Reader's Corner: Romance
Looking for a good book to read but don't know where to start? This guide covers popular, award-winning, and just plain great nonfiction and fiction genres and books.
Staff Picks
Book Lovers by
One summer. Two rivals. A plot twist they didn't see coming... Nora Stephens' life is books--she's read them all--and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister Libby. Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sisters' trip away--with visions of a small town transformation for Nora, who she's convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. But instead of picnics in meadows, or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they've met many times and it's never been cute. If Nora knows she's not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he's nobody's hero, but as they are thrown together again and again--in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow--what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they've written about themselves.
Call Number: ROMANCE HENRY EPublication Date: 2022-05-03
Drunk on Love by
An intoxicating and sparkling new romance by New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory. Margot Noble needs some relief from the stress of running the family winery with her brother. Enter Luke: sexy, charming, and best of all in the too-small world of Napa, a stranger. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and Margot is delighted that she lucked into the perfect one-night stand she'll never have to see again. That is, until the winery's newest hire, Luke, walks in the next morning. Margot is determined to keep things purely professional, but when their every interaction reminds her of the attraction still bubbling between them, it proves to be much more challenging than she expects. Luke Williams had it all, but when he quits his high-salary tech job in Silicon Valley in a blaze of burnout and moves back to Napa to help a friend, he realizes he doesn't want to tell the world--or his mom--why he's now working at a winery. His mom loves bragging about her successful son--how can he admit that the job she's so proud of broke him? Luke has no idea what is next for him, but one thing is certain: he wants more from the incredibly smart and sexy woman he hooked up with--even after he learns she's his new boss. But even if they can find a way to be together that wouldn't be an ethical nightmare, would such a successful woman really want a tech-world dropout? Set against a lush backdrop of Napa Valley wine country, nothing goes to your head as fast as a taste of love--even if it means changing all your plans.
Call Number: ROMANCE GUILLORY JPublication Date: 2022-09-20
Hook, Line, and Sinker by
AN INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES AND #1 USA TODAY BESTSELLER In the follow-up to It Happened One Summer, Tessa Bailey delivers another deliciously fun rom-com about a former player who accidentally falls for his best friend while trying to help her land a different man... King crab fisherman Fox Thornton has a reputation as a sexy, carefree flirt. Everyone knows he's a guaranteed good time--in bed and out--and that's exactly how he prefers it. Until he meets Hannah Bellinger. She's immune to his charm and looks, but she seems to enjoy his... personality? And wants to be friends? Bizarre. But he likes her too much to risk a fling, so platonic pals it is. Now, Hannah's in town for work, crashing in Fox's spare bedroom. She knows he's a notorious ladies' man, but they're definitely just friends. In fact, she's nursing a hopeless crush on a colleague and Fox is just the person to help with her lackluster love life. Armed with a few tips from Westport's resident Casanova, Hannah sets out to catch her coworker's eye... yet the more time she spends with Fox, the more she wants him instead. As the line between friendship and flirtation begins to blur, Hannah can't deny she loves everything about Fox, but she refuses to be another notch on his bedpost. Living with his best friend should have been easy. Except now she's walking around in a towel, sleeping right across the hall, and Fox is fantasizing about waking up next to her for the rest of his life and... and... man overboard! He's fallen for her, hook, line, and sinker. Helping her flirt with another guy is pure torture, but maybe if Fox can tackle his inner demons and show Hannah he's all in, she'll choose him instead?
Call Number: ROMANCE BAILEY TPublication Date: 2022-03-01
Love on the Brain by
An Instant New York Times Bestseller A #1 LibraryReads and Indie Next Pick! From the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis comes a new STEMinist rom-com in which a scientist is forced to work on a project with her nemesis--with explosive results. Like an avenging, purple-haired Jedi bringing balance to the mansplained universe, Bee Königswasser lives by a simple code: What would Marie Curie do? If NASA offered her the lead on a neuroengineering project--a literal dream come true after years scraping by on the crumbs of academia--Marie would accept without hesitation. Duh. But the mother of modern physics never had to co-lead with Levi Ward. Sure, Levi is attractive in a tall, dark, and piercing-eyes kind of way. And sure, he caught her in his powerfully corded arms like a romance novel hero when she accidentally damseled in distress on her first day in the lab. But Levi made his feelings toward Bee very clear in grad school--archenemies work best employed in their own galaxies far, far away. Now, her equipment is missing, the staff is ignoring her, and Bee finds her floundering career in somewhat of a pickle. Perhaps it's her occipital cortex playing tricks on her, but Bee could swear she can see Levi softening into an ally, backing her plays, seconding her ideas...devouring her with those eyes. And the possibilities have all her neurons firing. But when it comes time to actually make a move and put her heart on the line, there's only one question that matters: What will Bee Königswasser do?
