best romance book review blogs

Betting on Myself: Navigating the Ups and Downs

Interview with k. iwancio author of bed…& breakfast, tips and ideas for organizing your bookshelves, 5 must-read romance authors discovered on kindle unlimited, the perfect mother’s day gift for book lovers.

• Interview with Michele Lenard, author of Not So Friendly Intent
• The Power of BookTok: Authors and Their Books That Went Viral
• My Latest Book Haul: An Adventure Awaits!
• Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer: A Compelling Love Story and Immersive World
• New Camelot Trilogy by Sierra Simone: A Masterclass in Erotic Romance and Political Intrigue

Romance Book Blog for Reviews & Recs

Discover your next  captivating romance read  through my  in-depth book reviews  and  curated romance book recommendations .  Explore a diverse collection of romance sub-genres , from heartwarming  contemporary love stories  to  sizzling dark romances  and  enchanting paranormal tales .

Intro to the Romance Book Blog:

Welcome to the cozy corner of Literary Inspired where romance isn’t just a genre; it’s a celebration of love in all its beautiful forms. My Romance Book Blog & Reviews are your go-to source for everything that makes your heart skip a beat. Whether you’re a seasoned romance reader or someone who’s just dipping their toes into these emotionally rich narratives, you’ve come to the right place.

What Sets This Blog Apart?

What makes this blog unique is its focus on diverse sub-genres within romance. From contemporary love stories that mirror today’s relationships to dark romances that push boundaries, each review and recommendation is crafted to enlighten, entertain, and introduce you to your next favorite book.

The Importance of Reviews:

Book reviews are more than just opinions; they’re a guide to your next reading adventure. My reviews are designed to give you a comprehensive look at the plot, characters, and emotional depth of each book, helping you make an informed decision. Plus, I spotlight indie authors , ensuring you’re exposed to fresh voices and unique perspectives in the romance world.

Why Romance?

Romance is often dismissed as ‘just love stories,’ but it’s so much more. It’s a genre that explores human emotions, societal norms, and the complexities of relationships. It’s a genre that can make you laugh, cry, and think—all within the span of a few chapters.

The Role of Indie Authors:

Indie authors are the unsung heroes of the romance genre. They bring innovation, diversity , and a fresh voice that’s often missing in mainstream narratives. By featuring their work, I aim to bridge the gap between these talented writers and readers who are hungry for something new.

How to Navigate the Blog:

Navigating through the myriad of romance books can be overwhelming, but worry not! My blog is organized into categories and tags, making it easy for you to find exactly what you’re looking for. Whether it’s a specific sub-genre, a particular author, or books with certain themes, you’ll find it all neatly arranged.

Tips for Authors:

For the budding romance writers out there, my blog also offers valuable marketing tips and insights into the world of book promotion . From SEO optimization to crafting compelling social media graphics, I’ve got you covered.

Community Building:

But it’s not just about the books; it’s about building a community of romance enthusiasts. Feel free to leave comments, share your own recommendations, and engage in discussions. After all, the magic of romance is best enjoyed together.

At Literary Inspired, my Romance Book Blog & Reviews are more than just a collection of book summaries. They’re a celebration of love, a guide to the vast world of romance literature, and a community for those who believe in the transformative power of a good love story. So, go ahead, explore, and let the romance sweep you off your feet!

• Billionaire
• Body Positive
• Contemporary
• Fantasy, Sci-Fi & Paranormal

I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce you to the talented indie romance author, K. Iwancio, who’s here to…

The Shadow and Bone Trilogy

The Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo is a must-read for fans of young adult fantasy novels. The series…

The Rise of Romance Audiobooks: Exploring the Surprising Reasons Behind Their Popularity

Romance novels have always been a popular genre, but in recent years, there has been a significant rise in the…

Interview with Anna P. author of Almost Home

Welcome to another exciting installment of Author Spotlight on Literary Inspired! I’m thrilled to continue this journey of uncovering the…

Interview with CJ Raine author of The Reaper Awakened

Welcome to another exciting edition of Author Spotlight on Literary Inspired, where I bring you closer to the extraordinary talent…

Choosing the Right Platform for Your Author Website

As an indie author , your website is more than just a digital space – it’s the heart of your online…

Interview with Samantha Gail author of Epoch: Book One of The Hourglass Saga

Today, I’m delighted to introduce Samantha Gail, a versatile and independently published author who seamlessly weaves elements of thriller, romance,…

Interview with Kristina Carmela author of This Time Around

I’m thrilled to introduce you to the talented author who has stepped into our romantic spotlight this week. Get ready…

Interview with Sophie Dyer author of The Silence Lies

Welcome to another exciting edition of the Author Spotlight series on my blog, Literary Inspired! I’m Meg, and today, I’m…

End of Content.

My Bookstagram

Dive into a treasure trove of romance bookish delights , from captivating romance book reviews to exciting author promotions , all showcased on my Bookstagram . Discover your daily source for all things romance and indulge in a world of love stories that will steal your heart.

Explore my Bookstagram and immerse yourself in a world of love stories that will steal your heart. With beautifully curated posts , engaging content , and a community of fellow romance enthusiasts , my Bookstagram is more than just a visual feast; it’s a celebration of the romance genre .

Discover in-depth reviews that offer insights into the latest romance releases , hidden gems , and timeless classics . Whether you’re seeking a heartwarming contemporary romance or a thrilling dark romance , you’ll find recommendations tailored to your tastes .

Connect with authors through exclusive promotions , interviews , and behind-the-scenes glimpses into their creative processes. Celebrate indie authors , uncover new talents, and engage with the voices that bring romance to life .

Join challenges , participate in themed months , and share your thoughts and favorites with a community that shares your passion for romance . From bookish aesthetics to thought-provoking discussions , my Bookstagram is a space where readers come together to share, learn, and inspire.

Whether you’re a seasoned romance reader or new to the genre, my Bookstagram offers a warm and inviting space to connect, share, and celebrate the love for romance books . It’s more than just a social media platform; it’s a journey into the enchanting world of romance , where every post is an invitation to discover, reflect, and fall in love all over again .

Free Marketing Tips for Authors

Unlock the potential of your author brand with my tailored marketing tips . From Web Design and SEO , to social media strategies  and graphic design ,  discover effective ways to connect with readers and amplify your digital presence .

Navigating the intricate world of book marketing can be a complex endeavor, but with the right guidance, it becomes an exciting journey. Through my Marketing Tips section , I offer insights, strategies, and practical advice specifically tailored for authors .

SEO Optimization : Learn how to enhance your online visibility through search engine optimization . Discover keyword research, on-page optimization , and link-building techniques that drive organic traffic to your website .

Social Media Marketing : Explore the power of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram . Understand how to create engaging content , build a loyal following , and leverage social media advertising to reach your target audience .

Book Promotions & Tours : Dive into the world of book promotions and virtual book tours . Find out how to create buzz around your book releases , engage with readers , and collaborate with bloggers and influencers .

Web Design & Branding : Create a sleek and professional author website that reflects your brand . Learn about design principles, user experience , and essential website features that attract and retain visitors .

Content Marketing : Master the art of content marketing by crafting valuable and relevant content that resonates with your readers . From blog posts and newsletters to videos and podcasts , discover various content formats that enhance your author brand .

Analytics & Performance Tracking : Understand how to measure the success of your marketing efforts through analytics tools . Monitor key performance indicators , analyze user behavior , and make data-driven decisions to optimize your marketing strategies .

Supporting Indie Authors : If you’re an indie author , find specialized tips and resources that cater to the unique challenges and opportunities of self-publishing .

My Marketing Tips section is more than just a collection of advice; it’s a roadmap to success for authors seeking to make their mark in the vast digital landscape . Whether you’re launching your first book or looking to expand your existing author platform , these marketing tips empower you to reach your goals, connect with readers, and celebrate your literary achievements .

Crafting an Engaging Author Website: Your Gateway to Literary Success

Why Choose Literary Inspired for Your Next Book Promotion

Social Media Strategies to Promote Your Book and Boost Sales

The Power of Book Blog Tours: How They Can Boost Your Book Sales

Leveraging Virtual Events and Book Tours: Connecting with Readers in the Digital Age

Meet the blogger.

