The Australian Romance Readers Association was created by romance readers, for romance readers—and that characteristic spirit drives everything they do for the romance reading community.  In late 2007 a chance remark was passed on an online loop—maybe we should have our own romance readers’ convention… There was an overwhelming response, and the Australian Romance Readers Association was born. Originally there were sixteen members, but in the short period since, that number has grown to well over three hundred.

The dates for their 2026 events are below:

• Brisbane—Saturday 21 March 2026 (Royal on the Park, 152 Alice Street, Brisbane)

• Sydney—Sunday 22 March 2026 (Rydges Sydney Central, 28 Albion Street, Surry Hills)

• Melbourne—Saturday 28 March 2026 (Novotel Preston, 215 Bell Street, Preston)

• Perth—Sunday 29 March 2026 (Pagoda Resort and Spa, 112 Melville Parade, Como)

For tickets and all the details, visit www.australianromancereaders.com.au/events

March is bringing something darker, more intense, and quietly unforgettable to the Happily Ever After Book Club. This month’s pick is intimate, raw, and stripped back to survival—both emotional and physical.

For March 2026, we’ll be reading Haven by Claire Kent.

The world outside is no longer safe.

Civilisation has collapsed into violence and fear, and survival is no longer about dreams or futures—it’s about getting through the night. In that darkness, comfort doesn’t come from promises or romance. It comes from warmth. From presence. From someone who understands the cost of staying alive.

She and Jackson don’t pretend to be anything they’re not.

They’re not friends.
They’re not lovers.
They don’t exchange soft words or hopeful plans.

Sometimes, after the sun goes down, she goes to his room. Not for tenderness—but because his arms, like the flicker of a single candle, are enough to hold the darkness at bay for a few hours.

Maybe they would be different if the world hadn’t ended.
Maybe they would be gentler.
Maybe they would allow themselves more.

But this is who they are now—and this is how they survive.

This is a late-night read. One you sit with afterward. One that makes you think about connection, comfort, and what love looks like when survival is the only goal.

As always, read at your own pace. Because of its darker themes, we’ll be mindful and respectful in discussion—and we encourage everyone to engage in whatever way feels right for them.

I can’t believe we’re already looking ahead to February 2026 — and this one is a big, sweeping, stay-up-too-late kind of read. If you love epic fantasy with slow-burn romance, powerful magic systems, and deeply intelligent characters, this month’s pick is going to have you completely hooked.

For February 2026, the Happily Ever After Book Club will be reading
Reign & Ruin by J.D. Evans, the first book in the Mages of the Wheel series. ✨⚙️

A World Balanced on the Edge of Magic and Ruin

“All magic is beautiful,” she said, “and terrible.”

From the very first page, Reign & Ruin draws you into a world where magic is not just power—but responsibility, sacrifice, and balance.

She is the heir to a Sultanate that once ruled the world: brilliant, controlled, and determined to govern through intellect rather than brute force in a world that doubts her at every turn.
He is an unwanted prince—shaped by violence, feared for his destructive magic, and driven by an unbreakable need to protect his people.

She is order.
He is chaos.

Her light answers his shadow. Her calm meets his restlessness. And together, they represent two halves of a Wheel that is slowly breaking.

Magic is dying. Old faiths are being replaced by science and machines. Forbidden mages—those who wield death—were cast out centuries ago in a brutal war… and now they may be the only hope left.

As political tension rises and a new war looms, these two must decide whether balance can be restored—without destroying themselves in the process.

As always, there’s no rush—read at your own pace and share your thoughts, favourite quotes, and theories in the group whenever you’re ready.

A new year, a fresh start—and the perfect romance to kick things off.

Our January 2026 book club pick is a slow-burn classic that has lived rent-free in romance readers’ hearts for years.

For January, the Happily Ever After Book Club will be reading From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata — a fan-favourite enemies-to-lovers romance set in the fiercely competitive world of figure skating.

Hate on the Outside. Fire on the Ice.

If someone asked Jasmine Santos to sum up the last few years of her life in one word, it would be… four letters. And not a nice one.

After seventeen years of figure skating, countless injuries, and dreams chipped away by disappointment, Jasmine knows her competitive window is closing fast. She’s running out of time—and hope.

So when the opportunity of a lifetime lands in her lap, it’s almost cruel that it comes attached to Ivan Lukov.

Arrogant. Infuriating. Beautifully talented.

The man Jasmine has spent the last decade dreaming about pushing in front of a moving bus.

Ivan Lukov is skating royalty—and the last person Jasmine wants to rely on. But when ambition, timing, and fate collide, Jasmine is forced to reconsider everything she thought she knew… including the man she’s been sparring with for years.

Because on the ice?
They’re magic.

And sometimes the thinnest line between love and hate is a shared dream.

As always, there’s no pressure to rush. Read at your own pace and jump into the discussion whenever you’re ready—whether you want to scream about the banter, swoon over Ivan, or talk about that slow, delicious payoff.

