top rated books romance

An Extremely Opinionated List of the Best Romance Novels

I've read them all, and these are definitely the steamiest books.

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Whether you salivate over historical fiction that follows the fluttering hearts of yesteryear, witchy paranormal romance that proves you don't need flesh and blood to get frisky, rom-coms that pair hilarious hijinks with the steamier stuff or the type of stories that might get sidelong glances on public transit, we've got a romance book you'll want to read over and over again.

And to those who think romance is just for bored housewives picking up a bodice-ripper at the grocery store checkout counter, think again. The romance realm has a lot of romance-plus-other to offer that might surprise you — although we'd never turn down one of those fun, flirty grocery store standards either. Many of our favorite romance books also feature exciting adventure, LGBTQ+ love stories and lyrical prose. Add these to your TBR pile, and don't forget to check out the Good Housekeeping book club once you're done, for even more feel-good reads.

It Ends with Us Boxed Set by Colleen Hoover (2023)

Grab the box set so you won't have to frantically order the second installment of this smash hit from Colleen Hoover. If you haven't read her books yet, start with these two and then work your way through the back catalog. In them, you'll meet Lily, a woman who finds herself in a bit of a love triangle as she grapples with her new relationship with Ryle, and re-meeting her ex lover, Atlas. It contains a lot of heartbreak, as domestic violence is a critical part of Lily's story, but it's also extremely touching.

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The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang (2018)

More nerdy storylines, please! In this novel from Helen Hoang, Stella Lane is the genius mathematician who puts herself in remedial romance — by hiring escort Michael Phan to teach her the ins and outs of sex. We consider it the perfect equation for a great read.

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood (2023)

Rival physicists. Fake dating. Real love? Hazelwood's trio of STEM romances that sees her characters spar on both professional and personal fronts are definitely not homework. Did somebody leave a bunsen burner on, or are things heating up in here?

Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland (2023)

Sage Flores has been running from her ability to commune with plants ever since her sister passed away. But after she's forced to return to her hometown and slips back into her old life — including reconnecting with a high school flame who broke her heart — she can't deny her gift or her family any longer. You could cut the tension here with a knife, or should we say, a pair of gardening shears.

Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan (2023)

Sports fans know how emotional a high-stakes game can get. Add actual romance into the mix, and all we can say is just remember to hydrate. This heartstring-tugger is all about missed connections, tarnished golden boys and the darkness that can lie beneath the most glittering exteriors.

With Love, from Cold World by Alicia Thompson (2023)

From the author of the hit Love in the Time of Serial Killers comes the perfect workplace romance for fans of a certain mouse-centric theme park. Lauren is a serious bookkeeper at a theme park where it's always winter, which doesn't get quite the crowds as its more famous counterparts. Asa is her fun-loving coworker who's always trying to spice things up around the office. Of course, their boss asks them to team up on a project. And naturally, sparks fly. Read to find out the rest.

Violeta by Isabel Allende (2022)

Allende is one of the best romance writers of our time, and her latest doesn't disappoint. This epic story of a woman who perseveres through two pandemics, war, the Great Depression and the battle for equal rights is not only a passionate love story but a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Vision In White by Nora Roberts (2012)

The prolific Nora Roberts has penned more than 200 romance novels, but this one earned top marks from her fans as the first installment in The Bride Quartet . Wedding photographer Mackensie "Mac" Elliot operates a wedding planning company with three friends. When a day on the job introduces her to sweet and stable English teacher Carter Maguire, their casual fling might lead to her own happy ending.

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Bared to You by Sylvia Day (2014)

If you like your romance in multiple installments, try the Crossfire series. Big city newbie Eva Tramell literally falls at the feet of billionaire tycoon Gideon Cross, kickstarting a steamy affair that reveals secrets from both their dark pasts. Sound familiar? There's a reason one Amazon reviewer called it the "soap opera version of Fifty Shades of Grey ."

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell (2013)

They say you never forget your first love. Test that theory by taking a trip down memory lane with Eleanor and Park, two lovestruck misfit teens in 1986. They're smart enough to know young love never lasts, but brave enough to try anyway.

The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory (2018)

You really can't go wrong with any of Jasmine Guillory's fun, romantic romps, but this sporty love story is especially great. Freelance writer Nik's boyfriend proposes at a Dodger's game, and the dude can't even spell her name right. She says no (obviously), and the video goes viral. Handsome doctor Carlos sweeps her away from the frenzy, but he can't possibly be the real deal. Or can he?

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The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (2016)

If you've ever carried a torch for a colleague (the scandal!) this novel will feel familiar. Coworkers Lucy Hutton and her sworn nemesis Joshua Templeman have a rivalry as bitter as they come, especially as they compete for the same promotion. At least, it starts out that way.

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert (2019)

After a health scare, Chloe Brown makes a list of things to do to help her "get a life," including doing something bad. Naughty doesn't come naturally to good-girl Chloe, so she enlists the help of rough-and-tumble handyman Red. But what she finds is more than meets the eye, in this first in an absolutely devour-able series.

Happy Place by Emily Henry (2023)

Harriet and Wyn’s friend group has spent languorous summer days at the same Maine house for a decade, so when it goes up for sale, they’re determined to soak up one last week of memories. There’s just one problem: Harriet and Wyn haven’t told their crew they’re no longer engaged, so they’re stuck sharing a room to keep up the charade. But is it all really just for show, or are sparks flying? Read this one now while you wait for the queen of beach reads' next hit to drop.

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (2023)

If the title doesn't get your attention, and you've somehow missed Sittenfeld's other star-tier books, the sizzling plot will do it. This one's about a late-night comedy writer who falls for a pop star with a rep for dating knockouts, which she definitely is not. If you've ever shipped Saturday Night Live stars, this one's for you.

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Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (2019)

McQuiston has earned their place in the canon of contemporary romance, and this sexy royals romance is one of the reasons. Ever wonder what would happen if, say, a Kennedy fell in love with a Windsor? With this book, you don't have to.

Delta of Venus by Anais Nin (1977)

If you've never read Anaïs Nin and call yourself a romance fan , fix that right now. This vintage short story collection's erotic vibes still hold up. But don't take our word for it — turn off the lights, slip into something slinky and try it for yourself.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (1847)

This 1847 classic tells the tale of courageous governess and heroine Jane Eyre and her brooding employer with a terrible secret, Mr. Rochester. Groundbreaking for its time, the first-person narrative set a new standard for what romance could be — no wonder readers still love it more than 170 years later.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (2012)

Look, we understand that a retelling of The Iliad sounds more like history class than a romantic read, but pick this one up and get ready to eat your words. It's an action-packed epic with one heck of a love story that will change the way you look at the classic tale forever.

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston (2022)

Florence is a romance ghostwriter who no longer believes in love, which is kind of a problem for her career. But then, she returns home to bury her beloved father and finds a ghost (yes, an actual ghost) who might just change her mind.

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Blog – Posted on Tuesday, Nov 03

The 60 best romance novels to sweep you off your feet.

Romance is a perennial favorite for readers everywhere, and it isn’t hard to see why. A good love story has drama, intrigue, laughs, and, if you’re lucky, a little heat; while the very best romance novels can feel just like falling in love — intimate and personal, yet huge and life-changing all at once. 

We’ve compiled a list of our all-time favorite romance novels, from historical regency romance to contemporary novels tackling love in the digital age. So whether you’re searching for a how-to guide or cautionary tale (and there are plenty of those), you’re hungry to read the next rom-com blockbuster before it hits Netflix, or you just want to lose yourself in timeless romance tropes, we’ve got you covered! 💘

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the number of great romance novels out there, why not take our 30-second quiz to narrow it down quickly and get a personalized romance book recommendation?

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The Classics

1. jane eyre by charlotte brontë.

Though Jane Eyre might be ‘poor, obscure, plain and little’, her love story is anything but. One of the authoritative classics of the genre, Jane Eyre’ s enduring popularity is testament to the power of its central romance. Jane, a destitute young orphan, arrives at the home of the mysterious Mr Rochester in search of employment, but finds far more than she bargained for. The naïve and uncertain Jane is magnetically drawn to her brooding employer, but will the twisted secrets lying at the heart of Thornfield Hall undermine their budding relationship? Written at a time when most romantic heroines were preternaturally pretty, the headstrong, wilful, yet utterly average Jane is a subversive breath of fresh air — or should we say Eyre?

2. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

A sprawling epic that takes readers across continents in the name of love, Anna Karenina is one of the longest books on this list, coming to an intimidating 800+ pages. But those who persevere with this colossus of a novel are richly rewarded. In what is considered by many to be the best romance novel of all time (and, we think, one of the best books to read in a lifetime ), Tolstoy tells the story of an extramarital affair and its fallout in Imperial Russian society.  When Anna runs away with the handsome Count Vronsky, excitement gives way to paranoia, isolation, and regret, as we witness the unravelling of their relationship, and of Anna herself. As much a cautionary tale as it is a romance novel, Anna Karenina is a richly imagined portrait of both the agonies and ecstasies of love.

3. Love in the Time of Cholera (Oprah's Book Club) by Gabriel Garcia Márquez

Florentino Ariza has been waiting for 50 years for his true love to return. That’s not to say he’s been bored: he’s passed the time by having no fewer than 622 love affairs, which he has painstakingly recorded in his notebooks. Despite his dalliances and the passing of decades, when the man who married his childhood sweetheart dies, a now elderly Florentino seizes the opportunity to declare his love once more. An astonishing exploration of devotion and reunions, and the unrealistic expectations we place on those we love, Love in the Time of Cholera doesn’t just ask whether the hero will get the girl — it asks whether he should. They don’t just hand out the Nobel Prize for Literature to anyone, so it’s safe to say we’re in good hands with Gabriel Garcia Márquez.

4. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

This classic fish-out-of-water tale follows Margaret, a nineteen-year-old girl whose life is turned upside down when her family relocates from a sleepy village to Darkshire — a rough and restless industrial town in the north of England. Margaret finds a new calling, advocating for the poor and disenfranchised, but it brings her into direct conflict with imposing mill owner John Thornton. Can the two find any common ground, or will misunderstanding keep them at odds? Heart-warming and ahead of its time, North and South isn’t just a beautiful romance, it also has a lot to say on politics, gender, and religion, so one for the history buffs, too!

5. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

It is a truth universally acknowledged that any list of the best romance novels must be in want of at least one Jane Austen title (we’ve gone for three!). And Pride and Prejudice is by far the English humorist’s most famous story. It’s a tale as old as time: boy meets girl; boy and girl bicker and declare their contempt for one another; boy and girl realise over time that there is, in fact, more to one another than meets the eye — but has this realisation come too late? It might now be a rom-com trope, but Pride and Prejudice is one of the oldest and greatest examples of the thin line between love and hate. Elizabeth and Darcy’s romance is as honest as it is unexpected, and Austen’s characters are so vividly realised and so utterly believable that you’ll be gasping, cringing, and crying along with them.

6. Emma by Jane Austen

Austen once set out in a letter the perfect subject for a novel — “Three or four families in a country village” — and the description fits Emma well. The glue that holds these families together (and our beloved heroine) is Emma Woodhouse. Clever, rich, beautiful, and utterly deluded, she’s determined to meddle with the hearts of her neighbours, but sees no need to find a husband herself. The novel bends narration through the distorting lens of our protagonist, making for a genius coming-of-age story and a work of comic brilliance. No matter who plays them, in what adaptation , her characters never fail to be laugh-out-loud funny!

7. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

The third and final instalment in our ode to romance titan Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility is a novel of lies, secrets, and seduction. Following two sisters — one wild and impulsive, the other quiet and sensible — it brilliantly portrays a world of money and status, gossip and innuendo, where rigid social convention governs the impulses of the heart. Through their parallel experiences of love and heartbreak, will these two young women learn to strike a balance between wearing your heart on your sleeve and concealing your true feelings?

8. Maurice by E.M. Forster

The brave and passionate tale of a young man’s sexual awakening, this intensely personal novel was written by Forster in 1914, when homosexual relationships were not only stigmatised, but illegal. Languishing in a drawer for fifty-seven years, Maurice was published after the author’s death, and quickly celebrated as a powerful, moving, beautifully-written love story. It chronicles the experiences of a privileged but modest young man, who comes up against unrequited love, heartbreak, and society politics on his journey to self-discovery. If you’re scouring this list for brilliant LGBT books , look no further!

9. The Princess Bride by William Goldman

As Goldman himself writes in the introduction, “dollars to donuts you’ve seen the movie”. But if you haven’t read the book that inspired the cult hit, you’ve missed a trick. A spoof fairy tale, a sharp satire, and a rocket-powered fantasy , all brilliantly disguised as a love story — there’s absolutely nothing fluffy about The Princess Bride . In fact, though there’s plenty to giggle about in the story of Buttercup and Prince Humperdink, you might also call this novel a tightly-plotted thriller. So if you’re of a nervous disposition, maybe stick to fairy tales meant for kids. 

10 . Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

Reading Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles is an affecting experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Its heroine, Tess Durbyfield, is so beautifully and sympathetically drawn that you cannot help but feel crushed as the world conspires against her; betrayed by men who exploit her, a society that casts her out, and by the callousness of her religion. As the seasons change, and Tess changes with them, it’s clear that she identifies most with the natural world — and it is here that the intensity of Hardy’s imagination comes into its own. His lush and evocative descriptions, metaphors, and parallels make this tragic romance novel a poetic masterpiece. 

11. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

The first and only novel by an elusive icon, Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights plunges headfirst into an exploration of the violence of doomed romance. Amid the bleak and feral atmosphere of the Yorkshire moors, the novel revolves obsessively around the tempestuous course of Cathy and Heathcliff’s self-destructive love affair. A gothic novel of intense passion, betrayal, and bitter vengeance — underpinned by the quiet beauty of Brontë’s lyricism — Wuthering Heights is an iconoclastic masterpiece that has inspired film-makers, novelists, poets, and song-writers for generations.

12. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The quintessential love story that has spawned countless retellings and inspired who knows how many writers, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet —  the story of two star-crossed lovers from rival houses — wrote many of the rules of tragic romance. From iconic scenes like the balcony soliloquy, to legendary one-liners (“A plague o’ both your houses”, anyone?), and the ending that defined the romantic tragedy genre, any aspiring romance connoisseur should get this one under their belt.

13. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

A dark, twisted tale told almost exclusively as a flashback, Rebecca follows the nameless protagonist and her speedy marriage to a mysterious but charming stranger, Maxim de Winter, whom she meets on a business excursion. Things quickly become unsettling, as the protagonist learns of the troubling questions surrounding Maxim’s previous wife, Rebecca, whose spectre haunts their relationship. As Maxim’s carefully curated image — and their relationship — unravels further, the protagonist falls deeper into the shadow of Rebecca’s legacy. If you’re one who enjoys indulging in dark romance plots with thriller or mystery elements, du Maurier’s novel may be one for you. 

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Historical Romance

14. gone with the wind by margaret mitchell.

Spoiled Southern belle Scarlett O’Hara only ever had to worry about her love life, until poverty threatened to wipe out her family’s plantation. Doing everything she can to save their fortunes, Scarlett embarks on a series of unexpected adventures, traversing burning cities and bandit-filled forests. Despite her new priorities, Scarlett quickly finds that she cannot leave affairs of the heart behind completely, as she is torn between her beloved Ashley and the dashing but dangerous Rhett. A controversial presentation of Civil-War era America, Gone With the Wind explores the complexities of both romantic and platonic love. If you’ve seen the incomparable Vivien Leigh bring her to life on screen, it’s time to meet Scarlett on the page.

15. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough

The Thorn Birds explores the tangled web of three generations of one Australian Outback family, carefully tracking their loves and losses over the course of 50 years. The emotional heart of the novel lies in the illicit relationship between Meggie, the daughter of the family, and Ralph, a priest in the local parish. Their attraction is dangerous, forbidden — and difficult to resist. Will they ever be together, or will the seemingly insurmountable obstacles between them keep them apart? This sweeping panorama of life in a rural sheep station from 1915 to 1969 is an Aussie cultural mainstay — it’s the best-selling book in Australian history!

16. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

The story of Noah and Allie is captured in three intertwined snap-shots: their teens, their early thirties, and old age. As our mysterious, elderly narrator unpacks these nesting dolls, we gradually learn about the love affair between our protagonists. The universe appears to have conspired to keep these childhood sweethearts apart: with meddling families, possessive fiancés, and World War II thrown into the mix, will they ever find their way back together? Some might dismiss it as chick-lit, but The Notebook is a guaranteed tear-jerker — every time. Who would have thought the words "if you’re a bird, I’m a bird" could pack such an emotional punch?

17. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

Popular and outgoing class president Landon doesn’t think he has much in common with the preacher’s daughter Jamie, until circumstance forces them together. A last-ditch effort to get a date to the high school dance leads to an unexpected romance in A Walk to Remember, Nicholas Sparks’ follow-up to smash hit The Notebook. As Landon and Jamie slowly find common ground, and an appreciation for one another, A Walk to Remember proves that love can be found in surprising places. It’s a charming and sweet read, but, be warned — it’s another Sparks tear-jerker. How does he always get us?

18. Indigo by Beverly Jenkins

A member of a wealthy, free Black family, Galen Vachon has a lot to lose when he decides to become a member of the Underground railroad network, and join the effort to free enslaved Southerners. His risky lifestyle catches up with him when, attacked and injured, he is forced to seek sanctuary in the basement of a stranger. That stranger is Hester Wyatt, a former slave. Despite agreeing to nurse Galen back to health, their clashing personalities lead Hester to wonder whether she can keep her promise — not to mention the hostile forces that have started to come looking for him. Equal parts history and romance, this novel from NAACP nominee Beverly Jenkins will keep you on the edge of your seat.

19. Ross Poldark by Winston Graham

If you’re a die-hard fan of the television phenomenon Poldark , you’ll be delighted to hear that there are twelve (yes, twelve) novels to consume. A rich Cornish broth of love, rivalry, and discontent, Graham’s novels conjure up the lashing rains, the wild winds, and the crashing seas of 18th century Cornwall as his plots roar along the coastline. If you start with book one (a sensible choice) you’ll meet Ross Poldark as he returns from war in America. A Mr Darcy-come-Robin Hood hero, he rescues an urchin girl from a brawl and employs her as his maid — an act which will alter the course of his life for the next twelve books. Did I mention there are twelve?

20. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

The best historical romance novels must all make great TV, because here’s another one that inspired a super sexy series. Before it became an epic costume drama, Gabaldon’s time-travelling novel introduced us to former British combat nurse, Claire Randall, and her roguish young love interest, Scotts warrior Jamie Fraser. There’s only one thing keeping this gorgeous couple apart…several centuries. On a trip to the Highlands with her husband Frank, Claire tumbles back in time to 1743, and finds herself caught between two very different lives, and two very different men. If you’re looking for a best-selling romance novel that’s got it all — passion, intrigue, danger, and time travel — Outlander is your one!

21. A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende

A recent release that’s already considered vintage Allende, A Long Petal of the Sea is suffused with a vibrant sense of time and place as it traces its story through forty years of authoritarian rule in Spain. Allende’s novel begins when pregnant widow, Roser, and her brother-in-law, Victor, flee fascist Spain aboard a ship chartered by the poet Pablo Neruda. Arriving in Chile, they immediately embroil themselves in a tangled web of characters connected by love and tragedy. A Long Petal of the Sea is a masterful historical romance novel, tinged with Allende’s hallmark magical realism . Don’t sleep on this one!

22. Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters

Living a quiet life and working in her family’s seafood restaurant in late 19th century England, Nan King is happy just the way she is — that is until Kitty Butler, a male impersonator and performer, whirls into her line of sight. Enchanted by her performances, Nan finally manages to meet Kitty and ends up becoming her dresser. The two head for big cities that Nan has never even dreamed of — and a passionate romance unfurls backstage that rivals the action onstage. For fans of historical fiction and lesbian romance, this rollercoaster of a novel will take you on exhilarating ride, filled with titillating insight into the raunchy underbelly of 1890s England and the thrill of forbidden love.

23. Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks

Beginning during WWI and spanning three generations, Sebastian Faulks’ Birdsong is an epic novel about the power of war to strip everything from you, whether that be home, family, dignity — or love. With a few key couples dominating the pages in the style of Anna Karenina , we see the action through their eyes and feel their struggle to maintain hope after endless sacrifices. For those inspired by stories of love in the time of war, Birdsong evokes classics like War and Peace , wrapping wartime drama in a healthy coating of romance, intrigue, and sacrifices for the greater good.

Contemporary Romance

24. call me by your name by andré aciman.

A long, hot Italian summer provides the backdrop to an equally steamy romance in Call Me by Your Name , the story of a young man’s romance with his family’s lodger. As tender and heartfelt as it is intense and passionate, Elio and Oliver’s love affair begins awkwardly, slowly, and tacitly, before building to unprecedented heights as the summer draws to a close. A modern classic of LGBT+ literature, this exploration of first love and sexual awakening is vividly realised, and astonishingly honest. The second you’re through reading, you’re sure to be clamouring for more. Luckily for you, Aciman released a sequel last year — so you won’t have to say goodbye to Elio and Oliver just yet.

25. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

When Henry and Clare bump into one another at the local library, it’s a classic meet-cute. Except, it’s not. Because Clare and Henry have met each other before —  in fact, she’s known him her whole life. As it turns out, Henry’s a time traveler, and Clare is his future wife. A rare genetic condition causes Henry to jump uncontrollably along the timeline of Clare’s life. They decide to give things a shot after their ‘first meeting’, but, despite their deep love for one another, they face  lots of challenges along the way; after all, it’s hard to keep up a relationship when one party is constantly dropping in and out of reality. Niffenegger’s touching novel is sure to pull at your heartstrings, as she leads us to consider how free will and destiny combine to determine who we end up loving.

26. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Stella loves logic. The problem is, love isn’t logical. A highflying mathematician, she’s never put much thought into finding a romantic partner. But when she decides it’s finally time to settle down, Stella comes up with a characteristically pragmatic plan: she’ll hire someone to teach her how to do it. Enter Michael, a handsome escort, who usually doesn’t do repeat customers. When he agrees to give Stella lessons in love, he finds himself drawn deeper into her life; suddenly, Stella isn’t the only one who’s learning. A charming and affectionate portrayal of the love life of a neurodivergent woman, The Kiss Quotient is a breath of fresh air — we doubt you’ll have read a romance quite like this before.

27. When Katie Met Cassidy by Camille Perri

When Katie Met Cassidy is every inch the classic Nora Efron-style rom-com, with one simple difference — both our protagonists are women. Katie is a small town girl, reeling from the breakdown of her engagement. Cassidy is a high powered businesswoman, living and thriving in New York’s gay scene. A chance meeting is enough to cement their fate, and the two women are drawn uncontrollably to one another. Joyous, hilarious, and deeply sexy, Perri’s novel is not just an exploration of sexuality and gender nonconformity, but a sparkling subversion of the romantic comedy form.

28. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Will Traynor is living a lonely life. Recently left quadriplegic by a motorcycle accident, his formerly fast-paced life has ground to a halt. Enter Lou; bubbly, funny sunshine in human form. Will’s mother has hired her to help care for Will, in the hopes of lifting his perpetually dour mood, but the intrusion is not a welcome one — at least at first. Over time, the two come to understand one another a little better, though Will remains insistent on keeping Lou at arm’s length, while she struggles to understand what he’s so afraid of. Will she be able to break down his walls? You’ll shed a tear or two, but you won’t be able to resist falling in love with Me Before You.

29. Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

Emily Giffin’s best-selling romance novel is for every woman that’s been the sidekick in a lopsided friendship. In this story, it’s Rachel White: hard-working attorney, consummate good girl, and diligent maid of honour to her dazzling best friend Darcy — who happens to be marrying the man that Rachel is in love with. Yeah, that wasn’t part of the plan. ( Well , she did set them up, but what are best friends for?) Things start to spiral out of control when Rachel drunkenly confesses her feelings to Darcy’s fiancé, and is both delighted and devastated to hear he feels the same way. It might be a classic romance trope , but this knotty love triangle will have you on the edge of your seat to the very end.

30. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Probably the best romance novel of 2019, Casey McQuiston’s queer, royal love story didn’t just take the New York Times bestseller list by storm, it broke the internet. A kaleidoscope of popular influences, dripping in internet lingo, Ariana Grande references, and memes aplenty, Red, White & Royal Blue is the book we were screaming for. It’s set in an alternate reality where in 2016, a Democrat became the first female president of the US, and follows First Son Alex — a twenty-something, biracial, modern-day Kennedy. The action begins at a royal wedding, when Alex is told to play nice with his childhood nemesis, the Prince of Wales. As the famous pair fake a bromance for the cameras, behind the scenes… well , you know where this is going.

31. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Lucy Hutton doesn’t dislike Joshua Templeman. She doesn’t reluctantly tolerate him. She hates him. And she has to sit across from his joyless, infuriatingly handsome face every day . To be fair to Joshua, the feeling’s mutual. Lucy’s a people pleaser — the kind who wears yellow to work — and she pushes all his buttons. Now they’re up for the same promotion, and this bitter workplace rivalry is about to reach boiling point. But when tensions run high, you know what they say: there’s a thin line between love and hate. Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game is an unmissable treat for anyone who loves a rom-com about that undeniable spark between nemeses.

32. Normal People by Sally Rooney

Sally Rooney was recognised as both a gifted writer and a perceptive and nuanced observer, when she released her debut novel Conversations With Friends . In Normal People, she captures the zeitgeist with the same subtlety and skill. It’s an intimate love story of deceptive simplicity: Marianne and Connell are two mismatched young people —unlikely friends, unlikely lovers — who share a profound understanding. However, as their small town lives in rural Ireland are eclipsed by the heady and confusing world of student Dublin, the ways in which they mould each other reveal a universal truth about the lasting impact that one person can have on another. Dripping with longing and regret, and steered by two deeply vulnerable characters, this novel remains immensely readable — one of the best romance novels of the 21st century.

33. Beach Read by Emily Henry

Henry’s smart and steamy page-turner, Beach Read, gave us all a sizzling slice of the summer romance we missed out on in 2020. In an effort to crack a crippling case of writer’s block, January, a hopeless romantic, and Gus, who thinks happy endings are for fairy tales, don’t swap numbers, but genres. Before the summer is out, January must write the next great work of literary fiction , while Gus has to pen a bestselling romance novel. Two writers, two beach huts, and plenty of whipcrack banter — let’s hope Henry is an author with a soft spot for happily-ever-after.

34. It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

Everything in Lily’s life seems to be falling into place. She’s got a new place in Boston, her own business, and she’s convinced gorgeous neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid to break his “no-dating” rule. Her old life in small-town Maine certainly seems a long way behind her. But as questions about her new relationship, and Ryle’s stubborn aversion to dating, begin to overwhelm her, Lily can’t help but wonder about Atlas Corrigan — her first love, and a link to the world she left behind. So when Atlas appears in Boston, everything she has with Ryle is suddenly thrown into question. This unforgettable tale is as heartbreaking as it is thrilling; prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

35. The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory

A New York Times bestselling romance novel and a favorite among book clubs and celebrity book-lovers alike, The Proposal is a fun and flirty novel about a second chance at love. Guillory kicks off with a man on one knee; it’s not the usual way to start a love story, but this proposal isn’t followed by happily ever after. When Nik’s boyfriend asks her to spend the rest of her life with him, saying no isn’t the hard part (the guy can’t even spell her name right!) — it’s doing it in front of a stadium full of disappointed baseball fans. Luckily, handsome doctor Carlos is there to sweep her away from the frenzy and into an epic rebound of food, fun, and fantastic sex. But how serious can their glorified hookups get before someone slams on the brakes?

36. On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

Part tragic romance, part coming-of-age, part war trauma — Vuong’s On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous is a heart-wrenching, expansive look at a lot of hard truths. Little Dog, a Vietnamese refugee in the U.S. and protagonist of this semi-autobiographical novel, tries to find solace in the small comforts of his life in the working class town of Hartford, Connecticut but realizes that he wants to grow beyond his current horizons. The reader follows Little Dog as he chases the American Dream, pursues a growing romance with a farm boy who’s struggling with his family’s homophobia, and questions how to be happy in the shadow of grief and trauma. A raw, poetic, and dark experience, if you enjoy a large helping of hardship and identity crises with your romance, this might be your cup of tea.

37. Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Go to jail or marry the mystery man her father has set her up with — headstrong Daisy Devreaux chooses the latter. Her new husband, Alex Markov, is a deadpan grade-A jerk who seems to have no patience for Daisy’s bourgeois tastes and flights of fancy. But as they work on restoring a rundown traveling circus, their growing influence on each other becomes impossible to ignore. Fans of stubborn romantic leads (à la Annie and Frank from Annie Get Your Gun ), quirky settings, and the time-tested city-girl-in-the-country trope may find a winner in Kiss An Angel .

38. Vision in White by Nora Roberts

Mackensie Elliott is head of her own wedding planning business and firmly believes she’s better at capturing other people’s special days than she would be at experiencing her own. But when Mackensie hits it off with the seemingly humdrum Carter Maguire, a high school English teacher who’s definitely not her type, her friends encourage her to make the first move. What begins as a casual fling becomes something more, and Mackensie has to ask herself if she’s willing to step out from behind her cool and collected facade and seize her own happiness. Readers looking for a tentative slow burn and a strong female lead will find a perfect match in Roberts’ charming Vision in White .

Young Adult Romance

39. twilight by stephenie meyer.

It’s faced more than its fair share of backlash, derision, and parody, but it’s impossible to deny that few books have influenced the cultural zeitgeist as much as Twilight . It’s the book that led a generation of teenage girls to genuinely debate whether vampires or werewolves were hotter, and that launched an entire renaissance of paranormal romance books . No matter what the critics say, it’s the definitive high school romance turned struggle against a vampiric death cult — so why not revisit Twilight mania, and see what all the hype was about? Oh, and P.S., we’re totally team Edward.

40. Forever . . . by Judy Blume

‘Sybil Davison has a genius IQ and has been laid by at least six different guys’. So begins Judy Blume’s Forever… Is it any wonder that this YA book has been a favorite under-the-covers read ever since its release in the 70’s? This refreshingly honest presentation of teenage sexuality was deeply controversial because of its raunchy subject matter — it’s even been banned from several libraries — but it remains a classic. Katherine and Michael’s high school romance is a charming coming-of-age story that’s sure to have you laughing and cringing in equal parts.

41. To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Imagine if all your high school crushes suddenly knew every embarrassing thought you’ve ever had about them. That’s what happens to Lara Jean, a sixteen-year-old girl whose life is turned upside down when letters she’s written to all the boys she’s ever loved — letters that the recipients were never supposed to see — are sent. Naturally, the fallout is chaotic. Jenny Han’s sugary sweet novel not only spent 40 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, it was also adapted into a blockbusting movie. If there’s one thing you should take away from this one, it’s to keep your top secret love letters under lock and key.

42. The Selection by Kiera Cass

Fans of dystopian novels (think The Hunger Games ) will find a lot to love in The Selection, the first in Kiera Cass’ Selection series. After being selected to compete for the heart of a Prince, America is forced to leave behind her home and the boy she secretly loves but cannot be with. What she doesn’t expect is to start falling for the handsome prince. With a Netflix adaptation in the works, now’s your chance to get ahead of the hype and join this YA series’ cult following before it’s cool.

43. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

An internet phenomenon that has a special place in the hearts of superfans everywhere, Rainbow Rowell’s young adult romance is as charming as it is candid. Cath is a fanfiction-writing, premiere-attending, card-carrying fangirl. Her twin sister Wren used to be the same, But now they’re in college, Wren has lost interest in geeky pursuits — she’s far too busy partying, making friends, and being cool. She’s also lost interest in Cath. Without her sister for the first time, Cath is forced to navigate the confusion and loneliness of being a freshman all alone. Will the cute guy in her creative writing class be a welcome distraction? How about her new roommate’s friendly ex-boyfriend...?

44. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Another Rainbow Rowell novel met with critical acclaim, Eleanor & Park is an urgent, breathless, gut-punch of a love story about two teen misfits and one life-changing school year. It’s 1986 when Eleanor arrives in her new town, all chaotic red hair and mismatched clothes. She takes a seat on the school bus and finds herself next to Park — quiet, understated, and impossibly cool. Carefully yet wholeheartedly, over late night phone calls and countless mix tapes, Eleanor and Park fall in love. It’s that pure, fear-laced, heartbreaking kind of love you only experience when you’re sixteen — and trust us, your heart will melt.

45. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

When Anna’s father ships her off to boarding school in Paris, she’s less than thrilled to be leaving behind her friends in Atlanta — especially that cute guy she works with at the multiplex. But all is forgiven (and cute coworkers forgotten) when she meets Etienne St. Clair. He’s charming, smart, gorgeous...and tragically taken. But hearts have a way of coming together in the City of Love. So if Anna plays her cards right, her senior year might just end with the perfect first kiss. Relive the flutters of first love in Perkins’ wonderfully cheesy tale of crushes, complications, and croissants.

46. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

It’s 1987 and a hot summer’s day in El Paso, Texas, when Ari and Dante meet at a swimming pool. On the face of things, they have nothing in common. Ari is guarded, angry, and struggling to feel like he belongs. Dante is an open-hearted know-it-all, still figuring out who he is. But, as they spend the summer learning about each other, and discovering themselves, a friendship floods the lives of these two loners like a golden light. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a tender and lyrical reminder that love in all its many forms should be open, deep, and without shame.

47. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

High school junior Simon has a lot on his mind; but when a stray email falls into the wrong hands and he’s blackmailed by class clown Martin, he’s forced to play along — or he’ll be outed as gay, along with his increasingly flirtatious pen pal. As his friend group starts to fray and the situation becomes increasingly tenuous, Simon will have to keep up with the pace of change, or risk the life he knows crashing down around his ears. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is a gay romance filled with warm fuzzies, dry humor, and supportive friendships. Albertalli’s feel-good novel is still able, however, to flirt with some bigger questions about homophobia and the experience of being a closeted teen in the American South.

48. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

In this romantic retelling of a perennial Classics favorite, Homer’s Iliad , Madeline Miller casts Patroclus as the awkward but lovable ancient Grecian nerd to Achilles’ jock. As the unlikely duo fight in battle, quarrel, and form a bond that grows deeper every day, their conflicting beliefs about the Trojan War threaten to tear them apart. Miller, a classics teacher herself, takes up Homer’s thread of lyrical prose while adding her own unique style and story elements. If you’re partial to Rick Riordan (who, incidentally, gave this book a glowing review !) and his ancient mythology series, but wished they had a more mature and romantic tone, look no further than The Song of Achilles.

49. More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera

Sixteen-year-old Aaron Soto is trying to recover from a family tragedy, supported by his friends and his girlfriend Genevieve. But when Aaron starts spending his time almost exclusively with new boy Thomas, he quickly comes to a number of realizations that he’s not altogether thrilled with. At the same time, a slot opens up for a memory-alteration procedure at the Leteo Institute, and Aaron has the choice of wiping the things he’d rather not dwell on out of his head forever. A grittier take on young adult romance, More Happy Than Not goes deep into themes of depression, homophobia, and suicide, while exploring the scientific possibilities of the not-too-distant future .

50. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

For three years, Hazel’s life has been nothing but terminal. Diagnosed with incurable cancer at the age of thirteen, she’s never had the chance to experience the thrilling awkwardness of being a teenager. In an attempt to find kids who understand, Hazel’s mother forces her to attend a truly miserable cancer support group. Enter: Augustus Waters. A charming, and unremarkably handsome amputee with an alarming optimism for life, Gus is a much-needed plot twist in the story of Hazel Grace. Bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is a witty tour de force about the thrilling and tragic business of being alive, and a heartbreaking (but never depressing) story about a love that lasts ‘forever, within the numbered days.’

Regency Romance

51. the grand sophy by georgette heyer.

When Sophia Stanton-Lacy is dropped on her aunt’s doorstep by her diplomat father, she’s not quite what any of her extended family were expecting. Self-assured, confident, and more than a touch rebellious, the beautiful and charismatic Sophy sweeps through London like a breath of fresh air. In the opinion of her stern cousin Charles, however, that fresh air feels more like a hurricane. This witty, sophisticated tale of societal intrigue and domestic dramas has a lot to offer Austen fans, and Heyer’s pacy comedy-of-manners is served with a generous helping of heart-stopping romance.

52. Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas

Annabelle needs a rich husband, and fast. Her family are in dire financial straits, and she must use every tool at her disposal to save them. There’s one major issue, however — her most tenacious suitor, entrepreneur Simon Hunt, has no interest in marrying her. As Annabelle struggles to resist his advances and keep her head in the game, Simon finds the chase even more exciting. This steamy regency romance is the first book in Kleypas’ mega-popular Wallflowers series, so once you’ve devoured this one (and we bet you will) there’s plenty left to enjoy.

53. Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale

A devilishly debonair womanizer is suddenly interred in an insane asylum, having suffered a stroke. The sheltered and naïve Maddy, fascinated by his scandalous reputation, is tasked with his care. Despite her Quaker upbringing and the brutality of their surroundings, the unlikely pair find themselves swept up in a passionate and intense love affair. As she grows closer to the Duke of Jervaux, Maddy begins to realise his playboy facade conceals hidden depths. New York Times bestseller Kinsale reminds us there’s often much more than meets the eye in this gripping, steamy, and desire-drenched novel.

54. Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase

Lord of Scoundrels may be the third in its series, but we can’t resist including it on this list. One of the most well-known and well received historical romance novels of all time , this regency read has had readers seriously hot under the starched collar for 25 years. When the independent and beautiful Jessica Trent rolls into town to save her brother from the influence of the caddish Sebastian, the two engage in a fierce battle of wits. When the tension between them reaches fever pitch, they’re caught in a compromising situation at a society party. Will Sebastian do what’s right to save Jessica’s reputation, or is he really as unscrupulous as she always suspected?

Erotic Romance

55. fifty shades of grey by e. l. james.

You’ve probably already read Fifty Shades — it was the biggest selling book of the 2010’s, after all. But if the pop culture phenomenon somehow passed you by, it’s never too late to give this kinky thriller a try. The story of hunky, troubled billionaire Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele, a naïve student who (quite literally) falls headfirst into his life, started out as self-published Twilight fanfiction. Who could have imagined that this steamier-than-a-sauna novel would go on to sell over 125 million copies!

56. Delta of Venus by Anaïs Nin

If there’s one thing more exciting than erotic fiction, it’s vintage erotic fiction. If you’re looking for retro erotica with a disarming feminist twist , look no further than Delta of Venus, a collection of 15 short stories written by Anais Nin in the 1940s. In sexy bitesize chunks, Nin regales us with stories of torrid love affairs and passionate trysts, told in what Nin herself refers to as ‘women's language, seeing sexual experience from a woman's point of view’. It’s as gorgeous as it was groundbreaking.

57. Twice In A Lifetime by Clare Lydon

Would you take a second chance at first love? This is the dilemma that Sally and Harriet face in Twice in a Lifetime . Teenage sweethearts, they broke up when Harriet moved away to college, breaking Sally’s heart. But a chance luggage mix-up at the airport brings them crashing back together. The sexual tension is heavy — but the emotional baggage is, too. Is it worth another shot? Scorching sex scenes are balanced out by genuine warmth and deeply likeable main characters in this LGBTQ+ erotic novel.

58. Rush by Maya Banks

Forbidden desire takes center stage in Rush, the first book in bestselling author Maya Banks’ Breathless trilogy, which follows the exploits of three very handsome, very successful, and very debauched business partners. Rush focuses on Gabe, who finds himself in a tight spot when he lays eyes on his best friend’s younger sister for the first time in several years. The attraction is instant. But will he get what he wants, or will outside forces intervene? Raunchy and compulsively readable, you’ll be rushing (pun intended) to find out what happens next in this erotic page-turner.

59. Bared to You by Sylvia Day

Another self-publishing success story in the vein of Fifty Shades of Grey, Sylvia Day’s Bared to You boasts a similarly devoted fan base — and a similarly intense love story. It’s often heartwarming, and always hot, but Bared to You is much more than just titillating. The story of Eva, a sexual assault survivor navigating her way to a healthy romantic life is surprisingly heartfelt. You’ll find you can’t help but root for our heroine as she finds love with the charismatic and equally complicated Gideon.

60. On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

Scotland’s answer to Fifty Shades of Grey , this erotic romance novel is much more than just “innocent young graduate meets gorgeous billionaire and dot, dot, dot” . Jocelyn and Braden — the innocent young graduate and gorgeous billionaire, respectively — are exquisitely written characters, engaged in a captivating and bittersweet love story. They meet when Jocelyn moves to Edinburgh and takes up an apartment in a building owned by Braden. He immediately feels an intense attraction, but, knowing Jocelyn’s past has left her guarded, Braden proposes a ‘no-strings-attached’ arrangement. Witty dialogue and steamy sex scenes ensue, but how long can the fun last before they want more than just mind-blowing passion?

Developed a taste for fiery love stories? Why not check out our guide to New Adult books and their sleek, steamy collegiate romances?

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The Best Romances of 2023

Here are the novels our columnist loved most.

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By Olivia Waite

A best books list is one of my favorite rituals. As the calendar flutters to its final pages, we glance fondly back over the highest peaks climbed in 2023.

A quicksilver voice and a balance of humor and brutality keep Samara Breger’s vampire historical A LONG TIME DEAD (Bywater Books, 412 pp., paperback, $23.95) perpetually on my mind. The new vampire Poppy’s essentially buoyant nature makes her occasional descent into blood lust all the more horrifying, and gives her ingenuity and ultimate triumph an especially gratifying charge. This has become the No. 1 book I recommend to readers new to the genre.

Mary Renault’s midcentury queer classic “The Charioteer” lurks fitfully behind the scenes of WE COULD BE SO GOOD (Avon, 384 pp., paperback, $18.99) , Cat Sebastian’s story of two reporters becoming friends and then lovers in pre-Stonewall New York.

Irascible Nick avoids reading Renault for ages, convinced that all queer stories end in heartbreak. It takes Andy, hopeful and new to his bisexuality, to show Nick that happiness is within his grasp, if he’s only brave enough to reach for it.

“The Charioteer” also comes up in THE SLEEPING SOLDIER (Independently published, 300 pp., $12.99) , Aster Glenn Gray’s thoughtful queer historical novel. Russell Krause is a Civil War Union veteran magically cursed to sleep for a hundred years; he wakes in 1965 and has to learn to adjust to a mechanized world with vastly different ideas about romance and physical affection. His guide is the college sophomore Caleb O’Connor, who is hyper-conscious of being a gay man at a time when men’s queerness was highly stigmatized.

Like Sebastian’s book, Gray’s looks both backward and forward in time, asking us to question what it means to either over-romanticize the past or condemn it as less fully human than the present.

In Cathy Yardley’s ROLE PLAYING (Montlake, 333 pp., paperback, $16.95) , our main characters meet in an online video game forum. Aiden thinks Maggie is 20 years older than he is; Maggie thinks Aiden is 20 years old. In fact, they’re both 50-ish and using “Blood Saga” to vent the pressures they can’t escape in their offline lives.

Maggie is divorced and a bit of a hermit now that her son is off to college; Aiden moved home to help when his father died. Both are lonely but prefer being alone — or at least, not being pressured to socialize in ways that feel shallow and awkward. Once they connect in real life, the friendly bond they’ve built becomes a wild, enveloping passion.

It’s rare, and welcome, to see older romance leads treated with such complexity, and Yardley absolutely nails the particular way online relationships blossom.

Few things are more gratifying than a witty romance, and Rachel Lynn Solomon is becoming one of my favorite authors for contemporaries that blend insightful humor with unstinting emotion. In BUSINESS OR PLEASURE (Berkley, 384 pp., paperback, $17) , a ghostwriter gives her celebrity client sex lessons while they tour a series of fan conventions, and Solomon reaches a new gold standard for writing (deliberately) terrible sex at a relationship’s outset. It’s a grand contrast to the tender scene much later, where our leads are stranded in a motel with a single available bed and they have to sleep — actually sleep — together for the first time. This book is intimate and unflinching.

Speaking of longtime favorites: Lucy Parker’s newest, CODENAME CHARMING (Avon, 384 pp., paperback, $18.99) , picks up where “Battle Royal” left off and gives us a glorious romp in which a prince’s personal assistant, Petunia De Vere, has to date the royal bodyguard Matthias to stave off rumors she’s sleeping with the prince himself. Petunia’s past includes a wealth of familial neglect, and Matthias has the kind of looks that cause small children to quite literally run away screaming; so romance takes them unawares. This is a book for when you want all the emotions at high intensity, deployed by a virtuoso at playing on the heartstrings.

I picked up Alicia Thompson’s WITH LOVE, FROM COLD WORLD (Berkley, 400 pp., paperback, $18) after hearing raves from people whose tastes tend to mesh with mine. And they were right: This tale of sparring co-workers at a winter-themed tourist attraction in Florida (Lauren: restrained and precise; Asa: charming and secretly sensitive) is one of the most perfect books I’ve read this year.

Every moment of secret yearning is put down in exactly the right place, at exactly the right speed. This exquisite book doesn’t feel like it was written: It’s as though it slowly coalesced, words drifting down like snowflakes until, suddenly, the whomping weight hits you like an avalanche.

Collins Carter, the heroine of Alexa Martin’s NEXT-DOOR NEMESIS (Berkley, 368 pp., paperback, $17) , has always had a temper, and thanks to that viral video, now everybody knows it. With her Hollywood writing career in ruins, she flees back to her parents’ home in Ohio to find her former-best-friend-turned-nemesis running for president of the H.O.A. How dare Nathaniel Adams still be hot after the way he treated her in high school? Impulsively, Collins announces she’s running against him — but the sparks from their collision ignite more than just her competitive streak.

Martin’s prose is a live wire: There are little shocks of pleasure on every page. It’s incredible how epic this contest feels, even though the stakes are extremely local. Like Jodie Slaughter and Helena Greer, Martin has a knack for layering vast emotional geographies onto cozy physical spaces.

My personal canon of romance reading contains multiple firsts: the first author I read, Johanna Lindsey; the first I read again and again, Julie Garwood; and Courtney Milan, whose books make me feel like I’m looking at the genre with new and wondering eyes, even after decades.

Her latest Wedgeford story, THE MARQUIS WHO MUSTN’T (Independently published, 370 pp., paperback, $15.99) , takes up a foundational romance structure — the hero with a secret, and the heroine who’s getting too close to unearthing it — and shines such a blinding light on it that the whole architecture permanently shifts. It is both an extremely good romance novel and an extremely effective critique of many romance novels, an impeccable embodiment of the combination of loving something — or someone — and expecting the best from them.

In a year full of very funny books, Maria Vale’s MOLLY MOLLOY AND THE ANGEL OF DEATH (Sungrazer, 273 pp., paperback, $14.99) was hands down the funniest, as sharp and stunning as a bracing slap to the face.

Death as a love interest is not unknown in the genre, but usually it’s a sexy Death, like Lee Pace from “Pushing Daisies” or the brooding Hades from the gorgeous art of “Lore Olympus.” Death as Vale depicts him is an awkward, traumatized immortal struggling to understand humanity. This book creates its own language, and the romance beats are syncopated and complex, avoiding predictability while still offering the full-throated catharsis I’m in this for. Strange, sly and absolutely unforgettable.

Explore More in Books

Want to know about the best books to read and the latest news start here..

The complicated, generous life  of Paul Auster, who died on April 30 , yielded a body of work of staggering scope and variety .

“Real Americans,” a new novel by Rachel Khong , follows three generations of Chinese Americans as they all fight for self-determination in their own way .

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Joan Didion’s distinctive prose and sharp eye were tuned to an outsider’s frequency, telling us about ourselves in essays that are almost reflexively skeptical. Here are her essential works .

Each week, top authors and critics join the Book Review’s podcast to talk about the latest news in the literary world. Listen here .

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2021 was rough, but books about love gave us life. Here are 13 recommendations

Mia Estrada

Who doesn't love a good, well, love story? Whether it's the meet cutes, the crossed stars, the sheer passion, or a forbidden union, we're big fans.

Here are the Books We Love: 360+ great 2021 reads recommended by NPR

Books We Love , NPR's list of best reads from 2021, has hundreds of recommendations: 369 of them, to be exact. With that kind of lengthy list, it can be hard to know exactly where to start. So here are 13 suggestions from our colleagues and independent critics for what to read if you want a good love story or want to explore themes of love and relationships.

Act Your Age, Eve Brown: A Novel by Talia Hibbert

"Has there ever been a better time to read about a charming, hilarious young woman who just can't seem to get it together? This book follows Eve Brown – a talented cook, phenomenal singer, devoted sister and, at the start of the story, a notorious ne'er-do-well. As her story unspools, Eve winds up learning a lot about herself and what she's capable of; her struggle also helps illuminate how rigid and often misguided the expectations of our family, friends and communities can be." — Leah Donnella , supervising editor, Code Switch

A Lot Like Adiós by Alexis Daria

"Childhood besties Michelle and Gabriel hook up one night after high school graduation – and for a moment it looks like the two might finally get together until Michelle discovers that Gabe is planning on leaving for college across the country. After a blowout fight, the two don't speak again for years – until the gym that Gabriel owns hires Michelle to work on a rebranding campaign. Once they reconnect ... well, let's just say they collaborate on more than a marketing campaign. It's hot, it's fun and it's a great chance to brush up on your Spanish vocabulary." — Lauren Migaki , senior producer, NPR Ed

Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

"A crime novel wrapped up in a romance? Just what the doctor ordered for readers during the pandemic! There's a lot to love here, especially the criminal high jinks that Meddelin, her mother and her aunts find themselves immersed in as she rekindles a lost flame. Above and beyond, though, this is a love letter to the bonds of family and culture." — Tayla Burney , senior content manager

Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado

"I'm glad there's a wave of YA books with fat protagonists, but the characters often possess a level of self-confidence that's too good to be true. Crystal Maldonado has created a much-needed believable protagonist with teenage and adult readers. Charlie Vega is a fat, glasses-wearing, biracial Puerto Rican with a diet-pushing mother and a beautiful, athletic best friend. When her classmate Brian pursues a romantic relationship, Charlie is plagued with-self doubt. The book is propelled by conflicts both internal and external. I'm glad this book isn't body-positive escapism, but rather a well-observed story of fat teenage life." — Jessica Reedy , producer/editor, Pop Culture Happy Hour

12 books NPR staffers loved in 2021 that might surprise you

First comes like: a novel by alisha rai.

