40 Best Books To Read On Honeymoon!
Looking for the perfect honeymoon read? We’ve got the best books to read on honeymoon!
Your honeymoon is finally here — a chance to relax, unwind, and enjoy some uninterrupted time together!
It’s also the perfect opportunity to escape into a great book during those quieter moments.
Whether you’re lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun on the beach, or cozying up in a mountain cabin, where you want to load up the Kindle or just want to pick one perfect read, we’ve got the best books to read on honeymoon!
From timeless classics to modern love stories, immersive cultural adventures, and page-turning dramas, there’s at least one good book for you here!
So, get ready to pack some must-read books in your suitcase (or download to your e-reader!) – let’s dive into our curated list of the best books to read on honeymoon!
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Timeless Classics To Read On Honeymoon
For lovers of enduring, romantic, and literary masterpieces!
1 . Persuasion – Jane Austen
Austen’s final completed novel is a beautifully mature story about love and second chances.
Anne Elliot, who once broke off an engagement due to societal pressure, finds herself reunited with Captain Wentworth eight years later.
Full of quiet longing and social observation, Persuasion by Jane Austen is a romantic and thoughtful exploration of enduring love.
It’s less lighthearted than some of Austen’s other works but offers a deeply satisfying read for anyone who enjoys subtle, emotional storytelling.
2. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
This beloved classic is more than just a love story—it’s a witty, sharp commentary on class, family, and first impressions.
The dynamic between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is iconic for a reason: their slow-burn romance is packed with misunderstandings, tension, and undeniable chemistry.
If you haven’t read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen yet, a honeymoon is the perfect time to dive into this timeless gem!
3. Emma – Jane Austen
Charming, clever, and occasionally misguided, Emma Woodhouse is one of Austen’s most memorable heroines.
As she plays matchmaker for her friends, Emma unintentionally meddles in her own romantic life.
This novel is lighthearted, full of humor, and brimming with characters who feel completely real. Emma by Jane Austen is perfect if you’re in the mood for a witty and uplifting read.
4. Rebecca – Daphne du Maurier
This gothic masterpiece is atmospheric, suspenseful, and dripping with intrigue.
A young, unnamed narrator marries the enigmatic Maxim de Winter and moves to his sprawling estate, Manderley, only to find herself haunted by the presence of his first wife, Rebecca.
With its blend of romance and mystery, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is captivating from start to finish.
5. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
A tragic tale of love, wealth, and ambition, that probably needs know introduction, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald captures the glamour and emptiness of the Jazz Age.
Jay Gatsby’s obsessive love for Daisy Buchanan drives the story, but it’s the vivid setting and Fitzgerald’s lyrical prose that make this a masterpiece.
It’s a quick read, but the emotional impact lingers long after the final page!
6. A Room with a View – E. M. Forster
This novel follows Lucy Honeychurch, a young woman torn between societal expectations and her desire for independence. Set in Italy and England, it’s a romantic exploration of self-discovery and love.
Forster’s humor and vivid descriptions of Florence will transport you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany, making a A Room with a View by E. M. Forster a delightful choice for your honeymoon reading.
7. Wuthering Heights – Emily Brontë
This is no typical love story — Wuthering Heights by Emile Brontë is a tale of passion, revenge, and obsession and it’s one of our top picks for books to read on honeymoon if you’re seeking a classic!
The tumultuous relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff plays out against the wild, windswept moors of Yorkshire.
Dark, intense, and unforgettable, it’s a gripping read with emotional drama in a gothic setting.
8. Possession – A. S. Byatt
A Man Booker Prize-winning novel, Possession by A. S. Byatt, is both a modern literary mystery and a historical romance.
It follows two contemporary scholars as they uncover the secret love affair of two Victorian poets.
Packed with poetry, letters, and an intricate dual narrative, this book is a love letter to literature itself. It’s ideal if you enjoy layered, beautifully written stories.
This is one of our top picks for classic books to read on honeymoon.
Modern Love Stories To Read On Honeymoon
Contemporary romances that tug at the heartstrings.
9. If Beale Street Could Talk – James Baldwin
If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin is a powerful and deeply moving novel that tells the story of Tish and Fonny, a young Black couple in 1970s Harlem whose lives are torn apart when Fonny is falsely accused of a crime.
Baldwin’s portrayal of their love, resilience, and the injustices of systemic racism is both tender and devastating.
With lyrical prose and unforgettable characters, this is a love story with weight and purpose, offering a deeply human perspective on hope and perseverance.
