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Updated on December 9, 2023

35 Best Romance Books with Happy Endings: Top Picks

Romance books have been popular for centuries, with readers flocking to stories of love and passion. While not all romance novels have happy endings, many readers prefer to read books that leave them feeling uplifted and satisfied. In this article, we will explore some of the best romance books with happy endings that will leave readers feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

Whether you’re a die-hard romance fan or just looking for a feel-good read, this list has something for everyone. From classic love stories to contemporary rom-coms, these books are sure to make you smile. So grab a cup of tea, curl up with a blanket, and get ready to fall in love with these heartwarming stories.

• 1.1 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• 1.2 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
• 1.3 Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
• 2.1 “The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang
• 2.2 “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne
• 2.3 “The Bride Test” by Helen Hoang
• 3.1 The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
• 3.2 The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
• 3.3 The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
• 4 Historical Romance Fiction
• 5.1 “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas
• 5.2 “The Kiss of Deception” by Mary E. Pearson
• 5.3 “The Star-Touched Queen” by Roshani Chokshi
• 5.4 “The Bride” by Julie Garwood
• 6 Diverse Romance Literature
• 7 Romance Books by Indie Authors
• 8.1 The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
• 8.2 The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
• 8.3 The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
• 9 Romance Anthologies and Collections
• 10 Conclusion

Classic Romance Novels with Happy Endings

Romance novels have been around for centuries, and some of the best ones are considered classics. These books have stood the test of time and are popular among readers. Here are a few classic romance novels with happy endings that are worth reading:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

This classic novel has been adapted into numerous movies and TV shows. It follows the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, two people who initially dislike each other but eventually fall in love. The book has a happy ending, with the couple getting married and starting a new life together.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

This classic novel has been adapted into movies and TV shows. It follows the story of Jane Eyre, an orphan who becomes a governess and falls in love with her employer, Mr. Rochester. The book has a happy ending, with the couple getting married and starting a new life together.

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

This is a novel that explores the themes of love and marriage. It follows the story of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, who fall in love with two very different men. The book has a happy ending, with both sisters finding love and happiness.

These classic romance novels have stood the test of time and are popular among readers. They offer a glimpse into a different time and place and provide a satisfying ending that leaves readers feeling happy and content.

Contemporary Romance Bestsellers

When it comes to contemporary romance novels with happy endings, there are many bestsellers. Here are a few of the most popular ones:

“The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang

“The Kiss Quotient” is a heartwarming and sexy romance novel that follows the story of Stella, a successful econometrician who struggles with Asperger’s Syndrome, and Michael, a Vietnamese and Swedish male escort. This novel is a refreshing take on the traditional romance novel, as it explores neurodiversity issues and sex work. The characters are well-developed, and the chemistry between Stella and Michael is electric. This novel is a must-read for anyone who loves a good romance with a happy ending.

“The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne

“The Hating Game” is a witty and charming romance novel that follows the story of Lucy and Joshua, two coworkers who are constantly at odds. When they are both up for the same promotion, they engage in a series of pranks and competitions to try to one-up each other. However, as they spend more time together, they begin to realize that their feelings for each other may be more than just hate. This novel is a fun and lighthearted read, perfect for anyone who loves a good enemies-to-lovers romance.

“The Bride Test” by Helen Hoang

“The Bride Test” is another fantastic romance novel by Helen Hoang. This novel follows the story of Khai, a successful Vietnamese-American man who is on the autism spectrum, and Esme, a mixed-race Vietnamese immigrant who comes to America to meet Khai, who she believes is her arranged husband. As Khai and Esme get to know each other, they begin to fall in love, but Khai struggles with the idea of being in a relationship. This novel is a beautiful exploration of love, family, and cultural differences, and it is a must-read for anyone who loves a good romance novel with a happy ending.

These contemporary romance novels are just a few of the many bestsellers that are available to readers. Each one offers a unique and heartfelt story that will leave readers satisfied and happy.

Romantic Comedy Books

Romantic comedy books are a sub-genre of romance novels that are light-hearted, funny, and have a happy ending. They are perfect for readers who want to escape into a world of laughter and love. Here are some of the best romantic comedy books with happy endings:

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

The Hating Game is a hilarious enemies-to-lovers romance novel that will make you laugh out loud. It follows the story of Lucy and Joshua who work at the same publishing company and hate each other. However, when they are forced to work together on a project, they start to see each other in a new light. The banter between Lucy and Joshua is witty and entertaining, and their chemistry is undeniable.

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

The Unhoneymooners is a delightful romantic comedy that will make you believe in love again. It tells the story of Olive and Ethan who are forced to go on a honeymoon together after the rest of their family gets food poisoning. Olive and Ethan can’t stand each other, but as they spend more time together, they start to realize that they might have feelings for each other. The Unhoneymooners is a charming and heartwarming book that will leave you with a smile on your face.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

The Rosie Project is a quirky, charming romantic comedy that will steal your heart. It is about Don Tillman, a socially awkward genetics professor, who decides to find a wife using a scientific approach. However, his plans are thrown out the window when he meets Rosie, a free-spirited bartender. The Rosie Project is a funny and heartwarming book that will make you fall in love with Don and Rosie’s unconventional love story.

These are just a few of the best romantic comedy books with happy endings. They are perfect for readers who want to escape into a world of laughter and love.

Historical Romance Fiction

Historical romance fiction is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy romance novels set in the past. These books transport readers to a different time period, often with a strong focus on that era’s social norms and expectations.

One popular author in this genre is Julia Quinn, known for her Bridgerton series which has been adapted into a Netflix series. Her books are set in Regency-era England and feature witty dialogue, charming characters, and happy endings.

Another great author in this genre is Lisa Kleypas. Her Hathaways series is set in Victorian England and follows the romantic adventures of the Hathaway family. Kleypas’ books are known for their strong heroines and swoon-worthy heroes.

Readers who enjoy historical romance with a bit of mystery and suspense may enjoy Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series . Set in Victorian England, the series follows the adventures of a lepidopterist and her partner as they solve mysteries and fall in love.

Historical romance fiction offers readers a chance to escape to a different time period and experience the romance and excitement of a bygone era.

Fantasy Romance with Happy Endings

Fantasy romance books offer an escape into magical worlds where love conquers all. These books are perfect for readers who enjoy a mix of magic, adventure, and romance. Here are some of the best fantasy romance books with happy endings.

“A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas

This book tells the story of Feyre, a human girl who is taken to the faerie realm as punishment for killing a faerie. She falls in love with Tamlin, a faerie lord, and together they must fight against a powerful evil that threatens to destroy their world. “A Court of Thorns and Roses” is a thrilling and romantic story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

“The Kiss of Deception” by Mary E. Pearson

“The Kiss of Deception” is a story about a princess who runs away from her arranged marriage and falls in love with a mysterious stranger. However, she soon discovers that her new love interest is actually a prince and her betrothed is the man she thought was the stranger. This book is full of twists and turns, and the happy ending will satisfy readers.

“The Star-Touched Queen” by Roshani Chokshi

“The Star-Touched Queen” is a retelling of the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone. Maya, the protagonist, is cursed with a horoscope that predicts a marriage of death and destruction. She is married off to Amar, the king of Akaran, who promises to help her break the curse. This book is a beautiful and magical love story that will leave readers enchanted.

“The Bride” by Julie Garwood

“The Bride” is a historical romance novel set in medieval Scotland. The story follows Jamie, a headstrong young woman who is forced to marry Alec, a powerful laird. Despite their rocky start, Jamie and Alec fall in love and must fight against those who seek to tear them apart. This book is a classic romance novel with a happy ending that will leave readers feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

These fantasy romance books offer a perfect blend of magic, adventure, and romance with happy endings that will satisfy readers.

Young Adult Romance Novels

The Young Adult (YA) genre is a popular source of romance novels with happy endings. These novels are written for readers aged 12 to 18, but readers of all ages can enjoy them. They often feature teenage protagonists experiencing first love, self-discovery, and coming of age. Here are some of the best YA romance novels with happy endings:

• To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han – This novel follows the story of Lara Jean, a high school junior who writes love letters to all of her crushes but never sends them. When the letters are accidentally sent out, she has to confront her feelings and the boys she wrote them to. This novel has a happy ending that will leave readers satisfied.
• Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell – This novel tells the story of two misfit teenagers who fall in love on the school bus. They bond over their shared love of music and comics and navigate the challenges of their first love together. The ending is bittersweet but ultimately satisfying.
• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – This novel follows the story of Hazel and Gus, two teenagers with cancer who fall in love. They go on a journey to meet the author of their favorite book and experience the joys and sorrows of first love. The ending is heartbreaking but also hopeful and happy.
• Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell – This novel follows the story of Cath, a college freshman who is struggling to adjust to college life. She is a fanfiction writer who falls in love with her roommate’s friend, Levi. They navigate the ups and downs of their relationship and Cath’s struggles with anxiety. The ending is heartwarming and happy.
• Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli – This novel follows the story of Simon, a teenage boy who is gay but hasn’t come out yet. He falls in love with a boy he meets online and navigates the challenges of coming out and first love. The ending is heartwarming and happy.

These YA romance novels are perfect for readers who enjoy stories of first love, self-discovery, and coming of age. They all have happy endings that will leave readers feeling satisfied and warm-hearted.

Diverse Romance Literature

Romance novels are often criticized for lacking diversity, but the genre has changed in recent years. Publishers are now embracing diverse romance literature, and authors are creating stories that reflect a wider range of experiences.

One example is “ Gilded ” by Marissa Meyer, a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin with a diverse cast of characters. Another is “ Within These Wicked Walls ” by Lauren Blackwood, which puts an Ethiopian-inspired fantasy twist on “Jane Eyre.” Alix E. Harrow also puts her own spin on “ Sleeping Beauty ” in “A Spindle Splintered.” These novels and others like them offer a fresh take on classic stories, helping to make the romance genre more inclusive.

In addition to retellings, many original romance novels feature diverse characters and experiences. “ Fat Chance, Charlie Vega ” by Crystal Maldonado is a heartwarming tale about coming of age as a fat brown girl in a white Connecticut suburb. “ People We Meet On Vacation ” by Emily Henry is a story of two best friends who take ten summer trips together and find love. These books and others like them offer a range of perspectives and experiences, helping to create a more diverse romance genre.

