Who doesn’t love escaping into a world where the rules of reality take a backseat and passion runs wild? Whether you’re dodging fire-breathing dragons, unravelling centuries-old family secrets, or just swooning over a brooding duke, the best romance novels have this incredible ability to transport you to places you’ve only dreamed of. And let’s be real—who doesn’t need a little escape now and then?
We’ve rounded up a list of the best romance novels that are perfect for losing yourself in a fantastical world. These books will have your heart racing, your imagination soaring, and your “to-be-read” pile growing taller than the Eiffel Tower. But hey, we’re not just throwing random titles your way—this is a curated collection of page-turners that blend heart-melting romance with unforgettable adventures.
So, whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned romance junkie, this guide is your ultimate roadmap to finding love (and a little magic) between the pages. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore the novels that prove fantasy and romance are a match made in literary heaven.
Top 15 Best Romance Novels to Add to Your Book Collection
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- Prize Awarded: Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy (2016)
- Book Launch Date: May 5, 2015
- Preferred Group: Fans of romantic fantasy with strong female protagonists and complex world-building.
- Where to Buy: You can snag a copy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your favorite indie bookstore.
Book Overview:
When it comes to best romance novels, A Court of Thorns and Roses is a reigning champion in the fantasy romance genre. The story whisks readers away to a magical world where Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress, finds herself entangled in a dangerous yet enchanting realm of faeries. Caught in the clutches of Tamlin, a mysterious High Lord, Feyre must navigate through passion, betrayal, and dark forces threatening her new world.
This series blends elements of Beauty and the Beast with high-stakes action and heart-pounding romance, making it one of the top-rated romantic books to dive into. If you’re craving a story that balances fiery love with epic fantasy, this one’s for you.
2. Outlander
- Author: Diana Gabaldon
- Prize Awarded: RITA Award for Best Romance Novel (1992)
- Book Launch Date: June 1, 1991
- Preferred Group: Readers who have an acquired taste in historical romance novels and sci-fi.
- Where to Buy: Available at most major retailers like Amazon, Target, and local bookstores.
Book Overview:
Few novels can match Outlander when it comes to sweeping readers off their feet. This time-traveling tale follows Claire Randall, a WWII nurse who is inexplicably transported to 1743 Scotland, where she meets the dashing and fiercely loyal Jamie Fraser. Their romance unfolds against a backdrop of political intrigue, clan warfare, and the breathtaking Scottish Highlands.
Celebrated as one of the best romance novels of all time, Outlander has captured the hearts of millions with its detailed storytelling, unforgettable characters, and passionate love story. Whether you’re into steamy romance or lush historical settings, this book delivers both in spades.
3. The Song of Achilles
- Author: Madeline Miller
- Prize Awarded: Orange Prize for Fiction (2012)
- Book Launch Date: September 20, 2011
- Preferred Group: Lovers of Greek mythology
- Where to Buy: Find it at major retailers or request it from your local library.
Book Overview:
For a poignant, heart-wrenching love story, The Song of Achilles is a must-read. This modern retelling of the Iliad centers on the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, delving into themes of love, loyalty, and destiny. Miller’s poetic prose brings ancient Greece to life, making it one of the romance books to read in 2025 for those seeking something truly unique.
This novel masterfully weaves together myth and emotion, earning its place as one of the best romance novels for fans of literary love stories. Keep tissues nearby—this one’s an emotional rollercoaster.
4. The Night Circus
- Author: Erin Morgenstern
- Prize Awarded: Locus Award for First Novel (2012)
- Book Launch Date: September 13, 2011
- Preferred Group: Readers who crave whimsy, magic, and slow-burning romance.
- Where to Buy: Check Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or local indie bookstores.
Book Overview:
If you’re in the mood for something truly magical, The Night Circus deserves a spot on your list of best romance novels. This enchanting tale revolves around two magicians, Celia and Marco, who are bound by a competition they didn’t choose. Their clandestine love blossoms amidst the mystical backdrop of a traveling circus filled with wonder and secrets.
This book offers the perfect mix of whimsical romance and complex storytelling for those who want to get lost in a fantasy world where love defies the odds. It’s a feast for the senses and the heart, making it one of the top-rated romance books of its time.
5. Red, White & Royal Blue
- Author: Casey McQuiston
- Prize Awarded: Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance (2019)
- Book Launch Date: May 14, 2019
- Preferred Group: Fans of LGBTQ+ romance
- Where to Buy: Grab it online or at your local bookstore.
