There’s something irresistibly charming about love stories that unfold against the backdrop of London’s iconic landmarks, bustling streets, and cozy corners. Whether it’s a chance encounter on the Tube, a secret rendezvous in Hyde Park, or a passionate kiss atop the London Eye, these novels capture the magic of the city and the whirlwind of emotions that come with falling in love. Because sometimes British romance books hit different! So, grab a cup of tea, get comfy, and join us as we explore some of the best romance books set in London. There’s a little something for every hopeless romantic out there.
We have even more book lists where you can read around the world and travel with your love stories.
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18 Best Romance books set in London
Check out the best British romance books below! We’ve included only contemporary romances in this list on purpose since 90% of the historical romance genre is set at a ballroom in London. If you want to explore more of those, you can always check out our Regency romance book recommendations. Ready for all the mood for witty banter, heartfelt connections, or a bit of drama? Discover your next must-read romance.
Act Like It by Lucy Parker
Act Like It by Lucy Parker is a delightful romantic comedy set in the dazzling world of West End theatre. Richard Troy, once London’s hottest actor, is now more famous for his fiery temper than his roles. Enter Lainie Graham, the charming and talented English rose who might just be the key to taming him. Forced into a fake relationship for the sake of publicity, their staged romance starts to feel a bit too real. The chemistry between Richard and Lainie is undeniable, sparks fly and hearts are on the line. Can these two opposites turn their act into a lasting love?
Love at First Knight by Megan Clawson
Love at First Knight by Megan Clawson mixes a fun workplace rivalry with a historic twist. Daisy Hastings snags a summer job at the Tower of London’s Knight school, living out her medieval dreams. Enter Theodore “Teddy” Fairfax, a disgraced royal who’s more trouble than he’s worth. His antics almost get Daisy fired, kicking off a heated feud. But as their battles intensify, so does their chemistry. Featuring enemies-to-lovers and a grumpy-sunshine pairing.
On the lookout for more royalty? Check out our British royal romance book recommendations.
Girl Abroad by Elle Kennedy
Girl Abroad by Elle Kennedy is a hilarious and drama-filled romp that takes you through the ups and downs of studying abroad in London. Nineteen-year-old Abbey Bly is ready to escape her overbearing rock star dad and discover herself. She lands in a gorgeous flat expecting girl roommates but finds herself surrounded by charming, insufferably attractive boys instead. There’s just one catch—no dating among housemates. But Abbey’s never been much of a rule-breaker… until now. Between lying to her dad, crushing on her rugby-playing roommate, and falling for a broody musician with a girlfriend, Abbey’s got her hands full. Throw in a scandal involving a high nobility family and you’ve got a recipe for chaos. Can Abbey juggle love, secrets, and school without everything falling apart?
Harris Brothers by Amy Daws
The Harris Brothers series by Amy Daws is a must-read for fans of sports romance and family sagas. This series dives into the lives of the charismatic Harris brothers, each navigating the ups and downs of professional soccer and complicated love lives. With witty dialogue, steamy romance, and heartwarming moments, Daws crafts each brother’s story uniquely while maintaining the tight-knit family dynamic that makes the series so engaging. It will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Challenge by Amy Daws book review
We have even more soccer romance book recommendations here.
Run to You by Charlotte Stein
Run to You by Charlotte Stein is a steamy and provocative romance that shakes up an ordinary life. Alissa Layton, stuck in her safe routines, has her world turned upside down when she meets Janos Kovacs, a businessman with a kinky lifestyle. Alissa is introduced to a hidden world of secret encounters at an exclusive hotel. Despite feeling that Janos is out of her league, she’s drawn to his allure and the daring experiences he offers. Janos, used to emotionless affairs, finds himself losing control around Alissa. As he teaches her about his world, he discovers what true passion feels like.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Run to You by Charlotte Stein book review
Want to start reading her books? Check out our Charlotte Stein author guide.
