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We’re all big fans of the romance genre here at Book Riot. Especially since it is becoming more and more diverse, queer, fair and therefore, even more interesting. Romance has always been a feminist exploration of courtship that leads to happiness forever; the recent (and long overdue!) expansion towards love that is not cisgender and heteronormative makes the genre ever more inclusive and anti-kyriarchy.
The thing about romance as a genre is that just as there are as many ways to recognize the compatibility and love of choosing one or more partners as there are people, there is almost certainly an under- kind that can grab your attention. Do you lean historical or more contemporary? Do you like your romance with a little (or a a lot) more flesh on flesh? Do you prefer more fantastic settings or maybe a vampire or two? There is a sub-genre for that. And then there are the endless variations on how one becomes happy forever. Romance novels almost always come to a happy resolution at the end; most of them have a female protagonist because as mentioned they are also a deeply feminist fantasy about women who can be both individualized human beings and finding love – something the “real world” struggles with (although the “protagonist as woman” rule is challenged as more and more writers with diverse interests and backgrounds enter in the arena – more diversity everywhere, please!).
Whether you are a beginner or have read all of Nora Roberts’ novels ever published, you will enjoy the opportunity to proclaim your love of romance to the world with these romance themed products.
Start small! Proclaim your reading preference quietly and clearly with this enamel pin from Zing Reader. 11 $
This 3 inch wide sticker Cardigan Librarian would look great on a water bottle, in a newspaper, or really anywhere! $ 2.25
Another sticker I can’t resist! Proclaim your Sapphic romance addiction with this book cover sticker celebrating the love that only two women can share. Of fuglybarbie; is available in three sizes. The smallest is 3 ″ x3 ″ at $ 6.
One of my favorite tropes, especially with LGBTQIA + romances, is the ‘oh my gosh what should we do? There is only one bed! If you, like me, think this trope is both darling and hilarious at the same time, you’ll appreciate this “Clean Cotton” scented candle (a scent choice that elicited another sneer) from RomancelandiaCandles. $ 12
Any reader worthy of their library card knows that if you’re reading physical books that don’t belong to you, you’ll need a bookmark. And what better way to mark the page of your romance novel than with a magnetic bookmark on the appropriate theme of CarleyDesignsCo? $ 5 each or $ 15 for the set.
Another set of stickers! I love stickers, and this set of Tusks and Peonies is charming. 13 $
For those of you who own an electronic cutter like a Cricut, here is a file of FancyCaseStore so you can cut out your own ad about your favorite therapy and put it wherever you want. $ 3
If you’re ready to announce your affection for historical fiction, this cozy T-shirt from ILoveHEA might be exactly the right way to do it! One of my weaknesses is dashing lords. Who doesn’t want to be a Duchess, after all? $ 24
Another gem of ILoveHEA is this polyester zip bag. The bag is available in small ($ 13) and large ($ 16) and is the perfect holder for everything from pencils and makeup to snacks for the kids.
If romance novels are your therapy, you can keep your therapy journal in this 118 page spiral notebook from kiss and let me tell you! $ 18
You will have sweet dreams as you lay your head on this pillowcase from BigBookLoverShop, reminding you of the dashing heroes and brave protagonists who all live rentless in your head. $ 20
If you like a bit of charcoal with your coffee then this 11 oz. Cup of RooReadsAlot is the perfect accompaniment! $ 10
This mid-century modern style art print from DexMex would look divine next to your overloaded romance book library! $ 27
Obviously, you need another tote bag for library books, groceries, or whatever you like. Remind people that fairy tales are still legitimate adult reading, especially if they have a bit of filth! This one is from StephaniesCreativeCo. 25 $
Romance novels aren’t all dirty, but let’s face it: those that are dirty tend to be more fun. Let everyone know which hill you are ready to die on with this sticker from TheKraftyWon. $ 4
Currently, my favorite sweatshirts are gray and say “100% that bitch” on it with a lip print on the ass; I had them at a Lizzo concert right before the lockdown. But these comforters from Dear Writer Co are in a very close struggle! $ 30
Not sure which one is your favorite? You don’t want to choose? So this Hero Tropes bag from DatingCuteCreative is for you! 23 $
And There you go! Enough romantic products to scream your favorite genre to the world. Go ahead and represent equality in love! And once you’ve filled your carts with romantic goodies, pick up a few books as well, including some great contemporary romance novels and these romance novels by Indigenous authors.
