Romance Authors Share Their Favorite Love Stories

Whether they come from book clubs, Facebook groups, bibliophile friends or another source, uncovering a great book recommendation is a small victory for book lovers everywhere. And if you’re favorite genre is romance, you are in for a treat! Woman’s World caught up with 7 bestselling romance authors, from TikTok’s romantasy queen Sarah J. Maas to beloved romance writers like Robyn Carr and Beverly Jenkins. Here, they each reveal why certain books remain their most sacred romance reads and why this genre is so important. Keep reading to uncover their go-to stories to add to your TBR pile.

Robyn Carr, author of The Friendship Club

“I love writing and reading women’s fiction and romance. The difference between those genres is subtle but important. In romance we’re looking for perfect love and in women’s fiction the heroine is looking for her best self. It’s all about hope!” says Robyn Carr, bestselling author of the massively successful Virgin River series.

Robyn’s thoughts on her favorite romances:

Pack Up The Moon by Kristan Higgins

“A deeply touching and inspiring story of finding love and hope at last.”

An Invincible Summer by Mariah Stewart

“A few friends return to their hometown for a high school reunion at which time they lay to rest old ghosts and rediscover old dreams and make them new.”

When Stars Collide by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

“A passionate, funny and irresistible romance between a world famous opera singer and a professional football player that made me cheer at the end of every scene. Brava!”

Sarah MacLean, author of Knockout

“We all deserve a little bit of decadence now and then, and for me that involves a cozy spot and a delicious romance novel. There’s nothing better than losing yourself in a story that delivers excitement, adventure, romance and an unabashed happily ever after,” says Sarah MacLean, bestselling author of Knockout and Nine Rules to Break When Romancing A Rake.

Sarah’s thoughts on her favorite romances:

Queen Move by Kennedy Ryan

“An epic love story that spans decades, this book about a powerful woman and the one who got away (but never forgot her) will rip your heart out and put it back together. Kennedy is unmatched.”

The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren

“At turns deeply romantic and wildly funny, this asks the question: what if “the perfect match” wasn’t just a hope…but actual science? Rom-com at its very best.”

The Devil of Downtown by Joanna Shupe

“This fiercely feminist, outrageously sexy novel set in the 1890s in New York City features a devastating, dark hero and the good girl who needs his help to change the world. It’s perfect.”

Beverly Jenkins, author of To Catch A Raven

“I enjoy writing romance because it allows women and marginalized identities to be the center of the story and normalizes the truism that no matter who you are you have the right to love,” says bestselling author Beverly Jenkins, author of Wild Rain and To Catch A Raven.

Beverly’s thoughts on her favorite romances:

RAFE by Rebekah Weatherspoon

“When the live-in nanny of cardiac surgeon Dr. Sloan Copeland suddenly quits, enter Rafe Whitcomb, a tatted, bearded, buff, motorcycle riding man who proves to be the perfect caregiver, not only for Sloan’s 6-year-old twin girls, but for her heart as well.”

Dune by Frank Herbert

“Dune is not usually thought to be a romance. However, Lady Jessica, out of love for her beloved Duke Leto defies her Order by giving birth to a son, thus setting into motion a revolution that changes the world.”

Brunch at Ruby’s by DL White

“The story follows three women as they navigate the ups and downs of love, marriage, and friendship.

Colleen Hoover, author of Heart Bones

“I love romance novels for what they do to me emotionally. I’m a very stoic person but reading about someone else’s heartache makes me feel things. I also love them because they’re empowering, and even though most of them break my heart while reading, when I finish them, I feel hopeful and relieved,” says Colleen Hoover, bestselling author of Heart Bones and It Ends With Us.

Colleen’s thoughts on her favorite romances:

How to Kill a Rockstar by Tiffanie DeBartolo

“There’s no book character I love more than Paul. A funny musician who fights for his girl. I’ve read it five times.”

The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

“All you want while reading is for the main character to open her heart to everyone. Subtly profound.”

God-Shaped Hole by Tiffanie DeBartolo

“A brilliant and tragic novel about a broken writer. This book and Tiffanie’s prose is why she’s my favorite author.”

Debbie Macomber, author of What Matters Most

“Love is the most powerful emotion in the world. We all crave it. We all need that feeling of acceptance and belonging. This is what romance novels offer the reader — the story they know, well in advance, will have a happy ending. It’s an escape, an adventure, a step out of the problems of the world, to another where the reader is met with hope and encouragement and vicariously experience this kind of love,” says Debbie Macomber, bestselling author of What Matters Most.

Debbie’s thoughts on her favorite romances:

The Wolf and The Dove by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

“I was a young wife and mother when I first read this book. The story sucked me in unlike anything I’d read to this point. Never before had I read a book so many times that I’d memorized whole pages. I credit Kathleen for introducing me to historical romances and spurring on my love of romance.”

The African Queen by C. S. Forester

“How could anyone not fall in love with this classic opposite-attract love story. The movie has long been one of my favorites, until I found the book. While I don’t think many would classify C. S. Forester as a romance author; this story, the book, and the movie, resonated with me. Love against impossible odds, overcoming every barrier. Now that’s a classic love story.”

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

“I first read this book as a pre-teen and fell in love with the story and the four sisters. I identified with Jo because I, too, dreamed of becoming a writer one day. This story is one that I cherish of love, home, and family. It encouraged me to write stories that would touch reader’s hearts the way Little Women touched mine.”

Sarah J. Maas, author of House of Flame and Shadow

“Romance is such a welcome escape for me — I’ve always loved how a good romance can catch you up so completely that all you want to do is stay in that book’s world until the happily ever after,” explains Sarah J. Maas, bestselling author of House of Flame and Shadow and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Sarah’s thoughts on her favorite romances:

Daring and the Duke by Sarah MacLean

“Sarah MacLean never disappoints with her fearless heroines and brooding heroes. Daring and the Duke is funny and clever and beyond sexy.”

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

“Enemies-to-lovers has never been so fun! The Hating Game is definitely a must-read for anyone who loves a good rom-com.”

Angels’ Blood by Nalini Singh

“Nalini Singh’s books are paranormal romance at its best, and Angels’ Blood is my favorite—dark, hot, and deliciously dangerous.”

Ana Huang, author of King of Sloth

“I grew up in the era of mass market paperback Harlequin novels and I read almost all of them — you can definitely see the influence in my books,” says bestselling author Ana Huang, who just released her latest novel King of Sloth. (Ana’s titles are also now available to listen to on Spotify Audiobooks, where premium users get 15 hours of listening per month.)

Ana’s thoughts on her favorite romances:

“This isn’t a full comprehensive, but three romances I just love are The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang for contemporary romance, Ilona Andrews’ Hidden Legacy series for urban fantasy and Lisa Kleypas’ Wallflowers series for historical.”