Romance is no longer a genre relegated to the squeaky, broken racks of grocery store magazine sections, embarrassing checkouts at the library or bedstand drawers. It's big -- really, really big -- business.
The genre generates more than $1 billion a year in revenue. No other type of book comes close to those numbers. “Romantasy” in particular -- a combination of romance and fantasy like, say, Sarah J. Maas' "A Court of Thorns and Roses" -- has heavily contributed to the larger genre's popularity, with social media influencers helping to sell millions of copies. And, of course, who could forget the intense and instant fandom generated by Netflix's pandemic adaptation of the "Bridgerton" series?
Readers are enamoured by the tropes, meet-cutes, ever-expanding diversity of characters and HEAs (happily-ever-afters, for those of us who are uninitiated). This class of books never takes itself too seriously, even when it is serious business for authors, publishers, booksellers and libraries.
As the genre has gained steam and new readers, it's also generated at least one group of folks who aren't feeling the love. Oklahoma Republicans recently introduced a state bill that would criminalize the production of pornographic materials, which some say would include romance novels. The bill is largely seen as unconstitutional and has been met with public outrage, but the GOP holds a supermajority in Oklahoma’s state House and Senate. (Fort Sill peeps, you might want to stock up on your sultry faves.)
Regardless of politics, romance isn't dead in the military community. In The Bookish Milspouse, a Facebook group of more than 14,000 members strong, many, many conversations are dedicated to romance. There are lively discussions about first editions, recommendations, new releases and how to casually -- and sometimes not so casually -- share your favorite scenes with your partner.
It may come as no surprise, then, that some of the biggest names in romance are military spouses. With the help of Bookish Milspouse community members, we've put together a list of established and new authors who come from the milspouse rank and file.
Rebecca Yarros
As Mugatu in "Zoolander" would say, "Rebecca Yarros is so hot right now." Yarros wrote one page a day during her husband's deployment and completed her first novel in time for his homecoming. The Army spouse is now the author of the wildly popular "Empyrean" series and more than 20 other titles in the new adult, romance and romantasy genres.
First known for steamy, relatable romances, Yarros catapulted to stardom when the first installment of the steamy but not-as-relatable "Empyrean" series, "Fourth Wing," was released in 2023. Since then, she's published two more books to further the story, with two more novels yet to come.
Start here:
- If shadow daddies, dragons, and shadow daddies who ride dragons are your thing, crack open "Fourth Wing" and get sucked into Yarros' world of military daring, political intrigue and smoldering love.
- If you've ever said, "I'm sick of stories about soldiers and Marines. Where are the novels about Coasties?" pull "Variation" off the shelf. When injured dancer Allie comes home to convalesce and she runs into a dashing rescue swimmer, regrets, secrets and passion all rise to the surface.
- If a flight suit gets you hot and bothered, any (or all) of the five books from the "Flight and Glory" series will give you wings during these gray months.
Tif Marcelo
A veteran Army nurse and military spouse, Tif Marcelo writes spicy romance that draws from her military life and Filipino American heritage. In addition to her romance novels, she's released four other contemporary novels, three of which incorporate military themes, including friendship between spouses. Marcelo also hosts the popular "Stories to Love" podcast, where she talks with other authors about books and writing.
Start here:
- If you love food trucks, second chances and Romeo and Juliet vibes, dish up "North to You." Drew walks back into Camille's life just as he's ready to deploy. But before he does that, he needs to make things right with his dad -- a restauranteur who just happens to be Camille's biggest competition.
- If you're looking for secret romance, second chances and beach vibes, crack the spine on "It Takes Heart." After a hurricane devastates an Outer Banks resort, a contractor will have to navigate family tensions as he tries to manage his feelings for his big sister's best friend.
Lynn Rae Harris
An Air Force wife, Lynn Rae Harris was discovered through a Harlequin writing competition nearly 20 years ago and has built a large backlist over the years. The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author pens primarily military fiction -- although she's set to release a non-military line of books this year -- and has sold more than 3 million copies during her career.
Start here:
- If you love special operators (especially if they're gorgeous), try Harris' "H.O.T. SEAL" and "H.O.T. Strike Team" series. With 27 books across the series, you're bound to find a story that captivates you.
Hope Snyder
New to the romance shelves, Hope Snyder is a Navy spouse and writer of closed-door stories. With only two books in her catalogue -- both were released last year -- she's poised to become an up-and-comer. Currently, Snyder offers a Navy romance ("Care for This Love") and a civilian romance ("Trust Me"), so it will be interesting to see how her writing career progresses -- and if we'll see more military romances from her.
Susan Stoker
Susan Stoker is an Army wife who has found success writing military romance for the masses. A USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Stoker specializes in stories about special ops. Her multiple Delta Force and SEAL Teams series are bursting at the seams.
Start here:
- If you're all about insane six-pack abs, then you'll be intrigued by the "SEAL of Protection" series. Providing that you can tell a book by its cover, then you're in for a lot of shirtless, impeccable pecs and a lot of damsels in distress.
Claire Cain
There must be something about Army life that produces romance writers! Claire Cain cites her foray into the genre by asking a simple question: "Where are the stories about couples like my husband and me?" She's been answering that question with book after book of self-described "sweet" military romances for the last eight years.
Start here:
- If you've got a thing for veterans, start with Cain's "Veterans of Silver Ridge" series. From shirtless hotties who live next door to fake-husband hotties, these veterans are loyal, romantic, and -- did I mention? -- hot.
- If you're looking for a palette cleanser after reading all of the military titles on this list, try "Almost Perfect," the first book in the "Back to Silver Ridge" series. You'll be treated to an opposites-attract story when a rancher and pop star find themselves falling for each other.
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