So, you’ve just finished watching Bridgerton on Netflix and realized romance novels aren’t as bad as everyone thinks. If you’re eager to read some romance novels but don’t know where to start, this is for you!
There are some basic things you’ll need to know about romance novels. First, they always have a happy ending, or the HEA (Happily Ever After). If it doesn’t, then it’s just general fiction with a love story.
Second, there are a lot of different types. A lot of people think there are just two subgenres: Contemporary and Historical. But, there are a lot of subcategories within those. For example, there’s rom-com, dramatic, speculative, erotica, and many more.
Third, within all of this, there are tropes. There are the fan favorites like enemies to lovers or second chance romance, but underrated ones like insta-love or childhood best friends. These are common situations characters are put in or have with each other, making the book all the more interesting.
It can seem overwhelming at first to find your niche, but the best thing to do is just dive in. Here are some of my favorites to guide you!
- You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle is a laugh-out-loud novel where lovers become enemies and then lovers again. Two fiances want out of an engagement, but neither of them wants to be the one to end it. So, they begin an all-out war of pranks to see which one will back out first.
- The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa McKay Adams is about a group of “bros” who have failed the women in their life, so they begin a romance novel book club to learn more about themselves and their wives’ needs. This is a whole series, but the first novel follows Gavin and Thea as Gavin tries to put the spark back in their marriage.
- Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuintson is a steamy, hilarious, poignant novel about the love story between the Prince of England and the First Son of the United States.
- One Day in December by Josie Silver follows a decade-long love story of Jack and Laurie, who fell in love at first sight years ago. But, when they finally find each other again, Jack is dating Laurie’s best friend.
I know reading romance novels can seem frivolous or even embarrassing, but not all of them are mass paperbacks on the shelves at CVS with shirtless guys. Search around on the Barnes and Noble website until you find something you like! There are also plenty of bookstagrams and blogs out there to welcome you as a romance reader!