University Libraries Popular Romance Collection

Follow

• 

  A Court of Thorns and Roses

  Sarah J. Mass

  A Court of Thorns and Roses follows Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress who is taken to the land of Prythian as punishment for killing a faerie wolf. In the new land, she becomes entangled with Tamlin, a powerful high lord whose court is soon cursed. As Feyre uncovers the dangers threatening the faerie realm, she must confront her growing feelings for Tamlin and the challenges that test her strength and loyalty. Blending fantasy romance with high-stakes adventure, the story explores themes of sacrifice, freedom, and the transformative power of love, representing a story where courage shapes one's destiny.

• 

  All That’s Left in the World

  Erik J. Brown

  All That’s Left in the World is about two boys, Andrew and Jamie, who are fighting for their lives after a deadly virus has killed off most of the world. With their loved ones gone, the only thing keeping them going is each other. While in search for civilization, Jamie begins to develop feelings for Andrew. This book is not your typical romance novel. It incorporates love between two men and an element of science fiction. This represents an LGBTQ+ subgenre of romance.

• 

  All the Bright Places

  Jennifer Niven

  All the Bright Places features a boy suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts teaching a girl how to live. It illustrates how love can happen even in times of grief and mental struggle. This book touches on the mental struggles that are so common in the world and shows how love persists even through pain. The objective of this novel is to show how mental health can affect relationships. Mental health has come into greater awareness worldwide. This book can allow people to have a better understanding of how people feel with mental health struggles in a relationship.

• 

  Always Only You

  Chloe Liese

  Always Only You includes two disabilities — autism and rheumatoid arthritis — when most stories do not even include one. This story shows that no matter the disability, it is possible to find love, putting light on the topics of these disabilities and finding love.

• 

  An Amish Proposal for Christmas

  Chase Mischler

  An Amish Proposal for Christmas follows Becca Yoder, a 24-year-old woman who has spent her entire life working at her family’s small Amish market in northern Indiana. Though she longs to explore the world beyond her community, she knows she can’t leave until she finds someone suitable to take over her responsibilities at the market. Becca is tasked with training Gideon Fisher from Texas on how to run the market. However, Gideon is homesick, and Becca must help him discover what makes her hometown special. The novel highlights themes of new opportunities, the meaning of home, and traditions as both Becca and Gideon navigate what their futures might hold.

• 

  Archer's Voice

  Mia Sheridan

  The main character, Bree, moves to get away from the trauma she experienced with her father after a brutal crime. She finds herself in a small town, developing feelings for a man with a childhood tragedy that left him mute and emotionally scarred. However, Bree finds out that she can understand him, and they both see something in each other that lets them both begin to heal. However, they both struggle with feelings for each other because of fears of abandonment and never being able to trust someone again.

  This is a good addition to the collection because it may prompt readers to reflect on the way that they treat others and how they want others to treat them. This book makes people feel good because the love seems so pure. Most readers get attached to the characters and appreciate that there is a diverse cast. The story is moving and shows a strong impression of the disability.

• 

  Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

  Benjamin Alire Saenz

  This book is a must-have for any college student's bookshelf. Its exploration of identity, friendship, and love speaks to the heart of the young adult experience, making it a valuable addition to any collection, especially for its celebration of diversity.

• 

  Ash

  Malinda Lo

  Ash is a sapphic retelling of the fairy tale Cinderella. This novel is a perfect addition to the Popular Romance Collection because it is a wholesome, gentle transition into the sapphic romance genre. This book is significant because it is frequently banned or challenged.

• 

  A Thousand Boy Kisses

  Tillie Cole

  A Thousand Boy Kisses is about the journey of Poppy Litchfield and Rune Kristiansen. Rune was the Norwegian next-door neighbor to Poppy, and the two became inseparable. When Poppy’s grandma gives Poppy the challenge of getting 1,000 boy kisses, Rune is determined to help with every last one. The reader watches these two fall into love and hit all the bumps in the road. As the story grows, the reader can’t help but to be captivated by the characters and the plot that takes place within the pages. The book explores the themes of enduring young love, life, death, grief, and cherishing each moment.

• 

  Bet Me

  Jennifer Crusie

  Jennifer Crusie is an important author to include in any collection because of the quality of her novels as well as her scholarship: She was working on her PhD when she decided to become a romance author. Her high-quality books reflect her deep understanding of romance.

• 

  Better Than the Movies

  Lynn Painter

  Better Than the Movies is a story of Liz Buxbaum, who is a romance movie lover and believes the perfect guy will sweep her off her feet. When her childhood crush, Michael, moves back to town during her senior year, Liz is set to win his affection. She reluctantly teams up with Wes Bennett, the annoying boy next door, with the plan that Wes will help her attract Michael using rom-com strategies in exchange for her help with his own love life. As Liz and Wes navigate their pact, Liz discovers that real love isn’t about the perfect story line, but about the genuine, unexpected connection she develops with Wes. The story is a heartfelt journey about letting go of fantasy and embracing the imperfect reality of true love, rather than following a script.

• 

  Betting on the House

  Cassandra Medcalf

  This book breaks the chains of stereotypes of women in business. The book allows readers to see a successful woman in business and the struggles that come with it. It challenges the stereotypes and helps the character find who she is.

• 

  Binding 13

  Chloe Walsh

  This story features Johnny Kavanagh, a talented but troubled rugby star, and Shannon Lynch, a shy, academically driven girl trying to survive a toxic home life. When Shannon transfers to Johnny’s elite school, their worlds collide, forcing them to confront family trauma, social pressure, and their growing, complicated connection. As their relationship deepens, both must navigate secrets, loyalty, and the expectations placed on them, discovering that healing and love can come from the most unexpected places.

