Robyn wrote: "Are there any romance novels that are actually enjoyable by someone not particularly interested in the genre? Nothing here looks remotely appealing, yet I enjoy romance in non-romance-genre things ..."

Bet me by Jennifer Crusie is the one that I hand out regularly to these types of readers, and it never disappoints.

Robyn wrote: "Are there any romance novels that are actually enjoyable by someone not particularly interested in the genre? Nothing here looks remotely appealing, yet I enjoy romance in non-romance-genre things ..."

Perhaps Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston?

Robyn wrote: "Are there any romance novels that are actually enjoyable by someone not particularly interested in the genre? Nothing here looks remotely appealing, yet I enjoy romance in non-romance-genre things ..."

I highly recommend any of Penny Reid or Daisy Prescott's books.

I'm a bit surprised Heather Graham, Debbie Macomber & JD Robb aren't on these lists. The In Death series, for all the action & adventure, has one of the sweetest romanctic love stories! I really dislike romance in books, but these are 3 I don't mind as much.
Also the YA books by Cassandra Clare are more than just romance.

I’m very new to this genre! Can anyone recommend authors that have relationships (not necessarily plot) thats light and fluffy? Maybe has a Little bit of a slow burn buildup? I want it to feel satisfying without feeling like the relationship was handed over if that makes sense? I want a good love story but I don’t really need all of the ‘sexy’ stuff lol!

Jessica wrote: "I really enjoy the genre of 'sports romance.' Do you have any recommendations for that area of writing or some authors?"
katie angell, lori foster, rachel gibson, jaci burton, sarina bowen, susan elizabeth phillips, helena hunting, alexa martin
are all writers who write sports themed romances. i've read them all & i highly recommend any of them. all are good characters, stories w/some humor though some are a little steamy.

Jessica wrote: "I really enjoy the genre of 'sports romance.' Do you have any recommendations for that area of writing or some authors?"

Check out Elle Kennedy’s the deal which is the first in her hockey series and Helena hunting’s pucked series

Fran wrote: "Jessica wrote: "I really enjoy the genre of 'sports romance.' Do you have any recommendations for that area of writing or some authors?"

Check out Elle Kennedy’s the deal which is the first in her..."

Also Mariana zapata’s wall of Winnipeg and me and from lukov with love are two of the best books I’ve ever read.

I love hockey & sports romance novels, mf or mm. For lists here on Good Reads, drop down the Browse menu, click on lists, search for sports romance & you get a TON of suggestions. Some authors I've enjoyed are: Jaci burton, Elle Kennedy, Sarina Bowen, Helena Hunting. Yes I know, a lot of hockey!! What can I say? Also, I'm 73, so I like books about mature characters, at least 30 yrs old!! Love a book when the characters are 40 or 50 or older. Fortunately there are so many to choose from, there is something for every taste. Don't finish a book you don't like.

Robyn wrote: "Are there any romance novels that are actually enjoyable by someone not particularly interested in the genre? Nothing here looks remotely appealing, yet I enjoy romance in non-romance-genre things ..."
If you like cutsie books try mary campisi or sophie kinsella. If you like fantasy i highly recommend hush hush series by becca fitzpatrick or die for me series by amy plum.

Robyn wrote: "Are there any romance novels that are actually enjoyable by someone not particularly interested in the genre? Nothing here looks remotely appealing, yet I enjoy romance in non-romance-genre things ..."

I get the feeling that you would enjoy something along the lines of Poison Study which is the first book in a well-received series. It has some romance but the characters and story are very original. Also, I'm leaning towards the Urban Shaman series. I think you would enjoy the Urban Fantasy genre. If either of these sounds interesting, you should have no trouble finding more series and stand-alones just by a quick search here on Goodreads.

Jessica wrote: "I really enjoy the genre of 'sports romance.' Do you have any recommendations for that area of writing or some authors?"

Which sport?

