While binge-reading books (instead of my textbooks, whoops 😅) I stumbled upon a series called the Bookworm's Guide, by Emma Hart. The romance trilogy is about a group of friends who are, well, bookworms and their love stories. It was an AMAZING series and I totally recommend it.
Anyway, there was a line in book 2, The Bookworm's Guide to Faking It:
"Romance novels are, for the most part, a healthy representation of relationships, where there is respect and consent and love, and if more young women are taught not to be ashamed of what they read, maybe the world would be a better place."
which made me remember all the times when I lied about the book I was reading, simply because it was a romance novel. I used to say, "Romance is my guilty pleasure", but why should it be a *guilty* pleasure? People dismiss romance as a frivolous genre, but what better way to learn about relationships, the types of people in relationships, and broaden my mind, than romance?
There was also this gorgeous dialogue, from book 1, The Bookworm's Guide to Dating, that I MUST quote:
"If sex in a fictional novel bothers you, I'd like to introduce you to the porn industry, which is far more questionable than novels about two consenting parties"
And thus, the idea for this post: A list of my favorite romances, ranging from YA to Adult books.
Note: These are all books featuring characters in heterosexual relationsips.
1. Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
Starting off the list with the cutest book I have ever read. Seriously, this book...! It's about Bryce and Juli, who are next-door neighbors. For Juli, it's love at first sight. For Bryce... not so much, until one day... it gets flipped?
A super sweet romance about childhood love, it also teaches the valuable lesson of never judging a book by its cover.
There's also a movie, which is just as good as the book!
2. On the Fence by Kasie West
Speaking of next-door neighbors, Charlie (short for Charlotte) is a total tomboy and the younger sister to 3 elder brothers, plus the boy-next-door Braden. How she grows as a person, figures out her feelings for Braden, and comes to accept her mother's death is the rest of the story.
Beautifully written, and heartfelt, Kasie West truly is one of the best YA romance authors, and On the Fence is a forever favorite.
3. Creative HeArts Series
A series of six books, which all take place in the NextGen Academy, a school for creative arts. The series follows four couples, with four different stories; from enemies to lovers, to fake dating...well you can understand why this series is a favorite. Each book can be read as a standalone, but where's the fun in that? ;)
4. The Only Thing Worse Than Me is You by Lily Anderson
The phrase "enemies-to-lovers" will always remind me of this book. Trixie has always been at war with Ben, fighting for their school's 3rd rank. But after their best friends start dating, they have no choice but to spend time together, and turns out, Ben isn't that bad...
5. Textrovert by Lindsey Summers
Textrovert was initially a short story on Wattpad, which readers loved so much, the author turned it into a full-length novel!
Keeley and Talon accidentally swap phones, and when he goes off to summer camp, they're forced to text and forward each other's messages for the week. When they finally meet in person, Talon turns out to be JT, the star quarterback from her rival school. A perfect YA forbidden romance story that will have you rooting for the characters!
6. There's Something About Sweetie by Sandhya Menon
Oof. This book. Sweetie is a track-star and an amazing singer. She is also fat, which, unfortunately, her mother can't see past. When her mother forbids her from dating Ashish, Sweetie decides to do so anyway...
An inspiring novel about self-love, it's full of feels.
7. Shrinking Violet by Danielle Joseph
This book is a bit old, but the message stays true even after all these years. Teresa is the definition of an introvert, with a passion for radio. When she gets a chance to RJ at her step-father's radio station, Teresa surprises herself and shines behind the mic.
A modern twist to the old tale of Cinderella, Shrinking Violet is a beautiful book. It was also made into a Disney movie, Radio Rebel (aka the source of that Debby Ryan meme)
8. The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
Kody Keplinger is another favorite of mine. Her books are all retellings of old classics, and the DUFF is a retelling of the Scarlet Letter.
Bianca hates Wesley, especially after he gives her the nickname, DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend). But, she needs a distraction, and Wes is kinda good for that. And thus, starts an enemies-to-benefits relationship.
Now here, I think is a good time to talk about imperfect heroines. A recent post by @annareadshere (one of my fave bookstagrammers) started a discussion about "Difficult heroines". You know the ones who "whine too much" and "don't appreciate their friends". But, let's think- how many times have we swooned over a broody, grumpy male character, because "he still has a heart of gold"? Why is it, that we can't do the same for female characters? Because newsflash: there are snarky, cynical, grumpy girls with a heart of gold IN REAL LIFE! And, isn't that what makes an integral part of romance novels, the redemption arc?
The DUFF is a great book and while everyone is entitled to their opinion, don't get swayed by those 1 star-Goodreads reviews about the whiny heroine.
9. The Bergman Brothers Series by Chloe Liese
Chloe Liese writes amazing books which have taught us so much about love, life, and relationships. The Bergman Brothers series is a beautiful series with amazing characters and you HAVE to read them!
10. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Another book filled with diversity, The Kiss Quotient is a gender-swapped Pretty Woman. Stella is an autistic econometrician, who needs to learn about romance. So, she decides to hire Michael, an escort. What starts as a business deal slowly becomes more...
11. The Bookworm's Guide Series by Emma Hart
And ofc, the series that started it all, The Bookworm's Guide. The romance, the friendship and the oh-so-understandable woes of a bookworm is what got me hooked to the series!
12. Beautiful Series by Christina Lauren
Last, but not least, The Beautiful Series by the AMAZING duo, Christina Lauren. My favorite is easily the first book, Beautiful Bastard (enemies-to-lovers hehe) but each book in the series is swoon-worthy.
A gorgeous adult series, each book has connected characters but can be read as a standalone.