It’s February and romance is in the air!
With Valentine’s Day almost here I thought it would be appropriate to do a recommendation of our 5 best romance novels that are worthy of reading. We have thoroughly enjoyed these romance novels and consider them to be in at least the top 100 best romance novels of all time.
If you like to read romance novels, this list will definitely satisfy your mood for romance!
Here’s some of our favorite romance novels. They are not in any particular order. Book covers will take you to Amazon for more info.
1. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.
This NY Times bestseller is now adapted into a Starz original series. See our review here. This love story has won over millions of fans.
Set in Scotland, the story is about Claire Beauchamp Randall who travels back almost 200 years to 1743 and falls in love with highland Jamie Fraser. Outlander is a page-turning romance of epic proportions, and packed with adventure in a historical setting.
2. Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell.
You’ve probably seen the iconic movie Gone With The Wind. If you love the movie you’ll probably will love the book more!
Gone With The Wind was published in 1936 and is one of the best selling books of all time, not to mention a winner of the Pulitzer Prize.
This is an amazing tale of Scarlet O’Hara, daughter of a plantation owner who comes of age as the American Civil War begins, and her tumultuous romance with Rhett Butler.
Powerful story line with a cast of wonderful memorable characters, this book is a classic. Who doesn’t remember these lines?
“Tomorrow, I’ll think of some way to get him back. After all, tomorrow is another day.“
3. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks.
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks has also been adapted into a movie. Rightly so, as The Notebook is a poignant and powerful love story between Noah Calhoun and Allie Nelson. Their love is deep that he will always fight for her love. This book will pull your heart strings!
4. The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons.
The Bronze Horseman is an epic romance set in WWII Russia as Hitler’s armies invades the country. This tender and fierce love story is about Tatiana and Alexander in the brutal times of war.
5. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes.
Me Before You is another movie adaptation of the book. See our book review here.
This emotional roller coaster love story is about Louisa Clark and Will Traynor who have nothing in common. This heartbreaking love story is hilarious in parts but it’s also not the ‘happy ever after’ fairy tale and will leave you in tears.
Best Romance Novels
These 5 romance novels all have passion and love and you will want to devour and savor every moment. Do you like to read romance genre? Even if you don’t you should check these books out because the books are fantastic, and what’s not to love about love?
Not in the mood for romance? Check out some of our recommended thrillers here.
What are the best romance novels to read? Let us know what romance novels we should read!
Outlander and Gone with the Wind are both on my TBR and I really want to read them. I remember your review of the first one and how much you loved it. I also already have Me Before You and just haven’t read it yet. I need to get round to it :3
Hi Olivia!
I know how long your TBR is! I don’t read romance genre that often but I assure you that you’ll like the books.
Hey Dinh,
Just wanted to stop back by to thank you again. 🙂
I’m nearly finished with The Raven Cycle series and have loved every second!
I’m going over your list of the 5 best romance novels and am looking forward to tackling them all.
I have already ordered Outlander so it will be here when I’m done.
Your site has rekindled my passion for reading.
Hi Jeremy!
I am glad you enjoyed my recommendation. 🙂
I hope you enjoy Outlander as much as I do!
Happy Reading!
Nice post, things explained in details. Thank You.
Great list of the 5 best romance novels Dinh!
While romance is not my typical genre, I do enjoy a good love story from time to time. 🙂
I haven’t had the chance to read any of the books on your list, so I’m looking forward to checking them out.
Do you have any particular recommendations for romance novels that would appeal to men?
I’m also looking to start a new series in the fantasy genre. Something with swords, magic, warriors etc. Do you have any recommendations?
Thanks for your help Dinh!
Hi Jeremy!
I think men would enjoy Outlander, Gone With the Wind, and The Bronze Horseman. They have romance but also are historical. There are swords and guns and war going on in the book so it’s not your typical romance book. They are epic romances not just for women.
If you are looking for a series that involve magic in the fantasy genre, I would recommend The Raven Cycle series. It’s about 4 private school boys and a psychic’s daughter adventures in a mystic quest. No swords or warriors but magic. I hope that helps. 🙂
Awesome Dinh!
Thanks for the recommendations 🙂
Great choices! This is my first time hearing about The Bronze Horseman. I will definitely be adding that to my TBR. Happy belated Valentine’s Day Dinh.
I am glad that we have recommended something you haven’t heard before Lonna. The Bronze Horseman is a great historical romance.
My favorite is Outlander though. I just love the combination of time travel, historical setting and the romance.
What’s your favorite romance novel?
I’ve only read Outlander from your list. I was really curious about it and ended up buddy reading it. Sometimes buddy reading is more enjoyable than the book. I liked the protagonist, but wasn’t really that into the book.
Hello Alicia!
Oh I am surprised you didn’t enjoy it as much as I did. I absolutely love Outlander! The romance between Claire and Jamie is exceptional. 🙂
Do you have a romance that you’d recommend?
I really enjoyed Me Before You. Like you said, it was very funny and heartwarming and I know a lot of people have mixed opinions on it but I actually thought it was an easy to get through read.
Hi Emily!
I thought Me Before You was easy to read as well. It really stirred my emotions and I cried too.