Top 20 Romance Novels to Read: A Must-Read List for Romance Lovers

Looking for the best romance novels? Discover our top 20 must-read romance books, from timeless classics to modern love stories, curated by Tomeki!

Whether you're a longtime fan of romance novels or just starting to explore this beloved genre, there’s a world of heartwarming, passionate, and emotional stories waiting to be discovered. From timeless classics to contemporary love stories, these top 20 romance books capture the many shades of love, from passionate first kisses to soul-crushing heartbreaks.

At Tomeki, we've handpicked the best romance novels that will sweep you off your feet and make you fall in love all over again. Let’s dive into these unforgettable love stories!

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

No romance novel list is complete without Jane Austen’s classic, Pride and Prejudice. This timeless story follows the witty and independent Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates societal expectations, love, and misunderstandings with the dashing Mr. Darcy.

Why You Should Read It: A perfect blend of wit, humor, and romance, this novel has inspired countless love stories and continues to charm readers with its enduring themes of love, pride, and prejudice.

2. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre is the passionate tale of a young governess who falls in love with her mysterious and brooding employer, Mr. Rochester. Charlotte Brontë’s powerful narrative combines gothic elements with a deep exploration of love, independence, and self-respect.

Why You Should Read It: A beautifully crafted story about inner strength and resilience, Jane Eyre is a must-read for those who love romance mixed with dark secrets.

3. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

This sweeping historical romance follows Claire Randall, a World War II nurse, who is mysteriously transported back to 18th-century Scotland. There, she meets the dashing Highlander, Jamie Fraser, and becomes entangled in both love and political turmoil.

Why You Should Read It: Combining romance, time travel, and historical adventure, Outlander is a gripping love story that spans centuries.

4. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

This modern classic tells the story of Noah and Allie, two lovers separated by war and social class, only to be reunited later in life. The Notebook is a tale of enduring love that has captured the hearts of millions.

Why You Should Read It: With its emotional depth and heart-wrenching romance, The Notebook is a testament to the power of true love.

5. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Me Before You tells the poignant love story of Louisa Clark, an ordinary girl, and Will Traynor, a wealthy quadriplegic man, whose lives are changed forever when they meet. Their unconventional romance challenges societal norms and personal limitations.

Why You Should Read It: Emotional, thought-provoking, and unforgettable, this novel explores love in the face of tragedy and impossible choices.

6. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

This contemporary romance centers on Lucy and Joshua, two coworkers engaged in a tense rivalry at the office. But their mutual disdain turns into an undeniable attraction, leading to a romance filled with witty banter and swoon-worthy moments.

Why You Should Read It: If you love enemies-to-lovers romances, The Hating Game is a delightful read with sharp humor and heartwarming romance.

7. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, Gone with the Wind tells the story of Scarlett O’Hara and her tumultuous love affair with Rhett Butler. This epic novel explores love, loss, and survival in times of hardship.

Why You Should Read It: A sweeping historical romance, this book is a tale of passion, ambition, and resilience.

8. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

The Time Traveler’s Wife follows the unconventional love story between Clare and Henry, who suffers from a rare condition that causes him to time travel unpredictably. Their love is tested by the challenges of time, distance, and fate.

Why You Should Read It: This unique romance is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, exploring the complexities of love across time.

9. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

In The Rosie Project, socially awkward genetics professor Don Tillman embarks on a quest to find the perfect wife, using a scientific approach. But when he meets Rosie, a free-spirited woman who doesn’t meet any of his criteria, his life is turned upside down.

Why You Should Read It: Funny, quirky, and heartwarming, this unconventional romance will have you rooting for the unlikely couple.

10. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

This contemporary romance follows Eleanor Oliphant, a socially isolated woman whose life changes when she meets Raymond, a kind and unassuming coworker. Their blossoming friendship leads Eleanor to confront her past and open herself up to love.

Why You Should Read It: A touching and relatable story about love, healing, and human connection.

11. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

This enemies-to-lovers romance explores the unlikely relationship between Alex, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales. What starts as a political rivalry turns into a forbidden romance that defies both borders and expectations.

Why You Should Read It: With witty dialogue and a heartwarming love story, this LGBTQ+ romance is both refreshing and uplifting.

12. Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman

Set in 1980s Italy, Call Me by Your Name is a beautiful coming-of-age romance between Elio, a young boy, and Oliver, a visiting scholar. The novel captures the intensity of first love and the bittersweetness of longing.

Why You Should Read It: This emotionally raw and poetic novel offers a deeply intimate portrayal of love and desire.

13. Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn

This historical romance series, set in Regency-era London, follows the romantic escapades of the Bridgerton family. Each book in the series focuses on one sibling’s love story, blending societal expectations with passionate love affairs.

Why You Should Read It: With its charming characters and steamy love scenes, the Bridgerton series has captivated readers with its delightful take on Regency romance.

14. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

This fantasy romance follows Feyre, a mortal woman who is swept into the world of the Fae after killing a magical creature. As she navigates the dangers of this new realm, she forms a complicated and intense relationship with Tamlin, a powerful High Lord.

Why You Should Read It: With its lush world-building and intense romance, this series is perfect for fans of fantasy and love stories.

15. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

In The Kiss Quotient, Stella, a brilliant woman with Asperger’s, hires Michael, a male escort, to teach her about relationships and intimacy. As their arrangement evolves, they discover that love is far more complicated than any equation.

Why You Should Read It: With its heartfelt romance and diverse representation, this novel is a fresh take on the contemporary love story.

16. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

When Alexa and Drew meet in an elevator, they decide to be each other's date for a wedding. What starts as a fake relationship soon turns into something much more real. The Wedding Date is a fun and flirty romance that explores love, race, and relationships.

Why You Should Read It: Full of charm and heart, this contemporary romance will make you smile.

17. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

This heartbreaking romance follows Hazel and Gus, two teenagers who fall in love while battling cancer. The Fault in Our Stars explores love in the face of terminal illness, capturing the beauty and fragility of life.

Why You Should Read It: Equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, this novel is a testament to the power of love even in the darkest moments.

18. Normal People by Sally Rooney

This modern love story follows Connell and Marianne, two Irish teens with a complicated relationship that spans years. Normal People is an exploration of love, class, and communication in the digital age.

Why You Should Read It: This emotionally raw novel provides a nuanced look at love and the human condition.

19. The Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn

This captivating historical romance series set in Regency London follows the romantic lives of the Bridgerton family siblings.

Why You Should Read It: Full of witty banter, steamy romance, and elegant settings, this series is perfect for historical romance fans.

20. One Day by David Nicholls

This poignant novel follows Dexter and Emma, who meet on their college graduation day, and reconnect with each other on the same date each year. One Day is a story about missed chances, friendship, and love over the course of two decades.

Why You Should Read It: A heart-wrenching and beautifully written story about love, timing, and fate.

Ready to Fall in Love?

From classic tales of love and heartbreak to modern, steamy romances, these 20 romance novels offer something for every reader. Whether you’re looking for an epic historical love story or a contemporary romance filled with wit and charm, Tomeki has you covered.

Explore these top romance picks today and find your next great love story at Tomeki!