Nine ways to find your perfect match with a romance book

Want to be swept off your feet by a novel, but not sure how to find the one? 

Like people, love stories come in all shapes and sizes. Don’t be shy, give them a try! Libraries make all kinds of romance books and eBooks available for free across the region. Here are some hot tips on how to find the best romance reads in Auckland.

 1. Discover the magic of borrowing 

Sure, bookshop dates are a cosy way to connect, but there's a special kind of magic in getting lost in a borrowed book. No pressure to buy, just a chance to explore whatever catches your eye. Borrow two, three, or a whole stack! It's the perfect way to discover what truly grips you, the characters who stay with you and the themes that spark your curiosity. Plus, the best part? Without the commitment of buying, you're free to dive into uncharted literary territory! Discover sub-genres you never knew you'd love and get to know yourself as a reader.

2. Know when to move on

Every story deserves a chance, but if you've made it past the first couple of chapters and you're still not enamored, just be honest with yourself and move on. Don't feel bad - give yourself permission to try the next title on your to-be-read list and you'll quickly become more confident in knowing what you do like. 

3. Take yourself on a date to the library

Sometimes changing your setting can open your mind to new literary experiences. Find your nearest Auckland library and pay a visit. Take your time to check out the displays or ask a friendly librarian to recommend a romance book. Don't be afraid to let them know of any themes and character types you have in mind!

4. Let library genre tags lead the way

Libraries organise their books to make it easy to find what you want. At Auckland Council Libraries, you can browse our shelves and online catalogue for books labelled 'Romance'. Or, for online reads from the comfort of your own home, explore our eBook and eAudiobook collections with the 'Romance' tag within Libby (by OverDrive).

5. Explore diverse romantic experiences 

Don't let labels hold you back when you're getting to know yourself, wanting to understand others or just looking to read something new. Explore our queer romance reading list curated by our expert librarians or browse our catalogue for more lists that celebrate queer perspectives.

6. Keep up with what's new in love

Newly published stories come from the minds of those who walk among us. Hit new titles are usually popular for a reason, whether that's through relatable characters, modern concepts or exciting new trends. Get on board and find out which new romance titles are loved by other readers. Your next favourite could be hidden in plain sight! Use the library catalogue to request our newest romance titles, along with the latest erotic fiction, LGBTQ+ stories, historical romances, paranormal romances and romantic suspense reads. 

7.  Ask for what you want!

If you know, you know! Trust your instincts and reach out for personalised suggestions from people whose passion is helping you find your niche. Use our online My Librarian service to request a list of romance titles based on your tastes. 

8. Cosy up indoors with eBooks and eAudiobooks 

Want to read or listen to a book without leaving the house? You can find your next flame without going outside to pick up a physical copy. If you're an Aucklander with a library card, you'll have immediate access to a huge array of stories for free. Our e-collections on OverDrive are open 24/7 for sweet and steamy romance on-demand! Check out what’s available right now in our Romance eBook collections and listen to your heart’s content with our curated eAudiobook list of popular romance novels. You can even download the Libby app for easy access when you're out and about.

9. Listen to podcasts about romance books

The world is filled with readers who love love. If you're ever stuck in a reading rut, turn to the passionate world of romance reader podcasts. These enthusiasts (or better yet, librarians!) can ignite your next book obsession with their infectious energy and expert recommendations. For a fresh perspective from close to home, listen to the brand new Pride episode of our Books and Beyond podcast, created by Auckland librarians. Alison (she/her) is joined in the studio by two special guests: library staff Rhi (they/them) and Sebastian (they/them) - who are both readers of and experts on recent queer fiction. 

Once you've picked out your next read, clear your calendar and dim the lights – your literary date awaits. Find your cosiest nook, dive into page-turning whispers and let love stories ignite your heart. 

Did you know? 

Every February, Cupid's arrow strikes Auckland Council Libraries! In celebration of Pride Month and Valentine's Day, we run our annual Love is Love romance reading competition with special prizes for book lovers. This year, we really felt the love from Auckland readers who checked out three or more books with the 'Romance' label. Check out 2024's prizes and their lucky winners! 

Mark your calendar for next year's Love is Love competition for a romantic reading journey over February, plus a chance to win prizes that make your heart happy.