13 Romantic TV Dramas Based on Beloved Novels
If you love to get lost in a romantic period drama, caught up in a fictional love triangle, or adore a steamy coming-of-age story, there are some books (and TV shows) that should be at the top of your list.
If you’re ready to immerse yourself in a unique love story and all its unforgettable drama, you must read the following books that inspired some of the biggest romantic drama series on TV.
Continue reading to learn about the 13 romantic TV dramas based on novels you must read this year.
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1. Normal People
Where to Watch: Netflix and BBC iPlayer (UK) and Hulu (US)
If a complicated, electric love story is what you’re looking for, pick up a copy of Normal People or watch the book adaptation on BBC iPlayer or Netflix.
It follows the daring Marianne and the smart yet reserved Connell’s complex love story from high school, through college, and beyond.
Offer plenty of heartbreaking and tender moments; the characters and their love story will remain with you long after the book (or series) is over.
Many critics and fans praised Normal People for its exceptional portrayal of mental health, intimacy, and social classes, which often takes a toll on Marianne and Connell’s deep connection.
If you can handle a lack of quotation marks for dialogue when reading, Normal People should be at the top of your to-read list. It is arguably one of the best page-to-screen love stories.
View the Book on Amazon: Normal People by Sally Rooney
2. One Day
Where to Watch: Netflix
Few romantic dramas are more powerful than One Day by David Nicholls. It is one of the most heart-wrenching book-to-TV dramas, so be ready to shed a tear or two.
Published in 2009, the novel visits Emma and Dexter on the same date each year: July 15th, starting from 1988.
Over the course of 20 years, the book follows Emma and Dexter as their relationship evolves, their lives develop, they drift apart, and somehow find a way back to each other.
While the film adaptation was widely criticised, the Netflix series delves deeper into the novel and lives up to its extensive acclaim.
Be sure to have a box of tissues at the ready when reading this multi-million copy bestseller or watching the Netflix original series!
View the Book on Amazon: One Day by David Nicholls
3. Bridgerton
Where to Watch: Netflix
If your idea of heaven is immersing yourself in a good period drama, Bridgerton is a must-watch and read.
Set in London’s Regency era, the much-loved series follows the powerful love stories from within the prestigious Bridgerton family.
Every book (or season) follows one of eight siblings as they attempt to find love in London’s high society. Full of romance, drama, and gripping sexual tension, you can trust that the novels are hard to put down.
The Bridgerton Series features eight books that follow one sibling, starting with Daphne.
Also, Julia Quinn has expanded the universe with additional prequels and spin-offs, including The Rokesby Series, The Smyth-Smith Quartet, The Second Epilogues, and Queen Charlotte.
If, however, you prefer to watch the Netflix series, you can expect the same gripping plotlines elevated with elaborate costumes and sets, classical twists on modern songs, and steamy romance.
View the Book on Amazon: The Complete Bridgerton Collection (Books 1-9) by Julia Quinn
4. Conversations with Friends
Where to Watch: BBC iPlayer (UK) and Hulu (US)
Fans of Normal People will want to read Conversations with Friends by the brilliant Sally Rooney.
Published in 2017, the romantic drama follows college students Frances and Bobbi, who are best friends and former lovers who often perform spoken-word poetry.
Yet their lives change when they meet an older yet sophisticated married couple, Nick and Melissa.
Frances soon embarks on an affair with Nick while Bobbi becomes besotted with Melissa’s sophisticated lifestyle, causing tension between the two women.
It’s a smart, indie alternative to Normal People, exploring power dynamics, the importance of communication versus silence, class dynamics, and the blurred lines that can exist in friendships and love.
View the Book on Amazon: Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
5. Outlander
Where to Watch: Starz
Unless you live under a rock, you’ve likely heard of Outlander. As of 2026, nine out of a predicted ten novels from The Outlander Series have been published, which started with the 1991 novel Outlander.
If you haven’t read it or watched the hit show, the story is set at the end of World War II in 1945.
It begins with British combat nurse Claire Randal enjoying a second honeymoon in Scotland with her husband, Frank, as the pair attempt to rekindle their love following many years of separation.
However, when Claire touches a stone, she suddenly travels back in time to 1743 and becomes immersed in the Highland Clans before the Jacobite Risings.
To ensure her survival, Claire has no choice but to marry Jamie Fraser, a handsome Scottish warrior. However, the union quickly evolves into a passionate love story you will not regret reading.
View the Book on Amazon: The Outlander Series (8 Books Collection Set) by Diana Gabaldon
6. The Summer I Turned Pretty
Where to Watch: Prime Video
To immerse yourself in a complex love triangle, pick up The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy by Jenny Han.
The gripping coming-of-age story focuses on Isabel “Belly” Conklin, a young girl who captures the hearts of two brothers during their annual summer at an idyllic beach house.
