There’s no shortage of love stories out there, but this time we wanted to sink our teeth into something we can really relate to. So we rounded up six tales of romance with all the universal feels and the experiences that remind us of some of our own.  

The Course of Love by Alain de Botton

This story of one couple’s long-term relationship is realistic and all-consuming – exploring the expectations, fears, insecurities and desires we all experience. The author peels away the layers of this relationship in a way that is candid and revealing while honoring the intimacy between the couple.

The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory

Nikole Paterson was horrified when her boyfriend of five months proposed on-camera during a baseball game. Luckily Carlos Ibarra was nearby to rescue her – an encounter that quickly led to a sexy rebound. Readers will love the witty dialogue and Nikole’s raw vulnerability.

Heartburn by Nora Ephron

Based on real events from beloved author Nora Ephron’s life, this is the story of the destruction of a marriage – told in a way that is relatable, funny and so entertaining. When cookbook writer Rachel discovers that her husband is in love with someone else, she takes to writing and food to cope… and it’s the perfect recipe for disaster.  

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

This New York Times bestseller may be a young adult novel, but readers of all ages will relate to their experience of first love. Eleanor is new to town and couldn’t stand out more if she tried. Park prefers to fly under the radar. As the two come together through late-night conversations and mixed tapes, readers will find themselves rooting for this first love to last.  

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Stella Lane has been in a long-term relationship with math because numbers make sense. She also has Aspergers, making relationships – human relationships – a challenge. So, when she hires Michael Phan to provide a little education in that arena, she comes to realize that dating might just add up after all.

The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo

In this love story for a new generation, Santopolo brings Lucy and Gabe together on one fated day, sealing two souls in a way that only results from tragedy. What follows is the infatuation, dreams, plans, jealousies and fears of love combined with geographical separation and the realities of always wondering ‘what if?’.

(Featured image courtesy of @gigareads)

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