"Alisha Rai is one of my go-to writers when I need a romance. Her books are usually quite spicy, but with First Comes Like , Rai shows she can write a great slow-burn romance. When beauty influencer Jia Ahmed learns that she has been catfished by a man pretending to be Bollywood star Dev Dixit, she ends up striking up a friendship with the real actor. A paparazzi mishap leads Jai and Dev to begin fake-dating. Will their fake relationship lead to real feelings? (Of course it will – this is a romance after all.) It's a lovely story about decent people just trying to do the right thing." — Jessica Reedy

Author Interviews

Jasmine guillory recommends 3 summer reads for the romantic at heart, honey girl by morgan rogers.

"One night, Grace Porter – burned out and aimless after finally getting her Ph.D. in astronomy – gets drunkenly married to a woman whose name she does not know, in Vegas no less. Cliché? Definitely. A bad idea? Maybe ... not? Through the mists of her epic hangover, Grace starts to piece together clues about her mysterious new wife. Yuki, as it turns out, hosts a radio show about the supernatural. What follows is a delightfully weird summer where together, Grace and Yuki learn about mythical monsters and even face down some of their own." — Lauren Migaki

Seeing 'Love In Color'

Love in color: mythical tales from around the world, retold by bolu babalola.

"This multifaceted, multitalented Nigerian-British writer – humorist, television creator and now bestselling author – searched the globe to find a radically diverse group of stories about love, from magical folk tales of West Africa to iconic Greek myths and ancient legends from the Middle East. Then, with an evocative and vivid style, she brought new life to old tales and wrote three original stories of her own. The result is a remarkable modern collection of 13 short stories about love." — Carole V. Bell , book critic

Book Reviews

Love rides the q train in this supernaturally sweet romance, one last stop: a novel by casey mcquiston.

"One Last Stop made me fall in love with Casey McQuiston's writing all over again. In this one, August, an inexperienced 20-something trying to figure out life in the big city, is an expert at keeping other people at arm's length until she meets Jane, an impossibly cool girl who always seems to be riding the subway at the same time as her. One Last Stop is queer romance with a side of time-travel shenanigans, but amid all the whip-smart banter and heartwarming rom-com tropes is a potent reminder to make room for love in all parts of your life." — Sharon Pruitt-Young , reporter, newsdesk

Your Laughing Muscles Will Get A Workout In This Sporty Romance

The dating playbook by farrah rochon.

"Any list of 2021's best romantic comedies must include Farrah Rochon's The Dating Playbook . The story she weaves about Taylor Powell, a fitness trainer in need of some clients, and Jamar Dixon, an injured football superstar in need of a secret but hard-core fitness regime, is fresh, funny and sexy. It also boasts a ripped-from-the-headlines plot that touches on topics like football and concussion, and how social media has made having a private life an artform for anyone with celebrity status. Rochon presents her themes with jump-off-the-page humor, and they go far beyond the ups and downs of romance to broader concerns about family, women, friendship and jealousy." — Denny S. Bryce , book critic

Intimacy Is Nothing To Be Ashamed Of In Helen Hoang's Powerful New Romance

The heart principle: a novel by helen hoang.

"Anna Sun is a talented violinist in the Bay Area whose disappointing boyfriend springs a proposal on her: an open relationship. While processing her boyfriend's request and battling a creative block, Anna meets Quan and wonders if he might be the real deal. I love this book because it deals with issues that feel really relevant to today, such as creative burnout, bad boyfriends and neurodivergence, which Helen Hoang explores through these deeply rich and heartfelt characters." — Candice Lim , production assistant, Pop Culture Happy Hour

Love And Hope Are At The Heart Of 'The Prophets'

The prophets: a novel by robert jones, jr..

"This book broke my heart in a necessary way. It's spectacular. A poetic queer love story and an excruciating portrait of life on a Mississippi plantation, it deserves every accolade. At the center are Samuel and Isaiah, two enslaved boys who grow up as best friends and eventually become lovers, and an older enslaved man, Amos, who takes on the role of preacher as a way of securing some semblance of safety and power. Jones excels at ensemble storytelling, treating each character with compassion while being brutally unsparing about the system they live under and the desperate compromises they have to make." — Carole V. Bell

Trust: A Novel by Domenico Starnone, translated by Jhumpa Lahiri

"In author Domenico Starnone's Italian-to-English translation, a couple named Pietro and Teresa are on-again, off-again until the day Teresa says, essentially, "Let's tell each other our worst secret." What she thinks will bind them together forever turns out to be what drives them apart; they've revealed the worst and it's unforgettable. For a lesser writer, this might be enough. For Starnone, it's a jumping-off point, even in a slim, taut book with no wasted words or ideas. When Pietro and Teresa meet again in the evening of their lives, the power one of them holds over the other still matters." — Bethanne Patrick , book critic

While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory

"Jasmine Guillory is the queen of charming romance novels. In her sixth book, we meet ad exec Ben Stephens and movie star Anna Gardiner, who hit it off at a marketing campaign meeting and end up falling into a just-for-cameras relationship (with some fun benefits too). Unfortunately, romantic feelings (as they always do) get in the way of this arrangement. You might remember Ben from one of Guillory's last books, The Wedding Date – the brother of uptight Theo. The best part about Guillory's books is revisiting these characters and guessing who will show up in subsequent novels. Not to mention the descriptive California references (as a California native, I eat those up). Guillory's writing style is addictive, but she also tackles heavy themes. I can guarantee you'll finish this book quickly and want to check out her other ones." — Anjuli Sastry Krbechek , producer, It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders

To read more recommendations from staff members, you can explore the "Staff Picks" section on the 2021 Books We Love website.

50 Most Anticipated Romance Novels of 2021 to Renew Your Faith in Love

A British baking show love triangle, an erotic retelling of a Greek myth, trysts with Hollywood stars, and more.

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

If throwbacks are your thing, greats like Ms. Beverly Jenkins, Courtney Milan, and Sarah Maclean have reads set for this year. There are also plenty of continuations of buzzy series in store (Another Brown sister gets her moment in the latest from Talia Hibbert). Plus, you can expect new novels from breakout authors like Casey McQuiston and Emily Henry, as well as books that will follow in the footsteps of Bridgerton, Sweet Magnolias , and Virgin River as they get TV adaptations.

Ahead, Oprah Daily's best romance novels of 2021 so far.

McKenzie Jean-Philippe is the editorial assistant at OprahMag.com covering pop culture, TV, movies, celebrity, and lifestyle. She loves a great Oprah viral moment and all things Netflix—but come summertime, Big Brother has her heart. On a day off you'll find her curled up with a new juicy romance novel.

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The Best Fiction Books » Romance

Most recommended books.

The Fiancée Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur

“Do you love sapphic romances? Fiancée Farce . Do you enjoy the ‘fake dating’ or ‘marriage of convenience’ trope? Fiancée Farce . Do you want to be wooed but also dream of getting frisky in a library? Well, well, I have the book for you!” Katherine D. Morgan ,

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

“Queer writers banded together and were like: we want to be happy in books. We want to show hope. Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston did this particularly well. That was a pivotal one. I saw Casey recently and they referred to the book as ‘cotton candy,’ which I feel categorizes it pretty well. Even something as simple as the pastel colors of the book itself—I think Red, White, and Royal Blue focused mainly on the enjoyment of falling in love.” Aaron Aceves , Novelist

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

“ Boyfriend Material is the book that I recommend to people after they finish Red, White, and Royal Blue . It’s that very classic, traditional story of opposites attract, where you have this upstanding, attractive, and handsome guy put together with a kind of messy and chaotic character.” Aaron Aceves , Novelist

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Last updated: May 08, 2024

The best romance books, recommended by people who read a lot of them. Whether you're looking for your first romance book or you're an avid fan looking for the best romances of 2023 , you'll hopefully find what you're looking for here.

Romance is by far the bestselling genre in the world, and American romance writer Colleen Hoover was the bestselling author of 2022. It's no surprise: while tales of murdering one's landlady and trying to live with the subsequent guilt may touch on universal themes, trying to find someone to love and spend our lives with is a lot more immediate for most of us.

We also have collections of the best historical romance, fantasy romance and romantic comedies .

PS We'd have loved to include our Jane Austen interviews on this list, as one of the pioneers of the genre, but she's been relegated to the English literature section of the site).

PPS We've also interviewed bestselling romance writers Sophie Kinsella (real name: Madeleine Wickham) and Eloisa James (Mary Bly in real life, a tenured professor in English literature at Fordham University) on their favourite books in the genre. You'll find their recommendations below:

The Best Sci-Fi Romance Novels , recommended by Natasha Pulley

Prophet by helen macdonald & sin blaché, project hail mary by andy weir & ray porter (narrator), the wall by john lanchester, oryx and crake by margaret atwood, the bone season by samantha shannon.

Sci fi opens up new possibilities for romance stories, unconstrained by social reality. It’s an exciting time for the genre, says Natasha Pulley , bestselling author of The Mars House . Through her five contemporary favourites, she explores how human emotion – including romantic love and friendship – elevates the best sci-fi novels, creating stories with realism and depth.

Sci fi opens up new possibilities for romance stories, unconstrained by social reality. It’s an exciting time for the genre, says Natasha Pulley, bestselling author of The Mars House . Through her five contemporary favourites, she explores how human emotion – including romantic love and friendship – elevates the best sci-fi novels, creating stories with realism and depth.

The Best Romance Books with a Twist , recommended by Dani Atkins

Me before you by jojo moyes, the sight of you by holly miller, the two lives of lydia bird by josie silver, the no-show by beth o'leary, impossible by sarah lotz.

"They're not your traditional ‘boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy finds girl in the end.’ There's normally something else underlying the plotline, which elevates it slightly from your traditional rom-com." Award-winning romance novelist Dani Atkins recommends her favourite romance novels 'with a twist.'

“They’re not your traditional ‘boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy finds girl in the end.’ There’s normally something else underlying the plotline, which elevates it slightly from your traditional rom-com.” Award-winning romance novelist Dani Atkins recommends her favourite romance novels ‘with a twist.’

The Best Fantasy Romance Books , recommended by A.K. Mulford

The jasmine throne by tasha suri, the bridge kingdom by danielle l. jensen, kingdom of the wicked by kerri maniscalco, the hurricane wars by thea guanzon, the witch collector by charissa weaks.

Fantasy romances top bestseller charts, and also dominate an enormous fandom and fan fic culture. Where did this turn towards intimacy in the fantasy epic begin, and what does it offer readers? Bestselling author A.K. Mulford guides us through the delights of romantasy novels: comforting reads, immersive worlds, and a central concern with emotional intimacy – in all its varieties.

The Best Romance Books of 2023 , recommended by Katherine D. Morgan

Reggie and delilah’s year of falling by elise bryant, you, again by kate goldbeck, kiss and spell by celestine martin, new adult by timothy janovsky.

Looking for a love story that will make you swoon, wince, whoop, and cheer? We have some suggestions for you. Guest editor Katherine D. Morgan rounds up the best romance books of  2023: five emotional and entertaining novels that will really hit you where it hurts.

The Best Romance Books To Read In Summer 2023 , recommended by Katherine D. Morgan

Behind the scenes by karelia stetz-waters, that summer feeling by bridget morrissey, do i know you by austin siegemund-broka & emily wibberley, exes and o's by amy lea.

If you're dreaming of some steamy summer loving this season, then do we have book recommendations for you. Katherine D. Morgan —bookseller, romance editor, and fan of happily-ever-afters—selects five recently published romance books to pack for the summer of 2023.

If you’re dreaming of some steamy summer loving this season, then do we have book recommendations for you. Katherine D. Morgan—bookseller, romance editor, and fan of happily-ever-afters—selects five recently published romance books to pack for the summer of 2023.

The Best Regency Romance Novels , recommended by Olivia Waite

A duke, the lady, and a baby by vanessa riley, sixpenny octavo by annick trent, the scandalous letters of v and j by felicia davin, the perfect crimes of marian hayes: a novel by cat sebastian, something fabulous by alexis hall.

Britain's Regency period has always been a popular setting for historical romances—and particularly so in the wake of the hit television adaptation of Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series. We asked the author and columnist Olivia Waite to recommend five of the best Regency romance novels for those who prefer their love stories trimmed with lace.

Britain’s Regency period has always been a popular setting for historical romances—and particularly so in the wake of the hit television adaptation of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series. We asked the author and columnist Olivia Waite to recommend five of the best Regency romance novels for those who prefer their love stories trimmed with lace.

The Best Romance Books of 2022 , recommended by Katherine D. Morgan

The undertaking of hart and mercy by megan bannen, vanessa jared’s got a man by laquette, delilah green doesn’t care by ashley herring blake, do you take this man by denise williams, digging up love by chandra blumberg.

If you like your novels to end happily ever after, then do we have reading recommendations for you. Guest editor Katherine D. Morgan selects five of the best romance books of 2022, and offers a quick round-up of the love stories you should be looking forward to over the next few months.

The Best Romance Audiobooks , recommended by Emily Connelly

The bride test by helen hoang and emily woo zeller (narrator), get a life, chloe brown by talia hibbert and adjoa andoh (narrator), desire lines by elizabeth kingston & nicholas boulton (narrator), love lettering by kate clayborn & nicol zanzarella (narrator).

With Valentine's Day only days away, it's time to get in the mood for love—and what better way than listening to an audiobook about two people who at first don't get along but then fall madly in love? Emily Connelly , assistant editor of AudioFile magazine, recommends her favourite romance audiobooks.

With Valentine’s Day only days away, it’s time to get in the mood for love—and what better way than listening to an audiobook about two people who at first don’t get along but then fall madly in love? Emily Connelly, assistant editor of AudioFile magazine, recommends her favourite romance audiobooks.

Eloisa James on Her Favourite Romance Novels

It had to be you by susan elizabeth philips, lord of scoundrels by loretta chase, flowers from the storm by laura kinsale, welcome to temptation by jennifer crusie, dark lover by j r ward.

Bestselling romantic novelist Eloisa James says romance novels are all pretty feminist: even historical heroines (who couldn’t hold a job) are forthright, strong women

The Best LGBTQ+ Romance Books , recommended by Aaron Aceves

Felix ever after by kacen callender, fifteen hundred miles from the sun: a novel by jonny garza villa, love, hate & clickbait: a novel by liz bowery.

Recently there has been a big push among queer writers to foreground stories of love and joy, says Aaron Aceves , the debut author of a YA novel about longing, lust, and the value of friendship. Here, he selects five of the best LGBTQ+ romance novels with joie de vivre— but which also aren't afraid to engage with a bit of hard reality on the way to a happy ending.

Recently there has been a big push among queer writers to foreground stories of love and joy, says Aaron Aceves, the debut author of a YA novel about longing, lust, and the value of friendship. Here, he selects five of the best LGBTQ+ romance novels with joie de vivre— but which also aren't afraid to engage with a bit of hard reality on the way to a happy ending.

We ask experts to recommend the five best books in their subject and explain their selection in an interview.

This site has an archive of more than one thousand seven hundred interviews, or eight thousand book recommendations. We publish at least two new interviews per week.

Five Books participates in the Amazon Associate program and earns money from qualifying purchases.

© Five Books 2024

25 Romance Books That Are Sexy, Smart, and Anything But Sappy

They’re a total guilty pleasure.

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Filled with enough drama, witty repartee, and tension to keep you on your toes till the very end, many of the most popular romance books today are love stories that go beyond the white, cis-het lens. We're excited to see more diversity represented in the romance genre, however, there is still much more progress to be made. According to an annual independent report from the Los Angeles-based bookstore The Ripped Bodice, for every 100 books published in 2021 by leading romance publishers, fewer than 12 books were written by people of color.

We celebrate the books that allow more readers to see themselves (and their own romantic adventures and mishaps) in their pages and think that any lover of lit can take pleasure in their stories. Featuring both longtime best-sellers and new reads, these 25 romance books are definitely worth adding to your personal library.

