Bestselling Romance Novels

'Feel-Good Fiction' Score Characteristics

To create a "Feel-Good Score" for our romantic novel reviews, we assess the novel on

Resolution & Outcome, Harmful Content, Emotional Resonance, Setting & Escape. 

We apply a score (1-10) to each and then calculate an overall average or total for a final "Feel-Good Score."

(Note: a "10" on 'Harmful' means little or no such content. So "10" is "Good".)

Also - that by clicking on each book cover you access more details on Amazon. If you decide to buy - and only 'if' - then I may receive a small commission, with no extra charge to you.)

One Snowy Day by Shari Low

Feel-Good Scores:

Resolution \& Outcome: 10/10

Harmful Content: 9/10

Emotional Resonance: 9/10

Setting \& Escape: 10/10

Overall "Feel-Good Score": 9.5/10 💖

Review:

Shari Low's One Snowy Day is a delightful, heart-warming novel that captures the very essence of seasonal cheer and emotional connection. Perfect for cosying up when the weather turns cold, this book fully delivers on its promise of an unforgettable and truly feel-good read.

The story focuses on a small group of characters whose lives unexpectedly intersect during a day of heavy snowfall. Low is a master at weaving together multiple storylines, creating a tapestry of love, friendship, and second chances. The narrative is full of genuine warmth, humour, and tender moments, ensuring a strong emotional resonance with the reader.

This is a wholesome and clean read, free of the explicit content that would detract from its cosy atmosphere. The wintry setting itself is highly escapist, turning the simple act of being snowed in into a charming adventure. One Snowy Day builds to a wonderfully uplifting and satisfying resolution, tying up all the threads into a joyous conclusion. If you're looking for a book that feels like a warm hug, this is the perfect seasonal treat.

The Life She Could Have Lived by Laura Pearson

Feel-Good Scores:

Resolution \& Outcome: 8/10

The ending is satisfying and offers hope and closure for the main character, but it is achieved through an emotionally mature journey of acceptance rather than a simple, easy happily-ever-after.

Harmful Content: 9/10

The novel handles heavy themes, such as grief, loss, and the complexity of missed opportunities, with sensitivity. It is a clean read, free of explicit sex, gratuitous violence, or excessive profanity, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Emotional Resonance: 10/10

The premise—exploring a life path not taken—is inherently deeply relatable and resonant. The characters' struggles and their emotional realizations create a profound and moving connection with the reader.

Setting \& Escape: 8/10

The setting is contemporary and grounded, providing a comforting sense of realism rather than high-stakes escapism. The main escape is internal, allowing the reader to reflect on their own life choices and dreams.

Overall "Feel-Good Score": 8.75/10 💖

Review:

Laura Pearson’s The Life She Could Have Lived is an exquisitely emotional and thoughtful novel that delivers a unique kind of feel-good reading experience. It's a book that invites you to ponder "what if?" but ultimately leaves you feeling grateful for "what is."

The story follows Anna, a woman struggling with motherhood and the feeling that she chose the wrong life path. Through a captivating, gentle narrative, she is given a glimpse into the life she could have had. Pearson’s prose is beautiful and sensitive, handling the heavy themes of grief, loss, and self-acceptance with grace. This is a novel that will likely make you shed a few tears, but they will be the cleansing, necessary kind.

The emotional depth is truly the star here, earning a perfect score for its resonant exploration of universal human feelings. Importantly, it is a clean and wholesome read. While the novel delves into serious issues, it culminates in a conclusion that is ultimately uplifting and affirming. The Life She Could Have Lived is perfect for readers who cherish emotionally rich stories that offer profound comfort and hope.

All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

This is a literary crime novel that explores deep emotional trauma, loss, and the nature of hope. It is highly praised for its beautiful prose and profound emotional impact, but its themes are dark and complex, meaning it does not qualify as a light, feel-good read.

