Romance the Boredom Away: The Best Romance Books to Read When Bored!

Romance novels have the power to transport you to a world of love, fantasy and possibility. Whether you're in the mood for a contemporary romance, historical romance or just something lighthearted and fun, there are so many options when it comes to the best romance books to read when bored.

Chase away the boredom with our book recommendations. You might just find your new favorite author!

Curling up with a cozy novel full of adventure and intriguing plots can be one of life's greatest pleasures. And picking out just the right book only makes it better. From popular romantic comedies to dark and brooding tales, these tried-and-true classic reads will give you plenty of ideas on what to read on your downtime. We've scoured the bookshelves for some of the greatest romantic fiction out there - from passionate page-turners to swoon-worthy stories that will make you laugh out loud - these timeless tales will keep you entertained until the last page is turned.

You may find yourself lost in an exciting medieval era, caught up in a slow burn of two star crossed lovers, or embracing a heartwarming happy ending after hours invested in getting lost with fictional characters. So if boredom has taken over and you're looking for something to spark your attention, here's our list of the best romance books to read when bored! Enjoy your journey with them!

Contemporary Romance to Cure Your Boredom Blues

Just Not That Into Billionaires

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by Annika Martin

Francine is in for the shock of a lifetime when she discovers she's been married to Benny, her former surly, nerdy frenemy, for the past decade! With no recollection of the drunken night that led to their nuptials, she tracks Benny down, expecting him to be just as surprised and ready to dissolve their union. Little did she know that he has now become a cold and wolfish billionaire who won't sign the papers unless Francine plays his doting wife for three whole weeks!

Beach Read

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by Emily Henry

Augustus Everett and January Andrews are two writers stuck in their creative ruts. They both write different genres, Augustus is a literary fiction author while January is a romance novelist. In an effort to break the monotony, they decide to spend the summer together, challenging each other in order to create something new. Augustus will write something happy while January will write the next great American novel. Along their journey, they go on hilarious and romantic field trips while trying to resist falling in love with each other. Will they find success or will they end up realizing that true love was within reach all along?

The Flatshare

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by Beth O'Leary

"The Flatshare" is an unconventional roommate romance. Tiffy and Leon are two complete strangers who have decided to take a chance on the unconventional living arrangement of sharing a flat. With Tiffy needing an affordable place to stay and Leon working nights and needing extra cash, it seemed like the perfect solution. But of course, things never go as planned. Between Tiffy's ex-boyfriends, demanding clients at work and Leon's wrongly imprisoned brother, their lives are about to get even more complicated.

What will happen when they finally meet? Will they be able to make this unconventional living arrangement work or will it all come crashing down around them? Come join Tiffy and Leon on their journey as they learn that sometimes you have to throw the rulebook out the window in order to find the perfect home.

Red, White & Royal Blue

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by Casey McQuiston

It's the ultimate love story- a forbidden romance between the son of the US President and the Prince of Wales! Alex Claremont-Diaz is the American equivalent of a young royal, and Henry is his opposite across the pond. When an altercation between them goes public, diplomatic relations are strained.

To repair their image, their heads of state devise a plan for damage control: staging a truce between Alex and Henry. But what starts out as an Instagramable friendship blossoms into something much more real, and dangerous. Alex and Henry embark on a secret romance that could upend two nations - but proves that true love really can save the world. In Red, White & Royal Blue, Casey McQuiston shows us how to find courage in ourselves to be who we're meant to be - and how our true colors can shine through.

Things We Hide From the Light

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by Lucy Score

Once the chief of police in Knockemout, Nash Morgan was an always-smiling Southern charmer. But now, recovering from being shot, panic attacks and nightmares have overshadowed his once-upbeat nature. Despite this, he is determined to keep his struggles to himself. Enter Lina - smart, sexy and his new next-door neighbour. When they touch there is an undeniable spark that grounds him and makes her question if she should take a risk and explore it further.

Unfortunately, Lina has secrets of her own and if Nash ever found out he wouldn't forgive her - so she decides to settle for a hot fling rather than a long term relationship with the local cop. But Nash isn't about to let her go without a fight, determined to make her his even if it means facing danger that nearly killed him before. Things We Hide From The Light is a story of love, secrets and the courage to face anything for only person you love.

The Devine Doughnut Shop

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by Carolyn Brown

From the warmhearted novel by Carolyn Brown, "The Devine Doughnut Shop" tells the story of three women at a crossroads. Grace, Sarah, and Macy are all members of the fourth generation to run the Double D and must decide between tradition and unexpected new beginnings. With the shop's legacy at stake, their relationships in turmoil, and their future uncertain, these women must rely on each other to navigate their way through.

Enter Travis Butler with his charming smile and checkbook wanting to buy the shop and expand it nationally. Will this be the solution for Devine's economic woes or will it spell disaster for these beloved pastries? Find out what happens when determination, sass, romance, and a maple doughnut collide in "The Devine Doughnut Shop".

Worked Up

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by Tessa Bailey

Duke Crawford is living a life of chaos and commotion, thanks to his four sisters. All he wants is some peace and quiet - but then Samantha Waverly comes into the picture. She's been put in an impossible situation by her brother and Duke is the only solution: marry him for show.

