romance novels

An illustration of a couple feeling great romance for each other.

Is Romance Really Necessary in Most Novels?

Reatha-Mae Newman, SUNY College at Brockport

Most readers would be hard-pressed to find a book without some kind of love story, but why are they so common in literature?…

March 6, 2023

in article about romance novels, a woman holding up a romance novels

Writing Romance Novels Is a Feminist Act

Aunna Beranek, Columbia College Chicago

The most empowering thing a woman can do is stay true to herself.…

August 31, 2022

A heart shaped from 2 pages in a book to represent the upcoming new release of The Ballad of Never After.

Jacks, The Prince of Broken Hearts, Is One of Young Adult’s Most Alluring Villains

Debbie Aspromonti, Hofstra University

Devoted fans of Stephanie Garber’s character eagerly await his return in 'The Ballad of Never After.'…

May 16, 2022

In article about From Blood and Ash, an illustration of the cover to The War of Two Queens

‘From Blood and Ash,’ Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Bestselling Series, Breathes New Life Into the Genre

Sonia Noorbakhsh, UC Berkeley

The novels by this dark fantasy/romance author will leave you thirsty for more.…

February 5, 2022

An illustration depicts the two main couples from The Last Letter From Your Lover, one cast in yellow and dressed in 60s French attire and the other cast in green with modern dress.

‘The Last Letter From Your Lover’ Has All the Makings of a Successful Romance — So Why Does it Feel Like it Missed the Mark?

Mariam Nasief, Columbia University

Jojo Moyes' most recent novel-to-film adaptation is not as perfect or heart-wrenching as its predecessor, 'Me Before You.'…

August 13, 2021

In an article about All Rhodes Lead Here, two people sitting on a bench on a page of a book

‘All Rhodes Lead Here’ Guides Us in More Ways than One

Arianna Taylor, University of Rochester

This romance novel by Mariana Zapata sparks nuanced discussions on women’s fiction, the power of starting over and indie book publishing.…

June 2, 2021

An illustration of Talia Hibbert for an article about her romance novels. (Illustration by Sonja Vasiljeva, San Jose State University)

Talia Hibbert Is the Master of Modern Romance Novels

Emma Watts, University of Arizona

With her genuine writing and diverse, complex characters, this popular novelist is leaving romance readers excited for more.…

March 26, 2021

An illustration of Tom Ellen working on his novel, 'All About Us."

‘All About Us’ Is a Romance Novel Written by Gasp a Man

Eva McCarthy Mínguez, Stony Brook University

The romance genre has mostly been composed of female writers who cater to women. But today I’m here to recommend a novel by a male writer that is catered to … well, everyone.…

February 6, 2021

‘Bridgerton’ Uses a Feminist Lens on the Past To Comment on the Present

Anna Wurm, Texas A&M University

The hit Netflix series evokes contemporary gender inequality by looking at the dramatic day-to-day existence in 1813 high-society London.…

February 1, 2021

‘Bridgerton’ Is a Flawed But Intriguing Romance

Aimi Wen, Duke University

The series has a few issues but is still able to balance entertainment and important discussions.…

January 5, 2021

‘The Kiss Quotient’ Is a Compelling Story of Love on the Autism Spectrum

Srishti Tyagi, Cornell University

Helen Hoang’s novel paints a rich portrait of an autistic heroine, captivating readers by avoiding one-dimensional stereotypes that have long persisted in media.…

October 5, 2020

A photo of the cover of Every Other Weekend

‘Every Other Weekend’ Explores How Relationships Can Be a Refuge

Juliana Fujii, Biola University

The novel's heartbreaking exploration of divorce and loss allows its exquisite friendships and familial connections to take center stage.…

August 14, 2020

‘The Flatshare’ Proves Romance Can Have Emotions Beyond Falling in Love

Julia Greene, Columbia College Chicago

Beth O'Leary's debut novel, which features a very unusual living arrangement, makes the case for the genre as possessing real emotional depth.…

June 28, 2020

Suggestions

Suggestions

romance novels