Colleen Hoover's 'It Ends with Us' Boxed Set Is 50% Off for Black Friday/Cyber Monday

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Baby, it's cold outside so why not heat things up with a sexy, steamy, swoon-worthy read? Pour yourself something to sip on, grab a decadent sweet treat, slip into something comfy and crack open one of these best romance novels. Our extremely opinionated list is stacked with can't-miss classics (If you haven't read Pride and Prejudice, are you even a romance fan?) and brand-new reads that are poised to take first place in your heart.

Whether you salivate over historical fiction that follows the fluttering hearts of yesteryear, witchy paranormal romance that proves you don't need flesh and blood to get frisky, rom-coms that pair hilarious hijinks with the steamier stuff or the type of stories that might get sidelong glances on public transit, we've got a romance book you'll want to read over and over again.

And to those who think romance is just for bored housewives picking up a bodice-ripper at the grocery store checkout counter, think again. The romance realm has a lot of romance-plus-other to offer that might surprise you — although we'd never turn down one of those fun, flirty grocery store standards either. Many of our favorite romance books also feature exciting adventure, LGBTQ+ love stories and lyrical prose. Add these to your TBR pile, and don't forget to check out the Good Housekeeping book club once you're done, for even more feel-good reads.

Colleen Hoover It Ends with Us (2023)

Grab the box set so you won't have to frantically order the second installment of this smash hit from Colleen Hoover. If you haven't read her books yet, start with these two and then work your way through the back catalogue.

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With Love, from Cold World by Alicia Thompson (2023)

From the author of the hit Love in the Time of Serial Killers comes the perfect workplace romance for fans of a certain mouse-centric theme park. Lauren is a serious bookkeeper at a theme park where it's always winter, which doesn't get quite the crowds as its more famous counterparts. Asa is her fun-loving coworker who's always trying to spice things up around the office. Of course, their boss asks them to team up on a project. And naturally, sparks fly. Read to find out the rest.

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert (2019)

After a health scare, Chloe Brown makes a list of things to do to help her "get a life," including doing something bad. Naughty doesn't come naturally to good-girl Chloe, so she enlists the help of rough-and-tumble handyman Red. But what she finds is more than meets the eye, in this first in an absolutely devour-able series.

Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland (2023)

Sage Flores has been running from her ability to commune with plants ever since her sister passed away. But after she's forced to return to her hometown and slips back into her old life — including reconnecting with a high school flame who broke her heart — she can't deny her gift or her family any longer. You could cut the tension here with a knife, or should we say, a pair of gardening shears.

Happy Place by Emily Henry (2023)

Harriet and Wyn’s friend group has spent languorous summer days at the same Maine house for a decade, so when it goes up for sale, they’re determined to soak up one last week of memories. There’s just one problem: Harriet and Wyn haven’t told their crew they’re no longer engaged, so they’re stuck sharing a room to keep up the charade. But is it all really just for show, or are sparks flying? Read this one now while you wait for the queen of beach reads' next hit to drop.

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Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood (2023)

Rival physicists. Fake dating. Real love? Hazelwood's trio of STEM romances that sees her characters spar on both professional and personal fronts are definitely not homework. Did somebody leave a bunsen burner on, or are things heating up in here?

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (2012)

Look, we understand that a retelling of The Iliad sounds more like history class than a romantic read, but pick this one up and get ready to eat your words. It's an action-packed epic with one heck of a love story that will change the way you look at the classic tale forever.

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (2023)

If the title doesn't get your attention and you've somehow missed Sittenfeld's other star-tier books, the sizzling plot will do it. This one's about a late-night comedy writer who falls for a pop star with a rep for dating knockouts, which she definitely is not. If you've ever shipped Saturday Night Live stars, this one's for you.

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Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan (2023)

Sports fans know how emotional a high-stakes game can get. Add actual romance into the mix, and all we can say is just remember to hydrate. This heartstring-tugger is all about missed connections, tarnished golden boys and the darkness that can lie beneath the most glittering exteriors.

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston (2022)

Florence is a romance ghostwriter who no longer believes in love, which is kind of a problem for her career. But then, she returns home to bury her beloved father and finds a ghost (yes, an actual ghost) who might just change her mind.

The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory (2018)

You really can't go wrong with any of Jasmine Guillory's fun, romantic romps, but this sporty love story is especially great. Freelance writer Nik's boyfriend proposes at a Dodger's game, and the dude can't even spell her name right. She says no (obviously), and the video goes viral. Handsome doctor Carlos sweeps her away from the frenzy, but he can't possibly be the real deal. Or can he?

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The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (2016)

If you've ever carried a torch for a colleague (the scandal!) this novel will feel familiar. Coworkers Lucy Hutton and her sworn nemesis Joshua Templeman have a rivalry as bitter as they come, especially as they compete for the same promotion. At least, it starts out that way.

