Who Publishes The Most Popular Romance Novel Series?

Romance novels are my guilty pleasure, and I’ve noticed that some publishers dominate the scene with their addictive series. Penguin Random House is a powerhouse, especially through their imprints like Berkley and Jove. They’ve published massively popular series like Nora Roberts’ 'In Death' books and Christina Lauren’s 'Beautiful' series. What sets them apart is their ability to blend romance with other genres—thrillers, fantasy, even sci-fi—making their stories stand out.

Then there’s St. Martin’s Press, which has given us Lisa Kleypas’ 'Wallflowers' and 'Ravenels' series. These historical romances are lush, detailed, and impossible to put down. For contemporary readers, Grand Central Publishing releases hits like 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne, which became a cult favorite.

Indie publishers like Sourcebooks Casablanca also deserve a shoutout for series like 'The Bromance Book Club' by Lyssa Kay Adams. Their quirky, fresh takes on romance have carved out a loyal fanbase. And let’s not overlook digital-first publishers like Entangled or Tule Publishing, which specialize in niche tropes and shorter, bingeable series. The competition is fierce, but these publishers consistently deliver the most talked-about romance series.

when it comes to popular series, Harlequin is a giant in the industry. They publish a massive range of romance subgenres, from sweet small-town love stories to steamy international affairs. Their series like 'Harlequin Presents' and 'Love Inspired' are everywhere, and they consistently top bestseller lists. What I love about Harlequin is how they cater to diverse tastes—whether you want something lighthearted or deeply emotional, they've got it. Another big name is Avon, especially for historical romance. Their 'Avon Romance' imprint has given us gems like Julia Quinn's 'Bridgerton' series, which exploded even more after the Netflix adaptation.

If we're talking indie publishers, Entangled Publishing has made waves with series like 'The Dirty Billionaire' by Whitney G. Their focus on modern, edgy romances really resonates with younger readers. And let's not forget self-published authors like E.L. James, whose 'Fifty Shades' series started as fanfiction and became a global phenomenon. The romance world is vast, but these publishers definitely lead the pack in popularity and influence.

I can’t ignore the impact of Mills & Boon. They’ve been around for decades and are synonymous with classic romance, especially in the UK. Their books are short, sweet, and perfect for a quick escape. In the US, their partnership with Harlequin means their stories reach a huge audience.

Another standout is Avon Books, which publishes some of the most bingeable historical romance series. Take Tessa Dare’s 'Girl Meets Duke' or Sarah MacLean’s 'Bareknuckle Bastards'—these books are packed with wit, passion, and unforgettable characters.

For contemporary fans, Forever Publishing (part of Grand Central) has hits like 'The Friend Zone' by Abby Jimenez, which mixes humor and heartbreak flawlessly. And if you love paranormal romance, NAL’s 'Black Dagger Brotherhood' by J.R. Ward is a must. The variety these publishers offer ensures there’s always something new to obsess over.