Reading a brilliant romance novel is wonderful. Talking about it afterwards with friends who loved it just as much is even better. A romance book club gives you a regular excuse to get together, share opinions and discover books you might never have picked up yourself. And if your taste runs to the steamier end of the shelf, a club of like-minded readers means you can talk openly without anyone raising an eyebrow.
Here is how to get one started.
Find Your Members
The best book clubs are made up of people who are comfortable with each other and with the genre. Start by asking a few friends who already read romance, then invite them to bring along someone they trust.
A few things to think about:
- Size: somewhere between four and ten people tends to work well. Big enough for a lively chat, small enough that everyone gets a say.
- Comfort level: make it clear from the start that this is a steamy romance club, so nobody is caught off guard.
- In person or online: meeting at someone’s home or a quiet café is lovely, but a video call works too if your friends are spread out.
Choose Your Books
Choosing what to read is where most clubs either thrive or stall. Agree on a simple system early on:
- Take turns. Each member picks a book in rotation, which keeps things fair and varied.
- Vote from a shortlist. One person suggests three books and the group votes.
- Pick a theme. Choose a subgenre or trope each month, such as paranormal, enemies to lovers or reverse harem, and let members pick books within it.
Keep length in mind. A huge fantasy romance might need two meetings, while a shorter novella is great for a busy month. It is also a good idea to agree on content you would rather avoid, so everyone feels comfortable with the choices. If you need a starting point, our list of scandalous books to read has plenty of ideas, and our guide to romance tropes can help you pick monthly themes.
Set a Few Ground Rules
A book club should feel relaxed, but a few simple agreements help it run smoothly:
- Decide how often you will meet. Once a month gives everyone time to finish the book.
- Agree on a spoiler policy, especially for members who have not finished.
- Respect different opinions. One reader’s favourite hero is another reader’s red flag, and that is half the fun.
- Keep what is shared in the club within the club, so people feel free to speak openly.
Run a Great Meeting
You do not need a formal structure, but a loose plan keeps the conversation flowing. Start with a quick round where everyone gives the book a score out of five. Then move on to a few questions, for example:
- Which character did you connect with most, and why?
- Did the romance feel believable? What made it work, or not?
- Was the heat level right for the story?
- Which scene stayed with you after you finished?
- Would you read another book by this author?
Add snacks, a drink or two and a cosy setting, and the evening will take care of itself. Finish each meeting by confirming the next book and date so the momentum carries on.
Starting a romance book club takes very little effort, and it can turn a solo hobby into one of the highlights of your month. Gather your friends, pick your first book and enjoy the conversation.