The 33 Best Romance Novels of All Time: Books to Love

I’m a sucker for a good love story in any form. The quickest way to get me to read a book is to tell me there is an epic romance. I just love LOVE. That’s why it was so fun to make this list of the best romance novels of all time.
We didn’t limit this list to just typical romance novels. Instead, we have fantasies, YA, classics, and more. This way, no matter what type of romance you love to read, we have you covered.
*This post of the best romance books of all time contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you.
The Best Romance Novels of All Time: Classics

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
I read this book in college and absolutely fell in love with Scarlett and Rhett. His passion to win her and then her determination to win him back set my adolescent heart a flutter.
The movie ranks high on our list of best adaptations too! This classic book has a solid place in a list of the best romance novels of all time.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
We love this classic love story. This love story has everything you could want. Elizabeth Bennet is a smart and stubborn woman who was ahead of her time. With 5 Bennet girls, one of them must marry well to support the other sisters.
There are so many new and wonderful adaptations of this novel, that we did an entire post on it. And you don’t want to miss the other Jane Austen adaptations in the post as well.
Austen is a master of romances and this book is the original enemies-to-lovers novel! It’s my favorite of all the Jane Austen books.
Find this book in Books About Sisters / Enemies-to-Lovers Books / Jane Austen Books in Order / Grumpy Sunshine Books / Classic Romance Novels

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet is usually covered during the high school years, but if you haven’t learned about this classic book, you need to read it!
Shakespeare’s beloved story is a tragic romance set in Verona, Italy. It’s about the children of two warring families, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet who start meeting in secret away from their parent’s machinations.
Find this book in Books Like Disney Movies / Classic Romance Novels

Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Are you a fan of Rose’s storyline from Downton Abbey? Well, our swinging-dancing, jazz-loving, rebellious debutante would be perfectly happy inside Fitzgerald’s famed novel.
The book might take place in America, but the same ideas of the class divide and resistance to change in the most opulent of settings could be felt in England too.
Daisy and Gatsby’s story still seems so relevant today too. This tragic love story is a classic for a reason.
Find this book in Books set in New York / Classic Books / 1920s Novels

Beauty and the Beast by Gavrielle-Suzanna Barbot de Villeneuve
This is a classic story of loving the beauty that is within. We love the book as well as the 2017 movie with Emma Watson. We even made a bedroom in honor of this classic book!
The MinaLima version of this book is absolutely gorgeous. Even if you have read this book from our list of best romance novels of all time, reading this beautiful version is an experience itself.
The Best Romance Novels of All Time: Historical Fiction

The Duke and I
Author: Julia Quinn
Year: 2000
Genre: Romance
More info: Bridgerton #1
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Age Range: 18+
Plot
There is something about Daphne and Simon that I adore. This book is a perfect historical romance. The Netflix book adaption smashed records and caused a boom in book sales.
Daphne Bridgerton is the fourth of eight children and is beginning her first season in the ton. As young women of marrying age search for a husband, Daphne is not quite like other girls.
When the eligible Simon Bassett suggests they begin fake dating to allow them both a chance to breathe. However, things do not always go as planned. To make matters more complicated, Lady Whistledown always seems to know the truth and the information ready for everyone to read. This is one of our fake dating books of all time.
Why Jackie loves it
I watched the show and LOVED it so much. I previously read some of the others in the series but I really wanted to read this first book in the Bridgerton book series and I have to say, it was my favorite.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love a great historical romance and this one had everything I was looking for – great characters, a steamy romance, and a happy ending.
Find this book in: Fake Dating Books / Bridgerton Books in Order / Best Netflix Adaptations of 2023 / Best British Books / Best Historical Romance Novels

Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Year: 1991
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Outlander Series Book 1 of 9
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This epic story begins in 1945 when Claire Randall and her husband take a second honeymoon to the Scottish Highlands to celebrate being reunited after the war. When Claire touches one of the standing stones, she is transported to 1743.
This is when the real story begins. In order to stay safe as an English woman in Scotland, Clare must depend on Jamie Frasier for protection. Soon Clare finds herself living in a world she has only read about in history books and torn between two men that she loves. In addition to being a brilliant fiction that is rich in historical details, it is an epic love story as well. For me, this is magical realism at its finest.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, sexual assault, sexual violence
Why Kirsten loves it
How do I love Outlander? I cannot count the ways. There is a reason this is one of my favorite books of all time. I am a huge reader of historical fiction and this one checks all the boxes for me. The characters are rich, the plot is complex without being overly complicated and the epic love story make it almost perfect in my eyes.
Why Jackie loves it
Even though I am not a huge historical fiction connoisseur, I could not put this book down. Even at 640 pages, I did not want it to end and immediately picked up the next book in the series. I love the touch of magical realism that transported Clare back in time 200 years and Gabaldon’s story telling made the characters jump off the page.
Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of All Time / Ultimate List of Historical Fiction/ Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Magical Realism Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
A tell-all about a fictional Elizabeth Taylor-
Evelyn Hugo has asked an unknown reporter, Monique Grant, to write her life story in a no-holds-barred book. There is a bit of mystery around why Monique was chosen and Evelyn certainly has her fair share of hardships as she claws her way to the top.
The drama and suffering add dimension to the story that makes it so much more than fluff, though the inner workings of Hollywood were fun to read too. The story seems so candid that I forgot that Evelyn Hugo was not a real celebrity.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse, Homophobia
Why Kirsten loves it
Taylor Jenkins Reid slays with this story finding the perfect balance of glamour and grit. Evelyn seeks to change her life and in doing so, changes for the better. Every person who has read this book at my recommendation has loved it
Adaptation Information
Not much is yet known about the movie adaptation except that Leslye Headland is set to direct while Liz Tigelaar is working on the script.
Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of All Time / Books Like A Man Called Ove / Best Books to Read on Beach / Old Hollywood Books / Taylor Jenkins Reid Books / Epistolary Novels / Books Becoming Movies / Hollywood Novels
Find books similar to this in: Books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux
This setup of this time travel romance is the same as Outlander but in reverse! In the first part of the book, Douglass accidentally summons an Earl from the 16th century to modern England!
Dougless vowels to help return Nicholas to his own time, but not before trying to help him figure out who framed him for treason in his own era. But when he’s sent back and nothing changes, Dougless needs to head back to his time and try to save his life.
The attention to detail in the 16th century was reminiscent of Diana Gabaldon’s work. It’s a total must-read for fans of Jamie and Claire’s love story. You can find this one on our list of Time Travel Romance Books as well as 29 Books like Outlander for Fans of the Hit Series.
A love story that spans time is an easy pick for the best romance novels of all time

Last Christmas in Paris
Author: Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This book is written entirely in letter form between two friends during WWI. You will fall in love with the characters as they fall for each other. Evie is struggling to find a way to help out during WWI, while Thomas, her brother’s best friend, is struggling with the realities of battle.
Why Kirsten loves it
I just recently started reading WWI books and this one is high on the list. It is such a wonderful holiday book, it truly captures the essence of wartime romance and how love can bloom in the darkest of times.
Find this book in: WWI Books / Best Christmas Books Of All Time/ Books Set in Paris / Epistolary Novels / Best Romance Novels / Christmas Book Club Books

Juliet: A Novel
Author: Anna Fortier
Year: 2010
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 15+
Plot
What if Shakespeare’s Juliet was real and was actually a curse? Alternating between the “real” Juliet’s story and her modern-day descendant’s story, the book proves that love transcends time.
Julie receives a key to a safety deposit box in Italy after her aunt Rose dies. This journey will take her to Siena and to her ancestor, Giulietta Tolomei. The further she digs into her past, she more she learns about her family and the curse that has been following them for centuries.
It’s such a unique and amazing classic retelling and was a no-brainer pick for a list of the best romance novels of all time. The epic love story also makes it perfect for anyone who is looking for mystery, romance, and historical fiction in one book.
Why Kirsten loves it
I ADORE this book set in Italy and have read it numerous times. I can’t put my finger on why this story makes my top 10 favorite books, but it’s a comfort read that I go to whenever I need a pick-me-up. I re-read it again and again! It has a little bit of everything – romance, a mystery, a contemporary and historical element.
Why Jackie loves it
There is something so fairytale-like in this book. It is part historical fiction, part cozy mystery and 100% delight.
Find this book in: Books Set in Italy / Ultimate List of Romance Books / Books Like Outlander / Kirsten’s Favorite Books of All Time / Cozy Mystery Books

