Ultimate List of Romance Books by Trope

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Author: Emily Henry

Year: 2021

Genre: Romance

More info: #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range:18+

Plot

Do you believe Harry (from When Harry Met Sally) when he said “Women and men can’t be friends”?

We are sure think he’s wrong, but one of our favorite tropes is friends to lovers. People We Met on Vacation is the latest beach read from Emily Henry and it’s addicting.

Poppy has been best friends with Alex since a car ride home from college a decade ago. Since then, they’ve gone on vacation together every year until 2 years ago when it all came crashing down.

Will they recover their friendship with one more trip or will their relationship be irrevocably ruined? This is the perfect beach, poolside read, or vacation read. You should be sure to add it to your summer reading romance books list. And if you are looking for the best friends-to-lovers romance novel, this is it.

Why Jackie loves it

This is one of the best friends to lovers romances I have read. I love the way Emily Henry’s books. The stories are so relatable and utterly charming

Adaptation Information

Tom Blythe and Emily Bader are set to star in the Netflix movie adaptation which will be out on January 9, 2026. Sarah Catherine Hook, Lukas Gage, Lucien Laviscount, and Jameela Jamil have also joined the cast.

Find this book in: Friends to Lovers Romance Books / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Books Becoming Movies / Emily Henry Books Ranked / The Best Audiobooks of All Time

Meet Me at the Lake

Author: Carley Fortune

Year: 2023

Genre: Romance

More info: New York Times Bestselling author

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:18+

Plot

Will and Fern spent one amazing, adventure-filled day together in their early 20s with a promise to meet up again one year later. When Fern shows up and Will doesn’t, she is heartbroken.

Now, nine years later, Fern has inherited the lakeside resort that she never wanted to run, her ex-boyfriend is the resort manager, and she needs help. When Will shows up at the resort with an offer to help get things back in order, she doesn’t know if she can get over her old feelings and trust him again.

Why Jackie loves it

Set between Muskoka and Toronto, it reminded me of my childhood and teenage years! This is a romance novel that left my heart feeling gushy. I wanted to start at the beginning as soon as I was done the last page. This is my favorite of Carley Fortune’s books.

Why Kirsten loves it

I love a good lake romance- especially since I met my husband at camp (which had a small lake). There is something about this book that is so romantic and hopeful, it left me wanting more.

Adaptation Information

Archewell Productions, headed by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, is slated to release this film to Netflix.

Find this book in: Second Chance Romance Novels / Hotel Novels / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Carley Fortune Books In Order / Books Becoming Movies

To Marry and To Meddle

Author: Martha Waters

Year: 2022

Genre: Romance

More info: Regency Vows Book #3

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Lady Emily and Lord Julian have come to an arrangement. He needs a wife to help his theater appear more legitimate in the eyes of society, and she needs to escape the strain of living under her parents’ thumb.

So they decided on a quick wedding whilst staying with friends in the country. But when they get back to London, Julian realizes he might not want the perfect wife, and Emily might just want to explore her freedom by finding her backbone.

Why Jackie loves it

Adorable and charming, this historical romance novel is full of charm and wit.

Find this book in: Books like Bridgerton / Friends to Lovers Romance Books

Bringing Down the Duke

Author: Evie Dunmore

Year: 2019

Genre: Political Romance

More info: Book 1 of 4 from A League of Extraordinary Women

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Evie Dunmore’s debut novel spanned a series of badass women during the Suffragette era. While the story is a romance, don’t let that fool you! You’ll get a history lesson on the suffrage movement in English History as well as a lesson on Estate and Inheritance laws — which were still of utmost importance a few decades later when Downton Abbey takes place.

Annabelle Archer has the scholarship to be one of the first women to study at Oxford. In order to keep it, she must spy on the Duke of Montgomery and try to persuade him to the suffragette’s cause.

Why Kirsten loves it

The chemistry between these two crackled off the page in this romance. If books are up your alley, this book is perfect for you. I loved Dunmore’s portrayal of strong women who stuck to their guns.

