When seeking new books and discussion topics for your book club, have you automatically discounted romance novels? Don't let your assumptions blind you to the richness of this genre! Disscussing romance also a great way to grow your membership by tapping in to this genre's popularity. |
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The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer AshleyYoung widow Beth, inexplicably drawn to Ian MacKenzie, a Scottish lord who, rumored to be a murderer, spent his youth in an asylum, is determined to prove to London society that this charming Scotsman is only crazy about her.
All romance heroes are perfect, right? But Ian "madness" is actually realistically presented Asperger Syndrome. Discuss the past and present treatment of Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The differing family member's perspectives also launch debate. (M/F, Historical, Hot) |
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Pride and Prejudice by Jane AustenIn early nineteenth-century England, a spirited young woman copes with the suit of a snobbish gentleman, as well as the romantic entanglements of her four sisters. Yes, this classic is a romance novel! Because it's a classic, many book clubs have discussed it, not realizing they had crossed into romance. It can be a great soft introduction to the genre. The themes of the marriage market, multiple sisters seeking husbands, marrying for security, and what makes a man a hero remain eternal. (M/F, Historical, Sweet) |
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The Unsung Hero by Suzanne BrockmannStruggling to regain his memory after a near-fatal head injury, Navy SEAL Tom Paoletti must simultaneously try to stop an international terrorist with the help of Dr. Kelly Ashton, his childhood girlfriend who is now all grown up.
Although published in 2000, the stigma and recover from traumatic brain injuries still plagues the military. The suspense thread driven by a terrorist threat draws in adventure and crime fans. (M/F, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Warm) |
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An Unseen Attraction by K. J. CharlesIn Victorian England, Clem Talleyfer prefers to quiet run his lodging house. His hobbies and work keep him happy. But as his friendship with lodger Rowley Green develops over fireside chats, things become more complicated. Add a murder, and their quiet understanding is shattered. LGBT relationships nor romances are a new creation. The history of societal acceptance, in both real life and literature, provides a great entry point to conversation. The suspense and crime element add to the appeal. (M/M, Historical, Romantic Suspense, Warm) |
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A Princess in Theory by Alyssa ColeMistaken by his betrothed as a pauper instead of a prince, Prince Thabiso, the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, decides to keep his real identity a secret as he experiences life and love with Naledi Smith—until the truth comes out, which changes everything. The spam email angle creates definite food for thought. As does the impeding royal wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Additional topics include the role of women in science and the changes they face in academia. Foster care, heritage, the affect of privilege also weave through the plot. The modern retelling of the fairytale can link this book to others, including classics, in many ways. (M/F, Contemporary, Warm) |
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My Lady's Choosing: An Interactive Romance by Kitty Curran and Larissa ZagerisIf you like Jane Austen, or choose-your-own-adventure novels, this romance is for you! The reader creates their own Regency starring a spirited young miss, a sour dowager, and a haughty hero. The dowager's nieces add a taste of the stepsisters from Sleeping Beauty fairytale. The adage of "no two people read the same book" has never been truer. An entire discussion could be framed around each participants chosen adventure. The humor abounds with plenty of interesting characters to discuss. Comparisons to other 18th century domestic novels can lead to other discourse. (M/F, Historical, Sensuality varies) |
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Take the Lead: A Dance Off Novel by Alexis DariaIn her 5th season on The Dance Off, Gina Morales wants to make it to the finals. Her latest partner, Stone Nielson, stars in the reality show Living Wild about the Alaskan wilderness. Although Stone loathes reality TV, he finds the sparkling Puerto Rican beauty he is partnered with well worth is a second glance. Can the duo make it to fame, fortune, and a happily ever after? If your group includes any fans of reality TV, tie their interest into this romance. Stone's family and secrets provide discussion fodder. The behind the scenes look at reality TV, dancing, and tabloid press provide more themes. Family obligations drive the narrative. (M/F, Contemporary, Warm) |
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The Bollywood Bride
by Sonali Dev
Traveling home to Chicago to attend a family wedding and ride out a scandal, Bollywood star Ria Parkar reunites with Vikram Jathar, whose heart she broke to pursue her career.
