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15 breezy romance series for when you need an escape

Like many readers, I read more romance in 2020 than I ever did before. When real life is hard, a good dose of witty banter and swoon-worthy moments lightens my mood and helps me escape from reality for a few hours.​ Or, if I’m breezing through a whole romance series, I can extend my escape for one long weekend (or a whole month, depending on how I choose to stock my Kindle). It’s a comfort to get lost in someone else’s love story—knowing all the while that everything will ultimately work out and the characters will get their happy ending. 

Today I’m sharing the romance series I’ve devoured—and occasionally reread—when I needed an escape, along with some recommendations I haven’t tried yet from our team members. From meet cutes to fake relationships to enemies-to-lovers arcs, there’s plenty of variety on this list for brand new and seasoned romance readers alike. 

Take note: the books on this list range in steaminess, something I find to be very subjective. My super-spicy might be someone else’s tame, and vice-versa. But here’s a helpful guide: if you prefer sex scenes to be minimal or only hinted at, look for “closed-door” romance; if you want your romance to be more explicit, then “open-door” romance is perfect for you. We’ve used these labels below to guide you.

There aren’t any “chaste” books on today’s list, that is, romance novels that don’t include more than kissing on the page. (Sometimes readers ask for “clean” books, but this is a term I, along with many writers and readers, prefer not to use, because it implies books with sex are then dirty— although plenty of authors writing along these lines still use the term.) If you have any “chaste” recommendations, we’d love to see them in the comments. I’d also love to hear your recommendations for historical romance, as this list contains mostly contemporary.

Readers, if you need the encouragement, consider this a nudge to dip your toes into the romance genre this season. I hope you find a love story among these romance novels to whisk you away for awhile.

15 of my favorite romance series

The Friend Zone

The Friend Zone

Author:
Add one salty infertile heroine and one firefighter hero who dreams of having a big family someday and you have a friends-to-lovers contemporary romance you might stay up reading until the wee hours of the night. Josh and Kristen have some big things to overcome, but there’s no denying their chemistry from the moment they meet—in a fender bender, no less. This story will make you laugh out loud one minute and cry the next. It doesn’t shy away from the hard topics, which makes the happy ending that much more satisfying. There are currently three books in the series, so keep reading for more romance that hits you right in the feels. (Heads up for an open door scene or two.) More info →
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Sweet Tea and Sympathy

Sweet Tea and Sympathy

Author:
When a terrible encounter between live flamingoes and a toppling tower of shrimp derails Margot Cary's career as a Chicago-based event planner, she's forced to rethink her entire life plan. A well-timed visit from an unknown distant relative takes Margot from the big city to a small southern town, where the rest of her family owns and operates the McCready Family Funeral Home and Bait Shop. Margot attempts to find her footing in Lake Sackett, Georgia, where a less glamorous event planning job, a nosy small town community—and a romance with a local widower—await her. The Southern Eclectic series is more women's fiction than romance, but each installment features a sweet love story, subtle humor, and plenty of southern charm. This novel is closed door, though a few steamy moments take place on the page. More info →
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A Princess in Theory: Reluctant Royals

A Princess in Theory: Reluctant Royals

Author:
The first book in Alyssa Cole's excellent contemporary Reluctant Royals romance series introduces Naledi, a stressed out grad student who relies on logic to guide her in every situation. When she gets an email from Prince Thabiso of Thesolo declaring his intentions to fulfill their childhood betrothal, Naledi writes it off as spam. She grew up in the foster system of NYC, not a faraway country she's never heard of. But when the prince shows up in the city with romantic proposals and a different version of her life's history, Naledi starts to follow her heart. What ensues is a modern day fairytale between a self-sufficient science nerd and a crowned prince who's determined to be a great leader. I loved reading their story and meeting delightful side characters who show up in subsequent books. Note: each book in this series includes open door scenes. More info →
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Beginner’s Luck