Feel-Good Scores:

Resolution \& Outcome: 4/10

The novel provides a sense of closure to the central mystery, but the ending is complex and bittersweet. Given the themes of tragedy, trauma, and crime, the conclusion is more emotionally earned than purely uplifting.

Harmful Content: 3/10

The book deals with highly sensitive and distressing subject matter, including child abduction, violence, trauma, and death. While the writing is beautiful, the pervasive presence of dark themes and heavy emotional peril means it is not a clean or cosy read.

Emotional Resonance: 10/10

This book is an emotional powerhouse. Whitaker is a master at crafting deeply flawed, yet profoundly sympathetic characters, ensuring the story has a visceral and lasting emotional connection that keeps readers completely invested.

Setting \& Escape: 6/10

The setting, often a backdrop to the characters' inner turmoil and the unfolding crime, is atmospheric but not idyllic. The escape is into a world of deep secrets, moral ambiguity, and difficult realities, which is immersive but not comforting.

Overall "Feel-Good Score": 5.75/10 🖤

Review:

Chris Whitaker’s All the Colours of the Dark is an extraordinary, beautifully written, and utterly heart-breaking novel that solidifies his place as one of the best literary crime writers today. It is a profound meditation on the enduring power of love and hope in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

The story centres on a young boy’s mission to find his mother, who vanishes when he is a child. The narrative is driven by an intense mystery, but its real power lies in the emotional journey of the main character. This book is a true emotional rollercoaster, guaranteed to move you deeply, often to tears, as you witness the resilience and pain of those left behind.

However, prospective readers looking for a light "feel-good" novel should be aware: this book deals with very dark themes, including the aftermath of a devastating crime, emotional trauma, and violence. It is not an escape from life's darkness but a deep, compassionate dive into it. If you appreciate literary depth, beautiful prose, and characters that will live in your heart long after the final page, this is an essential read. If you require a cosy, happy-ending romance, this powerful, bittersweet drama is not the right choice.

Quicksilver by Callie Hart

This book is a dark romance/suspense novel known for intense themes, morally grey characters, and explicit content. It is a highly gripping read for its target audience but doesn't meet the criteria for traditional Feel-Good Fiction. The scores reflect its nature as a dark and complex story.

Feel-Good Scores:

Resolution & Outcome: 3/10

The plot, which involves crime and intense emotional conflict, leads to a complex, hard-earned resolution that is often more about coming to terms with dark circumstances than a simple, happy ending. Given the suspense genre, it may also lead into a series, leaving major threads unresolved.

Harmful Content: 1/10

This is a dark romance/thriller. It contains explicit sexual content, violence, strong language, and morally ambiguous situations that could be distressing to readers seeking a clean read. This content directly conflicts with the "no harmful content" criteria.

Emotional Resonance: 9/10

The book is designed to be highly addictive and emotionally charged. The suspense and the intense, often forbidden, nature of the romance create a powerful, though frequently uncomfortable and high-tension, connection with the reader.

Setting & Escape: 6/10

The setting is atmospheric and serves the thriller plot, often involving dangerous or gritty locations. It provides an escape into a high-stakes, thrilling world, but not into a comforting or idyllic one.

Overall "Feel-Good Score": 4.75/10 🩸

Review:

Callie Hart's Quicksilver is a masterfully written, intensely gripping dark romance and suspense novel. If you are looking for a powerful, high-stakes story that will keep you guessing and turn up the heat, this book is an absolute page-turner.

However, readers specifically seeking a "Feel-Good" romantic read must proceed with caution. This book delves into dark and mature themes, including crime, violence, and sexually explicit content. The characters operate in morally grey areas, and the romance is built on tension and complicated power dynamics rather than light-hearted humour.

The novel excels at emotional immersion, but the feelings it evokes are suspense, anxiety, and breathless anticipation, not cosy comfort. It is an addictive read that delivers a powerful narrative, but it's important to know that the conclusion will be hard-won and may be bittersweet or leave you on the edge of a cliff-hanger. If you enjoy the thriller elements and don't mind the dark subject matter, this book is highly recommended, but it is not suitable for those looking for a light, clean, or gentle escape.