Call Number: ROMANCE HAZELWOO APublication Date: 2022-08-23
Funny You Should Ask by
NATIONAL BESTSELLER * A restless young journalist with big dreams interviews a Hollywood heartthrob--and reunites with him ten years later to discover exactly how he feels about her in this sexy and engrossing novel "You will absolutely devour this book. It's filled with delightful banter, hot romance, and a love story that's worthy of the big screen."--Kate Spencer, author of In a New York Minute and host of Forever35 Then. Twenty-something writer Chani Horowitz is stuck. While her former MFA classmates are nabbing high-profile book deals, all she does is churn out puff pieces. Then she's hired to write a profile of movie star Gabe Parker: her number one celebrity crush and the latest James Bond. All Chani wants to do is keep her cool and nail the piece. But what comes next proves to be life changing in ways she never saw coming, as the interview turns into a whirlwind weekend that has the tabloids buzzing--and Chani getting closer to Gabe than she had planned. Now. Ten years later, after a brutal divorce and a healthy dose of therapy, Chani is back in Los Angeles as a successful writer with the career of her dreams. Except that no matter what new essay collection or online editorial she's promoting, someone always asks about The Profile. It always comes back to Gabe. So when his PR team requests that they reunite for a second interview, she wants to say no. She wants to pretend that she's forgotten about the time they spent together. But the truth is that Chani wants to know if those seventy-two hours were as memorable to Gabe as they were to her. And so . . . she says yes. Alternating between their first meeting and their reunion a decade later, this deliciously irresistible novel will have you hanging on until the last word.
Call Number: ROMANCE SUSSMAN EPublication Date: 2022-04-12
The Reluctant Countess by
New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James returns to the Would-Be Wallflowers series with an enemies-to-lovers romance between a proper earl and an entirely improper lady--whom he can't stop thinking about. Giles Renwick, Earl of Lilford, has never made a fool of himself over a woman--until he meets Lady Yasmin Régnier. Yasmin is ineligible for his attentions in every way: not as a wife, certainly not as a mistress (she is a lady!), nor even as a friend, since they vehemently dislike each other. Her gowns are too low, and her skirts are dampened to cling to admittedly lovely thighs. She loves to gossip--and giggle. She isn't dignified, or polite, or even truly British, given that her father's French ancestry clearly predominated. Not to mention the fact that her mother had been one of Napoleon's mistresses, a fact she makes no effort to hide. So what--in heaven's name--possesses him to propose? And what will he do if she says yes?
Call Number: ROMANCE JAMES EPublication Date: 2022-11-29
The Hookup Plan by
Strong female friendships and a snappy enemies-to-lovers theme take center stage in this highly anticipated romantic comedy from the USA Today bestselling author of The Dating Playbook. Successful pediatric surgeon London Kelley just needs to find some balance and de-stress. According to her friends Samiah and Taylor, what London really needs is a casual hookup. A night of fun with no strings. But no one--least of all London--expected it to go down at her high school reunion with Drew Sullivan, millionaire, owner of delicious abs, and oh yes, her archnemesis. Now London is certain the road to hell is paved with good sex. Because she's found out the real reason Drew's back in Austin: to decide whether her beloved hospital remains open. Worse, Drew is doing everything he can to show her that he's a decent guy who actually cares. But London's not falling for it. Because while sleeping with the enemy is one thing, falling for him is definitely not part of the plan.
