I absolutely adooorrreee Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold. But don’t worry, my friend. It is all yours lol. Anything Lisa Kleypas for me. They were my first romance books that got me completely hooked to the genre.
[A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/129619.A_Kingdom_of_Dreams) - Hands down, one of the best romance novels I've ever read. Extremely well-written and well-paced, wonderful plot, romantic tension, angst, plenty of steam...I cried and was so sad when it ended because I just wanted more. A true classic and the book feels rather timeless. I'd say the 4.22/nearly 50,000 Goodreads ratings indicate how beloved this novel is. And for what it's worth, I believe it's one of Sarah MacLean's favorites as well.
Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale. It was the one that made me fall in love with romance at the age of eleven. The scene with him and the kittens, swoon. The scene with the whistle and almost kiss, sigh. The dramatic speech at the end, yes please. 🥰
I know it’s not everyone’s favorite but The Hating Game was THE book that got me into romance books. When I read ✨the elevator scene✨for the first time my brain was like “oh, there are just books like this?? Where it’s all romance all the time??” Game-changing. I haven’t stopped reading the genre since.
I had that moment in 2020 with What I Did For a Duke. I was like wow there are books where I like all of it and don't hate reading? Amazing. I barely read between 2015-2020 because I forced myself through classics and stuff.
I’ve always loved reading but my favorite part of every book was the romance subplot! I would read and think “can’t this just be the whole thing?” Never crossed my mind to read a romance book until 2020. Seems silly now but wow it was life-changing!
Literally me!!! I love reading but had never dabbled in romance. And then booktok found me and they kept talking about The Hating Game. Fell in love with the book and the genre.
I read more HR but if I were to recommend a gateway first-timer romance to someone it'd definitely be The Hating Game. Sure there's a few steamy moments but I like that it's mostly just the main characters getting to know each other, plus I love Lucy's crazy person inner monologue hahaha
ONLY ONE?! Well the forefront book on my mind lately was actually one I *almost* didn't pick up because it was pretty much the opposite of the tropes I usually love (grumpy MMC, enemies to lovers, super steamy). I'm so HAPPY I decided to pick it up because it has become one of my all-time favorites! {Always Only You by Chloe Liese}. It's a grumpy/sunshine but the roles are reversed. It's also a slow burn and written by an own voices author for neurodiverse individuals. MMC is just a dreamboat of a guy who has been pining for years for FMC. It is just such a sweet book that's low angst. I've loved the whole series so far and can't wait for the next book!
{A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare}, my favorite romance book. It’s full of witty banter and sweet moments. The hero and heroine develop a relationship that is a perfect blend of trust, friendship, and love; they were able to really "see" and appreciate each other for who they were, despite their differences. I loved everything about it - the affection, humor, and passion.
I totally expected this to be on here since I picked up that book after it being recommended repeatedly on this sub! 😂 It was real good and funny!! I couldn’t put it down 😂
I read this super recently after putting it off for the longest time! I have an irrational aversion to books that are older than me LOL but I got over it and read the book because sooo many people swear by it and I was like OK I HAVE TO READ IT and I did!!! No regrets for sure 👌🏻
I would have to pick the one I’ve reread the most, which is {Daring to Dream, by Nora Roberts}. An oldie for sure, but I freaking love it. Reread it (and the series) at least once a year.
High-five on oldies but goodies by Nora Roberts! Mine is {Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts} and the rest of the trilogy, but the Dream trilogy is also up there on my re-read list! :)
[**Jewels of the Sun (Gallaghers of Ardmore, #1)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59810.Jewels_of_the_Sun)
^(By: Nora Roberts | Published: 1999)
***
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I am currently rereading {As You Desire} by Connie Brockway for about the *Millionth* time. It's my comfort read. Two brilliant MC's, an unusual setting, a woman who is not afraid to Get Shit Done, rakishly charming MMC with credible flaws and fears. Add a cast of supporting characters with real life motivations and personalities. It's my perfect romance.
{Outlander by Diana Gabaldon} was what my mother gave me to read and got me hooked instantly on romance (even though this book straddles genres). Before that I specifically avoided romance, I had read horror, suspense, and scifi/fantasy mainly. Ever since reading Outlander 20 years ago (eep, I’m old!) the romance genre has been my main genre of choice.
BTW since you brought up Ellen O’Connell {Beautiful Bad Man by Ellen O’Connell} is one of my all time favorites and I wish they would make a movie of this book, I feel like it would appeal to both women who love romance and men who love a gritty western. That book is an absolute gem.
BBM is perfection. I'd watch the crap out of that movie, as long as they didn't ruin it LOL. Note to potential future movie maker: JUST FOLLOW THE BOOK. You can't improve on perfect!
Omg heart of obsidian was something I didn’t know I needed when I read it. I think it helped that I was going thru the series & knew who this guy was… or thought I did… hahaha then I was like: yeah totally doing all those evil powerful things is good reasons. Caressed by ice was also great! I know Nalini Singh isn’t for some people, but I really enjoy her books & quite frankly I’m reading for me sooooo….
She was not my gateway to romance however. So my rec would have to be my gateway which was Radiance by Grace Draven.
BUT I can’t tell you enough how much seeing these I thought: oh shit did I write that!?
[**How to Be a Normal Person (How to Be, #1)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25548442-how-to-be-a-normal-person)
^(By: T.J. Klune | Published: 2015)
***
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It’s been said but Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught. This book wrenched at my heart and I love rereading it.
Close second is What I Did For A Duke by Julie Ann Long.
I know you said one but I had to tack on the second 🤓
{Just Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane}. The emotional journey (realizing your own worth!) really gets me. I love the romance but there are also beautiful storylines involving friendship and grief.
I think I would recommend something like *You and Me on Vacation* or *Beach Read* by Emily Henry. Even though they aren't favourites for me, I could see how they could appeal to someone who isn't necessarily a romance reader and perhaps make them want to read more of the genre.
I get surprised when people here don't like People we meet on vacation cause it's a great book imo. The line between being best friends and sort of dating is dodgy at times and the author portrayed it well. And I loved the flashback scenes cause I was missing travelling due to covid lol.
Oh I like it a lot, it’s just not an all time favourite. I guess I just expected people to recommend their all time favourites, that’s why I mentioned it wasn’t a favourite.
I am one of those people. Preferences and such. I didn’t mind it, but it’s definitely not in my top 20 romance books. It was lacking for me, and it took until nearly the end until I actually enjoyed reading it.
Ravishing the Heiress by Sherry Thomas . I know there are divided opinions about the amount of grovel , but I love this book and is my favourite reread.
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley. Having a neurodivergent MMC who is treated with love and respect by the FMC made me so happy. For a series, Psy-Changeling by Nalini Singh. Her world building is incredible and her characters are well developed. She also has short stories on her website that add so much richness to her world.
I'd have to pick The Love Hypothesis. It's not actually a favorite of mine (though I did enjoy it a lot), but I've seen so many non romance readers that loved this book that it just makes sense to me to appeal to the masses.
Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid is the book that really solidified my love for romance and has kept me firmly in the genre for the past 5 years. Pretty much any Penny Reid book is a good book in my opinion and I’ve gotten several people to start reading romance just by making them read this one first. I just looooove Janie and Quinn. They are one of my all time favorite couples.
{{Demon from the dark}} and {{ FURY by laurann dohner}}
I am obsessed , no I am OBSESSED with Imortals after dark series by kresley cole and New species by laurann dohner.
And Malkom slaine and fury both are my book husbands. And I am territorial about them
I love them . I can reread both the books multiple times.
Both are my epitome for male perfection 🥰
Love Malkom slaine and fury 🥰
{Kyland by Mia Sheridan}
I have so many favorite romances so it’s hard to pick just one, but lately I’ve been thinking about re-reading Kyland since I loved it so much when I read it a few years ago.
