Culture | Nov. 2025
TRENDING: ROMANTIC READS
By Morgan Hogerty
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST
Lora Amigo wearing Gabriela Hearst dress and Boden sweater, Neiman Marcus Northbrook
LORA AMIGO’S story begins, fittingly, with a stack of books. A lifelong literature lover born and raised in Mexico City, she grew up in a house filled with stories—devouring everything from Richard Scarry and Goosebumps to the works of French novelist Colette. After earning a degree in communication studies, she worked in film and advertising, later launching a lucrative cupcake business in her early 20s before moving with her husband to Evanston. Over the years, Amigo balanced raising children with creative pursuits in branding, web development, and retail, all while giving back to her community through countless PTA volunteer hours. But late nights lost in romance novels—reading until 3 a.m. on her pink couch—sparked an idea she couldn’t ignore. Wilmette’s Pink Couch Books was born from that moment: a bookstore dedicated to celebrating romance and building a warm, welcoming community in the area she’s called home for the past eight years.
ON HER NIGHTSTAND
“I try to read about two books a week. Three recent romance favorites: A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera—my absolute favorite historical romance. If you love strong female characters, witty banter, richly researched settings, and fresh perspectives, this one’s for you. Next up, Good Spirits by B.K. Borison—the best holiday romance I’ve read. Think a ghost of Christmas past who’s handsome, has an accent, and maybe steals your heart. And finally, The Wolf King by Lauren Palphreyman (out November 25). Mark my words: this will be the next big romantasy hit. Wolf shifters, a stolen princess, clans, kilts, plot twists galore … you need to read this ASAP.”
IN HER EARBUDS
“Audiobooks are my constant companions (always through Libro.fm). They keep me company in the car or while cooking dinner. Beyond that, it’s either my carefully curated playlists, the news via Democracy Now! or Zeteo, or laughing along with Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone on their podcast Ride (Hi, Baronies!).”
ON HER MOBILE
“Right now, my whole universe revolves around the romance reader community. If I’m online, I’m probably scrolling Bookstagram—checking out upcoming releases, fun trends, or thoughtful reviews. It’s such a welcoming space, and I’ve made several real-life friends through it.”