The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Woods

Feel-Good Scores:

Resolution & Outcome: 9/10

The story concludes with a satisfying, emotionally rich resolution that provides closure for the main character's personal journey, leaving the reader with a warm sense of hope.

Harmful Content: 9/10

The book handles its themes (which include grief and past secrets) with gentle maturity. It is a clean read, free of explicit sexual content, violence, or excessive profanity, aligning with the cosy feel-good genre.

Emotional Resonance: 10/10

The novel is deeply affecting, focusing on themes of healing, found family, and the magic of simple connections. The characters are immensely sympathetic, making their journey profoundly moving and relatable.

Setting & Escape: 10/10

The Parisian bakery setting is the epitome of cosy escapism. The vivid descriptions of the bakery, its pastries, and the atmosphere of Paris create an idyllic and immersive world for the reader to escape into.

Overall "Feel-Good Score": 9.5/10 🥐

Review:

Evie Woods's The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is a perfect slice of feel-good fiction, delivering a story that is as warm and comforting as a fresh croissant. This novel combines the charm of a cosy mystery with a heart-warming journey of self-discovery and healing.

The setting alone earns a perfect score for escapism: the vibrant, sensory atmosphere of a Parisian bakery where a touch of gentle magic seems to linger in the air. The story follows a grieving woman who finds solace and purpose in the bakery, discovering not only community but also her own forgotten strength.

The book is rich in emotional resonance, exploring themes of overcoming loss and embracing second chances with genuine tenderness and humour. Crucially, it is a clean and wholesome read, allowing the reader to fully relax into the story without confronting jarring or explicit content. The narrative culminates in an uplifting and beautifully satisfying resolution, making this a delightful and truly memorable escape for anyone seeking warmth and magic in their reading.

Berwick by LJ Ross

This novel is a compelling, atmospheric standalone mystery/thriller set in a beautiful coastal location. While it offers a strong sense of escapism and a satisfying mystery resolution, the subject matter—crime and suspense—means it does not fit the criteria for a light, feel-good read.

Feel-Good Scores:

Resolution & Outcome: 7/10

The central mystery is resolved and provides a strong sense of justice and closure for the characters involved. While the ending is satisfying, the nature of the crime prevents it from being a purely uplifting "happily-ever-after."

Harmful Content: 4/10

As a crime novel, the plot centres on serious themes of danger, suspense, and violence (including murder or serious harm). While LJ Ross’s writing often focuses on atmosphere rather than explicit gore, the dark subject matter significantly lowers the score.

Emotional Resonance: 8/10

The book is highly engaging and emotionally driven, with the reader deeply invested in the main character's plight and the suspense of the investigation. The resonance is intense and gripping, providing thrilling engagement rather than comforting warmth.

Setting & Escape: 9/10

The novel excels here. The picturesque and atmospheric setting of Berwick and the surrounding Northumberland coast is beautifully rendered and serves as a highly evocative and appealing source of escape.

Overall "Feel-Good Score": 7.0/10 🔎

Review:

LJ Ross's Berwick is a captivating and atmospheric mystery that showcases the author's signature talent for weaving suspenseful plots into stunning locations. The real star of the book is its setting, with the dramatic beauty of the Northumberland coast providing an excellent backdrop for escapism.

The story follows a tense, intriguing plot where a local detective must navigate a complex case, and the suspense is masterfully handled, making it a true page-turner. If you enjoy being completely absorbed by a story, the emotional resonance of the chase and the mystery will keep you hooked.

However, readers approaching this with a "feel-good" expectation should note: this is a crime novel. It deals with dark themes and the presence of peril, and while the mystery is neatly tied up, the journey is one of tension and serious subject matter. If you enjoy a cosy-leaning, atmospheric thriller that transports you to a gorgeous location, Berwick is a highly recommended and compelling read.

Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross

This novel is a beautifully written Young Adult (YA) Fantasy that focuses on atmospheric world-building and a strong, emotional love story set against a backdrop of conflict and magic. While it is highly engaging and often lyrical, the presence of danger and magical peril means it is a slightly more nuanced kind of feel-good read than a straight rom-com.

Feel-Good Scores:

Resolution & Outcome: 8/10

The ending is satisfying and earned, offering hope and closure for the main romantic and character arcs. However, as is common in fantasy, it may leave threads open or resolve difficult conflicts, preventing it from being a purely simple, light conclusion.

Harmful Content: 7/10

The book is clean of explicit sexual content and excessive profanity, aligning with the YA genre. However, the plot involves magical peril, dangerous challenges, and fantasy violence/conflict, which lowers the score compared to a cosy read.

Emotional Resonance: 9/10

Rebecca Ross is known for her lyrical prose and deep emotional writing. The love story and the personal journeys of the characters are profoundly moving and engaging, creating a strong, immersive connection for the reader.

Setting & Escape: 10/10

The novel excels here. The fantasy world is richly and beautifully described, offering an unparalleled sense of escape into a magical, atmospheric, and unforgettable setting.

Overall "Feel-Good Score": 8.5/10 ✨

Review:

Rebecca Ross’s Wild Reverence is an atmospheric, lyrical, and deeply emotional fantasy novel that will transport you completely. It is a true testament to the power of a beautifully told story and is perfect for readers who enjoy a love story intertwined with a magical, high-stakes quest.

The novel’s greatest strength is its world-building, which is lush, vivid, and highly immersive, earning a perfect score for escapism. The emotional resonance is equally high; the characters are well-developed, and their tender, slow-burn romance is one you’ll be deeply invested in. Ross handles the complexity of their connection with sensitivity and grace.

Though this is a fantasy novel and includes elements of conflict, danger, and magical tests that keep the tension high, it remains on the cozier side of the fantasy genre. It is a clean read in terms of explicit content and focuses its energy on deep character development and the ultimate hope of its ending. Wild Reverence is highly recommended for anyone looking for a beautifully written, immersive, and emotionally satisfying escape.

The Women at Ocean's End by Faith Hogan

Feel-Good Scores:

Resolution & Outcome: 10/10

Harmful Content: 9/10

Emotional Resonance: 9/10

Setting & Escape: 10/10

Overall "Feel-Good Score": 9.5/10 🌊

Review:

Faith Hogan’s The Women at Ocean's End is a gorgeous, deeply satisfying, and truly feel-good novel that serves as the perfect literary escape. Hogan is a master of blending atmospheric setting with heart-warming stories of personal growth and connection.

The book is set in a picturesque coastal town in Ireland, and the vivid, atmospheric setting is a star in its own right, earning a perfect score for its idyllic and calming escapism. The story revolves around a group of women, each facing a turning point in her life, who find solace, strength, and community by the sea.

The emotional resonance is incredibly high, focusing on the power of female friendship, second chances, and finding happiness in unexpected places. While the characters face real-life challenges, the narrative handles them with warmth and sensitivity. As a clean and wholesome read, it is free of explicit content, allowing the focus to remain squarely on the beautiful emotional journey. The novel builds to a wonderfully uplifting and complete conclusion, leaving the reader with a genuine feeling of peace and satisfaction. This is a must-read for anyone seeking a compassionate, coastal escape.

From London With Love

by Katie Fforde

Feel-Good Scores:

Resolution & Outcome: 10/10

Harmful Content: 10/10

Emotional Resonance: 9/10

Setting & Escape: 10/10

Overall "Feel-Good Score": 9.75/10 💖

Review:

Katie Fforde's From London With Love is a delightful trip back in time, masterfully blending romance, friendship, and self-discovery. Set in the vibrant, swinging London of 1968, the novel follows Felicity, a young woman from Provence seeking to improve her English and find her way. The setting is a character in itself, with vivid descriptions of the city and a charming look at the unique hobby of "mud-larking" along the Thames.

