100 Best Romance Books Of All Time

There are millions and millions of romance books out there, but with so much choice and different sub-genres, where do you even begin looking for your next favorite romance read? So, we’ve thought long and hard about which books deserve a place on our best romance books list and we managed to narrow it down to 100 amazing novels. Choose from classic, contemporary, humorous, hot, young adult, fantasy, dark, college, thriller and historical – or just read them all!

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Best Romance Books

The Classics

The Classic romance books are some of the best known love stories of all time. From authors such as Charlotte Bronte, Jane Austen and Emily Bronte these romance stand the test of time and will never be forgotten.

best romance books: jane eyre

Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte

Jane Eyre’s cruel and lonely childhood has strengthened her natural independence and spirit, which proves invaluable when she takes a position as a governess at Thornfield Hall. But after she falls in love with her sardonic employer, her discovery of his terrible secret forces her to make a heart-wrenching choice.

best romance books: wuthering heights

Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte

After the death of Catherine’s father, Heathcliff is bullied and humiliated by her brother Hindley and wrongly believing that his love for Catherine is not reciprocated, he leaves Wuthering Heights. Only to return years later as a wealthy and polished man. So, he proceeds to extract a terrible revenge for his former miseries.

best romance books: anna kerenina

Anna Karenina – Leo Tolstoy

The doomed love affair between the sensuous and rebellious Anna and the dashing officer, Count Vronsky. Set in nineteenth-century Russia, tragedy unfolds as Anna rejects her passionless marriage and thereby exposes herself to the hypocrisies of society.

best romance books: rebecca

Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier

The novel begins in Monte Carlo, where our heroine is swept off her feet by the dashing widower Maxim de Winter and his sudden proposal of marriage. Orphaned and working as a lady’s maid, she can barely believe her luck. It is only when they arrive at his massive country estate that she realizes how large a shadow his late wife will cast over their lives – presenting her with a lingering evil that threatens to destroy their marriage from beyond the grave.

best romance books: pride & prejudice

Pride & Prejudice – Jane Austen

Mrs Bennet insists that her daughters find rich husbands and settle down. So when Charles Bingley, his sister Caroline and his friend Mr. Darcy are introduced and start living near the Bennets, she is thrilled. Bingley and Jane are taken with each other, but Elizabeth dislikes Darcy. But fate has other plans for the two of them.

best romance books: emma

Emma – Jane Austen

Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her. The real evils, indeed, of Emma’s situation were the power of having rather too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little too well of herself. The danger, however, was at present so unperceived, that they did not by any means rank as misfortunes with her.

best romance books: the thorn birds

The Thorn Birds – Colleen McCullough

One of the most beloved novels of all time, The Thorn Birds, Colleen McCullough’s sweeping family saga of dreams, titanic struggles, dark passions, and forbidden love in the Australian Outback, returns to enthrall a new generation.

best romance books: the princess bride

The Princess Bride – William Goldman

Anyone who lived through the 1980s may find it impossible—inconceivable, even—to equate The Princess Bride with anything other than the sweet, celluloid romance of Westley and Buttercup, but the film is only a fraction of the ingenious storytelling you’ll find in these pages. Rich in character and satire, the novel is set in 1941 and framed cleverly as an “abridged” retelling of a centuries-old tale set in the fabled country of Florin that’s home to “Beasts of all natures and descriptions. Pain. Death. Brave men. Coward men. Strongest men. Chases. Escapes. Lies. Truths. Passions.”

best romance books: gone with the wind

Gone With The Wind – Margaret Mitchell

This is the tale of Scarlett O’Hara, the spoiled, manipulative daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, who arrives at young womanhood just in time to see the Civil War forever change her way of life. A sweeping story of tangled passion and courage, in the pages of, Margaret Mitchell brings to life the unforgettable characters that have captured readers for over seventy years.

best romance books: romeo and juliet

Romeo & Juliet – William Shakespeare

In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare creates a violent world, in which two young people fall in love. It is not simply that their families disapprove; the Montagues and the Capulets are engaged in a blood feud. In this death-filled setting, the movement from love at first sight to the lovers’ final union in death seems almost inevitable. And yet, this play set in an extraordinary world has become the quintessential story of young love.

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Contemporary Romance Books

Contemporary romance is the biggest subgenre of romance books. Contemporary romance refers to books that are set in the same period as it was written by the author. Typically contemporary romance will reflect the conventions of the time in which the novel is written, usually giving the books a fresh, modern feel. So if you are looking for some modern romance stories check out the following picks!

contemporary romance novels: boyfriend material

Boyfriend Material – Alexis Hall

WANTED: One (fake) boyfriend

Luc O’Donnel is reluctantly famous due to his parents. Now that his dad’s making a comeback, Luc’s back in the public eye and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything. So, to clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice, normal relationship. And Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come.

College Romance Books: fangirl

Fangirl – Rainbow Rowell

Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan, but for Cath, being a fan is her life and she’s really good at it. Now that Cath and her twin sister Wren are going to college, Cath is on her own and completely out of her comfort zone. For Cath, the question is: can she do this?

