Want to Read Romance but Don’t Know Where to Start? Try One of These Hits
Heyyy there —
You’re here because
1) you love romance novels
2) you want to love romance novels, or
3) you know someone who won’t shut up about them
Romance is having a moment — but not all of it deserves your time (or your hard-earned $20).
We’re Penelope Black and Cardigan B. Friends for a decade, and between the two of us, we’ve read 1,000s of romance novels. We know the tropes, we’ve seen some things, and we’re here to lead you into the world of romance fiction.
With self-publishing booming, it’s way too easy to fall for a gorgeous cover and end up with a story that reads like soggy fanfic. That’s where we come in. We’ll help you dodge the duds and find the gems.
No shame, no buyer’s remorse — just swoons, spice, and solid storytelling for your underground library of romance - aka smut, aka bodice rippers, aka spice rack reads, aka Booktok baddies, aka hoe books.
Think of us as your secret stack librarians. We’ll do the research for you so you don’t have to. We won’t overwhelm you with options - just a few good reads to get you started.
We’ve read these books. We love these books. They’re low trauma, high happily ever after.
❤️ Lady Derring Takes a Lover
Author: Julie Anne Long
Series: The Palace of Rogues (Book 1)
Our Rating: 4.0/5
Genre: Historical Romance
Tropes: Widow, Mistress, Hidden Identity, Slow Burn, Inherited Fortune, Unlikely Friendship, Historical
Spice Level: Medium
Notes: Delilah, newly widowed and penniless, teams up with her late husband’s mistress to start over. Witty, empowering, and heartfelt.
FAQ
Standalone? → Yes, it can be read as a standalone. It’s Book 1 in The Palace of Rogues series.
Tone? → Quippy, uplifting, historical charm
❤️ Quicksilver
Author: Callie Hart
Series: Fae & Alchemy (Book 1)
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Dark Romance, Fantasy Romance
Tropes: Enemies-to-Lovers, Found Family, Court Politics, Hidden Magic, He Falls First, Slow Burn, Vampires
Spice Level: High
Notes: A dark, addictive fantasy with fae intrigue, alchemy, and rich banter. Hyped for good reason—and cinematic in feel.
FAQ
Standalone? → Yes, it can be read as a standalone, but it does end on a cliffhanger. It’s Book 1 in the Fae & Alchemy series.
Tone? → Dark, lush, and clever world building
❤️ Halfling
Author: S.E. Wendel
Series: Monstrous World (Book 1)
Our Rating: 4.0/5
Genre: Fantasy Romance, Monster Romance
Tropes: Monster x Human, Friends to Lovers, Adventure, Found Family, Redemption Arc
Spice Level: Medium-High
Notes: A kidnapped woman and her half-orc rescuer form a bond while on the run. Steamy, tender, and adventurous.
FAQ
Standalone? → Yes, it can be read as a standalone. It’s Book 1 in the Monstrous World series.
Tone? → Spicy, adventurous, and heartfelt
❤️ Part of Your World
Author: Abby Jimenez
Series: Part of Your World (Book 1)
Our Rating: 4.0/5
Genre: Small Town Romance
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Age Gap, City vs Small Town, Emotional Growth
Spice Level: Medium
Notes: A city-girl doctor and a small-town carpenter find love across class and lifestyle divides. Warm, funny, and romantic. She is constantly fighting the heavy expectations on her shoulders from her family and her friends. It’s relatable.
FAQ
Standalone? → Yes, it can be read as a standalone. It’s Book 1 in the Part of Your World series.
Tone? → Cozy, heartfelt, uplifting
❤️ If You Hate Me
Author: Helena Hunting
Series: Toronto Terror (Book 1)
Our Rating: 4.0/5
Genre: Sports Romance
Tropes: Enemies-to-Lovers, Brother’s Best Friend, Forced Proximity, Hockey Hero
Spice Level: High
Notes: Sparks fly when a hockey player and his best friend’s sister clash. Addictive mix of heat, chaos, and emotional growth.
FAQ
Standalone? → Yes it can be read as a standalone. It is Book 1 of the Toronto Terror hockey series
Tone? → Spicy, angsty, and funny