Best Romantic Books One Must Read!

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Romance is a genre that has captivated readers for centuries. From the classics like Pride and Prejudice to contemporary bestsellers like The Notebook, romance novels have been a beloved form of expressing passion for readers worldwide.

Moreover, romance novels provide a form of escapism and comfort in a world that can often feel overwhelming and chaotic. In a society that often devalues emotions and vulnerability, romance novels offer a space for readers to connect with their own emotions and desires, and to imagine a world where love and connection are valued above all else.

In this article, we will explore some of the best romantic books that have captured the hearts of readers throughout history.

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice is considered one of the greatest romantic novels of all time. Written by Jane Austen, the novel follows the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy as they navigate their complicated feelings for each other. With witty dialogue and memorable characters, Pride and Prejudice has been adapted into numerous films and television series and remains a beloved classic to this day.

2. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Outlander tells the story of Claire Randall, a nurse from the 20th century who finds herself transported back in time to the 18^th-century Scottish Highlands. There, she falls in love with Jamie Fraser, a Scottish warrior. The novel is a thrilling mix of romance, historical fiction, and time travel, and has captivated readers since its publication in 1991. It has also been adapted into a popular television series.

3. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

The Notebook is a novel by Nicholas Sparks that tells the story of Noah and Allie, two young lovers from different social backgrounds who fall in love in the 1940s. Their love story is both heart-warming and heart-breaking, as they face numerous challenges and obstacles to be together. The Notebook has been adapted into a popular film starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.

4. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Wuthering Heights is a classic novel by Emily Bronte that tells the story of Heathcliff and Catherine, two lovers who are separated by class and societal expectations. Their love is passionate and intense, but ultimately tragic. Wuthering Heights is a masterpiece of Gothic literature and has been adapted into numerous films and television series.

5. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Jane Eyre is a novel by Charlotte Bronte that tells the story of Jane, a young orphan who becomes a governess and falls in love with her employer, Mr Rochester. Their love is complicated by Mr Rochester’s past and his secret wife, but ultimately they are able to overcome their obstacles and find happiness together. Jane Eyre is a timeless classic that has been adapted into numerous films and television series.

6. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

The Time Traveler’s Wife is a novel by Audrey Niffenegger that tells the story of Henry, a man with a genetic disorder that causes him to time travel involuntarily, and his wife Clare. The novel explores their complicated love story, as Clare grows up knowing Henry throughout different stages of his life. The Time Traveler’s Wife is a unique and compelling romance novel that has been adapted into a film and a television series.

7. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars is a young adult novel by John Green that tells the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, two teenagers with cancer who fall in love. The novel is both heartbreaking and uplifting and explores the universal themes of love, loss, and mortality. The Fault in Our Stars has been adapted into a popular film.

8. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Me Before You is a novel by Jojo Moyes that tells the story of Louisa Clark, a young woman who becomes a caregiver for a quadriplegic man named Will Traynor. Despite their initial differences, Louisa and Will develop a deep and meaningful connection. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the value of human life. Me Before You has been adapted into a film and a sequel novel, After You.

9. The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller

The Bridges of Madison County is a novel by Robert James Waller that tells the story of Francesca Johnson, a married woman who falls in love with Robert Kincaid, a National Geographic photographer. Set in rural Iowa, the novel explores the themes of love, passion, and sacrifice. The Bridges of Madison County has been adapted into a popular film starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood.

10. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

The Hating Game is a contemporary romance novel by Sally Thorne that tells the story of Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, two co-workers who can’t stand each other. As they compete for the same promotion, their hatred turns into an unexpected attraction. The Hating Game is a fun and witty romance novel that has been praised for its fresh take on the enemies-to-lovers trope.

11. One Day by David Nicholls

One Day is a novel by David Nicholls that tells the story of Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew, two friends who meet on the night of their graduation from university. The novel follows their lives over the course of twenty years, checking in on them on the same day every year. One Day is a poignant and bittersweet love story that explores the themes of friendship, love, and regret. The novel has been adapted into a film starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess.

12. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

The Rosie Project is a novel by Graeme Simsion that tells the story of Don Tillman, a genetics professor who creates a questionnaire to find the perfect wife. When he meets Rosie Jarman, a woman who doesn’t fit his criteria but captures his heart, he embarks on a quirky and charming journey of self-discovery and love. The Rosie Project has been praised for its unique and endearing characters and has been adapted into a film.

13. Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman

Call Me By Your Name is a novel by Andre Aciman that tells the story of Elio, a 17-year-old boy who falls in love with Oliver, a graduate student who comes to stay with his family in Italy for the summer. The novel explores the themes of first love, desire, and self-discovery. Call Me By Your Name has been adapted into a critically acclaimed film starring Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer.

14. A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

A Walk to Remember is a novel by Nicholas Sparks that tells the story of Landon Carter, a popular high school student who falls in love with Jamie Sullivan, the daughter of the local minister. Their love story is both heart-warming and heart-breaking, as they face numerous challenges and obstacles to be together. A Walk to Remember has been adapted into a popular film starring Mandy Moore and Shane West.

The romance genre offers a wide variety of stories that have captured the hearts of readers throughout history. From classics like Pride and Prejudice and Wuthering Heights to contemporary bestsellers like The Fault in Our Stars and Me Before You, these books showcase the power of love to transform, heal, and inspire. Whether you prefer historical romances, steamy contemporary novels, or heart-warming coming-of-age stories, there’s a romance book out there for everyone.

While some critics may dismiss romance novels as formulaic or overly sentimental, the genre has proven to be a powerful force for social change and empowerment. Many romance novels feature strong, independent heroines who challenge traditional gender roles and expectations, and who fight for their own happiness and fulfilment. Romance novels have also been at the forefront of diverse representation in literature, featuring characters of different races, sexual orientations, and abilities.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the romance genre or a curious newcomer, there’s no denying the power and allure of these timeless stories of love, passion, and connection. So curl up with a good book, and let yourself be swept away by the magic of romance.