Best of the Best Romance Books of All Time
The 70 "best of the best" romance books based on a meta-analysis of 26 best romance book lists.
After publishing the Best of the Best Romance Books of 2023 list last month, I decided to apply the same meta-analysis methodology to lists of the best romance books of all time.
And when I learned that The New York Times 100 Best Books of the 21st Century list didn't include any romance books, I was even more excited to do this analysis. Shout out to Sarah MacLean, who represented the genre well with her ballot!
Without further ado, I present the Best of the Best Romance Books of All Time: a meta-analysis of 26 best romance book lists to find out which books appeared on the most lists and can be named the best of the best.
Note: This list has been compiled based on research and should not be considered my own personal recommendations or endorsements.
The Data
To be included in the analysis, the lists had to be: 1) relatively recent (published in 2022 or later) and 2) free from obvious bias (for example, lists from specific publishers were not used).
Here are the 26 best romance book lists used in the meta-analysis:
- Audible
- Book & Bao
- Book Riot
- Books of Brilliance
- BuzzFeed
- Cosmopolitan
- Elle
- Fated Mates Discord Group
- Forbes
- Good Housekeeping
- Happy Mag
- Harper's Bazaar
- Kirkus Reviews
- New York Public Library
- Not Your Mom's Romance Book Club
- Oprah Daily (note: this list has since been updated)
- Parade
- ProWritingAid
- Reader's Digest
- Reddit Group r/RomanceBooks
- Romance Devoured
- She Reads Romance Books
- The Mary Sue
- The Wordy Habitat
- Time
- Zoosk
The Results
Based on my analysis, 70 books rose to the top and appeared on 4 or more best romance book lists. The top book, Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, appeared on 18 of the 26 lists!
Given that there are numerous ties on the list, the books are listed alphabetically by title within each tied group.
A few highlights:
- Duplicate authors: 8 authors have 2 books on the list – Alyssa Cole, Ali Hazelwood, Emily Henry, Talia Hibbert, Helen Hoang, Lisa Kleypas, Christina Lauren and Julia Quinn.
- Genre: roughly half of the books on the list are contemporary (47%) and a quarter are historical (27%), while the remaining quarter is comprised of fantasy/paranormal (13%), classic (7%), young adult (4%) and erotic (2%).
- Publish date: 76% of the books were published in the 21st century, 18% in the 20th century and 6% in the 19th century.
- Representation: 30% of the books have BIPOC representation and 10% have LGBTQ+ representation among the main characters.
- Series: 61% of the books are part of a series.
It's also debatable whether some of the books on the list should be categorized as romance – namely because they don't have an HEA (happily ever after), which is generally seen as a required element of romance books. However, this wasn't a consideration in my analysis.
In addition to the list in this blog post, I've created a few different versions of the list:
Spreadsheet (Google Sheets): for the data nerds! This has all the details about which lists the books appeared on. You can also use the checkmark column to tally how many you've read.
Simple list (PDF): for those who would like a simplified version for viewing or printing.
StoryGraph Reading Challenge: for StoryGraph users who want to track how many of the 70 books they've read.
Goodreads Group Bookshelf: for Goodreads users who want quick access to the list.
And now here is the list!
70 Best of the Best Romance Books of All Time
Note: Commissions may be earned from the links on this page.
1. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (2019)
Appeared on 18 lists | Contemporary
A witty, heartwarming romance between America’s First Son and a British prince, blending politics, secrets, and unexpected love with plenty of humor and charm.
2. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)
Appeared on 16 lists | Classic
Elizabeth Bennet clashes with the proud Mr. Darcy in this timeless tale of misunderstandings, social expectations, and finding true love in 19th-century England.
3. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (1991)
Appeared on 14 lists | Historical
A WWII nurse is mysteriously transported to 18th-century Scotland, where she’s torn between two men, two lives, and the dangers of a war-torn past.
4. Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert (2019)
Appeared on 12 lists | Contemporary
A chronically ill, quirky woman creates a list to "get a life" and enlists a charming artist to help, leading to unexpected romance and personal growth.
5. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang (2018)
Appeared on 12 lists | Contemporary
A brilliant but socially awkward woman hires a male escort to learn about dating and intimacy, leading to a heartwarming, steamy romance as they both find love unexpectedly.
6. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (1996)
Appeared on 12 lists | Historical
A heartwarming tale of timeless love, as Noah and Allie’s summer romance rekindles years later, defying social barriers and memory loss to prove love's enduring power.
7. Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021)
Appeared on 12 lists | Contemporary
Two writers reconnect after 15 years, reliving their past and sparking new love during a steamy week that changes everything.
8. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory (2018)
Appeared on 12 lists | Contemporary
A fake date to a wedding leads to real romance in this fun, flirtatious tale of chance encounters, diverse relationships, and irresistible chemistry.
9. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (1847)
Appeared on 11 lists | Classic
A governess finds love with her brooding employer, Mr. Rochester, but uncovers dark secrets that threaten their happiness in this gothic romance classic.
10. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall (2020)
Appeared on 10 lists | Contemporary
A fake relationship between a disgraced celebrity and an uptight lawyer blossoms into a delightful, heartfelt romance filled with British humor and charm.
11. Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman (2007)
Appeared on 9 lists | Contemporary
A passionate, bittersweet summer romance develops between two young men in Italy, exploring desire, heartbreak, and self-discovery in a deeply emotional narrative.
12. An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole (2017)
Appeared on 9 lists | Historical
A former slave turned spy and a Confederate officer join forces in a daring romance during the Civil War, full of danger, intrigue, and powerful love.
13. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (2016)
Appeared on 9 lists | Contemporary
Office rivals Lucy and Joshua engage in a fiery battle of wits that turns into an unexpected and steamy love story.
14. Indigo by Beverly Jenkins (1996)
Appeared on 8 lists | Historical
A fearless Underground Railroad conductor and a notorious agent find love while risking their lives for freedom during the tumultuous pre-Civil War era.
15. Vision in White by Nora Roberts (2009)
Appeared on 8 lists | Contemporary
A wedding photographer focused on work unexpectedly falls for a kindhearted teacher, discovering that love, like her photos, can capture life’s best moments.
16. Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas (2006)
Appeared on 7 lists | Historical
A shy heiress and a notorious rake enter a marriage of convenience that turns into an unexpectedly passionate and transformative love.
17. The Duke and I by Julia Quinn (2000)
Appeared on 7 lists | Historical
A fake courtship between Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings sparks a romance filled with humor, society pressures, and undeniable chemistry.
18. The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary (2019)
Appeared on 7 lists | Contemporary
Two strangers share a flat—and a bed—but never meet, leading to a charming, slow-burn romance through Post-it notes and witty exchanges.
19. Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase (1995)
Appeared on 7 lists | Historical
A fiery heroine tames a ruthless rake, igniting a passionate romance filled with wit, emotional depth, and irresistible charm.
20. Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean (2010)
Appeared on 7 lists | Historical
A rule-breaking spinster seeks adventure and finds love with a notorious rake in this fun, daring Regency romance.
21. Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh (2006)
Appeared on 7 lists | Fantasy/Paranormal
A Psy with forbidden emotions falls for a shapeshifter, igniting a dangerous, passionate romance in a world where love is a deadly risk.
22. Virgin River by Robyn Carr (2007)
Appeared on 7 lists | Contemporary
A nurse seeking a fresh start in a small town unexpectedly finds healing, community, and love with a former Marine.
23. Book Lovers by Emily Henry (2022)
Appeared on 6 lists | Contemporary
A cutthroat literary agent and her professional rival clash in a small-town romance filled with banter, bookish charm, and self-discovery.
24. A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera (2022)
Appeared on 6 lists | Historical
A spirited heiress and a Scottish Earl strike a marriage of convenience in 1889 Paris, blending passion, business, and culture in a dazzling romance.
25. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (2012)
Appeared on 6 lists | Young Adult
Two teens with cancer fall in love, exploring life, love, and loss in this heartbreaking yet life-affirming story of young romance.
26. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover (2016)
Appeared on 6 lists | Contemporary
Two teens with cancer fall in love, exploring life, love, and loss in this heartbreaking yet life-affirming story of young romance.
27. Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez (1985)
Appeared on 6 lists | Historical
A sweeping, poetic tale of unrequited love and devotion that spans decades, blending romance, time, and human longing in a magical realist world.
28. Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018)
Appeared on 6 lists | Contemporary
A complex, intimate portrayal of two friends navigating love, friendship, and personal growth from high school to adulthood, marked by emotional depth and social tension.
29. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (2011)
Appeared on 6 lists | Fantasy/Paranormal
A retelling of the epic love story between Achilles and Patroclus, weaving together mythology, passion, and tragedy in ancient Greece.
30. To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han (2014)
Appeared on 6 lists | Young Adult
Teenager Lara Jean’s secret love letters are accidentally mailed, turning her quiet life upside down in this sweet, heartwarming YA romance.
31. The Bride by Julie Garwood (1989)
Appeared on 5 lists | Historical
A headstrong Englishwoman marries a Scottish laird, sparking a passionate, fiery romance full of banter, adventure, and love in the Highlands.
32. Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding (1996)
Appeared on 5 lists | Contemporary
A hilarious, candid diary of a single woman navigating love, life, and self-improvement, while hilariously failing at all three.
33. The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston (2022)
Appeared on 5 lists | Contemporary
A romance ghostwriter who’s lost belief in love falls for a charming ghost, blending supernatural whimsy and heartwarming romance.
34. Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake (2022)
Appeared on 5 lists | Contemporary
A free-spirited photographer returns to her hometown and unexpectedly falls for a single mom, sparking a steamy, emotional queer romance.
35. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell (2012)
Appeared on 5 lists | Young Adult
Two misfit teens bond over music and comics, discovering first love in an unforgettable, bittersweet high school romance.
36. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (1936)
Appeared on 5 lists | Classic
A sweeping Southern epic of love, war, and survival, following the indomitable Scarlett O’Hara through the Civil War and its aftermath.
37. Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola (2022)
Appeared on 5 lists | Contemporary
A sharp-tongued radio host fakes a relationship with a playboy, only to fall into a fun, passionate romance against her own rules.
38. It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey (2021)
Appeared on 5 lists | Contemporary
A spoiled socialite and a gruff fisherman clash, then fall in love in this spicy, opposites-attract romance in a small coastal town.
39. Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood (2023)
Appeared on 5 lists | Contemporary
A theoretical physicist fakes a relationship with a rival scientist, igniting a witty, nerdy romance full of passion and intellect.
40. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (2012)
Appeared on 5 lists | Contemporary
A quirky caregiver forms an unexpected bond with a paralyzed man, challenging both of their lives in this poignant, tear-jerking love story.
41. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (1855)
Appeared on 5 lists | Classic
A tale of class conflict and slow-burn romance between a proud Northern mill owner and a Southern woman during England’s industrial revolution.
42. Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez (2022)
Appeared on 5 lists | Contemporary
A city doctor and a small-town carpenter fall in love, battling family expectations and life’s obstacles in this heartfelt romance.
43. This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone (2019)
Appeared on 5 lists | Fantasy/Paranormal
Two time-traveling rivals from opposing factions exchange secret letters, leading to an epic, poetic love story across time and space.
44. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough (1977)
Appeared on 5 lists | Historical
An epic multi-generational saga of forbidden love, family drama, and passion in the Australian outback.
45. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2005)
Appeared on 5 lists | Fantasy/Paranormal
A high school girl falls for a mysterious vampire, igniting a love triangle and supernatural drama in this wildly popular series.
46. The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn (2000)
Appeared on 5 lists | Historical
A determined viscount seeks a marriage of convenience but falls for his intended bride’s sharp-tongued sister in this witty, romantic Bridgerton novel.
47. When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare (2015)
Appeared on 5 lists | Historical
A shy woman invents a fake Scottish fiancé—who turns out to be real, leading to an adventurous, funny romance full of charm.
48. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (1847)
Appeared on 5 lists | Classic
A dark, tempestuous tale of obsessive love, revenge, and passion set on the windswept moors of England.
49. You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi (2022)
Appeared on 5 lists | Contemporary
A grieving woman finds herself drawn into a risky, passionate love affair, exploring healing, art, and sensuality in a bold, modern romance.
50. Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert (2021)
Appeared on 4 lists | Contemporary
A chaotic, lovable woman accidentally injures a grumpy B&B owner and ends up working for him, sparking an opposites-attract romance full of charm and humor.
