20 best books on impossible love – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you a hopeless romantic looking for a book that will tug at your heartstrings and make you believe in the power of love, even in the most impossible circumstances? Look no further! We have compiled a list of the 20 best books about impossible love that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster and leave you pondering the complexities of the human heart. From star-crossed lovers to forbidden romances, these impossible love books will captivate and enthrall you from beginning to end.


The Light We Lost

by Jill Santopolo

The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo is a mesmerizing book on impossible love that will capture your heart and leave you breathless. This extraordinary tale is a book about impossible love that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride, exploring the depths of passion, longing, and sacrifice.

The story revolves around Lucy and Gabe, two individuals whose lives intertwine on a fateful day at Columbia University. Their connection is instantaneous and undeniable, igniting a powerful and consuming love that transcends time and distance.

As the years go by, Lucy and Gabe’s lives take different paths, leading them in opposite directions. Despite their best efforts to move on, their hearts remain tethered together, unable to forget the intense bond they once shared.

This impossible love book explores the complexities of fate, timing, and the choices we make, delving into the eternal question of “what if?”. Santopolo weaves a captivating narrative, masterfully capturing the raw emotions and vulnerability of her characters.

With every turn of the page, readers will find themselves rooting for Lucy and Gabe, hoping against all odds that their love will find a way. The Light We Lost is a beautifully written and poignant novel that will make you question the boundaries of love and the sacrifices we are willing to make in the name of true happiness.

The Nightingale

by Kristin Hannah

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a captivating masterpiece of impossible love that will leave you breathless. Set in the backdrop of World War II, this heart-wrenching tale of forbidden passion takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions.

The Fault in Our Stars

by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is a heart-wrenching and poignant book about impossible love. It tells the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster, a terminally ill teenager who meets and falls in love with Augustus Waters, a charming and witty cancer survivor. Despite their grim circumstances, Hazel and Augustus embark on a journey of love, laughter, and heartbreak.

Me Before You

by Jojo Moyes

Prepare to embark on an emotional rollercoaster with Jojo Moyes’ captivating novel, Me Before You. This extraordinary book delves into the realm of impossible love, exploring the complexities and heart-wrenching dilemmas that come with it.

The Time Traveler’s Wife

by Audrey Niffenegger

Step into the extraordinary world of Audrey Niffenegger’s The Time Traveler’s Wife, a mesmerizing and heart-wrenching book about impossible love. This remarkable novel weaves together the captivating story of Henry, a time traveler, and Clare, the woman who has loved him throughout their entire lives.

Prepare to be enthralled as Niffenegger takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring the complexities and challenges that arise when love transcends the boundaries of time. Through her exquisite prose, she masterfully navigates the intricacies of a relationship that defies all logic and reason.

Immerse yourself in the tender moments shared between Clare and Henry, as they navigate the unpredictable nature of their connection. Witness their love unfold across different eras, as Henry finds himself involuntarily leaping back and forth through time, experiencing his life in a non-linear fashion.

Through the lens of The Time Traveler’s Wife, Niffenegger delves deep into the depths of human vulnerability, longing, and resilience. She skillfully explores the sacrifices and uncertainties that accompany an impossible love, leaving readers with a profound sense of both heartache and hope.

As you turn each page, you’ll find yourself questioning the nature of time and contemplating the power of love to transcend its limitations. Niffenegger’s novel is a masterpiece that invites readers to ponder the very essence of what it means to truly connect with another human being.

Prepare to embark on a breathtaking journey through time, as you delve into The Time Traveler’s Wife. This book on impossible love will leave an indelible mark on your heart, reminding you of the resilience and beauty that exists within the human spirit.

The Notebook

by Nicholas Sparks

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks is a captivating book on impossible love that will tug at your heartstrings. Set in the 1940s, this book about impossible love takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster filled with passion, sacrifice, and undeniable chemistry. Sparks weaves a tale of star-crossed lovers whose paths cross again after many years, reigniting a love that seems impossible to attain. With its heartfelt storytelling and unforgettable characters, The Notebook is a must-read impossible love book that will leave you yearning for more.

