The Beginner's Guide to Reading Romance

Georgette Heyer's Regency romances are the gold standard for historical romance. I particularly like The Grand Sophy, Faro's Daughter, and Black Sheep. Amanda Quick's historical romances are also quite entertaining. Ravished is both charming and very funny.
I think French Silk is a better choice for a Sandra Brown romantic suspense book, and so many Linda Howard books are just terrific, but a favorite of mine is Kill and Tell.
My contemporary romance recommendations are Hidden Riches, by Nora Roberts, Family Man, by Jayne Ann Krentz, and the hilarious Welcome to Temptation, by Jennifer Crusie.

In geek romance, you have this (amazing) collection!
https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=co...

Not a Romance book reader BUT read some like n.roberts and i enjoyed sh. Kenyen s vampire sexy bookd

I would recommend the historical romance "North and South" by Elizabeth Gaskell and the contemporary romantic suspense "Paraíso" by Tatiana Salem Levy.

Super funny romance books: Darynda Jones (Charley Davidson books), Shelly Laurenston (I read these whenever I get down, they are so funny), Penny Reid and Camilla Monk.

Paranormal that I've not seen listed (may have missed): Elizabeth Hunter - exceptional!

Steampunk - Meljean Brook - love Archimedes Fox books - definite rereads - great world and stories

Not sure if this has been noted, but Beverly Jenkins must definitely be included as a ‘must read’ for Historical Fiction. Not including her books (ANY of them) is a gross oversight.

And Talia Hibbert and Alisha Rai should be added as authors to read for Contemporary Fiction. Their books are such a treat.

Molly wrote: "I don't know if anyone could help with this, but I want romance & passion WITHIN a great story. I've read a few romance novels and they're all along the same vein (rich man makes woman's dreams com..."

I recommend JD Robb. Lots of excellent crime themes, set about 40 years in the future in NY City, and a compelling love story with interesting characters. Robb just released book #48 in the series (which I confess was a bit of a disappointment) but of the 48, I think there are maybe 3 that weren't top quality.

For historical romance, I strongly second the recommendations for Mary Balogh. A Summer to Remember is one of my favorite romances, period. Beverly Jenkins should also be on here for historical romance; her books are wonderful, well-researched, and feature main characters of color (something sorely lacking in this list of historical romance.)

For romantic suspense, why are Nora Roberts and Jayne Ann Krentz not named here? Both are extremely popular, and for good reason. (Yes, I know J.D. Robb is Nora Roberts, but her books as Nora Roberts are also wonderful.) Not all of their books are romantic suspense, but I've enjoyed the ones that are.

There are a number of subgenres missing, particularly contemporary small-town romance and fantasy romance. For the former, my favorites are Emily March's Eternity Springs series and Robyn Carr's Virgin River series. For the latter, try Robin D. Owens's Celta's Heartmate series or Nora Roberts's or Cousins O'Dwyer trilogy.

And a caution about the Kathleen Woodiwiss books suggested by another reader: As with other romance books of that era, there are significant issues regarding consent in some of her books, including rape (of the heroine, by the hero.)

Regency Romance? Try A Civil Campaign By Lois McMaster Bujold. A Civil CampaignA Civil Campaignhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/...

Love Beverly Jenkins for historial. Alyssa Cole for contemporary. Carrie Ann Ryan for contemporary and paranormal. Nalini Singh for paranormal.

S wrote: "Marcia wrote: "Jill Shalvis, Susan Mallery, Marie Force, Barbara Freethy and Bella Andre, Brenda Novak and Robyn Carr write great books."

I agree and add Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Kristan Higgins."

Tara Sivec has made me laugh until my sides ache.

Saikaah wrote: "Anything by Colleen Hoover! I can’t believe she’s not in this selection 🥺"

Absolutely!!

best for me is JJmoyes

If you are looking for a good YA contemporary romance, read any of Kasie West's books.

I am recommending two:
*Sierra Simone's Priest
This is both HOT and thoughtful. Not the gratuitous and distasteful Priest taking advantage of naïve girl it might sound like. I greatly enjoyed it
and

*My book, Indecent Proposal by Sarah McGregor
A contemporary romance set in the Mid-Atlantic Equestrian world. (Think 50 Shades of Hay) I hope you give a newbie author a chance and that you enjoy it!

Penny wrote: "A smart, funny romance, perfect for beginners, Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie."

Gold standard; I'd save it for late in the game as most pale in comparison.

Sarah wrote: " *My book, Indecent Proposal by Sarah McGregor
A contemporary romance set in the Mid-Atlantic Equestrian world. (Think 50 Shades of Hay) I hope you give a newbie author a chance and that you enjoy
it!"

I hate when newbie authors plug their books in the comments section, but that 50 Shades of Hay line is hilarious! Good luck.

Could have include an lgbt category.

Marieke wrote: "In the Romantic Suspense column: Tami Hoag. More specifically her novels from 1992 thru 1997 (Still Waters, Cry Wolf, Dark Paradise, Night Sins, Guilty as Sin, A Thin Dark Line). They blend a good ..."

I totally agree. I found her later novels too gory.

Solace Island SO GOOD!

I strongly recommend Susan Fanetti who has several series and Cat Porter. They both have some of the best motorcycle club romance series around but everything they write is superb! Into interracial romance or romance featuring African Americans? Maureen Smith or Delaney Diamond are two favorites!

