Romantic fiction that isn't twee or cheesy?

Taylor Jenkins Reid does a good line in escapism if not necessarily romance

I love Eva Ibbotson but I do think she comes perilously close to twee. I don't mind that, as I enjoy her writing very much, but if that's a main objection of the OP I'm not sure Ibbotson's romance novels will quite cut it. Her kids' books are excellent too.

Heyer is a genius for light comic romances. The Unknown Ajax is great fun with a dash of adventure, choose Venetia for a heroine who rescues herself, The Grand Sophy is almost everyone's favourite (except for a very uncomfortable antisemitic scene, but it's a book of its time) and Cotillion is a good introduction to the world of the ton while also being funny and charming.

Second Eva Ibbotson. The setting is always an important part of her books. Some of her children's bpoks, such as Star of Kazan, are worth reading too.

I second Jennifer Crusie great books, Welcome to Temptation, Bet Me just a couple that are enjoyable. India Holton has some books that are fun, The League of Gentlewomen Witches and the wisteria society of Lady Scoundrels

The series by Elizabeth Howard. Not romance as such but a family saga. Total comfort read.

If you like Austen and Heyer, then Jude Morgan is a good pick. A Little Folly and Indiscretion are easy, enjoyable and well-written.

My personal favourite is Eva Ibbotson. She wrote a series of historical romance novels which hit all the right notes but have well-drawn characters and are quite thoughtful. The Morning Gift is my favourite, but Songs of Summer, The Secret Countess and A Company of Swans are really enjoyable too.

Have you read Katherine by Anya Seton?

Check out book in.com and freebooksy.com - you can sign up to get daily emails containing free or very cheap (99p) ebooks - you can set up your preferences as to what sort of thing you like and what type of e-reader format you want. I’ve just chosen Google books and I now have a load of free books that I’ve chosen and can download/save on my phone when I need them.
If I don’t like them - no worries, they were free, I just delete. I keep a few downloaded so they are ready when I suddenly want to read, the rest appear in a list on Google books so I put see the blurb and choose what to download next - either in advance or when I have a good WiFi connection!

for trashy romantic reading I’ve enjoyed the Bella Andre Sullivans series, and also several series of American ice Hockey team romances - which surprised me as I hate sports - but the sport is incidental and just a mechanism for having a team of different characters to get to know and see how they progress, and follow through various relationships and their highs and lows. - authors like Sarina Bowen, Elle Kennedy and Lili Valente are fun reads.

Crimson Petal and the White?

Historical romance, which definitely isn't twee. But the writing pace is quick and engaging. Easy enough for the beach without feeling like your brain is bleeding out through your ears

I'd suggest Isla Dewar. I found her books a freshening take on traditional romance novels, and really more about friendships. Not at all twee. The first one I read was Women Talking Dirty which my mum had in a box of books given to her by a family member. I only picked it up as it had a bright pink cover, and didn't have any expectations from it, but was proved wrong. I have pretty much all her books, and am sad there won't be any more (she died in 2021).

Seven Sisters - Lucinda Riley - there is romance in these, (but they not chick lit - Lily inherits Granny ‘s cafe and meets confirmed bachelor, Tristan… ).

Rhys Bowen - love her books, similar to above

Brigerton - love these books, the story line us slightly different to the series.

Thorn Birds - old but enjoyable

This series is worth looking at too — mysteries featuring Jane Austen’s characters, with a romance thread running through:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Murder-Mr-Wickham-Claudia-Gray/dp/059331381X?dplnkId=b30e669b-290f-4d5c-8efc-f1a363aae3a2&nodl=1

I second Outlander as a suggestion. Also Rebecca Chance writes silly, sexy, modern romances which are very escapist. Great for poolside reading.

For historical, Courtney Milan. For contemporaries, Jenny Crusie.

Smart Bitches, Trashy Books is a great site for romance recommendations.

Just wanted to add when I say definitely not twee - I don't mean it's gritty!! Just relatable. No cupcakes etc.

David Nicholl - you are here. A really lovely book and not twee at all

Third-ing Mhairi McFarlane - start with Who's That Girl? Mad About You or If I never met you. Definitely not twee.

Romantic comedy - Curtis Sittenfeld

Another vote for Mhairi McFarlane.

Georgette Heyer is great. So well written. I tried the Bridgerton books but couldn't get on with the writing.

The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abi Waxman is light but good, as are her other books

I’ve read a few Emily Henry books lately- easy to read and well written. Funny Story is a good one. I also really enjoyed The Idea of You- very escapist!

@LemonJuiceFromConcentrate have you read Laura Wood? Definitely one for @MissAtomicBomb1 to consider I think - she's done some books which are technical YA novels, three set in the same universe. The most recent two are about a female, Victorian version of the A Team, essentially (I see on Amazon the tagline is 'Bridgerton meets Charlie's Angels', which is wildly inaccurate). And she's just released 'Under Your Spell' which is her first novel for adults.