Find this book in: Enemies-to-Lovers Books / Books Like The Love Hypothesis / Historical Romance Novels / Books like Bridgerton / Fiction Books About Women in Politics

This Time Next Year

Author: Sophie Cousens

Year: 2020

Genre: Romance

More info: December 2020 GMA Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

When two women are in the hospital in labor and there is one huge cash prize for the first baby born in 1990, one child, Quinn, will be born into a charmed life and the other will be named Minnie Cooper. When Minnie meets Quinn on the eve of their thirtieth birthday, well, it is the meet-cute of the decade.

Why Jackie loves it

 If I could see this romantic comedy on the big screen, I would love every second. This is an enemies-to-lovers book at its best.

Find this book in: Best Holiday Books / New Year’s Eve Books / GMA Book Club List 2020

The Hating Game: A Novel

Author: Sally Thorne

Year: 2016

Genre: Romance

More info: Movie starring Lucy Hale and Austen Stowell

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This enemies-to-lovers office romance book was recently adapted and we hope it is as steamy as the book. After two publishing houses merge, executive assistants for the two owners are in fierce competition with each other for a promotion.

These office enemies quickly realize that the tension is an attraction as well. But, is the attraction real, or is it a ploy to get the promotion? The forced proximity trope is at its best in this steamy romance

Why Jackie loves it

This is a romance book that has a little bit of everything. I loved the competition between the two, and the fact that it takes place in a publishing house is even better!

Find this book in: Forced Proximity Trope Romance Books /Grumpy Sunshine Trope Books / Enemies to Lovers Books / Hot Office Romances / Novels About Publishing

The Wedding Date

Author: Jasmine Guillory

Year: 2018

Genre: Romance

More info: The Wedding Date #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

When Alexa gets stuck in an elevator with Drew, she makes the crazy choice to pose as his fake wedding date for the next day’s wedding. What she didn’t account for was the possibility of a real attraction between them.  She is a good girl, and he is a commitment-phobe.  Can they make it work?

Trigger Warnings

Racism, Body Shaming

Why Jackie loves it

This was such a fun read- it was perfect to take with me for a weekend away. I think you’ll love this wedding book. This is the first book in the Wedding Date Series, so if you are reading Jasmine Guillory books in order, this should be #1 on your list.

Find this book in: Fake Dating Books / Jasmine Guillory Books in Order / Books Like the Love Hypothesis / Books about Weddings

Daisy Chain Flower Shop

Author: Laurie Gilmore

Year: 2026

Genre: Romance

More info: Dream Harbor Book 6

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range:18+

Plot

Daisy has not been having luck with the flower shop ever since the Mayor declared it bad luck. Now, no matter what he does, her luck cannot seem to turn around until a newcomer to town turns up in her shop.

He has had relationship issues of his own. The two of them agreed that their problems would be solved if they began fake dating.

Why Jackie loves it

I love that even though this is technically the 6th book in the series, you do not need to read this series in any particular order. Rather, read whichever book has a romance trope you love to read. This entire series is a delightful, spicy, small-town romance series, and I am all for it!

Find this book in: Beach Reads 2026 / Fake Dating Books

Seven Days in June

Author: Tia Williams

Year: 2021

Genre: Romance

More info: June 2021 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

The latest Reese’s Book Club pick was quite a unique read. It was billed as a romance but that doesn’t do this novel justice. Yes, there are some steamy scenes, but it also deals with childhood trauma, drug addiction, racial issues, and single motherhood.

Eva Mercy is a single mom and a bestselling author of Erotica. Shane Hall is an award-winning novelist. The two meet at a literary event and sparks fly, but what nobody knows is that the two met years ago and spent a week together. Since that time, their novels have been declarations of love for each other.

Trigger Warnings

Trauma, addiction

Why Kirsten loves it

It was much heavier than I expected, especially with a second-chance romance novel. If you are looking for something that will make you think, this is the right pick for you from our list of books about books.

Why Jackie likes it

This is such a complex and deep second-chance romance. The years have been difficult for these two and they carry a lot of baggage.

