Following the passionate topic of February, here are the best love stories across book genres. If you enjoy a heartfelt relationship but can’t seem to enjoy the romance genre, these are the suggestions for you.
From Classics to Fantasy, Historical Fiction and Young Adult; you will for sure find your next unforgettable love narrative in these 16 suggestions.
The Best Love Stories in Classic Books
“Love in the Time of Cholera”, by Gabriel García Márquez
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
“Love in the Time of Cholera” goes through the passionate but tumultuous love story between Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza. Despite the intense youth romance, Fermina marries a wealthy doctor, leaving Florentino heartbroken.
Florentino engages in 622 affairs but still reserves his heart for Fermina. After Fermina’s husband dies, Florentino, a successful businessman, attends the funeral. Fifty years, nine months, and four days after declaring his love, he once again professes his affection for Fermina.
This novel explores the complexities of love, time, and the endurance of true passion against the backdrop of changing relationships and society’s expectations.
“Wuthering Heights”, by Emily Brontë
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
At the heart of “Wuthering Heights” lies the passionate love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. Represented with such emotional intensity that the Yorkshire moors setting takes on the depth of ancient tragedy.
It was a book I had the chance to buy in a lovely edition and can’t wait to melt over.
“Gone with the Wind”, by Margaret Mitchell
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
“Gone with the Wind” sets against the backdrop of the American Civil War and its aftermath. Following the resilient Scarlett O’Hara as she navigates love, loss, and societal upheaval in the South.
Scarlett’s passionate yet tumultuous relationships with Rhett Butler and Ashley Wilkes unfold amid the challenges of war, reconstruction, and changing social norms.
The author paints a vivid portrait of the Old South’s demise and Scarlett’s determined spirit in the face of adversity.
“Pride and Prejudice”, by Jane Austen
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
A classic novel love story one should not just miss (says the person who has had it on their TBR for ages now…). Set in early 19th-century England, it revolves around the headstrong Elizabeth Bennet and the proud Mr. Darcy.
As Elizabeth navigates societal expectations, misunderstandings, and prejudices, a complex love story unfolds. Going through topics such as class, morality, and the pursuit of true love in a society where social standing is paramount.
Through the author’s sharp wit and keen observations, “Pride and Prejudice” remains a timeless exploration of relationships, societal norms, and the transformative power of self-awareness.
Heartfelt Romances in the Fantasy Genre
“Twilight”, by Stephenie Meyer
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
Moving into the category of Fantasy, “Twilight” couldn’t simply be ignored considering the impact it had on my teen self. In this book, teenager Bella Swan moves to Forks, Washington, and encounters the mysterious Edward Cullen, who reveals himself as a vampire.
Despite the dangers of their supernatural love, they embark on a romance. Bella becomes entangled in the complex world of vampires and werewolves, particularly the rivalry between Edward’s family and a specific werewolf pack.
Navigating true love, danger, and identity, with a captivating and suspenseful tale that became a cultural phenomenon. This is the first of a four-book saga you won’t be able to keep yourself from devouring.
“Fourth Wing”, by Rebecca Yarros
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
In this absolute BookTok success, Violet was supposed to join the Scribe Quadrant when the commanding general ordered her to try and become the elite of Navarre: a dragon ride.
Considering her fragility, which makes it harder to bond with a dragon, the number of competitors and who her mother is, Violet’s chances didn’t look that good.
However, it is during the deadly war that she lives in a world of friends, enemies, and lovers.
This novel is full of intense competition, survival, and hidden agendas, where love might come from unexpected places.
“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue”, by V.E. Schwab
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” was one of my fiction books suggested as Christmas gifts, so you know it was one of my favourites from last year.
It follows Addie, who makes a deal for eternal life but is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. For centuries, she roams through history, leaving no trace. That is until she encounters Henry in a bookstore who turns out to remember her.
A unique love story unfolds, exploring the consequences of immortality and the desire for human connection.
As Addie struggles with her invisible existence, the novel delves into topics of identity, loneliness, and the profound impact of being remembered. It is a tale that goes through centuries, mixing fantasy, romance and existential reflection which is guaranteed to move you.
“The Song of Achilles”, by Madeline Miller
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
This love story was another one of the fiction books suggested as last year’s book presents.
In “The Song of Achilles,” the son of the sea goddess, Thetis, and King Peleus, Achilles, is renowned as the best of the Greeks.
He forms an inseparable bond with Patroclus, an awkward deserted young prince. Trained by the centaur Chiron in war and medicine, their destinies intertwine as the call to lay siege to Troy arises when Helen is kidnapped.
Seduced by the promise of glory, Achilles joins the cause, and Patroclus follows, torn between love and fear. Unaware of the brutal challenges that await, they face the Fates’ tests, leading to a moving and sacrificial journey that unfolds in the legendary Trojan War.
