Winter is just around the corner and there is nothing more heartwarming than a book and a cup of hot chocolate to keep you company. I’d love to snuggle up in a blanket with my favourite romance novel and spend the evening in my makeshift world of love and fairytales. Sounds tempting, doesn’t it?
A genre made popular by classic authors like Jane Austen, Shakespeare and Nicholas Sparks, there is more to romance novels than just Mills & Boon. Not every heroine is a damsel in distress, and not every lead male a knight in shining armour. I’ve made a list of romance novels that promise to have something for every reader out there.
Best Romantic Novels Of All Time
For Young Adults
By Indian Authors
Romantic & Erotic Novels
Novels In Hindi
Novels That Became Movies
Best Romantic Novels Of All Time
I’m ready to bring out the classics that have time and again proved that it doesn’t get better than this. The well-loved Jane Austen to the evergreen love story. Here are my top five picks if you’re looking to divulge into the classics.
Also Read Best Horror Novels Of 2018
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Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
The tale of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth’s love-hate relationship that turned the Bennett family upside down. You must recall reading this for an English paper in school, but reading the original novel as an adult makes it more heartwarming and relatable.
Price: Rs 397. Buy here
Love Story by Erich Segal
The movie based on this book was brilliant but the book was better. A heart-wrenching tale of a love that we only dream of. Love Story leaves you with butterflies in your stomach and tears in your eyes.
Price: Rs 188. Buy here
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Wuthering Heights may be a love story but it also has undertones of gender inequality, misogyny, hypocrisy and morality. So if you are looking for something more than just a whimsical romance, this should be your pick.
Price: Rs 99. Buy here
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Another book that was adapted into a very successful movie starring Ryan Gosling and his gorgeous abs. The book is what you should be reading through on a rainy day, sipping on a mug of hot chocolate. Sounds like a great weekend plan to me!
Price: Rs 325. Buy here
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
A classic with traces of adventure and drama, the book is an old-school take on romance that will take you on a roller-coaster ride. It has been adapted into several plays over the years, but the novel still has its own charm.
Price: Rs 500. Buy here
Romantic Novels For Young Adults
Young adults range from 18 to 35 years of age, over the years this genre of romantic novels have been made famous by authors like John Green and Jenny Han. I’ve handpicked my favourite romantic novels for young adults, that I love re-reading when I need to boost my mood with some sappy romance.
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To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
If you have seen the Netflix original film and loved it as much as I did, the book is a must-read. Not only does the book explore the characters further, but it also gives you an insight into the mind of the relatable protagonist, Lara Jean. There are also two more books in the series if you want to find out what happens before the next movie hits Netflix.
Price: Rs 385. Buy here
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Rainbow Rowell’s quirky sense of humour and almost whimsical take on romance with her writing is what makes this book worth a read. From sharing 80’s mixtapes to comic books, this is every teenager’s dream romance.
Price: Rs 278. Buy here
Looking For Alaska by John Green
John Green’s debut novel and one of his best to date, Looking For Alaska is my personal favourite. Alaska is ready to take on the world, alongside our protagonist who loves memorising famous last words, this book is a breath of fresh air that leaves you feeling ‘woke.’
Price: Rs 209. Buy here
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Have all famous YA books been made into successful movies? Almost. Before I Fall was a successful film that caught the emotions the author was trying to express, but following the journey through Samantha’s (the protagonist) words is a worthwhile experience.
Price: Rs 337. Buy here
All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
A story of a girl who learns to live fully from a boy who loves the idea of death. Jennifer Niven’s All The Bright Places is currently in pre-production so catch the book before the movie gets out!
Price: Rs 319. Buy here
Romantic Books By Indian Authors
People often come up to me and say, ‘I’m not very fond of Indian authors’ and as an Indian author, I do tend to take offense to that. So here I am, making a list of some kick-ass romantic novels by Indian authors that will leave you asking for more.
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Those Pricey Thakur Girls by Anuja Chauhan
You could call this book an Indian take on Pride & Prejudice but the book is actually so much more than that. It follows five sisters in Delhi, as they explore the different shades of love and its misadventures.
Price: Rs 218. Buy here
Devdas by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
It is impossible to have lived in India and never heard the legendary tale of Devdas. This story has been adapted on various different platforms over the years, by Sarat Chandra’s words have a way of transporting you into the magical town of Calcutta like no other.
Price: Rs 189. Buy here
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
A boy meets girl story, but arranged by their parents, Sandhya Menon’s take on Indian families is funny and oh-so-relatable. The book is a Bollywood romance through and through, with drama and some crazy ups and downs.
Price: Rs 340. Buy here
Nick Of Time by Komal Mehta
No, this book isn’t about Nick Jonas, although I would totally read a book written about him. Instead, Komal Mehta takes you through the journey of a love-hate triangle set in an Indian wedding. Sounds exciting? Grab the book then.
Price: Rs 117. Buy here
The Story Of A Long-Distance Marriage by Siddhesh Inamdar
The Story Of A Long-Distance Marriage takes on the journey of two very different people who have to manage the major changes that are happening in their lives. Siddhesh’s take on marriage in interesting and refreshing – it’s a book for the quintessential millennial.
Price: Rs 159. Buy here
Best Romance Novels Of 2018
2018 is coming to an end and what better way to seal the year than with a book-athon! Here is my bucket list of the best books of the year, that you just can’t miss. All the best romantic novels of 2018 are right here!
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Surprise Me by Sophie Kinsella
A book about a married couple who decides to do everything in their power to revive the lost spark. In a bid to get over the lull in their marriage, they take turns to surprise each other in this dramatic yet lovable novel.
Price: Rs 480. Buy here
Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks
A chance encounter that leads to a romance of a lifetime. In Nicholas Sparks’s world, every story is a fairytale, but don’t forget to look out for that unhappy ending. He is infamous for it!
Price: Rs 319. Buy here
From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata
A rollercoaster ride that you shouldn’t be afraid of! Exhilarating in every sense, Mariana takes you on the journey of a figure skater who is ready to give up on her career and love for good. You’ll find yourself relating to the protagonist, Jasmine throughout the book.
Price: Rs 1,685. Buy here
One Small Thing by Erin Watt
A girl who falls in love with a man who is responsible for her sister’s death. But of course, she doesn’t know and is swept away by his sob story. Sounds like the same old book in a new cover? Well, it has a certain charm that lands it on this list.
Price: Rs 705. Buy here
Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann
A simple yet heartwarming romance that is a light breezy read. This book leaves you with a fuzzy feeling as an asexual student falls for a librarian’s assistant. Exciting? Absolutely.
Price: Rs 992. Buy here
Best Romantic & Erotic Novels
Yes, we’ve all heard of 50 Shades Of Grey, but there are a bunch of other erotic novels that are romantic and exciting. They will leave quivering and wanting more, and who doesn’t want that on a quiet Saturday night. *wink wink*
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Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Infidelity, desire and war, the Outlander has it all. A sexy nurse and a heartthrob of a warrior fight against their inner turmoil in some sexy ways. If you know what I mean! Definitely a good read for all those erotic novel lovers out there.
Price: Rs 450. Buy here
50 Shades Of Grey Series
Of course, you can watch the movies instead, but the books have a better storyline. You follow the characters on their journey from strangers to lovers and then partners for life. The books have twists and turn that the movies skipped out on, so read the complete series if you’re a fan of Mr. Grey.
Price: Rs 619. Buy here
The Sleeping Beauty Quartet by Anne Rice
Comprised of four books -The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty, Beauty’s Punishment, Beauty’s Release, and Beauty’s Kingdom, The Sleeping Beauty Quartet is starkly different from the Grey series but does follow the same line of eroticism with a lot of bounding and slavery. It might be a little dark for most readers but if you love medieval romances, this should be your pick.
Price: Rs 486. Buy here
Tremble by Tobsha Learner
This book goes by the tagline ‘eroticism for the modern-day woman’ as it explores sexuality with nine different stories. It talks about the different phases of lust, love and betrayal, there is something for everyone in this collection.
