How to Choose a Romance Novel: Beginner’s Guide

Are you ready to dive into the realm of speeding dukes, brooding billionaires, and lovers from small towns?

Choosing your next romance novel can feel like finding your soulmate – exciting, but oh-so-overwhelming.

Romance is the best-selling literary genre with a record $1.44b in sales. That’s a lot of love stories.

Don’t worry if you’re a newbie to romance novels. We’re here to help you navigate this sea of swoon-worthy tales and find your perfect match.

Let us start this romantic journey together!

How to Choose a Romance Novel: Quick Guide

• Know different subgenres: contemporary, historical, paranormal, etc.

• Have an idea about heat level preference: sweet or steamy.

• Look at the cover and blurb for an idea of what’s inside.

• Check online resources such as Goodreads, BookTok, or Bookstagram when in doubt.

• Try before buying – use the “Look Inside” feature on Amazon or library apps.

• Diversify TBR list.

• Combine new with old books.

• Explore various styles without fear.

• Remember it’s okay not to finish reading a book if it is not enjoyable.

• Join online romance communities for recommendations

• Enjoy your reading experience.

Understanding Romance Novel Subgenres

Let’s talk about sub-genres. I was so clueless about the many types of romance when I started out. It’s like going into an ice cream shop and finding out they no longer only serve vanilla or chocolate cones but now also have mango, pistachio, and lots of other options.

It all began with my foray into contemporary romance. They involve modern-day stories that revolve around life as we know it now.

There are books like “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne or “Get a Life, Chloe Brown” by Talia Hibbert which are super fun and fresh; these are the books that make me feel like I could be friends with these people in real life.

On the other hand, you have historical romance which was a game-changer for me altogether.

Next thing I knew, I was walking around Regency ballrooms and Victorian gardens all the time. An example of this is Julia Quinn’s “Bridgerton” series (yep, the one that inspired the Netflix adaptation).

Fair warning: once you’ve pictured yourself dancing with a dashing duke while wearing a fancy gown, it’s hard to stop!

But just as soon as I thought I had this genre figured out, paranormal romance hit me like a ton of bricks. There is probably a vampire, werewolf, witch book of some kind somewhere.

Nalini Singh’s “Psy-Changeling” series absolutely blew my mind with its blend of paranormal elements and hot steamy love scenes.

Tropes – repeated themes or plot mechanisms shared across different genres – will be next on our list.

Enemies-to-lovers?

Check.

Friends-to-lovers?

Got it.

Fake relationship turns real?

Oh yeah.

My personal favorite trope is grumpy sunshine where one character is all doom-and-gloom while the other one is an actual ray of sunshine. It gets me every time.

Here are some examples:

• Contemporary Romance: Modern-day settings; relatable characters; often tackles current social issues.

• Historical Romance: Set within particular eras – sometimes highlighting social rules.

• Paranormal Romance: Includes supernatural elements such as vampires and psychics.

• Romantic Suspense: Combines romantic elements with mystery or thriller genres.

• Erotic Romance: Sexually focused relationships being built up. It may contain more explicit content.

There are also a lot we have not covered. Sci-fi romance, fantasy romance, young adult romance…and many more.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what clicks with you.

Identifying Your Romance Preferences

But how do you find the right one for you?

This part is key– and fun too.

First up: heat levels.

Oh boy, this is where things can get steamy… or not, depending on your preference.

When I first started reading romance, I blushed at the mere mention of a kiss.

Now?

Well, let’s just say I’ve broadened my horizons.

Romance novels range from sweet (think hand-holding and chaste kisses) to erotic (detailed sexual encounters).

There’s no right or wrong here – it’s all about what makes you comfortable. Once I accidentally picked up an erotica instead of just a contemporary book.

And let’s say that day was very educational for me.

Here are some examples of heat levels:

• Sweet/Clean: No sexual content, focuses on emotional connection.

• Gentle: Just kissing and a little petting, but nothing too detailed.

• Erotic: Explicit sex scenes occur in the book, but it is not the focus of those activities.

• Sensual: The novel contains explicit sexual content, often integrated into the plot.

Moving on, let’s discuss settings.