Find this book in: Books About Books / Becoming Movies in 2024 / Second Chance Romance Books / Romance Books About Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2021 / Books with Numbers in the Title

No Matter What

Author: Cara Bastone

Release Date: March 3, 2026

Genre: Romance

More info: Part of Dial Delights, bestselling author of Promise Me Sunshine

Plot

Roz and Vin survived a life-altering accident, but have not been able to look at each other since. They both have so much trauma from the accident and they cannot find a way back to each other.

Vin knows that he needs to move out, so Roz signs up to do a drawing class. When Vin offers to be her model, the two start to see each other in a different way. Can they begin the process of healing or are they too far apart?

Trigger Warnings

PTSD

Why Jackie loves it

Promise me Sunshine was one of Beyond the Bookends’ best romances of 2025 so I was very excited to read this book. It did not disappoint. Bastone has a way of writing that makes her romances SO emotional. I felt for Roz and Vin so much. I wanted them to be able to heal and find a way back to each other.

Find this book in: Second Chance Romance Books / Best Beach Reads 2026 / Best Romance Books of 2026

Well Met

Author: Jen DeLuca

Year: 2019

Genre: Romance

More info: Well Met #1

Spice Rating: 💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Emily lost her job and her boyfriend at the same time that her big sister broke her leg. Emily decides to move to Willow Creek to help her sister care for 14-year-old April, where she is promptly tricked into volunteering for the local Renaissance Faire run by Simon.

So now Emily is a wench…Simon is a Pirate…and obviously, we know where this story is going in this grumpy sunshine book. It’s the journey on this one, guys. It’s filled with feels, cute scenes, and romance. I couldn’t put it down.

Why Kirsten loves it

I’m pretty sure hearts actually came out of my eyes at multiple points while reading this enemies-to-lovers story. I loved it so much!!!  This book gives me total modern-day Pride and Prejudice vibes and it is such a fun addition to our enemies-to-lovers books

Why Jackie loves it

Sometimes you read a book and you just want to go back and read it again. I loved Well Met!!! I never thought I would be interested in a renaissance fair but this book gave me all the feels.

Find this book in: Grumpy Sunshine Romance Tropes / Enemies to Lovers Books / Best Novels About Teachers

The Chase

Author: Elle Kennedy

Year: 2019

Genre: Romance

More info: Briar U #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Are you looking for a swoon-worthy new adult romance that is laugh-out-loud funny? I got you. I downloaded The Chase and it suck me in right away, kept me turning the pages, and made the time fly by.

Elle Kennedy kills me every single time. This series features more of the hockey players at Briar U and the girls that they fall in love with. It’s a spin-off of Kennedy’s Off Campus series.

Trigger Warnings

Sexual assault

Why Kirsten loves it

The books in this series are so hilarious but also swoon-worthy. There are also some serious sex scenes in here – so fair warning if that’s not your jam. This grumpy sunshine book is a great choice for a new adult romance.

Find this book in: Sports Romances / Grumpy Sunshine Books / College Romances / Books like the Off Campus Series / Off-Campus Series Order

Love, Theoretically

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Year:

Genre: Romance

More info:

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Elsie has learned to live two lives: an adjunct professor in theoretical physics by day and a fake girlfriend the rest of the time (to make ends meet). She has also learned to read people and become the Elsie that they want her to be.

When she interviews for her dream job as a theoretical physics professor at MIT, her two worlds collide. How? I don’t want to ruin the surprise. Elsie learns what she really wants and how to ask for it in a delightful and charming way.

Trigger Warnings

Strong sexual content

Why Jackie loves it

Any romance novel by Ali Hazelwood has become a must-read; it is no surprise that I jumped at the chance to read her newest STEMinist romcom!

Find this book in: Ali Hazelwood Books Ranked / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Best Novels About Teachers

Weather Girl

Author: Rachel Lynn Solomon

Year: 2022

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

In this romance novel, weather girl Ari teams up with sports anchor Russ to get their feuding bosses back together Parent-Trap style. Along the way, they kindle sparks of their own! There are lots of fun weather puns, adorable scenarios for both romantic pairs, and love scenes that aren’t for the faint of heart🔥🔥🔥.

