I used to work at my hometown’s public library, and the question I wanted to hear the least was “what are your romance recommendations?” Oftentimes it was a little old lady looking for the paperbacks with shirtless men, a young teen looking for Icebreaker, or someone’s mom wanting Colleen Hoover. It’s not that I don’t like romance books, I have read some wonderful romance books in my life! It’s just that often the most popular novels on #BookTok are very smut heavy, have annoying cliches, or insufferable characters. So when I recommend or list a romance novel, it has to go through a selection process that’s quite tough. So here are a few books that have passed my screenings, along with a few on my TBR!
The Blonde Identity – Ally Carter
The Blonde Identity is super fun, fast paced, spy/CIA influenced book. A girl wakes up with amnesia next to a spy, and is told that she is the twin sister of a MIA agent. Zoe and Mr. Hot Spy have to travel around Europe dodging criminals and other intelligence services while trying to find her sister. Along they way, they cosplay as newlyweds on their honeymoon, but the pretending act starts to fall near the end. I love the dual POVs, it’s a rare occurence where I love the male and female POV equally! The book is witty and creative, and does the fake relationship trope really well!
Shark Heart – Emily Habeck
When I tell people I like weird literature, this book is EXACTLY what I mean. Lewis and Wren are freshly married, but their first year of marriage will also be their last. In this world, humans can get rare diagnoses where they turn into animals, and Lewis just received news that his body is beginning to transform into a great white shark. While he keeps his consciousness and memories, his body slowly begins to transform. This book is so unique from anything else I’ve read, and Emily Habeck does a wonderful job analyzing love, marriage, and letting go.
One Day – David Nicholls
Made popular by the Netflix short series and the film adaptation with Anne Hathaway, David Nicholls’ One Day is a book that leaves you speechless. Each chapter is the same day in Dexter and Emily’s life, July 15th, but year after year. Spanning over 20 years, the book analyzes their push and pull attraction, personal struggles, and why people ultimately can’t be with their soulmates sometimes. I really like that the book is a mix of a literary fiction and a light hearted romance, different chapters have vastly different themes. Be warned however, the ending may not be so sweet!
The Paradise Problem – Christina Lauren
I am a bit of a sucker for a good fake relationship plot, and this one is definitely creative! Anna and Liam had a court marriage in college to get subsidized family housing at UCLA, and supposedly signed divorce papers upon graduation. Turns out that wasn’t true. Liam needs to prove that he has been happily married for 5 years to gain access to the wealth left to him in his grandfather’s will, so he reunites with Anna three years postgrad. Suddenly, Anna, a starving artist, has to meet Liam’s entire one-percenter family on a private island over the summer. Can the two prove their marriage to get the money? I love the witty banter and fun moments in this book, it’s a really good summer read! I also love the fact that it’s co-written by two best friends, Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings!
The Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller
To this day I don’t think I am over my Greek mythology phase, so of course my last recommendation is going to be Greek! The Song of Achilles is a retelling of the Trojan War, but this time, the invincible Achilles is in love with his best friend, Patroclus. I love the accuracy of the Greek stories, and Miller weaves in a beautiful backstory of the two boys. Told from the POV of Patroclus, the book reveals Achilles’ human side. Even though he is invincible in combat, he is a human who suffers heartbreak and insecurity. While the book is significantly less outward in it’s romance aspect, it’s a beautiful retelling of a classic story.
Romance is truly a beautiful genre, whether it’s trope-y, classical, or more literary fiction inspired. I remember reading my first romance books on Wattpad as a middle schooler, and who can forget Romeo and Juliet freshman year of high school? Hopefully these recommendations can be helpful for anyone wanting to hit their reading goals or just to find a new book for the semester! Happy reading!