Are you intrigued by the idea of small-town love affairs where everyone knows each other’s secrets?

Or, maybe you are into cosmopolitan romances with high-flying careers and posh eateries?

Perhaps, you prefer your romance served with a dash of magic in a fantasy world setting?

I have gone through phases of all these. There was a time when I was consumed by small-town romances. It felt like being enveloped in a snug cocoon; as though one is reading an embrace.

Then I switched to big city romances, living vicariously through characters who had much cooler jobs than mine.

But now, what I am really obsessed about is fantasy romance. Love stories set against brand-new worlds sometimes seem magical (pun intended).

Lastly, let us examine character archetypes.

Do you go weak at the knees for the brooding bad boy with a heart of gold?

Or maybe you like the lovely best friend who has always been there?

What about that strong-willed independent heroine who doesn’t need anyone yet still chooses to be with someone?

I used to be all about alpha males – those super protective ones who would sometimes get too controlling. But as I’ve gotten older, my preferences have shifted towards cinnamon roll heroes (sweet, kind, supportive) and morally grey characters (complex, sometimes make questionable choices but ultimately good).

By the way: consider your favorite movies or TV shows. Who do you root for in those? Perhaps it will clue you in on what types may interest you most when it comes to love tales.

Don’t worry if your tastes change over time. The thing about romance books is that they never get old.

Don’t be afraid to read something totally outside your genre every once in a while; because every so often we find something truly amazing.

Decoding Book Covers and Blurbs

Okay then, let’s talk about judging books by their covers – because in the realm of romance, this is definitely acceptable (in fact encouraged).

I still remember the first historical romance I picked up at a bookstore. A woman in a flowing gown was held by a shirtless guy whose abs appeared to be able to grate cheese on. It was both fascinating and embarrassing.

Little did I know that my reading taste would take me on an adventure for the next few years.

Book covers of romantic novels are like a coded language. Once you decipher it, you will be able to grasp a lot about the contents of the book just from glancing through its cover.

So here are some tips:

• Shirtless man on the cover? That’s probably a steamy read.

• Cartoonish bright colored covers? Most likely it’s a romantic comedy.

• Couple in clothing that appears to be centuries old? Yes, historical romance again.

• Darkish colours with some danger hanging around? It could be dark or romantic suspense sort of novel.

However, don’t just look at the front cover – turn it over and check out the back blurb. This is where you can get the meat of what the story is about.

Take note of key phrases:

• Most times, “hot” or “steamy” implies a higher degree of heat.

• If the words “sweet” or “clean” appear in a book’s description, you can assume that it does not contain any explicit content.

• When you see the phrase forbidden love or off-limits written on a book cover, what comes to your mind? Hints at a taboo romance.

• When I come across the term second chance, I immediately think about characters who have an existing relationship.

Moreover, let’s look at imprints from publishers.

They are really helpful in assisting you locate books you will enjoy. For instance, HarperCollins imprint “Avon” is known for publishing historical romance novels.

Frequently, Carina Press publishes LGBTQ+ romances.

Knowing these can help you narrow down your search.

I still recall when I found out about the different lines by Harlequin. It was like winning the lottery of love. Each line has its own specific type of romance, heat level, and word count.

Once I found a line I liked, I had a whole catalog of similar books to explore.

One word of caution: don’t judge too quickly by its cover or blurb. There are some romance novels which have become my all-time favourites but with cringy cover images. That is what makes them even more endearing.

Leveraging Online Resources for Romance Recommendations

Got it?

Now let’s find those books.

Not to worry! I’ve got this covered.

When I first started reading romance novels, there weren’t many options other than whatever happened to be on shelves at my local bookstore.

Now though?

The internet opened up a whole new way to discover romance novels.

First up: book blogs and websites.

Goodreads is where it’s at. There are lists like “Best Romance Novels of All Time” and others like “Most Popular Romance Novels“. They also do insightful and hilarious reviews on Smart Bitches, Trashy Books.

But what really changed things for me was when I found the romance community on social media.

Ever heard of BookTok?

It’s a small part of TikTok where book lovers gather and they are experts in romance novels. I can’t even begin to count how many books I’ve bought based on recommendations from BookTok.

