I haven't read any romance novels for years because I thought the genre just wasn’t for me. Then earlier this year, out of curiosity, I picked up Pride and Prejudice and absolutely loved it. So I bought the rest of Jane Austen’s books and have since become a big fan. That’s how I realized that I actually do enjoy romance, just not the Colleen Hoover type (no judgment, just personal taste).
Now I’d love to read more, but I’m not sure where to start. I think what I like best is when there’s a strong non-romantic main plot alongside the love story. I prefer no spice, though it’s not a total dealbreaker.
For context, I usually read science fiction, military fiction, and political fiction. Some of my favorite novels are The Ministry for the Future (Kim Stanley Robinson), Darkness at Noon (Arthur Koestler), The Dispossessed (Ursula K. Le Guin), The Forever War (Joe Haldeman), Six of Crows (Leigh Bardugo), The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms (N. K. Jemisin) and pretty much anything by T. C. Boyle.
by YellowSquirrel23