13 Best Romantic Fiction Books to Read in 2024

Explore the best romantic fiction books, where love stories make us laugh, cry, and swoon just like our everyday romances.
The Notebook coverPride and Prejudice coverMe Before You cover

Finding the perfect romantic escape can be like searching for love itself – thrilling and a tad nerve-wracking. In our quest for the best romantic fiction books, we swooned through heart-tugging tales and swept through timeless classics to deliver the crème de la crème of romance. We focused on emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and stories that leave your heart warm and fuzzy. Whether you crave epic historical tales or contemporary love stories, our curated list promises to whisk you off your feet. So, buckle up for a literary adventure filled with passion, humor, and a pinch of magic.

On this list:

13 The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

The Notebook cover

  • Genre: Romance
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1996
  • Pages: 214

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A classic tear-jerker that surprises many with its emotional depth. Spark’s poetic writing will take you on an emotional roller coaster.

12 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice cover

  • Genre: Classic Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1813
  • Pages: 279

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Austen made us swoon with Fitzwilliam Darcy. This timeless classic offers a nice slow-burn romance and witty banter.

11 Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Me Before You cover

  • Genre: Contemporary Romance
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2012
  • Pages: 369

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We laughed and cried reading Louisa and Will’s story. Moyes mixes humor with heartache in a real-world setting.

10 Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Outlander cover

  • Genre: Historical Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1991
  • Pages: 850

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A mix of time travel, history, and romance, this book offers adventure with a dash of steamy scenes. Claire and Jamie’s chemistry is unmatched!

9 The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

The Hating Game cover

  • Genre: Contemporary Romance
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2016
  • Pages: 387

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Enemies to lovers is always a fun trope. Lucy and Joshua made us giggle with their competitive antics and sizzling tension.

8 It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

It Ends with Us cover

  • Genre: Romance/Drama
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2016
  • Pages: 376

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Exploring deeper themes, this book still delivers romance. Hoover beautifully depicts Lily’s journey of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.

7 Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Twilight cover

  • Genre: Paranormal Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 2005
  • Pages: 498

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A vampire love story that redefined young adult romance. Bella and Edward’s love was epic and unforgettable.

6 The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

The Rosie Project cover

  • Genre: Romantic Comedy
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2013
  • Pages: 295

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An adorable tale of a socially awkward professor finding love. Don and Rosie’s unconventional romance was both endearing and hilarious.

5 Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor & Park cover

  • Genre: Young Adult Romance
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2013
  • Pages: 336

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First love never seemed so bittersweet. Rowell’s characters are flawed yet lovable, making us pine for the innocence of teenage love.

4 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre cover

  • Genre: Classic Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
  • Year released: 1847
  • Pages: 507

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A gothic masterpiece that explores themes of love and independence. Jane and Rochester’s bond fascinated us with its complexity.

3 One Day by David Nicholls

One Day cover

  • Genre: Contemporary Romance
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2009
  • Pages: 437

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A unique premise of love through the years. Emma and Dexter’s evolving relationship was both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

2 The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

  • Genre: Science Fiction Romance
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2003
  • Pages: 546

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This time-bending tale of Henry and Clare captured our imagination. It’s a beautiful mix of science fiction and romance.

1 A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

A Walk to Remember cover

  • Genre: Romance
  • Formats: Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1999
  • Pages: 240

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The best of the best romantic fiction books because it blends hope, love, and tragedy seamlessly. Landon and Jamie’s love story is pure and heartwarming, exploring themes of redemption and transformation. Sparks paints a vivid picture of teenage love, managing to capture both its innocence and its immense depth. The book leaves a lasting impact thanks to its simple yet profound narrative.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!