Now while there is a massive audience for romance novels that have more adult theming and scenes, there is nothing like a more classic romance novel that does not feature any of these scenes. Novels like this have been popular for years and there is a massive audience for them because of just how accessible they are.
There is often a stereotype that these novels are more boring to read because of the lack of adult themes, however, this is a massive misconception. All of the books listed here are incredibly engaging, and once you have gotten into them, you will not want to stop reading until you are finished.
There are plenty of reasons you might want to read a clean romance novel. For example, you might want a palette cleanser after reading a more adult story and you are in the need for something more wholesome. Or maybe you are buying the book for a teenager and you want something that will be a little more accessible.
And then there is the chance that these are your favorite types of novels and you are just looking for something new. Whatever reason you want to read a clean romance novel, we have some of our favorites here.
So whether you have been a fan of clean romance novels for years, or if you are looking to get into this subgenre, keep reading to find something you might want to read!
Blackmoore By Julianne Donaldson
This regency romance novel follows our main character Kate Worthington who knows that she does not want to marry, and instead plans to travel to India instead of this. This is the only way she believes she can express her spirit and get away from her oppressive family.
However, this does not go to plan when her mother meddles in her life, she offers her the chance to go to India, but only if she receives three different proposals and rejects them all. This leads Kate to Blackmoore manor where she gets help from a childhood friend called Henry.
This is where most of the story takes place with Kate’s emotional turmoil and intrigue around whether the proposal she ends up getting may be the best thing for her. The story is set in the north of England in 1820, so if this setting appeals to you, this may be one of our top recommendations!
The Winter Sea By Susanna Kearsley
This combination of historical fiction and romance takes place in 1708 in the spring, where a Jacobite fleet made up of Scottish and French soldiers is close to succeeding in helping James Stewart, the exile, reclaim his Scottish crown.
We follow Carrie who wants to turn this story into a novel so she goes to Slains Castle and starts to create a heroine who is based off one of her ancestors. However, she starts to realize that there be more to her story than just fiction, and she may in fact, be dealing with an ancestral memory instead.
This means that she is in fact the only person that knows the truth as well as a betrayal. The mystery and history aspects of this story make it a fun read, and the romance is well integrated as well and avoids feeling like a subplot.
My Fair Gentleman By Nancy Campbell Allen
This is another regency era romance that is a twist on the classic My Fair Lady as we follow Jack who would prefer to be at the sea instead of stuck fixing his grandfathers mistakes, his grandfather being the Earl of Stansworth.
After inheriting the title and wealth from his grandfather he is able to join high society and secure the welfare of both his mother and sister. Ivy is a friend of Jack’s now passed grandmother, and she will teach him the etiquette that will help him live in the new society he has entered.
But Jack quickly realizes that he is more in danger of the conspiracies that revolve around him, while also balancing his burgeoning relationship with Ivy.
Jane Eyre By Charlotte Bronte
This classic gothic romance is massively popular for a reason, and if you have somehow avoided reading Bronte’s work up until now, you are missing out. We follow Jane Eyre after she has spent her childhood in an orphanage living with a cruel aunt, however this has led her to be incredibly independent and having a great sense of survival.
These are skills that aid her as a governess in Thornfield Hall. However, she soon discovers love with her employer, however, when she discovers some of his dark secrets, she has to choose whether she would stay dedicated to him, or instead abandon him to follow her convictions.
Longing For Home By Sarah Eden
In this historical fiction romance we follow Katie who has put all of her hope into Hope Springs which is a town in Wyoming in 1870.
However, if she wants to instead make amends with her family estranged back in Ireland, she will need to ensure that she has convinced her employer Joseph Archer to stick to his word and pay her as a housekeeper in spite of her heritage. There is a feud within the town between the frontiersmen and the Irish.
This is because the frontiersmen want to see the Irish ran out of town, however these immigrants are fighting for their place in the New World. This is why Joseph keeping Katie as a housekeeper became so controversial reigniting this feud. This dramatic story is an interesting read and the romantic element is weaved in well.
The Awakener By Amanda Strong
We follow Eden as she reunites with Micah for the first time in years, however, when this happens all she wants to do is run away and hide from the situation. Micah is not the scrawny boy she remembers but is now a lot taller and more handsome.
Eden tries to get past him without him noticing her, however, unable to control her body she throws herself around him, but she does not know that this will change him forever. Compared to the more classic stories in this list, this young adult paranormal romance is a great change of pace.
Soon after they reunite, Micah has his eyes opened onto the realm of both angels and demons, and then discovers he is a Seer who was tasked to save the world. Eden is a lot more awkward getting through high school, however she is being followed by her guardian angel as well as awakening other people to their spiritual powers.
Micah needs the aid of those who have been awakened by Eden. This story goes in plenty of unpredictable directions, but this is part of what makes it such an engaging read.
The Silent Governess By Julie Klassen
This is another historical romance that follows Olivia who has fled her home as she thinks she has committed a crime, however this leads her to stumble to a grand estate wherein there is a celebration happening, however, this celebration is not all that it seems and there is a mystery to unfurl.
This follows Lord Bradley who has just uncovered an awful secret that would change the direction of his life if it is exposed. He then sees someone on the grounds who could be anyone that has just overheard the awful news, but when he sees that this is Olivia who is badly injured he relaxes.
However, he is still worried she will share his secret so he employs her in his estate. However, neither of these characters are able to fully escape their past and it quickly catches up to them.
Date Shark By DelSheree Gladden
This is a contemporary romance being a nice change of pace in the clean romance subgenre. We are following Leila who is a marketing director for a fashion boutique and it is overwhelming her. But now she has decided that she should revamp her love life on top of all this.
So she calls in the Date Shark being Eli who seems like he could work, until she actually ends up meeting him. The act of being Date Shark was supposed to be just a side hustle for Eli as opposed to his couple’s therapy work.
However, his direction changes upon meeting Leila. She takes all of his focus, and he is scared that he will intimidate her with his fascination and growing romantic interest. He plans to convince Leila that she is worth being with any man, however, this backfires when she ends up with Luke. This puts a strain on their friendship, but will it be worth it for love?
Summary
Hopefully this list has given you some inspiration for some new clean romance novels to try reading. This genre is well worth exploring, and a lot of these novels are appropriate for any age, while others are clean but aimed for adults, so make sure to research before you read!