The Age of Light
Author: Whitney Scharer
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info:
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range:
Plot
This historical fiction novel is about real-life photographer and model, Lee Miller. I had never heard of Miller prior to this book, though I was familiar with her lover, Man Ray.
Why Kirsten loves it
Lee Miller made some life choices that I can’t say I agree with, but I found her to be a strong, feminist woman ahead of her time. This book is a five-star read, but be warned – there are some erotic scenes in the novel.
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction / Best Books of 2019 / Jazz Age Novels / Art Novels

Water for Elephants
Author: Sara Gruen
Year: 2006
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: A Major Motion Picture starring Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, and Christoph Waltz
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I read this book long before we started the blog and I still recommend this book to everyone as a must-read.Â
It is the middle of the Great Depression and Jacob is orphaned just shy of earning his Veterinary degree. He finds himself a job with a circus caring for a menagerie as a way to continue working with animals but also to support himself.
Here he meets Marlena, the beautiful star of the show, and an untrainable elephant named Rosie. I loved everything about this book from the romance and tension to the beauty of the animals and their relationship with the people around them.
Trigger Warnings
Animal Cruelty
Why Jackie loves it
This is a unique story, unlike anything I have ever read. I am a huge animal lover and so this book spoke to my heart
Why Kirsten loves it
The relationship between Marlena and Jacob develops beautifully with such love and respect. It is a love story to be remembered.
Find this book in: Animal Novels for Adults / Jackie’s All-Time Favorite Books / Best Romance Novels of All Time / Historical Fiction Romance / Carnival and Circus Books
For more like these, check out our post: The Best Historical Romance Novels: 21 Steamy Picks
The Best Romance Novels of All Time: Fantasy

A Court of Thorns and Roses
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Year: 2020
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: #1 Bestselling series
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This book has a cult-like following for a reason. The first book in the series is a loose fairy tale retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in the world of Prythian. Magical creatures, humans, and fae are all prominent in the book.
When Feyre kills a wolf in the words, a creature arrives at her house to drag her to a magical land that she has only heard about in stories told to terrify children. Now, she must remain a captor of Tamlin, a fae, as retribution.
This is a fast-paced, addicting, fantasy romance series with a love triangle that develops by the end of the novel. Book two is jaw-dropping! This series is on its way to becoming a classic that you will want to binge in one week.
While this book is technically the first book in a YA fantasy series, the later books become very steamy. The first book is appropriate for YA but Jackie and I agree that the later books in the series are strictly for 18 and up. We are so excited this is going to be one of the Hulu book adaptations.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love a Beauty and the Beast retelling and love a good fantasy romance. Put them together in a book written by Sarah J. Maas and you get a fantastic story.
Why Jackie loves it
The first book is just a warm-up for the rest of the series. Initially, you think you know where this story is headed, but I promise that it will take so many twists and turns, that you will not want to put this book (and the rest of the series) down.
Find this book in: Popular Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / Forced Proximity Trope Romance Books / Sarah J Maas Books in Order / Fairy Tale Retellings / Best Books by Jewish Writers / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / ACOTAR Books in order

