From Campus Crushes to Soulful Serendipities — These Indian Love Stories Have It All
Looking for the best romance novels by Indian authors? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic, a casual reader, or someone just dipping their toes into the genre, Indian romance novels offer stories that feel like home — full of emotions, drama, heartbreak, healing, and the occasional filmi twist.
These books aren’t just about love — they’re about family pressures, societal norms, second chances, long-distance heartbreak, and dating in the age of social media — things desi readers can relate to. You’ll find relatable settings, characters who feel like your friends, and writing that’s simple, direct, and heartfelt.
If you love love stories (or need a break from heavy reads), this list of romance novels by Indian authors is for you. Especially if you’re looking for quick, engaging books in easy English.
Bonus: Most of them make perfect travel or weekend reads!
15 Best Romance Novels by Indian Authors
Here’s our ultimate reading list — filled with heartbreak, humour, longing, and love. Great for beginners, casual readers, or anyone who enjoys stories where love finds a way — even if it takes a few detours.
This one’s a tearjerker. Based on the author’s real-life love story, it captures the innocence of first love and the tragedy of unexpected loss.
Ravin and Khushi meet on a matrimonial site and gradually fall in love through texts and calls. Just as their bond deepens and families get involved, fate intervenes cruelly. A classic boy-meets-girl with a gut-punch ending.
A hilarious take on inter-cultural relationships in India. Krish and Ananya fall in love during their MBA, but now must convince their Tamil and Punjabi families. The North-vs-South clash leads to comedy, drama, and chaos. The real tension lies in family approval — a major hurdle in many Indian love stories. Think enemies-to-in-laws trope.
Zoya is unlucky in love but apparently lucky for the Indian cricket team. She becomes the team’s lucky charm — literally. Enter Nikhil Khoda — skeptical, hot, and the team’s captain. What follows is a rom-com involving a no-nonsense captain, media madness, and unlikely chemistry. It’s superstition vs strategy in this enemies-to-lovers firecracker.
by Durjoy Datta
A tangled tale of past love, guilt, and redemption. Set in the world of music and heartbreak, this one is about two people trying to find peace — and maybe each other — again.
Aarav and Aisha have history. When they meet again years later, success, regret, and unresolved feelings bubble up. Second chances and slow burns make this one emotional and addictive.
by Vikram Seth
An epic. Set in post-independence India, this sprawling novel follows Lata as she navigates love, family, and arranged marriage.
Lata is caught between three suitors — the poetic Kabir, the practical Haresh, and the charming Amit. Family pressure looms large, and love is anything but simple. A literary love triangle with social realism.
Vee, a single mother and ex-model, is living life on her own terms — until her past crashes back. When Ankush, her ex and the father of her son, reappears after years, buried emotions rise again. It’s about parenting, independence, and choosing between the past and present. Trope: estranged lovers meet again.
by Ajay Pandey
Based on the author’s life, this is a touching tribute to love that stays even after loss.
Ajay and Bhavna are opposites — he’s reserved, she’s full of life. Their story, from a college crush to marriage and beyond, is full of hope and heartbreak. A true story that reads like fiction.
A college romance set in the age of texting and social media. It’s fast-paced, flirty, and deals with friendship, attraction, and how quickly things can change.
Akash and Aleesha meet at a nightclub and connect instantly. But insecurities, misunderstandings, and a tragic twist make this more than a light read. Expect insta-love meets emotional rollercoaster.
by Anurag Garg
It’s a love story that begins in a bar and unfolds with humour, heartbreak, and unexpected turns. Aarav is a drunk guy spilling his sob story to a stranger — and what follows is his journey through college, love, loss, and redemption. It’s messy, relatable, and painfully human.
by Nisha Sharma
Kareena wants true love. Dr. Prem doesn’t believe in it. They fake a relationship to get what they want from their families, but end up falling for each other. The enemies-to-lovers trope meets fake dating — with a dash of aunties and cultural chaos. Sparks fly in this spicy desi rom-com that’s equal parts sass and heart.
A Gen-Z love story full of cultural clashes, parental pressure, and kismat-induced chaos.
Madhuri wants to date for love, not marriage. Arjun is her arranged-match disaster. But what starts as rejection soon turns into reluctant attraction. A witty take on identity and expectations.
Three broken people. One tangled destiny. This psychological romance is dark, layered, and explores how love can be both healing and destructive. Pallavi is trying to forget. Haasil is trying to remember. And Swadha has secrets of her own. This one’s all about emotional baggage and love’s complicated aftermath.
by N. M. Patel
A smart, sassy take on arranged marriage — and how modern love often comes from the most unexpected matches.
Nirali is career-focused and allergic to matchmaking. But a series of parental setups — including charming Ravi — forces her to confront what she really wants. A fresh rom-com with NRI flair.
Meghna, a food critic with a sharp tongue, finds herself working alongside a hot-headed chef. The kitchen heats up with passion, rivalry, and unresolved sparks. Enemies-to-lovers done deliciously. Set in a luxury hotel kitchen, this workplace romance has tension, spice (literally), and a lot of flirtation.
by Nikita Singh
Laila is reeling from a broken relationship when she meets her mysterious new neighbour, who seems to understand her pain. It’s moody, messy, and deeply emotional. A coming-of-age story about love, heartbreak, and finding yourself again, perfect for fans of slow-burn romances
Why We Love Indian Romance Novels
Romance novels by Indian authors as a genre has exploded in India over the last two decades. It’s no longer just epic love stories or poetic heartbreaks. Today’s romance reads are punchy, modern, and deeply relatable. Writers like Chetan Bhagat and Ravinder Singh paved the way with college romances and real-life inspired tales that became publishing sensations. Soon came a wave of authors like Durjoy Datta, Preeti Shenoy, and Nikita Singh, who built on that trend with fresh, urban voices.
More romance novels by Indian authors for you:
Love love? Here are more romance recommendations for you:
