This round-up of my favorite romance books seemed appropriate for February, especially as Valentine’s Day approaches. I’m not a huge romance reader; I typically gravitate towards fantasy more than anything, but when I’m in the mood to read romance, I want something that makes me believe in love all over again.
When I was compiling this list of my favorite romance books, I was so caught off-guard by how short it is. While 8 books isn’t exactly a short list, it is in comparison to others I’ve made on this blog. I wouldn’t say I’m picky about romance books, since I will read any romance book that someone else has said they vaguely liked. I’ve torn through cowboy romance series, sports romance series, even serial killer romance series, and I do enjoy them all (unless they’re so cheesy that I’m constantly rolling my eyes while reading them). The romances below are my tip-top choices that I’ve read at least once, and ones that I highly recommend, even if you’re not a big romance reader.
Let’s talk my favorite romance books!
Book Lovers by Emily Henry – I am such a sucker for any form of content (book, show, movie, etc.) that involves the publishing industry. I was addicted the show Younger when it came out, and I love Book Lovers mostly for the same reason: the main character, Nora, is a cutthroat literary agent and the love interest, Charlie, is an editor. BUT there’s so much more to this book, namely, the adorable relationship between Nora and her sister. Plus, Nora and Charlie’s banter is top tier, if you’re a fan of that. Which I DEFINITELY am.
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston – This book caught me by complete surprise last year. I feel like everyone else thought this book was average, even underwhelming, but I loved it. I talked about it a bit in my “Top 8 Books of 2024” post from last month, if that’s something you want to check out for more of my emotional response to the book. I’m absolutely obsessed with the premise: a woman finds herself in the fictional town from her favorite series (imagine taking a road trip and accidentally ending up in Stars Hollow or Chestnut Springs!!). The love interest is a little bit of a grump, the protagonist a dreamer, and the setting so idyllic that it’s the perfect recipe for a romance to disassociate within.
The Love Wager by Lynn Painter – This is another one that I didn’t expect to fall in love with!! I, like everyone else in the world, loved Better Than the Movies, which is Painter’s big YA hit, so an adult romance seemed like a step away from the norm for her, but boy, this book proved me wrong. Hallie and Jack, the main characters, are hilarious! Their witty back-and-forth during the growth of their friendship and eventual relationship had me giggling like a crazy person. Nothing gets me like a wager with your guy friend to find the respective loves of your lives only to realize that you’re actually in love with each other!!!
You, Again by Kate Goldbeck – Another spectacular friends-to-lovers moment! Ari and Josh are complete opposites and while they hate each other at the start of the novel, they eventually become close friends and then more. This book feels the most real out of the romances I’ve read. Maybe it’s because we get to know the characters very well separately before getting to know them as a couple, or as part of their love story. Personally, I feel like sometimes, character development in romances takes a backseat to the relationship development, but that’s not the case in You, Again. I’m not completely on board with all of the choices made by both characters, which could be a little frustrating at times, but, again, that’s what makes this book feel so real and snagged it a top spot in my romance book list.
Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore – I’ve talked about this one before on this blog—also in my Top 8 of 2024 post, actually—and while I do have a personal connection to this book (I went to high school with the author and Perfect Fit takes place in my current city), I think I’d feel the same way about it even if it wasn’t about a Nashville girl in Austin. Josie, the protagonist, is incredibly driven to achieve her big dreams, and Will, the love interest, is able to both support her and keep her grounded. Sometimes, we need that person to remind us that there are other parts to life than just high-level success, and while Will definitely is there for Josie while she’s chasing this idea of success that she has, he also gets her to take a step back when it feels like she’s drowning. All good relationships, whether romantic or platonic, are about balance, and Gilmore does a wonderful job showing that in this book.
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn – Okay, yes, this is one of the Bridgerton books. It’s actually Anthony and Kate’s story, for those who are fans of the show, but I adore the book a lot more than their episodes, honestly. It might just be a personal thing, but one major part of the second season was kind of icky to me (I won’t go into details about what it is because I don’t want to spoil anything for those who haven’t seen it!). That big detail isn’t in the book, so that was a relief to me, at least. This book is a classic Victorian enemies-to-lovers, so if that’s up your alley, you’ll love this book about Kate and Anthony.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – You probably haven’t heard of this book; it’s a little-known romance that most people don’t know about. HAHA, just kidding. Pride and Prejudice is obviously one of the most popular romance books and it came out over 200 years ago. While classics may not be everyone’s cup of tea, this book is so iconic that I feel like everyone should at least give it a shot. A grumpy love interest! A clever female main character! An overbearing family! Regency-era England!! This is one of my favorite books of all time, so I’ll recommend it every day for the rest of my life.
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood – I know absolutely nothing about physics. I mean, I took a year of it in high school, but the only thing I remember from it is how to throw a lasso—long story. Tangent aside, this book is partially about physics, but I didn’t feel like I needed to have a doctorate in physics to understand what was going on. Hazelwood does such a good job with that in her STEM romance books: readers can tell that her female main characters are brilliant in their fields without being hit over the head with science-speak. Elsie and Jack are one of my favorite book couples, and I looove their tension.
So, those are my favorite romance books! I have a clear love for two romance tropes: friends-to-lovers or enemies-to-lovers, and there is no in between (except for A Novel Love Story, but I’m ignoring that since it doesn’t prove my point, oops). It’s because of the banter!! Nothing is more important to me in a love story than the two main characters having clever conversations that make me kick my feet and laugh out loud. Let me know your favorite romance books in the comments so I can expand my list! Cheers, and happy reading!
Sequels and Scribbles 