Top 30 Romance Authors You Just Have to Read

Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Nicholas Sparks is the master of bittersweet love stories. With novels like The Notebook (his best-selling book) and Dear John, Sparks knows how to make us laugh, cry, and fall in love all at once. His writing often draws from personal experiences, lending authenticity to his characters and plots. Sparks’ stories frequently explore themes of enduring love, loss, and hope. He has a talent for capturing the complexity of human emotions and relationships, making his books resonate deeply with readers.

Born in Silver Spring, Maryland, Nora Roberts is a prolific author with a warm and tenacious personality. If you’re into strong female leads and magical romance, Roberts is a must-read. She’s been writing amazing love stories for decades, and her books are always full of complex emotions. Vision in White is one of her best-selling books, captivating readers with its beautiful wedding-themed romance.

Julia Quinn, born in New York City, is the queen of Regency romance. Fans of Bridgerton, rejoice! She writes witty, delightful characters that make every ball and scandal feel fresh. The Duke and I is her best-selling book, which inspired the hit Netflix series. She is known for her humorous and down-to-earth personality.

Colleen Hoover, born in Sulphur Springs, Texas, is known for her engaging and approachable personality. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster. Hoover’s stories, like It Ends with Us (her best-seller), are perfect if you’re into dramatic twists and intense feelings.

Jane Austen was born in Steventon, England, and is known for her witty and observant personality. Okay, she’s classic, but she’s also timeless. Austen’s books like Pride and Prejudice (her most famous work) are as relevant and romantic today as they were 200 years ago—full of wit, charm, and slow-burn romance. Austen passed away in 1817 at the age of 41.

Born in London, England, E.L. James brought a modern twist to romance with her steamy storytelling. Fifty Shades of Grey remains her best-selling book. James, known for her bold and adventurous personality.

Tessa Bailey, born in Carlsbad, California, is known for her fun and outgoing personality. Known for her steamy scenes and charming banter, Bailey gives us lovable bad boys and fierce heroines that’ll keep you up all night. It Happened One Summer is her best-selling book, and it’s a delightful rom-com inspired by Schitt’s Creek.

Born in Lincoln, Rhode Island, Sarah MacLean is known for her empowering and friendly personality. MacLean’s historical romances are perfect for readers who want heroines that break the mold. She brings depth, humor, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake is her best-selling book.

Born in London, England, Jojo Moyes is known for her empathetic and thoughtful personality. Me Before You broke a lot of hearts, but in the best way possible. Moyes is great at exploring life, love, and the connections we make. Me Before You is her best-selling book and a tearjerker that stays with you.

Jasmine Guillory, born in Oakland, California, is known for her vibrant and relatable personality. Looking for something fun and modern? Guillory’s books, like The Wedding Date (her best-seller), are full of humor, charm, and all the good feels.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Beverly Jenkins is known for her passionate and inspiring personality. For a mix of romance, history, and culture, Jenkins is the go-to author. Her stories highlight African American history with plenty of love and passion. Forbidden is one of her best-selling books, blending history with a sizzling romance.

Christina Lauren is the pen name of Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, born in California. This dynamic duo serves up romance with lots of laughs. Whether it’s friends-to-lovers or fake dating, Christina Lauren always delivers the feels. The Unhoneymooners is their best-selling book, perfect for fans of romantic comedy. Both authors are known for their witty and lighthearted personalities.

Helen Hoang, born in Minnesota, is known for her insightful and compassionate personality. Hoang brings a fresh perspective to romance with her stories about neurodiverse characters, like in The Kiss Quotient (her best-seller). Her books are heartfelt and super relatable.

Lisa Kleypas, born in Temple, Texas, is known for her warm and romantic personality. A queen of historical romance, Kleypas’s books are full of passion, scandal, and the kind of love stories that make you swoon over dukes and rakes. Devil in Winter is her best-selling book, and it’s a fan favorite for a reason.