Romance Books by Indie Authors

Indie authors have become a force to be reckoned with in the romance genre, producing some of the most captivating and heartwarming stories with happy endings. Here are some of the best romance books by indie authors to add to your reading list:

• “The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang – This novel tells the story of Stella, an econometrician with Asperger’s, who hires an escort named Michael to teach her about sex and relationships. A heartwarming and steamy romance, this book has received critical acclaim for its diverse representation and realistic portrayal of neurodiversity.
• “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne – A witty and charming enemies-to-lovers romance, “The Hating Game” follows Lucy and Joshua, two executive assistants who can’t stand each other but find themselves drawn to each other over time. With a delightful blend of humor, banter, and sexual tension, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre.
• “The Flatshare” by Beth O’Leary – A unique and charming romance, “The Flatshare” tells the story of Tiffy and Leon, two strangers who share a flat but have never met in person. As they leave each other notes and gradually get to know each other, they begin to fall in love. With a quirky premise and lovable characters, this book is a feel-good read that will leave you smiling.
• “The Wedding Date” by Jasmine Guillory – A delightful and diverse romance, “The Wedding Date” follows Alexa and Drew, two strangers who meet in an elevator and decide to pretend to be a couple for a weekend wedding. As they get to know each other and navigate their feelings, they realize that their attraction is more than just a temporary fling. With charming characters and a sweet romance, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre.

These indie romance novels are perfect for readers looking for heartwarming stories with happy endings. With diverse representation, witty banter, and lovable characters, these books will surely capture your heart and satisfy you.

Award-Winning Romance Novels

When it comes to romance novels, there are plenty of award-winning books that have captured the hearts of readers around the world. These books have been recognized for their exceptional writing, engaging storylines, and happy endings. Here are a few award-winning romance novels that are worth checking out:

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Winner of the 2019 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance, The Kiss Quotient tells the story of a brilliant econometrician named Stella Lane who hires a male escort to teach her about intimacy. Along the way, she discovers that love is more than just a numbers game. This book is a refreshing and heartwarming take on the classic romance novel.

Winner of the 2016 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Debut Goodreads Author, The Hating Game is a delightful enemies-to-lovers story with readers laughing out loud. Lucy and Joshua are two colleagues who can’t stand each other, but when they are forced to work together on a project, they begin to see each other in a different light. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good romantic comedy.

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

Winner of the 2020 RITA Award for Best Contemporary Romance: Mid-Length, The Bride Test is a heartwarming and emotional story about a young Vietnamese woman named Esme who travels to America to meet the man she has been arranged to marry. When she meets Khai, a man who is on the autism spectrum, she begins to see that love can come in unexpected ways. This book is a beautiful and moving exploration of culture, family, and love.

These award-winning romance novels are just a few examples of the many exceptional books in the genre. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary romance, historical romance, or something in between, there’s a book out there for you.

Romance Anthologies and Collections

Romance anthologies and collections are a great option for those who want to read multiple love stories in one book. These books often contain several short stories or novellas that all have happy endings. They are perfect for readers who want to explore different romance sub-genres or discover new authors.

One popular romance anthology is Romancing the Paranormal: All New Tales edited by Stephanie Rowe. This collection features stories about vampires, werewolves, and other paranormal creatures falling in love. Another well-loved anthology is Summer Fire: Love When It’s Hot by Gennita Low, which includes twenty steamy romances set in the summer.

For those looking for a holiday-themed collection, Holiday Brides by Jewel Amethyst, Farrah Rochon, and Stefanie Worth is a great choice. It contains three contemporary stories about finding love during the holiday season.

Romance collections and anthologies are also available in digital format. Amazon’s Best Sellers in Romance Collections & Anthologies list includes both print and digital options. One of the top digital collections is Broken Deeds MC Second Generation Collection Books 1 – 4 by Esther E. Schmidt, a series of romance stories about the children of the original members of a motorcycle club.

Romance anthologies and collections are great for reading multiple love stories in one book. They offer a variety of sub-genres and authors, making them perfect for readers looking to explore the world of romance.

Finding a romance book with a happy ending can be a great way to escape from reality and indulge in a feel-good story. Whether you prefer classic novels or contemporary romances, there is something for everyone in the world of happy endings.

When looking for a romance book with a happy ending, it is important to consider the genre, author, and plot. Some of the best romance books with happy endings include “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë, and “The Notebook” by Nicholas Sparks.

Readers should also consider their personal preferences when choosing a romance book with a happy ending. Do they prefer a slow-burn romance or a love-at-first-sight story? Do they want a light-hearted read or a more emotional journey? Answering these questions can help readers find the perfect happy ending for their tastes.

Romance books with happy endings can provide readers with a sense of hope, happiness, and fulfillment. They can be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day, or to indulge in a guilty pleasure. With so many great options available, there has never been a better time to discover the joy of happy endings in romance books.

See also 14 Best Poetry Books of All Time: A Comprehensive List and 19 Best Pregnancy Romance Books: Top Picks

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kimbermoose

February 14, 2022

14 Light-Hearted Romance Novels (With Happy Endings)

Happy Valentine’s Day ladies! I just had a lovely Galentine’s Day over the weekend and am going to see John Waters at Sound Stage tonight! So while a single girl like me can keep herself busy on the most romantic day of the year, my ideal V-Day would be spent with my favorite book boyfriends. In 2021, I really got into romance novels and I am so glad I did! I have literally so many recommendations, but here are 14 light-hearted romance novels with happy endings (and maybe a little spice).

Beach Read : A romance writer who no longer believes in love and a literary writer stuck in a rut engage in a summer-long challenge that may just upend everything they believe about happily ever afters.

People We Meet On Vacation : Two best friends. Ten summer trips. One last chance to fall in love.

Talk Bookish To Me : Kara Sullivan’s life is full of love—albeit fictional. As a bestselling romance novelist and influential bookstagrammer, she’s fine with getting her happily-ever-after fix between the covers of a book. But right now? Not only is Kara’s best friend getting married next week—which means big wedding stress—but the deadline for her next novel is looming, and she hasn’t written a single word. The last thing she needs is for her infuriating first love, Ryan Thompson, to suddenly appear in the wedding party. But Ryan’s unexpected arrival sparks a creative awakening in Kara that inspires the steamy historical romance she desperately needs to deliver.

The Hating Game : Debut author Sally Thorne bursts on the scene with a hilarious and sexy workplace comedy all about that thin, fine line between hate and love.

Bromance Book Club : Nashville Legends second baseman Gavin Scott’s marriage is in major league trouble. He’s recently discovered a humiliating secret: his wife Thea has always faked the Big O. When he loses his cool at the revelation, it’s the final straw on their already strained relationship. Thea asks for a divorce, and Gavin realizes he’s let his pride and fear get the better of him. Welcome to the Bromance Book Club.

Red White and Royal Blue : A big-hearted romantic comedy in which the First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales after an incident of international proportions forces them to pretend to be best friends.

The Ex Talk : Public radio co-hosts navigate mixed signals in Solomon’s sparkling romantic comedy debut. As they pretend to be exes, Shay and Dominic start to fall for each other. In an industry that values truth, getting caught could mean the end of more than just their careers.

The Worst Best Man : A wedding planner left at the altar? Yeah, the irony isn’t lost on Carolina Santos, either. But despite that embarrassing blip from her past, Lina’s offered an opportunity that could change her life. There’s just one hitch… she has to collaborate with the best (make that worst) man from her own failed nuptials. Marketing expert Max Hartley is determined to make his mark with a coveted hotel client looking to expand its brand. Then he learns he’ll be working with his brother’s whip-smart, stunning–absolutely off-limits–ex-fiancâee. And she loathes him. If they can nail their presentation without killing each other, they’ll both come out ahead. Except Max has been public enemy number one ever since he encouraged his brother to jilt the bride, and Lina’s ready to dish out a little payback of her own. Soon Lina and Max discover animosity may not be the only emotion creating sparks between them. Still, this star-crossed couple can never be more than temporary playmates because Lina isn’t interested in falling in love and Max refuses to play runner-up to his brother ever again.

You Deserve Each Other : For fans of The Hating Game, a debut lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy about two unhappily engaged people each trying to force the other to end the relationship–and falling back in love in the process.

The Kiss Quotient : Stella Lane comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases–a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old. It doesn’t help that Stella has Asperger’s, and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice–with a professional–which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. With the looks of a K-drama star and the martial arts moves to match, the Vietnamese-Swedish stunner can’t afford to turn down Stella’s offer.

It Happened One Summer : Tessa Bailey is back with a Schitt’s Creek-inspired rom-com about a Hollywood “It Girl” who’s cut off from her wealthy family and exiled to a small Pacific Northwest beach town … where she butts heads with a surly, sexy local who thinks she doesn’t belong.

Fix Her Up : Georgette Castle’s family runs the best home renovation business in town, but she picked balloons instead of blueprints and they haven’t taken her seriously since. Frankly, she’s over it. Georgie loves planning children’s birthday parties and making people laugh, just not at her own expense. She’s determined to fix herself up into a Woman of the World… whatever that means. Phase one: new framework for her business (a website from this decade, perhaps?) Phase two: a gut-reno on her wardrobe (fyi, leggings are pants.) Phase three: updates to her exterior (do people still wax?) Phase four: put herself on the market (and stop crushing on Travis Ford!) Living her best life means facing the truth: Georgie hasn’t been on a date since, well, ever. Nobody’s asking the town clown out for a night of hot sex, that’s for sure. Maybe if people think she’s having a steamy love affair, they’ll acknowledge she’s not just the little sister who paints faces for a living. And who better to help demolish that image than the resident sports star and tabloid favorite? Travis Ford was major league baseball’s hottest rookie when an injury ended his career. Now he’s flipping houses to keep busy and trying to forget his glory days. But he can’t even cross the street without someone recapping his greatest hits. Or making a joke about his… bat. And then there’s Georgie, his best friend’s sister, who is not a kid anymore. When she proposes a wild scheme-that they pretend to date, to shock her family and help him land a new job-he agrees. What’s the harm? It’s not like it’s real. But the girl Travis used to tease is now a funny, full-of-life woman and there’s nothing fake about how much he wants her…

The Spanish Love Deception : A wedding. A trip to Spain. The most infuriating man. And three days of pretending. Or in other words, a plan that will never work.

