Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (Berkley; LJ starred review) is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.

Entertainment journalist Alice Scott thinks that she might be finally getting her big break. She has managed to track down Margaret Ives, the notorious and reclusive media heiress who hasn’t been seen in decades, and snag an invite to Margaret’s home on a tiny island in Georgia, where she hopes to secure permission to write Margaret’s biography. The catch is that Margaret has also invited Pulitzer-winning journalist Hayden Anderson and wants to give both Alice and Hayden one month to make their respective pitches for her book. Neither Alice nor Hayden is thrilled with this arrangement, especially once they realize that Margaret is telling each of them a completely different tale. The ever-present attraction between the two of them doesn’t help matters either, as they compete for the chance to write Margaret’s story—and wonder if their own can end happily. Readers will love Alice and Hayden’s grumpy/sunshine dynamic, and Margaret’s life is equally riveting. VERDICT Both longtime Henry (Funny Story) fans and new romance readers will devour this rivals-to-lovers slow burn, one of Henry’s best to date. Also good for fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.—Whitney Kramer

Any Trope but You by Victoria Lavine (Atria; LJ starred review)

Appeared on the April 2025 LibraryReads list

“Margot and Forest are genuinely likable, though flawed characters, and seeing through their perspective is a delight. The conflicts come from practical issues, and the couple is not kept apart by miscommunication, but by respect for each other’s priorities and values. A love letter to ‘romancelandia’ and the tropes it celebrates.”—Katrina Dagenais, Bucks County Free Library, PA

Take the Lead by Alexis Daria (St. Martin’s Griffin)

Appeared on the February 2023 LibraryReads list

“Gina Morales, a professional dancer on a dance competition TV show, is determined to win this season. However, instead of the Olympian she wanted as a partner, she is paired with survivalist Stone Nielson. Worse, her producer is pushing for a showmance! This is a fun and flirty romance with a wonderful cast of characters. Perfect for fans of Dancing with the Stars!”—Tristan Draper, Dekalb Public Library, Dekalb, IL

The Love Con by Seressia Glass (Berkley; LJ starred review)

Appeared on the December 2021 LibraryReads list

“Engineer Kenya is a finalist on the reality show Cosplay or No Way, but to win she needs pal Cam to pretend he’s her boyfriend. This is a fun friends-to-lovers, fake-dating romance that will best suit folks into cosplay, cons, or geeky pursuits. For fans of Jen Deluca and Sara Desai.”—Alezandra Troiani, Sno-Isle Libraries, Marysville, WA