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Ugly Love – Colleen Hoover

When Tate Collins finds airline pilot Miles Archer passed out in front of her apartment door, it is definitely not love at first sight. They don’t consider each other friends, but they do have an undeniable mutual attraction. He doesn’t want love and she doesn’t have time for a relationship, but their chemistry cannot be ignored.

contemporary romance novels

The Worst Best Man – Mia Sosa

A wedding planner left at the alter? Carolina Santos wants to leave that behind her. She’s been offered an opportunity to change her life. There’s a catch: she has to collaborate with the best (more like worst) man from her failed wedding. Lina isn’t interested in falling in love, but there are sparks flying between them.

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When Katie Met Cassidy – Camille Perri

Katie Daniels has just been dumped by her fiancé when she finds herself seated across a negotiating table from native New Yorker Cassidy Price. While at first Katie doesn’t know what to think, a chance meeting later that night leads them both to the Metropolis, a dimly lit lesbian dive bar that serves as Cassidy’s second home.

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The Soulmate Equation – Christina Lauren

Single mom Jess Davis is a data and statistics wizard, but no amount of number crunching can convince her to step back into the dating world. Until she hears about GeneticAlly, a buzzy new DNA-based matchmaking company.

best romance books: normal people

Normal People – Sally Rooney

Connell and Marianne grew up in the same town, but the similarities end there. At school, Connell is popular and well liked, while Marianne is a loner. But when they strike up a conversation, something life changing begins. A year later, as she veers into self-destruction and he begins to search for meaning elsewhere, each must confront how far they are willing to go to save the other.

best romance books: it ends with us

It Ends With Us – Colleen Hoover

Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come to Boston and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with the gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything seems too good to be true. He may have a soft spot for Lily, but his complete aversion to relationships is concerning, even if Lily is the exception to his ‘no dating’ rule.

best romance books: me before you

Me Before You – Jojo Moyes

Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life—steady boyfriend, close family—who has barely been farther afield than their tiny village. Will is acerbic, moody, bossy—but Lou refuses to treat him with kid gloves, and soon his happiness means more to her than she expected.

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Virgin River – Robyn Carr

Wanted: Midwife/nurse practitioner in Virgin River, population six hundred. Make a difference against a backdrop of towering California redwoods and crystal clear rivers. Rent-free cabin included.

When the recently widowed Melinda Monroe sees this ad, she decides that the remote mountain town might be the perfect escape – to overcome heartbreak and reignite her nursing career. But the cabin is a dump, the roads are treacherous and the local doctor wants nothing to do with her. She plans to leave the place. Until some things make her change her plans to leave – an abandoned baby on her porch and the former marine Jack Sheridan.

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Best Romance Books: Humorous Romance

With a more comedic take on the genre, funny romance books offer readers laughs and cheerful moments throughout. And at the end, there’s still a happily ever after. So basically the book equivalent of a romantic comedy or rom-com movie! So if you are in the mood for something more lighthearted, check out the following selection of picks!

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Bet Me – Jennifer Crusie

Minerva Dobbs knows that the gorgeous and successful Calvin Morrisey only asked her to dinner to win a bet. And Cal knows commitement is impossible – especially with someone like Minerva. When they say goodbye, they hope to never see each other again. But fate has other plans.

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The Kiss Quotient – Helen Hoang

Stella Lane has no dating experience and her mother thinks its time for her to get married. She can’t handle the awkwardness of one-on-one dating. To overcome this, she hires a male escort, Michael, to teach her to be a good girlfriend. The more time they spend together, the harder Michael falls for her.

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Red, White & Royal Blue – Casey McQuiston

When his mother became President, Alex Claremont-Diaz was the American equivalent of a young royal. But he has beef with the actual prince, Henry, across the pond. And when the tabloids get a photo involving an Alex-Henry altercation, it makes the British/U.S. relation worse. So they make a truce. what begins as a fake, Instagramable friendship grows deeper and more dangerous than they could have expected. Soon Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret romance with Henry.

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Bridget Jones’s Diary – Helen Fielding

Caught between the joys of Singleton fun and the fear of dying alone, Bridget resolves to: reduce the circumference of each thigh by 1.5 inches, visit the gym three times a week, form a functional relationship with a responsible adult and learn to program the VCR.

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The Hating Game – Sally Thorne

Lucy HATES Joshua. She cannot understand his joyless, uptight approach to work. Joshua clearly doesn’t understand how Lucy is so quirky and wants to be liked. Now they’re up for the same promotion and Lucy has had enough of him. But as tension reaches boiling point, the real battle has only just begun.

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Can You Keep A Secret – Sophie Kinsella

Nervous flyer Emma is sitting on a turbulent plane. Thinking that she’s about to die, she tells the man next to her ALL of her secrets. She survives the flight and the next morning the famous founding boss of the mega corporation she works at is visiting the UK branch. As he walks around, Emma realises that it’s the man from the plane.

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The Wedding Date – Jasmine Guillory

On the eve of his ex’s wedding festivities, Drew Nichols is minus a plus one. Until a power outage strands him with the perfect candidate. Alexa Monroe wouldn’t normally agree to go to a wedding with a guy she only just met, but it was hard to resist Drew. It was supposed to be a fake date, but their weekend of fun in San Francisco means they can’t stop thinking about each other.

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Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating – Christina Lauren

Hazel Camille Bradford knows that she’s a lot to take and that most men aren’t up for the challenge. Josh Im has known Hazel since college. But now, after a cheating girlfriend turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air. But they’re not dating each other. They’re just friends… right?

