Romance novels have a way of making us smile, swoon, and completely lose ourselves in the dreamy—but very relatable!—worlds authors create. From love that takes us on cross-country adventures to stories that tackle complicated relationships with humor and heart, contemporary romance offers something for everyone. If you’re looking for a perfect mix of feels, laughs, and unforgettable characters, here’s a list of contemporary romance novels readers can’t get enough of.

1. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Themes: Friends-to-Lovers, Travel, Second Chances

Poppy and Alex couldn’t be more different. She’s an adventurous wanderer; he’s a homebody who thrives on routines. Yet, every summer for a decade, they’ve taken a weeklong vacation together. But two years ago, everything went wrong, and now they hardly speak. Determined to fix their fractured friendship, Poppy convinces Alex to take one last trip with her.

Emily Henry’s ability to balance hilarious banter with deeply emotional moments is why her books consistently top bestseller lists. Her relatable depiction of relationship complexities and slow-burn romance will leave you rooting for Poppy and Alex until the very last page.

2. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

Themes: Fake Dating, Academic Setting, STEM Representation

When third-year Ph.D. candidate Olive impulsively kisses Professor Adam Carlsen to convince her friends she’s dating someone, she never expects him to agree to fake a relationship. But Adam isn’t just grumpy and intimidating; he’s also thoughtful and supportive in unexpected ways. Pretend boundaries blur quickly, and Olive finds herself questioning her own theories on love.

This book is pure rom-com perfection! With laugh-out-loud moments, awkwardly adorable scenes, and a swoon-worthy male lead, it’s easy to see why romance readers adore The Love Hypothesis. Plus, the focus on women navigating STEM fields adds a refreshing and empowering layer to the story.

3. Beach Read by Emily Henry

Themes: Opposites Attract, Grief, Creativity

January is a hopeless romantic who writes uplifting, happily-ever-after endings. Gus specializes in dark, literary fiction that explores the bleaker side of life. When both authors end up neighbors for the summer, they challenge each other to attempt the opposite genre, sparking a summer of creative competition and unexpected connection.

This one isn’t just about romance; it’s about unpacking grief, rediscovering yourself, and finding joy in unexpected places. Emily Henry’s signature mix of humor and heart makes Beach Read a standout story, and the chemistry between January and Gus is pure magic.

4. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Themes: Neurodivergent Representation, Steamy Romance, Personal Growth

Stella Lane is brilliant at math but struggles with dating and intimacy. To overcome her insecurities, she hires Michael Phan, a charming (and swoon-inducing) escort, for “lessons.” What starts as a business arrangement transforms into much more as Stella and Michael learn to open up to each other.

Helen Hoang’s debut is both sexy and sweet, offering a refreshingly unique perspective on love and understanding through its neurodivergent protagonist. Plus, the dynamic between Stella and Michael is both heartwarming and sizzling hot, making it impossible to put down.

5. Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Themes: Enemies-to-Lovers, Career-Driven Protagonists, Family Bonds

When cutthroat literary agent Nora Stephens reluctantly agrees to a month-long trip to a quaint town with her sister, the last person she expects to run into is Charlie, a brooding editor she’s butted heads with before. Though they claim to be polar opposites, their shared love of books and heated debates might just bring them together in ways neither anticipated.

Another win from Emily Henry (yes, she’s that good), Book Lovers celebrates ambitious women while delivering all the romantic tension and humor we love. It’s perfect for bookish readers who want relatable, sharp-witted characters and tons of literary love.

6. You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi

Themes: Healing After Loss, Finding Love Again, Art and Beauty

Feyi Adekola is ready to start living again after a devastating loss. When she meets Nasir, he seems like the perfect man to help her move forward. But when she agrees to join him on a luxurious Caribbean getaway, she finds herself drawn to someone she absolutely shouldn’t want.

This deeply emotional, gorgeously written novel explores grief, passion, and what it means to truly heal. Emezi crafts a love story that feels raw, modern, and unapologetically real, making it a striking departure from traditional romance while still delivering all the feels.

7. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Themes: LGBTQ+ Romance, Enemies-to-Lovers, Political Drama

What happens when the son of the President of the United States falls for a British prince? After an international PR disaster, Alex and Prince Henry fake a friendship for the cameras, but their sizzling chemistry quickly turns into something real. The only problem? Their love story isn’t exactly diplomatic.

Casey McQuiston’s debut is a delightful mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and razor-sharp dialogue. Alex and Henry are both charmingly complex, and their enemies-to-lovers arc is as steamy as it is heartwarming. It’s the perfect read for anyone looking for romance with a side of witty political commentary.

8. It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

Themes: Love, Abuse, Hard Choices

Lily Bloom thinks she’s found love with the charismatic Ryle Kincaid. But as cracks begin to form in their seemingly perfect relationship, Lily struggles to reconcile her feelings for Ryle with the painful realities of her past and present.

Colleen Hoover masterfully balances romance with tough, important topics like domestic abuse and resilience. It Ends with Us is a gut-wrenching read that delivers an emotional payoff, making it a contemporary classic that sticks with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

9. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

Themes: Fake Dating, Enemies-to-Lovers, Family Dynamics

Catalina desperately needs a date for her sister’s wedding in Spain, and the last person she wants to go with is her insufferable coworker, Aaron Blackford. Yet, Aaron insists on stepping up as her fake boyfriend. Begrudgingly, Catalina agrees, but as the trip unfolds, Aaron proves there’s more to him than meets the eye.

This charming slow-burn romance is packed with hilarious and heartfelt moments, giving readers everything they love in the fake-dating trope. Aaron and Catalina’s chemistry is off the charts, and the vibrant Spanish wedding setting adds an extra layer of warmth and fun.