Beginner’s Luck

Author:
After reading Clayborn's novel Love at First, I was in the mood to read more of her work as soon as possible. I tore through her Chance of a Lifetime trilogy, about three friends whose lives are changed over the course of one week, after they go in together to buy what turns out to be a winning lottery ticket! This series opener centers Kit, a steady scientist who, because of her peripatetic childhood, wants to use her winnings to create a home for herself and develop roots in her community. So when Ben shows up in his role as recruiter her to entice her to leave it all behind and move to Texas ... well, it's a disaster. But as they keep talking, their connection grows. I loved watching Ben and Kit work through their respective baggage over the course of the story, and the large cast of well-developed secondary characters give this series life. Heads up for some open door moments. More info →
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The Kiss Quotient

The Kiss Quotient

Author:
Helen Hoang's heartfelt series opens with an unputdownable story about an autistic mathematician and a Vietnamese-Swedish escort who fall in love while navigating complicated family situations and miscommunications. Stella excels at work, where her math prowess allows her to create incredible predictive algorithms. But predicting human behavior outside of the office proves more difficult. Stella wants a romantic relationship but feels she needs practice to hone her dating skills. Enter Michael, a professional escort who accepts Stella's terms to train her in dating and intimacy. Both characters are endlessly endearing, and I kept rooting for them as they fell for each other and learned about themselves along the way. This book is steamy and the rest of the series includes open door scenes as well. More info →
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The Bromance Book Club

The Bromance Book Club

Author:
This second chance love story is so much fun—and it gave me a new appreciation for the romance genre. Baseball star Gavin Scott is successful on the field, but at home? He's struggling to make his marriage work. Desperate for help, he turns to his best friends, who—unbeknownst to him—have a secret romance book club in which they read and discuss romance novels. The guys give him a historical romance to read, Courting the Countess, and tell him to use it as a guide to win his wife back. Through big gestures and fumbling attempts at vulnerability, Gavin learns how to love his partner better. Each book in the series follows a different member of the book club; I've enjoyed every installment! Heads up for a couple of open door scenes. More info →
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A Beastly Kind of Earl

A Beastly Kind of Earl

Author:
I don't read much historical romance, but I am so glad I picked the Longhope Abbey series up at the recommendation of my friend and romance guide Leigh Kramer. If you're already on the outskirts of society, you might as well indulge in a little mischief. That's Thea Knight's philosophy, anyway, so she poses as her sister and plots revenge on those who cast her out. When this masquerade lands her in an engagement to Rafe, the Earl of Luxborough, Thea decides to keep deceiving him until she can make a clean break. The problem: Rafe knows she's lying and has a plan of his own. Another problem: in between witty barbs and white lies, they can't help falling in love with each other. Their excellent banter propelled me from page to page; this one is a lot of fun. Heads up for some open-door moments throughout the whole series. More info →
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Remedial Rocket Science

Remedial Rocket Science

Author:
I breezed through the entire Chemistry Lessons series last summer. Each installment features a female protagonist who works in STEM, from chemists to biologists to engineers. When this first book opens, Melody is having a terrible night. First her date stands her up, then the creepy guy at the bar won't leave her alone. When a handsome stranger offers her an escape, it leads to one fabulous night—and that's all it can be, because the next day Jeremy has to fly home to L.A. But then three years later, Melody graduates and lands her dream job at an aerospace company—in L.A., where she reconnects with Jeremy and discovers not only is he as charming as ever, he's the CEO's son. And a billionaire. (This series—until this summer's new release—is closed door, but that's not true for all of Nix's work.) More info →
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Written in the Stars

Written in the Stars

This series is only two books long (so far), but it's just too good not to include here! Book three is expected in 2022, so get started now. Opposites attract in the first novel, inspired by Pride and Prejudice. Darcy Lowell and Elle Jones had a disastrous blind date, but Darcy's brother will keep bugging her until she finds love. With a little convincing, she gets Elle on board for a fake relationship to benefit them both. The plot of this contemporary romance doesn't mimic Austen, but the characters do feel like Darcy and Elizabeth. Catching the subtle nods to Pride and Prejudice in this breezy, page-turner adds a delightful layer to the reading experience, but you don't need any prior knowledge of Austen's work in order to fully enjoy it. (There are some open door moments in this one.) More info →
The Wedding Date

