Why I Love Contemporary Romance Series
When it comes to straight up contemporary romances I find myself drawn to books in series. I thought I would share what is it that draws me to these books. I adore them all from small quaint New England settings to Big Sky Country. Some are sweet and some have heat, but they all have a few thing in common. Grab a cup of cocoa or peppermint mocha coffee and enjoy!
- The books tend to involve “family” Some are siblings and others are close friends or brothers in arms. I loved the banter and interaction that comes from these bonds.
- Small-towns. I love revisiting the same town and getting to know everyone. Each time I open a book it feels like I am coming home or taking a little vacation.
- Even though each book focuses on a couple we get to know their friends and family making me feel a part of the group.
- While the books are part of a series, each has a complete romance giving me my HEA.
- The anticipation of each romance. We meet all the characters, and wonder who will end up with whom. From the onset there is usually one character whose story I am most anticipating.
- I love the idea of knowing I will return and catching glimpses of the happy couple. Usually I can count on updates. Again this ties into forming a bond with the characters and town.
- The tropes tend to be second chance romances, friendships to lovers, or sometimes something exciting like finding out that one night stand is your new neighbor. *winks* And my personal favorite haters to lovers.
- The stories are usually low on drama, but often have suspense, snowstorms or unexpected complications that force the couple together.
- Interfering siblings, neighbors, and family members that often leads to hilarious situations.
Contemporary Romance Series I Recommend
These are few series that made me smile and have all the elements I love in contemporary romance series.
Jessica Lemmon’s Second Chance Series.
Read my reviews: Bring Home the Bad Boy, Rescuing the Bad Boy, A Bad Boy For Christmas
Lia Riley’s Brightwater Series
Read my reviews: Last First Kiss, Right Wrong Guy, Best Worst Mistake
Jennifer Ryan’s Montana Men Series
Read my reviews: At Wolf Ranch, When It’s Right, Her Lucky Cowboy
Jennifer Dawson’s Something New Series
Read my reviews: Take A Chance on Me, The Winner Takes It All, The Name of the Game
Do you like Contemporary Romance series?
If yes, do you have any recommendations?
Steph from fangswandsandfairydust.com
I also like the small town dynamic as long as it isn’t too forced or contrived. Small towns aren’t like the “Andy Griffith” show anymore (not that they ever were). I also can’t deal with the cantankerous older character – or the woman who still looks pretty good at 55 – that’s my age!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, well I hope I look good at 55 🙂
maria helena
Everything on your list are reasons why I love contemporary romance.
kimbacaffeinate
Yay I am glad you enjoy them too!
Kat Morrisey
I will definitely be looking into those series–I think the only ones I have are the first set (they are somewhere in my kindle. or my Nook. It’s totally out of control when it comes to my TBR s *gulp*)
Your reasons are pretty much the same as mine when it comes to contemporary romance. Whether I’m reading, or writing, one, I love how this whole dynamic community/world is created and there are the leads, and others who you hope will find their HEAs too. It’s the anticipation of reading other characters’ stories that keeps me going. (And as a writer, I have characters always knocking at my mind’s door, wanting their story told, too! LOL)
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Kat. I love visiting the series again and getting an HEA with each book. Not to mention each book works as a standalone but is enhanced by reading all of them
Lark
You nailed it with your list of why you love contemporary series! I was a committed historical romance reader (well, I still am), and then I stumbled on Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series (still my all-time favorite series in contemporary.) That led to Sherryl Woods’s Chesapeake Shores and Sweet Magnolias series, then Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold. Of the series you listed above, I’ve only read two of the Brightwater books and one Montana Men — but I bought some of the others in those series already. Wonderful post and thanks for the new suggestions (Dawson and Lemmon)!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I adore the Virgin River series. I have read and enjoyed a few from Chesapeake Shore, Sweet Magnolias and Fool’s Gold.
