20 ROMANTIC BOOKS THAT ARE SEXY, SMART AND EVERYTHING BUT SAPPY
20 ROMANTIC BOOKS THAT ARE SEXY, SMART AND EVERYTHING BUT SAPPY
When it comes to modern romantic novels, readers are no longer limited to tear jobs, bodice-rippers, and love stories between white, cis-it protagonists. We love to see the growing diversity of this genre, and we love the stories that make it more inclusive.
It is important to know that the publishing industry still has a lot of work to do. According to an independent annual report from Los Angeles-based bookstore The Ripped Bodice, for every 100 books published by leading romance publishers in 2019, fewer than nine books were written by people of color.
We're celebrating the books that allow more readers to see themselves (and their own romantic adventures and mishaps) on their pages and think that any enlightened lover can enjoy their stories.
Featuring both old bestsellers and new books, these 20 romantic novels are definitely worth adding to your personal library.
1. The Overdue Life of Amy Byler' by Amy Byler
An Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestseller surrounds the story of Amy Byler who heads to New York City for a summer to take a much-needed break from her overworked life.
After letting go and taking in all that the city has to offer, she meets a certain man who leaves her thinking about whether to stay or go back to all that she left behind in Pennsylvania.
See Also: Good Read Best Books 2020
2. An American Marriage' by Tayari Jonestopbook
An American Marriage was named a 2018by Amazon New York Timesand NPR(it was even a pick of Oprah's Book Club !), So it's no surprise that our parenthood editor Latifah Miles also lists it as one of her favorite novels.
She says,“An American marriage is full of twists and turns and makes me think about the meaning of true love and how far you are willing to go for the person to whom you have entrusted your life. Where is the line between love and personal happiness? how do we pick up the pieces after everything falls apart?
3. 99 Percent Mine: A Novel 'by Sally Thorne
Darcy and Tom have been friends - only friends - since they were kids. Tom and Darcy's twin brothers are best friends, so their bond has always been platonic. When Darcy inherits a house and Tom is ordered to restore the house to its former glory, the rules suddenly no longer apply.
4. fixer-upper Meet Cute Club' by Jack Harbon
Jordan Collins is a total bookworm and the founder of a floundering romance book club. He's also desperate to save his passion project. Rex Bailey, a savvy bookstore employee, offers to join the Meet Cute Club and help Jordan help the local he enlightened community he so loves to revive sweetheart,
although reluctant First, Jordan eventually agrees to let him join the club, which brings him to know Rex on a deeper level - even if he's the last man on earth is who he would expect to fall for.
5. Take a Hint, Dani Brown: A Novel' by Talia Hibbert
Ever felt like you're just too busy for love? Danika Brown has exhausted that excuse. She enjoys her independence, but is too busy climbing the professional ladder and earning her Ph.D. worrying about finding her soulmate.
When the adorable security guard Zafir Ansari saves Dani's life during a workplace evacuation, the rescue is captured on video and the entire internet immediately thinks they're something.
Both Zaf and Dani are more than okay to play their "relationship" for some positive publicity ... but Zaf is interested in making their viral romance come true.
6. If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo
If I Was Your Girl is a heartbreaking and tender YA novel about Amanda Hardy, the new girl in a small town in Tennessee. Concerned and shy, she is so desperate to make new friends and belong, and open up to her new crush, Grant.
Her transgender identity is a secret, and she's afraid of losing the connections she's made by letting the people around her meet the real her. This beautifully written and honest story is a celebration of the teenage years, in all its complications and joy.
7. The Bride Test' by Helen Hoang
This romantic reading is as sexy as it is sweet. Khai and Esme live on opposite ends of the world, and seemingly in two different realities - Esme in the world of star-eyed romance and Khai in a businesslike, socially isolated standpoint.
The two are linked through an arranged courtship, and must navigate their differences to reach common ground together.
8. Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors: A Novel' by Sonali Dev
This new version of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is set in the #MeToo era of San Francisco. Dr. Trisha Raje and Chef DJ Caine reverse the gender roles of the classic romance novel and initially clash over their different worldviews, and both are incredibly loyal to their families. Ultimately, the two reconcile to save DJ's sister.
9. “Opposite of Always” by Justin A. Reynolds
Be warned, you'll want to have the tissues on hand when you start reading this alien novel. Jack and Kate meet at a party, and it was the way it was always meant to be. Neither of you has ever felt such a happy, crazy, instant connection to another person.