As December approaches, we’re wrapping up the year with a heartwarming, steamy romance that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Get ready to fall in love with Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey, the perfect December read to keep you cozy, warm, and swooning all season long.

Here’s a little sneak peek of this steamy short story:

A Single Mom, A Gentle Giant, and A Christmas to Remember

Evie Crowe is starting over in a new town with her newborn, and she’s got zero interest in men. After a tough past, all she wants is to focus on her baby and her work at the local thrift store. But when the quiet, hulking farmer Luke Ward keeps showing up in her shop, things get complicated. His awkward charm piques her reluctant interest, but Evie is adamant about staying single—friends-with-benefits is all she’s willing to offer.

Luke, on the other hand, isn’t looking for a casual fling. The gentle giant is determined to win Evie’s heart and make this a Christmas she’ll never forget. Can he convince her that he’s in it for the long haul, or will she keep her walls up to protect herself?

In Merry Ever After, opposites attract in the most unexpected and sizzling way. With a farmer who can’t find jeans that fit and a woman starting over, this smoking-hot romance will have you swooning and laughing, all while wrapping you up in the warmth of the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Opposites Attract: Evie and Luke are complete opposites—she’s guarded and independent, he’s patient and persistent—but their chemistry is undeniable. Their love story is sweet, steamy, and full of heart.

• A Gentle Giant Hero: Luke is the kind of hero who’s impossible not to fall for. His quiet nature and devotion to Evie are exactly what she needs, even if she’s hesitant to admit it. He’s truly in it for the long haul.

• Holiday Romance Perfection: This short story is part of Under the Mistletoe, a collection of sexy December romances, and it’s everything you could want in a Christmas romance—tender moments, a swoon-worthy hero, and just the right amount of heat to warm you up on a cold winter’s night.

If you're looking for a quick, steamy read that will leave you smiling and swooning, Merry Ever After is the perfect choice this December. We can’t wait to hear what you think about Evie and Luke’s journey to a happily ever after.

You can grab your copy of Merry Ever After here:

• Paperback Edition

• Kindle Edition

Join the Happily Ever After Book Club:
Make sure to join our Facebook group so we can share our favorite moments from this holiday romance, discuss all the swoony details, and celebrate the season together!

Happy reading, everyone! Let’s kick off December with all the Christmas magic and romance of Merry Ever After!

November is here, and we’ve got the perfect book to welcome the warmer days! As the weather starts to brighten and the flowers bloom, Paladin's Grace by T. Kingfisher is the ideal read to keep you entertained with a mix of humor, romance, and just the right amount of intrigue. Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect:

A Broken Paladin, A Badass Perfumer, and a Whole Lot of Trouble

Paladin's Grace follows Stephen, a paladin who's given up his former life of glory for a quieter existence knitting socks and working as a bodyguard. He’s doing his best to find purpose, but all that changes when he saves Grace, a clever and spirited perfumer, from a group of ruffians while she’s out foraging for startleflower. In the midst of the chaos, they end up pretending to be doing something very unrespectable in a dark alley to escape their pursuers.

Grace, no stranger to danger, is thrust into a deadly conspiracy when she unwittingly becomes entangled in an assassination attempt gone wrong. Now, with a cryptic killer always a step behind, Grace and Stephen must team up to unravel a web of treachery, poisoners, and threats to their lives. The perfect blend of suspense and humor, this whimsical fantasy is full of heart and perfect for a spring escape.

Why You’ll Love It:

• A Refreshing Hero: Stephen, the paladin with a sock-knitting hobby, is a hero like no other. His quiet charm, vulnerability, and dry humor will have you rooting for him from the start.

• A Fierce and Clever Heroine: Grace is independent, witty, and resourceful, making her the perfect match for Stephen. Together, they’re a dynamic pair who face every challenge head-on.

• Whimsical Fantasy: T. Kingfisher’s ability to weave humor and heart into a thrilling fantasy plot is unmatched. Paladin’s Grace combines darkly whimsical moments with an engaging, fast-paced story that will keep you hooked.

• A Slow-Burn Romance: The chemistry between Stephen and Grace builds beautifully throughout the story. Their evolving connection is just as exciting as the dangers they face together.

• Praise from the Greats: With accolades from authors like Seanan McGuire, Naomi Novik, and Alix E. Harrow, Paladin’s Grace is a must-read for fans of character-driven fantasy.

If you’re in the mood for a fantasy that’s both charming and suspenseful, Paladin’s Grace is the perfect pick for November. We can’t wait to hear your thoughts as you join Stephen and Grace on their thrilling journey!

You can grab your copy of Paladin’s Grace here:

• Paperback Edition

• Kindle Edition

Join the Happily Ever After Book Club:
Don’t forget to join our Facebook group to chat all about Paladin’s Grace—from the funny moments to the heart-pounding suspense. We’ll be swooning over Stephen and Grace’s romance and uncovering all the twists in the plot.

