Top 50 Romance Books of the 21st Century

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson (2010)

After her sister Bailey's sudden death, Lennie finds herself torn between Toby—Bailey's boyfriend who shares her grief—and Joe, the new boy in town. Each offers Lennie something she desperately needs... though she knows if the two of them collide her whole world will explode.

The sky is everywhere, it begins at your feet.

Daphne says: Still one of my favorite YA romances 15 years later, Lennie’s grief is the main catalyst for this story of discovery, making mistakes, and learning to love after tragedy. Nelson is a beautiful writer and every word shines; it’s a balm for anyone who’s ever lost someone.

Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth (2024)

Viola hates Jack, but is forced to work with him as VP to his Student Body President. However, Vi's shocked to discover that their online personas Cesario and Duke Orsino make the perfect pairing on Vi's favourite MMORPG, Twelfth Knight.

You're not just any girl, you're a fun little tyrant

Zoë says: A love-letter to every chronically organised kid who was a pleasure to have in class.

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Happy Place by Emily Henry (2023)

Harriet and Wyn were together since college, until they broke up six months ago. Now, they're at their annual getaway with their closest friends - who don't know about the split - and who are also hiding their own secrets.

In every universe, it's you for me. Even if it's not me for you.

Lena says: I love that it's a romance between the friends as much as the main couple. I first read it whilst on my annual friends summer trip which was perfect.

Best Hex Ever series (Best Hex Ever) by Nadia El-Fassi (2024)

Kitchen witch Dina is cursed in love. Museum curator Scott is bewitched by her. Will the two be able to undo Dina's curse?

She had looked like a wild and beautiful creature, a goddess, something ethereal and undecipherable. Dina had filled his vision, the pale light dancing around her, as she'd broken his world, and everything he thought he knew, apart.

Tazmyn says: Cosy, sexy, a fun, beautiful story with friendship at its core and AMAZING BI REPRESENTATION.

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Make You Mine This Christmas series (Make You Mine This Christmas) by Lizzie Huxley-Jones (2022)

After a drunken kiss at a Christmas party, Haf agrees to pretend to be Christopher's girlfriend and go to his family's home with him for the holiday season. The one problem? She's actually falling for his sister.

You´re my Christmas wish, Haf Hughes. You´re always going to be my Christmas wish.

Tazmyn says: a very cute but also HOT holiday f/f fake dating romance with immaculate Ehler's Danlos Syndrome/walking stick user representation <3

Harlot's Bay series (At First Spite) by Olivia Dade (2024)

Following on from being dumped by her fiancé, Athena moves into the Spite House that she bought for him as a surprise. Athena quickly settles into her new home of Harlot's Bay, with only one problem - her grumpy (and kind of hot) neighbour, who also happens to be her ex-fiancé's brother.

“We didn’t fail, just because the life we’d envisioned and thought would make us happy didn’t come to pass. We merely—” “Recalibrated"

Yas says: I loved this book with my whole heart. I saw so much of myself in Athena, with her pride and strive for knowledge and always looking for a new challenge, and the portrayal of depression was so real and gut wrenching. It's a beautiful book with lighthearted elements and a truly stunning narrative on mental health.

Imi says: No book has seen me in the way this one did. Olivia Dade has been a favourite author for a while, but the way this book portrayed clinical depression alongside a romance that was not simply "falling in love solves all your problems", but instead teaching self-love and how support systems can help change your mindset was so beautiful. Plus, I love a good pranking plot point.

Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake (2024)

Brighton and Charlotte were best friends as kids. As adults, Brighton left Charlotte at the altar. Five years later, the two of them find themselves spending Christmas together at a mutual friends. Whilst navigating pretending to be strangers and being signed up for Christmas dating events, can the two find their way back to each other?

Charlotte hadn’t heard her voice in five years.Not like this, not with their song on her lips.It was breathtaking, pure magic, sultry and soft, her tone like a swirl of dark chocolate.

