The Romance Genre: A Love Affair With Books

Love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate February – the month of love, passion, self-love, and self-care than by diving into the romance genre?

Whether you’re a hopeless romantic, an enemies-to-lovers fanatic, or someone who loves a sprinkle of magic with their love story, there’s a romance novel out there just waiting for you.

I’ve personally not read or listened to many books where romance is the main genre. However, I love it when romance is a side plot in the other genres I read (mainly fantasy and mystery). I am definitely a sucker for a good enemies-to-lovers trope in a fantasy book or a good will-they-won’t-they in a crime book series.

Now, let’s explore six popular types of romance novels and some must-read book recommendations for each! Check out these new January Book Releases!

Fun Facts About the Romance Genre

• Romance is one of the highest-selling genres in the world, making up nearly a quarter of all book sales!
• The first known romance novel, Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded by Samuel Richardson, was published in 1740.
• Romance books often have specific tropes (think fake dating, grumpy x sunshine, second-chance romance, enemies-to-lovers) that readers adore.
• The genre has evolved to include diverse voices, relationships, and experiences, making it more inclusive than ever before.
• Happy endings aren’t always a guarantee—but who doesn’t love a little bit of literary serotonin?

6 Most Popular Romance Genres & Books

1. Romantasy (Romantic Fantasy)

For those who want a little magic with their love, romantasy blends fantasy elements—think mystical creatures, kingdoms, and prophecies—with swoon-worthy romance.

📚 Must-Read Romantasy Books:

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas – A Beauty and the Beast retelling featuring fae, magic, and a slow-burn romance with unexpected twists. (The first book may seem slow but wait until the very end, books 2-4 in the series are worth it!)
2. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros – A high-stakes fantasy romance set in a world of dragon riders, featuring enemies-to-lovers tension and sizzling chemistry.
3. The Serpent & the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent – A deadly competition, a brooding vampire, and a romance that challenges fate itself.

2. YA Romance (Young Adult Romance)

YA romance captures the magic and intensity of first love, often set against the backdrop of coming-of-age experiences, high school drama, and self-discovery.

📚 Must-Read YA Romance Books:

1. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han – A nostalgic summer romance about love, family, and figuring out what (and who) you really want.
2. Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon – Two academic rivals turn reluctant allies over the course of one unforgettable night.
3. Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter – A rom-com inspired love story filled with movie-worthy moments, misunderstandings, and heartwarming romance.

3. New Adult Romance

New Adult romance is for those who want a little more maturity, steam, and real-world dilemmas while still capturing the thrill of romance. It often follows characters in their early 20s navigating love, identity, and independence.

📚 Must-Read New Adult Romance Books:

1. November 9 by Colleen Hoover – A moving story about love, fate, and the impact of timing in relationships.
2. The Deal by Elle Kennedy – A college hockey player and a straight-A student strike a deal that turns into something much more.
3. Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino – A second-chance romance between former college lovers who reconnect years later in NYC.

4. Dark Romance

Dark romance explores morally gray characters, intense relationships, and themes of power, redemption, and obsession—perfect for those who like their love stories a little dangerous. *I’m pretty sure these types sometimes come with a trigger warning so beware

📚 Must-Read Dark Romance Books:

1. Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton – A thriller-meets-romance story about a mysterious stalker and the girl he’s obsessed with.
2. Twisted Love by Ana Huang – A brooding anti-hero, forbidden love, and a story full of angst and intensity.
3. Sparrow by L.J. Shen – A forced marriage, a mafia setting, and a love story wrapped in revenge and redemption.

5. Romantic Comedy (Rom-Com)

For readers who love humor with their love stories, rom-coms are lighthearted, witty, and full of chemistry that’ll make you smile, laugh, and swoon all at once.

📚 Must-Read Romantic Comedy Books:

1. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood – A fake-dating scenario between a PhD student and a grumpy professor that turns into real feelings.
2. Beach Read by Emily Henry – Two rival authors challenge each other to write outside their genres and find love along the way.
3. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren – Enemies forced to take a honeymoon trip together… and, of course, fall in love.

6. Historical Romance

Step back in time and experience love in the Regency era, Victorian period, or even the medieval ages with historical romances that blend passion with a rich, immersive setting.

📚 Must-Read Historical Romance Books:

1. Bridgerton: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn – A high-society romance full of scandal, wit, and undeniable chemistry.
2. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon – A time-travel romance between a WWII nurse and a rugged 18th-century Scottish warrior.
3. The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare – A seamstress and a reclusive duke enter a marriage of convenience that turns into a love for the ages.

Most Popular Audiobooks in the Romance Genre

Final Thoughts on the Romance Genre

Romance is more than just a love story—it’s about human connection, personal growth, and, most importantly, hope. Whether you crave a swoon-worthy fantasy romance, an emotional rollercoaster, or a laugh-out-loud rom-com, there’s a book (or ten) for you. So, this month, why not treat yourself to a little bookish romance self-care? Happy reading!

What’s your favorite romance genre? Drop your recommendations in the comments!