This Valentine’s Day, Montgomery & Taggert, the charming independent romance bookstore in Chester, Connecticut, isn’t just reflecting trends in the genre … it’s setting them. Readers are discovering romance in new ways, from lifelong aficionados to those freshly liberated from reading slumps.
While some readers “are looking for a temporary escape from the stresses of daily life, they’re all enjoying stories with a wide range of themes and a happily ever after. Whether readers are seeking adventure, excitement, or comfort, they’re finding it in romance novels,” explains Sarah Borgins-Tobin, co-owner.
What’s flying off the shelves at Montgomery & Taggert?
“The Game Changers series, which inspired the hit TV show Heated Rivalry is incredibly popular, and for good reason. It’s a wonderfully written, heartfelt series. We can barely keep it on the shelves! We’re excited for readers to discover Rachel Reid’s phenomenal books and to explore more great LGBTQ+ and sports romance novels. The author recently announced that she will be releasing a brand-new book in the series this September; we’re already taking. preorders, and we can’t wait to read it,” Sarah says.
She also notes that the “Bridgerton bump” is real. Every new season sends waves of historical romance fans back to the shelves.
Each new season of Bridgerton brings a new wave of readers, and with that comes a renewed interest in the genre. “Our Historical Romance section features some of our favorite books with incredible world-building across a vast range of time periods.” Recommendations for readers hooked on Bridgerton include by Cat Sebastian, Sarah MacLean, Krystal Marquis, KJ Charles, Alyssa Cole, Beverly Jenkins, Courtney Milan, just to name a few. There’s a universe to discover behind every cover.
According to Sarah and partner Elizabeth Tucker, the current bestseller landscape reflects both breadth and intensity. At the top of the list:
- Rachel Reid’s The Game Changers series (Game Changer, Heated Rivalry, Tough Guy, Common Goal, Role Model, The Long Game)
- Victoria Wilder’s The Bourbon Boys Trilogy (Bourbon & Lies, Bourbon & Secrets, Bourbon & Proof)
- Kennedy Ryan’s The Skyland Trilogy (Before I Let Go, This Could Be Us, Can’t Get Enough)
- Callie Hart’s Fae & Alchemy Series (Quicksilver, Brimstone)
- J.L. Seegars’ Restore Me
- Desirée Nicolli’s The Haven Cove Trilogy (Called to the Deep, Song of Lorelei, Ensnaring the Siren)
- Rachel Meredith’s Girl Next Door
- Adib Khorram’s It Had to Be Him
… and more, each title proves that the romance genre is thriving across genres, identities and time periods.
“We believe that there’s a romance for every reader, and it’s our goal to help them discover books they will love, based on their unique interests,” says Sarah.
Looking ahead to 2026, Montgomery & Taggert is already buzzing with anticipation. Upcoming must-reads include:
- Bloodsinger by Juliette Cross
- The Night We Met (Indie Exclusive Edition) by Abby Jimenez
- Score by Kennedy Ryan
- The Daisy Chain Flower Shop by Laurie Gilmore
- Ravenous by Kresley Cole
- Star Shipped by Cat Sebastian
- Mutual Discord by Liana De la Rosa
- Dearly Departed by Chip Pons
… and dozens more, from the tender (A Girl Like Her, Talia Hibbert) to the audacious (I Punched an Alien and Now We’re in Couples Therapy, Kimberly Lemming).
The most important ingredient to any bookstore is the writers. “The community of authors supporting independent bookstores makes it all possible — signed editions, events, preorder exclusives,” says Sarah. And Montgomery & Taggert is on the cutting edge of the romance world, bringing reader and writer together.
