Wondering what to read next?
No matter what subgenre or trope you're in the mood for – or don't realize you're in the mood for, which is more often the case with me – my guess is you'll discover a new book or hero or author or trope or heroine to love. 💕
How to find great romance books
Have you ever had this experience? You're ready – eager – to start reading a new book, when nothing on your TBR (to be read) pile or digital wishlist is grabbing you at that very time?
For some reason I’ve had quite a few of those what-to-read-next moments in the past few months. For ideas and inspiration I find myself turning to a handful of romance sites, and I thought I would share in case other romance readers face a similar quandary now and then.
I hope you find this post helpful, and a huge THANK YOU 🙏 to the romance lovers who run and contribute to these sites (and the corresponding social channels)! Their passion for the genre really shines. Several of the sites are, like, 10+ years old and tremendous resources. So no matter what subgenre or trope you're in the mood for – or don't realize you're in the mood for, which is more often the case with me – my guess is you'll discover a new book or hero or author or trope or heroine to love. 💕
Here are the sites, in no particular order:
Maryse’s Book Blog – Maryse’s enthusiasm is contagious, and she frequently shares (kindle) deal alerts. I also appreciate her extensive lists and the breadth of what she reads, i.e. not only romance. She calls herself a “mood reader,” which I'm starting to think I might be too.
She Reads Romance Books – Great lists, an engaging podcast, quizzes, challenges, freebies. I love her (Leslie Murphy's) monthly upcoming releases lists. There’s also a book club membership subscription as well as products for sale.
Romance.io – I don’t think it’s that much of an exaggeration to say you can find your next read a million different ways on this site. (It’s slightly addicting.) Browse/search by mix & match tropes and tags, trending titles, new releases, steam level, time period, location, hero/heroine personality traits, POV (point of view), kink, author and more. Community ratings. 👍🏼 Also has author interviews, best-of lists, etc.
All About Romance – extensive search features, reviews, forums, blog, “steals and deals” feature. Founded in 1996! That is… (counts on fingers… takes off socks… taps most of Mr. Blaine’s fingers…) almost 30 years of romance noveliciousness.
Other good sources for me have included:
Under the Covers Book Blog's newsletter – another site full of romance goodies – blog, podcast, live YouTube Novel Nights show, reading guides and a lot more, also paid features, i.e. database, digital magazine, community membership and merch.
Frolic newsletter – I love the excerpts, and there’s often a deal and other treats.
r/RomanceBooks subreddit.
The peeps I follow on, and newsletters from, BookBub.
👟📚 And... a walk to the good ol', real-world library, where the other day I found Christina Lauren’s very fun and well done (and beautifully covered) The Paradise Problem.
There are many, many more popular, fantastic review sites and blogs, not to mention all the socials, in addition to these. I wish there was time to list them all! What’s your go-to?
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