“Her heart did whisper that he had done it for her.”
Romance reads make up some of the most popular in the world of reading. One of the major reasons for this is the escapism these stories bring. When things get tough, we turn to the cutesy moments and happily ever afters to feel better. Romance novels generate around $1.44 billion in revenue every year, and there is every suggestion that the likes of Colleen Hoover, Nora Roberts and Nicholas Sparks are only going to have more and more fans swooning over their work on the back of BookTok and other viral social media trends. Which is why we here at What We Reading thought we would pay homage to some of the bestselling romance novels of all time! Whilst we can’t guarantee that the ordering is spot-on perfect, from beloved classics to fantastical and paranormal romance, these uber-successful novels should have something for everyone!
Pride And Prejudice – Jane Austen
Kicking off our list of the bestselling romance novels of all time is Jane Austen’s 1813 classic, Pride and Prejudice. Famously named her ‘own darling child’, this tale centres around spirited heroine Elizabeth Bennet, the independent and strong-willed second daughter of her family. At a local ball, Elizabeth encounters the wealthy but aloof Mr Fitwilliam Darcy.
Darcy initially dismisses Elizabeth, but soon finds himself intrigued by her wit. However, through his reserved nature, sense of superiority over her and his role in separating her sister from her own love, Darcy and Elizabeth are constantly finding themselves at opposite ends of miscommunications, misunderstandings and their own values. With themes such as the impact of first impressions, class distinctions, the pressure of marriage and the importance of self-discovery, Pride and Prejudice has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and become a cornerstone for all romance writers.
Twilight (The Twilight Saga #1) – Stephenie Meyer
One of the most impactful young adult romance books and paranormal romance novels ever released, Twilight introduces readers to Isabella ‘Bella’ Swan who moves from sunny Arizona to the rainy city of Forks, Washington. Enrolling in the local high school, she soon encounters the mysterious Cullen family and becomes drawn to one of its members, Edward. After following her suspicions and being saved by him from a speeding car, it is revealed that Edward is, in fact, a vampire.
Despite the danger his nature poses to her, Bella and Edward fall deeply in love. Edward struggles with his innate desire for her blood, whilst Bella becomes enthralled with his enigmatic world and the perils that come with it. With the perfect blend of young love, suspense and the supernatural, Twilight became one of the bestselling romance novels of all time (shipping over 100 million copies) and spawned an equally successful movie series.
Gone With The Wind – Margaret Mitchell
Originally published back in 1936, Margaret Mitchell’s historical romance novel Gone with the Wind sweeps readers back to the era of the American Civil War and Reconstruction through the eyes of Scarlett O’Hara. Beginning in 1861, Scarlett is spoilt, headstrong and living on her family’s plantation in Georgia.
Her life is upended by the outbreak of war, where the devastating effects of the conflict rip through her town and her personal life. Scarlett is forced to confront love, loss and heartbreaks over the years, but her determination and resilience see her rebuild her life time and time again. One of the most successful historical romance novels of all time, Gone with the Wind has become an iconic portrait of the transformation of the South during and after the Civil War and explores themes of loss, resilience and how context can complicate relationships.
Outlander (Outlander #1) – Diana Gabaldon
The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is just back from service in the Second World War and reunited with her husband. Together, the pair embark on a second honeymoon where she walks through a standing stone found in one of the ancient stone circles that line the British Isles. In an instant, she finds herself now as Sassenach, an ‘outlander’ living in a Scotland ravaged by war and plagued by raiding border clans in the year 1743.
Tossed back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is thrust into the intrigues of lairds and spies that threaten both her life and her heart. It is here that James Fraser, a brave young Scots warrior, shows her the sort of love she has never seen before. Torn between fidelity and desire, two moments in time and two men from irreconcilable lives, Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander is one of the bestselling romance novels of all time and a classic in the historical romance genre.
