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Best Modern Romance Books

April 2025

Message in a Bottle

Theresa’s world shifts when she discovers a bottle washed ashore, containing a heartfelt love letter. Intrigued, she embarks on a journey to find the mysterious author, Garrett. As their paths intertwine, a passionate romance blossoms, challenging Theresa’s guarded heart. But shadows from Garrett’s past threaten their newfound happiness, forcing them to confront painful truths. A poignant tale of love, loss, and second chances that will leave you reaching for the tissues.

Me Before You

Louisa Clark’s life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor, a wealthy quadriplegic. As their relationship deepens, Lou discovers Will’s heartbreaking secret. Torn between her growing feelings and Will’s stubborn determination, she embarks on a mission to show him life’s worth living. Moyes crafts a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and the power of human connection that will leave you laughing, crying, and questioning the boundaries of choice and compassion.

The Rosie Effect

Don Tillman’s orderly world is about to be turned upside down. His wife Rosie is pregnant, and suddenly, the genetics professor finds himself grappling with impending fatherhood. With his usual scientific approach, Don embarks on a hilarious and heartwarming journey of preparation. From researching childbirth to navigating the complexities of relationships, he stumbles through each challenge with endearing determination. Simsion’s witty prose and lovable characters make this sequel a delightful exploration of love, family, and the beautiful chaos of life.

The Rosie Project

Don Tillman, a brilliant yet socially awkward genetics professor, decides it’s time to find a wife. He creates a detailed questionnaire to find the perfect partner, dubbing it “The Wife Project.” Enter Rosie, a free-spirited barmaid who’s everything Don isn’t looking for. As he helps Rosie search for her biological father, Don finds himself breaking his own rules and questioning everything he thought he knew about love. A heartwarming tale of opposites attracting, filled with quirky humor and unexpected revelations.

Normal People

Connell and Marianne’s relationship defies easy categorization. From their secret high school romance to their complex dance at university, their connection evolves in unexpected ways. Rooney’s raw, intimate prose captures the intensity of young love and the struggle to find oneself. As they navigate class differences, mental health issues, and their own insecurities, the characters feel startlingly real. I found myself completely absorbed in their world, rooting for them even as they made frustrating choices. A poignant exploration of intimacy and power dynamics.

The Light We Lost

Lucy and Gabe meet on September 11, 2001, a day that changes their lives forever. As they navigate the complexities of love and loss over the next thirteen years, their paths intertwine and diverge, leaving them to question the choices they’ve made. Through career struggles, personal triumphs, and heartbreaking moments, Lucy grapples with the enduring impact of first love and the bittersweet reality of what-ifs. A poignant exploration of destiny, sacrifice, and the power of timing in shaping our lives.

Before We Were Strangers

Fate intervenes when two college sweethearts reconnect after fifteen years apart. Matt’s chance encounter with Grace on a New York subway platform reignites long-buried feelings and unanswered questions. As they navigate their shared past and uncertain future, memories of their passionate romance in college resurface, along with the pain of their abrupt separation. Through alternating timelines, we witness their youthful love and present-day struggles, exploring themes of missed opportunities, second chances, and the enduring power of first love. A poignant reminder that sometimes, the one who got away might just be the one you’re meant to find again.

Vision in White

Mackensie “Mac” Elliot’s passion for capturing life’s most precious moments through her camera lens has made her a sought-after wedding photographer. But behind her professional success lies a heart scarred by her parents’ tumultuous relationship. As she navigates the world of romance and commitment, Mac finds herself drawn to the steady, dependable Carter Maguire. Their budding relationship forces her to confront her fears and embrace the possibility of love, all while balancing the demands of her career and the complexities of friendship with her three best friends and business partners. Roberts weaves a tale of self-discovery, friendship, and the transformative power of love in this enchanting first installment of the Bride Quartet series.

The Wedding

Wilson Lewis, a successful estate attorney, realizes his marriage has lost its spark after forgetting his anniversary. Determined to rekindle the romance, he turns to his father-in-law for advice. As he reflects on his past and the love story of his in-laws, Wilson embarks on a journey to win back his wife’s heart. With tender moments and unexpected twists, this poignant tale explores the enduring power of love and the importance of nurturing relationships through life’s ups and downs.

Nights in Rodanthe

Adrienne Willis, a woman with a broken heart, retreats to the coastal town of Rodanthe to tend a friend’s inn. Here, she meets Paul, a doctor wrestling with his own turmoil. As a major storm approaches, they find solace in each other’s company. Over one tumultuous weekend, they share their deepest fears and hopes, forging a connection that will forever change their lives. Sparks weaves a tale of love, loss, and second chances that will leave readers breathless and believing in the power of destiny.