20 of the Best Romance Books to Add to Your TBR Pile

Snuggling up with a romance novel (steamy cup of tea within reach) is easily one of the best ways to indulge in a little self-care. You get to immerse yourself in a completely new world and experience all those soul-gratifying and gut-wrenching feelings right alongside the characters. The best romance books also know how to work in some provocative scenes that get you tingling in all the right ways.

Whether you're new to reading romance books and need a few suggestions, or you've devoured a ton already and are on the prowl for a new novel to thumb through, we've rounded up the best romance books to add to your must-read list.

Just My Type by Falon Ballard

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In order to land her dream job, journalist Lana Parker must learn how to stay single. The only problem? She's a relationship serialist. This sweet rom-com follows Lana and her high school ex, Seth, who are each tasked to write article series that directly oppose their typical dating styles. The two square off and realize that their careers aren't the only thing on the line—so are their hearts.

Runaway Groomsman by Meghan Quinn

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The title may sound like you're in for heartache, but this romance novel by Meghan Quinn will satisfy your need for a cathartic love story. It begins with Sawyer Walsh, a Hollywood screenwriter, dashing away from the altar while his ex-girlfriend marries his famous best friend. Not long after, he crosses paths with Fallon Long and an undeniable bond forms between the two.

Happy Place by Emily Henry

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Emily Henry has a way with words, and her forte is definitely cheeky romance novels filled with highly relatable characters and slow-building tension. This one takes you on a gut wrenching ride of wistful nostalgia and the inherent beauty of beginnings and endings.

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert

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You're in for belly laughs and a satisfying love story with this romance book by bestselling author Talia Hibbert. It zeroes in on content creator Celine Bangura and star football player Bradley Graeme, who aren't exactly fond of each other. The two must explore their muddy past—and as they do, a surprising romance unravels.

Queen Charlotte by Julia Quinn & Shonda Rhimes

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"Before Bridgerton Came an Epic Love Story"—that is, the loosely-based-on-truth story of Queen Charlotte and her betrothed, King George, who famously "went mad." Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes lure the reader into a sweeping story of complicated love with headstrong Queen Charlotte front and center. If you love the Bridgerton franchise, this is a must read romance book.

Meant to Be by Emily Giffen

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If you're a fan of "against all the odds" love stories, this romance novel from Emily Giffen is for you. It tells the story of a challenging romance between a charismatic and socially revered American man and a woman with a troubled past.

Unfortunately Yours by Tessa Bailey

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Natalie Vos loses her job and winds up back in Napa Valley to nurse her ego. As she figures out how to reboot her life, she realizes that her trust fund would come in mighty handy. The problem is that she needs to get married first. Sizzling chemistry with vineyard owner August Cates gives this story momentum, and the tale takes many twists and turns.

Sorry, Bro by Taleen Voskuni

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Taleen Voskuni's debut novel follows the story of Armenian-American Nareh Bedrossian, whose non-Armenian boyfriend proposes in a drunken stupor much to her dismay. Instead of saying yes, she uses the experience as a wakeup call and ends the relationship. Her wingwoman, Erubini, ends up catching her eye and the two explore a potential relationship together as Nareh—who never considered herself bisexual—taps into her sexuality.

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer

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Clover is a death doula who guides people in the final stages of their life and helps them and their family find closure. Her whole life has been spent focusing on the needs of others—but in this satisfying romance novel, she finally learns how to make time for herself. Along the way, she encounters burgeoning romance and satisfying friendships.

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis

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This instant New York Times bestseller is a historical fiction romance novel by Krystal Marquis. Set in the 1910 U.S., it zeroes in on the life of The Davenports, a well-to-do Black family with incredible status and who live in utter opulence. It's inspired by the real life story of the Pattersons, and tells the tale of four passionate sisters navigating love and life.

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

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Persephone Fraser left her lakeside hometown for the glamor of posh city life. One day, she's called home and races back—where she runs into Sam Florek, a former friend-turned-lover who she thought she'd never have to live without. The story spans six years and a single weekend, and follows their romantic love story.

Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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Taylor Jenkins Reid has given us hit after hit, from The Seven Husbands of Evylen Hugo to Daisy Jones & The Six. Carrie Soto is her most recent novel, released in 2022, and it's chock-full of sexy, smoldering romance, self-exploration and pushing back on others' standards.

Radiant Sin by Katee Robert

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If you're in the market for a spicy romance novel, Katee Robert's Radiant Sin is especially scorching. It's a modern-day retelling of the love story between Apollo and Cassandra, and has been described as "deliciously inventive" and "red hot."

The Rom-Com Agenda by Jayne Denker

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Jayne Denker's sweet and funny romance book tells the story of two people who fall in love at the most unexpected time. It's a slow burn sort of story, filled with a charming and loveable cast you can't help but root for.

How to Kiss Your Best Friend by Jenny Proctor

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He's an exceptionally handsome high school chemistry teacher, and she's a journalist who travels the world. Both used to be inseparable besties, but a single kiss changes their entire relationship trajectory. Proctor does an excellent job of building the characters in this sweet romantic comedy, leaving readers feeling connected to each and truly invested in their story.

Things We Hide from the Light by Lucy Score

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Nash is a brooding man who's jaded by life, but when beautiful Lina moves in next door everything changes. Their physical tie to each other is undeniable—even if she has secrets to hide that would absolutely devastated him.

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

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Olive Torres has been stuck with the "unlucky twin" label most of her life, while her sister basks in what seems like perfection. And when her sister gets married, she's forced to spend time with the best man, Ethan, her self-proclaimed nemesis. In a stroke of changed luck, the entire wedding party falls ill from food poisoning, except for Olive and Ethan who are whisked off to enjoy a honeymoon that'd otherwise be wasted.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

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This debut novel by zoologist Delia Owens is two types of love wrapped into one romance novel. It's a genuine love letter to Mother Earth, but also tells the coming-of-age story of an abandoned girl who finds bone-deep love. The story also weaves in mystery. It's since been made into a movie—but definitely read the book if you haven't yet!

Until I Get You: A Hockey Romance Novel by Claire Contreras

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The spicy hockey romance book tells the classic story of a woman, Lyla James Marichal, who's not so fond of the male lead. The fact that she's such a tricky catch makes him all the more intrigued, but he eventually captures her interest only for her to suddenly disappear. For three solid years, he's determined to relocate her.

Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover

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This unlikely, quirky love story (penned by prolific best-selling author Colleen Hoover) begins just as Kenna Rowan returns back home following a five-year prison sentence for a tragic mistake. Everyone she used to know is determined to shut her out, except for a local bar owner named Ledger Ward. The two connect deeply, but Kenna must figure out how to absolve past mistakes in order to build a happy future and reunite with her daughter.