Bec says: A heartwarming queer story of found family, childhood best friends to fiancees to estranged exes to lovers, with a black cat x golden retriever pairing, and of course, it's a festive romance! Ashley Herring Blake goes to new heights with this one following on from her Bright Falls trilogy.

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Beach Read by Emily Henry (2020)

Rom-com author January and literary author Augustus are polar opposites in every sense - apart from the fact that they both have writer's block, are broke, need to write a new bestseller each before the end of the summer, and they're neighbors for the next three months. When the two challenge each other to swap genres, maybe they'll find out that they aren't so different after all.

I’ve never met someone who is so perfectly my favorite person.

Atiya says: so achingly soft and full of yearning, was the best introduction to Emily Henry

Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan (2003)

Paul meets the love of his life, immediately messes the budding relationship up, and embarks on a multi-day quest of grand romantic gestures intended to win Noah back, involving all of his friends in the escapades.

I've always known I was gay, but it wasn't confirmed until I was in kindergarten.It was my teacher who said so. It was right there on my kindergarten report card: PAUL IS DEFINITELY GAY AND HAS VERY GOOD SENSE OF SELF.

Caitlin says: One of the first contemporary romances I ever read, way back when I was an actual teenager, and getting to read a queer romance then was so important to me. It's so beautiful and hopeful and resonates with me still, 20 years later

A Lady For a Duke by Alexis Hall (2022)

After being presumed dead at the battle of Waterloo, Viola returns to England to live as her true self. Upon learning that her closest companion, the Duke of Gracewood, has retreated so far into grief at her death, she determines to bring him back to himself.

I love you with my soul, as some reserve their faith for absent gods. I love you as I believe in what is right and hope for what is good. I love you with everything I am and ever was—and if you will only let me, with every day that comes, and every self that I could ever be.

Layla says: YEARNING. SO MUCH YEARNING. GOD THE YEARNING. IT WOUNDS ME SO. 10/10 would read and pine again.

Romie says: It's so important to show transgender people belong in historical romance, and this was masterfully done.

Summer in the City by Alex Aster (2025)

To break out of her writer's block, screenwriter Elle returns to New York, the city she swore she would never return to and finds her new next door neighbour is the cocky asshole billionaire she had a steamy make out with the night before she left two years ago. Can the two get over their enmity for a summer of fake dating to inspire Elle's screenplay and aid Parker in his company's stability?

It's the end of August. Summer is almost over. And this time, I'm ready for it to be endless.

Imi says: A surprisingly refreshing take on the classic billionaire trope and third act breakup format.

Written in the Stars series (Written in the Stars) by Alexandria Bellefleur (2020)

After a terrible blind date, Elle and Darcy agree to fake date until New Years Eve to navigate Elle's overbearing family and Darcy's friends constantly trying to set her up. What they never expected was to actually fall for each other in the process.

"We are literally made of stardust." Moonlight danced off the tips of Elle's pale blond eyelashes and made her eyes twinkle. If anyone was made of star stuff, it was her.

Bec says: Count Your Lucky Stars was one of the first second chance sapphic romances I read, and truly I never looked back from the trope after that point. I love this trilogy featuring a group of friends, and a mix of organised x chaos and black cat x golden retriever pairings.

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Lights Out series (Cross the Line) by Simone Soltani (2024)

F1 bad boy Dev needs someone to save his image. Willow needs a job. It should be the perfect solution - however, Willow also happens to be the younger sister of Dev's best friend, and she's had a crush on Dev since childhood.

If this is such a bad idea,’ he says, his voice tight, ‘then tell me why I want to kiss you again. Why I can’t get you out of my head. Why, every time I see you anywhere near another man, I want to drag him away from you and make sure he never comes close to you again. Tell me, Willow. Tell me why I feel that way.