Despite their commitment-phobe attitudes, a sizzling attraction builds between them. The lines between their no-strings relationship become blurred, leaving them both questioning whether this marriage is just for show or something more. Will Duke and Samantha be able to stay true to their no-strings agreement or will they be swept away by their undeniable feelings?

The Fault in Our Stars

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by John Green

"The Fault in Our Stars", by John Green, is an exquisitely written young adult novel about teenage love, heartache and courage. Hazel is a 16 year old girl who has been diagnosed with lung cancer and attends a cancer support group. There, she meets the charming and witty Augustus Waters who has recently been given the all clear of osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. What follows is an emotional rollercoaster ride as they search for the author of their favorite book, "An Imperial Affliction".

On their journey to Amsterdam to find the author, Peter Van Houten, Augustus breaks some devastating news to Hazel. This life-altering event shatters both their worlds apart and leads to an unforgettable journey of discovery about what it means to be alive - and in love. If you're looking for a heartfelt story that will make you laugh, cry and smile throughout - "The Fault in Our Stars" is the perfect read for you! Filled with heartwarming moments, poignant insights and humor; it's an extraordinary book that will be sure to leave a lasting impression on its reader.

Kiss Quotient

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by Helen Hoang

Kiss Quotient is a romantic novel about the power of love to defy logic. Stella Lane thinks she can solve everything with math and algorithms, but when it comes to relationships, she's at a loss. With her Asperger's Syndrome and an aversion to French kissing, Stella decides the only way to learn what she needs is to hire an escort. Enter Michael Phan: a stunning Vietnamese-Swedish professional with a lot of experience - just the teacher Stella needs! Through their lessons in the art of romance, Stella discovers that love isn't a science - it has its own unique logic. This heartwarming and refreshing debut novel proves that even when everything else fails, love will find its way.

Passion From the Past: Historical Romances to Escape the Boredom

Bridgerton: The Duke and I

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by Julia Quinn

The charming Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset, is in a bind. Determined to remain free from the prying eyes of marriage-minded mothers, he finds himself in the position of pretending to court the lovely Daphne Bridgerton. But as they dance through ballroom after ballroom, it becomes harder and harder for Daphne to remember that it's all an act. With his devilish smile and burning gaze, she soon realizes that perhaps a slight alteration to their clever little scheme is in order; and maybe true love was the goal all along! Will their ruse lead them down a path of happily ever after? Follow along with the Bridgerton family as they embark on this journey of romance and self-discovery!

The Duke's Secret Cinderella

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by Eva Devon

The Duke of Rockford, Rafe Dorchester, never expected to be swept into a passionate romance with the mysterious Lady Charlotte. But one fateful night, as he searches for a suitable bride to please his mother, he finds more than he bargained for.

Charlotte Browne has been living a lie, telling Rafe she is of noble blood when in fact she is just plain Charlotte with cinder-stained hands and no prospects for marriage. They share an intense kiss, but when the reality of her station sets in she disappears leaving him with nothing but a delicate blue ribbon.

Can they find their way back to each other despite their differences? With a little bit of courage and passion, anything is possible in this classic tale of love that crosses all boundaries.

The Governess Diaries

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by Chastity Bowlin

When Euphemia Darrow was a young girl, she had fallen madly in love with Nicholas Montford, the younger son of the Duke of Clarendon. But her heart was broken when he suddenly left to join the army. Now determined to provide a better life for other girls in her situation, she devoted herself to opening the Darrow School - a place for illegitimate and forgotten noble children.

Years later, fate brings them together again. Despite being heir to the dukedom and working as a master spy, Nicholas finds himself captivated by Effie once more. As their love deepens, Effie discovers evidence that Nicholas has fathered a child in secret and rejected her to the workhouse. Hurt and betrayed, Effie rejects him but will soon be forced to accept that her feelings run deeper than ever before. With deadly enemies doing anything they can to keep them apart, Nicholas must prove his love and save everyone from danger - or lose Effie forever.

Rom-Com to the Rescue: Romantic Comedy to Brighten Up Your Day

Book Lovers

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by Emily Henry

Nora is a high-powered literary agent who loves books and has no time for relationships. But when her sister convinces her to take a month's vacation in the idyllic town of Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, she unexpectedly meets Charlie. He's an editor and Nora's work nemesis, but something about him makes Nora realize that it may not be all business between them. Will a month in a picturesque town change Nora and make her realize there might be more to life than work? Will their undeniable chemistry lead to something deeper? Book Lovers by Emily Henry is an enthralling story of romance, heartbreak, and discovering what really matters.

