ethan likes her and wouldn't mind having something more than a summer romance.

Amazon

8. A Novel Love Storyby Ashley Poston

Eileen Merriweather is a girl after my own heart because she loves reading romance books too. At least they keep her mind off the fact her soon-to-be-husband decided to call off their wedding during the ceremony. The one thing she has to look forward to is the book club retreat she's going to. She's filled with so much excitement until a mishap leaves her stuck in the small town of Eloraton.

It's a place she's read about before which lessens the blow of what's happened until she realizes nothing's progressed from the author's story who's no longer alive. The only person is her way is an irritatingly moody and sexy bookshop owner who doesn't want her meddling in things.

It could be that she and him are the key to putting things on the right track, if only they can get aligned on a plan.

Amazon

9. Wild Love by Elsie Silver

Ford Grant doesn't care about having his accomplishments or looks celebrated. He'd actually prefer to set up shop in Rose Hill, but his plans are interrupted when his alleged daughter finds him. So, he runs his business and tries to connect with the moody pre-teen that's become a regular part of his life. Further complicating his life is the presence of Rosie Belmont — the sister of his best friend.

He doesn't hesitate to give her a job when she asks, determined to keep things professional. However, the more he tries to create distance between them, the more she inches closer.

There's so many reasons why Ford should stay away from Rosie, but emotion keeps overriding logic.

Amazon

10. A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

Tia Williams painted a lovely picture of love between two creative artists who find love in Harlem, NY. It starts with Ricki Wilde understanding she's nothing like her sisters or wealthy family in Atlanta. She'd rather pursue a more freeing experience that's not bound by so many stuffy rules and the terrible romantic picks she keeps running into.

As Ricki gets settled in Harlem, she ends up meeting Ezra and that's when time and love begin to give way to something greater than she could've ever imagined.

Don't miss out on the overall best books I read in 2024! Check out our storefront for even more good reads to pick up this year!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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