The #MeToo movement ties directly into one subthread of the conflict keeping this couple apart. And the shame surrounding a familial history of mental illness is eternally discussable.
(M/F, Contemporary, Warm)
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Outlander by Diana GabaldonHurtled back through time more than 200 years to Scotland in 1743, Claire Randall finds herself caught in the midst of an unfamiliar world torn apart by violence, pestilence and revolution and haunted by her growing feelings for James Fraser, a young soldier. The popularity of STARZ adaptation proves Outlander's broad appeal. How many remember it won the RITA Award for Best Novel of 1991? The controversy of fans when the series strayed from genre norms provides a launching point to discuss the expectations of genre fans -- of all genres! (M/F, Historical, Warm) |
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Courting Greta by Ramsey HootmanThe relationship between former computer programmer Samuel Cooke and tough-as-nails gym coach Greta Cassamajor has a chance of succeeding, but only if the two of them can stop keeping the past secret and finally be honest with each other. The atypically average leads demonstrate how love can find us all. Social awkwardness and dealing with physical disability are discussable themes. (M/F, Contemporary, Warm) |
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It Ends With Us by Colleen HooverFalling for a stubborn but sensitive neurosurgeon after a youth spent working hard to earn an education and start her own business, Lily is frustrated by his aversion to commitment before reconnecting with a first love from the past she left behind.
Many groups talk about books with domestic violence. Flashback scenes to Lily's childhood emphasis how the cycle of violence feeds back on itself. Surviving the violence with hope intacted is an even harder path to travel.
(M/F, Contemporary, Warm)
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Seven Minutes in Heaven by Eloisa JamesWitty and elusive Eugenia Snowe, who owns an agency offering premiere governesses, clashes with brilliant inventor Ward Reeve, who is willing to resort even to kidnapping in order to find a governess for his half-siblings. Female entrepreneurs are not a modern invention, nor is the sexism they face. Grief and surviving loss form another theme. The inherent social status bias of Georgian England also reflects modern socio-economic divides. However, James' light, humorous touch keeps the conversations from feeling combative. (M/F, Historical, Warm) |
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Forbidden by Beverly JenkinsRhine Fontaine is building the successful life he's always wanted--one that depends upon him passing for White, but after rescuing the beautiful Eddy Carmichael, he wishes, for the first time in years, that he could step out from behind the facade. Rhine's story frames a conversation about race versus skin color, and that distinction has changed since the 1870s. Viewing the issue of property rights from post-abolition America compared to the legal and the de facto situation today is also challenging. Jenkins is well know for accurately researching her time frames and locations as well as focusing on people often omitted in historical accounts. (M/F, Historical, Warm) |
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Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCourFeeling unfulfilled in her romantic life in spite of a promising career in the L.A. film scene, talented set designer Emi discovers a mysterious letter at an estate sale that prompts her investigation into a movie icon's hidden life. By the award-winning author of Hold Still. Teen romances can also be discussable! The coming-of-age story itself becomes a conversation starter. Tidbits about the film industry, past and present, and socio-economic divisions provide additional themes to explore. Ava teaches Emi about family, self-realization, and true love. The mature tone makes it a natural crossover with adult readers. (F/F, Contemporary, Sweet) |
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Love and Other Words by Christina LaurenMacy Sorensen has decided to settle, and is planning her marriage to an older man, until she bumps into Elliot Petropoulos--her first and most intense love, who eventually broke her heart--sending her reeling into reminiscence--and doubt. The dual time lines of Macy and Elliot's original relationship alternating with present day creates discussion as reader's often like or dislike that device. The debate over "settling" for a relationship versus waiting for the perfect romance can also be intense. The definitions of love each reader bring to the story also change the overall impact. (M/F, Contemporary, Warm) |
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I Almost Forgot About You by Terry McMillanWhen Dr. Georgia Young decides to make some major changes in her life by quitting her job and moving, she finds herself on a journey that may include a second chance at love. McMillan is a book club favorite for discussions of family relationships, past loves, gaining closure, and finding love later in life. The topic of still changing role of technology in dating is also relevant. McMillan uses humor and her conversational style to appeal to a wide variety of readers. (M/F, Contemporary, Warm) |