• 

  Boyfriend Material

  Alexis Hall

  Boyfriend Material uses one of the standard romance tropes – “pretend relationships.” In this romantic comedy, the fake relationship is between Luc, who is reluctant to participate in the charade, and Oliver, a serious lawyer. Of course, their relationship eventually becomes real as they navigate love and self-acceptance. Chosen for its humor, relatable characters, and heartfelt themes, it's a great addition to any library collection.

• 

  Brazen and the Beast

  Sarah MacLean

  This book exemplifies the topics of female empowerment and independence. It portrays a successful woman focused on her career and growing her business. She finds love, but not at the cost of her passions. This book challenges stereotypes of gender roles and shows that females can focus on their careers and relationships.

• 

  Breaker

  AK Nevermore

  In a dystopian reality, "talents," or those with genetic mutations, are at war with those with pure genetics. A man named Flynn, who exiles himself from the conflict because of his past, is forced to confront his past again as he meets a talent named Kara who must escape from those trying to capture her. A romance is born during their journey, even though they continue to face problems. This book is a good representation of mental health issues from past trauma. We chose this book because it does a great job at connecting traumatic past experiences and how they relate to mental health with the sci-fi and paranormal background that effectively fits the desired topic. Connections can be drawn from these two ideas to adequately fit the desired theme.

• 

  Can't Escape Love

  Alyssa Cole

  Can't Escape Love, by Alyssa Cole, is about a nerdy romance that blossoms from an unexpected encounter at a coffee shop. The novel's portrayal of love from the points of view of a person in a wheelchair and an able-bodied person was refreshing and a nice touch of diversity you do not usually see. This book does not just include a disabled character; it challenges assumptions about disability that are not true. If you want a fun, contemporary romance that challenges your perspective of disabilities in romance, this one's for you.

• 

  Change of Plans

  Dylan Newton

  This book features a woman, Bryce Weatherford, who is given custody of her three young nieces. She then meets a retired marine, Ryker Matthews, who lost his leg in service and continues to deal with the pain. They both meet at the perfect time and help each other with their problems. We see how no matter what the obstacle may be, having someone by your side who will always be there is so important.

  Change of Plans is a great addition to the Popular Romance Collection because it follows two people who both have challenges to work through. It shows the reality of people who have bumps in the road that need to be handled before love. The book gives a good sense of comfort and reality to show others it is OK to have stressful obstacles. This book also shows how important it is to have a support system. Having people who believe in you and will always be there allows you to reach your full potential.

• 

  Cinderella Is Dead

  Kalynn Bayron

  Two teenagers named Sophia and Constance develop a relationship and fall in love. They wanted to fight for their love because everyone gets matched with their future husband at the ball. The main goal of this novel is to take down the patriarchy. Cinderella is Dead represents many groups such as people of color and the LGBTQ+ community and emphasizes the problems in their society, which mirror many of the problems we have today.

• 

  Click. Date. Repeat.

  KJ Farnham

  This book highlights finding love online — not in 2024, but 21 years earlier in 2003. It focuses on the start of the Internet dating scene, and it finds someone who has gone through many unsuccessful dates and is willing to try something new on their parents' computer. Will this new approach work or end in an even longer unsuccessful dating cycle?

  We chose this book because instead of highlighting more modern online romances it goes back to 2003, when the Internet was on the rise, and provides insight into this experience. It will add a new perspective to online dating as it focuses on the start of it and the struggle that comes with it.

• 

  Crazy Rich Asians

  Kevin Kwan

  Crazy Rich Asians is about Rachel and Nick, who are dating. Rachel isn't the wealthiest person in the world; however, she quickly discovers that Nick is a part of one of the richest families in Asia. Nick's family has a very hard time accepting Rachel, as she doesn't come from money. This book has twists and turns that make it incredibly fun to read. Crazy Rich Asians tells the reader that it doesn't matter how much you have, but rather how much you love others.

• 

  Crocodile on the Sandbank

  Elizabeth Peters

  Crocodile on the Sandbank is the first book in the Amelia Peabody series. Published in 1975, it introduces a Amelia, a suffragist and Egyptologist protagonist living in the Victorian era. For Amelia and future generations, romance is only a part of the story; intelligence and character are just as attractive as physical attributes. Clearly, author Elizabeth Peters, who herself earned a doctorate in Egyptology at the University of Chicago, believed female protagonists didn't need to be waiting for rescue.

• 

  Dark Lover

  J. R. Ward

  J.R. Ward launched her long-running Black Dagger Brotherhood series with the publication of Dark Lover in 2005. This paranormal romance series, which mixes romance with intricate world-building, became a decades-long phenomenon with over two dozen books and novellas to date and more on the horizon.

• 

  Den of Vipers

  K.A. Knight

  This dark romance was one of the first books to be promoted on BookTok. BookTok greatly influences book sales and what is placed on the bestseller lists, and it should be represented in the collection because it shows the impact of social media in the self-publishing arena. Plus, it’s OK to like sexy books!

• 

  Destiny's Embrace

  Beverly Jenkins

  This is the first book in the Destiny series by Beverly Jenkins, one of the most popular and prolific writers of Black historical romance. Her books are often set in the American West in the 19th century, a time frame that is often overlooked in Black romance. Jenkins has won multiple awards and is an important voice in the popular romance world.

• 

  Divergent

  Veronica Roth

  Divergent is about two main characters who are different from the rest of their world. The leaders in their world hate them for their abilities and try to kill them multiple times. Tris and Four battle their leaders and try to show them that they are not dangerous, but in fact incredibly important. Tris and Four end up falling in love. This book explores characters who are different from everyone else but how being different is not bad.

