How Do I Choose Good Romance Books To Read For Beginners?

When I first dipped my toes into romance, I wished someone had told me to focus on tropes. Tropes are like comfort food—they help you find what you’ll love fast. For beginners, I’d recommend starting with the classics: enemies-to-lovers ('The Unhoneymooners' by Christina Lauren), fake dating ('The Love Hypothesis' by Ali Hazelwood), or friends-to-lovers ('People We Meet on Vacation' by Emily Henry). These tropes are popular because they’re fun and easy to get into.

Another thing to consider is the steam level. Some books are fade-to-black, while others are spicy. If you’re not sure, 'Tweet Cute' by Emma Lord is a sweet, low-steam option. For a bit more heat, 'Get a Life, Chloe Brown' by Talia Hibbert balances romance and humor beautifully. Also, audiobooks can be a great way to ease into the genre—narrators often bring the chemistry to life. Start with what feels manageable, and soon you’ll be tearing through shelves like the rest of us.

Choosing romance books as a beginner can feel like navigating a maze, but it’s all about knowing what clicks for you. I’d suggest starting with subgenres that align with your other interests. Love fantasy? Try 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas—it’s got romance wrapped in a magical world. Prefer historical settings? 'Bringing Down the Duke' by Evie Dunmore is a delightful mix of wit and period drama. If you’re more into realistic stories, 'The Flatshare' by Beth O’Leary is a charming modern tale with unique storytelling.

Another tip is to look for books with shorter chapters or lighter prose. Authors like Sophie Kinsella ('Can You Keep a Secret?') or Christina Lauren ('The Unhoneymooners') write in a breezy, engaging style that’s easy to digest. Don’t forget to check out Goodreads lists or BookTok—they’re goldmines for discovering popular beginner picks. Over time, you’ll develop a sense of what tropes or authors you gravitate toward, whether it’s enemies-to-lovers, slow burns, or quirky meet-cutes.

Lastly, don’t pressure yourself to finish every book. If something isn’t working after 50 pages, move on. Romance is about enjoyment, not obligation.

I remember being overwhelmed when I first started diving into romance books. There’s just so much out there! My advice is to start with something light and fun. Books like 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne or 'To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before' by Jenny Han are perfect because they’re easy to read and have relatable characters. If you’re into something with a bit more depth but still beginner-friendly, 'Eleanor & Park' by Rainbow Rowell is a great choice. It’s sweet, heartfelt, and not too complicated. The key is to pick something that matches your mood. If you want laughs, go for rom-coms. If you want feels, try contemporary romance. And don’t shy away from asking for recommendations—book communities are full of helpful folks!