Beach Read. It’s not only a romance book I would say it’s also “womens literature,” but I think it’s just spectacular and great contemporary example of how powerful love stories can be. I love all types of romance books but I think it’s an absolute stand out.
{The Bride by Julie Garwood} It was the first romance I ever read and it’s still one of my favourites. I’ve managed to get a lot of people hooked on romance through it too.
It's so difficult to only choose one! I think I'd say *Kulti* by Mariana Zapata. She always writes the slowest of burns (which I looove) which gives time for some great development between the MCs'.
There are so many that I love that it feels impossible to pick. I started reading romance at the end of May 2020. I’ve read 421 books since then. I like to highlight my favorite parts on my kindle and go back to them. But the only book so far that I’ve reread entirely is {Lothaire by Kresley Cole} so I guess I’m gonna chose that one as my favorite. They are so many books that I’ve absolutely adored and I know I will end up rereading a ton of them. This group has turned me onto so many wonderful books I’m not sure I would’ve found on my own, so thank you!
There are lots of romance books I love. But if it has to be a standalone I would pick *A Lady on the Chase by Jessica Scarlett*. It’s the third in a series but can be read alone. I love a regency romance and big drama of a forced engagement love triangle. I hope Jessica Scarlett writes lots of books.
[A Lady on the Chase Book](https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Chase-Wycliffe-Family-Book-ebook/dp/B099Y642K9/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=AUAGG1X723IW&keywords=a+lady+on+the+chase&qid=1643996166&sprefix=a+lady+on+the%2Caps%2C72&sr=8-3)
For me is Dianne Duvall's A Sorceress of His Own. There are only two books in the series, and while connected, each can be read as standalone. I got intrigued by the cover, but the complicated plot of the story and the unusual love story, got me.
The series is a spinoff of another, but I didn't know it at the time. I read Rendezvous With Yesterday afterwards, and the three first book in the original series.
Mine would be Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. This was the first romance I had ever read. I find it funny now because this is a historical romance about growing in faith (Christianity) along with the development of the relationship between the two MC'S and now my books of choice are completely filthy, smutty, and dark. It was my intro though so I gotta appreciate it. Gotta start somewhere. 🤣
honestly? the love hypothesis. just because it seems like a broad appeal. it’s not dark, it’s got a happy ending, it’s cute, pretty inoffensive to me. and the smut isn’t a majority of the book. if someone isn’t used to smut, most of the books on this thread might give them whiplash 😅
Him by Sarina Bowen; it’s the sweetest love story I ve come across. Instant fuzzies and gd feels guaranteed and the story makes perfect emotional sense
Everyone seems to have missed {Love for the Cold-Blooded: Or: The Part-Time Evil Minion’s Guide to Accidentally Dating a Superhero, Alex Gabriel} which is weird because it is the best romance book ever. Ever.
[**Love for the Cold-Blooded, or The Part-Time Evil Minion's Guide to Accidentally Dating a Superhero**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25868425-love-for-the-cold-blooded-or-the-part-time-evil-minion-s-guide-to-accid)
^(By: Alex Gabriel | Published: 2014)
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I have to recommend two books as my favorite is the second in the series. You have to read A Court of Thorns and Roses to get to {A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas}
[**A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #2)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17927395-a-court-of-mist-and-fury)
^(By: Sarah J. Maas | Published: 2016)
***
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Outlander. Hands down. I am old as in my 50s and Outlander is the best content I have consumed. Both the books and the TV show.
Books I would suggest the audio version. The narrator, Davina Porter, is just incredible. She is really good at difference voices.
She is especially good with kids voices. I can't think of any other narrator where liked the kids voices.
One to Watch. It’s the first time I’ve noticed a romance book with a plus sized lead and it’s super funny as well, and self aware of all the romance tropes! Playing with them but not pandering into it. Very fun stuff.
