A Sneak Peek of the 10 Best Romance Books for Adults

Life gets messy, doesn’t it? Bills pile up, deadlines loom, and the to-do list never seems to shrink. Every so often, all you crave is to ditch the stress and curl up with a book that guarantees butterflies and a happily ever after.

Well, guess what? You’re part of a billion-dollar club! Romance novels reign supreme as the highest-grossing fiction genre,raking in over $1.44 billion. That’s a powerful testament to the magic these captivating stories weave.

But these little stories are not just fluffy escapes filled with fleeting flings.

Romance books for adults go deeper, exploring the complexities of human connection. They’ll make you laugh, cry, and sigh with contentment.

And the best part? From forbidden office romances to enemies-to-lovers slow burns, there’s a subgenre for everyone. So, let’s take a look at the best romance books for adults and flick through our top 10.

The Best Romance Books for Adults: our Top 10

1. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Forget the awkward fumbling and first-date disasters! This adult novel explores intimacy and love from an entirely unique perspective. 

Meet Stella, a brilliant economist with Asperger’s who hires escort Michael to teach her about passion.

But hold on tight because their professional arrangement takes a surprising turn towards a sizzling romance. Think “Pretty Woman” meets “The Education of Little Tree,” but way steamier and with way more emotional depth.

2. Beach Read by Emily Henry

Competitive much? This story pits two rival authors against each other in a writing challenge that pushes them way outside their comfort zones. 

But hey, sometimes a little creative spark is all it takes to ignite something special – both on the page and in their personal lives!  

Imagine if Jane Austen and Nicholas Sparks decided to co-write a novel, but with a healthy dose of modern banter and hilariously competitive beachside writing sessions.

3. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne 

Get ready for some hilarious workplace fireworks! Lucy and Joshua are coworkers locked in a playful battle for a promotion. 

Their rivalry is intense, complete with passive-aggressive sticky notes and strategically placed staplers. But beneath the surface, a surprising attraction simmers. Enemies-to-lovers? You bet! 

This one is perfect if you love a good slow burn with laugh-out-loud moments and a satisfying payoff.

If enemies-to-lovers is your jam, we’ve got you covered! Check out our article on the best enemies-to-lovers tropes, featuring a list of thrilling love-hate relationships:Discover the best enemies-to-lovers books with Blinkist.

4. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston  

This witty and charming novel throws a delicious twist on forbidden romance. Imagine the son of the U.S. president falling for a British prince? 

Get ready for a whirlwind of forbidden love, witty banter that will leave you snorting your tea, and a journey that defies boundaries. Picture “The Prince and Me” meets “The Crown,” but with a modern twist and way more swoon-worthy moments.

5. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert  

This classic adult novel delves into the tragic story of Emma Bovary, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage who seeks passion through romantic affairs. 

Be prepared for some serious emotional twists and turns! This one isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s a masterpiece for a reason – it’ll transport you to another era and make you question the societal pressures that defined love and marriage.

6. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Opposites attract in this captivating story of two high school students from different worlds who find love despite all the obstacles. 

Picture Romeo and Juliet attending a high school with a serious gang problem, but with a more hopeful ending (and way less poison!).

7. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Craving a fantasy escape with a healthy dose of romance? Dive into this world of powerful faeries, breathtaking landscapes, and thrilling adventures! 

Feyre, a young woman entangled in a dangerous bargain with the faerie world, finds herself caught between love and perilous choices. Think “Twilight” meets “Game of Thrones,” but with a kick-ass female lead and way more steamy encounters.

Wanna binge-read the entire ACOTAR series? Then our guideto reading the ACOTAR books in order will be the perfect starting point for you. It takes you through the captivating world of A Court of Thorns and Roses in the correct order the books are meant to be read.

8. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë  

This passionate tale explores the tumultuous, all-consuming love story between Heathcliff and Catherine. It’s a dramatic rollercoaster of love, loss, and revenge that’s considered a cornerstone of English literature. 

This one isn’t for the romantics at heart – it’s a dark and brooding story of obsessive love with a touch of the supernatural.

9. Married at First Sight by Gu Lingfei

This romance book for adults follows the story of a wealthy businessman and an independent woman who enter into a marriage of convenience.

As they navigate the unexpected turns of their unconventional arrangement, genuine feelings start to blossom. Will their love story defy the odds?

Think “The Proposal” meets “Fifty Shades of Grey,” but with a focus on emotional connection and building a real relationship, not just about fleeting pleasure.  

As they navigate the complexities of their arrangement, a genuine connection sparks, surprising them both.

Will they choose love over their initial expectations, or will societal pressures and past experiences keep them apart?  

This heartwarming journey explores the power of vulnerability and the unexpected places where love can blossom.

10. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Step back in time with this iconic Victorian novel featuring a heroine who’s anything but ordinary. Jane Eyre is a young woman on a quest for self-realization and passionate love in a society that wants to keep her down. 

Will she find both with the mysterious Mr. Rochester, a brooding and damaged yet undeniably attractive gentleman? 

Think “Beauty and the Beast” meets “Pride and Prejudice,” but with a fiercely independent heroine who will steal your heart with her strength and wit. 

This one’s a classic for a reason – it’s a timeless tale of defying expectations and finding love on your own terms.

Jane Eyre’s powerful words continue to inspire readers today. Explore a collection ofTop 10 Jane Eyre Quotes that will leave you feeling inspired and intrigued.

Escape to Passion: Blinkist’s Guide to Adult Romance Books

Ready to lose yourself in a world of passion, laughter, and happily ever afters?

Whether it’s those dramatic historical romances that tug at your heartstrings, fiery office romances that keep you on your toes, or magical tales of forbidden love … there’s a romance novel out there just waiting to sweep you off your feet.

Now, guess what? You don’t have to choose just one book to start with. How about a sneak peek at a whole library of them?

With Blinkist, you can dip into these romance books for adults one by one – imagine catching the highlights of each heartwarming romance during your coffee break or on your morning commute. It’s like having a mini-book club right at your fingertips.

And with Blinkist’s free 7-day trial, you get access to more than 7,000 fiction and non-fiction books. It’s the best way to discover heartbreaks, passionate reunions, and happy endings.

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