The Wedding Date

When Drew and Alexa meet cute in a broken-down elevator, sparks start flying within seconds. Drew's in town to watch his ex marry his best friend (ouch). He doesn't have a date, so he asks Alexa to come along—and pretend to be his girlfriend. They have so much fun at the wedding, Drew and Alexa decide to see each other again. Between dates at the taco truck and meeting one another's friends, the fake relationship starts to feel surprisingly real. Can their unexpected romance survive long distance and complicated career choices? (It’s a rom-com, so you know they're going to see it through.) If you're looking for a lighthearted romance featuring delicious food, palpable chemistry, and savvy professionals, add this to your TBR immediately. Every book in this series can be read as a standalone and has open door scenes. More info →
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Slippery Creatures

Slippery Creatures

Author:
This LGBTQ+ historical romance series is on my TBR, thanks to another recommendation from Leigh Kramer, the Will Darling Adventures series combines murder mystery AND romance set in the 1920s England. Back from WWI and happy to lead a quiet existence in his inherited bookstore, Will Darling isn't prepared to deal with threatening visitors and ghosts from his past. In fact, he has no idea what they're after, so he teams up with Kim Secretan to uncover secret information. But Kim has secrets of his own to keep, and as tension rises between Will and Kim, so does the danger. Heads up for some open door scenes. More info →
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Act Like It

Act Like It

Author:
I've read Parker's entire London Celebrities series more than once. The first book features Richard and Lainie, two actors in London's West End. Though talented, Richard's cranky off-stage antics are turning his fans against him, and the theater is worried they won't be able to sell tickets. Fan favorite Lanie is already stuck working with her cheating ex-boyfriend, and then it gets worse: she's asked to pose as his new girlfriend to help Richard clean up his reputation. Fans love nothing more than an on-stage/off-stage romance, so soon they're packing in the crowds, but then the lines between on-stage and off begin to blur. A fast, fun (and closed door) contemporary romance with a keen sense of humor. More info →
Better Than People

Better Than People

Author:
Several of our team members love the Garnet Run series, calling it perfect for pet lovers and contemporary romance readers who enjoy a mix of serious and swoon-worthy moments. Jack is a children's book illustrator who fills his home with rescue animals to stifle his loneliness, but when he breaks his leg, he needs human help to care for his pets. Simon is looking for his own fluffy companion to ease his anxiety, so while he waits for his perfect dog, he signs on as Jack's dog walker. Both men get more than they expected as they grow to enjoy each other's company and fall in love while Jack recovers. This series is open door and is set to continue in September 2021 with a third novel, set during the winter holidays. More info →
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Neanderthal Seeks Human

Neanderthal Seeks Human

Author:
Once I read the first book in Penny Reid's Knitting in the City series, I tore through the rest! This smart contemporary romance series follows a group of seven friends in Chicago, whose relationships blossomed thanks to Knit Night. They rally around each other no matter what's going on and their relationships continue to be a priority even as they each fall in love. In this installment, Janie, a walking fact machine, runs into Quinn, a walking dreamboat, on her very worst day. What follows is a fun and funny romance between an unlikely couple. Penny Reid's characters have distinct personalities and quirks, and it's delightful watching them grow. You'll wish you could be friends with them in real life! (Heads up: the first two books are on the "closed door" side, but the series grows in steaminess as it progresses and is considered "open door" after book 3.) More info →
A Wedding One Christmas

A Wedding One Christmas

Each book in Beharrie's One Day to Forever series takes place over the course of just one day, yet somehow manages to pack in just the right amount of chemistry, drama, and romance. The first story takes place in Caledon, South Africa, where Angie stops on her way to Cape Town and embarks on a whirlwind 24 hour adventure with Ezra. From faking a relationship at a wedding to participating in a holiday parade to improvising a nativity play, Angie and Ezra bounce from one unexpected surprise to another. All the while, they're each dealing with different forms of grief and the reality of what waits for them in Cape Town, where their families reside. Can one day full of fun lead to a lifetime of happiness? Angie and Ezra explore the possibilities in this tightly written romance. (This series is closed door.) More info →
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Have you been escaping into romance novels lately? We’d love to see your recommendations in the comments!

