Here you’ll find the best books for the hopeless romantic. But what is a romantic novel, and why are they so popular?
One of the reasons romantic novels are so popular with the hopeless romantics is they’re predictable in a good way. All Romance books have a central love story and a happy ending. It could be about star-crossed lovers, fairy tale endings, or a second chance. It all centers on true love, even though it may start with a fake relationship before finding love.
When I read a romance book, it’s easy to escape the everyday pressures of real life. I enjoy love stories. They bring me joy. One of my favorite pastimes is sitting by a fire or on the beach, reading a good love story with a positive outcome. It soothes my soul and recharges my energy levels. I’m ready to face the world again.
What are the subcategories of romance books?
Romance novels provide an excellent way to delve into other worlds or different time periods. But are all romance novels created equal?
This genre has many plot lines, styles, and tones. The story can be super sweet or hot and spicy. With so many books to choose from, it’s not surprising it is one of the most popular genres in books.
All romance books fall into one of these categories. Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Romance, Romantic Suspense, Erotic Romance, Romance with Spiritual Elements, Historical Romance, and Young Adult Romance.
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Every month we have a prompt to help you select your book for the month. In honor of Valentine’s Day, February is romance. So we have compiled a list of the best romance novels to help with this month’s selection.
So let’s get started with a few recommendations for the best Romance Books for the hopeless romantic! This list is for you if you’re looking for a new book.
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1. Bridgerton The Duke & I by Julia Quinn
A handsome, unmarried duke and a lovely available young woman, everyone will believe they are the perfect match. But are they? In high society, London in 1812, a good marriage and a perfect life took center stage. It was Daphne’s time to become a married woman, and Simon needed to find a prospect. The pressure was everywhere when Simon and Daphne conger up a scheme as a diversion. Romance lovers will adore this book. It’s also a terrific television series. I recommend both for romance lovers.
2. Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon
This is Diana Gabaldon’s 9th and most current book in the Outlander series. Set in the Scottish Highlands, it alternates between 1945 and the early 1700s. The story includes adventure, time travel, and lots of romance. You’ll swoon over Jamie Fraiser and Claire Randall’s perfect chemistry. Jamie Fraiser is truly a prince charming. I recommend starting with the first book “Outlander.” It’s one of my favorites. It’s also a television series on Starz.
3. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah Maas
The Court of Thorns and Roses is the first book of four in this wildly popular fantasy romance series. This book is filled with romance and adventure. 18-year-old Feyre is taken to the dangerous magical land of Prythian, where she is held captive. The story follows Feyre as she navigates her relationship with her captor Tamlin. It is filled with passionate love and adventure and is both steamy and thrilling. These are the perfect books if you’re looking to start a new series.
4. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Every romance list is complete with Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It has sold over 20 million copies and is considered her most famous novel. Add this one to your library to read and re-read.
5. Meant to Be by Emily Giffin
This book is a love story between Joe Kinsley, a handsome young bachelor from a famous, wealthy family, and beautiful Cate Cooper, a young independent woman of lesser means. The difference in their social-economic backgrounds creates tension and family drama as they try to build a relationship. It somewhat mirrors JFK jr and his wife Carolyn Biset so that you can easily visualize the setting, romance, and everything else! Contemporary romance lovers will enjoy this book.
6. Beach Read by Emily Henry
January Andrews spends the summer at the beach trying to overcome writer’s block when she meets her neighbor and rival, Augustus Everett. She’s a romance writer, and he’s a literary fiction writer. This is a romance story about friendship, love, and a few family secrets. If you enjoy books about true feelings and second chances with likable characters you want to end up together, grab this one!
7. Hook, Line, And Sinker by Tessa Bailey
Hook-Line and Sinker is the perfect Rom-com. The handsome guy falls for his best friend, but he’s a notorious flirt who must work hard for her affection. Will she change his love life?
8. Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
Part Of Your World is a contemporary romance where opposites attract. Alexis is a city girl who meets Daniel, and her love interest is a hot carpenter from a small town and ten years her junior. They are different people, but the chemistry is undeniable!
9. The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo
This book is Jill Santopolo’s first adult novel, but she’s written several YA books. The story follows the decade-long relationship between the main characters, Lucy and Gabe, and the difficult decisions they need to make. It’s an emotional read that may bring you to tears.
10. It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover
If you enjoyed It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover, find out where it all began! Lily and Atlas, childhood sweethearts, meet up again after separating from Ryle. We hear his side of the story.
11. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Wuthering Heights is a classic love story. It’s dark, intense, and romantic, with poetic and beautiful writing.
Be sure to share your favorite romance novels in the comments below!
Happy reading,
Andrea
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