Romance novels, while wildly popular, are often “loathed by literary critics” and denounced as formulaic “hackwork” (Crusie). However, popular romance novels cannot be ignored; these books make up the largest market share of genre fiction, earning a total of $1.44 billion in 2022 (Curcic). In spite of this popularity, most university libraries have few romance novels or related nonfiction scholarly and non-scholarly sources about romance novels on their shelves.
At UD, lecturer Amy Krug and her English composition students set out to change that. In the fall of 2023, they collaborated with University Libraries Director of Collections Strategies & Services Tina Beis to curate a list of novels and nonfiction resources about the genre and build a circulating collection. Browse them here and use the links provided to view them in the library catalog.
This project was supported by a grant from the Experiential Learning Innovation Fund. Logo design by Shahd Salem.
Sources:
Crusie, Jenny. “Defeating the Critics: What We Can Do About the Anti-Romance Bias.” JennyCrusie.com. Accessed May 15, 2023.
Curcic, Dimitrije. “Romance Novel Sales Statistics.” Wordsrated.com. October 9, 2022. Accessed May 10, 2023.
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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.
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The Notebook
Nicholas Sparks
The Notebook is a phenomenal story that centers upon the endurance of love and the strength to persevere, no matter the situation. The Notebook is a highly acclaimed romance novel and most certainly deserves to be in the conversation of high-end romance.
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The Selection
Kiera Cass
We chose this book because it is a very easy read and a great introduction to romance novels. Considering it was the first book in the series, it did not take us long to finish and drew us into the story. It’s a sci-fi/fantasy story about fighting over one’s heart, going out of your comfort zone, and befriending strangers. It was a very heartwarming book, and there were a couple of moments that really surprised us.
This book is a great starter book if you are looking to get into romance. There were very few intimate scenes, and the plot was compelling. It made the book easy to read and really kept you wanting to read more. The interactions between the main character and the love interest are heartwarming, but they keep you on the edge of your seat.
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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Taylor Jenkins Reid
This novel goes against stereotypical ideas of women in romantic relationships. The book doesn't just explore Evelyn and her seven husbands; it also explores Evelyn’s character in greater depth, which is why it is such a compelling book to read. Choosing this book to be part of this collection relates to the idea that it is not a stereotypical romantic relationship. Adding it to the collection shows a modern take on love, and others need to be exposed to different kinds of love stories.
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The Song of Achilles
Madeline Miller
This book is a beautiful retelling of Homer’s Iliad from the perspective of Patroclus, Achilles’s childhood best friend-turned-lover. It follows Achilles’s journey as a soldier in the Trojan War while reenvisioning Homer’s depiction of a famous war hero. This novel reveals a sensitive and nurturing side of Achilles, which challenges what we know about masculinity, romance, and love.
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The Upper World
Femi Fadugba
This fast-paced book interweaves the themes of violence, family, time travel, and loss. While incorporating those themes in the story, the book also brings a sense of diversity by having the protagonists portrayed as persons of color; the setting is an area with minorities being the main occupants. This brings a refreshing spin to romance that cultivates the reader's engagement in the story.
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This Is How You Lose the Time War
Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
We chose this book because its complex story makes it unique compared to other romance novels. Although a more challenging read compared to the other books we selected, it rewards the reader with its elaborate use of wordplay. It tells its story through two time-traveling agents' love letters that create a personal connection not found in other novels. This book is worth reading.
This book is great for representing feminism in romance literature. Both of the protagonists in the book are female, and overall the book seamlessly integrates this into the story. This book does a phenomenal job of breaking gender norms; for example, these two protagonists hold a high-ranking position in the war.
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Twilight
Stephenie Meyer
Love it or hate it, any romance collection has to have Twilight. It ushered in a new era of YA paranormal/fantasy romance so loved that its fanfiction even spawned the erotic series 50 Shades of Grey.
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Variant (book one)
T. C. Edge
Paige Adler is going through a lot ever since her father went missing. She has found ways to keep herself busy ever since by working in the shadows of the city. Paige meets a mysterious, handsome variant that draws her in. While with this mysterious guy, Paige discovers a big secret about the enemy that could lead her to answers about her missing father. “And Paige, her powers, and her past might just be the key to the future” (Amazon Review). This book is interesting for some readers because it has an engaging plot. The book also has great ratings from people, mostly female young adults.
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Wed to the Lich
Layla Fae
Virgil is a Lich who is looking for a wife to help save his kind from extinction. May is a human girl who was raised in a foster home where she experienced mental abuse that led to an eating disorder. Virgil and May go to the temple to find someone to marry. Little do they know that they will save each other. We chose this book because it was such a short read that we believe people will like it. Specifically, college students will like it because it is a quick read, and the fact that it is science fiction could attract people to read it.
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Where You See Yourself
Claire Forrest
Where You See Yourself explores the life of a girl in a wheelchair who is transitioning from high school to college life. It is relevant to students attending university and is an eye-opener for any reader who has never faced the challenges that people with disabilities face. This book offers readers with disabilities a place to reflect and relate.
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Written on the Body
Jeanette Winterson
The author does a careful job to conceal the gender of the main character, which leaves the reader to interpret how we perceive gender and love in our lives. She indicates that they have had both male and female lovers before coming across “the most beautiful creature male or female that I have ever seen.” The story follows their transcendent love story through ups and downs that challenge the reader to view love as magical and complex.
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You Had Me at Hola
Alexis Daria
This book was chosen because of its interesting plot and characters. Two simultaneous love stories provide a nice mix to the romance genre along with its characters, who express their emotions in a realistic and adult way. While it does have its romantic moments, it is relatively tame and a good place to start for beginner romance readers.
This book provides value to the collection not only because it is a good book, but also because it provides diversity in the romance genre through its Puerto Rican characters. There are certain areas of the book that are in Spanish, but knowing Spanish is not required because the author provides translation. It also has a strong female character who provides depth and comedy to the story.