Twilight
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Year: 2005
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: The Twilight Saga #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
When Bella Swan goes to live with her father in Forks, Washington, she needs to start a new school. As she begins to settle in and make friends, she is drawn to Edward Cullen, a mysterious teenager with an old soul.
But Edward and his family are keeping secrets – they are more dangerous than they look. Can Bella stay away or will she fall for Edward and risk her life in the process?
Why Kirsten loves it
The way I binged this book series…. it took over my life! When the movie came out, I decided to finally read this series I had heard so much about. I finished each book in about a day and then promptly dragged my husband to see it with me. I haven’t been this obsessed with a series since HP.
Why Jackie loves it
Twilight started a phenomenon and obsession with vampires in the same way that Harry Potter created an obsession with magic. It was addictive to read! This is my opinion but I am sticking with it. This is a must-read young adult fantasy book and it inspired Fifty Shades of Grey!
Find this book in: Fantasy Book Series / Books Set in High School / High School Romances / Twilight Books in Order / Urban Fantasy Books / Vampire Books / List of YA Fantasy Books / Best YA Romance Books

Song of Achilles
Author: Madeline Miller
Year: 2011
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Orange Prize Winner, New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The story of Achilles and his heel is well-known across the globe, but Miller brings fresh light to the tale in this epic retelling. It examines the unlikely friendship between Achilles and Patroclus, the exiled Prince, and their role in the Trojan War. Epic in scale, well-researched, and immensely readable, this is one of the best Greek Mythology stories you’ll ever read.
Trigger Warnings
War
Why Kirsten loves it
This retelling of Homer’s The Iliad is filled with adventure and an epic love story that will not soon be forgotten.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology Retellings / Best Love Stories / LGBTQ Books

Caraval
Author: Stephanie Garber
Year: 2017
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: New York Times Bestselling Fantasy debut
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
When it comes to YA Fantasy books, this one is a classic. The story begins with letters from Scarlett to Legend, the leader of Caraval- a game played once a year in a far-off destination.
Every year, every time it is played, the game is different. Filled with magic and wonder, Scarlet plays this destination-based competition to win this year’s prize – her sister Tella – before anyone else can. This is a game filled with magic where the stakes become higher the longer Scarlet plays.
Why Jackie loves it
This is the first book in a three-part series that gets better and more complex with each new book. This series of YA fantasy romance books is a must-read.
Find this book in: Stephanie Garber Books / YA Fantasy Romance Books / Books Like the Selection / Best Puzzle Books / Popular Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books /Books About Sisters and Bonds of Sisterhood /14 Best Carnival and Circus Books / Best YA Romance Books

The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Year: 2011
Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
The scene has been set for a magical competition between the pupils of two very powerful magicians. The stage: The Night Circus. The pupils, a man & a woman, are unsure of the rules, unsure of how to win, or when the competition will end.
As the competition continues, the opponents fall in love – a situation that only complicates their predicament. They are never quite sure of the rules or how to win.
Why Jackie loves it
Every word captivated me from beginning to end and I couldn’t put it down. The story was magical- both literally and figuratively and the descriptions are so vivid. This is one of my all-time favorite books. I have read this book a few times and each time, I get something different from the story.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is magic in a way that I never imagined it before. The story has twists and surprises that left me wondering how I didn’t see what was right there all along.
Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of all Time / The Best Carnival and Circus Books / Books Like the Hunger Games / Books Like the Night Circus / Cozy Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels

The Time Traveler’s Wife
Year: 2003
Genre: Time Travel Fiction
More info: 2009 Movie starring Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range:16+
Plot
Clare and Henry have an unusual love story. They’ve known each other since Clare was six and Henry was thirty-six but were married when Clare was twenty-three and Henry was thirty-one. Henry is an adventurous librarian who inadvertently travels through time.
He never knows where he will turn up and when he will disappear. He knows that he will travel suddenly and without warning. Will Clare and Henry be able to determine what causes the time jumps or is Henry destined to spend the rest of his life wondering and worrying?
Trigger Warnings
Sudden Death
Why Kirsten loves it
I adore how this story explores very real challenges that any couple faces. With the added time travel element, it becomes an unforgettable pick from our list of romance books.
Why Jackie loves it
The way Clare and Henry fight for their love shows a deep connection between the two that is unmatched.
Find this book in: Best Time Travel Books / Time Travel Romance Books / Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Best Romance Novels of All Time / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Books About Librarians
The Best Romance Novels of All Time: Dystopian Fiction