Trigger Warnings

Mental Illness, Fatphobia

Why Kirsten loves it

The best part of all is that the book deals with REAL life issues like depression, body image, teen pregnancy, and complex families. 

Find this book in: Novels About Weather / Books Like Love Hypothesis / Office Romance / Best Winter Books

The Boyfriend Project

Author: Farrah Rochon

Year: 2020

Genre: Romance

More info: The Boyfriend Project #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Samiah Brooks becomes an unwilling internet sensation when she discovers her boyfriend is dating two other women. Instead of drama or fighting, Samiah, Taylor, and London form an instant tight bond of strong, smart, independent women and I absolutely loved their relationship with each other. The three women make a pact to spend the next six months bettering themselves and perusing their dreams and supporting each other.

Samiah has been thinking about developing a new app for years. Cue: a gorgeous, smart, and thoughtful new co-worker whose chemistry with Samiah is undeniable.

Trigger Warnings

Racism

Why Jackie loves it

I loved so many things about this book especially the candid discussions about the struggles of a black woman in the workplace and the strong, supportive women in the book.

Find this book in: Books Like the Kiss Quotient / Office Romance Books

The Name Curse

Author: Brooke Burroughs

Year: 2021

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Bernie is nothing like her great aunt Bernice. Bernice was adventurous and spontaneous while Bernie has not taken a vacation in years.

When her friends and family convince her to go on a hike to Alaska, Bernie can’t find an excuse not to go. When she meets Matthew on the trailhead and discovers that the two will be required to share a tent, he is annoyed and she questions her choices.

Why Jackie loves it

This forced proximity romance was such a fun read. Bernie and Matthew are funny and sweet and I loved every minute.

Find this book in: Books About Camp / Forced Proximity Trope Romance

Castle of Water

Author: Dane Huckelbridge

Year: 2017

Genre: Fiction

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

When Sophie and Barry find themselves on an Island as the sole survivors of a plane crash, they learn to depend on each other.  The book moves seamlessly from the past to the present, weaving an intricate tale.

Trigger Warnings

Plane Crash

Why Kirsten loves it

This is a wonderful contemporary fiction book about love and survival.  It is so much more than it appears on the surface. I cried during the ending and have been singing it’s praises ever since. Everyone I’ve ever recommended this one too has had the same response.

Why Jackie loves it

I loved how the characters developed in this book. It was surprising and moving.

Find this book in: Kirsten’s Favorite Books / Feel-Good Books / Plane Crash Novels / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Books Set at the Beach / Books Set in Tropical Locations / Adult Versions of Favorite Childhood Books

The Devil and the Heiress

Author: Harper St. George

Year: 2021

Genre: Historical Romance

More info: BuzzFeed Best Romance 2021, Gilded Age Heiresses #2

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This time, Violet Crenshaw, looking to escape an arranged marriage to an odious man, looks to the Earl of Leigh to help her escape to Scotland. But the Earl has a different plan with the bubbly lady he wishes to call his own.

Why Kirsten loves it

The follow-up to Harper St. George’s Gilded Age romance series was another fun pick featuring the younger Crenshaw heiress. This time, the book is set in Scotland!

Find this book in: Forced Proximity Trope Romance Books / Books Like Outlander / Books About Scotland / Harper St. George Books in Order / Books About Road Trips

Wild Love

Author: Elsie Silver

Year: 2024

Genre: Romance

More info: Rose Hill #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Ford Grant has been named the world’s hottest billionaire, and he’s not thrilled with the title. All he wants to do is open his recording studio and mentor talented musicians in peace. So he’s headed home to convert his old barn into the studio of his dreams -but then 12-year-old Cora shows up, and suddenly he needs to act like dad.

So he hires Rosie, his best friend’s sister and the one woman immune to his charms, to be his business manager. She needs a job, has a great head for business, and Cora seems to like her; she’s perfect for the job as long as Ford can resist keeping his hands to himself.