Ksenia
I prefer contemporary romance series where each book centers around one couple and can be read as a standalone. I love revisiting setting and seeing familiar characters. You are right it feels like I am coming home. Great post, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly and most of these series offer a complete story with an HEA
Lupdilup (Loupe Duffy)
Yes, yes! To all of those reasons! I first started getting back to reading with Twilight and I discovered my love for the supernatural. I remember having reservations about contemporary romance, but a friend recommended to me The Travis by Lisa Kleypas and I felt head over hills, I never looked back 🙂
Wattle
I love all those things about contemporaries too 🙂 I don’t read a lot of them (although I have been recently!) but they are so much fun when I do!
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
I agree with ever point…especially seeing the strong familial/friendship relationships and getting updates on prev couples!
kimbacaffeinate
Yay, glad you agree Melissa. I love the friendships too 🙂
Lorna
I agree with all of this-small town romances where you can love all the characters-I love that! Not so much the angst ones with cliffhangers and you have to read about the same character for three or four books before they get their HEA. Although I have been known to read them. You need to try the Bluegrass Series by Kathleen Brooks, and her spin off from that, Bluegrass Brothers.
kimbacaffeinate
Most of the ones I read work as standalone, but are enhanced by reading them in order. I will check out your recommendations Lorna!
Grace MyBookSnack
I adore seeing updates on previous couples as the series progresses!
kimbacaffeinate
Me too Grace…it feels like visiting your home town for a spell and checking up on everyone
Gaby
I agree! I love my HEAs 🙂 My only problem is that some stories seem to be repetitive sometimes
kimbacaffeinate
I completely agree Gaby which is why I read so many genres each month. I need things to be fresh..so I will read a dystopian, dive into a romance, leap into a fantasy and snuggle up with a good thriller each month.
Christy LoveOfBooks
Indeed. And the more involved the characters from the other books in the series, the better. That a major reason I love the Addicted/Calloway series so much. All the book in the series is the story of all the characters, not just focusing on one.
kimbacaffeinate
That series is on my list and I own books one and two now.
ShootingStarsMag
These are all great reasons to love contemporary romance series. I have to say that I don’t think I’ve really read that many. I do like companion novels because of your reasoning of seeing old characters. It’s nice to get updates and see how they are doing while at the same time learning to love a new couple. It makes me think of the YA novel Anna and the French Kiss and the two companion novels for that, which I did love.
kimbacaffeinate
Those are similar just YA..but these reasons would apply to any series/companion contemporary romance.
The Bibliophile Babe
Great points! I do love when we can have more character development because we see him or her in other books before they get their own.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, and I love when a character I am not fond of as the series progresses end up being a fav once we get their story.
Sophia Rose
No argument with that list. I’m rather a latecomer to contemporary romance, but several of those points- smalltown, quirky people, sense of family- are all reasons I liked them. I’ve not read any of the series you have up there, but I do have two on my future read list. I enjoy Carolyn Brown’s ranch country small towns, Sharon Sala’s Blessings George series, Virginia Kantra’s Dare Island, assorted authors of Tucker Springs (m/m), Joanne Rock’s Heartache, Lisa Bingham’s Taggart Brothers, Hope Ramsay’s Last Chance, Marilyn Pappano’s Tallgrass, and so many more.
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo you have listed some on my wishlist Sophia and I’ve enjoyed Carolyn Brown’s series.
Melanie Simmons
I don’t read many contemporary romances. I’m more into paranormal and romantic suspense. I like the action that is included with both of those genres. I have read a few contemporaries, but not many. Shiloh Walker is one that I’m always willing to try. I started out with her PNR and RS which is how I got into her contemporaries. I’ve also hear really great things about Jill Shalvis, who has a great narrator for many of her books in Karen White. I haven’t tried her yet, but she is one that I’ve been meaning to, one day.
kimbacaffeinate
I try to get one in at least once a month..well you know how diverse my reading tastes are. Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres and I love when that is wrapped into a contemporary series. I need to read Jill Shalvis.
Angela Adams
Like you, I enjoy romance series in small town settings. Two of my favorites are Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series, and Ruth Logan Herne’s Kirkwood Lake. Thanks for the post!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes..I love the Virgin River series. I miss those characters and the town.
Michele&Mckenzie
All of these THINGS!!! Yes! Love the warm and fuzzies this genre serves up 🙂 Great post!
