I love your newsletter and have never commented before, but as a romance reader/writer I can't ignore this topic! One thing to keep in mind is that there are romances can ALSO be devastating in their journey, just like literary fiction...but they always promise to put you back together at the end. The first one that came to mind is Seven Days in June by Tia Williams, but I'm sure other readers have more suggestions!
Yes!!! One of my favorite things about romance is that there's so much variety in tone and style across the genre, whether you want sparkling hijinks or raw emotion. My current go-to rec for devastating romance is August Lane by Regina Black, one of my favorites from last year.
I feel like I’ve had some similar internalised debates, not about romance specifically but maybe more commercial-leaning, “easy” fiction. Since becoming an “online” reader I’ve re-trained myself to read more critically, to lean into literature, to read serious books very seriously. And I have loved every moment.
But I had a revelation recently: reading is actually not my job. I HAVE a job, which is rewarding but demanding. It is in between all my other responsibilities that I choose to immerse myself in books. If I denied myself the joy of simply reading a gulpable and zeitgeisty commercial or genre-led book every now and then without feeling pressure to go deep on it, then I am taking away the pleasure that IS reading as recreation. The truth is there are so many really smart people here whose work is tied to critical reading and I admire that so much. But after my intense 9-5, after caring for ageing parents, after being there for friends and family in different life stages to me, I’ve learnt to simply lean into the times when I want to sit on the couch with something entertaining and enjoy it with no strings attached 😊
Although I wouldn't characterize them as strictly romance, I did love the Taylor Jenkins Reid novels I've picked up (daisy jones, carrie soto)! & have always had a soft spot for Emily Henry :) loved this post, Petya --here's to more whistling!
I don't think it's the genre. I think it's just that there is such a glut of bad examples of it with deadened prose and flat dialog. I love the example of working within the constraints of the required story arc being similar to the restraint of a sonnet. I was thinking of that constraint in romance novels and how it is similar to that in my preferred "light" reading of the cozy mystery genre. There too you will find a lot of examples of drivel, but since you mostly know the story arc going in, when you do find an author who can make the words sing and can deliver complex characters, you get to sink into those parts of the novel.
Agree Maryann👍 Remember Harlequin? Maybe they still exist? In late teens I picked up a Harlequin romance at a friend's house (our home was filled with books of the eclectic tastes of our family but no Harlequin!) and I called it "pink cotton candy for the mind" Still, I dreamed of my own rosetinted version of love while, as a feminist since age 7, I resisted the Hollywood version of romance. Is part of the resistance that in cis-romances, women love the difficult (jerks?) men and save the men from themselves? Now as an elder, I know love is so much more than romance, and there are many books that warm and cheer my heart. Books by Niall Williams are filled with love and tragedy, and definitely not cottoncandy! My favourite is Four Letters of Love, which is also a movie. Thank you Petya for writing this🙏
I think this is particularly true with how popular romance has become. It sells so well right now that you get the sense that publishers have lowered their bar somewhat in favor of just getting more new romance on the shelves. If you're not familiar with the genre, it can be hard to know which ones are going to be thoughtfully written.
Now do crime thrillers and fantasy! :) I thoroughly relate to the chip on the shoulder. I began reading "seriously" during the pandemic and felt so behind and disgusted with myself - because my go to genre has always been bestsellers: romance, mystery, fantasy, etc. I've always turned to books to escape in the most entertaining way possible. But there is something there that's worthwhile and it's the easiest to turn to in a slump... Anyway, my first introduction to romance is still hands down the best all around: Pride and Prejudice. If you want something slightly heavier (but not really): North and South. Georgette Heyer had some lovely ones too...
I read an article recently about how the romance genre & authors are not taken as serious but it’s actually patriarchy pushing that narrative because there are plenty of fantasy, fiction and sci-fi books written by men with romance in them. Those are serious writers and fiction whereas female writers who write romance are not. And Kerry said, there is a lot of devastating romance out there. There is a lot of romance that tackles mental health and learning how to be in good relationships vs toxic, about growing as a human and learning how to love yourself. Romance is usually found in most books in some form, just not the “smut” that everyone thinks it is. I used to read Nora Roberts as a teen & thought that was “real” romance until I got older and found so many different versions of it. I hope you find something that appeals to you.