Call Number: ROMANCE ROCHON FPublication Date: 2022-08-02
The Kiss Curse by
The follow-up to Erin Sterling's New York Times bestselling hit The Ex Hex features fan favorite Gwyn and the spine-tinglingly handsome Wells Penhallow as they battle a new band of witches and their own magical chemistry. Gwyn Jones is perfectly happy with her life in Graves Glen. She, her mom, and her cousin have formed a new and powerful coven; she's running a successful witchcraft shop, Something Wicked; and she's started mentoring some of the younger witches in town. As Halloween approaches, there's only one problem--Llewellyn "Wells" Penhallow. Wells has come to Graves Glen to re-establish his family's connection to the town they founded as well as to make a new life for himself after years of being the dutiful son in Wales. When he opens up a shop of his own, Penhallow's, just across the street from Something Wicked, he quickly learns he's gotten more than he bargained for in going up against Gwyn. When their professional competition leads to a very personal--and very hot--kiss, both Wells and Gwyn are determined to stay away from each other, convinced the kiss was just a magical fluke. But when a mysterious new coven of witches come to town and Gwyn's powers begin fading, she and Wells must work together to figure out just what these new witches want and how to restore Gwyn's magic before it's too late.
Call Number: FICTION STERLING EPublication Date: 2022-09-20
Heartbreaker by
New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean follows her highly acclaimed Bombshell with Heartbreaker, featuring a fierce, fearless heroine on a mission to steal a duke's secrets...and his heart. A Tempting Thief Raised among London's most notorious criminals, a twist of fate landed Adelaide Frampton in the bright ballrooms of Mayfair, where she masquerades as a quiet wallflower--so plain and unassuming that no one realizes she's the Matchbreaker...using her superior skills as a thief to help unwilling brides avoid the altar, all while hiding her own scandalous past. A Powerful Duke Henry Carrington, Duke of Clayborn, has spent a lifetime living in perfection and has no time for the scandals that arise every time Adelaide ends another groom. His own reputation is impeccable--and the last thing he needs is a frustrating, fascinating woman discovering the truth of his past, or the secrets he holds close. A Perfect Match When the two find themselves on a breakneck journey across Britain to stop a wedding, the duke has no choice but to follow her across Britain on a trip filled with bad weather, bad luck, and a surprising lack of beds. Adelaide soon realizes that this perfect duke kisses like a proper scoundrel, and is turning out to be a thief in his own right...one who won't stop until he's stolen her well-guarded heart.
Call Number: ROMANCE MACLEAN SPublication Date: 2022-08-23
Perfect Temptations by
Two of Lisa Kleypas's beloved Hathaways novels, now collected in one volume,Perfect Temptations. In Seduce Me at Sunrise Kev Merripen has longed for the beautiful, well-bred Winnifred Hathaway ever since her family rescued him from the brink of death when he was just a boy. But this handsome Gypsy is a man of mysterious origins--and he fears that the darkness of his past could crush delicate, luminous Win. So Kev refuses to submit to temptation...and before long Win is torn from him by a devastating twist of fate. Then, Win returns to England...only to find that Kev has hardened into a man who will deny love at all costs. Meantime, an attractive, seductive suitor has set his sights on Win. It's now or never for Kev to make his move. But first, he must confront a dangerous secret about his destiny--or risk losing the only woman he has lived for. In Tempt Me at Twilight Poppy Hathaway loves her unconventional family, though she longs for normalcy. Then fate leads to a meeting with Harry Rutledge, an enigmatic hotel owner and inventor with wealth, power, and a dangerous hidden life. When their flirtation compromises her own reputation, Poppy shocks everyone by accepting his proposal--only to find that her new husband offers his passion, but not his trust. Harry was willing to do anything to win Poppy--except to open his heart. All his life, he has held the world at arm's length...but the beguiling Poppy demands to be his wife in every way that matters. Still, as desire grows between them, an enemy lurks in the shadows. If Harry wants to keep Poppy by his side, he must forge a true union of body and soul, once and for all.
Call Number: ROMANCE KLEYPAS LISBN: 9781250832825Publication Date: 2022-01-25
Romance
Romance fiction can cover nearly any setting or genre. There are Romance novels with contemporary dialogue, historical settings, mystery, paranormal thrillers, or any number of other themes.
Two basic elements are in every romance novel:
- A central love story: The main plot centers around individuals falling in love and struggling to make the relationship work. A writer can include as many subplots as he/she wants as long as the love story is the main focus of the novel.
