5 Romance Books That Will Make You Believe in Love Again

In a world where love can feel unattainable, the right book has the power to restore our faith in romance.

Whether you’re recovering from a broken heart, feeling disillusioned by modern dating, or needing a reminder that love exists, you can find a unique escape in romance novels, where true love, second chances, and grand gestures occur.

Dating in the real world can be daunting. Many have experienced the ‘Ick’ more times than they’ve had a cold. These five books will make you laugh, cry, and most importantly, fall head over heels for love again.

From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata

If you’re a fan of slow-burn romances, Mariana Zapata is crowned the “queen of slow-burn” for a reason.

From Lukov follows Jasmine Santos, a fiercely independent figure skater who has spent years chasing her dream. But with continuous setbacks and a career that isn’t where she wants it to be, she’s beginning to lose hope.

Then comes an unexpected opportunity in the name of Ivan Lukov: a world champion figure skater and Jasmine’s long-time rival, as well as the brother of her best friend, who unexpectedly offers her a partnership. 

Despite their history of insults, shared frustration, and mutual annoyance, Jasmine knows this is her last shot at making it big and finally winning a title—her dream since she was a young girl.

Reluctantly, she agrees, and what starts as a purely professional arrangement slowly transforms into something deeper. While training together, they push each other to their limits and break down emotional barriers.

Jasmine discovers a different side of her partner, one that is patient, supportive and capable of understanding her.

If you’re a fan of slow-burn romances, enemies-to-lovers, banter, and a touch of competitive tension, this book has your name written all over it.

Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh

Binding 13 is part of a dual series and also part of the interconnected standalone series Boys of Tommen. The bestselling novel is set in Ireland in 2005 and follows Shannon Lynch, who has spent most of her life trying to stay invisible.

After enduring abuse at home and her past high school, she finally gets a fresh start when she transfers to Tommen College, a prestigious rugby school in Ireland.

But keeping her head down and escaping attention isn’t as easy as she thinks — especially when she catches the attention of Johnny Kavanagh, Tommen’s golden boy and Ireland’s most promising young rugby star.

Johnny has it all: talent, fame, and the weight of everyone’s expectations on his shoulders. But behind his golden, ladies’ man exterior is a 17-year-old dealing with hidden pressures.

When his world collides with Shannon’s through a rugby ball to the head, he’s drawn to her in every way imaginable. She’s different. She doesn’t care about his status, and for the first time in his life, someone sees him as more than just a rugby superstar.

If you want your next read to include a slow-burn sports romance with healing love and found family, this one is for you.

It goes deeper than just the love story between the main characters — it shows a beautiful but utterly heartbreaking journey of love that continues in the second part of the dual series, Keeping 13.

Binding 13 deals with heavy themes, including abuse, trauma, alcoholism, and emotional struggles, which may be triggering for some readers.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

This classic romance novel blends Gothic fiction, coming-of-age, and social commentary to tell a timeless story of love and self-discovery. Jane Eyre, an orphaned girl with a strong will, endures a difficult upbringing at the hands of her cruel aunt and a harsh boarding school.

The story follows Jane and Mr. Rochester. They meet when Jane accepts a position as a governess at Thornfield Hall. Mr. Rochester is a brooding and mysterious male lead. He’s older and carries a troubled past with him.

Jane and Rochester form a bond that is both intense and transformative. But love is never simple, and theirs is tested when Jane discovers that he’s hiding a dark secret. This forces Jane to navigate the complexities of love while staying true to her priorities.

At its core, their love story is about finding equality in a world that seeks to define them and choosing to love on their own terms.

If you love a classic romance that unfolds an emotional story — one filled with challenges, personal growth, and moments of triumph — then Jane Eyre is for you. It’s perfect for readers who appreciate a love story that isn’t just about passion but also resilience.

The novel proves that true love, when built on mutual respect and understanding, can withstand even the greatest obstacles.

Contractual Obligations by Elle Rivers

If you’re looking for a romance with electric chemistry, witty banter, and unexpected twists, Contractual Obligations will captivate you. This “Marriage of Convenience” story follows Lily, who, dissatisfied with her life and career, accepts a five-year marriage contract to the handsome but brooding Sebastian Miller.

In exchange for playing a happy housewife on social media, she’ll receive her inheritance and escape her controlling parents. But four years in, she’s ready to escape the marriage. Her husband hates her, and she longs for freedom.

As time passes, Lily realizes that she’s not the only misunderstood one in this marriage. What starts as a professional arrangement slowly flourishes into something more. Their undeniable chemistry forces them to question what they truly want.

This sizzling novel, perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity tropes, will keep you hooked until the last page.

Picking Daisies on Sundays by Liana Cincotti

If you’re a fan of the fake dating trope, emotional growth, and romantic tension, this book needs to be added to your TBR.

This love story follows Daniella, a woman dealing with the ups and downs of her personal life, career, and relationships. After a series of struggles, Daniella finds herself entangled with her childhood best friend Levi.

She’s been hopelessly in love with him forever, but that all ended when he didn’t feel the same way, and she swore to never see him again. Now, four years later, he’s back and just as perfect as ever.

Daniella finds herself slipping back into her old habits and agreeing with everything he asks — including posing as his fake girlfriend for his sister’s wedding.

With each staged romantic gesture and stolen glance, old feelings start to resurface. Daniella can’t help but wonder if she should have said no to protect her heart from being hurt once again.

For those seeking a hidden gem of a romance book that dives into the tension of a blossoming relationship, combined with humor and growth, this book is perfect.

Love Isn’t Just for Fictional Characters…Right?

Love isn’t just about grand gestures or picture-perfect moments or cliches. It’s in the slow burns, the second chances, the young love, and the unexpected connections that give you butterflies.

These books remind us that no matter how down we feel, love has a way of sneaking up on us when we least expect it. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a jaded cynic, you will be able to see that love, no matter how messy or how long it takes, is always worth believing in.