This is such an interesting conversation. I feel really similarly on many counts, and feel a sort of embarrassing disdain for "BookTok" and yet I have read and enjoyed some romance novels! And have very much enjoyed literary fiction that features romance.
I wish I could find it now, but I stumbled upon an interview with Emily Henry a while ago where she addressed this idea of romance. She said something like, in all of these books I write, even in the very best case scenario the ultimate end of the story is that somebody dies first. The tragedy ending is always available, and even inevitable. But by ending it in the happy moments, she's choosing to take happiness seriously, as seriously as grief and complication. I thought that was such interesting framing from someone who has clearly had cause to think about it at length.
The other thing this made me think of was an Instagram reel which of course I have no hope of encountering again. I got swept up in the Heated Rivalry TV show craze, and it was a reel of Esther Perel talking about the appeal of the show, of all things. She was talking about Heated Rivalry, and I think can be applied to romance broadly, as a subversion of disappointment. Every time you're set up for disappointment or betrayal, there's instead acceptance and love. I guess this is the cliche of the genre, so maybe if you're fully immersed in romance it doesn't feel like a subversion, but I think compared to life, it can be subversive. What if everything did work out better than you could have imagined? Sort of a daring question!
and all of that said, when I was in a major reading slump, like years of barely reading, I DEVOURED Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston like someone was going to snatch that book out of my hands if I put it down. And have read every Casey McQuiston book since! I highly recommend The Pairing. So maybe I am a romance reader after all
Love these thoughts. I can relate to a lot of what you’ve said.
For me, it isn’t so much prejudice (I think) as it is just.. lack of interest. I just don’t find the premise of a lot of romance and sci fi interesting - BUT regardless of genre, I love books that ask big questions about what it means to be human, books that probe the depths of human relationships. So I absolutely love The Left Hand of Darkness (sci fi) and Pride and Prejudice (I think it’s more social commentary than traditional romance, but fine, the romance plot is a big part of it).
Too many romance novels describe relationships that I find to be one-note and uncomplicated (again, I haven’t read many so a lot of this is just ignorance on my part). If I could find a romance that really writes about the tension of loving someone and knowing that they’re ultimately bad for your life, about being drawn to someone and yet feeling guilt about it - if I could find a romance novel that deeply explores the tension of conflicting emotions within the framework of a romance (beyond something linear like: we hate each other but he’s attractive!), I think I’d love it. And here I’m fully acknowledging my own ignorance - beyond the books that are popular online and the ones favored by bookstores, I haven’t really done much work to explore more off-the-beaten tracks novels!
I agree with this as well regarding the complication. I think that's one reason Austen is so appealing. I also don't really consider her a romance writer but I do see how the case could be made! Most of her books start with single women and end in a marriage.
But I think the reason we might consider them social commentary is the same reason I like them more than a standard romance. They're often really reckoning with questions of wealth and class, albeit in a lighthearted way, so you don't feel like the genuine complications of the relationship are being skated over in service of the romance plot.
True! I think maybe this is what’s missing from a lot of contemporary romance? In reality, questions of class, race, background, ambition etc do cause friction - if not between the couple, then definitely when friends/family/community is considered. A real interrogation of these complications would be interesting to read.
I agree! I feel like in IRL dating I'm reckoning with what men don't know about gender basically every time, and I'd love to see that come up in a romance novel! Or any other many possible (and likely) friction points.
I love romance and I am so happy you’re giving it a try. I want to add that romance doesn't alway have to be frothy and light. They can carry and handle dark topics, so when they end happily, it gives hope.
While I'm not a personal fan of her work, Eloise James is a fascinating romance writer. She’s also a Shakespeare professor that hid her romance writing career because she feared it would prevent her from getting tenure. Which says a lot about our culture, unfortunately. James is also the daughter of two literary writers. They were often confused as to why she wanted to write romance. She talks about one interaction with her mother, who said, "You like Anna Karenina, why don't you write a book like that?"
To which she responded along the lines of, "I do like Anna Karenina, but I like writing books where the woman doesn't have to die after having sex."
