20 Romance Book Series That Will Make You Swoon
Updated: Mar. 13, 2024
Fall into worlds where love is a given with these swoon-worthy romance book series
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Must-read romance book series
One of the more unhappy things about getting to a romance novel’s happily ever after is having the compelling, swoon-worthy story come to an end. If you hate when that happens, I’ve got three words for you: romance book series.
While many romance novels are stand-alone stories, there are plenty of romance book series that build upon the original world created by the author. If you’re looking to see how a couple’s story evolves or are dying to know how a love affair between side characters works out, you’ve come to the right place.
As a reader of plenty of romance series, I’ve compiled some of the best books in the genre so you, too, can experience an extended universe of passion-filled novels. They’re guaranteed to satiate romance fans of all tastes, whether you enjoy your novels with a side of enemies-to-lovers conflict or prefer the longing of a second-chance romance. From historical fiction to fantasy to contemporary, here are the romance book series you should read.
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1. A League of Extraordinary Women by Evie Dunmore
Series starter: Bringing Down the Duke
What you’re in for: Killer banter and independent women
With the release of Bringing Down the Duke in 2019, Evie Dunmore sent historical fiction fans clamoring for more high jinks in the Victorian era. Each of the series’s four books focuses on a different suffragette studying at the University of Oxford. In the series starter, readers are introduced to Annabelle, a strong-willed scholar who intends to recruit politically minded Sebastian Devereux to the rising women’s suffrage movement. Sebastian is a duke who shouldn’t be falling for a commoner, but he can’t seem to pull himself from Annabelle’s orbit. The most recent of the novels (The Gentleman’s Gambit) released late last year and is as deliciously entertaining and heart-meltingly swoony as the rest.
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2. Las Léonas by Adriana Herrera
Series starter: A Caribbean Heiress in Paris
What you’re in for: A fun and flirty historical romance
Get ready for Dominican heroines and squee-worthy antics set in the Victorian era. Adriana Herrera’s first novel in this book series was published in 2022, and the third (A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke) is set to release at the end of this year. In A Caribbean Heiress in Paris, Luz Alana Heith-Benzan learns that she won’t have access to her trust fund until after she marries, but Luz isn’t in any rush to tie the knot. Her ultimate goal is to expand the family’s rum business. But a constant slew of rejections from men who don’t want to do business with a woman of color proves to be a challenge, and a marriage of convenience to James Evanston Sinclair, the Earl of Darnick, may be the only way to meet both parties’ needs.
3. Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Series starter: Once Upon a Broken Heart
What you’re in for: Fairy-tale twists and turns and a wicked heartthrob love interest
For those craving a romance with fantasy elements, Stephanie Garber’s latest young adult series is a must-read. It follows the lovely Evangeline Fox, who makes a twisted deal with the devilish Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, and ends up with more than she bargained for in the form of cursed magic. Now that Evangeline is in Jacks’s debt, she’s forced into following his plans, which could either lead her toward a happily ever after or unfortunate tragedy. The first book was released in 2021, with the final installment hitting shelves last fall—good news for readers who love bingeing book series.
4. London Calling by Alexis Hall
Series starter: Boyfriend Material
What you’re in for: Fake dating and big-time banter
First released in 2020, Alexis Hall’s hilarious queer rom-com introduces readers to Luc O’Donnell, son of famous parents and a target for scathing tabloid headlines that do nothing to improve his reputation. Oliver Blackwood is a perfectly respectable gentleman and kind human. In other words, he’s the perfect fake boyfriend to help improve Luc’s appearance in the public eye. But will fake feelings soon turn real? The third of Hall’s legitimately funny books in this series, Father Material, is expected to come out in 2025.
5. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Series starter: Shatter Me
What you’re in for: Incredible prose and yearning romance
Here’s an oldie but a goodie for readers who gobble up romance book series. Tahereh Mafi’s dystopian novels are heavy with yearning, which may be why the young adult series has recently seen a resurgence on BookTok. The first book published in 2011 and was followed by five more novels and a handful of novellas. So what’s caught everyone’s attention (again)? Seventeen-year-old Juliette has been locked away by the Reestablishment and told she’s cursed: Anyone she touches dies. But then there’s Adam, handsome and steely and understanding, who becomes Juliette’s cellmate. Soon after, the two begin to learn there’s more to the Reestablishment than what they’ve been told. And there’s more to the romance than a simple Adam-Juliette bond (hello, Warner).
6. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
Series starter: The Duke & I
What you’re in for: Passionate yearning and blazing looks of longing
If you’re the type to pick book recommendations based on TV shows, you’ll want to grab this whole series, which inspired the massively popular Netflix show. Beloved by historical fiction fans, this Regency-era romance is the perfect series to start while you wait for Bridgerton Season 3. There are currently nine books in the Bridgerton book series, which began with The Duke & I in 2000. The series debut follows Daphne Bridgerton, a kind, intelligent young lady who is hoping to find a suitable match among eligible bachelors, though none have shown real interest. While Simon, the Duke of Hastings, doesn’t plan to marry, he’d like to get the eager mothers of “the ton” off his back. So he agrees to fake-date Daphne, improving her reputation among suitors while placating those eager to see him married off. But this is a romance, so naturally real feelings get involved.
7. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Series starter: Outlander
What you’re in for: A lusty time-travel romance with an unforgettable Scottish hunk
Start with fascinating historical fiction, add some time travel and throw in a sweeping romance. What do you have? Diana Gabaldon’s bestselling romance book series, which begins with 1991’s Outlander. (And yes, there’s a TV adaptation. It first premiered on Starz in 2014.) There are nine books in the Outlander book series, which follows Claire Randall, a former British combat nurse taking a second honeymoon in Scotland in 1945. During her trip, she’s accidentally transported to 1743, where she meets the charming and handsome Jamie Fraser. In the war-torn Scotland of the past, Claire becomes divided between two men—her husband and Jamie—and two vastly different periods of time.
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8. Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
Series starter: Heartstopper Vol. 1
What you’re in for: A wholesome YA graphic novel filled with the heart-pounding exploration of falling in love for the first time
If you’re hunting for feel-good books, look no further than Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper graphic novels. This sweet YA romance book series follows shy, sensitive Charlie and amiable, rugby-loving Nick. The two boys navigate high school friendships, bullies and family, all while discovering a hint of a spark that’s growing between them. The problem? Charlie is out, but Nick is still discovering his sexuality. Oseman has written five books in her Heartstopper book series, and the first and second were adapted into a hit Netflix TV series, with the third season on the way.
9. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Series starter: The Summer I Turned Pretty
What you’re in for: A perfect beach read that includes a swoony love triangle
Though the Summer I Turned Pretty book series was only recently adapted into a TV series on Amazon Prime Video, with the first two seasons based on the first two books, the novels have stood the test of time; the first was published in 2009. The sweet and summery YA book series follows 15-year-old Belly Conklin, a teen who spends her summers at Cousins beach with her brother, her mother and her mother’s best friend, Susannah. Then there are Susannah’s two boys, Jeremiah and Conrad. The pair couldn’t be more different, yet each owns a part of Belly’s heart. You might pick up this teen book for the swoon-worthy summer romances, but you’ll appreciate its depth in the parental subplot. Just come ready with tissues—you may experience a few tears during the series!
10. Slammed by Colleen Hoover
Series starter: Slammed
What you’re in for: The sweeping intensity of falling hard for someone
Colleen Hoover book series are few and far between—the bestselling author mostly writes stand-alone fiction. But her Slammed series consists of three books, the first published in 2012. Eighteen-year-old Layken is struggling to be there for her mother and brother after the death of her father, but it’s difficult. Then she meets Will Cooper, a neighbor with a passion for slam poetry. The two form an intense emotional connection only to discover a shocking secret that pulls them apart. But Will and Layken can’t seem to suppress the feelings they have for each other, and it becomes impossible to stay away. Hoover is currently the No. 1 bestselling romance author, so you’re going to want to get your hands on this series.
11. The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
Series starter: The Friend Zone
What you’re in for: Laugh-out-loud banter and dual point-of-view storytelling
Abby Jimenez’s four-book series can be read as stand-alone romance novels, but they each take place within the same world and thus feature familiar characters you’ve already met. If you’re someone who enjoys romantic movies, this series is for you. The first book, 2019’s The Friend Zone, follows Kristen and Josh. A sarcastic, smart entrepreneur, Kristen likes no strings attached when it comes to men. Josh is instantly drawn to her charisma, but she insists they can only be friends. She knows she needs surgery that will make it impossible for her to have kids, and Josh has expressed interest in having children. But as their chemistry grows, Kristen isn’t sure she can stay away. Pick up the rest of the novels in the series to find out how side characters—aka your new bookish friends—find their happily-ever-afters.
12. The Brown Sisters by Talia Hibbert
Series starter: Get a Life, Chloe Brown
What you’re in for: Lovable siblings, hysterical antics and steamy sex scenes
Talia Hibbert has written a spectacularly romantic three-book series, all set within the same universe, focused on three sisters: Chloe, Dani and Eve. You can read them in any order, but to experience them as the author intended, start with 2019’s Get a Life, Chloe Brown. The titular protagonist is chronically ill, but she’s determined to follow a list of ideas that will help her “get a life”—have meaningless sex, for example. Enter neighbor Red Morgan, a motorcycle-riding artist who agrees to help Chloe complete her list. As feelings between them grow, Chloe begins to see through Red’s hardened exterior. The books are fun escapes all year long, but they make especially great beach reads.
13. Sookie Stackhouse by Charlaine Harris
Series starter: Dead Until Dark
What you’re in for: Immortal vampires and high stakes
You might recognize this paranormal romance book series by its TV adaptation name: True Blood. The first in the 13-book series was published in 2001, giving readers romance with a little bite. (Yep, it’s a vampire book.) The novels are set in a small town in Louisiana, where Sookie Stackhouse is a cocktail waitress living a totally normal life—until she meets and falls for a vampire.
