The Greatest Portuguese, American "Fiction, Romance" Books Since 1980

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Fiction

Romance

The Romance category of books typically involves stories that revolve around romantic relationships between two or more characters. These stories often explore themes of love, passion, and intimacy, and may include elements of drama, suspense, or humor. Romance novels can range from sweet and innocent to steamy and erotic, and may be set in a variety of time periods and locations. Overall, the Romance genre offers readers a chance to escape into a world of love and romance, where anything is possible.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Portuguese

American

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download
  1. 26. Disappearing Acts by Terry McMillan

    "Disappearing Acts" is a poignant narrative that delves into the complexities of a modern relationship, set against the backdrop of Brooklyn, New York. The story follows the lives of two African-American protagonists—a struggling construction worker and an ambitious music teacher—as they navigate the turbulent waters of love, ambition, and societal expectations. Their romance is marked by raw honesty and vulnerability, as they confront personal demons, financial hardships, and the challenges of an interracial relationship. The novel offers a gritty, realistic exploration of love and the transformative power of self-discovery and resilience in the face of adversity.

    The 5051st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Duke and I: A Bridgerton Novel by Julia Quinn

    In this Regency-era romance, a young woman of marriageable age faces societal pressures to find a suitable match. When she forms a pact with a charming and rebellious duke, they agree to a ruse of courtship to stave off the advances of other suitors and meddling family members. However, as they navigate the complexities of their faux engagement, they find themselves drawn to each other in unexpected ways, challenging their initial intentions and leading them to confront the possibility of a genuine and deep-seated love. Their story is a dance of wit, romance, and the intricate social mores of high society, revealing that the path to true love is seldom straightforward.

    The 5119th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

    The book follows the lives of the Owens sisters, Sally and Gillian, who come from a long line of witches. Raised by their eccentric aunts after their parents' death, the sisters grow up learning about love and magic. However, they face an age-old curse that any man who falls in love with an Owens woman will meet a tragic end, leading them on a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and a struggle to overcome their family's dark past.

    The 5321st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Margins by Terri de la Peña

    "Margins" is a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of identity, culture, and sexuality through the lens of a young Chicana lesbian living in Southern California. The protagonist navigates the challenges of coming out to her traditional Mexican-American family while seeking acceptance and understanding. The novel explores the intersections of her life as she deals with the pressures of societal norms, the dynamics of her close-knit community, and her personal journey towards self-acceptance and love. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, the story provides a poignant look at the struggles faced by LGBTQ individuals within the Latino community, highlighting themes of resilience, empowerment, and the quest for one's place on the margins of mainstream society.

    The 5349th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff

    "Fates and Furies" is a novel split into two parts, providing two perspectives on a single marriage. The first half of the book, "Fates," is told from the point of view of the husband, Lotto, a charismatic but failed actor turned successful playwright, who views his marriage as happy and his wife as supportive. The second half, "Furies," is told from the perspective of his wife, Mathilde, revealing her hidden past and the sacrifices and manipulations she has performed to maintain their life together. The novel explores themes of love, secrets, and the different narratives created within a relationship.

    The 5437th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. He, She and It by Marge Piercy

    The novel is a cyberpunk story set in a post-apocalyptic future where a female protagonist, a brilliant cybernetic engineer, is tasked with training a highly advanced cyborg designed for combat. As she spends time with the cyborg, she begins to see his human-like qualities and eventually falls in love with him. The narrative is interwoven with a parallel story set in 1600s Prague about a rabbi who creates a golem to protect the Jewish community. The two storylines explore themes of artificial intelligence, what it means to be human, and the ethical implications of creating life.

    The 5459th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson

    The novel is a poignant exploration of an interracial teenage romance in New York City, where two high school students from different worlds fall deeply in love. Despite the instant connection they feel, they must navigate the complexities of their families' expectations and societal prejudices. As they grow closer, they learn about the power of love and the pain of loss, while confronting the harsh realities of race and identity in contemporary America. Their relationship becomes a testament to the endurance of the human spirit and the impact of societal pressures on personal connections.

    The 6232nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Indigo by Beverly Jenkins

    "Indigo" is a historical romance novel that takes place in the 19th century and centers around Hester Wyatt, a former slave who has found freedom in Michigan and is now a dedicated member of the Underground Railroad. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she shelters a wounded fugitive named Galen Vachon, a notorious Black Daniel who is also a conductor on the Railroad. As Hester nurses him back to health, a deep bond forms between them, blossoming into a passionate romance. Despite the dangers that surround them, including the threat of capture and the challenges posed by a racially divided society, Hester and Galen's love for each other and their commitment to the cause of freedom endure, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to overcome adversity.