Why Kirsten loves it

Rosie is a spitfire, and Ford is the perfect swoony male lead. Their chemistry crackled off the page, their banter was funny, and they really make the perfect support team for Cora’s struggles. I can’t wait to see this adaptation on Amazon Prime!!

Adaptation information

Amazon Prime has announced it will be producing Elsie Silver’s Rose Hill series and has just given the green light for a series order. The series will star Jake Weary as West Belmont, Sean O’Pry as Ford Grant, Hannah Galway as Roseie Belmont, and Sadie Dickerson as Skylar Stone.

Find this book in: Billionaire Romance Books / Novels About Musicians / Single Parent Romance Novels / Books Becoming Movies or TV Series

Into the Blue

Author: Emma Brodie

Year: 2026

Genre: Romance

More info: April 2026 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This is the first novel of Jenna Bush Hager’s imprint to be a book club pick – and it was chosen by Reese, not Jenna! This love story spans decades as two summer friends work as acting partners to make it into Hollywood or the SNL scene. Noah, scion of Hollywood royalty, and AJ’s friendship forms over their shared ambition until Noah disappears.

When, years later, AJ is cast to be on Noah’s space-themed TV series, they reconnect. But as their characters grow close, so do they until fiction blurs with reality.

Trigger Warnings

Chronic Illness, Alcoholism

Why Kirsten loves it

I loved this book – I didn’t want it to end, which is saying something because she’s a clonker! This book is so much more than a romance; it’s a book club-worthy novel that looks at first love, sexism in Hollywood, complicated family dynamics, legacy, and chronic illness. This is a true MUST-READ story worthy of everyone’s attention.

I can’t go into much detail without ruining the story, but AJ and Noah’s connection absolutely sizzled. I felt like they were friends of mine as I watched them grow up, grow close, drift apart, and come back together time and again. I’ll be thinking of this one for ages. #gifted by PRH Audio

Find this book in: The Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2026 / Hollywood Novels / Best Beach Reads 2026 / Celebrity Romance Books / Books With Colors in the Title / Best Romance Books of 2026 / The Best Thousand Voices Books

Romantic Comedy

Author: Curtis Sittenfeld

Year: 2023

Genre:

More info: April 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Sally Milz is a sketch writer for a late-night comedy show. She begins to write a sketch called the Danny Horst Rule, which makes fun of average-looking men dating gorgeous women, but the reverse rarely happens. Being set on a comedy show makes this the perfect setting for a funny romance!

When a pop music icon signs on as the musical guest and host for the show for the week, sparks begin to fly, but Sally doesn’t know if it is just in her head. After all, he is a gorgeous star!

Trigger Warnings

Pandemic

Why Jackie loves it

We love Curtis Sittenfeld and could not wait to read this book. This is a slow-burn romance that I loved. Part of the book takes place over email correspondence during the COVID lockdown and I could not get enough. This is one of my favorite summer reads for 2023 and true to its name is one of the best romantic comedy books of all time.

Find this book in: Celebrity Romance / Rom-Com Books / Epistolary Novels/ Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2023 / Novels About Musicians

The Proposal

Author: Jasmine Guillory

Year: 2018

Genre: Romance

More info: February 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, Wedding Date #2

Spice Rating:💋💋

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 likes it

I read this book on a plane flight.  It was light, funny, and completely predictable. 

Find this book in: Sports Romance Novels / Rom-Com Books / Jasmine Guillory Books / Best Romance Novels / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2019

Fix Her Up

Author: Tessa Bailey

Year: 2019

Genre: Romance

More info: Hot & Hammered #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

When Travis Ford, an injured and retired baseball superstar, returns back home, he is in a state of depression. 

Georgette Castle, his best friend’s little sister, knows just how to smack some sense into him.  While Georgette is able to get Travis to stop wallowing in self-pity, he decides to help her family take her more seriously.  Having a job as a clown can make that difficult. 