~Michele and Mckenzie
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks, I am glad you love them too 🙂
Lola
Yes those are things I enjoy about contemporary romance series too. I always like it when the main characters are connected in some ways like friends or family and how that means we’ll keep seeing from the previous and next main characters in multiple books, which is fun. And ofcourse seeing the happy couple(s) again in later books. I also like how each book stil has a clear endign adn HEA, while also being part of a series. I love small town settings too! I haven’t read any of the series you listed, but I do think I once won a copy of At Wolf’s Ranch and it sounds like a good one. Great post!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, most will work as standalone which I love!
Kathy
I love the small towns and those romances that involve family and friends. I’ve kind of sworn off series because there are just so many books out there, and I’ve started feeling tied down when it comes to series. BUT, I do love Jill Shalvis and her Lucky Harbor series. What started with sisters and evolved into the town folk was so inviting for me. I feel the same way about a few others, too.
kimbacaffeinate
Most really work as standalone, and I try to limit myself to one or two at a time. Lucky Harbor is on my wishlist!
Debbie Haupt
Oh Kim I’m a huge fan girl of these series too and for many of the same things you mentioned. My biggest reason for loving these kinds of reads is when the author brings me heart and soul right into her stories and I love those meddling, nosey small town folks too.
Great post Kim!!
kimbacaffeinate
Gotta love the meddling neighbors!!
Melissa (Books and Things)
This isn’t my fave genre to be honest, but those I do pick up usually are pretty good. I usually have to have either a animal angle or a creative angle with one of the characters to really get me curious. However, I have picked up those that are set in small towns and sibs and enjoyed those as well.
kimbacaffeinate
I could not read a steady diet of it Melissa, but when I do I tend to grab these series types instead of standalone contemporary romance
Katherine
I love Contemporary Romance series for the same reasons you do! It’s such fun to feel like you’re part of the world that the characters inhabit. I haven’t read any of the ones you recommend but they’re all on my TBR. I definitely recommend Jill Shalvis’ Lucky Harbor series and for sweet stories though low heat I’ve been loving RaeAnn Thayne’s Haven Point. There are so many great ones and I want to read them all!
kimbacaffeinate
Lucky Harbor is on my wishlist Katherine! I will check out Haven Point as well.
Stormi
I don’t read a lot but when I do I like the ones with small town settings or cowboys. 😉 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I do love a good cowboy series 🙂
Heidi
I don’t read a lot of contemporary romance, but when I do, I love all the things that you mentioned. I really enjoy the cozy, small town settings, and getting to know the inhabitants, plus I do like catching up with previous characters in subsequent books.
kimbacaffeinate
Minus the romance I agree cozies offer similar things 🙂
Laurel-Rain Snow
I haven’t read any of the authors you mentioned, but I am definitely curious. While I usually prefer romantic suspense or stories about more than romance, I do like a nice dip in the romantic pond now and then. Thanks for sharing.
kimbacaffeinate
Romantic suspense will always be my favorite, but I love these small-town/companion type romances
Bookworm Brandee
I absolutely agree, Kimberly! Reading contemporary romances series are so comfortable…like going home, seeing ‘your’ family, and catching up with your good friends. I adore them! I will be checking out JLemmon’s series, and JDawson’s as well. *ha* Actually, Riley’s too since I recently received Last First Kiss in audio. 😉 I was recently introduced to Jill Shalvis and I’ll certainly be heading back to Lucky Harbor. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yay..enjoy them Brandee.
Quinn's Book Nook
Yes, I love contemporary romance for all those reasons too! Contemporary romance just makes me happy!
kimbacaffeinate
Me too, they are perfect between heavier books like my mysteries and thrillers
Candace
I don’t do much contemporary romance but I do love the small town settings. And you make a lot of good points. It’s nice to get a complete story but still be able to get updates on the couple in other books.
kimbacaffeinate
I love small-town settings too Candace
Lexxie
I absolutely love contemporary romance series, too, Kim. And my reasons are the same as yours, but I have one more reason, too. I love the strong, loyal female friendships that are often a big part of the series I read, too. Women who hold each other up, who encourage and motivate each other, not the other way around. And sometimes, those friendships make my heart swell just as much as the romance and the happily ever after does.