Recently, Carina Press has 2 Hockey Romance series.
Game Changers which started with Game Changer and Hat Trick which started with Off the Ice.

LectoraEstherica wrote: "OMG, ALWAYS THE SAME PARANORMAL AUTHORS, I NEED NEW ONES!!"

What about Terry Bolryder? There's a series of Dragon Shifters available from them on Kindle Unlimited. I'm not a huge fan of paranormals, but I don't think they are a popular author.

Or Katie MacAlister? I think she has 2 series.

Kristen Painter has a series as well that is vampires that the like.

Oh! And Molly Harper! She has a few series that are paranormal and fun and sassy.

Jackie wrote: "Needs more diversity. In particular, can anyone recommend something with a good plot, historical, rom-com, fantasy/sci-fi, or paranormal, involving lesbians?"

How about Elizabeth Sims? She has a series about a lesbian detective and I think the series is on kindle unlimted? They were good stories with a little romance.

Robyn wrote: "Are there any romance novels that are actually enjoyable by someone not particularly interested in the genre? Nothing here looks remotely appealing, yet I enjoy romance in non-romance-genre things ..."

It depends on what you're into -- there are romance with mysteries, romance with recipes, romance with pets, humor, horses, NASCAR, the list goes on...

Enid wrote: "Robyn wrote: "Are there any romance novels that are actually enjoyable by someone not particularly interested in the genre? Nothing here looks remotely appealing, yet I enjoy romance in non-romance..."

You could try suspense romance which have mystery r action with a romance subplot b/w the protagonists=Nora Roberts, Sandra brown, Elizabeth Lloyd, Debra Webb are the most known writers in that genre. There are also mystery cozy genre where it’s an amateur sleuth solving a crime with a light romance=ellery Adams, jenn mckinlay are good ones in that genre.

where do they found those recommendation

Robyn wrote: "Not interested in the genre: it seems to be dominated by books that are either 1) tawdry, pornographic, stock photos of shirtless dudes on the cover or 2) rom-com cheesiness; and seemingly a predic..."
I concur that the covers/blurbs on the selection shown here were deeply offputting to someone not already invested in the genre, and second the suggestion of Sophie Kinsella - I'm not sure anyone has suggested Jodie Picoult yet, either? Her books tend to explore a given 'issue' for each novel (e.g. Amish life, mercy killing, autism, wrongful conviction) and the ethical implications arising, but there is usually a romantic subplot as well.

Otherwise, why not try older authors like Georgette Heyer or Mary Stewart (romantic post-war thrillers), who were writing in a world when the genre formulas hadn't become quite so entrenched (and characters weren't expected to run around shirtless)? Heyer's books, despite the "Regency romance" genre label attached to derivative works, are basically romantic comedies with a solid historical core and a good deal of intelligence - there's always a central romance, but it's often subsidiary to the main plot, especially in the later novels.

Elizabeth Goudge is another 'older' author whose books generally feature powerful romance, including between mature and/or married couples, but where it's not central to the plot (though happy endings are not always guaranteed - sometimes the author opts for renunciation being the more noble option!)

Cindi wrote: "LectoraEstherica wrote: "OMG, ALWAYS THE SAME PARANORMAL AUTHORS, I NEED NEW ONES!!"

What about Terry Bolryder? There's a series of Dragon Shifters available from them on Kindle Unlimited. I'm not..."

Thank You!! I'm going to check them Out!

Jessica wrote: "I really enjoy the genre of 'sports romance.' Do you have any recommendations for that area of writing or some authors?"

If you like hockey, try Sawyer Bennett or Toni Aleo

E wrote: "Jessica wrote: "I really enjoy the genre of 'sports romance.' Do you have any recommendations for that area of writing or some authors?"

Urgh, there are a few authors who have some longer series f..."