P.S. Try these 18 fresh and flirty contemporary romance novels for your TBR and 10 romance novels that are perfect for summer reading.

15 breezy romance series for when you need an escape

77 comments

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  1. Laurel A McFatridge says:

    Love these recommendations! Thank you!
    Any historical fiction readers out there?? Would love some recommendations!!?!!

    • Keara says:

      Julia Quinn is excellent writer of regency era romance series. The Bridgerton series is her most well known. There are differences between the tv show and the novels. She also has several other series: The Smythe-Smith series, The Rokesby’s etc. Also, Tessa Dare and Eloisa James are popular. All of these usually open door romances.

      • Mary Kay says:

        I second “Bringing Down the Duke”! I’ve really been leaning into historical romance recently and this has been my favorite series so far.

    • Barb says:

      Georgette Heyer is a favorite of mine. These Regency romances are VERY chaste but the banter and the plots are fun. Fancy gowns, balls galore, lavish meals, and fabulous mansions abound.
      She also wrote some mysteries set in the 20’s but I did not enjoy those as much.

      • Adrien K says:

        Yes! I’m re-listening to them for the millionth time and I just love them so much. I’ve concluded These Old Shades, Bath Tangle, and Venetia are my all-time favorites.

      • Desert Island Bookwork says:

        As introduction to the 40 some romances by Georgette Heyer, I’d recommend THE GRAND SOPHY, nickname of strong, intelligent, energetic heroine, only child of widowed career diplomat (she’s also skilled in perceiving motives & guiding other peoples behavior). Eventually it clicked that Sophy is much more likeable version of Jane Austen’s Emma, if later had adventurously roamed world beyond Heartfield. SOPHY includes examples of 3 couples showing how physical attraction can wane & peter away, if “lovers” don’t share basic world views, interests & values, as does Jane Austen. Building solid relationships interests me far more than graphic physical details, reason I prefer “chaste” end of romance genre’s spectrum.
        Depending on my mood, my favorite Heyer romances include ARABELLA, THE CONVENIENT MARRAGE, THE RELUCTANT WIDOW (bubbling under: SYLVESTER OR THE WICKED UNCLE, FRIDAY’S CHILD, TALISMAN RING, THE CORINTHIAN, CIVIL CONTRACT, THE FOUNDLING).
        I also like re-reading her 1930’s mysteries which include romantic sub-plot; ones early in decade are lighter than somewhat grim later ones. In 1920’s under name Stella Martin, GH wrote some contemporary novels (hard to find)–sort of UN-romances, as most end sadly. Poem by Austin Dobson she quotes in THESE OLD SHADES (source of title) seem statement on why she stopped writing about her own social setting & times, to keep contemporaries from thinking she was criticizing them personally.
        See intriguing presentation of 8 essential elements for romances (and why GONE WITH THE WIND really isn’t one) in 2003 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE ROMANCE NOVEL by Pamela Regis, available as e-book from libraries.

      • Barbara says:

        Try Georgette Heyer’s The Talisman Ring. I love all her romances but this is my favorite for humor and witty dialogue.

    • Aimee says:

      My favorites are Mary Balogh (her Survivors series is AH-MAZING!), Julia Quinn (Bridgertons are hands down my favorite series of hers and they are much better than the Netflix show would lead you to believe), Eloisa James, Tessa Dare, and Carla Kelly. Happy reading!

      • Mary says:

        I also love Mary Balogh, so nice to see her mentioned in these comments. I enjoyed the other authors you mentioned too, but there is something special about Marys books!

    • Kara says:

      The Nubble lighthouse series by Stacy Lee. There are 2 so far “The hundredth time around” and “ future plans” with a third coming out, they are a mixture of historical and present day, really great stories!

      • Laura says:

        I will have to check these out! 1. We were just there yesterday! 2. It’s one of my favorite places to escape to for a few hours!

    • Biz says:

      Laurel, this summer I’ve been reading my way through Julie Ann Long’s Pennyroyal Green series and am enjoying them a lot. And I’ll second AC’s recommendation on Lisa Kleypas’s Ravenel series, it’s really good!

    • Tanya says:

      I really enjoyed the regency era Girls Who Dare series by Emma V Leech and am bingeing my way through her related series Daring Daughters this summer.