I haven’t read any of the series you mentioned, so thanks for helping me add a few more to my TBR 😉 If you haven’t already, you should check out Jill Shalvis’ Lucky Harbor series, and her Cedar Ridge series as well. And of course, Brenda Novak’s Whiskey Creek series.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, I totally agree Lexxie and should have added a separate bullet for them.
AngelErin
I love your points! And thanks for the series recommendations. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yay, glad I could share some recent favs
Lata Sunil
I can read them anytime. Love them.
kimbacaffeinate
So glad to hear you enjoy them too Lata 🙂
Jenny
Oh yes, sign me up for a good contemporary romance any day Kim! Ones with big families and meddling family members are always especially fun. I’ve heard great things about Jennifer Ryan’s series, so I definitely need to try those! My sister in law adored them:)
kimbacaffeinate
Ryan rocks Jenny and she weaves in a little suspense to her stories
Lekeisha
Jessica Lemmon’s series is one that I definitely plan to read this year. I love small town romances and friends to lovers. There’s nothing wrong with some heat, but sometimes I’m more connected with just a sweet romance with some playful banter between the characters. Like slipping on a pair of worn jeans.
kimbacaffeinate
I love Lemmon and hope you do too. I agree I like heat too, but also love the sweetness these stories bring..
Felicia GeekyBlogger (
I am always hit/miss with Contemporary Romance but when I am in the mood it really is a great comfort read! I have that Jessica Lemon series 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I try to have one going, but like to mix things up. I couldn’t do a steady diet of contemporary romance.
Tyler H. Jolley
I’m not a huge romance reader, but I do like it laced into a great mystery, thriller or sci-fi adventure. For example, the romance in Stephen King’s Bill Hodges series is perfect. FYI, June can’t come soon enough, I can’t wait to see how that trilogy ends!
kimbacaffeinate
You follow me so you know I read every dang thing and yes..I adore the romance served on the side with a main course of mystery, suspense or thrills. Yes….I am dying for the final audiobook myself!
Sara
I’ve just started getting into contemporary romance and I’m really enjoying it! I just finished Irresistibly Yours, by Lauren Layne last night, and spent like an hour afterwards with a goofy grin on my face 🙂 I also recently discovered Alice Clayton’s books and she’s now one of my all time favorite authors-her latest book, Nuts, was amazing!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I love Clayton..and Nuts was hilarious. I will look up Layne’s book!
RO
Totally love your reasoning when it comes to series, and they make sense. In some ways I enjoy a series, but when the books are really good, I find myself going through serious withdrawal until the next book comes out, .(lol) That’s happened with more authors than I can name here. It’s always neat to hear about what has happened with other couples, and you feel like you’re catching up with new friends. Great topic and hope you and your family are doing well and hanging in there! Hugs…RO
kimbacaffeinate
Book withdraw is hard..especially for series that end in cliffies..these typically don’t so I enjoy the escape they bring.
Nick
YES to all of these, Kim! I adore contemporary series for all the reasons you mentioned as well, but especially the guaranteed HEA and the family. I also have a fondness for small town romances, although I like big city ones like the Travis family series by Lisa Kleypas too. Love this post, Kim! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I need to try Kleypas and actually think the Travis family series is one I marked.
About Happy Books
I also love contemporary romances, mostly because they make me happy and I enjoy reading about good people falling in love. And right now I’m looking for new series to try out, so your recommendations are perfect for me.
Happy Reading!
kimbacaffeinate
Glad I could share some recent favorites with you 🙂
blodeuedd
I love all those points 🙂
And small towns yes!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes…glad to hear it Linda 🙂
Melliane
great points I agree! It’s true that I don’t read a lot of them but it’s always a real pleasure to find a good one!
kimbacaffeinate
Glad you enjoy them from time to time 🙂
kindlemom1
Yes, yes, yes, and a few more yeses! These are all the same reasons I love them as well!
kimbacaffeinate
Yay..I am glad 🙂