One Last Stop : For cynical twenty-three-year-old August, moving to New York City is supposed to prove her right: that things like magic and cinematic love stories don’t exist, and the only smart way to go through life is alone. She can’t imagine how waiting tables at a 24-hour pancake diner and moving in with too many weird roommates could possibly change that. And there’s certainly no chance of her subway commute being anything more than a daily trudge through boredom and electrical failures. But then, there’s this gorgeous girl on the train.

If you want my reviews of all of these books, follow my GoodReads account !

Have you read any of these? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Reading! xx

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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?

Which romance novel should you read next?

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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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15 Best Books with Happy Endings

It often feels like the world is a cold, dark place, especially today in modern times. I turn to fiction as both a place to escape our grim day-to-day and as an outlet to grapple with these issues. Surely, fiction is big enough for both kinds of stories. But in this post, I want to highlight books new and old that uplift and give comfort, that give you happy endings. I was surprised when I started doing reader’s advisory professionally how many people specifically requested books that ended well. How many can there really be? I thought with a curmudgeonly. Well, I proved myself wrong. This list of feel-good books with happy endings is the answer to that question.

Spoiler Warning

Keep in mind that spoilers are inevitable in a post like this, so rather than give away the exact endings, I’ll talk about each book more generally. I’ve read and enjoyed each one of them.

Dear Mrs. Bird by A.J. Pearce

I took Dear Mrs. Bird (2018) by A.J. Pearce off the New Releases shelf on the library on a whim, and I’m so glad I took a chance. Reading this book through depression was a soothing tonic. To be sure, young twenty-something Emmy Lake and her friends experience tragedy and hardship in London during WWII, but Emmy’s pluck and feisty spirit pulls you through. By the end, the novel closes with a joyous reunion and real character change. Bravo for this winning historical fiction debut!

How to read it… Add Dear Mrs. Bird on Goodreads , purchase on Amazon , and find in a library through WorldCat .

Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech

Oh man, this book hit me straight in the feels! If you want to be boosted up with the power of love, happiness, and community, definitely pick up Sharon Creech’s Saving Winslow (2018). In this story, a boy is determined to save a weak donkey baby and raise and nurture it to health. Despite resistance from naysayers in his rural town, the boy persists. This middle grade novel for kids is a quick read I devoured in 24 hours while on vacation from work and from devastating headlines. We often think children’s books are the first place you should go when you want a happy-endings book. But the truth is, a lot of children’s books are just as dark if not darker than what you’d find in the “adult” section. Saving Winslow has its emotionally grueling moments, but overall it’s a joyous read.

How to read it… Add Saving Winslow on Goodreads , purchase on Amazon , and find in a library through WorldCat .

Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler

I’ve already highlighted Anne Tyler’s Vinegar Girl (2016) on this blog a few times (as one of the best books I read in 2016 and on my list of 25 short books you can read in a day or readathon ), but it fits here, too. This contemporary adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew is part of the Hogarth Shakespeare series of retellings. In Tyler’s version, Kate Battista lives with her eccentric scientist-professor father in Baltimore and has a dead-end job in a daycare, even though children annoy her. When her dad schemes to set her up with his new lab assistant, Pyotr, as a ploy to get him a green card, Kate finds all sorts of feelings stirred up about what she does and doesn’t want: from life and from love. This book is a quietly swoonworthy reminder that everyone has a shot at a Happily Ever After.

How to read it… Add Vinegar Girl on Goodreads , purchase on Amazon , and find in a library through WorldCat .

The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

Sigh. I have so much love for Matthew Quick’s The Silver Linings Playbook (2008), and not just because it’s set in my area. I’ve also featured this book on my post about bipolar heroes in romance stories , but it definitely belongs on this list of books with happy endings. Our hero, Pat, believes in silver linings to every negative situation, a cheery creed he clings to after his bipolar disorder and eroding marriage came to a head. But Quick won’t let Pat get a happy ending so easily. If he wants it, Pat needs to work for it and really change, and the opportunity that similarly complicated Tiffany offers him is Pat’s shot at testing his blind optimism. This book will make you laugh, cry, and come away feeling changed for the better, just like Pat.

How to read it… Add The Silver Linings Playbook on Goodreads , purchase on Amazon , and find in a library through WorldCat .

Miss Buncle’s Book by D.E. Stevenson

I read D.E. Stevenson’s Miss Buncle’s Book a few years ago for a project at work, and I often recommend it to people who want books with happy endings. Set in a cozy English village called Silverstream, the novel follows Miss Barbara Buncle’s efforts to secure an income by writing a book that thinly disguises members of the community. Sure enough, the book causes a sensation—it’s a runaway bestseller but it plunges Silverstream residents in scandal. This story set between the world wars is filled with quirky characters and funny events. It doesn’t feel at all like it was written in 1934!

How to read it… Add Miss Buncle’s Book on Goodreads , purchase on Amazon , and find in a library through WorldCat .

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Oh, Pride and Prejudice . Jane Austen’s classic novel feels timeless even 200 years after its publication in 1813. I remember the first time I read it, I seriously didn’t think there would be a happy ending. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. But Austen puts her hero and heroine through all kinds of conflict that should push them away only to bring Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy back together again. I fell in love with this story, and every time I find myself wary of trusting love, I return to it.

How to read it… Add Pride and Prejudice on Goodreads , purchase on Amazon , and find in a library through WorldCat .

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

When you’re binge-reading National Book Award-winning The Poet X (2018), you will probably be thinking: “ This is on a list of books with happy endings?” Certainly I had my doubts. Renowned poet and spoken word artist Elizabeth Acevedo definitely makes you think the worst is going to happen to Xiomara, who strains against her mother’s strict Catholicism as a teen in contemporary Harlem. Yet Acevedo gives Xiomara—and readers—the cathartic ending they’ve dared to hope for. By the end of this YA novel-in-verse, you’ll feel empowered to speak up with your own beautiful, unique voice, just like Xiomara.

How to read it… Add The Poet X on Goodreads , purchase on Amazon , and find in a library through WorldCat .

Calvin by Martine Leavitt

Calvin (2015) is another novel that moves you to the brink, thinking there will never be a happy ending, until BAM! You get hit with the feels and a happily ever after. It’s a rush, a thrill, and a relief to warm your heart. Martine Leavitt’s contemporary YA novel follows Calvin, a teen newly diagnosed with schizophrenia, and Susie, his neighbor, friend, and crush. When Calvin gets the idea that he has to walk across frozen Lake Michigan to find the creator of the Calvin and Hobbes comics in order to reverse his delusions, it’s an endurance test of the mind, soul, and body. Susie’s fierce devotion to sticking by and supporting Calvin had me cheering them on. I was moved by how Leavitt wrote Calvin’s hallucinatory best friend, a giant tiger he names Hobbes, just like the comic strip side kick in the cartoons, to be a protective force. Martine is on the faculty in my MFA program, and you really see why. This book is suspenseful, a real page-turner that’ll put you through the wringer and reward you with a smile. Members of the mentally ill community like me know how important happy endings are for characters struggling with those challenges.

How to read it… Add Calvin on Goodreads , purchase on Amazon , and find in a library through WorldCat .

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

If you loved You’ve Got Mail , the Nora Ephron romantic comedy, as much as I did, you’ll adore Rainbow Rowell’s debut novel, Attachments (2011). This novel is set around the turn of the millennium at a time of great change for newspapers like the one where best friends/journalists Beth and Jennifer work. Both women share their lives through emails and instant messages that Lincoln, a geeky hunk, is forced to read when management wants all staff communication audited. But even though Lincoln sees multiple red flags and should report Beth and Jennifer for profanity and other minor taboos, he ends up falling for Beth, the talented film critic. Meanwhile, Beth develops a crush on the new IT guy, not realizing it’s Lincoln. Can their relationship ever go offline and IRL, especially if Lincoln has to confess that he’s been spying on her? This novel is about choosing to grow, even if it means wading into unknown waters and trusting your heart.

How to read it… Add Attachments on Goodreads , purchase on Amazon , and find in a library through WorldCat .

Don’t Want to Miss a Thing by Jill Mansell

Don’t Want to Miss a Thing (2013) was my first novel by UK women’s fiction sensation Jill Mansell, and boy was it a good one to start getting to know her brand of feel-good books (despite its cheesy title). Mansell’s novels often take place in small communities where the lives of several eccentric characters overlap, causing humorous mishaps, crossed wires, and love-driven happy endings, not just romantic love but familial and friendship love as well. If you’re a Love Actually fan like me, you’ll fall for Mansell’s books and their similar overlapping plots that lead to love. Start with this book, which takes place in Briarwood, a village tucked away in Britain’s scenic Cotswolds. When Dexter, a rich London playboy, is left in charge of his late sister’s eight-month-old daughter, he has to put his old wild life to rest and raise her in Briarwood. A friendship that sparks with his neighbor, comic artist Molly, blossoms into something more… but can people really change? Are their personalities just too different? You’ll race to the end to find out in this heartwarming story.

How to read it… Add Don’t Want to Miss a Thing on Goodreads , purchase on Amazon , and find in a library through WorldCat .

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

It seemed like everybody had read this historical novel by the time I did in 2011, but it didn’t matter: I finally saw what the fuss was about. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2008) co-written by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows is definitely a cozy classic. The novel is set in 1946, just after World War II, and mainly takes place on the British island of Guernsey, which saw much hardship during the conflict. A man from the island starts up a correspondence with young, London-based writer Juliet and tells her of the book and pie club on the island during the war, a friendship that kept the community strong during tough time, despite personality friction among the members. Juliet smells a story, but more than that, she gets drawn into Guernsey’s world and knows she has to see the island for herself and meet the people who feel like family. Netflix adapted the novel into a 2018 movie , so you’ll definitely want to check that out if you love the novel and want to see the stunning scenery for yourself.

