In honor of Valentine’s Day, I’m sharing a quick list of my top favorite romance novels or series of all time!
To be honest, I don’t usually enjoy what I like to call “straight-up” romances, or basically a book where the romance is the main plot. I tend to enjoy books that feature a romance but the main plot centers around a different “thing.” Some of my favorite books combine fantasy with romance.
The Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning
If you’re a fan of fantasy, alpha men, romance and/or urban thrillers, you need to get your hands on these books. The first book in the series, Darkfever, introduces you to Mac, a young woman of Irish heritage who travels to Dublin to investigate her sister’s murder. That would be cool enough, but let’s say that some ancient fae and Irish witches get involved. And there are multiple love interests throughout the series. The series also contains a side series/arc for a side character who becomes an MC eventually.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
I get that classics aren’t everyone’s cup of tea but I’ll stan Jane and Mr. Rochester till the day I die and I wish I didn’t. If you’re not familiar with this classic, let’s just say it’s even more problematic by today’s standards than it was when it was written. Think women kept locked away, men taking advantage of women who are employed by them, severe age gaps, etc. But if you can suspend judgment, it’s actually a very endearing romance and it’s hard to not admire Jane’s tenacity.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
I find P&P less problematic than Jane Eyre for several reasons. Even though it takes place in the same general region in the same general time, Austen’s women have a bit more bite…mostly. (Let’s not talk about Lydia, okay?)
Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole
If you want to get into a world, and I mean really get into a world, this series is for you. Each book in this 18-book series features a different character and story. This series has been going for 15 YEARS so there’s a lot of ground to cover, but it is so worth it. These books have it all: vampires, demons, shifters, werewolves, you name it.
The Four Horsemen series by Laura Thalassa
If you want a series, but not something way too long, this is a good one. It’s just four books and each one features a romance with one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. But make them sexy. Was I initially skeptical? Yes. But they’re actually pretty good.
Cailin Riley 