Caution: These romance novels will give you a serious case of daydreaming
Tweak India Book Club members reveal the first novels that made their heart flutter
“So the lion fell in love with the lamb,” still stands out in my mind as the most twisted and intriguing confession of love I’ve ever encountered in a novel. I was a teenager when I first read Stephenie Meyer’s The Twilight Saga novels, which were all the rage for their portrayal of the intense, supernatural romance between mortal Isabella Swan and the vampire Edward Cullen. As most readers mature and outgrow their Wattpad years, they often cringe at former literary loves, choosing never to revisit the graveyard of books they adored as teens. But not me; I’ll be forever grateful to this polarising love story for introducing me to the fascinating world of romance novels (they’re more than a guilty pleasure).
There’s plenty to love about a good romance novel—plots that unfold in neat layers, a dreamy character to swoon over, slow-burn chemistry that leaps off the pages and steamy scenes that ignite our erotic imagination. Romance novels can be as comforting as a bowl of garam butter maggi on a cosy monsoon afternoon, and deserve a spot on your bookshelf.
Whether you’re a seasoned consumer or a reluctant newbie, to ensure you have an endless supply of quality romance novels, we turned to our Tweak India Book Club members to reveal their first loves from the genre. They delivered a wide range of recommendations, from classics to contemporary favourites and rare gems, so take your pick and prepare to be swept off your feet. It might just leave you believing in happily ever afters, or at the very least, a great second date.
17 romance novels that deserve a place in your library (and heart)
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Deeksha Dhawan: “Embarking on my romance novel journey has been an unexpected delight. While many started early in their teens, I took my time getting here, finally diving into the genre headfirst with The Love Hypothesis. Before that, romance was just a fleeting subplot in the books I read. But oh, how this book changed everything. Its enchanting narrative, comedic relief and awesome plot hooked me from page one, making me realise the magic of love stories. Here’s to more heart-fluttering adventures ahead.”
Childhood Friend (English translation of Balyakalasakhi) by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer
Ardra: “My first romance novel was Balyakalasakhi by Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. It’s a Malayalam novel. The story is about two childhood friends who later become lovers. It’s so raw. It made me hug the book to my chest and bawl my eyes out. It is angsty and realistic. It’s so good.”
The Zoya Factor by Anuja Chauhan
Suhani Sharma: “I think the first romance novel (that gave me the butterflies) was The Zoya Factor by Anuja Chauhan. All I wanted was the ‘grumpy-sunshine’ relationship like Nikhil and Zoya. The part where he comes to meet her and they go on a little street market date? Literal goals. I need someone to peel mungfali for me the way he did.”
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Anwesha: “My first romance novel was Pride and Prejudice. I loved how it made me feel a plethora of emotions, and obviously, I admired Elizabeth because of her wit. The angst, the banter and the romance kept me hooked, and I loved how the book stayed with me long after I finished it.”
Love Redesigned by Laura Asher
Anindita Das: “My first romance book was Love Redesigned. It was an enemies-to-lovers story. The storytelling, emotions, everything was perfectly described in that book. I adore it.”
After by Anna Todd
The Book Times: “The first romance novel that I ever read was After by Anna Todd. I instantly fell in love with that book and the whole series. This is because it reflects teenage adrenaline, all the ups and downs, and how a couple will go to extremes for each other. It made me bawl, and this was the first book that made me cry. After reading the series, my expectations for romance books have been very high. But I just love Hessa [the couple Hardin and Tessa].”
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
Hency Parmar: “What drew me to [Call Me By Your Name] was its beautifully immersive storytelling and the raw emotion woven into every page. The novel delves deep into the complexities of desire, longing and the intensity of first love, set against the picturesque backdrop of Northern Italy. Aciman’s prose is exquisite, evoking a palpable sense of intimacy between the characters, Elio and Oliver. Their summer romance unfolds with aching tenderness and passion, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s heart. I loved how the novel captured the nuances of human connection and the bittersweet realisation of fleeting moments. It’s a timeless tale of love and loss that resonates long after the final page is turned.”