NetGalley Member

Book Siren's Stats

GoodReads Reviews

My bookshelf.

Spotlight on Indie Romance Authors

Step into the spotlight with my Author Spotlight series , featuring exclusive interviews with indie romance authors . Get to know the creative minds behind your favorite love stories , explore their writing journeys , and discover new books to fall in love with .

The Author Spotlight series is a celebration of indie romance authors , offering a platform to connect, inspire, and share their unique voices . Through in-depth interviews , readers can:

Meet the Authors : Get to know talented indie authors , from well-established names to emerging talents . Learn about their inspirations, writing processes , and personal stories that shape their literary works .

Explore Diverse Genres : Delve into the diverse world of romance , as authors share insights into their specific sub-genres , from contemporary and dark romance to fantasy, LGBTQIA, and more .

Discover New Books : Uncover new reads and hidden gems , as authors discuss their latest releases, upcoming projects , and favorite books within the romance genre .

Gain Writing Insights : Aspiring authors can find inspiration and guidance , as seasoned writers share tips, challenges , and lessons learned throughout their writing careers .

Connect with the Community : Engage with authors and fellow romance enthusiasts through comments, social media, and author websites . Build connections and join a community that celebrates the art of romance writing .

Support Indie Authors : Learn how to support indie authors through reviews, social media sharing , and purchasing their books . Celebrate the creativity and passion that indie authors bring to the literary world .

The Author Spotlight series is more than just interviews; it’s a vibrant space that fosters connections between authors and readers , highlights the richness of the indie romance community , and offers a behind-the-scenes look into the world of romance writing .

Whether you’re an avid romance reader, an aspiring writer , or simply curious about the creative minds behind captivating love stories , the Author Spotlight series invites you to explore, connect, and be inspired .

Interview with Vivian Murdoch, author of The Wolf

Browse Book Reviews & Recs by Romance Category

Discover the many shades of love with my curated Romance Categories . Whether you’re into the light-hearted banter of Rom-Coms or the intense allure of Dark Romances, there’s something here for every romance aficionado. Navigate through a diverse range of romantic narratives, each offering a unique perspective on love, relationships, and passion.

Ah, the world of romance—a genre so rich and diverse, it can make your heart skip a beat just thinking about all the possibilities. At Literary Inspired, I’ve made it my mission to explore every nook and cranny of this captivating genre, and I’ve categorized my findings to make your journey through love’s many landscapes as smooth as possible.

Romance Book Reviews and Recommendations : This is your one-stop-shop for all things romance. From the latest releases to timeless classics, I’ve got you covered. I delve deep into each book, exploring character dynamics, plot intricacies, and emotional depth to give you the most comprehensive reviews.

Rom-Com Books : Who doesn’t love a good laugh with their love story? Rom-Coms are the perfect blend of humor and heart, and I’ve got plenty of recommendations to keep you chuckling. From workplace romances to hilarious meet-cutes, this category is a mood-lifter.

Contemporary Romance : Ah, love in the modern world. Whether it’s the guy next door or a love story that’s Instagram-worthy, you’ll find it here. I explore how contemporary issues like online dating, career pressures, and social dynamics influence love in today’s world.

Audiobooks : For those who love to multitask or just enjoy a good story told, my audiobook reviews bring romance to your ears. I also offer tips on the best platforms for audiobook consumption and how to make the most of your listening experience.

BIPOC Romance : Representation matters, and in this category, you’ll find love stories from diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds. I spotlight authors who bring different cultural perspectives to the romance genre, enriching it with varied storytelling styles and themes.

Dark Romance : Not for the faint of heart, these stories explore the darker, more intense sides of love and passion. Themes like forbidden love, psychological thrillers, and complex characters make this category intriguing and thought-provoking.

Fantasy, Sci-Fi & Paranormal Romance : From magical realms to futuristic worlds, these love stories defy the bounds of reality. Whether it’s vampires, werewolves, or intergalactic love affairs, this category takes you beyond the ordinary.

LGBTQIA Romance Books : Love is love, and here you’ll find stories that celebrate all its beautiful forms. From coming-out stories to established relationships, this category covers the full spectrum of LGBTQIA experiences.

Mafia Romance Books : For those who like their love stories with a side of danger, Mafia Romances offer a thrilling escape. I delve into the allure of the bad boy, the complexities of love in a dangerous setting, and the moral dilemmas that come with it.

MC Romance Books : Rev up your engines for love stories set in the gritty world of motorcycle clubs. From the brotherhood and loyalty among members to the intense love affairs that defy societal norms, this category is a wild ride.

Regency Romance Books : Take a step back in time to an era of elegance and romance. Perfect for fans of ballrooms and high society intrigue, I explore how love blossoms in different historical settings and societal norms.

Smutty Books : When you’re in the mood for something a little steamier, this category will satisfy all your desires. I explore the art of writing good smut, the importance of consent and communication, and the role of fantasy in these narratives.

Sport Romance Books : Love on and off the field, these stories combine the thrill of competition with the joy of romance. I look at how sports can be a metaphor for love and life, adding an extra layer of excitement to the story.

Suspenseful Romance : Keep yourself on the edge of your seat with love stories that come with a side of suspense. From murder mysteries to psychological thrillers, this category keeps your pulse racing.

Why Choose Romance Books : Explore love stories where the protagonist doesn’t have to choose just one love interest. A fresh take on love triangles and more, I delve into the complexities of polyamorous relationships and what makes them tick.

YA Romance Books : Young love in all its glory, from first crushes to epic love stories that stand the test of time. I explore the themes of self-discovery, growing pains, and the sheer intensity of young love.

By featuring works across these categories, I aim to provide a comprehensive look at the romance genre, offering something for everyone, regardless of your specific tastes or interests. Whether you’re a seasoned romance reader or new to the genre, you’ll find my insights, recommendations, and reviews to be your perfect match in finding your next great read.

So go ahead, explore these categories, and let your romantic journey begin. At Literary Inspired, I’m all about celebrating the multifaceted world of romance, one book at a time. With this extensive category guide, you’re not just browsing—you’re embarking on a romantic adventure. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and let love lead the way.

Regency Romance

LGBTQIA Romance

Suspense Romance

Romance Audiobooks

Body Positive Romance

Dark Romance

BIPOC Romance

Billionaire Romance

Mafia Romance

Smutty Romance

Contemporary Romance

Fantasy Romance

Why Choose Romance

Sports Romance

Rom-Com Romance

Reclaim your time and energy to focus on what you do best – crafting compelling stories., save time and simplify your book marketing.

Your Go-To for Romance Book Reviews

RJ Daily blog

• Romance Junkies on HIATUS

Romance Junkies started in 2003 under the amazing Cat Brown. Ownership transferred to Marie Harte in 2016. For the past six years, we’ve been trucking along providing reviews for romance […]

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Books of Note

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Forever She Reads Romance Book Blog

Find your next romance read, book reviews, blogging guide, all about books, check out my latest posts:.

Trickery (Curse of the Gods #1) by Jaymin Eve, Jane Washington

A Strange Hymn by Laura Thalassa (The Bargainer #2)

Rhapsodic by laura thalassa (the bargainer #1).

7 Romance Books Like Deviant King by Rina Kent

Behind the blog:.

Forever She Reads is a Romance Book Blog, which started as a Digital Marketing Experiment but turned into a Book Review Blog and a passion project of mine. 

I am from India and I’ve been crazy about books – especially Romance Books ever since I was in 7th grade. 

I am an avid Romance Reader, and I’ll read books if it has Romance in it. I can’t imagine ever not reading books – they’ve become an integral part of my life!

New to reading Romance Books?

Here’s what you can start off with: 

The Complete guide to kindle unlimited

The complete guide to romance genre.

~ I don’t have an Email Subscription yet! But I’ll be starting that soon! ~ 

What are you looking for today?

S upport aar by shopping at amazon., latest comments.

