The emotional heart of the novel lies in the illicit relationship between Meggie, the daughter of the family, and Ralph, a priest in the local parish. Najja is a great heroine, and Burke writes some excellent sexual tension between her and Colin. Diagnosed with incurable cancer at the age of thirteen, shes never had the chance to experience the thrilling awkwardness of being a teenager. ), By: Emma Barry, Genevieve Turner | 244 pages | Published: 2016 | Popular Shelves: romance, historical, historical-romance, romance-historical, ebook | Search "Earth Bound by Emma Barry". But, as they spend the summer learning about each other, and discovering themselves, a friendship floods the lives of these two loners like a golden light. Rush focuses on Gabe, who finds himself in a tight spot when he lays eyes on his best friends younger sister for the first time in several years. Beautiful Player by Christina Lauren. as one of their favorite books, and they share YOU GUYS, THIS BOOK IS INCREDIBLE. The setting of Victorian England is nothing special, but the characters are wonderful. Thats what happens to Lara Jean, a sixteen-year-old girl whose life is turned upside down when letters shes written to all the boys shes ever loved letters that the recipients were never supposed to see are sent. It takes place during the 12th century Anarchy, the period of English civil strife when Matilda battled Stephen for the crown. Tragically, she died in a car crash in the mid-80s, so these are her only two books. As a Saxon, Ceidre is determined to resist the invasion of the Normans under William the Conqueror. Agree bloody fab book! Although this is technically just a Regency novel, its location in the Highlands really brings Scotland to life. Miss Delilah Bard, pickpocket, would-be pirate, and street fighter extraordinaire, is not one of them. Luckily, handsome doctor Carlos is there to sweep her away from the frenzy and into an epic rebound of food, fun, and fantastic sex. Brainy/Genius Romantic Heroines For all those genius, highly intelligent, scientific-minded, critically-thinking heroines in romance! How about her new roommates friendly ex-boyfriend? 8. mrs-machino 2 yr. ago Ooh, I thought of one more - Love and the Laws of Motion by Amanda Weaver. In this romantic retelling of a perennial Classics favorite, Homers Iliad, Madeline Miller casts Patroclus as the awkward but lovable ancient Grecian nerd to Achilles jock. Her appearance is unapologetically masculine shes tall and bony, which is why she gets away with her disguise for so long. *What happens when America's First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales?When his mother became President, Alex Claremont-Diaz was promptly cast as the American equivalent of a young royal. When my boss sends me in his place to a professional sports banquet, I find the only empty seat next to Donovan Taylor, the San Francisco Strikers resident hottie with a bad reputation. We will add genres Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. It takes a good look at the conflict between the Ascendant English aristocrats, many of whom oppressed their native Irish dependents, and the Irish loyalists who strove to eject the English. No matter who plays them, in what adaptation, her characters never fail to be laugh-out-loud funny! The Main Heroine Likes the Extra. In the opinion of her stern cousin Charles, however, that fresh air feels more like a hurricane. As it turns out, Henrys a time traveler, and Clare is his future wife. Is it worth another shot? Very few other books are so intrinsically connected to a place like this one is. Thats my life, except Im an awkward introvert and hes my opposite in every way. The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Mackenzies & McBrides, #1), When Beauty Tamed the Beast (Fairy Tales, #2), Nobody's Baby But Mine (Chicago Stars, #3). Ever since the massacre of her clan when she was a child, Morganna KilCreggar has wandered disguised as a boy. Under a veneer of good-natured idiocy lies a master manipulator who does not intend to let the most interesting woman hes ever met out of his grasp. Allendes novel begins when pregnant widow, Roser, and her brother-in-law, Victor, flee fascist Spain aboard a ship chartered by the poet Pablo Neruda. Felicite lives in New Orleans, a tense place to be while the France is transferring its colony Louisiana to Spain (1770s). The lines between work and play tangle even as Parsons and Charlie try to keep them separate. * Instant NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestseller ** GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD WINNER for BEST DEBUT and BEST ROMANCE of 2019 ** BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR* for VOGUE, NPR, VANITY FAIR, and more! The Hating Game The 60 Best Romance Novels of All Time | Reedsy Discovery Mysterious, but not exactly murder-filled? . Its that pure, fear-laced, heartbreaking kind of love you only experience when youre sixteen and trust us, your heart will melt. This The action begins at a royal wedding, when Alex is told to play nice with his childhood nemesis, the Prince of Wales. Arriving in Chile, they immediately embroil themselves in a tangled web of characters connected by love and tragedy. A pair of English women hire Najja, an African assassin, to protect them. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. This book doesnt try to gloss over some of the realities of 11th century life; both Ceidre and Rolfe are in marriages of convenience to other people, and he has many illegitimate sons he cheerfully abandons in Normandy. Will Traynor is living a lonely life. But will he get what he wants, or will outside forces intervene? Then he kisses me and asks me out. Why not check out our guide to New Adult books and their sleek, steamy collegiate romances? Books with a extremely intelligent/genius heroine? | Source. Romance is a perennial favorite for readers everywhere, and it isnt hard to see why. and our The heroine of this Western is very similar to Morganna (first book in this list). Will they ever be together, or will the seemingly insurmountable obstacles between them keep them apart? At the same time, a slot opens up for a memory-alteration procedure at the Leteo Institute, and Aaron has the choice of wiping the things hed rather not dwell on out of his head forever. But then she catches the eye of the Duke of Cabria cruel, spiteful, and utterly obsessed with her and becomes his mistress. With a few key couples dominating the pages in the style of Anna Karenina, we see the action through their eyes and feel their struggle to maintain hope after endless sacrifices. But when Aaron starts spending his time almost exclusively with new boy Thomas, he quickly comes to a number of realizations that hes not altogether thrilled with. After a long career in other forms of writing including but not limited to journalism, TV writing, nonfiction book authoring, I began writing contemporary romance novels two years ago and I haven't gotten off the couch or closed my laptop since then. Its heroine, Tess Durbyfield, is so beautifully and sympathetically drawn that you cannot help but feel crushed as the world conspires against her; betrayed by men who exploit her, a society that casts her out, and by the callousness of her religion. When he agrees to give Stella lessons in love, he finds himself drawn deeper into her life; suddenly, Stella isnt the only one whos learning. This wonderful, wonderful book delivers two romantic heroines for the price of one: Christabel, the 19th-century poet who pays the . Enter: Augustus Waters. Although the novel is set in a fairly standard 1839, its filled with subtle humour and intriguing characters. The Hating Game, Description. as one of their favorite books, and they share What she doesnt expect is to start falling for the handsome prince. But then she comes across charming, light-hearted Zander FitzHugh, who forces her to be his squire, and things become a lot more complicated than she was anticipating. Brainy/Genius Romantic Heroines (265 books) - Goodreads I write sweet, spicy books about quirky heroines and the men who cant live without them. Remedial Rocket Science This witty, sophisticated tale of societal intrigue and domestic dramas has a lot to offer Austen fans, and Heyers pacy comedy-of-manners is served with a generous helping of heart-stopping romance. Miller, a classics teacher herself, takes up Homers thread of lyrical prose while adding her own unique style and story elements. They meet when Jocelyn moves to Edinburgh and takes up an apartment in a building owned by Braden. Luckily for you, Aciman released a sequel last year so you wont have to say goodbye to Elio and Oliver just yet. She was lying on the operating table when she had difficult labor. Meanwhile, inoffensive beta hero Jack Langdon stumbles into her path of destruction. Probably the best romance novel of 2019, Casey McQuistons queer, royal love story didnt just take the New York Times bestseller list by storm, it broke the internet. Perfect to read on vacation without freaking yourself out even if youre staying at a cabin in the woods? Academy Fantasy World Possession Romance Fantasy. A charming and affectionate portrayal of the love life of a neurodivergent woman, The Kiss Quotient is a breath of fresh air we doubt youll have read a romance quite like this before. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. Will they? Christabel LaMotte and Maud Bailey in Possession by AS Byatt. College Romance Books So Good They Score an A+ A dark, twisted tale told almost exclusively as a flashback, Rebecca follows the nameless protagonist and her speedy marriage to a mysterious but charming stranger, Maxim de Winter, whom she meets on a business excursion. The heroine, Milla, is determined to find her son who was . You cant go wrong when the son of Madame President falls in love with Englands dishy prince. I only wish this book were longer! Baking Me Crazy. the flawed but indomitable human spirit. When she comes across Ryam, a jaded blue-eyed warrior, she hires him to help her get back to her family and warn them of the impending danger. The book also explores, in great depth, the implications of Rhines decision to pass as white (for both himself and the black community). Get the Audible book in a deal **. As our mysterious, elderly narrator unpacks these nesting dolls, we gradually learn about the love affair between our protagonists. But hearts have a way of coming together in the City of Love. A recent release thats already considered vintage Allende, A Long Petal of the Sea is suffused with a vibrant sense of time and place as it traces its story through forty years of authoritarian rule in Spain. Dripping with longing and regret, and steered by two deeply vulnerable characters, this novel remains immensely readable one of the best romance novels of the 21st century. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the number of great romance novels out there, why not take our 30-second quiz to narrow it down quickly and get a personalized romance book recommendation? The reader follows Little Dog as he chases the American Dream, pursues a growing romance with a farm boy whos struggling with his familys homophobia, and questions how to be happy in the shadow of grief and trauma. Its as gorgeous as it was groundbreaking. Except, its not. The novel bends narration through the distorting lens of our protagonist, making for a genius coming-of-age story and a work of comic brilliance. authors picked Their attraction is dangerous, forbidden and difficult to resist. A dancer in 1938 New York, she uses men and alcohol to numb her demons. So whether youre searching for a how-to guide or cautionary tale (and there are plenty of those), youre hungry to read the next rom-com blockbuster before it hits Netflix, or you just want to lose yourself in timeless romance tropes, weve got you covered! Sally Thornes writing is witty, charming, and sexy too. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. In my travels, Ive also come across some wonderful, truly unusual historical romances which deserve special recognition. But her willpower and determination are what endear her to Felix, whos sort of an antihero and an arsehole but a very enjoyable one. Also known by the title Lady of the Knight, Im starting you guys out strong with one of the most uniquely tortured heroines Ive ever encountered. (Also, if you like dad jokes, there are some great awful math puns in Talk Sweetly to Me. This is a wonderful blend of romance and historical focus on the struggle for womens rights. One of the most well-known and well received historical romance novels of all time, this regency read has had readers seriously hot under the starched collar for 25 years. If youre partial to Rick Riordan (who, incidentally, gave this book a glowing review!) Ari is guarded, angry, and struggling to feel like he belongs. Privacy Policy. Teenage sweethearts, they broke up when Harriet moved away to college, breaking Sallys heart. scholars, scientists, computer geeks, professors, math whizzes, inventors, philosophers, etc. For more information, please see our But those who persevere with this colossus of a novel are richly rewarded. I love seeing the cautious scientist in Stella gradually open up to Michael, who aces the family dynamic and wins her fiercely-guarded heart. The entire concept of her training and occupation makes this one of the more unusual historical romances! geniuses, scholars, scientists, computer geeks, professors, math whizzes, inventors, philosophers, etc.) Princess Ai Lee is forced to flee home before her wedding, armed only with a pair of delicate butterfly swords. You must have a goodreads account to vote. Youll shed a tear or two, but you wont be able to resist falling in love with Me Before You. DM me! 2 of 50. There are shades of Romeo and Juliet with the whole Cavalier vs Roundhead conflict. Her task is to collect aura of a female lead and prevent each world from collapsing. Over time, the two come to understand one another a little better, though Will remains insistent on keeping Lou at arms length, while she struggles to understand what hes so afraid of. When Annas father ships her off to boarding school in Paris, shes less than thrilled to be leaving behind her friends in Atlanta especially that cute guy she works with at the multiplex. The Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters. But how serious can their glorified hookups get before someone slams on the brakes? A Mr Darcy-come-Robin Hood hero, he rescues an urchin girl from a brawl and employs her as his maid an act which will alter the course of his life for the next twelve books. Comedy Drama Fantasy Romance Slice of Life. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Especially when she loves to read, has a penchant for awkwardness, and discovers a soulmate who sees straight through her shyness to the interesting person underneath. Raunchy and compulsively readable, youll be rushing (pun intended) to find out what happens next in this erotic page-turner. Its told (unusually) in first person, and the setting is so lushly described that I genuinely felt like I was there in 1605. A kaleidoscope of popular influences, dripping in internet lingo, Ariana Grande references, and memes aplenty, Red, White & Royal Blue is the book we were screaming for. I go to Newnham College, which is very strongly connected to the issue of female suffrage, and it was great to read a historical romance where Votes for Women is an integral part of the plot. Stella loves logic. | Source, Not sure if you'd like this because the hero is super alpha, but I've recently read Nobody's Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Thats not to say hes been bored: hes passed the time by having no fewer than 622 love affairs, which he has painstakingly recorded in his notebooks. When Anna runs away with the handsome Count Vronsky, excitement gives way to paranoia, isolation, and regret, as we witness the unravelling of their relationship, and of Anna herself. Academy fantasy Possession Pure Love Romance. site:reddit.com/r/romancebooks FRIENDS TO LOVERS. She's charming and accommodating and prides herself on being loved by everyone at Bexley & Gamin. Alisha Rai and Sonali Dev have expanded the genre with love stories that feature Indian and Indian-American protagonists. Its faced