Natalie thought graduation would feel like a fresh start, but instead she’s stuck in a beach town filled with job rejections, writer’s block, and the weight of supporting her sister through rehab. Then she meets Brooklyn, a fellow patient at the facility—magnetic, troubled, and impossible to resist. But as their connection deepens into romance, Brooklyn’s dangerous history with addiction resurfaces, forcing Natalie to confront a painful truth: no matter how much you love someone, you can’t save them from themselves.
There’s really no topic that can’t be explored within a romance novel. That’s one of the things I love about the genre. Fundamentally, romances are stories that center relationships. And every part of the human experience can and will affect how people show up in their relationships. My very favorite romances are the ones that dig deep; I love books that aren’t afraid to engage with complicated characters. Folks who don’t seem to have an easy path to love? Let’s find that path!
We all know reading books can enhance our empathy. The character-driven nature of romance makes it especially well-suited to the kinds of scenarios that cause readers to confront the limits of their empathy. Then, hopefully, your heart is opened ever wider in the reading. The romances below deal with grief, substance use, betrayal, trauma, chronic illness, and more.
I know we aren’t always in the mood to tackle these kinds of topics, especially if we’re dealing with them in real life. But the added guarantee of the happy ending in the romance means you’ll be taken care of. So, you may need to keep some tissues at hand while reading these, for those sad moments—but the happy tears will follow, I promise.
Thirsty by Mia Hopkins
I adore this book, the first in the Eastside Brewery series. It’s a book that makes the bold choice of giving only the main male character’s point of view. His name is Salvador, and he’s fresh out of prison for gang-related car theft. His living situation puts him back in touch with Vanessa, someone from his high school days. Salvador knows he can never really escape his past as long as he’s still living in the area where his gang operates. He doesn’t want to pull Vanessa into that life, but at the same time, the two are a perfect match. This book is so emotional and beautiful, and it doesn’t offer easy solutions to their truly complex situation.
August Lane by Regina Black
Back in high school, Luke and August wrote a country song together. But Luke claimed the song as his alone and made a career on it. Now his career is at a low point, and a gig with August’s mother could give him the boost he needs. It also puts him face-to-face with August again. The two have to face their still smoldering passion, while also reckoning with Luke’s betrayal. If you can relate to messy families and impossible choices, this is the book for you.
My Season of Scandal by Julie Anne Long
Historical romances often feature characters maneuvering within the strict bounds of society. That’s the case in this wonderful entry in the Palace of Rogues series, in which Catherine only has enough money to spend one season in London. She’s already lost her mother, and her father’s health is failing. There’s a lot at stake, so of course she’s going to fall for the wrong guy, Lord Dominic Kirke. This book is all about facing consequences, doing the right thing even if it might bring alienation, and how vulnerability is the opposite of weakness. If you are skeptical whether a friends-to-lovers arc can work in historical romance, give this one a try.
Reel by Kennedy Ryan
Realistically, any of Kennedy Ryan’s books could have gone on this list, because she is someone who runs toward complex characters and situations in her writing. I chose Reel because it explores so many things at once. It’s a romance between Neevah, an actress getting her breakout role, and Canon, the director of the film she’s starring in. Yes, this is a problematic power dynamic, and Ryan gives it the nuanced exploration it requires. Additionally, Neevah has lupus, and the way her illness affects her work and relationships is also an important part of her story. That story is swoony, moving, and epic. And if audiobooks are an option for you, it’s a gem.
Silvercloak by L.K. Steven
I’m always looking for a romantasy that can really pull me in with its emotional hooks. They’re few and far between in my experience, but Silvercloak delivered. Saffron is bent on avenging her parents’ deaths, so she wheedles her way into an elite detective academy with the goal of taking down the magical gang responsible for her pain. Will she fall for the kingpin’s son? Yes: this is a romance, and that’s how these work. But this book deeply explores the moral injuries that can be done to people when they’re between a rock and a hard place. The sequel comes out in September, so be ready for it!
Gabriela and His Grace by Liana De la Rosa
I am always so interested in historical romances that delve into the impacts of empire instead of, well, upholding the ideals of empire, frankly. In this third installment in The Luna Sisters, we focus on Gabriela, who desperately wants her freedom. After a scandal, she is returning to Mexico after many years in Europe. Given Mexico’s occupation by France, arriving in the country is very jarring to Gabriela after her years away. Aboard her ship is Duke Sebastian Brooks (check out the slutty little glasses on that guy!). She’s considered him an enemy, but in this new setting, they get to know each other in earnest, and it’s delicious.
Stars in Your Eyes by Kacen Callender
I’m a sucker for a celebrity romance, and this is one of my favorites. Logan and Mattie are cast in a romantic film, and to avert a PR disaster, they are also in a fake relationship. Logan is the bad boy. He’s got substance use issues and a boatload of trauma. The way Callender gives these two their happy ending is done with such care. We spend enough time with them to trust that the two have the tools they need to be successful in their happy ending. Their relationship is certainly healing, but it’s not doing ALL of the healing.
Something Wild & Wonderful by Anita Kelly
Are you looking for a romance that deals with religious trauma? Here you go. Alexei and Ben have different reasons for hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, but they meet by chance. As they start hiking together, they fall for each other. Alexei is wrestling with his faith, both how it has hurt him and what he still clings to. Ben, on the other hand, has been hurt in past relationships, and it makes him reluctant. The way these two find their way to each other is simply gorgeous.
If these are the kinds of romances that appeal to you, you’ll probably enjoy our lists of high-drama bonkers romances and the best romantic dramas. While fun and frothy romances will always have their place, it’s the hard hitters like these that are the ones that stick with me the longest. Hopefully, some of these can end up on your keeper shelf, too.
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