20 Modern Love Stories That Will Steal Your Heart

January 2025
20 Love Stories to read for Valentine's Month
Love is in the air – well, almost! If you are looking for love story book suggestions, you’re at the right place. We have compiled a great list of 20 heartwarming modern love stories, all packed with charm, depth, and unforgettable romance!
 
Whether you’re into sweet, funny connections or deeper, more emotional love stories, there’s something here for every romantic at heart. These books will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between – perfect for Valentine’s month! So grab a comfy seat and get ready to enjoy these beautiful love stories!
1. The Rosie Project – Graeme Simsion

A romantic comedy that’s full of humour, thanks to the quirky and socially awkward genetics professor, Don Tillman. His logical approach to finding love through a scientific “Wife Project” leads to plenty of hilarious moments, especially when he meets Rosie, who’s his total opposite.

Current Goodreads Rating: 4.00
Recommendations: If you loved The Hating Game by Sally Thorne or The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang, you’ll find this just as heartwarming.
Award/Bestseller: Bestseller

 2. The Hating Game – Sally Thorne

Two co-workers, Lucy and Joshua, can’t stand each other — until an office rivalry turns into something more complicated and irresistible. A witty, enemies-to-lovers romance you won’t forget. Full of sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and laugh-out-loud moments, it’s a must-read for rom-com lovers.

Current Goodreads Rating: 3.87
Recommendations: If you liked The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang or The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren, this one is right up your alley.
Award/Bestseller: Bestseller

3. The Wedding Date – Jasmine Guillory

Alexa and Drew meet in a lift and agree to attend a wedding together, pretending to be a couple. What starts as a fake romance soon sparks into something real. With plenty of charm, witty dialogue, and swoon-worthy moments, this is a delightful read for fans of modern love stories.

Current Goodreads Rating: 3.6
Recommendations: Fans of The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion or Roomies by Christina Lauren will love this.
Award/Bestseller: Bestseller

4. Beach Read – Emily Henry

Two writers—one a romance novelist, the other a literary fiction author—spend the summer on a beach attempting to overcome their writer’s block. As they challenge each other to swap genres, their personal stories intertwine in unexpected and unforgettable ways. Heartfelt, witty, and packed with chemistry, this is a must-read for fans of love, laughter, and second chances.

Current Goodreads Rating: 4.0
Recommendations:  If The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren or Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston spoke to you, this one’s a must-read.
Award/Bestseller: Bestseller

5. One Day – David Nicholls

Spanning twenty years, this poignant love story follows Emma and Dexter as they reconnect on the same date every year, capturing the highs, lows, and “what ifs” of life and love. With its deeply relatable characters and emotional depth, it’s a bittersweet reminder of the power of timing in relationships. Perfect for readers who enjoy reflective and heartfelt storytelling.

Current Goodreads Rating: 3.9
Recommendations: If you liked Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern or Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, this one will hit you right in the feels.
Award/Bestseller: Bestseller

6. The Sun Is Also a Star – Nicola Yoon

Natasha and Daniel meet in New York City on the eve of her family’s deportation, and their love story unfolds over a single, life-changing day. A heartfelt tale of fate, identity, and connection, this emotionally charged novel is perfect for anyone who believes in love against the odds.

Current Goodreads Rating: 3.96
Recommendations: If Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon or All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven captured your heart, this will too.
Award/Bestseller: Bestseller

7. A Walk to Remember – Nicholas Sparks

When popular teen Landon Carter is paired with quiet, devout Jamie Sullivan for a school play, he doesn’t expect to fall in love. But as their relationship deepens, Jamie reveals a heartbreaking secret that changes their lives forever. A timeless story of first love, faith, and resilience, this bittersweet romance reminds us of the power of love to transform even the most unlikely hearts.

Current Goodreads Rating: 4.20
Recommendations: If The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks or P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern touched you, this book will leave you in tears.
Award/Bestseller: Bestseller

The Kiss Quotient
8. The Kiss Quotient – Helen Hoang

Stella, a successful woman with Asperger’s, hires Michael, a charming escort, to help her gain more experience in romance. What begins as a professional arrangement soon turns into something more complex and heartwarming. A heartwarming and steamy romance, this novel beautifully explores love, self-discovery, and acceptance. 

Current Goodreads Rating: 3.88
Recommendations: If you liked The Hating Game by Sally Thorne or The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion, you’ll fall for this book too.
Award/Bestseller: Bestseller

9. Love & Gelato – Jenna Evans Welch

Lina spends the summer in Italy, where she uncovers her late mother’s journal, leading her on a journey of love, family, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of beautiful Tuscany, this charming novel is filled with romance, adventure, and delicious gelato. It’s a delightful read for anyone who enjoys stories of new beginnings and uncovering hidden family secrets.

Current Goodreads Rating: 4.04
Recommendations: Fans of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith or Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins will enjoy this sweet romance.
Award/Bestseller: Bestseller

10. Normal People – Sally Rooney

Connell and Marianne’s complicated relationship unfolds over high school and university, marked by intense emotions, misunderstandings, and longing. A raw and intimate exploration of love, identity, and personal growth, this bestselling novel beautifully captures the complexities of modern relationships and the struggle to truly understand oneself and others.

