Recommending books is something that I’m asked about all the time. Once people find out you’re a reader or, in my case, a book editor they want to know what you recommend. However, if you’re an avid reader you know that opinions on books are extremely subjective.
To address that subjectiveness, I’ve created this list of romance recommendations for you to use for yourself or to help guide you as you recommend books to wannabe romance readers. I have read and enjoyed all the below books, so I hope you will too.
The Disney Adult
Who are they?
These readers never got over the magic that is the Disney brand. They love a happily ever after, they love the history of Disney, they love the behind-the-scenes, and they love a classic growth-based love story.
The recommendation:
The Dreamland Billionaire series by Lauren Asher. This series has three books, starting with The Fine Print, Terms and Conditions, and Final Offer. These takes place with a fake Disney-esque tycoon dying and passing on his empire to his son and grandsons, but there’s a catch. In order to receive their inheritance, each brother must fulfill their grandfather’s last wish for them. Each wish challenges the brothers to address their own demons and, in turn, find love.
Why?
The most obvious reason is this is basically a fantasy Disney billionaire story with a new name. Beyond that, the stories all revolve around different sides of the business of amusement parks and radical personal growth stories. They face an evil parent to overcome their obstacles, and even has the Disney trope of a deceased mom. To conclude, this story will sweep the Disney Adult off their feet and bring them along on a magical journey through the Disney love story of their adult dreams.
The One Who had a Glow Up
Who are they?
They are people who did not peak in high school. Growing up may have been a bit rough and they spread their wings in adulthood to really stick it to their hometown bullies. Moreover, they love a redemption story and know their time is now.
The Recommendation:
Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake. Delilah Green is forced to return to her hometown to her high-pressure family for her sister’s wedding. As a queer teen Delilah always felt like an outcast and left as soon as she could. Having found herself in the city, she returns to her hometown as someone who no longer takes shit from anyone. Something that stands out to her sister’s single and out bestie Claire. When wedding events drive them together Delilah finds she may not have been as outcasted as she thought.
Why?
Delilah has a badass glow-up. In her youth, she was a goth, queer, outcast and she went on to make herself a successful and beautiful artist. She remains true to herself and found herself as an independent woman. Delilah gets to return to her hometown and set boundaries with those she couldn’t before. She embodies what so many who leave their past behind hope they can be. Watching her return as herself and find love is the healing experience our glowed-up readers need.
The Lover of All Things Royal
Who are they?
These readers woke up for the royal wedding. Which one you might ask. All of them. They know who wears which title. They’ve already read Spare, and they know royals that are from countries other than England. Our lover of all things royal loves to explore the world of play royals as well as real royals.
The Recommendation:
The Princess Trap by Talia Hibbert. Foreign Prince Ruben finds himself in a bind when his holiday from his role is cut short by the paparazzi. Cherry Neita was just trying to have a fun moment in an cute guy when flashbulbs ruined that. So what is a prince and an administrative assistant to do? Get fake engaged, of course! However, strict royal protocol, family values, and real life come crashing together in this hot, steamy, rom-com.
Why?
Royalty lovers know that the monarchy is limited, and they likes to play with the rule of traditionalism. In some ways Ruben and Cherry are a more extreme version of Megan and Harry. Ruben’s not the heir and Cherry is a POC character who is not accepted by the family. Yet, this is Talia Hibbert, so there is a good dose of comedy and steam. It’s got a bit of humor, drama, and a whole lot of spice along with its royal undertone.
The Too Busy to Read Reader
Who are they?
These readers used to love reading or want to read but can’t find the time. They work busy jobs, shuttles kids around, and/or have a hard time sitting still long enough to read. Moreover, they want to be included in the hype that is book social media, but aren’t ready to commit to one of the full length books.
The Recommendation:
Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood. NASA Scientist Hannah finally lands her dream job on an Arctic research team only to find out her new team lead is her rival, Ian. Ian not only blew her off years ago but she found out her vetoed her dream expedition. But when Hannah ends up trapped in a dangerous ice storm, only one person comes for her, Ian. For a book that takes place in sub zero temperatures, there sure is a lot of heat.
Why?
This is a novella. At 139 pages, it’s about a third of the size of a full-length novel. Better yet, it’s a novella by a very popular author This book lets our busy reader sink their teeth into something steamy and be part of the social media chitchat on books. Furthermore, Ali Hazelwood knows how to create a steamy scientist and, in her novellas, she packs lots of story into a small space that is easy to digest quickly.
The Wholesome one
Who are they?
These readers love love, but they prefer their spice on the milder side. Our wholesome friends appreciate a love story but would rather the door to stay closed to anything graphic. But, let’s be clear, they do not want plain or easy. These readers want all the tension and feelings of the spicier romance with a little less TMI.
The Recommendation:
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center. Jack Stapleton is a megastar, think Marvel-level superhero actor. With that fame came some inconveniences like a stalker willing to do drastic things if he doesn’t fall in love with her. Enter Hanna Brooks, his new bodyguard. Despite her size, she’s well-trained and takes her job very seriously, but the problem is: nobody can know he has a bodyguard. Hannah’s team decides she will pretend to date him, going so far as to have Hannah go home with Jack to his family.
Why?
This felt very much like it could’ve been an open-door romance. Many closed-door romances lack some of the tension of heat of open-door romances, but that wasn’t the case here. The Bodyguard establishes the characters so vividly that they feel real. Meanwhile, the tension between Jack and Hannah is palpable. To top it off, the plot itself has a great twist ending.
The One Who’s Heating Up
Who are they?
These readers have read contemporary romances and sports romances, but they’re ready to dial up the spice without jumping down the dark romance rabbit hole. They know they are ready for something a little bit more, but they’re worried about diving in too deep.
The Recommendation:
The Salacious Players Club by Sara Cate. This is a four-part series starting with Praise, Eyes on Me, Give Me More, and Mercy. Each book follows a different owner of the Salacious Players Club, a sex club that matches members by their kinks. Consequently, each book showcases one or more kinks ranging from mild to moderately wild. Each book is tastefully done and educational for those not already immersed in kink culture.
Why?
They’re an ideal step for readers ready to dial up their spice level without going into full dark romance. I think these are a great step to explore kinkier fiction without felling jarred or intimidated. When read in order there is so many easter eggs to let the readers know what the kinks are without feeling like they’re dunked in. Each relationship is deep and provides the reader with connections to the main characters. They’re wild, different, and hot.
The Husband Willing to Try ONE Romance:
Who are they?
These are the husbands who have agreed to let you pick ONE romance book for them to try. They’re either readers in their own right or finally caving to your insistence that romance books are the best thing in the world. They’re hesitant at best and likely love you a whole lot.
The Recommendation:
The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams. Gavin is a professional baseball player whose wife wants a divorce. Her main complaint? She’s never had an O and his lack of that awareness is her final straw. Gavin’s pity party comes to an end thanks to The Bromance Book Club where high-profile men use romance novels to win and keep the women they love.
Why?
Personal experience because my husband recommends it. I begged my husband to try a romance, and this is what I picked. He has since read more romance books, but this is the one he agrees is the best starter one for the reluctant husband. It’s told mainly from a male POV and centers around a sport and male friendships. It’s cute, funny, and spicy. It gives a good taste of the romance genre for a newbie and gives you something to chat with your hubs about!
Tell me what you think.
Tell me in the comments below which book recommendations did you like. Are you going to try any of them? Should there be a part 2, and what categories would you like romance recommendations for?
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