Find love and passion in our wide selection of romance novels, from your favorite BookTok sensations like Elle Kennedy and Ali Hazelwood , to cross-genre romances like Assistant to the Villain and The Knight and the Moth . Live, love and laugh in the rom-com section with Scythe & Sparrow and Summer in the City , or discover the crossover potential in YA romance like Shield of Sparrows .
Romance novels may have any tone or style, be set in any place or time, and have varying levels of sensuality—ranging from sweet to extremely hot . These settings and distinctions of plot create specific sub-genres within romance fiction, from historical to paranormal and much more in between. No matter the content, there are two basic elements that comprise every romance novel:
A Central Love Story- The main plot centers around individuals falling in love and struggling to make the relationship work. A writer can include as many subplots as he/she wants if the love story is the focus of the novel.
An Emotionally Satisfying and Optimistic Ending- In a romance, the lovers who risk and struggle for each other and their relationship are rewarded with emotional justice and unconditional love.
Don’t forget to check out the best romance books of 2025 so far at Barnes & Noble® . With a variety of books about love, you're sure to find a romantic book that you'll love. Looking for romance books to read right now? Download romance eBooks to your smartphone, tablet or NOOK device and start reading today!
10 of the Best Romance Books to Read Right Now
Caught Up by Navessa Allen
Summer in the City by Alex Aster
Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory
Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
King of Envy by Ana Huang
Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan
Wild and Wrangled by Lyla Sage
Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver