Very few authors can pride themselves on being widely acknowledged for changing a literary genre forever. And as it turns out, one of this selected club’s contemporary members is prolific author Nora Roberts.
Nora Roberts is often deemed the still-reigning Queen of Romance, her crown forged through ink and paper. It’s not a title without merit—the best Nora Roberts books set in stone some of the tropes that would later become staples in contemporary romance novels.
Although she is not without detractors, her long, prolific, and reputable career proves that her works have found a vast target audience that keeps growing. She has expanded to genres other than romance, highlighting the versatility of her style and the quality of her narratives.
However, selecting the best Nora Roberts books is no easy task. With almost 250 published novels, the options can be overwhelming, and it may be challenging to narrow it down to a simple two-digit list.
The current list is not a personal pick. Instead, it features some of the most widely-praised works Roberts has ever published, making them exceptional first stops in the journey to her literary world.
Vision in White
Published in 2009, Vision in White is the first volume of the Bride Quartet series. It represents Roberts’ return to contemporary romance after a few years of writing paranormal stories.
If you’re a fan of romance books or simply curious about the 10 best classic romance books of all time, feel free to check out the linked article.
The story revolves around four childhood friends who bonded through their love of make-believe weddings. As adults, they create Vows, a wedding planning company. Mac is the group’s photographer and likes casual flings—until she runs into sweet, shy, and romantic Carter, who had a crush on her back in high school.
Year One: Chronicles of The One
Considered one of the best fantasy books of 2018 and some of the best Nora Roberts books, Year One is a unique concoction that blends multiple genres. At its core, it is an urban fantasy series, yet it has a post-apocalyptic backdrop with some sci-fi touches. Naturally, it also features Roberts’ signature romance.
The first of a trilogy, it tells the tale of a world collapsed after a pandemic. But when technology failed, magic thrived. As the world shifts from science to mysticism, a group of survivors attempts to succeed despite the odds.
The Witness
While seeking freedom from her abusive and controlling mother, Elizabeth accidentally witnesses a crime that would cost her that same freedom she never had. Twelve years later, a mysterious and quiet woman named Abigail catches the eye of police chief Brooks Gleason, who seeks to find out the truth.
The Witness is the first stand-alone novel in the list. Well-received yet controversial, it is a romance book that flirts with the suspense, mystery, and thriller genres.
The Next Always
From growing up as the only girl in her family to eventually raising two sons, Nora Roberts has always been surrounded by men. She claims this makes her an expert at writing them, and The Next Always is proof.
As the first of the Inn BonsBoro trilogy, the book also serves as publicity for the eponymous real-life inn owned by Roberts. In the plot, the Montgomery brothers begin renovating a historic hotel. At the same time, one of them longs for his long-persisting high school crush, now returning as a widow with three sons in tow.
The Obsession
At just 11 years old, Naomi discovers her father leads a deadly double life. Growing up trying to hide herself from her father’s infamous legacy, she moves into a fixer-upper in a small town. She finds a welcoming community, including the interest of the local mechanic.
But then, a woman goes missing.
The Obsession is a romantic suspense fiction with shades of a thriller. It discusses dark and heavy themes, including sexual violence, which may make it harder to navigate for some readers.
Born in Fire
Released in 1994, Born in Fire is the first book of the Born In trilogy that follows the Irish Concannon sisters. It focuses on the eldest, Maggie Concannon—a glass artist with a fiery disposition and a closed-off heart. She meets her wit match with Rogan Sweenie, a cocky Dublin gallery owner who sees her artistic potential.
Featuring classic enemies-to-lovers dynamics and an unpredictable yet passionate romance, Born in Fire may not be up for some modern audiences, yet it remains one of the most popular and the best Nora Roberts books.
Blue Dahlia
Black Dahlia is the first volume of In the Garden, a paranormal chick-lit romance inspired by Gothic fiction, its aesthetics, and tropes.
As it always happens in Roberts’ books, the novel may be romance, but the plot revolves around women. The protagonist is Stella Rothschild, a widowed mom of two who moves back to her hometown in Memphis to start life anew. Roz Harper is a wealthy heiress who wants to forge her path and create a nursery business near her family’s ancient mansion—the one haunted by the Harper Bride.
Dance Upon the Air
Dance Upon the Air is theoretically an urban fantasy romance, but it incorporates the contemporary, thriller, and paranormal traits that have become ubiquitous in Roberts’ writing.
As the first volume of the Three Sisters Island series, it introduces the overarching concept of the saga—an island created by three witch sisters whose tragic ends may follow their descendants.
Dance Upon the Air follows Nell Channing, a woman on the run from her abusive husband who seeks refuge on the island. Unbeknown to her, she is a descendant of the witch sisters—but she has a chance to avert her tragic fate.
Bed of Roses
Bed of Roses is the second part of the Bride Quartet series, which started with Vision in White.
This time around, we follow Emmaline Grant, the florist of the wedding planning company Vows. She is a romantic at heart, and her demeanor makes her extremely popular with men. Nonetheless, she has not met her perfect match—or so she thinks.
Bed of Roses is a sweet friends-to-lovers story, with the ever-present hesitation between pursuing romance or preserving friendship.
Jewels of the Sun
Jewels of the Sun kickstarts the Gallaghers of Ardmore series, a supernatural and urban fantasy romance series focusing on Irish folklore and one family.
The story’s protagonist is Jude Murray, a woman whose life is crumbling apart. After divorcing and leaving her job, she ditches America and arrives at Faerie Hill Cottage in Ireland, seeking to find a path for herself by studying Irish folk. There, she meets Aidan Gallagher, a man with a deep knowledge of mythology—if they can even be called myths.
The Awakening: The Dragon Heart Legacy
The Awakening is another novel focusing on Ireland and Irish mythology. It has Roberts’ trademark romance angle, but this paranormal urban fantasy hits the narrative points of a young adults books while oriented for a mature audience.
Breen is a young and nervous American woman with confidence issues who discovers the long-hidden secrets of her past through a trip to Ireland. Meanwhile, Keegan is a young man who seeks to protect his people within the realm of Talamh. Their paths are intrinsically tied.
The Best Nora Roberts Books Redefining the “Chick Lit” Genre
Nora Roberts’ career spans several decades, yet her works have the uncanny ability to remain fresh for a large audience despite the passing of time.
The secret lies in her fleshed-out characters—all relatable and profound while set in wildly different plotlines and backdrops. Her well-rounded and humane characters make chick lit enjoyable to an audience far beyond its usual scope.
Don’t limit yourself to these Nora Roberts books alone. Roberts has an extensive repertoire, and by browsing BookScouter, you’ll find the perfect one for you.