Instagram, or as it’s known by book nerds, Bookstagram is another secret treasure trove. The pictures are stunning and many times the captions include brief reviews.

Some of my favorite Instagram accounts focus mainly on romance and, each day, my TBR pile just keeps growing.

Now let’s talk about online bookstores and their recommendation algorithms.

Amazon’s “Customers who bought this item also bought” feature led me down some delightful rabbit holes. And don’t get me started on Kindle Unlimited – that’s a romance reader’s paradise!!

Here’s a pro tip: sign up for an account and rate all the books you’ve ever read. The more you interact, the better the recommendations become. It feels like having your own personal matchmaker for romance novels!

Oh yeah, author websites and newsletters shouldn’t be left out either. There are some authors whose mailing lists I joined and now I get previews, special content sometimes including free shorts. Every time I see an email alert pop up, it feels like Christmas morning to me.

The last thing – Online reading communities. Joining a romance-oriented book club or forum can be a good method to find new titles and discuss them with people with the same interests.

A Facebook group I belong to called “Romance Novels Readers Anonymous” (no worries, it is not really that anonymous though) offer me recommendations that are worth their weight in gold.

Most of the time, the romance community is very welcoming and excited to help out beginners.

So, don’t hesitate if you need advice on what to read next or want to share your opinion about books. We all came here because we just adore romantic sagas.

Sampling Before Committing: Tips and Tricks

Alright, so you found a book that appears promising. The front is captivating, the back sounds good and it belongs to a sub-genre you think you’ll like.

But before we go into purchasing or reading the whole book, let’s discuss sampling.

I learned this the hard way. At one point I’d buy books solely based on their covers or blurbs only for me to find out that I didn’t click with the writing style or characters irritated me beyond belief.

Now, I always try before I buy.

Firstly, let us examine the “Look Inside” feature on online retailers such as Amazon.

This thing is a savior. It usually lets you read, at least, a couple of opening chapters which should be enough to get an idea of the writer’s type of writing and the tone of story.

I cannot count how many times this feature has saved me from buying something I end up disliking after reading just one page.

What if eBooks are more your thing?

Well then, most eBook sellers give away free samples too.

On my Kindle alone, there are numerous samples waiting to be flipped through. It is my little library of possible next reads.

And now, here is a trick that I wish I had known long time ago – library apps.

Applications like Libby or OverDrive enable you to borrow e-books from your local library. Many provide also a “sample” option so that you can have it without even checking it out in case they don’t have its physical copy in stock anymore.

Otherwise, if you like it, you can often checkout the full eBook right away. In terms of budget and convenience, this tends to be very friendly sometimes.

If you’re old school like me and still enjoy the feel of a physical book, don’t underestimate the power of hanging out in a bookstore or library.

Many happy hours have been spent by me perusing romance shelves and perusing first few pages of interesting-looking books. Also, if you’re going to camp out in a bookstore, it’s only right that you buy a coffee or something.

Lastly, let’s talk about author events and book signings. These are gold mines for sampling new authors and books.

Most authors will read a portion of their work to give you an idea of how they write and what their stories are about. Plus, you get the bonus of meeting the writer and maybe even getting your book signed if you decide to purchase.

I have attended some romance author panel at my local library (yes libraries often host these events) some time back. It started off with me only knowing one of the authors but by the end of the night, three more were added to my must-read list.

They were so passionate about their work, and from the snippets I heard them reading from that day, I was convinced it was worth every penny.

Finding your perfect romance novel is a lot like dating. You wouldn’t commit to a relationship without going on a few dates first, right?

Same goes for books.

Take your time as there are many options; this is no reason to be guilty for not liking certain books when you try them out. There is plenty more fish in the sea.

Building Your Romance TBR (To-Be-Read) List

Okay, newbie romance reader, you are almost there. But before you dive into the world of romance novels, let us discuss building your TBR (To-Be-Read) list.

Think of it as a bucket list for romance books – all the ones you wish to read… someday.

My TBR was in disarray when I began reading romance. It was just a bunch of titles I wrote down whenever somebody recommended a book.

Today?

It’s a thoughtfully curated list that keeps me eager for my next read.

Here is how you can build yours:

First and foremost, diversify!

I am not talking only about characters (though this is important as well). It means different types of subgenres, authors and styles.

You might miss out on discovering your favorite literary genre if you limit yourself to one type of romance.

As an instance, my current TBR consists of a contemporary workplace romance, regency-era historicals, paranormal shifter story, and sweet small-town romances. After all, variety is the spice of life!

The other thing is balancing between new releases and old time classics.

While it is tempting to keep up with trends (trust me), don’t forget about timeless classics that never fade away from our libraries.

For example:

70% new or recent releases and 30% backlist titles/classics; hence, staying current yet honoring their roots respectively since older books are often cheaper or available through libraries.

Do not forget the libraries too; especially their collection on romance. A visit to bookshelves alone led me to some really good reads.

And the best part?

Its free for borrowing.

Let’s now discuss award-winning novels and fan favorites here and there.

These can be very useful as you begin to build your TBR. The RITA Awards (now called The Vivian) are the Oscars of the romance genre.

Take time going through past winners and nominees as these would be some good reads.

For fan favorites, look no further than online communities. Through Goodreads and other such sites, readers have created numerous lists. A good starting point is “Best Romance Novels of All Time.”

However, remember tastes differ. Even if a book has thousands of five-star reviews, it may not be your cup of tea – which is perfectly fine.

Do you know this?

Build a spreadsheet or use a reading tracker like Storygraph for managing your TBR.

I prefer using a basic Google Sheet with columns like title, author, subgenre, where I learned about the book. This is how I ensure that my reading remains balanced between romance books written by different authors.

Finally, don’t forget about series in romance literature.

Many romance novels are part of series that follow groups of friends or families. If you enjoy an author’s work, check to see if they’ve written any series because it could allow you to dive headfirst into something you love.

In the end, don’t allow TBR overwhelm you. I used to freak out at the sight of my ever-expanding list until it hit me — it’s not a chore, it’s a treasure trove of future adventures.

Don’t let your TBR get boring; instead it should excite you.

Building your TBR is unique for everyone. Your way may not be mine and that’s what makes it beautiful. Your TBR is a reflection of your unique tastes and interests. So, have fun with it.

Final Thoughts

Way to go, romance rookie!

Now, you know how to select your next romantic novel which will make your heart race and your fingers turn pages.

The wonderful thing about romance is that it is so diverse; there is truly something for everyone. No matter if you are feeling like a steamy historical or a sweet contemporary, the perfect match is waiting out there just for you.

Hence, go ahead and explore, fall in love with your next great read.

Who knows?

Your next favorite book boyfriend (or girlfriend) might be just one page away.

So, happy reading, may your HEA (Happily Ever After) be everything that you have ever imagined.

FAQs

What are some of the main types of romance novels?

These include paranormal, erotic romance, contemporary, historical and romantic suspense among others; each has its own unique setting and style of writing.

Begin with modern stories by choosing contemporary or period pieces with historical. Explore different subgenres to find what you like best.

How can I tell if a romance novel is too steamy for me?

Look at the book description or cover – “sweet,” “clean” mean no explicit content. “Steamy,” “hot” imply more sexual scenes.

You can safely preview some of the excerpts through reviews or using Amazon’s “Look Inside” feature before making any purchase decisions.

Where can I get good romance book recommendations?

Goodreads lists, romance book blogs and social media platforms such as BookTok and Bookstagram are great places to start. There are also online communities dedicated to recommending personalized romance books for anyone who signs up.

Don’t forget to check your local library or bookstore for staff picks in the romance section.

Are all romances only about love stories?

Not at all!

While love is central to most romances, other themes explored in these novels include personal development; family life; career challenges; or societal problems.

A good romance includes character development and subplots that are as interesting as the central love story.

What can I do if I’m shy about starting reading romance?

You are in good company as romance is a bestseller genre. Begin with e-books for privacy if you feel shy. Join the online romance communities and find fellow enthusiasts.

Most importantly, read what you like and have fun without letting other people’s opinions discourage you.