The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Year: 2008
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
More info: Hunger Games #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 10+
Plot
This is the first book in the Hunger Games series and it is epic! In the aftermath of what was once North America, there are 12 Districts surrounding the capital.
Each year, each district sends one boy and one girl to fight to the death in a competition called “The Hunger Games”. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as a tribute to save her younger sister, Prim, from certain death in the games where it is kill-or-be-killed.
Trigger Warnings
Death, Violence
Why Jackie loves it
This sci-fi book has everything but at its heart, it is a book about family, love, and survival. This book has a heart while also being a total pageturner!
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m not usually a sci-fi girly, but Jackie convinced me to read this one and I finished the entire series in a week and immediately binged the movies!
Find this book in: Books Like The Hunger Games / Young Adult Fantasy Series / Books About Sisters / Sci-Fi Books / Books Like Fourth Wing / YA Dystopian Novels / Fun Books for Teens / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing / Best YA Romance Books / Books for 11-year-olds

The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Year: 2013
Genre: YA Sci-Fi Romance
More info: The Selection #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This incredible series is so much fun – think The Hunger Games meets The Bachelor. It’s a reality TV royal match-making contest in a dystopian world. But in this case, the bachelor happens to be the future king. America Singer, our leading lady, is selected against all odds to be a contestant, forcing her to leave behind her love, Aspen.
When America meets Prince Maxon by mistake before the start of the show, she isn’t expecting to be so enamored with him. Should she try to win his heart or stay true to her love for Aspen?
Why Kirsten loves it
I love royal stories, romances, reality TV books, and high drama so this book was made for me! The covers of the series aren’t bad on the eyes either. This series was pure magic and just so fun.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of my favorite books about royals. It also happens to be the reason that Beyond the Bookends exists, but that is an entirely different story.
Find this book in: Books Like The Selection / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy / Books Like ACOTAR / Books Like the Hunger Games/ YA Dystopian Books / Fun Books for Teens / Best YA Romance Books / Books for 12-year-olds
The Best Romance Novels Of All Time: Contemporary Fiction

The Love Hypothesis
Author: Ali Hazelwood
Year: 2021
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestseller and TikTok Sensation
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Olive Smith is a Ph.D. student who does not believe in her ability to be in love. When her best friend develops a crush on someone she dated briefly, she decides to kiss the first man she sees to prove she is over him.
That one kiss happens to be with THE Adam Carlsen, an academic genius, who is also very standoffish. The two decide to fake-date and what starts as pretend, becomes something more- for Olive.
Trigger Warnings
Strong sexual content
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this fake dating book/office romance novel that is also a perfect example of the grumpy sunshine trope. I love reading about a strong and smart female protagonist rather than a damsel in distress.
Find this book in: The Complete List of Romance Tropes / Fake Dating Books / Grumpy Sunshine Books / Books Like the Kiss Quotient / Hot Office Romance Books / Ali Hazelwood Books Ranked

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
I was definitely not prepared for this book. Reader beware that it is the Rosie Project with a sprinkle of Pretty Woman and a whole lot of 50 Shades.
I did not realize that some of the scenes would be graphic in this pick from reverse grumpy sunshine romance books. Stella decided to hire an escort to teach her how to have intimacy with other people. This is the fake dating trope at its absolute finest.
It is a great romance with a neurodiverse main character and I loved it. This contemporary romance is definitely on its way to classic status and has a well-earned place on our list of best romance novels of all time and was an easy pick for a list of books like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.