How to read it… Add The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society on Goodreads , purchase on Amazon , and find in a library through WorldCat.

Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding

I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve read and reread Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’s Diary (1998), and I even got a chance to write about it on Electric Literature . The 2001 movie adaptation also brought Fielding’s story to life, immortalizing so many great scenes starring Renée Zellweger as Bridget.

One of my all-time favorite books, this story is definitely comfort food, especially if you’re feeling like just as much of a hot mess as Bridget, a thirty-something singleton living in London. Over the course of a year, Bridget records her every waking thought and feeling in a diary, confessing her fears that she’s never going to find love, wealth, happiness, or even a dress that doesn’t make her feel enormous and self conscious. Fielding does a great job steering Bridget towards her happy ending and then continues the series. I’ll never get tired of reading how Bridget—flawed, floundering, but fiercely devoted to her friends—finds some measure of self acceptance. And if she ends up with a certain handsome lawyer Mark Darcy (yes, this story is based on Pride and Prejudice ), all the better.

How to read it… Add Bridget Jones’s Diary on Goodreads , purchase on Amazon , and find in a library through WorldCat .

Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin

Gabrielle Zevin writes books you can’t put down. When I started her The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry (2014), I practically inhaled the novel, and the same goes for her 2017 novel Young Jane Young , which was one of my Best Books of 2017 . In this novel, a chorus of women tell the story of Aviva Grossman, a college intern for a Florida congressman who fell in love with the married politician. When their affair was discovered, Aviva took the blunt of the blame in the media and in her close-knit Jewish community. Aviva flees and starts over with a new name in a small New England town, but when she feels called to get involved with politics again, her daughter will find out the truth about her mother’s scandalous past. The novel has a bittersweet ending, but it’s one that feels empowering. Zevin’s message seems to be that the strength of the sisterhood can overcome misogyny, especially if we lend each other love, support, and understanding.

How to read it… Add Young Jane Young on Goodreads , purchase on Amazon , and find in a library through WorldCat .

Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan

Definitely one of my all-star favorite comfort food writers is Britain’s Jenny Colgan, and not least because her books often focus on food. Just try to read Little Beach Street Bakery (2014) without reaching for a sweet treat or getting out your apron. This uplifting story stars Polly, who is just getting out of a bad relationship and a failed career. When she relocates to a quiet seaside resort town on the Cornish coast, Polly finds her passion for life and love returning as she pitches in at a bakery and rediscovers her joy for baking. Like most of Colgan’s heroines, Polly heals from a hard time among the eccentric community.

How to read it… Add Little Beach Street Bakery on Goodreads , purchase on Amazon , and find in a library through WorldCat .

Elevation by Stephen King

In Stephen King’s novella Elevation (2018), a man discovers he is losing weight at an astonishing and unbelievable rate. Eventually, he might get to weighing less than air and just what, disappear? This sobering future puts things in perspective for him, and he chooses kindness and compassion over hatred and diviseveness in his changing Maine community.

Now, I admit that Stephen King’s novella Elevation (2018)’s “happy ending” is a matter of perspective. Surely you can read the ending on a more tragic or bittersweet lens. But I believe King wanted us to read his fable to be an optimistic response to overcoming divisiveness, being open minded, and transcending the earthly hatred that works like a cancer to rot you from the inside. Maybe that sounds a little sinister, but in this last book I’m including on my list of the best books with happy endings, I wanted to feature a story that showed how working through bad things can earn a satisfying, feel-good finale.

How to read it… Add Elevation on Goodreads , purchase on Amazon , and find in a library through WorldCat .

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Sarah S. Davis is the founder of Broke by Books, a blog about her journey as a schizoaffective disorder bipolar type writer and reader. Sarah's writing about books has appeared on Book Riot, Electric Literature, Kirkus Reviews, BookRags, PsychCentral, and more. She has a BA in English from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Library and Information Science from Clarion University, and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

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I have always secretly been a fan of sad endings in books. Of course, I love when a story has a happy ending — after all, I grew up obsessed with fairy tales and whimsical escapist literature — but there’s something about a devastatingly sad ending that really stays with me.

Happy endings leave most readers feeling content. It’s as if the author has wrapped everything up with a beautiful bow, and you admire their handiwork. You feel a warm, happy glow surround you as you shut the book. Sad endings, on the other hand, haunt the reader. If you’re a hardcore book-lover, they may keep you awake long into the night, filled with rage or desperation or frustration. I personally handle seeing your favorite characters go through such terrible things. Some readers even write fan fiction trying to resolve the heartbreak , because you just can’t leave your best friends — I mean, book characters — to wallow in sadness.

This is why I love, but also hate, sad endings. They leave me wanting more, because they deny me the wish fulfilling, perfect happy ending that I so desire. Here are some of the heartbreaking endings that readers wish they could change — but hey, we’re still talking about them. Spoilers ahead.

'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott

Click Here To Buy.

Beth dies, and Laurie ends up with Amy instead of Jo. Need we say more?

'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens

It's unclear whether or not Pip and Estella reconcile, but apparently Charles Dickens originally wanted the ending to be even sadder: Pip was supposed to encounter a newly married Estella in London. Tragic. Either way, this lengthy novel doesn't have a flowery ending.

'Mockingjay' by Suzanne Collins

Katniss entered the Hunger Games because she was trying to protect her sister Prim, then Prim dies anyway. The series ends on a bleak note, with a slight hope for the future, but Katniss is still very much haunted by the past.

'Me Before You' by Jojo Moyes

After Will and Louise change each others lives and fall in love, Will dies.

'My Sister's Keeper' by Jodi Picoult

Anna was conceived solely to be a donor match for her older sister, Kate, who battles leukemia. But as she grows older, Anna begins to fight against this system created for her, and she files a suit for medical emancipation. She wins. But at the end of the novel, she is killed in a terrible car crash and is prepped for organ donation.

'Of Mice And Men' by John Steinbeck

'Go on,' said Lennie. 'How’s it gonna be. We gonna get a little place.'

'We’ll have a cow,' said George. 'An’ we’ll have maybe a pig an’ chickens .. . . an’ down the flat we’ll have a . . . . little piece alfalfa—'

'For the rabbits,' Lennie shouted.

'For the rabbits,' George repeated.

'And I get to tend the rabbits.'

'An’ you get to tend the rabbits.'

Lennie giggled with happiness. 'An’ live on the fatta the lan’.'

Lennie turned his head.

'No, Lennie. Look down there acrost the river, like you can almost see theplace.'

Lennie obeyed him. George looked down at the gun."

BRB, crying.

'Flowers For Algernon' by Daniel Keyes

Charlie Gordon undergoes a successful operation to improve his intelligence, then he loses it all. At the end he asks for flowers for the grave of the mouse who underwent the same test operation. Heart. Broken.

'1984' by George Orwell

Winston and Julia both betray each other, and return to the dystopian world of Big Brother. Horrifying and terrifyingly relevant .

'We Were Liars' by E. Lockhart

Cadence finally remembers what happened to her over Summer Fifteen: a a tragic fire killed everyone but her, and all the characters of the novel are ghosts.

'The Remains Of The Day' by Kazuo Ishiguro

Stevens doesn't end up with Miss Kenton, and instead he on enjoying what's left of his life.

'Tuck Everlasting' by Natalie Babbitt

Winnie doesn't drink the magic water, she grows old, and she dies. In the end, the Tucks visit her grave.

'Bridge To Terabithia' by Katherine Paterson

Jesse's best friend Leslie dies while Jesse is at an art museum with his teacher. Then, Jesse makes his little sister, May Belle, the new princess of Terabithia in the ending you definitely cried through in grade school.

'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini

Amir doesn't intervene when his best friend Hassan is attacked. Later, the same happens to Hassan's son, Sohrab. Amir adopts Sohrab, but this ending is seriously devastating.

'Atonement' by Ian McEwan

You think that Cecilia and Robbie had a happy ending, but in a last-minute, heart-wrenching twist, it turns out Briony made it up to give them the ending they never had.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

From Where the Red Fern Grows to Marley and Me to Old Yeller , every dog book in existence, pretty much, has a heartbreaking ending.

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The Idea of You author reacts to movie's ending changes: 'That's not the story I wanted to tell'

"Hollywood's going to do what they're going to do, and they're going to throw a happy ending on everything. I don't know why," Robinne Lee says.

Sydney Bucksbaum is a writer at Entertainment Weekly covering all things pop culture – but TV is her one true love. She currently lives in Los Angeles but grew up in Chicago so please don't make fun of her accent when it slips out.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for  The Idea of You .

The Idea of You wants to make you cry at the end.

But whether those are happy or sad tears all depends on whether you're reading Robinne Lee's 2017 novel or watching the Prime Video adaptation starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine because the movie completely changes the ending in a surprise twist.

Lee's smash hit book introduces the unconventional but intense age-gap romance between 40-year-old divorced single mom Solène and 24-year-old British boy band member Hayes Campbell. And while they both try to make their genuine relationship work for a long time, by the end, Solène is convinced it's impossible. Due to the negative impact on her young daughter, her business, and basically her entire life, she breaks up with Hayes (multiple times since it doesn't really stick on her first attempt). The book ends tragically with Solène never really getting over her love, while Hayes eventually moves on and never contacts her again.

Courtesy of Prime

But the movie completely flips the scripts to give Solène (Hathaway) and Hayes (Galitzine) the happy ending they never had in the book. A time jump of five years after their breakup reveals that Hayes (Galitzine) has successfully started his solo career outside of August Moon, and he lives up to his promise to find Solène five years later once her daughter is old enough not to be as affected by their relationship. He shows up at her gallery, and her tear-filled smile says it all. They're getting the happy ending no one ever expected — especially the book's author.

"I was not involved at all in the adaptation," Lee tells Entertainment Weekly . "I have not even spoken to [director] Michael [Showalter] yet, but I'm looking forward to meeting him, so no, I haven't spoken to him about any changes. My husband's a producer on this, and he's spoken to him, and so he has reported back to me about Michael's changes, so I know some of the reasons he did things he chose to do."

