Looking for the best romantic fiction books to get you in the mood for Valentine’s Day?
IMAGINE YOU'VE JUST turned the last page of that romance book you’ve been snuggling up with and after you drain the last drop of your mug of cocoa, you bask in the escapist afterglow of a good romance read.
Perhaps for you reading romance novels isn’t a guilty pleasure but a real source of pride. Or as the Guardian’s Claire Armitstead puts it: ‘like a holiday romance with no strings attached, or the fleeting treat of newspaper-wrapped fish and chips on the pier with the sunlight on your back.‘
Perhaps instead of escape you'd prefer a slow-burn romance with a steady build-up. Or a romance novel that makes you care about the characters, or would simply like to read more books as a quick pick-me-up after struggling with the January blues.
But you don’t want just any old romance book. You’re craving a read that’ll make you laugh and cry or even fall in love, but still has a strong and believable plot.
What Should You Read Next?
But as you put down your book, you realise you’ve already crushed your reading stack, the last tome on your To Be Read list has been ticked and you’ve run out of new romance reads as Valentine’s Day approaches.
And you may be feeling a bit wary after having one DNF too many and are hoping for recommendations that’ll get your reading back on track. But you’re tired of people suggesting A Fault in our Stars because you’ve devoured it three times already.
Then once again I am here to help!
"Just What Romance Books Should I Read?"
So if you’ve been wondering what romance books you should read next, want to know what love story genres are popular, or just want to see what the trending romance books are right now, then you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve been gathering reader recommendations for the best romance novels in the fantasy, contemporary, historical and modern romance book genres.
So if you’re looking for top romance books, from the very naughty to the very nice, then in no particular order (and with zero affiliated links!), here’s my list of the…
28 Best Romance Books You’ll Want to Read This Year
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
When eligible bachelor, Fitzwilliam Darcy, moves into their neighbourhood, the lives of Elizabeth Bennet and her four unmarried sisters are about to change.
However, misled by first impressions and as the Duke’s associates meddle in his affairs, will Elizabeth and her sisters find their perfect match in the marriage market?
Get it here
Tempest (Old West Book 3) by Beverley Jenkins
When mail-order bride Regan Carmichael accidentally greets her intended with a bullet instead of a kiss, widower Doctor Colton realises she’s not the submissive bride he’s been expecting.
But when the doctor realises he wants more than just a carer for his daughter, will he fight to make their match a true union?
One Summer By Karen Robards
Johnny Harris, a young troublemaker, is back home after a ten-year sentence for murder.
His former teacher, Rachel Grant, is willing to help him rebuild his life.
However the once-sullen rebel is now a handsome man and soon their friendship turns to passion. But when the murderer strikes again will Rachel be next?
Get it here
Outlander (Outlander 1) by Diana Gabaldon
Claire Randall is on her second honeymoon with her husband in the Highlands. But when she walks through a stone circle, she is spirited back into a perilous 1743.
Rescued by Scots warrior Jamie Fraser, Clare is torn between past and present. But does she choose the brave Scot or the husband who loves her?
Get it here
The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Set to join Loisail's socialites, Nina’s debut turns into disaster because she cannot control her telekinetic powers.
However when famous entertainer Hector Auvray arrives in town and dazzles Nina with his talents, it’s not just her powers that blossom under his instruction.
But will Hector’s long-held secret break the spell?
A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught
Feisty 15th century Scottish Countess, Jennifer Merrick, is seized from a convent by Royce Westmoreland, a notorious English earl.
Known as “The Wolf,” the earl does not know quite what has hit him. Yet as the countess continues to defy him, does she fall passionately for Westmoreland in spite of herself?
Secrets of a Summer Night (The Wallflowers Book 1) by Lisa Kleypas
Highborn Annabelle Peyton should have her pick of admirers. But with a family near ruin, the only way she can save them is by securing a wealthy match.
Unfortunately, her most ardent pursuer is the wickedly handsome entrepreneur Simon Hunt. But as Anabelle rebuffs his advances, does she eventually succumb to his will?
A Princess in Theory: Reluctant Royals by Alyssa Cole
Juggling jobs and grad school, Naledi Smith hasn’t time for e-mails claiming she’s promised to African royalty.
However when Prince Thabiso tracks her down she mistakes him for a commoner, so he plays along.
But when Thabiso’s identity is exposed, can a princess in theory become a princess in reality?
Bridgerton: The Duke and I: Bridgerton Family, Book 1 By Julia Quinn
Keen to thwart scheming society mothers, Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, pretends to court Daphne Bridgerton. Meanwhile Daphne hopes the duke’s attentions will lure genuinely interested suitors.
But as Daphne realises she’s falling for the duke, will Bassett return her feelings? Or will their nearest and dearest tear them apart?
A Rural Affair by Catherine Alliott
When Poppy Shilling's controlling husband unexpectedly dies, she launches herself into village life.
She soon attracts new admirers, but the one man Poppy really wants won’t let go of his glamorous ex-wife.
But just as Poppy's ready to take the plunge, a dark secret about her late husband surfaces. Dare she risk heartbreak again?