When Kate suddenly loses the battle with her chronic illness and dies, Jack gains the ability to travel back in time again and again to try and relive their love story, as well as change everything about it so she can live.
10. 'Tell Me How You Really Feel' By Aminah Mae Safi
This YA romantic novel follows two girls whose love story got off to a bit of a false start.
The super popular Sana Khan asked aspiring filmmaker Rachel Straight out, and let's just say it didn't go well. Both walked away from the encounter feeling like they had been fooled. They've managed to keep their distance - until Rachel reluctantly casts Sana as the lead in her senior film project. Maybe two of their romance takes more success.
11. 'Finding Your Feet' by Cass Lennox
You may never know where you'll meet The One. Evie Whitmore has a dance routine to learn with just a few hours to spare, and Tyler Davis is the one tasked with teaching her. Taken by her skill and the effortlessness of their pairing, Tyler is still on the mend of a previous abusive relationship, but he may be ready to let someone new into his life.
This tender romance between an asexual and a trans man is about the importance of patience and trust.
12. 'Before You Say I Do' by Clare Lydon
This novel follows Abby, a fiancé who is so busy with work that her fiancé has to hire a professional bridesmaid, Jordan, to help her keep things in order now that the wedding is approaching.
There is no doubt that when the two women meet, the sparks fly and Abby wonders if her life priorities have been completely wrong all along.
13. 'Well Met' by Jen DeLuca
It turns out that these two star-crossed lovers can only express their true feelings when role-playing at the Renaissance Faire (!). Bubbly, light-hearted Emily agrees to volunteer at the Faire this summer and is overseen by disaffected Simon. Only when they are dressed up does the flirtation get hot and heavy.
14. 'The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics' by Olivia Waite Set
In regency England, this beautiful romantic novel follows Catherine, the widow of a scientist, and Lucy, the young woman who appears at her door to translate late husband's documents.
While there is so much social activity that keeps women from publicly declaring their love for one another, that doesn't stop their passionate story from unfolding.
15. Vanessa North Roller Girl' from
Reeling A recent divorce shortly after her transition, Tina Durham feels like she's hit rock bottom. Plus, her washing machine just exploded, flooding her kitchen. When Joanne "Joe Mama" Delario comes over to fix it and sees Tina's life in ruins, she encourages her to try out for the roller derby team she coaches.
This fun romp from a romantic novel is both passionate and tender, and is all about getting back on your feet after you're knocked down.
16. 'Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel' by Casey McQuiston interacting
Alex Claremont-Diaz's mother is President of the United States, which means he must maintain a healthy public image to avoid with a foreign Affairs. Unfortunately, he has a bit of a falling out with the British Prince Henry, and the tabloids have received their altercation.
Both Alex and Henry agree to smile for the camera to keep the nations running their families in peace, but as they are forced to draw closer, the two influential sons are revealed to be hiding their attraction to each other under the guise of rivalry. .
17. Alyssa Cole's 'The AI Who Loved Me'
Best-selling novelist Alyssa Cole recently released her first Audible-exclusive novel, The AI Who Loved Me. If you prefer to listen to your literature, this one's for you.
In this futuristic novel, Trinity Jordan lives and works at home and finds herself with an attractive new neighbor. Li Wei may be a bit of the odd man out, but he's gorgeous and there's no denying Trinity's attraction to him.
Apparently there's a reason Li seems too perfect to be real ... he's basically an AI
18. super-sophisticated Tracey Garvis Graves' The Girl He Used to Know: A Novel
Annika and Jonathan fell hard for each other after meeting at a chess club while studying at the University of Illinois. Their love seemed able to withstand anything - until an unexpected tragedy forced them apart.
Now, 10 years later, they are connected again. Both on different paths with the careers they've always dreamed of, Annika and Jonathan must decide if they should take their second chance to be together before it gets lost.
19. 'Call Me By Your Name' by André Aciman
The book Call Me By Your Name is as lavish, passionate and poignant as the Oscar-winning film. The book tells the love story of Elio and Oliver in the stream-of-awareness story of Elio's inner monologue.
This reading is filled with tension and conflicting emotions that, in addition to Elio's own sexual frustrations, touch the reader's hearts. It is a word full and excruciatingly beautiful read.
20. 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' and Jenny Han
Whether you've seen the hit Netflix movie based on this Jenny Han love story, you'll want to read the book. When all five of Lara Jean Song's crushes get hold of the love letters she's written to them - but only in front of her eyes - her love life spirals out of hand.
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