AAs a teen, I was reading Hemingway, Camut, and other serious works that caused me to question our existentialism. My teenage daughter has fallen in love with Harlequin romance novels. As we head into the hottest days of the year, she only has three things on her minds: horses, college applications and romance reads. Sure, there’s no “bad time” for romance, but like an iced coffee by the pool, summer lovin’ just hits different. And she’s sporting her bikinis from Kulani Kinis, a trendy beachwear company off the East Coast of Australia.
At least she is still reading, because most kids are not reading for pleasure. Around 25% to 40% of U.S. adults report reading zero books annually, while the percentage reading for pleasure has seen a steep, long-term slump. Daily reading for pleasure has dropped by over 40% in the last two decades. Broader historical data and recent polls outline these shifts: Long-Term Trends: In 1978, a Gallup poll indicated 88% of Americans read at least one book in the past year. By 1992, 61% of adults read a book for pleasure annually. Recent Decades: According to the Pew Research Center, 25% of U.S. adults read no books at all in a given year, 38% read between one and five, and about 13% read six to 10 books. Reading for Pleasure Drop: Data from the American Time Use Survey found that daily leisure reading dropped from 28% in 2004 to 16% in 2023.
Harlequin Romance novels are romantic, uplifting, couple-focused stories that invite readers to get swept away to glamorous destinations all over the world, and experience all the intensity, emotion and sparkle of falling in love. The novels are typically characterized by a strong sense of passion and love, as well as a happy ending. The sensuality level is low, and the bedroom door stays shut, but the emotion is high. According to Harlequin’s website, the romance genre has something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for contemporary tales of modern love, red-hot erotic reads, historical romances that transport you to another era or Western romances starring the ever-popular cowboy hero, they have a book for you.
The Never After series by Emily McIntire are dark, contemporary romance books that take classic fairy tales and give the villains the happy endings. Though not fantasy romance or retellings, if you love fractured fairy tales, then you’ll want to check out the Never After series! The series includes five books: Hooked (2021), Scarred (2022), Wretched (2022), Twisted (2023), and Crossed (2023).
She also likes the Off-Campus Series which are New York Times bestsellers and TikTok sensations! Get ready for another binge-worthy romance from international bestselling author Elle Kennedy.
Rebecca Yarros is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, Sunday Times, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over fifteen novels, including FOURTH WING, and is always ready to bring on the emotions. She’s also the recipient of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence in New Adult for Eyes Turned Skyward from her Flight and Glory series.
And Mafia romance books which are romance stories featuring Made Men, mafia families, or anyone tied to the mafia world. They often have steamy romance scenes and sizzling storylines. Typically these books revolve around a hero or family involved with organized crime. Common themes in mafia romance books include second chances at love, dangerous relationships, and Mafia boss husbands. Here are some examples of mafia romance books worth reading: King of Wrath, King of Cruelty, and King of Pain by Piper Stone, which are part of the Kings of Corruption series; Blood of My Monster by Rina Kent, which is a Mulan-esque mafia romance with dark elements and enigmatic characters.