• 

  Divergent (Divergent, #1)

  Veronica Roth

  In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions — Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). One day every year, 16-year-olds choose which faction to be a part of, and Beatrice makes a surprising choice. Beatrice renames herself Tris during the extreme physical tests of endurance and psychological simulations. Tris is hiding a secret though, and she discovers conflict that disrupts her almost perfect society.

  We chose this book because there is a popular movie based on this book, so we think it could capture some people’s attention to read it. Also, it can add to the collection by being a sci-fi book.

• 

  Double Love (Sweet Valley High #1)

  Francine Pascal

  This is a terrible book. It’s not well-written; it’s trite; and the characters are two dimensional. Love and happiness seem limited to blond, perky, thin, able-bodied girls. However, I loved these books, and they were the first YA romances I read; the series has well over 100 books and multiple spinoff series. For so many young girls in the 1980s, these books were the ideal depiction of high school romance and drama; even Roxanne Gay mentioned Sweet Valley High’s influence in her book Bad Feminist. This book is important to consider when we look at the evolution of young adult romance, and it makes us appreciate current, more inclusive novels. Notably, most of these books are ghostwritten, a common occurence in romance series.

• 

  Ever After Always

  Chloe Liese

  This novel explores the inner workings of anxiety’s hand in a marriage. Ever After Always encapsulates representation and inclusivity in romance novels by showing a couple already married having real-world difficulties in their relationship, such as deciding on having children, navigating financial issues, and ultimately deciding if a relationship is worth saving. After reading this novel, you see a realistic depiction of marriage and learn more about how a partner’s mental health is just as important as their physical health.

• 

  Every Day

  David Levithan

  This book is about a man who lives many different lives each day. However, he is in love with the same woman every single day. The story follows how he navigates the difficulties in pursuing a relationship with her, which is a struggle.

  We chose this book because it seemed like an interesting story with the changing identity of the character. This novel is also a type of novel where we couldn’t imagine living a life like the man in the book.

• 

  Every Summer After

  Carley Fortune

  Every Summer After is about a girl returning to the lake town where she spent many childhood summers. Persephone Fraser, the main character, reunites with a boy who was once her best friend and first love before a painful mistake tore them apart. The story reveals how their bond grew over six summers, only to go down in a moment. As they confront the pain that lingers, they discover whether forgiveness and love can outlast all the years of not speaking to one another.

• 

  Everything, Everything

  Nicola Yoon

  Everything, Everything is an interesting book both entertainment-wise and academic-wise. The story takes an interesting twist on describing the challenges of a disabled, ill individual falling in love with someone she cannot be in close contact with. Academically, toward the end of the book, the reader will discover the true state of her “illness,” which can spark discussions about whether this book properly represents the disability community.

• 

  Fifty Shades of Grey

  E.L. James

  Fifty Shades of Grey is a modern romance that explores the relationship between college student Anastasia Steele and billionaire Christian Grey. Their connection ignites quickly during a tension-filled interview, leading to a passionate and unconventional partnership that raises questions about consent, true love, and emotional maturity. The book offers readers a new look at escapism through sexual tendencies as well as growing personality by exploring different relationship dynamics. Steele, timid at first, becomes more comfortable with Grey’s mystery throughout the book. New boundaries are tested; vulnerability is unveiled; and their intense chemistry might just persuade you to read the entire series.

• 

  Five Feet Apart

  Rachael Lippincott

  Disability romance novels dispel the common perception of living with a disability as tragic, and Five Feet Apart is a good example of this. Stella Grant takes us through her life and how she lives while trying to find love. This book illustrates that romance is not limited by disabilities.

• 

  Flowers from the Storm

  Laura Kinsale

  The book focuses on Christian Langland, who suffers from a stroke that causes him to lose the ability to speak. He is taken care of by Maddy Timms, a kind Quaker woman. Their relationship becomes romantic. It is a story of a woman learning to be a strong leader while gaining confidence and personal autonomy. It was marketed simply as a woman caring for a man, but in reality, the story had many important themes.

• 

  Fourth Wing

  Rebecca Yarros

  Fourth Wing tells the story of Violet Sorrengail, whose military general mother has forced her to enroll in a school that trains students to be elite dragon riders. There she meets Xaden Riorson, who has reason to loathe her. We chose this book because it is a captivating novel about enemies to lovers that has the thrill of a fantasy.

• 

  Gentle Rogue

  Johanna Lindsey

  Gentle Rogue, written in 1990, is the third in Johanna Lindsey’s 12-book series about the Malory-Anderson family. This novel serves as an early example of a series set within one family unit that immerses the reader within a cast of beloved, interconnected characters for a long run of romance books. It also demonstrates the way feminism affected the romance genre in the last part of the 20th century; the story’s heroine, Georgina, masquerades as a cabin boy to board a ship for America and take her fortune into her own hands.

• 

  Get a Life, Chloe Brown

  Talia Hibbert

  Get a Life, Chloe Brown follows Chloe Brown, who spent most of her time at home due to her fibromyalgia, an illness that causes wide-body pain and fatigue. After a near-death experience, she decided to make a list to become more independent and rebellious. To help her do this, she seeks the help of her landlord.

  The author of this book was a diverse romance writer who got started from self-publishing and social media. This book in particular follows a Black woman with a chronic illness, making it unique in the romance world.

• 

  Give Me a Sign

  Anna Sortino

  Lilah, a hard-of-hearing, near-deaf teen spends the summer working as a counselor at Gray Wolf, a camp for deaf and hard-of-hearing kids. She hopes to connect more deeply with the Deaf community and figure out where she belongs. In doing so, Lilah finds herself navigating new friendships, a budding romance with charming fellow counselor Isaac, and the challenges of self-advocacy. As she helps her campers embrace their identities, she begins to understand her own, learning that community, communication, and self-acceptance are all part of finding her place in the world.