One reason I love romance, especially historical romance, is that it plays around with a topic I'm always interesed in -- communication. Nowadays people shy from conflict and the communication that arises from conflict. But I feel it captures so much of the human experience. And romance does that well in particular.
Recommendations
PODCASTS
- Reformed Rakes: They focus on historical romance, but also talk about the romance genre as a whole, specifically how wrong pop culture/media get it. For example they did an excellent look on how Fabio was treated as a common factor in romance books when, in reality, he had a fraught relationship with a lot of the genre's writers and only appeared in them for a limited time.
-Fated Mates: Hosted by an actual romance author and a romance enthusiast/teacher/freelance editor. They interview romance writers of all kinds (one of my favorite episodes is interviewing Anne Rice's son who writes gay romance and thrillers), review tropes, and talk of romance books coming up.
-Smart Podcast, Trashy Books: Interviews with authors and other people that work in the genre (there was an excellent episode about the artists that made the vintage romance covers). Also talks about upcoming romance books, and special topics about the genres. All in all, lovely.
NEWSLETTERS
-The Loose Cravat: Chels (they/them) is one of the hosts of Reformed Rakes. They write of the history of what makes the romance genre it is today as well as discuss how people still treat it. One of my favorite posts was when they discussed how YouTube video essays get ridiculous about BookTok.
- Tattered Pages: They review vintage romance with equal parts affection and side-eye. And give interesting analysis on publication history. They also spotlight some good oldies to try out.
AUTHORS TO TRY
-Courtney Milan: She writes mainly historical romance, but also has a contemporary series going on. She clerked for the Supreme Court and taught law before becoming a full-time writer. She weaves so many amazing historical things into her work, it's breathtaking. She fleshes out time periods and, like me, enjoyes niche aspects of it --- such as doctors in the Victorian age trying to fight to make handwashing a standard practice (yes, that was controversial at the time) or how controversial it was to discuss sexual characteristics of plants (yes, that too). If there's one book I recommend you start on from her, it has to be the Duchess War. There is a novella prequel that's also excellent if you want to begin there too. Another trait I love in historical romance is how NERDY a lot of the authors get.
- Sherry Thomas: Right now, she’s focusing on a mystery series starring a female Sherlock Holmes. But her historical romances are lush, sensual, and capture, again, a fascinating way of how communication occurs in a story, giving a snapshot of humans being human. Exquisite prose.
-Alisha Rai: She does contemporary and, my god, does she do it well. She really helped push having non-white characters star in romance. The way she weaves in cultures and family dynamics for her heroes and heroines is always fresh and engaging. She also writes excellent commentary about modern dating in her work. A personal favorite is Girl Gone Viral.
-Olivia Waite: Also an amazing historical romance writer. What I love is how she brings art and social movements into her work. It's comforting but also thought-provoking. I've hated it when authors, especially male authors, write dismissively about women's labor such as embroidery and weaving when those were important parts of society's economy. Also the beauty and artistry! I recommend The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics.
KJ Charles: historical and fantasy romance writer. She's British and her work is usually set in England. She explores queer male romances and they're both tender and exhilarating. She's so clever how she puts together a plot. I highly recommend All of Us Murderers. It's a romance, but also captures her affection for gothic stories. Deliciously atmospheric. And the twists were satisfying but juicy!
Please don't forget tragic romance - Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Rebecca, Romeo and Juliet. (We've lost it all, there's nothing left . . . but, Wow, that was amazing! The passion! ) . . . Today most romances do end tragically but more prosaically. I think what we don't like about romance is simply the great big pretence that they don't.
I loved it when I was working as a college librarian and for our newsletter was asking people what they were reading. One of the hulking, great security guards picked up his book and reported "Mills and Boon".
Romance has always had a place in my reading diet and it always will. I think of it like a croissant—all croissants are made with the same ingredients and technique, but they are not all the same.
I also refuse to give energy to the idea that two people finding and choosing love is somehow a lesser emotion to explore in literature. It’s the most fundamental human emotion. Plus, engaging with media with an established formula and predictable end is a scientifically backed way to help regulate your nervous system, and who doesn’t need that??
