7 Novels to Read If You’re Looking for Romance, Experts Say
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Sometimes we look for love in all the wrong places. But if you like to read , you know that one of the best spots to find romance is within the pages of a book. The romance genre has a famously dedicated fanbase, and it’s become even more popular thanks to the rise of readers on social media platforms. If you find yourself in the mood to be swept off your feet, experts and “bookstagrammers” (the name for book bloggers on Instagram) recommend checking out one of these seven titles. Read on to find out which novels they recommend for those seeking romance.
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HarperCollins Publishers
There’s just something about watching two characters go from hating each other to loving each other. You’ll see that enemies-to-lovers trope in Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert , a novel that is as amusing as it is romantic. The story is centered on Chloe, who is chronically ill and determined to make the most of her life. She enlists the help of bad boy Red Morgan to do so, and both characters learn quite a bit about themselves and each other in the process. The book blogger behind As Told by Zaheerah calls the novel “good fun,” adding that the multilayered story was unexpected.
“It had some great moments and characters who are hilarious,” the post reviewing the novel reads. “It’s a great pick-me-up, and I’ll recommend it to anyone who wants a quick romantic read, especially if you’re into steamier moments.”
Dell
An oldie but a goodie, the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon is one that romance seekers shouldn’t miss. The nine-book saga follows the story of British nurse Claire Beauchamp in the aftermath of World War II. In the first novel, Claire accidentally travels back in time to 18th-century Scotland, leaving her fiancé, Frank, bewildered. A love triangle develops when Claire captures the attention of the dashing Scotsman Jamie Fraser. You truly can’t go wrong with the series, which has withstood the test of time for a reason. You can even see it adapted on the small screen, as Starz debuted the television series Outlander in Aug. 2014.
“ Outlander is a beautifully written romance that is historically accurate and will have you swooning for Jamie,” the book blogger behind Nad’s Book Nook, writes. Another blogger, @Zoebooklover, adds that the novel slowly draws the reader in.
“I am a sucker for marriage of convenience, friends to lovers and slow burn romance. This did it perfectly,” the bookstagrammer writes. “Claire was very feisty and I loved how intense and passionate her and Jamie were.”
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Random House LLC
The term “ghosting” is one that most of us are now familiar with—unfortunately often from personal experience. Someone “ghosts” in a relationship when they cut off contact without warning, effectively disappearing and avoiding any future interactions. That issue is exactly what Dolly Alderton explores in her 2020 novel Ghosts . Anyone who’s been left confused and looking for answers following a ghosting—and even those who haven’t–will be interested in how the story’s main character, Nina, deals with the online dating world. This may not be your typical loved-up novel, but it’s certainly an educational one for the digital age.
“ Ghosts is the perfect commentary on modern love and dating in novel form,” bookstagrammer @daisreads writes. “I sped through Ghosts , the laugh out loud moments and downright cringe but relatable takes on online dating, but I’m so excited to read it again.”
Penguin Group
You’ll find a sweet and endearing romance in Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon, which also weaves in a narrative about mental health.
As the title suggests, the main character, Ari Abrams, is a weather girl with a miserable boss, and her coworker, sportscaster Russell Barringer, is dealing with a miserable manager of his own. The love story unfolds when Russell and Ari start chatting and devise a plan to get their bosses—who were previously married—to rekindle the flame. You’ll be rooting for this diverse cast of characters who are both honest and real , according to a review on All About Romance (AAR).
“There isn’t much to dislike here; the book itself is terribly cute, the romance wonderful and spicy, the grumps become friends and then realize the error of their ways,” the review reads. “ Weather Girl showers its readers with warmth and sweetness, ultimately providing them with many a sunny day.”
Simon & Schuster
Any good love story or romcom has its ups and downs; it’s pivotal to the genre. But one book has played into this and truly taken social media on an emotional journey— It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover . The story follows Lily Bloom, a florist who finds herself captivated by Ryle Kincaid, a successful neurosurgeon. The love affair is one that seems perfect, if only for a little while.
Bookstagrammers go back and forth on this one, and Hoover has her fair share of critics to rival her enormous fanbase. It’s a cautionary tale that the book community dubbed “intense” and “emotional,” but it also addresses issues of abuse and trauma, which readers should be aware of before picking up a copy. If you find this story is for you, you can also delve into the sequel, It Starts with Us .
Ecco
Another book that has received rave reviews on social media, especially on BookTok , is Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller . The novel reframes the events of Homer’s The Illiad , with Patroclus as the narrator of the epic. It’s a surprising story of the evolving romance between Patroclus and Achilles, which “blurs the line between history and fantasy,” the book blogger behind Muse with Me writes.
“While the events of The Iliad are important to this story, much of the story leading up to it is from numerous other mythological sources,” the blogger states. “They’re all woven together perfectly here, into a moving tale of gods and mortals, inescapable destiny, and passionate love.”
