While the basic elements of romantic novels remain rooted in the affairs of the heart and those who seek and suffer for its pleasures, the whole approach to romance has shifted in recent years, to feature – in an explosion of diversity – people of all different orientations and ethnicities. Here are just some of our favorites that break with the tired tropes of the genre while bringing love to your world via original narratives and breath-taking, humorous and heartfelt prose.
The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Amy Byler
This Amazon Charts and Washington Post best-seller follows the story of Amy Byler who’s headed to a librarian conference to – it transpires – live the unfulfilled life that her disappointing husband wasn’t able to provide. A quirky book with humour and romance in abundance, check the word ‘rumspringa’ before you start reading.
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
Winner of a number of awards and featured on Oprah’s Book Club, An American Marriage looks at love, what happens when it’s unjustly torn apart and what happens when a third party enters the equation. Dealing with serious themes such as the universalism of love and the complexities and struggles of race, this book empathizes with its main characters regardless of their standpoint.
'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 smart-mouthed bookstore employee, offers to join the Meet Cute Club and help Jordan revitalize the local lit community he loves so dearly.
'The Bride Test' by Helen Hoang
This romantic read is just as sexy as it is sweet. Khai and Esme live on opposite ends of the globe, and seemingly in two different realities — Esme in the world of starry-eyed romance, and Khai in a matter-of-fact, socially isolated viewpoint. The two are paired together through an arranged courtship, and must navigate through their differences to reach common ground together.
'Opposite of Always' by Justin A. Reynolds
Be forewarned: You'll want the tissues handy when you start reading this otherworldly romance novel. Jack and Kate meet at a party, and it was like it was always meant to be. Neither of them has ever felt such a happy, goofy, instant bond with another person. When Kate suddenly loses the battle with her chronic illness and dies, Jack gains the ability to travel back in time over and over again to try and relive their love story, and also change whatever he can about it so that she can live.
'Well Met' by Jen DeLuca
It turns out, these two star-crossed lovers can only express their true feelings when they're role-playing at the Renaissance Faire (!). Bubbly, lighthearted Emily agrees to volunteer at the Faire for the summer, and is under the supervision of the disgruntled Simon. It's only when they're in costume that the flirtation gets hot and heavy.
'Call Me By Your Name' by André Aciman
The book Call Me By Your Name is just as lush, passionate, and poignant as the Oscar-winning flick. In the book, Elio and Oliver's love story is told in the stream-of-consciousness narrative of Elio's inner monologue. This read is filled with tension and contradictory emotions that pull on the heartstrings of the reader alongside Elio's own sexual frustrations. It's a word-dense and excruciatingly beautiful read.
