23 best romance books to make you believe in love again: From Emily Henry to Jilly Cooper

If you’re feeling discouraged by dating apps or your partner is constantly working late, losing yourself in a good romance novel can be the perfect escape.

Whether it’s Emily Henry’s heartwarming stories of summer and self-discovery or Jilly Cooper’s dramatic and passionate romances, these 23 books demonstrate that truly great romance novels can sweep you off your feet.

These stories explore all sides of love – from innocent first crushes and hopeful second chances, to fiery enemies-to-lovers and undeniable attraction. They beautifully capture the complicated, wonderful feeling of being in love and will remind you why it’s so special.

23 best romance books

As a Last Resort by Kristin Wollett
Rivals by Jilly Cooper
Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt
Funny Story by Emily Henry
We Met Like This by Kasie West
Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
It Happened on a Sunday by Tracy Wolff
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings
Friends with Benefits by Marisa Kanter
Dukes and Dekes by Torie Jean
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
The High Dive by Chelsea Fagan
Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn
August Lane by Regina Black

1. As a Last Resort by Kristin Wollett

Sam moved away from her hometown in Florida a long time ago and intentionally didn’t return. However, when a coworker she dislikes becomes sick, she’s unexpectedly assigned to a resort project right back where she grew up – a place she thought she’d left behind for good. Now, Sam has to confront everything she was trying to escape: her mother’s struggles with addiction, a lost friendship, and former bullies who have built lives for themselves.

The best part of all this is Austin Marcs – the town favorite and Sam’s longtime crush – who always seems to be there for her when she needs help. They definitely have a connection, but it’s hard for Sam to picture a future with him when she’s desperate to leave town. This sweet, emotional, and complex romance will not only have you hoping they find happiness together, but you’ll also quickly become invested in Sam’s journey.

2. Rivals by Jilly Cooper

If you enjoy a dramatic, over-the-top romance, Jilly Cooper’s Rivals is a perfect, fun escape. The story is set in the competitive world of 1980s British TV and centers on two producers: the charming but arrogant Rupert Campbell-Black and the passionate, yet frustrating, Declan O’Hara. Filled with on-set clashes, scandalous relationships, and plenty of drama, Rivals offers both steamy romance and sharp social commentary. It’s like a mix of Succession and Love Actually, but with even more affairs and betrayals! Plus, you can catch the Disney+ series now, with the second season already available!

3. Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt

Divorce is common, so it’s refreshing to see novels tackle the subject – especially stories about ex-couples trying to navigate life after separation. Wren and Ellis were high school sweethearts who had a son, Sam, and created a life together in the charming Oregon coastal town of Spunes. They seemed like a perfect match, but eventually, things fell apart.

Ellis and Wren, now in their late 30s and facing their son leaving for college, decide to take a road trip back to Spunes. They hope the journey will help them rekindle their relationship and see if they can finally build a future together, despite past hurts. The story beautifully portrays a second chance at love, set against a backdrop of stunning coastal views, with all the tenderness, regret, and hope that come with it.

4. Funny Story by Emily Henry

As a huge romance reader, I’ve been hearing a lot about Emily Henry, and honestly, she’s become a bit of a phenomenon – kind of like the Taylor Swift of our book world! Everyone loves her, her books are full of memorable lines, and she’s a total Swiftie, which she cleverly weaves into her stories. But her latest, Funny Story, might be her best work yet. The hero, Miles, is just… different. He’s this tattooed, laid-back guy – seriously, he’s like a golden retriever in human form! He’s instantly lovable and makes the whole book even better.

Daphne’s life gets turned upside down when her fiancé leaves her for his longtime friend. Stuck in Michigan, she ends up moving in with Miles, who was also dumped by the same woman. They decide to pretend to date each other to make their exes jealous, and Miles hopes to show Daphne all the great things Michigan has to offer. But Daphne might end up falling for someone unexpected along the way.