Beach Read
Author: Emily Henry
Year: 2020
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
January is a romance writer who no longer believes in love. Until she was 28, she led an idyllic life filled with the ideas of perfect love.
Augustus Everett is a literary fiction writer who has never believed in love. They could not be more different. When they find themselves living next door to each other they decide to help each other overcome their writer’s block by challenging each other to a writer’s duel.
Trigger Warning
Death of a parent, sexual content
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best romance books I have read in a long time. What could be better than a romance about writers? I love Emily Henry’s writing and loved this book.
Find this book in: Enemies-to-Lovers Romance Books / Grumpy Sunshine Romance / Emily Henry Books / Books About Books / Best Beach Reads / Romance Books About Books

Red, White & Royal Blue
Author: Casey McQuiston
Year: 2019
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
We don’t think about royals and the LGBTQ community because we don’t usually see openly gay royals, which is so sad in today’s society. And to think it all starts with a NYE kiss!
This charming book is a fabulous pick from LGBTQ romance novels. I crushed hard for their romance and found myself smiling the entire time. (Also love the nod to a female president…where do I sign up for one of those?)
Trigger Warnings
Homophobia
Why Kirsten loves it
The LGBTQ romance is charming but add in a female president and I am all in.
Why Jackie loves it
Not only is the relationship between these two charming but a female president and a royal angle as well makes this a must-read!
Find this book in: Royal Romance Books / Enemies-to-Lovers Books / New Year’s Books / British Romance Novels/ Books With a Color in the Title / British Books / Best YA Romance Books

The Proposal (The Wedding Date #2) by Jasmine Guillory
Author: Jasmine Guillory
Year: 2018
Genre: Romance
More info: February 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, Wedding Date #2
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
When Nikole’s “boyfriend” proposes to her at a baseball game and cannot even spell her name correctly, it is a recipe for disaster.
Luckily, Carlos and his sister are at the game to help Nik escape the onslaught of paparazzi waiting. You can guess the rest.
Why Jackie loves it
I read this book on a plane flight. It was light, funny, and completely predictable.Â
Find this book in: Sports Romance Novels / Rom-Com Books / Jasmine Guillory Books / Best Romance Novels

The Royal We
Author: Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
Year: 2015
Genre: Fiction
More info: Royal We #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This novel spans from the time Bex and Prince Nick meet in college until the night before their wedding. It goes through the ups and downs of the relationship and ends on a cliffhanger. But do not worry. The Heir Affair is already out and you can read that one next.
Why Kirsten loves it
Look no further than this royal romance. If you haven’t read this romance loosely based on Wills and Kate’s love story, read no further. This is the end-all, be-all of Royal Reads.
Find this book in: Books Set in College / Royal Reads / Books Like The Selection / Best Beach Reads / British Books / Best YA Romance Books

My Oxford Year
Author: Julia Whelan
Year: 2018
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Ella has moved to Oxford to study for one year before heading back to America to work on a political campaign, fulfilling a lifelong dream to study in the famed English school. But then she falls for her professor and must decide what she wants from the future.
Trigger Warnings
Cancer
Why Kirsten loves it
I picked up this contemporary fiction book to help combat my Royal Wedding withdrawal. I assumed it was going to be a light and fluffy romance — I had no idea I was going to be sobbing my eyes out with what is essentially the newest JoJo Moyes.
Adaptation Information
Netflix has not yet announced the release date of the film, though they did unveil the cast. Sophie Carson, Corey Mylchreest, Dougray Scott, and Catherine McCormack are all set to star.
Find this book in: Books Set in College / Best Contemporary Fiction / British Romance Novels / British Books / Books Becoming Movies

The Light We Lost
Author: Jill Santopolo
Year: 2017
Genre: Fiction
More info: February 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: The Light We Lost #1
Plot
In this moving novel, Lucy is struggling with her marriage to Darren while examining what happened during her relationship with Gabe. Flashing between the past and the present, we are privy to Gabe and Lucy’s relationship as they move on in their lives and relationships but stay in touch.
Told over 13 years, this story is an intimate look at love found and lost, as well as the profound way our relationships change our lives.
Trigger Warnings
Death
Why Kirsten loves it
A warm and yet sad story about an intense love that ends. The novel goes from good to excellent when we see how the former lovers support each other over the years in their future relationships and how their relationship evolves. Be prepared with a box of tissues when you read this one. I was bawling like a baby by the end.
Find this book in: Books That Will Make You Cry / Best Romance Novels of All Time / Second Chance Romance Books