A few recs:
“A Shore Thing,” by Joanna Lowell — queer, Victorian, set by the English seaside, explores ideas of art, gender, and community
“We Could Be So Good” by Cat Sebastian — queer, set at a leftist newspaper in 1950s New York. But any Cat Sebastian is a good place to start.
“My Oxford Year,” by Julia Whelan. Explores our relationship to literature and how we can use it to navigate the curveballs life throws at us.
One more thought: I do think there’s a decent basis for your concern that the prose isn’t there in romance, but I also think that’s a function of the genre. The writing is largely in service of the story and characters, and doing that is a skill and it doesn’t mean there aren’t authors with strong voices and beautiful prose. It’s just not the point.
And on the flip side, I’ve picked up plenty of litfic that feels like beautiful writing in search of a story. These books may make for lovely reading in the moment, but nothing stays with me because there was no actual reason for the book to exist, because the author didn’t actually have anything to say.
I don't read a lot of romance either - since it's such a big genre there's a ton of drivel coming out all the time, and if you're just wanting to dip your toes in it as a "beginner", it can be difficult to find a solid read - but I have found a lot of joy in romance books on occasion.
And although I couldn't see it becoming my main genre (I also prefer a devastating, unexpected read), there is something to be said about the particular experience a good romance novel offers, which I don't think other genres can easily replicate, and certainly not lit fic. Sometimes you do crave the formulaic approach, the comfort of a happy ending, the sweetness.
I second the comments recommending Tia Williams and TJ Reid! I'm always recommending Nina LaCour's Yerba Buena as well, which is more on the literary side but could be a good stepping stone for you.
I won't speak too much to the balance between devastating literature and easy reads in the romance genre, specifically (my romance reads inevitably lean hard toward gothic romance a la Anne Rice or romantasy, given my obsession with Epic Fantasy as a genre), but I can absolutely relate to the appeal of exploring a balance. The number of series that catch my attention with 10-15 book commitments combined with my tendency to reread favorites somewhat regularly can get heavy, particularly since I'm a bit of a completionist (I struggle to pick up a book that isn't next in the series once I've begun). I have found that making space for something silly, YA, or otherwise "easy" and quick is more than a palette cleanser and actually a pretty solid compliment to the longer journeys I want to go on.
I'm so glad you decided to dip your toes into reading romance.
I started reading romance novels about 20 years ago and for a long time I've felt ashamed because people kept sneering at me for reading it. Now, more than ever, I feel reading romance is a bit revolutionary - prioritizing women's experiences and view points, seeing healthy relationsships modeled, reflecting on the female experience has taught me so much in life. A lot of who I am is because of how and what I read and how I translate what I read into my daily life. Romance especially has taught me to be proud to be a woman and a feminist, it has taught me, that I'm not asking to much of a man when I'm standing up for myself. As a fat woman, it has also shown me that I, too, am deserving of love, that I'm not asking to much and that, what I want from life and love is nothing to be ashamed of.
If you are interested in reading romance you should check out Rena Rani's Substack Smart Romance - she writes about romance with a critical lense.
I had a pretty elitist attitude towards romance growing up--my mom would take us to the library and a secondhand romance bookstore. It was the ripped bodice, Fabio era. I looked down on the genre for a long time because it wasn't "serious." But...as a grown ass woman, I GET IT NOW. Yes, they can be formulaic, and as someone below mentioned, the scope of the genre can lead to some drivel. For me it's ultimately about wanting to feel hopeful, wanting to see human connection, found families, everything that isn't shown in the 24 hour news cycle. Sometimes I have to remind myself that multiple things can exist: I can read serious, literary fiction, and I can also read a romance that takes me out of the dumpster fire that is 2026. I've enjoyed the novellas from 831 Stories. They have some tropes, but also some bite. Universal Basic Income is a major plot point in Big Fan!
I love your newsletter and have never commented before, but as a romance reader/writer I can't ignore this topic! One thing to keep in mind is that there are romances can ALSO be devastating in their journey, just like literary fiction...but they always promise to put you back together at the end. The first one that came to mind is Seven Days in June by Tia Williams, but I'm sure other readers have more suggestions!
That’s perfect! Dispel all the myths and give us all the recommendations so we can find interesting books to try!