Vision In White by Nora Roberts (2012)

The prolific Nora Roberts has penned more than 200 romance novels, but this one earned top marks from her fans as the first installment in The Bride Quartet. Wedding photographer Mackensie "Mac" Elliot operates a wedding planning company with three friends. When a day on the job introduces her to sweet and stable English teacher Carter Maguire, their casual fling might lead to her own happy ending.

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The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang (2018)

More nerdy storylines, please! In this novel from Helen Hoang, Stella Lane is the genius mathematician who puts herself in remedial romance — by hiring escort Michael Phan to teach her the ins and outs of sex. We consider it the perfect equation for a great read.

Bared to You by Sylvia Day (2014)

If you like your romance in multiple installments, try the Crossfire series. Big city newbie Eva Tramell literally falls at the feet of billionaire tycoon Gideon Cross, kickstarting a steamy affair that reveals secrets from both their dark pasts. Sound familiar? There's a reason one Amazon reviewer called it the "soap opera version of Fifty Shades of Grey."

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (2019)

McQuiston has earned their place in the canon of contemporary romance, and this hot royals romance is one of the reasons. Ever wonder what would happen if, say, a Kennedy fell in love with a Windsor? With this book, you don't have to.

Delta of Venus by Anais Nin (1977)

If you've never read Anaïs Nin and call yourself a romance fan, fix that right now. This vintage short story collection's erotic vibes still hold up. But don't take our word for it — turn off the lights, slip into something slinky and try it for yourself.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)

This classic is so old, it's free if you have a Kindle! And you should definitely take advantage of that – it's basically the O.G. romance novel. If you're already a Jane Austen fan, check out Curtis Sittenfeld's reinterpretation Eligible, which sets Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy in modern-day Cincinnati.

Love at First Like: A Novel by Hannah Orenstein (2019)

Eliza co-owns a jewelry shop with her sister, and accidentally posts an Instagram of herself wearing a diamond ring on you-know-which finger. The photo blows up, and she realizes even a fake engagement is good for the ol' bottom line. But then she meets Blake. He's great, except for one thing: Blake doesn't know about her ruse, and Eliza doesn't know how much longer she can keep it all up.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell (2013)

They say you never forget your first love. Test that theory by taking a trip down memory lane with Eleanor and Park, two lovestruck misfit teens in 1986. They're smart enough to know young love never lasts, but brave enough to try anyway.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (1992)

Before it became an epic costume drama on Starz, this time-traveling romance novel introduced the world to Claire Randall, a former British combat nurse, and her Scottish warrior love interest... who's living in 1743. This one's got it all: time travel, danger, intrigue and of course, plenty of love.

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough (1979)

This sweeping multigenerational tale of life on a sheep station in the Outback often gets described as "an Australian Gone With the Wind," so if you love the Civil War version, try this one on for size. The romance primarily focuses on an illicit affair between Maggie, a resident on the remote ranch, and a handsome priest.

Call Me by Your Name by Andre Aciman (2017)

You may have already seen the film starring Timothee Chalamet, but this steamy love story between two young men in the Italian Riviera is worth a read either way. Pro tip: Grab a juicy peach before you crack the spine. Just trust us.

Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney (2021)

This quiet love story centers around Alice, Felix, Eileen and Simon — four people trying to find their way in the world. Romantic entanglement ensues (this is a Rooney novel, after all) and you'll find your own allegiances shifting and changing as you read.

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (2014)

What happens when you fall in love with someone who lives on a totally different timeline? That's the story for Henry DeTamble, a librarian who gets unstuck in time, and Clare Abshire, an artist whose life progresses the conventional way. This romantic tale is as unique as it is beautiful.

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The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (1996)

I can hardly believe it myself, but we first watched *that* rain scene over 15 years ago. Revisit Noah and Allie in the book about a South Carolina socialite separated from her summer love before their letters (and later notebooks) bring them back together.

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021)

Twenty years ago, Eva and Shane fell in love over a whirlwind of a week. When they happen to reconnect in Brooklyn, Eva (now an erotica writer) and Shane (now a bestselling author) have a chance at closure, or rekindling the spark that brought them together in the first place. It's hot, sultry and deliciously steamy.

Violeta by Isabel Allende (2022)

Allende is one of the best romance writers of our time, and her latest doesn't disappoint. This epic story of a woman who perseveres through two pandemics, war, the Great Depression and the battle for equal rights is not only a passionate love story but a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

When We Were Birds by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo (2022)

Mysterious, atmospheric and richly painted, this mystical love story follows Darwin, a rastafarian man who becomes a gravedigger to support himself and gets mixed up in some nefarious dealings, and Yejide, a woman with a power that's both a blessing and a curse. When the two cross paths, they get a chance to rescue each other and change their lives forever.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (1847)

This 1847 classic tells the tale of courageous governess and heroine Jane Eyre and her brooding employer with a terrible secret, Mr. Rochester. Groundbreaking for its time, the first-person narrative set a new standard for what romance could be — no wonder readers still love it more than 170 years later.

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