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Welcome to Temptation – Jennifer Crusie

Sophie Dempsey wants to help her sister film a video and then get out of Temptation, Ohio. Mayor Phin Tucker wants to play pool with the police chief and keep things peaceful. But when Sophie and Phin meet, they both get more than they want. Gossip, blackmail, adultery, murder, vehicular abuse of a corpse, and slightly perverse but excellent sex: all hell breaks loose in Temptation as Sophie and Phin fall deeper and deeper in trouble… and in love.

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The Unhoneymooners – Christina Lauren

Olive is always unlucky; her identical twin sister Ami is the luckiest person in the world. While she’s about to marry the man of her dreams, Olive is forced to be friends with her nemesis: the best man, Ethan. But when the entire wedding – except for Olive and Ethan – get food poisoning, there’s an all-expenses-paid honeymoon in Hawaii up for grabs. Pretending to be newlyweds, the two take a trip to paradise.

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Hot Romance Books

Hot or steamy romance books are often called “erotica”. These books are often identified by the development of a romantic relationship through sex. The most famous example of this genre is 50 Shades by E. L. James. These are some of the steamiest and hottest erotic romance novels – with endless passion and countless trysts to fulfill your darkest fantasies. So if you like your romance spicy then check out the following books!

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Gentleman Sinner – Jodi Ellen Malpas

Izzy White knows of the darkness in this world. After all, she escaped it long ago. Determined not to let her past beat her, Izzy has a secure, stable life with a job she loves in nursing. But one act of kindness will completely upend everything she’s so carefully built-puttering her right back in the crosshairs of danger she’s been so desperate to avoid. And when Theo Kane shows up like a knight in shining armor, Izzy can’t help thinking she’s been saved from one threat and exposed to another.

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Spellbound – Sylvia Day

Max Westin. Sex incarnate. She could smell it, feel it with his proximity. Everything about him was a little rough, a little gritty. A primitive creature. Just like she was. He held her hand a little too long, his thickly-lashed gaze clearly stating his intentions to have her. To tame her. . .

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Lady Chatterley’s Lover – D. H. Lawrence

The book that became notorious for its story of the physical relationship between a working-class man and an upper-class woman, its explicit descriptions of sex, and its use of then-unprintable words. Filled with scenes of intimate beauty, it explores the emotions of a lonely woman trapped in a sterile marriage and her growing love for the robust gamekeeper of her husband’s estate.

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Bound – Lorelei James

Former small-town girl Amery Hardwick is living her dream as a graphic designer in Denver, Colorado. When her friend signs up for a self-defense class as part of her recovery after an attack, Amery joins her for support. That’s where she meets him.

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This Man – Jodi Ellen Malpas

Young interior designer Ava O’Shea has no idea what awaits her at the Manor. A run-of-the-mill consultation with a stodgy country gent seems likely, but what Ava finds instead is Jesse Ward–a devastatingly handsome, utterly confident, pleasure-seeking playboy who knows no boundaries. Ava doesn’t want to be attracted to this man, and yet she can’t control the overwhelming desire that he stirs in her. She knows that her heart will never survive him and her instinct is telling her to run, but Jesse is not willing to let her go. He wants her and is determined to have her.

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Call Me By Your Name – Andre Aciman

A sudden and powerful romance that blossoms between an adolescent boy and a summer guest at his parents’ cliffside mansion on the Italian Riviera. Each is unprepared for the consequences of their attraction. Recklessly, the two verge toward the one thing both fear they may never truly find again: total intimacy.

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Rush – Maya Banks

When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.

music for reading: fifty shades of grey

Fifty Shades of Gray – E L James

When literature student Anastasia Steele interviews successful entrepreneur Christian Grey, she finds him very attractive and deeply intimidating. Convinced that their meeting went badly, she tries to put him out of her mind – until he turns up at the store where she works part-time, and invites her out. Unworldly and innocent, Ana is shocked to find she wants this man. And, when he warns her to keep her distance, it only makes her want him more.

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On Dublin Street – Samantha Young

Braden Carmichael is used to getting what he wants, and he’s determined to get Jocelyn into his bed. He knows she has a past, one that has made her skittish about getting into a relationship, so he proposes an arrangement that will satisfy their intense attraction without any strings attached. But after an intrigued Jocelyn accepts, Braden decides he won’t be satisfied with just mind-blowing passion. The stubborn Scotsman is intent on truly knowing her…down to the very soul.

sylvia day: bared to you

Bared to You – Sylvia Day

He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I’d never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. But I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily…

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Young Adult Romance Books

Aimed for 12-18 year olds, the Young Adult genre often explores themes of friendship, first love, relationships, and identity. And even though the target audience is teenagers, a lot of adults still enjoy this genre as well. So if Young Adult is your thing take a look at the following books!

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The Fault in Our Stars – John Green

Get your tissues ready! This book explores the funny, tragic and thrilling sides of being alive and in love. Hazel has terminal cancer, with not long left to live, but she meets Augustus Walters and her story is about to be rewritten.

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To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before – Jenny Han

What happens when secret love letters you wrote for every boy you’ve ever been in love with gets mailed to them? Lara Jean is about to find out and her love life spins from imaginary to out of control.

