Romance Reads: The Most Swoon-Worthy Books of the Decade

​​Whether you're a fan of sweet, innocent love stories or passionate, intense romance novels, there's something in here for everyone.

Each of these romance books promises to whisk you away to a world where love conquers all. So, grab your favourite cosy blanket, find a comfy spot and dive into these unforgettable love stories that are sure to make your heart skip a beat!

Best Romance Books

Our list serves as a look into the most enchanting, swoon-worthy love stories that have stolen the hearts of readers throughout the past decade.

• Synopsis: Follow the complex relationship between Marianne and Connell as they navigate the trials of young love, social dynamics, and personal growth from their high school days in a small Irish town to their undergraduate years at Trinity College.
• Author: Sally Rooney
• Release Date: August 28, 2018
• Why Read: It's a profound exploration of intimacy, power dynamics and the deep connection between two people who can't seem to stay apart despite their differences.

• Synopsis: Olive Smith, a PhD student, doesn't believe in lasting romantic relationships but decides to convince her best friend that she's dating. She kisses the first man she sees, who turns out to be none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor.
• Author: Ali Hazelwood
• Release Date: September 14, 2021
• Why Read: Perfect for fans of STEM and slow-burn romances, it combines humour with heartwarming moments, proving theories of love can be unpredictably delightful.

• Synopsis: Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman are executive assistants to co-CEOs of a publishing company, and they hate each other. Their dynamic changes as they compete for a promotion, leading to a tension-filled romance.
• Author: Sally Thorne
• Release Date: August 9, 2016
• Why Read: This enemies-to-lovers office romance is filled with witty banter, hilarious situations, and a heart-melting love story.

• Synopsis: Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress, is taken to the magical land of the faeries after she kills a wolf in the woods. There, she learns of the curse that looms over the faerie lands and the beastly faerie lord who holds her captive.
• Author: Sarah J. Maas
• Release Date: May 5, 2015
• Why Read: It's a spellbinding blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure with rich world-building and complex characters.

• Synopsis: For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endings—until she learns her love is about to marry someone else. Desperate, she strikes a deal with the wicked Prince of Hearts.
• Author: Stephanie Garber
• Release Date: September 28, 2021
• Why Read: Dive into a whimsical, magical world filled with intrigue, deception, and a heart-wrenching romance that explores the lengths one will go for love.

• Synopsis: January Andrews, a romance writer, and Augustus Everett, a literary fiction author, are opposites. They challenge each other to swap genres for the summer, leading to unexpected discoveries about love and life.
• Author: Emily Henry
• Release Date: May 19, 2020
• Why Read: It's a touching and humourous look at the healing power of love, perfect for anyone who loves stories about writers finding their muse in the least likely places.

• Synopsis: Poppy’s life has never been her own. As the Maiden, she's forbidden to be touched, spoken to, or even seen. But when she meets Hawke, a guard with mysterious intentions, her life takes a dangerous turn.
• Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
• Release Date: March 30, 2020
• Why Read: This fantasy romance offers an addictive mix of passion, betrayal, and a heroine's journey to uncover her strength and destiny.

• Synopsis: After serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to her hometown seeking redemption and a chance to reconnect with her daughter, but not everyone is willing to welcome her back.
• Author: Colleen Hoover
• Release Date: January 18, 2022
• Why Read: It's a story of forgiveness, redemption, and the unbreakable bonds of love, showcasing Hoover's ability to tug at heartstrings.

• Synopsis: Single mom Jess Davis is sceptical about love until she submits a DNA sample to a matchmaking company and is matched with its founder, Dr. River Peña, with an unheard-of compatibility score.
• Author: Christina Lauren
• Release Date: May 18, 2021
• Why Read: This novel brilliantly combines romance with a touch of science, resulting in a unique, heartwarming tale about finding love in unexpected ways.

• Synopsis: Cassie Hanwell, one of the only female firefighters in her Texas firehouse, is forced to confront her past and embrace vulnerability when she moves to Boston and meets the charming rookie, Owen.
• Author: Katherine Center
• Release Date: August 13, 2019
• Why Read: It's an inspiring story of courage, forgiveness, and the different forms love can take, perfect for readers who enjoy strong female protagonists.

• Synopsis: Macy Sorensen is settling into an ambitious if emotionally tepid life when she runs into Elliot Petropoulos, her first love, and everything she buried years ago comes flooding back.
• Author: Christina Lauren
• Release Date: April 10, 2018
• Why Read: This beautifully written novel explores the enduring impact of first love and the paths life can take us on, blending past and present with unforgettable emotion.