This book ! It is so many things beyond just romance.
Seven days?
Yes Seven Days in June is wonderful
Yes!!! One of my favorite things about romance is that there's so much variety in tone and style across the genre, whether you want sparkling hijinks or raw emotion. My current go-to rec for devastating romance is August Lane by Regina Black, one of my favorites from last year.
I love that you guys know me so well and going straight for the devastating romance recommendations! Like, you want to be wrecked…?! We got you. 😂😂😂🥰
August Lane is also excellent
Seconding Seven Days in June by Tia Williams!
I feel like I’ve had some similar internalised debates, not about romance specifically but maybe more commercial-leaning, “easy” fiction. Since becoming an “online” reader I’ve re-trained myself to read more critically, to lean into literature, to read serious books very seriously. And I have loved every moment.
But I had a revelation recently: reading is actually not my job. I HAVE a job, which is rewarding but demanding. It is in between all my other responsibilities that I choose to immerse myself in books. If I denied myself the joy of simply reading a gulpable and zeitgeisty commercial or genre-led book every now and then without feeling pressure to go deep on it, then I am taking away the pleasure that IS reading as recreation. The truth is there are so many really smart people here whose work is tied to critical reading and I admire that so much. But after my intense 9-5, after caring for ageing parents, after being there for friends and family in different life stages to me, I’ve learnt to simply lean into the times when I want to sit on the couch with something entertaining and enjoy it with no strings attached 😊
Although I wouldn't characterize them as strictly romance, I did love the Taylor Jenkins Reid novels I've picked up (daisy jones, carrie soto)! & have always had a soft spot for Emily Henry :) loved this post, Petya --here's to more whistling!
I don't think it's the genre. I think it's just that there is such a glut of bad examples of it with deadened prose and flat dialog. I love the example of working within the constraints of the required story arc being similar to the restraint of a sonnet. I was thinking of that constraint in romance novels and how it is similar to that in my preferred "light" reading of the cozy mystery genre. There too you will find a lot of examples of drivel, but since you mostly know the story arc going in, when you do find an author who can make the words sing and can deliver complex characters, you get to sink into those parts of the novel.
Agree Maryann👍 Remember Harlequin? Maybe they still exist? In late teens I picked up a Harlequin romance at a friend's house (our home was filled with books of the eclectic tastes of our family but no Harlequin!) and I called it "pink cotton candy for the mind" Still, I dreamed of my own rosetinted version of love while, as a feminist since age 7, I resisted the Hollywood version of romance. Is part of the resistance that in cis-romances, women love the difficult (jerks?) men and save the men from themselves? Now as an elder, I know love is so much more than romance, and there are many books that warm and cheer my heart. Books by Niall Williams are filled with love and tragedy, and definitely not cottoncandy! My favourite is Four Letters of Love, which is also a movie. Thank you Petya for writing this🙏
I think this is particularly true with how popular romance has become. It sells so well right now that you get the sense that publishers have lowered their bar somewhat in favor of just getting more new romance on the shelves. If you're not familiar with the genre, it can be hard to know which ones are going to be thoughtfully written.
Now do crime thrillers and fantasy! :) I thoroughly relate to the chip on the shoulder. I began reading "seriously" during the pandemic and felt so behind and disgusted with myself - because my go to genre has always been bestsellers: romance, mystery, fantasy, etc. I've always turned to books to escape in the most entertaining way possible. But there is something there that's worthwhile and it's the easiest to turn to in a slump... Anyway, my first introduction to romance is still hands down the best all around: Pride and Prejudice. If you want something slightly heavier (but not really): North and South. Georgette Heyer had some lovely ones too...
I read an article recently about how the romance genre & authors are not taken as serious but it’s actually patriarchy pushing that narrative because there are plenty of fantasy, fiction and sci-fi books written by men with romance in them. Those are serious writers and fiction whereas female writers who write romance are not. And Kerry said, there is a lot of devastating romance out there. There is a lot of romance that tackles mental health and learning how to be in good relationships vs toxic, about growing as a human and learning how to love yourself. Romance is usually found in most books in some form, just not the “smut” that everyone thinks it is. I used to read Nora Roberts as a teen & thought that was “real” romance until I got older and found so many different versions of it. I hope you find something that appeals to you.
