Romantic fiction that isn't twee or cheesy?

[MissAtomicBomb1]

About to go on holiday and would like something light to read around the pool.

The last romantic fiction type book I read was about 15 years ago - p.s I love you by Celia Aherne. Hated it! I just thought it was really cliched and predictable.

Can anyone recommend anything that they've enjoyed? I love bridgerton on Netflix so if all else fails I'll get a couple of those!

What sort of thing do you fancy? For an interesting read but easy I think the Dawn O Porter books are good. So Lucky was great in my view.
I also enjoyed Dolly Alderton. Hope that helps!

Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander

Mhairi McFarlane’s books are good. I read loads in a row during Covid and remember thinking they were a cut above in terms of humour and characterisation.

Op I've just read before I met you by lisa jewell.... really good story

Not romance but the S J Bennett series 'Her Majesty the Queen Investigates' might fit the bill.

Seconding Mhairi MacFarlane, she is great. One of my absolute faves is The Bodyguard by Katherine Center.

Sally Beauman

I just finished Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. Romantic and beautifully written but not a typical love story. I adored it!

Erica James can be very good.

Oh, I really like the SJ Bennett series too. We must have similar tastes, @tribpot — I’d better check out The Bodyguard

After the first one, the Bridgerton books and series are completely different, @MissAtomicBomb1 . (One of them is literally Cinderella - it's weird)

What do you want from a romance novel? What do you find funny or appealing or engaging? It's a really broad field.

How romancey do you want your romance ? (And do you like historical, or was the Bridgerton suggestion just a last resort ?!)

For non-sexy, historical romance with a sideline of adventure you can't beat Georgette Heyer.

@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.

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!

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

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

Another vote for Mhairi McFarlane.

Romantic comedy - Curtis Sittenfeld

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

So many suggestions, thank you!
I'm going to work my way through.
In answer to PPs. I love Jane Austen so yes I do like a historical type romance.
Not romance but I've just started reading Wolf Hall which I haven't really managed to get into yet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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