Library Journal. New York: Reed Business Information: 1876-. Semimonthly, monthly July/Aug. (ISSN: 0363-0277).
Providing readers with a special focus on romance, LJ features a romance column six times a year (published in the February 15, April 15, June 15, August, October 15, and December issues) edited by Kristin Ramsdell. LJ also selects five romance books a year to include in their best books of the year section.
Publisher’s Weekly. New York: Reed Business Information: 1872-. Weekly (ISSN: 0000-0019).
While it includes romance reviews in every issue, what makes PW noteworthy is that its bookseller’s viewpoint helps librarians pinpoint trends, identify new authors, and suggest sales language that will help librarians hand sell titles to their patrons.
Romantic Times Magazine. Brooklyn, N.Y.: C. Stacy, 1981-. Monthly (ISSN: 1071-930X).
This is the top non-library industry review source for the genre. It provides exhaustive coverage of all romance subgenres as well as news, interviews, and an in-depth look at trends.
Web Sites and Electronic Discussion Lists
Perhaps the best places to find out what readers like and what trends are affecting the genre, fan Web sites and discussion lists are an important resource to include in any collection building effort.
All About Romance, www.likesbooks.com
A primary source for readers and romance writers to share reviews, ideas, and create lists, such as the top one hundred romances or books readers would take to a desert island. It’s worth noting that several All about Romance reviewers are librarians, and the site makes a conscious effort to provide the kind of information librarians often seek about books and authors.