This is such an interesting conversation. I feel really similarly on many counts, and feel a sort of embarrassing disdain for "BookTok" and yet I have read and enjoyed some romance novels! And have very much enjoyed literary fiction that features romance.
I wish I could find it now, but I stumbled upon an interview with Emily Henry a while ago where she addressed this idea of romance. She said something like, in all of these books I write, even in the very best case scenario the ultimate end of the story is that somebody dies first. The tragedy ending is always available, and even inevitable. But by ending it in the happy moments, she's choosing to take happiness seriously, as seriously as grief and complication. I thought that was such interesting framing from someone who has clearly had cause to think about it at length.
The other thing this made me think of was an Instagram reel which of course I have no hope of encountering again. I got swept up in the Heated Rivalry TV show craze, and it was a reel of Esther Perel talking about the appeal of the show, of all things. She was talking about Heated Rivalry, and I think can be applied to romance broadly, as a subversion of disappointment. Every time you're set up for disappointment or betrayal, there's instead acceptance and love. I guess this is the cliche of the genre, so maybe if you're fully immersed in romance it doesn't feel like a subversion, but I think compared to life, it can be subversive. What if everything did work out better than you could have imagined? Sort of a daring question!
and all of that said, when I was in a major reading slump, like years of barely reading, I DEVOURED Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston like someone was going to snatch that book out of my hands if I put it down. And have read every Casey McQuiston book since! I highly recommend The Pairing. So maybe I am a romance reader after all
Love these thoughts. I can relate to a lot of what you’ve said.
For me, it isn’t so much prejudice (I think) as it is just.. lack of interest. I just don’t find the premise of a lot of romance and sci fi interesting - BUT regardless of genre, I love books that ask big questions about what it means to be human, books that probe the depths of human relationships. So I absolutely love The Left Hand of Darkness (sci fi) and Pride and Prejudice (I think it’s more social commentary than traditional romance, but fine, the romance plot is a big part of it).
Too many romance novels describe relationships that I find to be one-note and uncomplicated (again, I haven’t read many so a lot of this is just ignorance on my part). If I could find a romance that really writes about the tension of loving someone and knowing that they’re ultimately bad for your life, about being drawn to someone and yet feeling guilt about it - if I could find a romance novel that deeply explores the tension of conflicting emotions within the framework of a romance (beyond something linear like: we hate each other but he’s attractive!), I think I’d love it. And here I’m fully acknowledging my own ignorance - beyond the books that are popular online and the ones favored by bookstores, I haven’t really done much work to explore more off-the-beaten tracks novels!
- Shruti
I agree with this as well regarding the complication. I think that's one reason Austen is so appealing. I also don't really consider her a romance writer but I do see how the case could be made! Most of her books start with single women and end in a marriage.
But I think the reason we might consider them social commentary is the same reason I like them more than a standard romance. They're often really reckoning with questions of wealth and class, albeit in a lighthearted way, so you don't feel like the genuine complications of the relationship are being skated over in service of the romance plot.
True! I think maybe this is what’s missing from a lot of contemporary romance? In reality, questions of class, race, background, ambition etc do cause friction - if not between the couple, then definitely when friends/family/community is considered. A real interrogation of these complications would be interesting to read.
- S
I agree! I feel like in IRL dating I'm reckoning with what men don't know about gender basically every time, and I'd love to see that come up in a romance novel! Or any other many possible (and likely) friction points.
I love romance and I am so happy you’re giving it a try. I want to add that romance doesn't alway have to be frothy and light. They can carry and handle dark topics, so when they end happily, it gives hope.
While I'm not a personal fan of her work, Eloise James is a fascinating romance writer. She’s also a Shakespeare professor that hid her romance writing career because she feared it would prevent her from getting tenure. Which says a lot about our culture, unfortunately. James is also the daughter of two literary writers. They were often confused as to why she wanted to write romance. She talks about one interaction with her mother, who said, "You like Anna Karenina, why don't you write a book like that?"
To which she responded along the lines of, "I do like Anna Karenina, but I like writing books where the woman doesn't have to die after having sex."
