If you’re looking for swoon-worthy reads to obsess over and increase the heat on a mundane routine, you absolutely have to pour over this list of the best romance books to read right now. Whether searching for something sexy and addictive or a light-hearted rom-com, I’ve got you covered, bestie! We’ve all needed a book that keeps us up until 3 AM because the tension of an enemies-to-lovers plot was just too much to bear!
Read to get swept away? Grab a glass of wine and a cozy blanket and settle in!
| 1. | Book Lovers by Emily Henry |
| 2. | Funny Story by Emily Henry |
| 3. | The Deal by Elle Kennedy |
| 4. | A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas |
| 5. | Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood |
| 6. | The Selection by Kiera Cass |
| 7. | Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren |
| 8. | The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller |
| 9. | Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter |
| 10. | Outlander by Diana Gabaldon |
| 11. | Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan |
| 12. | Twisted Games by Ana Huang |
| 13. | Yours Truly by Abby Jiminez |
| 14. | Verity by Colleen Hoover |
| 15. | The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Marian Zapata |
| 16. | The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E Schwab |
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Emily Henry is a master of her craft. She effortlessly weaves witty banter, buckets of charm, and undeniable chemistry into every page. And if you are a bibliophile who loves books about how much other people love books, then this book is for you (Phew)!
At the heart of the story is Nora Stephens, a sharp, career-driven literary agent who knows all the tropes—and has no interest in playing the role of the small-town sweetheart. When she finds herself on an impromptu trip to Sunshine Falls with her sister, she keeps running into Charlie Lastra, a brooding, no-nonsense editor who just might be her perfect match. Cue the snarky banter, electric tension, and a love story that proves sometimes the best romance isn’t the one you expect.
What makes Book Lovers stand out? It’s not just the swoon-worthy romance—it’s the way Henry crafts a story about love, family, and the magic of finding someone who truly gets you. Whether you’re a longtime romance reader or just dipping your toes into the genre, this book is guaranteed to steal your heart.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
While I could fill up the entire post with Emily Henry suggestions (hmm, new blog idea?), I’ll give you just one more…for now. Funny Story is the perfect feel-good romance with sizzling chemistry and smart, witty interactions. There’s depth here, but also plenty of laughs, which is just the right balance.
The story follows Daphne, a children’s librarian whose carefully planned life takes a detour when her fiancé leaves her—for his ex. Ouch. Left without a place to stay, she finds herself in an unexpected (and totally awkward) living arrangement with Miles, her ex’s best friend, who just so happens to be dealing with his own heartbreak. Their solution? A fake-dating scheme to make their exes jealous. What could possibly go wrong? (Spoiler: Everything. In the best way.)
Henry once again delivers a romance filled with clever banter, slow-burn tension, and characters so well-developed they feel like friends. Funny Story is a delightful reminder that sometimes, the best love stories start in the most unexpected places. If you’re a fan of witty, heartwarming rom-coms, prepare to fall head over heels for this one.
The Deal by Elle Kennedy
If you love a good opposites attract/college romance, you must give The Deal a shot. This book has humor, plenty of heart, and a dash of spice. It includes the good ole’ “fake dating” plot but with a hunky hockey player and a sassy, independent heroine.
Hannah Wells is focused on one thing—acing her college courses and pursuing her dream career. Romance? Not a priority. But when star hockey player Garrett Graham needs a tutor to save his GPA, he strikes a deal with Hannah: if she helps him pass, he’ll pretend to be her boyfriend to catch the attention of her real crush. Simple, right? Except their fake relationship sparks undeniable chemistry, and soon, their “deal” turns into something neither of them saw coming.
Kennedy’s writing is fast-paced, witty, and packed with emotional depth, making The Deal more than just a steamy sports romance. It’s a story about trust, healing, and finding love in the most unexpected places.
A Court of Mist and Fury (And Other ACOTAR Books) by Sarah J. Maas
If you’re an ACOTAR newbie, just know that this series will completely take up all of your time for the foreseeable future. A Court of Mist and Fury is the second book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses saga, but it is, in my opinion, one of the best. This is not a light-hearted rom-com. It is immersive, magical, and completely seductive. It will leave you breathless and begging for more.
