Here’s your weekly round-up of brand new, progressive-leaning romances that you may not have seen on your Instagram feed. If I’ve omitted a title you feel passionate about and think this community will enjoy, please do share it in the comments. Reminder that I haven't read any of these titles yet, so this isn't an official endorsement unless noted. Click through to read the post on Bindery for my full commentary.

The Gilded Rose by Joanna Shupe (Avon) — Shupe’s new Gilded Age romance is a no holds barred twist on Beauty and the Beast that asks: What if Belle married Gaston? The Gilded Rose is heavy on angst, exploring how difficult it was for married women to escape domestic violence before no-fault divorce existed. I didn’t find it triggering as a survivor, but I recommend reading with caution if you are sensitive to physical abuse and spousal rape. Zane, our Beast character, is the perfect love interest for a woman rebuilding her autonomy. He does everything he can to help Caroline find freedom, and then joy, at the right pace for her. The Gilded Rose is one of my favorite books of the year, and one of the most important. (Listen to Joanna’s episode of Rebel Ever After here.)

Entities to Lovers by Mallory Marlowe (Berkley) — Rival tour guides are hexed by a matchmaking ghost in Mallory’s third rom-com. I love her voice and am excited to dive in when my pre-order arrives. (Listen to Mallory’s episode of Rebel Ever After here.)

Holidays at Northfield Hall by Katherine Grant, Isabella Kamal, Charlie Lane, and Sri Savita (indie) — Friend of the podcast Katherine put together this collection of holiday novellas that take place in the world of her Prestons series of historical romances. Celebrate Halloween, Diwali, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Eid al-Fitr in stories written by Katherine and friends. (Listen to Katherine’s episode of Rebel Ever After here.)

Love You to Death by Jenna Levine (Berkley) — A grim reaper rom-com from the author of My Roommate Is a Vampire.

Once in a Timeline by Iman Hariri-Kia (Cosmo Reads) — From the author of last year’s Female Fantasy, an influencer gets stuck in her own “day in the life” video on a time loop… and she’s not alone.

A Very Merry Detour by Court Behr (Dial) — Court had me at bisexual/sapphic Christmas romance.

The Museum of Modern Love by Mariko Turk (Henry Holt and Co.) — Two exes get stuck overnight at The Met on a midnight museum tour in this YA romance. The Museum of Modern Love is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection.

Back Where We Started by Becca Freeman (Penguin Books) — A second chance Christmas romance about a Hollywood star who returns home for the holidays. Themes include escaping sexist Hollywood bullshit and redefining success and ambition.