20 Best Romantic Fiction Novels | Our Top Romance Books

Romantic fiction is one of the few genres that spans the entire range of human emotions.

Whether you're looking for a sweeping historical romance, a poignant coming-of-age novel, a witty romantic comedy or a heart-wrenching story that lingers long after the final page, we’ve put together 20 of the best romantic fiction books across five categories: romance classics, contemporary romantic fiction, historical romance, romances from Australian authors and romantic tear-jerkers.  

Romance classics

Romantic classics prove that some love stories never go out of style. This collection celebrates those that continue to resonate with readers through memorable characters and timeless emotions.

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Audrey Niffenegger's genre-bending novel follows Henry, a man whose genetic condition propels him unpredictably through time, and Clare, the artist who has loved him since childhood and waits patiently for their paths to align. It's a love story built on fate and the unbearable ache of time neither of them can control.

Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James

The book that brought erotic fiction to the mainstream. Literature student Anastasia Steele falls into an intense, all-consuming relationship with the enigmatic, controlling entrepreneur Christian Grey. She soon finds herself drawn into a world of desire and secrets far outside anything she's known.

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

The beloved teen romance series follows Belly, who spends every summer at the beach house of her family’s closest friends. As the Fisher brothers start to see how much she’s grown up, Belly becomes torn between Conrad, the one who’s always had her heart, and Jeremiah, the best friend who’s always noticed her.

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

When a reclusive, scandal-shrouded heiress invites journalist Alice to Little Crescent Island for an interview, she knows this assignment could be her big break. The catch is she’s competing with a rival writer to land the story. While the truth is a mystery the pair are trying to untangle, what’s clear is that the chemistry between them is palpable.

Contemporary romantic fiction

If you enjoy a good comfort read or feel up for a laugh-out-loud rom-com, these modern romances have got you covered.

My Favourite Mistake by Marian Keyes

When Anna’s seemingly perfect life in New York falls apart, she finds herself back living with her parents in Dublin with no job and no plan. She takes on a small-town PR crisis that might just help her fall back in love with life and possibly with someone from her past.

This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

Every summer on Prince Edward Island, Lucy fights her undeniable, complicated attraction to her best friend and roommate Bridget’s brother. Six years of secrets and stolen moments come to a head when Lucy realises she can't keep circling back to Felix forever. Forced into each other’s orbit again, she’s torn between her feelings for him and loyalty to her friend.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

This acclaimed novel tells the story of childhood friends Sam and Sadie as they embark on a career together in video game design. Spanning decades of a creative partnership, it’s not a traditional romance, but a story about deep platonic love and connection in all its forms.

Good Material by Dolly Alderton

Andy can't understand why Jen has left him. The novel follows his version of the breakup before handing the story to Jen, revealing just how differently two people can remember the same relationship.

Historical romances

Full of atmosphere and historical detail, these titles prove that the most memorable love stories transcend all eras.[Text Wrapping Break] 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Jane Austen’s classic follows the sharp-witted Elizabeth Bennet and the haughty, dark Mr Darcy as they slowly overcome initial impressions and misconceptions, creating one of the most iconic romances in literature.

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Joan Goodwin has worked for years to earn her place in NASA's space shuttle program. Amid the pressures of training and spaceflight, she finds herself falling for another astronaut, but a fateful space flight tests their relationship. 

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

This sweeping saga follows Claire Randall, a WWII nurse who is mysteriously transported back to 18th-century Scotland, where she falls for the Highland warrior Jamie Fraser and is caught between two eras and two loves. 

The Soldier’s Daughter by Fiona McIntosh 

Shattered by his experiences in the First World War, Charlie Nash relocates from Scotland to Tasmania with his daughter Violet, hoping to begin again by building a whisky distillery. Years later, as another war looms, bringing an emotional reunion for Charlie, Violet must forge a future of her own

Romances from Australian authors

There’s something special about a love story set close to home. Set in some familiar landscapes and with distinctly Australian voices, these novels offer romances that feel authentic and relatable. 

Love Unleashed by Melanie Saward

When Brynn Wallace, a proud Bigambul woman, leaves Brisbane to pursue her dreams in New York City, she doesn’t expect to find herself working at a doggy daycare. Guided by a list of challenges left by her late mother, Brynn forms new friendships and begins falling for a handsome dog dad who may not be quite what he seems.[Text Wrapping Break] 

Wrong Answers Only by Tobias Madden

When Marco, who has always done everything right, is sent to live on a Mediterranean cruise ship with his estranged uncle, he’s encouraged by his best friend CeCe to get a few things wrong for once. It’s a journey of hook-ups and self-discovery set on the high seas.

The Lightning Ridge Ladies by Fiona McArthur

After the death of her twin brother, whose body was never found, Dr Bella Grey leaves the city for the outback opal-mining town of Lightning Ridge. A fresh start proves harder than expected when an enigmatic and handsome miner seems to know more about her brother's fate than he's willing to say.

After the Siren by Darcy Green

What begins as a rivalry between teammates, Theo and Jake’s relationship develops into an unexpected romance, made more complicated by Jake’s reluctance to become the first AFL player to come out publicly.

Romantic tear-jerkers 

For readers in the mood for an emotional read, these books will have you reaching for the tissues. 

A Thousand Broken Pieces by Tillie Cole

Savannah and Cael are two grieving teenagers who meet on a therapeutic trip for young people coping with loss. As they open up to each other, they begin to find an unexpected path back to hope and maybe to love. 

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Lou Clark takes a job caring for Will Traynor, a once-adventurous man who is left paralysed after an accident. As they grow close, she’s determined to show him that life is still worth living. 

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Sixteen-year-old Hazel, who is living with terminal cancer, reluctantly attends a support group at her mother’s urging. There, she meets seventeen-year-old Gus, who is in remission. Despite the challenges they face, the novel follows the two as they fall in love.

The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros  

After a soldier dies in combat, his final letter asks his best friend Beckett to care for his sister Ella and her children. What begins as an act of loyalty slowly becomes something much deeper.

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