As is typical of Katie Fforde's style, this book is a heart-warming and wholesome read, completely free of any explicit content. It's a testament to the fact that romantic fiction can be both compelling and clean. The narrative, with its focus on the evolving friendship between Felicity and her flatmate Violet, is full of emotional depth and relatable moments.

This is more than just a love story; it is a tale of finding one's place in the world and the enduring power of relationships. Fforde weaves together a nostalgic and charming plot that culminates in a satisfying and uplifting conclusion, leaving you with a genuine feeling of happiness. It is perfect for anyone looking for a comforting, feel-good escape.

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Based on the search results, this book is not a conventional "feel-good" romance in the same vein as the previous two titles. It contains significant mature and darker themes. Therefore, the scoring and review will reflect this, helping the reader decide if this particular style of "love story" is what they are looking for.

Feel-Good Scores:

Resolution & Outcome: 6/10

While the book has a clear resolution, it is complex and emotionally challenging. It contains elements of tragedy, and the ending is more bittersweet than purely uplifting, though secrets are revealed and some characters find closure.

Harmful Content: 3/10

This novel contains numerous trigger warnings, including the death of a child, infidelity, and gun violence. It is not suitable for readers seeking a content-free, cosy read, as it includes graphic sexual content and other sensitive material.

Emotional Resonance: 8/10

The book is described as "addictive" and "emotional," with many readers flying through the pages to discover the secrets. The characters' struggles with grief, betrayal, and difficult choices create a strong, if at times painful, emotional connection with the reader.

Setting & Escape: 8/10

The setting in the English countryside is described as beautiful and atmospheric, providing a backdrop of escape. However, the idyllic setting is a contrast to the dark and complex secrets that unfold within it, making the escape less purely joyous.

Overall "Feel-Good Score": 6.75/10 💔

Review:

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall is a compelling and propulsive love story, but it is not a conventional feel-good romance. This is a novel for readers who enjoy a love story with the pace and depth of a thriller, one that isn't afraid to explore the messier side of life.

Set in a beautiful English village, the story is a masterclass in emotional drama and suspense. While it will keep you hooked with its twists and turns, it delves into mature themes of infidelity, grief, and past tragedies. The characters are complex and flawed, and their choices have explosive consequences. The novel's strength lies in its ability to immerse the reader in its atmosphere and compelling mystery, making it an incredibly addictive page-turner.

However, be prepared for a story that is more bittersweet than sweet. It contains significant trigger warnings and a resolution that is more about coming to terms with the past than a simple happily-ever-after. If you're looking for an emotional, character-driven story that will tear your heart apart and then painstakingly put it back together, this is the book for you. If you are seeking a light, breezy romance, you may be better served elsewhere.

The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella

Feel-Good Scores:

Resolution & Outcome: 10/10

Harmful Content: 10/10

Emotional Resonance: 9/10

Setting & Escape: 9/10

Overall "Feel-Good Score": 9.5/10 💖

Review:

Sophie Kinsella's The Burnout is exactly the kind of hilarious, escapist rom-com the title promises. In a world full of stress and endless to-do lists, this book offers a much-needed breath of fresh air. It follows the story of Sasha, a woman who finds herself completely burnt out and in desperate need of an escape. Her journey to a seaside resort with a charmingly quirky cast of characters is pure literary escapism.

As you'd expect from Kinsella, the novel is a masterclass in witty humour and heart-warming charm. It's a clean, cosy read, free of any explicit content, making it perfect for anyone seeking a light and genuinely funny story. The characters, especially the burnt-out protagonist, are incredibly relatable, and you'll find yourself rooting for them from the very first page. The romance is sweet and engaging, unfolding at a pace that feels both natural and satisfying.

