The Top 10 Most Recommended Romance Books

I personally found some of these to be quite an enjoyable read, but also heartbreaking at the end, so proceed with deliberation, especially if tragic endings aren’t your thing.

Romance novels have the power to whisk us away into captivating love stories that make us laugh, cry, and dream. Whether you love tales of historical romance, modern love, or LGBTQ+ relationships, there’s something special about a well-crafted love story that stays with us long after we’ve turned the last page. If you’re looking for books that explore love in all its forms, here’s a list of ten romance novels you won’t want to miss – many of which have also made their way to the big screen.

‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen (1813)

A timeless classic, ’Pride and Prejudice’ tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet and her evolving relationship with the proud but wealthy Mr. Darcy. Set in the early 19th century, this novel explores themes of class, marriage, and the societal pressures of the time. The 2005 film adaptation, starring Keira Knightley as Elizabeth and Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy has cemented its place as one of the most beloved romance films. It also served to inspire Netflix’s long-running show, ‘Bridgerton’.

‘Outlander’ by Diana Gabaldon (1991)

‘Outlander’ is a sweeping historical romance with a time-travel twist. It follows Claire Randall, a WWII nurse who finds herself mysteriously transported to 18th-century Scotland, where she falls in love with a Highland warrior, Jamie Fraser. The book sparked a hit TV series adaptation starring Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan, known for its epic love story and breathtaking landscapes.

‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ by Casey McQuiston (2019)

This contemporary romance is a heartwarming and hilarious story about Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales, who go from rivals to secret lovers. ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ explores love, identity, and politics in a modern setting. A highly anticipated film adaptation was released in 2023, starring Taylor Zakhar Perez as Alex and Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Henry.

‘The Notebook’ by Nicholas Sparks (1996)

‘The Notebook’ is an emotional tale of enduring love between Noah and Allie, who are separated by class differences but never truly fall out of love. Set in the 1940s, this novel explores themes of memory and devotion. The 2004 film adaptation starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams has become one of the most iconic romance movies of all time, known for its unforgettable rain-soaked kiss.

‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte Brontë (1847)

‘Jane Eyre’ is a Gothic romance about a young orphan, Jane, who becomes a governess and falls in love with the mysterious and brooding Mr. Rochester. As secrets from his past come to light, Jane must decide between her love for him and her own moral compass. Several film adaptations have been made, with the 2011 version starring Mia Wasikowska as Jane and Michael Fassbender as Mr. Rochester being a fan favourite.

‘Get a Life, Chloe Brown’ by Talia Hibbert (2019)

A fresh and modern romance, ‘Get a Life, Chloe Brown’ follows Chloe, a chronically ill computer geek, who sets out to make some big changes in her life. Along the way, she meets Redford “Red” Morgan, an artist with baggage of his own, and their chemistry ignites. This witty and heartfelt novel is the first in the ‘Brown Sisters’ trilogy, celebrating love, growth, and second chances.

‘Happy Place’ by Emily Henry (2023)

Emily Henry, the queen of contemporary romance, delivers another enchanting love story with ’Happy Place’. The novel follows ex-lovers Harriet and Wyn, who fake being a couple during their annual summer trip with friends. As they try to maintain the ruse, old feelings resurface. With its blend of humour, heart, and emotional depth, it’s no surprise that Henry’s novels are fan favourites, though no film adaptation has been announced yet.

‘Call Me by Your Name’ by André Aciman (2007)

‘Call Me by Your Name’ is a beautiful and poignant exploration of first love between 17-year-old Elio and his family’s summer guest, Oliver, set in the idyllic Italian countryside. The novel captures the intensity of desire, heartbreak, and self-discovery. The 2017 film adaptation, starring Timothée Chalamet as Elio and Armie Hammer as Oliver, earned widespread acclaim and has become a modern LGBTQ+ romance classic.

‘The Song of Achilles’ by Madeline Miller (2011)

This modern retelling of the Iliad focuses on the romantic relationship between Achilles and his companion Patroclus. ‘The Song of Achilles’ is a story of love, destiny, and tragedy against the backdrop of the Trojan War. With its lyrical prose and emotional depth, it has become a beloved LGBTQ+ romance, although no film adaptation has been made yet.

‘The Proposal’ by Jasmine Guillory (2018)

When freelance writer Nikole Paterson’s casual boyfriend proposes to her at a baseball game on live TV, she’s saved from the awkwardness by a handsome stranger, Carlos Ibarra. ‘The Proposal’ is a charming and fun romance that tackles love in the modern age, exploring relationships and self-worth with humour and heart. Guillory’s books are known for their relatable characters and strong female leads, and while ‘The Proposal’ hasn’t been adapted for the screen, it would make a delightful rom-com.

And that concludes this lovely list of reading recommendations.

Sometimes, finding the time to read these incredible love stories can be a challenge. If you’ve been struggling to fit reading into your busy life, that’s where Wizdom can help. Wizdom is an app that offers bite-sized summaries and audio versions of thousands of books, allowing you to experience these love stories even if you don’t have hours to sit down and read.