I read some HR by Jenny Holiday some years back – I might even have reviewed some of it here.…

Sarah, That might work! Please email me at my name at allaboutromance.com. It’s a really long list but I can…

Yep, that’s the long and short of it – I like her more as a contemporary writer because of this.…

Will the full list of nominated books be released? I know it will be long, but I would still want…

I’ve only read one trilogy of Holiday’s (the one with the weddings), but this sounds exactly like my memory of…

It’s been a big adventure thus far and we still haven’t gotten to the wedding! We arrived after over 24…

I have never read her. I’m not sure this is the book to start!

This one sounds like a wild ride!

New @the Agora

Earn 2x Kindle Points tomorrow (April 22)

Earn double Kindle Points on Kindle books purchased on April 22, 2024 betwe…

By Anne Marble , 23 hours ago

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Latest Rev iews

By Jenny Holiday

Warning to anyone thinking about picking this one up – don’t expect much in the way of historical…

Reviewed by Lisa Fernandes

The Lies Among Us

By Sarah Beth Durst

We often say that lies take on a life of their own. Sarah Beth Durst does a deep…

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The Violence

By Delilah S. Dawson

Delilah Dawson’s books can’t be slotted into any one category, and The Violence is a great example of…

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Latest Blogs

the ask@AAR: What will happen at AAR while Dabney is in India?

By Dabney Grinnan

Hopefully, nothing! Although there won’t be Steals and Deals beginning tomorrow. I may try and add some to…

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The ask@AAR: What books do you feel should be on the 2024 AAR Top 100 Romances Poll?

YOU MUST ADD YOUR CHOICES TO THE SURVEY. WE WILL NOT BE ADDING THEM FROM THE COMMENTS. We…

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The Top 50 from your picks from the 2018 AAR Top 100 List

For the past two weeks, we’ve been asking you for your choices for the top romances from the…

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The Artful Dodger: A Great Show You Probably Haven’t Watched

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If you haven’t checked out Hulu/Disney+’s charming miniseries, The Artful Dodger, please find the nearest streaming device as…

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Steals & Deals!

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Top 10 Romance Book Blogs

Crave Romance

A short list of the top blogs keeping us up to date on the world of romance and the stories that make us swoon.

Heroes & Heartbreakers

Famous for their “Swoonies” Awards, H&H is polling the people to find the most swoon-worthy book couple of the year. They don’t just hand out awards though, their site is filled with cover reveals, exclusive excerpts, news and even reaches out to other mediums for inspiration.

XOXO After Dark

XOXO After Dark provides news on all romance related topics. FREE full length books, not to mention the contests and giveaways which also grace their site. Though sponsored by PocketBooks/Simon & Shuster, their content is by no means limited. XOXO follows all publishers, pop culture and TV. The best conversations happen after dark…

RT Book Reviews

Around since the early 80’s, RT Book Reviews has been a trusted name for those looking for their next novel and although they do cover a multitude of genres, their romance section is bustling with exclusive content, cover reveals, giveaways and much more.

Happy Ever After

Happy Ever After brings you exclusive cover reveals, excerpts, book trailers for the latest romances, on the page or tv screen. They also regularly interview authors, giving new insight into the writing process and the people behind the page.

Smart Bitches Trashy Books

These girls have a decade of blogging under their belt and they are looking to help you find the next book for your TBR pile! Their goal is to foster a community of Romance fans and encourage discussion with their weekly topics. Who said smart girls don’t read novels?

“All of the romance, none of the bullshit.”

Coffee Time Romance

CTR is perhaps one of the longest running romance blogs around. They post frequent reviews and in many genres, if you like mixing it up a bit. They also have lots of great promotional opportunities for authors who are just starting out.

Smexy Books

Daily Reviews, Weekly Wrap-ups, Smex Scene Monday , these girls are prolific readers who are committed to keep you up to date on what is going on in the romance world. They post something everyday, sometimes more, it’s definitely worth checking daily.

Book Chick City

Book Chick City has been around since 2009. Mainly focused on Urban Fantasy and all types of Romance, they provide reviews, author interviews, topical articles and much more. You can also check out their Youtube channel and watch them discuss some of their favorite novels.

Book Thingo

These Aussies LOVE books, especially Romance. Their blog is as they call it “ one long conversation about books ”. They are here to share the books they love and warn you away from those which are not worth your time. They also have a podcast where they discuss romance genre related topics if not specific books.

Me, My Shelf And I

MMSAI does it all! This is where you go for book reviews, giveaways, events, and any other bookish thing you can dream of. Amber also helps authors with book tours and other types of promotion and by the looks of it everyone has had a great experience with her.

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Romantic Times Rewind: April 2005 Ads & Features

Mr Romance was on TV, and Gimp Masks were a Whole Thing: April 2005 was a Wild Time for Ads & Features

Books On Sale

Old hollywood, jeannie lin, & more.

by Amanda · Apr 22, 2024 at 11:30 am · View all 9 comments

RECOMMENDED:  Battle Royal  by Lucy Parker is $1.99!  Catherine gave this one an A- :

I loved Battle Royal. While it did have minor flaws, it more than made up for them with humour, tenderness, and food porn.

Continue reading →

Poyums, and a Perfect Storm of a Book Launch

by SB Sarah · Apr 22, 2024 at 3:00 am · View all 7 comments

TW/CW: The following post contains mention of intimate partner violence and domestic abuse. Recently the Instagram algorithm served me a video of a young woman with incredible red hair and an absurdly glorious complexion sitting in her pjs on her bed trying to teach me Scots. You might have seen Len Pennie on Instagram or TikTok, as she has a daily program teaching folks like me the Scots word of the day. It turns out the … Continue reading Poyums, and a Perfect Storm of a Book Launch →

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Book Review

When i think of you by myah ariel.

by Elyse · Apr 21, 2024 at 8:00 am · View all 2 comments

When I Think of You is a second chance romance that, while enjoyable, would have benefited from a 3rd person vs 1st person POV. I enjoyed the inside look into the film industry it provided, but found the storyline of the vengeful ex a little tiring and overdone. Kaliya Wilson has always dreamed of being a movie producer, but is stuck working the front desk at a studio, finding it difficult to get her foot … Continue reading When I Think of You by Myah Ariel →

SBTB Bestseller

Sbtb bestsellers: april 6-19, 2024.

by SB Sarah · Apr 21, 2024 at 6:00 am · Leave a comment

• Embroidering Her Truth by Clare Hunter Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Hide Your Wallet

Book beat: historical mysteries, bipolar representation, & more.

by Amanda · Apr 20, 2024 at 4:00 am · View all 10 comments

Welcome to Book Beat! Book Beat aims to highlight other books that we may hear about through friends, social media, or other sources. We could see a gorgeous ad! Or find a new-to-us author on a list of underrated romances! Think of Book Beat as Teen Beat or Tiger Beat, but for books. And no staples to open to get the fold-out poster.

Transcript Announcement

Podcast 611, your transcript is ready.

by SB Sarah · Apr 19, 2024 at 3:30 pm · Leave a comment

The transcript for Podcast 611. Romantic Times Rewind: April 2005 Ads & Features has been posted!

I know it’s two windows, but don’t miss the visual aids! The ads are truly incredible.

T. Kingfisher, Loretta Chase, Sierra Simone, and J Crew!

by SB Sarah · Apr 19, 2024 at 11:00 am · View all 18 comments

RECOMMENDED: What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher is $2.99! This was mentioned in a previous Hide Your Wallet, and has been on sale a few times. Kim said in September 2023 , “Loved What Moves the Dead –or, who am I kidding, all T. Kingfisher books. Genuinely creepy, atmospheric, with likeable and interesting characters. Fun science-y stuff, too. [The book] has a nonbinary main character and does interesting alt-history things with gender identity.”

I know Kingfisher is an auto-buy for many of you. Did any of you pick this one up?