Fifty Shades Of Grey (Fifty Shades #1) – E.L. James
With over 150 million sales, Fifty Shades of Grey and its sequels was undoubtedly the global romance phenomenon in the 2010s. Famously beginning as a piece of Twilight fan-fiction, author E.L. James introduces English literature student Anastasia Steele, who is sent to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, a beautiful, brilliant and mysterious figure to most of the world. Upon meeting him, she is utterly captivated and finds herself desperate to get close to her.
Christian too is attracted to Ana, pulled in by her independence, wit and quiet beauty. He confesses that he wants her too, but on his terms. Christian is a man haunted by demons from his past and consumed by a need to control. Together, the pair embark on a passionate physical where Ana learns more about Christian’s secrets whilst exploring her own dark desires. One of the most significant books in the genre, the Fifty Shades trilogy was crucial in putting erotic romance novels back into the mainstream.
Me Before You (Me Before You #1) – Jojo Moyes
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Giver of Stars, Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You has sold over 20 million copies since its release in 2012, making it one of the most successful contemporary love stories. The story follows Louisa Clark, an ordinary girl living a perfectly ordinary life. She takes a job working for ex-Master of the Universe Will Traynor.
Will is wheelchair-bound after an accident, a repercussion of living life to the fullest. After years of big deals, extreme sports and worldwide travel, he is certain that he cannot live the way he is. He is moody, bossy and aloof, but Lou nevertheless soon finds that his happiness means more to her than she expected. When she learns that Will has some shocking plans on the cards, she sets out to show him that life is more than worth living.
The Notebook (The Notebook #1) – Nicholas Sparks
Set against the beautiful backdrop of the North Carolina coast, Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook is the story of Noah Calhoun, a rural Southerner recently home from the Second World War. Noah is attempting to restore his family’s plantation home to its former glory and is still haunted by the girl he met fourteen years prior, a girl he loved like no other. Unable to find her, but equally unwilling to let her go, Noah is content to live out the rest of his days with the memories of the summer they spent together. Until she unexpectedly returns to town to see him.
This is just the first piece in the heartwrenching story of Noah and Allie. As the pair’s relationship plays out, Sparks’ storytelling captures the tender moments and fundamental changes that define us. Still one of the bestselling romance novels of all time, it also received a big-screen adaptation in 2004 starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.
Check Out The Best Books Like The Notebook
The Duke And I (Bridgertons #1) – Julia Quinn
In the ballrooms and drawing rooms of Regency-era London, rules abound. Children of aristocrats learn how proper dukes should be imperious and aloof, and how young marriageable ladies should be amiable, but not too amiable. Daphne Bridgeton has always failed at the latter of these. The fourth child out of eight, she has made friends with all the eligible young men in London. Everyone likes Daphne for her kindness and wit, but no one truly desires her as she is unwilling to play the sorts of romantic games that enthral gentlemen.
Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, has just returned to England and planning on shunning marriage and society for the rest of his life. Yet a chance encounter with his best friend’s sister presents an entirely different option. Daphne agrees to the fake courtship plan, knowing that all her prospects and reputation are about to soar. But, in the glitzy, gossipy, cut-throat world of London’s elite, both Simon and Daphne soon learn that love never plays by the rules.
Check Out The Best Books Like Bridgerton
It Ends With Us (It Ends With Us #1) – Colleen Hoover
Rounding out our list of bestselling romance novels is Colleen Hoover’s Goodreads Choice Award winning story, It Ends with Us. Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that has never stopped her from working hard for what she wants. She has come a long way from the small Maine town she grew up in, graduating, moving to Boston and starting her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything appears to be almost too good to be true.
Ryle is assertive, stubborn and perhaps a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant and has a serious soft spot for Lily. She cannot get him out of her head. But his complete aversion to relationships is unnerving, even if she is proving to be an exception to his ‘no dating’ rule. Ryle’s distance overwhelms her, as do her thoughts of Atlas Corrigan, her first love and link to a past she has left behind. And, when Atlas suddenly reappears, everything she has built with Ryle comes under threat.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
