Here are ten notable romantic novels by American authors, spanning various eras and styles:
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Published in 1936, this epic novel set during the American Civil War follows the tumultuous romance between Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler.
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
A 1996 love story about Noah and Allie, whose romance endures decades and challenges, showcasing the power of enduring love.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
This 1991 novel blends romance, historical fiction, and time travel, as Claire Randall is transported from 1945 to 18th-century Scotland, where she meets Jamie Fraser.
The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller
A 1992 tale of a brief, passionate affair between a traveling photographer and an Iowa housewife, exploring themes of love and sacrifice.
A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
Published in 1999, this touching story follows the relationship between a rebellious teenager and a quiet, religious girl in a small North Carolina town.
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
This 2003 novel tells the unconventional love story of Henry, a man with a genetic disorder causing him to time travel unpredictably, and Clare, the woman who loves him.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
A 2012 young adult romance about two teenagers with cancer who fall in love, exploring themes of life, death, and love’s lasting impact.
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
This 2013 romantic comedy follows Don Tillman, a genetics professor with social challenges, as he embarks on a quest to find a suitable life partner, leading to unexpected results.
Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
A 2011 novel that delves into the intense and tumultuous relationship between a good girl and a bad boy, set against a college backdrop.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Published in 2018, this contemporary romance features Stella, a woman with Asperger’s, who hires an escort to teach her about intimacy, leading to unexpected feelings.
These novels offer a range of romantic tales, from historical epics to contemporary love stories, each leaving a lasting impression on readers.