Price: Rs 359. Buy here
Evidence Of Desire by Lexi Blake
A murder mystery that takes on a different turn when the protagonist, Isla, falls for the attorney. It is sexy, mysterious and a chick-lit that I love going back to and reading time and again. A breath of fresh air compared to Mills & Boons’ regular books.
Price: Rs 811. Buy here
Romantic Novels In Hindi
Expand your horizons and pick up a book in Hindi this weekend. Because what’s better than exploring the wide wild world of Hindi novels that the country has to offer. Not only will it help your fluency in the language, but you will also connect better with the emotion of love in your mother tongue. Here are my top five picks for romantic novels in Hindi.
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Kya Dobara Ho Sakta Hai Pyaar? by Ravinder Singh
A sequence to Ravinder Singh’s first novel called ‘I Too Had A Love Story’ which was published in both Hindi and English, the second book tells you about what comes after ‘The happily ever after.’ With hints of suspense, this love story is a true sappy romance and was released in English under the title, ‘Can Love Happen Twice?’
Price: Rs 116. Buy here
Musafir Cafe by Divya Prakash Dubey
Dreams play an important role in our lives and this film explores the lives of two people who are trying to understand what they mean to them. Together they try to find the edge in life and the exciting aspects of living with a bucket list.
Price: Rs 83. Buy here
Dooriyan by Mohit Singh
Dooriyan explores the perils of an arranged marriage and everything that comes after. On one side, the newly-wed couple is trying to understand each other, and on the other, the wife isn’t sure her husband is her soulmate. Dooriyan is a story of love beyond stereotypes.
Price: Rs 755. Buy here
The Kashi-Vishwanath Express by Vikrant Joshi
A love story in the age of the internet, three friends struggle to understand the concept of emotions that they feel for each other. Strangers one second and best friends the next, Dhruv, Mahi and Manavi aren’t sure about who belongs with whom. Kya sach main, pyar dosti hai?
Price: Rs 199. Buy here
Dilli Darbaar by Satya Vyas
A simple and breezy read about a boy who is new in Delhi and a girl who wants him to explore the city. Set in the capital of the country, Dilli Darbaar is a delight for those who love this city and the people that make it ‘Dilli.’
Price: Rs 84. Buy here
Best Romance Novels That Became Movies
Movie adaptations over the years have gone from Harry Potter to Narnia and Fault In Our Stars, covering a wide range of genres. But not all of them did the books justice and if you are a book-a-holic like me, you’d want to go back to the basics. Here are my picks for the best romantic novels that became movies.
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The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
John Green takes on the task of making a boy and a girl, who aren’t happy with their lives, fall in love with each other. And he does a brilliant job at it! If you were in awe of Augustus Waters in the movie, read this perfect romantic book for teens and adults to get to know this heartthrob of a character better.
Price: Rs 226. Buy here
Where Rainbows End by Cecelia Ahern
The movie based on the book is called Love, Rosie, the name with which the book was published in the USA. Though I personally believe that the movie did not do justice to the book which dealt with the communication the two lead characters had over the years, in the form of letters, emails and text messages. A perfect read if you want to get your mind off the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Price: Rs 599. Buy here
Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
A book about love, heartbreak and the struggle of moving on. Most people know this book because of the fact that Channing Tatum played the lead in its film adaptation. If you are a fan of sappy romances, you should give this book a shot.
Price: Rs 266. Buy here
Breakfast At Tiffany’s by Truman Capote
Audrey Hepburn made this classic a cult with her iconic Givenchy dress and pearl necklace, and the book doesn’t disappoint either. As iconic as the movie, it is a must-read for any fashion and film lover who can’t get enough of Holly Golightly, the charming lead character.
Price: Rs 262. Buy here
Gone With the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell
Gone With The Wind is a huge book, so be warned about this war zone love story. But it is safe to say that the long read is totally worth it. The movie is a four-hour long saga, which captures almost all the intricacies of the book.
Price: Rs 248. Buy here
Get reading, ladies!
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