My all-time favourite genre to read is romance. I think it always has been and likely always will be. I adore the warm fuzzy feeling, the building anticipation before the couple finally gets together, and the comfort of knowing there will be a happy ending. It is the perfect escape from whatever is going on in real life. Thus, I wanted to take a moment to talk about the genre and recommend some excellent books from within it.
Reading a romance novel is like watching a great romantic comedy, but with more substance. You can jam more sweet moments and quiet details into a book than you ever could a film. And my friends, that is why the book is almost always better than the movie, the details.
The absolute best romance novels shine because of their tiny rich moments. It's in the stolen glances and dramatic irony of knowing how much two characters want to be together.
The problem with romance is that it can easily fall into ruts with predictability. I can forgive the predictability when it is for the sake of the two characters getting together in the end. I think we have to be okay with this for the preservation of the happy ending. Other times when I feel like I have read the book before, I struggle. There needs to be some surprises along the way.
So, what makes a fabulous romance novel in my books?
Good build-up and anticipation between the two characters destined to be together.
It feels fresh and not overly predictable.
If you can make me laugh, big brownie points.
A gratifying and well-suited ending.
If the main characters and their challenges seem relatable and realistic.
If you are new to the genre, looking for recommendations, or curious about which romance reads made it to the top of my list, look no further. To give you some context and me some clout, I read about 50 books a year, and 24 of the 42 I have read so far in 2020 have been romance. In 2019 I read 24 romance novels. What can I say? This girl likes a happy ending.
My Favourite Romance Reads:
Best Build-Up: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Best Historical Romance: The Wallflowers series by Lisa Kleypas
Best Romance Novel I Read in 2019: The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
Best Romance with a Unique Perspective: The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Best Romance Novel I bought because of Instagram: Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Romance Novel I've Read Over and Over: Christmas At Tiffany's by Karen Swan
Romance Novel That Made Me Cry: Wish You Were Here by Renee Carlino
Best Classic Romance: Persuasion by Jane Austen
(It's better than Pride & Prejudice, highly underrated)
Best YA Romance: The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
(This could have also gone under Best Romance That Made Me Cry, but seriously if you haven't read this one, just do it already)
The Romance That Deserves To Be On This List: Twice In A Blue Moon by Christina Lauren
That is my ultimate romance reading list. Given the current state of the world, we could all use a little more escape and happy endings. If you have read any of my favourites or have recommendations for me, comment below or send me a message on Instagram @Literarilylauren. I would love to hear from you.
Yours Literarily,
Lauren.
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