611. Romantic Times Rewind: April 2005 Ads & Features

by SB Sarah · Apr 19, 2024 at 2:00 am · Leave a comment

Y’all, the April 2005 issue of Romantic Times is a treasure of truly amazing fun. So many of you told me that episode 609, where we looked at the reviews, made you laugh so hard you cried. Well, let me share some highlights of what is about to happen to your eardrums. The Mr. Romance Cover Model Pageant was a Six-episode reality tv show on the Oxygen network, and we missed it when it ran. … Continue reading 611. Romantic Times Rewind: April 2005 Ads & Features →

by SB Sarah · Apr 19, 2024 at 1:59 am · View all 7 comments

In this week’s podcast episode, we’re looking at the ads and features in the April 2005 issue of Romantic Times, aka RT Book Reviews. Special and massive thanks to Kay Layton Sisk for sending me this issue! You can also find all the RTRW content at our category page for Romantic Times Rewind.  And, most importantly, if you want to listen and follow along with this entry, we have more detail in the audio, but … Continue reading Romantic Times Rewind: April 2005 Ads & Features →

Veronica Speedwell, Pirates, Mermaids, and Houseplant Care on Sale!

by SB Sarah · Apr 18, 2024 at 11:00 am · View all 4 comments

RECOMMENDED:  A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn is $2.99 as a KDD today! This is book two in the Veronica Speedwell series and I LOVE THIS SERIES. I’ve listened to it one after the other. I reviewed this one and gave it a B , and wrote, “the series is a sizable amount of fun if you like historical mysteries, fearless and intelligent heroines who take negative-zero crap from anyone, characters who embrace sarcasm, adventure and nefarious plotting, and taciturn but brilliant heroes with simmering sexual tension.”

The Rec League: Jerks in Love

by Amanda · Apr 18, 2024 at 4:00 am · View all 28 comments

This Rec League is from Elizabeth. Thanks so much! After reading this one and The Worst Guy (also reviewed on the site, also hilarious!), I discovered I have a thing for romance novels about villains, or at least jerks who find happiness with other jerks. I wonder if there is a whole genre of those. Amanda: We have a Villains Redeemed Rec League, but I definitely want to focus on the jerks 4 jerks part … Continue reading The Rec League: Jerks in Love →

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Best Contemporary Fiction Book Review Blogs in 2024

Showing 147 blogs that match your search.

9th Street Books

https://www.9thstreetbooks.com

9th Street Books is the place to go for everything about the literary life, including book reviews, lists, and more.

Blogger : Grace Pursel

Genres : Contemporary Fiction

🌐 Domain authority: 14

👀 Average monthly visits: 1,800 p/mo

💌 Preferred contact method: Website contact form

⭐️ Accepts indie books? Yes

The Taurus Reads

https://avaeshaffer.wixsite.com/website

Hi there! My name is Ava, and i'm a sophomore creative writing major in university. I like to review books (typically YA, New Adult, contemporary, and romance) but I've been known to post some short stories as well. If you're looking for quirky reviews from a gen-z reader who spends more time scrolling through #booktok on TikTok than actually reading- check out my blog!

Blogger : Ava Shaffer

🌐 Domain authority: 15

👀 Average monthly visits: 65 p/mo

💌 Preferred contact method: Email

Book and Bindings

http://booksandbindings.com

Books and Bindings specializes in reviewing FICTION, mainly women's fiction, spicy romances, cozy mysteries, some suspense, contemporary fiction, literary fiction, and some paranormal. But Empress DJ is not really a fan of horror or zombies. Zombies are just so tiresome — they are horrible conversationalists and only seem to want me for my brains. Review requests outside these genres will be up for consideration.

Blogger : Empress DJ

🌐 Domain authority: 34

👀 Average monthly visits: 5,000 p/mo

💌 Preferred contact method: Mail

http://www.kddidit.com/

I am not a professional reviewer, and I adore books, and I see reviewing books as a way to ‰ÛÏpay‰Û for my addiction to reading. Books are a way of learning more about the world, seeing it from someone else's perspective, traveling to different places and times, discovering how other people live.

Blogger : Kathy Davie

🌐 Domain authority: 25

👀 Average monthly visits: 3,000 p/mo

https://messybooker.wordpress.com

Blogging for more than five years, searching the planet for the best in fiction, essays and poetry. Following the Man Booker International Prize, have been a Shadow Jury member every year since 2014, and the Best Translated Book Award.

Blogger : Tony

⭐️ Accepts indie books? No

http://www.bookriot.com/

We're always interested in hearing about new books, but even with a stable of writers across book blogs we can't get to everything. So if you'd like to tell us about something, shoot us an email. Before sending something for consideration, take a look around the site to get a feel for who we are, who our readers are, and how we go about things. Bonus points will go to submissions that have looked at our contributors and can suggest which contributor might be a good fit for the book.

Blogger : Book Riot Contributors

🌐 Domain authority: 80

👀 Average monthly visits: 995,200 p/mo

Chick Lit Cafe

https://www.chicklitcafe.com

We do professional engaging book reviews and effective book promotion. We connect readers with authors. Readers and authors love our award winning website. Visit our website for more information and to read our great reviews.

Blogger : Jewel

🌐 Domain authority: 22

👀 Average monthly visits: 32,000 p/mo

Sandra's Book Club

http://sandrasbookclub.blogspot.com

Thank you for your interest in having me review your book! I accept complimentary books direct from publishers, agents, or authors in exchange for an HONEST review. I know how hard it is to get reviews (I'm a writer too, folks!) and I know how important word-of-mouth is for a book, so I always try to give a good review, but, of course, I cannot guarantee it.

Blogger : Sandra

🌐 Domain authority: 28

The Bibliofile

https://the-bibliofile.com

The Bibliofile is a book blog. I mostly review new releases, bestsellers, literary fiction, mysteries, and popular non-fiction. You can also get updates on bookish news and find other book-related content.

Blogger : Jennifer

🌐 Domain authority: 30

👀 Average monthly visits: 7,000 p/mo

The PBS Blog

http://www.thepbsblog.com/

I will pretty much read any genre but my favorites are Black Literature, Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction and General Fiction. I do not currently review the following genres. It is not intended to be discriminatory in All way. Thank you for understanding:

Blogger : EC

🌐 Domain authority: 24

Actin' Up With Books

http://actinupwithbooks.blogspot.com/

My current review style allows me to provide more of my personal reaction to the story and characters & what I liked, what I didn't, and how I related to the stories. Sometimes I will comment on the covers or share some of my favorite quotes. My review will be fair and honest. I will not provide a review for a book I do not finish. I do not accept requests for fantasy or science-fiction. Thank you!

Blogger : Joli

BookWritten

https://bookwritten.com

BookWritten is a platform where you can learn more about books, literature, poetry, and much more. We believe in connecting people through the art of reading.

Blogger : Pradeep Kumar

🌐 Domain authority: 20

👀 Average monthly visits: 75,000 p/mo

💌 Preferred contact method: email

Jen Med’s Book Reviews

https://jenmedsbookreviews.com/

I have a real love for Crime Fiction and thrillers as I love a little (fictional) human suffering from time to time, but don’t mind the occasional bit of Chick Lit, Young Adult or romance – I’m not completely heartless and consider myself an equal opportunity reader.

Blogger : Jen Lucas

🌐 Domain authority: 27

👀 Average monthly visits: 3,500 p/mo

Self-Publishing Review

http://www.selfpublishingreview.com

Self-Publishing Review has been providing book reviews of indie books since 2008. We review all genres of books fairly and impartially, as well as provide additional marketing services, for a fee. Our reviews are shared to our social media accounts totalling 40,000+ followers. Our site has been covered in The Guardian, New York Times, Forbes, Publisher's Weekly, Writer's Digest, and other sources.

Blogger : Henry

🌐 Domain authority: 46

👀 Average monthly visits: 20,000 p/mo

Sunflower Publishing Book Reviews

https://www.sunflowerpublishing.com/book-reviews

On this blog you can find reviews about any books set in Italy.

Blogger : Italy Writers

🌐 Domain authority: 12

👀 Average monthly visits: 100 p/mo

So you want to find a book blog?

If you’re a voracious reader, you might think of a book blog as an oasis in the middle of the desert: a place on the Internet that brims with talk about books, books, and more books.

Well, good news — we built this directory of the 200 of the best book blogs  to satiate your thirst. Take a walk around, use the filters to narrow down your search to blogs in your preferred genre, and feel free to bookmark this page and come back, as we do update it regularly with more of the best book blogs out there. 

