Do Goodreads Best Romances Include LGBTQ+ Love Stories?

I’ve spent countless hours diving into romance novels on Goodreads, and some of the best ones barely get the spotlight they deserve. 'The Bird and the Sword' by Amy Harmon is a hidden gem—a poetic fantasy romance with lyrical prose and a love story that feels timeless. Another underrated favorite is 'The Simple Wild' by K.A. Tucker, set against the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness, blending romance with personal growth in such a raw, authentic way. For those who adore slow burns, 'The Flatshare' by Beth O’Leary is criminally underappreciated. The premise—two strangers sharing a bed but never meeting—sounds quirky, but the emotional depth and humor make it unforgettable. 'Bringing Down the Duke' by Evie Dunmore is a historical romance that deserves more hype, with its fierce feminist lead and swoon-worthy tension. Lastly, 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne might have some recognition, but it’s still not as widely celebrated as it should be—the enemies-to-lovers dynamic is pure gold. These books are all stellar, yet they don’t dominate the romance charts like they ought to.

I’ve been diving into the Goodreads Romance category this year, and the authors who stood out in 2023 are a mix of seasoned favorites and fresh voices. Tessa Bailey continues to dominate with her steamy, character-driven stories like 'Unfortunately Yours'. Emily Henry’s 'Happy Place' was another huge hit, blending wit and emotional depth in a way only she can. Ali Hazelwood’s 'Love, Theoretically' brought her signature STEM romance flair to the top ranks. Newcomers like Mazey Eddings ('The Plus One') and Hannah Grace ('Icebreaker') also made waves with their debut or sophomore novels, proving readers crave both heart and heat. Then there’s the evergreen Colleen Hoover, whose 'It Starts with Us' kept her fanbase hooked. Each of these authors brought something unique—whether it’s humor, tension, or raw emotion—to the table, making 2023 a stellar year for romance lovers.

I’ve always been a huge fan of romance novels, especially those that get adapted into movies. One of my favorites is 'Me Before You' by Jojo Moyes. The movie adaptation did a fantastic job of capturing the emotional depth and chemistry between the characters. Another great one is 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green. The film brought Hazel and Gus’s heartbreaking love story to life in such a beautiful way. 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen also has several adaptations, but the 2005 version with Keira Knightley is my personal favorite. It perfectly captures the tension and romance between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. For something more lighthearted, 'To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before' by Jenny Han is a delightful teen romance that got a charming Netflix adaptation. These movies not stayed true to the books but also added their own magic.

As someone who checks Goodreads religiously for book recommendations, I've noticed their 'Best Romances' list tends to update annually. The exact timing can vary, but it usually aligns with major literary events or seasons—like Valentine’s Day or summer reading months. Goodreads also refresh their lists based on user votes and new releases, so you might spot minor adjustments throughout the year. Their annual 'Best of the Year' roundup in December often includes a dedicated romance category, which is a great way to discover trending titles. I’ve seen them spotlight everything from contemporary fluff to historical epics, so it’s worth keeping an eye on. The community’s reviews and ratings play a big role too—if a book gains sudden traction, it might pop up in their curated lists sooner.

I've been diving into Kindle Unlimited for romance novels, and while it doesn't have every single Goodreads Best Romance winner, there are plenty of gems. Titles like 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne and 'The Kiss Quotient' by Helen Hoang are available, offering that perfect mix of tension and heartwarming moments. Kindle Unlimited often features lesser-known indie authors who write incredible romance stories, so you might discover new favorites. The selection changes periodically, so it's worth checking back. I love how convenient it is to explore different subgenres, from historical to contemporary, without worrying about extra costs.

I absolutely live for enemies-to-lovers romances—there's something so satisfying about watching two people go from clashing to craving each other. One of my all-time favorites on Goodreads is 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne. The tension between Lucy and Joshua is electric, and their office rivalry turning into something deeper had me glued to the pages. Another standout is 'From Blood and Ash' by Jennifer L. Armentrout, where the protagonist's dynamic with Hawke starts as distrustful and evolves into something fiery and intense. 'Red Queen' by Victoria Aveyard also fits the bill, with Mare and Cal's relationship being a rollercoaster of betrayal and passion. These books nail the slow burn and emotional payoff that make enemies-to-lovers so addictive.

I've been diving into romance novels for years, and finding free reads online is a treasure hunt. Goodreads’ annual 'Best Romance' lists are gold, but you won’t find all those books free legally. However, platforms like Project Gutenberg offer classics like 'Persuasion' by Jane Austen or 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Brontë for free. For contemporary titles, check out authors’ newsletters—many give free short stories or novellas as subscriber perks. Libraries also partner with apps like Libby or Hoopla, where you can borrow ebooks with a library card. Just search 'Goodreads Best Romance [year]' and cross-reference with free platforms—it’s how I discovered gems like 'The Blue Castle' by L.M. Montgomery.

I absolutely adore romance novels that bring the heat, and Goodreads has some fantastic recommendations. 'The Love Hypothesis' by Ali Hazelwood is a personal favorite, blending science and steam in a way that’s both smart and sizzling. Another standout is 'From Blood and Ash' by Jennifer L. Armentrout, which mixes fantasy elements with some seriously spicy scenes. For contemporary romance, 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne delivers tension and chemistry that’s off the charts. These books are perfect if you’re looking for something that’s not just sweet but also packs a punch. The character dynamics and emotional depth make the spicy scenes even more satisfying. I’ve re-read these multiple times, and they never get old. If you’re into historical romance, 'The Duke and I' by Julia Quinn is another great pick with plenty of passion and drama.