There’s something comforting and fun about picking up a romance novel. For me, reading romance is like going back to an old friend—it always knows how to pick me up, make my heart skip a beat, and transport me to worlds where love conquers all, even if it takes a few hilarious, heartbreaking, or unexpected detours along the way.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to explore the genre, these ten books are some of the best I’ve read. They’re funny, tender, complex, and full of emotional resonance—the kind of stories that stay with you long after the last page.
1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
You can’t talk about romance novels without mentioning this classic. Pride and Prejudice is more than a love story; it’s a social commentary wrapped in witty banter and unforgettable characters. Elizabeth Bennet is one of literature’s most beloved heroines—smart, independent, and won’t settle for less than what she deserves.
And then there’s Mr. Darcy: proud, brooding, and secretly soft. Watching their relationship go from mutual dislike to deep love is a masterclass in romantic tension. If you’ve never read it (or only watched the adaptations), treat yourself to the original. It still has all the charm and emotional payoff even centuries later.
View this post on Instagram
2. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
This book broke my heart in the best way possible. The Time Traveler’s Wife is the story of Henry, a man with a genetic condition that causes him to time travel involuntarily, and Clare, the woman who’s loved him since childhood. Their love unfolds out of chronological order, but the emotional depth is staggering. It explores the tension between free will and fate and how relationships can endure even the most impossible of circumstances. It’s poetic, achy, and full of little moments of joy and sorrow that make it feel real. You’ll laugh, cry, and think about it long after you finish.
3. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
If you love an enemies-to-lovers trope with electric chemistry, The Hating Game is a must-read. Lucy and Joshua are coworkers locked in a hilarious and steamy battle of wits as they compete for the same promotion. But as the tension builds, it becomes clear that their hatred is masking something much more complicated—and much more fun. Sally Thorne’s writing sparkles with wit and charm, and the slow-burn romance is perfectly paced. I stayed up way too late reading this because I had to know how things turned out. Spoiler: it’s incredibly satisfying.
View this post on Instagram
4. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Don Tillman is not your typical romantic lead—he’s a brilliant but socially awkward professor of genetics who approaches finding a life partner like a science experiment. Enter Rosie, the wildly spontaneous bartender who turns his orderly life upside down. Their dynamic is sweet, funny, and surprisingly touching. This book is about more than romance—it’s about learning to step outside your comfort zone and embrace love in all its messy, unpredictable glory. I found myself rooting for Don and Rosie every step of the way, and the ending is as heartwarming as it is well-earned.
5. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
I wasn’t prepared for how much this book would affect me. Me Before You follows Louisa Clark, a quirky, lovable woman who becomes the caregiver for Will Traynor, a once successful businessman left paralyzed after an accident. What begins as an awkward arrangement slowly turns into a profound, life-changing connection. This book doesn’t shy away from difficult topics like disability, choice, and autonomy, but does so with grace and compassion. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that made me cry and appreciate the power of love to transform us.
6. Beach Read by Emily Henry
This one surprised me. At first glance, Beach Read sounds like a light, breezy romance—and it is—but it’s also so much more. January and Gus are two writers struggling with creative block and personal demons. When they make a pact to switch genres for the summer (she writes romance, he writes literary fiction), sparks fly. What follows is a story about grief, forgiveness, and finding your voice—both as a writer and a person. Their chemistry is palpable, and the emotional honesty makes this book stand out in the best way.
View this post on Instagram
7. The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
Looking for something sweet, clever, and utterly charming? The Flatshare is a lovely story about two strangers—Tiffy and Leon—who share a one-bedroom flat but have never met. Tiffy works during the day; Leon works night shifts. They communicate solely through post-it notes, and what starts as awkward logistics soon blossoms into a slow-burn connection that’s full of warmth and vulnerability. The book balances humor with deeper emotional threads like gaslighting, self-worth, and healing after toxic relationships. It’s romantic without being too sappy and will leave you smiling—and maybe even believing in fate.
8. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
This epic historical romance combines time travel, adventure, and love like nothing I’ve ever read. When Claire Randall, a WWII nurse, is mysteriously transported back to 1743 Scotland, she’s thrown into a world of danger and political intrigue—and into the arms of the ruggedly romantic Jamie Fraser. Their relationship is passionate, complex, and full of challenges, but also one of the most memorable love stories I’ve ever read. If you like rich historical settings, layered characters, and a big page count, this one’s worth it.
9. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
This is the book I didn’t know I needed. When the First Son of the United States falls for a British prince, what follows is a whirlwind romance that’s smart, sexy, and delightful. McQuiston’s writing is sharp and full of heart, and the relationship between Alex and Henry is equal parts swoon-worthy and emotionally resonant. There’s political tension, witty banter, and a whole lot of charm. It’s a love letter to queer love, identity and breaking the mold—and it made me smile so much.
View this post on Instagram
10. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Stella Lane is a brilliant econometrician who’s also on the autism spectrum. She’s convinced she’s terrible at intimacy, so she hires Michael, a kind and patient escort, to help her practice. But what starts as a business arrangement quickly turns into something more. This book is sexy, sweet, and human. Helen Hoang brings Stella’s story to life with warmth and understanding, and it’s a romance that’s refreshingly different and impossible to put down.
The Last Chapter
Romance novels are more than just comfort reads—they’re powerful stories of resilience, connection, and the many ways we open ourselves up to love. These ten books reminded me why I love reading in the first place. They made me laugh, cry, and feel everything in between. So if you want to add some passion back into your reading life, start with any of these. You might just fall in love.
