Romance
21. The Proposal
Buy on Amazon"The Proposal" by Jasmine Guillory is a contemporary romance that centers around Nikole Paterson, a freelance writer, and Carlos Ibarra, a charming doctor. Their lives intersect after a surprising public proposal at a Dodgers game. As their connection deepens, they navigate the complexities of love, relationships, and the baggage from their pasts. Guillory's novel explores themes of self-discovery, second chances at love, and the importance of open communication in a relationship.
22. A Knight in Shining Armor
Buy on Amazon"A Knight in Shining Armor" by Jude Deveraux is a timeless romance that interweaves the lives of Dougless Montgomery, a modern woman disillusioned with love, and Nicholas Stafford, a valiant 16th-century knight. A twist of fate transports Nicholas through time to Dougless' present. As they navigate their extraordinary connection and the challenges of their eras, their love story unfolds. Deveraux's novel explores themes of true love, destiny, and the enduring power of a soulmate bond that transcends time.
23. It Ends with Us
Buy on Amazon"It Ends with Us" by Colleen Hoover is a powerful contemporary novel that delves into the complexities of love, abuse, and personal strength. The story follows Lily Bloom as she navigates a tumultuous relationship with Ryle Kincaid, a talented neurosurgeon. As secrets from her past resurface, Lily grapples with her choices and the cycle of abuse she vowed to break. Hoover's novel explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the heartbreaking reality of leaving a toxic relationship to build a better future.
24. The Bronze Horseman
Buy on Amazon"The Bronze Horseman" by Paullina Simons is a sweeping historical romance set in World War II-era Leningrad. The narrative follows the love story of Tatiana Metanova and Alexander Belov, an officer in the Red Army. Their passionate and forbidden love blossoms amidst the harsh realities of war and the siege of Leningrad. Simons' novel is a powerful exploration of love, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
25. Call Me by Your Name
Buy on Amazon"Call Me by Your Name" by André Aciman is a poignant coming-of-age love story set in the sun-soaked Italian Riviera. The novel follows the intense romance between Elio Perlman, a precocious 17-year-old, and Oliver, a visiting graduate student and Elio's father's assistant. Their summer affair becomes a transformative experience for both, exploring themes of desire, identity, and the fleeting nature of love. Aciman's work delves into the complexities of human emotions, leaving a lasting impact on readers.
26. Water for Elephants
Buy on Amazon"Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen is a captivating historical novel that follows Jacob Jankowski, a young veterinary student who finds himself in a traveling circus during the Great Depression. The story recounts his experiences with love, loss, and adventure amidst the colorful and often brutal world of circus life. Themes of compassion, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit come to the forefront as Jacob forms an unexpected bond with Marlena, the circus star, and Rosie, an endearing elephant.
27. The Thorn Birds
Buy on Amazon"The Thorn Birds" by Colleen McCullough is a sweeping family saga set in the Australian Outback. The narrative follows the Cleary family and, at its core, the forbidden love between Meggie Cleary and Father Ralph de Bricassart. Spanning generations, the story explores themes of love, ambition, and sacrifice against the backdrop of a harsh and unforgiving landscape. McCullough's novel delves into the complexities of desire and the enduring impact of choices made in the pursuit of love and duty.
28. Twilight
Buy on Amazon"Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer is a captivating young adult novel that follows Isabella Swan (Bella), a teenager who moves to Forks, Washington. There, she falls in love with Edward Cullen, a mysterious and dazzling vampire. Their love story unfolds amidst the challenges of Edward's supernatural existence and the dangers it poses to Bella. Meyer's novel delves into themes of love, desire, and the struggle to balance human experiences with the allure of an eternal, supernatural world.
29. P.S. I Love You
Buy on Amazon"P.S. I Love You" by Cecelia Ahern is a heartfelt contemporary novel that follows Holly Kennedy, a young widow dealing with the sudden loss of her husband, Gerry. As Holly navigates grief and attempts to rebuild her life, she discovers a series of letters Gerry left for her before his death. These letters guide her through the grieving process and help her find strength and purpose once again. Ahern's novel explores themes of love, healing, and the enduring power of connection and memories.
30. The Night Circus
Buy on Amazon"The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern is a mesmerizing fantasy novel set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The story revolves around a mysterious and magical competition between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who are bound by destiny to participate in a duel of skills within a mystical circus. As the circus, Le Cirque des Rêves, travels the world, the illusionary performances take center stage. Morgenstern's work explores themes of love, destiny, and the enchanting nature of dreams.
31. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Buy on Amazon"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a captivating novel that follows the life story of Evelyn Hugo, a legendary Hollywood icon. Through a series of interviews with a young journalist named Monique Grant, Evelyn recounts her tumultuous life and career, filled with love, ambition, and secrets. The narrative delves into themes of love, identity, and the sacrifices one makes in pursuit of fame and personal fulfillment, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the glamorous yet complex world of Hollywood.
32. The Light We Lost
Buy on Amazon"The Light We Lost" by Jill Santopolo is a poignant love story that unfolds over a decade. The narrative follows Lucy and Gabe, two college students who meet on September 11, 2001, and become entangled in a deep and passionate relationship. The story traces their lives, their individual pursuits, and the magnetic pull they feel toward each other throughout the years. Santopolo's novel explores themes of love, loss, and destiny, painting a touching portrait of a love that endures despite life's challenges and choices.
33. If I Stay
Buy on Amazon"If I Stay" by Gayle Forman is a heart-wrenching young adult novel that follows Mia Hall, a gifted young cellist. After a tragic car accident that claims her family's lives, Mia teeters on the edge of life and death. The story takes us through Mia's struggle as she grapples with whether to embrace life or succumb to the unbearable loss. Forman's novel explores themes of love, choice, and the strength of the human spirit, leaving readers with a poignant reflection on the fragility of life.
34. The Bridges of Madison County
Buy on Amazon"The Bridges of Madison County" by Robert James Waller is a poignant love story set in the 1960s. The novel follows the brief, passionate affair between Francesca Johnson, an Italian war bride living in Iowa, and Robert Kincaid, a National Geographic photographer. Their chance encounter and ensuing love affair challenge their beliefs and commitments. Waller's work explores themes of love, duty, and the sacrifices made for a chance at true happiness, leaving readers reflecting on the choices that shape our lives.
35. One Day
Buy on Amazon"One Day" by David Nicholls is a compelling contemporary romance that follows the lives of Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew. The narrative revisits their lives on the same day, July 15th, for two decades, offering glimpses into their evolving friendship, ambitions, and personal struggles. Through ups and downs, successes and failures, Nicholls' novel explores themes of love, timing, and the enduring connection between two individuals as they navigate the complexities of adulthood and relationships.
36. The Summer I Turned Pretty
Buy on Amazon"The Summer I Turned Pretty" by Jenny Han is a delightful young adult novel that follows Isabel "Belly" Conklin as she spends her summers at Cousins Beach with her family and the Fisher brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah. The story revolves around the transformative summer when Belly, previously considered the 'little sister,' starts to see herself and her relationships in a new light. Han's novel explores themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery, capturing the essence of growing up and the nuances of young love.
37. Before We Were Strangers
Buy on Amazon"Before We Were Strangers" by Renée Carlino is a captivating contemporary romance that follows the reconnection of Grace and Matt, former college sweethearts. The narrative alternates between their past and present, revealing the depth of their love and the circumstances that led to their separation. As they navigate the complexities of adulthood, regrets, and missed opportunities, Carlino's novel explores themes of love, destiny, and the enduring power of a connection that withstands the test of time.
38. The Sun Is Also a Star
Buy on Amazon"The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon is a thought-provoking contemporary romance that intertwines the lives of Natasha, a pragmatic Jamaican-American girl facing deportation, and Daniel, a dreamer from a Korean immigrant family. Set against the backdrop of a single day in New York City, their chance encounter leads to a whirlwind romance. Yoon's novel explores themes of fate, love, and the infinite connections between individuals in a world that is both vast and interconnected.
39. Red, White & Royal Blue
Buy on Amazon"Red, White & Royal Blue" by Casey McQuiston is a heartwarming contemporary romance that follows Alex Claremont-Diaz, the son of the U.S. President, and Henry, the Prince of England. A public feud leads to a staged friendship for damage control, but sparks fly and a secret love blossoms. The novel explores themes of love, identity, and the power of breaking societal expectations. McQuiston's work is a delightful exploration of love overcoming obstacles, showcasing the transformative impact of acceptance and understanding.
40. The Unhoneymooners
Buy on Amazon"The Unhoneymooners" by Christina Lauren is a delightful romantic comedy that follows Olive Torres, who, after her sister's wedding disaster, finds herself on an all-expenses-paid honeymoon with the brother of the groom, Ethan Thomas. Despite their differences, they agree to pretend to be a married couple to enjoy the trip. The narrative unfolds with witty banter, unexpected romance, and humorous situations. Lauren's novel explores themes of love, chance encounters, and the transformative power of genuine connection.