I used to think I wasn’t a romance reader. I don’t typically go for books that are labeled “chick lit” (which is a terrible label, by the way) and I kind of lumped all romance novels into the same “light and fluffy” category. But, as usually happens with books, I realized that not every romance fits the same mold, and there is just about every kind of romance for every kind of reader.
After trying a few, the romance genre really grew on me, and now I love a good romance now and then! Yet if you’re feeling a little hesitant about reading romance too, I wanted to share a few of my favorite romance picks, and what kind of readers they might be good for.
Here are some ideas for your next romance read:
You don’t want to check your brain at the door:
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang. This is one of my favorite romance novels, and wow is it a steamy one! While the steaminess made it fun, I loved it because of the characters–you know I love a book with a quirky, smart female lead, and The Kiss Quotient delivered. Of course I adored Stella, but Michael–the male escort she hires to help improve her, um, dating skills–was also such a richly developed character. This was both smart and un-put-down-able.
Can’t get enough? Check out The Bride Test and The Heart Principle by the same author!
You’re not really into “light and fluffy”:
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams. Eva is a bestselling erotic fiction writer and single mom; Shane is a writer too, known for his reclusive, yet reckless ways. The two met in high school when they spent an unforgettable seven days together—but haven’t seen each other since. When Shane shows up unexpectedly at an author event Eva is attending, both their lives are changed. This romance was so much more than I expected—it was dark and didn’t shy away from more sensitive topics. Both main characters are battling serious demons and I thought the author handled them with care. At the same time, there were several spicy scenes that turned the temperature UP!
I also recommend Beach Read, which (despite the misleading title) also has a great balance of light and heavy topics.
You love some good banter:
Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren. Hazel considers herself “undatable” for Josh, but happily plays the role of his best friend. She tries to cure his recent heartbreak by setting up a number of double dates for them to go on. Of course everyone else can see that the sparks are flying between Josh and Hazel–not them and their dates. This one also checked the smart, quirky female protagonist box, and I adored Hazel and her antics.
If you like your banter to have a bookish theme, try Book Lovers, another fun one.
You want some romance after the “I do”s have been said:
The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams. This book has such a fantastic concept: a professional baseball player joins a romance book club with a bunch of other guys to try and save his marriage. I loved the book club and what they had to say about romance, and also the idea of a romance that’s focused on a marriage rather than new love. Also, and all guy romance-reading book club is genius!
You want more than just a love story:
Flying Solo by Linda Holmes. Laurie grew up with 4 brothers, and her great-aunt Dot’s house in her hometown in Maine was always a place of refuge when she needed an escape from her loud, boisterous family. After Dot dies, Laurie is the one who winds up clearing out her house, which takes her on an adventure she never expected, involving a potentially valuable wooden duck and a second chance romance with the town librarian. There were certainly elements of romance in this story, but romance wasn’t really the central focus, the way it was in Evvie Drake Starts Over (which I also adored). However, just as with Evvie Drake, Flying Solo was such an enjoyable reading experience. I loved the characters and the zany duck-related caper. It was unexpected and very delightful.
If the “something more” you’re looking for happens to be time travel, try One Last Stop.
You want a rom com that’s a little lighter on the spice:
The Switch by Beth O’Leary. This is about two women who decide to switch homes and switch places, a la The Holiday, but think Cameron Diaz and Betty White rather than Kate Winslet. Eileen, almost eighty, lives in the country and needs a fresh start after a failed marriage. Her granddaughter Lena is a high-powered corporate consultant and workaholic who is forced to take a 2 month sabbatical. All kinds of fun—and a little romance—ensues as they swap places. There were real issues the characters were working through as well, but it never felt heavy.
Another fun one that leans more “rom com” than full on “rom” is This Time Next Year.
You like imagining life as a Royal or in the White House
Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. In this enemies-to-lovers romance, Alex, the First Son of the United States has a grudge against Prince Henry of England. Yet when a PR campaign to improve the countries’ relationship forces them together, they realize they have more in common than they thought. I loved this one for the relationship and heartwarming conclusion, but also the politics and the way McQuiston imagined both the perks and drawbacks of their lives in the spotlight.
You love historical fiction:
Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore. Sometimes you just need something that’s a complete escape from the current world we live in. This one is a historical romance that’s nothing like I pictured a historical romance to be–it was funny, smart, and completely engrossing. If you haven’t read much romance but are thinking about giving it a try, this would be a great pick.
Another historical romance I enjoyed was The Devil Comes Courting.
You’re a dog lover
The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez. Sloan is still deep in grief two years after her fiance’s death, but Tucker—a lost dog—wanders into her life and changes everything. She eventually learns that Tucker’s owner is a musician touring in Australia and they hit it off in their long distance texts and phone calls discussing Tucker’s care. I enjoyed this fun romance, and adored Tucker the dog!
Do you enjoy romance? Which of these sound good to you?
