by Sinead Onyx
Romance novels have become hot favourites for readers everywhere and for all the right reasons – it has laughter, intimacy and drama, but the best ones are so well written they make you feel like you’re falling in love all over again. Whatever you prefer there is a romantic book for you out there, whether historical romance or contemporary love.
Modern day love stories are not all ‘a guy on a horse rescues a girl’ but stories about ups and downs, hardships, racial diversity and happiness making it relatable enough for the most cynical of us to believe in true love. We’ve narrowed down a mix of romantic books for you to lose yourself into.
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
“I honestly love this book to the point I can’t put it to words. Even though Ryle is set out sort of as a bad guy, there’s still an understanding of why he is the way he is, and that he isn’t that bad guy, he’s just one with mistakes. This book also has some really good messages that I would hold so close to my heart. Therefore I definitely recommend this book. But I will warn you that there’s abusive relationship(s) in this. Though the book fits into many great tropes like best friend’s brother, first lover to lover, and “I never liked anyone until you.” Though I did sort of struggle on imagining the characters because the features were only mentioned about once or twice in the book. So the character development sort of has to be worked on, but I understand throughout the book you learn more about the characters so I liked that.” — Janese
Nine Lives by Danielle Steel
“What an awesome reading experience! I’m a true Danielle Steel fan…probably one of most faithful ones! This book kept me reading page after page without being able to stop until the very last page with tears streaming so heavily that I could barely read the words on my kindle!!!! I, too, have experienced a second chance with my first true love & we just recently celebrated our 35th anniversary. Even though this book was entirely fictional, God truly does give some people a second chance to reunite with their soulmate” — Norma
The Wish by Nicholas Sparks
“I very rarely write reviews, I just rate. But I just had to write one one this book. I have never been disappointed by any of Nicholas Sparks book. I couldn’t put this one down. Such an endearing story. I so hope this one is made into a movie. I feel in love with Maggie as a young girl, a grown woman and as the story unfolds with her life. I cried and cried and will probably read it over and over again as I do many of Nicholas book. Well worth my time and tears. Thank you so MUCH Nicholas for such a touching story.” — Jan
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
“I was not expecting so many emotions… I laughed. I cried. I cringed. I rejoiced. I couldn’t put the book down. Silly me for starting so late in the afternoon, I read it all at once. I was hesitant to give the book a full 5 stars, something made me want to pull back but I knew I loved it more than 4… so I just rounded up. The story did not feel rushed and I love the dual POV. Tessa Bailey paints a beautiful picture with her words. I knew from social media that this book was a bit… spicy. And yeah it was. And girl, I was not expecting the dirty talk. I’m grateful not every scene was a sex scene and that their intimacy only enhances the relationship and story instead of being the sole reason we all read the book. Anyhoo definitely a cute story and can’t wait to read what happened with Fox and Hannah!” — Abigail
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
“I am a very prolific reader of love stories and yet, I have found a scant few that have made me as happy as this one. The characters were wonderfully whole. The main cast felt alive, and it never felt as if the author was falling into stereotypes to hurry her story along. The tropes used were intentional and brought me, as a reader, into the story. I felt like I was in on a genre wide inside joke. I can already tell that this will be a favorite of mine. I can’t wait to reread and I am looking forward to anything Hazelwood releases in the future.” — E. K
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins
“if i’ve ever recommended a book, it’s this one. complex and heartbreaking. as someone who mostly reads mystery/crime, it had just enough mystery to reel me in and the story kept me flipping through the pages. as some other reviews say, i do NOT agree that this is pushing any kind of narrative or using sexual orientation or race to seem edgy. i think it’s very well done.” — Ashley
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
“Lots of people will take this opportunity to describe what happens in this book, so I won’t. What I will say is that I read it in a single sitting and enjoyed it immensely. The story that starts out is not the story that the author ends up telling. What I will say is that this is such a new twist on stepmothers and second wives, that that alone makes it worth reading.” — Carina
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
“Truly enjoyed reading this book. This is the 1st time I’m reading a novel from this author and I can’t wait to read her other books..”
”I loved the friendship between Danny and Bella. It reminds me of my old high school friends and how close we were, growing up. A story of a very successful and accomplished lawyer who worked really hard everyday to achieve what she always wanted to achieve And despite her detailed level planning for her life, things Did not not turn out the way she had planned originally. I wish there was a second book. I’m curious to know how she would go about the new life.” — Ros
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
“The Unhoneymooners is a fantastic enemies to lovers story. Olive and Ethan are unique characters and a perfect match. I adored the animosity between them and all the amazing banter. I had a lot of fun reading this book. The story line was unique and had me engaged from the first page. These two had the kind of chemistry that lights up the pages. I really enjoyed Ami and Dane’s roles in the story. There was so much unfolding between them. It was hard to put it down. I always enjoy the storytelling by Christina Lauren.” — Marcy
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
“This story sparkles with clever dialogue and stunning writing! Alex and Poppy at first seem the opposite of each other but as time goes by, they learn how much their minds are in sync. I love the way the author builds the story with flashes back to the past interspersed with the present. Ms. Henry hasn’t disappointed me in the past and has really come through with this one as well!” — Kurt