Book Overview:
What happens when the First Son of the United States falls for a British prince? Absolute magic. Red, White & Royal Blue is a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that’s as heartwarming as it is hilarious. Alex and Henry’s relationship is packed with witty banter, steamy chemistry, and plenty of political drama, making it one of the romance books to read in 2025.
This novel’s irresistible charm and diverse representation have earned it a spot among the best romance novels of all time, especially for those looking to indulge in a feel-good love story.
6. From Blood and Ash
- Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Prize Awarded: Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance (2020)
- Book Launch Date: March 30, 2020
- Preferred Group: Fans of steamy fantasy and romance novels for young adults with a twist of suspense.
- Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, Books-A-Million, or your favorite bookstore.
Book Overview:
From Blood and Ash is a story about forbidden romance, political intrigue, and high fantasy. The story follows Poppy, a maiden chosen to bring salvation to her people, whose life takes a drastic turn when she meets Hawke, a mysterious guard. Their chemistry ignites a love story laced with danger, secrets, and betrayal.
If you’re searching for the best romance novels that sweep you into a vividly imagined world, this one checks all the boxes. With its gripping plot and swoon-worthy moments, it’s no wonder this series has become a sensation among fantasy romance fans.
7. The Hating Game
- Author: Sally Thorne
- Prize Awarded: NA
- Book Launch Date: August 9, 2016
- Preferred Group: Fans of enemies-to-lovers tropes and best contemporary romance novels with a comedic edge.
- Where to Buy: Widely available at major retailers or as an e-book.
Book Overview:
Forget the romance of Jim and Pam. The Hating Game is the ultimate office rom-com. Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman are coworkers locked in a hilarious and heated rivalry, but their hate-fueled banter takes a surprising turn toward romance. With clever dialogue and electric chemistry, this book is a delightful escape into the world of modern love.
The Hating Game shows that even in a dull, barren environment as an office, love can still bloom if it tires. This witty gem will have you laughing, swooning, and cheering for love. It’s pure feel-good perfection.
8. Pride and Prejudice
- Author: Jane Austen
- Prize Awarded: NA (but a timeless classic!)
- Book Launch Date: January 28, 1813
- Preferred Group: Lovers of witty dialogue and best historical romance novels.
- Where to Buy: Any bookstore or library worth its salt will have it
Book Overview:
No list of the best romance novels is complete without Pride and Prejudice. It’s the ultimate classic when it comes to romance and fiction. This iconic tale follows the headstrong Elizabeth Bennet and the enigmatic Mr. Darcy as they navigate misunderstandings, societal pressures, and their undeniable connection.
Austen’s sharp wit and keen observations of human nature make this one of the best romance novels of all time. Whether it’s your first read or your fifth, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this timeless story.
9. The Love Hypothesis
- Author: Ali Hazelwood
- Prize Awarded: Goodreads Choice Nominee for Best Romance (2021)
- Book Launch Date: September 14, 2021
- Preferred Group: Readers who adore fake-dating tropes as well as young adults.
- Where to Buy: Check online or at your local bookshop.
Book Overview:
In The Love Hypothesis, Olive Smith, a PhD candidate, finds herself in a fake relationship with the broody and brilliant Dr. Adam Carlsen. What begins as a calculated plan quickly blossoms into something unexpectedly real.
This lighthearted and nerdy romance has become a go-to for fans of the romance. Thanks to its lovable characters and relatable charm. Perfect for a cozy weekend read, this book will have you rooting for Olive and Adam until the very last page.
10. The Bridgerton Series (Starting with The Duke and I)
- Author: Julia Quinn
- Prize Awarded: NA (but a Netflix sensation!)
- Book Launch Date: 2000
- Preferred Group: Fans of Regency-era romance
- Where to Buy: Widely available in bookstores and online.
Book Overview:
Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series has taken the romance world by storm, and it all begins with The Duke and I. Set in the glittering society of Regency London, this tale follows Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset as they navigate a fake courtship that turns all too real.
Quinn’s writing is sharp, funny, and brimming with heart, making this one of the top-rated romance books for historical fiction fans. With its lavish balls, scandalous secrets, and swoon-worthy love stories, this series is pure escapist joy.
11. Beach Read
- Author: Emily Henry
- Prize Awarded: NA
- Book Launch Date: May 19, 2020
- Preferred Group: Fans of opposites-attract stories.
- Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, Target, or your favorite retailer.
Book Overview:
Beach Read is a heartfelt and humorous exploration of love, loss, and finding inspiration in the most unexpected places. January and Gus are rival authors with writer’s block, stuck spending the summer in neighboring beach houses. What starts as a friendly competition to out-write each other quickly turns into something deeper. While still cliché, it’s one of those books that make more sense being predictable rather than ruin the story by being unique.