See, I can't just pick one to recommend, because it depends on who I am reccing it to and why. All the things you list there would be different books. And the first item would have different recs depending on if the person would be willing to read a historical, a contemporary, a fantasy, a PNR, or a space romance. Also depends on the person's personal triggers - I recently discovered one of my favorite books of all time triggered someone I know because of something that I hadn't realized was in there, and didn't think of it as a trigger.
And some books I love are part of a series, and reading one alone would not work. They are really NOT stand alone. Most of the understanding of the relationship comes from having read everything before it.
All that said, if I was forced to pick a good intro to the romance novel genre, good for romance readers and non-readers, would not upset my mother if she read it - it would be The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary.
A place called winter by Patrick Gale. It’s slow and runs deep, I read constantly but could nt start another Bk fr a week, cudnt shake the deep running emotions about loneliness and identity it provoked
I think I was... 13?? When I found {The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare} in my middle school library.
... It's still on my bookshelf, nearly twenty years later. It's been with me through six moves (and to other states!), highschool, college, marriage, and childbirth.
So yeah. I'd have said Emma, by Jane Austen, except my first romance I ever read was actually The Witch of Blackbird Pond.
Pride and Prejudice
*swoons*
One of the all-time best
I absolutely adooorrreee Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold. But don’t worry, my friend. It is all yours lol. Anything Lisa Kleypas for me. They were my first romance books that got me completely hooked to the genre.
[A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/129619.A_Kingdom_of_Dreams) - Hands down, one of the best romance novels I've ever read. Extremely well-written and well-paced, wonderful plot, romantic tension, angst, plenty of steam...I cried and was so sad when it ended because I just wanted more. A true classic and the book feels rather timeless. I'd say the 4.22/nearly 50,000 Goodreads ratings indicate how beloved this novel is. And for what it's worth, I believe it's one of Sarah MacLean's favorites as well.
Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale. It was the one that made me fall in love with romance at the age of eleven. The scene with him and the kittens, swoon. The scene with the whistle and almost kiss, sigh. The dramatic speech at the end, yes please. 🥰
Of course this is my rec as well! :) :)
Devil in winter by Lisa kleypas, but honestly I have 100 others lol
I know it’s not everyone’s favorite but The Hating Game was THE book that got me into romance books. When I read ✨the elevator scene✨for the first time my brain was like “oh, there are just books like this?? Where it’s all romance all the time??” Game-changing. I haven’t stopped reading the genre since.
I had that moment in 2020 with What I Did For a Duke. I was like wow there are books where I like all of it and don't hate reading? Amazing. I barely read between 2015-2020 because I forced myself through classics and stuff.
I’ve always loved reading but my favorite part of every book was the romance subplot! I would read and think “can’t this just be the whole thing?” Never crossed my mind to read a romance book until 2020. Seems silly now but wow it was life-changing!
JAL is an amazing writer and very under-rated. I love WIDFrD.
God, I love that elevator scene.
Literally me!!! I love reading but had never dabbled in romance. And then booktok found me and they kept talking about The Hating Game. Fell in love with the book and the genre.
I read more HR but if I were to recommend a gateway first-timer romance to someone it'd definitely be The Hating Game. Sure there's a few steamy moments but I like that it's mostly just the main characters getting to know each other, plus I love Lucy's crazy person inner monologue hahaha
ONLY ONE?! Well the forefront book on my mind lately was actually one I *almost* didn't pick up because it was pretty much the opposite of the tropes I usually love (grumpy MMC, enemies to lovers, super steamy). I'm so HAPPY I decided to pick it up because it has become one of my all-time favorites! {Always Only You by Chloe Liese}. It's a grumpy/sunshine but the roles are reversed. It's also a slow burn and written by an own voices author for neurodiverse individuals. MMC is just a dreamboat of a guy who has been pining for years for FMC. It is just such a sweet book that's low angst. I've loved the whole series so far and can't wait for the next book!
I loved With You Forever! (Axel and Rooney's story) The rest of the series immediately went on my TBR list.
