Romance novels are often seen as stories that are predictable, with cliché plot lines and characters. However, the truth is that the romance genre is so diverse that it can cater to any reader’s tastes. Love is a universal feeling that knows no boundaries, and this is evident in the vast array of romance novels available today. In this article, we will explore ten lesser-known romance novels that prove love has no boundaries, each one from a different sub-genre of romance.
Niche Romance Novels that Celebrate Love
1. “The Love Song of Sawyer Bell” by Avon Gale
This novel is a contemporary romance that explores the love between two musicians. Sawyer Bell is a talented guitarist who is just starting to make a name for herself in the music industry. When she meets Victoria “Vix” Vincent, a drummer who has been in the industry for years, sparks fly between them. The novel is a celebration of love, music, and the passion that drives creative people.
2. “The Duchess Deal” by Tessa Dare
“The Duchess Deal” is a historical romance that tells the story of Emma Gladstone, a seamstress who is hired by the Duke of Ashbury to make a wedding dress for his bride-to-be. When the wedding is called off, the Duke proposes a deal to Emma: he will marry her instead. The novel explores the themes of acceptance, love, and the importance of looking beyond appearances.
3. “A Duke by Default” by Alyssa Cole
“A Duke by Default” is a contemporary romance that follows Portia Hobbs, a woman who is trying to find her place in the world. When she takes an apprenticeship with a sword maker in Scotland, she meets Tavish McKenzie, a grumpy but charming man who turns out to be a duke. The novel explores themes of self-discovery, love, and the importance of following your passions.
4. “The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang
“The Kiss Quotient” is a contemporary romance that explores the relationship between Stella Lane, a successful mathematician with Asperger’s syndrome, and Michael Phan, a Vietnamese-Swedish escort. The novel explores themes of acceptance, self-discovery, and the importance of communication in relationships.
5. “Him” by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
“Him” is a sports romance that tells the story of two college hockey players, Jamie Canning and Ryan Wesley, who were best friends until a sexual encounter ended their friendship. Four years later, they meet again at a hockey tournament and start to explore their feelings for each other. The novel explores themes of love, sexuality, and the importance of friendship.
6. “The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics” by Olivia Waite
“The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics” is a historical romance that explores the love between two women in Regency England. Lucy Muchelney is a brilliant astronomer who is trying to gain recognition in a male-dominated field. When she meets Catherine St Day, a widowed countess, they embark on a passionate affair. The novel explores themes of love, equality, and the importance of pursuing your passions.
7. “The Bride” by Julie Garwood
“The Bride” is a historical romance that tells the story of Jamie, a feisty Scottish lass, who is forced to marry Alec Kincaid, a fierce Highland warrior, to bring peace between their clans. Although Jamie is initially resistant to the idea of marriage, she begins to fall in love with Alec as they get to know each other. The novel explores themes of trust, loyalty, and the power of love to overcome differences.
8. “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne
“The Hating Game” is a contemporary romance that tells the story of Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, two coworkers who despise each other. When they are forced to work closely together, they begin to realize that their hatred might actually be masking deeper feelings. The novel explores themes of love, rivalry, and the fine line between love and hate.
9. “The Wedding Date” by Jasmine Guillory
“The Wedding Date” is a contemporary romance that explores the love between Alexa Monroe, a successful lawyer, and Drew Nichols, a pediatric surgeon. When they get stuck in an elevator together, they strike up a conversation that leads to Drew asking Alexa to be his fake girlfriend for a wedding he has to attend. The novel explores themes of love, trust, and the importance of taking chances.
10. “The Bear and the Nightingale” by Katherine Arden
“The Bear and the Nightingale” is a fantasy romance that tells the story of Vasya, a young girl who lives in a village in medieval Russia. When her stepmother arrives and begins to restrict the villagers’ worship of the old gods, Vasya must fight to preserve their traditions. Along the way, she meets Morozko, a winter demon who becomes her ally and eventually her love interest. The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Conclusion
Love truly knows no boundaries, and these ten romance novels are proof of that. From historical romance to contemporary romance, sports romance to fantasy romance, these novels celebrate the power of love to bring people together despite their differences. Whether you’re a die-hard romance fan or just looking for a good read, these novels are sure to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. So go ahead and give them a try – you never know, you might just fall in love with them too.
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