If you’re seeking something different but engaging and “pure,” Song of Achilles is a solid choice, especially for those who like coming-of-age love stories.
Simon & Schuster
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren is a unique love story of Mary and Elliot, former friends turned lovers turned strangers. You won’t be able to put this sweet story down, as both the main characters grapple with themselves and what led them to lose each other.
“If you asked me for my favorite romance novels, Love and Other Words would easily make the list ,” the blogger behind Read By Tiffany writes in her review. “I love how both characters are simply meant for each other and how our two main characters know each other better than anyone else in the world. I love how this book proves that once again childhood-friends-to-lovers and second-chance-romance are superior.”
The 10 Best Audiobooks for Your Next Road Trip
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Packing up the car and heading out on a road trip is a rite of passage. Many of us remember our first road trip as a kid, when we loaded up our suitcases to venture out toward a new destination. Maybe you also hit the road with friends after college, or have taken your kids on a road trip of their own, seeing the sites or exploring different national parks . But if you’re spending hours in the car—no matter who you’re with—you need something to pass the time. Music and podcast episodes can only cover so many miles, which is why you might be in the market for an audiobook.
According to Hayley Yager , bookstagrammer and blogger of Backpacking Bookworm , there are a few key factors that go into selecting the right audiobook for a road trip. To maximize your listening experience, she recommends looking for “engaging and authentic narrators,” who will keep your attention. Second, consider the genres or types of books you’re most interested in. Podcast-lovers might prefer a non-fiction pick, and if you’ve always wanted to learn about some historical or contemporary figure, a biography or memoir could be a great option. Fiction is also a great option, and you’ll find a plethora of different stories that you can immerse yourself in on a long drive.
If you’re having trouble making the right call, travel experts and book bloggers have recommended some of their top audiobook choices, which you can either purchase or borrow from your local library. Read on to find out what you should be listening to while on the road.
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Audible Studios
Anything by renowned nonfiction author Bill Bryson is worth a read or a listen. He writes about complex concepts—including the intricacies of the human body and the history of the universe—but does so in an accessible, often comical way. Of Bryson’s many worthy reads, Anthony Presti , travel writer of ValueQuack, recommends The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America .
“Follow Bill on his cross-country road trip in the United States. From the backwoods of Kentucky to the badlands of South Dakota, Bryson covers it all in this hilarious account of his journey,” Presti says.
Bryson travels across 38 states in total over the course of the travelogue, as he searches for the perfect small American town—and you’ll be waiting to see if he finds it. “If you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud book to listen to on your road trip, this is the one for you,” Presti says. “It is one of the funniest books you’ll ever read, whether at home or on the road.”
Random House Audio
If you love a good modern mystery, The Flight Attendant is a solid choice for your next road trip. Full of suspense, this story follows Cassie, a binge drinker who finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. It’s also been turned into a popular show on HBO Max, so you can engage in the age-old debate of book versus TV series when you’re done listening.
“Why not infuse a little ‘travel talk’ into your travels? With the release of the new HBO show based on this novel, I wanted to give the book a try before watching it,” Bryan Mullennix , founder of the travel website Feeling Vegas, explains. “It’s a suspenseful novel and makes for a good road trip audiobook because of how it is written and also the fact that it kind of relates to travel.”
This audiobook has three narrators, meaning you’ll hear different voices for different characters in this chilling and thrilling read. Looking for something even darker? You might want to opt for Yager’s thriller pick, The Night Swim by Megan Goldin .
Macmillan Audio
If you just want to be transported to another world, let TJ Klune take you there by listening to Under T he Whispering Door . Klune has quickly become a mainstay in the fantasy genre, often featuring LGBTQ+ characters. Under The Whispering Door also adds a splash of romance, humor, and some more intense themes of grief and loss.
John Hubbard , founder and CEO of the outdoor blog Urban Dare, recommends Under The Whispering Door if you want something that will truly keep your attention. “The audiobook gives you all types of feeling with every character’s unique and suitable voice,” he explains, adding that Kirt Graves , a well known audiobook reader and audio producer, narrates. “It provides a great message from life and love to death with its lovable characters.”
Hubbard recommends this for a long drive, “as it will take some time to understand the deep questions Klune’s tale poses throughout.” The audiobook has a listening length of 14 hours and 54 minutes, so it’ll get you through a good stretch of your trip. “Some listeners might find the audiobook a bit slow at the start,” he notes. “It is better to listen at 1.5 speed until you begin to understand the plot of the story.”
Random House Audio
If you’re choosing a memoir for a long-haul drive, Yager recommends selecting one that is recorded by the author. “In my experience, stories are brought more to life when read by the person who knows the book better than anyone,” she tells Best Life , suggesting Becoming by Michelle Obama as a notable choice.
