As people face challenging times, romance novels continue to reign supreme. The genre’s enduring popularity is evident in its performance during the 2008 recession, when it generated a staggering $1.4 billion in sales. This escapism from reality is what draws readers in, as they seek solace in the promise of a ‘happily ever after’ at the end of each tale. From contemporary and paranormal to historical romance, there’s something for every reader.
Beyond the captivating love stories and writing styles, what drives a romance novel’s success? According to available data, factors such as family sagas, controversy, and time travel all contribute to a book’s popularity. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that this list is predominantly comprised of white and heterosexual authors, reflecting the industry’s historical biases.
Fortunately, in 2023, diverse romances are gaining more recognition, with notable works by authors of color and queer writers deserving praise for their achievements. The numbers below represent cumulative sales and ratings estimates, showcasing books that have sold a substantial number of copies. These titles are listed without ranking, as they’ve all enjoyed significant commercial success.
The BestSelling Romance Books of All Time
Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James
While Fifty Shades of Grey first hit bookshelves in 2011, its impact truly peaked four years later in 2014. The novel’s immense popularity led to remarkable sales figures – an astonishing 100 million copies sold worldwide. Today, the trilogy remains one of the most beloved and enduring romance novels of all time, with a dedicated fan base that continues to grow.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Jane Austen’s 19th-century masterpiece, Pride and Prejudice, has left an indelible mark on the romance genre. This timeless tale of love, social hierarchy, and clever repartee continues to captivate readers in classrooms, book clubs, and private libraries alike. With an astonishing 20 million copies sold worldwide and nearly as many adaptations, it’s clear that this beloved novel is here to stay.
The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
This iconic Australian novel, published in 1977, has achieved remarkable success with over 33 million copies sold globally. The story unfolds through the eyes of Meggie Cleary, tracing her journey from childhood to old age on her family’s isolated sheep station. What sets this tale apart is its exploration of themes beyond romance.
In a 2021 Book Riot article, writer Grace Lapointe offers an intriguing take on the novel in ‘When a Romantic Read Is Really About Grooming,’ revealing new layers to this beloved classic.
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Bella Swan’s impact on the young adult (YA) literary landscape cannot be overstated. Her journey in the teen vampire romance novel series sparked a global phenomenon that catapulted paranormal romance to unprecedented heights within the YA market. The surge in popularity was evident, as fanfiction – including the infamous Fifty Shades of Grey – proliferated, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.
In fact, the original 2005 novel and subsequent sequels have collectively sold an astonishing 160 million copies worldwide.
Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas
In the third installment of Julia Quinn’s beloved Wallflowers series, a marriage of convenience serves as the foundation for an unforgettable historical romance. The story unfolds with a palpable tension between the protagonists, their chemistry sizzling beneath the surface like embers waiting to ignite.
As the narrative slowly builds towards a climax, the anticipation becomes almost unbearable, making it no surprise that this achingly romantic sequel has captured the hearts of millions worldwide, cementing its place as the most popular in the series.
The Long Road Home by Danielle Steel
Despite lukewarm critical reception, Danielle Steel’s 42nd novel achieved remarkable commercial success, topping bestseller charts. At its core is the poignant story of Gabrielle, who finds solace in becoming a nun after a tumultuous childhood marked by abuse. As she embarks on her spiritual journey as a postulant, Gabrielle develops feelings for a priest, only to face multiple setbacks, including being left alone and penniless, before ultimately finding love with Doctor Peter.
Steel’s enduring popularity is underscored by the astonishing fact that nearly one billion copies of her books have been sold worldwide, cementing her status as a beloved fiction writer.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
The Outlander series has been a global phenomenon since its inception in 1991, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide. This sweeping narrative seamlessly blends elements of family saga, science fiction-fantasy, historical fiction, and romance to transport readers back in time to 18th century Scotland – all without the discomforts of muddy streets and health concerns.
Princess Daisy by Judith Krantz
This sensational novel is replete with unflinching depictions of violence, absurdity, and unease, evoking the over-the-top drama of popular 1980s soap operas. As part of Krantz’s body of work, Princess Daisy has achieved remarkable success, boasting translations in a staggering 52 languages and sales of an impressive 85 million copies. The paperback reprint rights to this blockbuster were sold for a record-breaking $3.2 million, underscoring its enduring appeal.