Icebreaker

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by Hannah Grace

Anastasia Allen has worked hard to make it to the top of the ice skating world. With a drive that few can compare and another year of college at Maple Hills, she's ready to take Team USA by storm. Unfortunately, her mission is hindered by the captain of the hockey team, Nate Hawkins. When a mix-up with their facilities forces them to share the same rink, tensions rise and tempers flare. With her skating partner out due to injury, Anastasia has no choice but to rely on Nate's help in order for her dreams to come true. Despite the undeniable sparks between them, she is determined not to let anything stop her from achieving greatness--not even love. Icebreaker follows Anastasia as she navigates a tricky relationship with Nate while striving for success on and off the rink.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before

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by Jenny Han

Lara Jean Song's whole life changes when her secret letters get accidentally mailed out and all the boys she ever had a crush on find out how she feels. A sixteen-year-old with an old-fashioned romantic soul, Lara Jean has written five love letters, pouring out her heart and soul in each one. She's kept them hidden away in a hat box that her mother gave her, never planning for anyone else to read them. But when the letters are sent out, Lara Jean's life takes an unexpected turn as her love life spirals from imaginary to out of control.

Time Travel With These Romance Classics

Pride And Prejudice

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by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen's beloved work, is a classic tale of romance and misunderstanding. When two wealthy young gentlemen move to town, Mrs Bennett vows to have one of her five daughters marry into their fortunes. Jane and Elizabeth are soon intertwined in the drama that is love - discovering that first impressions can be deceiving. Jane Austen's vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, captivated readers since the novel's immediate success in 1813. Pride and Prejudice follows the whimsical dance of flirtation and intrigue between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy as they spar in a battle of wits - making it a must-read comedy of manners set amongst the Regency era of England. It's no wonder why this "darling child" has remained one of the most popular works in the English language!

Wuthering Heights

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by Emily Brontë

A sweeping story of love and revenge set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë is a classic romantic tale. Lockwood, the new tenant at Thrushcross Grange, is forced to take refuge at Wuthering Heights, home of his landlord. Here he discovers the tumultuous history that lies within its walls. We learn of Heathcliff - an orphan adopted by Mr. Earnshaw who falls deeply in love with Cathy Earnshaw. But when Cathy ultimately betrays him, Heathcliff's heart turns to bitter vengeance and wreaks havoc on those around him. Despite this, his love for Cathy never dies and it's this that drives the emotional core of Wuthering Heights. It's a classic story of star crossed lovers and a captivating exploration into how passionate emotions can shape our lives and destinies.

Rebecca

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by Daphne Du Maurier

"Rebecca", Daphne du Maurier's iconic gothic romance, tells the story of a young woman who finds herself in a mysterious mansion on the Cornish coast, her new home as the second Mrs. Maxim de Winter. Despite her husband's attempts to put the past behind him and begin anew, the ominous presence of Rebecca haunts both their marriage and every corner of Manderley.

As she settles into her new life, the second Mrs. de Winter must confront her fears and unravel the mysteries surrounding Rebecca's death - an eerie task made all the more difficult by Mrs. Danvers' sinister allegiance to Rebecca's memory. An unforgettable tale of love, loss and secrets long-buried, Rebecca invites readers to explore an ethereal world where nothing is quite as it seems.

Conclusion: Rekindle Your Passion for Romance Through These Memorable Reads

Tired of the same old books that you've read a million times? When boredom strikes, it can be hard to think of something new. Why not switch things up? Whether your preferred genre is romantic comedy, historical romance, or just a good classic love story, there are plenty of great romance novels to while away the hours.

From clever rom coms set in modern day cities to sweeping epics set in far off lands - if you're looking for an immersive and exciting journey into different worlds with alluring characters and passionate relationships to keep you entertained, then it might be time to pick up a romance novel! We've listed some of the best romance novels to transport you out of your boredom and get your heart racing!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Contemporary Romance?

It's no secret that Romance novels are wildly popular. From the glittering covers of Harlequins to the sweeping historical romanticism of Jane Austen, readers have long enjoyed these stories of love, passion, and relationships. But what about contemporary romance? What sets it apart from other types of romance tales?

Contemporary romance novels are set in modern-day settings or ones close to it. Instead of focusing on grand gestures or traditional gender roles, these books center on the real-life aspects of modern relationships - like friendship, family dynamics, career pressures, and most importantly, finding true love. Unlike a regency novel where a main character only has one potential suitors to work with over a whole series, contemporary romances are more realistic in that they include multiple potential partners who could enter (or exit) your main character's life at any moment. Plus there is often an overarching story arc that will span across the entire series which can include finding love with a best friend and even an unexpected meet-cute! Contemporary romances vary widely but they all contain themes involving personal growth as the main character finds themselves while striving towards obtaining their happily ever after.

What are Historical Romance Novels?

Are you a fan of true love and happily ever afters? Do you enjoy getting lost in intricate descriptions, connecting with characters and living out their epic story arcs? Then, the historical romance genre might be for you! Historical romance novels tell stories of true love amidst different backdrops - historical settings. From Regency England to the American Wild West, this particular literary form is unique in that it combines elements of both history and romance.

If you are new to the world of historical romance books, then now is a great time to start! There are so many fantastic options that you can choose from and finding your favourite books is half the fun. Whether it's a stand-alone romance novel or an entire series spanning multiple volumes, there is something sure to appeal to every reader's tastes. Uncovering the best historic romantic novels just waiting to be discovered is a sure way to ignite your passion and find true happiness.

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