Caitlin says: Cross the Line showed up at the perfect time as I was (am) deep in my F1 obsession. I love the brother's best friend to lover trope, and the chronic illness representation here is so important.

Atiya says: Slow-burn sports romance, but this time make it F1?!! It was so adorable, and such a fun read!

Fan Service by Rosie Danan (2025)

Alex was Devin's biggest fan, devoting an entire server to his show The Arcane Files, until she met him at a fan event. Now, she hates his guts - but when Devin realises he's turning into a werewolf in real life and not just on the show, of course the Mod for The Arcane Files server must be his best bet at finding help.

I don’t know if it was the moon or fate or the universe that made me a werewolf, but baby, you made me human.

Bec says: Alex is one of those protagonists where I can't decide if I want to be her or be with her. A wonderful romance and plot, featuring the black cat x golden retriever trope and celeb x normal (and incredibly ostracised) person, full of humour and truly written by a fan for fans.

Well Met series (Well Met) by Jen DeLuca (2019)

Emily can't stand Simon, but in her role as Emma the tavern wench at Willow Creek's renaissance faire, she's intrigued by his persona of Captain Blackthorn, the rogueish pirate who flirts with her incessantly.

Like the stars, your love should be a constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow.

Yas says: This entire series is just so cute and heartwarming and explores multiple facets of the renaissance faire world at the same time of being an adorable romcom.

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The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston (2022)

Florence is a ghostwriter for one of the most popular romance authors of all time, which is pretty much the worst job for someone who doesn't believe in love. She returns to her hometown to grieve the loss of her dad and finds the ghost of her new editor at her doorstep, and ultimately has to team up with him to finish her manuscript much to both of their dismay.

Love wasn't a whisper in the quiet night. It was a yelp into the void, screaming that you were here.

Yas says: This story is just so wonderful and so well executed. The exploration of grief is so profound while maintaining that spark of hope throughout the story and was just such a heartwarming read.

London Calling series (Boyfriend Material) by Alexis Hall (2020)

Luc's life is a little bit of a mess, whereas Oliver's life is perfectly ordered. When Luc's tangential fame is flung into the spotlight again, he must make himself seem slightly less of the catastophic failure he feels and the pair's failed date becomes the beginning of a fake dating scheme.

I'm conscious this could be rather burdensome to hear, but you remain the thing I have most chosen for myself. The thing that's most exclusively mine. The one thing that brings me the deepest joy.

Debbie says: Grumpy x sunshine is my weakness and I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading these! Alexis' humour really shines through and made me fall in love with the characters. The audiobooks are a sheer delight, full of angst and queer joy.

Imi says: I will always remember picking this up and absolutely destroying my paperback with the number of tabs and notes I made every time something would make me burst out laughing.

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Bellinger Sisters series (It Happened One Summer) by Tessa Bailey (2021)

Being cut off by her stepdad and forced to move to a small town to attempt to revitalise her late father's bar wasn't on Piper's bingo card for this year. Neither was falling for her polar opposite, gruff and grumpy king crab fisherman Brendan.

I’ll love you until my heart gives out. I’ll be your man for a thousand years. Longer if I’m allowed.

Genn says: Think Schitt's Creek meets the Deadliest Catch. Piper and Brendan are polar opposites - both lost in their own ways - who find ways back to themselves and their dreams together. It's steamy, spicy, and so hopeful. Packed with humor, heart, and more than a few fire hazards (Piper can't cook - but finds a man who can!). Piper finds a community and herself, while still retaining everything that makes her a sparkly, wild, reformed party girl (who still knows how to throw an epic bash).

Windy City series (Mile High) by Liz Tomforde (2022)

Stevie, a flight attendant for Chicago's NHL team, finds herself falling for their star player Zanders amidst his attempts to push her buttons at work.

You don’t have to love your body every single day. That’s unrealistic to expect, but I’ll be here loving it for the days you can’t.

Imi says: If there's one thing that ticks my boxes, it's a sports romance. Make it workplace + forbidden + flirty banter and "ugh he's so annoying", and I am SOLD. I also love the way this series follows a community of friends and family across various sports in the city.

Heartstrings series (First Time Caller) by B.K. Borison (2025)

Aiden, host of Baltimore's romance radio hotline, has fallen out of love with love. Lucie didn't think she needed love in her life, until her daughter called Aiden's hotline on her behalf. As Lucie and Aiden search for her happy ending over the radio, they start to realise that maybe both of their happy endings lie right there in the recording booth.

I want to feel something when I connect with someone. I want sparks. The good kind, you know? I want to laugh and mean it. I want goose bumps. I want to wonder what my date is thinking about and hope it might be me. I want…I want the magic.

Yas says: This may well be one of my favourite romances of all time - the relationship between Lucie and Aiden was legitimately so real and romantic, but beyond that the relationship dynamics between all of the side characters was so refreshing. This entire book was an absolute delight.

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary (2019)

Tiffy needs a place to live, and Leon needs cash. What better solution than for Leon to rent his bed out to Tiffy during nights whilst he's working?

Being nice is a good thing. You can be strong and nice. You don’t have to be one or the other.

Debbie says: I love the premise of a shared bed trope rather than only one bed, as well as my fave grumpy/sunshine pairing.

Chestnut Springs series (Flawless) by Elsie Silver (2022)

When the golden boy of pro bull riding, Rhett Eaton, is told to clean up his image, he wasn't anticipating being sent his agent's daughter, Summer, as a babysitter. He also wasn't expecting to fall in love with her...

What the hell is the cowboy hat rule? You wear the hat, you ride the cowboy.

Yas says: This series honestly just took me by surprise - it has really good chronic pain rep as well as mental health rep and I just love it so so much

Imi says: This series put me in my cowboy romance renaissance. Saddle up and crank the Shania!

Ruinous Love trilogy (Butcher & Blackbird) by Brynne Weaver (2023)

When rival murderers Sloane and Rowan bump into each other, they form an inseparable bond. And what's the best way to act upon that? Why, to plan an annual murder game to see who can catch a killer first, of course.

Maybe I was right. We’re not normal people. We are monsters. But if we’re monsters, we’ll thrive in the dark. Together.

Bec says: A fresh take on the darker, serial killer subsection of romance novels, Butcher & Blackbird manages to delicately balance the line of being both cute and stabby - and hey, when you enter into a serial killer competition with the only person who can get ahead of you when it comes to finding people who are in need of putting in their place, surely you're meant to be.

Imi says: This was unputdownable. I was addicted from start to finish in a way I haven't been in a while.

Love Deception series (The Spanish Love Deception) by Elena Armas (2021)

Catalina didn't think her white lie about having a new American boyfriend would be that big a deal, but when her family (and ex) expect her to have a plus one for her sister's wedding in four weeks, she needs to find someone willing to travel home to Spain with her. Enter insufferable but tall and handsome colleague... better than nothing right?

I’ll give you the world,” he said against my mouth. “The moon. The fucking stars. Anything you ask, it’s yours. I’m yours.

Rayna says: First romance book my friend convinced me to read. Now Aaron Blackford is my STANDARD. Fake dating, Grumpy/Sunshine, He falls first and he's just so considerate and PERFECT.

Funny Story by Emily Henry (2024)

Daphne and Miles were both dating (other) people. Now, their exes are getting married to each other, and Daphne and Miles are roommates. When both need a date to their ex's wedding, they decide to form a plan - and of course, their fake relationship is all for show, right?

And I know I'm not who you pictured yourself with, but I think I could be, eventually. If you'll let me. So don't go. Because I don't want you to. Because you're my best friend, and I'm in love with you.

Bec says: One of my favourite EmHens, somehow always managing to be both romantic and relatable. I love the organised x chaos trope within this one.

Lena says: Miles is the best male love interest ever written in my opinion.

Creekwood series (Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda) by Becky Albertalli (2015)

Not so-openly-gay Simon has a crush on Blue - a boy he's been emailing for a while under a fake name. But when Simon's emails fall into the wrong hands, he's forced to help out class clown Martin, in order to protect Blue and himself.

Why is straight the default? Everyone should have to declare one way or another, and it shouldn't be this big awkward thing whether you're straight, gay, bi, or whatever. I'm just saying.

Layla says: Simon Vs is a wonderful coming-of-age queer novel that will make so many readers feel seen. It tackles first romances so well, and also tackles heavier subjects like blackmail, homophobia, and worries of coming out with so much care and attention. It's a must-read at this point from an author who really nails the queer teen experience so well in her books!

Anna and the French Kiss series (Anna and the French Kiss) by Stephanie Perkins (2010)

Anna is unexpectedly shipped off to boarding school in Paris for her senior year of high school, and she's completely and utterly homesick. Until she makes friends with her schoolmates, one of whom is the irresistible Etienne St Clair. The only catch? He already has a girlfriend.

For the two of us, home isn't a place. It is a person. And we are finally home.

Caitlin says: One of the pillars of YA romance in the 2010s; this YA series is swoony and sweet and I was completely obsessed with them.

Aunties series (Dial A for Aunties) by Jesse Sutanto (2021)

What happens when you accidentally kill your (terrible) blind date? Well, you call your meddling aunties in, of course. The problems only arise when you bump into your college love at the wedding that you're family are working at that weekend, all whilst trying to dispose of a body...

You're not a mess. You just kill by accident only. Bad luck. Can happen to anyone.

Yas says: An absolutely chaotic series with hilarious characters and a truly wild series of events - genuinely such a fun time!

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Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (2013)

Cath and Wren have always shared everything, including their obsession with the Simon Snow series. But when Wren decides she doesn't want to be Cath's roommate in college, Cath has to find her way completely on her own for the first time. With her beloved fanfiction side-hustle keeping her company, Cath starts to find that her life is finally truly beginning.

To really be a nerd, she'd decided, you had to prefer fictional worlds to the real one.

Debbie says: A fave from my early 20s, it taught me that your people are out there somewhere, that it was okay to have anxiety and want to escape from the world sometimes.

Caitlin says: I love books that feature fandom culture and Fangirl does that perfectly. It also has the sweetest romance, and a mental health subplot that's incredibly relatable.

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston (2024)

Kit and Theo were inseparable, until they brutally broke up and didn't speak to each other again - at least, until they ended up on the same European food and wine tour. Can their time apart, and their hookup competition across Europe, bring the pairing back together?

Here, now, under a shower of sparks, he looks like just the person who would have missed me, the one who wouldn’t have left.
The truth is, I never stopped loving that person. I only stopped believing he existed.

Bec says: I've read this book at least four times and truly find something new about it with each reread. The Pairing has quickly become a beloved favourite of mine, focusing on that love that surpasses all obstacles, even if it takes a bit of time for two queer disasters to get there. This one will make you want to plan a road trip to Europe, eat all of the pastries, and fall in love with love. TLDR: I would commit crimes for Kit and Theo.

Lena says: What's not to love about a chaotic food and wine trip around Europe with an Ex?

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The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (2016)

As executive assistants to co-CEOs of a publishing company, you could say that Lucy and Josh have a friendly rivalry, but it is, in fact, very unfriendly. When up for the same promotion, tensions rise and the game heats up, but perhaps the competition wasn't all about hating each other after all...

All I want to do is kiss you until I fall asleep. I want to slide in between your sheets, and find out what goes on inside your head, and underneath your clothes. I want to make a fool of myself over you.

Romie says: One of my OG romances that got me into the genre

Imi says: It's the original he falls first/hate-to-love. I will never forget the moment when you realise Josh was a simp all along.

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021)

When single parent and erotica author Eva, and award-winning literary author Shane are reunited at a literary event in New York, they spend a week together reconnecting, and reminiscing over the seven days they spent madly in love twenty years ago.

And maybe that was what real, adult love was. Being fearless enough to hold each other close no matter how catastrophic the world became. Loving each other with enough ferocity to quell the fears of the past. Just fucking being there.

Romie says: Genuinely one of the most beautiful books I've read, became obsessed with Tia's work in 0.2 seconds.

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Bride by Ali Hazelwood (2024)

Vampyre Misery agrees to a marriage of convenience with Alpha Werewolf Lowe - on the surface, to uphold the tentative alliance between the two communities, but Misery has her own motives for entering the lair of her people's mortal enemies.

“My smell. Do I smell like…?”
“Mine.” It’s a rumble in his throat. “You smell like you’re mine, Misery.”

Lena says: Re-kindled my love of paranormal romances and sparked a great re-read of all my teen favourites.

Layla says: My first ever Hazelwood read and a very fiery and passionate one! The dynamics of the characters are great, and there's even a little mystery on the side. As well as, of course, plenty of spice that definitely should not be read in a public location (my error).

Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood (2023)

Mallory is done with chess - at least, that's what she tells herself, until she begrudgingly agrees to participate in a charity tournament and beats the current world champion. Dragged back into the sport she loved and drawn to Nolan, Mallory must battle her growing attraction to him whilst also literally battling him across the chess board.

Galaxies pass through his black eyes, and I wonder whether this second could last a century. Whether the universe could be just me and him, understanding each other on a forever loop.

Caitlin says: Ali Hazelwood turns her talented hand to YA. The complex relationships between Mallory and everyone in her life are so well portrayed here, and the dynamic between her and Nolan is perfect. Did not realise chess could be so sexy.

Lena says: I really rarely read YA these days just because I can struggle a bit with feeling connected to the story but I didn't feel that way with Check & Mate at all. I loved the relationship between the sisters as well.

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood (2025)

A competitive diver stuck in a rut and a champion swimmer explore their specific shared interests, and learn that they may have more in common than they thought.

From the very start, you had all the power. From the very start, I was in the palm of your hand.

Bec says: Ali Hazelwood has quickly become a trendsetter within the romance novel world, and Deep End is no exception to this - bringing kink to the forefront of a traditionally published romance, and once again in her much loved STEM setting.

Imi says: My favourite Ali Hazelwood, hands down (or up... pinned above my head ofc)

Twisted series (Twisted Love) by Ana Huang (2021)

Dark and broody billionaire, Alex, is driven by vengeance, while his best friend's little sister, Ava, is plagued by nightmares of a childhood she can't remember. But when Alex is forced to look after her, they become entangled in the secrets and pain that connect their childhood trauma.

If you wanted, I would burn down the world for you.

Rayna says: My guilty pleasure. The catalyst and archetype for all dark romance/touch her and die books to follow. Every type explored from dark antihero, doctor, bodyguard and tech billionaire.

Spoiler Alert series (Spoiler Alert) by Olivia Dade (2020)

Marcus and April are close fandom friends on a fanfic website. But unbeknownst to April, Marcus also just happens to be the actor who plays April's favourite character on the show, Aeneas.

If you truly love me in return, accept me as I am. If you can't accept me as I am, maybe you need to rethink your definition of love.

Genn says: This book is a love letter to fandom, fan fiction, cosplay, and finding your community. It's also a refreshing romance with a plus sized fmc who is confident, capable, and doesn't feel she needs to change herself or lose weight to find love. Honestly, this was the first book I read with that message and I will be forever grateful for that! It also features great dyslexia representation.

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STEMinist series (The Love Hypothesis) by Ali Hazelwood (2021)

Olive needs a fake boyfriend - and who would be a better candidate than Stanford's reigning lab tyrant and grumpy-but-hot professor, Adam?

