If what appeals to the reader of The Republic of Love is the romance, the rest of Shields's novels may be a disappointment.

They may have sections or elements of romance in them, contented couples, but The Republic of Love is her only novel to take on the romance genre. However, Larry's Party (1997; see separate entry), has the same themes and humor and work ethic that this one does. While some of the same themes occur in all of her novels, one of the refreshing things about her work is that she is always trying her hand at something new, and if that is what appeals to the reader, then Swann: A Mystery (1987) might be one to try. It was considered very experimental when it was first published.