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The Kissing Booth – Beth Reekles

When Elle decides to run a kissing booth for the school carnival, she doesn’t expect to be sitting in it. And she’s never even been kissed before. She also doesn’t expect bad boy Noah – who is also her best friend’s older brother – to be her first kiss. Suddenly, Elle’s life is turned upside down. Is their romance going to bring happiness or heartbreak?

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Eleanor & Park – Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor is the new girl in town. With her mismatched clothes and messy red hair, she couldn’t stand out more if she tried. Then she sits next to Park on a bus. He’s quiet, cool and knows that to fly under the radar is how to get by. Slowly, over late-night conversations and mix-tapes, Eleanor and Park fall in love.

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Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda – Becky Albertalli

Sixteen-years-old and not-so-openly gay Simon wants to keep drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, Simon’s secret is at risk. Now he has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone and not mess up his chance with the most adorable guy he’s met.

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The Selection – Kiera Cass

Prepare to be swept up into the fairy tale romance with swoon-worthy characters and beautiful, fancy dresses. For thirty-five girls, the Selection is a chance of escaping the system and marry the handsome Prince Maxon. But that’s not the life that America Singer wants and yet, now, she has no choice but to compete.

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The Sun is Also a Star – Nicola Yoon

Twelves hours away from her families’ deportation to Jamaica, Natasha meets Daniel. Its love at first sight for Natasha when she sees him on a busy street in New York. She doesn’t believe in fate or destiny, but every choice she’s ever made lead her to Daniel. And Daniel thinks that fate has something extraordinary in store for both of them.

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A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J. Maas

Feyre is a huntress, but killing the wrong wolf changes her life forever. She’s taken away from her family by a man in a jewelled mask named Tamlin. As her feelings for Tamlin turn from hostility to passion, Fayre learns the land of the faerie are much more dangerous than she realized.

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Everything, Everything – Nicola Yoon

Maddy is allergic to the world – stepping outside the sterile rooms of her house could kill her. But then the new handsome neighbour, Olly, moves next door. And Maddy is ready to risk everything for a chance to fall in love.

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Five Feet Apart – Rachael Lippincott, Mikki Daughtry & Tobias Iaconis

A love story between two teens who can’t get within six feet of each other without risking their lives. Stella needs a lung transplant, so she needs to avoid infections at all costs, but when she meets Will, six feet doesn’t feel like safety anymore. It feels like a punishment.

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Historical Romance Books

This is a broad genre of romance but will generally refer to books that are set in the past. Historical Romance is an eternally popular category of romance with a great many classic and new authors writing in this genre. So take a trip back in time with the following books!

bridgerton book series: the duke and i

The Duke And I – Julia Quinn

Bridgerton Book 1

Simon Basset is on the verge of proposing to his best friend’s sister – the lovely and almost-on-the-shelf Daphne Bridgerton. But the two of them know the truth – it’s all an elaborate ruse to keep Simon free from marriage-minded society mothers. And as for Daphne, surely she will attract some worthy suitors now that it seems the duke has declared her desirable. And yet, despite their courtship being a sham, somehow Daphne is falling for the dashing duke.

bridgerton book series: the viscount who loved me

The Viscount Who Loved Me – Julia Quinn

Bridgerton Book 2

London’s most elusive bachelor Anthony Bridgerton hasn’t just decided to marry – he’s even chosen a wife. The only obstacle is his intended’s older sister, Kate Sheffield. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate’s the woman haunting his dreams. And Kate fears that her own heart is vulnerable to the most wicked rogue’s charms.

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Outlander – Diana Gabaldon

Outlander Book 1

It’s the year 1946, just after World War 2. So combat nurse Claire heads to the Scottish Highlands with her husband Frank. The plan is for it to be a second honeymoon, to reignite the love. But suddenly, Claire is no longer in 1946. It’s now 1743. Whilst trying to escape Black Jack Randall, she finds herself captured by a gang of Scottish outlaws. Her only chance of safety lies in Jamie Fraser, a gallant Scot warrior.

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The Notebook – Nicolas Sparks

At thirty-one, Noah Calhoun, back in coastal North Carolina after World War II, is haunted by images of the girl he lost more than a decade earlier. At twenty-nine, socialite Allie Nelson is about to marry a wealthy lawyer, but she cannot stop thinking about the boy who long ago stole her heart. Thus begins the story of a love so enduring and deep it can turn tragedy into triumph, and may even have the power to create a miracle…

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The Devil In Winter – Lisa Kleypas

Desperate to escape her scheming relatives, Evangeline Jenner has sought the help of the most infamous scoundrel in London. A marriage of convenience is the only solution. No one could have ever paired the two together. And Evie is a woman of hidden strength and Sebastian desires her more than any woman he’s ever known.

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Secrets Of A Summer Night – Lisa Kleypas

Annabelle Peyton could have her pick of suitors, if only she had a dowry. Her family is on the brink of disaster and the only way she can save them is to marry a wealthy man. Unfortunately, her most persistent admirer is the brash Simon Hunt, who wants her as his misteress.

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Mine Till Midnight – Lisa Kleypas

When an unexpected inheritance elevates her family to the ranks of the aristocracy, Amelia Hathaway discovers that tending to her younger sisters and wayward brother was easy compared to the intricacies of the ton. And on top of that, she feels an attraction for the dangerously handsome Cam Rohan.