If you’re as obsessed over ACOTAR as me, you must check out this guide to your favorite ACOTAR characters!
This book takes Feyre Archeron’s journey to new heights, delivering a breathtaking blend of romance, adventure, and world-building so immersive you’ll forget real life exists. After surviving the horrors of Under the Mountain, Feyre finds herself trapped in a gilded cage, suffocating under the expectations of her past. Enter Rhysand—mysterious, powerful, and hiding more than a few secrets of his own. As their dynamic shifts, ACOMAF gives us one of the most unforgettable slow-burn romances in fantasy history (cue the screaming).
But it’s not just about the romance. This book is a masterclass in character growth, found family, and healing. It’s about reclaiming yourself after trauma, choosing love that challenges and empowers you, and, of course, swooning over one of the most iconic fictional males ever written.
And if ACOMAF doesn’t completely consume your soul? Don’t worry—the rest of the ACOTAR series is packed with just as much passion, heartbreak, and so many fan-favorite moments. Whether you’re new to Maas’s universe or a longtime fan, this series is the perfect blend of fantasy and romance to get utterly lost in.
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
Science nerds and STEM geeks will fall head over heels for this swoony romance. It combines quick wit, brooding science hunks, and academic rivalries. I got way too invested in the love lives of these fictional scientists, but it was so worth it.
Meet Elsie Hannaway—a theoretical physicist by day, fake girlfriend-for-hire by night. Juggling academia and side gigs isn’t easy, but she’s got everything under control. That is, until she comes face-to-face with Jack Smith-Turner, the arrogant (and undeniably attractive) experimental physicist who just happens to be standing in the way of her dream job. The worst part? He’s also the brother of one of her former “fake” boyfriends. Awkward.
What follows is a delightful mix of banter, tension, and slow-burn romance as Elsie navigates professional ambitions, personal growth, and undeniable chemistry with Jack. Hazelwood’s signature humor and intelligent storytelling shine, making Love, Theoretically the perfect read for fans of academia-based romances and strong, quirky heroines.
The Selection by Kiera Cass
The Selection is kind of like The Bachelor but with castles, tiaras, and hot princes. It definitely has a TV drama feel to it, but I loved the fairytale feel with a dash of dystopian intrigue. This book is a guilty pleasure read that will keep you up way past bedtime, engrossed in the flirty love triangle.
The story follows America Singer, a strong-willed musician from a lower caste who has no interest in winning the heart of Prince Maxon—especially since she’s already in love with someone else. But when she’s chosen as one of 35 girls to compete for the prince’s hand, she’s thrust into a glittering world of ballgowns, palace politics, and unexpected emotions. What starts as a reluctant participation soon turns into something much more complicated, as America begins to question everything—her heart, her loyalties, and the future she truly wants.
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
Are you a sucker for second-chance romance? How about love stories with emotional depth? If so, Love and Other Words will completely shatter you and then put you back together. Be forewarned, this book will have you laughing, crying, and probably texting your BFF for comfort.
The story follows Macy and Elliot, who met as teenagers and bonded over a shared love of books and quiet moments. Over the years, their friendship blossomed into something deeper—until one fateful night shattered everything. Now, more than a decade later, their paths cross again, forcing them to confront old wounds, unanswered questions, and the undeniable spark that never really faded.
Told in alternating timelines between past and present, Love and Other Words masterfully unravels the mystery of what went wrong while making you desperately root for Macy and Elliot to find their way back to each other. It’s an emotional rollercoaster filled with nostalgia, longing, and the kind of love that feels real.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Few books can break your heart so beautifully that you thank them for it, but The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is one of them. This breathtaking retelling of Greek mythology takes the legendary story of Achilles and Patroclus and transforms it into a deeply moving tale of love, destiny, and sacrifice.