12. Twilight
- Author: Stephenie Meyer
- Prize Awarded: NA (but a cultural phenomenon)
- Book Launch Date: October 5, 2005
- Preferred Group: Fans of supernatural love stories and romance novels for young adults.
- Where to Buy: Easily found in bookstores, online retailers, and libraries.
Book Overview:
When it comes to the best romance novels for fans of the paranormal, Twilight is practically legendary. This iconic series follows Bella Swan, a seemingly ordinary teenager, and Edward Cullen, a brooding vampire with a heart of gold. Their forbidden romance is the stuff of legends, capturing the hearts of millions worldwide.
Meyer’s blend of teenage angst, supernatural intrigue, and undying love (literally) makes Twilight one of the top-rated romance books in the young adult genre. Doesn’t matter if you’re Team Edward or Team Jacob, this story is an addictive escape into a world of passion and peril.
13. The Rosie Project
- Author: Graeme Simsion
- Prize Awarded: Australian Book Industry Award for Book of the Year (2014)
- Book Launch Date: January 30, 2013
- Preferred Group: Lovers of quirky characters and comedy.
- Where to Buy: Available at all major bookstores and online platforms.
Book Overview:
Remember that one episode of Big Bang Theory where Sheldon makes a complete questionnaire to fill out to find the perfect partner? That’s somewhat the premise of the Rosie Project. Don Tillman, a socially awkward genetics professor, sets out to find the perfect partner using a scientific questionnaire. Enter Rosie, the complete opposite of everything on his list.
This unconventional romance is packed with laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt realizations, making it one of the romance books to read in 2025 if you’re after something unique. It’s equal parts charming and thought-provoking—a refreshing take on modern love.
14. The Wrath and the Dawn
- Author: Renée Ahdieh
- Prize Awarded: NA
- Book Launch Date: May 12, 2015
- Preferred Group: Readers who love retellings and romance novels for young adults with rich cultural settings.
- Where to Buy: Widely available online and in bookstores.
Book Overview:
Inspired by One Thousand and One Nights, The Wrath and the Dawn is a mesmerizing tale of love, revenge, and redemption. The story follows Shahrzad, who volunteers to marry the murderous King Khalid to uncover the truth behind his dark past. What she discovers is a complex man hiding a broken heart.
This beautifully written novel is a standout among best romance novels for its lush world-building and captivating characters. If you’re looking for a love story that feels as timeless as it is original, this one’s for you.
15. Eleanor & Park
- Author: Rainbow Rowell
- Prize Awarded: Goodreads Choice Nominee for Best Young Adult Fiction (2013)
- Book Launch Date: February 26, 2013
- Preferred Group: Fans of bittersweet first loves and romance novels for young adults.
- Where to Buy: Find it at bookstores, Amazon, or your local library.
Book Overview:
Eleanor & Park is the kind of love story that stays with you long after the last page. Set in the 1980s, this novel chronicles the unlikely romance between two misfits: Eleanor, a girl with a troubled home life, and Park, a boy who doesn’t quite fit in.
This poignant tale of first love and self-discovery has cemented its place among the best romance novels of all time for young adult readers. Equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful, it’s a book that perfectly captures the beauty and pain of falling in love for the first time.
Final Note
There you have it—a collection of the best romance novels that will whisk you away to far-off lands, thrilling adventures, and heart-stopping romances. Whether you’re into mythical creatures, epic battles, or the kind of love that makes you laugh, cry, and swoon all at once, this list has something for everyone.
The beauty of the romance genre is that it reminds us of the power of connection, the thrill of new adventures, and the magic of a well-told story. So, grab a book (or five), find a cozy spot, and let yourself fall in love with characters and worlds that feel like they were made just for you.
frequently asked questions
The best romance novels combine compelling characters, emotional depth, and a gripping storyline that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Add a dash of chemistry and some unforgettable moments, and you’ve got a winner!
Not all romance novels are created equal. While many of the books listed are perfect for young adults, others might have more mature themes. Be sure to check the book’s description or content warnings before diving in.
Start with what excites you most! If you love historical settings, go for one of the best historical romance novels. If fantasy worlds are your thing, pick a book with magical elements. And if you’re looking for something modern and relatable, check out the best contemporary romance novels.
Most of these titles are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at your favorite local bookstore. Don’t forget to check out your library or e-book services too!
Absolutely! Many of the novels on this list are part of a larger series, which means even more stories to fall in love with. Look for mentions of sequels or companion books in each description.