Emotional Romances in Historical Fiction
“The Duke and I”, by Julia Quinn
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
The only thing I regret is to not have read this book before watching the Bridgerton series on Netflix. It is also why this love story is recommended on this list – so you don’t make the same mistakes I did.
During the Regency era, where the ballrooms and drawing rooms of London were governed by strict aristocratic rules.
Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest girl and fourth of eight siblings is finally presented to society.
Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, seems to try and avoid marriage and society itself.
With the emergence of a fake courtship proposal, as the two attempt to stay away from matchmaking efforts, their plan couldn’t have gotten in a more divergent direction…
“Daisy Jones & The Six”, by Taylor Jenkins Reid
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
From Los Angeles in the late 60s, Taylor Jenkins Reid presents Daisy, a young girl who navigates the Sunset Strip, indulging in sex, drugs, and a dream to sing on a big stage.
Her reckless beauty and promising singing talent started drawing attention.
Meanwhile, Billy, the lead singer of The Six, faces the challenges fatherhood and fame bring.
The destiny of these two connects as a producer sees the potential in collaboration, setting the stage for legendary moments and an unforeseen romance.
In an interview format, “Daisy Jones & The Six” bring the essence of a 70s rock band, with an unforgettable tale of passion, music, and timeless temptation.
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”, by Taylor Jenkins Reid
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
The Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo, who keeps a lot to herself, chooses journalist Monique Grant to write her biography. As the writer struggles with her own personal and professional problems, she takes the chance to jumpstart her career.
Evelyn reveals her glamorous and scandalous life, from Los Angeles in the 50s to show business in the 80s, passing through her seven marriages, the two start to connect.
However, it is in the unexpected connections between Evelyn and Monique’s lives that the book gains a new different layer.
Approaching topics from ruthless ambition to unexpected friendship and forbidden love, it is a compelling exploration of fame, love and the cost of living in the public eye.
“The House of Eve”, by Sadeqa Johnson
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
Set in the 1950s in Philadelphia and Washington DC, Sadeqa Johnson dives into the lives of two women: Ruby Pearsall and Eleanor Quarles.
The first, Ruby, determined to break the poverty cycle, faces the threat of a taboo love affair that could jeopardize her dreams of being the first of her family to attend college.
The second, Eleanor, who just arrived in Washington with ambition and secrets, falls in love with William Pride, a member of an elite black family.
Desperate to fit into William’s world, Eleanor hopes a baby will secure her place.
As the two stories unpredictably connect, both women are forced to make decisions that will shape their destinies.
Young Adult Love Stories You Won’t Forget
“Heartstopper: Volume One”, by Alice Oseman
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
In this graphic novel, the first volume of a now six-book saga; Charlie, an openly gay and highly-strung over-thinker, crosses paths with Nick, a cheerful and soft-hearted rugby player at a British all-boys school.
Charlie suffers from bullying after being outed and finds peace in his friendship with Nick. As the duo navigates the complexities of school life, Charlie develops feelings for Nick, unsure if he stands a chance…
The first volume of “Heartstopper” is a heart-warming love story that navigates through friendship and the unexpected development of connections that challenge stereotypes.
“They Both Die at the End”, by Adam Silvera
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio receive a call from Death-Cast informing them they’ll die that day.
From total strangers, the two find each other in the Last Friend app, connecting for an adventure on their last day.
Among the inevitability of their fate, the two embark on a journey to live a lifetime in one single day.
The author brings us topics of life, death, love and loss; delivering a touching yet uplifting story that reminds us of the brief nature of existence and the transformative power of human connection.
“You’ve Reached Sam”, by Dustin Thao
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
“You’ve Reached Sam” tells of seventeen-year-old Julie who is planning meticulously her future with her boyfriend, Sam; envisioning a life beyond their current small town. However, tragedy strikes as Sam dies, shattering her dreams.
Struggling to cope, Julie discards reminders of him until she finds a hidden message in her yearbook.
Desperate to hear his voice, Julie calls his phone and, miraculously, Sam answers.
Even though it is a temporary connection, Julie falls for him once again, making the process of letting go more difficult.
Divided between telling his family and risking losing him forever or keeping this connection concealed, Julie finds herself in a dilemma.
“I Kissed Shara Wheeler”, by Casey McQuiston
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
This book follows. Chloe Green’s quest for valedictorian glory at her Christian Academy. But her pursuit is disrupted when her rival, Shara, unexpectedly kisses her and disappears.
In the need for answers, Chloe teams up with Shara’s ex-boyfriend, Smith, and the bad boy next door, Rory, to go through the cryptic clues Shara left behind.
The three go on a journey through parties, break-ins and secrets, discovering more about Shara and the town they bargained for.
I hope after all these love story suggestions across genres, you were able to find the next one to melt your heart!
Let me know in the comment sections what is your favourite love story in an unexpected genre!