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.