Isabelle Popp has written all sorts of things, ranging from astrophysics research articles and math tests to crossword puzzles and poetry. These days she's writing romance. When she's not reading or writing, she's probably knitting or scouring used book stores for vintage gothic romance paperbacks. Originally from New York, she's as surprised as anyone that she lives in Bloomington, Indiana.
A gymnast like Simone Biles can make an error in her routine and still win gold, because the moves she’s attempting are so much more difficult than those of her competitors. My favorite romances are written by the Simone Bileses of authors, because they set themselves a challenge so immense and succeed. I love to be proven wrong when I think to myself as I’m reading a book, “There’s no way these two will ever make it,” and then they do!
It’s only fair that I should round up a few such romances for you. Some of these books have characters you initially do not want to root for. Some have plots that have no place in a romance novel. They may require you to suspend some disbelief initially, but if you put some faith in the author, they will take you to a sublime place.
What I realize looking at this collection of books is that I truly want some drama in what I read. I think of myself as someone who doesn’t like workplace romances, because I cannot make myself care about who gets the promotion or whatnot. Still, some books on this list could be construed as workplace romances. They work for me because the emotions are heightened. Incidentally, this is also why I like going to the opera. If you, too, want expertly executed drama in your romance, pick up one of the following books. I simply must use caps lock and lots of exclamation points to talk about them; it’s the only way.
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
There’s no gentle way to say this: Grant struck and KILLED Helen’s sister with his car when he was a teenager. As adults, they meet each other in the writing room for a television show based on Helen’s YA novels. These two categorically should not be together. And yet their path toward each other is exquisite! When my book club discussed this book, we wondered why Grant didn’t immediately quit that job and save Helen the heartache of seeing him. It’s because he’s messed up! She’s messed up, too, and the way they fix things is by doing it together. What a book.
Two Rogues Make a Right by Cat Sebastian
As an avowed Cat Sebastian stan, is it possible my favorite book by her is one where one of the main characters is ACTIVELY DYING of tuberculosis? I think so! Will has been searching for his friend Martin for months, and when he finds him, Will is in bad shape. Still, Martin is set on nursing Will back to health. The outlook in this book is not good! A happy ending can’t extend very far into the future! And yet, I don’t see this book as tragic at all. It’s utterly life-affirming and tender.
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There’s Something About Mira by Sonali Dev
You can absolutely rely on Sonali Dev to deliver high drama in her books, and her latest is hands-down my favorite of hers. This book follows Mira, an ENGAGED WOMAN, who goes to New York and then goes viral when she finds a ring in the street and decides to find its owner. A journalist named Krish finds her to join the quest, and frankly, he’s a jerk. Also, this quest gets very cinematic and dangerous! If you love a book where a woman is on the brink of blowing up her whole life, this is the one.
Briarley by Aster Glenn Gray
In the classic (which is to say Disney) version of Beauty and the Beast, Belle offers to take her father’s place in Beast’s castle. What if Belle’s father had some real fortitude and stayed? And what if the beast was a DRAGON? And also it was World War II Britain, so there were Nazis to fight? It’s just a delight. This is a fairly short novella, so save this one to drink down in one gulp.
Not Here to Make Friends by Jodi McAlister
This book is the third in the Marry Me, Juliet series. All three romances are set during the same season of a Bachelor-style show in early pandemic Australia. This book pairs the VILLAIN of the season, Lily Fireball, with showrunner Murray. Lily is a former producer of the show, and she and Murray have a long backstory. We all know how manipulative the people who work in reality television have to be. These are two borderline sociopaths who are perfect for only each other. I am simply begging you to read this series.
To Catch a Raven by Beverly Jenkins
I trust Beverly Jenkins implicitly, so I would never assume she’s biting off more than she can chew in her books. Still, To Catch a Raven is about stealing a copy of the Declaration of Independence. Yes, like National Treasure. I ate this up! In a post-Civil War setting, Raven and Braxton pose as a housekeeper and a valet to retrieve a stolen copy of this foundational document. Ms. Bev herself tells you how bonkers this book is in one of her promotional tweets:
Stuff to look for in To Catch A Raven. Enemies to lovers. One bed. Older couple second chance. Fake marriage. Fake royals. Fake Montgomery Wards salesman. Fake nuns. Mice in a bag. A broken bed. Shirtless hero with an axe. Alice in Wonderland. Ice skating. Gumbo. 1/2
— Beverly Jenkins (@authorMsBev) August 1, 2022These books all just completed their floor routines, and it’s tens across the board! I know six books will never be enough for the most voracious romance readers, so I will also recommend some romantic dramas, some spicy beach reads, and the best romances you probably haven’t read. Don’t you just love being a romance reader?
English (US) · 