The Greatest Romance Books Since 2018

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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. 51. Partners In Crime by Alisha Rai

    In this contemporary romance novel, two former lovers, Mira and Naveen, are unexpectedly reunited when they find themselves entangled in a thrilling adventure involving a mysterious heist. As they navigate a series of dangerous and comedic situations, they are forced to confront their unresolved feelings and past misunderstandings. The story blends romance, humor, and suspense, exploring themes of trust, forgiveness, and the complexities of rekindling a relationship amidst chaos. Through their journey, Mira and Naveen rediscover their connection and learn to embrace the unpredictability of life and love.

    The 9783rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  2. 52. Chef’s Kiss by TJ Alexander

    In this delightful contemporary romance, a perfectionist pastry chef finds her orderly life turned upside down when a charming and free-spirited new kitchen manager joins her workplace. As they collaborate on a series of cooking videos, their professional relationship begins to simmer with unexpected chemistry. Amidst the chaos of viral fame and personal challenges, both characters navigate their evolving feelings and confront their own insecurities. The story beautifully blends humor, heart, and the transformative power of love, all set against the backdrop of a bustling culinary world.

    The 9783rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  3. 53. Next To You by Hannah Bonam-Young

    A Book of Adorable Animals

    The book is a heartwarming romance that follows the story of a young woman who navigates the complexities of love and friendship while living with a chronic illness. As she forms a deep connection with her charming and supportive neighbor, the narrative explores themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the transformative power of companionship. Through moments of humor and tenderness, the story highlights the importance of understanding and accepting oneself and others, ultimately celebrating the beauty of finding love in unexpected places.

    The 9783rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  4. 54. D'vaughn And Kris Plan A Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins

    In this romantic comedy, two women, D'Vaughn and Kris, participate in a reality TV show where they must convince their families that they are getting married in six weeks. As they navigate the challenges of planning a wedding under the scrutiny of cameras and skeptical relatives, they begin to develop genuine feelings for each other. The story explores themes of love, authenticity, and the complexities of relationships, blending humor and heartfelt moments as the characters confront their fears and desires while deciding if their staged romance could become something real.

    The 9783rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  5. 55. The Undertaking Of Hart And Mercy by Megan Bannen

    In a world where the living and the dead coexist, a grumpy undertaker and a spirited marshal find themselves at odds, yet inexplicably drawn to each other. As they navigate their professional duties in a quirky, fantastical setting, their initial animosity gradually transforms into an unexpected partnership. Through a series of heartfelt letters and shared adventures, they uncover deeper connections and confront personal challenges, ultimately discovering that love can blossom in the most unlikely of circumstances. The story blends humor, romance, and a touch of the supernatural to explore themes of life, death, and the transformative power of human connection.

    The 9783rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  6. 56. Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner

    The book is a contemporary romance that explores the complexities of love and friendship through the unexpected relationship between two women, Cassie and Erin. Set against the backdrop of a college reunion, the story delves into themes of self-discovery, vulnerability, and the courage to embrace one's true feelings. As Cassie and Erin navigate their growing attraction, they must confront their past mistakes and societal expectations, ultimately learning that love can be found in the most surprising places. The narrative is both heartfelt and humorous, offering a nuanced portrayal of modern relationships.

    The 9999th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  7. 57. How To Date Your Dragon by Molly Harper

    A Paranormal Romance Novel

    In a whimsical blend of romance and fantasy, a pragmatic anthropologist is sent to the mystical town of Mystic Bayou to study its unique population of supernatural beings. Her scientific approach is challenged when she meets a charming and enigmatic sheriff who happens to be a dragon. As they navigate the complexities of their growing attraction, they must also confront the mysterious forces threatening the town's harmony. With humor and heart, the story explores themes of acceptance, love, and the magic of embracing the unknown.

    The 10030th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  8. 58. Let Me Love You by Alexandria House

    McClain Brothers Book 1

    In this contemporary romance, a successful music producer and a talented singer navigate the complexities of love, fame, and personal growth. Their journey is marked by undeniable chemistry, heartfelt connections, and the challenges of balancing their careers with their deepening relationship. As they confront past traumas and societal expectations, they learn to trust each other and themselves, ultimately discovering that true love requires vulnerability and acceptance.