The Secret Bridesmaid by Kathy Birchall
The Secret Bridesmaid by Katy Birchall is a delightful romcom where weddings meet chaos. Sophie Breeze is so good at being a bridesmaid that she’s turned it into a full-time job. Hired by Lady Victoria Swann as a professional bridesmaid for her daughter Cordelia’s high-profile wedding, Sophie’s skills are put to the test. Cordelia, a total diva, is determined to make Sophie’s life miserable. To complicate matters, Sophie finds herself drawn to Cordelia’s charming but off-limits older brother. When a rival wedding is scheduled for the same day, Sophie must navigate the mayhem, pull off the event, and keep her true identity hidden.
Ready for wedding season? Don’t miss our favorite wedding themed romance books.
About Last Night by Ruthie Knox
About Last Night by Ruthie Knox is a sizzling opposites-attract romance that sparks all kinds of chemistry. Cath Talarico, a Chicago girl with a history of mistakes, is trying to start fresh in London. Despite her best efforts, she finds herself in bed with Nev Chamberlain, a man who seems completely wrong for her—too rich, too classy, too uptight. Nev, stuck in his family’s banking empire, longs to unleash his inner artist and bohemian spirit. Cath, with her tattoos and secrets, brings out a side of him he’s desperate to explore. As their unlikely relationship unfolds, they must figure out if a night of passion can turn into a lifetime of love. This story is filled with humor, heat, and the thrill of finding love where you least expect it.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our About Last Night by Ruthie Knox book review
Mad About You by Mhairi McFarlane
Mad About You by Mhairi McFarlane is a sharp and emotional tale about finding love and facing the past. Harriet Hatley, a sought-after wedding photographer who despises romance, panics when her long-time partner proposes. Suddenly single and needing a new place fast, she moves in with Cal Clarke, a hopeless romantic recovering from his own wedding fiasco. Despite their differences, Harriet and Cal form an unlikely friendship as roommates. As Harriet’s guarded secret comes to light, her life is turned upside down. With Cal’s humor and support, Harriet must confront her past and decide if she’s ready to risk everything for a chance at true happiness.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Mhairi McFarlane book reviews
Rule Breaker by Lily Morton
Rule Breaker by Lily Morton is a hilarious and steamy romantic comedy about hating your boss and maybe falling in love with him. Dylan has spent two long years working for Gabe, enduring sarcastic comments and impossible standards. He’s fantasized about murdering Gabe with a cake fork or his expensive tie. But a chance encounter reveals a hidden attraction beneath their mutual animosity. Dylan begins to see glimpses of a warm, albeit wary, man beneath Gabe’s tough exterior. As Dylan falls for this unexpected side of Gabe, he wonders if Gabe’s commitment issues can be overcome.
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary is a charming romantic comedy about finding love in unexpected ways. After a rough breakup, Tiffy Moore needs an affordable place to live fast. She ends up sharing a flat with Leon, a night shift worker, which means they never meet. They communicate through notes about everyday things like garbage day and leftover food. Despite their differences, a friendship blossoms through their written exchanges, and soon, sparks start to fly. Falling for your roommate seems complicated enough, but it’s even trickier when you’ve never actually met.
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert is a witty and heartwarming romantic comedy. Chloe Brown, a chronically ill computer geek, is tired of being “boring.” After a near-death experience, she creates a list to help her “Get a Life.” She’s already moved out of her family’s mansion, but next up are tasks like riding a motorcycle, going camping, and having meaningless sex. To tackle these, she enlists her sexy, mysterious neighbor, Redford ‘Red’ Morgan. Red is a tattooed handyman with a hidden artistic side and a lot of sex appeal. As Chloe and Red work through her list, they uncover deeper layers about each other, sparking a romance that’s as fulfilling as it is fun.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert book review
This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas
This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas introduces us to Ava O’Shea, a young interior designer expecting a routine consultation at the Manor. Instead, she meets Jesse Ward, a devastatingly handsome and confident playboy. Despite her instincts telling her to run, Ava can’t resist the intense attraction she feels for Jesse. He’s determined to have her, and what follows is a tumultuous and passionate romance that Ava knows her heart might not survive.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas book review
Watch our interview with feature with Jodi Ellen Malpas about this series!
Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings
Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings dives into the chaotic love life of a glamorous London socialite and Britain’s most photographed bad boy. Magnolia Parks and BJ Ballentine are the ultimate on-again, off-again couple, each dating others to push the other away, yet always finding their way back to each other. Their toxic dynamic is catching up with them, revealing cracks and secrets that threaten their world. As they face their dysfunctional relationship, they must confront the question: How many true loves do you get in a lifetime? This story is a gripping blend of angst, heartbreak, and romance.
Need more books like this? Check out What to Read Next’s list of books like Magnolia Parks.
Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall is a hilarious and heartwarming fake-dating British rom-com. Luc O’Donnell, who’s reluctantly famous due to his rock star parents, needs to clean up his image fast. Enter Oliver Blackwood, the perfect candidate for a fake boyfriend—he’s a barrister, scandal-free, and everything Luc isn’t. They strike a deal to pretend to date until Luc’s reputation is saved. But as they spend more time together, the lines between fake and real blur, and they start falling for each other. Filled with humor, charm, and genuine emotion.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall book review
My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan
My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan follows American Ella Durran, who finally gets to study at Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship. Her plans take an unexpected turn when she meets Jamie Davenport, a quick-witted local who ruins her shirt on her first day. To her surprise, Jamie is also her English literature professor. Despite their rocky start, they connect over a late-night drink, and their fling turns serious when Jamie’s life-changing secret is revealed. As Ella’s year at Oxford ends, she must decide between her political dreams and staying with Jamie.
Her Best Worth Mistake by Sarah Mayberry
Her Best Worst Mistake by Sarah Mayberry dives into the unexpected romance between two people who’ve always clashed. Violet Sutcliffe has always thought Martin St Clair was too stuffy and conservative for her best friend. Martin, on the other hand, sees Violet as spoiled and irritating. When Violet’s best friend abruptly leaves Martin just weeks before their wedding, Violet starts feeling sorry for him—or so she tells herself. One stormy night, Martin shows up at her door, and their mutual dislike transforms into intense chemistry. Their fiery romance feels wrong, especially since Martin was once engaged to her best friend. With so many strikes against them, Violet and Martin must navigate their complex emotions and their evolving relationship. This enemies-to-lovers story is filled with tension, passion, and the challenges of forbidden love.
The Certainty of Chance by Jacquelyn Middleton
The Certainty of Chance by Jacquelyn Middleton captures the magic of a London holiday with a heartwarming romance. Madeleine Joy isn’t feeling the festive spirit, especially after an Icelandic volcano grounds her flight to Paris just before Christmas. Stranded and dealing with the anniversary of her best friend’s death, Madeleine is far from merry. Enter Julian Halliwell, a former music journalist turned optimistic cab driver. Despite their differences, fate keeps pushing them together. Julian, with his love of music, his corgi Winnie, and Christmas, might be just what Madeleine needs to find joy again. This is a charming blend of forced proximity, holiday romance, and the healing power of love.
One Day in December by Josie Silver
One Day in December by Josie Silver is a heartwarming tale of love and fate. Laurie doesn’t believe in love at first sight until she locks eyes with a stranger through a foggy bus window one snowy December day. Convinced he’s the one, she spends a year searching for him across London. When they finally meet again, it’s at a Christmas party—and he’s dating her best friend, Sarah. What follows is ten years of missed opportunities, heartbreak, and evolving friendships. This slow-burn romance is perfect for fans of love triangles, missed connections, and stories where fate plays the lead role.
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I enjoyed the Alexis Hall and Lucy Parkers. I spy a few more that look great. Thanks!
Those are so fun!