Joy Revolution Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert

At the intersection of romance books and YA novels is this charming, geeky, yet emotionally complex read from author Talia Hibbert. It follows Bradley, a star student athlete, Celene, a burgeoning social-media influencer with a conspiracy-theory TikTok account, and the long-running misunderstanding between them.

Paired together during a survival course in the woods with full scholarships on the line, these frenemies are forced to work together to overcome their struggles. Thankfully, they begin to recognize the redeeming qualities (and cuteness) of the other along the way, too.

More : The Most Romantic Movies for a Perfect Night In

William Morrow Paperbacks 99 Percent Mine: A Novel by Sally Thorne

Darcy and Tom have been friends — just friends — since they were kids. Tom and Darcy's twin brother are best friends, so their bond has always been a platonic one. When Darcy inherits a fixer-upper cottage and Tom is tasked with restoring the home to its former glory, suddenly the rules no longer apply.

St. Martin's Griffin The Girl He Used to Know: A Novel by Tracey Garvis Graves

Annika and Jonathan fell hard for one another after they met at chess club while studying at the University of Illinois. Their love seemed like it could withstand anything — until an unexpected tragedy forced them apart.

Now, 10 years later, they've reconnected. Both on different paths with the careers they always dreamed of, Annika and Jonathan need to decide if they should take their second chance at being together before it’s lost.

Atria Books It Starts With Us: A Novel by Colleen Hoover

Thanks to #BookTok, Colleen Hoover's 2016 romance book It Ends With Us has had a major resurgence . Now, the long-awaited sequel is here.

It Starts With Us picks up 2 years later, and this time, the story is told from the perspective of Atlas, Lily's first love and the one who came before her abusive ex-husband Ryle. While the two of them finally have a second chance at happiness together, Ryle's bitter jealousy threatens to keep them apart for good.

Knopf Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow: A Novel by Gabrielle Zevin

Gabrielle Zevin's blockbuster novel Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is not your typical romance book. Instead, it is about the depth and richness of friendship love.

Protagonists Sam and Sadie are bonded in childhood by their love of gaming — years later, they design a game together which explodes into something bigger than they could've ever imagined. The book is an expansive, decades-sweeping character study that reckons with trust as the bedrock of a lasting partnership.

Algonquin Books An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

An American Marriage was named a top book in 2018 by the likes of Amazon, the New York Times , and NPR (it was even an Oprah's Book Club pick!). So it’s no surprise that our former parenting editor Latifah Miles names it as one of her favorite romance books as well.

She says, " An American Marriage is full of twists and turns and made me rethink the meaning of true love and how far you are willing to go for the person you have committed your life to. Where is the boundary between love and personal happiness, and how do we pick up the pieces after everything falls apart?"

Flatiron Books My Ex-Life: A Novel by Stephen McCauley

David and Julie had a short, misguided marriage, managed to part as friends, and allowed their lives to completely diverge. Decades later, they both find themselves teetering on the cusp of a midlife crisis, with Julie seeking David out for help in tutoring her daughter. Their reconnection rekindles something more complicated than romance — it’s more of a fractured friendship that’ll never quite look the way it once did.

Sweet Rose Meet Cute Club by Jack Harbon

Jordan Collins is a total bookworm and the founder of a floundering romance-book club. He's also desperate to save his passion project. Rex Bailey, a smart-mouthed bookstore employee, offers to join the Meet Cute Club and help Jordan revitalize the local lit community he loves so dear.

Though reluctant at first, Jordan eventually agrees to let him join the club and in doing so, gets to know Rex on a deeper level — even if he's the last guy on Earth that he'd expect to fall for.

Lake Union Publishing The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms

An Amazon Charts and Washington Post best-seller surrounds the story of Amy Byler who's headed to New York City for a summer to take a much-needed break from her overworked life.

After letting loose and taking in all the city has to offer, she meets one particular man who leaves her contemplating if she should stay or go back to all that she left behind in Pennsylvania.

Avon Books Bridgerton: The Duke & I by Julia Quinn

Yes, that steamy Netflix show is a romance book adaptation. Set in Regency-era, high-society England, Daphne Bridgerton finds her reputation at stake, while the promiscuous Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, is bombarded with more marriage proposals than he can stand.

To play the court at its own gossipy game, the two join forces and fake their love affair to elevate Daphne in the public sphere and take the duke off the market for good. But with the undeniable chemistry between their feisty jabs at each other, could this faux romance turn real?

Custard Books Before You Say I Do by Clare Lydon

This romance book follows Abby, an engaged woman who is so busy with work that her fiancee has to hire a professional bridesmaid, Jordan, to help her keep things in order as the wedding fast approaches.

There's no question that when the two women meet, sparks fly, and Abby wonders if her life priorities have been completely out of whack all along.

Katherine Tegen Books Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds

Be forewarned: You'll want the tissues handy when you start reading this otherworldly romance book. Jack and Kate meet at a party, and it was like it was always meant to be. Neither of them has ever felt such a happy, goofy, instant bond with another person.

When Kate suddenly loses the battle with her chronic illness and dies, Jack gains the ability to travel back in time over and over again to try and relive their love story, and also change whatever he can about it so that she can live.

Riptide Publishing Finding Your Feet by Cass Lennox

You might never know where you'll meet The One. Evie Whitmore has a dance routine to learn with just hours to spare, and Tyler Davis is the one who is tasked with teaching it to her. Taken by her skill and the effortlessness of their pairing, Tyler is still healing from a past abusive relationship, but he may be ready to let someone new into his life.

This tender romance between an asexual person and a trans man is about the importance of patience and trust.

Berkley Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake

They say you’ve got to take the bitter with the sweet, but Delilah Green is finding that it works the other way around, too. Pressured to return to her much-despised hometown to photograph her stepsister’s wedding, Delilah is dreading the whole event until she runs into Claire Sutherland. Claire, one of the bridesmaids, is dealing with grief, single parenthood, and maintaining a work-life balance ... so Delilah’s arrival after years apart completely throws her for a loop.

Although free-spirited Delilah and homebody Claire make an unexpected pairing, their relationship soon moves beyond the casual realm into the loving support they each didn’t realize they needed.

St. Martin's Griffin Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel by Casey McQuiston

Alex Claremont-Diaz's mother is president of the United States, meaning that he has to keep up a wholesome public image, so as not to rock the boat with any foreign relations. Unfortunately, he's in a bit of a quarrel with British royal Prince Henry, and the tabloids have the receipts of their altercation.

Both Alex and Henry agree to smile for the camera to keep the nations that their families lead in peace, but as they're forced to get closer, it turns out the two influential sons might be hiding their attraction for each other under the guise of rivalry.

Berkley Book Lovers by Emily Henry

To call this romance novel a bookish read may be redundant, but it feels particularly apt when we're taking about two rivals in the publishing world.

Nora Stephens is a literary agent who knows all of the tropes of every rom-com out there ... so she knows she'll never get herself snagged in one. And Charlie Lastra is a book editor who helps meet-cutes come to life on the page but takes the red pen to every scenario he finds himself IRL. Come for the irresistibly snappy banter and sexual tension in Book Lovers , but stay for the unexpectedly heartfelt connection.

Feiwel & Friends Tell Me How You Really Feel by Aminah Mae Safi

This YA romance book follows two girls whose love story had a bit of a false start. The super popular Sana Khan asked out aspiring filmmaker Rachel Recht, and let's just say that it didn't go well.

Both walked away from the encounter feeling like they'd been pranked. They've managed to keep their distance — until Rachel reluctantly casts Sana as the lead in her senior film project. Perhaps take two of their romance is more successful.

Berkley The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

This romantic read is just as sexy as it is sweet. Khai and Esme live on opposite ends of the globe, and seemingly in two different realities — Esme in the world of starry-eyed romance, and Khai in a matter-of-fact, socially isolated viewpoint.

The two are paired together through an arranged courtship and must navigate through their differences to reach common ground together.

Berkley Well Met by Jen DeLuca

It turns out, these two star-crossed lovers can only express their true feelings when they're role-playing at the Renaissance Faire (!).

Bubbly, lighthearted Emily agrees to volunteer at the Faire for the summer and is under the supervision of the disgruntled Simon. It's only when they're in costume that the flirtation gets hot and heavy.

William Morrow Paperbacks Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors: A Novel by Sonali Dev

This reimagining of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is set in #MeToo-era San Francisco. Reversing the gender roles of the classic romance book, Dr. Trisha Raje and chef DJ Caine initially clash over their different worldviews, and both are incredibly loyal to their families. Eventually, the two reconcile to save DJ's sister.

Melanie Yates is the senior service editor of Best Products, where she writes and reports pieces pertaining to the etiquette, dilemmas, and how-tos of gift-giving for different occasions. Previously, she was the site's senior home editor, covering all things decor- and bedding-related since 2015. Her digital byline can also be found on Bustle, House Beautiful , and Elle Decor . A longtime classical-music enthusiast, Melanie spends her off-hours enjoying performances big and small across New York City.

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Hot Stuff: Spring 2024 romance novels bring sibling bonds to the forefront

EW reviews five of our favorite romance novels of spring 2024

Maureen Lee Lenker is a senior writer at Entertainment Weekly with over seven years of experience in the entertainment industry. An award-winning journalist, she's written for Turner Classic Movies, Ms. Magazine , The Hollywood Reporter , and more. She's worked at EW for six years covering film, TV, theater, music, and books. The author of EW's quarterly romance review column, "Hot Stuff," Maureen holds Master's degrees from both the University of Southern California and the University of Oxford. Her debut novel, It Happened One Fight , is now available. Follow her for all things related to classic Hollywood, musicals, the romance genre, and Bruce Springsteen.

Siblings are our first best friends — and sometimes our first rivals.

The romance novels of spring 2024 bring sibling bonds to their forefront. Whether it's a heroine who is extremely protective of her sibling, two protagonists haunted by the death of a sibling, or the support system that comes from sisterhood, each of the love stories we've chosen to review this season delve into the ways those relationships shape and buoy the love in our life.

Here are our five favorite romance novels of spring 2024.

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

If you are tapped into romancelandia with an IV drip, you’ve probably heard of Yulin Kuang. The TV writer is adapting Emily Henry’s Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation for the big screen, but she's making her fiction debut with How to End a Love Story . It's a tale that feels cut from the same cloth as Henry’s stories, albeit peppered with even more angst. Don’t be fooled by the pink cartoon cover of Kuang’s book; this is a heavy read, not a lighthearted escape. That’s not to say it’s not beautiful and heartrending. Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard share a tragic past — her younger sister committed suicide in high school by stepping in front of Grant’s car. Helen and Grant are forced back into each other’s orbit when he’s hired as a writer on a TV adaptation of her best-selling novels. Once they move past the shock and knee-jerk resentment, they realize there’s a simmering mutual attraction between them. But to make it something real, they’ll have to be willing to overcome the guilt of their pasts. Kuang deals very frankly with the collateral damage of suicide, including how Grant, Helen, and their families have never healed from the trauma of the accident. While Grant has struggled to find his voice amidst his crippling anxiety, Helen has shoved herself into a box of people-pleasing, particularly looking to make her parents happy. Their relationship untethers them from the expectations they and others have placed upon them, but they run the risk of getting pulled under without that familiar rope to hold on to. At times, it can be a bit challenging to see what makes Grant and Helen a good fit beyond their sexual chemistry. But by the book's conclusion, Kuang sweeps readers up in their unlikely romance. She writes with a brisk, bruising emotion, innately understanding how tragedy can overtake our lives if we don’t fight to get out from under it. How to End a Love Story is a tale of grief and how love does not stop the pain of loss, but can help us to reframe it. 

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Grade: B+

The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton

Etta Easton makes her debut with this delightful novel about an astronaut and an event planner who's fake relationship becomes something real. Amerie Price is having a hard time — her mom is sick, she's lost her job, and she might lose her apartment. A chance meeting at a coffee shop with astronaut Vincent Rogers offers her an unusual solution: a rent-free room in his house if she agrees to pretend to be his partner in front of his family until his next mission (to the moon). But the second they start sharing a living space, Amerie can't stop thinking about Vincent's caring attentiveness and rippling muscles. Soon, remembering that it's all pretend becomes more challenging than the charade itself. Easton delivers a sparkling fake dating rom-com that is both delectably tropey and utterly believable. Vincent is a fascinating hero, a passionate student of the cosmos who is trying to make peace with his family's fear surrounding his career choices. Amerie has spent a lot of time bending herself into a pretzel to please others, and it's refreshing to see her putting herself first in her relationship with Vincent. The Kiss Countdown is a tribute to unexpected romantic connections, crackling chemistry, and the value of family.

Wake Me Most Wickedly by Felicia Grossman

Felicia Grossman returns to her Once Upon the East End series with this gender-bent retelling of Snow White . To repay the brother who raised him, Solomon Weiss is determined to make good, working hard for money, influence, and respectability. But when Sol crosses paths with pawnshop owner Hannah, he's irresistibly drawn to her, even if she can only imagine herself as a villain in his story. Grossman's tales are creative and smart in the ways they invoke the fairy tales she spins them from (in this case, her use of apples, mirrors, and her twist on the seven dwarves are all quite clever). But what is so moving and engrossing about her novels is how she reclaims not only fairy tales but history itself. Using the history of antisemitism against Jewish pawnbrokers (one of the few professions permitted to them in the 19th century), Grossman crafts a gripping tale of a woman who has swallowed the prejudices of society as surely as a poisonous potion. In her own eyes, Hannah cannot escape the shadow of her crimes, which are the innocent mistakes of a young woman criminalized by a prejudiced populace. But it's Sol’s kindness and care that helps her to understand that she deserves happiness and a second chance. Both Hannah and Sol have complicated relationships with their siblings, and Grossman offers a compelling view of the lengths they will go to for the siblings they love. But while Hannah’s sister wants her to find love, Sol’s brother has internalized antisemitism to a dangerous degree. The portrait of sibling dynamics adds extra depth to the love story at the novel’s center. Wake Me Most Wickedly is an outright invigorating yarn, a tale of back alley wheeling and dealing and daring rooftop escapes. Beyond its mere charms as a gripping romance, it heightens Grossman’s revolutionary storytelling. It’s not only that she’s centering Jewish stories within the trappings of Western fairy tales, but it’s how she’s subverting and exposing historical reality. In taking the Jewish stereotype of the pawnbroker and making her a complex heroine, Grossman is asking readers to examine long-established caricatures — and offering those historically besmirched their chance at redemption and happy endings.  

The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Clayborn

Kensington Books

The arrival of a new Kate Clayborn book is the only thing that can make me actually excited about the prospect of being emotionally devastated. Her latest, The Other Side of Disappearing, delivers her usual bruising authenticity and signature ability to combine a deeply romantic love story with a tale that explores the snarled and wounded corners of our hearts. Here, she also adds a page-turning mystery to the mix. Hairstylist Jess Greene has spent the last decade of her life raising her half-sister, Tegan, after her mother disappears with her latest beau. But when Tegan discovers that their mother ran off with Lynton Baltimore, the man who was the subject of a hit true crime podcast, she pulls Jess into a quest to find their absent parent, sending them on a road trip destined to bring them heartbreak and answers in equal measure. Handsome, wholesome podcast producer Adam Hawkins complicates Jess' life further, as she finds herself drawn to his corn-fed brawn and innate decency. As a world of hurt and selfishness swirls around them, the two find unexpected refuge in each other. Jess hasn't let anyone into her heart in years, fearing abandonment, but Adam makes it easy with his upright honesty and deep sense of care. The Other Side of Disappearing is, in so many ways, a novel about heartbreak. It's about the shattered pieces left in the wake of someone's disappearance and the fragile loved ones left with no choice but to attempt to put themselves back together. Clayborn writes of how someone can sneak into your heart, wiggling their way into the crevices and sinews of your body and soul when you least expect it. There's a soulfulness to her work, a beauty in how she grants her everyday characters dignity and depth. The Other Side of Disappearing is a cathartic, emotionally attuned novel about the double-edged sword of emotional boundaries — and the trust required to open the gates to one's heart. In Clayborn’s novel, heartbreak really does feel good in a place like this. 

