The Best Literary Love Stories

Oh, Cathy! Passionate and intense, this borderline demonic love story between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff is a page-turner about being utterly consumed by love. Wander the moors in Emily Bronte’s only novel, and read the famous line, “Whatever souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” 

Sally Rooney’s coming-of-age novel follows Connell and Marianne’s relationship from adolescence through early adulthood. This love story of a generation is an intimate and moving tale about two people with a deep desire to be understood and find connection, but just can’t quite get it together. 

André Aciman’s beautiful writing and masterfully honest story of love and desire between Elio and Oliver will burrow into your heart forever. Set in 1980s Italy, this refreshingly tender and emotional novel inspired the 2017 critically-acclaimed film starring Timothee Chalamet. 

Read this tragic romance set in Imperialist Russia between two deeply layered characters in Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel of doomed love. Trapped in an unhappy marriage with an older statesman, Anna Karenina embarks upon a scandalous affair with the dashing Count Vronsky, which can only lead to chaos and ruin. 

This book has everything: “Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Poison. True love. Hate. Revenge. Giants. Hunters. Bad men. Good men. Beautifulest ladies. Snakes. Spiders. Beasts of all natures and descriptions. Pain. Death. Brave Men. Coward men. Strongest men. Chases. Escapes. Lies. Truths. Passion. Miracles.” 

No list of love stories would be complete without the most well-known and beloved of Jane Austen’s six novels. The blueprint for contemporary rom-coms, fall in love with the beguiling Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in this witty comedy-of-manners. Read the romance behind the hand flex and wet shirt. 

Following a big breakup, Rob Fleming, a music obsessive and the owner of a semi-failing record shop re-examines his top five, all-time worst heartbreaks while attempting to reconcile with his ex. This is the funny, sometimes poignant story that sparked a movie, a musical and a series. 

The chemistry is palpable between Eva and Shane in this fun and rich story of joy and love. A deeply emotional second-chance love story, Tia Williams deals with sensitive topics clearly and with care (and even humor). These unforgettable characters feel real and magical — this book might make you believe in soulmates. 

Jill Santopolo’s The Light We Lost is an emotional whirlwind about the power of your first love. An immersive story of longing and what-ifs, this is the perfect read for fans of complex stories about life’s twists and turns and having a cathartic, and much-needed, cry. 

Maurice is the coming-of-age story about finding love in Edwardian England that inspired countless LGBT+ romance stories throughout the decades. So ahead of its time, it wasn’t published until after E.M. Forster’s death, nearly sixty years after it was written. 

In fair Verona, a pair of star-crossed lovers do everything in their power to be together, despite their families’ feuding. Things may not end well for the titular couple, but Shakespeare’s famous play is a timeless tale of love and loss. 

A big-hearted tale from Kiran Desai, the award-winning author of The Inheritance of Loss, this Booker Prize-nominee follows the sweeping story of a novelist and journalist grappling with love, home and culture. 

In this Gothic and atmospheric tale, a young, orphaned lady’s maid impulsively marries a wealthy, dashing widower while abroad. When he takes her back to his estate, she discovers that he and his household are haunted by the memories of his first wife. Toeing the line of psychological horror, this classic is melodramatic in the best ways. 

Evelyn Hugo, a glamorous Old Hollywood star akin to Elizabeth Taylor, is better known for her off-screen romances than her on-screen roles. Finally revealing the long-held secrets surrounding her personal life in an exclusive interview, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s historical novel is full of love and complexity. 

Twenty-nine-year-old Valancy Stirling lives a small life, following the wishes of her controlling family and making no decisions of her own. When she learns she has a fatal heart condition, she decides to begin living her life to the fullest, no longer caring what anybody thinks — and grows increasingly closer to the mysterious Barney Snaith. From the beloved author of Anne of Green Gables, The Blue Castle is the most delightful classic you haven’t read. 

The epic tale behind the hit TV show crosses centuries and moves easily between romance, historical fiction and speculative time travel fiction. Set mainly in 17th-century Scotland, the dramatic series focuses on Claire and Jamie, two interesting and flawed characters brought together by circumstance to earn their love story. 

In Gilded Age New York, Newland Archer, a bachelor from a wealthy family is engaged to marry May Welland, a young, sweet socialite. However, when when her scandalous and exciting cousin comes to visit, Newland becomes infatuated and is torn between the women and the two lives they have to offer — and everything they represent. 

A modern classic of romantic fiction, The Notebook will make you laugh, cry and want to throw your book across the room. A breathtaking book about the pursuit of love and persistence of hope from Nicholas Sparks, this is a great read for fans of his other books, such as A Walk to Remember or The Last Song. 

Romance meets tragedy in this heartbreaking love story from Jojo Moyes. Simultaneously filled with warmth, darkness and humor, as well as some very tough topics, be prepared for emotional wreckage when you dive into this one.