Indulge in Intense Emotions: 25 Must-Read Romance Books for Adults
Introduction to Romance Books for Adults
Romance books have always been a popular genre. They have always captivated readers with their to-fall-for characters, intense dialogue, and heartwarming stories.
For adults, romance books offer a way to escape into a world of powerful emotions and passionate love stories.
Whether you are a long-time fan of romance novels or new to the genre, this post will introduce you to some of the best romance books for adults that will make you fall in love with reading all over again.
Benefits of Reading Romance Books
- Firstly, romance novels provide a much-needed escape from the stress and monotony of everyday life.
- The captivating plots and well-developed characters allow readers to immerse themselves in a world where love conquers all.
- Secondly, romance novels can be a source of inspiration and empowerment.
- They often feature strong, independent heroines who overcome obstacles and find true love. This can serve as a reminder that love and happiness are within reach for everyone.
- Lastly, reading romance books can improve emotional well-being by evoking a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to heartache and longing.
This emotional journey can be cathartic and provide a sense of emotional release.
This particular list that I have curated for you does not strictly adhere to the romance genre. In the sense that these books may majorly be in another genre – like mystery, or fantasy but the emotional connection in the story for me was the highlight that kept me hooked to the book. And that is why it belongs here on the list, in my opinion.
You may find a steamy romance or a dispassionate one, a fantastical romance, a same-sex romance or a historical one, a romance between a husband and wife because it’s cute, or a romance between an employer and an employee.
It’s all in there, just take your pick, and let’s get started.
Tip : Many of the below featured books are available on Amazon's Kindle Unlimited Subscription for free or at very reduced prices.
Some of these books are also available for free on Audible.
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Top 25 Must-Read Romance Books for Adults
This isn’t classically a love story. But after reading the book you will feel a magical sense of well-being and calm and happiness. This is primarily due to the overflowing love and bonding between the fascinating characters in this short novella.
This captivating and magical fantasy novel tells the story of two star-crossed lovers from rival magical families who must navigate the challenges of their forbidden love.
The son of the First Lady of the United States falls for the grandson of Her Majesty the Queen. What could be more aristocratic, more complicated and so much fun? This is by far my favorite LGBTQ love story that has some intense love-making scenes.
Set in a picturesque coastal town, this heartwarming tale follows a young woman who discovers a deep connection with a mysterious stranger. The Gothic atmosphere, the couple’s devoted love for each other, and the spooky mystery attract readers young and old.
Don’t they always tell us that we should get out of our comfort zone? Well, the couple in this story do just that by deciding to switch the genres they usually write about as authors. They both want to complete their novels and are living as neighbors with the sole purpose of ending their writer’s block.
A bike accident causes Will to lose the ability in all his limbs. He becomes wheelchair bound. He had big dreams for himself. But Louisa who is now employed to take care of Will always wanted very simple things from life. They couldn’t be more unlike each other. But don’t they say opposites attract?
Another favorite of mine from the LGBTQ list mostly for the charming and truly innocent protagonists. You will rarely find a reader who reads this graphic novel and does not fall in love with one of the characters. Another highlight of this graphic series is the detailed way in which the Gay couple handles all the challenges of a gay couple.
A world very different from ours. The world of Geisha is beautiful to look at, but heart-breaking once you get to know it. You get to see very clearly the two sides of the same coin. One respectful, humble and appreciative. The other fiercely competitive, revengeful and deceitful.
I specially recommend this Lesbian love story in the form of a graphic novel that talks about loneliness, distrust and suicide, because it is a milestone, IMHO, in the graphic novels literary history of India.
Powerful Romance Novels Adults Can Read
Classic friends-to-lovers story. These two friends meet every year during Halloween to work at a pumpkin patch. What is different this year is they know it is the last time they will meet before they move to college.
This thrilling romance combines elements of suspense and mystery as a woman finds herself caught between two dangerous men. A love triangle with plenty of secrets and the rugged and bewitching landscape adds to the glory of the plot.
A story of historical romance where a child learns about her mother’s secret and her surreptitious inheritance of a beautiful Tuscan vineyard. This book reads like a glass of old wine.
A gay love story with a love triangle where a boy and his sister secretly fall in love with their new and charming tenant. He is almost perfect, and yet has neither history nor background. But the family’s life is turned askew when he decides to run away with the sister.
