The Greatest Romance Books Since 2010

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 759 '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

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. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

    The novel is a reimagining of the ancient Greek epic of the Trojan War, told from the perspective of Patroclus, an exiled young prince who becomes the beloved companion of Achilles, the greatest warrior of his age. Their deep bond and affection for one another transform into a powerful love that defies the expectations of their society and the will of the gods. As they grow into men, their fates become increasingly intertwined with the legendary conflict at Troy, where honor, sacrifice, and destiny culminate in a poignant and tragic conclusion. The story explores themes of heroism, glory, and the humanizing effects of love against the backdrop of war and the capricious whims of immortals.

    The 1330th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 2. Red, White & Royal Blue 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 3052nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  3. 3. 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 3317th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  4. 4. Fifty Shades of Grey: by E. L. James

    A young, innocent college student interviews a handsome, enigmatic billionaire for her campus newspaper and soon finds herself drawn into his world of dominance and submission. As she navigates the unfamiliar territory of BDSM, she must also grapple with her own desires and the emotional complexities of their unconventional relationship. This erotic romance novel explores themes of power, control, and the nature of love and desire.

    The 3405th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  5. 5. Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

    The book follows Chloe Brown, a chronically ill computer geek who, after a near-death experience, decides to create a list to help her "get a life." Determined to step out of her comfort zone, she enlists the help of her building's superintendent, Redford "Red" Morgan, a talented artist with a complicated past. As they work through Chloe's list, they develop a deep connection, confronting personal fears and past traumas while discovering love and self-acceptance. The story is a heartwarming and humorous exploration of personal growth, romance, and the courage to embrace life's unpredictability.

    The 3430th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  6. 6. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

    The story revolves around Alexa Monroe and Drew Nichols, who meet unexpectedly in a hotel elevator and agree to attend a wedding together as each other's date. What begins as a convenient arrangement quickly evolves into a deeper connection as they navigate the complexities of their personal and professional lives. Through a series of romantic and humorous encounters, they explore themes of love, commitment, and the challenges of maintaining a relationship across distances, ultimately discovering the importance of communication and trust.

    The 3598th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  7. 7. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

    The novel chronicles the meteoric rise and tumultuous fall of a fictional 1970s rock band, focusing on the complex relationships and personal struggles of its members. Through a series of interview-style narratives, the story delves into the creative and emotional dynamics between the enigmatic lead singer, Daisy Jones, and the band's charismatic frontman, Billy Dunne. As they navigate fame, addiction, and conflicting ambitions, the band's journey is marked by intense passion, artistic brilliance, and inevitable heartbreak, ultimately revealing the cost of their legendary status.

    The 3599th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  8. 8. An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole

    An Extraordinary Union Novel

    Set during the American Civil War, the story follows Elle Burns, a former slave with an eidetic memory, who works as a spy for the Union. Disguised as a mute slave in the Confederate South, she gathers crucial intelligence while navigating the dangers of her mission. Her path crosses with Malcolm McCall, a Scottish Pinkerton detective also undercover, and despite the risks, they develop a deep, romantic bond. Together, they face the challenges of espionage, loyalty, and love in a time of intense conflict and societal upheaval.

    The 3842nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  9. 9. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

    The book centers around a young man who, after a tabloid scandal threatens his job at a charity, realizes he needs to clean up his image. To do so, he embarks on a fake relationship with a respectable, no-nonsense barrister who also has his own reasons for needing a pretend partner. Despite their initial lack of genuine affection, the two men find themselves navigating the complexities of their fake relationship, which leads to unexpected personal growth, genuine connections, and the blurring of lines between what's real and what's for show. As they deal with their respective issues and the public's watchful eye, they start to wonder if their fauxmance might just have the potential to become something real.

    The 4096th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  10. 10. A Court Of Thorns And Roses by Sarah J. Maas

    In this captivating fantasy novel, a young huntress named Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, only to discover it was a faerie in disguise. As retribution, she is taken to the magical land of Prythian, where she becomes entangled in the politics and dangers of the faerie courts. While navigating this perilous world, Feyre discovers unexpected allies and enemies, and her feelings for her captor, Tamlin, evolve into a complex and passionate romance. As she uncovers dark secrets and faces formidable challenges, Feyre must find the strength to protect those she loves and confront a looming evil threatening both human and faerie realms.