    • Jenna says:

      I just read one by a new author. Jeni Finds Safety, by Krissyann Granger. It was fantastic, and I’ve already preordered the rest of the series!

  2. JoAnna says:

    I have loved the Winston Brothers series by Penny Reid! I think there is a little bit of overlap between this series and the Neanderthal Seeks Human series. Definitely check those out if you love diving into a literary universe of interconnected characters!

  3. Sandy says:

    I have read both of Helen Hoang’s novels The Bride Test and The Kiss Quotient, and liked The Bride Test better.

  4. Chrissy says:

    I have recently been reading the Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig and am loving it! Combination romance and historical fiction. She is doing a read-along this year and hosting monthly Facebook discussions on a different book in the series each month. The books are clever and have historical context- kind of like a scarlet pimpernel spin-off. Lots of witty banter, spies, twists on typical romance arcs and lovable heroines!

    • Molly says:

      Lauren Willig is my favorite romance author- the Pink Carnation books are such a fun read. Definitely recommend them for fans of historical romance!

    • Mary Kay says:

      I love the Pink Carnation series too! It’s so smart. I’d say it’s fairly chaste, too. I’m not remembering much in the way of explicit bedroom scenes (I’ve read most but not all of the series). If I could be a writer, these are the books I’d want to write!

  5. Anon says:

    For those looking for a book with no explicit scenes, I recently read Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin, which is about a Muslim-Indian Canadian who is in a fight to save her family’s restaurant from a competitor moving in down the street while pursuing a career in radio. It’s a light fun read & I didn’t miss the explicit romance.

  6. Katie says:

    The Love Cliches series by Emma St. Clair are a great “chaste” option. Each book follows one girl from a group of friends and it also includes a common rom-com trope. The last book in the series released today and I will be reading it as soon as I’m finished with my current read. These love stories are sweet and these books literally made me laugh out loud.

  7. Mrs G says:

    So, The Friend Zone. I still get irritated and angry every time that I see a mention of this book because it needs a big red flag and content warning about the infertility issues that are covered. And that ending was not “happy” for some to read; it was triggering and insulting. If I had read the physical book, it would have been thrown across the room. Alas, I wasn’t about to throw and break my phone because of a book.

    • Abby Mills says:

      I agree!! I see this on so many list as 5 stars, and it was a BIG 1 star for me. The last 3rd of the book completely jumped the shark for me. And as an infertile woman, the ending was a slap in the face.

    • Rivqah says:

      Thank you – that’s the very first thing I looked for in the reviews, once I saw that infertility was going to be a plot point. Will continue to look to the NoMo Book Club for recommendations that avoid that particular trigger!

    • Aimee says:

      I normally enjoy Jimenez’s books but I do not understand why this one is so popular. Really did not like the main character – at all – and I never felt engaged with any of the characters really. Also, the ‘resolution’ was eh.

    • Dominique says:

      I completely agree. I am childfree (so I am not triggered by infertility) but I found the “resolution” extremely irritating.

  8. Liesl says:

    Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis is one of my all-time favorite books – it’s considered a romance but also focuses on Emmie’s growth, an awesome cast of side characters, and lots of flashbacks to the past. This one is chaste/closed door.

  9. Allison Wolfe says:

    I recommend three Katherine Center books which are standalone stories. Breezy rom-coms but with universal truths woven between smiles and throat lumps. They are How to Walk Away, Things You Save in a Fire, and What You Wish For.

  10. Amanda says:

    I really enjoyed Must Love Otters by Eliza Gordon. I laughed out loud throughout the book and quickly sought out the rest of the series. It was funny and romantic and generally just so fun!

    • Nicole says:

      Yes! I LOVE this series. The relationships between the women truly evolve as the series progresses and the banter is just so entertaining! The men in the series get to know one another as well – for better or worse – and it is just so good.

      I also love Evie Dunmore’s Bringing Down the Duke and A Rogue of One’s Own.

  11. Carol says:

    I not a huge fan of romance novels typically, but curious which series was the one Anne read several times. Somehow I missed it when I read the summaries.