5. We Met Like This by Kasie West

I totally get Margot Hart – she’s me, she’s a lot of us, honestly. She’s a real romantic who wants to find ‘the one’ naturally, not through a screen. The problem is, the guy she keeps ending up with, Oliver, is… complicated. They keep re-connecting on dating apps, but they clearly don’t have much in common beyond a physical attraction. It’s frustrating because you want to root for them, but you also see how mismatched they are!

When Margot unexpectedly loses her job as a literary agent, her ex, Oliver, reappears. She begins to question her previous assumptions about him – and herself. Could she have been wrong about their compatibility all along? This charming story might just restore your faith in finding love, even online!

6. Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage

Looking for a sizzling cowboy romance with plenty of small-town intrigue? Lyla Sage’s new book features a rebellious hero, a forbidden connection, and a heroine returning to the place she thought she’d left behind. Get ready for sparks to fly!

When an accident ends Emmy’s riding career, she has to go back to the small town she’s always wanted to escape. Luke, the local bar owner and known troublemaker who used to playfully tease her, now finds himself completely captivated by her. As Emmy starts to feel like herself again, and Luke confronts feelings he’s been avoiding, they both wonder if their intense connection will bring them healing or heartbreak.

7. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Red, White & Royal Blue is a hugely popular rivals-to-lovers story for good reason. Alex Claremont-Diaz, the son of the U.S. President, clashes with Prince Henry of Wales. When a public incident forces them to pretend to be friends, unexpected sparks ignite. This book expertly mixes political intrigue with a sweet and passionate romance, filled with secret messages, stolen moments, and the pressures of royal and presidential life. It’s playful, emotional, and feels like a dream come true for fans of the genre—a love story that makes history feel exciting.

8. It Happened on a Sunday by Tracy Wolff

If you’re following the relationship between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, you might enjoy this story about a different pop star and athlete falling for each other. Sloane Walker has dealt with tough press coverage before, and she’s built up a strong, guarded personality to cope. She sees Mateo, a popular and well-loved athlete, as simply a way to improve her public image.

As Sloane gets to know Mateo beyond his public image, she discovers there’s much more to him than what the media portrays. Though they’re constantly in the spotlight, the only connection that truly matters is the one growing between them.

9. First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison

If you love Meg Ryan’s Sleepless in Seattle, you’ll likely adore this sweet romance. Aiden Valentine runs a popular advice show for lovers, but he’s given up on finding love himself. Meanwhile, Lucie Stone, a busy single mom, is unaware that her daughter has been secretly calling the show hoping to find her a date.

Okay, so I just finished reading this book and I’m completely charmed. It’s set in Baltimore, and the whole city seems to fall in love with this couple as we, the readers, are rooting for them to get their happy ending. But here’s the fun part: the chemistry isn’t just for show! The lines between on-air romance and real feelings start to blur, and it’s delightful. Honestly, if you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming story with a touch of ‘will they/won’t they’ tension and a beautiful second chance romance, you absolutely need to pick this one up. It’s just…swoon-worthy.

10. Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings

If you enjoyed Chicken Shop Date, you’ll probably like this funny and charming romantic comedy. It centers around Eva Kitt, who hosts a unique talk show called Sausage Talk, where she interviews minor celebrities while they eat slightly cold hot dogs. Everything changes when a spontaneous on-air complaint about a past boyfriend becomes a viral sensation. The problem? That ex is Rylie Cooper, a popular social media personality who’s made a name for himself by advocating for healthy masculinity and teaching men how to be better partners.

Eva is unexpectedly put in a position where she has to face Rylie on air, and hesitantly agrees to a series of dates meant to make up for his previous actions. As they go through the motions of these dates, a real connection begins to form, making it hard to tell what’s genuine and what’s just for show. Could the same guy who hurt her before be the one to help her heal?

