As a reader, I’ve never been much for romance novels. I’ve always preferred other genres, most often fantasy or historical fiction. But, lately, I have found myself reading more romance books that I probably wouldn’t have picked up in the past. Interestingly enough, the romance books I have recently read have been funny, cute, entertaining, and a pleasant change in pace.
As an acknowledged reluctant romance reader myself, one key thing that pulls me into a new romance book is a story where the romance is grounded in other literary elements such as solid plot, strong characters, or genre devices. In many cases, the romance may not be the primary plot element, but eventually becomes a significant part of the story.
So, while these may not be considered traditional romance books, here are some books with great romantic elements that can help a reluctant romance reader dip their toe into the genre:
For fans of literary fiction:
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
This beautiful retelling of The Iliad features a deeply touching and emotional romance between Achilles and Patroclus.
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
This second-chance story addresses mature topics such as divorce, grief, and healing, and features a romance arc with grown-up stakes and raw emotion.
For fans of fantasy or sci-fi:
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
This quirky space epic includes a richly diverse crew with small, quiet romantic encounters and story arcs.
What the River Knows by Isabel Ibanez
This historical fantasy set in 19th century Egypt includes ancient magic, enemies-to-lovers tension, and an archaeological mystery.
For fans of mysteries or thrillers:
The Verifiers by Jane Pek
This mystery includes a protagonist that works for a company that investigates potential online dating partners while navigating issues such as fraud and personal identity.
And, if you’re looking to jump into the genre with a more traditional romance story where love and relationship development is the central focus of the plot, the following books can also be a good starting point. A reluctant reader like myself may enjoy these novels with strong writing, great character work, and unique settings.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
This fake-dating academia romance is great for readers who like nerdy characters and humor.
The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore
This small-town cosy romance centers around the classic grumpy/sunshine dynamic between the main characters and features lots of autumn vibes and witty banter.
Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage
This contemporary western romance features the developing relationship between the protagonist and her brother’s best friend and emphasises the importance of second chances.
All in all, the romance genre is a rich, diverse, and interesting category of fiction that will likely have something for everyone, even those readers that are reluctant to give it a try.
