Love Stories with Depth, Romance Books that Hooked Me

by Savannah Hendricks
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5 books
I started reading romance well after my friends had been reading books with muscular men on the cover. Maybe I didn’t see the appeal, story wise, or maybe because I’d been far behind in my abilities to read (I was reading chapter books when my friends were reading young adult novels). I craved romance novels with a stronger storyline, back-story with more drama, and meaningful friendships as side stories.
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Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas

James Patterson, 2011
This was the first adult novel I read and was hooked by the sneak peek I’d found in a magazine. It hooked me and I instantly thought, wow, what have I been missing all these years? This book created the platform for my love of reading and to seek out other romance novels while I waited for the next one from Mr. Patterson.

Thursdays at Eight

Debbie Macomber, 2005
Talk about cozy and perfect for an afternoon read under a blanket. I loved the way Ms. Macomber wrote her characters in this romance novel. They came to life and you were instantly invested in their outcomes. And nothing makes romance better than caring about what is happening to the characters. Flat characters might have emotions, love, and lust, but you need more than that, you need a character that comes alive, and the four ladies in this novel felt real.

PS, I Love You

Cecelia Ahern, 2008
Romance is often times filled with tears, both happy and sad. And P.S., I Love You does it with such perfection. Sure it’s sad, but sometimes we need a love story grounded in reality so that we can discover what true love looks like.

Mr. 365

Ruth Clampett, 2013
I loved this book because it was a refreshing read. Sometimes romance books need to be fun, light, and not full of drama. And finding a book like this revitalizes your love of romance books if you’ve hit a slump. I’m grateful that there are all types of romance writers out there, clean, spicy, western, inspiration, and historical because it’s fun to mix it up and keeps me wanting to read more.

New York, New Year, New You

A fun, feel-good read full of heart, hope & humor
Rachael Bloome, 2023
This book is bursting with sensory images, fun characters, and great writing. It’s one of my favorite books by Ms. Bloome. You’re sucked into the story from the start and it’s like watching a movie the entire time. I love books that read with such details and feel like a classic romance story.