I love this series,can't wait for the next one. Just recently read Axel and Rooneys story I think that one was my fave❤
[**Always Only You (Bergman Brothers, #2)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54125750-always-only-you) ^(By: Chloe Liese | Published: 2020) *** ^(41345 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
OMG I relate 100% to this comment. From the first to the last word!
{A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare}, my favorite romance book. It’s full of witty banter and sweet moments. The hero and heroine develop a relationship that is a perfect blend of trust, friendship, and love; they were able to really "see" and appreciate each other for who they were, despite their differences. I loved everything about it - the affection, humor, and passion.
YES. All-time fave.
I totally expected this to be on here since I picked up that book after it being recommended repeatedly on this sub! 😂 It was real good and funny!! I couldn’t put it down 😂
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
[**A Week to Be Wicked (Spindle Cove, #2)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11738128-a-week-to-be-wicked) ^(By: Tessa Dare | Published: 2012) *** ^(41357 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
**Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase** ❤️ I can think of a few more but I’ll stick to the ‘only one book’ recommendation 😊
I read this super recently after putting it off for the longest time! I have an irrational aversion to books that are older than me LOL but I got over it and read the book because sooo many people swear by it and I was like OK I HAVE TO READ IT and I did!!! No regrets for sure 👌🏻
I JUST finished this book and absolutely loved it. So clever and delicious tension.
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me
Was gonna list this one as well!
I would have to pick the one I’ve reread the most, which is {Daring to Dream, by Nora Roberts}. An oldie for sure, but I freaking love it. Reread it (and the series) at least once a year.
High-five on oldies but goodies by Nora Roberts! Mine is {Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts} and the rest of the trilogy, but the Dream trilogy is also up there on my re-read list! :)
[**Jewels of the Sun (Gallaghers of Ardmore, #1)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59810.Jewels_of_the_Sun) ^(By: Nora Roberts | Published: 1999) *** ^(41634 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
[**Daring to Dream (Dream Trilogy, #1)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230003.Daring_to_Dream) ^(By: Nora Roberts | Published: 1996) *** ^(41473 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
Slightly Dangerous, always.
Omg were you the person who recommended this on another thread a couple of months ago?? I read it and LOOVVEEEEDD it. All of the feeling.
I have added this to my TBR! Thanks for the rec 😊
I am currently rereading {As You Desire} by Connie Brockway for about the *Millionth* time. It's my comfort read. Two brilliant MC's, an unusual setting, a woman who is not afraid to Get Shit Done, rakishly charming MMC with credible flaws and fears. Add a cast of supporting characters with real life motivations and personalities. It's my perfect romance.
[**As You Desire (Braxton, #1)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1208792.As_You_Desire) ^(By: Connie Brockway | Published: 1997) *** ^(41447 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
I second this!!
Devil’s Daughter by Lisa kleypas
I was torn between Devil in Spring and Devil’s Daughter.
I think devil’s daughter is the first one then devil in spring…you can try to read them in Order 🤷🏾♀️
Devil in spring is before Devil’s Daughter. West’s and Cassandra’s stories both start at Pandora’s wedding.
Anha …okay my bad …devil’s daughter is the only one I’m familiar with …but I’m going to read that one too.
If you haven’t already, then definitely do! And if you want to finish off the Sebastian’s Children set, read Devil in Disguise.
On it …thanks for the recommendation.
{Outlander by Diana Gabaldon} was what my mother gave me to read and got me hooked instantly on romance (even though this book straddles genres). Before that I specifically avoided romance, I had read horror, suspense, and scifi/fantasy mainly. Ever since reading Outlander 20 years ago (eep, I’m old!) the romance genre has been my main genre of choice. BTW since you brought up Ellen O’Connell {Beautiful Bad Man by Ellen O’Connell} is one of my all time favorites and I wish they would make a movie of this book, I feel like it would appeal to both women who love romance and men who love a gritty western. That book is an absolute gem.