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Honor’s Splendor – Julie Garwood

In the feuding English court, gentle Lady Madelyne suffered the cruel whims of her ruthless brother, Baron Louddon. Then, in vengeance for a bitter crime, Baron Duncan of Wexton—the Wolf—unleashed his warriors against Louddon. Exquisite Madelyne was the prize he catured…but when he gazed upon the proud beauty, he pledged to protect her with his life. In his rough-hewn castle, Duncan proved true to his honor. But when at last their noble passion conquered them both, she surrendered with all her soul. Now, for love, Madelyne would stand fast…as bravely as her Lord, the powerful Wolf who fought for…Honor’s Splendour.

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Whitney, My Love – Judith McNaught

A saucy spitfire who has grown into a ravishing young woman, Whitney Stone returns from her triumphant time in Paris society to England. She plans on marrying her childhood sweetheart, only to discover she has been bargained away by her bankrupt father to the arrogant and alluring Clayton Westmoreland, the Duke of Claymore. Outraged, she defies her new lord. But even as his smoldering passion seduces her into a gathering storm of desire, Whitney cannot—will not—relinquish her dream of perfect love. 

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The Duchess Deal – Tessa Dare

Girl Meets Duke Book 1

Since his return from war, the Duke of Ashbury’s to-do list has been short and anything but sweet: brooding, glowering, menacing London ne’er-do-wells by night. Now there’s a new item on the list. He needs an heir—which means he needs a wife. When Emma Gladstone, a vicar’s daughter turned seamstress, appears in his library wearing a wedding gown, he decides on the spot that she’ll do.

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Fantasy Romance Books

Fantasy romance books combines the romance genre with fantasy elements. So instead of your average human romance, these novels tend to involve magic or mythical creatures. So if you prefer a bit more fantasy elements with your romance these books may be for you!

fantasy romance books

A Discovery of Witches – Deborah Harkness

When historian Diana Bishop opens an alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library, it’s an unwelcome intrusion of magic into her carefully ordered life. Though Diana is a witch of impeccable lineage, the violent death of her parents while she was still a child convinced her that human fear is more potent than any witchcraft. Now Diana has unwittingly exposed herself to a world she’s kept at bay for years; one of powerful witches, creative, destructive daemons and long-lived vampires.

fantasy romance books

Beautiful Creatures – Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

fantasy romance books

The Awakening – Nora Roberts

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts begins a new trilogy of adventure, romance, and magick in The Awakening.

In the realm of Talamh, a teenage warrior named Keegan emerges from a lake holding a sword—representing both power and the terrifying responsibility to protect the Fey. In another realm known as Philadelphia, a young woman has just discovered she possesses a treasure of her own…

Fantasy Books With Romance: the cruel prince

The Cruel Prince – Holly Black

“Lush, dangerous, a dark jewel of a book . . . intoxicating” – Leigh Bardugo, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Six of Crows

Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever. And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

Fantasy Books With Romance: dark fever

Darkfever – Karen Marie Moning

MacKayla Lane’s life is good. She has great friends, a decent job, and a car that breaks down only every other week or so. In other words, she’s your perfectly ordinary twenty-first-century woman. Or so she thinks . . . until something extraordinary happens.

Fantasy Books With Romance: city of bones

City of Bones – Cassandra Clare

Discover this first installment of the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series and “prepare to be hooked” (Entertainment Weekly).

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare’s ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

From Blood And Ash – Jennifer L. Armentrout

Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. She would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need.

Fantasy Books With Romance: a touch of darkness

A Touch of Darkness – Scarlett St. Clair

Persephone is the Goddess of Spring in title only. Since she was a little girl, flowers have only shriveled at her touch. After moving to New Athens, she hoped to lead an unassuming life disguised as a mortal journalist. Until she sits down in a forbidden nightclub to play a hand of cards with a hypnotic and mysterious stranger who just so happens to be Hades, God of the Dead.

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A Ruin Of Roses – K.F. Breene

The creature that stalks the forbidden wood.
The dragon prince. He has suffered a fate worse than death. We all have. A curse put upon us by the mad king. We are a kingdom locked in time. Shifters unable to feel our animals. Stuck here by a deal between the late king and a demon who seeks our destruction. The only one keeping this kingdom alive is Nyfain, the golden prince to a stolen throne. The last dragon shifter.

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King Of Battle And Blood – Scarlett St. Clair

Isolde de Lara considers her wedding day to be her death day. To end a years-long war, she is to marry vampire king Adrian Aleksandr Vasiliev, and kill him. But her assassination attempt is thwarted. And Adrian threatens that if Isolde tries to kill him again, he will raise her as the undead. Faced with the possibility of becoming the thing she hates most, Isolde seeks other ways to defy him and survive the brutal vampire court.

Mafia/Dark Romance Books

Mafia romance books include some crazy bad boy characters and some dangerous forbidden love romances. Typically the men in Mafia romance books are portrayed as tough alpha males that are sharply dressed and dangerous. But they always have a soft spot deep inside when it comes to the right woman. Then they become fierce protectors. Dark Romance books are romances that have much darker themes than the average novel. These are edgier, dirtier titles that aren’t for the light of heart. Typical themes will be enemies to lovers, fake relationship, bully romance or captive and captor romance.

