My Top 5 Romance Books

Reading is one of my favourite things to do in my free time. I can get lost between the pages for hours, and once I’m fully immersed in a story, I simply can’t put it down. I especially love reading romance novels, and therefore, I decided to create a “Top 5” list of my favorite books in this genre.

Romantic novels make me feel so many emotions, and I am definitely here for it! They make me cry, they make me laugh, and sometimes they make me want to shout at the protagonists for not realizing how madly in love they are with one another. But most importantly, whenever I finish a good romance book, I get this warm, fuzzy feeling of happiness and contentment inside of me that I simply can’t get enough of.

I have read a whole lot of romance books throughout my years, and I can very confidently say, “These five are my absolute favourite ones.” I’ve read them countless times, falling in love with the story all over again every time I reread them. So let me introduce you to my top 5 romance picks in the hopes they will bring you as much joy as they have brought me.

”The Vintage Girl”

I bought this book in a charity shop when I was 18 years old, and I have loved it ever since. “The Vintage Girl” is a hidden romance gem that I don’t hear people talking about enough, so here I am… talking about it. The book follows a young woman called Evie. She is a true romantic with an overactive imagination, who has a knack for the past. So when the opportunity arises for her to archive and potentially sell off some of the heirlooms of Kettlesheer Castle, she simply can’t say no. But over the course of her investigation, Evie stumbles upon a long-buried family secret that wasn’t supposed to ever see the light of day. Sounds like drama? Add the good-looking heir, Robert McAndrew, and a traditional candlelit ball to the mix, and chaos is inevitable.

This book is everything I want in a romance novel. It has a beautiful love story, a castle filled with treasures, and lovable, nicely fleshed-out characters. When reading, the story definitely gives historical novel vibes, but somehow it always manages to pull you back into the modern world, which I think turns it into a very interesting and enjoyable reading experience. The main character, Evie, is living in her own Regency dream world, while her love interest is quite a modern guy, who would sell the whole castle on the spot if his father let him. Experiencing these two very different people slowly growing fond of each other and seeing how they interact and ultimately change one another is the most heart-warming thing. There is, of course, a lot of drama along the way, and I feel like my heart was most certainly broken near the end (don’t panic: it has a beautiful happy ending). But all in all, it is a wonderfully written story and an absolute comfort read, I couldn’t recommend more.

“Pride and Predjudice”

THIS BOOK! I can’t begin to tell you how much I adore this story. I have watched the movie and read the novel countless times, and I still cry every single time when it ends. Not because I am sad, but because I am so happy for the main characters. I believe most people know the storyline, but if you don’t, let me give you a quick summary. "Pride and Prejudice" is a classic love story by Jane Austen set in early 19th-century England. It follows the conflict and romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, hindered by prejudices and societal expectations. Initial misunderstandings and obstacles seemingly keep them apart for good, but where there is love, there’s almost certainly a way…

Reading "Pride and Prejudice" can be a little demanding, seeing as it was published in 1813, and the way it has been written is quite different from modern romance books. However, once you get the hang of it, it is the most beautiful reading experience. The way the characters interact with one another, the witty comments, and the hidden insults are simply brilliant and will make you smile throughout the entire book. Speaking of, the character development in this book is absolutely incredible. The story features so many unique and interesting personalities, with everyone having their own little side stories. And somehow, Jane Austen managed to weave all of these different storylines into the most wonderful, complex book that I will never get tired of reading.

There is drama, there is dancing, there is love, there is conflict, and I absolutely adore it. The way this story draws you in and makes you feel so deeply for the characters is truly remarkable AND everyone is dressed in the most gorgeous gowns and suits. Who could say no to that? So if you haven’t given it a read yet, go ahead. To me, it is absolute perfection!

