Best Contemporary Romance Books

In The Flatshare, two people live in the same apartment—but they’ve never met. Tiffy and Leon share a bed (yes, you read that right) due to their opposite work schedules. Tiffy has the flat during the evenings, while Leon works night shifts and uses it during the day. As they start leaving quirky post-it notes for each other around the apartment, they form an unexpected connection. This charming and original love story is about more than just romance; it’s also about friendship, healing, and learning to trust.

The Hating Game is the quintessential enemies-to-lovers romance, set in the high-stakes world of corporate offices. Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman are executive assistants at a publishing company who have been engaged in a fierce, daily battle of wits. They glare at each other, play childish games, and compete for a promotion. But beneath the surface of their rivalry, sparks start to fly. As their hate turns into something more, the sizzling chemistry between them makes for an addictive read. It’s laugh-out-loud funny with plenty of romantic tension.

Though Me Before You is a contemporary romance, it also dives into deeper, more emotional themes. The story follows Louisa Clark, a quirky and optimistic young woman, who becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor, a wealthy man left paralyzed after an accident. Their relationship begins with Will being distant and cynical, but Lou’s warmth slowly melts his defenses. The bond they form is heartwarming and profound, yet the novel also raises thought-provoking questions about life, love, and choices. Be prepared for a bittersweet, yet powerful, emotional rollercoaster.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is more of a character-driven romance that focuses on personal growth and healing. Eleanor is socially awkward and has settled into a lonely routine—until she meets Raymond, an IT guy who helps her break out of her shell. While the romance in this book is subtle, it beautifully showcases how human connections can transform lives. It’s a touching, often funny, story about learning to let others in and the surprising ways love can find you when you least expect it.

Don Tillman is a socially awkward professor of genetics who decides it's time to find a wife, but in true Don fashion, he creates a highly scientific questionnaire to find the perfect woman. His methodical search gets turned upside down when he meets Rosie, a free-spirited woman who is completely incompatible with his checklist. The Rosie Project is a hilarious, heartwarming rom-com that proves love doesn’t always follow logic. Don’s journey of self-discovery and his growing affection for Rosie is as touching as it is entertaining.

This second-chance romance is about Macy and Elliot, childhood best friends who slowly fell in love, only to have life pull them apart in a heartbreaking way. Years later, they run into each other again, and old feelings resurface. The story alternates between past and present, showing their deep connection and the pain of their separation. It’s a tender, emotionally charged romance about forgiveness, healing, and rediscovering a love that never truly went away. The lyrical writing and intense chemistry between Macy and Elliot make it a standout in contemporary romance.

In this sweet and lighthearted young adult romance, Lara Jean Covey’s secret love letters—written to all her past crushes—are accidentally sent out. Suddenly, she finds herself in a fake relationship with one of her former crushes, Peter Kavinsky, to save face. What starts as a charade quickly turns into something real. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is charming and full of heart, with relatable characters and the giddy feeling of first love. The Netflix adaptation of this novel brought it even more into the spotlight, but the book remains a must-read for anyone looking for a feel-good romance.

One Day in December is a love-at-first-sight romance that explores missed opportunities and the unpredictability of fate. Laurie locks eyes with a stranger at a bus stop one winter day and feels an instant connection—but the bus drives away before they can meet. She spends the next year searching for him, only to discover he’s now dating her best friend. This novel spans over a decade, showing the characters’ evolving relationships and personal growth. It’s a beautifully crafted story about timing, friendship, and the many forms that love can take.

When Nikole’s public proposal at a Dodgers game goes horribly wrong, she’s saved from embarrassment by Carlos, a handsome doctor sitting nearby. What starts as a rescue quickly turns into a flirtation, and soon they’re spending more time together. The Proposal is a fast-paced, charming romance that doesn’t shy away from important themes like friendship and self-worth. Nik and Carlos’s chemistry is undeniable, and their witty banter keeps the story light and fun. It’s the perfect pick for anyone looking for a feel-good, diverse romance.

In Beach Read, January and Gus are two authors who couldn’t be more different. January writes swoon-worthy romances, while Gus pens literary fiction. Both are struggling with writer’s block when they end up in neighboring beach houses for the summer. To shake things up, they agree to switch genres—January will write a literary novel, and Gus will try his hand at romance. As they spend more time together, their creative competition turns into something much deeper. With its mix of witty dialogue, emotional depth, and sun-soaked settings, this novel is both heartwarming and deeply satisfying.

The Friend Zone blends humor and real-life issues into a heartwarming love story. Kristen is a witty, no-nonsense woman who has decided she can’t have a serious relationship due to her infertility issues. But when she meets Josh, her best friend’s soon-to-be brother-in-law, sparks fly despite her best efforts to keep things casual. As they grow closer, Kristen struggles with her feelings, knowing that Josh wants a big family. This book is both funny and poignant, tackling the complexities of love, health, and acceptance with honesty and heart.

Alexa and Drew meet in an elevator and hit it off instantly. Drew needs a last-minute date to his ex-girlfriend’s wedding, and Alexa agrees to step in as his pretend girlfriend. What begins as a fake date quickly turns into something more. The Wedding Date is a lighthearted, fast-paced romance filled with charming banter and fun situations. The chemistry between Alexa and Drew is electric, and the story offers an entertaining blend of romance and humor. It's the perfect book for readers looking for a fun escape.

P.S. I Love You is both a love story and a story about healing after loss. Holly is devastated by the death of her husband, Gerry, but she soon discovers that he left her a series of letters to help her move forward. Each letter guides her through a different stage of grief and encourages her to embrace life again. While the book explores deep emotions, it’s ultimately uplifting and hopeful. Holly’s journey toward healing and the message of love enduring beyond loss makes this a deeply moving read.

In Attachments, Lincoln is a lonely IT guy whose job involves reading employees’ emails to make sure they’re following company policy. When he stumbles upon the hilarious email exchanges between Beth and Jennifer, two coworkers, he becomes captivated by their wit and charm—especially Beth. Without ever meeting her, Lincoln finds himself falling in love with her. This unconventional romance is full of heart and humor, and it’s a sweet reminder that love can grow in unexpected places. It’s a feel-good novel that’s perfect for anyone who loves a quirky love story.

In The Switch, Leena Cotton needs a break from her hectic life in London, and her grandmother Eileen wants a second shot at love. So, they decide to swap places—Leena heads to a quiet village in Yorkshire, while Eileen moves to the city. As they navigate their new environments, both women find unexpected romance and personal growth. This novel is a delightful mix of romance, family, and self-discovery. With its dual narrative, The Switch is full of heartwarming moments and shows that love and adventure can happen at any age.

Red, White & Royal Blue is a fun, fresh romance that pairs Alex, the First Son of the United States, with Prince Henry, a member of the British royal family. Their relationship begins with a public feud, but as they’re forced to spend time together, they realize their dislike for each other might actually be something else entirely. This book blends romance, politics, and humor in a heartwarming story about love across borders. The witty banter and chemistry between Alex and Henry make this book a standout in contemporary romance.

Nina Hill is perfectly content with her quiet life—working at a bookstore, reading, and crushing trivia night. But her world is turned upside down when she discovers she has a large, eccentric family she never knew about, and she might be falling for a cute trivia rival. The Bookish Life of Nina Hill is a charming, feel-good story about stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the chaos that comes with love and family. With plenty of bookish references and witty dialogue, it’s a treat for anyone who loves stories about introverts finding love.

In The Kiss Quotient, Stella Lane is a brilliant mathematician with no experience in relationships, so she hires an escort to help her learn the art of dating. What starts as a business arrangement with Michael, a charming and caring escort, turns into something much deeper as the two develop feelings for each other. This novel stands out for its unique premise and its exploration of love from the perspective of someone on the autism spectrum. It’s sweet, funny, and full of heart, with a romance that will leave you rooting for Stella and Michael.

In this hilarious and heartwarming novel, Gavin, a professional baseball player, is struggling to save his marriage. Desperate, he joins a secret book club of men who read romance novels to learn how to fix their relationships. With the help of his fellow book club members, Gavin learns to communicate better and win back his wife. The Bromance Book Club is a fresh, funny take on romance from the male perspective, with plenty of laughs, touching moments, and a great message about the importance of understanding your partner.

Just One Day follows Allyson, a sheltered American girl who meets Willem, a free-spirited Dutch actor, while traveling in Europe. On a whim, they spend one unforgettable day together in Paris, but when Allyson wakes up the next morning, Willem is gone. The novel explores Allyson’s journey of self-discovery as she tries to understand the impact that single day had on her. It’s a beautiful, introspective romance that delves into identity, love, and the idea of fate. For anyone who’s ever felt the magic of a brief connection, this book will resonate deeply.