Goodreads has combed through thousands of romance novels to find the top 100 romance novels of all time. We have selected top 25 Popular Romance Novels listed on Goodreads.
1. Slave To Sensation
In a world that denies emotions, where the ruling Psy punish any sign of desire, Sascha Duncan must conceal the feelings that brand her as flawed. To reveal them would be to sentence herself to the horror of “rehabilitation”—the complete psychic erasure of everything she ever was…Both human and animal, Lucas Hunter is a Changeling hungry for the very sensations the Psy disdain.
Review:
I honestly don’t know what to say about this book that hasn’t already been said numerous times other than it’s easily become my FAVORITE paranormal romance thus far. There wasn’t a single thing about this story that I didn’t absolutely and completely love.
2. Addicted
For successful African-American businesswoman Zoe Reynard, finding the pleasure she wants, the way she wants it, is not worth the risk of losing everything she has: marriage to the man she has loved since childhood, a thriving company, three wonderful children. But Zoe feels helpless in the grip of an overpowering addiction…to sex.
Review:
Book description is as follows: “Addicted is the story of Zoe, an African-American female arts dealer. It traces her life from the time she first meets her husband, Jason, in the fifth grade, falls in love with him over a game of Twister in the eighth grade, loses her virginity to him in high school and eventually marries him. Everything seems perfect in Zoe’s life to her friends and family as she secretly deals with serious problems in her marriage.
3. The Bride
By edict of the king, the mighty Scottish laird Alec Kincaid must take an English bride. His choice was Jamie, youngest daughter of Baron Jamison…a feisty, violet-eyed beauty. Alec ached to touch her, to tame her, to possess her…forever. But Jamie vowed never to surrender to this highland barbarian.
Review:
The Bride is the first book I have read from Julie Garwood and I loved it. I loved the set up, the plot, and love Jamie and Alec! I love me some sexy Scottish highland romances and this one was great. From the start Alec shined. He was so sexy, cocky and 100% bad ass Scottish warrior! But what I loved most about Alec was he had a tender side.
4. The Madness Of Lord Ian Mackenzie
Young widow Beth, inexplicably drawn to Ian MacKenzie, a Scottish lord who, rumored to be a murderer, spent his youth in an asylum, is determined to prove to London society that this charming Scotsman is only crazy about her.
Review:
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie established to me that it would be a great read from the first page. Ian is such an unusual hero, and he is thoroughly lovable. And Beth is one of those rare heroines who really does deserve a hero like Ian. Their relationship felt right and it felt meant to be.
5. Archer’s Voice
The sound of rain. The blood. The coldness of a gun against my skin. For six months, each breath has been a reminder that I survived — and my dad didn’t. I’m almost safe again. But the moment I meet Archer Hale, my entire world tilts on its axis . . . and never rights itself again.
Review:
This is a beautiful story and it holds such an important message – everyone has a voice. they may sound different, but everyone can and deserves to be heard.
6. Angels’ Blood
Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux is hired by the dangerously beautiful Archangel Raphael. But this time, it’s not a wayward vamp she has to track. It’s an archangel gone bad. The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other—and pull her to the razor’s edge of passion.
Review:
I’ve been a fan of Nalini Singh for several years now. I started reading her with the Silhouette Desires she published, and I liked the way she wrote intense love stories with magnetic heroes and heroines I liked. I waffled for a year or so before deciding to try her book Slave to Sensation. I was just getting into paranormal, and I wasn’t sure about the sci-fi elements. Finally, I read it, and I was hooked from that point on.
7. Bared To You
Gideon “knew.” He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each others most private wounds and desires. The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn’t tear us apart ”
Review:
This book was absolute perfection for me!! It had me swooning, drooling and panting over Gideon Cross and had me reading for the better part of it with the world’s biggest grin on my face. It was the perfect blend of heart warming, HOTNESS , and seriously tortured Alpha hero (and heroine).
8. Beauty From Pain
A New York Times and USA Today Bestseller…They agreed on three months… but their love knew no boundaries.Jack McLachlan is a winemaking magnate and easily one of Australia’s most eligible bachelors. His success and wealth makes him no stranger to the complications of romantic relationships and that’s why he goes to extreme measures to avoid the hassle.
Review:
I am thrilled to have discovered Georgia Cates – wow – I absolutely loved Beauty from Pain and can’t wait to read more of her books. As a romantic addict, this book had everything I love in a story – beautiful characters that I immediately “bond” with, romance, amazing sex, loss, pain, magnificent locations, fabulous plot and great writing.
9. Beyond The Highland Mist
He was known throughout the kingdom as Hawk, legendary predator of the battlefield and the boudoir. No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart—until a vengeful fairy tumbled Adrienne de Simone out of modern-day Seattle and into medieval Scotland. Captive in a century not her own, entirely too bold, too outspoken, she was an irresistible challenge to the sixteenth-century rogue. Coerced into a marriage with Hawk, Adrienne vowed to keep him at arm’s length—but his sweet seduction played havoc with her resolve.