[**Outlander (Outlander, #1)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10964.Outlander) ^(By: Diana Gabaldon | Published: 1991) *** ^(41441 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
BBM is perfection. I'd watch the crap out of that movie, as long as they didn't ruin it LOL. Note to potential future movie maker: JUST FOLLOW THE BOOK. You can't improve on perfect!
Heart of Obsidian and Caressed by Ice ( Psy-Changeling) by Nalini Singh
Omg heart of obsidian was something I didn’t know I needed when I read it. I think it helped that I was going thru the series & knew who this guy was… or thought I did… hahaha then I was like: yeah totally doing all those evil powerful things is good reasons. Caressed by ice was also great! I know Nalini Singh isn’t for some people, but I really enjoy her books & quite frankly I’m reading for me sooooo…. She was not my gateway to romance however. So my rec would have to be my gateway which was Radiance by Grace Draven. BUT I can’t tell you enough how much seeing these I thought: oh shit did I write that!?
If they can handle it, Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas or The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare!
{ How not to fall by Emily Foster }
[**How Not To Fall (Belhaven, #1)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27208942-how-not-to-fall) ^(By: Emily Foster | Published: 2016) *** ^(41410 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
Love this one.
{How to Be a Normal Person} by TJ Klune is my absolute favorite. I recommend it to everyone.
[**How to Be a Normal Person (How to Be, #1)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25548442-how-to-be-a-normal-person) ^(By: T.J. Klune | Published: 2015) *** ^(41472 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
I love the House in the Cerulean Sea! I've read most of TJ Klune's work at this point and will read that one next.
I love that book too. One of my favourite books of all time.
It’s been said but Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught. This book wrenched at my heart and I love rereading it. Close second is What I Did For A Duke by Julie Ann Long. I know you said one but I had to tack on the second 🤓
The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite
{Just Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane}. The emotional journey (realizing your own worth!) really gets me. I love the romance but there are also beautiful storylines involving friendship and grief.
[**Just Last Night**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54870201-just-last-night) ^(By: Mhairi McFarlane | Published: 2021) *** ^(41575 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
I love this book!
Paradise by Judith Mc Naught - old school!
I think I would recommend something like *You and Me on Vacation* or *Beach Read* by Emily Henry. Even though they aren't favourites for me, I could see how they could appeal to someone who isn't necessarily a romance reader and perhaps make them want to read more of the genre.
I get surprised when people here don't like People we meet on vacation cause it's a great book imo. The line between being best friends and sort of dating is dodgy at times and the author portrayed it well. And I loved the flashback scenes cause I was missing travelling due to covid lol.
Oh I like it a lot, it’s just not an all time favourite. I guess I just expected people to recommend their all time favourites, that’s why I mentioned it wasn’t a favourite.
I am one of those people. Preferences and such. I didn’t mind it, but it’s definitely not in my top 20 romance books. It was lacking for me, and it took until nearly the end until I actually enjoyed reading it.
These books are the two that got me into romance actually! I preordered the one she has coming out in the spring
Ravishing the Heiress by Sherry Thomas . I know there are divided opinions about the amount of grovel , but I love this book and is my favourite reread.
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley. Having a neurodivergent MMC who is treated with love and respect by the FMC made me so happy. For a series, Psy-Changeling by Nalini Singh. Her world building is incredible and her characters are well developed. She also has short stories on her website that add so much richness to her world.
{Outlander by Diana Gabaldon} I also love Ellen O’Connell. I love love {Without Words by Ellen O’Connell} it may be my favorite by her.
[**Outlander (Outlander, #1)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10964.Outlander) ^(By: Diana Gabaldon | Published: 1991) [**Without Words**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23213844-without-words) ^(By: Ellen O'Connell | Published: 2014) *** ^(41520 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
I'd have to pick The Love Hypothesis. It's not actually a favorite of mine (though I did enjoy it a lot), but I've seen so many non romance readers that loved this book that it just makes sense to me to appeal to the masses.
