24 best romance novels

All unforgettable love stories start with the same basic ingredients: two people and an undeniable connection. The best romance novels turn these simple foundations into breathtaking stories—and maybe make you fall a little in love yourself.

Romance as a genre is more nuanced than it’s given credit for, and it’s not as far removed from literature with a capital L 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.) Just like the most romantic movies, romance novels can rely on tropes: the grumpy male lead with a heart of gold, the serendipitous meet-cute, 99.99% guaranteed happy ending, and so on. But what sets the best romance novels apart from the good ones is the way they update and reinvent those trademark features, 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 good love story. Read on for 24 of the best romance novels that are so captivating you’ll feel like you’ve been carried away with the couple in the lead roles.