The Rec League: New York Romances Outside of NYC

[Artemis Gordon]

http://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/WP/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/recleague.pngThis Rec League comes from Anne. Thanks, Anne!

I have an odd request that may be too narrow for a Rec League, but I thought I would ask. I am looking for books that are set or partially set in New York State, outside of NYC/Long Island.

I’m originally from Central New York and have family who live or lived throughout “upstate NY” and I enjoy books where I can visit familiar places.

I have read and enjoyed Sara Donati’s Into the Wildersness family saga which is partially set in the Adirondacks, Julia Spencer Fleming’s mystery series set in Miller’s Kill, Maria Vale’s werewolf series (Adirondacks), Kristan Higgins’ Blue Heron series (Finger Lakes), and Alice Clayton’s Hudson Valley series. Both Alisha Rai (Western NY) and Jennifer Probst (Hudson Valley) have written a lot of books and I think I’ve read most of their back lists.

I recently read one of Kate Willoughby’s books that is partially set in Ithaca and although I didn’t pick up the book because of the setting, it was a pleasant surprise.

I am particularly interested in books set in or around the Thousand Islands or anywhere along the St. Lawrence River.

Amanda: I know you already mentioned Alice Clayton’s Hudson Valley series, but I’m mentioning it again because it’s great.

A | BN | K

If you’re into YA fantasy, This Poison Heart I believe is set in Rhinebeck – creepy old house, killer plants, magic!

Kiki: Ooo I am deeply interested in these recs bc I also love reading books set in places I know really well and I grew up in the Finger Lakes!

Sarah: Alisha Rai’s Hate to Want You and the rest are set in upstate New York – near or in Rochester if I am remembering correctly which I may not be.

Many of Ellen Hartman’s Harlequin Superromances were set upstate. Oh – and Pretty Little Wife by Darby Kane is set in Ithaca.

A | K

Claudia: The Widow of Rose House is set in Hyde Park during the Gilded Age (with some of the early action set in New York City).

Tara: Many of Georgia Beers’s romances are set in upstate New York. A good place to start might be her Puppy Love trilogy, which has a different couple getting together in each book. The first one is called Rescued Heart. ( A | BN )

Shana: Adriana Herrera’s Dreamer series is set in Ithaca. I recommend reading them in order, which you’ll want to do anyway because American Dreamer has a cute plot about a chef moving from NYC to Ithaca.

Maya: Haven by Rebekah Weatherspoon is set in upstate New York on a farm!!

Amanda: Maybe The Companion by E.E. Ottoman? I remember the description mentions leaving New York for a more rural area.

What books would you recommend?

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