Why Jackie loves it

So, I didn’t know exactly what I was getting myself into when I started reading this romance.  It was definitely a lot steamier than I had anticipated. Opposites attract in this great grumpy sunshine romance that has many a 17+ scene but, it’s a fun summer read.

Find this book in: Grumpy Sunshine Trope Books / Renovation Romances

Daisy Jones & The Six

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Year: 2019

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: March 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

The book is laid out like a VH1 Behind the Music style interview. It’s laid out in chronological order about the making of the band Daisy Jones & the Six, but the story is told in interview style from a dozen sources.

It’s a story about the music scene of the 1970s in Hollywood when the band The Six meets Daisy Jones and together they rocket to superstardom! Among the drama of touring, there is also a forbidden love story or two, and plenty of crazy parties!

It’s truly the perfect mix of historical fiction, romance, and rock ‘n’ roll.

Why Kirsten loves it

This book needs to be listened to, not read. The audio version has a different narrator for each character and the performances are stupendous. I was overcome with emotion numerous times while I was listening.

Why Jackie loves it

This celebrity fiction story about the rise and fall of one of the hottest bands of the 70s was so utterly fabulous – it’s pure sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll in all the best ways.

Find this book in: Taylor Jenkins Reid Books Ranked / Books Set in the 70s / Full Cast Audiobooks / Ultimate Beach Reads 2020 / Books With Flowers in the Title / Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Novels About Bands
Find Similar Books in: Books Like Daisy Jones & The Six

How to Love Your Neighbor

Author: Sophie Sullivan

Year: 2022

Genre: Romance

More info: Jansen Brothers #2

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

I’m a SUCKER for renovation romances. Add in a swoon-worthy neighbor in a neighboring beach house, a charming best friend, and a second home renovation and I’m pretty sure this is the perfect grumpy sunshine romance for me.

Why Kirsten loves it

I absolutely adore this book because there was no stupid break-up halfway through, just an enemies-to-lovers couple learning to communicate in their new relationship. A perfect romance for Valentine’s Day.

Find this book in: Grumpy Sunshine Trope Books / Renovation Romances

New Moon

Author: Stephanie Meyer

Year: 2006

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Twilight Saga Book 2 of 5

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

In this novel, Edward has left and Bella is completely devastated. She does not know how to live life without him. She finds comfort in her friendship with Jacob.

No, there are suddenly massive wolves roaming the forest near Forks, the threatening vampire Victoria, and the ancient vampire royalty, the Volturi.

Why Jackie loves it

I have to say that this was my least favorite book in the Twilight series, but it is probably the most important book in terms of characters, plot, and subtle foreshadowing that will be important in the books to come.

Juliet: A Novel

Author: Anna Fortier

Year: 2010

Genre: Mystery

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

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 / Books Set in the Italian Renaissance

One Day in December

Author: Josie Silver

Year: 2018

Genre: Romance

More info: December 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

When Laurie sees a man through the bus window, she just knows it’s love at first sight. But the bus drove away before she could do anything about it. While she desperately looks for him for a year, she meets him once again, as the boy her best friend, Sarah, is dating.

Over the next 10 years, readers are privy to the ups and downs of Jack, Sarah, and Laurie’s lives and relationships with one another.

Why Kirsten loves it

This is another holiday book I adored. This second-chance love story takes place over 10 years, and you’ll be rooting for this couple the entire time. 

Why Jackie loves it

The perfect winter romance – this one is a bit steamy – that will have you smiling from ear to ear. I listened to this one from my local library, but it would be just as good in print.

Find this book in: Best Holiday Books / Winter Books  / New Year’s Eve Books / Best Christmas Books of All Time / Christmas Book Club Books / Best Christmas Romance Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2018

The Night Circus

Author: Erin Morgenstern

Year: 2011

Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance

Spice Rating:💋

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: The Best Carnival and Circus Books / Cozy Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels
Find more like this: Books Like The Night Circus

House in the Cerulean Sea

Author: T.J Klune

Year: 2020

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Cerulean Chronicles #1

Spice Rating:💋

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 / Isolation Books / Books Like Ninth House / The Best Audiobooks of All Time / Books about Orphans and Foster Care

Boyfriend Material

Author: Alexis Hall

Year: 2020

Genre: Romance

More info: Book 1 of 3

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This is the second fake dating book I read this month, but this one hit all the right notes. This was such an adorable LGBTQ romance.

When Luc, the son of two rock stars, needs a boyfriend who is respectable in order to keep his job, he is willing to fake a relationship. Oliver Blackwood is a barrister who needs a boyfriend to bring home to his family. The two could not be any more different.

It is a perfect situation until the fake starts to feel real. Even though the two men could not be more different, they just might be the perfect Ying and Yang.

Why Jackie loves it

This LGBTQ book is one of the enemies-to-lovers books that helped to take my mind off reality, and it made me smile throughout the whole book. This is also a great fake dating book. I am always shocked by how many books are enemies-to-lovers and fake-dating…who knew?

Find this book in: Fake Dating Books / British Romance Novels / Books like the Off Campus Series

The Charm Offensive

Author: Alison Cochrun

Year: 2021

Genre: Romance

More info: Charm Offensive #1

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Dev is a producer on the long-running television show Ever After where he crafts love stories to get people to fall in love. When the show casts Charlie as the Prince Charming, Dev will have to put in more work than he bargained for. 

Charlie is only on the show to restore his image so he can go back to work and he certainly does not believe in true love.  As Dev tries to coach Charlie in ways to connect with the contestants, Dev and Charlie realize they might have more chemistry than any of the contestants. 

Trigger Warnings

Mental Illness, Panic Attacks, Homophobia

Why Jackie loves it

I loved this celebrity romance book that seems loosely based on the TV series The Bachelor. If you are a fan of reality TV shows, you need to read this book!

Find this book in: Celebrity Romance Books / Books With Neurodivergent Characters / Reality TV Novels / Beach Reads 2022

Me Before You

Author: Jojo Moyes

Year: 2012

Genre: Romance

More info: Me Before You #1, New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

When a young man becomes paralyzed, his parents hire a young woman to be his companion. As love blooms, and she tries to convince him that life is still worth living, the reader questions what they would sacrifice to make a loved one happy. This novel about grief deals with grieving before the person has passed.

Trigger Warnings

Assisted Suicide

Why Jackie loves it

Me Before You has quickly become a classic story – and a movie to boot. But beware! This is one of the grumpy sunshine romance books that will emotionally wreck you that you don’t want to read in public!

Find this book in: Grumpy Sunshine Trope Books /Sad Books That Will Make You Cry / Romance Novels About Grief

Always, in December

Author: Emily Stone

Year: 2021

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This tear-jerking story blew me away. It was a romance story for the first 30% of the book, but then it became something much deeper.

Josie mails a letter to her deceased parents every Christmas, but this Christmas she accidentally hits a stranger named Max with her bike on the way to the post box.

As she explores the holiday season with Max her feelings start to grow, but when he leaves unexpectedly, she’s left to deal with the aftermath of the impact he had on her heart. But fate isn’t done with their story yet as they bump into each other throughout the year.

Why Kirsten loves it

Probably my favorite Christmas romance book of 2021, this one is a tear-jerker for sure. I sobbed for the entire last 10% of the book and it will most likely, emotionally wreck you. This book is a testament to the healing power of love and the kind of impact each of us can make on each other.

I don’t want to spoil anything, but if you are looking for a Christmas book that ends with a bow and smile, you may want to look elsewhere. Despite this, we needed to include this on our list of best holiday books. #gifted by

Find this book in: Best British Books / Best Holiday Books / Best Christmas Books Of All Time / Best Christmas Romance Books / Christmas Book Club Books / Christmas Novels for 2021 / Emily Stone Books Ranked /Books That Will Make You Cry

The Light We Lost

Author: Jill Santopolo

Year: 2017

Genre: Fiction

More info: February 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, February 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

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: Second Chance Romance Books / Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2018