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Unclaimed by Courtney MilanWhile trying to seduce and tarnish the good name of wealthy and respected Sir Mark Turner for a large sum of money, courtesan Jessica Farleigh, desperate to be free of a life she despises, must choose between the future she needs and a love like no other. The reversal of the seduction roles provide an introduction to consider gender roles, both past and present. Jessica is a complex character who doesn't fit into the Madonna–whore complex often found in literature. Milan deftly addresses the difference between surviving and living as well as issues of male responsibility and female independence. (M/F, Historical, Hot) |
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His Perfect Partner by Priscilla OliverasDrawn to his daughter’s beautiful and talented dance teacher, Yazmine Fernandez, divorced ad executive Tomas Garcia can no longer resist the attraction between them, which grows hotter with each step, even though there is so much at stake. Families run through this story. The struggle between working, being a single parent, and providing care for aging parents are common touchstones. The Chicago setting may also engage Chicagoland readers. The humor and memorable characters provide many connection points. (M/F, Contemporary, Sweet) |
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Ain't She Sweet by Susan Elizabeth PhillipsReturning to her hometown, down on her luck and penniless Sugar Beth Carey discovers that several of her old enemies are living out the life she left behind, from the jealous half sister who married Sugar Beth's high-school sweetheart to a fired teacher-turned-novelist who bought her childhood home. Revenge and comeuppance form the base of the conflict in this novel. Phillips captures how differently life turns out from what you expected. The idea of high school being the best years (or worst years) of your life also enlivens group dynamics. (M/F, Contemporary, Warm) |
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Wrong to Need You by Alisha RaiReturning home 10 years after being accused of a crime he did not commit, Jackson Kane helps his brother’s widow, the only woman he has ever loved, with the café she’s inherited, and must decide if he is strong enough to face the past in order to have a future with this woman he cannot live without. The topics of single motherhood, bisexuality, and neurodiversity are all addressed. Foodies will love talking about the cooking. The domestic issues of family expectations and bounds of sisterhood add weight. The thread of family connected by business, secrets, and feuds that runs through the entire Forbidden Hearts series builds discussion points. NPR discusses the entire series here. (M/F, Contemporary, Warm) |
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Eve Dallas (In Death) seriesby J. D. Robb With 43 novels and numerous short stories, the Eve Dallas series by J. D. Robb has entranced fans of romantic suspense and police procedurals. Unlike many series, the primary romance in all the books focuses on New York Police and Security Department Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her husband Roarke, a billionaire rogue with a shady past. The series starts in 2058, with a few clever technological additions to futuristic life. But police work and criminals remain much the same. The earlier novels have more of a lone wolf detective feel, while the later novels include a close-knit investigative team. The crimes are ingenious, clever, and occasionally ripped-from-the headlines. The crimes as well as the characters can take discussion into enthralling directions. (M/F, Futuristic, Romantic Suspense, Warm)
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The Lawrence Browne Affair by Cat SebastianLawrence Browne, Earl of Randor, is a brilliant scientist -- or mad depending on who is asked. Being a recluse with a dubious reputation makes it hard to hire a good secretary. Enter Georgie Turner, thief and con man, who needs to avoid London for a time. Investigating the Mad Earl sounds like an easy job, until Georgie discovers the man behind the rumors. The well-developed characterizations and witty humor increase the appeal. Early scientific methods, and superstitious views thereof, always provide fodder for discourse. Issues of familial mental illness and its stigmatization, both in the past and present, provide rich depths. Additionally, the responsibilities that come with the power of an Earldom spin new conversations (M/M, Historical, Warm) |
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My Beautiful Enemyby Sherry ThomasWhen she unexpectedly encounters the only man she ever loved—and the only man to ever betray her—Catherine Blade, a fierce beauty whose strength matches any man's, is forced to place her trust in him as she is plunged into a world of espionage and danger.
Catherine makes real mistakes resulting in unique and interesting developments of the relationship and the characters. (For example, building a happily ever after with a man you tried to kill is not your typical romance story.) Espionage, martial arts, and theft add more entry points for discussion. High adventure meets lyrical writing! (M/F, Historical, Hot) |
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