11. Friends with Benefits by Marisa Kanter

Romance novels are a great way to escape reality, and the truly good ones don’t shy away from life’s complications. “Friends with Benefits” does this well: two best friends, Theo and Evie, decide to fake a marriage for purely practical reasons – they need health insurance and a stable place to live. It seems like a sensible, straightforward plan.

There was just one problem: Evie wasn’t sure she even wanted to get married, and Theo had secretly been in love with her for a long time. Everything seemed stable… but of course, things eventually changed.

12. Dukes and Dekes by Torie Jean

If you love Pride and Prejudice and enjoy stories about characters with troubled pasts finding redemption, you’ll likely fall for this sweet romance. Aulie Desfleurs is playing the lively Lydia Bennet in a Jane Austen-themed festival, and Jack Parker, a professional hockey player known for being a bit of a rebel, unexpectedly joins the cast as the scandalous George Wickham after being temporarily suspended from his team.

As a total romance fanatic, I was completely drawn into this story! It’s about Jack and Aulie, who find themselves spending a lot of time together, and old feelings definitely start to resurface. But it’s not just about the heat – Aulie is dealing with a chronic illness, and Jack is trying to be a good support system while also proving he’s someone she can really rely on. The big question is, can Aulie let herself believe he’ll stick around? It’s a slow burn, meaning the romance builds beautifully, and trust me, it’s the kind of story that stays with you long after you finish the last page. If you love a tender, emotional romance, you absolutely need to read this!

13. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

Okay, seriously, can you even talk about great romance novels without including The Notebook? It’s basically the template for all those sweet, second-chance-at-love stories. I mean, Noah and Allie’s summer romance in North Carolina is just iconic, even though they come from totally different backgrounds. They get separated by life, which is always the worst, but then years later, they find their way back to each other. It really makes you wonder if that first, intense connection can actually survive. Just a warning: have tissues handy, because you’ll be sobbing way more than you did watching the movie – trust me!

14. The High Dive by Chelsea Fagan

If you enjoyed shows like The White Lotus and love a good rivals-to-lovers story, you’ll be hooked by this romance! Alex comes face-to-face with Danial, a man from her past, on a luxurious yacht – at a wedding, no less. It’s been a decade since their unforgettable night together, and now she has to deal with him all over again while celebrating with old college friends.

Okay, so this book? I was totally hooked. It’s about a woman, Alex, who finds herself completely out of place – she’s the only ‘normal’ person surrounded by incredibly rich people. She’s trying to stay true to herself, but then she meets this guy… and sparks fly! It’s that classic story of wanting something you maybe shouldn’t have, and the book does a fantastic job of showing that back-and-forth pull of attraction, all set against this really glamorous, over-the-top backdrop. It’s a complicated romance, but seriously addictive.

15. Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood

There’s something special about a book that knowingly embraces familiar tropes, and Ali Hazelwood does this brilliantly in Problematic Summer Romance. The story centers on Maya Killgore, a 23-year-old who’s trying to find her way in life, and is completely captivated by Conor Harkness, her brother’s 38-year-old best friend.

Thrown together in a beautiful Sicilian villa for more than a week, these two can’t deny their connection. Will they give in to a classic summer romance, complete with all the expected tropes? This novel is perfect for anyone who loves a fun, slightly chaotic, and utterly captivating love story – it knows exactly what it is, and embraces it.

16. Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

Okay, let me tell you about a romance novel you absolutely need to read: Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez. It’s a classic opposites-attract story. We’ve got Alexis, a polished, city-dwelling woman, and Daniel, a laid-back carpenter a decade younger. They meet because of a crazy bet, and honestly, sparks fly immediately. Despite being totally different, the chemistry between them is just undeniable – it’s seriously swoon-worthy stuff. I’m adding this one to my must-read list, and you should too!

