20 All Time Best Romance Novels to Read

20 Greatest Romance Novels That Will Keep You Hooked In Till The Last Page

Out of the numerous genres of books, romance is the most popular genre. From youngsters to grannies, every avid reader is sure to pick up a romance novel once in a while. So it’s easy to see why romance is such a popular genre among readers worldwide. A good love tale contains drama, intrigue, jokes, and, if you’re lucky, a little heat; and the greatest romance books makes the readers feel just like falling in love! Here are some novels you must read if you love this genre.

Top Romance Novels of All Time

From historical regency romance to modern novels about love in the digital era, here is the list of top romantic novels to read of all times:

1. Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen

Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is perhaps one of the greatest classic romance novels. Dive into the life of the outspoken heroine Elizabeth Bennet as she clashes with her stuffy admirer, Mr Darcy.

2. Gone With The Wind

Margaret Mitchell

For the people who haven’t still read this 900-plus pages romantic saga set in the backdrop of the Civil War, it’s never too late to read it now. One of the most popular romance novels, it tells the story of the scandalous love triangle between Scarlett O’Hara, Ashley Wilkes, and Rhett Butler. This classic has been devoured by millions of readers.

3. When Katie Met Cassidy

Camille Perri

Katie Daniels, a native of Kentucky, gets dumped by her fiancé and finds her life upended. But after she gets dumped, she finds herself spending time with a New Yorker, Cassidy Price. Their chance meeting in a lesbian bar opens Katie’s mind and heart to new possibilities.

4. Morning Glory

Lavyrle Spencer

Spencer’s iconic tearjerker is set on the brink of World War II in small-town Whitney, Georgia. Will Parker is attempting to avoid the terrible luck that comes with his awful reputation. So it appears that Will has found an answer to his problems when he spots a “Wanted” ad in the newspaper posted by a young widowed mother of two (who is also pregnant with her third kid) searching for a spouse.

5. The Princess Bride

William Goldman

You may have seen the blockbuster movie based on this famous romance novel, but you’ve been missing out if you haven’t read the book. There’s nothing fluffy about The Princess Bride, a satirical fairy tale, and a rocket-powered fantasy, all masterfully disguised as a love story.

6. Beautiful Disaster

Jamie McGuire

When Abby Abernathy goes to college, she pledges she’ll put her troubled past behind her and become the perfect nice girl. Unfortunately, Travis Maddox, a tattooed college bad guy who dupes Abby into a month-long bet, puts her best intentions to the test. The stakes are larger than each of them anticipates.

7. The Notebook

Nicholas Sparks

This 1996 romantic novel by Nicholas Sparks is one of the best love story novels of all time. However, if you haven’t read the book, it’s the perfect time to read the summer romance between South Carolina socialite Allie and Noah.

8. Vision in White

Nora Roberts

Nora Roberts has written numerous good romance novels, but being the first book of The Bride Quartet, this one received high praise from her readers. Mackensie “Mac” Elliot, a wedding photographer, runs a wedding planning business with three pals. When she meets beautiful and steady English teacher Carter Maguire on the job, their brief flirtation might lead to her own happy ending.

9. Love at First Like: A Novel

Hannah Orenstein

Eliza and her sister operate a jewellery store, and Eliza unintentionally Instagrams herself wearing a diamond ring on the wrong finger. When the photo goes viral, she discovers that even a phoney engagement is good for business. However, she meets Blake, who isn’t aware of her deception, and Eliza isn’t sure how much longer she can keep it up.

10. The Fault in Our Stars

John Green

This one is a heart-touching novel that can make one sob into their pillow. It’s a coming-of-age story about two adolescents who form an emotional bond after meeting a support group for children with cancer. Augustus Waters, a joyful and kindhearted cancer survivor, encourages Hazel Grace Lancaster, who is diagnosed with a terminal illness and is profoundly unhappy, to enjoy the beauties of life.

11. The Hating Game

Sally Thorne

This 2016 novel will appeal to you if you’ve ever carried a torch for a coworker (the scandal!). Lucy Hutton and her sworn foe Joshua Templeman have a savage rivalry at work, especially since they are vying for the same position. At least, that’s how it starts.

12. Jane Eyre

Charlotte Bronte

This 1847 classic relates the story of Jane Eyre, a brave governess and heroine, and Mr Rochester, her gloomy employer, with a horrible secret. The first-person narrative was groundbreaking for its day, and it set a new bar for what romance might be – little wonder readers still like it more than 170 years later.

13. Outlander

Diana Gabaldon

This time-travel romance novel introduces readers to the world of Claire Randall, a former British combat nurse and her Scottish warrior love interest, who lives in 1743. There’s time travel, danger, intrigue, and lots of passionate love in this one.

14. Eleanor & Park

Rainbow Rowell

It’s said that your first love stays with you forever. Take a journey down memory lane with Eleanor and Park, two lovestruck misfit youths in 1986, to test that idea. They’re wise enough to see that youthful love seldom lasts yet daring enough to give it a go.

15. The Proposal

Jasmine Guillory

You can’t go wrong with any of Jasmine Guillory’s lighthearted romances, but this one is perfect. Nik’s boyfriend proposes to her during a Dodgers game, and he can’t even spell her name correctly. So naturally, the video becomes viral when she says no (duh). Dr Carlos, a dashing doctor, whisks her away from the chaos, but he can’t possibly be the one. Or will he be?

16. Delta of Venus

Anais Nin

If you proclaim yourself a romance fan but have never read Anais Nin, you need to change that right now. This collection of short stories was published in the 1940s, yet its romantic sexual themes are still relevant today. So take our word for it, but don’t take our word for it.

17. The Time Traveller’s Wife

Audrey Niffenegger

What happens if you fall in love with someone who lives in a parallel universe? That’s the story of Henry DeTamble, a librarian who is caught in time, and Clare Abshire, an artist who lives a normal existence. This is one of the best fantasy romance novels.

18. Call Me by Your Name

Andre Aciman

You may have already seen the film starring Timothee Chalamet, but this hot love tale set on the Italian Riviera between two young men is worth reading in any case. So trust us and read this book.

19. It Ends With Us

Colleen Hoover

Lily, a newcomer to Boston, manages to persuade handsome neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid to breach his “no dating” rule. His obstinacy, on the other hand, makes her question where the aversion originated from. And when old love reappears, everything she’s built with Ryle is thrown into doubt.

20. A Long Petal of the Sea

Isabel Allende

With Roser, a young widow, and Victor Dalmau, an army doctor, aboard a ship destined for Chile chartered by Pablo Neruda with 2,000 other refugees, Isabel Allende’s prose is pure enchantment. This story transports you through the Spanish Civil War.

Don’t wait; pick up any of these great romance novels and transport yourself to the world of romance. Along with the typical love stories, all of these romances also include great plotlines, varied characters, LGBTQ love tales, and gorgeous language that keep readers engaged until the very last page.

Also Read:

Best Romantic Books You should Read with your Partner
How to Set-up a Small Home Library
Best Life-Changing Inspirational Books

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Ruchelle has a vast experience working with clients in hospitality, health and wellness, entertainment, real estate, and retail. She aims to utilise her learnings to deliver quality content which will in turn help drive sales and customer engagement.