One reason I love romance, especially historical romance, is that it plays around with a topic I'm always interesed in -- communication. Nowadays people shy from conflict and the communication that arises from conflict. But I feel it captures so much of the human experience. And romance does that well in particular.
Recommendations
PODCASTS
- Reformed Rakes: They focus on historical romance, but also talk about the romance genre as a whole, specifically how wrong pop culture/media get it. For example they did an excellent look on how Fabio was treated as a common factor in romance books when, in reality, he had a fraught relationship with a lot of the genre's writers and only appeared in them for a limited time.
-Fated Mates: Hosted by an actual romance author and a romance enthusiast/teacher/freelance editor. They interview romance writers of all kinds (one of my favorite episodes is interviewing Anne Rice's son who writes gay romance and thrillers), review tropes, and talk of romance books coming up.
-Smart Podcast, Trashy Books: Interviews with authors and other people that work in the genre (there was an excellent episode about the artists that made the vintage romance covers). Also talks about upcoming romance books, and special topics about the genres. All in all, lovely.
NEWSLETTERS
-The Loose Cravat: Chels (they/them) is one of the hosts of Reformed Rakes. They write of the history of what makes the romance genre it is today as well as discuss how people still treat it. One of my favorite posts was when they discussed how YouTube video essays get ridiculous about BookTok.
- Tattered Pages: They review vintage romance with equal parts affection and side-eye. And give interesting analysis on publication history. They also spotlight some good oldies to try out.
AUTHORS TO TRY
-Courtney Milan: She writes mainly historical romance, but also has a contemporary series going on. She clerked for the Supreme Court and taught law before becoming a full-time writer. She weaves so many amazing historical things into her work, it's breathtaking. She fleshes out time periods and, like me, enjoyes niche aspects of it --- such as doctors in the Victorian age trying to fight to make handwashing a standard practice (yes, that was controversial at the time) or how controversial it was to discuss sexual characteristics of plants (yes, that too). If there's one book I recommend you start on from her, it has to be the Duchess War. There is a novella prequel that's also excellent if you want to begin there too. Another trait I love in historical romance is how NERDY a lot of the authors get.
- Sherry Thomas: Right now, she’s focusing on a mystery series starring a female Sherlock Holmes. But her historical romances are lush, sensual, and capture, again, a fascinating way of how communication occurs in a story, giving a snapshot of humans being human. Exquisite prose.
-Alisha Rai: She does contemporary and, my god, does she do it well. She really helped push having non-white characters star in romance. The way she weaves in cultures and family dynamics for her heroes and heroines is always fresh and engaging. She also writes excellent commentary about modern dating in her work. A personal favorite is Girl Gone Viral.
-Olivia Waite: Also an amazing historical romance writer. What I love is how she brings art and social movements into her work. It's comforting but also thought-provoking. I've hated it when authors, especially male authors, write dismissively about women's labor such as embroidery and weaving when those were important parts of society's economy. Also the beauty and artistry! I recommend The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics.
KJ Charles: historical and fantasy romance writer. She's British and her work is usually set in England. She explores queer male romances and they're both tender and exhilarating. She's so clever how she puts together a plot. I highly recommend All of Us Murderers. It's a romance, but also captures her affection for gothic stories. Deliciously atmospheric. And the twists were satisfying but juicy!
I co-sign all of this!
Please don't forget tragic romance - Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Rebecca, Romeo and Juliet. (We've lost it all, there's nothing left . . . but, Wow, that was amazing! The passion! ) . . . Today most romances do end tragically but more prosaically. I think what we don't like about romance is simply the great big pretence that they don't.
I loved it when I was working as a college librarian and for our newsletter was asking people what they were reading. One of the hulking, great security guards picked up his book and reported "Mills and Boon".
Romance has always had a place in my reading diet and it always will. I think of it like a croissant—all croissants are made with the same ingredients and technique, but they are not all the same.
I also refuse to give energy to the idea that two people finding and choosing love is somehow a lesser emotion to explore in literature. It’s the most fundamental human emotion. Plus, engaging with media with an established formula and predictable end is a scientifically backed way to help regulate your nervous system, and who doesn’t need that??
