Romance books have become one of the most powerful forces in modern storytelling. What if Netflix’s adaptation of People we meet on vacation is an indication, we might be headed for a romantic film renaissance next, which honestly seems overdue.
You could argue that the romance never needed to be “reestablished,” and you would be right. The romance has always been here, dominating the bestseller lists and carrying the publishing industry on his back. But something feels different right now. What we’re witnessing isn’t just big sales or trendy adaptations: it’s a cultural moment where romance books are finally being taken seriously for what they’ve always been.
17 Romantic Books That Will Make You Swoon This Season
At their core, these stories focus on the most human things: vulnerability, desire, autonomy, and how love clashes with societal expectations. They give us a safe place to navigate complicated situations, challenge tired stigmas, and, especially for women, see our emotional lives reflected with honesty and respect. This matters more than we sometimes give it credit for.
And yes, romance is the frothiest escape – and my favorite to turn to when I need it. get out of a reading crisis. From the cotton candy delights you inhale over a weekend to the rich, layered reads you savor chapter by chapter, there’s something deeply comforting about slipping into a world where anything can happen and the ending is almost always on point.
But more than just escapism, romantic books reflect something of hope in each of us. As Emily Henry says it eloquently“I sometimes see readers abandoning their love of romance by saying they just want to escape, but I honestly think that minimizes what we’re actually doing when we create and experience this kind of art.”
Ahead, I’m sharing the romance books that I keep recommending, re-reading, and getting into the hands of my friends—perfect for February, cozy weekends, or whenever you’re in the mood to fall a little in love.
Classic love stories to revisit
Timeless romances to remind you that romance hasn’t begun on TikTok. Slower, more restrained, often messier – and all the more romantic.
Jane Austen
Calm · Desire · Enduring
Look, Pride & Prejudice is All Time, but if you want silent desire perfectly realized, this is it. A second chance, emotional maturity and a love that deepens with time. Austen’s most sober novel and, for me, her most romantic.
William Shakespeare
Playful · Chaotic · Romantic
Mistaken identities, disguised lovers, romantic chaos. Shakespeare plays with love and reminds us that confusion and desire have always gone hand in hand.
Thomas Hardy
Pastoral · Desire · Restrained
Not fainted in the traditional sense, but deeply felt. This is a novel about endurance, pride, and choosing wisely. If you like desire and emotional restraint, this stays with you.
William Goldman
Fantasy · Devoted · Timeless
Yes, it’s funny. Yes, it’s quotable. But beneath the wit lies a surprisingly heartfelt love story about dedication, timing, and choosing love over and over again. A classic for a reason.
Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
The Guernsey Potato Peeling Pie and Literary Society
Warm · Epistolary · Hopeful
I fell for this sweet romance which unfolds through letters, friendship and shared history. Romantic and deeply heartwarming – and beautifully adapted with perfect Netflix casting.
Audrey Niffenegger
Bittersweet · Philosophical · Unforgettable
I know this one divides people, but it’s unforgettable. A romance wrapped in questions about fate, timing and loss. It hurts a little, but that’s part of why it persists.
Modern romances you will devour
These are the books to go for when you want to gain momentum: strong characters, good jokes, and stories that take you out of your head and into someone else’s world.
Beth Brower
The Unselected Diaries of Emma M. Lion
Whimsical · Witty · Comfortable
I NEED you to read this series. It’s Jane Austen meets Gilmore Girls, told through Emma’s diaries as she navigates London life, her eccentric neighbors and her unexpected romance. Each volume follows two months, which makes everything even more comfortable. These books are like dessert at the end of the day – and don’t even make me want to start.
BK Borison
Bantery · Nostalgic · Fun
Inspired by Sleepless in Seattle and late night radio shows, this was such a joy to read. The FMC is likable, her emotional baggage feels earned, and the jokes are really good. Suspension of disbelief required for the radio aspect – but Delilah’s nostalgia totally works.
Yulin Kuang
Vulnerable · Sparkling · Honest
Helen and Grant reconnect years after a shared tragedy brings them together again, this time as adults navigating love and work. Kuang, who also adapts the Emily Henry novels for film, brings a behind-the-scenes TV writing lens to this modern, emotionally open romance. Sometimes you just want a bi-coastal adventure, and this delivers.
Evie Dunmore
Sharp · Romantic · Fiery
If you’re craving a Victorian era romance with a smart and strong FMC, this ticks all the boxes. A convinced suffragette, a powerful duke and a sparkling joke. An Oxford romance that fills your Bridgerton-shaped hole.
Emilie Henri
Nostalgic · Tender · Sincere
Emily Henry’s beloved friends-to-lovers story – now a Netflix movie that, for me, gets it right. A story about timing, friendship and the realization of love has always been there. Even if friends with lovers isn’t your favorite trope, Alex and Poppy are an easy sell.
Ali Hazelwood
Smart · Swoony · Comforting
A modern romantic comedy classic. STEM heroine, fake dating, slow burn – and it all works. If you want something reliable, charming, and genuinely fun, this deserves the hype. Read it before the adaptation starring Lili Reinhart comes out this year.
Abby Jiménez
Warm · Grounded · Sincere
A big city doctor and a small town hero who navigate love, expectations and identity. This one is heartwarming in the best way: low drama, high heart. I listened to it all on a solo road trip and it was the best companion.
Fantasy Romance Favorites
For when I want a little magic, but not a 900-page commitment or a seven-book memory test.
Callie Hart
Intense · Spicy · Entertaining
I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. The world building was easy to follow, the arc between enemies and lovers was perfectly executed, and the jokes really made me laugh out loud. You will be hooked from the first page.
Brigitte Knightley
The irresistible urge to fall in love with your enemy
Slow Burn · Witty · Filled with Tension
A healer and an assassin from rival factions forced to work together. Real enemies to lovers, very slow burn and excellent banter. He falls first (as he should). I loved that it seemed contained – although yes, it turns out to be a duology. Consider me pre-ordered.
Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Humor · Subversive · Charming
Accurately described as “Once Upon a Time meets The Office,” this playful take on fantasy romance doesn’t take itself too seriously. Smart, funny and surprisingly heartfelt, perfect for when you want something light and entertaining. I’ve been racing through this series and can’t wait to read book 4 this fall.
Kaliane Bradley
Imaginative · Adventurer · Intelligent
Part science fiction, part spy thriller, part time travel romance. A woman is hired to care for a Victorian “expat” thrust into the present, and things quickly get complicated. The romance was unexpected in a good way and the premise is so clever and wild that I would happily reread it.
If you need me, I’ll be there to add to my TBR and romanticize my evenings one book at a time. Whether you’re reading for swoon, jokes, escape, or hope, these romantic books are proof that love stories are alive and well and worth celebrating.
The position 17 romantic books to enjoy all month long appeared first on Camille Styles.