Lee doesn't feel betrayed by how different the movie is from her original book because she understands that adapting something for the screen is no easy feat. "The book is a book, and the movie is a movie," she says. "You have to step away and let the filmmakers do what they're going to do and not get too concerned with what it is you've created and when it stops because it's a completely different medium. Adaptations are always a tricky thing because books are so much more cerebral, and you're reading the character's thoughts, and it's hard to convey character's thoughts in a film, so there's going to be changes."

She was always bracing herself for how her story would change for the movie, and she still hopes that fans of her book can find something new to love in the movie. But she never intended to give Solène and Hayes a happy ending and was surprised to see them get one in the epilogue.

"It's America — Hollywood's going to do what they're going to do, and they're going to throw a happy ending on everything," Lee says. "I don't know why. You hope they'll keep to what you've written because it meant something to you, but you also have to think about the box office and viewers and what their audience is going to want to see. Even though there's obviously a huge overlap between readers and movie viewers, I think when you are gearing something towards a movie audience, it's a slightly different fanbase, and maybe American viewers are not ready for [a sad ending]."

Alisha Wetherill/Prime

While Lee understands most people want to "leave and feel happy" after seeing a movie, she feels the opposite. " Titanic was a huge success — I love crying and I cried for three days and then I went back and went back and went back," Lee explains. "It is the only movie I've seen in the theater four times because I like to cry. And you'll know I like to cry when you read my book. Crying makes me feel like I'm alive."

As for whether the book version of Solène and Hayes could also have a happy ending years later, Lee isn't too enthusiastic about the idea. "I mean, the movie ending could have happened in the book too, I suppose, years down the line," she says. "But that's not the story I wanted to tell. I wanted to make a point about how, as women, we put others' happiness before our own. She chose her daughter before Hayes, and she was also very aware that she was disappointing her best friend, Lulit, her business partner and the co-owner of her gallery, which was suffering from the Hayes relationship. She had to put those other things first. It would've been lovely if she could have balanced all three, but at that point in time, she couldn't."

Lee stresses that she wanted the entire romance and story to "feel real," especially with how it ends. "I wanted it to feel like you were reading this woman's diary," she explains. "It's something that had really happened to her, and she'd gotten caught up in this role and romance, and it almost destroyed her and everything around her, and she had to let it go."

While the book seems to definitively end Solène and Hayes's story, Lee isn't totally opposed to revisiting their relationship in a future book. "Maybe years down the line, I'll go back, and I'll give them more time together," she says. "But we'll see."

Another seemingly small change that actually has a massive impact on the story is how the movie ages Hayes up from 20 to 24. While the age gap is still an issue despite the change, the book version of Hayes can't drink legally, which causes a lot of issues in both the text and subtext.

"It does change things," Lee says. "I had to make it feel a little unsafe. I wasn't going to make him illegal, but I wanted it to raise eyebrows. I felt like 24 was playing it too safe. I mean, at my age now, 24 sounds crazy, but when I was writing the book 10 years ago, 20 sounded like just the edge of crazy. My friends would be like, 'You're losing your mind, but you're not breaking any laws. So if you're enjoying it ... '"

And it all turned out okay... at least, it does in the movie.

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Related content:

• The Idea of You author regrets revealing Harry Styles as inspiration: 'It's unfortunate'
• Nicholas Galitzine reveals he didn't use Harry Styles as inspiration for  The Idea of You
• How Anne Hathaway used her experience with undeserved online hate for  The Idea of You
• The Idea of You  review: Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine smolder in age-gap romance

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Rachel Brittain

Rachel is a writer from Arkansas, most at home surrounded by forests and animals much like a Disney Princess. She spends most of her time writing stories and playing around in imaginary worlds. You can follow her writing at rachelbrittain.com. Twitter and Instagram: @rachelsbrittain

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Everybody doing okay? Hanging in there? I don’t know about you, but I’ve pretty much thrown out my usual reading goals and TBR in favor of a new technique I’m calling the “I’m Reading Whatever The Heck I Feel Like And Can Focus On Right Now, Thanks Very Much” method. I highly recommend it. And that means a lot of what I’m reading is anything that brings me comfort or joy. I think it’s safe to say comfort and joy are things we could all use a little more of in our lives at the moment, right? And, especially for LGBTQ+ readers, going into a book knowing it’s going to have a happy ending can be really important. So, need some feel-good recs with guaranteed HEAs right about now? Check out these queer books with happy endings.

I can’t promise there won’t be any angst in the middle, but all of these books are relatively light and definitely fall into the “happily ever after” category.

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book that made me smile as much as Casey McQuiston’s Red, White and Royal Blue . Maybe you heard all the hype and weren’t sure, but let me tell you: it’s just that good. Presidential First Son, Alex Claremont-Diaz, is forced to make nice with Prince Henry after an international public relations incident at the royal wedding. Feels ensue.

A Little Light Mischief by Cat Sebastian

As far as feel-good romance novellas go, this one is top of the list for sheer adorableness. Street-smart lady’s maid Molly is taken aback by a down-on-her-luck young woman living with a benefactress after being thrown out by her cruel father. Molly knows what she wants, but does Alice?

A Prince on Paper by Alyssa Cole

A bisexual prince with anxiety? Now, that’s my kind of book! Getting to see bi characters in all sorts of relationships in literature is so important, and I love that while it isn’t a central point of the book, it isn’t glossed over either. Plus Alyssa Cole just writes the best royal romances, and I think we can all agree on that.

Meet Cute Club by Jack Harbon

A failing book club, a die-hard romance reader, a new guy in town. Jordan is determined to keep his romance book club, Meet Cute Club, afloat, even with diminishing numbers. But when a pretentious new bookshop employee decides to join after making fun of the “grandma books” Jordan reads, he’s not sure this new member is worth it. Except, for all his pretentiousness, Rex really does read the books Jordan recommends to him. And he keeps calling him “handsome.” What’s a romantic who thinks romance is just for books to do? Maybe finally let a little bit of his own romance in?

Tell Me How You Really Feel by Aminah Mae Safi

The F/F enemies-to-lovers story you’ve always wanted where the taciturn film nerd gets the popular cheerleader—after thinking she’d been scorned by her. The truth is Rachel has always liked Sana. But when she asked her out, Sana thought it was a cruel prank and has hated her ever since. But when a film project forces them back together, sparks fly.

The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite

Widowed Catherine St Day is looking forward to a quiet life after making sure her husband’s legacy is fulfilled. But when Lucy Muchelney, an eager young astronomer, shows up to translate the groundbreaking French astronomy text, Catherine is taken aback. She wasn’t expecting this young woman to stay, much less to fall in love again.

While it doesn’t gloss over the historical homophobia and sexism, The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics manages to acknowledge and exist within that landscape without wallowing in it. And most importantly of all, it shows queer characters getting their happy ending.

Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker

The cutest little supernatural friends-to-lovers graphic novel you ever did see. A young witch and an enby werewolf rekindle their friendship—and their feelings—while trying to stop a supernatural attack on their hometown. It’s a sweet, feel-good read for all ages!

Blanca and Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore

This retelling of “Snow-White and Rose-Red” and Swan Lake reimagines the story around two sisters fated to be rivals. An ancient spell has doomed one del Cisne girl to turn into a swan in every generation. Blanca and Roja are determined to undermine their fate, but disobeying the swans comes with a cost. And when the sisters discover two lost boys in the woods, their fates become inextricably entwined.

Anna-Marie McLemore’s stories are always so beautiful and so queer and so tender. This book plays on fairytale tropes in all the best ways.

Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli

Leah is a badass drummer, a snarky best friend, and a not-quite-out-and-proud bisexual. She’s still working on that last one. Her best friend, Simon, is gay after all. A whole lot of senior year angst and a major crush on a friend she can’t seem to get away from make life complicated. But with prom coming up and her friend group fracturing, she’ll have to figure out how to be true to herself and keep it all together if she wants to get the girl. After all, it’s senior year—what does she have to lose?

The Summer of Jordi Perez by Amy Spalding

One summer internship, two interns, and the chance to earn a job at the coolest plus-size fashion boutique in Los Angeles. Abby has always dreamed of making it big in the fashion industry, but when she starts to fall for the competition—fellow intern Jordi—things get complicated fast. Dating a fellow employee is a big no-no—especially when Abby knows only one of them can get the job. Still, Abby’s kissing a cute girl and checking out all the burger spots in L.A. with a new friend. It might just be the best summer of her life. But Abby’s not used to living her life in the spotlight, and Jordi’s photography makes her question everything she thought she knew about herself. Is it too late to make this the summer of Abby Ives? Or is she just stuck playing sidekick forever?

I love a body-positive book that still deals with and acknowledges how complicated body image and self-love can be. And an adorable F/F relationship on top of that? Too good to be true!

Once Ghosted, Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole

Did you really think we were going to get through this list without another Alyssa Cole book? Of course not. No list of cute queer books would be complete without this gem of a novella about royal assistant, Likotsi, who is reunited with her former fling. But can the two rekindle their former feelings after a turbulent start? (Yes, obviously. This is a whole list of books with happy endings. Spoiler alert: they work it out.)

Most Ardently by Susan Mesler-Evans

A modern Pride and Prejudice retelling with bisexual and lesbian leads? Yes please! It’s hate at first sight for Elisa Benitez and Darcy Fitzgerald. Unfortunately, their lives are already too entwined, with Darcy’s best friend dating Elisa’s sister, for them to avoid each other entirely. But the more time Elisa spends with the snobby heiress, the more her view of her—and the world—begins to shift. This is a story of pride and prejudice, after all.

The Princess Affair by Nell Stark

Even more LGBTQ royals! Rhodes Scholar Kerry Donovan arrives at Oxford determined to make the most of her time there—just as she has with every other opportunity in her life. But when she happens across Princess Sasha, second in line to the British throne, at a club, her perfectly planned out life—and all her assumptions about the partying princess—are turned upside down. Can the chemistry drawing these two together overcome the cruel spotlight of the tabloid paparazzi?

Xeni by Rebekah Weatherspoon

All Xeni wanted was to claim the inheritance her aunt left behind. What she got instead was a husband. Mason McInroy knew the death of his mentor and friend, Sable Everly, would leave a hole in his heart. But he didn’t expect her to also use her last will and testament to play matchmaker and set him up with her niece. The two decide to make the best of a messy situation and just play along, but what neither of them expected was to actually fall in love in the process. I absolutely love fake relationship turning into real relationship love stories, PLUS a fat bisexual love interest? What more could I want in a book, honestly?