more than its fair share of backlash, derision, and parody, but its impossible to deny that few books have influenced the cultural zeitgeist as much as Twilight. And when authors picked 6 Regency + Victorian Romances with Shy Heroines - Katherine Grant Romance With a publication date of 1958, this is the second-oldest book on my list and one of the absolute best. A charming, and unremarkably handsome amputee with an alarming optimism for life, Gus is a much-needed plot twist in the story of Hazel Grace. You know what I mean: they have the generic Regency setting, generic rake hero, generic wallflower heroine. {Rocket Science by Emily Mayer} She's not a genius, but she's an aerospace engineer, aka rocket scientist ;), By: Emily Mayer | 237 pages | Published: ? This is the dilemma that Sally and Harriet face in Twice in a Lifetime. Divide by conflicting loyalties and multiply by a daring group of women hell-bent on conducting their scientific experiments. Brainy/Genius Romantic Heroes flag All Votes Add Books To This List Previous 1 2 3 Next Computer nerd meets billionaire! What it's about: After Care is a romance novel featuring characters in their 40s and revolves around Edie Williams, who is on a family vacation in Hawaii with her children. Okay, let me explain my choice here. authors picked show more. (e.g. Chef heroine has escaped an abusive relationship and returned home to start a food truck; falls for the gruff-but-kind chef next door. 19 ella_nl2672829 2 yr. ago Yes, I've read that one, I loved it! show more. They decide to give things a shot after their first meeting, but, despite their deep love for one another, they face lots of challenges along the way; after all, its hard to keep up a relationship when one party is constantly dropping in and out of reality. The story of Noah and Allie is captured in three intertwined snap-shots: their teens, their early thirties, and old age. Now theyre up for the same promotion, and this bitter workplace rivalry is about to reach boiling point. When Henry and Clare bump into one another at the local library, its a classic meet-cute. Red, White & Royal Blue He expects to be bored stiff. I promptly embarrass myself because I have no idea who he is. Savour them. Celeste Newsome is a notorious girl. Over the years, and long before Barbie got her new body, romance novels also changed the portrayal of women's bodies. pages | Published: 2014 | Popular Shelves: romance, new-adult, kindle, contemporary, contemporary-romance | Search "imperfect chemistry by mary frame", 88333 books suggested | Bug? Niffeneggers touching novel is sure to pull at your heartstrings, as she leads us to consider how free will and destiny combine to determine who we end up loving. A devilishly debonair womanizer is suddenly interred in an insane asylum, having suffered a stroke. Amid the bleak and feral atmosphere of the Yorkshire moors, the novel revolves obsessively around the tempestuous course of Cathy and Heathcliffs self-destructive love affair. And some people love books about falling in love. From Anna's list on 26 Carefully yet wholeheartedly, over late night phone calls and countless mix tapes, Eleanor and Park fall in love. authors picked It is a truth universally acknowledged that any list of the best romance novels must be in want of at least one Jane Austen title (weve gone for three!). Lady Meriel de Vere is a noble-born Norman, but circumstances force her into pretending to be a Welsh commoner. If you want to enter the world of the Borgias and Medicis, this isthebook to read. After a long career in other forms of writing including but not limited to journalism, TV writing, nonfiction book authoring, I began writing contemporary romance novels two years ago and I havent gotten off the couch or closed my laptop since then. Cassidy is a high powered businesswoman, living and thriving in New Yorks gay scene. Self-assured, confident, and more than a touch rebellious, the beautiful and charismatic Sophy sweeps through London like a breath of fresh air. A spoof fairy tale, a sharp satire, and a rocket-powered fantasy, all brilliantly disguised as a love story theres absolutely nothing fluffy about The Princess Bride. Maybe One More Time by Christina C. Jones. Imagine if all your high school crushes suddenly knew every embarrassing thought youve ever had about them. as one of their favorite books, and they share And I'm obsessed. Sybil Davison has a genius IQ and has been laid by at least six different guys. And she has to sit across from his joyless, infuriatingly handsome face every day. This is a fairly short novella, but worth reading for its depiction of an early modern woman of colour. So if youre of a nervous disposition, maybe stick to fairy tales meant for kids. But hes nonetheless smitteneven if Merlins quirkiness tests him at every turn. Equal parts history and romance, this novel from NAACP nominee Beverly Jenkins will keep you on the edge of your seat. I second Beautiful Player by Christina Lauren and How Not to Fall by Emily Foster that others have mentioned, along with {The Countess Conspiracy by Courtney Milan} and anything by Rachel Grant (she writes romantic suspense and all her heroines are very smart), The Countess Conspiracy (Brothers Sinister, #3), By: Courtney Milan | 309 pages | Published: 2013 | Popular Shelves: romance, historical-romance, historical, historical-fiction, fiction | Search "The Countess Conspiracy by Courtney Milan", 88413 books suggested | Bug?