How To Choose Romance Books Best For A Book Club?

As someone who devours romance novels like they’re candy, 2023 has been an incredible year for the genre. One standout is 'Happy Place' by Emily Henry, which perfectly balances humor, heartbreak, and second-chance love. It’s a story about rekindling relationships and finding yourself, and it’s impossible to put down. Another favorite is 'Yours Truly' by Abby Jimenez, a slow-burn romance with so much emotional depth and witty banter that it feels like a warm hug. For those who love a bit of fantasy mixed with romance, 'Divine Rivals' by Rebecca Ross is a must-read. It’s a tale of rival journalists in a magical world, and the chemistry between the leads is electric. If you’re into historical romance, 'The Duchess Takes a Husband' by Harper St. George is a steamy, empowering read set in the Gilded Age. Lastly, 'Love, Theoretically' by Ali Hazelwood is a delightful enemies-to-lovers story with a STEM twist. Each of these books brings something unique to the table, making 2023 a fantastic year for romance lovers.

As someone who loves both books and movies, I’m always excited when a great romance novel gets adapted into a film. One of my favorites is 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks. The book is a tearjerker, and the movie, starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, captures the emotional depth perfectly. Another standout is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. The 2005 adaptation with Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen brings the classic love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy to life with stunning visuals and heartfelt performances. 'Me Before You' by Jojo Moyes is another adaptation that stayed true to the book’s emotional core. The chemistry between Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin made the story even more poignant. For something lighter, 'Crazy Rich Asians' by Kevin Kwan is a fun and glamorous adaptation that kept the humor and romance intact. Lastly, 'Call Me by Your Name' by André Aciman is a beautifully crafted film that perfectly captures the tender and bittersweet nature of first love. These adaptations not only honor the source material but also add a cinematic charm that makes them unforgettable.

Romance novels have a special place in my heart, and I’ve spent countless hours diving into the works of some of the best authors in the genre. One of the most iconic names is Nicholas Sparks, whose books like 'The Notebook' and 'A Walk to Remember' have become timeless classics, blending heartfelt emotions with unforgettable storytelling. Another standout is Colleen Hoover, whose novel 'It Ends with Us' has taken the world by storm for its raw and emotional exploration of love and resilience. For those who enjoy historical romance, Diana Gabaldon’s 'Outlander' series is a masterpiece, weaving a sweeping tale of love across time and continents. Julia Quinn’s 'Bridgerton' series, which inspired the hit Netflix show, is another must-read for its witty dialogue and captivating love stories. If you’re into contemporary romance, Emily Henry’s 'Beach Read' and Helen Hoang’s 'The Kiss Quotient' are both modern gems that offer fresh and relatable takes on relationships. These authors and their works have shaped the romance genre, making them essential reads for any fan.

Romance and fantasy are a match made in heaven, and there are so many books that blend these genres beautifully. One of my all-time favorites is 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas. It’s got everything—epic world-building, complex characters, and a love story that’s both intense and heartwarming. The way the romance evolves alongside the fantasy elements is just perfect. Another gem is 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern. It’s a dreamy, atmospheric tale where the romance feels as magical as the circus itself. For something a bit darker, 'From Blood and Ash' by Jennifer L. Armentrout is a great pick. The romance is steamy, and the fantasy world is rich with intrigue and danger. If you’re into historical fantasy, 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon is a must-read. The love story between Claire and Jamie is timeless, and the time-travel aspect adds a unique twist. These books are perfect for anyone who loves getting lost in a world where love and magic collide.

I’ve been diving into romance novels for years, and I’ve noticed that certain publishers consistently deliver quality stories. Harlequin is a giant in the romance world, offering a wide range of subgenres from contemporary to historical. Their books are like comfort food—reliable and satisfying. Avon is another favorite, especially for historical romance fans. They’ve published classics like Julia Quinn’s 'Bridgerton' series, which is a must-read for anyone who loves witty banter and swoon-worthy moments. For those who enjoy more diverse and modern takes on romance, Berkley is a standout. They’ve released gems like 'The Kiss Quotient' by Helen Hoang, which brings fresh perspectives to the genre. These publishers have shaped my reading journey, and I always keep an eye on their new releases.

Romance fantasy is my go-to genre when I want to escape into a world of magic and love. For beginners, I’d recommend starting with 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas. It’s a perfect blend of romance, adventure, and fantasy, with a strong female lead and a captivating storyline. Another great pick is 'The Cruel Prince' by Holly Black, which offers a darker, more intricate take on romance in a faerie world. If you’re looking for something lighter, 'The Princess Bride' by William Goldman is a classic that combines humor, adventure, and romance in a way that’s both timeless and accessible. These books are easy to get into and will leave you craving more of the genre.

I’ve been diving deep into YA romance this year, and 2023 has some absolute gems that hit all the right notes for teens. 'The Sun and the Star' by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro is a standout—it’s a Nico di Angelo-centric story from the 'Percy Jackson' universe, blending myth, adventure, and queer romance in a way that feels fresh and heartfelt. The emotional depth here is unreal, and it’s perfect for teens who crave something more than just fluff. Another favorite is 'Divine Rivals' by Rebecca Ross, a historical fantasy with enemies-to-lovers tension so sharp it could cut glass. The epistolary elements add this intimate, old-school charm that makes the romance feel even more personal. Then there’s 'The Boy You Always Wanted' by Michelle Quach, a contemporary rom-com that tackles family expectations and cultural identity with humor and warmth. The slow burn between the two leads is chef’s kiss—authentic and messy in the best way. For something lighter, 'She Gets the Girl' by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick is a fun, sapphic college-set romp with banter that’s genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. What ties these books together is how they balance swoony moments with real stakes, whether it’s battling gods or just figuring out who you are. Teens will see themselves in these stories, and that’s what makes them unforgettable.

As someone who devours mafia romance like it’s my job, I have strong opinions about publishers who nail this genre. Dark, steamy, and dangerously addictive—these books thrive under specific imprints. For raw, gritty mafia romance, I swear by 'The Maddest Obsession' from Danielle Lori’s Made series, published by Montlake. They specialize in antiheroes with morally gray charm. If you want lavish underworld drama with poetic prose, 'The Sweetest Oblivion' by Danielle Lori (also Montlake) is perfection—think Sicilian vibes and forbidden love. For indie publishers, check out Candi Kane PR’s authors like Cora Reilly. Her 'Bound by Honor' series is iconic for its brutal yet romantic take on mafia dynasties. Traditional houses like Avon (HarperCollins) also deliver gems like 'Ruthless People' by J.J. McAvoy, blending power plays with obsession. Each publisher brings something unique—Montlake for depth, indie for raw edge, and Avon for polished chaos.