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A Novelist's Favorite Romances to Make You Feel Powerful
Denise Williams wrote her first book in the second grade. I Hate You and its sequel, I Still Hate You, featured a tough, funny heroine, a quirky hero, witty banter, and a dragon. Minus the dragons, these are still the books she likes to write. After penning those early works, she finished second grade and eventually earned a Ph.D. in education. After growing up a military brat around the world and across the country, Williams now lives in Des Moines, Iowa. When she’s not lost in love stories, she works in higher education and has the pleasure of teaching a seminar class on romance novels and patriarchy.
We asked her to share some of her top-favorite saucy and swoony romances to make you believe in the power of love. Check out the happily ever afters that she recommends!
We asked her to share some of her top-favorite saucy and swoony romances to make you believe in the power of love. Check out the happily ever afters that she recommends!
Romance promises two things: a central love story and an emotionally satisfying happily ever after (or happy for now). From the publication of Kathleen E. Woodiwiss’ The Flame and the Flower in 1972 to the first own-voices Black romance from Harlequin, Adam and Eva by Sandra Kitt in 1985, to Ruby Dixson’s Ice Planet Barbarians series today, romance as a genre has always pushed the proverbial envelope and challenged established norms related to love, sexuality, and relationships while serving a broader and broader cross section of readers. People new to romance are often skeptical to hear it’s a genre that challenges patriarchal structures, but through the lifting of experiences and voices so often silenced, it has the power to do just that.
I’ve always sought out love stories. From childhood picture books to middle grade reads, through my first romance novels, and onto every other genre. That moment in a book when a character realizes they’re in love is where I’d love to freeze time as a reader. I always thought that was enough for me until I first read a romance novel that not only held my heart but also made my legs, my resolve, and my spirit feel stronger because the characters were like me.
It is more recently that these romance novels have seen success with a broader scope of readers and been published by large publishers, too. This means a romance reader strolling through a bookstore or skimming online for something to read has options when they want to see themselves on the page. There is still growth to be had and stories to be told, but the number of voices lifted is expanding and becoming more inclusive of everyone.
An entire generation of readers are not only seeing themselves on book covers and finding love stories like theirs on shelves, but they are also able to find those same love stories that make them feel strong. For me, those are the books that make me think that strength and power are part of the happily ever after and are not the enemy of love and romance. In fact, they only make it better.
Romance novels have always challenged norms of power and showcased strength in people whom society viewed as weak, but the exponential growth of romances featuring powerful protagonists of all identities is the direction of the genre I’m most excited to see. It gives me hope that every reader will be able to read the romance novels that leave them feeling strong.
In honor of that, here are 13 romance novels that left me charmed, swooning, and feeling powerful for a variety of reasons. I hope they leave you feeling that way, too.
A second-chance romance including a strong heroine, links to civil rights and social justice advocacy, and Kennedy Ryan’s inimitable writing all coalesce in a read that makes you feel you can change the world while wearing stilettos.
Between a heroine unafraid to be terse, tough, and unyielding and a hero prepared to address his own trauma, embrace therapy, and acknowledge the heroine’s power, this book is one you’ll finish feeling powerful to be yourself no matter society’s expectations.
This book was the first of Beverly Jenkins’ books I ever read, and her ability to weave chemistry, steam, history, and humor together is unmatched. For me, Jenkins’ historical Black romance novels are stories I finish in love with the characters and in love with the idea of learning more about my own history.
A Goodreads reviewer described this as “Giving the patriarchy a good hard slap across the face,” and this sapphic f/nb book filled with intrigue, heists, steam, and love does just that in addition to being a powerhouse example of being true to yourself.
The Primas of Power are #goals in terms of having a group of people who encourage you to take big steps in service of your goals. Daria’s story is charming, and you’ll finish thinking about your own goals.
This Moto Grand Prix romance is full of heart and heat between the hero and heroine, but most importantly resilience in the face of the uncontrollable circumstances that bring us down.
This forthcoming debut is a testament to the power of self-care, and Savvy’s journey to falling in love with both Spencer and herself is empowering.
I don’t know many people who could read Naomi Grant and not feel completely powerful about their own sexuality. This book is a phenomenal mix of sweet and spicy.
War, vengeance, passion, a heroine who is a true warrior, and a marriage of opportunity—this novel is a fantastical journey into the power of love and loyalty with characters who show their strength in unexpected ways.
This book follows a trans woman finding love in the cozy escape of a polyamorous relationship in 1949. It’s like a shot of adrenaline to one’s belief in the transformative power of love in spaces where we feel safe.
I love to-do lists so much, I based a novel on them, so this book immediately spoke to my soul (as did the other two books in the series). Hibbert’s writing is mesmerizing, and this book empowers a reader to take control over their life and what they want.
A pirate plus an assassin with a sprinkle of magic and fantasy—this fun and quirky book gives one the desire to let out a happy sigh, take a sip of tea, and then raise a sword in the air.
The main character in this young adult novel is an Olympic hopeful for Muay Thai fighting but gains confidence in herself through a series of obstacles, including facing challenges to her own ethnic identity and falling in love with the exact wrong person.
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Karla
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Feb 14, 2022 11:25AM
I read a few books on this list and I wholeheartedly agree with this selection! 🥰 Talia Hibbert, and Chloe Liese have incredible romance books that make me feel powerful!
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Karla wrote: "I read a few books on this list and I wholeheartedly agree with this selection! 🥰 Talia Hibbert, and Chloe Liese have incredible romance books that make me feel powerful!"I totally agree with Karla's comment.
I really want to read get a life chloe brown.Is it worthy??
Lydia wrote: "I really want to read get a life chloe brown.Is it worthy??"YES! The entire Brown sisters series is soo good. Talia Hibbert was in her bag with that one.
I'm wondering if I can read I Hate You and I Still Hate You…Love these recommendations and am a big fan of lots of these authors. Great article, Denise!