- An emotionally-satisfying and optimistic ending: In a romance, the lovers who risk and struggle for each other and their relationship are rewarded with emotional justice and unconditional love.
The Romance Writers of America is a national romance writers association. The association's Rita Awards, given each year for excellence in one of 13 categories of romantic fiction, is the most prestigious award given in the romance genre. Learn more about romance novels, and check out the latest Rita Award winners, at Romance Writers of America.
For more content on the Romance genre and its various subgenres take a look at this separate guide.
Romance Booklists in the BPL Online Catalog
- Love and Latinx Heritage: 14 Romances to Check Out OnlineHispanic Heritage Month starts on September 15th! Why not celebrate with one of these adorable romances for adults and teens starring Latinx protagonists and written by Latinx authors?
- Out of This World Romance: 17 Novels Set in SpaceHumans have always been interested in the stars. What's out there? Who's out there? And what if you could fall in love out there? These romances take place in the stars and on other planets. Look for all kinds of love stories in ebook, print, and eaudiobook formats on this list. Check one out today and fall in love among the stars!
- Illustrated Cover Lovers: 16 Rom-Coms to Delight Your Eyes and HeartRomance novels have long been associated with photorealistic covers of flowing ballgowns, heaving bosoms, and glistening abs -- not that there's anything wrong with that! But we're also all in favor of the latest trend for adorable illustrated cover art. So why not let yourself be charmed into picking up a new romantic comedy? Sometimes you have no choice but to judge a book by its cover, when the cover is this cute!
- Welcome to the Sin Bin: 12 Hockey RomancesBiting your nails over the Bruins' chances at lifting the Stanley Cup? Chill out (or steam up!) with one of these romances featuring sticks, pucks, and plenty of goals.
- Happily Ever After: Romance BestsellersInterested in the romance genre, but unsure of where to start? This list showcases some of the top-bestselling authors and books in various subgenres of Romance including- Historical, Contemporary, Paranormal, and more. Make sure to click on the author's name to view their other books as well!
- Fall In Love With These Novels About LoveBooks on this list are not necessarily considered "romance" but they are certainly love stories. From teen love to forever love, and from feel-good to tragic, this list has everything.
- Journey to Romance: Historical Romance FictionIf you like your romance to include lords and ladies of the English Court or warriors of the Scottish Highlands and Norway, then look to this list. Some of the best names in Historical Romance are on this list and remember to check out their other titles in addition to the ones listed here!
- Historical Romance Not Set in the British IslesSo much of historical romance is set either during the Regency or Victorian eras in England, or in the Scottish Highlands, but there are so many other locales in which historical romance can be and are set. View this list to introduce some variety into your romance reading.
- Spread the Love: A Valentine's Day BooklistDive into this booklist of fiction and non-fiction books about love and romance. Includes books for teens, new adults, and adults; and encompasses many sub-genres of romance.
- Discover the New Adult GenreThe genre termed "New Adult" burst onto the scene in 2012 and 2013 and it hasn't let up yet. Books in the New Adult genre typically are romances that lie between the Young Adult genre and the normal adult romance genre and have characters usually in the 18-22 age range. New Adult novels are perhaps more "steamier" than Young Adult traditionally is, but not as mature as contemporary romance novels. Often New Adult novels are set during the college years or even specifically on a college campus. To check out some of the most popular authors and novels of this genre, take a look at this list.
- If you like Nora Roberts...If you enjoy novels by romance author Nora Roberts, try these similar titles and authors.
- If you like Sophie Kinsella...Do love you the humor and romance that British author Sophie Kinsella (aka Madeleine Wickham) writes? Take a look at these similar novels and authors,
- If you like Jennifer Crusie...If you enjoy books by Jennifer Crusie, or other contemporary romance novels with a touch of humor, try these similar title and authors in a list compiled partially by the Harris County Public Library, and partially by BPL.
- If you liked 50 Shades of Grey...If you enjoyed 50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James and are looking for something similar, try these titles.
- If you liked The Time Traveler's Wife...If you enjoyed the novel The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, try these similar titles put together by the Hennepin County Library.
- Shelf Service: For Grown up Sarah Dessen FansThis personalized reading list was created by a librarian at the Boston Public Library for a reader. Would you like your own personalized list of reading suggestions? Visit www.bpl.org/shelf-service.