14. Old West by Beverly Jenkins
Series starter: Forbidden
What you’re in for: Enemies-to-lovers and a whole lot of yearning
Dive into history—the Old West, to be exact—with Beverly Jenkins’s three-book romance series. The first entry, 2016’s Forbidden, follows Rhine Fontaine, a man whose success relies on him passing as white. But after he rescues Eddy Carmichael from the desert, he wishes he could put a stop to the charade. All Eddy wants is to save enough money from cooking to move to California, but she can’t deny that there’s an unsatiated yearning between them. Their attraction might be reckless, but is that enough to keep them away from each other? When you’re done, check out even more stellar books by Black authors.
15. Reluctant Royals by Alyssa Cole
Series starter: A Princess in Theory
What you’re in for: Mistaken identity and a ton of royal charm
Alyssa Cole’s Reluctant Royals romance book series begins with A Princess in Theory. First published in 2018, the book introduces readers to Naledi Smith, a grad student who has received a slew of emails claiming she’s an African princess. Yeah, right! She may have grown up in foster care, but she isn’t buying into that fairy-tale scam. Prince Thabiso sets out to find his true betrothed, and when Naledi mistakes the heir to the Thesolo throne as a commoner, Thabiso can’t resist dipping into a reality that lies outside his royal responsibilities. But what happens when the truth is revealed?
16. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
Series starter: The Wedding Date
What you’re in for: Fake dating and real feelings
Published in 2018, the first book in Jasmine Guillory’s six-book series introduces readers to Alexa Monroe, who accidentally gets stuck in an elevator with charismatic Drew Nichols. And when he asks her if she’ll play the part of his fake girlfriend at his ex’s wedding? Well, she agrees. But after they have an incredible time together, they’re forced to return to their real lives in separate cities. The problem is, they can’t seem to stop thinking about each other.
17. The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
Series starter: The Bromance Book Club
What you’re in for: A heartwarming, transformative and romantic journey
There are currently five books in Lyssa Kay Adams’s binge-worthy series, which began with the 2019 publication of The Bromance Book Club. The first novel introduces readers to second baseman Gavin Scott, who discovers his wife, Thea, has been faking orgasms. With their relationship already in turmoil, Thea asks for a divorce. The request prompts Gavin into action, and he seeks coaching from an unlikely place: an alpha-male romance book club. A steamy read and some book club discussions with his new pals seem just what Gavin needs to become his own hero and win Thea back. But it’s going to take a lot more than romantic gestures to fix their problems.
Once you’ve been sucked in by this novel, you’ll want to pick up the rest, each of which focuses on a different member of the book club.
18. The Ravenels by Lisa Kleypas
Series starter: Cold-Hearted Rake
What you’re in for: Heated stares and major hate-to-love tension
Fans of Bridgerton and enemies-to-lovers romances will enjoy Lisa Kleypas’s rich London-set world within this seven-book series. In the first novel, published in 2015, readers meet Devon Ravenel, a rake who has inherited an earldom. But the estate is in shambles and, even worse, has the late earl’s three sisters living there, which includes Lady Kathleen Trenear. Kathleen sees right through Devon’s devious wickedness and won’t fall for any of his scoundrel-like antics. Or so she thinks. She soon finds that, when it comes to Devon, her heart is in trouble.
19. Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
Series starter: Written in the Stars
What you’re in for: Sapphic fake dating and an out-of-this-world romance
If you’re looking for LGBTQ books, don’t miss Alexandria Bellefleur’s Written in the Stars series. There are currently three books, each following a different set of characters connected within the same world. In the first, readers meet Darcy Lowell, a no-nonsense skeptic who lies to her well-meaning brother about her latest date, telling him it was a success. Elle Jones is a popular online astrologer who’s baffled to hear from Darcy’s brother that the two of them hit it off when, really, the opposite happened. Darcy convinces Elle to play along over the holidays to save face, but soon the pair discover they’re developing real feelings—even though they’re faking a relationship.
20. Virgin River by Robyn Carr
Series starter: Virgin River
What you’re in for: A medical romance with small-town coziness
You might recognize this title from the Netflix TV show of the same name. So while you wait for Virgin River Season 5, consider starting this series. The first book released in 2007, and since then, Robyn Carr has published 21 more titles in the Virgin River books series, so it’s sure to keep you busy. Experience lush Northern California through the fictional town of Virgin River. To escape the heartache of losing her husband, Melinda Monroe finds herself with a fresh start in the sleepy town. She hopes the move will re-instill her love for nursing, but the rental cabin is atrocious, and the local doctor isn’t exactly welcoming. Just when she thinks she’s made a mistake, an unexpected discovery makes her reconsider. And a blossoming romance makes her stay.
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Originally Published: March 13, 2024