If you’re an aspiring author, you might see a book blog more as a book review blog: a place where you can get your yet-to-be published book reviewed. In that case, you’ll be glad to know that most of the book blogs in our directory are open to review requests and accept indie books! We expressly designed this page (and our book marketing platform, Reedsy Discovery ) to be useful to indie book authors who need book reviews. If you’re wondering how to approach a book blog for a review request, please read on. 

You’ve found a book blog. Now what? 

Let’s say that you’re an author, and you’ve found a couple of book blogs that would be perfect fits to review your book. What now? Here are some tips as you go about getting your book reviews:

• Be sure to read the review policy. First, check that the book blog you’re querying is open to review requests. If that’s the fortunate case, carefully read the blog’s review policy and make sure that you follow the directions to a T.  
• Individualize your pitches. Book bloggers will be able to immediately tell apart the bulk pitches, which simply come across as thoughtless and indifferent. If you didn’t take the time to craft a good pitch, why should the blogger take the time to read your book? Personalize each pitch to up your chances of getting a response. 
• Format your book in a professional manner before sending it out. Ensure that your manuscript isn’t presented sloppily. If the book blogger asks for a digital ARC, you might want to check out apps such as Instafreebie or Bookfunnel. 
• Create a spreadsheet to track your progress. Wading through so many book blogs can be troublesome — not to mention trying to remember which ones you’ve already contacted. To save yourself the time and trouble, use a simple Excel spreadsheet to keep track of your progress (and results). 

Looking to learn even more about the process? Awesome 👍 For a detailed guide, check out this post that’s all about getting book reviews . 

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Home / Book Marketing / Ultimate List of the Best Book Review Blogs

Ultimate List of the Best Book Review Blogs

Book reviews are one piece of the book marketing puzzle . An important piece that some authors find impossible. This article is designed to help you get those initial reviews to bring in and sales and, you guessed it, more reviews.

In this article, you will learn:

• Why book reviews matter
• How to get your book reviewed by blogs the right way
• What to look for in a good review blog
• The best book review blogs for your genre

Table of contents

• Verified purchase reviews
• Does Amazon put a lot of weight on verified reviews?
• The mentality of the Buyer
• Different Types of Book Review Blogs
• Professional Book Reviewers
• Easily Understand Amazon's Book Review Do's and Don'ts
• List of the Best Book Review Blogs by Genre
• 1. Guilty Pleasures Book Review
• 2. Jeri’s Book Attic
• 3. Kindle Book Review
• 4. Reads all the Books
• 5. Literary Titan
• 1. Jeri’s Book Attic
• 2. Guilty Pleasures Book Review
• 3. Fang-Freakin-taskic- Reviews
• 4. Early Bookish Birds
• 5. Kindle Book Review
• 6. Christian Book Reviews
• 7. Reads all the Books
• 2. Raven and Beez
• 3. FanGirl Confessions
• 4. Kindle Book Review
• 5. Christian Book Reviews
• 6. Reads all the Books
• 7. Jessica Map Reviews
• 8. Dream by Day
• 2. Kindle Book Review
• 3. Romancers Rehab
• 4. Totally Booked
• 2. Early Bookish Birds
• 4. Chapter in My Life
• 2. Fang-Freakin-taskic- Reviews
• 3. Raven and Beez
• 8. Jessica Map Reviews
• 9. Aces High Joker’s Wild
• 10. Cat Pollock Writes
• 5. Jessica Map Reviews
• 3. Reads all the Books
• 4. Jessica Map Reviews
• 1. Raven and Beez
• 2. Christian Book Reviews
• 4. Fictional Fates
• 7. Fictional Fates
• 1. FanGirl Confessions
• 4. Mundie Kids
• 2. FanGirl Confessions
• 3. Reading for Sanity
• 1. Christian Indie Book Reviews
• 2. Redeemed Reader
• 3. Mom of Wild Things
• 4. Dream by Day
• 1. Kindle Book Review
• 1. Rachel’s Reading
• Here are a few Instagram handles for you to check out:
• Book Review Blog Table
• The Right Way to Ask
• Digital Book:
• Paperbacks:
• How to Respond if They Say No or Don’t Respond:

Reviews and Amazon Ranking

You’ve probably noticed Amazon has two kinds of reviews. Some have a little “Verified” tag and some don’t. Amazon implemented the verified status to show the book was purchased from Amazon so people can’t just give their book to all their friends and get dishonest or biased reviews. Of course, readers who get the book as a prize or from signing up for your newsletter can still review it, but Amazon doesn’t give as much weight to those reviews in its algorithms. Which leads us to our next tidbit…

Yes, they do. Even if two books are selling at the same rate, a book with more positive verified reviews will rank higher than one with fewer reviews . You can still hit number one if you’re selling enough copies compared to the other books in your category , say during a promotion .

Which brings us the next piece of this crazy puzzle:

There’s no doubt the publishing world changed dramatically in the last ten years. With it changed the way readers find books and make purchasing decisions. According to this post from Written Word Media readers are most likely to buy a book if it has 30 or more reviews with an average rating greater than 3.5 stars on Amazon .

For this post, I created a survey for readers. I set out to see how much weight bibliophiles put on book reviews. I got several responses from people 60-years-old and older who don’t look at reviews at all. So if you’re targeting older readers, reviews may not be as important for the readers…but, they’re still important for the algorithms.

So beyond getting reviews from your email list , are there other ways authors can get more reviews?

Enter book review blogs…

There are two main types of book review blogs:

• Professional (aka Paid)
• Blogs (aka Free)

Professional reviews are ones that are paid for and cannot count toward Amazon’s ranking. You can put them in the editorial review section which can help if you don’t have any other reviews.

Kirkus – The Kirkus Review used to be the be-all end-all of editorial reviews. It carried a lot of weight in publishing. But more recently it seems they have lost their edge. Readers aren’t looking to editorial reviews as much as they once did.

IndieReader – Similar to Kirkus is  IndieReader , who focuses on indie authors. Both are expensive and don’t give you as much in return as they once did.

Are Professional Reviews Worth It?

That really depends. If you just get the professional book review, and then sit on it, or don't even promote it, then you can't expect it to have a positive return on investment. However, if you add it to your Editorial Review section of your book's sales page on Amazon correctly, or use it in your book marketing tactics , then you can absolutely have a positive effect.

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Blogs that Write about Books in Their Genre

Authors and readers have filled the web with book review blogs. These bloggers are dedicated to reading and spreading the word about the books they read. They will usually review your book in exchange for a copy while others buy the books they read.

As I mentioned earlier, verified reviews hold more weight on Amazon. However, non-verified reviews hold just as much weight to most readers, so don’t discount a blog that requires you to send them a copy. These people are not getting compensation for their reviews (that would be unethical and against Amazon’s terms of service) so giving them a copy allows them to read more books.

This is also why a lot of the blogs listed below have additional things on their site.

Watch Dave's video below that explains when and how you can give your book away in exchange for a review using direct language from Amazon's policy.

Now that you are clear on the Amazon book review rules, let's jump into those blogs that review books for authors.

Later on, I'll explain the right way to ask a blog owner to review your book.

Some on review blogs this list are a little tricky to navigate, but I wanted to include a variety. Sadly, a lot of the really well laid out review blogs are overrun with requests and no longer accepting new ones.

When looking through this list of book review blogs, make sure to look for reviews with:

• books in your genre
• reviewers who give detailed feedback
• are accepting new review requests
• constructive feedback if they did not like a book

Note: The genre lists of book review blogs below are sorted by genre for your convenience. They are numbered in no particular order.

Use the Links Below to Jump to Review Blogs for Your Genre:

Paranormal / Urban Fantasy

Contemporary

Erotica / BDSM

Mystery / Thriller / Suspense

Sci-fi / Fantasy

Young Adult

Middle-Grade

Children's Books

Graphic Novels

Non-fiction

Bookstagrammers

Romance book review blogs:.

In no particular order, here are worthwhile blogs that review romance novels:

GPBR also has a lot going on for authors and reviews contemporary mainstream, erotic and dark romances, paranormal romances and romantic suspense. As well as reviews, GPBR also has opportunities for guest posting, author interviews, and an active Goodreads following.

