The Greatest "Contemporary, Fiction, Romance" Books Since 2017

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Genres

Contemporary

Contemporary books are a genre that focuses on stories set in the present day, often exploring current social, cultural, and political issues. These books are typically written in a modern style and often feature relatable characters dealing with real-life situations. Contemporary books can cover a wide range of topics, from romance and family drama to coming-of-age stories and thrillers. The genre is constantly evolving to reflect the changing world we live in, making it a popular choice for readers who want to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and issues.

Fiction

Romance

The Romance category of books typically involves stories that revolve around romantic relationships between two or more characters. These stories often explore themes of love, passion, and intimacy, and may include elements of drama, suspense, or humor. Romance novels can range from sweet and innocent to steamy and erotic, and may be set in a variety of time periods and locations. Overall, the Romance genre offers readers a chance to escape into a world of love and romance, where anything is possible.

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  1. 1. Normal People by Sally Rooney

    "Normal People" is a novel that explores the complex relationship between two high school students from different social classes in a small town in Ireland. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, they form a strong bond that continues into their university years at Trinity College. The narrative follows their journey, filled with misunderstandings, miscommunications, and emotional intimacy, as they navigate their way through love, friendship, mental health issues, and the struggles of growing up.

    The 2037th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

    The book is a heartwarming tale of two Indian-American teenagers whose parents conspire to arrange their marriage. Dimple Shah, who has her sights set on a career in web development, is less than thrilled when she meets Rishi Patel, a hopeless romantic who respects his heritage and relishes the idea of an arranged marriage. Their initial encounter is anything but auspicious, but as they navigate a summer program for aspiring web developers, their shared culture and experiences draw them closer. Through a series of humorous and touching moments, the story explores themes of identity, family expectations, and personal dreams, ultimately examining whether two seemingly incompatible individuals can find love on their own terms.

    The 9017th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated Rosemary Valero-O’Connell

    The graphic novel centers around a high school student named Freddy who is grappling with her tumultuous relationship with the charismatic Laura Dean. Despite Laura's repeated infidelities and breakups, Freddy finds herself drawn back to Laura time and again. As Freddy navigates the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery, she begins to understand the importance of healthy relationships and self-respect. With the help of her friends, particularly her best friend Doodle, Freddy learns to set boundaries and recognize her own worth, ultimately confronting the cycle of toxic behavior and seeking a path toward personal growth and fulfillment.

    The 9257th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

    The novel follows the journey of Felix Love, a transgender teen grappling with identity and the desire for love. Despite his name, Felix has never been in love and fears that his marginalization as a Black, queer, and transgender individual makes him one too many steps removed from the happily-ever-after he craves. His quest for self-discovery and acceptance takes a turn when he begins receiving transphobic messages after someone publicly posts his deadname and pre-transition photos at school. In a bid to get revenge, Felix lands in a complicated love triangle, but the experience leads him down a path of introspection, challenging his perceptions of relationships and what it means to love himself fully.

    The 9422nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar

    The book follows a Bangladeshi-Irish teenager as she navigates the complexities of her identity, culture, and sexuality in contemporary Dublin. When her school organizes a business competition, she decides to start a henna business, only to face rivalry from another student with a similar idea. As the competition intensifies, so do her feelings for her competitor, leading to a poignant exploration of love, family expectations, and the courage to be true to oneself amidst the challenges of racism and homophobia. The protagonist's journey is a heartfelt tale of self-discovery and the struggle to honor one's heritage while forging a unique path forward.

    The 9422nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson

    The book follows the story of Liz Lighty, a high school senior who feels out of place in her small, prom-obsessed Midwestern town. With dreams of attending a prestigious college and becoming a doctor, Liz's plans are derailed when her financial aid falls through. In a desperate bid to secure a scholarship, she enters the race for prom queen, a competition steeped in tradition and popularity contests that she has always despised. As Liz navigates the cutthroat world of high school politics, she also embarks on a journey of self-discovery, finding new friendships, embracing her identity, and experiencing her first love, all while challenging the norms of her community and learning to shine as her authentic self.

    The 9422nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel by Casey McQuiston

    "Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel" is a heartwarming and humorous story about the unexpected romance between Alex, the First Son of the United States, and Henry, the Prince of Wales. After a public altercation, they are forced to fake a friendship for the sake of international diplomacy. However, as they spend more time together, their fake friendship turns into a genuine connection, leading them to question their own identities, their responsibilities, and the true meaning of love. This delightful and captivating novel explores themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the power of love to overcome societal expectations.

    The 9431st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

    The novel centers on a young Jamaican British woman living in London, navigating the complexities of her identity, mental health, and relationships. After a painful breakup with her long-term boyfriend, she finds herself in a downward spiral, struggling with her self-worth and the pressures of societal expectations. As she deals with workplace discrimination, problematic dating experiences, and familial issues, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing, supported by a cast of well-drawn friends and family members. The story offers a candid and often humorous exploration of contemporary issues such as race, feminism, and mental health, while providing a nuanced portrayal of the protagonist's resilience and growth.

    The 10070th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Hate To Want You by Alisha Rai

    In this steamy contemporary romance, two star-crossed lovers, Livvy and Nicholas, find themselves unable to resist the intense passion they've shared since their teenage years. Despite their families' bitter feud, they engage in a secret affair that spans a decade, meeting once a year on Livvy's birthday. When Livvy returns to their hometown after a long absence, the flames of their desire are reignited, forcing them to confront the painful past and the possibility of a future together. With compelling characters and sizzling chemistry, this novel explores themes of family, forgiveness, and the power of love.

    The 10287th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

    "The Kiss Quotient" is a heartwarming and unconventional romance novel that follows the story of Stella, a brilliant econometrician with Asperger's syndrome. Frustrated with her lack of dating experience, Stella hires a male escort named Michael to teach her about intimacy and relationships. As they embark on their lessons, Stella and Michael unexpectedly find themselves developing genuine feelings for each other, leading to a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and the power of love.

    The 10334th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download