Haters gonna hate, but romance novels are winning reader's hearts worldwide

Every year, we produce a summer reading hour to talk about some of our favorite books of this year, and give you recommendations of the best beach reads. And this year, we’re diving into the illustrious, the notorious, the infamous paperback: the romance novel. There’s a lot of stigma attached to romance reading, especially within the reading community. But this top grossing genre is actually one of the most popular book genres in the world. Today, we go beyond harlequin bodice rippers and Fabio and dive into the world of romance with our panel. Got a favorite romance novel or love story? We want to hear from you. GUESTS: AK Nevermore: president of the Connecticut Romance Writers of America and author living in Connecticut Michelle Smith: President/Owner The BookSmiths Shoppe, LLC. in Danbury Lauren Anderson: Founder of Possible Futures Bookspace in New Haven. Authors featured in this broadcast: AK Nevermore Kristan Higgins Amy Neff JJ Graham Krystal Marquis Chloe Liese Book recommendations from the staff at Connecticut Public Normal People, by Sally Rooney A Court of Thorns and Roses (series), by Sarah J Mass Fourth Wing (Empyrean series), - Rebecca Yarros Author Emily Henry Author Casey McQuiston The Selection, series by Kiera Cass Bridgeton, series by Julia Quinn The Princess Diaries, series by Meg Cabot Conversations with Friends, by Sally Rooney Persuasion by Jane Austin Dylan Reyes contributed to this episode which originally aired May 24, 2024.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.