One popular one is 'The Help' which has elements of southern charm and a unique take on relationships. It shows the complex relationships between different classes in the South.
Another way is to follow southern authors on social media. They often promote their own work as well as other books in the genre. You might discover some hidden gems that way. Also, libraries in the South might have special collections of local literature which could include these types of novels.
One characteristic is unusual settings. For example, they might be set in a post - apocalyptic world or a magical realm that we don't often see in traditional romances.
I also recommend 'Attachments' by Rainbow Rowell. It's set in the late 90s in an office where the IT guy, Lincoln, is tasked with monitoring the employees' emails for inappropriate use. He ends up falling for two of his female colleagues through reading their exchanges, without them knowing. It has a really sweet and quirky plot with a lot of charm.
Sure. 'The Rosie Project' by Graeme Simsion is a great one. The protagonist is a genetics professor with Asperger's who goes on a very unconventional search for a wife. It's full of humorous and heartwarming moments.
'The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight' is a good one. It's about two strangers who meet on a plane. Their journey from being strangers to potentially falling in love within a short time frame, all while dealing with their own personal issues, is very engaging. It's a light - hearted and quirky take on love at first sight.
One popular one is 'Ella Enchanted'. The heroine, Ella, has a unique curse of obedience which makes her situation quite quirky. Another is 'The Princess Bride' where Buttercup is a strong - willed and somewhat odd heroine in her own way. Also, 'Bridget Jones's Diary' features Bridget, a very relatable and quirky heroine in the world of modern romance.
The main difference lies in the heroine herself. Traditional romance novel heroines may be more idealized. In contrast, quirky heroines can be socially awkward like in 'Ella Enchanted' where Ella's curse makes her act in strange ways at times. The storylines in quirky heroine romances are also more likely to break the mold. They may involve non - traditional settings or situations. For instance, in 'Stardust' with its magical and otherworldly elements. This is different from the more common, real - world settings of many traditional romances.
The quirkiness of the characters often adds depth. For example, a character with an unusual hobby or a strange way of thinking can create interesting plot twists and interactions. In a funny quirky romance novel, you might have a character who is obsessed with collecting antique teapots and this quirk becomes part of the romantic story, making it stand out from the usual romance.
One great option is 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne. It's full of witty banter between the two main characters who start off as office rivals but gradually develop a romantic relationship. The characters are really quirky and their interactions are hilarious.