7 Best-Selling Romance Books Millions Love

Monica Murphy, Kristen Callihan, and Kelly Vaughn share their picks of best-selling Romance Books that readers can’t get enough of.

Kelly Vaughn
Updated on June 26, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in Romance where emotional connection reigns supreme. Romance novels have consistently drawn millions of readers who crave stories that resonate with their own hopes and heartbreaks. Today, these seven best-selling Romance books represent a blend of popular appeal and expert acclaim, offering narratives that have captured hearts through proven storytelling.

Experts like Monica Murphy, a New York Times bestselling author, found Elle Kennedy’s "The Deal" irresistible for its authentic New Adult vibe and emotional depth. Meanwhile, Kristen Callihan and Alice Clayton praise the same book for its mix of humor and passion, highlighting how it skillfully navigates young love’s complexities. Kelly Vaughn, a noted developer and podcast co-host, also champions "People We Meet on Vacation" for its nuanced take on friendship blossoming into romance, showing how expert insight aligns with reader favorites.

While these popular books provide frameworks validated by many, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Romance needs might consider creating a personalized Romance book that combines these validated approaches. Tailored books can address your unique interests, from holiday romances to billionaire love stories, ensuring your next read hits exactly the notes you want.

Best for New Adult romance fans
Monica Murphy, a New York Times bestselling author, highlights the appeal of "The Deal (Off-Campus)" by Elle Kennedy for fans of New Adult romance, saying, "I loved this book! Garrett is dreamy. If you love NA, you must read The Deal!" Her endorsement aligns with the widespread enthusiasm for the book's blend of humor, sensuality, and emotional depth. Murphy's appreciation reflects how the story’s mix of a college setting and relatable characters resonates deeply. Alongside her, Kristen Callihan praises its emotional satisfaction and sweetness, reinforcing the novel’s strong connection with readers seeking heartfelt romance.

Recommended by Monica Murphy

New York Times Bestselling Author

I loved this book! Garrett is dreamy. If you love NA, you must read The Deal!

The Deal (Off-Campus) book cover

by Elle Kennedy··You?

2016·375 pages·Romance, New Adult, Character Development, Contemporary Fiction, Emotional Growth

Elle Kennedy, a bestselling author known for her contemporary romance novels, writes with a keen understanding of the New Adult genre's emotional and sensual complexities. In "The Deal (Off-Campus)," she unpacks the awkward yet exhilarating dance of young love and self-discovery, focusing on characters like Hannah and Garrett who navigate personal insecurities and ambitions. The book teaches you about character-driven storytelling that blends humor, vulnerability, and passion, especially through scenes where Hannah steps out of her comfort zone to confront her fears and Garrett fights to salvage his hockey dreams. If you appreciate romance with relatable characters who grow through tension and chemistry, this book suits your tastes well.

New York Times Bestseller
USA Today Bestseller
Wall Street Journal Bestseller
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Best for realistic second-chance love
Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author whose titles have appeared on over ninety bestseller lists and are translated into twenty languages. Living in New York with her family, she draws from her own experiences of lifelong love to craft stories like Hate Notes, where unexpected romance and emotional complexity come to life. Her track record of engaging, heartfelt novels makes this book a compelling choice if you seek romance that feels both genuine and surprising.
Hate Notes book cover

by Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward··You?

2018·304 pages·Romance, Chick Lit, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Second Chances

Unlike most romance novels that focus solely on idealized love, Hate Notes explores the messier, more realistic emotions behind second chances and complicated relationships. Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward weave a story sparked by a mysterious blue note hidden in a wedding dress, leading you through a mix of cynicism and hope as the protagonist navigates working for the very man behind the note. You’ll learn how emotional barriers and past heartbreaks impact trust and intimacy, illustrated through characters who are both flawed and relatable. If you appreciate romance that balances sweetness with genuine conflict, this book offers a nuanced look at love's unpredictability.

Amazon #1 Most Unputdownable Book of the Year
Amazon Charts Bestseller
Wall Street Journal Bestseller
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Best for custom romance formulas
This AI-created book on romance storytelling is crafted based on your background and preferences. You share your experience level, favorite romance subgenres, and specific storytelling goals, and the book focuses on the techniques and narrative elements that matter most to you. Custom tailoring makes it easier to dive into the aspects of romance writing that truly spark your interest and creativity.
2025·50-300 pages·Romance, Romance Storytelling, Character Development, Emotional Arc, Romantic Tension

This tailored book explores effective romance storytelling methods that align with your unique interests and background. It reveals how to craft compelling narratives by blending popular, reader-validated techniques with your personal preferences, ensuring the content focuses on what captivates you most. By concentrating on your specific goals, this personalized guide examines character development, emotional arcs, and romantic tension in ways that resonate deeply with your storytelling style. The book embraces proven romance elements, adapting them into a unique narrative formula that reflects your tastes and storytelling ambitions, making the learning experience both engaging and relevant.

