The 24 best romance novels

Memorable love stories all begin with the same basic ingredients: two people and an undeniable bond. The best romance novels turn these simple foundations into narratives that take your breath away and maybe make you fall in love a little too.

Romance as a genre is more nuanced than it deserves, and it’s not as far removed from capital-L literature as snobbish readers like to think. (Prolific and acclaimed novelists have also written some of the most legendary romance novels of all time, see: Jane Austen). chance encounter, 99.99% guaranteed happy ending, and so on. But what separates the best romance novels from the good ones is how they update and reinvent those defining characteristics, usually in a more inclusive way.

From fresh new books by Ashley Poston and Akwaeke Emezi, to time-honored classics like Pride and Prejudice, there is no shame in falling head over heels in love with a beautiful love story. He reads on for 24 best romance novels so compelling you’ll feel like you’re swept up in the lead couple.