20 ROMANCE NOVELS THAT ARE SEXY, SMART, AND ANYTHING BUT SAPPY

When it comes to modern romance novels, readers are no longer limited to just tearjerkers, bodice-rippers, and love stories between white, cis-het protagonists. We love to see the growing diversity of this genre, and we revel in the stories that make it more inclusive.

It is important to know that the publishing industry still has a lot of work to do. According to an annual independent report from the Los Angeles-based bookstore The Ripped Bodice, for every 100 books published in 2019 by leading romance publishers, fewer than nine books were written by people of color.

We celebrate the books that allow more readers to see themselves (and their own romantic adventures and mishaps) in their pages and think that any lover of lit can take pleasure in their stories.

Featuring both longtime best-sellers and new reads, these 20 romance novels are definitely worth adding to your personal library.

1‘The Overdue Life of Amy Byler’ by Amy Byler

$15.99

An Amazon Charts and Washington Post best-seller surrounds the story of Amy Byler who’s headed to New York City for a summer to take a much-needed break from her overworked life.

After letting loose and taking in all the city has to offer, she meets one particular man who leaves her contemplating if she should stay or go back to all that she left behind in Pennsylvania.

2’An American Marriage’ by Tayari Jones

$7.89 (53% off)

An American Marriage was named a top book for 2018 by the likes of Amazon, the New York Times, and NPR (it was even an Oprah’s Book Club pick!), so it’s no surprise that our parenting editor Latifah Miles names it as one of her favorite romance novels, as well. 

She says,“An American Marriage is full of twists and turns and made me rethink the meaning of true love and how far you are willing to go for the person you have committed your life to. Where is the boundary between love and personal happiness, and how do we pick up the pieces after everything falls apart? 

3’99 Percent Mine: A Novel’ by Sally Thorne

$9.00

Darcy and Tom have been friends — just friends — since they were kids. Tom and Darcy’s twin brother are best friends, so their bond has always been a platonic one. When Darcy inherits a fixer-upper cottage and Tom is tasked with restoring the home to its former glory, suddenly the rules no longer apply.

4‘Meet Cute Club’ by Jack Harbon

$12.99

Jordan Collins is a total bookworm and the founder of a floundering romance-book club. He’s also desperate to save his passion project. Rex Bailey, a smart-mouthed bookstore employee, offers to join the Meet Cute Club and help Jordan revitalize the local lit community he loves so dear. 

Though reluctant at first, Jordan eventually agrees to let him join the club and in doing so, gets to know Rex on a deeper level — even if he’s the last guy on Earth that he’d expect to fall for.

5’Take a Hint, Dani Brown: A Novel’ by Talia Hibbert

$12.78

Ever feel like you’re just too busy for love? Danika Brown has been wearing that excuse out. She enjoys her independence, but is much too occupied with climbing the professional ladder and getting her Ph.D. to worry about finding her soulmate.

When cute security guard Zafir Ansari saves Dani’s life during a workplace evacuation, the rescue is caught on video and instantly the whole internet thinks that they’re a thing. 

Both Zaf and Dani are more than OK with playing up their “relationship” for some positive publicity … but Zaf is interested about making their viral romance real.

6‘If I Was Your Girl’ by Meredith Russo

$10.53

If I Was Your Girl is a heart-opening and tender YA romance novel following Amanda Hardy, the new girl in a small-town Tennessee high school. Anxious and shy, she wants so badly to make new friends and fit in, as well as open up to her new crush, Grant.

Her transgender identity is a secret, and she fears losing the connections she’s made in letting the people around her actually meet the real her. This beautifully written and honest story is a celebration of teenagehood, in all of its complications and joy.

7’The Bride Test’ by Helen Hoang

$6.00

This romantic read is just as sexy as it is sweet. Khai and Esme live on opposite ends of the globe, and seemingly in two different realities — Esme in the world of starry-eyed romance, and Khai in a matter-of-fact, socially isolated viewpoint.

The two are paired together through an arranged courtship, and must navigate through their differences to reach common ground together.

8’Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors: A Novel’ by Sonali Dev

$8.59

This reimagining of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is set in #MeToo-era San Francisco. Reversing the gender roles of the classic romance novel, Dr. Trisha Raje and chef DJ Caine initially clash over their different worldviews, and both are incredibly loyal to their families. Eventually the two reconcile in order to save DJ’s sister.

9‘Opposite of Always’ by Justin A. Reynolds

$10.59

Be forewarned: You’ll want the tissues handy when you start reading this otherworldly romance novel. Jack and Kate meet at a party, and it was like it was always meant to be. Neither of them has ever felt such a happy, goofy, instant bond with another person.