Divorce is not exactly a negative word, or the beginning of a downfall. It can be the quest for the one true love. This powerful novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid is an impactful reminder that love can be received in various forms and however much wealth one acquires it is meaningless without a close/special one to share it with.
15. Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Nora is not your typical heroine. She is a cut-throat literary agent who means business. And Charlie also comes from the world of books, being an editor, and a complete city person. But they meet in a small village near the Falls and then they might just become a typical love story from the books.
16. Verity by Colleen Hoover
This one is another spooky mystery like Rebecca by Daphne De Maurier. The heroine in the story, Lowen, lands a job at the house of a popular novelist to ghostwrite her unfinished work. The work was left unfinished due to an accident. But what she finds instead is an unpublished autobiography that has spine-chilling secrets and the details of the mysterious accident. This novel comes with a complex twist in the end, that is truly entertaining.
17. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Another boy-loves-boy who is forbidden love story, this time a retelling of the Greek masterpiece, The Illiad. The adventure and the passion in the story are all to die for, and classic-lovers are in for a real treat with a story and characters as mesmerizing as the original. The bravery, the power, the sacrifice will all transport you to another time, in another place.
Best Love Stories for adults to escape the real world
18. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
A classic story of haters to lovers. They sit across from each other at the office, but can’t stand the sight of each other and now they are being pitched against one another for a coveted project. But suddenly realization dawns upon them that maybe, just maybe, they don’t really hate each other. Dislike is more like it or maybe they actually like each other. And so it goes.
19. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Picture this. You have to go on your sister’s all-expenses paid honeymoon to a lovely beach city with the groom’s best man. Because the bride and groom are down with a contagious disease that makes you vomit green all over the place. Devastating but alluring isn’t it? That’s the plot of this quirky love story.
20. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Romance between characters of neurodiversity. It’s hilarious. It feels like a warm hot chocolate on a cold, windy day. Don’t expect any steaminess or sultry scenes here. Just pure human innocence and the joy of finding you’re in love. The one unexpected things that everyone expects will someday happen to them.
Intensely Emotional Books
21. Less by Andrew Sean Greer
Another feel-good story. Arthur Less always feels just that about himself. That he is less. That he is not deserving of happiness. And so to avoid his ex’s marriage he goes on a world tour attending insignificant literary events only to find out that love is right next to him.
22. It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
If you are someone who loves the sea as much as the sailor and his boat, this romance story is the perfect brew for you. A wisely-told story with realistic characters, who like mature people, talk and discuss and solve underlying problems, instead of just brooding over them alone and overthinking every possible scenario. I hate those kind of stories.
23. Happy Place by Emily Henry
Classic exes to lovers story. Harriet and Wyn are friends in a group of six. Eventually, they become a couple, stay so for eight years, and then break up. Now when there is a reunion of friends planned, both of them are terrified to face each other. Will they be able to tolerate each other? Be cool with each other and move on. Or just have flashbacks of what they once had and could have?
24. Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
Love story plus magical realism and the real problems of migrants in a war-torn country gives you Exit West. It is in no way a typical romance, but you feel the emotions, the passion, the attraction, and the desperation. Moreover, the realistic scenario of how love fades when fighting for existential crisis, despite spending all your time together has been shown beautifully in this Booker Prize-winning book.
25. Those Pricey Thakur Girls by Anuja Chauhan
"Those Pricey Thakur Girls" by Anuja Chauhan is a captivating story of love, family, and societal expectations in 1980s Delhi.
Centered around the vivacious Thakur sisters, the novel navigates their romantic escapades, sibling dynamics, and the intricacies of their sprawling household.
Anuja Chauhan's witty prose and vivid characterizations breathe life into this charming narrative, blending humor with poignant moments. Set against a backdrop of societal transformations, the novel skillfully captures the essence of an era.
The story is a heartwarming tale that resonates with readers, making it a must-read for those seeking a delightful literary escape.
Conclusion: Why Romance Books for Adults are a Must-Read
Romance books for adults offer a unique reading experience filled with intense emotions, memorable characters, and captivating love stories.
Whether you're seeking an escape from reality, inspiration, or a rollercoaster of emotions, or like me you just want to indulge in good humor and banter the world of romance novels has something to offer every reader.
So, grab a copy of one of these must-read romance books mentioned above and indulge in a world of passion, love, and heartfelt emotions. Happy reading!
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