Eleanor & Park

by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor & Park is a heart-wrenching book on impossible love that will leave you breathless and longing for more. Set in the 1980s, this enchanting tale follows the lives of two misfit teenagers, Eleanor and Park, as they navigate the treacherous waters of high school and discover a love that seems utterly impossible.

The Great Gatsby

by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless masterpiece, is a mesmerizing tale of love that knows no bounds. Set in the glittering and decadent world of 1920s New York, this novel explores the depths of passion, desire, and the pursuit of an impossible love.

Outlander

by Diana Gabaldon

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is an extraordinary tale of a love that defies all odds. This mesmerizing novel takes readers on an epic journey through time, intertwining the realms of history, romance, and adventure. With its captivating characters and richly detailed storytelling, it is a book that will leave you spellbound.

The Rosie Project

by Graeme Simsion

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion is a captivating and heartwarming book on impossible love. This delightful story takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions as they follow the journey of Don Tillman, a brilliant yet socially awkward genetics professor who embarks on a quest to find the perfect partner.

Don, a man who thrives on logic and routine, decides to create the Wife Project, a scientific approach to finding a compatible spouse. However, his meticulous plans are thrown off balance when he meets Rosie, a free-spirited and unpredictable woman who is everything Don’s algorithms would never predict.

As Don and Rosie team up to solve the mystery of Rosie’s biological father, they find themselves entangled in a whirlwind of adventures and unexpected discoveries. Along the way, they challenge each other’s perspectives, break down barriers, and learn that love cannot always be measured by scientific means.

The Rosie Project is an impossible love book that masterfully combines humor, wit, and heartfelt moments. Simsion’s writing style is both engaging and entertaining, keeping readers hooked from beginning to end. Through Don’s unique narrative voice, the author explores themes of acceptance, self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships.

With its memorable characters and thought-provoking storyline, The Rosie Project is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a book about impossible love. It reminds us that sometimes the most unexpected connections can lead to the most extraordinary and transformative experiences.

The Sun Is Also a Star

by Nicola Yoon

The Sun Is Also a Star: A Captivating Tale of Unlikely Love

Prepare to be swept away by Nicola Yoon’s mesmerizing novel, The Sun Is Also a Star. This extraordinary book delves deep into the realms of an impossible love, exploring the magnetic pull that can ignite between two souls from opposite worlds.

Set against the bustling backdrop of New York City, this tale follows the lives of Natasha, a pragmatic scientist, and Daniel, a dreamy poet. Natasha, an undocumented Jamaican immigrant, is fighting against time as her family faces deportation. Daniel, a Korean-American who struggles to meet his parents’ high expectations, finds solace in his passion for writing.

As fate weaves its intricate tapestry, Natasha and Daniel’s paths unexpectedly cross. From the moment their eyes meet, sparks ignite, and a connection is forged. Over the course of a single day, they embark on a journey that will challenge their beliefs, push their boundaries, and blur the lines between destiny and chance.

Through Nicola Yoon’s lyrical prose, readers are transported into the minds and hearts of Natasha and Daniel. We witness their individual struggles, hopes, and dreams, and we can’t help but root for their seemingly impossible love. Yoon masterfully explores themes of love, fate, and the power of human connection, leaving readers breathless and yearning for more.

The Sun Is Also a Star is a poignant, thought-provoking, and emotionally charged masterpiece that will captivate readers from the very first page. Prepare to be swept away on a rollercoaster of emotions as you witness the beauty and complexity of an impossible love that defies all odds. Don’t miss this extraordinary tale that will leave you believing in the extraordinary power of love.

The Thorn Birds

by Colleen McCullough

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough is an extraordinary tale of an impossible love that defies all odds. Set in the rugged Australian Outback, this mesmerizing novel takes readers on a captivating journey into the lives of the Cleary family.

