You've never tried romance novels
Dipping your toe in the water? Don't know where to start? We'll help you out.
If you, like many people I know, have thought ‘I’m just not into romance’ allow me to spend this week’s newsletter changing your mind. First, I want to point out that ‘romance’ is a pretty generic term that doesn’t help narrow down what a book might be. If you go into a bookstore and pick up a “fantasy” novel, there are certain things you can expect that book to include. You’d expect the world to be fictional and include magical or supernatural elements not found in our real lives. For romance though the genre is much broader. The only thing a romance novel needs to have is the development of a romantic relationship throughout the book or book series and a happy ending. The relationship could be a major plot point, but it can also be a sub-plot point. All that to say, unless you are morally against a book that ends happily, there is probably a romance book out there for you. Let’s review some of my recommendations based on genres you already like.
Fantasy
Book Recommendation: Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent
Fans of Brandon Sanderson, George R.R. Martin, or other fantasy authors would like Carissa Broadbent. Broadbent has a few series out but this is a great place to start for non-romance readers. The world-building and adventure in Daughter of No Worlds will capture anyone who loves a good fantasy novel. 🌶️
Young Adult Contemporary
Book Recommendation: By Any Other Name by Lauren Kate
If you typically go for a young adult contemporary story like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before or Fan Girl, try By Any Other Name. By Any Other Name is a great transition from Young Adult to Adult romance since the major difference is the character’s age. By Any Other Name features romance editor Lanie who, after receiving a huge opportunity at work, realizes working with the mysterious author she’s been assigned won’t be as easy as she thought. The book is a closed-door romance (no spice), which may be closer to what you’re looking for as a young adult reader.
Relationship Saga
Book Recommendation: Forget Me Not by Julie Soto
If you like books like Normal People or One Day try Forget Me Not by Julie Soto. The book features wedding planner Ama Torres and grumpy florist Elliot. The story is dual POV but told in one of the most unique ways I’ve seen in romance. This second-chance romance leaves you rooting for two characters who are trying to figure out their baggage while finding each other at the wrong time in their lives. 🌶️
Historical Fiction
Book Recommendation: Never Seduce a Scot by Maya Banks
If you liked Bridgerton or Outlander, you’ll love Never Seduce a Scot. There are 3 standalone books in the series that follow different couples and take place in the Scottish Highlands. FMC Eveline is kind and thoughtful but no one knows that she cannot hear. Her family knows she does not speak but they don’t know why. When she is forced into an arranged marriage she meets Graeme her new husband. The story has a good suspense plot throughout that, if you’ve never been into romance before, will keep the pages turning. 🌶️🌶️
I don’t read, but I read Holes in school and liked it
Book Recommendation: Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa
It is my humble opinion, that many books require time and energy to ‘get into it’. I get it, the author has to set the stage, give you the context, introduce you to the characters, and then you’ll get sucked into the book. For me though, especially as a parent, sometimes I don’t have time to hope the book gets interesting. Sometimes all I want is a book to hook me from the moment I start it. Rhapsodic is a great example of that. Who is the Bargainer? Why does Callie need his help? What is their history? Rhapsodic is a 4 book series that reads so quickly you look up and days have passed. If your hesitancy to get into reading as an adult comes from your frustration with slow build books; allow Rhapsodic to get you into it again. (the spice in Rhapsodic builds to about 🌶️🌶️🌶️)