Some readers dislike the contemporary romance genre. Perhaps this is because they live in the contemporary world, and therefore don’t want to read about it. Or, perhaps for others, it’s because contemporary fiction doesn’t offer the layers fantasy or historical fiction might.
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This is why I’m here to make a confession as well as to persuade you to give the genre a chance. Contemporary romance is my jam. It’s the genre I find myself falling back on time and again. When I want an easy to enjoy read, it’s the go-to genre I pull off my shelf. In short, it’s forever and always, my “happy place” reads.
If you’re curious to try some contemporary fiction but don’t know where to start, read on. Today I’ve put together a list of 15 contemporary romance novels, most of which aren’t uber popular titles. Among these novels, you’ll find old-fashioned romance and swoony heroes, solid friendships, and memorable first kisses. (Reader experiences that you’ll find in both adult and YA fiction in today’s list.) Though no list is ever inclusive, hopefully below you’ll discover something that looks to be a perfect read.
Let’s take a look at this list, which today is all about the contemporary romance.
15 Awesome Contemporary Romance Novels Readers Will Love
Sorted from A-Z, by author
1: Alex, Approximately (YA Fiction)
This YA novel is a loose re-telling of the classic rom-com, You’ve Got Mail. Though it’s one I’ve not yet read it does have high ratings on Amazon and is a book several blogging friends enjoy.
You can purchase Alex, Approximately on Amazon Kindle or add on Goodreads
Content: Adult themes, and situations and some profanity.
2: The Theory of Happily Ever After by Kristin Billerbeck (Adult Fiction)
There was a time when a Kristin Billerbeck novel could make its reader smile with little effort. Then, the author went on hiatus and if you wanted to giggle, you had to re-read her novels. Now she’s released a new novel about a cruise and a shipboard romance! A story that makes me all the more anxious to pick this novel up.
You can purchase The Theory of Happily Ever After on Amazon Kindle or add on Goodreads
Content: nothing to note
3: The Runaway Princess by Hester Browne (Adult Fiction)
This is a book I’ve gushed over more than once, but it has that kind of effect on its reader. It’s about the nerdy-girl-next-door (this I RELATE to!) who meets the handsome-castle-dwelling-prince. Of course, as any good romance does, our quirky heroine soon falls for the swoony prince, but the twist is, she gets cold feet leading our prince (Leo) to come after his lady love. Though a secular novel, this is contemporary romance at its best.
You can purchase The Runaway Princess on Amazon Kindle or add on Goodreads.
Content: This book does have some adult content/situations, and some profanity, though nothing graphic.
4: Until I Knew Myself by Tammy L. Gray (Adult Fiction)
With more emotional upheaval than most contemporary novels, this story introduces readers to a group of friends who, after secrets and breakups, no longer share a bond. That is until Tyler returns, and discovers the woman he once loved is still his soul mate.
You can purchase Until I Knew Myself on Amazon Kindle or add on Goodreads
Content: some minor “adult conversation,” but nothing graphic
5: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han (YA Fiction)
With its imminent Netflix adaptation premiere (August 17!), discovering this story is a must. This novel has been on my shelf for far too long, but I finally picked it up in anticipation of the film. It’s about a teen girl whose secret (handwritten) love letters are mailed to her crushes. Needless to say, this complicates everything. Its heroine and old-fashioned charm are what endears this popular story.
You can purchase To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before on Amazon Kindle or add on Goodreads
Content: There is some profanity (including 1-2 uses of the F-word), and some minor talk of sex.
6: Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge (Adult Fiction)
No book list is complete without some type of Jane Austen mention. Or at least that’s my theory. This contemporary Texas-set novel re-tells Sense and Sensibility with plenty of heart and cups of tea.
You can purchase Jane of Austin on Amazon Kindle or add on Goodreads
Content: nothing to note
7: Sway by Amy Matayo (New Adult)
Sway tells the story of two young people who form an intense connection, date and then split up. But because of a forced close proximity, they continue to see one another every day, and a love story is only beginning.
You can purchase Sway on Amazon Kindle or add on Goodreads
Content: nothing to note
8: Love in Three Quarter Time by Rachel McMillan (Adult Novella)
Though its page count may be short, this novella is all about the romance. It takes us to Vienna and its author created a Professor Behr kind of hero that has made many a reader swoon. Plus, for those of us who adored this contemporary romance, in September McMillan will release a kind of companion story titled Rose in Three-Quarter Time.
You can purchase Love in Three-Quarter Time on Amazon Kindle or add on Goodreads
Content: nothing to note
9: As Easy as Riding a Bike by Bell Renshaw (Adult Novella)
This story is not full-length and is instead a sweet romantic-comedy in novella form, which makes it ideal for a short road trip or weekend read by the pool. This is a reunion romance about sweethearts who don’t yet realize they were made for each other.
Purchase As Easy as Riding a Bike on Amazon Kindle or add on Goodreads
Content: nothing to note
What a fabulous list, Rissi. I see some personal favorites listed here as well as some that are still on my TBR shelf. I’m so happy that you included Sway which I rarely see mentioned.
I rarely see “Sway” mentioned either, Brittaney. Sadly I’ve not yet read it, but I love Amy’s writing/stories, so I’ve zero doubt this one will also be wonderful. 🙂