There's nothing quite like the magic of a great romance novel. Whether it's the electric chemistry between two leads, the emotional rollercoaster of a forbidden love, or the sheer joy of a happy ending, these stories have a way of pulling us in and refusing to let go. Over the last ten years, the romance genre has delivered some absolute gems—from laugh-out-loud romantic comedies to deeply moving tales of love against all odds. Here are the six best romance books of the past decade, ranked.
6. Boyfriend Material (2020) by Alexis Hall
Alexis Hall's Boyfriend Material is a modern classic of the fake-dating trope. Luc O'Donnell is the cynical son of rock stars, trying to keep his messy life out of the tabloids after a very public breakup. When his charity employer pressures him to clean up his image, he enters a fake relationship with Oliver Blackwood—a buttoned-up barrister who seems like Luc's polar opposite. What starts as a convenient arrangement soon blossoms into something real, thanks to witty banter and undeniable chemistry. This rom-com is as hilarious as it is heartfelt, making it a standout in the genre.
5. Get a Life, Chloe Brown (2019) by Talia Hibbert
Talia Hibbert's Get a Life, Chloe Brown follows Chloe, a woman whose chronic illness has left her feeling stuck and isolated. After a health scare, she creates a list of goals to reclaim her life—and enlists her grumpy new neighbor, Red, to help. Their opposites-attract dynamic is both funny and tender, and Chloe's journey toward self-acceptance is deeply moving. Hibbert balances humor with real emotional depth, making this a romance that resonates long after the last page.
4. Heated Rivalry (2019) by Rachel Reid
Before it inspired a hit TV show, Rachel Reid's Heated Rivalry was already a fan favorite. This novel follows NHL rivals Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, who begin a secret physical relationship while hiding their true feelings—and their sexuality—from the hockey world. The stakes are high: being outed could destroy their careers. Reid masterfully weaves tension, passion, and vulnerability into a story that's both steamy and heartbreaking. It's a must-read for sports romance fans.
3. This Is How You Lose the Time War (2019) by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
This lyrical novella is unlike any romance you've read. In a post-apocalyptic future, two rival agents—Red and Blue—travel through time to shape history for their opposing factions. When Blue leaves a letter for Red, they begin a secret correspondence that defies their orders and their worlds. Written in gorgeous prose, This Is How You Lose the Time War is a poetic exploration of love, choice, and the threads that bind us across time. It's a genre-bending masterpiece that has earned its place among the best.
2. Beach Read (2020) by Emily Henry
Emily Henry's Beach Read is a delightful enemies-to-lovers story about two writers—one a bestselling romance author, the other a literary novelist—who swap genres for the summer. As they challenge each other to write outside their comfort zones, they also uncover the painful secrets that have shaped them. Henry's sharp dialogue and emotional depth make this a standout contemporary romance. It's funny, smart, and surprisingly poignant—a perfect beach read, indeed.
1. Red, White & Royal Blue (2019) by Casey McQuiston
Topping our list is Casey McQuiston's debut, Red, White & Royal Blue. This iconic novel follows Alex Claremont-Diaz, the son of the U.S. president, and Prince Henry of Wales, who are forced to fake a friendship after a public incident. What begins as a rivalry turns into a secret romance that could shake both nations. McQuiston's writing is witty, warm, and full of heart, with characters who feel like friends. It's a modern fairy tale that has captivated millions—and for good reason. If you only read one romance from the last decade, make it this one.
Whether you're a longtime romance fan or new to the genre, these six books offer something for everyone. From fake dating to time-traveling rivals, they prove that love stories can be as diverse and thrilling as the readers who devour them. For more great reads, check out our list of Top 10 Stephen King Coming-of-Age Novels Ranked or dive into Top 10 Supernatural Thrillers of the Last 50 Years.
