9 Romance Books With European Settings
From sun-soaked vineyards in Italy to the windswept cliffs of Ireland, Europe provides the perfect backdrop for love stories that will sweep you off your feet. There’s something undeniably captivating about strolling through cobblestone streets, indulging in decadent pastries, and finding passion in the most enchanting settings. Whether it’s a whirlwind affair in Paris or a slow-burn romance in the Scottish Highlands, these books offer a passport to heart-stopping adventures across the continent.
1. Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
🍦 A bittersweet journey through Tuscany filled with romance and family secrets.
After the sudden death of her mother, Lina is sent to Italy to spend the summer with a man she’s never met. What starts as an awkward family reunion turns into an unforgettable adventure when she discovers her mother’s journal and a charming Italian boy named Ren.
💭 Why it delights: Tuscany comes alive with vivid descriptions of gelato shops, rolling hills, and romantic evenings under the stars. Ren’s playful charm and Lina’s emotional journey will tug at your heartstrings.
2. The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo
🗼 A love story that begins in New York but finds its heart in the streets of Paris.
Lucy and Gabe’s romance starts on a fateful day in Manhattan but spans years, continents, and heart-wrenching decisions. Their paths diverge and reconnect, with Paris serving as the setting for one of their most poignant moments.
💭 Why it stays with you: The emotional highs and lows are as sweeping as the Seine itself. It’s a story that will leave you breathless and contemplative long after you turn the last page.
3. A Week in Paris by Rachel Hore
🎻 A tale of love, loss, and the secrets hidden in the city of lights.
Fay Knox returns to Paris in search of answers about her mother’s mysterious past during World War II. As she unravels the truth, she finds herself caught in an unexpected romance.
💭 Why it captivates: The dual timelines and rich historical details transport you to wartime Paris and modern-day intrigue. The romance blooms beautifully against the backdrop of the city’s haunting elegance.
4. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
🇦🇺🇫🇷 A quirky love story with a dash of Parisian charm.
Don Tillman, a brilliant but socially awkward genetics professor, creates a scientific project to find the perfect wife. Enter Rosie, the opposite of everything on his list. Their adventures eventually lead them to the City of Love.
💭 Why it wins you over: Don’s endearing attempts at romance are as hilarious as they are heartwarming. Paris provides the perfect setting for his transformation and unexpected love story.
5. One Day by David Nicholls
🇬🇧 A love story that unfolds one day at a time over 20 years.
Emma and Dexter meet at university and spend the next two decades weaving in and out of each other’s lives. From London to Edinburgh and beyond, their connection remains undeniable despite the obstacles.
💭 Why it’s unforgettable: The emotional rollercoaster of their journey feels raw and authentic. The vivid portrayal of European cities adds depth to their story of love, loss, and hope.
6. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
🏰 A heart-wrenching romance set in a charming English village.
Louisa Clark becomes the caretaker for Will Traynor, a wealthy and cynical man whose life has changed after a tragic accident. Their unlikely connection blossoms into a love that defies the odds.
💭 Why it breaks your heart: The picturesque English countryside contrasts beautifully with the intensity of their emotional journey. It’s a love story that challenges perceptions and leaves a lasting impact.
7. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
🏴 A time-traveling romance set in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands.
Claire Randall is a World War II nurse who finds herself transported back to 18th-century Scotland, where she meets the dashing Jamie Fraser. As passion ignites, Claire must navigate a world filled with danger and political intrigue.
💭 Why it mesmerizes: The sweeping landscapes of the Highlands and Jamie’s undeniable charm create a love story that’s as fierce and unforgettable as the Scottish winds.
8. The Wedding Officer by Anthony Capella
🍷 A sumptuous love story set in post-World War II Naples.
Captain James Gould is sent to Naples to oversee British soldiers’ marriages to Italian women. But when he meets Livia Pertini, a fiery local woman with a talent for cooking, his world turns upside down.
💭 Why it seduces: The lush descriptions of Italian cuisine and the slow-burn romance will leave you craving both love and a hearty plate of pasta.
9. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
📚 A literary love story set on a floating bookstore in Paris.
Monsieur Perdu, a bookshop owner, prescribes books as medicine for his customers’ hearts. But when he discovers an unopened letter from a lost love, he embarks on a journey down the Seine to heal his own broken heart.
💭 Why it enchants: The poetic descriptions of Paris and the transformative power of literature make this a soul-stirring read. It’s a reminder that love, like a good book, can change your life forever.
Which European Romance Will You Escape Into? 💕
From the sun-drenched hills of Italy to the misty Highlands of Scotland, these stories transport you to some of the most romantic corners of Europe. Which book are you adding to your reading list? Or do you have a favorite European love story to share? Let’s keep the conversation going! 🌍📖✨
