There are as many kinds of romance stories as there are types of real-world relationships. Here are six suggestions across subgenres that span styles, themes and spice levels.
Historical fiction
“The Betrothed” by Alessandro Manzoni, published in 1827. With deft descriptions of 1600s northern Italy under Spanish rule, “The Betrothed” chronicles the journey of two young lovers forced apart on the eve of their marriage.
Manzoni takes the two lovers on an adventure across the countryside as they try everything to reunite, against the machinations of a powerful landowner and his thugs, economic and political upheaval, and forces they have no control over that could end all hope.
Considered required reading in many Italian schools as a result of the author’s contribution to developing the Italian language, and thus helping bring disparate city-states together into a unified Italy, “The Betrothed” is a powerful story of deep love and the lengths one will go to be with the one they love.
Contemporary cozy
“A Princess in Theory” by Alyssa Cole, published in 2018. With its subtle humor, readers can tell that Cole had fun writing “A Princess in Theory,” starting from the first chapter, where grad student Naledi repeatedly deletes “spam” emails from an African prince’s assistant, not knowing that there really is a prince and she was betrothed to him when they were children.
When Prince Thabiso shows up in New York to meet her and Naledi mistakes him for a new waiter, he decides to go along with it to get to know her without his royal baggage. The book shines in its portrayal of important themes in both relationships and the workplace, including those of self-doubt, racial and gender bias, and feeling like you have to do it all alone. It’s a story about learning to recognize your self-worth, standing up for yourself and following your dreams.
Naledi and Thabiso’s individual journeys nicely complement their journey as a couple, and it’s refreshing to see both partners genuinely trying to be their best selves and support each other. This is a good choice for readers who like a little depth to their romance, as well as some explicit spice.
Classics
“Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë, published in 1847. Brontë’s only novel has withstood the test of time. A favorite on many readers’ lists, it has been made into a film several times, with the most recent set to hit theaters Feb. 13. Filled with longing and passion, “Wuthering Heights” shows readers how love can endure despite hardship, separation and societal disdain.
Reclusive and often surly Heathcliff makes for a compelling hero as he fights against the forces trying to keep him down, and Catherine is in many ways equally compelling, relatable in her struggles with what choices she should make in difficult circumstances.
“Wuthering Heights” is a book of profound feelings — including unpleasant ones — decisions both great and small, shaped by an all-consuming love, and the consequences of those decisions. It is a book of all that love can draw out of the human heart — devotion, lust, anger, pain, understanding and sacrifice. It’s a true masterpiece worthy of a read.
Young adult
“The Demon King” by Cinda Williams Chima, published in 2009. “The Demon King” is classic YA fantasy, told from the point of view of Han Alister, a young boy whose powerful magic makes him a target, and Princess Raisa ana’Marianna, the girl who will inherit the throne if she can avoid scheming villains.
Its strength lies in portraying intelligent and resourceful characters on the cusp of adulthood, navigating a world not designed to help them. Following something akin to a friends-to-lovers storyline, the romance is steady and mature, with characters who recognize how they feel and conflict that mostly arises due to outside forces trying to keep them apart.
Younger readers who want to sink into a good adventure story with a heartfelt romance will enjoy “The Demon King” series.
Fantasy
“Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros, published in 2023. Yarros’ move from contemporary romance to fantasy could not have been more successful. “Fourth Wing” has resonated with readers for underdog Violet’s struggles to survive and thrive, its academic setting and dragon-rider relationships, the fight to conquer evil against the odds, solid supporting characters, and the steamy enemies-to-lovers romance.
Readers who enjoy consistent smolder, burning tension, a complex male love interest who is both powerful and alluring, and moments of thoughtfulness that may well melt your heart should consider joining Violet on her adventures.
Regency romance
“Lord of Scoundrels” by Loretta Chase, published in 1995. One of Chase’s most well-loved works, “Lord of Scoundrels” tells the story of a man who, denied love in his childhood, grows up a cynic and spends his time drinking, gambling and carousing with ladies of the night. That is, until he runs into a clever, no-nonsense lady, who needs his help with her wayward brother.
Sparks fly, personalities clash, one thing leads to another, and before the characters know what’s happening, they are inexorably intertwined in each other’s lives.
This is a light read, with sexy banter and some explicit spice, well-suited for those looking for a Regency romp and who enjoy a plot centered on the redemption of the male lead and a heroine we can all root for.
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