Writers and Readers Share the Love: The Rise of the Romance Novel
by Elizabeth Solar
Not even two months into the new year, and the relentless news cycle makes it feel like years—dog years. And not the cute, floppy-eared, ‘who’s a good dog?’ type of year, but one with more…bite. So, when we escape into a book, readers increasingly turn to romance novels. In an age of stress and uncertainty, nothing offers comfort like a classic, emotionally charged love story. Surely, a bit of bodice ripping does one’s heart good. Bonus for the story with a happy ending.
Romance novels remain wildly popular because they allow readers to experience deep emotions, love, and connection through engaging and relatable and -mostly - likeable characters. During unsettled times, the accessible and evolvingly inclusive genre attracts a broader readership.
Tessa Bailey, a bestselling author of steamy romance, wrote for over a decade before she found massive success with 2021’s It Happened One Summer. The novel’s Hollywood “It girl” and gruff Pacific Northwest fisherman, resonated with readers seeking warmth and passion during a time of isolation. Bailey, who wrote its sequel while her husband battled COVID-19, believes romance novels provide a vital outlet for experiencing love, angst, and connection—especially when real-life interactions are limited.
In 2022, romance novels led print book sales with almost 19 million units sold, the highest since 2014. Authors credit their success to social media, like TikTok’s BookTok community, where readers enthusiastically share their favorite (and least favorite) books with billions of viewers. Romance fans are now unapologetic about their love for the genre and embrace it without shame or judgment.
Rochelle Bilow, whose debut romance novel Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year was published in 2023 on Valentine’s Day, agrees. “We don’t judge people for watching lighthearted movies, yet books are expected to be academic,” Bilow, who wrote her novel after a difficult breakup says. “Sometimes, you just want to read something that makes you feel good.” She sees romance as a safe place to explore emotions. The guaranteed happily ever after provides comfort amid real life chaos, offering a sense of stability in uncertain times.
Longtime romance writer Jenn McKinlay notes modern stories feature characters of all backgrounds, body types, and identities. Her latest novel, Summer Reading, follows a dyslexic character who falls for a librarian—and is formatted with dyslexia-friendly fonts to accommodate neurodivergent readers. Meanwhile, Jessica Martin’s For the Love of the Bard explores life in a Shakespeare-obsessed New Hampshire town, proving romance can be both witty and fresh.
Romance is no longer just about a woman settling down; today’s heroines are career-driven, independent, and multifaceted. Relationships are more varied, representation is expanding, and consent is an explicit and sexy part of the narrative. “Romance is ultimately about self-love,” McKinlay says. “The right person isn’t Prince Charming—they’re the person who truly sees you, helping you see yourself.”
All this love of romance novel has resulted in the rise of specialty bookstores. Last year, Lovestruck Books opened in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Lovestruck is more than a shop—it’s a community, complete with a café, wine bar, writing workshops, and social events. Owner Jill Kanter hopes to create a welcoming space for romance lovers. Inspired by indie bookstores like The Ripped Bodice, she believes the demand for romance-focused stores is here to stay. “In romance, you know there’s a happy ending,” she says. “That predictability is comforting.”
As romance continues to break old stereotypes and reach new audiences, one thing remains clear: In uncertain times, love stories provide a refuge, a thrill, and a promise that everything will work out in the end. And who wouldn’t love more of that?
Since we celebrate Valentines Day this month, let’s raise a glass with this cocktail recipe to make your evening - or morning! - a little more caliente. Salud.
Further Reading/Listening