    The 10030th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  9. 59. Would I Lie To The Duke by Eva Leigh

    Union of the Rakes

    In this captivating Regency romance, a resourceful and determined woman named Jessica McGale assumes a false identity to infiltrate London's elite society, aiming to save her family's struggling soap business. Her plan takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with the charming and perceptive Duke of Rotherby, who is drawn to her wit and intelligence. As their mutual attraction grows, Jessica finds herself entangled in a web of deception, where the stakes are high, and the truth could shatter their burgeoning romance. Amidst the glittering ballrooms and whispered secrets, both must navigate their desires and the risks of revealing their true selves.

    The 10050th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  10. 60. Wellness by Nathan Hill

    {"summary":"In 'Wellness,' Jack and Elizabeth's journey begins in the vibrant art scene of 1990s Chicago, where they connect over shared passions. Fast forward two decades, and their marriage is tested by the complexities of modern life. As they navigate the challenges of parenting, unconventional social circles, and the digital age, they find themselves questioning their relationship and individual identities. To preserve their bond, they must confront past traumas and unfulfilled dreams, embarking on personal journeys of self-discovery."}

    The 10062nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  11. 61. Katabasis by R. F. Kuang

    Ambitious graduate student Alice Law descends into Hell to rescue her mentor, Professor Jacob Grimes, after a fatal magical accident. Paired unwillingly with her rival Peter Murdoch, they must navigate a perilous underworld guided by myth and their own limited spells, facing dangers and secrets from their pasts. A dark academia fantasy about ambition, rivalry, and the costs of pursuing knowledge.

    The 10194th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  12. 62. Satisfaction Guaranteed by Lauren Blakely

    A Steamy Workplace Romance

    In this witty and heartwarming romance, a charming veterinarian and a savvy businesswoman find themselves entangled in a delightful mix of professional and personal challenges. As they team up to save a struggling animal clinic, their undeniable chemistry leads to unexpected sparks and humorous mishaps. Amidst the chaos of their shared mission, they discover that love can be as unpredictable as the animals they care for, and sometimes, the best partnerships are the ones you never saw coming. With a blend of humor, heart, and a touch of heat, their journey explores the complexities of love, trust, and the pursuit of happiness.

    The 10199th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  13. 63. The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai

    A Modern Love Story

    In this contemporary romance, a fiercely independent tech entrepreneur, who has built a successful dating app, finds herself unexpectedly entangled with a charming former pro-football player. Their paths cross again after a brief, passionate encounter months earlier, leading to a complex dance of attraction, ambition, and vulnerability. As they navigate the challenges of modern dating and personal insecurities, they must decide whether to swipe right on a chance at love or let their pasts dictate their futures.

    The 10199th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  14. 64. Rebel by Beverly Jenkins

    Women Who Dare

    Set in the post-Civil War era, this historical romance follows the journey of Valinda Lacy, a determined and spirited woman who travels to New Orleans to help the newly freed community learn to read and write. Amidst the vibrant backdrop of the Reconstruction South, Valinda encounters Drake LeVeq, a charming architect with a strong sense of justice and a deep commitment to his family. As they navigate the challenges of a society in transition, their undeniable chemistry blossoms into a passionate love story, highlighting themes of resilience, empowerment, and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity.

    The 10199th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  15. 65. How To Find A Princess by Alyssa Cole

    Runaway Royals

    In this delightful romantic comedy, a hardworking and practical woman finds her life turned upside down when a charming investigator arrives at her doorstep, claiming she might be the long-lost heir to a distant kingdom. As they embark on a whirlwind journey across the globe to uncover the truth, the duo navigates a series of hilarious and heartwarming adventures. Along the way, they confront their own fears and desires, discovering unexpected connections and the possibility of love in the most unlikely of circumstances. This enchanting tale explores themes of identity, belonging, and the magic of embracing one's destiny.

    The 10273rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  16. 66. The Spinster And The Rake by Eva Devon

    Never Fall for Your Fiancé

    In this delightful Regency romance, a chance encounter between a spirited spinster and a notorious rake sets the stage for an unexpected love story. When the independent and intelligent Georgiana Bly finds herself in a compromising situation with the dashing Duke of Thornfield, they are forced into a hasty engagement to save her reputation. As they navigate the complexities of high society and their own personal barriers, the unlikely pair discovers that beneath their differences lies a profound connection. With witty banter, heartfelt moments, and a touch of scandal, this tale explores themes of love, redemption, and the courage to defy societal expectations.