The Burnout culminates in a wonderfully positive and feel-good conclusion that will leave you with a big smile. It is a fantastic choice for a weekend escape or for anyone who needs a reminder that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to take a step back and breathe.

Regretting You by Colleen Hoover

This book is a dramatic, emotional novel that explores complex family relationships and grief. It is not a traditional feel-good romance and contains mature themes. The scores reflect this distinction.

Feel-Good Scores:

Resolution & Outcome: 5/10

While the plot resolves, the ending is more complex and bittersweet than a simple, uplifting conclusion. The characters find a way to move forward but not without significant emotional pain and loss.

Harmful Content: 3/10

The novel contains mature themes, including infidelity, grief, and a tragic death. It also includes sexually explicit scenes, which makes it fall outside the clean and light category of feel-good fiction.

Emotional Resonance: 9/10

The book is deeply emotional and designed to evoke a strong, powerful response. The characters, particularly the mother and daughter, are raw and relatable in their pain, which creates an intense emotional connection for the reader, though it is often a painful one.

Setting & Escape: 6/10

The setting is a backdrop for the emotional drama rather than a primary source of escape. The focus remains on the inner turmoil of the characters and their relationships, rather than offering a vivid, comforting world for the reader to get lost in.

Overall "Feel-Good Score": 5.75/10 💔

Review:

Colleen Hoover's Regretting You is a powerful, gut-wrenching family drama that is addictive from the first page, but it is not a "feel-good" novel. The story centers on a tragic event that shatters the lives of a mother and daughter, forcing them to confront their strained relationship and a web of long-held secrets.

This book is for readers who enjoy complex, emotionally charged narratives. Hoover is a master at creating realistic, flawed characters whose pain and grief are palpable on every page. While you will be completely invested in their journey, be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster. The plot contains significant mature themes and is not a light or breezy read.

Regretting You delivers a compelling and unforgettable story of healing, but the destination is more about finding peace than pure happiness. If you are looking for a story that is honest about life's messiness and can handle a heavy dose of drama, this is a must-read. If you are seeking a light, uplifting romantic comedy, this book is likely not the right choice for you.

One More Day of Us by Shari Low

Feel-Good Scores:

Resolution & Outcome: 9/10

Harmful Content: 9/10

Emotional Resonance: 9/10

Setting & Escape: 8/10

Overall "Feel-Good Score": 8.75/10 💖

Review:

Shari Low's One More Day of Us is a brilliantly crafted, heartfelt novel that masterfully balances emotional depth with a sense of feel-good warmth. The story, told across dual timelines, follows Moira, a Scottish singer who decides to revisit her past in Hong Kong, hoping to reconnect with the friends she left behind three decades ago.

The book is an absolute joy to read. Low is an expert at creating relatable characters whose journeys of love, loss, and friendship are deeply moving. While the narrative doesn't shy away from emotional moments, it does so with a tender touch, never resorting to explicit or overly graphic content. You'll find yourself completely invested in the fate of Moira and her friends, celebrating their successes and shedding a tear for their heartbreaks.

The setting, shifting between a rainy Glasgow and the vibrant, bustling Hong Kong of the past, offers a unique and engaging sense of escape. The ultimate resolution is beautifully satisfying, a testament to second chances and the enduring power of friendship. This is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys a story that is both emotional and uplifting, and you will likely finish it with a smile on your lips.

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

This is a sequel in a "New Adult" fantasy series with a focus on war and high-stakes drama. It is not a feel-good romantic read and contains significant violence, explicit content, and a non-conclusive ending. The scores reflect this distinction.

Feel-Good Scores:

Resolution & Outcome: 1/10

As the second book in a multi-part series, it ends on a dramatic, heart-stopping cliff-hanger. The primary romantic and plot conflicts are left completely unresolved, and a major character undergoes a devastating transformation. This is the opposite of a satisfying, positive conclusion.