Mafia Romance Books: sweet temptation

Sweet Temptation – Cora Reilly

After losing his wife, Cassio is left with two small children to care for whilst trying to establish rule over Philadelphia. Now he needs a mother for his children and a woman to warm his bed at night. But in his world, choosing your wife is duty not pleasure. And that’s how he ends up with Giulia.

Dark Romance Novels: wanderlust

Wanderlust – Skye Warren

Evie always dreamed of seeing the world, but her first night at a motel turns into a nightmare. Hunter is a rugged trucker willing to do anything to keep her—including kidnapping. As they cross the country in his rig, Evie plots her escape, but she may find what she’s been looking for right beside her.

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Buttons And Lace – Penelope Sky

I owe him a debt. A big one. The payment can’t be settled with money or favors. He only wants one thing. Me. Every action gets a reward. A button. Once I fill his jar with three hundred and sixty-five buttons, he’ll let me go. He’ll let me walk away. But I have to earn every single one. By submitting to the darkest, cruelest, and most beautiful man I’ve ever known.

Dark Romance Novels: crow

Crow – A. Zavarelli

The last man on earth I’d ever want to be with. I won’t lose my head just because he’s hot, Irish, and has a wicked accent to boot. He’s one of the only leads in my best friend’s disappearance, and I don’t trust him. So I’ve got a few rules in mind when it comes to dealing with Lachlan Crow. But the rules don’t apply when it comes to the Irish mafia.

colleen hoover books

Verity – Colleen Hoover

Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of a bestselling author, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in his wife’s series as she is injured. But Lowen discovers an unfinished autobiography which could change everything.

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Ruthless People – J.J. McAvoy

To the outside world, they look like American royalty, giving to charities, feeding the homeless and rebuilding the city. But behind closed doors there’s a constant battle for dominance between two bosses, cultures and hearts. Melody knows exactly what type of man Liam is and would rather die than give up the power she has spent her life earning. But they will have to work as one to take down those who stand in their way.

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The Sweetest Oblivion – Danielle Lori

Elena’s sister is arranged to marry Nicolas Russo – A Made Man, a boss, a cheat even measured against mafia standards. After Elena’s first encounter with him, she realises he’s just as rude as he is handsome. She doesn’t like him or anything he stands for, but her heart has other ideas and can’t stop pounding when he’s near. And he’s always near, telling her what to do and making her feel hotter than any future brother-in-law should.

mafia romance books Twist Me - Anna Zaires

Twist Me – Anna Zaires

Kidnapped. Taken to a private island. I never thought this could happen to me. I never imagined one chance meeting on the eve of my eighteenth birthday could change my life so completely. Now I belong to him. To Julian. To a man who is as ruthless as he is beautiful—a man whose touch makes me burn.

Mafia Romance Books: king of diamonds

King of Diamonds –  Renee Rose

I warned her – I told her not to set foot in my casino again and I told her to stay away. Because if I see her around my suite again, I’ll claim her as my own. And once I make her mine, I’m not going to set her free. I’m the king of the Vegas underground and I take what I want.

mafia romance books Sempre - J.M. Darhower

Sempre – J.M. Darhower

Haven Antonelli – a second-generation slave – and Carmine DeMarco – born into a wealthy Mafia family – grew up under vastly different circumstances. Now, a twist of fate causes their worlds to collide. Entangled in a web of secrets and lies, they learn that they have a lot more in common than anyone would think.

mafia romance books Bound By Honor - Cora Reilly

Bound By Honor – Cora Reilly

Born into one of the leading Mob families in Chicago, Aria Scuderi struggles to find her own path in a world where no choices are given. Aria was only fifteen when her parents betrothed her to Luca – The Vice – Vitiello to ensure peace between the two families. But she’s been dreading their wedding for years and now the day is looming dangerously close.

Mystery/Thriller Romance Books

Suspenseful romance or thriller romance are books that will have crime or suspense focus but also with romance involved. So if you prefer a bit more drama with your romance then these may be the books for you. With mystery romance books, the mystery and its solution are key parts of the narrative. The romance is the extra addition that brings the stories to life. So if you prefer a bit more depth to your romance then this may be your genre.

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Fatal Affair – Marie Force 

Police Detective Sergeant Sam Holland needs a big win to salvage her career and her confidence after a disastrous investigation. The perfect opportunity arises when Senator John O’Connor is found brutally murdered in his bed, and Sam is assigned to the care. But things get complicated when she has to team up with Nick Cappuano – the man Sam had a memorable one-night stand with years earlier.

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A Madness Of Sunshine – Nalini Singh

One fateful summer tragedy shattered the trust holding the Golden Cove community together. All that’s left are whispers behind closed doors, broken friendships and a silent agreement to never look back. But you can’t run from the past forever. Especially when another young girl disappears without a trace.

colleen hoover books: layla

Layla – Colleen Hoover  

Leeds thinks he’ll spend the rest of his life with Layla. Until an unexpected attack leaves her fighting for her life. After weeks in the hospital, Layla recovers physically, but she’s emotionally and mentally scarred. She’s nothing like the girl Leeds fell in love with. So Leeds takes her back to the B&B where they first met, but her behaviour takes a bizarre turn. Leeds takes solace in Willow, another guest at the B&B. But his decision to help Willow find answers conflicts with Layla’s well-being.

