10 Best Romance Blogs

Bragging Rights: all the romance, none of the bullshit

Created in 2005, Smart Bitches, Trashy Books brings together a community of romance enthusiasts to discuss the novels that “rocked our world.” The blog is from the team that wrote “Beyond Heaving Bosoms,” currently used in undergraduate courses at Yale and Princeton. Candy Tan and Sarah Wendell cull the best in romance fiction and encourage readers to share their favorites.

Social Clout: 25,798+ followers, 13,075+ likes

URL: http://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/

Bragging Rights: discover. share. obsess.

Heroes and Heartbreakers spotlights the best content for serious fans of the romance genre in all its forms. Following the pulse of true readers, the team encourages an all-inclusive community with an open ear for all. They also review which shows on television are building the best in romance and offer sneak peeks of new releases.

Social Clout: 11,512+ followers, 7,017+ likes

URL: http://www.heroesandheartbreakers.com/

Bragging Rights: bringing together newspapers and romance

USA Today’s romance blog is Happy Ever After, combining the newspaper’s considerable resources to cover the industry and interact with its devoted readership. The blog takes an in-depth look at the newest releases and latest trends, spearheaded by book reviewers and lifestyle editors. The blog also serves as a social media resource, connecting readers to the latest tweets.

Social Clout: 7,972+ followers

URL: http://www.usatoday.com/blog/happyeverafter/

Bragging Rights: romance for all readers

Entangled in Romance is a blog from a group of editors and writers devoted to the business. Sections cover everything from anthology to young adult, with impressive contributors for all genres. One section of the site works to help great writers find a broad readership who appreciate the work. Our favorite: “Behind The Book,” which features selected titles.

Social Clout: 11,301+ followers, 4,430+ likes

URL: http://www.entangledinromance.com/

Bragging Rights: for romance addicts and authors alike

At Avon Romance, interaction is a key element, even for would-be authors looking for critical analysis. An on-site Twitter feed connects readers to the staff’s latest finds, and passionate contributors, better known as Avon Stars, bring a look at some of the freshest selections by recommendation. The team also tracks book launches and releases junkets with regular updates.

Social Clout: 243,000+ likes 15,133+ followers

URL: http://www.avonromance.com/

Bragging Rights: the back fence for lovers of romance novels

From the staff of All About Romance comes a blog thick with commentary and news on the latest in romance fiction. A regular segment looks at the month’s most eagerly-anticipated works. Readers are asked to analyze their favorite novels to find “Scenes That Stick with You” and the best in audio books. A Top 10 List of Staff Picks is also regularly featured.

Social Clout: 9,375+ followers, 1,713+ likes

URL: http://www.likesbooks.com/blog/

Bragging Rights: it’s good to be a junkie

Romance Junkies is home to an impressive collection of professionals who share a love of romance. The RJ Cocktail Hour is devoted to interviews with top writers, while Free Reads gives users a bevy of perks. The Writer’s Corner is neat because it breaks down traditional publishing versus the indie option. The site also gives writers the opportunity to connect with a critique partner.

Social Clout: 2,212+ followers

URL: http://www.romancejunkies.com/

Bragging Rights: an overdose on your favorite drug

Launched early in 2010, Not Another Romance Blog was created by historical romance junkie Rita, who curates this sweeping view of romance fiction. She covers all romance genres, including sci-fi, contemporary and historically-based works, which are her favorite. Her columns and reviews emphasize the best and brightest in upcoming releases. You won’t be disappointed!

Social Clout: 1,272+ followers, 1,215+ likes

URL: http://notanotherromanceblog.blogspot.com/

Bragging Rights: unwrapping the world of romance

With a name like Amy Valentini, it’s no surprise this blogger would be drawn to romance. Valentini brings a thoughtful and comprehensive look at the industry and its best and works closely with Avon Romance to track the latest of what readers really want. Bonus: Check out her extensive archive of one-on-one interviews with the industry’s best!

Social Clout: 634+ followers, 530+ likes

URL: http://unwrappingromance.blogspot.com/

Bragging Rights: 1 blog. 17 authors. 1 out-of-control rooster.

Romance Bandits was founded by a group of finalists from the 2006 Golden Heart writing competition for romance fiction. Nineteen of them came together to share the inside tract on the industry, including their own successes and blunders. The site provides a unique and remarkably diverse chorus of gifted writers. Want more? See their Bandita photo gallery for past group events.

Social Clout: 572+ likes, 476+ followers

URL: http://romancebandits.com/