• 

  Hacked

  Lucy Lennox and May Archer

  Enter the thrilling world of Hacked, where cybersecurity meets heart-pounding romance. Join Jesse and Ian on a journey of danger and desire as they navigate the treacherous waters of cybercrime and love. Let their story inspire you to embrace the power of trust and passion in the face of adversity.

  We chose this book because this novel presents a contemporary take on romance and how dating apps play a significant role in the characters' lives. This novel dives into the complexities of online dating and how relationships may tend to develop through a screen, yet it also reminds us that behind every profile is a person with their own vulnerabilities, desires, and secrets waiting to be discovered in the real world.

• 

  Happiness for Beginners

  Katherine Center

  Author Katherine Center explores where the human desire for self-reinvention meets our sometimes weird cultural obsession with wilderness survival skills. The protagonist, who has never shown an inclination to outdoorsy pursuits in the past, believes conquering a three-week survival course will prove that her post-divorce self is more capable than ever. Along the way, Center examines the protagonist and her fellow campers, difficulties and disabilities and all, to question just what being "capable" and "a survivor" means.

• 

  Hell Followed With Us

  Andrew Joseph Waite

  This book is a wild dystopian novel about a plague unleashed on Earth by a fundamentalist sect dedicated to bringing about Armageddon. Full of LGBTQ+ characters, it is very inclusive; it’s also a compelling story with a likable main character. This one isn’t for people with weak stomachs; there is a lot of body horror interspersed with romance. It’s unique and awful and beautiful.

• 

  Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute

  Talia Hibbert

  Bradley Graeme is a football player who has obsessive-compulsive disorder but manages to do well in all of his classes — except the ones with his ex-best friend, Celine. Celine Bangura’s social media followers love her opinions on everything, but she’s still not cool enough to sit with the popular kids. In her mind, this is why Brad no longer sits with her. But when they both end up signing up for a survival course, they are forced to work together to win the grand prize. This book immerses readers into a different culture through its British lens. Additionally, it portrays several coping mechanisms that a person can use if they have OCD.

• 

  Home for Christmas

  Camilla Isley

  This cheerful Christmas romantic comedy is about two people forced together by a mistake. Riven Clark, a writer who wants a quiet, working holiday in a remote cabin, has his plans ruined when his whole family shows up. To make things worse, a second family, the Nicholses, also arrives, having double-booked the cabin. Riven is stuck sharing a room and a bunk bed with Wendy Nichols, a lively playwright. They start as enemies, constantly bickering and playing jokes on each other because they are complete opposites. However, the forced closeness during the chaotic holiday eventually makes them realize they have a spark. The story follows them as they fall in love amid the Christmas mess, proving that even a disastrous holiday can bring two people together.

• 

  Ice Planet Barbarians

  Ruby Dixon

  Ice Planet Barbarians is the first novel of a series, and it has roots in our topic of sci-fi disability romance. After a spaceship crash landing begins the story, humans interact with humanoid-like creatures on a faraway planet. With an interesting plot line and buildup of a romantic relationship between two unlikely partners, Ice Planet Barbarians would be a great read to include in the growing popular romance collection due to its roots in science fiction romance.

• 

  If He Had Been With Me

  Laura Nowlin

  If He Had Been With Me is about a boy named Finny and a girl named Autumn, who were best friends when they were younger. As time passed, they grew apart from one another and formed different lives without the other in them. While they are in high school, they begin to rekindle the bond they once had with each other, but now in a romantic way. One night, something tragic happens. This book delves into the themes of childhood friendship, high school relationships, tragedy, and grief.

• 

  It Ends with Us

  Colleen Hoover

  It Ends with Us shows a brutal depiction of the long-lasting effects of child abuse and how that bleeds into relationships we might make years into the future. This books shows the complexity of love and abuse and is a great testament to problems with child abuse in our current society.

• 

  Kate in Waiting

  Becky Albertalli

  Kate in Waiting is a unique story of two best friends who become involved in a complicated love triangle. As a contemporary romance, it has elements of LGBTQ+ representation, friendship, and the hardships of high school. Kate in Waiting adds a unique plotline to the collection, along with the indescribable feeling of adolescent romance that is captured beautifully in this novel.

• 

  Knot My Type

  Evie Mitchell

  Knot my Type follows Frankie, who is a very bold sexologist who defies all stereotypes with her wheelchair and very vibrant pink hair. She finds herself needing advice on her accessible rope play. Jay, a charming man and carpenter, is anything but a one-woman man. As Frankie navigates her way and her unexpected chemistry with Jay, she is drawn to a thrilling dance of passion and self discovery, challenging her opinions about love and commitment. The novel has themes of disability, accessibility, empowerment, and body positivity. By using these themes, it shows readers how people with disabilities handle love and passion in the real world.

• 

  London, Love, and a Little Something Irish

  Nataly Jennings

  London, Love, and a Little Something Irish is based on the author's true story of romance and trusting in God’s timing. In the beginning, Nataly is in a relationship with Joel, who is safe and stable but doesn’t quite give Nataly the passionate, head-over-heels love. Eventually, she meets Nathan, a man full of mystery and adventure, with whom Nataly immediately feels a spark. She is torn between her comfortable relationship with Joel and risking everything for the once-in-a-lifetime love with Nathan. The story is a clean Christian romance set against the beautiful scenery of London and the wild countryside of Ireland, containing themes of following your heart and trusting in God’s plan.

• 

  Love and Other Disasters

  Anita Kelly

  Love & Other Disasters explores the “enemies-to-lovers” trope in romance, and it will leave you starving for more by the end. The story follows London, a quiet nonbinary person who loves making desserts, and their inevitable falling for Delilah, their competitor on a cooking show. This novel explores themes of desire, competition, and loyalty while also educating the audience on nonbinary and queer experiences without making it center stage.

