Dive into a selection of romance novels featuring assertive, ambitious women who take the lead in love. These stories flip the traditional dynamic, showcasing relationships where the woman is the driving force and the man is the gentle, sweet counterpart. If you're craving a fresh take on romance, these books are a must-read!

The Cloud Roads
324 pages
This book features a powerful and assertive female character, Jade, alongside the male lead, Moon, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery in a vast world filled with unique beings. The series is also sex positive, showcasing a diverse and open-minded society.

Mexican Gothic
361 pages
This book is perfect for fall and Halloween, with a captivating romance that makes it a must-read.

Emma
388 pages
Emma Woodhouse imagines that she dominates those around her in the small town of Highbury, but her inept matchmaking creates problems for herself and others.

1Q84
1342 pages
Murakami's 1Q84 is a captivating 1200-page journey into a surreal world that blends reality with the bizarre, making it a must-read for those intrigued by Japanese literature.

The Varlet and the Voyeur
335 pages
He kept his salacious secret for years. But soon, everyone is going to be reading about it in their morning paper... THE VARLET (and the VOYEUR) William Moore is a long way from home. A farm boy from Oklahoma, he's now the most well-respected member of the Irish rugby team. But appearances are often deceptive, and Will isn't the clean-cut, all-American good-guy everyone imagines him to be. He's got a secret, one that will tarnish his reputation forever. THE VOYEUR (and the VARLET) Josey Kavanagh is a self-proclaimed mess, but she's finally getting her shi...uh, act together. She's set her sights on becoming a veterinarian, but there's one teeny tiny road bump. Her living arrangements are coming to an abrupt end, leaving Josey homeless and in need of a job to pay her way through college. THE PLAN What he needs is a companion to keep him on the right path. What she needs is an apartment with free rent. Will is convinced Josey will make the perfect companion, since she's brutally honest and basically 'just one of the guys.' Josey is convinced she can ensure Will doesn't succumb to his voyeuristic proclivities by keeping a scrupulous eye on him. Except, what happens when the varlet is tempted by the voyeur, and vice-versa?! Perchance something very, very volatile. And vexing. The Varlet and the Voyeur is a full-length romantic comedy novel, can be read as a standalone, and is the 4th (and last) book in the USA TODAY bestselling Rugby Series

Beautiful Secret
400 pages
New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author Christina Lauren’s Beautiful and Wild Seasons series hook up in Beautiful Secret for an erotic intercontinental romp that celebrates the best of both worlds! When Ruby Miller’s boss announces he’s sending her on an extended business trip to New York City, she’s shocked. As one of the best and brightest young engineers in London, she knows she’s professionally up to the task. The part that’s throwing her is that she’ll be spending a month up close and personal working alongside—and staying in a hotel with—Niall Stella, her firm’s top urban planning executive and The Hottest Man Alive. Despite her ongoing crush, Ruby is certain Niall barely knows she’s alive…until their flirty overnight flight makes him sit up and take notice. Not one for letting loose and breaking rules, recently divorced Niall would describe himself as hopeless when it comes to women. But even he knows outgoing California-girl Ruby is a breath of fresh air. Once she makes it her mission to help the sexy Brit loosen his tie, there’s no turning back. Thousands of miles from London, it’s easy for the lovers to play pretend. But when the trip is over, will the relationship they’ve built up fall down?

The Chase
397 pages
This book mostly works for the requested trope, making it a solid choice for romance lovers.

The Shameless Hour
361 pages
The girl who’s had everyone meets the boy who has no one. For Bella, the sweet-talking, free-loving, hip-checking student manager of the Harkness men’s hockey team, sex is a second language. She’s used to being fluent where others stutter, and the things people say behind her back don’t (often) bother her. So she can’t understand why her smoking hot downstairs neighbor has so much trouble staying friends after their spontaneous night together. She knows better than to worry about it, but there’s something in those espresso eyes that makes her second guess herself. Rafe is appalled with himself for losing his virginity in a drunken hookup. His strict Catholic upbringing always emphasized loving thy neighbor—but not with a bottle of wine and a box of condoms. The result is an Ivy League bout of awkwardness. But when Bella is leveled by a little bad luck and a downright sinister fraternity stunt, it’s Rafe who is there to pick up the pieces. Bella doesn’t want Rafe's help, and she’s through with men. Too bad the undeniable spark that crackles between the two of them just can't be extinguished. “The Shameless hour is a gift to any girl or woman who’s ever been slut-shamed. It’s magnificent.”— Tammara Webber, New York Times bestselling author of Easy “Gripping and deliciously steamy, The Shameless Hour will make you cry and swoon. Sarina Bowen is a master at drawing you in from page one and leaving you aching for more.”— Elle Kennedy, USA Today bestselling author For fans of: Melanie Harlow, Corinne Michaels, Meghan March, Lex Martin, Lauren Blakely, Julia Kent, Elle Kennedy, Tijan, CD Reiss, Kendall Ryan, Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, Jana Aston, K Bromberg, Katy Evans, Jessica Hawkins, Kristen Proby, Penny Reid, Helena Hunting, Sally Thorne, Kristen Ashley, Helen Hoang, Kylie Scott, Christina Lauren, Jana Aston, Sawyer Bennett, Lexi Ryan, Karina Halle, Skye Warren, Kennedy Ryan, Jodi Ellen Mapas, Zoe York, LJ Shen, Kristan Higgins, Jill Shalvis, Colleen Hoover, Sara Ney, Toni Aleo, Catherine Gayle, Jami Davenport, Cambria Herbert, Tammara Webber, Colleen Hoover, Emma Chase, Alice Clayton, Sabrina Bowen.

The Bride Test
322 pages
From the USA Today bestselling author of The Kiss Quotient comes a romantic novel about love that crosses international borders and all boundaries of the heart... Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, he feels irritation when people move his things or contentment when ledgers balance down to the penny, but not big, important emotions—like grief. And love. He thinks he's defective. His family knows better—that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly avoids relationships, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride. As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. When the opportunity arises to come to America and meet a potential husband, she can't turn it down, thinking this could be the break her family needs. Seducing Khai, however, doesn't go as planned. Esme's lessons in love seem to be working...but only on herself. She's hopelessly smitten with a man who's convinced he can never return her affection. With Esme's time in the United States dwindling, Khai is forced to understand he's been wrong all along. And there's more than one way to love.

The Complete Wheel of Time
6358 pages
The dynamic between Perrin and Faile adds depth to the story, making it a compelling read as their relationship develops from book 3 onward.

1Q84. Buch 3
472 pages
The book features Aomame, a super confident and dominant woman, making it an intriguing read.

China Rich Girlfriend
460 pages
Astrid Leong is a fascinating character that showcases the complexities of wealth and family dynamics in a vibrant and entertaining way.

Looking for Alaska
274 pages
This book offers a unique take on romance, focusing on the complexities of love and attraction between an introverted boy and a vibrant girl, making it a compelling read.

Bloodsucking Fiends
280 pages
This trilogy is a hilarious take on romance and vampirism, featuring a strong female lead who navigates her new life as a vampire with a bewildered male companion.

Take a Hint, Dani Brown
300 pages
This book is a perfect fit for anyone looking for a fun and engaging read!

The Collapsing Empire
313 pages
This sci-fi book offers a captivating sub-plot that keeps you engaged and wanting to know more about its intriguing universe.

Flying Serpents and Dragons
280 pages
This book offers a refreshing take on the romantic arc, showcasing a balanced dynamic between the powerful witch and her cautious husband, challenging typical clichés in a captivating way.