This is one of our top picks for books to read on honeymoon.
10. Beach Read – Emily Henry
Beach Read by Emily Henry is a delightful read, telling the story of January, a romance writer, and Gus, a literary fiction author, who are stuck in writer’s block and end up swapping genres.
As they challenge each other to write outside their comfort zones, their relationship takes unexpected turns.
This is a clever, feel-good story about love, personal growth, and second chances.
11. The Light We Lost – Jill Santopolo
A modern love story that’s equal parts romantic and heartbreaking, The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo follows Lucy and Gabe over thirteen years as their lives take them in different directions.
This is a story about love, ambition, and the choices that shape our lives. This is the perfect book to read on honeymoon, it’s emotional and thought-provoking about the what-ifs and complexities of love.
The follow up “The Love We Found” is due for release in 2025!
12. People We Meet on Vacation – Emily Henry
This charming and witty rom-com follows Alex and Poppy, two best friends who have been taking annual vacations together for years.
After a falling out, they reunite for one last trip to see if they can mend their friendship—and maybe find something more.
Humour and relatable characters make People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry a fun, lighthearted read with just the right amount of emotional depth.
13. Open Water – Caleb Azumah Nelson
This lyrical and introspective novel follows two young Black artists in London — a photographer and a dancer — as they navigate their budding relationship and the challenges of love, identity, and vulnerability.
Written in poetic prose, Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson is as much about connection and intimacy as it is about the societal pressures and emotional barriers they face.
A deeply emotional and beautifully written story, it’s a striking exploration of love and self-expression.
14. Normal People – Sally Rooney
This contemporary novel explores the complicated, intimate relationship between Marianne and Connell, two young people from a small Irish town.
The sparse, honest writing captures the vulnerability, misunderstandings, and emotional depths of love and friendship.
Normal People by Sally Rooney is a raw, deeply affecting read that resonates with anyone who has experienced the messy, imperfect side of relationships.
15. Seven Days in June – Tia Williams
Eva and Shane, two successful authors with a tangled past, reconnect over seven intense days in New York City.
As they navigate their shared history, unresolved feelings, and current lives, Seven Days in June by Tia Williams delves into themes of love, trauma, and healing.
It’s equal parts romantic and thought-provoking, with humour and sharp, relatable writing that keeps you hooked.
16. An American Marriage – Tayari Jones
This deeply emotional novel follows Celestial and Roy, a young Black couple whose marriage is upended when Roy is wrongfully convicted of a crime.
Through alternating perspectives, An American Marriage by Tayari Jones explores love, loyalty, and the complexities of marriage under extraordinary circumstances.
A stunningly written and thought-provoking read, it’s perfect for those who enjoy stories that challenge and move them.
17. The Kiss Quotient – Helen Hoang
Stella, a successful econometrician with Asperger’s, hires Michael, a charming escort, to teach her how to navigate intimacy and relationships.
What starts as a business arrangement quickly becomes much more. This lighthearted and steamy romance is full of heart and humor while offering a refreshing perspective on neurodiversity in relationships.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang is a feel-good read that’s both fun and meaningful.
18. Good Material – Dolly Alderton
Joel, a stand-up comedian, is reeling from a recent breakup with his girlfriend, Paige.
As he navigates the comedy scene and his personal life, Joel confronts his vulnerabilities and the realities of modern relationships.
Good Material by Dolly Alderton brings the author’s sharp wit and keen observations for a humorous yet poignant exploration of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
19. One Day in December – Josie Silver
This feel-good romance begins when Laurie locks eyes with a stranger on a London bus, sparking an instant connection.
She spends the next year searching for him, only to discover he’s dating her best friend. Spanning a decade, One Day in December by Josie Silver is a story of friendship, heartbreak, and missed chances.
It’s perfect for readers who love emotional, slow-burn romances with a holiday vibe.
20. Wellness – Nathan Hill
This thought-provoking novel spans decades in the lives of Jack and Elizabeth, a married couple who met in their youth as artists and idealists.
Now middle-aged, they grapple with the realities of marriage, parenthood, and their evolving dreams.
Blending humor, social commentary, and emotional depth, Wellness by Nathan Hill, explores the tension between personal fulfillment and societal expectations. Hill’s sharp writing offers an insightful look into modern relationships and the pursuit of happiness.
Cultural Escapes To Read On Honeymoon
Travel through time and cultures with these immersive tales.
21. Pachinko – Min Jin Lee
This sweeping family saga spans four generations of a Korean family living in Japan, starting in the early 1900s.
