Julia's Top Ten Romance Books for People who Read Other Genres

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As romance is the thing I do best, I figured I could share the love this week, literally and figuratively, by giving some recommendations to people who may want to branch out but are overwhelmed and don't know what to look for.  I am going to try to limit the list to things I have read, but I may not be able to for some genre's because I read a set niche. So let's do this.


If you read Science Fiction, you'll like...
-Ghost Planet by Sharon Lynn Fisher - I actually reviewed this one back in the day and I remember being really surprised at how much I enjoyed it. My review has a good summary, but it has aliens, trying to colonize an alien planet. Worth the time!

If you read Young Adult contemporary, you'll like...
- The Chocolate Thief by Laura Florand - I have not read this one but started reading the second in the series before I was distracted away. I was enjoying what I was reading though, and every time I see it mentioned I think of Anna and the French Kiss, which makes no sense since I've read neither and have no idea if they relate besides being set in France maybe. But I think Florand writes in a way that would translate well for the YA reader looking to move to romantic fiction. Someone will have to read this and tell me if they are similar or not!

- The Rosie Project by Graeme Simpsion - I've mentioned this before and I'll say it again. This is a lovely book. It's full of all the romance and light on the sexy-times if that isn't your thing. It's a quick read and a heart warming book! My review

If you read Dystopian (and don't mind a bit of heat), you'll like...
- Beyond Shame by Kit Rocha - This one has an erotic twist, but is still really good. The story features a girl thrown out of the city and having to learn how to fend for herself in the outside world. But she meets this gang and one of the members... check out my review on Booklikes.

If you read fairy tales, you'll like...
- When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James - A historical romancey play on Beauty and the Beast. Hell, I could have done this whole thing on Beauty and the Beast retellings. This is pretty recent but another good one is Beauty by Robin McKinley

If you read paranormal, you'll like...
- Night Pleasures by Sherrilyn Kenyon - The Dark-Hunter series was something I was really into about ten years ago. It was inventive and fun, and this is the first book. The more recent books in the series are kinda meh, but the first 6ish are pretty good. This one and Dance with the Devil are my favorite.

If you read Steampunk, you'll like...
- The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook - I think this is like required reading for steampunk people, but just in case it isn't on your radar, this is the first book in the Iron Seas series. I really enjoyed it enough to give up sleep while on a work trip. My review.

- Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster - I can't choose between the two of these. They are both so good! So I picked both. This series just is better and better with each book. Kiss of Steel I picked up on sale and enjoyed immensely. Vampires roaming the streets, clockwork mechanics, a whole victorian society. Outstanding. My review.

If you read Historical Fiction, you'll like...
- The Spymaster's Lady by Joanna Bourne - From the last list I did of historical recommendations a few years ago, "This one was my first review here at TBTB. Oh the days. Let me summarize. This is a spy romance. The spy story is super interesting and because the whole plot isn't a "big misunderstanding" or some other relationship centric thing it may be an easier book to get into over some other romances for a newbie."

- The Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran - I really think this book would translate well because it is set in such a rich historical world. The hero is torn between the white culture of his father and the Indian culture of this mother. The heroine is in India because of her fiance. The backdrop of British controlled India kept me turning pages!


So what about you? Do you have any questions about the romance genre? Have you been wanting to try one but aren't sure where to start? Comment and I will see if I can help you out!



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