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.
I like romance book clubs so much that I’m in two of them. I’d probably be in more if I could. So I’ve been to enough meetings to know what kind of romances make for good discussions. The key? Books that take big swings. When a book is doing something audacious, chances are, it’s going to work for some, but not for all, and that’s where the best conversations happen. Club members will make great points both matching your opinions and differing from them. These new perspectives can deeply enrich the reading experience.
Other times, a book can be ambitious, and it lands for everyone in the club. That can be a great meeting, too, because everyone is eager to gush about their favorite things about the book. The book becomes even better when you’ve gotten a glimpse of everyone’s personal highlight reels.
All of the books on the list of romance book club books below fall under these two categories, in my opinion. There is a third type of book: the one everyone hates. In these meetings, you get to experience the cleansing fire of merciless trash-talking. Alas, I can’t suggest titles of this type of book. You can’t go looking for something to hate; that’s against the spirit of the whole thing. Unless you are in a book club that intentionally chooses bad books, Mystery Science Theater 3000 style, in which case, can I join? Seriously though, with any book club book, you ought to go in optimistic, hoping for a good book and a great discussion. So if you’re stumped on what to choose, read on.
8 Romance Book Club Books
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams
While I could have picked Seven Days in June, another Tia Williams book that made for a great meeting with one of my book clubs, I picked this instead. This story follows Ricki, who marches to a different drumbeat than her rigid family members. She strikes out on her own to open a flower shop in Harlem. There, she meets a mysterious man and embarks on a remarkable relationship. I can’t say too much else without spoiling it, but this book has elements of magical realism, which I think would be fascinating to examine. I think there are also big questions to be asked about a particular side character, which will probably be obvious to you once you’ve read the book.
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The Earl Takes All by Lorraine Heath
Gorilla. Twins. Oh, you need more than that? I would kill to discuss a really bananapants historical romance with a rambunctious group of readers, and this would be my top choice. Edward is pining for his sister-in-law, Lady Julia Kenney. In some wild twist of the monkey’s paw, he gets his chance to love her out loud. As Edward’s twin brother is being mauled to death by a gorilla, he tells Edward to impersonate him back home. For romance reasons, of course. While this book has a wild premise, it’s also so genuinely emotional! Only the brain trust of a book club can piece together how that’s possible.
Liar City by Allie Therin
This is a perfect book club book because it’s a queer paranormal romance with rich world-building and a suspenseful mystery plot. I love it when a book has a little something for everyone, because everyone can speak to their favorite facet of the gem. In this alternate version of Seattle, powerful empaths are real, and their abilities are feared. When the murder of someone trying to outlaw empathy has the city on edge, Reece is called in to help. He’s an empath and a pacifist. At the same time, a shadowy empath hunter known as The Dead Man shows up. He and Reece have to work together to solve the murder, and they make an unlikely but eventually undeniable match. If you are looking to discuss books that are as imaginative as they are slow-burning, this is the one for you.
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
This book is a top-tier romance for me. It’s got heartrending yearning and the characters are horny for each other, a combo that will hit every time. I went into my book club meeting having read this book twice, and I came away loving the book even more. This book has two characters, Helen and Grant, who probably should not be together. Grant struck and killed Helen’s sister with his car when they were both in high school. But how can they get out of the messes they’re mired in? They can do it together. This book is messy and raw, and it’s interesting to see whether readers think these two are set up for success or whether they are ultimately doomed.
A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole
I chose this book because, like the Fated Mates podcast has proven, there’s a lot to investigate in these stories. The novel starts off with a bang when imprisoned werewolf Lachlain MacRieve detects his fated mate, a half-vampire, half-Valkyrie named Emmaline. He rips off his own leg to get to her. Isn’t that the kind of energy you want in your romance novels? Paranormal/mythological creatures are always interesting to talk about for what metaphors they represent. Furthermore, this book has fans and detractors both who can engage in good faith with the book’s depiction of consent (or lack thereof). Make sure your club members are up for that challenge if you choose this one.
Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins
I can’t believe this book is almost 10 years old. If you haven’t read any Beverly Jenkins in your book club, you’re doing it wrong. I chose Forbidden because it is working in the longstanding literary tradition of the passing novel, which will certainly make for rich discussion. In this book, Rhine is a Black man passing as white, and he falls for a Grade-A headstrong Jenkins heroine with Eddie. She’s Black, and Rhine has to decide whether he’s willing to risk it all for her. This is one of those books that the whole club ought to really appreciate.
Unmasked by the Marquess by Cat Sebastian
You want to dig into a queer historical with your book club besties, right? There’s a trope in historical romance in which people assigned female at birth masquerade in men’s clothing to gain access to some activity or echelon of society otherwise forbidden to them. This book takes that old chestnut and updates it. What if such a character really is interested in living outside the gender binary? Alistair, Marquess of Pembroke, is entranced by Robert, the man who keeps showing up at his estate asking for favors. When Robert reveals himself to be a housemaid named Charity, things get complicated. This would be a fantastic book to read with seasoned historical romance readers who can appreciate how this book both works with and against the traditions in the subgenre.
The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang
I chose this book because it’s grappling with a lot. Anna is a burnt-out musician whose longtime boyfriend is asking to open their relationship. She decides to embark on some one-night stands, leading her to Quan. But he’s not one-night stand material; he’s a keeper. In addition to relationship trouble and burnout, Anna is dealing with a recent autism diagnosis and an unsupportive family. There’s so much here to discuss. Do all these issues detract from the romance, or make it all the more satisfying? How much do you like a romance to focus on individual issues versus the issues between a couple? What does it mean when a book comes with an author’s note explaining how personal the story is to them?
Surely I’ve tempted you to read one or two of these romance book club books, yes? If you’re looking to have an interesting book club meeting, we can help. There are pitfalls to avoid and questions to ask. So pick a title, invite some people, and join the club!
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