What’s your favorite type of Romance book?
Well, what types ARE there?
It’s easy to say, “Oh, I love romance books”, but let’s get specific! Some readers want cozy small-town kisses and a guaranteed happy ending, while others want a morally gray, obsessive love interest with a hunger for danger (among other things).
And the best part? There’s a romance type for every mood you’re in. If you don’t have a favorite and don’t know where to start, join us and we’ll discuss all of the types we know of and some of our favorite reads within each sub-genre. Some of these books overlap genres, but that just means they have a better chance of becoming your new favorite!
Contemporary Romance
The vibe: Modern love with modern problems: work stress, ex drama, divorce, dating apps, and texting.
Why readers love it: It feels real. You can picture these characters walking past you at Target, you may BE one of these characters.
Common tropes: Friends-to-lovers, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, second chance, workplace romance.
Read this if you want: Romantic chemistry and emotional payoff without fantasy worlds or historical settings.
Our picks: Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid; The Hating Game by Sally Thorne; Normal People by Sally Rooney; The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Romantic Comedy (The Rom-Coms)
The vibe: Flirty, funny, and fast-paced with laugh out-loud banter and (of course) a happy ending.
Why readers love it: It’s a feel-good romance, a serotonin boost. Even the messy parts feel comfy, safe, and charming.
Common tropes: Meet-cute, enemies-to-lovers (light), one bed, mistaken identity, ect.
Read this if you want: Laughs, guaranteed happy ending, and an ending that will make you go “awww”.
Our picks: Tis the Season for Revenge by Morgan Elizabeth; People we Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry; The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Romantic Suspense
The vibe: Romance but toss in a little DANGER. A mystery, a stalker, a crime, a secret identity, a rescue (you get it).
Why readers love it: The stakes are high, and the intimacy is more intense under pressure.
Common tropes: The protector, forced proximity, partners-on-a-case, hidden past.
Read this if you want: page-turning tension and “We might die, but let’s kiss.”
Our picks: The Witness by Nora Roberts; Never Tell by Lisa Gardner; Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Historical Romance
The vibe: Think corsets, scandals, handwritten letters, ballroom politics, and forbidden sexiness
Why readers love it: The rules are strict, every stolen touch is electric, so it ups the tension.
Common tropes: Marriage of convenience, forbidden love, class differences, rake/innocent, governess/aristocrat.
Read this if you want: High society tension without modern distractions.
Our picks: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen; Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte; The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn; Never Fall for your Fiancé by Virginia Heath.
Fantasy Romance
The vibe: Magic, royalty, kingdoms, quests, prophecies, monsters, and big floofy dresses!
Why readers love it: The world-building makes the love story larger than life. Big meaty fantasy worlds you can dive into.
Common tropes: Fated mates, enemies-to-lovers, morally gray villain, magical bonds,
Read this if you want: Intensity and passion all in a fantastical setting.
Our picks: The Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J Maas; A Court of Thornes and Roses by Sarah J Maas; Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
(these are all sets and I recommend reading them all)
Paranormal Romance
The vibe: Vampires, werewolves, demons, witches. Think romance with supernatural rules, but closer to our world than fantasy.
Why readers love it: Primal attraction, destiny, power dynamics.
Common tropes: Mates, forbidden supernatural love, hidden world, immortal/mortal.
Read this if you want: High stakes, exploring fate, and a thrilling escape from reality.
Our picks: Twilight by Stephanie Meyer; Bride by Ali Hazelwood; The City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments series) by Cassandra Clare; Fantasma by Kaylie Smith
Dark Romance
The vibe: Taboo themes, morally gray (or outright villain) love interests, obsession, danger, high intensity.
Why readers love it: It’s adrenaline romance. Power, surrender, temptation, and unhinged devotion. VERY sexy.
Common tropes: Captivity (handled carefully), villain romance, revenge, obsession, anti-hero, mafia.
Read this if you want: A toxic romance you can’t stop reading.
Our picks: Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton; God of Malice by Rina Kent; Once You’re Mine by Morgan Bridges
Note: Dark romance often includes heavy content, please check warnings to see if these are for you.
Erotic Romance
The vibe: Romance-forward stories with explicit sex as a key part of the relationship.
Why readers love it: It’s emotional and spicy, with intimacy that develops alongside trust and connection (Most of the time).
Common tropes: Kink exploration, sex-positive growth, friends-with-benefits-to-lovers.
Read this if you want: Heat with heart.
Our picks: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James; Priest by Sierra Simone; Neon Gods by Katee Roberts; Asking for It by Lilah Pace
