The Monthly Swoon Report
Romance Society at the Movies
Three of our own, in cinemas this month
Former lawyer turned event planner Samara Hart (Rhiannon Fish) heads to Far North Queensland to plan an anniversary party on a yacht, only to find the captain is her old courtroom rival Nate Lawson (Daniel Lissing). Reef dives, beach picnics and starlit evenings on deck turn a feud into something much warmer. Peak summer escapism, filmed right here in Queensland.
A Royal Wedding: A Royal in Paradise III
Olivia (Rhiannon Fish) and Prince Alexander's fairytale wedding is halted at the altar by an archaic royal law. A tropical escape to the Haven Isles, a hidden journal and a very brave queen follow. If you missed opening week, there's still time to catch it on the big screen.
Shelby enters a televised Christmas painting competition to save her mum's community art hub, and clashes with a charming fellow contestant who happens to be a prince in disguise. Starring Tim Ross and Melina Vidler, it's snow, sparkle and rivals-to-lovers, just in time for the festive season.
On Screen
What to watch as the evenings stretch out
Films
Katherine Center's The Bodyguard comes to life. Elite bodyguard Hannah (Leighton Meester) is assigned to protect film star Jack (Jared Padalecki) over the holidays in Texas, and has to pose as his girlfriend so his family won't worry. Fake dating, Christmas and the one and only Blair Waldorf as the bodyguard. Yes please.
The Fockers are back. Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro reunite with Owen Wilson and Blythe Danner, joined by Ariana Grande, for another round of family chaos in the name of love.
An animated love story based on AJ Dungo's graphic memoir about his teenage romance with a surfer named Kristen. It looks beautiful and sun-drenched, and it sounds like it will absolutely make us cry. Tissues on standby.
The story of Milton Hershey (Finn Wittrock) and Kitty Hershey (Alexandra Daddario), the couple behind the chocolate empire. One to watch for when it reaches Australia.
Series
The hit web novel becomes a lavish K-drama. Empress Navier (Shin Min-a) demands a divorce from her emperor and agrees to marry a rival crown prince (Lee Jong-suk). Revenge, romance and gowns for days.
The final chapter of Empress Elisabeth's sweeping story, full of passion, politics and palace intrigue. A fitting farewell for one of our favourite period romances.
Sophie and Margo are back for more socialite secrets, steamy entanglements and danger. The sapphic suburban thriller returns with eight new episodes.
Still swooning over: East of Eden
October's stand-out. Florence Pugh leads Netflix's adaptation of John Steinbeck's epic as Cathy Ames, with Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist as the Trask brothers. If you haven't binged all seven episodes yet, consider this your sign.
Book Picks
Recommended by our friends at Romancing the Novel
Ruby Dixon. Abducted by aliens and stranded on a frozen planet, Georgie meets Vektal, a very large, very blue and very devoted alien hunter. The cult-favourite sci-fi romance that started it all.
Sarah J. Maas. The first movement of Sarah J. Maas's new Valkyrie Cycle. If you've been counting down the days for more SJM, this is the one.
Peyton Corinne. A swoony, spicy standalone from Peyton Corinne with one of the prettiest covers on the shelf.
Ali Hazelwood. Two stories in one flip book from Ali Hazelwood. Read one, flip it over, read the other. Double the swoon.
Leigh Rivers. Book one of The Web of Silence duet. A dark romance for readers who like their love stories with a little danger.
Leigh Rivers. Book two of The Web of Silence duet. Have it ready for when you finish Little Stranger, because you'll want it straight away.
Music & Podcasts
For summer drives and slow Sunday mornings
Olivia Dean just wrapped The Art of Loving tour across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, and we haven't stopped listening since. If you were lucky enough to be there, you know. If not, her whole catalogue is the perfect soundtrack for long summer evenings and falling a little bit in love.
Podcasts we love
Have you met Romancing the Novel?
If you haven't already, make sure you pop into Romancing the Novel in New Farm. Pink shelves floor to ceiling, a very comfy armchair and more romance than you could read in a lifetime. You can thank us later.
Catch us on the big screen
Love on Deck from 5 November, The Painter & the Prince from 19 November.
Find a sessionGot swoon-worthy news?
A new release, an event or something you think our readers would love? Email Romance Society and you might be featured in the next Swoon Report.
hello@romancesociety.com.au