• 

  Love at First Sighting

  Mallory Marlowe

  Love at First Sighting follows two strangers whose unexpected encounter sparks an immediate and undeniable connection, pushing them to navigate the excitement and uncertainty of sudden attraction while confronting past fears and personal expectations. As their bond deepens, they learn how vulnerability and trust shape the way love grows. Blending contemporary romance with emotional warmth, the story explores themes of timing, openness, and the courage to embrace unexpected beginnings, representing a modern romantic tale about how meaningful connection can emerge in the most surprising moments.

• 

  Love from A to Z

  S. K. Ali

  Love from A to Z is about two characters named Adam and Zyneb, Muslim teens who met in Qatar. They bond over shared experiences of love, faith, and discrimination. Adam and Zyneb write journal entries that help them find strength over their struggles and connect. The book focuses on racism and identity in a story of love and friendship.

• 

  Love Letters for Joy

  Melissa See

  Joy wants to be the first disabled valedictorian at Caldwell Prep, and her only competition is Nathaniel, her academic rival. Everyone starts to pair up, and Joy wonders if she is missing out. Joy is asexual, but that isn’t a reason for her not to have a first love. She gets in touch with Caldwell Cupid and finds herself liking the person behind the letters. This book shows that having a disability doesn’t prevent experiencing the same things as everyone else, and it illustrates that sexuality doesn’t define a person.

• 

  Love Me Tinder

  Nicola May

  Throughout the past 12 years of her life, Cali Summers has been living a good life with her boyfriend, whom she married. However, after a year of marriage, he decided to give up on her for his trainer. This leaves Cali to settle with online dating, something she is unfamiliar with. Will she continue to deal with her broken relationship or decide to move on with something out of her comfort zone?

  We chose this book because the plot gives a complete look at online dating. It shows a character who has had a traditional relationship for a little over a decade but has to learn how to use online dating apps. Throughout this unique book, readers see the confusion that can go into using these apps and how they connect with romance.

• 

  Madelon

  Valentina Luellen

  Madelon is a historical romance set in medieval Spain. The main character, Madelon del Rivas y Montevides, was desired by many men; however, she falls in love with Valentin Maratin, who rescued her from being sold into slavery. However, Madelon comes to find out that Valentin is the mortal enemy of her brother. She is stuck between loyalty to her family and choosing to be with the love of her life. This book was chosen because it is a historical romance marketed as a woman being saved by a strong hero, but in reality, the heroine is the strong one. It is a great representation of the romance novels that were written during the mid-20th century.

• 

  Me Before You

  Jojo Moyes

  This book follows the story of Louisa Clark, a typical girl with a typical life. She has a boyfriend and a close family in a small town. That all changes when Louisa needs a job. The job she finds is working for Will Traynor, Master of the Universe. Will uses a wheelchair after an accident and is unsure what to do with his life since he was very active before the accident. Louisa and Will are stuck with each other, and she finds out that he has an alternative plan for his life. She is on a mission to show him that life is still worth living.

  Me Before You is a great addition to the Popular Romance Collection because it shows the reality of coping with devastating news. It shows the reality of how some characters may handle grief. Both characters, who are complete opposites, try to help each other find what is missing in their lives. This book is known for the controversy around the ending, especially among disability advocates. This is important to add because the ending may not be a traditional romance “happily ever after.”

  Note: This book belongs to the "Is it a romance?" section. It's up to the reader to decide!

• 

  Not Here to Be Liked

  Michelle Quach

  Not Here to Be Liked tells the story of a high school girl named Eliza, who, after years of hard work, is finally ready to take her position as editor-in-chief of her high school newspaper. But when her last-minute opponent, a totally unqualified ex-jock, is given the position, Eliza pours her anger into an essay. She claims the situation is a classic example of sexism, cheating women out of well-deserved leadership roles. As Eliza becomes the face of a feminist movement, she must grapple with the misogyny faced by women who do not conform to societal expectations, all while falling in love with the boy who started it all.

• 

  November 9

  Colleen Hoover

  November 9, by Colleen Hoover, follows Fallon, an aspiring actress, and Ben, an ambitious writer, who meet by chance on November 9—Fallon’s last day in Los Angeles before moving across the country. Drawn to each other, they agree to meet only once a year on the same date, with no contact in between, allowing their lives to unfold independently while their connection deepens over time. As the years pass, Fallon learns that Ben’s intentions may be tied to a past tragedy involving her, forcing both of them to confront painful truths. The story explores healing, forgiveness, and the blurred lines between love and destiny.

• 

  One Last Stop

  Casey McQuiston

  One Last Stop, by Casey McQuiston, is a heartfelt queer rom-com that blends romance, mystery, and a touch of magical realism as it follows August, a guarded newcomer to New York City, whose life is transformed when she meets Jane, an effortlessly cool lesbian who also happens to be displaced in time. Through found family, late night diners, and the electric city, McQuiston crafted a story about love that defines logic and the courage it takes to open your heart. As August works to uncover Jane’s past and bring her home, she discovers her own place in the world. This novel is a joyful read that discovers the connection and magic between the two characters.

• 

  One True Loves

  Taylor Jenkins Reid

  One True Loves focuses on Emma, a woman whose life is split in two by an impossible choice. After her husband, Jesse, goes missing in a helicopter crash on their anniversary, Emma is devastated but rebuilds her life and a new relationship. Emma finds comfort in Sam, and he proposes to her, but everything changes when Jesse is found alive years later. Emma becomes stuck between the love she thought she lost and the love that brought her comfort. She must make a decision. This book is a twist of events always keeping you curious as it explores grief, self-discovery, and the complexity of choosing between two great loves.

