9 Best Romantic Novels You Should Read in 2018
From watching a fictitious one unveil itself on a big screen or hearing someone tell their own real story over a cup of coffee, everyone loves a good love story. But the best love stories are usually found in between the covers of a book.
If you’re creating your to-read lists for 2018, we are bringing you a happy mix of some of the classics and some of the new. Here are best romantic fiction novels that you should have on your bookshelf this year.
#1. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
You can’t make a list of best romantic novels without The Notebook! Nicholas Sparks is one of the best romantic fiction authors of our time and quite frankly, we could include more than half of his books on this list.
But The Notebook is the one that stands above the rest, thanks in part to the now-classic 2004 film adaptation. Even though you've probably seen the movie a thousand times, the book is definitely worth a read. After a summer romance like no other, Noah and Allie are pulled apart by their families coming from different social classes in the early 1900s. Years later, the two reunite, but is it too late? The story of Noah and Allie and their love that spans decades could be read over and over again. Because if you’re a bird, I’m a bird.
#2. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
This one is a New York Times best-seller and for good reason. It is a heartbreaking romance novel that has sold over five million copies.
The story of Louisa Clark or Lou, an ordinary girl who takes a job taking care of paraplegic Will Traynor, is one that'll leave you in tears. This unexpected love story sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. In Me Before You, Lou is living her predictable little life until she needs and falls in love with Will, a paralyzed man who doesn't have much to live for.
If you want to get a jump on an unconventionally romantic story, add this book to your reading list.
#3. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Another New York Times best-seller, Eleanor & Park reminds us of what a first love is like. It explores how hard you get pulled under as they face the odds, knowing that it never usually lasts. Young adult romance can still be heart-wrenching.
In Eleanor & Park, we meet two odd kids from 1986 Nebraska who share a common bond back — a love for comic books and for mix tapes.
If you've ever fallen hard, this sweet tale of young love is enough to get you right in the feels and make you appreciate all those fleeting first-love moments that aren't meant to last.
#4. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Can a list of greatest romance novels ever be complete without including this evergreen classic?
Pride and Prejudice is a perennially delightful romantic drama that gives us timeless lovers and sly social satire. Austen is the icon for classic romance novels. Not only is Pride and Prejudice one of the most popular books in the English language, it's also one of the best romantic novels you can ever find.
Elizabeth Bennet is facing the prospect of marriage, along with her four sisters. An unpleasant relationship with a Mr. Darcy turns into a much more complicated scenario as the two play the dating game in the 19th century. Elizabeth’s strength and independence coupled with the understated Mr. Darcy has set many a heart aflutter for centuries now.
#5. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Charlotte Brontë is one of the foremost writers of the 19th century and has given us many literary gems.
Her debut novel Jane Eyre follows the emotions and experiences of its eponymous heroine, including her growth to adulthood and her love for Mr. Rochester, the master of fictitious Thornfield Hall where she works. Jane Eyre revolutionised the art of fiction.
The novel contains elements of social criticism, with a strong sense of Christian morality at its core, but is nonetheless a novel many consider ahead of its time given the individualistic character of Jane and the novel's exploration of classism, sexuality, religion, and proto-feminism. And it is, undoubtedly one of the greatest love stories of all time.
#6. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
When we’ve spoken about Charlotte Brontë can the other Brontë sister be far behind? Possibly the most heartbreakingly beautiful love story ever written, Wuthering Heights was initially called vulgar when it was published and criticized for its difficult characters.
The novel is the depiction of the romance between Catherine and Heathcliff, whose love seems to both destroy them and keep them going at the same time, throughout their lives.
It was way ahead of its time and it is only now that we can recognize the complexity of the central relationship, which showcases that societal standards shouldn't dictate our happiness.
#7. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
This one can definitely be bookmarked as the most unique love story.
In The Time Traveler's Wife, Henry is a time traveller who can't control when he leaves or goes or where he ends up on his timeline of life. His relationship with Clare, therefore, evolves at all stages of her life.
The novel explores their encounters at different times in their lives and its aftermath. Their relationship is as unpredictable as the story in this page-turner and thus makes it a must read.
#8. P.S., I Love You by Cecelia Ahern
Bring out that box of tissues. When Holly's childhood sweetheart, best friend and soulmate, Gerry dies, she isn't sure she can move on. Then she discovers a bundle of notes Gerry wrote her before he died — one for each month following his death for a year.
Through the letters, Holly learns how to deal with loss, rediscover herself and most importantly, that life goes on. This book is sure to leave you with lots of tears but believes us when we say, you will still love every minute of it.
#9. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
The Fault in Our Stars is John Green’s sixth book, published in 2012 and written from the point of view of a 16-year-old cancer patient.
When Hazel is forced to attend a cancer support group by her parents, she doesn't know what to expect. Least of all, it is to meet and fall in love with Augustus Waters or Gus, a fellow cancer patient.
Well, you can only imagine the beautiful heartbreak that is sure to come next. Once you’re done reading this tear-jerking book, watch the tear-jerking movie as well.
Which is your favourite love story? Is it on this list? Tell us in the comments!
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