If there’s one thing about me as a bookish gal, it’s that I’m OBSESSED with romance novels!
When I pick one up, I quite literally can’t put it down. I can’t be bothered to clean the house, do laundry, cook dinner—you know, all the adult things that really need my attention—when I find myself lost in the words in front of me.
If you’re a fellow bookish gal, you get it!
And while I often find myself being drawn to fantasy books, I also love a good romance with a heroine that often makes up the heart of the story.
And because I’m obsessed with words, let’s define a heroine real quick: a woman who’s admired or idealized for her courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.
Heroines inspire, challenge, and teach us about strength, vulnerability, and love, and each of my favorite romance heroines holds a special place in my heart for different reasons. All of the women featured in this post share one thing in common – they’re complex, resilient, and unforgettable!
My Top 8 Romance Novel Heroines
1) B – A Love Letter to Whiskey by Kandi Steiner
B is one of the most memorable and emotionally raw characters I’ve ever encountered. Her love story with Whiskey is tumultuous, full of heartache, but also deeply passionate.
B’s journey is all about timing, choices, and the painful reality that love isn’t always enough.
What makes B so compelling is her internal struggle that I think so many of us can relate to – she’s fierce, but flawed. Like many of us in real life, she makes mistakes because she’s often led by her heart rather than her head. GUILTY!
Overall, her perseverance and emotional depth create a story that lingers long after the final page.
2) Anna – Alpha Wolf by Claire Ivy
Anna from Alpha Wolf is a heroine with a quiet strength that radiates throughout the novel.
She’s not your typical bold, outspoken lead that you might expect. Instead, she draws you in with her resilience and determination, which are two qualities that I really admire in people.
Anna’s story revolves around navigating a world full of heartache, but her character development is rooted in learning to trust herself.
Something I love most about Anna is the way she handles adversity. Her growth as a person and her commitment to living a life that she can be proud of makes her a heroine worth rooting for.
3) Rosie – Unravel Me by Becka Mack
As a single mother who leaves behind a bad relationship, she represents the importance of emotional bravery. In Unravel Me, she faces a whirlwind of personal challenges, yet never shies away from loving deeply and from confronting her own feelings, even when it’s hard.
Similar to Anna in Alpha Wolf, Rosie displays a sense of resilience that I deeply admire! She’s authentic in her fears and vulnerabilities, which makes her love story with Adam all the more heart-wrenching.
Something that Rosie teaches us throughout the novel is that unraveling doesn’t mean falling apart forever – it means breaking down to build something stronger, and that’s a life lesson that I believe all of us could use!
4) Indy – The Right Move by Liz Tomforde
Indy’s character is refreshingly bold and self-assured. In The Right Move, she’s unapologetically herself, which is what I love most about her. She doesn’t bend or break for anyone.
And honestly, in real life, staying true to yourself can be really hard to do, but Indy reminds us that standing firm in your convictions, even in the face of love, is one of the most important things you can do.
The best part? Indy’s independence and strength don’t take away from her ability to be vulnerable when it matters.
5) Coralie – She Wolf by Claire Ivy
Like Rosie from Unravel Me, Coralie from She Wolf is also a single mom character, and her self-assuredness and dedication to what she wants—a lasting love that endures all things—leads her on a journey of self-discovery and embracing her inner strength.
What I find most compelling about Coralie is how she balances her fierce independence with her deep capacity for love.
Coralie’s growth throughout the novel shows that vulnerability and strength aren’t mutually exclusive, but instead they often go hand in hand. 🤝
6) Olivia – Consider Me by Becka Mack
Olivia is a character I found refreshingly relatable. In Consider Me, she’s grounded, funny, and incredibly strong-willed.
Something I love so much about Olivia is that she doesn’t let her romantic interests overshadow her goals or her sense of self. Instead, she takes a realistic approach to love. She doesn’t fall headfirst without considering the consequences.
Olivia’s pragmatic nature, combined with her warmth and wit, makes her someone you could easily imagine as your best friend. She’s the kind of heroine who feels like a real person, not just a character on a page.
7) Haley – Lost Boy by Hannah Gray
Haley’s story in Lost Boy is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. What I love about Haley is her quiet strength and the way she believes in love despite experiencing deep pain.
Her love story with Cade is one that’s meaningfully shaped by his addiction. When Cade eventually decides to pursue healing by accepting professional help, Haley supports his commitment to himself while honoring her own needs. She’s a heroine whose resilience is a reminder that love can be both fragile and redemptive.
8) Winnie – Kiss and Don’t Tell by Meghan Quinn
Winnie is a breath of fresh air in the romance genre. In Kiss and Don’t Tell, she’s funny, quirky, and has an infectious energy that draws you in.
In my opinion, Winnie isn’t your typical heroine. She’s carefree and a little chaotic, but that’s exactly what makes her stand out. Her character reminds us that love can be fun and lighthearted, without losing depth.
Her unique blend of humor and heart makes her a heroine you can’t help but adore!
While it might seem silly to be so intrigued and attached to characters in a novel, I really believe that authors create these characters so specifically for a reason.
Sure, they’re used to tell the story at hand, but deep down, it’s so much more than that. Each of these characters has the ability to inspire, encourage, and even teach you a lesson or two when you take the moment to look closely enough.
How cool is it that you can use a fun hobby like reading to truly enrich your life in some way?!
Now I’d love to know – who is your favorite romance novel heroine? Connect with me here and let me know! I’ll never say no to a bookish conversation. 🗣️
Looking for a romance book lover community?
If you’ve been searching for a place to share your thoughts and insights and meet others who love romance novels as much as you do, then In Our Bookish Era – the virtual monthly book club membership – is the place for you.
When you join, you get:
🎁 Bookish Welcome Gift delivered via snail mail
👯♀️ Book club community through an exclusive Instagram chat to interact and engage with other obsessive readers
💻 Monthly book club meeting to chat about the book of the month
💸 Exclusive discounts and perks when shopping at What Sara Reads
You get all of that for only $17/month, but you also have the option to upgrade to the Quarterly Book Box, which includes:
📚 One Quarterly Book (December: Romance; March: Fantasy; June: Popular Fiction; September: Thriller)
🎉 2-4 surprise goodies that go along with that quarter’s book selection and genre (think stickers, bookmarks, and more!)
🤫 Exclusive access to Book Boxers Only virtual book club meetings, including author Q&As!
