February is the perfect time to dive into romance novels, but with so many subgenres available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweeping historical love story, a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, or a spine-tingling paranormal romance, there’s something for everyone. This month, let’s explore a variety of romance subgenres that will keep your heart racing for all the right reasons.

(Note: While I haven’t read every book on the list, I’ve reviewed many of them on Goodreads and discussed others on my podcast.)

1. Contemporary Romance

For those who enjoy love stories set in the present day, contemporary romance is a go-to choice. These books feature relatable characters navigating modern relationships with all their joys and complications. Whether it’s a slow-burn office romance, a second-chance love story, or a sizzling enemies-to-lovers trope, contemporary romance offers a wide variety of engaging tales.

Recommended Reads:

• The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center – A heartfelt and funny romance about love, career, and taking chances.
• Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan – A charming story about a screenwriter whose life takes a romantic and unexpected turn.

2. Romantic Comedy (RomComs)

Love and laughter go hand in hand in this fun-filled subgenre. Romantic comedies feature witty dialogue, humorous misunderstandings, and swoon-worthy love stories that are perfect for lifting your spirits.

Recommended Reads:

• Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez – A charming opposites-attract romance with humor and heart.
• Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding – A hilarious and relatable story about a single woman navigating love and life.

3. Historical Romance

If you love a bit of nostalgia and rich historical settings, historical romance is for you. These novels transport readers to different time periods, from Regency England to the roaring ‘20s, often featuring dashing dukes, rebellious debutantes, and forbidden love.

Recommended Reads:

• Miss Newbury’s List by Megan Walker – A delightful Regency romance about a young woman completing her list of adventures before an arranged marriage.
• A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin – A witty and engaging tale of a woman determined to marry well to save her family.

4. Paranormal Romance

For readers who like their romance with a supernatural twist, paranormal romance delivers thrilling love stories featuring vampires, werewolves, witches, and more. These books often blend fantasy elements with deep, emotional connections.

Recommended Reads:

• Bewitching the Ghost by Gigi Blume – A delightful mix of ghosts, magic, and romance.
• How to Fake-Date a Vampire by Linsey Hall – A fun and magical fake-dating romance with a supernatural twist.

5. Fantasy Romance

Fantasy romance is perfect for readers who want love stories set in magical realms with high-stakes adventure. This subgenre often includes arranged marriages, warrior heroines, and epic quests alongside passionate romance.

Recommended Reads:

• One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig – A dark and atmospheric fantasy romance with forbidden magic and tension-filled relationships.
• The Hanging City by Charlie N. Holmberg – A captivating fantasy romance set in a unique world filled with mystery and magic.

6. Sci-Fi Romance

For those who love futuristic settings and otherworldly adventures, sci-fi romance blends high-tech worlds, alien love interests, and thrilling action with heartfelt connections.

Recommended Reads:

• Radiance by Grace Draven – A unique, slow-burn romance between two different species in an arranged marriage.
• The Host by Stephenie Meyer – A science-fiction romance featuring an unusual love triangle between a human and an alien consciousness.

7. Dark Romance

Dark romance explores intense, often morally complex relationships where themes of redemption, obsession, and power dynamics take center stage. These books may push boundaries but always deliver deeply emotional love stories. (If you’re a sensitive reader, please check trigger warnings.)

Recommended Reads:

• Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux – A dark and steamy romance with supernatural elements.
• Lights Out by Navessa Allen – A gripping and intense dark romance with deep emotional stakes.

Check out my list of popular dark and twisted romance books for more books in this genre.

8. Sports Romance

Sports romance blends the thrill of competition with sizzling love stories, featuring athletes and their love interests navigating both their careers and personal relationships. Whether it’s football, hockey, or baseball, this subgenre is full of passion and excitement.

Recommended Reads: 

• The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams – A sweet and funny football sports romance featuring a friendship-turned-romance.
• My Phony Valentine by Courtney Walsh – A fake-dating hockey sports romance with heart and humor.

9. Romantic Suspense

Romantic suspense blends love stories with action, danger, and mystery. These books often feature thrilling plots, high-stakes situations, and strong protagonists who must work together to overcome peril while falling in love.

Recommended Reads:

• Unknown Threat by Lynn H. Blackburn – A thrilling romance filled with danger and intrigue.
• Without a Trace by Colleen Coble – A gripping romantic suspense with a heart-pounding mystery.

10. Romance with Magical Realism

Magical realism romance weaves subtle, enchanting elements into everyday life, creating love stories that feel both extraordinary and deeply personal.

Recommended Reads:

• The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye – A lyrical, time-spanning love story.
• Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle – A heartfelt romance with a magical twist on fate and love.

11. Western Romance

Western romance features rugged cowboys, small-town charm, and heartfelt love stories set against sweeping rural landscapes.

Recommended Reads:

• Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer – A Western fairytale retelling (Snow White) with a sweet romance.
• The Rancher’s Redemption by Melinda Curtis – A heartfelt second-chance romance set in the Wild West.

12. Christian Romance

Christian romance blends faith and love, offering heartfelt and uplifting stories with strong moral values and emotional depth.

Recommended Reads:

• Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers – A powerful retelling of the biblical story of Hosea.
• Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray – A heartfelt contemporary romance about faith and second chances.

Find Your Perfect Romance This Month

Whether you’re drawn to historical settings, supernatural love stories, or laugh-out-loud rom-coms, romance has something for everyone. This month, why not step out of your comfort zone and explore a new subgenre? You might just find your next favorite book!

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