If you’re looking for some of the best romance novels written in the past decade, you’ve come to the right place! Each of the following authors have topped the New York Times bestseller list with one or more novels, and several have had their books adapted into TV shows, movies, and even musicals. Millions of romantic literature lovers and critics alike have raved about these outstanding writers. Will you fall head over heels for them as well?
2011: Nicholas Sparks
Just a few weeks after publishing his 17th romance novel, The Best of Me, Nicholas Sparks made it onto the New York Times bestseller list in 2011. Sparks has sold over 75 million copies of his books in the US alone, and several of his stories have been adapted into blockbuster movies like The Notebook, The Last Song, and Dear John.
2012: E.L. James
E.L. James dominated the New York Times bestseller list when her steamy novel Fifty Shades of Grey hit the market in 2012. It remained on the top of the bestseller list from March 18 to September 23, and was soon adapted for the big screen. James’ next books in her trilogy were also made into wildly successful movies, grossing over $1 billion at the box office.
2013: Nora Roberts
As the author of over 200 novels, Nora Roberts is one of the most prolific romance writers of the decade. Roberts was the first author to be inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame, and her novel Whiskey Beach was listed as a New York Times best seller in 2013.
2014: Diana Gabaldon
Diana Gabaldon is the author of the Outlander series, a historical fiction saga that features elements of romance, fantasy, and plenty of adventure. Her books inspired a TV show of the same name, which premiered in August of 2014. In the same year, she also published the eighth book of the saga, Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, and made it onto the New York Times best seller list.
2015: Janet Evanovich
Author Janet Evanovich has written dozens of novels, including her bestselling series featuring a quirky, lovable character named Stephanie Plum. Tricky Twenty-Two, a contemporary mystery with plenty of romantic elements, topped the 2015 New York Times best seller list and hit #1 on the USA Today best selling books list.
2016: Sylvia Day
Sylvia Day is an internationally-recognized author who has sold tens of millions of novels featuring intense, emotional storytelling and steamy romantic twists. Her book
One with You made the New York Times best seller list in 2016
2017: Debbie Macomber
Debbie Macomber is the queen of sweet romance novels and cozy Christmas stories. Her works have been adapted into Hallmark movies and TV series, including the highly-rated Cedar Cove series. Macomber’s novel Any Dream Will Do was featured on the New York Times best seller list in 2017
2018: Sandra Brown
Sandra Brown has published over seventy novels, selling over 80 million copies worldwide. She has achieved the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award and made the New York Times bestseller list in 2018 for her novel, Tailspin. This heart-pounding romantic adventure story is truly one of a kind!
2019: Erin Hilderbrand
Inspired by the beauty of her home in Nantucket, Elin Hilderbrand has written over a dozen novels which have been described as “perfect summer beach reads.” Historical fiction and romance collide in her bestselling novel, Summer of ‘69, which topped the New York Times best seller list in 2019.
2020: Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult is the author of 25 internationally bestselling novels, most of which can be described as family sagas or women’s fiction. Her books center around the lives of troubled women, their families, and romantic interests. Picoult’s outstanding novel, The Book of Two Ways, was featured on the New York Times best seller list in 2020.
Need More Romance?
If you want to find more romance authors (or authors of any genre), simply head over to the JustKindleBooks free books page to download free book right to your device! Sort by your favorite genre or check out all the free novels that the Kindle store has to offer. Remember that the list updates every day, so check back often to make sure you never miss out on the next best read!