    The 4304th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  11. 11. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

    The novel follows the journey of Lily Bloom, a young woman who moves to Boston to start her own business and escape her troubled past. She meets and falls in love with a charming neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, but their relationship becomes complicated as Ryle's dark side emerges. As Lily grapples with her feelings for Ryle, she reconnects with her first love, Atlas Corrigan, who reappears in her life unexpectedly. The story explores themes of love, resilience, and the complexities of domestic abuse, as Lily must make difficult decisions to protect herself and her future.

    The 4306th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  12. 12. When A Scot Ties The Knot by Tessa Dare

    A Castles Ever After Novel

    The novel is a historical romance centered around Madeline Gracechurch, a socially anxious young woman who invents a fictitious Scottish fiancé, Captain Logan MacKenzie, to avoid the pressures of London society. For years, she writes letters to this imaginary suitor, believing he doesn't exist. However, her world is turned upside down when Logan, very much real and in need of a marriage to secure land for his men, arrives at her doorstep, holding her letters and demanding she fulfill their "engagement." As they navigate their unexpected relationship, Madeline and Logan confront their personal fears and desires, leading to a heartfelt and humorous journey of love and self-discovery.

    The 4737th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  13. 13. The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon

    The book is a young adult romance that explores themes of fate, love, and the interconnectedness of lives. It follows Natasha, a Jamaican-American girl who is trying to prevent her family's deportation from the United States, and Daniel, a Korean-American boy who is struggling with his parents' expectations for him to become a doctor. Over the course of a single day in New York City, their paths cross in a serendipitous encounter, leading them to spend the day together. As they share their dreams, fears, and stories, they develop a deep connection that challenges their beliefs about destiny and the power of their choices amidst the ticking clock of Natasha's impending deportation.

    The 4996th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  14. 14. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

    The novel centers around the transformative bond that forms between a quirky and creative young woman who becomes a caregiver for a wealthy young banker left paralyzed from an accident. Despite their contrasting backgrounds and initial reservations, they develop a deep connection that challenges their preconceived notions of love, life, and what it means to truly live. As she becomes determined to show him that life is worth living, they embark on a series of adventures together that lead to unexpected consequences, forcing them to confront what they are willing to sacrifice for love and each other.

    The 5018th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  15. 15. Eleanor And Park by Rainbow Rowell

    This novel is a touching story set in the 1980s, revolving around two high school misfits in Omaha, Nebraska, who find an unexpected connection through their shared seats on the school bus. Eleanor, a quirky and bullied girl with a troubled home life, and Park, a half-Korean boy who struggles with his identity, slowly bond over comic books and mixtapes. As their friendship blossoms into a tender and complex first love, they must navigate the challenges of adolescence, family dynamics, and societal expectations. The story is a poignant exploration of young love, identity, and the power of acceptance.

    The 5317th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  16. 16. Royally Screwed by Emma Chase

    The Royally Series, Book 1

    In this captivating romantic comedy, a charming and rebellious prince finds himself entangled in a whirlwind romance with an independent and spirited New York waitress. As the prince grapples with the pressures of royal duty and the expectations of his family, he discovers a profound connection with the waitress, who challenges him to see beyond the confines of his privileged life. Their relationship blossoms amidst the backdrop of royal intrigue and societal expectations, leading them to question what they truly desire in life and love.

    The 5493rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  17. 17. Seven Days In June by Tia Williams

    The novel is a poignant exploration of love, second chances, and personal growth, centered around Eva Mercy, a successful erotica writer and single mother, and Shane Hall, a reclusive, award-winning novelist. When their paths cross again at a literary event in Brooklyn, it reignites a passionate connection that began during a tumultuous week in their youth. As they navigate their complex past and present, the story delves into themes of trauma, healing, and the power of storytelling, ultimately highlighting the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring nature of true love.