Battle For Bittora by Anuja Chauhan
Gojo’s Girlfriend: “Funny, evenly paced storyline; and of course [the novel’s protagonists] Ginni and Zain Altaf Khan (honey gold, lean, taut). Zain [was on] my mind the entirety of eighth grade. The best thing was Anuja Chauhan always introduced a number of core social issues and mingled them with her characteristic ‘Hinglish’ humour. It was relatable, funny, *cough* steamy *cough* and thought-provoking because one realised a lot of privileges are taken for granted on a daily basis.”
Dying to Please by Linda Howard
La Femme Livresque: “The first proper romance novel I read was actually a romantic suspense novel, Dying to Please by Linda Howard—it made me fall in love with strong, caring heroes and badass heroines, coming together in high tension situations and falling for each other in the process of fighting some big, bad evil. I love romances for the guaranteed happy endings no matter how different the main characters are from each other. It’s what led to my love for rom-coms, historical romances, fantasy romances and just romance all around.”
A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
Sonali: “The first romance novel I ever read was A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks, which made me read his [other] books like The Notebook, The Last Song, Message in a Bottle, etc. I loved the character growth of Landon and his bittersweet relationship with Jamie [in this novel]. He became a better person because of Jamie’s influence, and their love, although quite short-lived, was so beautiful. It made me feel calm and also made me shed tears.”
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Richa Mehta: “The Fault in Our Stars made me bawl my eyes out. At the tender age of 13, I think that was the first heartbreak I had from a book. Augustus and Hazel’s story still lives in my heart. The whole Amsterdam trip was just heart-wrenchingly beautiful. I still vividly remember hunching my back on the table and reading the book’s final part as my vision blurred moment by moment.”
Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Sani: “This novel holds a special place in my heart for several reasons. Firstly, the charismatic characters Dash and Lily instantly captivated me with their witty banter and undeniable chemistry. Their journey through the bustling streets of New York City during the holiday season felt like a magical adventure that I never wanted to end. Additionally, the novel’s vivid portrayal of the cityscape and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder resonated deeply with me. Moreover, the authenticity of the characters’ emotions and vulnerabilities added depth and relatability to the story, making it a truly unforgettable read that I find myself revisiting time and time again.”
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
Divya Raja: “I was in 10th grade and [this novel] was recommended to me by a school friend who said an LGBTQ love story may not be the ‘type’ of novel I would read. And so, obviously, I had to try it out. It’s about two people who find out one day that they’re going to pass away, and meet and fall in love, except there is no happily after. I really enjoyed the book, I fell into a world where the two protagonists were saying goodbye to their life as they knew it, and still making a new relationship in the process. I guess it’s never too late to find your soulmate after all (wink wink). But also this book was my first introduction to a different kind of love, and although I hadn’t known of it before, it was just as beautiful. This book will always have my heart.”
Her Last Wish by Ajay K Pandey
Garima: “My first romance novel was Her Last Wish by Ajay K Pandey. It’s an amazing book. Beautifully written and expressed [the] desire of a husband who wants to fulfil his wife’s bucket list before she dies. This book comprehends pain and suffering, and also presents a remarkable meaning of true love.”
Love Story by Erich Segal
Harshwardhan Shetty: Love Story by Erich Segal is a timeless classic that captured my heart and the essence of young, all-consuming love with simplicity and grace. It’s a poignant tale that explores the depths of love and loss, and the impact of class and family expectations on a couple’s life. The novel’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to resonate with readers’ emotions, reminding us of the preciousness of every moment and the true meaning of love. Its famous line, ‘Love means never having to say you’re sorry,’ has become an iconic statement about the unconditional nature of love.”
Musafir Cafe by Divya Prakash Dubey
Brett: “My first romance book was Musafir Cafe by Divya Prakash Dubey. I love the way it presents an intriguing view of love. I kind of see myself in [the protagonist] Sudha in the way she has reservations about getting married, how unapologetic she is in expressing herself, how much she loves beaches and theatres, and how much Chandar appreciates all this about her. She is imperfect, has too many fears and feels everything too deeply but Chandar loves all the nuanced aspects of her…”
King of Wrath by Ana Huang
Diya: “My first romance book was King of Wrath by Ana Huang. It’s written beautifully. [It portrays] how two people who don’t know anything about each other and are enemies at first slowly start learning things about each other and fall in love[…] From then I have loved Ana’s writings.”
