Caitriona Balfe as Claire Randall in 'Outlander' Image via Starz By Dawson Nyffenegger Published Oct 4, 2026, 11:22 PM EDT Sign in to your Collider account Add Us Like Like follow Follow followed Followed Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap Let's face it, romance is not a genre that everyone will love. It is actually quite popular, which is why the publishing firm Harlequin Books is able to churn out hundreds, if not thousands of romance novels every single year. Despite its popularity, some often dismiss it as being shallow, inane, or overdramatic. There's also the social stigma that romantic fiction is "only for women," which is, quite frankly, not true at all. Still, some people have taken a vehement stance against the genre and refuse to touch it for one reason or another. And that's okay — everybody likes different things.
As mentioned though, the genre is popular for a reason. If you're someone who is maybe interested in romantic fiction, and aren't sure where to start, there are a few books you should probably visit first . Some of these books are contemporary classics , others are older but highly influential, while others are still underrated gems. These are the best romance novels for newcomers to the genre.
The front cover of 'Hope Makes Love' by Trevor Cole Image via Cormorant Books Trevor Cole 's Hope Makes Love is a really interesting book that is extremely easy to get lost in. The story follows two individuals. The first is Zep Baker, a former MLB player who is willing to do anything to win back the heart of his ex-wife and mother of his daughter. The other is Hope, a neuroscientist whom Zep hires to guide him in the process. Knowing how the brain works, Hope helps Zep execute "mind control," which is really just a series of psychological maneuvers that will hopefully help his ex-wife see him in a new light and begin to love him again.
The book is divided into two alternating segments: half of the book is Hope's journal, where she details what maneuvers she is advising Zep on, her personal feelings on the matter, and her past. The other half of the book is Zep's voice memos that he leaves for his secretary, which are possibly the best part of the book. Zep is kind of a goofball, so a lot of his voice memos include his hilarious inner thoughts and descriptions of how he fails some of his efforts in spectacular fashion, occasionally interrupted by what's going on in the room around him as he leaves the messages. The book alternates between these two points of view with every "chapter." Ultimately, the book poses an important question: What exactly is love? Is it just a transmission of chemicals in our brains? Or is it something beyond human explanation? Not only is the book philosophical, analytical, and hilarious, but it's brilliant because it doesn't even feel like a romance novel. Even non-romance fans can love it, which is why it's great for beginners .
Jane Eyre book cover Image via Bloosmbury Publishing Jane Eyre is an autobiography about a woman who does not actually exist. The eponymous Jane Eyre is an orphan who has grown up with her abusive aunt, forcing Jane to grow up quickly and learn to fend for herself . She eventually finds work as a governess to a ward named Mr. Rochester. Jane and Mr. Rochester do end up developing feelings for each other, but this is impeded when Jane uncovers te…