I’ve been trying to read as diverse books as possible this year, both in terms of who the author is and genre.
However, I’ve yet to find a romance novel I enjoy this year. I liked Pride and Prejudice when I read it a few years back. This year I’ve read It Ends With Us, Normal People, and Call Me By Your Name and wasn’t impressed by any.
What’s a good romance you’d recommend to someone who has a hard time getting into most romance novels? (Sex is fine, but if the novel’s only/biggest selling point is graphic scenes I won’t enjoy.)
by PokemonSleeper02
3 Comments
outlander diana g. its mostly historical fiction
For a love story that’s as thought-provoking as it is romantic, ‘Normal People’ by Sally Rooney is a novel I often suggest. The complex dynamic between Connell and Marianne as they weave in and out of each other’s lives is a modern look at love, power, and the subtleties of class.
In my opinion, the ~~three~~ books you listed aren’t really “genre romance”. They’re literary fiction about romance. (If you want to try more literary fiction, I liked “Writers and Lovers” by Lily King, and “Corinne” by Rebecca Morrow.)
(Edit: “it ends with us” isn’t literary fiction, lol. However, I think my point stands.)
Most modern romance is genre fiction. You have to go into it with the same mindset as you go into pulp fantasy or sci fi novels. The characters and story are predictable and the writing isnt amazing, but it’s FUN! 🙂 my favorites are *The Bridges of Madison County* (for a 90s classic) and *Window Shopping* by Tessa Bailey (for a funny, sexy, Christmas romcom.)