10 Romance Books That Seem Shallow But Are Actually Devastating

Welcome to Flick & Lit, a column to celebrate and discuss media made for chicks

Last week, I confessed that maybe I’m not that deep, and that’s okay. I also mentioned how superficiality is almost always associated with women. The same goes for books written for us (and usually by us). If the cover is pink or there’s smut involved, surely it can’t possibly be serious, intelligent, or emotionally complex in the way literary fiction is, right?

Very wrong, actually.

Some of the most emotionally devastating books I’ve read have been romance novels that look like beach reads (or even are named after it…). It’s stories about loneliness, identity, grief, intimacy, self-worth, and the terrifying vulnerability of being truly known by another person.

So whether you’re looking to cry and swoon simultaneously, or you’re ready to join the anti-performative club, here are ten romance books that seem shallow but are actually devastating.

Since I’ve already nod to it, let’s start with Beach Read. I love this book, but I’ve never got the name—I know why it’s called it, but it sounds completely different from what it actually is. It’s raw and intelligent, openly talking about grief, difficult breakups, creative burnout, and depression. It shows how you can go through your own stuff while being vulnerable and letting someone in.

Seven Days in June is a second-chance romance between an erotica author (and single mum) and a famous literary writer who reunite 15 years after a life-changing week filled with codependency and trauma. They have to deal with their hot chemistry, as well as some unresolved issues. It’s an exploration of chronic pain, motherhood, addiction, and the fear of being understood way too early by someone.

It looks like a Valentine’s Day-themed novel, which it is, but it’s also a mystery with three different POVs. Each of the women we follow in The No-Show is dealing with their own issues, including abusive relationships, self-harm and mental health struggles, sexism at work and more. It’s made of a multi-layered plot that will blow your mind by the end.

You know it won’t be a light read when you find out that No Matter What starts with a married couple, Roz and Vin, trying to heal and rebuild their lives after a traumatic accident. Even though Vin has a new lease, when Roz signs up for figure-drawing, he is the one who offers to be her model. I always find second-chance romances to be more emotional, but this also tackles heavy themes like PTSD and grief.

Yours Truly is an Abby Jimenez favourite for a reason. Our main character is an ER doctor on the edge as she goes through a painful divorce and deals with her brother’s severe kidney failure. Plus, she might lose her promotion to a new doctor, who ends up being a kind, anxious man. While it’s heartwarming and funny, you can probably tell it includes some heavy topics too.

All of Ashley Poston’s books are deeply emotional—trust me, I’ve read all of them except for the newest one—, but Dead Romantics is a tender exploration of the different phases someone goes through after losing a parent, what it feels like to be the odd one out and navigate difficult family dynamics. Not to mention the betrayal of someone you trust and love.

A grumpy/sunshine book with a bucket list has everything it needs to be a light romcom, but Get a Life, Chloe Brown is a lot more than that. The first in The Brown Sisters series, the novel features realistic characterisation and genuine emotional growth, alongside themes of trauma healing and authentic chronic illness representation.

Of course, I had to add a second one from Emily Henry, our queen of deep romance books. If you go on it blind, Happy Place looks like holiday-core nostalgia. However, it’s actually about depression and emotional repression, as well as grieving who you used to be and letting go of the version of yourself.

First in the London Celebrities series, Act Like It explores the romance between West End theatre stars Richard Troy and castmate Elaine Graham. It’s perfect if you love going to the theatre, the fake-dating trope and real slow burn, but also realistic characters and emotional growth. If you want deep romance, Lucy Parker will deliver.

I don’t see many dual-timeline romance novels, but Love and Other Words is an amazing example of how well the trope can be done. Split between “then”, when the main characters experience their first love, and “now,” after they reunite as adults, the story feels especially perfect for fans of Every Summer After. Of course, if it’s on this list, you already know it’s emotional: expect grief, childhood trauma, and plenty of heartbreak.

If you like romance books that are heartfelt and complex at the same time, then make sure to subscribe to Flick & Lit, so you don’t miss the next letter.

Sincerely,
Renata 💋