• 

  Only When It's Us

  Chloe Liese

  This book features an enemies-to-lovers trope. Willa, a star soccer player, hates Ryder, a quiet, burly deaf man, for unknown reasons. When they are paired together for a group project, they quickly become friendly through competitive pranks and practical jokes and then eventually fall for each other. This book is important to include in the collection as it is relatable to young adults but features a protagonist with a disability.

• 

  On Rotation

  Shirlene Obuobi

  On Rotation gives readers a twist that challenges a popular culture stereotype. Through reading this book, you will learn how the protagonist, an immigrant medical student, does not follow the typical beliefs of how she should act. After reading this book, a reader may have a new perspective on immigrant stereotypes and realize the uniqueness of each person in the world.

• 

  Phantom Waltz

  Catherine Anderson

  Phantom Waltz tells the story of Ryan Kendrick, a wealthy rancher, and Bethany Coulter, a champion barrel racer who became paraplegic after a rodeo incident. Ryan is instantly drawn to Bethany’s strength and independence but must win her trust after she closed her heart off from romance after the accident. The novel incorporates themes of disability, resilience, and acceptance into heartfelt romance. By highlighting accessibility and autonomy, this novel offers acceptance into heartfelt romance. By highlighting accessibility and autonomy, this novel offers readers a deeper understanding of how disabilities can shape romantic relationships.

• 

  Planet Zero

  Lydia Hope

  Planet Zero is a romance novel that features sci-fi elements while also shining a light on disability representation. The book examines trust between a wild nomad, Zoark, who suffers from postwar injuries, and Addie, who arrives on the primitive planet after a spaceship crash. Planet Zero would be of great value to add to the popular romance collection and be an intriguing option for readers.

• 

  Playing with Matches

  Hannah Orenstein

  Sasha wants to be a writer but ends up taking a job as a matchmaker for New York’s elite. While her matchmaking skills work for others, her own relationship implodes when her boyfriend, Jonathan, cheats on her. Can she find her own perfect match with one of her clients?

  We chose this book because it represents online dating sites in modern romance novels. This book gives an interesting perspective on dating in the modern world with a fun and engaging storyline. This is a great book to read if you're interested in how dating apps function in modern relationships.

• 

  Population

  Elizabeth Stephens

  Abel lives in a post-apocalyptic world with bloodthirsty aliens and violent human scavengers. The last of her family is taken, and she is prepared to fight to get them back. When she loots a dying alien and then puts him in a secret place to allow him to die in peace, she doesn’t expect him to come back from the dead and save her. This will add to the collection because it contains an atypical pairing of a strong, independent heroine and an alien alpha as well, adding more diverse characters.

• 

  Pride and Prejudice

  Jane Austen

  Pride and Prejudice is a classic enemies-to-lovers story following the heroine Elizabeth Bennet and her family in Regency England. We chose this book because it has been a widely popular book since its publication and continues to be a beloved romance choice, inspiring multiple retellings and adaptations as well as the popular romance genre in general.

• 

  Red Queen

  Victoria Aveyard

  Envelop yourself in the complexities and twists and turns shown in this tale of betrayal, power, and resistance. Red Queen offers an intriguing plot, full of surprises; you won’t be able to put this book down. Red Queen belongs in the romance collection because it contains elements of teen rebellion, love triangles, and representation of the disabled.

• 

  Red, White and Royal Blue

  Casey McQuiston

  This novel explores the relationship between two men who are looked on heavily by society — a British prince and the son of the president of the United States. This novel is an example of what it is like to navigate a romantic relationship in public society and how opinions of family and society impact a relationship. This novel is a great addition to this collection because of its inclusivity of romantic relationships. The novel allows for other mainstream novels that include LGBTQ+ elements within the romance genre.

• 

  Remember Me Tomorrow

  Farah Heron

  Mystery, romance, and time warps—this book has it all. Aleeza Kassam, a freshman in college, moves into the East House, the oldest dorm on campus, where Jay Hoque, the mysterious student who disappeared months ago, used to live. When Aleeza starts receiving texts from Jay, who is living in a timeline five months behind, she realizes he has to tell Jay what happens to him. They begin down a journey of discovering what happened in Aleeza’s timeline in order to save Jay in his, while also slowly falling for one another, knowing there could be no future between them.

  Author Farah Heron does an amazing job of taking romance and mystery elements and blending them to create the perfect YA story. This book allows people who typically enjoy mystery novels to discover romance as well, bringing more to the readers to the genre.

• 

  Reminders of Him

  Colleen Hoover

  Reminders of Him, by Colleen Hoover, is about Kenna, recently released from prison for a tragic drunken driving accident that kills her boyfriend. The town she returns to still blames her, making it difficult for her to reunite with her daughter, who was born in prison and is being raised by Kenna's late boyfriend's parents. The only person willing to hear her story is Ledger, a local bar owner, who has helped raise Kenna’s daughter. This novel explores Kenna and Ledger's relationship and emotional journeys. They endure highs and lows together and experience struggles. This novel contains strong themes of forgiveness, guilt, and second chances.

• 

  Serving Pleasure

  Alisha Rai

  Romance books do not often make best-seller reading lists because they are often thought of as “less than” compared to other genres. The fact that this book made The Washington Post’s Best of the Year list is significant in itself, but more significant is the fact that this book was the first self-published book to make the list.

• 

  Shanna

  Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

  Shanna was the first official adult romance novel I read. I found it under my mom’s bed on a summer day when I was 12, and I was hooked. Woodiwiss was one of the most popular romance authors in the 1970s and '80s, but rereading her novels is difficult. Coercion, rape, and forced marriage are all themes in her stories, and looking at them through a 2023 lens is very problematic. I included this book to contextualize the evolution of the romance novel and show how far the genre has come with its depiction of women and gender roles. Dedicated to my mom, Sue Krisko.