While primarily a romance review blog on the surface, this website has a lot to offer. They review books in multiple genres and it has a lot of opportunities for authors. Including guest posting and author interviews. Check out the contact page for more information.

This site has so much for authors. They have reviews of course, but they also have book awards and readers choice specials. Because this is an entire team you’ll have to check out their “Get Reviewed” tab to see which reviewers are a fit for you and your book. Some genres only have one reviewer so those might have a slower turnaround. Keep that in mind as you make your request.

This blog is broken down into middle grade, young adult, and adult based on who the reviewer would recommend the book too.

Literary Titan is an organization of professional editors, writers, and professors that have a passion for the written word. Literary Titan reviews romance, and all of its sub-genres, as well as fantasy, mystery, horror, science fiction, memoirs and poetry. Literary Titan also conducts author interviews, and recognizes talented authors with their Literary Book Award where recipients are announced monthly.

Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Book Review Blogs:

These blogs will review your paranormal or urban fantasy books:

This site is all about horror and the paranormal but if you have a strong romance plot sub or otherwise, I’d avoid these ladies. They are very clear about their preferences in their review policy. The genre’s they read include paranormal, urban fantasy, horror, speculative fiction, science fiction (limitedly), and epic fantasy.

Nada reads YA, NA romance, fantasy, thrillers. So if your book falls into one those categories this is the blog for you. With a search bar and a beautiful layout, this site is also an excellent place for your book.

This one is all about Christian books. That’s all they do. While Rachel might be a good fit if you have Christian themes or book on Christian living, CBR is the place for books where Christianity has a more prominent role.

Contemporary Book Review Blogs:

These blogs will do book reviews for contemporary books:

This two-woman show reviews books in the following genres fantasy, science-fiction (including steampunk and zombies), young adult, middle-grade, contemporary, dystopian, horror, and a HELL YES to graphic novels (of the mentioned genres).

This fangirl reads YA, NA & adult, fiction, contemporary, psychological thrillers, murder/mystery, graphic novels, and children's books. She’s also open to other genres so have a look at her blog and see if she might be a good fit.

Jessica accepts the following genres thrillers, mysteries, true crime, historical fiction, horror, general fiction, YA, and fantasy.

Samantha’s blog Dream by Day is a one-woman show. What sets her apart from others on this list is her love literary fiction. She also read mysteries and things but finding a reviewer who enjoys literary books was tough. She also has an Instagram where she shares book reviews giving you two opportunities. Her Insta following is small (for now) but as bookstagram grows in popularity so will this feed. She’s got the gorgeous photo thing down to a science.

Erotica / BDSM Book Review Blogs:

If your genre is erotica or BDSM, these book review blogs are worth checking out:

Romancer’s Rehab is a great little blog with a clear-cut rating system you can count on. Be sure to check this one out if you write erotica or other romance-related plots.

Totally booked only reads mobi files so that’s something to consider as you move forward. However, they share your review everywhere they are on the internet for maximum exposure. Definitely check them out.

Mystery/Thriller/Suspense Book Review Blogs:

For suspense, thriller and mystery book review blogs, these are your best bet:

Sharon is all about mysteries and crime. She’ll read crime fiction, true crime, thrillers/psychological thrillers, and mysteries (darker/noir). This dark themed blog goes right along with the books she reads. In her bio, Sharon mentions she’s in a few book clubs . Offering copies to the group might get more bang for your… time.

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Sci-fi/Fantasy Book Review Blogs:

For all the sci-fi and fantasy authors, these are the book review blogs for you:

This site is all about horror and the paranormal but if you have a strong romance plot sub or otherwise, I’d avoid these ladies. The genre’s they read include paranormal, urban fantasy, horror, speculative fiction, science fiction (limitedly), and epic fantasy.

This is an incredibly fun themed site that I just had to include! If you write science/tech-heavy fiction, or spy/secret government related books, this one is for you. The reviews titled “Travel Documents” and posted like a secret file make this one a blast for readers and authors alike. If you’re interested in having your book reviewed by Aces, you’ll have to head over to their facebook page.

This is another author turning to book reviews to help her fellow authors. I love seeing authors reaching out to readers and offering up books they enjoyed. We can’t possibly write enough books for most readers so share the love and write reviews. This is also a science fiction based blog.

Horror Book Review Blogs:

Here are blogs that will review horror books:

Historical Book Review Blogs:

Here are your historical book review blogs:

Young Adult Book Review Blogs:

These websites will review YA books:

Joel of the Fictional Fates website is strictly a young adult and middle-grade reader. He enjoys books in the following genres: fantasy (high, urban & fairy tale retellings), historical fiction, science fiction (sci-fi), contemporary, action/adventure, dystopian, paranormal, and mystery/crime. Note: Joel doesn’t have an eReader yet! So he prefers physical copies.

Middle-Grade Book Review Blogs:

For middle-grade, these blogs will do reviews:

Children’s Book Review Blogs:

If you write children's books , here are websites that will do book reviews:

Mundie kids a great place for MG and Children’s book authors to get some exposure for their books. They are not accepting unsolicited reviews at this time but put it in your calendar to check back in a month or so.

5. Realm of Books

Realm of Books is a great review site for middle-grade and children's book authors. It contains a relatively large volume of detailed, engaging reviews across a variety of genres, and they do accept requests for reviews.

Graphic Novel Review Blogs:

For graphic novels, here are your book review blogs:

Reading for sanity has multiple reviewers and accepts a variety of genres including graphic novels.

Christian Book Review Blogs:

These book review blogs will review Christian books:

This one is all about Christian books. That’s all they do. While Rachel might be a good fit if you have Christian themes or book on Christian living, CIBR is the place for books where Christianity has a more prominent role.

Another great blog that accepts Christian books. They suggest your book be accessible by local libraries so if you’re on Amazon only this may not be the blog for you. If you are on Kobo or Overdrive the library can order your ebook on request.

This blog has expanded from its original book focus to one that encompeses more family and parenting. However, Bethany’s love of reading still shines through and could be a happy home for both children’s books and adult fiction.

Dream by day is a great blog browse the reviews to see if your title would be a good fit. She enjoys a wide variety of books including christian titles and also offers author interviews.

Non-fiction Book Review Blogs:

These non-fiction book review blogs are worth checking out:

Memoir Review Blogs:

Finally, if you wrote a memoir and need reviews, here are book review blogs for you:

Rachel accepts young adult (All Genre), biography, true crime, memoirs, Christian living, non-Fiction (especially if it’s about cults), middle grade, adult fiction, thriller/mystery, comics, graphic novels, history, travel, and feminist literature.

I couldn’t write this post without making a note about bookstagramers. Instagram is a unique social media platform , but one not to be dismissed by authors. The hashtag on Instagram (#bookstagram) is an amazing place to find book reviews and reviewers that are engaged with readers. Most of these blogs had no comments. And I couldn’t find ones that did. I settled for active with more than 1k followers (if they listed their followers) and blogs that were accepting review requests.

With bookstagram you would be sending a physical copy of the book (most of the time) so they can photograph it for their feed and if all goes well you can offer to do a giveaway. They host it on their page and select a winner and you send out a book. (again keep in mind media mail and international shipping costs). The buzz around the give away will help your sales and the Instagrammer can grow their following. It’s that win/win I was talking about.

@ Jennyblogsbooks

@ cakefacerreader

@ inquisitivebookworm

@ 9racereads

For even more book review blogs, please check out the table below. And if you know of any blogs that are missing, please reach out!

How to Get Your Book Reviewed by a Blog

Once you’ve found a book review blog that’s a good fit, you need to dig a little deeper. The first thing you need to check is whether or not they are accepting review requests.

If you want to stand out among the other review requests these bloggers get, look for a way to help them. If someone says “Please review my book” and someone else says “Please review my book, and I’d like to write a guest post for your site” which one do you think will get a yes? The second. If you write a post, that frees up a week of this bloggers time, you’ll be ahead of the game. They might not accept guest posts, so just be looking for a win-win opportunity as you do your research. If you’re website savvy you might offer to help them fix a glitch. Or you could feature their site in your newsletter. Put yourself in their shoes and try to be helpful.