Happy reading, everyone! Let’s dive into the darkly whimsical world of Paladin’s Grace this November.

This October, the Happily Ever After Book Club will be reading First Time Caller by B.K. Borison!

In this cozy, Sleepless in Seattle-inspired love story, a hopeless romantic and a jaded radio host cross paths in the most unexpected way. As they navigate their very different outlooks on love, sparks fly and hearts begin to change in this sweet, slow-burn romance that’s sure to capture your heart.

As always, there’s no rush—read at your own pace and feel free to share your thoughts, favorite moments, or questions with the group whenever you’d like!

Let’s dive into October with all the heartwarming romance.

This September, the Happily Ever After Book Club will be reading Wallflower: A Grumpy Sunshine Small Town Romance by Samantha Leigh!

Get ready for a heartwarming, enemies-to-lovers romance set in a charming small town. When the grumpy, brooding local handyman meets the sunshine-y, optimistic woman who’s just moved in next door, sparks fly—though not the good kind at first. As these two opposites begin to navigate their differences, they just might find that love has a way of blossoming in the most unexpected places.

As always, there’s no rush—read at your own pace and share your thoughts, favourite moments, or questions with the group whenever you’d like!

Let’s kick off September with all the cozy romance vibes.

This August, the Happily Ever After Book Club will be reading The Floating World by Axie Oh!

In this captivating fantasy, Ren embarks on a perilous journey to save a man from a poisoned wound—a journey that leads her back over the mountains she fled from ten years ago. Along the way, she crosses paths with Sunho, a swords-for-hire who’s unknowingly searching for her. As their journey unfolds, they discover that their pasts—and their destinies—are more entwined than they could have ever imagined.

As always, there’s no rush—read at your own pace and share your thoughts, favorite moments, or questions with the group whenever you'd like!

Let’s dive into August with this epic adventure.

Alright it's time to announce our next read! This July we'll be taking it back to the regency era and reading Grace by Beverley Watts. I'm assued that readers of Lisa Kleypas will love her books so I thought it would be worth a read.

...Reverend Augustus Shackleford’s mission in life (aside from ensuring the collection box was suitably full every Sunday) was to secure advantageous marriages for each of his eight daughters. A tall order, given the fact that in the Reverend’s opinion they didn’t possess a single ladylike bone in the eight bodies they had between them. Quite where he would find a wealthy titled gentleman bottle headed enough to take any of them on remained a mystery and indeed was likely to test even his legendary resourcefulness.

....Grievously wounded at the Battle of Trafalgar, Nicholas Sinclair was only recently returned to Blackmore after receiving news of his estranged father’s unexpected death. After an absence of twenty years, the new Duke was well aware it was his duty to marry and produce an heir as quickly as possible. However, tormented by recurring nightmares after his horrific experiences during the battle, Nicholas had no taste to brave the ton’s marriage mart in search of a docile obedient wife.

…..Never in his wildest dreams did Reverend Shackleford envisage receiving an offer for his eldest daughter from the newly appointed Duke of Blackmore. Of course, the Reverend was well aware he was fudging it a bit in describing Grace as respectful, meek or dutiful, nevertheless, he could never have imagined that his eldest daughter’s unruliness might end up ruining them all….

Happy reading!!

Lets start with a nice magical read for the first month of winter. This June we're reading Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. I know the movie is one of my all time favourites so here's hoping the book is even better!

Make sure you keep warm and cozy up with this book for the month! Happy Reading!!

I hope you're all excited to start May's book! The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst is a cosy fantasy tale full of stolen spellbooks, unexpected friendships, sweet jams and even sweeter romance.

Here's hoping we all like it, it's a new author and I hear she has just finished a second book to follow this one! I'll be starting it tonight, happy reading!!

Sorry for the late post ladies, fortunatly this month's book is a nice fun quick read! Just For The Summer by Abby Jimenez!

Get ready for a heartwarming romance filled with humor, unexpected twists, and plenty of feel-good moments.

We're eager to hear your thoughts as we delve into this delightful story together. Take your time and enjoy the journey at your own pace. Share your favorite scenes or any questions you have in the group whenever you feel like it!

It’s time to dive into our March read: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas!

Get ready for a magical journey filled with fae, romance, and unexpected twists. Whether you’re already lost in the world of Prythian or just starting, we can't wait to hear your thoughts as we explore this captivating story together.

Remember, take your time—read at your own pace and feel free to share your favorite moments or questions in the group whenever they come to you!

Let’s kick off March with all the bookish excitement. Who’s ready to start?

It’s time to dive into our February read: My Favorite Kidnapper by Melanie Moreland!

Get ready for a romance full of humor, heart, and unexpected twists. Whether you’ve already started or are just cracking open the first page, we can’t wait to hear your thoughts as we enjoy this fun, feel-good story together.

Remember, there’s no rush—read at your own pace and share your favorite moments or questions in the group whenever you like!

Let’s kick off February with all the bookish joy. Who’s excited to get started? Drop a if you’re joining us!