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Romance novels have become one of the most powerful forms of storytelling today. And if Netflix adapts People We Meet On Vacation any indication, we may be headed for a reboot of the rom-com movie, which feels frankly outdated.
You might argue that love never needed to be “returned,” and you would be right. Love has four always here I was, dominating the bestseller lists and carrying the publishing industry on its back. But something feels different right now. What we’re witnessing isn’t just solid marketing or adaptation—a cultural moment in which romance books are finally being valued for what they’ve always been.
17 Romance Books That Will Be Popular This Time
At their core, these stories touch on many human things: risk, desire, independence, and how love explodes against society’s expectations. They give us a safe place to feel under complex circumstances, challenge tired stigmas, and—especially for women—see our emotional lives displayed honestly and respectfully. That is more important than we sometimes give it credit for.
And yes, romance is a great escape—and my favorite to turn to when I need to snap out of a reading slump. From the cotton candy you inhale on the weekend to the rich, layered reading savored chapter by chapter, there’s something deeply comforting about entering a world where anything is possible—and where the end almost always delivers.
But more than just escapism, love letters show something hopeful for all of us. As Emily Henry eloquently puts it, “Sometimes I see students brush off their love of love as if they’re just ‘getting away,’ but I honestly think that diminishes what we’re really doing when we’re making and enjoying this kind of art.”
Ahead, I’m sharing the romance books I’m constantly recommending, rereading, and squeezing into friends’ hands—perfect for February, chilly weekends, or whenever you’re in the mood for a little romance.
Classic Love Stories to Revisit
Endless romance to remind you of romance didn’t start on TikTok. It’s slow, it’s stuck, it’s often ugly—and it’s very romantic about it.
Today’s Romance You’ll Devour
These are the books you reach for when you’re looking for a boost—strong, beautiful characters, and stories that take you out of your head and into someone else’s world.
Fantasy Romance Favorites
Because when I want a little magic-but not 900 page commitment or seven book memory test.
If you need me, I’ll be here adding to my TBR and making my evenings romantic one book at a time. Whether you’re reading for the faint of heart, the squeamish, the escapist, or the hopeful, these love books are proof that love stories are alive, well, and worth celebrating.