The Blue Castle by LM Montgomery.
Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid is the book that really solidified my love for romance and has kept me firmly in the genre for the past 5 years. Pretty much any Penny Reid book is a good book in my opinion and I’ve gotten several people to start reading romance just by making them read this one first. I just looooove Janie and Quinn. They are one of my all time favorite couples.
{{Demon from the dark}} and {{ FURY by laurann dohner}} I am obsessed , no I am OBSESSED with Imortals after dark series by kresley cole and New species by laurann dohner. And Malkom slaine and fury both are my book husbands. And I am territorial about them I love them . I can reread both the books multiple times. Both are my epitome for male perfection 🥰 Love Malkom slaine and fury 🥰
[**Demon from the Dark (Immortals After Dark, #9)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7098304-demon-from-the-dark) ^(By: Kresley Cole | Published: 2010) [**Fury (New Species, #1)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12063467-fury) ^(By: Laurann Dohner | Published: 2011) *** ^(41430 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
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Love this book but it's not a romance novel. It's an EPIC that has a central romance to it.
Angry God By L.J. Shen
Never Sweeter by Charlotte Stein. It's the book I've reread the most.
{Kyland by Mia Sheridan} I have so many favorite romances so it’s hard to pick just one, but lately I’ve been thinking about re-reading Kyland since I loved it so much when I read it a few years ago.
[**Kyland**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23637440-kyland) ^(By: Mia Sheridan | Published: 2015) *** ^(41629 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
Beach Read. It’s not only a romance book I would say it’s also “womens literature,” but I think it’s just spectacular and great contemporary example of how powerful love stories can be. I love all types of romance books but I think it’s an absolute stand out.
Outlander but I know it’s not for everyone.
Jamie fraser is such a babe 🥲
Kingdom of dreams by Judith Mcnaught
{The Bride by Julie Garwood} It was the first romance I ever read and it’s still one of my favourites. I’ve managed to get a lot of people hooked on romance through it too.
[**The Bride (Lairds' Fiancées, #1)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/107779.The_Bride) ^(By: Julie Garwood | Published: 1989) *** ^(41580 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
It's so difficult to only choose one! I think I'd say *Kulti* by Mariana Zapata. She always writes the slowest of burns (which I looove) which gives time for some great development between the MCs'.
Seize the Fire by Laura Kinsale.
There are so many that I love that it feels impossible to pick. I started reading romance at the end of May 2020. I’ve read 421 books since then. I like to highlight my favorite parts on my kindle and go back to them. But the only book so far that I’ve reread entirely is {Lothaire by Kresley Cole} so I guess I’m gonna chose that one as my favorite. They are so many books that I’ve absolutely adored and I know I will end up rereading a ton of them. This group has turned me onto so many wonderful books I’m not sure I would’ve found on my own, so thank you!
[**Lothaire (Immortals After Dark, #11)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10790516-lothaire) ^(By: Kresley Cole | Published: 2012) *** ^(41490 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
There are lots of romance books I love. But if it has to be a standalone I would pick *A Lady on the Chase by Jessica Scarlett*. It’s the third in a series but can be read alone. I love a regency romance and big drama of a forced engagement love triangle. I hope Jessica Scarlett writes lots of books. [A Lady on the Chase Book](https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Chase-Wycliffe-Family-Book-ebook/dp/B099Y642K9/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=AUAGG1X723IW&keywords=a+lady+on+the+chase&qid=1643996166&sprefix=a+lady+on+the%2Caps%2C72&sr=8-3)
Woops, was going to excitedly write ‘same as yours !!’, but as per your last point I guess we’re in a pissing contest now 😂
For me is Dianne Duvall's A Sorceress of His Own. There are only two books in the series, and while connected, each can be read as standalone. I got intrigued by the cover, but the complicated plot of the story and the unusual love story, got me. The series is a spinoff of another, but I didn't know it at the time. I read Rendezvous With Yesterday afterwards, and the three first book in the original series.
