🎶Mixtape Monday
Volume 3: Summer Reading Challenge
We’re back with Volume 3 of Mixtape Monday, the series that matches songs with trope-forward romance recs. If you're just joining us, this playlist pairs the energy of your favorite tracks with books that give you that same emotional hit—perfect for mood readers and trope hunters alike.
Ready to feel all the feelings?
🎵 "You Should Probably Leave" by Chris Stapleton
Tropes: Second Chance · Can’t Stay Away
There’s tension. There’s history. There’s still a spark. Whether they’ve divorced, broken up, or just never figured it out the first time, these couples can’t quite quit each other—even when they know they should. Emotional, messy, magnetic: these second-chance romances will wreck you in the best way.
Book Pairings:
An Unfinished Memory by Marie Johnston
Between Never and Forever by Brit Benson
Shifting Gears by Melanie Moreland
Always the One for Me by Carrie Ann Ryan
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
Watch Me Unravel by Julia Wolf
🎵 "Lose Control" by Teddy Swims
Tropes: InstaLust · Obsessed MMC · Mafia
This one’s for the intensity addicts. These heroes don’t just fall—they plunge, fast and hard. Whether it’s a dark underworld connection or a soul-deep craving, these romances bring obsession, danger, and undeniable heat. Buckle up.
Book Pairings:
Silent Lies by Neva Altaj
His to Defend by Rhenna Morgan
When Heroes Fall by Giana Darling
Finding Ashlyn by Susan Stoker
Crimson Covenant by Samantha Whiskey
Lights Out by Navessa Allen
Make sure you check out the June 15th Episode for more Mafia recs!
🎵 "Turning Out" by AJR
Tropes: Friends to Lovers · Grew Up Together
Bittersweet and full of heart, this song captures the tender shift from friendship to love. These stories follow characters who’ve known each other for years and are just starting to see each other in a new light—often when it matters most.
Book Pairings:
In a Jam by Kate Canterbary
Cross the Line by Simone Soltani
The C*ck Down the Block by Amy Award
Wish You Were Mine by Tara Sivec
To Love Jason Thorn by Ella Maise
Letter Late than Never by Lauren Connolly
A Love by Design by Elizabeth Everett
Hitting the Goal Line by Jocelyne Soto
🎵 "The Craving" by twenty one pilots
Tropes: Crush · Unrequited Love
This one aches. It’s the kind of longing that lingers—whether they’re pining from afar or hiding their feelings in plain sight. These romances capture that slow burn of maybe someday love, where one person has always wanted more… and finally, maybe, they get it.
Book Pairings:
Not in the Cards by Maggie Gates
Crying Shame by Rebel Shaw
Forever Starts Tonight by Karla Sorensen
Hold Me Today by Maria Luis
Running Wild by K.A. Tucker
The Show by Lulu Moore
Your turn—what books give you these same vibes? 💬
Drop your own recs in the comments or tag us with #BuzzingAboutRomance and #MixtapeMonday. We’re building this playlist—and this TBR—together.
See you next week with Volume 4.
Until then—read on and press play ▶️
🌞Join the Summer Reading Challenge here.
🎧Listen along: