Something you may not realize about me is that I love to read. Also, I am a hopeless, sappy romantic at heart. Today, I am sharing the best romance books that you should definitely read this Valentine’s Day, or anytime. I read books for enjoyment and to escape reality. There is nothing I hate more than to read a book with a terrible ending, I am a strict “happily ever after” girl. I mean, c’mon who want the bad stuff? I, for one, want to indulge in the love and happiness. My best friend is my reading partner. Last week at lunch we created this list together. I can’t take credit for it alone. We have shared more discussions about the best romance books than maybe anything else. We are highly invested in fictional characters, LOL! So without further ado check out my “Best Romance Books” list below!
Fifty Shades of Grey
“Men aren’t really complicated, Ana, honey. They are very simple, literal creatures. They usually mean what they say. And we spend hours trying to analyze what they’ve said – when really it’s obvious. If I were you, I’d take him literally. That might help.”-E.L James
Pretty much everyone has an opinion on this book series; even if they haven’t read it. Yes, this is a romance book. If you don’t believe me, read it. Of course there is some smut in it and guess what? I don’t care. I loved the characters and their love for one another. So, don’t come at me. Try it, you might like it too.
Twilight
“Don’t be self-conscious, if I could dream at all, it would be about you. And I’m not ashamed of it.”-Stephenie Meyer
Haters gonna hate. And if you’re not Team Edward, your opinion doesn’t matter. 🙂 All kidding aside, I fell in love with the Twilight series over 10 years ago, and it still ranks as one of my all time favorites. In fact, I am still a little bitter that Stephenie Meyer won’t release Midnight Sun because someone leaked it online. So this is my plea, please release it!
The Red Head Series
“Grace, did you just sniff my shirt?” He asked, incredulous.
“Yep, I did. What of it? And after you leave, I’ll probably lay on your side for a while because the pillow smells like you. I’m ridiculous when I’m in love. We’re talking Hallmark over here.”-Alice Clayton
This series is one of the funniest I have ever read. It features Grace and Jack and their story is one of a kind. My bestie and I met the author in Atlanta several years ago and she confirmed what we thought as reading it-Jack is based on Robert Pattinson. Hum, maybe I see a theme here? Regardless, you won’t be able to put this series down or stop laughing!
Slammed
“There are three questions every woman should be able to answer yes to before they commit to a man. If you answer no to any of the three questions, run like hell.”
“Does he treat you with respect at all times? That’s the first question. The second question is, if he is the exact same person twenty years from now that he is today, would you still want to marry him? And finally, does he inspire to be a better person? You find someone you can answer yes to all three, then you’ve found a good man.”-Colleen Hoover
I adore Colleen Hoover and her writing style. Once I read Hopeless, I was a fan for life. The way she wrote Hopeless is even more of a reason to love her. If you don’t know anything about her, read this post, you won’t be disappointed. Slammed focuses on Will and Lake and their story is just beautiful, real and humorous too. You will love it.
Thoughtless Series
“I want to be someone’s everything. I want fire and passion, and love that’s returned, equally. I want to be someone’s heart.”-S.C Stephens
Kellan Kyle is one of my all time favorite book characters. He is a rock star for one. Plus, he has a heart of gold. Kiera is a character that you will be so mad at sometimes, but in the end, I love their story. As a warning, there is cheating in this book. But it all ends up for the best. If that is a trigger for you, just don’t read it. For me, it has All. The. Feels. for this series. Kellan Kyle is one of a kind!
Beautiful Disaster
“I’d do it all over again, you know. I wouldn’t trade one second if it meant we were right here, in this moment.”-Jamie McGuire
What can I say about the story of Travis Maddox and Abby Abernathy, other than I love it. Travis is a misunderstood, bad boy and Abby is the good girl away at college for the first time. Unlikely pair, yet perfect for each other. Of all the Maddox brothers, Travis my favorite, by far. At one point I think they were going to make it into a movie, but I don’t think it will happen. Read the book, it is always better anyway. 🙂
That Boy & That Wedding
“How come a boy can be so stupid, but a Daddy, who actually used to be a BOY himself, can be so wonderful?”-Jillian Dodd
I am a huge fan of Jillian Dodd and all of her series. But That Boy and That Wedding, might be my favorites. It is full of emotion and has everything you look for in a romance book; drama, a girl having to choose the boy, laughter, and real life, boys next door. I can’t say enough good things about this series, you will love it! Oh, and the first book is FREE!
The Beneath Series
“Wherever you are is where I want to be.”-Meghan March
Meghan March is one of my go-to authors. I read everything she releases without so much as a thought. Every time a new one releases, I just automatically one click it to my Kindle. I fell in love with her writing with the Beneath series and you will too. It takes place in New Orleans and each story is woven together perfectly. Book one is FREE too! She will get you every time with her twists. I have never figured one of hers out.
Fallen Too Far
“Because I’ve had a taste and I’m not sharing. This isn’t just for fun. I may be slightly addicted.”-Abbi Glines
I fell in love with Abbi Glines because of this book. It follows Rush and Blaire on their journey to find love. And it does not disappoint. This author can weave a great romance book, I love them all! But there is something about the Rosemary Beach series that just makes me happy. It is also the reason, I want to vacation on 30A. LOL!
Tangled
“Newsflash, ladies: We can’t read your thoughts. And frankly, I’m not entirely sure I’d want to. The female mind is a scary place to be.”-Emma Chase
This story is told completely from the male POV, from the main character, Drew. It is refreshingly funny and is probably an accurate depiction of men. Haha! Kate, the female lead, is very well written and the strong woman we all love. This book is brilliant and fun.
Ruin
“Maybe it’s not in the perfection of life that things make sense, but in the chaos.”-Rachel Van Dyken
Ruin is a book that is an emotional story, yet one that is truly uplifting too. Rachel Van Dyken has a great way of weaving a sweet, raw and funny love story. This book is one of selfless love and of hope, even in times of pain and darkness. I highly recommend it to everyone.
Bait
“It’s the bait, Blake. The bait is this outside force that brings these two totally different, foreign, objects together. Neither the hook nor the fish have a choice. We have something like that. We have the bait.”-M. Mabie
I was “hooked” on Bait from the first page of the book. It is the angsty and dramatic story of Blake and Casey. As with Thoughtless, it has some cheating triggers, so know that going into it. For the record, I am not condoning the cheating, but I do love their story nonetheless. Casey is one of my favorite characters and Blake is someone I want to shake some sense into most of the time. But the struggle is a beautiful story. And it is FREE right now too!
To be honest, I could go on for days about the best romance books I have read. This was hard to limit to just these few, but I figured I should save some others for another day. I hope you take the time to read some. Do you have a favorite romance book? Comment and tell me below! I would love to give it a try, if I haven’t read it already! Who knows maybe it will end up on my next Best Romance Books list! Have a great day, thanks so much for reading today!
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You? Read? Who knew?! Ha!
Great list! I 100% agree!!
Haha! I can’t wait to start the ones you recommended! <3