Beyond the Highland Mist (Highlander Book 1) By Karen Marie Moning
No woman has ever won the heart of Hawk, a roguish laird, till a vengeful fairy snatches Adrienne de Simone from modern Seattle and dumps her in medieval Scotland.
Too outspoken for the century, she is forced to marry Hawk. Adrienne vows to keep him at bay—but will her resolve eventually crumble?
Shining Through by Susan Isaacs
As war unfolds in Nazi Germany, legal secretary Linda Voss falls for her handsome boss John Berringer.
But as a German-Jewish girl, looking after her mother, she isn’t even a blip on his radar.
However, will the war provide Linda with a perilous opportunity to win the man she wants?
Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts
When seventeen-year-old and seven-months-pregnant Novalee Nation is abandoned at Sequoyah’s Wal-Mart, it seems like her luck has long run out.
But while Novalee secretly resides in the shop, small-town locals help the jobless mother-to-be. But as she wins the heart of unconventional librarian Forney Hall, does she learn where home truly is?
Wives and Daughters -Unabridged by Elizabeth Gaskell
Molly Gibson is the only daughter of a widowed doctor, when her father remarries a self-absorbed widow.
However she befriends her dazzling and rebellious step-sister, Cynthia, who hides a troubling secret.
As Molly grows and eventually falls in love, does she learn to see people for who they really are?
The Sea of Tranquility: A Novel By Katja Millay
Former piano prodigy Nastya Kashnikov is the new girl in school, but is secretive about her past. Meanwhile Josh Bennett wants to be left alone because he has already lost everyone he’s ever loved.
But as the pair grow closer, the more of a mystery Nastya becomes. Will he regret uncovering her secrets?
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Awkward young prince Patroclus is exiled to King Peleus’s court, where he is befriended by his demigod son Achilles.
Their friendship matures into something deeper – much to the disapproval of Achilles's sea goddess mother.
But when Achilles is called to the Trojan war, will events conspire to end their forbidden love?
Summer Nights J.M. Sevilla
Hannah Malone has always been dictated to by her conservative family. Meanwhile Daniel Shepard could not be any more different.
Yet when these two opposites meet, they realise they cannot fight their feelings and soon embark on a forbidden romance.
But will Hannah choose her strict household over the one she loves?
The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
Paddy Cleary uproots his wife and seven children to move to an Australian sheep station owned by his older sister.
Soon Meggie, Paddy’s lone daughter, falls in love with a handsome but ambitious priest.
As the Vatican lures him away from the remote outback, will love survive the distance?
The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
Andie has everything planned: a top medical school, avoiding her Congressman father and hanging out with friends all summer.
However when a political scandal ends her pre-med internship, all her plans go up in flames.
But as she gets unexpectedly closer to the adorkable Clark, can Andie learn to embrace the chaos?
Normal People: A Novel by Sally Rooney
Growing up in a small town, Connell is popular at school while Marianne is a loner. Yet after their first awkward encounter, sparks fly.
A year later in Dublin a new world opens for Marianne, while Connell is forced to the sidelines. As new paths beckon, can Marianne and Connell find each other before it's too late?
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Nelly Dean, housekeeper of Thrushcross Grange, reveals the tempestuous love story of landlord Heathcliff.
Catherine Earnshaw must choose between the passionate gypsy foundling Heathcliff and the pedigreed Edgar Linton.
But when Catherine submits to society’s expectations, will their heirs face the legacy of cruelty and fury unleashed by Heathcliff’s betrayal?
The Birds and the Bees by Milly Johnson
When romance writer Stevie Honeywell’s fiancé Matthew runs off with her glam friend Jo, it seems like déjà vu.
This time, Stevie employs a strategy of self-improvement and reverse psychology. Meanwhile Jo’s ex Adam, uses the same tactics.
But when their plan starts to work will the pair want their exes back?
Lord of Scoundrels: Débauchés, Book 3 By Loretta Chase
Sebastian Ballister, scandalous Marquess of Dain, has no time for respectable women. Till one day Jessica Trent strides into his life.
But she’s far too clever to fall for Ballister’s irresistible charms.
However while Jessica struggles to save her foolish brother from ruin, does the Marquess prove too much of a temptation?
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Settling down should be easy for the successful Stella Lane.
However as someone with Aspergers, she prefers analysing data to actual dating. So she hires Michael, a male escort, to show her the ropes.
But as feelings grow, does Stella learn that love is more than just a numbers game?
Now that's my list of the 28 Best Romance books to read this year. But if you’re looking for a sweet but exciting 21st century regency romance, with a spunky heroine and an earl with a scandalous reputation, then A Spring Romance with the Earl might just be for you.
By the time a family emergency drags London copywriter Jess Smith back to her childhood village, the Earl of Birling Grove has gotten himself in her bad books.
Worst still, he’s now at loggerheads with locals about the farmers’ spring ball.
As old flames and village politics keep them at odds, can the couple rekindle their fairytale romance?
So I hope you have found at least one romance book to read from this list of reader recommendations.
However, if your favourite book has not made the list, then please click this link to let me know which are the best romance genre novels you've ever read.
In the meantime, happy reading!
Kate