Review:
Beyond the Highland Mist is my first read by this author, and not a bad start to the Highland series, though only loosely tied to it. Those who know me know that I suffer from a sometimes debilitating disorder known as MRBIOs, Must Read Books In Order syndrome. It’s important that you understand this about me because I’m about make a shocking statement, here: In order to enjoy this series, it isn’t necessary to read the first book. Yes, I really did say that, and no, I’m not on medication. Just stating the facts.
10. Born In Fire
Margaret Mary, the eldest Concannon sister, is a glass artist with an independent streak as fierce as her volatile temper. Hand-blowing glass is a difficult and exacting art, and while she may produce the delicate and the fragile, Maggie is a strong and opinionated woman, a Clare woman, with all the turbulence of that fascinating west country.
Review:
I read Born in Fire a few years ago, but suddenly wanted to read something beautiful and not very demanding. Often that is just what going back to a book that I already read and loved means to me. It is like a vacation, when I go to the beach and just lay on the sand or take a little swin.
11. Bronze Horseman
A magnificent epic of love, war and Russia from the international bestselling author of TULLY and ROAD TO PARADISE Leningrad 1941: the white nights of summer illuminate a city of fallen grandeur whose palaces and avenues speak of a different age, when Leningrad was known as St Petersburg. Two sisters, Tatiana and Dasha, share the same bed, living in one room with their brother and parents. The routine of their hard impoverished life is shattered on 22 June 1941 when Hitler invades Russia.
Review:
The Bronze Horseman is one of my all-time favorites! I decided to re-read it, for probably the hundredth time, and it still moves me just as much as it did the first time. The story of Alexander and Tatiana is so beautifully told and gripping that I can never put it down once I start.
12. Bully
My name is Tate. He doesn’t call me that, though. He would never refer to me so informally, if he referred to me at all. No, he’ll barely even speak to me. We were best friends once. Then he turned on me and made it his mission to ruin my life. I was humiliated, shut out, and gossiped about all through high school. His pranks and rumors got worse as time wore on, and I made myself sick trying to stay out of his way. I even went away for a year just to avoid him.
Review:
When I think about how I’ve started reading contemporary romance, the first book that pops in my head is Bully. I was fascinated by a lot of elements, mostly the striking way in which the love scenes were described, but the list can go on forever and ever.
13. The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden
Callie has never believed in luck. Not since her twelfth birthday when everything was taken from her. After the worst was over, she locked up her feelings and vowed never to tell anyone what happened. Now, six years later, she continues to struggle with the painful secret that threatens to consume her.
Review:
This was a quiet yet beautiful read about two survivors of abuse beginning to find trust and healing in each other. I really enjoyed it despite have my heart ripped to shreds by the HUGE BRUTAL CLIFFHANGER at the end!!! I’m not even kidding. It. Is. Brutal!!
14. Dark Lover
In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.
Review:
Before I continue with my review, I just want to say this. I fricking love this series! I cannot express how much I love this series, this book was probably one of the reasons why I admire J.R.Ward so much.
The series focuses on a society the “Black Dagger Brotherhood” of vampire warriors who live together and defend their race against de-souled humans called lessers.
15. The Darkest Hour
It’s been one year since ex-Navy SEAL Ethan Kelly last saw his wife Rachel alive. Overwhelmed by grief and guilt over his failures as a husband, Ethan shuts himself off from everything and everyone. His brothers have tried to bring Ethan into the KGI fold, tried to break through the barriers he’s built around himself, but Ethan refuses to respond…until he receives an anonymous phone call claiming Rachel is alive.
Review:
Listening to this series on audio as a re read. This one, while a tougher read I would probably increase to 4 stars upon re read. Many of the below (originally) mentioned things did not bother me this time and I enjoyed the angst in this book even though I am not usually a fan of it.
16. The Darkest Night
To end the nightmare, she has come toBudapest seeking help from men rumoredto have supernatural abilities, not knowingshe’ll be swept into the arms of Maddox,their most dangerous member—a man trappedin a hell of his own. Neither can resist the instant hunger that calmstheir torments—and ignites an irresistiblepassion. But every heated touch and burning kisswill edge them closer to destruction—and asoul-shattering test of love….
Review:
As the first full-length book in this series, this book did a good job of making me want more. Aside from the love story between Maddox and Ashlyn, which was fantastic by the way, there was a lot of plot and character development. No doubt, this will serve to make future books more entertaining. It was a wholly enjoyable read.
17. Delaney’s Desert Sheikh
Delaney Westmoreland refused to let a mix-up in her vacation plans postpone the R and R she craved. But when she reluctantly agreed to share a secluded cabin with an arrogant sheikh bent on seduction, she found herself enrolled in a crash course in human sexuality. Unfortunately, commitment and love were misplaced pages in her darkly handsome mentor’s manual.
