Which Authors Write Romantic Books Best For 2023?

Romantic books turned into movies have always been a treat for me. One of my all-time favorites is 'Pride and Prejudice,' which was beautifully adapted into a film starring Keira Knightley. The movie captures the essence of Jane Austen’s classic, with its witty dialogues and the slow-burning romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Another great adaptation is 'The Notebook,' based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel. The film, starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, is a tearjerker that perfectly portrays the enduring love story of Noah and Allie. 'Me Before You,' another Sparks adaptation, is equally moving, with Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin delivering heartfelt performances. These movies not only stay true to their source material but also bring the characters to life in a way that resonates deeply with viewers.

Romantic books turned into movies have always been a treat for me. One of my all-time favorites is 'Pride and Prejudice,' which was beautifully adapted in 2005 with Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet. The movie captures the essence of Jane Austen’s classic, with its witty dialogues and the slow-burning romance between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Another gem is 'The Notebook,' based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel. The film, starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, is a tearjerker that perfectly portrays the enduring love story of Noah and Allie. 'Me Before You,' another adaptation from Jojo Moyes’ novel, is equally heartwarming and emotional, with Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin delivering stellar performances. These adaptations not only stay true to the books but also bring the characters to life in a way that’s visually stunning and emotionally resonant.

As someone who’s always on the lookout for books that resonate with teens, I’ve found that 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green is a timeless favorite. It’s a heart-wrenching yet beautiful story about love and loss that really speaks to the teenage experience. Another one I’d recommend is 'To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before' by Jenny Han. It’s light, fun, and captures the awkwardness of first love perfectly. For those who enjoy a bit of fantasy with their romance, 'Twilight' by Stephenie Meyer is a classic that still holds up. These books are great because they tackle love in ways that feel real and relatable to teens, making them perfect for young readers.

Dark romance has always been my guilty pleasure, the kind of genre that wraps you in shadows and makes your heart race with its intensity. One author who stands out in this realm is V.E. Schwab, especially with her 'Shades of Magic' series. While not purely romance, the undertones of dark, forbidden love between characters like Lila and Kell are intoxicating. Schwab has a knack for crafting worlds where love flourishes in the bleakest corners, and her prose is as sharp as a dagger. The way she weaves danger and desire together creates a tension that’s impossible to resist. Another master of dark romance is Anne Rice, particularly with her 'The Vampire Chronicles.' Lestat and Louis’s tumultuous relationship is the epitome of dark romance—filled with passion, betrayal, and an eternal longing that borders on obsession. Rice’s gothic style elevates the romance to something almost mythic, making it feel larger than life yet deeply personal. Her ability to blend horror with romance is unmatched, and her characters linger in your mind like ghosts. For a more contemporary take, Laura Thalassa’s 'The Bargainer' series is a standout. Her portrayal of love between a siren and a fae king is dripping with dark allure. The stakes are high, the emotions are raw, and the chemistry between the characters is electric. Thalassa doesn’t shy away from exploring the morally gray areas of love, making her stories feel dangerous and thrilling. Her writing is lush and evocative, pulling you into a world where love is as much a curse as it is a blessing. Lastly, I’d be remiss not to mention Sylvia Day, especially her 'Crossfire' series. The relationship between Gideon and Eva is fiery and fraught with trauma, making their love story anything but simple. Day excels at writing characters who are deeply flawed yet irresistibly compelling. The emotional depth she brings to her stories makes the dark moments feel even more poignant. Her books are a rollercoaster of passion and pain, perfect for anyone who craves romance with a bite.

I love romantic comedies, especially ones that are easy to get into and leave you grinning like an idiot. For beginners, 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne is a fantastic pick—it’s got that perfect enemies-to-lovers tension with hilarious banter and a slow-burn romance that’s impossible to resist. Another great choice is 'To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before' by Jenny Han; it’s sweet, relatable, and has that cozy YA vibe that makes you feel all warm inside. If you want something with a bit more spice, 'The Unhoneymooners' by Christina Lauren delivers laugh-out-loud moments and a fake-dating trope done right. These books are breezy, fun, and perfect for dipping your toes into the rom-com genre without feeling overwhelmed. They’re like comfort food in book form, and I’ve re-read them more times than I’d care to admit.

As someone who devours romantic novels like candy, I’ve noticed certain publishers consistently deliver top-tier love stories. Harlequin is a classic powerhouse, especially for category romance—their 'Harlequin Presents' line is iconic for steamy, dramatic tales. Avon Romance excels in historical and contemporary romance, with gems like 'The Viscount Who Loved Me' by Julia Quinn. Berkley and St. Martin’s Press are fantastic for diverse, modern romances, such as 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne. For indie vibes, Entangled Publishing is a hidden gem, offering fresh voices like 'The Deal' by Elle Kennedy. Grand Central Publishing also stands out with emotional depth, like Colleen Hoover’s 'It Ends with Us.' If you crave quirky, feminist rom-coms, look no further than Sourcebooks Casablanca—their catalog includes 'The Kiss Quotient' by Helen Hoang. Each of these publishers has a distinct flavor, so your pick depends on whether you want heart-pounding passion or slow-burn emotional journeys.

I’ve spent years diving into historical romance, and a few publishers consistently deliver quality. Avon is a powerhouse, especially with classics like Julia Quinn’s 'Bridgerton' series—they’ve mastered the balance of wit and passion. Grand Central Publishing is another favorite, releasing gems like Lisa Kleypas’s 'Wallflowers' series, which blends rich historical detail with swoon-worthy romance. For those who prefer deeper historical authenticity, Sourcebooks Casablanca stands out with authors like Sarah MacLean, whose feminist takes on Regency-era love are refreshing. St. Martin’s Press also excels, particularly with their sweeping sagas like 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon, which transcends genres. Smaller imprints like Zebra Books deserve mention too—they’ve published beloved authors like Johanna Lindsey. Each of these publishers brings something unique to the table, whether it’s lush prose, meticulous research, or unforgettable chemistry.

I’ve been obsessed with historical romance for years, and no one does it quite like Avon Books. They’ve published some of the most iconic titles in the genre, like Julia Quinn’s 'Bridgerton' series, which blends witty dialogue with lush Regency-era settings. Avon’s catalog is packed with authors who nail the balance between historical accuracy and swoon-worthy romance. St. Martin’s Press is another heavyweight, especially for grittier, more emotionally complex stories like Lisa Kleypas’s 'Wallflowers' series. If you want depth alongside your romance, they’re a goldmine. For indie vibes, Courtney Milan’s self-published works or those from smaller presses like Sourcebooks Casablanca offer fresh takes on historical tropes.