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Something About You – Julie James 

Of all the hotel rooms rented by the adulterous politicians in Chicago, female Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde had to choose the one next to 1308, where some lovemaking ends in bloodshed. And of course it’s Special Agent Jack Pallas who gets assigned to this high-profile homicide. The same Jack Pallas who still blames Cameron for nearly ruining his career.

romantic thriller books: when all the girls have gone

When All The Girls Have Gone – Jayne Ann Krentz 

When Charlotte Sawyer is unable to contact her step-sister, Jocelyn, to tell her that her closest friend was found dead, she discovers that Jocelyn has vanished. She’s gone off the grid before, but never like this. Charlotte joins forces with Max Cutler to find Jocelyn. But the search for answers is a dangerous path.

romantic thriller books: till death

Till Death – Jennifer L. Armentrout

It’s been ten years since Sasha Keaton left her West Virginia hometown and she escaped the twisted serial killer known as the Groom. But then Sasha is threatened and FBI agent Cole Landis vows to protect her the way he couldn’t a decade ago.

romantic thriller books: rebecca

Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier

Whilst working for Mrs Van Hopper, a young girl becomes acquainted with Maxim de Winter. After a brief courtship, the pair marry and he whisks her away into his mansion in England, Manderley. And there she discovers that the staff and friends of Maxim were very fond of Maxim’s previous wife, Rebecca. Even the housekeeper, Mrs Danvers, keeps comparing the new Mrs Winters to Rebecca. But Rebecca died in a strange boating accident, yet her legacy still lives on.

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Mr Perfect – Linda Howard

What would make your perfect man? That’s the topic of certain professional women at their favorite restaurant. They make a tongue-in-cheek list that’s both funny and racy. But then the List becomes an overnight sensation and one of the four is murdered.

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Naked In Death – JD Robb

The first book in the In Death series introduces us to New York Police Detective Eve Dallas and Roarke, the dashing businessman with a shadowy past who finds Dallas enormously intriguing. And as try as hard as she might Eve will find it difficult to resist the irresistible Roarke’s persistent advances.

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Hideaway – Nora Roberts

Caitlyn Sullivan is nine years old when a game of Hide and Seek at a family party changes her life forever. She has been running away from her trauma, but if she wants to thrive she must return home to face her past.

Sports/College Romance Books

A newcomer to the list of romance, sports romance typically involves hotty, sweaty, sporty, ripped guys. Typically they will feature sports such as American football, baseball or hockey. Most often these books will be set in college and also have a new adult vibe.

College Romance Books can also be known as New Adult Books. These books are romance for people who have gone past the Young Adult genre and are looking for something a little more mature but still with younger characters than some adult novels. Typically these books will be set in colleges and plot lines will be slow burn romance and revolve around universities and sports.

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Jock Rules – Sara Ney

Kip Carmichael is no pretty boy – he’s a rough, dirty giant. His hair is unruly and his beard is so thick, his friends on the team call him Sasquatch. The first time he lays his eyes on Theodora ‘Teddy’ Johnson across the keg at a party on night on Jock Row, she’d been relegated to the sidelines by her friends. After weeks, he finally offers to be her hairy godmother. But the minute their eyes meet, he’s a goner.

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Wait for You – J. Lynn

Cameron Hamilton is six feet, three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make Avery want things she believed had been irrevocably stolen from her. Getting involved with him is dangerous. Yet ignoring the simmering tension that sparks between them is impossible.

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Thoughtless – SC Stephens

For almost two years now, Kiera’s boyfriend, Denny, has been everything she’s ever wanted: loving, tender, and endlessly devoted to her. When they head off to a new city to start their lives together, Denny at his dream job and Kiera at a top-notch university, everything seems perfect. Then an unforeseen obligation forces the happy couple apart.

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After – Anna Todd

There was the time before Tessa met Hardin, and then there’s everything AFTER

Tessa is a good girl with a sweet, reliable boyfriend back home. She’s got direction and ambition. But she’s barely moved into her freshman dorm when she runs into Hardin, her mother’s worst nightmare. With his tousled brown hair, irresistible British accent, tattoos and lip ring, Hardin is undeniably attractive but completely different to what Tessa is used to.

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The Deal – Elle Kennedy

If Hannah Wells wants to get her crush’s attention, she’ll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him notice her. Even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish and cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date. All Garrett Graham wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening his dream. So he’s all for it when Hannah wants to tutor him and make another guy jealous. But he soon realizes that he doesn’t want to pretend to date anymore – he wants to convince Hannah that the guy she wants looks a lot like him.

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The Play – Elle Kennedy

What I learned after last year’s distraction cost my hockey team our entire season? No more screwing up. No more screwing, period. As the new team captain, I need to focus purely on hockey and school now. But there’s nothing in my rulebook that says I can’t be friends with a woman. And Demi Davis is one cool chick. And the fact that she has a boyfriend eliminates the temptation to touch her. Until she’s single and looking for a rebound. And she’s making a play for me.

sports romance books: the hookup

The Hook Up – Kristen Callihan

Anna Jones just wants to finish college and figure out her life. Falling for star quarterback Drew Baylor is certainly not on her to do list. Confident and charming, he lives in the limelight and is too gorgeous for his own good. If only she could ignore his heated stares and stop fantasising about him. Easy, right?

sports romance books: i dare you

I Dare You – Ilsa Madden-Mills

The late night text is random, but ‘Bad Boy Athlete’ sure seems to know who she is. Spend one night in his bed – a night he promises will be unforgettable – and she can solve the mystery of who he is. She knows she shouldn’t, but what else is she going to do with her boring Valentine’s Day? One sexy hook-up later, her mind is blown and the secret’s out. He’s Maverick Monroe, the most talented football player in the country.