Harmful Content: 2/10

The novel is set in a brutal military college and a world at war. It contains a significant amount of violence, battle scenes, death, torture, and strong language. It also includes explicit sexual content, which does not align with the "no harmful content" criteria of feel-good fiction.

Emotional Resonance: 8/10

While not the warm, comforting resonance of feel-good fiction, this book is intensely emotional. The high stakes, betrayals, and devastating twists will keep you on the edge of your seat and deeply invested in the characters' survival. This book is designed to make you feel stressed, worried, and shocked, which it does very effectively.

Setting & Escape: 8/10

The world-building is expansive and complex, featuring dragons, magic, and a war-torn kingdom. It is a highly escapist read, but the escape is into a dangerous, high-stakes environment rather than a cosy, idyllic one.

Overall "Feel-Good Score": 4.75/10 ⚡️

Review:

Rebecca Yarros's Iron Flame is not a book for those seeking a light, uplifting, or cozy read. This is a high-octane "romantasy" sequel, picking up immediately where its predecessor, Fourth Wing, left off. The narrative is a relentless rollercoaster of action, political intrigue, and brutal fantasy, where the stakes are life and death, and trust is a fragile commodity.

The book is an absolute page-turner, thanks to its addictive plot and the intense emotional connection it builds with its characters. However, readers should be prepared for a very different experience from a traditional romance. The story is rife with battle, violence, and mature themes, and the relationships are constantly tested by secrets and betrayal.

Ultimately, the book's purpose is to thrill, not to soothe. It ends on a devastating cliff-hanger, leaving a multitude of unanswered questions and a sense of shock that will have you immediately anticipating the next instalment. If you are looking for a powerful, action-packed fantasy romance and are not concerned with a feel-good resolution, Iron Flame is a book you won't be able to put down.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

This is a fantasy romance and the first book in the "Empyrean" series. It is a highly popular and addictive read, but it is not a traditional feel-good romantic novel. Its scores reflect the presence of violence, mature themes, and a complex plot.

Feel-Good Scores:

Resolution & Outcome: 3/10

The book provides a sense of accomplishment for the main character's initial trials but concludes with a major cliff-hanger. The final plot twist leaves the reader in suspense, setting the stage for the next book rather than providing a satisfying, all-encompassing resolution.

Harmful Content: 2/10

As a story set in a brutal military college during wartime, the book contains significant violence, battle scenes, and character deaths. It also includes explicit sexual content and strong language, which distinguishes it from a clean, cosy romance.

Emotional Resonance: 9/10

The novel is exceptionally emotionally engaging. The intense rivalry, forbidden romance, and constant life-or-death stakes create a powerful connection with the reader. The emotional resonance is not soothing but is designed to be compelling, anxiety-inducing, and deeply immersive.

Setting & Escape: 9/10

The world-building is the heart of the novel's appeal. The fantasy world of dragons, magic, and a war-torn kingdom is meticulously detailed and creates a highly escapist experience. The danger of the setting, however, means the escape is thrilling rather than relaxing.

Overall "Feel-Good Score": 5.75/10 ⚡️

Review:

Rebecca Yarros's Fourth Wing is a book that lives up to its immense hype, but it is crucial for prospective readers to understand what kind of "global phenomenon" it truly is. This is not a classic feel-good novel; it is an exhilarating fantasy romance that combines the tension of a war story with a powerful and addictive love plot.

The book follows Violet Sorrengail, a physically fragile student forced to enter a brutal military college for dragon riders. The setting is perilous and the stakes are impossibly high, making the romance that develops against this dangerous backdrop all the more compelling. The writing is incredibly fast-paced, ensuring you will be utterly hooked.

However, be aware that this is a mature and often brutal story. The high emotional scores come from its suspense, not from a sense of comfort. Fourth Wing contains scenes of violence, explicit content, and a ruthless world that makes character safety a constant concern. It ends on a monumental cliff-hanger that will leave you desperate for the next instalment. This is a must-read if you are seeking a thrilling, dark, and utterly consuming fantasy romance.