Alexis comes from a family of famous surgeons, and her parents expect her to follow in their footsteps. But she’s happy working as an emergency room doctor. As she spends time with Daniel and gets to know his warm, welcoming community, she begins to realize what’s truly important. They come from very different worlds, and Alexis must decide if their connection is strong enough to overcome those differences—or if she’ll have to choose between her family’s expectations and love. This sweet, passionate, and heartfelt romance is a perfect read for anyone who loves a story about opposites attracting.

17. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Looking for a classic enemies-to-lovers story? This one’s a hit! When everyone in the wedding party gets sick from the food, only the bride’s sister, Olive, and the annoying best man, Ethan, are well enough to handle things. Their solution? They decide to go on the honeymoon to Maui, pretending to be a couple.

Olive and Ethan absolutely can’t stand each other, but they agree to pretend to get along for a free trip to a beautiful tropical island. As they share adventures and unexpected moments together, a genuine connection starts to form, making them wonder if their initial dislike was just an act.

18. It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

If you love Schitt’s Creek and relate to Alexis Rose, you’ll likely adore It Happened One Summer. The story follows Piper Bellinger, a spoiled LA socialite who’s unexpectedly cut off from her privileged life and sent to a small fishing town in Washington State. She has to prove she can live without luxury. That’s where she meets Brendan, a rugged and reluctant sea captain who’s unimpressed by her glamorous lifestyle. Sparks fly as they clash and playfully tease each other, but soon they find it hard to ignore their growing attraction. This book is a charming, funny, and heartwarming romance – perfect if you enjoy stories about opposites attracting in a small-town setting.

19. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Workplace rivalries can be incredibly captivating, and The Hating Game perfectly illustrates this. The story follows Lucy and Joshua, coworkers who are constantly battling each other with playful jabs, annoyed looks, and subtle digs. When a promotion is on the line, their dislike begins to feel like something more. This clever, flirty, and intensely charged romance shows that love and hate can be surprisingly close together.

20. The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan

Get ready for a feel-good story you won’t want to put down! When librarian Nina Redmond suddenly loses her job, she doesn’t give up – she transforms a van into a mobile bookshop. Traveling from town to town, she shares her love of reading, spreads happiness, and maybe even finds a little romance along the way. It’s the perfect summer read for anyone looking for a heartwarming escape.

21. Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

Sally Milz writes for ‘The Night Owls,’ a comedy sketch show similar to ‘Saturday Night Live,’ and she’s pretty skeptical about finding love. That is, until pop star Noah Brewster hosts the show and they connect. As they fall for each other, Sally worries about how their different levels of fame will affect things. This funny and heartwarming novel, set during a pandemic, looks at love, self-discovery, and the challenges of dating today, all while playfully exploring what draws people together and how fame impacts those connections.

22. A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn

This romance novel has a fantastic premise! Lottie Gardner, recently jobless and hoping to get a reaction from her former boss, sets out to find a wealthy husband in Beverly Hills. She quickly meets Huxley Cane, a billionaire who’s pretending to be engaged to win a business deal. They decide to fake a relationship to help Huxley, but their pretend romance unexpectedly starts to feel very real. It’s a fresh, modern take on the classic ‘Pretty Woman’ story, making for a fun and charming romantic comedy.

23. August Lane by Regina Black

Everyone’s talking about this new romance novel, and it’s easy to see why. Luke Randall used to be a popular country singer, but now he’s stuck playing small venues and dreading his one hit song, “Another Love Song.” He gets a chance to revive his career by opening for his idol, JoJo Lane, but it means going back to his hometown of Arcadia, Arkansas—and confronting August Lane, the woman who actually wrote the lyrics to the song he’s been performing for years.

I’ve always known August can be pretty stubborn, especially when it comes to Luke – she really can’t stand him! But she’s desperate to make her songwriting career work, so she did something crazy and forced them to write a song together. Honestly, it’s been… complicated. Old feelings are definitely resurfacing. Now, with a concert coming up, they’re both having to face everything that happened between them and figure out if they’re willing to give love another shot – maybe even write a song about it.

2025-12-02 19:10