Favorite romance reads from a non-romance reader

For those just getting to know me, I'm a horror/thriller/mystery reader. Romance has never been my thing, whether romantic comedy movies or romance novels. There are times I do enjoy a good romance read, so I thought it'd be interesting to share my top five favorite romance reads from a non-romance reader. My list includes a mix of young adult, new adult, and classic genres. What are your favorite romance reads? Let me know in the comments!

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Synopsis: Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta when she learns she is being shipped off the boarding school in Paris. Anna is less than thrilled, that is, until she meets Etienne St. Clair. He's smart, charming, beautiful - but has a serious girlfriend. In the City of Light, however, wishes have a way of coming true.

My take: Anna and the French Kiss first sounds like the typical young adult romance read, which it basically is, but it's CUTE and awkward and adorable. This is the perfect book if you're in the mood for a cute, light-hearted, romantic read.

Anna and the French Kiss on Goodreads

Losing It by Cora Carmack

Synopsis: Bliss Edwards is the only virgin among her friends and decides the best way to deal with the problem is losing it as quick as possible - a one-night stand. Her plan turns out to be more complicated than she originally thought when she freaks out and leaves a gorgeous guy naked and alone in her bed with a half-baked excuse. Bliss arrives for her last semester of college but recognizes her new theater professor - she'd left him naked in her bed eight hours earlier.

My take: It's not always Shakespeare, guys. Losing It, though similar to a super cheesy romantic comedy, is fun and entertaining.

Losing It on Goodreads

Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Maquez

Synopsis: In their youth, Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza fell passionately in love. When Fermina eventually marries a wealthy doctor, Florentino is heartbroken but still a romantic. As he rises in his business career while dabbling in 622 affairs, he still reserves his heart for Fermina. Fermina's husband finally dies, and Florentino attends the funeral. Fifty years later, Florentino once again declares his love for Fermina.

My take: Love in the Time of Cholera shows that love can last through decades. I couldn't stop thinking about the ending weeks - literally WEEKS - after finishing the book. It really packs an unexpected punch.

Love in the Time of Cholera on Goodreads

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Synopsis: The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affection. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them... until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything. As the two fall for each other, Jase's family embraces Samantha, even as she keeps the secret from her mother. Something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world.

My take: I borrowed the e-book from my local library on a whim, and unexpectedly ended up loving this story. My Life Next Door is another cute cute, summer read. It's not a book that'll magically blow you away but I really enjoyed it.

My Life Next Door on Goodreads

Rebecca by Daphne du Marier

Synopsis: The story begins in Monte Carlo where the nameless narrator is swept off her feet by dashing widower Maxim de Winter and his sudden proposal of marriage. Arriving at his massive country estate, she realizes how large a shadow his late wife will cast over their lives - presenting her with a lingering evil that threatens to destroy their marriage from beyond the grave.

My take: Rebecca is one of my favorite novels. It's an oldie but a goodie. It's a gothic, romantic suspense featuring lyrical writing and a creepy, dark atmosphere. Need I say more? I think not.

Rebecca on Goodreads