So I've been trying to find and read feel-good romance books, but every booktok and booktube recommendation has left me feeling kind of icky with the lack of nuance and interesting plot line. Some (and in plenty of cases, most) of the dialogues are way too cheesy, repetitive, and predictable to my liking.
Maybe it's because I went to TikTok and YouTube for recommendations? I don't know 😅
Well, eventually I stumbled upon this subreddit and you guys seem to be more well-versed on quality literature. Any suggestions?
by yawannaknowmehuh
3 Comments
I don’t read a ton of romance but I’ve liked One Star Romance (romcom but a lot about friendship) and romantic comedy
Fingersmith is the best romance I’ve ever read. It’s a very twisty and steamy story about a rich woman and a thief pretending to be her maid. Absolutely miles above Booktok calibur but may or may not be your jam 🌈
I’ve got you! I love a feel good romance but have no patience for bad writing. Some of my favorites in recent years include:
Anything by Courtney Milan, especially her Brothers Sinister series. These are historical, so get ready for all that entails, but they’re thoughtful and progressive and she really shines when it comes to unconventional main characters.
The Seven Year Slip, Ashley Polston. Contemporary, time travel, a bit of magical realism.
Thank You For Listening, Julia Whalen. Especially good as an audiobook.
Romantic Comedy, Curtis Sittenfeld.
And if you’re open to romantic with a heavy dose of yearning/less guaranteed happy ending:
Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller.
Call Me By Your Name.
Bel Canto, Ann Patchett.