Old Flames and New Fortunes by Sarah Hogle

G.P. Putnam's Sons

Sarah Hogle's whimsical, charming novels have a new member in their bookish family with Old Flames and New Fortunes, a tale of second chances and light magic. Romina Tempest is a floral fortunist, meaning she uses the language of flowers and floral arrangements to help manifest love in her customers' lives. But her track record when it comes to romance isn’t exactly blooming. And things go from bad to worse when she discovers that the future stepbrother of the friend she's pretending to date is none other than the boy who got away: Alex King, her high school sweetheart and the love of her life. When Alex and Romina re-enter each other’s orbit, there's plenty of hijinks and bursts of enchantment. But the real magic comes in their mutual sensitivity, as they uncover all the wounds etched in their hearts during the years they spent apart. Neither of them ever really stopped loving the other. Hogle's books are as spritely as a perfect spring day, packed with genuine heartache, deep romanticism, and a fanciful sense of humor. Old Flames and New Fortunes grants us two lovers whose greatest lesson is that the true magic of love lies within our own vulnerable hearts.

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥

Related content:

• Hot Stuff: The 8 best romance novels of winter 2024
• Snow White gets gender-bent (and Jewish!) in Felicia Grossman's next fairy tale-inspired romance
• Hot Stuff: The 10 best romance novels of 2023

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The Best (and Most Anticipated) Romance Books of 2024, So Far

We believe it’s always a good time for a love story. But if you need a little inspiration this year, here’s where to start.

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Part of becoming a mature adult, I’ve found, is admitting romance novels are great. Not all romance novels, alright? But when is any form of art unilaterally faultless? Romance novels feature some of the best character-driven stories on the book market; they often tackle far more complex issues than they’re given credit for; and they’re fun, in a way not all literature can (or should) be. They’re accessible, which is not to say trivial. Romance addicts have been fighting for the legitimacy of their passion, arguably, since the genre first took real shape, and while there are plenty of worthwhile critiques of happily-ever-after tropes and eyebrow-raising bedroom scenes, the enduring popularity of romance is itself an indication to take it seriously. If you haven’t already, it’s time to get on board.

Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment by Arushi Avachat

A debut high-school rom-com from author Arushi Avachat, Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment itself takes the structure of a Bollywood film, with all the heart and drama expected of the genre. It’s refreshing to root for Avachat’s protagonist, Arya, as she helps her family prepare for her sister’s wedding, all while juggling school, work, ample interfamilial strife, and the enemies-to-lovers lure of her student council rival. A sweet, colorful coming-of-age tale with the right serving of romance.

Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend by Emma R. Alban

Taylor Swift’s most yearning lyrics meet Bridgerton ’s pastel glitz and The Parent Trap ’s central conceit in Emma R. Alban’s buzzy series opener. This queer Victorian romance (so not quite Bridgerton ’s era!) unites two debutantes as they attempt to maneuver their widowed parents together, only to realize the real attraction is right in front of them. Sticklers for historical accuracy might struggle with immersion, but those eager to soak in the emotions will find a conceit to relish. Just make sure you have “Dress” on repeat .

Okay, Cupid by Mason Deaver

Mason Deaver, the author of I Wish You All the Best —now being adapted into a film directed by Tommy Dorfman —has returned with the LGBTQ romantic fantasy Okay, Cupid , the light-hearted tale of a real-life cupid-in-training who gets a little too involved with their latest attempt at matchmaking. Falling in love with a human is a No. 1 no-no in Deaver’s cupid community, but that can’t seem to stop Jude from following their own arrow. Queer joy abounds in Deaver’s whimsical tale.

Principles of Emotion by Sara Read

A panic-prone mathematician on the brink of a field-defining discovery falls for a second-chance romance in this thoughtful novel with traces of Lessons in Chemistry . In a genre too often dismissed as frothy, author Sara Read is game to tackle serious topics—mental health, legal troubles, family trauma, grief—while spinning a no-less warm and inviting tale of unlikely love.

Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

A neurodivergent opposites-attract romance set primarily in a remote Irish pub, Last Call at the Local has all the trademark warmth of its setting, but with the added care its subject matter necessitates. Protagonist Raine is an avid explorer, and her ADHD only makes her rolling-stone lifestyle feel more inevitable. Pub owner Jack, on the other hand, has OCD, and absolutely no plans to abandon the family business he knows (and loves). When Raine starts working (and living) at the Local, their forced proximity brings unexpected feelings—and life-changing choices—to the fore. Last Call at the Local goes down with all the pleasure of its namesake.

Say You’ll Be Mine by Naina Kumar

Fake engagement—one of the romance genre’s most stalwart, dependable tropes—reigns supreme in Naina Kumar’s Say You’ll Be Mine , in which a theater teacher and an engineer spark a sham romance to ward off the former’s recent heartbreak and the latter’s familial gripes. As Meghna and Karthik’s connection grows from contrived to genuine, Say You’ll Be Mine offers an insightful look at how cultural and familial expectations can shift even the best-known love stories.

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

There’s an immediate musicality to both the language and the atmosphere of this wonderful novel, which, of course, is fitting, given both the title and the setting. Tia Williams ’ latest after the 2021 bestseller Seven Days in June , A Love Song for Ricki Wilde is an enticing blend of contemporary and historical fiction, magical realism, and glittering romance. Williams plants readers in Harlem, where the titular Ricki has opened a flower shop in a bid to escape from the influence of her well-known Atlanta family. In New York (and under the watchful eye of her aging neighbor, Miss Della), Ricki meets the musician Ezra “Breeze” Walker, and a supposedly ordinary connection—and a supposedly normal leap year—becomes extraordinary.

Sex, Lies and Sensibility by Nikki Payne

Out February 13.

Pride and Protest author Nikki Payne boosts the drama (and the spice) in this Sense and Sensibility retelling that kicks up oft-trodden ground without betraying the source material. When Nora and her sister arrive at their inherited beach house in rural Maine, their lives have been upended: Their father has died, Nora’s the victim of a recent scandal, and neither of them knows how to run a proper inn. But when local (unauthorized) tour guide Bear shows up, it’s only a matter of time before they learn they work well together—in more ways than one.

Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

Out February 13 .

Genre icon Tessa Bailey is back this year with a story set in the (surprisingly sexy?) world of professional golf. Sports romances are a tried-and-true favorite amongst genre readers, and Bailey surveys the playbook with what can only be described as wicked glee—particularly given the grumpy-meets-sunshine manner of the central love affair. Fangirl-turned-caddie Josephine and superstar-turned-burnout Wells are a delight to cheer on; just be aware that the sex is frequent, and, uh, there are golf puns. You’ve been forewarned.

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone

Accidental pregnancy is a love-it-or-hate-it construct for most romance fans, which could leave Cara Bastone’s friends-to-lovers entry in a tough position. But for those willing to jive with that particular plot twist—and trust me, it’s worth it— Ready or Not is an absolutely buoyant read. Vivacious and funny, Bastone’s first-person perspective through protagonist Eve traces the tricky threads of single parenthood, long-term friendship, infertility, grief, and (yes) sex with skill.

Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair by Laura Piper Lee

Casually subversive simply for casting a barely-keeping-it-together new mother in the role of alluring romance protagonist, Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair is a snappy but emotionally resonant read about a fixer-upper Airbnb and the couple it was never supposed to bring together. Laura Piper Lee writes with a keen eye for the inherent humor of infancy—both literally, in terms of screaming babies, and figuratively, in the context of a weird-but-wonderful new love affair.

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

Out February 27.

How does Yulin Kuang find the time? Already an accomplished Hollywood creative, Kuang is only growing her influence as the writer of fellow romance author Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation screenplay and the director of the same author’s Beach Read feature film. But this year, Kuang has a story out that’s all her own: How to End a Love Story opens with the remarkable first sentence, “All things considered, her little sister’s funeral is a boring affair.” So begins this marvelous work of contemporary romance—a complex, provocative tale about a terrible accident, an accomplished young woman, a traumatized young man, and the big question of blame when the two find each other impossibly drawn together.

Right on Cue by Falon Ballard

Falon Ballard injects the Hallmark rom-com with some much-needed acidity in this Hollywood co-stars-with-benefits sparkler. Right On Cue follows screenwriter and Tinseltown icon Emmy Harper as she begins production on yet another romantic comedy, this time having been convinced—after many years 0ff-camera—to take on the lead role herself. But when an injury forces her would-be co-star to back out of the project, the only available replacement is Grayson West. Emmy and Grayson’s baggage goes way back, which only makes their professional chemistry (and deepening sexual tension) all the more complicated.

Women of Good Fortune by Sophie Wan

Out March 5.

I love a heist. My husband and I have practically made a tradition out of watching Ocean’s Eleven together every time it’s on TV. So I’ll admit I’m predisposed to appreciate Sophie Wan’s Women of Good Fortune , a nontraditional women’s fiction-meets-romance novel that spins a heist—steal the wedding gifts, transform your life!—out of a high-society Shanghai affair. Best friends Lulu, Rina, and Jane want more out of life. When Lulu gets engaged to a man with whom she shares only middling feelings, the girls realize the answer is right in front of them. On her wedding day, Lulu will get showered with cash gifts. Now, all they have to do together is steal them. But as a crew and a plan come together and the occasion approaches, their friendship—and their romantic relationships—start to interfere with what they thought they needed.

Take Two, Birdie Maxwell by Allison Winn Scotch

Yet another smart spin on a would-be Hallmark heroine, Take Two, Birdie Maxwell gives the titular movie star a chance to explore her Reputation era as she crawls back to her hometown after an on-set scandal. Back home, she thinks she’s concocted a plan to earn back the public’s adoration: She’ll stage a public reunion with the ex-boyfriend who wrote her a letter, yearning for a second-chance romance. Problem is, she doesn’t know which ex sent the letter. Maybe reporter Elliot O’Brien can aid in her investigation...if only the two of them could stop accidentally catching the other staring. A hilarious, unbridled romp from bestselling author Allison Winn Scotch.

In a Not So Perfect World by Neely Tubati Alexander

Out March 19.

A delightful take on the forced-proximity and fake-relationship tropes, In a Not So Perfect World starts with the kind of premise that should have had its protagonist dashing to HR: While interviewing for a new role at a top gaming company, Sloane Cooper learns she shouldn’t date. The all-male hiring crew simply believes it’d be in her best interest to focus on her career! This ridiculous overstep aside, their “recommendation” launches Sloane into creative mode. She’s desperate for the gig, and so when her neighbor offers her his ex’s ticket to Turks and Caicos, she accepts, considering the vacation a sort of work retreat. In return, this neighbor wants Sloane to pretend to be his girlfriend: Their fake romance will definitely make his ex jealous. But under the Caribbean sun is an easy place to fall in love, and soon Sloane realizes that staying single is going to be a lot harder than she’d anticipated.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Out April 2.

The beloved Abby Jimenez gives “it’s just a fling!” a whole new meaning in this ideal beach read, which follows a convenient summer set-up. Justin seems doomed in his relationships; every time he and a partner break up, that partner goes on to find their soulmate soon after. Emma’s heard about this so-called “curse” and wants to put it to the test, especially since she boasts the exact same problem. So when she and Justin start fake-dating, convinced it’ll break their respective “curses,” it’s pretty inconvenient that their complicated families start interfering...along with some unexpected feelings. Far more layered than its breezy, beautiful cover might suggest, Just For the Summer is yet another hit.

Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun

I always hesitate to describe romance novels as “cute”—it feels so pejorative—but trust me, Here We Go Again is cute . It’s also disarmingly raw, a tragicomedy about aging and death, friendship, and finding one another. A sapphic roadtrip adventure, Alison Cochrun’s latest brings together former childhood friends-turned-rivals Logan and Rosemary as they shuttle their one-time English teacher, Joe, on what seems likely to be the last roadtrip of his life. In what the book describes as “the gayest van west of the Mississippi,” the three of them discover just what they’ve lost—and how to unearth a new path forward.

The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton

Out April 9.

Amerie Price is running out of time. In Etta Easton’s lovely debut, the struggling Houston event planner has three months before her new fake-boyfriend Vincent leaves the country...for outer space. The two of them synced up to get Amerie back on her feet and Vincent out from under his family’s watchful eye, but now that the clock is ticking on liftoff, their relationship doesn’t feel quite so fake anymore. This charming NASA-adjacent romance is certain to win Easton loyal fans.

The Prospects by KT Hoffman

A queer sports romance and a triumphant debut from KT Hoffman, The Prospects is a heartstring-pulling tale of two minor-league baseball rivals who realize they play much better together. When Beavers player Gene—the first openly trans athlete in professional baseball—starts to recognize a connection that has nothing to do with field position between him and teammate Luis, he’s forced to learn that big, complicated feelings might, in fact, be what’s best for them both.

What to Read in 2024

Shelf Life: Jen Psaki

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Shelf Life: Whoopi Goldberg

Inside the Ritual of Painting Ballet Slippers

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A Guide to Emily Henry’s Romance Novel Universe

Why Kathleen Hanna Said ‘Girls to the Front’

Emily Henry on the Wisdom of Modern Romance Novels

Shelf Life: Amy Tan

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The 29 best young adult romance books to read in 2022

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• Young adult romances feature teenagers facing problems and falling in love
• Though these books are usually set in high school, they're still great for readers of all ages.
• The books on this list include bestsellers, new releases, and all-time YA favorites. 

Though young adult romances usually feature teenagers falling in love for the first time amid a host of high school problems, you definitely don't have to be in high school to cherish YA romance books and swoon over adorable love stories. 

In the best YA romances, characters face relatable problems, fall in love, and discover more about themselves, all of which can resonate with readers of all ages. These YA romance recommendations come from Goodreads reviewers, bestseller lists, and our personal favorites so whether you're looking for a funny rivals-to-lovers story or a queer YA rom-com, here are the best YA romances to read in 2022.

The best young adult romance books in 2022:

"excuse me while i ugly cry" by joya goffney.

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $9.89

Quinn keeps lists of absolutely everything (including all the boys she'd like to kiss) so when her journal goes missing and one of her lists is anonymously posted online, she finds herself blackmailed into facing seven of her greatest fears, or else her whole journal will be published. Quinn must race to track down the blackmailer while slowly facing her fears in this adorable enemies-to-lovers romance .

"Last Night at the Telegraph Club" by Malinda Lo

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $10.49

In 1954 San Francisco Chinatown, Red-Scare paranoia threatens the safety of Chinese Americans, yet Lily and Kathleen walk into the sanctuary of the Telegraph Club — a neon-lit gay bar — nonetheless. This coming-of-age story is vivid and lyrical as Lily and Kathleen risk everything to let their love see the light of day. 

"TJ Powar Has Something to Prove" by Jesmeen Kaur Deo

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $16.65

When TJ Powar becomes the punchline of a meme, she decides to stop shaving and waxing to prove she can still be beautiful even with body hair. In this rivals-to-lovers YA romance, TJ is determined to prove her point against a boy equally determined to prove her wrong, but must first believe in her beauty and herself.

"Ophelia After All" by Racquel Marie

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $11.99

Ophelia has always known she was interested in boys — until she finds herself thinking about Talia Sanchez and begins to doubt her formerly sound image of herself. As the end of high school nears, changes happen in her friend group, and she discovers her queerness, Ophelia begins to feel like her life is unraveling and must reconcile the idea she once had of herself with the person she is becoming. 

"I Kissed Shara Wheeler" by Casey McQuiston

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $16.14

In "I Kissed Shara Wheeler," Chloe Green is intent on beating prom queen Shara Wheeler in their rivalry for valedictorian when Shara kisses her, her quarterback boyfriend, and her bad-boy neighbor before disappearing. With only cryptic clues to guide her, Chloe must find Shara to beat her once and for all as secrets are revealed, rules are broken, and love begins to blossom. We interviewed Casey McQuiston about their latest queer rom-com, which you can check out here.  

"Better Than the Movies" by Lynn Painter

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $11.49

Wes has always been Liz's annoying next-door neighbor ever since they were kids, but when her longtime crush moves back to town, she needs Wes' help to get the perfect movie-like prom moment she's always dreamed of. As the two start scheming, Liz finds she likes spending time with Wes more than she expected and is forced to reconsider what her actual "happily ever after" moment might look like. 

"Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating" by Adiba Jaigirdar

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $13.99

When popular girl Hani Khan comes out to her friends as bisexual, they invalidate her identity, saying she can't be bi if she's only dated boys. Hani hurriedly blurts out that she's dating a girl and turns to academic overachiever Ishu Dey, hoping she will agree to pretend to be her girlfriend in exchange for helping Ishu become more popular. 

"Counting Down with You" by Tashie Bhuiyan

Available at Amazon and Bookshop , from $11.99

When Karina's parents go to Bangladesh for four weeks, a simple lie keeps those 28 days from being anything but quiet. When tutoring the school's notorious bad boy turns into a fake relationship, Karina knows her parent's return means everything can return back to normal, even if she isn't sure she wants it to. 

"Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $8.99

Maddy is a teenage girl who's been confined to her house since she was four due to a severe immunodeficiency disease that could prove fatal if exposed to anything outdoors. Maddy  accepts her fate until a cute boy named Olly moves in next door and makes her crave everything the outside world has to offer — especially him.

