Modern-day love stories: 5 contemporary romance novels that will make you fall in love again
Whether you’re a hopeful or hopeless romantic, a good romance novel can truly make you believe in the awesome power of love.
Offering a sense of hope, comfort and the (almost) certainty of a happily ever after, romance novels remind us that love can flourish in the face of overwhelming adversity and against all the odds, if we’re only willing to open ourselves up to the possibility of romance. Containing the whole gamut of human emotion, from passion, desire and longing to heartbreak, sorrow and despair, romance novels provide a safe, no-strings-attached way to experience the joys and anguish of embarking on a new relationship.
From second chances to secret affairs, bad decisions to LGBTQ+ relationships, our top five contemporary romance novels will make you fall in love with love all over again.
The Beginning Of Everything
When Jess runs away from a bad relationship, she leaves everything behind her except a small bag of treasured belongings. Gethin has just come out of a relationship and moved back to town. When the two unexpectedly meet, they quickly become friends. As feelings deepen, Jess must decide whether she’s ready to open herself up to love again. This is a poignant tale of love, trust, starting over and second chances.
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It Was Always You
For teenage Ella, the future is bright: she’s in love and best friend Cole is by her side. A strange woman in a green coat and red scarf doesn’t phase her. Twenty-three years later, her marriage is in trouble and Cole is spiraling out of control. When a parcel arrives containing a green coat and red scarf, she’s faced with the possibility of talking to her younger self and starting over. But if she could make different choices, would she?
Happy Place
Harriet and Wyn broke up six months ago, and still haven’t got round to telling anyone. The only problem is, they’re booked to go away with their friends for their annual-drink-too-much-wine holiday. Can they really fake it in front of the people who know them best, or are old wounds about to be re-opened? Heartwarming and tender, Happy Place is all about finding where you belong and the people who make you happy.
Red, White And Royal Blue
What starts as a fake, Instagrammable relationship between the son of the US President and the UK’s Prince Henry turns into something far more deep and meaningful. But with diplomatic relations on the line, is their secret relationship doomed before it even starts? This is a wonderfully witty and romantic novel that also touches on relevant modern issues of homophobia, grief and racism.
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Call It What You Want
Rob used to be the golden boy, but thanks to his father’s embezzling, he’s now a social pariah. Maegan is a good girl forced to keep her sister’s secret from their father. When the two are forced to work together on a school project, they strike up an unexpected friendship. As they both try to make things right in their lives, questions of morality are raised. Is it ever alright to do the wrong thing for the right reasons?