Romancing the Inventor by Gail Carriger

Imogene Hale is a parlourmaid at a local vampire hive. Not your typical work, but it will do. Especially when she meets the beautiful French inventor they’ve imprisoned in the potting shed. But Genevieve Lefoux is dead set against the match. Can Imogene win the lady’s heart before the vampires suck them both dry? Or is their love just doomed from the start?

A standalone romance set in Carriger’s popular steampunk Parasolverse.

Knit One, Girl Two by Shira Glassman

A lighthearted, Jewish F/F romance about a small-batch yarn dyer and the artist who proves to be her new inspiration. Clara is on the search for the next great yarn color for her independent yarn business, but nothing seems to live up to her last idea. Then she discovers Danielle Solomon’s painting of Florida wildlife at a local gallery and knows exactly what colors to dye next. And soon Danielle proves to be even more captivating and inspiring than the artwork Clara first fell in love with.

The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich

A secret spy organization trains teens in the ways of attraction, because the fastest way to get information out of a person is to become their love interest. Caden and Dylan are playing opposites—the nice guy and the bad guy—to compete for the affections of the same girl. They’re out in the real world for the first time, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Because whoever doesn’t win, dies. But as Caden and Dylan taste a bit of freedom for the first time, feelings outside of their training begin to take over. What happens when the love interests fall in love…with each other?

Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales

Summer lovin’ is all that’s on Ollie’s mind. But when vacation is over, his dream summer fling, Will Tavares, completely ghosts him. Too bad a family emergency uproots Ollie and leaves him attending the same school as Will. And this Will is not the same one Ollie knew—he’s the class clown, closeted, and a bit of a jerk. Ollie would have to be an idiot to trust this guy with his heart again. But with Will showing up just about everywhere Ollie goes, from music class to the lunch table, resisting his summer fling becomes harder and harder. This contemporary queer take on Grease is cute as can be.

Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa  Bashardoust (July 7, 2020, Flatiron Books)

Inspired by Persian folklore and fairytales, the author of Girls Made of Snow and Glass brings us another beautiful, complex queer story about power, agency, and trusting the wrong person. For Soraya, who has lived her life hidden away in the palace, trust is complicated. Her touch is poison, but secret forays through the hidden passages of the palace and into the city with a new friend make her question everything she’s ever been told. And the answers to everything lie just out of reach in the dungeons below, where a demon may hold the truth of her curse. But the truth is easily twisted, and the choices Soraya makes have consequences far beyond what she ever could’ve imagined.

A lush foray into Persian mythology and folklore that has quickly become one of my new favorite books. A truly lovely and unforgettable read.

Here for It: Or, How to Save Your Soul in America ; Essays by R. Eric Thomas

Personal essays on finding your way—and the joy—in a state of perpetual otherness. Be it his sexuality in church, or his skin color in the mostly white suburban high school he attended, R. Eric Thomas redefines what it means to be “other” and “normal” in a post-2016 world.

Running With Lions by Julian Winters

Star goalie Sebastian Hughes has ever reason to look forward to senior year: great friends, an amazing team, and a coach who doesn’t ask anyone to hide their sexuality. But when his childhood best friend, Emir, shows up for training camp, the perfect balance of the team is disrupted. Since that’s mostly Sebastian’s fault, it’s up to him to make things right. But reconnecting with Emir seems like it might lead to more than just friendship, and with the dynamics of the team on the line, Sebastian has to decide how to balance his feelings with his role as team captain.

Would You Rather?: A Memoir of Growing Up and Coming Out by Katie Heaney

A memoir in essays about going from a life of being single to realizing she’d been looking for love in all the wrong places before. From coming out in her late 20s to traversing the dating scene in New York, Heaney’s honest and relatable look at love and self-acceptance proves it’s never too late to find yourself or find love.

The Infinite Noise by Lauren Shippen

What if the X-Men spent a little less time saving the world and a little more time in therapy? That’s the general premise of this novel based on Lauren Shippen’s award-winning podcast, The Bright Sessions . Caleb is an Atypical, a person with powers. That might be pretty cool, except his extreme empathy means he feels the emotions of everyone around him. And when he starts feeling mood swings way out of the norm for even a typical teenager, he’s drawn into the orbit of Adam, a classmate who’s feelings may line up a little too closely to his own.

Who Is Vera Kelly? by Rosalie Knecht

When Vera Kelly’s technical talents on the radio get her noticed by the CIA in the 1960s, the woman just trying to make rent and blend into the scene at Greenwich Village suddenly finds herself working as a spy in Buenos Aires. But as the local government falls into turmoil, a betrayal leaves Vera stranded at the worst time possible. War makes for strange bedfellows—especially when you’re a foreign spy just trying to survive.

Nothing Is Okay by Rachel Wiley

Poems about queerness, fatness, race, and feminism that will alternately make you want to cry and laugh. Simultaneously a critique of the culture we live in and a celebration of who we are as individuals. Rachel Wiley is a poet like no other.

Wow, No Thank You by Samantha Irby

The newest collection of essays from Samantha Irby covers the hilarious and all-too-real facts of her life settling down as a step-mom in a mostly white Midwestern town. From hosting book club to becoming someone courted by Hollywood, Wow, No Thank You  is just as funny, readable, and relatable as Irby’s previous collections.

The Never-Tilting World by Rin Chupeco

The world is broken, and it will take two sisters raised half a world away to remake it. Haidee lives in a bubble under the scorching sun, knowing nothing about the twin sister she never knew living in a frozen city on the opposite side of the planet. But as Odessa sets out to fulfill her duties as a goddesses alongside her fierce bodyguard, Lan, the paths these two sisters set out on, the discover the truth about their pasts and fix their broken planet, grow closer and closer to intersecting.

Passing Strange by Ellen Klages

This novella centers on the interconnected lives of a group of queer women living in San Francisco during the Second World War. Helen, an elderly lawyer and former dancer, reminisces on her younger years after fulfilling a decades-old promise to sell the lost last artwork of her late friend, Haskell. A younger Helen poses for Haskell’s pulp drawings and cavort at Mona’s, the club where “girls will be boys.” There, drag king Emily calls on Haskell’s help during hard times, and the two begin to fall for each other amidst fairs and hard times. This lovely piece of historical fiction doesn’t gloss over the racism, sexism, and homophobia of the time, while still managing to write a sweet, compelling story about queer women unabashedly living their lives and falling in love.

Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann

Alice’s perfect summer plans include working at the library and marathoning her favorite TV shows. They in no way include her ex-girlfriend who broke up with her after finding out she’s asexual. In fact, Alice has sworn off dating for good. But then she meets Takumi at the library. Takumi, who makes her feel romcom-grade butterflies. Takumi, who’s a bit of a knight in shining armor. But is she willing to risk the friendship they have for a romance that might end as badly as her last?

This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

How do you lose the time war? By falling for the enemy, of course. That’s exactly what happens to Red and Blue, competing agents from two opposing time travel bureaus. As the two trade illicit letters amidst their battles to shape the history, future, and reality of the timeline, they realize the relationship growing between them could mean more than just their certain deaths if anyone were ever to find out—it could mean a new future altogether.

To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers

A crew of interstellar researchers modify their bodies in order to explore an incredible array of extrasolar planets. Ariadne and her fellow crewmates sleep between their destinations, and though the Earth may chance drastically in the time that passes, their mission remains the same: to research and to record.

For even more lighthearted queer reads, check out these feel-good queer comics , ten joyful queer books , this quiz to determine which fun queer book you should read next , and some more LGBTQ+ books with happy endings .

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The Book of Happy Endings: True stories about finding love Kindle Edition

• Print length 186 pages
• Language English
• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• Publication date February 12, 2014
• File size 17314 KB
• Page Flip Enabled
• Word Wise Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting Enabled
• See all details

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From publishers weekly, about the author, product details.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00IFDDMRM
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ BareBone Books Ltd (February 12, 2014)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 12, 2014
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 17314 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 186 pages
• #8,287 in Love & Romance (Kindle Store)
• #178,140 in Parenting & Relationships (Books)
• #498,156 in Romance (Kindle Store)

About the author

Elise valmorbida.

WINNER OF THE 2019 VICTORIAN PREMIER'S LITERARY AWARD FOR FICTION, Elise Valmorbida's most recent novel The Madonna of the Mountains is published internationally in several languages.

Her other fiction includes Matilde Waltzing (also historical fiction), The TV President and The Winding Stick. Her non-fiction includes The Book of Happy Endings, and—forthcoming—a creative writing guide inspired by decades of teaching creative writing at Central Saint Martins, Arvon, Guardian Masterclasses, Faber Academy, community-building organisations and literary festivals.

Elise won the Edinburgh International Film Festival Trailblazer Award for her role as producer and script consultant of indie Britfilm SAXON.

Her literary agent is Clare Alexander of Aitken Alexander Associates.

www.elisevalmorbida.com

instagram @elisevalmorbida

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10 Things We're Gonna Miss About Star Wars: The Bad Batch

• The unique bond of Clone Force 99 will be missed, as a true brotherhood had developed between them.
• Hunter and Omega's heartwarming father-daughter relationship stood out in Star Wars as a rare healthy family dynamic in the franchise.
• The distinct personalities of the Bad Batch members will leave a void in Star Wars.

Star Wars: The Bad Batch has officially ended after three thrilling seasons, and these 10 aspects of the incredible Star Wars TV show will be the most difficult to say goodbye to. The Bad Batch proved to be one of Star Wars' best TV shows , with some of the most beloved characters throughout Star Wars movies and shows . Indeed, Clone Force 99 , alongside the newer addition of Omega, won audiences over with their unique personalities, senses of humor, and bond they shared.

Sadly, The Bad Batch has concluded, as The Bad Batch season 3 ending brought the series to a bittersweet close. Now that the clones' stories have wrapped up, the Bad Batch team members and the fan-favorite show will both be sorely missed. In particular, these 10 aspects of The Bad Batch are going to be the most difficult to let go of.