"The Selection" by Kiera Cass

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $6.48

In "The Selection," 35 girls are given the opportunity to vie for the prince's heart and live a magical and rich life of royalty. America doesn't want to compete, as she's secretly in love with a boy already, but she enters for the chance to give her family a better life. When America is chosen as one of the lucky 35, she's whisked away to compete for the prince — a young man much more endearing than America previously believed.

"To All the Boys I've Loved Before" by Jenny Han

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $6.56

"To All the Boys I've Loved Before" is an adorable and now-iconic young adult romance about Lara Jean, who has written a letter to every one of her crushes over the years and hid them in a box under her bed. Lara Jean's world is turned upside down when the letters somehow reach the boys and they confront her about what she's written.

"The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $6.10

n this tear-jerker of a YA love story, Hazel meets Augustus at her cancer support group as she lives with a terminal diagnosis. After agreeing to read each other's favorite novels, the two begin an epic and heartbreaking relationship that is achingly honest under the loom of Hazel's dark future, sure to bring tears to any readers' eyes.

You can find more John Green books here .

"Red, White, and Royal Blue" by Casey McQuinston

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $9.97

First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry are longtime nemeses who tolerate each other for public appearances. When photos of a confrontation between them threaten the presidential campaign and spark doubt between American and British relations, Alex and Henry's PR teams decide the two will fake a friendship for the tabloids, a stunt that ultimately brings them closer together.

"Felix Ever After" by Karen Callender

Felix is a teen who has never been in love, fearing his identity — Black, queer, and trans — gets in the way of him finding his true love story. When a cyber bully takes things too far, Felix plots revenge and accidentally ends up in a complicated love triangle that forces him to embrace his identity and discover his self-worth.

"More Than Just a Pretty Face" by Syed M. Masood

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $9.99

"More Than Just a Pretty Face" is a YA rom-com about Danyal, a boy who may not be the smartest kid in class, but dreams of being a chef and wants to impress his crush, Kaval, and her family. When Danyal gets the chance to compete in an academic championship, he studies with Bisma and finds that the more time he spends with her, the happier he is.

"Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell

Set in 1986, Eleanor and Park are two very different quirky teenagers who bond as they listen to music together on the bus. Finding solace in each other, Eleanor and Park's friendship grows deeper in this book that fully captures the feeling of first teenage love.

"Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $10.57

Both living with cystic fibrosis, Will and Stella must keep five feet apart or literally risk death. With Stella on the transplant list and Will desperate to escape the hospital, getting near each other could mean spreading fatal infections. But when simple conversations turn to so much more, the teens must weigh all the consequences.

"A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $10.80

Originally a re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, a huntress, Feyre, is dragged to a magical kingdom after killing a protected wolf. Closely guarded, Feyre begins to understand and fall for her captor in this high fantasy, steamy young adult romance series.

"Fat Chance, Charlie Vega" by Crystal Maldonado

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $11.95

Charlie Vega is a lot of things — smart, beautiful, ambitious — but everyone only sees her as "fat". When a cute boy asks her out, Charlie discovers she's actually his second choice in a cute and relatable YA romance of representation, friendship, and complicated crushes.

"Only Mostly Devastated" by Sophie Gonzales

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $9.30

"Only Mostly Devastated" is an adorable boy-meets-boy "Grease" spin-off. Ollie and Will have a whirlwind summer fling that ends when Will stops texting him back. When Ollie starts at his new school, he runs into Will and discovers Will isn't the same sweet guy he portrayed himself as over the summer. 

"The Stars and the Blackness Between Them" by Junauda Petrus

Audre and Mabel come from two very different backgrounds but meet when Audre comes over for dinner after arriving from Trinidad to live with her father. The two fall quickly and hopelessly for each other, but when a looming illness becomes a much more prevalent problem, the two face an uncertain future together.

"A Phớ Love Story" by Loan Le

In this cute and quirky rom-com, Bao and Linh work in their respective parents' competing, neighboring pho restaurants. When a friendly competition brings them closer together, the sparks fly despite fears of their relationship surviving between feuding families.

"Love from A to Z" by S.K. Ali

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $10.95

When Zayneb is suspended from school for confronting her Islamaphobic teacher, she is sent to spend two weeks with her aunt to relax. On her flight, Zayneb meets Adam, a boy diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and the two embark on a powerful and moving love story of determination and destiny.

"These Violent Delights" by Chloe Gong

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $14.98

In this "Romeo and Juliet" retelling set in 1926 Shanghai, Juliette and Roma belong to rival gangs with a growing vengeance. When a river monster and a mysterious illness threaten the city, the two must put aside their grudges and work together in a captivating read of fantasy, mystery, and romance.

"Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $10.99

In a YA romance that makes it feel easy to fall in love, Aristotle and Dante are two teenage "loners" with unique views and experiences. When they meet at a pool and begin to spend more time together, they find safety in each other and navigate their way through a complex world.

"Happily Ever Afters" by Elisa Bryant

Tessa Johnson loves writing romance stories, but when she gets accepted into a prestigious writing program she's suddenly plagued with writer's block. When her best friend suggests she finds some real-life inspiration, Tessa sets off on a novel-inspired quest for a happily ever after.

"The Henna Wars" by Adiba Jaigirdar

When Nishat came out to her parents, they told her she could be anything she wants — except a lesbian. As a distraction, Nishat pours herself into her school's competition to create a successful business. Also choosing to create a henna business is Flavia — Nishat's crush — who might be appropriating Nishat's culture with her art.

"Cemetery Boys" by Aiden Thomas

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $14.73

When Yadriel sets out to free the spirit of his murdered cousin, he accidentally summons the wrong ghost. Caught in a quest to help the paranormal Julian and free his cousin, Yadriel is thrown into a heartfelt and emotional whirlwind of romance, identity, and family in this young adult read.

"Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli

Available on Amazon and Bookshop from $9.88

Simon is still in the closet, sharing his secrets only over email to his anonymous crush. When one of his flirty emails falls into the wrong hands, Simon finds himself being blackmailed into playing wingman for the class clown. This YA romance is a fun and relatable read as Simon tries to figure out how to embrace his identity before he's pushed out of the closet. 

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New romance books to read in 2024

Reading romance is the ultimate form of escapism. Here are the best new books to look out for this year.

We read to escape to another world – one without real life’s complications and anxieties. That might explain why so many of us enjoy romance books, with their perfectly formed characters, off-the-charts chemistry, grand gestures, and happily-ever-afters. You might be happily in love, lovesick, or out in the dating trenches, but whatever your relationship status, there’s something undeniably fun about being whisked away for a few hundred pages.

While we all have our tried-and-true love stories we turn to for escapism , there are plenty of new romance books coming out in 2024 that will make for perfect beach reads. Whether you’re looking for enemies-to-lovers books, a second-chance romance, historical romance, or a good love triangle, we’ve got you covered with our selection below.

Best romance books of 2024

Funny Story by Emily Henry

Daphne is heartbroken when her fiancé leaves her for his best friend Petra. She moves in with the only person who can understand: Petra’s ex, Miles. The pair bond over their shared heartbreak and come up with a plan to make their exes jealous – but the line between fact and fiction soon grows blurry…

Funny Story is full of the emotional depth, chemistry, and quick-witted dialogue you’d expect from Emily Henry. Read the first chapter here.

Key tropes: fake dating, friends to lovers, forced proximity.

This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

One wild summer, Lucy has a holiday romance with Felix. Little does she know that Felix is her best friend’s younger brother. Every year since, Lucy has returned and tried (and failed) to resist Felix’s charms. Now, with her best friend in crisis, Lucy returns and vows this summer will be different. But Felix’s light-hearted flirting has been replaced by something more sincere, and now Lucy is in trouble…

Key tropes: summer romance, forced proximity, forbidden love.

My Favourite Mistake by Marian Keyes

Anna Walsh trades in her high-flying New York career for a tiny Irish town to help her friends set up a luxury coastal retreat. The locals are not happy, and they’re not the only obstacle to Anna’s new life: Joey Armstrong, the one who got away, is back. Marian Keyes’ latest novel is full of humour and heart; it’s the literary equivalent of a warm hug .

Key tropes: small town, new beginnings, second-chance romance.

Say You’ll Be My Jaan by Naina Kumar

Desperate for a date to bring to her first love’s wedding, Meghna asks her parents to arrange a match, which is how she meets the handsome (but commitment-phobic) Karthik. The pair strike a deal: they’ll pretend to be engaged for three months, so Meghna has a wedding plus-one and Karthik can avoid his mother’s set-ups. But what happens when real feelings get in the way?

Key tropes: fake dating, opposites attract, slow-burn romance.

That Summer Feeling by Bridget Morrissey

Still reeling from her husband asking for a divorce, Garland Moore joins her friends at a summer camp. There, she runs into Mason, a handsome man she knew years ago. But it’s through sun-soaked afternoons and moonlit evenings with Mason’s beautiful sister Stevie that she uncovers parts of herself she never knew existed. Is this just a whirlwind summer romance, or could it be the real deal?

Key tropes: summer romance, new beginnings, forced proximity.

Let the Games Begin by Rufaro Faith Mazarura

It’s a scorching summer and all eyes are on Athens for the Olympics. Zeke is the star athlete for Team GB; Olivia is a law intern for the Games. Sparks fly when they meet, but the pair wonder whether love will hold them back – or push them to win. This is an uplifting, escapist read about overcoming insecurities and the transformational power of love.

Key tropes: sports romance, enemies to lovers, summer love.

Love in Provence by Jo Thomas

Del moved to the sun-drenched South of France three years ago and found a new lease of life, including a new love interest, Fabien. But when he’s called away for summer and newcomer Zacharie brings trouble, Del must bring the community together to complete the lavender harvest. This is a joyful read about friendship, love, and finding your happily-ever-after.

Key tropes: summer love, holiday romance, small town.

The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood

Delphie is in the waiting room for the afterlife when she meets a handsome stranger. They have an instant connection – until someone realises there has been a mistake and takes the stranger back down to Earth. Delphie is then offered a deal: she can return to Earth if she finds the man and makes him fall in love with her. The only catch? She has just 10 days – and he has no memory of ever meeting her.

Key tropes: cosy fantasy , new beginnings, second-chance romance.

Lies & Weddings by Kevin Kwan

The bestselling author of Crazy Rich Asians returns with a standalone novel exploring the intrigue and romantic dilemmas of high society. Rufus Leung Gresham, future Earl of Greshamsbury, has been given strict instructions from his mother: seduce a woman with money who can settle his debts. But now Rufus is torn between a blue-blooded heiress, a venture capital billionaire, and the girl next door he’s been best friends with for years.

Key tropes: billionaire romance, forbidden love.

Island in the Sun by Katie Fforde

In this feel-good romance, photographer Cass flies to Dominica to capture images of a rare stone carving, accompanied by Ranulph, an attractive older journalist. As they grow closer and get more involved in the local community, Cass falls head over heels for Ranulph. But surely, given their age gap and his apparent disinterest, he doesn’t feel the same way…right?

Key tropes: summer love, friends to lovers, holiday romance.

You’re the Problem, It’s You by Emma R. Alban

This queer historical romance from the author of More Than a Best Friend is perfect for fans of Bridgerton . The shy Viscount James Demeroven and Bobby Mason, a resentful and ambitious second-born, despise each other. But when an extortionist targets their families, they have no choice but to work together. Soon they discover that there’s a thin line between love and hate.

Key tropes: enemies to lovers, historical romance, opposites attract.

The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton

When Amerie Price bumps into her ex-boyfriend, she pretends to date the handsome stranger she just met: an astronaut called Vincent. Then the pair realise they could help each other more long-term. For the three months leading up to Vincent’s next mission, Amerie will pretend to date him to keep his well-meaning family at bay. In exchange, Amerie can live rent-free in his home and save her business. Their fake relationship has a time limit, but love doesn’t play by the rules.

Key tropes: fake dating, forced proximity.

Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell

The author of the heartbreaking bestseller Eleanor & Park is back with a tender romance about first loves. Slow Dance tracks the decades of Shiloh and Cary’s friendship, as they grow from inseparable teenagers to adults leading very different lives. This is a romantic, poignant novel, with realistic, flawed characters, about the endurance of love in all its forms.

Key tropes: slow burn, friends to lovers, second-chance romance.

The Catch by Amy Lea

Fashion influencer Melanie Karlsen swaps her beloved Boston for a rural fishing village, hoping to get social media content that will save her business. There, she is mistaken for grumpy fisherman Evan Whaler’s fiancée. They strike a deal: Melanie will pose as his partner in exchange for Evan’s help with her brand. But over hikes and campfires, Melanie finds it harder to resist Evan and her new rural way of life.

Key tropes: small town, enemies to lovers, fake dating.

Seven Summers by Paige Toon

In this epic love story, Finn and Liv share a night of passion before he returns to LA, and she stays in Cornwall. He vows to return every year, and if they are both single, they’ll spend the summer together. Seven years later, Liv falls for a new man in town, Tom. But can she let go of her first love? Paige Toon has a well-earned reputation as “queen of the tear-jerker ”, and Seven Summers is no exception.

Key tropes: love triangle, first love, second-chance romance.

Ralph’s Party by Lisa Jewell

Six young tenants in a London house-share have interconnected, messy love lives. There’s Ralph, who’s in love with his new housemate Jem – a woman currently dating his best friend Smith. Across the hall, Karl and Siobhan’s domestic bliss is rocked by their upstairs neighbour Cheri. Everything reaches an explosive climax the night Ralph throws a party. Lisa Jewell’s bestselling first novel has been re-rereleased to mark 25 years since its initial publication.

Key tropes: forced proximity, love triangle.

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12 Must-Read New Romance Books Out in May 2024

P.N. Hinton

Born into a family of readers, P.N. gained a love reading as a sort of herd mentality. This love of reading has remained a life long passion, resulting in an English Degree from The University of Houston in Houston, Texas. She normally reads three to four books at any given time, in the futile Sisyphean hope of whittling down her ever growing to be read pile of no specific genre.

View All posts by P.N. Hinton

I had this mentality even when I was in college. One may think that, as an English major, I wouldn’t want to read at all in the summer, but I read as much, if not more. I could read what I wanted rather than what was assigned. Even when I was taking summer courses, I always took core classes rather than ones for my major, since it allotted me that freedom in my reading choices. 

As an adult, May still has anticipatory energy, although the reason for it varies from year to year. This year, it’s because of all the new romances headed our way. I’ve been good about sticking to my book budget so far. This month may break that streak.

Even more exciting is that the new romance books out in May 2024 offer a plethora of tropes. There’s horromance , second chances , historicals , and friends to lovers — to name just a few. So, without further delay, onto the books!

New Romance Books of May 2024

The 7-10 Split by Karmen Lee

Back in high school, Ava and Grace were the best of friends. Then they shared a kiss, which shattered their friendship and changed things for them forever. Presently, the two women still actively avoid one another, even while working at the same high school. All that changes when they’re both tasked with coaching the inaugural bowling team and have to work together for the success of their students. This proximity will also force the two women to reconcile with the feelings that are still present between the two of them.

Here for the Wrong Reasons by Annabel Paulsen and Lydia Wang

Krystin and Lauren are contestants on the dating reality show  Hopelessly Devoted.  But they’re there for very different reasons. Lauren is looking to get a follower boost for her social media account. Meanwhile, Krystin is hoping to find her forever partner. Neither expected their instant mutual attraction or that they could find happily ever after in a fellow “rival.”

Waiting for Friday Night by Synithia Williams

Former pro footballer Quinton is looking forward to a new career teaching and coaching. When Shania, one of his players, tells him he is her biological father, he’s thrown for a loop. But he is also determined to be there for his daughter no matter what. Halle never expected to come face to face with the handsome anonymous sperm donor and had planned on raising her daughter alone. And she knows how fast gossip travels in a small town. However, she can’t deny her attraction to Quinton or the appeal of finally having the family unit she has always dreamed of.

You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian

When baseball player Eddie and reporter Max are forced to work together for a series of articles, neither is happy. Still, they resolve to make the best of it, soon finding unexpected love and companionship in one another. However, 1960s America is not a welcoming place for same-sex relationships, and while Max is willing to come out, Eddie fears the effect it will have on his career. Will they be able to face the world together, or will their love affair end before it starts?

Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places by Claire Kann

When parapsychologist Lucky hears about the haunted Hennessee House, it seems to be just the career boost she needs. There she meets Maverick Phillips and experiences an instant attraction and connection to him. However, Hennessee House is also desperate for her attention and isn’t willing to share her attention. Will Lucky be able to juggle both her love for Maverick and Hennessee House? Or will she be forced to choose between love or her career?

