10 Best Romance Books To Read Now
Whether you’re planning your next summer getaway or you’re looking for some escapism without leaving the comfort of your home, a good romance novel can be a wonderful companion. Blame it on the recent Bridgerton fever or all that (literal) summer heat, but we’ve been thinking about our favourite romance reads. From summer loving on the beach to royal love stories and secret dalliances, we’ve put together some of our favourite romance books to read now:
Red, White and Royal Blue – Casey McQuiston
Best for: Easy, fun reading
When First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz and his longtime nemesis Prince Henry come to a confrontation at a royal wedding, the photos leak are leaked to the tabloids, and the two find themselves in a media debacle that threatens American-British relations. But when a fake friendship between the two “enemies” is staged, it sparks feelings – and leads to some steamy diplomatic relationships. Now a film starring Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez, this one’s a great read for when you want to grab something easy to digest that has all the angst of young love.
The Viscount Who Loved Me – Julia Quinn
Best for: Romantic escapism
How could we not put Bridgerton on the list? The Netflix show has catapulted Julia Quinn‘s much-loved series into a global frenzy, and while it’s a long wait for Season 4, we can fill the gaps by diving into the books if you haven’t already. The Viscount Who Loved Me focuses on Anthony Bridgerton, the dashing viscount who is determined to marry for practicality rather than passion. But enter the spirited Kate Sheffield, and the two find themselves clashing in more ways than one. Plot twist: Anthony originally planned to marry Kate’s sister, Edwina. Of course, you know what happens if you’ve watched the show, but who doesn’t love a great Regency-era love story to go back to for a little escapism?
Book Lovers – Emily Henry
Best for: Holiday reading
One of today’s most popular modern romance writers, Emily Henry, really knows how to spin a good love story, and if you’re looking for a witty, heartfelt read, Book Lovers is the perfect pick. This novel dives into the life of Nora Stephens, a high-powered literary agent who is persuaded to take a trip to a small town in North Carolina, where she finds herself face-to-face with Charlie Lastra, a brooding editor she knows all too well from the city. But banter turns deeper, sparks begin to fly, and the two find themselves drawn closer and closer together.
This one’s the ideal holiday book – and one that you’ll actually read, and not stow away in your luggage.
Seven Days In June – Tia Williams
Best for: Heartbreak warfare
If you want something steamy – this is it. Seven Days in June by Tia Williams weaves together passion, pain, and redemption into one complex love story between single mother and bestselling erotica writer, Eva and reclusive, award-winning author, Shane. Their paths cross again fifteen years after their first meeting, setting the stage for an eventful reunion, and the two find themselves juggling resurfaced feelings, health scares, and some emotional scars from the past.
The Unhoneymooners – Christina Lauren
Best for: Fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope
Set in the backdrop of a dream Hawaiian holiday, The Unhoneymooners promises lots of laughs as two sworn enemies, the bride’s twin sister and the best man, are forced to play nice. And when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning except for them, a free honeymoon pops up for grabs. The pair end up setting off on a fake honeymoon – and inevitably playing pretend suddenly starts getting very real. If you love Marian Keyes‘ breezy romances, this makes a great holiday read.
Long Island – Colm Tóibín
Best for: Heartfelt, poignant reading
When Colm Tóibín’s novel Brooklyn came out, readers fell in love with the character and journey of Eilis Lacey (played by Saoirse Ronan in the film adaptation). Now, in Tóibín’s stunning sequel, we find out what happens to her twenty years later. Set against the backdrop of Long Island, the book explores the story of a woman alone in a marriage. Long Island explores Lacey’s ties to her homeland, Ireland even though she hasn’t returned in decades, and for anyone who misses home or feels a little lost in love, this one makes a poignant read.
Friday’s Child – Georgette Heyer
Best for: Fans of Regency romance
Another Regency-era love story, Friday’s Child is funny, adventurous and charming as it takes you from stately London ballrooms to the serene English countryside. Published in 1944, this one’s a classic that follows the story of Lord Sheringham, a viscount who vows to marry the first woman he sees, after facing a humiliating rejection. For all the warm, fuzzy feelings with a dose of wit and humour, Friday’s Child is all about some romantic escapism if you’ve reached the end of Bridgerton and you’re looking for something else that involves ballrooms, ballgowns, gossip and dramatic dalliances.
Fool Me Twice – Nona Uppal
Best for: Whirlwind romances and second chances
Set amidst the streets of New Delhi, Fool Me Twice is the story of a picture-perfect couple who have planned the rest of their lives together – until their love story is rudely hijacked by a careless drunk driver. This is the kind of book that will stump readers who are expecting a classic rom-com, as Uppal sensitively captures the way a twenty-year-old navigates grief and life after a tragic loss and the complexities of saying goodbye to one great love and making room for another.
Forever – Judy Blume
Best for: A dose of nostalgia
This coming-of-age novel is one of those classic timeless stories that you can just keep going back to. Forever follows the journey of high school student Katherine Danziger as she explores the turbulent waters of her first serious romantic relationship. From innocent flirtation to a consuming romance, the novel beautifully expresses the ups and downs of teenage love.
This coming-of-age novel is one of those classic, timeless stories that you can just keep going back to.
Maurice – E.M. Forster
Best for: Heartfelt, queer love
This novel is many things – a coming-of-age story, a tale of sexual awakening and identity, a queer romance and also, a story of heartbreak and one man’s journey to find true love. Forster himself wrote that Maurice was dedicated “to a happier year” and designed for it to be published posthumously since it would have been impossible to publish in his lifetime as homosexuality was still a crime in England. Following the story of the protagonist Maurice, a student who meets the charming Clive Durham while studying at Cambridge, this is one of those stories that will break your heart and then put it back together again.
One of those stories that will break your heart and then put it back together again.