All 10 Ways The Bad Batch Has Changed The Star Wars Galaxy Forever

Although Star Wars: The Bad Batch has officially concluded, these 10 major changes the show made to the Star Wars galaxy prove its legacy will endure.

The Brotherhood Of Clone Force 99

The bond among the bad batch team members dates back to the clone wars era.

The Batch Team has shared an incredible brotherhood since they were introduced in Star Wars: The Clone Wars . Although they were largely ostracized because they were considered 'defective' based on their unique abilities, and while it took some time for them to find their footing together, they ultimately grew to have one of the most significant bonds in Star Wars . While all clones were technically brothers (or sister, in Omega's case), Clone Force 99 acted as brothers, even long after the events of Order 66.

It will be difficult to say goodbye to seeing this incredible bond on screen. The Bad Batch was frequently driven by emotional, at times quite painful story arcs and took place during the Dark Times, but seeing the Bad Batch team together was heartwarming. This was especially true in light of all the Bad Batch and the other clones had been through and continued to go through during the Empire's rule.

The Relationship Between Omega And Hunter

Hunter and omega's parent-child dynamic was beautiful to see.

Created By George Lucas, Dave Filoni

Cast Michelle Ang

First Appearance Star Wars: The Bad Batch

Omega was undoubtedly close to all the Bad Batch members, which only became more true with time, but it's undeniable that she and Hunter had a unique bond. Hunter, more than any other clone, truly became a father figure to Omega. Over the show's three seasons, this relationship developed until it was concluded in The Bad Batch finale when Hunter referred to Omega as Clone Force 99's "kid."

Hunter, more than any other clone, truly became a father figure to Omega.

Healthy family dynamics are few and far between in Star Wars , and this has been especially true for parents. With the exception of Din Djarin and Grogu, who were just confirmed to be father and son in The Mandalorian season 3 ending , in which Din Djarin adopted Grogu, parent-child relationships in Star Wars have been particularly fraught. Unlike the Skywalker family tree , though, the family relationship between Hunter and Omega couldn't have been sweeter and was even given a happy ending.

Hunter (Clone Force 99)

Created By George Lucas

Cast Dee Bradley Baker

The Unique Personalities Of Clone Force 99

Star wars' 'defective' clones were wonderfully unique.

All clones are some of Star Wars' most beloved characters, from Captain Rex to Commander Cody, but the Bad Batch was special in that they each had such distinct, unusual personalities. Because each Bad Batch member had their own strengths and abilities, specially engineered in the Kaminoan cloning project, they each took on a very unique persona. Crosshair's sardonic cynicism, Wrecker's loud goofiness, and Hunter's warmth and determination will be difficult to find elsewhere in Star Wars , especially in combination with each other.

Crosshair's sardonic cynicism, Wrecker's loud goofiness, and Hunter's warmth and determination will be difficult to find elsewhere in Star Wars .

While the Bad Batch ending hinted that Omega's Star Wars future may not be over , as she was confirmed to be heading off to join the Rebellion, Hunter, Wrecker, and Crosshair are unlikely to appear again. Their absences will truly leave a gap in Star Wars that will be difficult to fill. Each character was developed thoughtfully and beautifully, and while it was nice for the clones to receive a hard-earned happy ending, it's difficult to imagine the Star Wars galaxy without them.

All Upcoming Star Wars Titles Omega (& The Bad Batch) Could Appear In Next

The Bad Batch left Omegas future unclear, meaning her story isnt finished yetso what other Star Wars titles could Omega & the Batch appear in next?

The Connection To The Clone Wars Era

Star wars: the clone wars was one of star wars' best tv shows.

In addition to The Bad Batch being a thrilling show in its own right, it was also one of few lingering connections to the Clone Wars era . Specifically, as a spin-off show of The Clone Wars , The Bad Batch directly tied into previous plot lines from the fan-favorite show. Given how beloved and sorely missed The Clone Wars was, this makes seeing The Bad Batch come to an end all the more difficult.

Although the period following the Clone Wars has continued to be explored, such as in Obi-Wan Kenobi , and characters from The Clone Wars have appeared in other projects, such as Ahsoka , the clones are an integral part of the era. Sadly, with the clones' stories ending, it feels like this period is truly over. While Star Wars has proven happy to play with the timeline and move backward and forward in time in different projects, it seems unlikely that the Clone Wars will be explored again in the same way. (Although, a live-action Clone Wars show would be incredible).

Hearing Dee Bradley Baker's Voice

One incredible actor voiced every clone.

Remarkably, most clones in both The Clone Wars and The Bad Batch were voiced by the same actor, Dee Bradley Baker . Because of that, Baker's voice has become an iconic one in Star Wars and is immediately recognizable. Sadly, without the confirmation of a future animated project including the Bad Batch team or other clone troopers, it seems Baker's time in Star Wars may have ended.

If true, that would be a terrible shame for Baker, Star Wars , and viewers. Baker has been a brilliant part of Star Wars , impressively bringing countless characters to life with his voice acting chops. In fact, it's easy to miss that each member of the Bad Batch team doesn't have their own voice actor; while they may sound similar, Baker gave each character a unique, distinctive twist. Without future plans for Baker's return, his voice is truly one of the aspects of The Bad Batch that will be missed the most.

Not Knowing What Comes Next For The Clones

The clones' stories are truly over.

The Bad Batch ending doesn't only mean the Bad Batch team members are unlikely to appear on screen again (with the possible exception of Omega), though. The show's conclusion also means there are no more mysteries left to be uncovered about Clone Force 99. A major part of the fun while watching The Bad Batch was trying to anticipate how certain plot points would be resolved or what would happen next in the clones' stories.

Now, while a happy ending, that anticipation and speculation are gone. That isn't to say that Star Wars will never reveal additional information about the clones; after all, Omega could very well return, which could include updates on the clones' whereabouts or even the true end of their stories if they've since passed on. However, the weekly curiosity and major cliffhangers between seasons are now over and will be sorely missed.

The Exploration Of The Early Dark Times

A deeper look into the early imperial era was fascinating.

One of the most exciting aspects of The Bad Batch , season 1 in particular, was the new ground it covered in the Star Wars timeline. While other shows, such as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Star Wars Rebels , have explored the Dark Times, The Bad Batch began with Order 66 and continued immediately following the events of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith . Because of that time stamp, The Bad Batch was a thrilling look into the earliest days of the Empire and how Palpatine continued to establish his rule and exert his newfound power.

Other projects are already set to explore the Dark Times, most notably in the upcoming Andor season 2 . However, the close look at the Empire and its plots that The Bad Batch offered is unlikely to exist again in the same way. Particularly because the clones still worked closely with the Empire, they offered a proximity to the early workings of the oppressive regime, which shows like Andor are much less likely to do.

Holding Onto Hope That Tech Might Be Alive

Sadly, tech's death was confirmed, tech (clone force 99).

First Appearance Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Perhaps the only major disappointment to come out of The Bad Batch season 3 finale was the confirmation that Tech really had died in the Bad Batch season 2 ending . Audiences had long since held out hope that, despite his fall, Tech may still be alive. Particularly because only his goggles had been found—not his body—speculation was rampant that he would make a miraculous return, as many Star Wars characters have over the years. However, those rumors and hopes were put to bed when no shocking return was revealed in the show's final episode.

While, of course, Tech will be very missed, as he already was, holding onto the hope that he would return will also be difficult to let go of. In addition to fun fan theories about when and how he would return, in a way, Tech remained alive a little longer because of this hope. With viewers expecting him to pop back up at any minute, Tech didn't feel as absent in season 3 .

Seeing Crosshair's Redemptive Journey

Crosshair's story was one of the best in the bad batch.

Crosshair has been a complicated character since he was introduced in The Clone Wars , and The Bad Batch made that journey even more complex. In particular, Crosshair's willingness to kill the Jedi, including a child, during Order 66 was difficult to swallow or forgive, even when it was revealed that he was more affected by the inhibitor chip than the rest of Clone Force 99. This only became more challenging when he elected to leave his brothers and work for the Empire.

The Jedi Padawan Crosshair almost killed in the first episode of The Bad Batch was Kanan Jarrus of Rebels .

However, The Bad Batch gave Crosshair a beautiful redemption arc that was incredible to see unfold . Ultimately, not only did he return to his brothers, but he also helped Omega escape the Empire twice and reunited her with Hunter and Wrecker. Truly, not seeing Crosshair's growth and his new warmth for Omega will be terribly missed. In the end, he became a very beloved character and a true brother to the other members of the Bad Batch.

The Love Between The Bad Batch Family Members

Clone force 99 is truly one of star wars' best families.

Ultimately, the most painful part of The Bad Batch to let go of is the love that was so apparent among the members of the Bad Batch. Between the brotherly bonds within Clone Force 99 and the parent-child dynamic Hunter and Omega shared, the team truly became a family, and it was clear how much they loved each other. In fact, the reunion between Hunter and Omega in season 3 was one of the most touching moments in all of Star Wars because it was so clearly full of love—something that can at times be lacking in the franchise.

In many ways, The Bad Batch was a truly exceptional, unique addition to the larger Star Wars galaxy, and while Star Wars' upcoming TV shows are exciting, none can directly replace The Bad Batch . Because of its incredible characters, place in the Star Wars timeline, and emotional significance, The Bad Batch will be sorely missed. These 10 aspects of Star Wars: The Bad Batch in particular are the hardest to say goodbye to.

Star Wars: The Bad Batch

Cast Noshir Dalal, Gwendoline Yeo, Sam Riegel, Liam O'Brien, Rhea Perlman, Michelle Ang, Dee Bradley Baker, Bob Bergen

Release Date May 4, 2021

Genres Animation, Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure

Franchise(s) Star Wars

ALL STAR WARS MOVIES AND TV SHOWS ARE AVAILABLE TO STREAM ON DISNEY+

The True Story Behind ‘The Vow’ Doesn’t Have a Happy Ending

What happened to Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams' characters in real life?

