August is Romance Awareness Month, and here at Once Upon a Book Club, we couldn’t think of a better excuse to celebrate this popular genre. Romance novels have a way of capturing a multitude of emotions. They make us laugh, cry, swoon (definite swooning), and cheer for the characters who become our new best friends. 

If you’re a romance fan, you’ve definitely experienced those moments where you actually gasped, warned a protagonist out loud, begged them to make the right choice, or even secretly wished you could take their place for just one chapter. There is something about a great love story that touches all of us.

We love everything from the enemies-to-lovers banter and slow-burn relationships to sweeping historical love stories and magical romantasy adventures. Whatever your favorite trope, setting, or level of happily-ever-after, there is a romance novel waiting to steal your heart. 

It’s time to add a bit of love to your TBR pile, so sit back and relax while we give you the lowdown on why romance is one of the most popular genres around and why every reader should give it a chance this August. 

Why your TBR needs a little more romance

Romance lets you feel every emotion

I can’t think of anyone whose life couldn’t do with a little bit of romance. Romance is one of the few genres where we find ourselves emotionally invested. We laugh at witty banter, we cry during those heartbreaking moments, we feel all the emotions of that first kiss and breathe a sigh of relief at every happy ending. It’s an emotional rollercoaster!

Tropes are half the fun

There really is a romance for everyone, and let’s be honest, the tropes are half the fun. I love tropes from enemies to lovers and fake dating to forced proximity, only one bed, grumpy-meets-sunshine, and second-chance romance. We don’t just read for the ending; we’re there for the journey! 

Unforgettable characters

Some of the most memorable characters come from romance novels. We don’t just fall in love with the protagonists; we fall for the setting, the family, the friends, and those quirky side characters. I’m swooning just thinking about Bridgerton!

Romance is the perfect escape

It doesn’t matter whether you’ve had a stressful week or just want to cozy up on the couch; romance is the perfect escape. It is completely bingeable, and you find yourself racing through chapters because you just have to know when they are going to finally get together! And if you ever find yourself in a reading slump, this is the genre guaranteed to get you back on track!

Find your perfect romance subgenre

One of the best things about romance is that there is something for everyone. From magical adventures and sweeping historical settings to small-town charm and suspenseful mysteries, love can find its way into almost any story. Trust us, there are even detectives falling for each other while trying to solve a murder. 

Contemporary Romance

These novels are set in the present day and look at relationships, everyday challenges, and completely relatable characters. We love how these stories capture the excitement, humor, and the heart of love in today's world.

Romantasy

Romantasy is growing in popularity and is the ultimate combination of epic adventures and unforgettable romances. This subgenre combines the best of both worlds with magical kingdoms, powerful heroes and heroines, dangerous quests, and romance that develops alongside these exciting fantasy storylines. 

Historical Romance

We love historical romance! All that rich atmosphere and memorable characters have got us hooked. It is quite wonderful to be transported into another time, where grand ballrooms, country estates, and sweeping landscapes provide the backdrop for unforgettable love stories. 

Holiday Romance

Nothing captures warmth and comfort quite like a holiday romance. These stories celebrate family traditions, festive celebrations, and finding love during life's most magical seasons. These are the warm, fuzzy romances best read while cuddled up with your favorite drink!

Small-Town Romance

Small-town romances are comforting. Charming cafés, quirky neighbors, close-knit communities, and familiar faces create the perfect setting for stories filled with friendship, second chances, and love that grows naturally over time. They’re the kind of towns you wish you could move into!

Dark Romance

Dark romance explores the more complex and emotionally intense side of relationships. These stories often feature morally grey characters, high stakes, psychological tension, and themes that push emotional boundaries. They are best suited to those of you who enjoy darker storytelling. Because these books can explore difficult or potentially triggering themes, it is always worth checking the content warnings before you begin. 

Sports Romance

Yes, sports romance is a thing! Sports romance combines ambition, teamwork, and personal growth with the added chemistry of competition that will keep you turning the pages. Even if you know nothing about sports, you will find yourself completely invested in the competition on and off the field.

Our romance picks by subgenre 

Now that we’ve tempted you with subgenres, it’s time to add to your TBR pile. I chatted with the OUABC team and compiled a list of our top recommendations for each subgenre!

Fall in Love with Your Next Read

Romance Awareness Month is the perfect reminder that love stories come in every shape and size, and there's never been a better time to discover what this wonderfully diverse genre has to offer. 

It’s time to step outside your comfort zone and fall in love. Pick up a new trope, explore a subgenre you've never tried before, or finally read that romance everyone keeps recommending. You might just discover your next five-star read and a few fictional characters you'll never quite recover from.

Happy Romance Awareness Month, and may your TBR be filled with unforgettable characters, irresistible tropes, and plenty of happily ever afters!

Keep reading:

If you're ready to immerse yourself even further in the world of romance, we've got plenty more inspiration waiting for you. 

Learn How to Get Into Romantasy: A Beginner's Guide if magical love stories have caught your eye, create the ultimate reading sanctuary with our DIY Romantasy Reading Corner, or gather your fellow book lovers with How to Host a Romance-Themed Book Club Night. After all, every great love story is even better when it's shared with others.