Top 10 Romance Books adapted into TV shows

Romance is in the air. No it's not Valentine's Day. But romance and romantic stories are never limited to one day, is it?

There are several romance shows on air today and most of them are based on beloved books. 

Here are the Top 10 Romance Shows based on bestselling books

1) Bridgerton 

Based on the books by Julia Quinn, this hit Netflix show is heading towards its fourth season. The books and the show is based on the Bridgerton family and follows the stories of the eight Bridgerton siblings, all with names that are in alphabetical order.

The show does take a few liberties with the book and fans do occasionally voice their displeasure with the way their favorite characters are altered, but the series still manages to amass millions in viewing hours. 

While each book in the series focuses on one sibling at a time, the show obviously connects and merges stories every season. 

This regency romance has tender love stories that are sure to make your night-in enjoyable. 

You can buy the book here

2) My Lady Jane

History gets turned around in this historical fantasy show, in more ways than one. Based on a book by Jodi Meadows, Brodi Ashton, and Cynthia Hand, the story is about Lady Jane Grey, cousin to Edward VI, who is forced to marry Lord Guildford Dudley. 

While this fact is retained in the book and the show, you will be in for a surprise when you find out Guildford’s true form. 

The story is about a world where some humans can take on an animal form and are called Ethians while ordinary humans are classified as Verity. 

Of course, the Verities want to drive the Ethians out of their society because they term them as demonic. 

It’s a fun story laced with dry humor and fantasy and the show streams on Amazon Prime. 

You can buy the book here

3) The Summer I turned Pretty

This hit book series published in 2009 was written by Jenny Han and was an instant bestseller. 

Following that, Amazon Prime gave a series order for eight episodes and after the successful run of the first season, greenlit a second season which in turn led to a renewal for a third season. 

This coming of age romance story is about a girl who spends time at a beach with her mother and brother. There she meets brothers Conrad and Jeremiah and gets caught up in a love triangle. 

The show was well-loved by fans and is considered a must-watch show for teens. 

You can buy the book here

4) Virgin River

One of Netflix’s hit shows Virgin River is based on a 22 book series written by Robyn Carr. The story is about a mid-wife called Melinda who moves to a remote town of Virgin River, hoping for a fresh start. While she thinks her life will be simple in this small town, nothing is quite as expected. 

The show has already been renewed for a sixth season that will contain 10 episodes. This award-winning show is a must watch. And as for the books, romance readers cannot get enough of the series that they find heartwarming and compelling.

You can buy the book here

5) Gossip Girl

This 13 book series, written by Cecily von Ziesgesar, were all bestsellers before they were adapted into a hit CW show that ran for six seasons. The show built the careers of several actors who worked on the show who became overnight sensations. 

Gossip Girl was then revived at HBO Max in 2021 with a different cast but failed to make the same impact as its predecessor. It was cancelled after two seasons.

The books however, are still available and still re-read by fans. 

You can buy the book here

6) Outlander

Based on the book series of the same name, the show premiered on Starz and is currently heading towards an eighth and final season. The first book in the series was published in 1991 and has sold more than 50 million copies to date. 

The story is about a 20th century nurse travelling to 18th century Scotland where she finds adventure and romance with Highlander Jamie Fraser. 

You can buy the book here

7) One Day

Based on David Nicholls novel of the same name, One Day was adapted into a movie in 2011 and then into a Netflix series in 2024. The story is about a couple, Emma and Dexter who meet on 15th July 1988. After they separate, the story focuses on their life for the next twenty years and how their lives have unfolded. It also focuses on their attraction and their relationship with each other that never fully materializes. 

The ending may be slightly sad but heartwarming. 

You can buy the book here

8) Poldark

These historical novel series written by Winston Graham was adapted for television by BBC. The show ran for five seasons and won several awards. 

The story is about a British Army veteran Ross Poldark who returns home to find his father has died and that his estate is in ruins. He later meets and falls in love with a woman he hired as a scullery maid, and manages to rebuild his fortune. 

The books are an absolute classic and considered a bestseller till today. 

You can buy the book here

9) Dash & Lily

The hilarious and feel-good romance book is the inspiration behind the Netflix show which unfortunately got cancelled after one season. 

The story is about a girl called Lily who leaves a book of dares in a bookstore, hoping the right guy would come and pick it up. 

The right guy turns out to be Dash who takes on the dares and thus begins a relationship between Dash and Lily. But what happens when they meet in real life ?

This sweet and funny story is a must-read for every reader. 

You can buy the book here

10) Sweet Magnolias

This 11 book series written by Sherryl Woods was adapted into a TV series by Netflix. The show managed to find success and renewed for a fourth season. 

The story is about three women, Maddie, Dana and Helen who are close friends and call themselves The Sweet Magnolias. They experience love and heartbreak, and help each other navigate it through it all. 

You can buy the book here

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