The Runaway Wives by Karen King

Feel-Good Scores:

Resolution & Outcome: 10/10

Harmful Content: 9/10

Emotional Resonance: 10/10

Setting & Escape: 9/10

Overall "Feel-Good Score": 9.5/10 💖

Review:

Karen King's The Runaway Wives is a wonderfully uplifting and truly hilarious story that delivers on its promise of a feel-good escape. The novel follows best friends Dee and Babs, who, after a lifetime of being taken for granted by their husbands, decide to take an impromptu road trip to the seaside. What follows is a journey of self-discovery, adventure, and the reaffirmation of female friendship.

This book is a delightful celebration of "later-in-life" romance and new beginnings. It is an honest and empowering read that tackles relatable themes of feeling invisible and rediscovering your own worth. The humour is a huge part of its charm, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but it is also full of heart-warming sincerity. As a clean and wholesome read, it is free of explicit content, making it a perfect, cosy choice.

The seaside setting provides an idyllic and a much-needed sense of escape, making you feel like you've gone on the adventure with them. The Runaway Wives is a brilliant and beautifully written story that proves it's never too late to take a chance and live life on your own terms. It's a joyful, empowering read that will leave you with a huge smile.

Swept Away by Beth O'Leary

This is a romance novel that blends adventure and thriller elements with a heart-warming love story. It is a feel-good book, though it includes moments of genuine tension and peril.

Feel-Good Scores:

Resolution & Outcome: 9/10

The book delivers a satisfying and happy ending for the main characters, though they have to overcome significant challenges to get there. It resolves their personal journeys and the central romantic plot in an uplifting way.

Harmful Content: 7/10

While not a "clean" romance, the novel does not contain gratuitous violence or profanity. It includes some sexually explicit scenes and descriptions of physical injury and life-threatening situations due to the survival plot. This content is integral to the story but may not be suitable for all readers.

Emotional Resonance: 9/10

The characters are deeply relatable and their forced proximity allows for an authentic and powerful development of their relationship. The emotional journey, which includes dealing with grief and personal shortcomings, is deeply heartfelt and will likely resonate strongly with readers.

Setting & Escape: 8/10

The setting of a drifting houseboat in the North Sea provides a unique and compelling backdrop. It is highly escapist, but the escape is into a thrilling, high-stakes adventure rather than a relaxing idyll.

Overall "Feel-Good Score": 8.25/10 💖

Review:

Beth O'Leary's Swept Away is an inventive and captivating romance that brilliantly combines the humour and warmth of a rom-com with the tension of an adventure thriller. The novel's premise is delightfully original: a one-night stand between two strangers, Lexi and Zeke, turns into a forced-proximity survival story when their houseboat is accidentally swept out to sea.

As they navigate the dangers of the open water, they are forced to confront not just the elements, but also their pasts and their own vulnerabilities. O'Leary's writing is both witty and tender, ensuring that the reader is completely invested in their personal and romantic journey. While the book has a thrilling plot, its core remains the deeply heartfelt relationship that builds between the two main characters.

The book has a satisfyingly happy conclusion that makes the journey worthwhile. While it includes some mature themes and peril, they serve to deepen the story and make the final resolution all the more rewarding. Swept Away is an ideal read for those who want a feel-good romance with a dash of excitement, proving that a love story can be both cosy and epic.

PLEASE NOTE: The REVIEWS have been constructed against 'Feel-Good Fiction Scores' as a guide to readers looking for the experience so defined - Resolution & Outcome, Harmful Content, Emotional Resonance, Setting and Escape.

High and low scores suggest qualities against these definitions.

They should not be used as an assessment of 'good versus bad writing', or the enjoyment level of readers not necessarily seeking fiction taking them to 'their happy place'.

Feel-Good Fiction Explained >>>