Told from the perspective of Patroclus, a prince exiled from his home, the novel follows his unexpected bond with Achilles, the golden boy of Greek legend. What begins as a childhood friendship slowly blossoms into an all-consuming love—one that is tested by war, prophecy, and the cruel hands of fate. As the Trojan War looms and Achilles is forced to confront his destiny, their relationship faces devastating stakes, leading to an ending that will leave you emotionally shattered (but also in awe).
Miller’s prose is lyrical and haunting, making every moment between Achilles and Patroclus feel intimate, tender, and utterly unforgettable. Whether you’re a mythology lover or just someone who enjoys stories that stay with you, The Song of Achilles is a masterpiece that will have you feeling everything—from joy to heartbreak to absolute devastation (and somehow, you’ll love it for that).
Pro tip: Read this with a box of tissues nearby and prepare to have your soul permanently altered.
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
If you’ve ever wished your life played out like a classic rom-com—complete with grand gestures, witty banter, and the perfect happily ever after—then Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter is the book for you. This charming, laugh-out-loud YA romance is packed with nostalgic movie references, an irresistible love story, and all the feel-good moments you could ask for.
Liz Buxbaum has always been obsessed with romantic comedies, believing she’s destined for the kind of sweeping love story found in 10 Things I Hate About You or When Harry Met Sally. So when her childhood crush, Michael, moves back to town, she’s convinced he’s the one. The only problem? She needs help getting his attention—and the best person for the job is Wes, her infuriating next-door neighbor. As Liz and Wes scheme to get Michael to notice her, Liz starts to realize that sometimes, love doesn’t follow the script you expect—but it might just be better.
Painter’s writing is effortlessly funny, full of heart, and brimming with swoon-worthy moments. Better Than the Movies is perfect for fans of friends-to-lovers romance, playful enemies-to-something-more tension, and anyone who believes that real life can be just as magical as the movies. Get ready to smile, swoon, and fall in love with every page!
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
If you love epic love stories, historical drama, and a dash of time travel, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is about to sweep you off your feet—and straight into 18th-century Scotland. With its rich storytelling, unforgettable romance, and larger-than-life characters, this book is the gold standard for historical romance with a fantasy twist.
The story follows Claire Randall, a former WWII combat nurse who, while on a second honeymoon in the Scottish Highlands, accidentally falls through time and finds herself in 1743. There, she meets Jamie Fraser—a rugged, fiercely loyal Scottish warrior who is as charming as he is dangerous. As Claire struggles to navigate this unfamiliar world (and figure out how to get back to her own time), she becomes entangled in a web of political intrigue, clan rivalries, and a romance so intense it defies time itself.
Gabaldon’s writing is immersive and richly detailed, making you feel like you’re living the story alongside Claire and Jamie. The romance is slow-burn, passionate, and devastatingly good, filled with heart-stopping moments that will have you swooning one minute and gasping the next. And if you fall in love with this book? Good news—there’s a whole series to obsess over.
Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan
If you love deeply emotional romances that tug at your heartstrings, Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan is a must-read. This beautifully written, slow-burn love story is about healing, acceptance, and the kind of love that sees you for who you truly are. It’s tender, heartbreaking, and utterly unforgettable.
The story follows Bree Prescott, a woman escaping a painful past, who arrives in the small town of Pelion, Maine, hoping for a fresh start. There, she meets Archer Hale—a silent, mysterious man who lives on the fringes of town, avoiding the outside world. While the townspeople see him as strange and distant, Bree sees something different: a man who has suffered but still has so much to give. As their connection deepens, Bree and Archer learn to trust, heal, and love in a way neither of them expected.
What makes Archer’s Voice so special is its quiet intensity. Archer isn’t your typical alpha male—he’s vulnerable, kind, and heartbreakingly real. Sheridan’s storytelling is raw and emotional, making this book an experience as much as it is a romance.
Twisted Games by Ana Huang
If you love forbidden romance, sizzling tension, and the perfect mix of angst and passion, Twisted Games by Ana Huang is about to become your next obsession. This royal romance takes the classic bodyguard falls for the princess trope and cranks up the heat, delivering a story that’s as emotional as it is addictive.
