Romance books are easily one of the more popular genres for people to read. Long captivating readers with tales of passion and love, the perfect ideal relationship for people to fantasize about. Although, many have a problem with one specific and very popular trope of this genre, believing that such romance novels both reinforce traditional gender roles and romanticize imbalanced power dynamics. While this claim may be true, I’m here to show you that they are not the only books of this genre! To dispute this, I would like to show you a variety of contemporary romance novels that further explore themes of equality and healthy power dynamics. Read further to find out more about these poetic romance novels.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
“Book Lovers is a rom-com lover’s dream of a book. It is razor-sharp and modern, featuring a fierce heroine who does not apologize for her ambition and heartfelt discussions of grief. Readers know that Emily Henry never fails to deliver great banter and a romance to swoon over, but this may just be her best yet. A breath of fresh air.”
-Taylor Jenkins Reid, New York Times bestselling author of Malibu Rising
An enemies-to-lovers tale told from the point of view of Nora Stevens, a critical literary agent who later meets Charlie Lastra, a brooding book editor. Their similarity both in nature and work causes the two to bump heads at first. Their witty journey later leads to them gaining mutual respect before inevitably creating a rom-com dream of a book. Our main character is a fierce woman with a strong personality, the opposite of many other heroines who are rather submissive to their male lead. Both characters are at the top of their respective careers and will not stray from their position. In other words, Nora is not pressured to be any less of the strong businesswoman she intends to stay as.
Fool Me Once by Ashley Winstead
“A hilariously sharp-tongued romance with an unforgettable, unapologetic heroine. Fool Me Once is a breath of fresh air!”
–Rachel Lyn Solomon, bestselling author of The Ex-Talk
An intense and passionate story of two exes from a rough breakup reuniting in a battle of the wits. Our lead, Lee Stone, is not a wear-your-heart-on-your-sleeve type of lead but instead yet another cutthroat businesswoman with a tough shell and a sharp tongue. A communications director at a women-run electric car company sees her ex of 5 years, Ben Laderman, who works for the governor. They used to be in love in law school years before, and things went south. It is a funny and easy read with a lead who will not let a man manipulate and take the lead in a relationship so easily. The back-and-forth tug of war creates a more leveled-out power balance for people who hate reading the same book about the submissive, shy girl being mistreated by her male companion.
The Roommate by Rosie Danan
“Rosie Danan not only created characters who you’ll think about long after you’re finished reading, but she wrote a powerful, feminist book, that makes you laugh as hard as you cheer. The Roommate is sunshine in the form of a book. I can’t wait to see what Danan brings us next!”
-Alexa Martin, author of Snapped
Opposites attract romance and unexpected roommate trope contemporary romance book that challenges the stereotypes. The Roommate is a dual POV book told between socialite Clara Wheaton and charming stranger Josh. This book rivals the others on this list, as Clara goes through a satisfying character arc throughout this story. Starting out a bit doe-eyed and naive in the exposition but quickly changes near the end. Rosie Dana skillfully challenges toxic power dynamics in the industry and has thoughtful discussions about sex positivity as well as equality in the relationship.
Fated Blades by Ilona Andrews.
Looking for a more sci-fi novel with similar, healthier romantic relationships? This fantasy otherworldly romance novel centers around our heroine Rynda, a member of a very powerful family known for their magical abilities. When a deadly threat merges, Rynda must team up with the dangerous and enigmatic warrior, Kaldar. They realize how similar they are and gain mutual respect as they battle, face danger together, and unravel a complex, corrupt conspiracy. A fun novel combining action, magic, and romance with a couple who values an equal partnership featuring dynamic world-building and engaging characters.
What a Match by Mimi Grace
A charming and witty story about matchmaking and unexpected love, following Lizzy, a successful matchmaker who prides herself on her perfect ability to find couples. This perfect world is soon turned upside down by a very charming and unconventional man named Leo. Who wishes to challenge her methods and beliefs about love. Lizzy and Leo often clash, and later, sparks fly as they both work to confront their own misconceptions and romance. They openly discuss what it is that makes a healthy relationship in a fashion that seamlessly blends humor, romance, and personal growth.
Many romance novels are often filled with inequality, power imbalances, and women getting manipulated and gaslighted in a toxic portrayal of romance. These contemporary pieces are always a breath of fresh air with a more realistic and healthier portrayal of love in a way that is still so fun to read!
Looking for even more romance books to read? Here are some personal recommendations from our Bookstr team here!
Browse our Bookshop shelves for your next swoon-worthy romantic read here!