I'm starting to wonder if this is what being in love is. Being okay with ripping yourself to shreds, so the other person can stay whole.

Cody says: I read The Love Hypothesis when it was still Head Over Feet on Ao3 and I really do love that this book/series kickstarted and popularised so many trends in the romance genre. Ali Hazelwood is the blueprint.

Shameless series (The Roommate) by Rosie Danan (2020)

When Clara finds herself sharing a house with a stranger who also happens to be a famous porn star, the two unite in their shared belief that women deserve better sex.

Every body is different, but none of them are wrong.

Lena says: I really loved Naomi [The Intimacy Experiment] as a character, her relationship with religion and sex was really interesting. It was also great to see a romance book centred on empowering people to understand their desires and how to navigate relationships.

Bec says: Lots of great discussions surrounding sex positivity and the sex industry (and it's also just really sexy), also one of the first romances I read that really got me into the genre.

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Off-Campus series (The Deal) by Elle Kennedy (2015)

Hannah's about to make a deal with Garrett, the college bad boy and star of their College hockey team. When one kiss leads to the best sex of both their lives, they realise that there may be more to their pact than initially planned.

Sometimes people sneak up on you and suddenly you don’t know how you ever lived without them.

Bec says: The romance that got me into romances (and who doesn't love a hockey romance?). The Off Campus series manages to be hilarious, emotional and relatable all at once, and has become enough of a staple amongst romance readers that its world has expanded to include two more series.

Bergman Brothers series (Only When It's Us) by Chloe Liese (2020)

Willa has hated Ryder from the moment they met. But when their lecturer (and Ryder's brother in law) decides to meddle and pair them up, Willa finds herself drawn to Ryder and the Bergman family.

I want to close my eyes and feel the memory of the moment only when it’s us became only us, forever.

Lena says: It's one of the most comforting series I've ever read. I really want my own A-Frame.

Bec says: Always Only You was one of the first books I read after starting the process of being diagnosed with a chronic illness. Not only did Frankie make me more determined to push for that initial diagnosis, she was also such a wonderfully cool main character with a hot cinnamon roll ice hockey player boyfriend. Overall, just such a great series with the most heartwarming family vibes (both blood family and found family).

Bright Falls Series (Delilah Green Doesn't Care) by Ashley Herring Blake (2022)

Delilah's To Do List: 1. Return to Bright Falls, reluctantly - complete 2. Photograph awful stepsister's wedding and receive huge check - in progress 3. Team up with awful stepsister's awful friends to ensure she doesn't marry even more awful fiancé - in progress 4. Don't fall for one of said awful friends who isn't actually awful anymore - wait, what?

And what was more, Delilah didn’t want this to be only that, just kisses and coming. She wanted . . . this. Roller skating and amazing sex and this peaceful sort of talking and not talking, cuddling and questions and a place to belong. A person to belong to.

Debbie says: The first time I’d read a queer adult sapphic romance that was addictive and steamy and with characters I love.

Layla says: The Bright Falls series has to be one of the best written series for any romance fan to dive into. There is so much important growth for all the characters on the page, as well as plenty of swoon-worthy moments and lots of spice. Even more importantly is the found family aspect throughout all of the books with each character and their friendship circle; it shows the important solace of friendship within queer circles.

Lovelight Farms Series (Lovelight Farms) by B.K. Borison (2021)

Two best friends fake date to reach their holiday happily ever after, in an effort to save a Christmas Tree farm.

I’m going to love her in all the quiet ways, the slow ways, the loud and obnoxious ways.

Atiya says: The most sweetest of small town romances I've ever read (Business Casual was my fave!!)

Caitlin says: I love the seasonal aspect of this series, the small town element, and the way the characters are all woven together

The Kiss Quotient Series (The Kiss Quotient) by Helen Hoang (2018)

Stella has extensive knowledge on numbers, and far less experience when it comes to kissing. She enlists the help of an escort, Michael, to teach her all about intimacy and dating.

