12 romance novels that prove love isn’t always at first sight (Image credit: Instagram)
Love It doesn’t always strike like lightning. In many of the best Romance Stories where feelings slowly grow, sometimes from friendship, other times from utter dislike. These novels capture the beauty of love that develops over time, proving that the journey to romance can be just as exciting as love at first sight. Here are 12 romance novels that highlight the slow burn of love.
1. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Sally Thorne’s ‘The Hating Game’ is a funny and passionate romance in which enemies become lovers. Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman work together and seem to despise each other. Their office battles are filled with sharp banter and heated competition. However, as they are forced to collaborate more closely, the animosity between them gives way to an undeniable attraction. Thorne’s novel is a charming exploration of how love can blossom from the most unlikely of beginnings.
2. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
In “The Rosie Project,” Don Tillman, a socially awkward genetics professor, creates a questionnaire to find the perfect wife. When he meets Rosie, who doesn’t meet all of his criteria, his world is turned upside down. What begins as a relationship of convenience slowly evolves into something deeper. Simsion’s novel is a touching and funny look at how love often finds you when you least expect it, proving that the best matches aren’t always the most obvious ones.
3. The Winnipeg Wall and Me by Mariana Zapata
Mariana Zapata’s “The Wall of Winnipeg and Me” is the epitome of a slow-burning romance. The story follows Vanessa Mazur, who works as a personal assistant to Aiden Graves, a professional football player. Aiden is aloof and focused solely on business, while Vanessa dreams of quitting her job to pursue her own goals. When Aiden unexpectedly asks her for help, they begin spending more time together and their relationship slowly transforms from professional to deeply personal.
4. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
‘Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine’ is a novel about social awkwardness and loneliness. Eleanor leads a structured life until she befriends Raymond, a kind but somewhat scruffy computer technician at her office. At first, Eleanor sees Raymond only as a friend, but as he helps her open up to new experiences and confront her past, their relationship deepens. Honeyman’s novel is a moving exploration of how love can emerge from the most unexpected places.
5. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
‘Attachments’ is a unique romance novel in which the protagonist, Lincoln O’Neill, falls in love with someone he has never met. Hired to monitor company emails, Lincoln becomes captivated by the witty exchanges between two coworkers, Beth and Jennifer. As he reads their emails, he falls in love with Beth, even though they have never met. Rowell’s novel is a charming and heartfelt story that shows how love can develop through connection and understanding, even from a distance.
6. Christina Lauren’s Non-Honeymooners
‘The Unhoneymooners’ by Christina Lauren follows the story of Olive and Ethan, who can’t stand each other. After their brothers’ wedding party ends in disaster, they end up taking the honeymoon trip together so as not to waste it. Forced to spend time together, their initial animosity gradually gives way to mutual attraction. This enemies-to-lovers story is a fun and captivating read that shows how love can emerge from the most unexpected situations.
7. Persuasion by Jane Austen
‘Persuasion’ is a classic Jane Austen novel about second chances at love. Anne Elliot and Captain Frederick Wentworth were once engaged, but Anne was persuaded to break off the engagement due to his lack of fortune. Eight years later, they meet again, and although their relationship is affected by past hurts, their love is rekindled over time. Austen beautifully portrays how love can endure and grow even after years of separation.
8. Beth O’Leary’s shared apartment
In ‘The Flatshare’, Tiffy and Leon share an apartment but have never met due to their opposing work schedules. They communicate through notes left around the apartment and slowly get to know each other’s lives and struggles. As they help each other with their respective problems, their relationship evolves from anonymous flatmates to friends and eventually to something more. O’Leary’s novel is a charming and touching story about how love can grow in the most unconventional circumstances.
9. Helen Hoang’s Kiss Quotient
Helen Hoang’s ‘The Kiss Quotient’ follows the story of Stella Lane, a successful but socially awkward economist who struggles with intimacy. She hires Michael, a professional escort, to teach her about relationships. What starts out as a business arrangement slowly develops into something much deeper as they both begin to care for each other. Hoang’s novel is a charming exploration of love, acceptance, and the importance of finding someone who understands you.
10. Blank Vision by Nora Roberts
‘Vision In White’ is the first book in the ‘Bride Quartet’ series by Nora Roberts. The story centers on Mackensie “Mac” Elliot, a wedding photographer who is cynical about love despite her career choice. Her views begin to change when she meets Carter Maguire, a kind-hearted professor. Their relationship slowly develops, as Mac learns to overcome her fears and trust in love. Roberts’ novel is a warm and captivating romance that highlights the slow blossoming of love.
11. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
Elizabeth Gaskell’s ‘North and South’ is a powerful story of social conflict and a slow-building romance between Margaret Hale and John Thornton. The novel, set against the backdrop of the Industrial Revolution in England, initially sees Margaret despise Thornton, a factory owner, for his harsh treatment of workers. Over time, as they come to understand each other’s perspectives and values, their relationship transforms from animosity to love. Gaskell’s novel is a rich exploration of love, class, and social change.
12. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
In ‘Red, White and Royal Blue,’ America’s first son Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry of Wales are forced to feign friendship in front of the media following a public altercation. As they spend more time together, their animosity gives way to understanding and eventually love. McQuiston’s novel is a delightful, witty romance that shows how love can blossom from the most unexpected of beginnings.
Love isn’t always instantaneous; sometimes it takes time, patience, and understanding to truly blossom. These novels highlight the beauty of slow-burn romance, where relationships grow gradually, often from unexpected beginnings. Whether through friendship, rivalry, or initial indifference, these stories prove that love can develop in many ways, and that the journey is often just as rewarding as the destination. If you’re looking for love stories rich in character development and emotional depth, these novels are sure to satisfy.
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