Meet Bridget von Ascheberg—a princess bound by duty, expectations, and a future that isn’t hers to decide. Enter Rhys Larsen—her new bodyguard, a brooding, fiercely protective force of nature who takes his job very, very seriously. The only problem? The more time they spend together, the more their professional boundaries start to blur. And when Bridget is suddenly thrust into a position of power she never wanted, their undeniable chemistry becomes an even bigger risk.
Ana Huang delivers everything you want in a romance—sharp banter, fiery passion, and so much tension you’ll be holding your breath. But beyond the steam, Twisted Games is also a story about freedom, sacrifice, and fighting for the love you truly deserve.
Yours Truly by Abby Jiminez
If you love romances that balance heartfelt emotion with laugh-out-loud humor, Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez is the book you need in your life. Packed with witty banter, swoon-worthy moments, and deeply relatable characters, this novel is the perfect mix of warmth, wit, and slow-burn romance.
The story follows Dr. Briana Ortiz, a skilled ER doctor going through a rough patch—her divorce is nearly finalized, her brother desperately needs a kidney transplant, and to top it all off, the hospital has just hired him. Enter Dr. Jacob Maddox, the awkward, quiet new doctor who—despite his reputation—might just be the kindest, most thoughtful person Briana has ever met. When he offers to be her brother’s kidney donor (cue the tears), their friendship takes a turn, and soon, a fake dating arrangement (to get Briana’s ex off her back) turns into something neither of them expected.
Jimenez masterfully delivers a romance that feels real—filled with heartwarming moments, personal struggles, and a slow-burn connection that will have you rooting for Briana and Jacob every step of the way. It’s a story about love, second chances, and finding someone who truly sees you.
Verity by Colleen Hoover
If you’re looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat while simultaneously tugging at your heartstrings, Verity by Colleen Hoover is a must-read. Known for her emotional depth and compelling storytelling, Hoover takes a dramatic turn in this psychological thriller that blends suspense, romance, and dark secrets into a story you won’t be able to put down.
The novel follows Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who is given the opportunity of a lifetime when she’s hired to finish the book series of the famous (and reclusive) author Verity Crawford, who has been unable to continue due to a debilitating accident. When Lowen moves into the Crawford family home to sort through Verity’s notes, she stumbles upon a chilling manuscript that reveals shocking, disturbing truths about Verity’s life. As Lowen becomes more entangled in the story—and in her growing attraction to Verity’s husband, Jeremy—she must decide how far she’s willing to go to uncover the truth and whether the darkness surrounding Verity’s past is worth confronting.
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Marian Zapata
If you’re a fan of slow-burn romances that are packed with emotion, tension, and characters you can’t help but root for, The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata is the book you’ve been waiting for. This isn’t your typical romance—it’s a story about love that builds over time, leaving you swooning for a hero who’s as tough as he is tender, and a heroine who is smart, strong, and entirely relatable.
The story follows Vanessa Mazur, who works as the personal assistant to Aiden Graves, a professional football player who is known for his gruff demeanor and almost impossible standards. When Vanessa quits her job after years of being overworked and underappreciated, Aiden makes her an offer she can’t refuse—he wants her to come back as his wife, in a marriage-of-convenience deal to help his image. It’s an arrangement that makes no sense… until it does. As Vanessa and Aiden navigate their new dynamic, their relationship transforms into something deeper, with the slow burn of their attraction making each moment between them more charged and compelling.
The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E Schwab
If you’re in the mood for a story that’s as haunting as it is beautiful, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab is a novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. This lyrical and spellbinding tale explores themes of identity, memory, and the search for meaning in a world that can often feel fleeting and forgetful.
Addie LaRue made a Faustian bargain in 1714—a deal that granted her immortality, but at the cost of being forgotten by everyone she meets. For three centuries, she’s lived in the shadows of history, struggling with loneliness and the weight of her own invisibility. That is, until one day, she walks into a bookstore and meets Henry, a man who remembers her. For the first time in years, Addie is seen—and that encounter sparks a journey that will change both their lives forever.