    The 5507th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  18. 18. Book Lovers by Emily Henry

    In this witty and heartwarming romantic comedy, two literary-minded individuals—a cutthroat literary agent and a brooding editor—find themselves repeatedly crossing paths in a sleepy North Carolina town. While she's on a mission to support her sister and he's escaping the city's bustle, their professional rivalry and personal banter lead to an unexpected connection. As they challenge each other's firmly held beliefs about life and love, they must confront their own stories to write a new one together, discovering that their perfect match might be found in the most unexpected of pages.

    The 5636th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  19. 19. A Promise Of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

    The Kingmaker Chronicles

    In a world where magic and power dictate the social hierarchy, a powerful soothsayer named Cat hides her extraordinary abilities to escape her dark past. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she is captured by Griffin, a warlord determined to unite the kingdoms under his rule. As they embark on a perilous journey, Cat is forced to confront her fears and secrets while navigating a complex relationship with Griffin, who sees her as the key to his ambitions. Amidst political intrigue and burgeoning romance, Cat must decide whether to embrace her destiny or continue running from it.

    The 5934th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  20. 20. A Princess In Theory by Alyssa Cole

    Reluctant Royals

    "A Princess In Theory" is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Naledi Smith, a hardworking graduate student who receives an unexpected email claiming that she is betrothed to an African prince. Skeptical at first, Naledi eventually agrees to meet the prince, Thabiso, and finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of royal intrigue and undeniable chemistry. As Naledi navigates her newfound royal life and uncovers the truth about her past, she must decide if she is willing to embrace her destiny and the love that awaits her.

    The 5965th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  21. 21. A Discovery Of Witches by Deborah Harkness

    This novel unfolds the tale of Diana Bishop, a young scholar and descendant of witches, who stumbles upon a bewitched manuscript in Oxford's Bodleian Library. Her discovery pulls her back into the world of magic, propelling her into the heart of a dangerous mystery. Alongside Matthew Clairmont, a mysterious vampire and geneticist, Diana is thrust into a forbidden alliance and an enchanted journey through time. As they seek to understand the manuscript's secrets, they must navigate the perilous waters of forbidden love and the age-old enmities among witches, vampires, and daemons, unraveling a history that threatens the fragile peace that has long existed between creatures and humans.

    The 6244th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  22. 22. The Priory Of The Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

    In this epic fantasy novel, a divided world faces the threat of awakening draconic forces. The narrative weaves together the stories of a queendom without an heir, a hidden priory dedicated to a secret mission, and distant lands with contrasting beliefs about dragons. As the ancient enemy stirs, a disparate group of characters, including a queen who must secure her throne, a dragon-riding warrior from the East, and a mage with a personal vendetta, must overcome deep-seated prejudices and historical enmities to forge an alliance. The fate of their world hinges on their ability to unite and confront the encroaching darkness brought forth by the return of a legendary fire-breathing beast.

    The 6375th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  23. 23. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

    In this delightful romantic comedy, Lucy and Joshua are co-workers who despise each other. Constantly engaged in a battle of wits and pranks, their intense rivalry begins to blur the lines between love and hate. As they compete for a promotion, their relationship takes unexpected turns, revealing hidden feelings and a deeper connection. With a mix of humor, chemistry, and undeniable attraction, "The Hating Game" explores the thin line between love and hate in a workplace setting.

    The 6530th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  24. 24. Nine Rules To Break When Romancing A Rake by Sarah MacLean

    Love by Numbers

    In this historical romance novel, a spirited and unconventional lady named Lady Calpurnia Hartwell decides to break free from societal constraints by creating a list of nine daring rules to live by, including actions like firing a pistol and gambling at a gentlemen's club. Her quest for adventure leads her into the path of the charming and notorious rake, Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston. As Callie embarks on her journey of self-discovery, she and Gabriel find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other, challenging societal norms and discovering love in the most unexpected ways.

    The 6650th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  25. 25. Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

    The book centers around a high school junior named Simon who is not openly gay and prefers to save his drama for the school musical. However, when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now, Simon is being blackmailed, and he must step out of his comfort zone before he's outed against his will or worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he's been emailing, will be compromised. As he navigates through friendship, blackmail, and the prospect of love, Simon must find a way to be true to himself while also trying to decode the identity of the anonymous classmate he has fallen for online.

    The 6684th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

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

To download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.

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