Top 20 Contemporary Romance Novels: Which Ones Should I Read First?

Well, I'd recommend 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini as it gives a deep look into Afghan culture and the complex relationships between characters. It's a very emotional read. 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara is a powerful novel that delves into the lives of four friends in New York City. It's long but worth it. And 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood is a great follow - up to 'The Handmaid's Tale', exploring the same dystopian world further.

Well, 'An Offer from a Gentleman' by Julia Quinn is a wonderful choice. It has a Cinderella - like story set in the Regency period. The characters are charming and the story is full of romance. 'These Old Shades' by Georgette Heyer is also a top pick. It has a strong - willed heroine and an interesting hero, and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you engaged throughout the story.

One of the top rated romance novels is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Their relationship develops through misunderstandings and social differences. Another great one is 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon. It combines time - travel and historical romance. The strong - willed Claire Randall is transported back in time and falls in love with Jamie Fraser. And 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks is also highly rated. It's a heart - wrenching love story of two people, Noah and Allie, who face many obstacles in their relationship.

If you like a bit of mystery with your romance, 'We Were Liars' by E. Lockhart could be your first pick from the top 10 teen romance novels. It has a really unexpected plot twist. 'Fangirl' by Rainbow Rowell is also great for those who can relate to the world of fandom and falling in love in that context. And 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' by Jenny Han is a lovely story about a girl's coming - of - age and her first love during summers at the beach.

Some popular ones in the top 20 could be 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic with great character development and a charming love story between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Another is 'Sense and Sensibility' which also delves into the lives and loves of sisters in the Regency era. 'Persuasion' is also a gem, with a second - chance love story that is very touching.

Well, in the top 10 YA romance novels, 'Eleanor & Park' is a must - read. It beautifully captures the awkwardness and tenderness of first love. Then there's 'Anna and the French Kiss' which takes you on a journey to Paris with a great love story. Also, 'Red, White & Royal Blue' is a popular one. It has a unique take on a relationship between the son of the US president and a British prince.

One great 'prince' contemporary romance novel is 'The Royal We' by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan. It's a fun and engaging story inspired by the real - life British royal family. The characters are well - developed, and the romance between the commoner girl and the prince - like character is really sweet.

One great young adults romance novel is 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green. It tells a heart - wrenching love story between two teenagers with cancer. Another is 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' by Jenny Han. It's a cute story about a girl whose love letters accidentally get sent out. And 'Eleanor & Park' by Rainbow Rowell is also a top pick, with its beautifully written story of two misfit teens falling in love.

One great mature romance light novel is 'A Silent Voice'. It beautifully portrays the relationship between a deaf girl and a boy who used to bully her. The story is full of growth, forgiveness, and deep emotional connection. Another is 'Your Lie in April', which is also a touching love story intertwined with music and personal growth. The characters' emotions are so vividly depicted that it makes the romance truly captivating.

Well, if you're into really intense and gritty zombie novels, 'The Walking Dead' series of novels (which the TV show is based on) is a great start. It shows the struggle for survival in a post - zombie - rise world. 'I Am Legend' by Richard Matheson can also be considered a precursor to the modern zombie novel. It has a lone survivor in a world filled with what are basically zombie - like creatures. And then there's 'Feed' by Mira Grant, which is set in a world where zombies are a part of everyday life and the story focuses on bloggers covering the news about them.