Current Goodreads Rating: 3.81
Recommendations: If you liked Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney or Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman, this one’s for you.
Award/Bestseller: Bestseller

11. All the Light We Cannot See – Anthony Doerr

Set during World War II, this novel follows Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German soldier, whose lives intersect in the occupied French town of Saint-Malo. A breathtaking story of survival, resilience, and the impact of war, this novel illuminates the beauty of human connection amidst the darkness of conflict.

Current Goodreads Rating: 4.31
Recommendations: If The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or The Book Thief by Markus Zusak moved you, this is another one to add to your list.
Award/Bestseller: Pulitzer Prize for Fiction

12. The Light We Lost – Jill Santopolo

Lucy and Gabe fall deeply in love in New York, but their lives take unexpected turns, leading to a heart-wrenching tale of love, choices, and the roads not taken. A powerful exploration of love’s complexities and the choices that shape our lives, this emotional novel will resonate with anyone who has ever wondered about the path they didn’t choose.

Current Goodreads Rating: 3.84
Recommendations: If you loved One Day by David Nicholls or The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks, this book will tug at your heartstrings.
Award/Bestseller: Bestseller 

13. The Night Circus – Erin Morgenstern

In a mysterious and magical circus, two illusionists are bound by a high-stakes rivalry, but their growing feelings for each other spark a dangerous and captivating love story. With its mesmerizing setting and enchanting twists, this bestselling novel blends romance, magic, and mystery into an unforgettable journey that will leave you spellbound.

Current Goodreads Rating: 4.01
Recommendations: If you liked The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón or The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman, this is a perfect pick for you.
Award/Bestseller: Bestseller

This Man - Jodi Ellen Malpas
14. This Man – Jodi Ellen Malpas

Ava O’Shea is irresistibly drawn to Jesse Ward, a charming yet troubled man with a dark past. Their passionate and tumultuous relationship tests the limits of love, desire, and control. As their intense connection deepens, Ava must navigate the complexities of love, obsession, and the secrets that could tear them apart. It’s a captivating start to the series.

Current Goodreads Rating: 4.05
Recommendations: If you liked Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James or Bared to You by Sylvia Day, this is a must-read.
Award/Bestseller: Bestseller

15. The Great Alone – Kristin Hannah

In the remote Alaskan wilderness, Leni and her family struggle to survive, and during their hardships, Leni finds a love story that will change her life forever. A powerful tale of survival, love, and resilience, this novel will sweep you away with its breathtaking setting and deeply emotional journey.

Current Goodreads Rating: 4.44
Recommendations: If you enjoyed The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino, this novel is for you.
Award/Bestseller: Bestseller; Best Historical Fiction at the 2018 Goodreads Choice Awards

16. The Lucky One – Nicholas Sparks

Logan, a U.S. Marine, returns from Iraq with a photograph of a woman he believes saved his life. When he finally finds her, their undeniable connection sparks an unforgettable love story. Heartfelt and moving, this novel explores fate, love, and the power of second chances, perfect for fans of tender, emotional romances.

Current Goodreads Rating: 4.13
Recommendations: If you like The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks or P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern, you’ll love this one.
Award/Bestseller: Bestseller

17. The Flatshare – Beth O’Leary

Tiffy and Leon share a flat but never meet, until their unconventional living arrangement sparks a series of heartwarming and humorous events that bring them closer. With its endearing characters, witty dialogue, and heartwarming moments, this novel is a delightful, feel-good romance about love, healing, and finding connection in the most unexpected places.

Current Goodreads Rating: 4.00
Recommendations: If you liked The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion or One Day by David Nicholls, this one is for you.
Award/Bestseller: Bestseller

18. Me Before You – Jojo Moyes

Louisa Clark is hired to care for Will, a quadriplegic man, and over time, their unlikely bond deepens into something more. This poignant and bittersweet love story explores the complexities of life, choice, and love, making it a must-read for those who enjoy a thought-provoking and emotional romance.

Current Goodreads Rating: 4.26
Recommendations: If you enjoyed The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo or A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks, this one will stay with you long after you finish.
Award/Bestseller: Bestseller

19. The Notebook – Nicholas Sparks

Noah and Allie share a passionate summer romance, but life pulls them apart. Years later, they reconnect, and their love story proves that true love never fades. A timeless tale of enduring love, second chances, and the power of memories. Perfect for fans of heartfelt romances.

Current Goodreads Rating: 4.16
Recommendations:  If you loved A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks or P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern, this classic love story will tug at your heart.
Award/Bestseller: Bestseller

20. Dear Emmie Blue – Lia Louis

When Emmie releases a balloon with a secret note at age sixteen, it’s found by Lucas, sparking a lifelong friendship. Years later, as she hopes for more than friendship, life throws unexpected twists her way in this sweet and emotional love story. A heartwarming journey of love, self-discovery, and finding the courage to follow your heart. Perfect for fans of feel-good romances with a touch of fate.

Current Goodreads Rating: 4.10
Recommendations: If you enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman or The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary, this one’s a must-read.
Award/Bestseller: Bestseller