“Christ on a cracker you guys, this book was completely irresistible to me.” Bookgasms Book Blog

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Jock Row – Sara Ney

Scarlett visits Jock Row with her friends – the universities hottest party scene and breeding ground for student athletes. Being a well known jock-blocker gets her noticed for all the wrong reasons and just like that ,she’s banned from Jock Row. ‘Rowdy’ Wade is the hot shot short-stop for the universities baseball team – and the unlucky guy who has to keep Scarlett out of the Baseball House.

NEVER HAVE I EVER, swooned and laughed so much…  Book BruinBlogger

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The Friend Zone – Kristen Callihan

The last thing Gray Grayson wants to do is drive his agent’s daughter’s bubblegum pink car. But he needs wheels and she’s studying abroad. What starts as an irate text turns into a texting friendship with Ivy Mackenzie, the car’s owner. Things change when she comes home. Gray wants to be with Ivy but Ivy doesn’t have sex with friends, especially not with a certain football player. No matter how hot he makes her.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are romance books and where do you find them?

Romance books refer to a type of fictional genre. This genre places primary focus on the romantic love between two people and, in most cases, has a happy ending. You can find romance books in many places. Bookstores, online shops, library, pretty much anywhere!

What is the number one romance novel? What is the best romance book of all time?

The number one romance novel based on sales is The Bridges Of Madison County by Robert James Waller.

Here Are The Top 10 Romance Books According to Sales:

  1. The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller
  2. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
  3. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
  4. Love Story by Erich Segal
  5. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
  6. Fear of Flying by Erica Jong
  7. Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James
  8. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
  9. Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
  10. Fifty Shades Darker by E. L. James

How do I find a romance novel?

There are many places that you can find romance novels to read. If you prefer physical copies of books then you can pick them up in your local independent bookstore or bookstore chains in shopping centres. You can also get paperbacks or hardbacks delivered direct to your door from online sellers such as Barnes and Noble or Amazon. If you like to read on an electronic device such as smartphone, Kindle, Nook or tablet then you can download books from Barnes and Noble, Amazon or Kobo, amongst many other online retailers. You can also borrow both physical and ebooks from most libraries.

What is the most read romance book?

The most read romance book is Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austin.

What is a good romantic novel to read

There are so many romantic novels out there, it can be hard to know where to begin. But here are some good romantic novels to read:

  1. Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte
  2. Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte
  3. Pride & Prejudice – Jane Austen
  4. It Ends With Us – Colleen Hoover
  5. The Notebook – Nicolas Sparks
  6. Me Before You – Jojo Moyes
  7. Red, White & Royal Blue – Casey McQuiston
  8. Anna Karenina – Leo Tolstoy
  9. The Duke And I – Julia Quinn
  10. The Princess Bride – William Goldman

What is the best love story of all time?

There have been many great love stories throughout time. Here’s our picks for some of the best love stories of all time:

  1. Romeo And Juliet – Romeo And Juliet, William Shakespeare
  2. Eleanor And Park – Eleanor & Park, Rainbow Rowell
  3. Westley And Buttercup – The Princess Bride, William Goldman
  4. Scarlett And Rhett – Gone With The Wind, Margaret Mitchell
  5. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy – Pride And Prejudice, Jane Austen
  6. Emma and Mr. Knightley – Emma, Jane Austen
  7. Jane and Mr. Rochester – Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte
  8. Anne Elliott And Frederick Wentworth – Persuasion, Jane Austen
  9. Anne And Gilbert – Anne Of Green Gables, L. M. Montgomery
  10. Katherine And Heathcliff – Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte

Which romantic novel is best for beginners?

The following romantic novels would be a good starting point for beginners:

  1. The Fault in Our Stars – John Green
  2. Eleanor & Park – Rainbow Rowell
  3. Love Story – Erich Segal
  4. The Wish – Nicholas Sparks
  5. Emma – Jane Austen
  6. Slammed – Colleen Hoover
  7. Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte
  8. Pride & Prejudice – Jane Austen
  9. The Unhoneymooners – Christina Lauren
  10. Everything, Everything – Nicola Yoon

What romance book series should I read?

There are so many amazing book series to choose from, but here’s our pick of the best romance book series to read:

  1. The Wallflower Series – Lisa Kleypas
  2. Bridgerton Series – Julia Quinn
  3. Lucky Harbor Series – Jill Shalvis
  4. On Dublin Street Series – Samantha Young
  5. Crossfire Series – Sylvia Day
  6. Girl Meets Duke – Tessa Dare
  7. 50 Shades Of Grey – EL James
  8. Cedar Cove Series – Debbie Macomber
  9. The Wedding Date – Jasmine Guillory
  10. The Beautiful Series – Christina Lauren

We hope that this list of the best romance books has found you the next read you can fall in love with! 

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