How to Respond if They Say Yes:

If they say yes, you’ll most likely need to send them a copy of your book .

Most reviewers accept ebooks, but some don’t. Make sure you find out before you ask for the review.

Please use some kind of third-party to deliver ebooks. As a reviewer, I’ve received PDF copies of books and they are a pain to get on a Kindle or iPhone. You can also choose to enact DRM on your books, which will help with ARC’s especially.

• BookFunnel – Bookfunnel is an amazing tool to help distribute your books. For $20 dollars a year you can have one pen name , 500 downloads a month, and store 5 books. This is great for beginners. If you want to step it up a notch and use Bookfunnel for collecting email subscribers as well, you can do so for $100 a year.
• Instafreebie – Instafreebie (now Prolific Works) is another option for delivering your book to bloggers. Their free version might be a good option for those just starting out.
• StoryOrigin – When you use StoryOrigin, not only do you join a community of other authors, you basically have all the not-so-fun back end of things taken care of by using them. They help you build your email list, find reviewers, deliver lead magnets and more. Be sure to check them out!

Some reviewers require paperbacks. Bookstagrammers (book bloggers on Instagram covered later) need the physical copy for their pictures and others just prefer the physical book. Whatever the reason, be prepared for this. If you don’t want to send out paperbacks, look for how the book should be delivered in the “Review Policy” section of the blog. Most reviewers who want paperbacks will tell you right there.

NOTE: When mailing paperbacks to reviewers, select media mail at the post office. It’ll save you some money. Also, mailing things internationally is expensive. Keep that in mind when researching reviewers.

• NetGalley – If you are traditionally publishing and have not signed a contract yet, ask them to add at least 100 galley copies to the contract. These will be digital copies of the book you can send to reviewers through NetGalley. If you’re not traditionally published you can still use NetGalley, but you won’t have to worry about a limit on how many you’re allowed to give away.

Move on. Do not respond negatively. If they respond with no, thank them for their time and move on. If they don’t respond you can send one follow-up (unless noted otherwise on their site) then move on. Don’t waste time being upset.

The bottom line here is you need reviews. Amazon rankings and reader buying decisions are affected by them. But don’t freak out about negative reviews. Remember your book isn’t for everyone and when people leave a review saying why they didn’t like it, it will help your ideal readers find you and keep others who would leave negative reviews way.

So do your research, plan your ask, find a win/win, and get your book into the hands of the right readers to get more book reviews .

Dave Chesson

When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

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20 thoughts on “ Ultimate List of the Best Book Review Blogs ”

Great info! Thank you. I just published my first book and did not see Self-Help/Relationships as a genre. Who could I contact?

For book review blogs…hmm..I’m not sure.

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In 2015, Sarah J. Maas published A Court of Thorns and Roses , in which teen heroine Feyre is swept away from her human life into a world of magical fairy court intrigue and romance. The novel, which was marketed as young adult, was very popular. It hit, among others, the New York Times bestseller list .

However, the short-term success of the book pales in comparison to the longer-term success of the (five-book) series it belongs to. Maas has now sold 40 million copies of her books worldwide (as of February 2024).

A Court of Thorns and Roses (referred to by fans as ACOTAR) was already popular on bookish social media, but it hit truly extraordinary heights with the emergence of BookTok – the reader-generated, bookish arm of the social media platform TikTok. Almost as soon as BookTok became a phenomenon – in around 2020 – so too did A Court of Thorns and Roses.

As with the works of fellow BookTok sensation Colleen Hoover, A Court of Thorns and Roses’ popularity drove not just book sales, but conversations. Around this book and others like it, a new term crystallised: romantasy.

Romantasy is currently experiencing extraordinary visibility both on digital platforms and in local bookstores .

While concrete data are scarce, there is little doubt it is selling in remarkable numbers, both in Australia and internationally.

Read more: What is BookTok, and how is it influencing what Australian teenagers read?

The marriage of romance and fantasy

To be clear: romance and fantasy are not new bedfellows – they have had a long and healthy relationship. The two genres have been in conversation since Guinevere first saw Lancelot.

Many authors have made successful careers by exploring romantic tropes in fantasy fiction, or fantastical elements in romance fiction. In the 1970s, Anne Rice famously did the former with her Vampire Chronicles , starting with Interview with the Vampire , adapted into a film in 1994 and a TV series in 2022.

Even earlier than this, Anne McCaffrey infused romance into her fantasy series Dragonriders of Pern , where humans and dragons form lifelong bonds. The first book in this series, Dragonflight, came out in 1967, and featured a strong romantic plot between two dragonriders.

The latter half of the 20th century also gave rise to a boom in two frequently overlapping subgenres: paranormal romance and urban fantasy, where fantastical characters and/or concepts are placed in a real-world setting.

Authors such as Laurell K. Hamilton, author of the series Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter , and Charlaine Harris, whose Sookie Stackhouse series was filmed as the TV series True Blood , achieved enormous success.

This was mirrored in Australia by Keri Arthur , whose Riley Jenson Guardian series with its half-vampire, half-werewolf heroine achieved international success; and in New Zealand, by Nalini Singh , best known for her Psy/Changeling series .

Similarly, timeslip romance – where magical means see characters travel to the past – became very popular in the 1990s, with books such as Jude Deveraux’s A Knight in Shining Armour (1989) and Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander (1991).

Different terms have historically been used to distinguish different versions of the romance–fantasy cocktail. “Romantic fantasy” relied more heavily on fantasy genre conventions, but included strong romantic subplots, such as in Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s Dart (2001) and its sequels, about a courtesan spy in a quasi-medieval Europe.

“Fantasy romance”, on the other hand, was more wedded to the structure of the romance novel, often including the romantic happy ending, but it included fantastical elements and/or settings. Examples of this include The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook (2010), a Victorian London steampunk adventure involving pirates, zombies and nanotechnology.

Like other subgenres of both romance and fantasy, romantic fantasy and fantasy romance have ebbed and flowed in terms of popularity. In young adult fiction, though, their marriage has remained stable.

Perhaps the most famous 21st-century title is Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight (from 2005), the first in a paranormal romance series featuring vampires and werewolves. But there are many others: Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series (from 2007) and Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series (from 2007), both about students and teachers at magical boarding schools.

One of the most beloved fantasy fiction tropes – as with much literature written for young adults – is coming-of-age, where protagonists find their own identity while also undertaking various quests. This means protagonists can be quite young, and the line between what is published and marketed as young adult versus adult fantasy is often blurred.

The birth of romantasy

“Romantasy”, therefore, is not new – but the term is.

New life is being breathed into older titles, as BookTokers read them through this romantastical lens. For instance, Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince (2018), about a mortal girl caught up in a web of faerie intrigue, and Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me (2011), about a heroine whose touch can kill. There are 82,700 posts on TikTok tagged #hollyblack , and 55,800 tagged #taherehmafi .

The next generation of authors are taking advantage of romantasy’s popularity, using the term (and related tropes) as hooks. Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing and Iron Flame , both released in 2023, are the most visible. Both sit well within the top-selling titles in Australia for 2023 and Fourth Wing won Dymocks Book of the Year ). Its heroine, Violet, learns to survive (and ride dragons) while falling in love with her sworn enemy, Xaden, at a magical military academy.

Authors like Rebecca Ross with her enemies-to-lovers young adult fantasy Divine Rivals (2023) and its sequel Ruthless Vows (2023) are also enjoying great success.

Authors whose slightly older books have been rebranded as romantasy have likewise benefited from increased visibility, like Chloe Gong’s These Violent Delights (2020), a reimagination of Romeo and Juliet set in a magic-laden 1920s Shanghai.

Authors from other genres are entering this space too, like romantic comedy author Ali Hazelwood (best known for The Love Hypothesis ), whose usual niche is women in science finding love. Her latest novel is a vampire-werewolf romance, Bride (2024).

Like all publishing trends, the romantasy skyrocket is bound to fall to earth eventually. However, the long history of the marriage between romance and fantasy suggests this union will likely continue to bear fruit for a long time – in one form or another.