At its heart is Sunja, a young woman whose unplanned pregnancy leads her into a marriage of convenience and a life of struggle and resilience.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and survival against a backdrop of historical and cultural tensions.
Beautifully written and profoundly moving, it’s an epic tale that immerses you completely. It’s one of our top picks for books to read on honeymoon!
22. Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden
Set in Kyoto during the early 20th century, this novel follows Sayuri, a young girl sold into a geisha house, as she rises to become one of the most celebrated geishas in Japan.
Told with vivid detail and emotional depth, Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of geishas while weaving a poignant story of love, ambition, and perseverance.
Although fictional, the book is richly researched, making it both captivating and enlightening.
23. Ross Poldark – Winston Graham
The first in The Poldark Saga, this book introduces Ross Poldark, a soldier returning home to Cornwall after the American War of Independence.
He finds his estate in ruins, his love engaged to another, and his future uncertain. Rich in drama, romance, and stunning descriptions of Cornwall, Ross Poldark by Winston Graham, is an addictive start to a sweeping historical series.
If you’re bringing more than one book, then grab the second book in the series, Demelza, too!
24. Outlander – Diana Gabaldon
This time-traveling epic blends history, romance, and adventure as Claire, a nurse in 1945, is mysteriously transported to 18th-century Scotland.
There, she becomes entangled in a passionate romance with Jamie Fraser, a dashing Highland warrior.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is filled with action, intrigue, and unforgettable characters, making it perfect for fans of sweeping love stories with a touch of fantasy.
It’s the first book in a wildly popular series, so you’ll have plenty to enjoy if you get hooked!
25. The Marriage Portrait – Maggie O’Farrell
Set in Renaissance Italy, this novel reimagines the life of Lucrezia de’ Medici, who becomes the teenage bride of an ambitious duke.
As she navigates court politics and her husband’s growing menace, Lucrezia’s inner strength and creativity come to life.
The lush prose and meticulous historical detail make The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell both a gripping and atmospheric read.
It’s a fascinating glimpse into a world of power, art, and survival.
26. Brooklyn – Colm Tóibín
This quietly powerful novel follows Eilis Lacey, a young woman who emigrates from 1950s Ireland to Brooklyn, New York, in search of opportunity.
As she builds a new life and falls in love with Tony, a kind Italian-American, a family tragedy pulls her back to Ireland, forcing her to choose between two worlds.
Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín is a beautifully written story of identity, love, and self-discovery, with vivid period detail and emotional depth.
Pick up the sequel ‘Long Island’ to read immediately after!
27. The Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller
A fresh and heartfelt retelling of the Iliad, The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller centers on the relationship between the Greek hero Achilles and his companion Patroclus.
Told from Patroclus’ perspective, the debut novel explores themes of love, fate, and sacrifice with lyrical prose and emotional depth.
Miller brings Greek mythology to life in a way that feels both timeless and intimate, and this is one of our top picks for books to read on honeymoon if you love epic love stories with tragic beauty.
28. The Heart in Winter – Kevin Barry
Set in 1890s Butte, Montana, this novel follows Tom Rourke, a young poet and degenerate, and Polly Gillespie, a new bride in town.
The two embark on a passionate affair, fleeing westward on a stolen horse, pursued by a posse.
The unique lyrical prose and vivid depiction of the harsh winter landscape in The Heart in Winter by Kevin Barry create a captivating tale of lovers on the run.
This is one of the best book releases of the last few years and is a unique page turner!
29. The God of Small Things – Arundhati Roy
Set in Kerala, India, this Booker Prize-winning novel tells the story of fraternal twins Rahel and Estha, whose lives are irrevocably changed by a tragic series of events in their childhood.
With its nonlinear structure, lush prose, and exploration of themes like caste, love, and forbidden relationships, The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy is an unforgettable tale of family, loss, and resilience.
It’s a masterclass in storytelling that leaves a lasting impact.
30. Love in Color – Bolu Babalola
This collection of short stories reimagines love stories and folklore from around the world, including Greek myths, African legends, and Middle Eastern tales, through a modern and empowering lens.
Each tale celebrates love in its many forms, highlighting the strength and agency of its heroines.
Love in Color by Bolu Babalola is vibrant, refreshing, and filled with beautifully crafted characters.
It’s perfect for readers who enjoy romance with a touch of magic and cultural depth.
Fantasy & Dramas To Read On Honeymoon
Dramatic, whimsical, and escapist reads for a page-turning honeymoon.
