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Typically, romance novels have been subject to a traditional cast of characters: straight, able-bodied and (largely) white. But, the modern world of dating is no longer characterised by such straightforward perspectives, but rather a mixed bag told from an array of different of viewpoints—be it people of colour, those suffering chronic illnesses, living with a disability, people exploring their sexualities, or those who are neurodivergent.
And while romance novels written by authors who use their own experiences of marginalisation are few and far between, they exist and are providing refreshing, modern takes on love. Featuring protagonists from ethnic or religious minorities to those who have disabilities or are proud members of the LGBTQI+ community, there are plenty of books offering that fresh and much-needed take on romance.
If you’re looking for representation in your next read, look no further than the books below—all with an ultra-modern tales on what it’s like to date in a modern world. Scroll down for nine books where diverse characters take the lead.
Brave Enough, Kati Gardner
Author Kati Gardner is a childhood cancer survivor and amputee who looked to her own personal experiences for her debut novel Brave Enough. It follows teenager Cason Martin, the youngest ballerina in the Atlanta Ballet Conservatory, who never had a choice on whether she pursued a career in dance with her mother the conservatory’s artistic director. After suffering an injury, Cason’s life is turned upside down, and while receiving treatment, she meets Davis, a cancer survivor who is battling a drug addiction that nearly took his life. While they may not be friends, the two come to depend on one another in this gripping story.
Archer’s Voice, Mia Sheridan
Sheridan’s Archer’s Voice is a captivating story that follows Archer Hale, who is mute due to a tragic accident at the age of seven, and Bree Prescott, who has escaped to the lakeside town of Pelion to find peace following her own tragedy. What follows is a captivating and passionate tale on the healing power of love and how two starkly different personalities can be destined to find one another.
If I Was Your Girl, Meredith Russo
A big-hearted novel about being seen for who you really are, Russo’s If I Was Your Girl follows Amanda Hardy, who after falling victim to a hate crime transfer schools. Here, she develops a budding romance with Grant—a boy who seems to be falling for her. As the teens grow closer, Amanda wants to tell Grant the secret she’s been keeping from him—that, at her old school she used to be Andrew. Despite how nice Grant may seem, she’s terrified of how he’ll react. The novel is an intertwining look at growing up, romance and true identity.
Royal Holiday, Jasmine Guillory
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Proposal (and also one of Reese Witherspoon’s book club picks) comes this cheery holiday romance. When Maddie is given the opportunity to style a member of the British royal family, she brings along her mother Vivian for the trip, where she meets the prominent Press Secretary to Her Majesty, Malcolm Hudson. In this fourth instalment of her Wedding Date series, Guillory has created a captivating story that features characters that are both mature in age and from different sides of the pond, proving age is just a number when it comes to love.
The Kiss Quotient, Helen Hoang
This refreshing debut novel from Helen Hoang follows successful econometrician Stella Lane, who also happens to have Asperger’s. Lacking experience in the dating world, Stella realises she needs help—which is why she hires escort Michael to help teach her everything about dating. But, their no-nonsense partnership starts to make a strange kind of sense—resulting in an endearing, laugh-out-loud tale of modern romance.
The Girl He Used To Know, Tracey Garvis Graves
While Tracey Garvis Graves’ The Girl He Used To Know is a romance, it’s by no means your typical love story. Annika, an English major, is anxious in most social situations, finding people’s behaviour confusing and odd, except for Jonathan. After tragedy tears them apart, the pair find themselves reunited after 10 years—and while Annika lives with a developmental disorder, it does not define her character in this gentle and bittersweet story.
A Quiet Kind Of Thunder, Sara Barnard
This gripping, coming-of-age story follows Steffi, a girl who can’t speak and Rhys, a boy who can’t hear, who go on a journey of self-discovery and find support with each other. As they find ways to communicate, Steffi discovers that she does have a voice and that she’s falling in love with the one person who makes her feel brave enough to use it.
Unmarriageable, Soniah Kamal
A modern retelling of Jane Austen’s classic Pride & Prejudice, Soniah Kamal’s Unmarriageable is set in modern-day Pakistan where Alys Binat, who has sworn never to marry, has an encounter with one Mr Darsee at a wedding, making her reconsider everything she thought about love. It’s a witty and charming update on the tale we’ve read before, exploring themes of love, marriage, class and sisterhood.
I Wish You All The Best, Mason Deaver
I Wish You All the Best tells the story of Ben, who is nonbinary, and after coming out to their parents, is kicked out of the house and forced to move in with their estranged older sister Hannah and her husband, Thomas. Struggling with an anxiety disorder compounded by their parents’ rejection, they come out only to Hannah, Thomas, and their therapist—until they meet Nathan, who could offer up the chance at a happier life. Ben’s story is heartbreaking and joyous, exploring life, friendship and love in the face of adversity.
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