• 

  She Gets the Girl

  Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick

  Alex Blackwood is an undeniably courageous flirt. Molly Parker is a socially awkward compassionate soul. The duo strikes a deal that helps Molly explore her flirtatious nature and helps Alex prove to her ex that she is not self-centered. The question is: Do Molly and Alex want other people or each other? Author Alyson Derrick, a No. 1 New York Times best-selling author, depicts a beautiful dichotomy between wants and needs in romance.

• 

  Sick Kids in Love

  Hannah Moskowitz

  Sick Kids in Love is an engaging book because it touches on issues that most books do not: romance of characters with disabilities. It shows that there are many good books for young adults and those with disabilities.

• 

  Silent Melody

  Mary Balogh

  Silent Melody is about Emily Marlowe, who is unable to hear or speak. This book goes through Emily’s life as she dreams about falling in love with the reckless Lord Ashley, who left for India and found a different love. “Seven years and countless dreams later, he returned to her, and love was born with a dance, a minute that stirred her soul, a song so passionate it has no words.”

  This book depicts an nontraditional kind of love. It teaches others that they can find love or love someone in any way they want, and love is different for everyone. Another reason we chose this book is that it is not often that you hear about the main character being completely deaf.

• 

  Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

  Becky Albertalli

  Simon is a normal 16-year-old with a big secret. He is gay, and no one at his high school knows. When a private email about his crush is accidentally sent to the wrong person, Simon is blackmailed into helping classmate Martin save his own reputation. As Simon continues secretly emailing with the mysterious “Blue,” he begins to fall for the boy he has never met before. Balancing friendships, lies, and first love, Simon must find the courage to be honest about who he is before everything unravels. As more pressure builds, Simon realizes that staying silent may cost him the relationships that matter the most.

• 

  Something More

  Jackie Khalilieh

  Something More, by Jackie Khalilieh, follows a Palestinian-Canadian girl, Jessie, who was diagnosed with autism right before starting her freshman year of high school. This book can give readers a different perspective of what it is like to go through school and social interactions with a disability. Able-bodied readers are able to reflect and grow their knowledge of how people with disabilities navigate their daily lives, all while enjoying a heartfelt love story.

• 

  Space Raptor Butt Invasion

  Chuck Tingle

  This book is a bit of a doozy. While no one in their right mind would consider this book a flawless masterpiece, anyone could agree it is unconventional. The book outlines the erotic relationship between a human astronaut and a dinosaur astronaut describing how they have “totally-not-gay” sex. The most notable thing about this book is how it doesn’t live up to the wild expectations that the title conveys, though this might be done on purpose. Chuck Tingle is known to be quite the character, and it wouldn’t be unrealistic for someone like him to write something so outlandish simply for the sake of irony.

  Note: This book is notable because it was nominated for a 2016 Hugo Award, a major honor for science fiction and fantasy. It is a typical “monsterotica” story in a large but mostly unknown and misunderstood romance genre. Also, this book belongs to the "Is it a romance?" section. It's up to the reader to decide!

• 

  Still Beating

  Jennifer Hartmann

  Still Beating follows the stories of Cora and Dean, lifelong enemies connected through the relationship of Dean and Mandy, Cora’s sister. The two are kidnapped and forced to rely on one another to survive the unthinkable. Their trauma brings them together in a way they never expected, separating the lines between hatred and a need for something far deeper. After they escape, Cora and Dean struggle to live their lives navigating the connection they formed in captivity. The novel explores themes of trauma, healing, and love.

• 

  Take a Hint, Dani Brown

  Talia Hibbert

  This is the second book of the Brown Sisters series. It follows Dani Brown, a bisexual woman who only wants to focus on her work and grow her career. A workplace accident leads her into faking a relationship that turns into something more. This book is good for flipping gender roles by having a romantic man and a serious woman as its main characters. It also explores themes of anxiety and vulnerability with others.

• 

  Tara's Song

  Barbara Ferry Johnson

  This is a very important book when talking about marketing in the late “dime novel” era. This book was marketed as an unassuming religious woman falling for a strong Viking warrior, but in reality, she is a strong heroine who had romances in the past. This description was left out on purpose to convince the predominantly male business owners to sell them in their stores. This was a common tactic with romance novels in the mid-20th century.

• 

  Temptation

  Charlotte Lamb

  Published in the 1970s, this book was ahead of its time. The heroine is a strong woman who uses her wits and brains to get revenge on a man who took advantage of her. While it might not live up to the feminist standards of today, it was progressive for its era. It can help the reader understand more about the feminist movement during its second wave.

• 

  That Time I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf

  Kimberly Lemming

  Kimberly Lemming uses a fun, lighthearted style to show how one bad decision can turn someone’s life upside down. Brie’s normal routine changes the moment she accidentally throws a love potion at a werewolf named Felix, dragging her into curses, demons, and trouble she never expected. As they deal with everything that follows, Brie starts to understand Felix’s situation, and their bond becomes real rather than magical. The book fits the fantasy romance subgenre and mixes humor, adventure, and a relationship that grows through trust and choice.

• 

  The Beauty Myth

  Naomi Wolf

  In The Beauty Myth, Naomi Wolf establishes a strong feminist argument against romance and delves into the idea of "the beauty myth," which is a list of stereotypes and rules that women are expected to adhere to in order to be considered beautiful. This piece is an inspiring feminist writing that makes cases for many gender stereotypes.

• 

  The Boyfriend Project

  Farrah Rochon

  This book has been chosen for its representation of African American characters in romance. While the book never loses its romance focus, it stays on the track of being an outstanding representation of multicultural romance.