When Kate suddenly loses the battle with her chronic illness and dies, Jack gains the ability to travel back in time over and over again to try and relive their love story, and also change whatever he can about it so that she can live.\

10’Tell Me How You Really Feel’ by Aminah Mae Safi

$11.49

This YA romance novel follows two girls whose love story had a bit of a false start. 

The super popular Sana Khan asked out aspiring filmmaker Rachel Recht, and let’s just say that it didn’t go well. Both walked away from the encounter feeling like they’d been pranked. They’ve managed to keep their distance — until Rachel reluctantly casts Sana as the lead in her senior film project. Perhaps take two of their romance is more successful.

11’Finding Your Feet’ by Cass Lennox

$17.99

You might never know where you’ll meet The One. Evie Whitmore has a dance routine to learn with just hours to spare, and Tyler Davis is the one who is tasked with teaching it to her. Taken by her skill and the effortlessness of their pairing, Tyler is still healing from a past abusive relationship, but he may be ready to let someone new into his life. 

This tender romance between an asexual person and a trans man is about the importance of patience and trust.

12‘Before You Say I Do’ by Clare Lydon

$14.99

This romance novel follows Abby, an engaged woman who is so busy with work that her fiancee has to hire a professional bridesmaid, Jordan, to help her keep things in order as the wedding fast approaches.

There’s no question that when the two women meet, sparks fly, and Abby wonders if her life priorities have been completely out of whack all along. 

13’Well Met’ by Jen DeLuca

$8.39

It turns out, these two star-crossed lovers can only express their true feelings when they’re role-playing at the Renaissance Faire (!). Bubbly, lighthearted Emily agrees to volunteer at the Faire for the summer, and is under the supervision of the disgruntled Simon. It’s only when they’re in costume that the flirtation gets hot and heavy.

14’The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics’ by Olivia Waite

$6.99

This gorgeous romance novel takes place in Regency-era England, and it follows Catherine, the widow of a scientist, and Lucy, the young woman who appears at her doorstep to translate the late husband’s documents. 

Although there is so much societally that keeps the women from publicly declaring their love for each other, that doesn’t stop their passionate story from unfolding.

15‘Roller Girl’ by Vanessa North

$3.49

Reeling from a recent divorce shortly after her transitioning, Tina Durham feels as though she’s hit rock bottom. On top of it, her washing machine has just exploded, flooding her kitchen. When Joanne “Joe Mama” Delario comes over to fix it and sees Tina’s life in shambles, she encourages her to try out for the roller derby team that she coaches.

This fun romp of a romance novel is equal parts passionate and tender, and is all about getting back up onto your feet after getting knocked down.

16’Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel’ by Casey McQuiston

$10.29

Alex Claremont-Diaz’s mother is President of the United States, meaning that he has to keep up a wholesome public image, so as not to rock the boat with any foreign relations. Unfortunately, he’s in a bit of a quarrel with British royal Prince Henry, and the tabloids have the reciepts of their altercation.

Both Alex and Henry agree to smile for the camera to keep the nations that their families lead in peace, but as they’re forced to get closer, it turns out the two influential sons might be hiding their attraction for each other under the guise of rivalry.

17‘The A.I. Who Loved Me’ by Alyssa Cole

$2,276.00

Bestselling romance-novel author Alyssa Cole recently released her first Audible-exclusive romance novel, The A.I. Who Loved Me. If you prefer listening to your literature, this one’s for you.

In this futuristic romance novel, Trinity Jordan lives and works at home and can’t help but notice that she has an attractive new neighbor. Li Wei may be kind of an oddball, but he is gorgeous and Trinity’s attraction to him is undeniable. 

Turns out, there’s a reason that Li seems too perfect to be real … he’s, in fact, a super advanced A.I.18’The Girl He Used to Know: A Novel’ by Tracey Garvis Graves

$7.44

Annika and Jonathan fell hard for one another after they met at chess club while studying at the University of Illinois. Their love seemed like it could withstand anything — until an unexpected tragedy forced them apart.

Now, 10 years later, they’ve reconnected. Both on different paths with the careers they always dreamed of, Annika and Jonathan need to decide if they should take their second chance at being together before it’s lost.

19‘Call Me By Your Name’ by André Aciman

$11.79

The book Call Me By Your Name is just as lush, passionate, and poignant as the Oscar-winning flick. In the book, Elio and Oliver’s love story is told in the stream-of-consciousness narrative of Elio’s inner monologue.

This read is filled with tension and contradictory emotions that pull on the heartstrings of the reader alongside Elio’s own sexual frustrations. It’s a word-dense and excruciatingly beautiful read.

20’To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ and Jenny Han

$7.54

Whether or not you’ve seen the hit Netflix movie based on this Jenny Han love story, you’ll want to read the book. When all five of Lara Jean Song’s crushes get ahold of the love letters she’s written to them — but for her eyes only — her love life gets out of control.