    The 10273rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  17. 67. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

    In this contemporary romance novel, a young Ph.D. candidate named Olive Smith navigates the complexities of academia and love as she finds herself in a fake dating arrangement with a renowned and enigmatic professor, Adam Carlsen. As Olive and Adam's pretend relationship begins to blur the lines between pretense and reality, Olive grapples with her own insecurities and the challenges of her scientific career. Through witty banter and heartfelt moments, the story explores themes of vulnerability, trust, and the unexpected ways love can grow in the most unlikely of circumstances.

    The 10307th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  18. 68. Isola by Allegra Goodman

    Reese's Book Club

    Orphaned and dispossessed, Marguerite is taken by her unpredictable guardian to New France. After a forbidden relationship is discovered, she and her companion are punished and left on a remote island, where she must endure harsh elements, confront dwindling hope, and find the inner strength and faith needed to survive.

    The 10367th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  19. 69. Again, Rachel by Marian Keyes

    In this heartfelt and engaging novel, readers are reintroduced to Rachel Walsh, who has come a long way since her tumultuous past. Now a successful addiction counselor, Rachel's life seems to be on track until her world is shaken by the reappearance of her ex-love, Luke. As she navigates the complexities of her personal and professional life, Rachel is forced to confront old wounds and rediscover her own strength. Filled with humor, warmth, and poignant insights, the story explores themes of forgiveness, resilience, and the enduring power of love.

    The 10383rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  20. 70. Written In The Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

    The novel is a charming romantic comedy that follows the story of Elle, a free-spirited astrologer, and Darcy, a pragmatic actuary, who are set up on a disastrous blind date. Despite their initial clash, they agree to fake a relationship to appease their families during the holiday season. As they navigate their pretend romance, they begin to discover unexpected chemistry and genuine feelings for each other. The story explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the importance of embracing one's true self, all set against a backdrop of humor and heartfelt moments.

    The 10424th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  21. 71. Call Me Maybe by Cara Bastone

    In this delightful romantic comedy, two strangers find an unexpected connection through a series of serendipitous phone calls. Vera, a spirited and determined woman, accidentally dials the wrong number and ends up speaking with the charming and witty Cal, who is equally intrigued by the mysterious voice on the other end. As their conversations unfold, they share laughter, secrets, and dreams, gradually forming a bond that transcends the distance between them. Despite never having met in person, their growing affection challenges them to confront their fears and take a leap of faith into the unknown, proving that sometimes love can be found in the most unexpected places.

    The 10424th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  22. 72. How To End A Love Story by Yulin Kuang

    Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard, two writers with a shared past, find themselves working together on a TV show adaptation of Helen's novels. Helen, a successful author, is trying to navigate her career while dealing with writer's block and imposter syndrome. Grant, a screenwriter, has moved on from their past but can't resist the opportunity the show presents for his career. As they collaborate, old emotions resurface, and they must confront their history and the secrets that have kept them apart. In the process, they discover that healing and understanding might come from embracing their connection in the present.

    The 10580th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  23. 73. The South by Tash Aw

    After his grandfather dies, Jay travels south with his family to an inherited farm in decline. Over one hot summer he grows close to Chuan, the manager’s son, as family tensions and larger social changes force them to confront desire, loss, and what they will carry forward.

    The 10583rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  24. 74. Deep House by Jeremy Atherton Lin

    Set in 1996 as the US prepares the Defense of Marriage Act, Deep House follows Jeremy’s relationship with a British lover and the precarious choices they make to stay together when the law denies same-sex couples federal protections like immigration. The narrative moves through cities, clandestine apartments, and nightlife scenes while tracing a lineage of gay men who found ways to live and love outside legal recognition. Blending tenderness and sharp humor, the book examines intimacy, domesticity, and the systems that decide which relationships are legitimized.

    The 10592nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  25. 75. Dream State by Eric Puchner

    Cece arrives early at her future in-laws’ lake house in Salish, Montana, to finalize wedding plans with her fiancé Charlie. Over the weekend she grows close to Charlie’s old friend Garrett—an airport baggage handler carrying a shared trauma—which makes her reconsider the life she thought she wanted. The story follows the consequences of that summer across decades, exploring friendship, marriage, regret, and the changing landscape of Montana.

    The 10624th 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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