It is quite difficult to find romance novels that are written for adult taste. So, here are the 10 best novels centered around the theme of love for you to read!
Romance, although one of the best-selling novel genres, is much misrepresented among readers. When talking about romance novels, most people think that it is for teenagers and people who are young and full of love. However, there is one good reason it is still basically the most popular novel genre in the world of publishing and it is that love stories appeal to everyone. If the story is good, no matter what age you are in, you will jerk a tear or two. There is another reason behind the massive popularity of love novels – the promise of happily ever after. When we live in an uncertain world where every relationship seems to not guarantee anything, reading about stories where everything works out at the end gives us hope.
The premise of a great love story where the hero gets the girl at the end is something that makes everyone pine for romance novels. You can also choose your novels based on how much spice you want, wink, wink! So, let’s see what the best romance novels are for actual adults.
1. Morning Glory – LaVyrle Spencer (1993)
Our lives are not perfect – so are our characters. All of us have a little flaw in us but love is what makes you embrace these flaws of each other. Morning Glory is a story about two flawed characters who find love amid difficult circumstances. This tale of two outsiders who take a little too long to confess their feelings for each other will melt your heart. Set in the early 1940s, the book explores the power of second chances for the lead characters. The story is centered onElly, a widowed mother, and Will, a drifter with a troubled past. If you are a fan of historical fiction with a setting of World War II, and most importantly, there is something about traditional love stories that compels you, then this would be just the right book for you!
2. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen (1813)
You have to be living under a rock to have never heard this Jane Austen classic and why it is such a timeless classic! The story revolves around Elizabeth Bennet, one of five daughters who are all in dire need to marry well, otherwise, they could risk the family standing. One day she meets the arrogant, wealthy, and stubborn Mr. Darcy and they meet each other again and again. In the process, Mr. Darcy falls for the equally stubborn and arrogant Elizabeth and they both realize their mutual disdain is in fact, a smoldering passion. Now, why this novel is still being held as a classic? Well, the story moves around timeless themes of love, social class, and self-discovery. The well-developed characters of the story will take you on a journey, the witty dialogues will make you chuckle, and the enemies-to-lovers trope will give you the best reading experience. If you are someone who enjoys a classic romance, tales of courtship, and most importantly, sharp, witty, and prideful female in the leading role, this tale by Jane Austen will soon be your favorite.
3. Outlander – Diana Gabaldon (1991)
If you love romances you must admit that historical romances take it to the very next level. Something about a story about two people falling in love and staying together despite all odds years before gives you a comfort that nothing can match. This story, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon released in 1991 revolves around Claire, who is a British combat nurse. She and her husband go to Scotland to celebrate their second honeymoon right after the end of World War II. While Claire just wanted to reconnect, she falls in love with warrior Jamie in 1743 Scottish highlands. They began a very passionate and very different relationship that will get you in all your feels. The love between Jamie and Claire and their devotion towards each other will make you not get enough of it!
4. The Notebook – Nicholas Sparks (1996)
When we talk about romance novels, not mentioning the name of Nicholas Sparks is a sin that should be avoided at all costs. The Notebook is probably the best-known work of Sparks which makes you not only wonder but believe that love is truly everlasting. The story follows a love affair between two young teenagers, Allie and Noah. When young they start a passionate love affair but immaturity gets the best of them. The story of their one and only true love does not end there. The issues become more poignant as they both age but the deeply moving tale of love makes you realize if you love the person, no obstacle can keep you apart. The well-developed characters and the captivating narrative that explores the complexities of love will make you feel emotionally attached to these two. If you ever need a good cry, you know what to read now!
5. The Duke and I – Julia Quinn (2000)
The world cannot get enough of the swoon-worthy Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn on Netflix and it is time to bring back the light on the books! The first book in the series is The Duke and I and it is equally swoon-worthy to read. The story revolves around a fake relationship between dapper Duke Simon and innocent Daphne Bridgerton. How the faux romance turns into a real one is the story that you won’t stop gushing over. The book is also filled with will-they-or-won’t-they setups and a fake relationship trope that will keep you hooked!
6. Jane Eyre – Charlotte Brontë (1847)
The Brontës surely did not invent pining over someone you love but between Emily’s Wuthering Heights and Charlotte’s Jane Eyre, we are not sure anymore. The story revolves around Governess Jane who has overcome a troubled childhood and now working for Mr. Rochester. The novel features a strong and independent female protagonist who will give you a new way to fight for feminism. The mutual attraction between the two lead characters spikes as time goes by, making Jane wonder what other secrets Mr. Rochester is hiding at Thornfield Hill. The story is written from Jane’s pov that will help you, as a reader, make a deeper connection with her. The backdrop of the novel is set in a gothic castle with elements and an atmosphere of mystery, compelling the readers not to stop reading any time they pick up the story.
7. Red, White & Royal Blue – Casey McQuiston (2019)
If you are a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, we have another one on our list and it is Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. Released in 2019, the story revolves around Alex and Prince Harry. Alex is the son of the U.S.’ first female president and Prince Harry is, well, Prince Harry England. They share a mutual feeling of hatred and annoyance toward each other and it takes over as they both knock over a wedding cake, creating a controversy. But what if their hate masks a deeper feeling? Read this to enjoy hot bedroom scenes and laugh-out-loud character mischiefs. This is a feel-good romance that actually gives quite an honest queer representation. The plot also focuses on discovering one’s sexuality while navigating public scrutiny. With a witty backdrop, you will thoroughly enjoy the book!
8. Forbidden – Beverly Jenkins (2016)
If you enjoy feisty heroines, this book recommendation will absolutely change your life! Beverly Jenkins published Forbidden in 2016 and since then it has been counted as one of the best romance novels for adult minds. This is the first book in the popular Old West Series which revolves around a love story between Rhine and Eddy. Rhine is a Black man passing for white out in 1800s frontier land. On the other hand, Eddy is a strong Black woman who Rhine saves from death. This near-death experience makes Rhine cannot stop thinking about her, even though their love is a societal taboo. Forbidden is so well-liked by readers of all ages because this is one of the few books where a Black woman is seen as a person worthy of attention and love. This historical fiction definitely does not gloss over social realities and gives you a unique love story that you, as well, will not stop thinking about.
9. Call Me by Your Name – André Aciman (2007)
The movie of the same name with TimothéeChalamet and Armie Hammer has already won our hearts but the book has so much more to reveal. André Aciman has gotten Lambda Literary Award honoree for this book and if this award tells you something, it tells you about how good the book actually is! The story revolves around a teenager and a young man who are being tutored by his father and become intertwined with each other one hot summer. One of the reasons behind the book’s success is the evocative portrayal of a young man’s first love and the personal exploration of desire and longing. With the backdrop of the Italian Riviera and the insanely beautiful prose, Call Me By Your Name is a must-read!
10. The Wedding Date – Jasmine Guillory (2018)
Jasmine Guillory has a specialty about her. The author creates such cool and exciting characters that you would love to hand out with them in real life and The Wedding Date lures you in like anything. This debut novel is about a fake relationship between Drew and Alexa that turns out to be too real by the time they reach their wedding date weekend. If you love reading about strong and accomplished women as lead characters, this book should be on your list next.
Now that you have 10 romance novel recommendations, how about spending the rest of the winter reading and being lost in the world of love?