At the heart of the story is Meggie Cleary, a young woman whose beauty and spirit bewitch those around her. But her heart belongs to someone she can never have. This book about impossible love explores the powerful bond between Meggie and Father Ralph de Bricassart, a charismatic Catholic priest torn between his faith and his forbidden desire.

As their love grows, they face numerous obstacles and must navigate a treacherous path filled with sacrifice and heartbreak. The Thorn Birds weaves a rich tapestry of emotions, from the tender moments of passion to the bitter anguish of unrequited love.

With vivid descriptions and unforgettable characters, this impossible love book immerses readers in a world where desire clashes with duty, and the consequences of their choices reverberate through generations. McCullough’s masterful storytelling will keep you captivated until the very last page, leaving you breathless and yearning for more.

The Bronze Horseman

by Paullina Simons

The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons is a breathtaking novel that delves deep into the realm of an impossible love story. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this book explores the profound connection between two individuals who find themselves caught in the midst of chaos and adversity.

The Remains of the Day

by Kazuo Ishiguro

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro is a mesmerizing tale of unattainable longing and forbidden affection. This extraordinary novel delves into the depths of the human heart, exploring the complexities of love that can never be.

Set in post-war England, the story follows the life of Stevens, a butler who dedicatedly serves his master, Lord Darlington. As the years pass, Stevens finds himself grappling with a profound sense of duty, suppressing his own desires and emotions. It is within this turmoil that he encounters Miss Kenton, the housekeeper, and an undeniable connection sparks between them.

The Remains of the Day weaves a compelling narrative, delving into themes of regret, missed opportunities, and the consequences of societal expectations. Through Ishiguro’s masterful prose, we are transported into a world where every glance, every word, is imbued with unspoken longing.

With meticulous attention to detail, Ishiguro paints a poignant portrait of a love that can never be fully expressed, trapped within the confines of duty and propriety. The novel’s power lies in its ability to elicit both empathy and frustration, as readers become entangled in the characters’ impossible yearning.

As the story unfolds, we are left pondering the nature of love and the sacrifices we make in the name of duty. The Remains of the Day is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a beautifully crafted exploration of an impossible love that will leave readers captivated until the very last page.

The Night Circus

by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is an enchanting journey into a world where magic and love intertwine, captivating readers with its spellbinding story of a forbidden romance.

This mesmerizing tale revolves around a mysterious circus that arrives without warning and opens only at night. It is a place where the impossible becomes possible, where dreams come to life and reality fades away.

Within the confines of this extraordinary circus, two young magicians, Celia and Marco, find themselves pitted against each other in a fierce competition. Yet, as they showcase their awe-inspiring magical skills, they unknowingly fall deeply in love, defying the rules that bind them.

The Night Circus is a book about an improbable, extraordinary love that blooms amidst a world of wonder and enchantment. It explores the complexities of their relationship, as they navigate the boundaries of their magical abilities and the secrets that surround them.

With its lush descriptions and breathtaking imagery, this impossible love story will transport you to a realm where love knows no bounds and the impossible becomes the extraordinary. Prepare to be swept away by the mesmerizing allure of The Night Circus.

The Time Traveler’s Wife

by Audrey Niffenegger

The Time Traveler’s Wife is a captivating and heart-wrenching book on impossible love. This extraordinary novel written by Audrey Niffenegger tells the story of Clare and Henry, two souls intertwined by a love that defies the boundaries of time.

The Shadow of the Wind

by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón is an enchanting tale that immerses readers in a world of mystery, passion, and forbidden desire. Set in post-war Barcelona, this mesmerizing novel explores the profound impact that a single book can have on a person’s life.

At the heart of the story lies a young boy named Daniel Sempere, who becomes captivated by a book titled The Shadow of the Wind. Little does he know that this book is the key to unlocking a web of secrets, intrigue, and impossible love.