I recommend Julie James

I would recommend Jasmine Guillory's The Wedding Date. It's a great, smart read about a strong, together Black woman. It's feminist, addresses racism, is smart and funny, and yes, has some sexy scenes.

i am beyond excited for romance weekkk ,i have been CRAVING a good slow burn ❤😊

Wish someone would put all of these great recommendations into a nice list for us. :)

Kristan Higgins is among my favorites. She makes me laugh and cry.

MaryAnn wrote: "LaVyrle Spencer, Johanna Lindsey, Kristen Hannah, Julie Garwood are my favourite authors."

You like the same authors that I do! Years ago when I first read LaVyrle Spencer, I was hooked on romance forever!

Marjorie wrote: "My sister and I were lamenting yesterday about needing new authors - and here you are!! thx.
I like Stephanie Laurens - several series which bring characters in and out of continuing books. Also El..."

Have you read any LaVeryle Spencer books? She has some of the sweetest, most romantic stories I've ever read! Try The Endearment or Years first. She is wonderful!

Aenea wrote: "I never understood the appeal of romance novels."

I had to chuckle when I read your post! I love it for the thrill, emotion and wonderful love stories that are so absolute to satisfy the need in my brain to believe in perfect love!

MaryAnn wrote: "LaVyrle Spencer, Johanna Lindsey, Kristen Hannah, Julie Garwood are my favourite authors."

Great picks.

LaVyrle Spencer was one of the first romance authors I read.

I can't believe not a single Colleen Hoover book was mentioned in the list. Colleen Hoover 100%. Which books? All of them.

How about Diana Gabaldon and the Outlander series for the Historical Romance area? They are wonderful!

As an LGBT person, it is somewhat upsetting to see so many people recommend feminist romantic literature, as if feminist novels weren't a hotbed of fetishization of LGBT people and PoC...

I haven't read my of these authors yet. I am excited to get started.

Kristen wrote: "I can't believe not a single Colleen Hoover book was mentioned in the list. Colleen Hoover 100%. Which books? All of them."

I totally agree!!

What happened to Madeline Hunter and Elizabeth Hoyt?!! They rock!!! Highly recommend the Rarest Blooms series by Madeline Hunter (talking about women overcoming and making the best of what they are dealt by life), and Elizabeth Hoyt's Maiden Lane series (great heroines, with Batman lore woven into the stories).

I like historical and contemporary, but I want to branch out even more. Can you recommend any genres to try and books to read.
p.s I like witty banter, comedy and opposites attract trope

Ashley wrote: "I like historical and contemporary, but I want to branch out even more. Can you recommend any genres to try and books to read.
p.s I like witty banter, comedy and opposites attract trope"

It isn't branching out, but I hope you have read Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase, Three Weeks with Lady X by Eloisa James, and Act Like It and Pretty Face by Lucy Parker.

Seantheaussie wrote: "Ashley wrote: "I like historical and contemporary, but I want to branch out even more. Can you recommend any genres to try and books to read.
p.s I like witty banter, comedy and opposites attract ..."

Thank you for the reply Seantheaussie. I have read Lord of the scounderals. But will definitely try the other books.

:)

Barb wrote: "What happened to Madeline Hunter and Elizabeth Hoyt?!! They rock!!! Highly recommend the Rarest Blooms series by Madeline Hunter (talking about women overcoming and making the best of what they are..."

I enjoyed Maiden Lane series, but I really liked the Princes trilogy, and the four books in the Legend of the Four Soldiers.

Bb wrote: "Lisa Kleypas writes wonderful historical and contemporary romance. I love all her series!"

I agree. She wasn't included in my original recommendations for historical romance reads, but should have been.

Molly wrote: "Renee & Mary,
Molly, I read “Through a Glass Darkly” first and its sequel a year later, when they were first published years ago. They remained in my memmory until recently I discovered the prequel and re-read them in the right sequence. Each book can stand on its own, but each may contain spoilers for the ones that come before it.

I have a lot of feelings about Outlander haha. I adored the first book (until the very end... Jamie always saves Claire in the knickers of time from being raped and she can't do the..."

Molly wrote: "Renee & Mary,

I have a lot of feelings about Outlander haha. I adored the first book (until the very end... Jamie always saves Claire in the knickers of time from being raped and she can't do the..."

Molly wrote: "Rena wrote: "Mary wrote: "Molly wrote: "I don't know if anyone could help with this, but I want romance & passion WITHIN a great story. I've read a few romance novels and they're all along the same..."

Molly wrote: "Rena wrote: "Mary wrote: "Molly wrote: "I don't know if anyone could help with this, but I want romance & passion WITHIN a great story. I've read a few romance novels and they're all along the same..."

Karina wrote: "Two words....Judith McNaught!!!!"

I AGREE!!

Still looking for an LGBT category. Or, you know, a single LGBT book.

Ummm... I don't think Beautiful Bastard is suitable for romance newbies even though it's a great book

Smallrain wrote: "Marieke wrote: "In the Romantic Suspense column: Tami Hoag. More specifically her novels from 1992 thru 1997 (Still Waters, Cry Wolf, Dark Paradise, Night Sins, Guilty as Sin, A Thin Dark Line). Th..."

I love Tami Hoag’s first books and agree the later ones are far too gory. For an easy read of hers without to much weird psychology read Luck’s Lady. Love the Cajuns.