I don't want just a night or a week or a month with you. I want you all the time. I like you better than calculus, and math is the only thing that unites the universe.

Romie says: One of the very first romance books I read to have an Asian love interest and talk about autism.

Rayna says: Loveable characters, a great representation of a neurodivergent heroine, dating coach and POC main cast. Really well written and heartfelt.

Bridgerton Series (The Duke and I) by Julia Quinn (2000)

When the eldest Bridgerton daughter, Daphne is named Diamond of the Season, she is expected to make a brilliant match. But nothing excites the Ton more than gossip, and there's a new voice within the community ready to stir some drama.

There were rules among friends, commandments, really, and the most important one was Thou Shalt Not Lust After Thy Friend's Sister.

Daphne says: The start of a truly iconic historical romance series. The books are warm, tropey in all the right ways and fantastic to binge. Perfect to inhale while waiting for the next season!

Book Lovers by Emily Henry (2022)

Nora is a cut-throat literary agent at the top of her game. Charlie is an editor with a gift for creating bestsellers, and he's Nora's work nemesis. When Nora takes a month's holiday in Sunshine Falls with her sister, she doesn't expect to keep bumping into Charlie, and finding a plot twist on the horizon for their converging stories.

She wonders whether what comes next could ever live up to the expectations. She doesn’t know. You never can. She turns the page anyway.

Caitlin says: Emily Henry is such a captivating author, and Book Lovers is my favourite of hers. She manages to capture so much emotional intensity and personal growth, balancing that with all the romantic overtures needed to make her books romance. And her banter is impeccable.

Steph says: I love that Nora is an independent career driven FMC and that she doesn't idolise the picket fence dream for her happy ending.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before series (To All the Boys I've Loved Before) by Jenny Han (2014)

Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her - one for every boy she's ever loved. She can say anything she wants, because the letters are for her eyes only. Until the day they're sent out...

Love is scary: it changes; it can go away. That's the part of the risk. I don't want to be scared anymore.

Romie says: The OG YA love story, deserves all the stars and more.

The Brown Sisters series (Get A Life, Chloe Brown) by Talia Hibbert (2019)

Chloe Brown has a list to help her get a life, and she knows just the man to help her complete it - Red, the rebellious handiman in her building.

Love is certainly never safe, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Caitlin says: Get a Life, Chloe Brown is one of the first romance books I read that featured a protagonist with a chronic illness. Representation is so important for allowing us to feel seen.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (2019)

First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz and his longtime nemesis Prince Henry find themselves hurtling into a secret relationship during a staged fake friendship to bolster American and British relations.

Thinking about history makes me wonder how I’ll fit into it one day, I guess. And you too. I kinda wish people still wrote like that. History, huh? Bet we could make some.

Ellie says: Brings me so much joy

Romie says: Opened the door to so many amazing explicit queer romances

Caitlin says: A completely addictive read that truly captures the feeling of reading the best fanfic you've ever found on AO3 (this is one of the highest compliments I can pay a book).

Heartstopper series (Heartstopper Vol. 1) by Alice Oseman (2019)

Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more...?

There's this idea that if you're not straight, you HAVE to tell all your family and friends immediately, like you owe it to them. But you don't. You don't have to do anything until you're ready.

Caitlin says: This iconic graphic novel series absolutely merits a spot on the list. A sweet, swoony romance delicately balanced with masterful handling of many issues impacting teenagers.

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Bridgerton Series (The Duke and I) by Julia Quinn (2000)

Book Lovers by Emily Henry (2022)

To All the Boys I've Loved Before series (To All the Boys I've Loved Before) by Jenny Han (2014)

The Brown Sisters series (Get A Life, Chloe Brown) by Talia Hibbert (2019)

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (2019)

Heartstopper series (Heartstopper Vol. 1) by Alice Oseman (2019)

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