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
CoHo has undoubtedly captured the hearts of BookTok enthusiasts with her latest bestseller, ‘It Ends With Us’, which sold an impressive 3 million copies in 2021. The novel is a testament to Hoover’s knack for crafting contemporary romance stories that tackle complex and deeply personal themes such as abuse, infidelity, and grief, leaving readers emotionally invested and eager for more.
The Windflower by Laura London
Originally released in 1984, the captivating swashbuckling romance experienced a prolonged absence from bookshelves, only to be revived in 2014. This timeless tale, replete with endearing warmth and tender moments, masterfully weaves together elements of kidnapping, epic battles, turbulent storms, and dashing sailors, crafting an unforgettable historical romance that continues to captivate readers to this day.
The Flame and The Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
The 1972 novel ‘The Flame and The Flower’ by Kathleen Woodiwiss sent shockwaves through the historical romance genre, marking a significant turning point in its evolution. This iconic debut, often credited with popularizing the subgenre known as ‘bodice ripper,’ tells the story of Heather, an innocent orphan, and her tumultuous journey.
Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
Lord of Scoundrels, the third installment in Chase’s Débauchés series, achieved widespread acclaim, winning numerous awards and being translated into 14 languages. The regency romance follows the story of Marquess of Dain, a notorious rake with a penchant for mischief, as he meets his equal in Jessica Trent – a clever, well-read young woman who refuses to be swayed by his charms.
This beloved novel has endured due to Chase’s unique storytelling style and the memorable, humorous characters that inhabit her world.
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
Netflix’s most recent blockbuster, the popular romance series Bridgerton, has enjoyed immense success in the U.S., where it has sold a staggering 17 million copies since the debut of The Duke and I in 2000. Author Julia Quinn brings her historical fantasy novels to life through her vivid descriptions and quirky character details, seamlessly integrating elements like vibrant costumes and modern musical influences – think Ariana Grande’s renditions – into the show, making it a perfect fit.
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
In a captivating tale that echoes the themes of biblical literature, Redeeming Love embarks on a journey through the tumultuous era of the California Gold Rush. The story centers around Angel, an orphaned young girl, whose fate becomes intertwined with the complexities of the time. This historical romance has struck a chord with readers worldwide, having been translated into 30 languages and boasting over 3 million copies sold in its expanded reprint.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence
The provocative nature of a work can be a potent marketing tool. A prime example is D. H. Lawrence’s novel, which first appeared in 1928 and caused quite the stir due to its explicit sexual content and language. In fact, it was put on trial for obscenity, resulting in an unexpected surge in popularity as it sold over 200,000 copies. The novel’s controversial reputation only grew when it was banned in multiple countries.
At its core, the story explores a complex and intense relationship between an aristocratic woman and her estate’s gamekeeper. A key difference between the book and the Netflix adaptation is the former’s open-ended conclusion, leaving readers with a sense of frustration. Interestingly, since the uncensored version of Lady Chatterly’s Lover was published in 1960, it has gone on to sell over 3 million copies, a testament to the enduring appeal of this scandalous novel.
Midnight Bayou by Nora Roberts
In a peculiar twist of fate, Declan, the self-proclaimed black sheep of his family, finds himself inexplicably drawn to a crumbling New Orleans mansion that seems to exude an aura of mystique. As he embarks on a restoration project of epic proportions, he encounters the captivating Angelina and a cast of ghostly inhabitants who seem to have taken up residence within the decaying estate’s walls.
Shanna by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
In the early days of bodice rippers, another notable novel emerged, clocking in at nearly 700 pages and serving as both an exhilarating adventure and a thought-provoking cautionary tale. The story revolves around Shanna, the daughter of a prosperous 18th-century merchant, who is granted a year to secure a marriage. However, her choice falls on Ruark Beauchamp, a prisoner facing a death sentence, only to discover that he’s not quite what she expected.