“Take a Chance on me”

”Take a Chance on me” is a cosy little novel, set in a small village in England. The main character, a young woman called Cleo, is very much struggling to find a decent partner. That was until she found handsome Will who almost seems to good to be true. Things could be so wonderful but unfortunately Jonny LaVenture, a famous sculptor and Cleos childhood “enemy”, who bullied her throughout her school time, decides to return to their home village, once again tormenting Cleos life. But not only Cleo is struggling, her friends and family start having all sorts of problems of their own and chaos erupts. But as the story goes on Enemies turn into friends or maybe even something more? Only time can tell…

This novel is the perfect companion on a rainy sunday, where you have nothing planned apart from snuggling up on your sofa or in bed with a good book and a warm cup of tea. If you like small town drama and a enemies to lover storyline this book is perfect for you. Whenever I am reading it, it almost feels like I am just a fellow citicin in the village, sooking up all of the hot gossip around me, free to make up my mind how I see fit.
I absolutely love how lively and authentic the characters are in this story. They each have such distinct personalities and feel like people you could bump into just around the corner. Take Cleo, for instance; she's an incredibly endearing main character. She's funny, warm-hearted, loyal, and just a tad lost in life, making her someone I'd love to be friends with. Then there's Jonny, who initially comes across as charming yet ignorant and “fuckboyish”. But as the story unfolds, you'll gradually warm up to him as he reveals his surprisingly kind and caring nature. While their love story may unfold at a leisurely pace, reaching the end makes it all worthwhile!

Have I convinced you that this book is one of the best romance novels out there right now? If so, give it a read—you certainly won't regret it.

“Little Beach Street Bakery”

I definitely have a soft spot for romance novels featuring a main character who is completely and utterly obsessed with baking or cooking, and this one really didn't disappoint. The book follows the journey of a young woman named Polly living in England, who has recently lost basically everything—her company, her toxic boyfriend (good for her), and her flat. While searching for a new place to live on a budget, she stumbles across a rather rundown apartment located in a sleepy seaside resort in Cornwall. To cope with her feelings and pass the time, she immerses herself in her favourite hobby: bread making. As time goes by, she grows fond of her new life (and of the two attractive fellas who also live in the seaside resort). People start hearing about her bread baking, and everything seems to be going well, but, as with every story, there are, of course, some hiccups along the way.

The first time I read this book, I enjoyed it, but wasn’t completely into it. For some reason, though, I had a very strong urge to reread it. The second time around, I loved it, and by the third time, I knew this book was definitely one of my favourites. It’s just so cosy and comforting! I love how Polly turns her hobby into something much more, and I enjoy the change in her character, the way her true and happy personality shines through after having such a tough time, and the way she turns the sleepy town upside down with her ideas. The love story in the book is also really sweet, but if I'm being honest, the way Polly grows into her true self throughout the book is what actually makes this one of my top five picks.

“The Spanish Love Deception”

This book is the newest addition to my romance favourites, but that doesn’t mean I love it any less. "The Spanish Love Deception" is a steamy enemies-to-lovers story that will have you on your toes throughout the entire book. It follows the story of a woman named Lina, who desperately needs a date for her sister's wedding because she may have told her Spanish family she had a boyfriend. Which she doesn’t. But now she definitely needs one. Or at least someone willing to pretend to be her boyfriend. Easier said than done with only four weeks left until the wedding. Still, when her work colleague Aaron offers to play the part, Lina is not tempted in the slightest, for he is the most infuriating, cold-hearted, aggravating man she can think of. But as time passes, she realizes Aaron might be her only choice and decides to give in to his offer, marking the start of a very spicy game of pretend, slowly turning into something way more real than Lina could have ever imagined.

Let me tell you one thing: this book is steamy! The tension between these two characters is absolute perfection. But whereas some books have just a little too many spicy scenes (for my personal liking), this one hits the nail on the head. Throw in an enemies-to-lovers storyline, and you’ll not be able to put this book down. I love how full of life, expressive, and bubbly the main character Lina is, in contrast to her love interest Aaron, who in the beginning is rather cold, closed off, and serious. Also, seeing the more conservative Aaron interact with Lina's loud and nosy Spanish family was hilarious and a nice addition to the narrative. With the story partially set in Spain, this book is definitely giving holiday vibes and would be a great addition to your summer holiday packing list.

So if you enjoy a good steamy, enemies-to-lovers novel set in a holiday destination, do give this book a go. You most certainly won’t be disappointed!

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