Romance novels have been around for centuries, with some sources even dating them as far back as ancient Greece! It’s no secret that romance books have a broad and enduring appeal, and romance is considered one of the best-selling genres of literature.
With all of that considered, it can be overwhelming to choose the right romance books to add to your TBR. There’s so much to choose from!
To help you navigate the beautiful abundance of romance books out there, we’ve put together a list of our ten favorite heartfelt romance books for your next passionate read.
10. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Rainbow Rowell is a force in contemporary literature, and it seems there’s nothing she can’t do: she just finished a 25-issue run of the Marvel Comic series She-Hulk!
This young-adult romance book tells the story of two teenage outcasts, Eleanor and Park. Set in the 1980s, the novel explores their personal struggles and heartfelt connection against a backdrop of 1980s nostalgia. A perfect choice for fans of young adult books and series like Stranger Things.
Why we recommend it: I loved the coming-of-age element in this romance book.
9. Bridgerton: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
This historical romance book was the inspiration for Netflix’s cultural phenomenon, Bridgerton. (We cannot wait for season 4!)
Set during the Regency era, Bridgerton: The Duke and I follow Daphne and Simon, whose false engagement slowly morphs into deeper feelings.
Why we recommend it: I loved the historical fiction aspects of this romance book.
8. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Nicholas Sparks’s heartfelt romance books have absolutely stood the test of time and spawned countless record-breaking adaptations.
The Notebook is about Allie and Noah, two teenagers growing up in the southern US. One summer they meet and fall deeply in love. After life pulls them apart, they reconnect years later and fight to protect the relationship that means so much to them.
Why we recommend it: I admired the plot development of this book a lot.
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7. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
This heartfelt and original romance book explores the relationship between Clare and Henry, two ordinary people in love. Except that Henry lives with a genetic condition that causes him to involuntarily and spontaneously time travel. Can their love survive across different time periods?
Why we recommend it: I loved the concept of this romance book, as well as the poetic and lyrical writing style.
6. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Jojo Moyes is the master of the addictive romance novel, alongside writers like Sally Rooney.
In this bittersweet, heartfelt romance, Louisa is a quirky woman hired to care for a wealthy, quadriplegic man named Will. What starts out as a platonic working relationship soon blossoms into a profound and moving connection that will change Louisa’s life forever.
Why we recommend it: I loved the optimism and hope in this uplifting romance book.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter5. Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
This delightful and heartfelt romance book tells the story of an unlikely romance between the First Son of the United States and the Prince of England. Is their love strong enough to withstand the pressures of international politics and diplomacy?
Why we recommend it: I loved the representation of an LGBTQ+ romance in this book.
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4. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Stella is a brilliant mathematician on the autism spectrum. While arithmetic comes easily to her, intimacy does not, so Stella hires an escort named Michael to teach her the ins and outs of romance.
As their transactional relationship develops, the two realize that there’s something deeper afoot, and romance is born.
Why we recommend it: I loved Stella’s character a lot, and this romance book included an autistic character as the protagonist.
3. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
I can’t get enough of Jasmine Guillory’s romance books, many of which have gone on to become New York Times bestsellers.
The Wedding Date is a classic meet-cute: Alexa and Drew get stuck in an elevator together, where Alexa agrees to be Drew’s fake girlfriend for an upcoming wedding.
But their faux-relationship quickly blossoms into heartfelt feelings, and the two are left to navigate the realities of love across distances and demanding careers.
Why we recommend it: I adore the fun, lighthearted, and flirty tone of this book, which features ambitious and complex characters.
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2. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
This romance book is the ideal mix of historical fiction, fantasy, and a good old-fashioned love story.
Claire is a nurse during World War II. That is until she’s transported back in time to 18th-century Scotland, where she meets the ruggedly handsome Jamie Fraser.
Can their love withstand the pressures of time and the epic rebellion at hand?
Why we recommend it: I loved the central romance in this book, which was compelling and gripping.
1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Arguably one of the most important romance books of the enemies-to-lovers type, Pride and Prejudice is a timeless classic of social mores, miscommunications, and heartfelt love.
Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy hate each other. There’s no denying it. But as circumstance continues to throw them together, the two begin to discover that opposites do, in fact, attract.
Why we recommend it: I love the writing style and poignant truths in this romance book.
No matter your taste, we’re confident that this list has something for you. From young adult romance to time travel romance, to fantasy romance, these are our ten favorite heartfelt romance books for all readers.
Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments.
Happy reading!
