Auckland Libraries blog

Not all romance books are created equal. Some deliver slow-burn longing, others bring chaos, fantasy kingdoms, rivals-on-ice tension or fangs and forbidden desire.  If you’ve ever wondered what kind of romance reader you are, this guide is your invitation to find out. To help you discover your niche, our librarians have picked out nine romance booklists across a wide range of subgenres, romance tropes and spice levels.  1. Sports romance  You love rivals, locker-room tension, and feelings that get messier under pressure. Heated rivalry by Rachel Reid SO hot right now. Two rival NHL players begin a secret, years-long affair that starts as pure physical chemistry and slowly turns into something neither of them planned for. Set against the pressure of professional ice hockey and public scrutiny, this is a sharp, emotional enemies-to-lovers romance with real depth. Deep end by Ali Hazelwood Scarlett, a competitive college diver, agrees to a friends-with-benefits arrangem...

Can’t get enough of the Bridgertons? The glitz and glamour? The all-consuming drama of the ton? The hit Netflix series is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Julia Quinn’s world of hot scandal, true love and unshakable duty. Whether you're a devoted Bridgerton fan or a newcomer to the world of Regency romance, these books are sure to make you swoon faster than Cressida Cowper at a ball. This spoiler-free list contains all the books in and around the Bridgerton series, so you can keep your fire burning until the next season graces our screens.  The original Bridgerton books Why not start with the captivating tales of the Bridgerton siblings themselves?  If you're keen to relive the beloved narratives seen on Netflix or eager to get ahead before the next season, these books offer an immersive journey into the world of the Bridgertons. These nine novels by Julia Quinn let you dwell among the family's charming exploits for as long as it takes to turn each page. The duk...