While she was once their “tag-along little sister,” she physically transforms after turning 16 years old, causing her crush Conrad and his laid-back brother, Jeremiah, to notice her. The big question is: which Fisher brother will she choose?
Due to its international popularity, The Summer I Turned Pretty was adapted into a TV series on Prime Video, but it features many key differences to modernise the characters.
View the Book on Amazon: The Summer I Turned Pretty (Deluxe Collection) by Jenny Han
7. Virgin River
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Virgin River Series by Robyn Carr is a must-read on a relaxed, rainy day. If you have watched the Netflix original series, you’ll know it follows Mel Monroe, a nurse practitioner, who moves to a charming remote town of Virgin River for a fresh start after the death of her husband.
Mel quickly immerses herself in town life and, while navigating heartbreak, she slowly develops an unexpected, slow-burning romance with Jack Sheridan, a local bar owner with a heart of gold.
The book series should be at the top of your reading list if you want to read a feel-good romantic story full of drama, romance, conflict, and endless community spirit.
View the Book on Amazon: Virgin River (Book 1) by Robyn Carr
8. Heartstopper
Where to Watch: Netflix
Did you know the Netflix series Heartstopper is based on a series of graphic novels by Alice Oseman?
It is essential reading if you’re looking for an optimistic portrayal of LGBTQ+ love, as it is hard not to become captivated by the romance between two male high school students.
It follows openly gay Charlie, a chronic overthinker, and his friendship with rugby player Nick, as they start to realise they might be more than friends.
The Netflix series retains the visual charm from the graphic novels by using floating leaves and sparks to elevate the romance on-screen.
View the Book on Amazon: Heartstopper 5 Book Set Collection by Alice Oseman
9. Poldark
Where to Watch: BBC iPlayer (UK) and PBS (US)
For a fiery romance that’ll get your heart racing, pick up the complete collection of Poldark.
Set in 1783, it tells the story of Ross Poldark, a soldier returning home from the American Revolutionary War, to discover his home of Cornwall is struggling with recession.
Upon his return, he learns his father has died, and his childhood sweetheart is engaged to his cousin.
Fortunately, his life changes when he hires Demelza as his serving maid, leading to a passionate romance that will have you flipping page after page. Yet their love will not come easily.
View the Book on Amazon: Poldark: The Complete Collection – Series 1-5 by Winston Graham
10. Sweet Magnolias
Where to Watch: Netflix
If you’re a fan of Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias is a must-read and -watch. The collection of novels by Sherryl Woods tells the story of three best friends in the picturesque town of Serenity, who must navigate complex relationships, family dynamics, and career pressures.
Full of love, drama, and a sense of community, you can expect to fall head over heels with the characters and their complicated love stories.
Once you’ve read the books, you can watch the feel-good series on Netflix, or vice versa.
View the Book on Amazon: The Sweet Magnolias Series Books 1-10 Collection Set by Sherryl Woods
11. Maxton Hall – The World Between Us
Where to Watch: Prime Video
If you’ve watched the German-language Netflix series Maxton Hall – The World Between Us, you might not realise it is based on the Save Me (Maxton Hall series) by Mona Kasten.
Set in an English boarding school, it follows Ruby Bell, a scholarship student, and James Beaufort, an obnoxious millionaire heir, who embark on a rollercoaster romance.
Despite attempting to keep a low profile at Maxton Hall College, it isn’t long until Ruby becomes immersed in James’s glamorous lifestyle.
View the Book on Amazon: Maxton Hall Series 3 Books Collection Set by Mona Kasten
12. Dash & Lily
Where to Watch: Netflix
Dash & Lily is the ultimate pen pal romance you didn’t know was missing from your life.
The popular Netflix original series is based on Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by New York Times bestselling authors Rachel Cohn and David Levithan.
It follows the story of 16-year-old Lily, whose brother encourages her to leave a red notebook full of challenges on a shelf in her favourite shop in New York City.
When Dash finds the book, he is more than happy to complete the Book of Dares to provide him with a much-needed distraction.
The book sends the pair on interesting scavenger hunts across Manhattan, resulting in a blossoming romance on paper. Yet their biggest challenge ahead is finding out if their chemistry transitions to the real world.
View the Book on Amazon: Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
13. People We Meet on Vacation
Where to Watch: Netflix
People We Meet on Vacation arrived on Netflix UK in January 2026 and is based on the New York Times bestseller of the same name by Emily Henry.
If you haven’t watched or read it, it follows best friends Poppy and Alex as they go on one last trip to fix their relationship.
Offering plenty of laughter, tears, and romantic moments, you will wish you’d picked up a copy much sooner.
It’s also one part of Emily Henry’s thrilling book series, which includes Book Lovers, Beach Read, and Happy Place.
View the Book on Amazon: Emily Henry Collection 4 Books Set
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