Blood on the Tide by Katee Robert

When Lizzie rescues selkie Maeve from captivity, she promises to help her find her stolen skin, provided Maeve helps her recover her family heirloom from the dangerous Cŵn Annwn. Having no other choice, Maeve reluctantly agrees and soon finds herself having to protect her heart from the alluring vampire, knowing any relationship would be short-lived. However, neither can’t deny their attraction and, faced with the brutality of the Cŵn Annwn, may find that love is worth fighting for.

A Little Kissing Between Friends by Chencia C. Higgins

After a lifetime of platonic friendship, Cyn and Jucee start to wonder if their feelings for each other run deeper. At the same time, they’re well aware of the ripple effects a break-up would have in their professional and personal lives. Is the possibility of a happily ever after worth the risk of destroying what they already have?

A Gamble at Sunset by Vanessa Riley

When Georgina and Mark are caught in a compromising position, the two fabricate a fake courtship to save their respective reputations. Between private voice lessons and playing the part of a besotted couple, the two begin to wonder if their scandalous introduction set them up for an unexpected lifetime of happiness.

The Ride of Her Life by Jennifer Dugan

When Molly inherits a dilapidated barn from her aunt, she wonders if this is an unexpected boon. If she can sell the land the barn is on, then it would give her money to pay off her student loans and start her wedding planner business. The only thing possibly standing in her way is her aunt’s loyal and attractive friend Shani. Soon Molly has to decide whether she is willing to change the course of her life for a chance at love.

Second Night Stand by Karelia and Fay Stetz-Waters

Prima ballerina Lillian and burlesque dancer Izzy are complete opposites in all ways, including their preferred dance styles. They’re also rivals in one of America’s most popular reality competitions. All of this doesn’t stop the two women from being drawn to one another and wondering if it is worth risking everything for love.

Lavash at First Sight by Taleen Voskuni

When Ellie’s family asks her to attend PakCon, a food packaging convention, on their behalf, she agrees, needing the break from her frustrating work environment. There she meets Vanya, and the two share an instant attraction. What neither is aware of is that their parents are bitter business rivals. Ellie and Vanya are left trying to balance their love and loyalty for their family against the love they’re developing for one another.

The Problem with Players by Brittainy Cherry

When Avery’s ex-boyfriend Nathan is assigned to be her new assistant coach, it throws her world into a tailspin. After all, she’s made it a habit to never look back, especially with past relationships. She expected him to be as hard-working and handsome as ever. What she didn’t expect was that he was also interested in revisiting their history and giving them a second chance to make it right.

This is just a sampling of what May will bring. Hopefully, you were able to find one or more that piqued your interest and get your preorders in. I know we all know how helpful those are, especially to authors of color, but it always bears repeating. Until next time, happy reading, and stay hydrated!

As always, you can find a full list of new releases in the magical New Release Index , carefully curated by your favorite Book Riot editors, organized by genre and release date.

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20 Best Beach Reads for Summer Travel: Explore New Non-Fiction, Memoirs, Romance and More

We've sorted through the thrillers, fantasy novels, true crime books and more to find the best options to read this summer.

Soaking up the sun while reading a book you can't put down is something to look forward to this summer. Outside of deciding which insulated tumbler to take with you for hydration in the heat and finding a comfy spot on the beach or in a hammock, the most challenging part about settling in for a riveting read is choosing the novel itself.

E-readers and overnight online deliveries have put a library of unlimited books at our fingertips. From non-fiction to science fiction genres and  celebrity memoirs to book-to-screen adaptations , there are all kinds of incredible pages to peruse this spring. One of Amazon's most anticipated releases and biggest bestsellers for May is Erik Larson's latest book about the election of Abraham Lincoln and his presidency as the Civil War started.

The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War

President Lincoln was only in office for five months before the Civil War began. See what unfolded in those days in Erik Larson's latest non-fiction historical thriller.

Your summer library doesn't end there, because we've rounded up plenty of other newly released book picks, from steamy romance novels to chart-topping non-fiction books to edge-of-your-seat thrillers to magical worlds filled with sorcery and everything in between. Whether you read to enter a new world or to learn more about the world you live in, we've found a book you'll want on your reading list.

The Best Summer Reads of 2024

Long island (eilis lacey series).

An Oprah's Book Club pick, Long Island tells the story of Eilis Lacey, a women whose life is changed when her husband's baby from a secret affair winds up on her doorstep.

The Ministry of Time: A Novel by Kaliane Bradley

The Ministry of Time is spy thriller with a mix of time travel and romance. When a civil servant begins working a new time travel project, she must decide if falling in love is worth the consequences of changing history.

The Familiar: A Novel by Leigh Bardugo

This immersive romance novel taking place during the Spanish Inquisition tells the story of Luzia, a magic user enlisted to help the king.

The Women: A Novel by Kristin Hannah

Kristin Hannah, author of The Nightingale , has a new book that's made its way onto four of the top bestseller lists. The Women tells the story of Frances, a field nurse who enters the Vietnam War to return home only to find rising political tensions. 

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

A Reese's Book Club Pick, First Lie Wins  is a thriller that centers around Evie Porter, who is actually someone else and was given her identity by the mysterious Mr. Smith. Evie wants a new life, but one slip-up will change her future forever.

Rebel Rising: A Memoir by Rebel Wilson

Taking readers through the ups and downs of her career, Wilson's memoir ultimately teaches self-love with laughter along the way.

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

While digging a foundation for a new development in the 1970s, the residents of Pottstown are shocked to find a skeleton. James McBride's novel  The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store intertwines the lives of the townspeople and their community during these times.

Our Fight: A Memoir by Ronda Rousey

As the UFC's first female champion, Ronda Rousey has made a name for herself in the world of mixed martial arts. Sharing her journey from the pursuit of perfection to the pursuit of happiness, this relatable story is about facing your fears.  

Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up by Abigail Shrier

Currently No. 1 on Amazon's Most Sold Non-Fiction Books for the week, Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up by Abigail Shrier explores the rising mental health crisis happening specifically in the Gen Z population. Interviewing experts in the field, Shrier explores some of the serious side effects of popular therapeutic approaches.

The House of Hidden Meanings: A Memoir by RuPaul

Save 30% when you shop RuPaul's new memoir on Amazon right now. Because reading is what? Fundamental! 

The Hunter: A Novel by Tana French

This much-anticipated book by Tana French tells the story of Cal Hooper, who develops a quiet life in Ireland with Lena and her unruly son Trey after retiring early from the Chicago P.D. When Trey's absent father shows up, the couple will do whatever they must to protect the boy.

Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere

Today  show host Savannah Guthrie explores how her belief in God can help her grapple with the challenging times happening in our world in her new book  Mostly What God Does: Reflections on Seeking and Finding His Love Everywhere .

The Teacher: A Psychological Thriller by Freida McFadden

In this story, a scandal rocks Caseham High School when the news of an inappropriate student-teacher relationship comes to light. However, nothing is what it seems in Freida McFadden's newest thriller.

Expiration Dates: A Novel by Rebecca Serle

New York Times best-selling author Rebecca Serle released a heart-wrenching story that made Amazon's best books of March. 

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

New York Times best-selling author Tia Williams' latest book is a No. 1 pick on Amazon. In  A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, misfit Ricki Wilde moves to Harlem to open a flower shop where a mysterious stranger sets her world ablaze. 

Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum by Antonia Hylton

Award-winning journalist Antonia Hylton explains the 93-year-old history of Crownsville Hospital — a segregated asylum in Maryland — in her book  Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum , which was one of Amazon Editor's Best Book Picks. The hospital discussed in the book was shuttered in 2004 but the building still stands today.

The Fury by Alex Michaelides

Lana is a former movie star who invites her closest friends on a vacation to her private Greek island. But things suddenly take a turn when one of them is murdered in Alex Michaelides' new thriller The Fury .

Horse: A Novel by Geraldine Brooks

Horse , which was released in mid-January, is already an award-winning novel that focuses on race, art and history.

Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange

Telling stories from those at the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864 and the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, Wandering Stars spans three generations of a family detailing their struggles and hopes for the future.

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Best Romance Book to Film Adaptations

W hile reading a book, several thoughts come to mind regarding the visual setting of the environment, how the characters look, and how the intense story would play out in reality. Novelists like Nicholas Sparks , with works like The Notebook and A Walk to Remember , have particularly ignited a new perception towards love, passion, and romance, gaining popularity among readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Naturally, literature and cinema go hand-in-hand, with the former historically providing inspiration for the creation of the latter. Indeed, there have been countless book-to-film adaptations throughout film history, with romance being particularly noteworthy. Indeed, many romance films have become synonymous with hope and trust, while some reduce us to tears with their heart-wrenching endings. At any rate, romance can be as much a treat for the eyes through film as it can be for the imagination through words. Here are 8 romance book-to-film adaptations you should not miss.

Updated on August 19th, 2023 by Gargi Chatterjee: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

The Hating Game (2021)

Based on a novel by the same name by Sally Thorne, the 2021 movie The Hating Game is an office enemies to lovers romcom that has some pretty steamy undertones. Starring Lucy Hale as Lucy Hutton and Austin Stowell as Josh Templeman, the story starts out as two office rivals who try to one-up each other at every turn.

But when a chance of a promotion arrives, they make a bet that whoever fails to get the promotion will have to quit the office. Their rivalry turns into a sexually-charged romance that is extremely enjoyable to watch on screen. The story is funny and sweet and everything that a enemies-to-lovers romance needs to be.

The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

We would love to get heartbroken after watching this coming-of-age romance film. Adapted from John Green’s novel of the same name, The Fault in Our Stars follows Hazel Grace (Shailene Woodley), a 16-year-old cancer patient who joins a support group upon her parents’ request.

There, she meets Gus (Ansel Elgort), another patient, and through their tragedies, common interests, and magical connection, the two fall in love. Despite so much going on in their lives, Hazel and Gus show the positive side of falling in love, enjoying life, and how love can deeply affect one person. With this film adaptation, you'll experience the full gamut of romance: heartbreak, sadness, tragedy, as well, of course, as love, happiness, and excitement.

Jane Eyre (2011)

Based on a timeless classic novel of 1847 by Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre is a romantic drama movie starring Michael Fassbender and Mia Wasikowska. The story follows a young orphaned woman named Jane Eyre, played by Mia, who is plagued by her bad childhood memories.

She ends up going to a place called Thornfield Hall where she falls in love with the master of the house Edward Rochester. Their romance, however, is not initially successful as Jane discovers a dark secret that Rochester tries very hard to keep from the world. Their romance is beautiful and heart-wrenching, while the element of thriller in the movie really completes the story.

One Day (2011)

Following the story by David Nicholls, One Day is a 2011 romantic film that showcases the friendship between Dexter (Jim Sturgess) and Emma ( played by Anne Hathaway ), who meet every year on July 15, the anniversary of their first meeting, to discuss the previous year they've had.

Over the course of 18 years, Emma and Dexter grow both closer and apart, ultimately learning that they have more to share with each other in one day than with the people presently in their everyday lives. One Day will introduce you to several ignored common issues people go through from their teenage to adult phase: indecisiveness of youth, not taking things seriously, choosing the wrong things, and stumbling your way through.

Love, Simon (2018)

Based on the novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli, Love, Simon follows 16-year-old Simon (Nick Robinson), a closeted gay high school student, who is constantly struggling to balance life between his friends, family, and the blackmailer who is threatening to out him to the entire school. For a fairly simple guy, Simon has a lot going on in his life, including his quest to unravel the identity of the classmate he has fallen in love with and is currently exchanging secret emails with.

This romance book-to-film adaptation beautifully represents the struggles faced by teenagers who encounter discrimination and bullying. Simon’s journey toward happiness is wonderful, authentic, engaging, awkward, and truly captivating. Also starring Josh Duhamel and Jennifer Garner, Love, Simon is a must-watch.

Related: These Are Some of the Most Romantic LGBTQ+ Movies of All Time

To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)

If you are a fan of modern romcoms, chances are you have already watched or come across the To All the Boys trilogy available on Netflix. Based on the trilogy of novels by Jenny Han, the movies depict the love story between Lara-Jean Song Covey (Lana Condor) and Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo).

The first movie of the trilogy is To All the Boys I've Loved Before, where Lara-Jean's younger sister Kitty sends the old love letters that Lara-Jean wrote to the boys that she wrote them for. Peter, who gets a letter from her, asks her to be his fake girlfriend to make his ex jealous. Thus begins a very cute and romantic story that spans over three movies across various ups and downs of their lives. The movies also have a spin-off series named XO- Kitty, which is a story about Lara-Jean's younger sister.

A Walk to Remember (2002)

This 2002 coming-of-age romantic film received mixed reviews from the critics, however, in the eyes of the general audience, A Walk To Remember , an adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ novel, is one of the most romantic movies of all time. The film follows Jamie (Mandy Moore), a reverend's daughter and a top student.

Her life changes when she forms a friendship with Landon (Shane West), a rebellious high school senior, who, after pulling a life-threatening prank on a student, is sentenced to participate in community service and the school’s spring play. A Walk To Remember was initially cited as "bland" by critics for various reasons. However, audiences, particularly teenagers at the time, loved the movie. It even earned a spot on Us Weekly ’s list of 30 most romantic movies of all time.

P.S. I Love You (2007)

P.S. I Love You , a film about loss and love, can be emotional, hopeful, strength, and happiness, in all. Based on the 2004 novel of the same name by Cecelia Ahern, centers around Holly (Hilary Swank), who, after the death of her beloved husband Gerry (Gerard Butler), starts receiving letters from him.

This changes her mourning self into a strong, loved, and happy woman, making her feel that he is right by her side at all times. The film will make you laugh and cry at the same time, while also providing you with a fresh perspective on life. In brief, P.S. I Love You is a comfort movie and will undoubtedly make you feel several emotions.

Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Crazy Rich Asians, a 2018 movie adaptation of a book by Kevin Kwan is truly one of the cutest romcoms to have been released in the last few years. The story in itself is quite simple, Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) and Nicholas 'Nick' Young (Henry Golding) live in New York and are in love with each other.

When Nick invites Rachel to Singapore for his best friend's wedding, she discovers that Nick has been hiding a secret. His family is extremely wealthy, and they are very close to a modern-day royal family in Singapore. The two of them weather some storms together, and we also get to see some other amazing characters alongside them. Starring actors like Gemma Chan, Awkwafina and Michelle Yeoh, the movie is extremely entertaining, and the happy ending is just the cherry on top.

Me Before You (2016)

Me Before You , based on Jojo Moyes’ 2012 novel of the same name, follows Louisa (Emilia Clarke), a happy and cheerful girl who agrees to take on a job as the caretaker of Will (Sam Claflin), a blunt man with paralysis, and her life transforms as the two get close to each other and fall in love.

The film possesses the casual opposite-personalities couple, however, the alluring chemistry and connection between Louisa and Will will make you tear up many times. Although the ending is sad, it is pragmatic and beautiful as well, giving a wholesome feeling to its audience. It is definitely a must-watch feature for multiple reasons.

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Pride and Prejudice (2005)

As one of the most famous Victorian romance novels, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen has had a few adaptations on screen, but the most famous one has to be the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice starring Kiera Knightley and Matthew Macfeyden in the roles of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.

This is one of the most well-known enemies-to-lovers romances where the protagonists initially do not like each other due to their behaviors. But when Elizabeth finds out that Mr. Darcy is in love with her, a lot of things start to change. One of the most celebrated and popular love stories of all time, this movie is a treat for those who enjoy slow-burn romances.

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

This 2017 coming-of-age romantic film is one of the best to ever release that year. Call Me By Your Name is adapted from the 2007 novel of the same name by Andre Aciman. It follows Elio (Timothee Chalamet), a teenager living in rural Italy, who starts to harbor feelings for his father’s 24-year-old assistant, Oliver (Armie Hammer).

Although their relationship lasts for a short time period of time, their romance is all-consuming and forever changes the pair. Considered one of the best movies of 2017, Call Me By Your Name is aesthetically pleasing, heartbreaking at times, and is complemented by the best soundtrack, featuring songs from Sufjan Stevens. On top of that, the raw love between Elio and Oliver helps the audience to generate a new take on love, relationships, and heartache.

The Notebook (2004)

Applauded by critics and audiences alike, The Notebook is a movie no romance buff should sleep on. It is Nicholas Sparks’ second novel adaptation on the list, and follows the love tale between Noah (Ryan Gosling) and Allison ( Rachel McAdams ), who, during the summer in the 1940s, meet for the first time and fall in love.

They get separated only to reunite again, but that’s not all. The Notebook dictates their love story from another angle that will reduce you to tears, make you believe in soulmates, and show what passionate romance looks like. The Notebook is the 15th highest grossing romantic drama of all time, and is also included in Us Weekly’s 30 most romantic movies of all time.

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