The former First Lady narrates her memoir, discussing her childhood all the way through her time in the White House and after. You’ll feel connected to Obama when listening to her tell her story, and if you needed any more convincing, she won the 2020 Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album for her audio edition of the book.
If you’ve already checked Becoming off of your reading list—it was, after all, the best-selling book of 2018—Presti also recommends Barack Obama’s 2020 memoir A Promised Land . “It chronicles his upbringing, his time in office, and the challenges he faced throughout his presidency,” he says. “It’s an inspiring story that will leave you feeling hopeful and motivated—perfect for a road trip where anything can happen.”
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Pottermore Publishing
One of the most beloved series of all time centers on a young wizard named Harry Potter. The stories have captivated young and old readers alike since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was first published in 1997. Presti recommends this audiobook for your next trip on the open road, especially if you’ve got your kids in tow.
“If you’re looking for a book the whole family can enjoy on your road trip, look no further than Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ,” he explains. “With its magic, adventure, and suspense, this book is sure to keep everyone entertained on a long car ride.”
As The Sorcerer’s Stone is the first installment in the seven-part series, you might also want to bring Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets along as well, just in case the kids (or you) can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Macmillan Audio
While you can’t watch a rom-com while you’re driving, you can certainly listen to one. Yager recommends The Switch , which is set in the U.K. and features a plot line that might remind you a little of the movie The Holiday . The story focuses on a newly-single grandmother looking for love in the rural town of Yorkshire and her granddaughter, who has become exhausted by life in London. The two decide to switch places, and drama, romance, and comedy ensue.
The audiobook is read by two English actors, Daisy Edgar-Jones , of Normal People and Where the Crawdads Sing , and Alison Steadman , award-winning stage, film, and television star.
“This is an easy and light listen with two celebrity narrators, which evokes familiarity,” Yager says. “The chapters are the perfect length, enabling you to get invested in one storyline before moving on to the next when the narrators switch.”
You can listen to this 10-hour audiobook on a longer drive, but Yager notes that you can also “dip in and out for shorter trips.”
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Random House Audio
Some stories are classics for a reason, and even if you haven’t picked up a copy of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy , odds are you’ve heard of it. First published in 1979, it was adapted from author Douglas Adams’ radio series and follows the journey of the only man to survive after earth is destroyed.
“Full of laughs, science fiction, and awesome ’70s and ’80s references, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is the perfect audiobook for a road trip,” Tim White , CEO and founder of the travel site MilePro, says. This pick is more “lighthearted,” he adds, making it a good choice for those who don’t want an audiobook that’s too intense.
The book is just under six hours long, White points out, making it optimal for shorter journeys. It’s also narrated by English actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry , so you might recognize a familiar voice.
Harlequin Audio
Another one of Yager’s fiction picks is The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman , which has all the necessary components of a family comedy—think Little Miss Sunshine with a twist.
“This is the perfect road trip listen as the book itself revolves around a family taking a detour-heavy road trip up to Edinburgh so 12-year-old Norman can perform at the Fringe,” she says.
For those unfamiliar with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland, it’s the largest arts festival in the world, dating back to 1947. In this contemporary fiction novel, young Norman is hoping to take his comedy act to center stage at the event. “It’s an absolute rollercoaster of one hilarious feat after another, yet still manages to retain every ounce of authenticity,” Yager says. “It’s a feel-good book that anyone can enjoy, making it perfect for a long road trip.”
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Hachette Audio
For those who want an audiobook that is chock-full of different stories, check out David Sedaris’ When You Are Engulfed in Flames .
“If you’re looking for a more introspective, thought-provoking read, When You Are Engulfed in Flames is the book for you,” Presti tells Best Life .
Sedaris narrates the audiobook himself, and you’re sure to be entertained by his wit as he covers topics that range from ridiculous to deeply insightful. “It’s a hilarious and poignant look at the human condition that will have you thinking about it long after you’ve finished reading,” Presti says. “Follow as David travels the world and tries to make sense of it all.”
Random House Audio
Ernest Cline’s fantastic 2011 novel Ready Player One is a must-read—or listen, in this case—for anyone interested in gaming, virtual reality, or just science fiction in general.
“If you’re looking for a lighthearted, fun book to keep you entertained on a road trip, look no further than Ready Player One ,” Presti says. “This science fiction novel follows the story of Wade Watts, a teenager who finds himself thrust into a virtual world in search of an Easter egg that will grant its finder ultimate power and control over the world. Along the way, he makes allies and enemies as he fights to be the first to find the egg.”
The novel has also been adapted into a film directed by Steven Spielberg , but the book has significant differences. S0, even if you’ve seen the movie, you should still give the book a go. “It will have you laughing, crying, and cheering—the perfect way to pass the time on a long car ride,” Presti says.