I just read this one today and absolutely loved it. I liked the humor and that the couple was realistic and had to work at their marriage. I would totally recommend this one. (and I'm not a sports fan)

Robyn wrote: "Are there any romance novels that are actually enjoyable by someone not particularly interested in the genre? Nothing here looks remotely appealing, yet I enjoy romance in non-romance-genre things ..."

try reading confess by colleen hoover! it's the book that got me into romance <3

I am surprised that the Outlander series didn't make the list! I would also add the Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost to the Paranormal Romance list.

Jessica wrote: "I really enjoy the genre of 'sports romance.' Do you have any recommendations for that area of writing or some authors?"

Try Tessa Bailey

LectoraEstherica wrote: "OMG, ALWAYS THE SAME PARANORMAL AUTHORS, I NEED NEW ONES!!"


The only one I can think of is Jeaniene Frost

Furk1963 wrote: "I get paid over $113 per hour working from home with 3 kids at home. I never thought I'd be able to do it but my best friend who earns over 15k a month doing this and she convinced me to try. The p..."

i don't know who you are but this is a site for readers to exchange thoughts/comments about books. please don't post unrelated adverts. it's rude!

Hazel Bee wrote: "LectoraEstherica wrote: "OMG, ALWAYS THE SAME PARANORMAL AUTHORS, I NEED NEW ONES!!"


The only one I can think of is Jeaniene Frost"

Thanks! She's not new, but I've never read her books before! So I will check them out, also Ilona Andrews :D.

try these also:
ilona adnrews, darynda jones, jenn bennett, jennifer ashley, mary janice davidson, michele bardsely, kate macalister-i've read all of them & all were very good & i highly recommend

lynsay sands & hannah howell both have historical paranormal romance series which are also good

Robyn: In Death is a fabulous series for what you’re looking for. And no, it’s not romanticized rape/abuse at all. More aftermath and recovery, as well as some of the murders involve this, in part I think to tie in with that recovery story.

Also try Kiss Quotient and it’s sequel. Sexier than my preference but very different and really well done.

Jessica wrote: "I really enjoy the genre of 'sports romance.' Do you have any recommendations for that area of writing or some authors?"

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes is not a traditional romance, but is so good. Much of the storyline centers around baseball/a baseball player.

For romance newbies, in H-M historical romance I would like to recommend the following books - Lisa Kleypas Devil in Winter from the Wallflower series and Love in the Afternoon from the Hathways series; Tessa Dare The Duchess Deal; and of course Julia Quinn - To Sir Phillip, With Love, Romancing Mister Bridgerton from the Bridgertons series.

M-M historical romance my new fave authors Cat Sebastian and K.J. Charles. Ms. Sebastian's Turner series are awesome reads - The Soldier's Scoundrel and The Lawrence Browne Affair (so glad it was already recommended in the article). Ms. Charles has got some good standalone reads, but I will definitely recommend these books - An Unnatural Vice, A Fashionable Indulgence, A Seditious Affair and A Gentleman's Position.

Now, M-M contemporary romance, the recommended authors are Annabeth Albert and N.R. Walker. Albert series Out of Uniform Collection Volume 1: Off Base\At Attention\On Point, Out of Uniform Out of Uniform Collection Volume 2
are worth reading. Walker's collection includes touching and hilarious m-m romantic comedies Spencer Cohen: Book One, The Weight of It All.

I would also recommend going for audiobooks if you can for any of the recommended books. The narration will make you come back to these series again and again.

Jessica wrote: "I really enjoy the genre of 'sports romance.' Do you have any recommendations for that area of writing or some authors?"

have you read Mariana Zapata's The Wall Of Winnipeg And I? Also Kulti, my fave work of hers. :)

Jenna wrote: "try these also:
ilona adnrews, darynda jones, jenn bennett, jennifer ashley, mary janice davidson, michele bardsely, kate macalister-i've read all of them & all were very good & i highly recommend
..."
Oh, WoW, Thank You!!

How have I never heard of these suspense romances? I love everything dark and twisted, they're my inspiration for my books. I am going to have to lookup more romantic suspense books now.

