Are you on the hunt for the best romance books to dive into? Whether you’re an ardent romantic or just looking for your next favourite love story, we have a treat for you. TIME magazine recently released its list of the 50 Best Romance Books to read right now, and it’s a must-see for every romance lover.
What Makes These the Best Romance Novels?
TIME’s selection process was as meticulous as crafting a perfect love story. They started by consulting a wide array of experts, including booksellers, editors, and authors, to capture the nuances of the romance genre. From there, they narrowed down the choices based on several factors: creativity, commercial success, critical acclaim, and cultural impact. The result? A list of romance novels that span centuries, showcasing the rich tapestry of love stories that have delighted readers over time.
The selection includes works in English ranging from classics to contemporary works like Frances Burney’s 1782 classic Cecilia; Or Memoirs of an Heiress to Ali Hazelwood’s 2023 release Love, Theoretically. You’ll find contemporary romance, historical love stories, and everything in between.
Here at LitFind, we’re highlighting some of the top picks from TIME’s collection, giving you a sample of the romance books on the list that are setting hearts aflame.
Author: Frances Burney
Cecilia is a pioneering work that’s influenced the genre for centuries. Set in 18th-century England, the novel follows Cecilia Beverley, who when orphaned at a young age becomes heiress of her uncle’s fortune. The catch – she can keep her fortune only if her husband will consent to take her surname. This unusual love story is noted for its exploration of class and gender dynamics, setting a precedent for many love stories that followed. It is also said to have inspired Jane Austen (whose work is next on the list!).
Author: Jane Austen
One of the most beloved novels in English literature, Pride and Prejudice, continues to captivate readers with its enchanting tale of love, pride, and prejudice. Set in the Regency Era, the story centres around Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy, who must overcome personal biases and societal expectations to find true love. With its sharp social commentary and unforgettable characters, this romantic classic is as fresh today as it was in the 19th century. For those seeking a story with wit, humour, and a satisfying love story, this is a must-read.
Author: Beverly Jenkins
Indigo by Beverly Jenkins is a celebrated historical romance set in the turbulent times of the Underground Railroad. The story follows Hester Wyatt, a former slave turned activist, who opens her home to the Underground Railroad’s most feared conductor, “The Black Daniel”. Their partnership ignites into a passionate romance that defies societal norms. Jenkins masterfully combines rich historical details with compelling characters, creating a tale of love and resilience. This novel is perfect for readers seeking a romance that celebrates African-American history and heroism.
Author: Kevin Kwan
Crazy Rich Asians offers a glamorous and witty look at the lives of the ultra-rich in Singapore. The story centres around Rachel Chu, who accompanies her unassuming boyfriend, Nick Young, to his best friend’s wedding, only to discover his family’s enormous wealth and societal expectations. This romantic comedy explores themes of family, identity, and love amidst opulence and tradition. With its sharp humour and engaging plot, Kwan’s novel is a delightful journey into a world of extravagance and romance.
Author: Casey McQuiston
In Red, White & Royal Blue, Casey McQuiston presents a fresh take on a modern royal romance. The story follows Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, who falls for his rival, Prince Henry of Wales. What begins as a fake friendship evolves into a heartfelt romance that challenges political and cultural boundaries. McQuiston’s novel is praised for its diverse representation and tender exploration of identity and love. It’s a contemporary love story that’s both charming and thought-provoking.
Author: Helen Hoang
Khai Diep, a Vietnamese-American man who believes he’s incapable of feeling emotions like grief and love due to his autism. His family enlists Esme Tran from Vietnam to help him find love. Esme hopes this opportunity will improve her family’s life, but winning Khai’s heart proves challenging. While Esme becomes smitten, her time in America runs out. Khai eventually realises he’s been wrong about love and that emotions can be felt in different ways.
Author: Tessa Bailey
A romantic comedy with a twist, It Happened One Summer, is inspired by the hit TV show Schitt’s Creek. The story revolves around Piper Bellinger, a fashionable socialite banished to a small town where she meets Brendan Taggart, a rugged hot fisherman. While paparazzi are constantly on her heels and the grumpy Brendan thinks she won’t last a week, Piper is determined to prove she’s more than a pretty face. This ‘opposites-attract’ romance is filled with humour, charm, and sizzling chemistry.
Author: Emily Henry
In Book Lovers, Emily Henry crafts a witty and engaging romance about rival literary agents who find themselves entangled in a small-town romance. Despite their initial friction, Nora Stephens and Charlie Lastra find themselves repeatedly thrown together by a series of uncanny coincidences that seem straight out of a romance novel. Both Nora and Charlie confront personal demons, uncovering truths about themselves and each other that unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about their lives.
Author: Nisha Sharma
A vibrant romantic comedy inspired by Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Love-obsessed Kareena Mann’s father agrees to gift her mother’s home if she gets engaged in four months. Her plan is disrupted when her argument with Dr. Prem Verma, the love-phobic host of The Dr. Dil Show, goes viral. Meanwhile, Prem needs funding for a community health center, which could be solved by convincing Kareena (and potential donors) that he’s her soulmate. Despite their conflicting views on love, they come to realise perhaps they are meant to be together.
Also featured in the list are works by authors:
