10 Romance Books to Add to Your Reading List

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Writer Watch
July 24, 2024
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Romance novels allow our emotions to flow through the characters we’re reading about, letting us soak in the love, passion, and occasional torment of what the heart wants but can’t have. If you are looking for romance book recommendations, then look no further.

1. It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

Sale
It Ends with Us: A Novel (1)
  • Hoover, Colleen (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 384 Pages – 08/02/2016 (Publication Date) – Atria Books (Publisher)

Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us is iconic for a reason, as it moves you through the ups and downs of Lily Bloom’s relationship. You’ll follow Lily as she works her way through relationships from the past and present. This novel is extremely deep and deals with heart-wrenching themes that show the character’s strength. 

2. The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare

The Duchess Deal: Girl Meets Duke
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Dare, Tessa (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 385 Pages – 08/22/2017 (Publication Date) – Avon (Publisher)

On the hunt for a historical romance? You should add The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare to your list. The story is built around a marriage arranged for equal benefit between a duke and a seamstress. This book is an entertaining read as its characters fill the pages with comedic banter and chemistry.

3. Happy Place by Emily Henry

Sale
Happy Place
  • Hardcover Book
  • Henry, Emily (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 400 Pages – 04/25/2023 (Publication Date) – Berkley (Publisher)

A “perfect couple,”  Harriet and Wyn, secretly break off their engagement. In this book by Emily Henry, the two main characters find themselves and their close friends, who have no idea about the breakup, reuniting at a beach house for their annual summer trip. Happy Place is a will-they-or-won’t-they story that will have you rooting for love. 

4. Virgin River by Robyn Carr

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Virgin River (Virgin River, Book 1) (A Virgin River Novel, 1)
  • This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box.
  • Carr, Robyn (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 432 Pages – 12/18/2012 (Publication Date) – MIRA (Publisher)

Virgin River by Robyn Carr is the first of a book series that has now been adapted into a popular Netflix show. This is a charming story revolving around Melinda Monroe as she moves to Virgin River, a rural town, and finds community and unexpected love. This is a must-read, as you will become invested in the characters and their story. 

5. Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

Sale
Love and Other Words
  • Lauren, Christina (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 432 Pages – 04/10/2018 (Publication Date) – Gallery Books (Publisher)

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren will tug at your heartstrings as the story is built around the theme of second chances. The main characters and first loves, Macy Sorensen and Elliot, reconnect after many years apart, and you can’t help but root for the love between them to be rekindled. 

6. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

Sale
The Notebook
  • Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook, paperback
  • Sparks, Nicholas (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 239 Pages – 02/01/2004 (Publication Date) – Warner Books (Publisher)

Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook is an essential addition to your romance reading list if you have not yet discovered this classic novel. The story surrounds Noah and Allie and follows them as they navigate the challenges of loving each other. This book was adapted into an iconic movie for a reason. 

7. Exes and O’s by Amy Lea

Sale
Exes and O’s (The Influencer Series)
  • Lea, Amy (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 400 Pages – 01/10/2023 (Publication Date) – Berkley (Publisher)

Exes and O’s by Amy Lea follows Tara Chen, who is obsessed with finding her perfect match. Instead of meeting someone new, she decides to set her sights on getting a romance novel-worthy second-chance relationship by reconnecting with her exes. This is a very entertaining romantic comedy that will keep you engaged with the ups and downs of Tara’s journey.

8. Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score

Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout Book 1)
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Score, Lucy (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 572 Pages – 01/13/2022 (Publication Date) – That’s What She Said Publishing (Publisher)

Staying on the trend of second-chance romance novels, Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score is about confronting the past to resolve the unresolved. We follow the main character and runaway bride, Naomi, as she faces many surprises and unexpected challenges. This novel is filled with moments of comedy, suspense, and emotion. 

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

A Court of Thorns and Roses
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Maas, Sarah J. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 439 Pages – 05/05/2015 (Publication Date) – Bloomsbury Publishing (Publisher)

Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses is a very popular fantasy romance that combines adventure and a story of love. The story follows Feyre, a mortal who finds herself thrust into the faerie realm. This novel is filled with magic and suspense and will keep you engaged as you see the love story through to the end.

10. Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Ugly Love: A Novel
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Hoover, Colleen (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 330 Pages – 08/05/2014 (Publication Date) – Atria Books (Publisher)

Another amazing romance novel by none other than Colleen Hoover, Ugly Love, shares the story between our two main characters, Tate and Miles. Known for creating complex characters, Colleen delivers her readers with exactly that, as the emotionally charged love story keeps you turning the pages.

These ten romance novels show the variety of love stories that you can add to your reading list. Any one of them will keep you engaged and captivated by the characters and their journeys as they navigate relationships.