House in the Cerulean Sea
Author: T.J Klune
Year: 2020
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Cerulean Chronicles #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Linus Baker is a caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He is sent on a mission to a secret orphanage isolated on an island where 6 of the world’s most dangerous youth live.
Linus is sent to determine if the children are being cared for properly. Linus, who lives his life by the book, will have to look deeper to try and find the real answers to his questions.
Trigger Warnings
Child abuse
Why Jackie loves it
This story was so much more than the sum of its parts. I felt like I had met each of the children in the story. Even though the story has magic, it somehow seems completely relevant to our society now. The magic and the orphan aspect are all reminiscent of Harry Potter.
Find this book in: Magical Realism Books / Feel-Good Books / Book for Book Club / Books About Friendship / Books With Color in the Title / Best Beach Reads / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter

Plot
The story of Eva and Jim takes three separate paths. From when they first meet at University until they die, each time in their life unfolds in alternating stories.
A little hard to follow at first, it becomes increasingly easy as the stories depart in their various directions. The book was a study in the paths untaken. It also showed that what makes us happiest now, might be the worst for our future.
This book depicts real life and how love can change and grow or diminish. I cried at all three endings because I invested so much in Eva and Jim’s story.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a love story unlike any other. You can watch their love story unfold in three different ways.
Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of All Time / Nonlinear Narrative Novels
The Best Romance Novels of All Time: Young Adult

When Dimple Met Richi
Author: Sandhya Menon
Year: 2017
Genre: YA Romance
More info: A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021)
New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This is a cute YA romance about a traditional Indian boy and a not-so-traditional Indian girl. The characters meet at a computer programming seminar where Richi is supposed to woo his unsuspecting future bride, Dimple.
What is the worst that can happen right? Dimple and Richi clash and connect throughout the story as they try to determine if they really are destined for each other. Their turbulent relationship is perfect for enemies-to-lovers books.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is sweet, fun, and romantic. It is easy to love the characters and cheer them on This YA book is perfect for books like The Kiss Quotient. Dimple and Stella are both women in STEM who know what they want.
Find this book in: Best YA Romance Books / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Books Like the Kiss Quotient /

Everything, Everything
Author: Nicola Yoon
Year: 2015
Genre: YA Fiction
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Maddy is a 17-year-old girl who is allergic to everything. She has not been outside since she can remember. Then, one day, she sees a boy outside her window and everything changes. Suddenly, the confines of her house make her feel trapped for the first time in her life and she wants more. As the two become friends, Maddy begins to question what she is willing to risk to live life to the fullest.
Trigger Warnings
Chronic Illness
Why Jackie loves it
This is characterized as a young adult book but is equally compelling for adult readers. Yoon’s writing is smart, to the point and unlike any other author I’ve read. She can make serious, intimidating subjects relatable.
Find this book in: Epistolary Novels / Best Romance Novels of All Time

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Author: Jenny Han
Year: 2014
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Imagine if all your past crushes found out you liked them all at once. EEK! That’s what happens to the heroine, Lara Jean Covey when the love letters she wrote get mailed! Now, she’s reached an agreement with her former crush, Peter, to fake a relationship to make his ex jealous. But their relationship is fake —- or is it?
Why Kirsten loves it
I love Lara Jean – she is quirky, cute, and reminds me of me in high school – except she gets to date the most popular boy at school. I love this innocent book for middle schoolers looking for their first romance, though as an adult, I enjoyed this one tremendously!
Find this book in: Fake Dating Novels / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Netflix Book Adaptations / Books About Sisters / Female Bipoc Authors / Books set in High School / Fun Books for Teens / High School Romance Books / Best YA Romance Books
Is Romance your favorite genre? We created the Ultimate List of Romances carefully divided by sub-genre so you can find your next favorite read.
What did we miss? What do you think are the best romance novels of all time?