• Synopsis: When Viola Carroll survives Waterloo, she seizes the chance to live as her true self. She becomes Lady Marleigh, and her path crosses with her old friend, the Duke of Gracewood, sparking an unexpected romance.
• Author: Alexis Hall
• Release Date: May 24, 2022
• Why Read: This historical romance offers a fresh and uplifting take on love and identity, challenging societal norms with grace and heart.

• Synopsis: Naomi runs away to a small town to escape a jilted marriage, only to find herself mixed up with Knox, a man with his own troubled past. Together, they confront their issues and find that sometimes, love is worth fighting for.
• Author: Lucy Score
• Release Date: January 12, 2022
• Why Read: It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, blending humour, drama, and romance, perfect for readers who enjoy complex characters and heartwarming redemption arcs.

Most Anticipated Romance Books for 2024

From the enchanting tales of rekindled love to the exhilarating journeys of unexpected connections, this year's lineup of romance books promises stories that speak to the romantic in all of us. Prepare to be whisked away by love stories that are as compelling as they are swoon-worthy.

• Synopsis: Daphne's fiancé Peter leaves her for his childhood friend Petra, leading Daphne to start anew in Waning Bay, Michigan. She becomes roommates with Petra’s ex, Miles, and they form a friendship and a misleading social media plan.
• Author: Emily Henry
• Release Date: April 23, 2024
• Why Read: It's a humourous and heartfelt journey of unexpected love, proving life’s most beautiful stories often begin with a twist.

• Synopsis: Henry Turner, college junior and reluctant hockey team captain, teams up with academic star Halle Jacobs to tackle his academic and athletic challenges, sparking an unintended romance.
• Author: Hannah Grace
• Release Date: June 4, 2024
• Why Read: This book offers a delightful mix of academic rivalry and unexpected love, perfect for fans of college romance and slow-burn love stories.

• Synopsis: Sports agent Nora Mackenzie and NFL star Derek Pender, her college ex, navigate their past and a sudden marriage after a night in Vegas, turning revenge into romance.
• Author: Sarah Adams
• Release Date: April 2, 2024
• Why Read: Combining sports, second chances, and unexpected love, this story is ideal for readers who enjoy romantic comedies with a twist.

• Synopsis: Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard, bound by a past tragedy, reunite in LA's writers' room, confronting secrets and a chance for love amidst professional challenges.
• Author: Yulia Kuang
• Release Date: April 9, 2024
• Why Read: A deep dive into healing, forgiveness, and rekindled love, this novel appeals to those who appreciate emotional depth and complex relationships.

• Synopsis: Soledad Barnes, after a life upheaval, rediscovers herself and faces a forbidden attraction, questioning if she can trust in love again.
• Author: Kennedy Ryan
• Release Date: March 5, 2024
• Why Read: It's a powerful tale of resilience, self-discovery, and the unexpected paths to new beginnings, perfect for readers looking for inspiration and romance.

• Synopsis: Aspiring screenwriter Emma Wheeler clashes and connects with cynical screenwriter Charlie Yates in LA, challenging and changing each other’s views on love and life.
• Author: Katherine Centre
• Release Date: June 11, 2024
• Why Read: This engaging story blends the magic of rom-coms with real-life romance, ideal for those who delight in love stories.

• Synopsis: June and Levi, reuniting after years apart, fake a relationship for mutual benefit, leading to real feelings amidst viral fame.
• Author: Emma Lord
• Release Date: August 13, 2024
• Why Read: A fun and heartfelt exploration of friendship, love, and the blurred lines between the two, great for fans of fake dating tropes.

• Synopsis: Biotech engineer Rue Siebert and businessman Eli Killgore navigate a secret affair amidst a corporate takeover, challenging their beliefs about love and loyalty.
• Author: Ali Hazelwood
• Release Date: June 11, 2024
• Why Read: For those who enjoy a mix of science, corporate intrigue, and a steamy, no-strings-attached romance that defies expectations.

• Synopsis: Tattoo artist Nova Porter and investment banker Charlie Milford explore a no-strings-attached arrangement that evolves beyond their intentions.
• Author: H.K Borison
• Release Date: July 16, 2024
• Why Read: A compelling narrative of opposites attracting, making for a perfect read for those who cherish stories of unexpected connections and love.

• Synopsis: Former golf star Wells Whitaker and his biggest fan, Josephine Doyle, embark on a partnership that leads to love, challenging both their futures.
• Author: Tess Bailey
• Release Date: February 13, 2024
• Why Read: Ideal for readers who enjoy sports romance with a twist, showcasing how passion and support can turn into a love story against all odds.

We’ve given you a look into the very best romance books and romance novels that promise to captivate, enchant and evoke the deepest of emotions.

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