The Big Picture

• The Vow was inspired by the true love story of Kim and Kricket Carpenter, who had to learn to love and live with each other again after Kricket lost her memory due to a car accident.
• While The Vow took creative liberties with the story, it captured the emotional turmoil and essence of the real-life romance. The couple faced trials and turmoil during this unprecedented event.
• Unlike the happy ending in the film, the real couple, Kim and Kricket, ended their marriage in 2018 due to Kim's infidelity. However, Kricket still believes in the possibility of love.

We've all wanted to turn back time and experience falling in love again with our favorite movie, book, and even person. Unfortunately, Kim and Kricket Carpenter managed to achieve that through a very harrowing and tragic journey. After a horrific car accident, the newlyweds' relationship took a dramatic turn as Kricket succumbed to severe brain damage and lost the past one and a half years of her life . Her memory placed her back to before she met Kim, leaving the two to learn how to love and live with each other again. This stressful and unusual period of their lives inspired a well-known 2012 rom-com, The Vow , featuring Channing Tatum as Leo (Kim) and Rachel McAdams as Paige (Kricket). However, although the film ended on a hopeful and optimistic note, the real couple's happy ending expired in 2018 when their divorce was finalized .

A car accident puts Paige in a coma, and when she wakes up with severe memory loss, her husband Leo works to win her heart again.

Who Do Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams Play in 'The Vow'?

The Vow opens with a cozy scene of the warmly-lit interior of a car with Paige and Leo sharing a wholesome moment, protected by the chilly snow outside but unprotected by the sudden headlights of a truck rear-ending them, sending an unbuckled Paige through the window. Although they both luckily survive the fatal crash, Paige's memory of her husband doesn't survive. With one half missing his lover and the other half getting to know a stranger, the couple navigate the post-crash confusion separately, with a healthy dose of family and ex-boyfriend drama thrown in the mix.

Kim and Kricket Carpenter's love story began in 1992 with a bizarre yet adorable meet-cute story that starts with a phone call. According to Reader's Digest Canada , Kim, the head coach of New Mexico Highland University's baseball team, was flicking through a sportswear catalog when Kricket's name caught his eye. He promptly called the sales associate number where Kricket was met with his incredulous question: "Is your name really Kricket?" It was love at first phone call .

After many strategically timed phone calls, a plane trip, and a year later, the couple's romance was cemented at the altar in September 1993. However, two months later, the honeymoon phase was cut short as an accident placed Kricket in a coma, then wiped out her memories of her newlywed life . Over the next couple of years, Kricket struggled with physical therapy and psychological and emotional confusion. Constantly wavering between improving and taking steps backwards, many arguments arose between the two lovers/strangers. Since Kricket had moved back in with her parents, Kim resolutely commuted between Phoenix and Las Vegas to both coach his team and support Kricket.

The couple had Christian beliefs ingrained into them and as such, despite the ever-increasing arguments, continued to commit to each other . In 1995, they finally decided to begin couples therapy, and then eventually, Kim began tentatively courting Kricket like he used to. After hard work, communication and conflict-free date nights, the couple renewed their vows in 1996, solidifying their new love for each other. In Reader's Digest Canada , Kricket described her experience as "growing into love," which she explained was "sort of like falling in love, only better."

How Accurate Is 'The Vow' to the True Story?

Naturally, The Vow did not strictly follow the events of the true story , and took heavy creative liberties with the couple's meet-cute, immediate divorce, Paige's relationship with her parents and her fictional ex-boyfriend. While the film did take creative license with the plot, the emotional turmoil and sanctity of the romance remained intact and, as such, it retained the essence of the real life story. Although it is a little disappointing that the filmmakers decided to make Paige and Leo's first encounter happen in the DMV rather than being a curious phone call to the sales associate of a catalog.

However, the immediate conflict and awkwardness following the amnesia is fairly accurate to what actually happened. While Kricket and Kim's fight did not escalate into a divorce like in the film, both real and fictional couples waded through trials and tumult during this essentially unprecedented event. On the other hand, Kricket's relationship with her parents was always close, and she did not have a meddling ex-flame interfering with her recovery. Paige, however, forgets the falling out with her parents and returns to them wide-eyed and confused. It is here that the filmmakers veer drastically away from the true story and the usual romantic comedy drama begins.

Remember When Chris Pratt, Aubrey Plaza, Channing Tatum & Oscar Isaac Did a Movie Together?

Essentially being transported to a different time period, Paige struggles to reconcile her unfamiliar present with her uncomfortable past. With Paige's overwhelming family intervening in her budding yet tense relationship with Leo by encouraging her romance with an ex-flame, the couple are unable to cover any meaningful ground to get their life back. Despite all the fictional drama, the film manages to capture Kim and Kricket's evolution from being on entirely separate wavelengths, to letting go of the past and starting over. Both couples have to resolve their internal turmoil in order to delicately work together for the future.

Real Life Does Not Get 'The Vow's Happy Ending

The end of the film comes full circle as Leo hesitantly asks Paige on a date while strolling in the snow, leaving us on a bright and heartfelt note. However, unlike Leo and Paige, the real couple, Kim and Kricket did not have a happy ending and ended their marriage in 2018 . Unfortunately, their 25 years of a happy marriage ended due to Kim's infidelity, an allegation he did not deny. Kricket revealed to Inside Edition that she had "just figured it out" and that "it was shocking and surprising to [her] because [they] were so committed to each other and to the vow.”

Kricket did not regret any of the 25 years of marriage which resulted in her two children and a lifetime of loving and cherished memories. "I'm thankful for the 25 years that I had," she said, "because I have two amazing children, and we had so many great times together.” Despite the more bittersweet ending in real life, the film may have foreshadowed the positive note that arose once the divorce was finalized. Much like The Vow's concluding uplifting hint of potential romance, Kricket came out of the tragic turn of events still believing in the possibility of love .

The Vow is available to watch on Netflix in the U.S.

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Pop Culture Happy Hour

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Yes, Apple's new iPad ad is ugly and crushing, but art can't be flattened

Linda Holmes

A screenshot from the new ad for "the thinnest Apple product ever." NPR hide caption

A screenshot from the new ad for "the thinnest Apple product ever."

There is something so ugly about crushing an acoustic guitar. Making it buckle, making the middle of it explode in splinters. That might be personal to me, as someone who grew up with a dad who was what you might call a campfire guitarist — not a performer, just a dad who used to entertain us with songs like "Dark as a Dungeon," a little folk tune about the lethal dangers of coal mining. Maybe to you, it's not the guitar. Maybe it's the cameras or the vinyl records.

A little more than halfway through the new ad for "the thinnest Apple product ever," an enormous hydraulic press bears down on an acoustic guitar — and cameras, and records, and other things that hold reservoirs of emotion for people who make art. Paint, pencils, a dressmaker's mannequin, books, a wooden model of a person, a not-yet-dry clay bust, a video game cabinet. Everything is flattened under its power. But the most spectacular crushings are of musical instruments — that guitar, a piano, a drum set, a trumpet standing on its end until it gives way.

The ad — which Apple has since apologized for — is meant to communicate, I suppose, that this tiny, thin iPad can contain what is important from all these things. It can replace them all. You can make your music with it. You can paint with it. You can play games on it. You can take your photos with it. And it suggests this means you can finally destroy all those things that have been so burdensome, like massive pianos and messy paint.

But these are not practical items to begin with. Nobody owns a piano because it's practical; it's about the least practical thing you can own. It can wreck your floor. It goes out of tune. And if you happen to get a new place, you don't just need movers for it; you may need special movers. You don't own a piano to get from point A to point B in the most direct way you can. You own a piano for the reason we had one in my house: a person plays it. Someone sits down, as my mother did, and plays the "Maple Leaf Rag," and you can hear the pedals lightly squeak, and you can watch hands skitter across keys, and of course you are listening to music — but also, those are your mother's hands .

Of course, to be fair, the ad is also meant to cause controversy, because you do not crush beautiful things and offend accidentally. The ad says almost nothing about the iPad itself except that it's very thin; the point is all the crushing, the point is the ugliness, so admittedly, to recognize that ugliness is to serve the ad's purpose.

But its ugliness is also what proves the folly of its concept. The reason people will react as emotionally as they do to the vulgarity of the ad is precisely why the thinnest iPad yet cannot do what they say it will do. It cannot replace the things that people have, over hundreds of years, learned to carry and live beside, and to incorporate into their creation of what they hope will be beauty. Art is intertwined with humanity, with all its flawed dimensions, and the two cannot be separated. In the making of art, there is family, there are friends and collaborators, there is both fragility and permanence, and there is the passage of time. And there is physicality.

This romcom lets you pick the ending — that doesn't make it good

In our current environment, the ad plays as an extension of, or maybe a companion to, the idea that artificial intelligence — or what travels under that name — can take over the production of art: of books, of illustrations, of music, of films. We are enduring an all-out assault on the need for anyone's idiosyncratic individuality to be involved in the creation of art. It is an attempt to reduce creative acts to devices with the right capabilities, to the point where machines can make it all entirely without us. We will, in this vision, order a book or a film as we do a mass-produced piece of fast fashion, and as such, it will be cheap and disposable and reliant on the exploitation of labor.

But the very fact that Apple knew this ad would make people so angry is how you know this reductive approach to art is doomed to fail. The people who made this ad specifically chose to crush things that are valuable not only because of their capabilities, but because they are things that creative people imbue with meaning, that they save up for and hand down to their kids. Those things will not be replaced by iPads.

You can make beautiful music with an iPad; you can make beautiful digital art. But that art will be made alongside other music, other art, not stacked on top of the corpses of old violins. If you think of new frontiers in art as an opportunity to destroy sculptures or explode bottles of paint, you never understood art at all, and you never will.

In certain kinds of stories, "I am not worried" is the last thing you say before the monster devours you. But while I am worried about the economics of art and its creation, I am not worried at all that art made by humans will ever vanish or be replaced by the thinnest iPad ever. The gasp that went up from so many people when they saw that guitar explode, that sound came from the part of a human being that makes art. And that part instinctively understands that beauty isn't fixated on tech-world dominance. It doesn't demand to crush what is loved in order to chase the fantasy that you can fit everything that matters into the pocket of a briefcase.

This piece also appeared in NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour newsletter. Sign up for the newsletter so you don't miss the next one, plus get weekly recommendations about what's making us happy.

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