  12. CK says:

    I love the Feminine Pursuits series by Olivia Waite. Well, I love the first two books…I’m about to read the third book which was recently published. Early 1800s England with great topics in addition to the romance.

  13. Karla says:

    I’m amazed that no one has mentioned the Bridgerton series! I determined I was going to read the books when they started hyping up the Netflix series, and I’ve moved on to basically everything I can get my hands on by Julia Quinn. I’d call her stuff open door, but not explicit.
    In fact, I have to admit I’ve been reading a lot of Netflix. The Sweet Magnolias series by Sherryl Woods and Virgin River by Robyn Carr are also in heavy rotation (tamer than Bridgerton, but still pretty steamy at times).

    • Renee says:

      The Bridgerton books are phenomenal! I breezed through them all. I also cannot get enough Virgin River- there’s so many and so many wonderful characters!

  14. Gwen Diane says:

    For some chaste romance reads, try The Moose Springs Series by Sarah Morgenthaler. . There are three books set in Moose Springs, Alaska. I remember them being pretty chaste, but hope I haven’t blocked out anything in my mind! ha. The setting used by the author reminded me of the Alyeska Hotel about an hour out of Anchorage. I’m not a big romance reader, but these held my attention pretty well because I liked the Alaskan setting.

  15. Sandy says:

    Going old school, I would recommend Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ Chicago Stars series beginning with the book, It Had to Be You. (The series focuses on a football team — players, management, and agents.)

    Also Nora Roberts’ “Born In” series or her Chesapeake series, set in Maryland, of course.

    As for historical romance, Joanna Shupe has written a few series set in New York during the Gilded Age.

    Jessie Mihalik has a three book science fiction romance series, starting with Polaris Rising. Very enjoyable.

    More obscure, I love the series of books written by Marsha Moyer, beginning with The Second Coming of Lucy Hatch, which was published in 2002. I think there are at least four books following the same family. The first is one of my favorite books.

  16. Suzy says:

    Well, there are a bunch of authors with sweet love stories, like Jenny Colgan, Maeve Binchy, JoJo Moyes, Marissa de los Santos, and Adriana Trigiani. There’s also the ultimate (in my eyes) love story in The Guernsey Literary and Pototo Peel Pie Society. For historical fiction and romance, I’d recommend the Elswyth Thane Williamsburg series, written in the 30’s. Each book takes place around a war, and the love stories are OH! so romantic! First one: Dawn’s Early Light.
    Other than that, I am having so much fun this year, just reading Pride and Prejudice variations, it seems you can never get enough of Darcy and Elizabeth! I swoon every time! I recommend Unequal Affections, Unwilling, Faults of Understanding, His Good Opinion, and How to Fall in Love with a Man You Thought You Hated.

  17. Adrien K says:

    When I read romance, I almost exclusively read historical romance. I honestly don’t really like the Bridgerton series, there are so many better options. I love anything Lisa Kleypas, especially the Ravenels (new one coming out this summer!) and the Wallflowers. The Ravenels is a family story, with each book branching out as each member of the original family has children and it’s really nice to see what the original characters are doing in each phase of the story. And the Wallflowers is more of a found family series. Sarah MacLean’s first two series, Love by Numbers and Rules of Scoundrels are also favorites. Needless to say, these are all very open door.
    I also have a soft spot for Georgette Heyer. She was my first foray into romance due to Richard Armitage’s narration of a few of her books. I’d say that These Old Shades is a series, following the original family through a couple of generations.

  18. Myrthe says:

    I highly recommend the Bergman Brothers series by Chloe Liese (it’s definitely not “chaste”, but I don’t remember whether it’s closed or open door). Also, Sarah Morgenthaler’s Moose Springs, Alaska series is a fun read (more on the “chaste” side if I remember correctly, definitely not “open door”).

  19. Christine Ann Goldbar says:

    Hi All! I just looked up the Chance of a Lifetime series by Kate Clayborn on Amazon, and the 1st & 3rd books in the series are $3.99 each, and the 2nd book is $.99 right now for Kindle versions, just FYI 🙂

  20. brenda says:

    Years ago I devoured anything that Kathleen Woodiwiss wrote. Always full of “saving the damsel” who often was going to marry against her will but would be saved by the swashbuckling lead man (after many miscommunications). I would sigh when love finally conquered all.