• Romance fiction

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What’s a romance book anyway?

Book editor claims he had never read a novel from genre.

I decided I needed more romance in my life. Or, rather, more Romance.

Novels in the genre, and its many subgenres (some folks love Romance, but only if there also are dragons, for instance) account for almost 20 percent of U.S. book sales.

As I write this, USA Today’s list of the top 50 bestsellers includes 15 Romance titles. (Prolific Colleen Hoover isn’t on that list at the moment but the “Verity” novelist is practically a one-person bestseller list.)

Romance novels don’t get reviewed as often as more “literary” titles by most publications, the Star Tribune included. I decided I needed to get on that. So, I read the latest release from one of the top sellers in the genre, Emily Henry, whose “Funny Story” will be in stores April 23.

It’s entertaining and it made me realize I’ve been reading romances for longer than I can remember, even if they weren’t always classified as such.

I’m not the first to point out that if Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë and Emily Brontë were publishing today, their books would be called Romances — and the “lady novelists” would likely be able to negotiate a better fee than exploitive publishers gave them 200 years ago.

Sexism has plenty to do with that. It’s also probably why it never occurred to me that I had read several Romance books many years ago — a realization I suspect I missed because they were written by a man and I perhaps thought Romance was by and for women only. (It’s not.)

Like many a teenager, I furtively consumed books with racy parts that I was probably too young to read. Those books by that man, Gordon Merrick, are absolutely Erotica, a popular subgenre of Romance that has become more inclusive, with titles by and geared to people of color, people with disabilities and people who identify at all spots on the LGBTQIA spectrum. (Lauren Richards, co-owner of soon-to-open Tropes & Trifles, which sells all kinds of Romance, says she tells customers, “If you want it, we will try to find it and if we can’t find it, you should write it and we will stock it.”)

I’m also a huge fan of the comic novels of Elinor Lipman (“The Inn at Lake Devine”), Stephen McCauley (“The Object of My Affection”) and Cathleen Schine.

Schine’s “The Love Letter” has a title that practically screams “romance,” but I never thought of it as one until recently — partly because publishers don’t market those books as Romances and partly because they’re generally categorized with more “literary” works, whatever that means. But, having read a Romance novel, I can spot no difference in genre between Henry’s work and Lipman’s, McCauley’s or Schine’s.

I also looked back at the 10 fiction titles I read prior to “Funny Story,” and while none of them has as much kissy stuff as Henry’s does, nine include love stories.

To be sure, the parameters of Romance can be hazy. Fan fiction that invents affairs between, say, Miranda Priestly from “The Devil Wears Prada” and Uhura from “Star Trek” must count, but what about the thousands of erotic stories online?

What I can say is that I’m embracing that I’m a Romance reader. I remain slightly skeptical about the classification, about the exact point when books with romances in them shift to becoming Romance. But skepticism aside, I plan to take a deeper dive and I have a feeling I’m going to find a lot to love.

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9 New Books We Recommend This Week

Suggested reading from critics and editors at The New York Times.

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Our recommended books this week include two very different kinds of memoirs — RuPaul’s “The House of Hidden Meanings,” about the drag icon’s childhood and path to superstardom, and Alexandra Fuller’s “Fi,” about the death of her 21-year-old son — as well as a biography of the art collector Isabella Stewart Gardner, a study of Germany’s self-reckoning after World War II, a look at what Abraham Lincoln’s era has in common with ours and a history of baseball in New York.

In fiction, we recommend a romance novel, a twisty detective story about translators on the hunt for a missing author and a stylish story collection from Amor Towles. Happy reading. — Gregory Cowles

FI: A Memoir Alexandra Fuller

In her fifth memoir, Fuller describes the sudden death of her 21-year-old son. Devastating as this elegant and honest account may be — and it’s certainly not for the faint of heart — it also leaves the reader with a sense of having known a lovely and lively young man.

“A sublime writer. … This book is a mesmeric celebration of a boy who died too soon, a mother’s love and her resilience.”

From David Sheff’s review

Grove | $28

WAKE ME MOST WICKEDLY Felicia Grossman

The second of Grossman’s fairy-tale-inspired romances set among Jewish families in Regency London finds the saucy scion of a disgraced family falling for a raven-haired criminal pawnshop owner. Based on “Snow White,” a fairy tale all about trust and betrayal, “Wake Me Most Wickedly” thrives in the space between what people hide and what they reveal.

“Rich and complex and a little discomfiting, this book prefers difficult questions and nuanced truths to comfortable reductions.”

From Olivia Waite’s romance column

Forever | Paperback, $9.99

TABLE FOR TWO: Fictions Amor Towles

Towles, known for his wildly popular books like “A Gentleman in Moscow,” collects six short stories set in New York around the new millennium. There’s also one story set in Golden Age Hollywood, a continuation of his novel “Rules of Civility.”

“There’s more here than high gloss. … Sharp-edged satire deceptively wrapped like a box of Neuhaus chocolates, ‘Table for Two’ is a winner.”

From Hamilton Cain’s review

Viking | $32

THE NEW YORK GAME: Baseball and the Rise of a New City Kevin Baker

What makes New York baseball unique, the novelist and historian argues in this insightful, beautifully crafted narrative — which concludes with the end of World War II — is its role as chronicler of cultural change. Whatever baseball’s roots in cow pastures and small towns, it came of age as an urban game.

“Baseball grew as New York City grew. … One hopes for a second volume from Kevin Baker, every bit as good as this one.”

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Knopf | $35

THE EXTINCTION OF IRENA REY Jennifer Croft

Croft is an acclaimed translator, and won the 2018 Man Booker International Prize for her English translation of Olga Tokarczuk’s “Flights.” It seems fitting that her first novel is a detective story following a troupe of translators tracking down their missing author.

“Oh my mushrooms, ‘The Extinction of Irena Rey’ is incredibly strange, savvy, sly and hard to classify. I also couldn’t put it down.”

From Fiona Maazel’s review

Bloomsbury | $28.99

THE HOUSE OF HIDDEN MEANINGS: A Memoir RuPaul

The “Drag Race” superstar has already written three books, but from its black-and-white cover photo onward, this one is serious: A study in self-creation and survival that reveals a striver high on his own supply.

“RuPaul isn’t just famous, glamorous and funny; he’s interesting. … Less a memoir than a prophecy unpacked in reverse.”

From Saeed Jones’s review

Dey Street | $29.99

CHASING BEAUTY: The Life of Isabella Stewart Gardner Natalie Dykstra

Isabella Stewart Gardner is best known today for the Boston museum that bears her name, but as Dykstra makes clear in her luminous new biography, the Gilded Age doyenne was herself a figure to be reckoned with. A daughter of wealth who married into more, the flamboyant Gardner quickly became the queen of haute bohemia — and in the process, one of America’s most serious collectors. A lively portrait of a moment, a woman and the power of art.

“Astutely situates her subject within Gardner’s growing web of connections. … But its deeper revelations have more to do with Gardner’s emerging attunement to the emotional affirmation to be found in art.”

From Megan O’Grady’s review

Mariner | $37.50

OUT OF THE DARKNESS: The Germans, 1942-2022 Frank Trentmann

Over the past eight decades, the public debates about guilt and suffering in the wake of World War II have structured civil society in Germany. Trentmann tracks the evolution of this moral awakening with a remarkably rich history of the country that runs from the Battle of Stalingrad to the War in Ukraine.

“Recognizes the costs and complexities of the quest for moral security. … As Trentmann captures, the post-1945 transformation has been remarkable.”

From Peter Fritzsche’s review

Knopf | $50

OUR ANCIENT FAITH: Lincoln, Democracy, and the American Experiment Allen C. Guelzo

In this beautifully written exploration of Abraham Lincoln’s thoughts on democracy, Guelzo argues that the president, who fought autocratic forces in the South while restricting civil liberties in the North, can help us figure out how to sustain a free society in the face of rising illiberalism today.

“Guelzo points out the ‘uncanny’ similarities between Lincoln’s time and ours. … Reveals the fragility of democracy in such moments. But its precarity can also be a strength.”

From Parker Henry’s review

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