The Greatest American "Romance" Books of All Time

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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.

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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.

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  1. 51. A Home at the End of the World by Michael Cunningham

    The narrative revolves around the lives of two boyhood friends navigating through their complicated lives in the 1980s. One of them is a bisexual man mourning the loss of his lover to AIDS, and the other is a straight man who's been in love with his friend since childhood. Their lives intertwine with a bohemian woman who dreams of having a child. The three of them form an unconventional family, exploring the complexities of relationships, love, and the concept of home.

    The 4048th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 52. Love Story by Eric Segal

    This novel is a poignant and tragic romance that captures the hearts of its readers through the story of two young individuals from vastly different backgrounds who fall deeply in love. The narrative explores the themes of love, loss, and the inevitable challenges that arise when worlds collide. Despite the objections from their families and the obstacles thrown in their path, the couple's commitment to each other is unwavering. Their journey together is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, leaving an indelible mark on the reader through its exploration of the power and resilience of true love in the face of adversity.

    The 4162nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 53. Foreign Affairs by Alison Lurie

    This novel presents the intertwined stories of two American academics in London. Virginia Miner, a fifty-something, unmarried tenured professor, is in London for a six-month sabbatical to research children's folk rhymes. Despite her work, she increasingly finds herself drawn into a spiraling relationship with a young man from Oklahoma. In contrast, Fred Turner, a young assistant professor in the English department, leaves his wife and children behind in the States to conduct research on John Gay. He finds himself taken up by the very English and very upscale family of a fellow researcher. Their parallel experiences reflect their shared foreignness and alienation in the UK.

    The 4378th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 54. Dragonwyck by Anya Seton

    Set in the 1840s, the novel follows Miranda Wells, a young woman from a modest farming family who is swept into the world of the wealthy and enigmatic Van Ryns when she is invited to their opulent Hudson Valley estate, Dragonwyck. As Miranda becomes enamored with the luxurious lifestyle and the charming but imperious patroon, Nicholas Van Ryn, she soon discovers that the glittering façade of Dragonwyck conceals dark secrets and psychological twists. Amidst a backdrop of social change and Gothic mystery, Miranda must navigate her way through a maze of romance, obsession, and the struggle for power, ultimately confronting the dangerous consequences of her own ambitions and desires.

    The 4674th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 55. Homemade Love by J. California Cooper

    The book is a poignant collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships, particularly those of African American women. Through a tapestry of narratives, the book explores themes of love, resilience, and the quest for happiness amidst life's trials and tribulations. The characters, often facing adversity and societal challenges, find strength in kinship, romance, and self-discovery, painting a rich and heartfelt portrait of the enduring spirit of love in its many forms. Each story serves as a testament to the transformative power of love, whether it be through familial bonds, friendships, or romantic connections, ultimately offering a message of hope and the possibility of redemption through the creation of "homemade" love.

    The 4800th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 56. Lover's Choice by Becky Birtha

    "Lover's Choice" is a poignant exploration of the complexities of love and identity, set against the backdrop of the African American community. The narrative delves into the life of a woman who grapples with her sexual orientation while navigating the expectations and cultural norms of her family and society. As she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, she encounters both resistance and support, ultimately facing the challenge of making choices that honor her true self. The story is a heartfelt examination of the courage it takes to live authentically and the transformative power of embracing one's own path.

    The 4869th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 57. Katherine by Anya Seton

    The novel is a historical romance that brings to life the true story of Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt, set against the backdrop of 14th-century England. It follows the life of Katherine, a young woman of modest birth who rises to prominence through her enduring and controversial love affair with the Duke of Lancaster, one of the most powerful nobles of the time. Their relationship endures trials, social scorn, and political upheaval, ultimately shaping the course of English history through their descendants, who become the Tudor dynasty. The book weaves a rich tapestry of love, betrayal, and resilience, capturing the tumultuous era with vivid detail and emotional depth.

    The 4901st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 58. Christy by Catherine Marshall

    The novel is a historical fiction set in the early 1900s, which follows the journey of a 19-year-old woman who leaves her comfortable city life to become a teacher in a remote, impoverished mountain community in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Through her experiences, she learns about the harsh realities of life, the power of faith, and the strength of the human spirit. Along the way, she also becomes torn between two men, a charismatic and passionate preacher and a pragmatic and grounded doctor.

    The 4916th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 59. There Is Confusion by Jessie Fauset

    "There Is Confusion" explores the complexities of African American life in the early 20th century, focusing on the intersecting lives of three young black protagonists from middle-class backgrounds. As they navigate the challenges of racism, societal expectations, and personal ambitions, the novel delves into themes of racial identity, class, gender roles, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The narrative weaves a rich tapestry of their experiences in New York City, highlighting the tension between assimilation and cultural heritage, and the struggle to achieve personal and professional success in a world rife with discrimination and prejudice.

    The 4933rd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 60. Mama Day by Gloria Naylor

    The novel weaves a tale of the supernatural with the everyday lives of the inhabitants of Willow Springs, a small island off the coast of Georgia and South Carolina, where the descendants of a slave and her master reside. At the heart of the story is the formidable Mama Day, a wise and mystical elder who possesses a deep understanding of herbal medicine and the spiritual world. Her niece, Cocoa, falls in love with a man from New York City, and their relationship is tested by the collision of modern city life and the ancient, mystical heritage of the island. The narrative explores themes of heritage, identity, and the enduring bonds of family and community, as it oscillates between the past and the present, revealing the island's rich history and its impact on present-day events.

    The 4986th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 61. 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
  12. 62. Tisha by Robert Specht

    "Tisha" is a biographical novel based on the true story of a young woman who moves to the Alaskan wilderness in the 1920s to become a teacher. The protagonist faces numerous challenges including harsh weather, isolation, and cultural differences, but remains steadfast in her commitment to educate the children in her care. The story also explores her fight against racial prejudice in the community, as well as her love affair with a half-Native man.

    The 5087th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 63. 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
  14. 64. Dancer From The Dance by Andrew Holleran

    This novel explores the vibrant yet tumultuous life of a young man who immerses himself in the gay scene of New York City during the 1970s. Through a series of vivid encounters and relationships, he navigates the exhilarating highs and devastating lows of love and loss against the backdrop of a society not yet ready to accept him. The narrative, rich with lyrical prose and poignant insights, captures the essence of a time and a community on the brink of change, offering a compelling portrait of the quest for identity and connection amidst the dance of life.

    The 5189th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 65. 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
  16. 66. 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
  17. 67. 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
  18. 68. 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
  19. 69. 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
  20. 70. 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
  21. 71. 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
  22. 72. Virginia Of Virginia by Amélie Rives Troubetzkoy

    "Virginia of Virginia" is a historical romance novel set in the late 18th century, revolving around the life of its passionate and headstrong protagonist, Virginia Cary. Born into the Southern aristocracy, Virginia finds herself navigating the complexities of love, honor, and societal expectations. The narrative follows her tumultuous journey through a series of romantic entanglements, family dramas, and the challenges posed by the American Revolutionary War. As she matures, Virginia must reconcile her desires with the rigid conventions of her time, making choices that reflect her indomitable spirit and the changing face of her country.

    The 6325th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 73. 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
  24. 74. 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
  25. 75. 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

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