Tailored Guide
Narrative Crafting
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for emotionally complex billionaire romance
Ana Huang’s Twisted Love draws readers into a world where a billionaire’s tough exterior masks a turbulent past, and a free-spirited woman’s resilience offers unexpected warmth. This book has captivated many with its blend of intense emotional depth and steamy romance, making it a standout in contemporary new adult fiction. Its focus on the complexities of forbidden love, trust, and healing appeals to those looking for more than just a simple love story. Twisted Love meets the desire for romance that challenges characters and readers alike, showing how love can both break and mend.
Twisted Love (Twisted, 1) book cover

by Ana Huang·You?

2022·352 pages·Romance, Character Development, Emotional Conflict, Billionaire Romance, Family Dynamics

Unlike most romance novels that lean heavily on predictable tropes, Ana Huang crafts a story where flawed characters confront haunting pasts and complex emotions. You’ll find yourself navigating the icy walls of Alex Volkov, a billionaire shaped by tragedy, and the free-spirited Ava Chen, whose resilience shines despite her broken memories. Through their evolving relationship, the book explores themes of vulnerability, trust, and redemption, especially in chapters detailing their tender yet turbulent interactions. If you’re drawn to emotionally charged stories that balance steamy romance with deep character development, this book offers a compelling look at love’s power to both heal and challenge.

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Best for friendship-to-love stories
Kelly Vaughn, a developer and podcast co-host with a keen eye for engaging fiction, highlights this novel as a standout read from her birthday Book of the Month subscription. She points to its appeal for readers who enjoy thoughtful storytelling, noting how it blends friendship and romance with relatable characters. "Two of my favorites have been People We Meet on Vacation and Impostor Syndrome," she shares, reflecting how this book deepened her appreciation for stories about complex personal connections and emotional honesty.
KV

Recommended by Kelly Vaughn

Developer, speaker, podcast co-host

I was gifted a Book of the Month subscription for my birthday last year and love it. If you’re into reading, I highly recommend signing up. Two of my favorites have been People We Meet on Vacation and Impostor Syndrome. (from X)

People We Meet on Vacation book cover

by Emily Henry··You?

2021·400 pages·Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit, Relationship Dynamics, Emotional Growth

After Emily Henry crafted several bestsellers, she developed this story that explores the complex friendship between Poppy and Alex over a decade of summer vacations. You gain insight into nuanced relationship dynamics, especially how shared history and unspoken truths shape bonds. The novel’s structure, with each trip unfolding a layer of their connection, offers a fresh look at how love and friendship intertwine. If you appreciate character-driven narratives revealing emotional growth, this book will resonate; it’s less about grand romance and more about the quiet moments that test and define relationships.

#1 New York Times Bestseller
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Best for holiday romance enthusiasts
Lauren Blakely's My Favorite Holidate offers a refreshing take on holiday romances, combining the charm of a fake dating plot with the tension of office romance and family complexities. This standalone story captures the playful yet heartfelt moments that arise when a billionaire boss steps in as a Christmas boyfriend to help his employee navigate social and emotional challenges during the festive season. Its blend of humor, holiday traditions, and romantic development makes it an inviting choice for readers seeking a love story that feels both familiar and delightfully unconventional.
2024·482 pages·Romance, Holiday Romance, Fake Dating, Billionaire, Single Dad

What started as a playful holiday challenge turns into a nuanced exploration of love, jealousy, and unexpected connections in Lauren Blakely's My Favorite Holidate. The story centers on a fake dating scenario where a billionaire boss and his employee navigate the festive season's complexities, balancing office dynamics with personal stakes. You’ll find yourself immersed in the characters’ evolving relationship, from witty banter over popcorn ball contests to the tender moments that spark genuine affection. This book suits anyone who enjoys holiday romances that mix humor and heart, especially those intrigued by themes of second chances and family dynamics.

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Best for personal reading plans
This AI-created book on romance reading is designed based on your background, interests, and goals. You share your experience level and specific topics you want to focus on, and the book is crafted to suit exactly what you want to learn. Personalizing your Romance reading journey helps you dive right into stories that resonate with you, making the process more enjoyable and effective. This tailored approach ensures you get a focused, engaging guide matched to your unique preferences.
2025·50-300 pages·Romance, Romance Reading, Narrative Techniques, Character Development, Emotional Engagement

This personalized book explores a step-by-step 30-day approach to engaging deeply with Romance novels, tailored to your reading background and specific interests. It covers essential themes and popular subgenres, combining reader-validated insights with your individual preferences to create a unique learning experience. The book examines how to appreciate narrative techniques, character archetypes, and emotional arcs that define beloved Romance stories, focusing on your goals to accelerate enjoyment and understanding. By focusing on your interests and reading level, this tailored guide reveals how to build a sustainable Romance reading habit, discover new favorites, and connect emotionally with varied storylines. It offers a focused exploration designed specifically for you to fast-track success in Romance literature appreciation.