As Daniel delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the book and its elusive author, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous love affair that transcends time and reason. With every turn of the page, he becomes more desperate to uncover the truth, even if it means risking everything he holds dear.

Zafón’s exquisite prose and masterful storytelling transport readers to a world where love knows no bounds and the line between reality and fantasy becomes blurred. The Shadow of the Wind is a testament to the power of literature to ignite the flames of passion and ignite the human spirit.

If you’re searching for a book that will sweep you off your feet and leave you yearning for the impossible, then look no further. The Shadow of the Wind is the ultimate tale of forbidden love, where the pages come alive with emotion and the boundaries of possibility are shattered.

The Book Thief

by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a captivating tale that delves into the depths of an impossible love.

In this mesmerizing novel, the power of words takes center stage as Liesel Meminger, a young girl living in Nazi Germany, discovers the sheer magic that lies within the pages of books. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this story showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the extraordinary bonds that form in the most unexpected of circumstances.

Liesel’s journey is filled with heartache and loss, but it is also brimming with hope and the incredible capacity for love. As she navigates a world consumed by hatred and fear, she finds solace in stolen books, which become a lifeline to a reality beyond her own. Through her encounters with a compassionate foster father, a spirited best friend, and a Jewish man hidden in her basement, Liesel embarks on an impossible love that defies the boundaries of time and circumstance.

The Book Thief is an impossible love story that will steal your heart and leave an indelible mark on your soul. With its rich prose and unforgettable characters, this novel is a testament to the enduring power of words, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, love can bloom and flourish.

The Gargoyle

by Andrew Davidson

The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson is a captivating book on impossible love. Set in modern-day, it tells the story of a man who is severely burned in a car accident and finds himself in a psychiatric ward. Enter Marianne Engel, a beautiful and enigmatic sculptress who claims they were lovers in a past life.

This mesmerizing book about impossible love takes readers on a journey through time, alternating between the man’s present-day struggles and the fantastical love story Marianne weaves. As the man becomes increasingly drawn to Marianne’s tales, he begins to question the boundaries of possibility and the power of love.

The Gargoyle is an impossible love book that explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the enduring nature of love. It is a story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, as they delve into the depths of the human heart and discover the transformative power of love in the face of adversity.

The History of Love

by Nicole Krauss

The History of Love is a captivating novel that delves deep into the realm of impossible love. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this book intertwines the lives of two characters, Leo Gursky and Alma Singer, whose paths cross in the most unexpected way.

Leo Gursky, a lonely old man, carries with him a heartbreaking secret – a love affair from his past that was lost to the ravages of war. Through his poignant narration, we are transported to a time when love seemed impossible, and yet, it burned brightly in the hearts of those who dared to feel it.

Meanwhile, Alma Singer, a young girl grappling with her own losses, stumbles upon a mysterious book titled “The History of Love.” As she reads its pages, she becomes consumed by the story within, searching for answers and connections that will bring her closer to understanding the complexities of her own life.

The History of Love is not merely a book about impossible love, but a testament to the enduring power of human connection. Nicole Krauss weaves a tapestry of emotions, blending love, loss, and hope into a mesmerizing narrative that leaves readers spellbound.

Through her masterful storytelling, Krauss reminds us that love, no matter how seemingly impossible, has the ability to transcend time, distance, and even death. It is a force that can heal wounds and ignite the soul, leaving an indelible mark on those who dare to embrace it.

If you are in search of an impossible love book that will tug at your heartstrings and make you believe in the extraordinary power of love, then The History of Love is a must-read. Prepare to be swept away by its lyrical prose, unforgettable characters, and a love story that defies all odds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 books about impossible love offer readers a captivating journey into the depths of human emotions and the complexities of relationships. From star-crossed lovers to forbidden romances, these stories explore the power of love in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Whether you’re seeking heart-wrenching tragedies or hopeful tales of love conquering all, these books are sure to leave you spellbound. Dive into these pages and immerse yourself in the magic and turmoil of impossible love.