15 Best Romance Book Series That Will Make You Swoon
Updated: Mar. 28, 2023Fall into worlds in which love is a given with these swoon-worthy romance book series
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
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. Most romance novels are stand-alones, but because the characters feel so relatable and real, the books often leave readers wanting more. Here’s a loophole: There are plenty of romance book series that build upon the original world created by the author, evolving a couple’s story or giving readers romances between side characters.
You don’t have to search far and wide for these book series either. Some of the best books in the romance genre have been expanded into an extended universe of passion-filled novels. If you’re wondering where to find romance book series, allow us to introduce a few of them. They’re guaranteed to satiate romance fans of all tastes, whether you’re devoted to enemies-to-lovers romances or second-chance stories, high-drama fiction or breezy rom-coms, contemporary gems or fantasy romance books. (And yeah, there’s even a series among Colleen Hoover’s viral books.)
Join the free Reader’s Digest Book Club for great reads, monthly discussions, author Q&As and a community of book lovers.
1. 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 romance book series 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 20 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.
Looking for your next great book? Read four of today’s bestselling novels in the time it takes to read one with Reader’s Digest Select Editions. And be sure to follow the Select Editions page on Facebook!
2. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
Series starter: The Duke and 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 and 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.
3. 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 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.
Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for humor, cleaning, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.
4. 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 looking 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 four books in her Heartstopper book series, and the first was adapted into a hit Netflix TV series.
5. 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, the first book 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 own a part of Belly’s heart. You might pick up this teen book for the swoony 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!
6. 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 books. But her Slammed series consists of three books, the first of which was 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—her romances are besting books in all sorts of genres—so you’re going to want to get your hands on this series.
7. 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. Kristen, a sarcastic, smart entrepreneur, likes no strings attached when it comes to men. Josh is instantly drawn to her charisma, but Kristen 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.
8. 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 his hardened exterior. The books are fun escapes all year long, but they make especially great beach reads.
9. 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 books 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.
10. 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.
11. 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 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?
12. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
Series starter: The Wedding Date
What you’re in for: Fake dating and real feelings
First published in 2018, Jasmine Guillory’s romance book trilogy first 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. Once you’ve gobbled up this series (and trust us, you will), check out our most-anticipated books of the year.
13. 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 the Bromance Book Club series, which began with the first book’s 2019 publication. The series starter 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 to win Thea back. But it’s going to take a lot more than romantic gestures to fix their problems.
14. The Ravenels by Lisa Kleypas
Series starter: Cold-Hearted Rake
What you’re in for: Heated stares and major enemies-to-lovers tension
First published in 2015, The Ravenels historical romance book series begins with A Cold-Hearted Rake. Fans of Bridgerton and hate-to-love romances will enjoy Lisa Kleypas’s rich London-set world within this seven-book series. In the first novel, 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.
15. 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.