A few recs:
“A Shore Thing,” by Joanna Lowell — queer, Victorian, set by the English seaside, explores ideas of art, gender, and community
“We Could Be So Good” by Cat Sebastian — queer, set at a leftist newspaper in 1950s New York. But any Cat Sebastian is a good place to start.
“My Oxford Year,” by Julia Whelan. Explores our relationship to literature and how we can use it to navigate the curveballs life throws at us.
One more thought: I do think there’s a decent basis for your concern that the prose isn’t there in romance, but I also think that’s a function of the genre. The writing is largely in service of the story and characters, and doing that is a skill and it doesn’t mean there aren’t authors with strong voices and beautiful prose. It’s just not the point.
And on the flip side, I’ve picked up plenty of litfic that feels like beautiful writing in search of a story. These books may make for lovely reading in the moment, but nothing stays with me because there was no actual reason for the book to exist, because the author didn’t actually have anything to say.
I don't read a lot of romance either - since it's such a big genre there's a ton of drivel coming out all the time, and if you're just wanting to dip your toes in it as a "beginner", it can be difficult to find a solid read - but I have found a lot of joy in romance books on occasion.
And although I couldn't see it becoming my main genre (I also prefer a devastating, unexpected read), there is something to be said about the particular experience a good romance novel offers, which I don't think other genres can easily replicate, and certainly not lit fic. Sometimes you do crave the formulaic approach, the comfort of a happy ending, the sweetness.
I second the comments recommending Tia Williams and TJ Reid! I'm always recommending Nina LaCour's Yerba Buena as well, which is more on the literary side but could be a good stepping stone for you.
Honored to be consulted on this topic. Also, I feel like a celebrity being quoted, so thanks for that extra pep in my step today:)
This comment section is so refreshing! Thanks for bringing this topic to the light
I won't speak too much to the balance between devastating literature and easy reads in the romance genre, specifically (my romance reads inevitably lean hard toward gothic romance a la Anne Rice or romantasy, given my obsession with Epic Fantasy as a genre), but I can absolutely relate to the appeal of exploring a balance. The number of series that catch my attention with 10-15 book commitments combined with my tendency to reread favorites somewhat regularly can get heavy, particularly since I'm a bit of a completionist (I struggle to pick up a book that isn't next in the series once I've begun). I have found that making space for something silly, YA, or otherwise "easy" and quick is more than a palette cleanser and actually a pretty solid compliment to the longer journeys I want to go on.
I'm so glad you decided to dip your toes into reading romance.
I started reading romance novels about 20 years ago and for a long time I've felt ashamed because people kept sneering at me for reading it. Now, more than ever, I feel reading romance is a bit revolutionary - prioritizing women's experiences and view points, seeing healthy relationsships modeled, reflecting on the female experience has taught me so much in life. A lot of who I am is because of how and what I read and how I translate what I read into my daily life. Romance especially has taught me to be proud to be a woman and a feminist, it has taught me, that I'm not asking to much of a man when I'm standing up for myself. As a fat woman, it has also shown me that I, too, am deserving of love, that I'm not asking to much and that, what I want from life and love is nothing to be ashamed of.
If you are interested in reading romance you should check out Rena Rani's Substack Smart Romance - she writes about romance with a critical lense.
I had a pretty elitist attitude towards romance growing up--my mom would take us to the library and a secondhand romance bookstore. It was the ripped bodice, Fabio era. I looked down on the genre for a long time because it wasn't "serious." But...as a grown ass woman, I GET IT NOW. Yes, they can be formulaic, and as someone below mentioned, the scope of the genre can lead to some drivel. For me it's ultimately about wanting to feel hopeful, wanting to see human connection, found families, everything that isn't shown in the 24 hour news cycle. Sometimes I have to remind myself that multiple things can exist: I can read serious, literary fiction, and I can also read a romance that takes me out of the dumpster fire that is 2026. I've enjoyed the novellas from 831 Stories. They have some tropes, but also some bite. Universal Basic Income is a major plot point in Big Fan!
A funny side note…I have a photo of my husband and Fabio. He was promoting a protein powder at Whole Foods.