LectoraEstherica wrote: "Jenna wrote: "try these also:
ilona adnrews, darynda jones, jenn bennett, jennifer ashley, mary janice davidson, michele bardsely, kate macalister-i've read all of them & all were very good & i hig..."

Let me know if u like any.

Jenna wrote: "try these also:
Ilona Andrews, darynda jones, jenn bennett, jennifer ashley, mary janice davidson, michele bardsely, kate macalister-i've read all of them & all were very good & i highly recommend
..."
I love all of these you mention.

🙂

Robyn wrote: "Not interested in the genre: it seems to be dominated by books that are either 1) tawdry, pornographic, stock photos of shirtless dudes on the cover or 2) rom-com cheesiness; and seemingly a predic..."

Do you like the paranormal genre? One of my favorites is the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter. It has a few love interests, but is mostly action and very little romance. An interesting protagonist of Cherokee decent who spends a lot of time investigating her Native American heritage in between fighting vampires and other beasties in New Orleans.

A LGBTQ book I've read twice and really enjoyed is When Love Comes to Town by Tom Lennon. It's set in Ireland in the 1990s. The protagonist is a teenage boy struggling with being in the closet. Love/sex is on his mind a lot, and you might root for a relationship for him, but it's not a Romance. It's more of a coming-of-age novel.

I don't know if either of these are technically classified as "Romance," but my local bookstore shelves Faith Hunter in "Paranormal Romance," so they might fit the bill for you.

Jackie wrote: "Needs more diversity. In particular, can anyone recommend something with a good plot, historical, rom-com, fantasy/sci-fi, or paranormal, involving lesbians?"

The Three by Meghan O'Brien is a post-apocalyptic lesbian romance.

"Two lovers, Elin and Kael, struggle to survive in a post-apocalyptic world where disease, lawless marauders, and fanatics threaten their existence. When the two befriend Anna, another survivor, the fabric of their lives and the family they have made shifts in ways that challenge each woman to redefine the boundaries of love and friendship. For in order to prevail, the two must become, The Three. And ultimately Anna and Kael must find a way to save the woman they both love."

Serenity wrote: "Jenna wrote: "try these also:
Ilona Andrews, darynda jones, jenn bennett, jennifer ashley, mary janice davidson, michele bardsely, kate macalister-i've read all of them & all were very good & i hig..."

My two favorites are Faith Hunter and Kim Harrison. The romance is not front and center in these, though. They're mostly paranormal/urban fantasy series.

Robin wrote: I would like more books like Jackie Collins used to write any suggestions?

Jordan wrote: "Robyn wrote: "Are there any romance novels that are actually enjoyable by someone not particularly interested in the genre? Nothing here looks remotely appealing, yet I enjoy romance in non-romance..."

I was completely going to recommend Sherry Thomas! I think the "mystery with romance" is the gateway drug.

Richmond rogues Kate angell, ultimate series& fighter series Lori foster, chinooks hockey team Rachel Gibson, play by play series jaci burton, sarina bowen books, ny blades series Deirdre Martin, Chicago stars Susan Elizabeth Phillips, pacific heat series jill shalvis, Alexa Martin books, stardust tx series Lori Wilde.

Ok those are a few off the top of my head ranging from all sports- cute/light with humor to steamy.

Amanda wrote: "Jessica wrote: "I really enjoy the genre of 'sports romance.' Do you have any recommendations for that area of writing or some authors?"
The WAGS series by Naima Simone is excellent!"

Richmond rogues Kate angell, ultimate series& fighter series Lori foster, chinooks hockey team Rachel Gibson, play by play series jaci burton, sarina bowen books, ny blades series Deirdre Martin, Chicago stars Susan Elizabeth Phillips, pacific heat series jill shalvis, Alexa Martin books, stardust tx series Lori Wilde.

Those are a few off the top of my head. Dealing with a variety of sports, ranging from cute/light humorous to suspense/action to steamy.

Let me know if u try any & what u thought.