  21. Liz says:

    Courtney Milan has a few historical romance series: The Brothers Sinister, the Worth Saga, the Wedgeford Trials – all are quite good and have open door scenes.

  22. Jam says:

    I endorse Winston Brothers, Knitting in City, and Bromance Bookclub series. I lean toward audio for romance and those I can get from our library/hoopla/free audible: Sarina Bowen, Lauren Blakely, and Corinne Michaels.

  23. Peggy Cardone says:

    Another good series (3 so far, I hope she writes more!) is Sonali Dev’s one that starts with Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors.

  24. Helen Page says:

    Some good looking recommendations, thank you. I would like to recommend an Australian book that I listened to as an audio book and thoroughly enjoyed,
    “ I give my marriage a year” by Holly Wainwright.
    A funny book, that also gives you something to think about. A really good read.

  25. Beth Gross says:

    The best chaste book I’ve read lately is The Bombay Prince by Sujata Massey. It’s the third in the Perveen Mistry series. The first book in the series, The Widows of Malabar Hill, is one of my all time favorites. These books are so well-written, plus they’re set in 1920s India, an overlooked place and time period.

  26. Dominique says:

    I find Kerry Winfrey’s rom-coms (closed-door) right up my alley! They are cozy and heart-warming. Waiting for Tom Hanks and Not Like the Movies are part of a series, while her latest (Very Sincerely Yours) is in the same universe. For something steamier, I really enjoyed Rosie Danan’s The Roommate (second in the series: The Intimacy Experiment).

  27. Laura Power says:

    For some romances that don’t involve more than kissing I’ve loved tweet cute, the start of me and you, geekarella, Blackmoore (historical), Edenbrooke (historical).

  28. Ariannah Armstrong says:

    I bought Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid because it looks like the type of intelligent romance that is right up my alley. I have been an avid knitter for many years. Also, the series purports to be clean which is another thing I like. I really am drawn mostly to romances which are about character and experience, and less about bedroom chemistry. So far I have that one and “Dating-ish”. But I wanted to start reading the series in order. (I bought Dating-ish” when I heard it recommended on a WSIRN episode).

  29. Megan says:

    For chaste romances, I have been reading Amy Clipston’s Amish romance books lately. To be honest, I sort of rolled my eyes at these types of books when I was younger because they seemed to be all the same, but lately my reading choices have gravitated towards the comfortable and familiar. They also remind me of home a bit as I grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

    I started reading the Amish Marketplace series which follows 4 cousins, and lately I’ve been reading the Kauffman Amish Bakery books (currently on the second one). They can be a bit formulaic and melodramatic but I like that the series follow the same characters (usually centering on one for each book but bringing in other characters from the same family).

    I also enjoyed the O’Malley series by Dee Henderson, and several of Karen Kingsbury’s books, which also fall under that chaste category.

  30. KTC says:

    I loved You Deserve Each other by Sarah Hogle, Star-Crossed by Minnie Darker, and Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes. They all have some content, though. For chaste reads, I do like Georgette Heyer. I think Arabella is a wonderful introduction. These Old Shades & Devil’s Cub are such a wonderful pair and she was so prolific that if you enjoy her it’s exciting to hit upon a goldmine!

  31. Lara says:

    Gotta include Talia Hibbert’s Brown Sisters trilogy, in my opinion. “Get A Life Chloe Brown” is the first. Definitely some open door scenes. I’m working my way through her backlist now and it’s a bit more uneven, but overall great stuff.

  32. Hi Anne – I totally agree that life is better with a love story, especially given recent world events! I love to read romance, but there’s nothing better than sinking into an entire romance series. You can’t go wrong with Penny Reid and I too loved her Knitting in the City series. I highlighted her Winston Brothers series in my book list of the best romance book series to binge read: https://www.shereadsromancebooks.com/best-series-to-binge-read/

  33. Peggy Collins says:

    I love pretty much everything that Kate Canterbary writes. Definitely open door, not chaste. Hilarious.

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