Born in Yakima, Washington, Debbie Macomber is known for her nurturing and optimistic personality. For cozy, heartwarming romances, Macomber is your go-to author. She’s the one to read when you want that comforting, feel-good love story. Cottage by the Sea is one of her best-selling books, offering a heartwarming escape.

Abby Jimenez, born in Minnesota, is known for her funny and down-to-earth personality. If you want romance with a side of humor and a dash of heartbreak, Jimenez’s books are it. The Friend Zone is her best-selling book and will have you laughing one minute and crying the next.

Diana Gabaldon, born in Flagstaff, Arizona, is known for her adventurous and imaginative personality. Outlander is a genre-bending mix of romance, adventure, and history. Gabaldon’s writing will transport you, and Jamie Fraser is pretty much the ultimate book boyfriend. Outlander is her best-selling book and a beloved classic.

Born in California, Lauren Blakely is known for her charming and humorous personality. Blakely is known for her light, funny, and sexy romances. If you’re in the mood for something that’ll make you smile, check her out. Big Rock is her best-selling book and a hilarious, swoon-worthy read.

Mia Sheridan, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, is known for her introspective and tender personality. Sheridan writes deeply emotional, character-driven romances that often come with a twist. Her book Archer’s Voice is a fan favorite and her best-seller.

Born in London, England, Sophie Kinsella is known for her cheerful and witty personality. For lighthearted, laugh-out-loud romance, Kinsella is a favorite. Confessions of a Shopaholic is her best-selling book, mixing humor and romance in the perfect way.

Elle Kennedy, born in Toronto, Canada, is known for her laid-back and engaging personality. Her Off-Campus series is a must for anyone who loves sports romances. Kennedy’s characters are sexy, funny, and totally swoon-worthy. The Deal is her best-selling book and a fan favorite.

Born in Dubuque, Iowa, Penelope Douglas is known for her edgy and bold personality. Douglas’s books aren’t your typical romances—they can get dark, angsty, and super intense, like Bully and Birthday Girl. Bully is her best-selling book and perfect for readers who like an edge.

Kiera Cass, born in South Carolina, is known for her fun and creative personality. The Selection series is perfect if you love fairy-tale romance with a bit of dystopian drama. Cass brings all the butterflies and drama. The Selection is her best-selling book and a favorite among fans of YA romance.

R.S. Grey, born in Texas, is known for her witty and entertaining personality. Grey’s rom-coms are full of wit and charm. If you want something that’s romantic but also hilarious, her books will keep you entertained. Scoring Wilder is her best-selling book and a fun, light read.

Born in Ontario, Canada, K.A. Tucker is known for her introspective and engaging personality. For romantic suspense with complex characters, Tucker is a great pick. Her book The Simple Wild is her best-seller, featuring a beautiful, slow-burn love story set in Alaska.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Sylvia Day is known for her confident and passionate personality. Crossfire series, anyone? Day’s writing is sexy and passionate, with plenty of twists and complex characters. Bared to You is her best-selling book, kicking off the steamy Crossfire series.

Born in Massachusetts, J.R. Ward is known for her mysterious and imaginative personality. For something supernatural, Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series is full of vampires, passion, and adventure. Dark Lover is her best-selling book, and it’s perfect for fans of paranormal romance.

Talia Hibbert, born in London, England, is known for her fun and inclusive personality. Hibbert’s books are funny, charming, and full of diverse characters. Get a Life, Chloe Brown is her best-selling book and perfect for fans of contemporary romance with a lot of heart.

Born in Houston, Texas, Mariana Zapata is known for her down-to-earth and patient personality. Zapata is the queen of slow-burn romance. Her books are long, but the build-up is so worth it. The Wall of Winnipeg and Me is her best-selling book and a reader favorite.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, Jenny Han is known for her sweet and relatable personality. Best known for To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (her best-seller), Han captures first love and all its emotions perfectly. Her books are sweet, fun, and guaranteed to make you smile.