• 

  The Boy Next Door

  Annabel Costa

  The Boy Next Door tells the story of two best friends-turned-lovers. Jason and Tasha had been childhood friends, and they remained so for many years. Jason was the nerd, while Tasha was the hot and clueless teenager. However, Tasha has always been able to count on Jason. When the time for college comes, these friends go their separate ways, then reconnect later in New York. Now, Tasha finds herself single at 32 with a desire to settle down but incapable of finding the right person. She had never considered anything romantic could happen between herself and Jason, having retired him in the friend zone and seeing him as a brother. It takes Jason to declare his love for her to jump-start the love story.

  This book was chosen for the collection because of how it represents disability, and it delivered. Jason is paraplegic, but the author handles this subject well. The hero is portrayed as smart, sexy, and adorable, dealing with his disability with humor and grace. Also, the author tastefully deals with his disability. This book was so much fun because of Tasha’s humorous narration. She also grows so much as a character from a shallow and reckless teen to an intelligent and likable person.

• 

  The Bride Test

  Helen Hoang

  The Bride Test is a heartwarming romance story that follows a character who struggles with romantic relationships because of autism. The diversity in this book can give readers a new perspective on those who are on the spectrum and struggle with real-world relationship problems. The novel also helps readers on the spectrum relate to the main character instead of commonly feeling excluded from the genre.

• 

  The Chai Factor

  Farah Heron

  The Chai Factor is Farah Heron’s debut novel. It features a Muslim heroine and white hero. Her story is a mix of laughter, love, and the challenges of race and cultural shifts in the modern world. It celebrates romance, Muslim culture, and how, despite differences, love can be found anywhere — even in your family’s home with a man in a barbershop quartet.

• 

  The Charm Offensive

  Alison Cochrun

  Experience the charm and challenges of love by joining Dev and Charlie on an emotional journey of love and self-discovery in The Charm Offensive. This beautiful romance follows them as they navigate the highs and lows of reality TV while discovering an unexpected yet genuine connection and offering a take on love and mental health. This unforgettable read will touch your heart and make you feel all the feels. This novel can really contribute diversity to the romance collection. This novel contains LGBTQ+ love representation, personal growth, and self-acceptance. These all need to be seen more in the genre.

• 

  The Code for Love and Heartbreak

  Jillian Cantor

  The Code for Love and Heartbreak is a retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma, following the life of modern Emma, a high school student. Emma is the co-president of her high school coding club and develops a matchmaking algorithm to help her classmates fall in love. This novel represents the often-underrepresented demographic of women in STEM while retaining its unique qualities as a sweet young-adult romance.

• 

  The Dead Romantics

  Ashley Poston

  Different from the basic contemporary novels like Emily Henry's Beach Read, The Dead Romantics uses paranormal elements including ghosts to provide a more interesting plot while keeping with the Beach Read style of writing. Like most contemporary romance novels, it is an easier read that is simple to understand. This novel is fantastic at blending the plot structure of a contemporary romance novel with the slightest hint of paranormal features to attract a larger audience.

  We chose this book because it is different from basic contemporary novels like Beach Read, using concepts like ghosts to give it a little more of an interesting plot but keeping with the Beach Read style of writing. It is also an easier read like some contemporary novels

• 

  The Fault in Our Stars

  John Green

  The Fault in Our Stars offers readers insight into cancer. While reading this book, readers will feel a range of emotions. This novel has great characters who give the reader a new perspective on life, which can be beneficial to young adults. This novel will challenge readers to reflect on their lives, and it will help readers grow. The Fault in Our Stars is a very entertaining book that offers many readers a new perspective.

• 

  The Gloaming

  Kirsty Logan

  Following a family tragedy, the protagonist, Mara, grapples with her emotions and her family's grief. When a "mermaid," Pearl, comes into her life, Mara must decide if she's ready to bring love back into her life again. The Gloaming explores the romantic relationship between Pearl and Mara. The specific dynamic between Pearl and Mara is healthy and realistic, straying from the stereotypes often present in other LGBTQ+ novels.

• 

  The Hating Game

  Sally Thorne

  The Hating Game is about two co-workers, Lucy and Josh, and how they hate each other due to how competitive they are with their jobs. However, their hate quickly turns into attraction as Josh gets jealous when Lucy goes on a date. They eventually decide they like each other and explore an unexpected relationship. This book shows that anyone can fall in love in the most random way and that it's not always what people expect.

• 

  The Hating Game

  Sally Thorne

  This book touches on equal professional ambition among gender and other inequalities. It also challenges common stereotypes concerning gender. As the story unfolds, it also delves into themes of vulnerability, self-discovery, and the power of love to transform individuals.

• 

  The Hellion’s Waltz

  Olivia Waite

  This book is in the Feminine Pursuits trilogy, books that are all historical lesbian romances. Most people assume that historical novels cannot be inclusive because of social conventions of the time; however, there are some wonderful LGBTQ+ historicals that explore gay relationships and how they function in different time frames. This book also sneaks in a polyamorous relationship if the reader is paying attention.

• 

  The Host

  Stephenie Meyer

  The Host is set in the future where Earth is being invaded by aliens. These alien parasites eventually start to take over human souls and erase their personalities. Melanie has been taken over but doesn’t want to give it full access to her mind — and they become unlikely allies, looking for Jared, a man still hiding from the aliens. This novel would be great to add because it is sci-fi, romance, and dystopian fiction.

• 

  The Inmate

  Freida McFadden

  Author Freida McFadden began her career by self-publishing and continues to do so independently. She is a prolific author, having published over 20 well-received books. Self-publishing has become an important part of the romance genre and should be represented in any collection.