I am by no means an expert on Romance reads. In fact they are my least read genre besides non-fiction books. I do occasionally stray into Romance land though, especially during February, because Valentine’s Day duh!
I’m a huge fan of cheesy Hallmark romance movies, but I just cannot do a ton of cheesy romance books because I find myself cringing too much. I do however love a more literary, historical, and unconventional romance books. If you are a hard core romance loving reader, than this list is probably not for you. BUT if you prefer your romances to be more unconventional in nature or are an occasional romance reader like me, than this list is for you!
YA Romance
A YA romance that focuses on the good in life. All the Bright Places is a mix of a romance story and a coming of age story.
Now a Netflix original, To all the Boys I’ve Loved Before, is the first in the a series. It’s fun, it’s real, and it’s filled with new love.
The Fault in Our Stars is a beautiful teenage love story. While it deals with some sad topics and will most likely leave you crying, John Green has given us a true love story.
A dystopian romance novel for fans of the Bachelor. In a dystopian America, the new King picks her bride from a group of 35 girls. If you like romance and love triangles mixed into your dystopian novels, than this is the series for you. I actually read these back when I was in college and devoured them!
Historical Fiction Romance
What can I say about Outlander, other than it’s amazing. If you need a good long series and enjoy a bit of historical fiction mixed into your romance, than Claire and Jamie’s love will be a perfect read
This historical fiction romance had my laughing so hard. I have an ARC of the second book and I’m so excited to continue with The Regency Vows series.
If you have not heard of the new Netflix series, Bridgeton, than you have been living under a rock. The new show is based on Julia Quinn’s Bridgton series. To hold you over til season 2 comes out, make sure to pick up the books!
The first in Evie Dunmore’s League of Extrodanary Women, Bringing Down the Duke is not only a historical romance but also focus’ on the suffrage movement in England.
Easily one of my top 10 reads ever. The Seven Husband’s of Evelyn Hugo is a fabulous romance set during Old Hollywood. With plenty of glitz, glamour, and a touch of Historical Fiction, you won’t want to put this book down.
If you are tired of WWII Historical Fiction books, but still want a solid historical fiction romance Atomic Love may be the perfect fit. Set during the Cold War, this love triangle will have you engaged in all sorts of secrets.
Contemporary Romance
Where are my Bachelor fans at? Written with wit and aiming for body-positivity, this read will hold you over between the end of Bachelor and the start of The Bachelorette.
A beautiful story about friendship, because love comes in all forms. Forewarning, this book mad me so emotional.
I love any book about women in tech, as I am myself a women in the tech industry. Add in a budding office romance and bammm you have a perfectly fun romance read like The Boyfriend Project.
Suspenseful Romance
Will I ever stop recommending Verity to people?? Nope probably not. Colleen Hoover, branches out of her traditional role as romance writer to bring us a perfectly blend story filled with suspense, romance (I’m talking steamyyy), and ultimately WTF moments. This is perfect for someone who wants to dabble in romance, but not fully commit to a full blown romance read.
Classic Romance
Jane Austen is the Queen of Classic Romance and in my humble opinion the first true ‘Romance Writer’. While Pride & Prejudice is my personal favorite, any of her romances are worth reading.
I hope you found something to read from this list. What other books do you like to read to get you into the holiday spirit? Let me know by commenting below or on instagram @speakingof_books.
Happy Reading Y’all!
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