Hello and welcome back to the second part in my series on what romance books you need to try. Last week we talked about the titles that started it all off: Classics and Historicals. This week we are talking about Contemporary and Comedy.

Now, again this is not a complete or exhaustive list. Just because I like them doesn't mean that they are the only ones out there. These are just books that I've read and enjoyed. I'm still reading along with you and because of that I’ve included some from my to-be-read list.

Let's get started!

Contemporary romance

These modern-day romances can take place anywhere, and unlike the classics and historical romance novels I mentioned last week, have crappy cars, smartphones, and drive-thru dining. Bliss.

Now you're probably waiting for a list of titles, aren't you? Well, that's the thing about the contemporary sub-genre romance category, there are more sub-genres. Does that make them sub-sub-genre? No idea. Here are a few of my favorites:

Alaskan Romance:

Who doesn't want to get snowed in with a country boy in a cute log cabin deep in the woods? Warm fire blazing, hot cocoa, cozy blankets? Sign me up.

Manhunt

City girl leaves the rat race to find a slower pace in Alaska, but she finds so much more in the form of a big game hunter. PS - We'll be hearing more about Janet in a little bit.

Beach or Island Romance:

For All Time (Nantucket Brides #2)

I've spent a fair amount of time on Cape Cod and the Islands, and so this book set on Nantucket whisked me away to the quaint All-American island life. Perfect for a summer read when you're getting your tires changed. Seriously, that's my strongest memory of reading this book. If I think about it too much, I can still smell stale coffee and rubber, while local news drones in the background.

Not only are there sub-sub-genres based on setting, but there's also sub-genres in a contemporary romance based on occupation. This can include military, first responders, athletes, cowboys, and billionaires. Love an athlete? Check out these below:

The Deal (The Off-Campus Series) -Want to read

I don't know much about this one except my BFF loves it and she's never let me down before, and that it has hockey players, which are having a moment.

Intercepted (Playbook #1)- Want to read

NFL players! *hums Sunday Night Football theme*

Are you looking for ordinary people and the mega-wealthy?

The Kiss Quotient- Want to read

A mathematician with Asperger's hires an escort to practice dating, but it turns into more. Though I haven't read this one yet, it has set off a sensation, topping all of the charts.

Metro Girl (Alex Barnaby #1)

Girl tries to find her missing brother and gets tangled up with a NASCAR driver along the way in South Florida. I read this series back in high school during my physics class and I still got an A.

The King and the Kindergarten Teacher- Want to read

This book is available for pre-order, and I had the opportunity to meet the author at a recent event. This is a sweet romance, meaning if you like a love story, but don't want to see anything "inappropriate," to quote my mother, you can still have love. See? His chest is even covered!

Fifty Shades of Grey

Of course, then there's the other end of the spectrum with the billionaire everyone loves to hate. Do I need to say more? Bonus: There's a whole list of Billionaire romances from sweet and wholesome to dark and gritty that grew from people's obsession with EL James.

If that last one makes you clutch your pearls, there are plenty of Christian romances, Amish romances, and praying cowboys in Western romances. Here's one:

Cowboy-Want to read

Nashville country singer meets down on her luck local girl, and together they renew their faith. If you like country, then what's not to love? I haven't read this one, but I want to.

Now as polarizing as some of those sub-sub-genres can be (we all have different tastes), here is one to make you laugh.

Comedy romance

Now, this was tricky because comedy can bleed over into a lot of other sub-sub-genre. Does that make them sub-sub-sub-genres? Here is the one that made me almost pee with laughter.

One for the Money (#1 Stephanie Plum Series)

A broke, divorced woman has to work for her sleazy cousin as a bounty hunter. They made this into a movie that did not do the books justice. I can honestly say I've read the whole series, and I wouldn't recommend reading it on a plane because people will stare at you as you convulse with laughter while trying not to pee on the aisle seat. My favorite scenes were always the big Italian, Catholic family dinners at Stephanie's cramped parents' house. Pure gold and familiar for anyone who has ever sat at the dinner table wondering "How in the hell are we related?"

Also, if you do read this series, which I highly, highly recommend, you'll have to let me know if you're on Team Ranger or Team Morelli, as my BFF and I differ in our opinions.

I will admit that One for the Money and the whole Stephanie Plum series are also romantic suspense novels, so it's only fitting that's what we'll be tackling next week! Who’s up for love and murder?

See you then for more love!

Onward,

Kathryn