51. Bared to You by Sylvia Day (2012)
Appeared on 4 lists | Erotic
Two broken souls, Gideon and Eva, ignite a steamy, intense romance while battling their emotional scars and past traumas in this addictive, erotic love story.
52. Beach Read by Emily Henry (2020)
Appeared on 4 lists | Contemporary
A romance author and a literary fiction writer swap genres for the summer, discovering love and second chances in a heartwarming, witty romance.
53. The Bride Test by Helen Hoang (2019)
Appeared on 4 lists | Contemporary
A Vietnamese-American man on the autism spectrum finds love with a woman his mother picks for him, challenging both their hearts in a sweet, emotional romance.
54. Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore (2019)
Appeared on 4 lists | Historical
A suffragist clashes—and falls for—a powerful Duke while fighting for women’s rights in a witty, feminist historical romance.
55. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (2015)
Appeared on 4 lists | Fantasy/Paranormal
A human girl is dragged into the faerie world, where she faces dangerous trials, epic battles, and unexpected love in this fantasy romance.
56. Dark Lover by J.R. Ward (2005)
Appeared on 4 lists | Fantasy/Paranormal
The leader of a vampire warrior race finds love with a half-breed woman, igniting a passionate, dangerous romance in the first of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.
57. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness (2011)
Appeared on 4 lists | Fantasy/Paranormal
A witch and a vampire uncover ancient secrets and forbidden love while navigating academic intrigue and magical conflicts.
58. Hate to Want You by Alisha Rai (2017)
Appeared on 4 lists | Contemporary
Former lovers torn apart by family betrayals find themselves unable to resist each other in this steamy, emotional second-chance romance.
59. Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren (2018)
Appeared on 4 lists | Contemporary
Two quirky friends with nothing in common try to set each other up with dates but fall in love instead, in this hilarious, heartwarming romance.
60. A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux (1989)
Appeared on 4 lists | Historical
A time-traveling knight from the 16th century appears to rescue a modern woman, leading to a love story that transcends time.
61. Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel (1989)
Appeared on 4 lists | Historical
A magical tale of forbidden love, family tradition, and culinary passion, where emotions are literally infused into food.
62. Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan (2018)
Appeared on 4 lists | Contemporary
A gripping, emotional romance between a basketball star and a woman trapped in an abusive relationship, filled with intense love and resilience.
63. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood (2021)
Appeared on 4 lists | Contemporary
A fake relationship between a Ph.D. student and her professor turns into real love, blending science, humor, and heart.
64. Marrying Winterborne by Lisa Kleypas (2016)
Appeared on 4 lists | Historical
A shy heiress and a ruthless businessman discover passion and vulnerability in this historical romance filled with wit and emotional depth.
65. The Princess Bride by William Goldman (1973)
Appeared on 4 lists | Fantasy/Paranormal
A swashbuckling, fairy-tale adventure of true love, revenge, and humor, where a farm boy must rescue his beloved princess.
66. A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole (2018)
Appeared on 4 lists | Contemporary
A grad student discovers she’s betrothed to an African prince, leading to a modern royal romance full of surprises and feminist twists.
67. The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren (2021)
Appeared on 4 lists | Contemporary
A data-driven match based on DNA leads a single mom to question fate and science when sparks fly with her perfect match.
68. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (2003)
Appeared on 4 lists | Fantasy/Paranormal
A unique love story between a man who uncontrollably time-travels and the woman who waits for him, exploring love across time and tragedy.
69. Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught (1985)
Appeared on 4 lists | Historical
A fiery romance between a strong-willed beauty and an arrogant duke, full of passion, misunderstandings, and reconciliation in Regency England.
70. You Had Me At Hola by Alexis Daria (2020)
Appeared on 4 lists | Contemporary
Two Latinx telenovela stars fake a relationship for their careers, but their off-screen chemistry leads to real love in this heartfelt, fun romance.
In addition to the list in this blog post, I've created a few different versions of the list:
Spreadsheet (Google Sheets): for the data nerds! This has all the details about which lists the books appeared on. You can also use the checkmark column to tally how many you've read.
Simple list (PDF): for those who would like a simplified version for viewing or printing.
StoryGraph Reading Challenge: for StoryGraph users who want to track how many of the 70 books they've read.
Goodreads Group Bookshelf: for Goodreads users who want quick access to the list.