    The 6257th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

    In this coming-of-age novel, two Mexican-American teenagers, Aristotle and Dante, form an unlikely friendship during the summer of 1987. As they navigate their way through adolescence, they uncover the complexities of their identities, family dynamics, and the world around them. Through their shared experiences, they discover the power of love, self-acceptance, and the profound mysteries that the universe holds.

    The 6293rd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides

    This novel follows the intertwined lives of three college graduates in the 1980s. The story focuses on the romantic entanglements of Madeleine Hanna, an English major who is writing her senior thesis on Jane Austen and George Eliot, and her relationships with two men: Leonard Bankhead, a charismatic but troubled biology student, and Mitchell Grammaticus, a religious studies student who is in love with Madeleine. The narrative explores the complexities of love, mental illness, faith, and the relevance of the traditional marriage plot in a modern world.

    The 6452nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Rainbow Boys by Alex Sanchez

    The book follows the interwoven stories of three high school boys as they navigate the complexities of identity, friendship, and love while coming to terms with their sexuality. Jason is a jock struggling with his attraction to men, Kyle is an out-and-proud gay teen who harbors feelings for Jason, and Nelson is Kyle's flamboyant best friend who is also openly gay and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. As they each face challenges such as homophobia, self-acceptance, and the risk of HIV, their lives intersect in ways that profoundly impact their journey towards understanding and embracing who they are.

    The 6483rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Braided Lives by Marge Piercy

    The novel explores the intricate tapestry of women's experiences in the 1950s and 1960s, focusing on the coming-of-age story of a young woman as she navigates the challenges of friendship, love, and societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of the feminist and civil rights movements, the protagonist grapples with her desires for independence and artistic expression while confronting the constraints placed on her gender. Through her relationships with friends and lovers, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately seeking to forge her own identity and a life that intertwines personal fulfillment with social activism.

    The 6509th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Summer Sisters by Judy Blume

    The novel explores the complexities of an enduring friendship between two girls from different backgrounds who bond over summers spent at Martha's Vineyard. As they grow from adolescence into adulthood, their relationship is tested by personal differences, romantic entanglements, and the pressures of growing up. The story delves into themes of love, sexuality, and the challenges of maintaining a lifelong friendship amidst the tumultuous changes of life. Through the years, the girls' bond serves as a pivotal anchor in their lives, even as they navigate their separate paths and the inevitable trials that come with them.

    The 6596th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith

    This series centers around a young woman torn between two vampire brothers—the dark and brooding Stefan and the dangerous, yet compelling Damon. Set in the fictional town of Mystic Falls, the narrative delves into themes of love, conflict, and the supernatural as these characters navigate their complex relationships amidst a backdrop of mystery and danger. As the brothers vie for her heart, they must also confront their tumultuous past and the threats that emerge against the backdrop of high school life and beyond, revealing a world where vampires, witches, and other supernatural beings exist in secret.

    The 6640th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

    The novel centers around Lara Jean Song Covey, a high school junior who has written secret love letters to all of her past crushes, never intending to send them. However, her life turns upside down when the letters are mysteriously mailed out, causing her to confront her feelings and the repercussions of her past affections. In a desperate attempt to save face and avoid confrontation with one of her crushes, she enters into a fake relationship with another, which leads to a journey of self-discovery and the realization that sometimes love can be found in the most unexpected places.

    The 6727th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Anita Blake by Laurell K. Hamilton

    This series introduces readers to a world where vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural beings are legal citizens of the United States, and follows the life of Anita Blake, a professional zombie raiser, vampire executioner, and supernatural consultant for the police. Set in St. Louis, Missouri, Anita navigates the complexities of her personal and professional life, dealing with various supernatural mysteries, crimes, and often finding herself in the middle of vampire politics. As the series progresses, Anita's powers and relationships with the supernatural community grow, leading her into ever more dangerous and morally ambiguous situations. The blend of urban fantasy, horror, and mystery, along with a strong, complex female protagonist, has garnered a dedicated fan base.

    The 6760th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey

    In a world where political intrigue and divine destinies intertwine, a young woman born with a scarlet mote in her eye is marked by the gods for a unique destiny. Trained in the arts of love and espionage, she navigates the complex web of courtly life in a realm where sensuality and pain are intertwined. As a pawn and a player in the game of thrones, she uses her unique gifts to uncover secrets and protect her homeland, all while serving a mysterious patron whose motives are as enigmatic as the unfolding divine plan. Her journey is one of self-discovery, loyalty, and betrayal, set against a backdrop of opulence, ritual, and power struggles, where love can be both a weakness and a formidable weapon.

    The 6875th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver

    The novel follows the story of Codi Noline, a woman who returns to her hometown of Grace, Arizona to help her aging father. As she reconnects with her community and navigates her complicated relationship with her sister Hallie, who has disappeared in Nicaragua, Codi grapples with feelings of displacement and a lack of identity. The story explores themes of memory, heritage, love, and environmental conservation as Codi learns to find her place in the world and protect the land she calls home.

    The 6887th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. The Bridges Of Madison County by Robert James Waller

    This novel tells the poignant story of a brief, yet profound love affair that blossoms between a National Geographic photographer and an Italian-American housewife in the 1960s. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Madison County, Iowa, their unexpected romance challenges the constraints of societal norms and personal responsibilities. Over the course of four days, their lives are forever altered by the deep connection they form, leaving them to confront the choices they've made and the lives they must return to. A narrative of love, loss, and the roads not taken, this story explores the enduring impact of a fleeting encounter between two souls destined to meet.

    The 7055th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. What Belongs to You by Garth Greenwell

    The novel explores a complicated relationship between an American teacher living in Bulgaria and a young male prostitute named Mitko. The narrative delves into themes of desire, shame, and the legacy of the past, as the protagonist grapples with his own identity and sexuality. As the relationship between the two men evolves, the protagonist is forced to confront his past, his feelings of isolation, and the societal norms that shape his existence.

    The 7081st Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Daughter Of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

    In a world where the boundary between human and myth blurs, a blue-haired art student in Prague discovers her mysterious past and connection to a war-torn realm inhabited by angels and beasts. As she navigates her life between art school and errands for her chimeric guardian, she uncovers secrets about her identity and a star-crossed love that transcends worlds and species. Her journey reveals the complexities of family, love, and the devastating consequences of old enmities, ultimately leading her to confront her destiny in a battle that could reshape the boundaries of her world and all others.

    The 7182nd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. City Of Glass by Cassandra Clare

    In this urban fantasy novel, the third installment of a series, the protagonist, a young Shadowhunter, travels to the titular city, a place of great significance to the secretive world of demon hunters, warlocks, vampires, and other supernatural beings. She is on a quest to find a cure for her poisoned mother, but her mission quickly becomes entangled with a larger conflict as she uncovers dark secrets about her family's past and the true nature of the Shadowhunters. As the city becomes a battleground, alliances are tested, and the protagonist must confront a powerful enemy who threatens to destroy everything she holds dear, all while grappling with her evolving feelings for her enigmatic companion.

    The 7793rd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. The Luxe (Luxe Series, Book 1) by Anna Godbersen

    Set in Manhattan at the turn of the 20th century, this novel follows the lives of the city's elite teenagers as they navigate a world of opulent balls, lavish gowns, and social scheming. At the heart of the story is a beautiful young woman, presumed dead, whose secret love affair with a coachman threatens to upend the carefully constructed social order. As her friends and family grapple with their own desires and the pressures of high society, the glittering façade of wealth and propriety begins to crack, revealing the scandal, heartbreak, and betrayal lurking beneath the surface.

    The 7937th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Suzy Zeus Gets Organized by Maggie Robbins

    The book is a whimsical and rhythmic exploration of the life of a woman from Indiana who embarks on a series of adventures and misadventures in love and life. Through a blend of humor and pathos, the protagonist navigates her way through the complexities of adulthood, from her early years to middle age, dealing with themes of identity, sexuality, and self-discovery. The narrative, structured in a series of poetic vignettes, captures the essence of a person striving to find order and meaning in a chaotic world, ultimately seeking to organize not just her external circumstances, but her internal world as well.

    The 8329th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Dragonfly In Amber by Diana Gabaldon

    The book is the second installment in a historical fiction series that weaves together romance, science fiction, and adventure. It continues the story of a 20th-century Englishwoman who has time-traveled to 18th-century Scotland and fallen in love with a dashing Highland warrior. As the Jacobite rebellion leads to the fateful Battle of Culloden, the couple faces the threat of being torn apart by the tumultuous events of history. Interwoven with their past is the present-day narrative of their daughter, who discovers her parents' remarkable story and the truth of her own origins. The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, and the impact of the past on the present.

    The 8342nd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download