This captivating novel spent an impressive year on The New York Times Best Seller List, with over 3 million copies finding their way into eager readers’ hands.
Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins
Since its inception in 1994, Jenkins has established itself as a pioneer in the realm of historical romance, particularly when it comes to diverse stories set in the American West. This reputation was solidified with the release of Forbidden, the inaugural installment in the Old West Series, which garnered widespread acclaim and topped bestseller lists upon its publication in 2016.
Flowers From The Storm by Laura Kinsale
In the realm of historical romance, few novels are as revered as this 1992 classic, which boldly explores a plethora of dark and provocative themes. Against the backdrop of Victorian-era Britain, the story delves into complex issues such as religion, ableism, abuse, and dubious consent, raising questions about morality and societal norms. At its center is the enigmatic Duke of Jevaralx, whose world has been shattered by a traumatic event.
As he teeters on the brink of despair, only the tender care of Maddy Timms, a compassionate and devout individual, can guide him toward redemption from the horrors that plague the mental health institutions of the time.
A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux
In the Montgomery/Taggert family saga, ‘A Knight in Shining Armor’ stands as the thirteenth installment, weaving a tale of time-traveling romance that transcends eras. The story revolves around Dougless Montgomery, an 80s lady, and Nicholas Stafford, a 16th-century knight, whose love proves stronger than the temporal boundaries separating them. Notably, Deveraux’s works have amassed a staggering total of 50 million copies sold globally as of 2015.
BestSellers on the Rise
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
The year 2019 marked the debut of Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry’s captivating love story in a novel by McQuiston. Beyond their romantic narrative, the book also provided a unique glimpse into an America with a female president, reimagining the news cycle for that year. The book was a huge commercial success, boasting over 100,000 copies sold just within its first year of release.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
In a refreshing twist on the iconic ’90s film Pretty Woman, Hoang reimagines the classic with Stella, an autistic woman who turns to an escort for guidance on intimacy. This unique take has resonated deeply with readers, as evidenced by the initial 100,000 copy order. Meanwhile, The Kiss Quotient is currently in its fourth printing, a testament to its enduring appeal and the power of Hoang’s storytelling.
Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
Hibbert’s writing style is a winning combination of humor and wit, effortlessly weaving together lighthearted banter with poignant discussions of life’s more significant challenges. In fact, it’s this unique blend that has propelled books in the Brown Sisters trilogy to major bestseller lists across North America, including notable mentions on prominent charts. The author’s ability to tackle serious topics like chronic pain with sensitivity and empathy only adds to her storytelling prowess.
Twisted Love by Ana Huang
In the inaugural installment of Huang’s ‘Twisted’ series, this captivating dark romance unfolds as an intriguing tale of opposites attracting with a surprising twist. Notably, Huang’s works have garnered impressive chart performances on prestigious lists such as The New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, and international bestseller rankings.
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
The Wedding Date, which started as a National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) project, surprisingly topped the bestseller lists. The story takes an unexpected turn when Alexa and Drew find themselves stuck in an elevator together, leading them to agree on attending a high-stakes wedding under unusual circumstances. As they navigate this awkward situation, the sparks begin to fly between them. This romantic escapade marks the first installment of a five-book bestselling series.
Felix Ever After by Karen Callender
The sole Young Adult (YA) entry on this list is ‘Felix Ever After’, a unique tale that explores the complexities of falling in love for the first time, as well as discovering self-acceptance. The story takes an unexpected turn when a revenge catfishing scheme goes awry, leaving room for anything to happen. This novel has gained significant recognition, being named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Best YA books of all time.
Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
In a charming blend of wit and whimsy, this lighthearted romance takes inspiration from Jane Austen’s timeless classic, Pride and Prejudice. A no-nonsense actuary finds himself inexplicably drawn to a charismatic social media astrologer, setting off a chain reaction of playful misunderstandings and comical misadventures. Released in 2020, this delightful escape was just what we needed during uncertain times.
For even more romance, indulge in the ultimate lists: the top 24 best romance novels of all time or explore the most influential romance novels from the past century. Alternatively, delve into our extensive archive of romance and erotica tropes.