31. A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J. Maas
This fantasy romance is a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a dark, seductive twist.
Feyre, a young huntress, is taken to a magical fae court after killing a wolf that turns out to be a fae.
As she navigates the dangerous politics and intrigue of the fae world, her feelings for Tamlin, a powerful fae lord, grow.
With its gripping plot, steamy romance, and lush world-building, A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas is perfect for fans of fantasy with a romantic edge.
If you’ll have time, pick up the second book, too – A Court of Mist and Fury.
32. Twilight – Stephenie Meyer
This bestselling paranormal romance follows Bella Swan, a teenager who moves to a small town in Washington and falls for Edward Cullen, a mysterious and brooding vampire.
Their intense, forbidden love forms the heart of the story, but the book also introduces a world of supernatural drama and danger.
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer became a cultural phenomenon, and its moody, romantic vibe makes it a perfect book to read on honeymoon for fans of fantasy and drama.
33. The Time Traveler’s Wife – Audrey Niffenegger
This unconventional love story follows Henry, a man with a genetic disorder that causes him to involuntarily time travel, and Clare, the woman who loves him.
Their relationship unfolds in a nonlinear way, full of bittersweet moments and profound questions about love and fate.
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger an emotional read that’s equal parts romantic and heart-wrenching, perfect for anyone who loves unique storytelling.
34. Tell Me Everything – Elizabeth Strout
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout follows Bob Burgess, a semi-retired lawyer, as he defends a man accused of murdering his mother while grappling with his own past trauma.
Set in Crosby, Maine, it intricately weaves themes of loneliness, love, and connection, featuring characters from Strout’s previous works like Lucy Barton.
Perfect for readers who appreciate character-driven narratives with emotional depth.
35. The Love of My Afterlife – Kirsty Greenwood
Delphie, after an untimely death, finds herself in the afterlife’s waiting room, where she meets the perfect man.
Due to a mix-up, he is sent back to Earth, and Delphie is given ten days to return and find him.
This romantic comedy explores themes of second chances, community, and self-discovery.
The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood is a heartwarming and humorous take on life and love beyond death.
36. It Ends with Us – Colleen Hoover
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover is a deeply emotional contemporary romance exploring Lily’s relationship with Ryle, a brilliant but troubled man, and her reconnection with her first love, Atlas.
Colleen Hoover’s raw, relatable writing tackles themes of love, resilience, and forgiveness, making this book both gripping and thought-provoking.
37. A Walk to Remember – Nicholas Sparks
This bittersweet romance tells the story of Landon Carter, a rebellious teenager, and Jamie Sullivan, the quiet, devout daughter of the local minister.
Set in a small Southern town, their unlikely relationship changes Landon in profound ways as he learns about love, compassion, and loss.
A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks is one of the author’s most beloved novels, offering a heartwarming yet emotional story of first love and personal growth.
38. Hello Beautiful – Ann Napolitano
In this heartfelt family drama, William Waters, a reserved college basketball player, is drawn into the vibrant, close-knit Padavano family when he begins dating Julia, the eldest sister.
The novel spans decades, exploring themes of love, family loyalty, and forgiveness as William’s presence shifts the family dynamics in unexpected ways.
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano is both tender and thought-provoking, drawing comparisons to Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women for its focus on sisterhood and relationships.
39. Call Me by Your Name – André Aciman
Set in the Italian Riviera, this novel chronicles the romantic relationship between Elio, a 17-year-old living with his family, and Oliver, a 24-year-old graduate student staying with them for the summer.
Their intense connection explores themes of desire, intimacy, and the fleeting nature of first love.
The evocative prose of Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman captures the longing and passion of a transformative summer romance.
40. Delta of Venus – Anaïs Nin
This collection of erotic short stories is bold, sensual, and deeply evocative. Written in the 1940s, Nin’s tales explore desire and passion in an uninhibited, poetic style.
Perfect for couples looking for something provocative, Delta of Venus by Anaïs Nin isn’t just about romance—it’s literary excellence and an exploration of the human condition through the lens of connection.
Whether your plans involve heading off on a beach honeymoon and have a lot of time to relax and devour an entire book in one sitting or you can steal some moments away on an adventure honeymoon – we hope you’ve found the perfect book in our curated list!
From gripping page-turners with unexpected plot twists to heartfelt debut novels.
The best books from last year, whether you’re a physical books or a Kindle Unlimited kinda person – don’t miss out on packing some perfect books that will keep you hooked right up to the last page!
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Happy Planning x
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