Review:
This book was so great. I was so happy to finally read a book where the sheikh wanted a woman of color, particularly an African American woman. Usually the sheikh books have blonde heroines. It was also good because of the dialogue and interactions between the characters. This book mainly takes place in the cabin where they are both staying, so the focus is on the developing relationship between Delaney and Jamal.
18. Dragon Bound
As the most feared and respected of the wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre cannot believe someone had the audacity to steal from him, much less succeed. And when he catches the thief, Dragos spares her life, claiming her as his own to further explore the desire they’ve ignited in each other.
Review:
Loved Dragos and Pia. They meet after Pia achieves what no other has done before and steals from the Wyr leader. She goes on the run and he catches more than just his little thief. The connection between the two was strong. I loved Pia as a heroine because though she was physically weaker she was of strong conviction.
19. The Edge of Never
Twenty-year-old Camryn Bennett had always been one to think out-of-the-box, who knew she wanted something more in life than following the same repetitive patterns and growing old with the same repetitive life story. And she thought that her life was going in the right direction until everything fell apart.
Review:
This book has rendered me completely and utterly amazed. I’m speechless! I have NO WORDS !!! Not one. Seriously. I want to review it so bad. The problem I’m having is, I’m so emotional I can’t come up with anything eloquent and thought provoking to say. That happens to me every once in awhile. Usually it’s when a book has come out of left field and bowled me over.
20. Fallen Too Far
Things haven’t been easy for Blaire and Rush. The couple has been tested by the revelation of shocking family secrets and a surprising event that forced them to come to terms with their future. Yet there has never been any doubt: their love knows no limits, and they’ll do whatever it takes to stay together.
Review:
Fallen Too Far was an addictive read! The story picked up momentum immediately and never once faltered in its intensity. Abbi has done an amazing job in taking a commonly used, but highly sought after plot—sexy bad-boy meets innocent virgin good-girl—and transforming it into something unique and genuine.
21. Falling Into You
Richard Ramsey is the guitarist for the world’s hottest new band.Gifted. Charismatic. Hot as sin.Lend your ear, and he’ll steal your heart.Nah, you can’t have his considering he left it in his hometown years ago.He knows better than going back. But it’s his younger sister’s wedding, and there’s no way he can say no to that. He should have known she would be there, invading his senses and making him thirst and hunger for what he wants most. Violet Marin hates him for what he’s done.
Review:
You know how sometimes you come across a book where you read the blurb and it just makes you want to drop everything in your life so you can read it? This book did that to me. From the moment I heard about it, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
22. Fantasy Lover
Being trapped in a bedroom with a woman is a grand thing. Being trapped in hundreds of bedrooms over two thousand years isn’t. And being cursed into a book as a love-slave for eternity can ruin even a Spartan warrior’s day.
Review:
With a title like “Fantasy Lover” I was not expecting this book to be so riotously funny! Gorgeous man, yes. Sexual tension, for sure. Hot sex, hell yeah. But comedy? Who knew?!? HAHA! I’m on the verge of busting out into one of those snorting, wheezing laughs that makes your cheeks hurt just remembering the hilarious heinosity (I realize that isn’t a real word) that filled the pages of this book.
23. Flat-Out Love
Flat-Out Love is a warm and witty novel of family love and dysfunction, deep heartache and raw vulnerability, with a bit of mystery and one whopping, knock-you-to-your-knees romance.
Review:
There was way too much yodeling in this book, but other than that, it’s one of the best books I’ve read in this genre. I highly recommend it. I think Jessica Park is a very talented author. She writes good.
24. Gone with the Wind
The tumultuous romance of Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler is set against the backdrop of the elegance of the antebellum South, the ravages of the Civil War, and the desperate struggle of Reconstruction.
Review:
It takes guts to make your main character spoiled, selfish, and stupid, someone without any redeeming qualities, and write an epic novel about her. But it works for two reasons. First of all you wait for justice to fall its merciless blow with one of the most recognized lines in cinema
25. It Had to Be You
The Windy City isn’t quite ready for Phoebe Somerville — the outrageous, curvaceous New York knockout who has just inherited the Chicago Stars football team. And Phoebe is definitely not prepared for the Stars’ head coach Dan Celebow, a sexist jock taskmaster with a one-track mind. Celebow is everything Phoebe abhors. And the sexy new boss is everything Dan despises — a meddling bimbo who doesn’t know a pigskin from a pitcher’s mound.
Review:
I just have no words to describe how much I loved this book. It was amazing! Maybe I was just in the right mood for this kind of read or maybe it really is a terrific read. I just know that apart from LK’s Travises series, I had never, ever enjoyed a contemporary romance as much as I did this one and the Travises. And yes, it was that good for me.
