10 Must-Read Romance Books Featuring Women in STEM
Romance novels have been popular for centuries, and while they might be seen as a guilty pleasure by some, romance readers know that these books offer so much more than just fluff. Romance novels are often empowering, especially when they feature strong and intelligent women as the main characters. These are women who are educated, hardworking, and fiercely independent, and it’s no wonder that the romance genre is starting to embrace female characters in STEM fields.
For those who are looking for some fantastic romance novels featuring women in STEM, here are 10 must-read books that will capture your heart and mind.
1. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
The Kiss Quotient tells the story of Stella Lane, a successful econometrician who struggles with social interactions due to her Asperger’s syndrome. She hires a male escort named Michael Phan to teach her about intimacy, but they both end up falling in love. This romance novel is a heartwarming and unique love story that explores important themes such as the challenges faced by people on the autism spectrum, the stigma surrounding sex work, and the importance of consent.
2. A Girl Like Her by Talia Hibbert
A Girl Like Her is a contemporary romance novel about Ruth Kabbah, a black woman who is an aspiring filmmaker and a single mother. She falls in love with Evan Miller, a white man who is new to the small town of Ravenswood, but their romance is complicated by the bigotry and close-mindedness of the town’s residents. This book explores important issues such as race, class, and small-town politics while also delivering an engaging and steamy romance.
3. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
The Hating Game is a workplace romance novel that features Lucy Hutton, an executive assistant who is fiercely competitive and hates her co-worker Joshua Templeman. But when they are forced to work on a project together, their rivalry turns into something more. This book is a witty and charming romance that also features some unique insights into the inner workings of corporate office environments.
4. Unveiled by Courtney Milan
Unveiled is a historical romance novel that tells the story of Ash Turner, a wealthy businessman who seeks revenge against the Earl of Westwood for ruining his family. He plans to seduce the Earl’s sister, the brilliant and prickly Lady Margaret Dalrymple, but his plans are complicated when he falls in love with her. this book is a well-written and well-researched historical romance that also manages to tackle important issues such as class, gender, and family dynamics.
5. The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
Another fantastic romance novel by Helen Hoang, The Bride Test follows the story of Khai Diep, a Vietnamese-American man who is on the autism spectrum, and Esme Tran, a young woman from Vietnam who comes to America to meet Khai and potentially become his bride. This book is a heartwarming and sexy romance that explores themes such as immigration, cultural differences, and the challenges faced by people on the autism spectrum.
6. Mixed Signals by Alyssa Cole
Mixed Signals is a contemporary romance novel that features a group of friends who start a dating app called Crush. The main characters are Naledi Smith, a software engineer who is determined to keep her professional and personal lives separate, and Jake Kim, a former model who is now the CEO of Crush. This book is a fun and engaging romance that also has some interesting insights into the world of tech startups.
7. The AI Who Loved Me by Alyssa Cole
The AI Who Loved Me is a science fiction romance novel that takes place in a future where artificial intelligences have become commonplace. The main character is Trinity Jordan, a woman who is recovering from a traumatic experience and who has a sophisticated AI named Li Wei as her companion. When Trinity’s life is threatened, Li Wei reveals that he has developed feelings for her, and they must work together to uncover a sinister plot. This book is a unique and compelling romance that also explores important questions about the nature of love and consent.
8. The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite
The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics is a historical romance novel that features Lucy Muchelney, a talented astronomer who is struggling to make a name for herself in a male-dominated field. She meets Catherine St. Day, a wealthy widow who is looking for someone to translate a French astronomy text, and sparks fly between them. This book is a delightful and charming romance that also gives readers a glimpse into the world of 18th-century astronomy.
9. Level Up by Cathy Yardley
Level Up is a contemporary romance novel that features Tessa Rodriguez, a video game designer who is struggling to keep her business afloat after her co-founder leaves. She receives help from Adam Drake, a successful video game executive who also happens to be her ex-boyfriend. This book is a sweet and sexy romance that also has some interesting commentary on the gaming industry and the challenges faced by women in tech.
10. Intercepted by Alexa Martin
Intercepted is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Marlee Harper, a successful sports blogger who is dating a professional football player. When she discovers that her boyfriend has been cheating on her, she turns to Gavin Pope, a former NFL star who is now the new quarterback for her boyfriend’s team. This book is a fun and steamy romance that also tackles important issues such as the objectification of professional athletes and the challenges faced by women in male-dominated fields.
Comprehensive Guide on 10 Must-Read Romance Books Featuring Women in STEM
1. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Stella Lane, a successful econometrician, hires a male escort named Michael Phan to teach her about intimacy, but they both end up falling in love.
2. A Girl Like Her by Talia Hibbert
Ruth Kabbah, an aspiring filmmaker and a single mother, falls in love with Evan Miller, a white man who is new to the small town of Ravenswood.
3. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Lucy Hutton, an executive assistant, is fiercely competitive and hates her co-worker Joshua Templeman. But when they are forced to work on a project together, their rivalry turns into something more.
4. Unveiled by Courtney Milan
Ash Turner plans to seduce the Earl of Westwood’s sister, the brilliant and prickly Lady Margaret Dalrymple, but his plans are complicated when he falls in love with her.
5. The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
Khai Diep is on the autism spectrum and Esme Tran comes to America to meet him and potentially become his bride.
6. Mixed Signals by Alyssa Cole
Naledi Smith, a software engineer, is determined to keep her professional and personal lives separate, and Jake Kim, a former model, is now the CEO of Crush, a dating app.
7. The AI Who Loved Me by Alyssa Cole
Trinity Jordan, a woman who has a sophisticated AI named Li Wei as her companion, and Li Wei work together to uncover a sinister plot.
8. The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite
Lucy Muchelney, a talented astronomer, meets Catherine St. Day, a wealthy widow, and sparks fly between them.
9. Level Up by Cathy Yardley
Tessa Rodriguez, a video game designer, receives help from Adam Drake, a successful video game executive who also happens to be her ex-boyfriend.
10. Intercepted by Alexa Martin
Marlee Harper, a successful sports blogger, discovers that her boyfriend has been cheating on her and turns to Gavin Pope, a former NFL star who is now the new quarterback for her boyfriend’s team.
In Conclusion
These 10 must-read romance novels featuring women in STEM prove that love and intelligence can go hand in hand. Whether you’re interested in contemporary romance or historical fiction, science fiction or workplace drama, there’s a book on this list that will capture your heart and mind.
Before you dive into reading these wonderful books, keep in mind these tips:
– Check out the reviews and ratings. It’s always best to know what to expect from a book, so make sure to read through reviews and ratings to determine if a book is a good fit for you.
– Take your time. Reading is meant to be enjoyable, so don’t pressure yourself to finish the book in one sitting. Take your time and savor the romance.
– Support your local bookstore or library. The romance genre might be popular, but it’s often overlooked by larger bookstores. Consider supporting independent bookstores or checking out these books at your local library to help spread the love.
Reading romance novels featuring women in STEM is an excellent way to not only immerse yourself in a great love story, but also showcase the power of women in science, technology, engineering, and math. So, take your pick from these 10 must-read romance books featuring women in STEM, grab a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, and lose yourself in an empowering and heartwarming story.