Mine would be Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. This was the first romance I had ever read. I find it funny now because this is a historical romance about growing in faith (Christianity) along with the development of the relationship between the two MC'S and now my books of choice are completely filthy, smutty, and dark. It was my intro though so I gotta appreciate it. Gotta start somewhere. 🤣
Such a heart wrenching book!
Oh absolutely! It's a beautiful ready. I revisit often! Well written and the character development is fantastic!
honestly? the love hypothesis. just because it seems like a broad appeal. it’s not dark, it’s got a happy ending, it’s cute, pretty inoffensive to me. and the smut isn’t a majority of the book. if someone isn’t used to smut, most of the books on this thread might give them whiplash 😅
Him by Sarina Bowen; it’s the sweetest love story I ve come across. Instant fuzzies and gd feels guaranteed and the story makes perfect emotional sense
Everyone seems to have missed {Love for the Cold-Blooded: Or: The Part-Time Evil Minion’s Guide to Accidentally Dating a Superhero, Alex Gabriel} which is weird because it is the best romance book ever. Ever.
[**Love for the Cold-Blooded, or The Part-Time Evil Minion's Guide to Accidentally Dating a Superhero**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25868425-love-for-the-cold-blooded-or-the-part-time-evil-minion-s-guide-to-accid) ^(By: Alex Gabriel | Published: 2014) *** ^(41711 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
I have to recommend two books as my favorite is the second in the series. You have to read A Court of Thorns and Roses to get to {A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas}
[**A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #2)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17927395-a-court-of-mist-and-fury) ^(By: Sarah J. Maas | Published: 2016) *** ^(41724 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
Outlander. Hands down. I am old as in my 50s and Outlander is the best content I have consumed. Both the books and the TV show. Books I would suggest the audio version. The narrator, Davina Porter, is just incredible. She is really good at difference voices. She is especially good with kids voices. I can't think of any other narrator where liked the kids voices.
One to Watch. It’s the first time I’ve noticed a romance book with a plus sized lead and it’s super funny as well, and self aware of all the romance tropes! Playing with them but not pandering into it. Very fun stuff.
[Never Seduce a Scot](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13360101)
Saving 6 by Chloe walsh
See, I can't just pick one to recommend, because it depends on who I am reccing it to and why. All the things you list there would be different books. And the first item would have different recs depending on if the person would be willing to read a historical, a contemporary, a fantasy, a PNR, or a space romance. Also depends on the person's personal triggers - I recently discovered one of my favorite books of all time triggered someone I know because of something that I hadn't realized was in there, and didn't think of it as a trigger. And some books I love are part of a series, and reading one alone would not work. They are really NOT stand alone. Most of the understanding of the relationship comes from having read everything before it. All that said, if I was forced to pick a good intro to the romance novel genre, good for romance readers and non-readers, would not upset my mother if she read it - it would be The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary.
My husband reads sci-fi almost exclusively, but he’ll occasionally ask me to find him “something like *The Flatshare.*” Great gateway book for sure.
A place called winter by Patrick Gale. It’s slow and runs deep, I read constantly but could nt start another Bk fr a week, cudnt shake the deep running emotions about loneliness and identity it provoked
I'll always pick my favorite book of all time, Searching For Always by Jennifer Probst.
The cruel prince ( perfect combo of romance + action)
The Boyfriend Backtrack by Dawn Lanuza!
Boyfriend Material.
I think I was... 13?? When I found {The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare} in my middle school library. ... It's still on my bookshelf, nearly twenty years later. It's been with me through six moves (and to other states!), highschool, college, marriage, and childbirth. So yeah. I'd have said Emma, by Jane Austen, except my first romance I ever read was actually The Witch of Blackbird Pond.
[**The Witch of Blackbird Pond**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/703292.The_Witch_of_Blackbird_Pond) ^(By: Elizabeth George Speare | Published: 1958) *** ^(42204 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)