Tailored Guide
Reader-Validated Insights
3,000+ Books Created
Best for festive romantic comedies
Catherine Walsh’s Holiday Romance offers a fresh take on the classic Christmas romantic comedy, inviting you into the endearing tradition of two friends whose yearly flight home becomes a stage for unexpected feelings. This story's charm lies in its blend of humor and heartfelt moments, as Molly and Andrew navigate a snowstorm that challenges their long-held perceptions about love and friendship. Perfectly suited for fans of contemporary romcoms, this book explores themes of loyalty, festive spirit, and the complexities of evolving relationships, all wrapped in a cozy, entertaining narrative that has captured the hearts of many.
2022·350 pages·Romance, Friendship, Holiday, Comedy, Travel

What started as a simple holiday setting becomes a vivid exploration of friendship and unexpected love in Catherine Walsh's Holiday Romance. Walsh captures the nuances of two longtime friends, Molly and Andrew, whose annual flight home becomes a backdrop for a mix of humor, tension, and heartfelt moments. You’ll find yourself drawn into their contrasting personalities and the ticking clock of a snowstorm that forces them to reconsider what they want from each other and the season. Chapters unfold with witty dialogue and intimate insights into their lives, making this a story that resonates especially if you appreciate character-driven romantic comedies with a festive twist.

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Best for time-travel historical romance lovers
Linore Rose Burkard's "Forever, Lately" invites you to step into a dual timeline where 1816 England’s regency charm meets the urgency of a modern writer’s life. This novel has captivated readers who cherish historical romance enriched with elements of time travel and mystery. The story revolves around Julian St. John and Claire Channing, whose worlds collide in unexpected ways, offering a blend of romance, magic, and suspense. Burkard’s meticulous research and vivid characterizations ensure an engaging experience that resonates with fans of both genres, making this a notable addition to contemporary romance literature.
2019·313 pages·Romance, Historical Romance, Time Travel, Character Development, Plot Twists

When Linore Rose Burkard first imagined blending Regency-era history with time travel, she crafted a story that pulls you into two worlds at once. You get to explore not only the social intrigues of 1816 England but also the modern pressures of a struggling author fighting for her career. The book teaches you about the nuances of historical settings alongside the emotional depth of romantic tension that crosses time. If you enjoy well-researched period details combined with unpredictable plot twists, this story offers a lively journey through both eras, though it’s best suited for those who appreciate romance with a sprinkle of fantasy and mystery.

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Popular Romance Strategies, Personalized

Get proven Romance storytelling methods without generic advice that misses your unique tastes.

Proven story techniques
Tailored romance themes
Focused reader insights

Validated by bestselling authors and thousands of Romance enthusiasts

The Romance Formula
30-Day Love System
Romance Foundations Code
Love Story Blueprint

Conclusion

This collection of seven Romance books highlights recurring themes of emotional honesty, relationship complexity, and heartfelt connection. Whether it’s the fresh vulnerability of new adult love in "The Deal" or the intricate friendship-to-romance journey in "People We Meet on Vacation," these stories offer proven approaches that resonate widely.

If you prefer proven methods with strong character development, starting with "The Deal" and "Twisted Love" can provide a solid foundation. For those drawn to seasonal charm, "My Favorite Holidate" and "Holiday Romance" offer festive escapes filled with humor and warmth. Combining these with more unconventional tales like "Forever, Lately" can deepen your appreciation of Romance’s diversity.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Romance book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in finding the perfect Romance story for their tastes.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "The Deal" if you enjoy relatable New Adult romance or "People We Meet on Vacation" for a slow-burn friendship-to-love story. Both are widely recommended and offer engaging characters that ease you into the genre.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Romance?

Not at all. Books like "Holiday Romance" and "My Favorite Holidate" offer accessible and charming stories perfect for new readers, blending humor and heart without complex tropes.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Focus on what appeals to you rather than release date. "Twisted Love" (2022) offers fresh emotional depth, while "Forever, Lately" combines historical and fantasy elements for a unique experience.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can absolutely pick one that fits your mood or interest. Each book stands alone with its own style—whether you want humor, emotional complexity, or festive cheer.

How do I know if a book is actually worth my time?

Look for expert endorsements alongside reader enthusiasm. For example, "The Deal" has praise from multiple bestselling authors, ensuring both quality storytelling and emotional resonance.

Can I get Romance advice tailored to my specific interests?

Yes! While these expert picks provide popular insights, you can create a personalized Romance book that combines proven methods with your unique preferences for focused, relevant guidance.

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