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Romantic books have become one of the most powerful forces in modern storytelling. And if Netflix’s adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation is any indication, we might be headed for a rom-com movie renaissance next, which honestly feels overdue.
You could argue that romance never needed to be “reinstated,” and you’d be right. Romance has always been here, dominating bestseller lists and carrying the publishing industry on its back. But something feels different right now. What we’re seeing isn’t just strong sales or buzzy adaptations—it’s a cultural moment where romantic books are finally being taken seriously for what they’ve always been.
17 Romantic Books to Swoon Over This Season
At their core, these stories zoom in on the most human things: vulnerability, desire, autonomy, and the way love bumps up against society’s expectations. They give us a safe place to feel through complicated situations, challenge tired stigmas, and—especially for women—see our emotional lives reflected honestly and with respect. That matters more than we sometimes give it credit for.
And yes, romance is escapism at its frothiest—and my favorite to turn to when I need to get out of a reading slump. From cotton-candy delights you inhale in a weekend to rich, layered reads you savor chapter by chapter, there’s something deeply comforting about slipping into a world where anything can happen—and where the ending almost always delivers.
But more than just an escape, romantic books reflect something hopeful in all of us. As Emily Henry eloquently puts it, “I sometimes see readers sort of hand-wave off their love of romance as ‘just wanting an escape,’ but I honestly think that minimizes what we’re actually doing when we make and experience this kind of art.”
Ahead, I’m sharing the romantic books I keep recommending, re-reading, and pressing into friends’ hands—perfect for February, cozy weekends, or anytime you’re in the mood to fall a little bit in love.
Classic Love Stories to Revisit
Timeless romances to remind you romance didn’t start on TikTok. Slower, more restrained, often messier—and all the more romantic for it.
Modern Romances You’ll Devour
These are the books to reach for when you want momentum—strong characters, good banter, and stories that pull you out of your head and into someone else’s world.
Fantasy Romance Favorites
For when I want a little magic—but not a 900-page commitment or a seven-book memory test.
If you need me, I’ll be over here adding to my TBR and romanticizing my evenings one book at a time. Whether you’re reading for the swoon, the banter, the escape, or the hope, these romantic books are proof that love stories are alive, well, and worth celebrating.
