There’s something uniquely intimate about romance books with letters. Maybe it’s the slow burn, the anticipation of each reply, or the way words on a page reveal emotions that might never be spoken aloud. Whatever the reason, the best epistolary romance books have a way of pulling you in, making you feel like you’re eavesdropping on a love story unfolding in real time.

From swoon-worthy historical letters to modern-day email exchanges, these stories capture the magic of falling in love through words alone. And let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like the rush of reading a letter where every line drips with longing, secrets, and unsent confessions.

So, if you’re in the mood for a romance that unfolds through letters, messages, or diary entries, you’re in the right place. Here are some of the best epistolary romance books that will have you hanging onto every word.

Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi

Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi is a quiet, introspective romance that unfolds almost entirely through text messages. Penny and Sam’s relationship starts off as a digital lifeline—late-night conversations filled with honesty they can’t manage in real life. It’s awkward, endearing, and incredibly relatable for anyone who’s ever felt more comfortable behind a screen.

The book leans more into coming-of-age territory than full-on romance, so if you’re expecting a swoon-fest, this might not be it. The pacing is slow at times, and both characters are dealing with a lot—family issues, creative struggles, general existential dread—but that just makes their connection feel even more real.

If you love slow-burn, text-based chemistry and characters who feel messy and human, Emergency Contact is a must-read. Just be prepared for a story that’s as much about self-discovery as it is about falling in love.

Yours Truly by Abby Himenez

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you—in the best way. It starts with an awkward first impression (hospital meet-cutes aren’t always cute), but soon turns into a heartfelt, slow-burn love story told partly through letters. Yes, actual handwritten letters in the age of texting, which makes the romance feel extra intimate and nostalgic.

The book balances humor and heavier topics really well, with both characters navigating anxiety, past heartbreak, and family struggles. Dr. Briana Ortiz is sharp, guarded, and so easy to root for, while Jacob Maddox is basically the softest, most thoughtful hero ever. Their dynamic? Absolute gold.

If you love romance books with letters, a grumpy-sunshine pairing, and a hero who will make you want to scream “protect him at all costs,” Yours Truly is definitely worth the read. Just prepare for some emotional moments along the way.

This Is How You Lose a Time War by by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone isn’t your typical romance—it’s lyrical, mind-bending, and unlike anything else you’ve read. At its core, it’s an epistolary love story between two time-traveling agents, Red and Blue, who should be enemies but can’t stop writing to each other. Their letters start as taunts, then turn into something deeper—something dangerous.

The writing is stunning, almost poetic, which might not be for everyone. It’s dense at times, and the plot isn’t always straightforward, but the emotions hit hard. Every letter is filled with longing, wit, and the kind of intensity that makes you hold your breath.

If you love epistolary romances that feel epic and star-crossed, This Is How You Lose the Time War is a must-read. Just be ready for a wild, beautifully written ride.

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross has received a lot of love, and I can see why—it’s a slow-burn, epistolary romance with a unique setting. The story follows Iris and Roman, two rival journalists who unknowingly exchange letters through a magical typewriter. Their written words connect them long before they realize who the other person is, creating a romance that, for many, hits all the right emotional notes.

The fantasy world is intriguing, set in a war between gods, and the prose is undeniably beautiful. However, I’ll admit that the pacing felt a bit slow for me at first, and the romance didn’t quite grab me the way I had hoped. Still, if you’re into heartfelt letters, rivals-to-lovers dynamics, and a romance with both emotional depth and grand stakes, Divine Rivals might be your cup of tea. Just be prepared for a slower buildup—and maybe some emotional devastation by the end!

Letters to The Lost by Brigid Kemmerer

Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer is the kind of book that grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go. It follows Juliet and Declan, two teenagers who start exchanging anonymous letters left at a cemetery—both grieving, both feeling unseen. What starts as a raw, emotional outlet slowly turns into something deeper, even as they unknowingly cross paths in real life.

This book is more than just a romance—it’s about loss, healing, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. The angst is real (seriously, so much angst), but it’s balanced with moments of hope and growth. Juliet and Declan are both flawed and complex, which makes their relationship feel all the more real.

If you love emotional, letter-based romances with a side of identity reveals and deep character growth, Letters to the Lost is an absolute must-read. Just have tissues nearby—you’ll need them.

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary is the ultimate feel-good romance with a unique twist—Tiffy and Leon share a flat, a bed, and… have never met. With opposite schedules (she works days, he works nights), their only communication happens through sticky notes left around the apartment. What starts as casual, everyday messages soon turns into something more heartfelt, funny, and unexpectedly romantic.

This book is a perfect mix of warmth, humor, and emotional depth. While the premise sounds light and quirky (and it is!), it also tackles heavier topics like emotional abuse and wrongful imprisonment with care. Tiffy and Leon feel like real people, and their slow-burn romance—told through notes, texts, and missed encounters—is impossible not to root for.

If you love romance books with letters (or in this case, notes), slow-burn chemistry, and lovable, well-developed characters, The Flatshare is a must-read. It’s cozy, charming, and guaranteed to make you smile.

Dear Aaron by Mariana Zapata

Dear Aaron by Mariana Zapata is a slow-burn, epistolary romance that unfolds almost entirely through emails and messages. Ruby, a shy and sweet heroine, signs up for a military pen pal program and starts exchanging letters with Aaron, a deployed soldier. What begins as friendly banter soon turns into something deeper—filled with inside jokes, late-night confessions, and an undeniable connection.

Since most of the book is written in email format, the romance builds gradually, making it feel incredibly real and intimate. That said, the pacing is very slow (which is classic Zapata), so if you’re looking for instant sparks, this might not be for you. But if you love a friends-to-lovers story where the relationship develops through heartfelt conversations before they ever meet in person, Dear Aaron is a perfect pick.

Love in The Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas

Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas is one of those books that makes you believe in love at first letter. This historical romance features Beatrix Hathaway, a quirky and sweet heroine, and Captain Christopher Phelan, a man haunted by his past. When Beatrix writes him letters to comfort him after the loss of his brother, their correspondence sparks something neither of them expected: a deep, tender connection that transcends time and distance.

The book is full of emotional depth, with the letters playing a central role in building the slow-burn romance. As Beatrix and Christopher share their innermost thoughts and fears, their bond becomes something unshakable, making their eventual in-person reunion all the more swoon-worthy.

If you enjoy historical romances with plenty of heart, beautifully written letters, and a love story that feels as timeless as the letters themselves, Love in the Afternoon is an absolute gem. Just be ready for a romance that builds at its own pace—one that’s worth every word.

The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese

The Mistletoe Motive by Chloe Liese is a delightful holiday romance that blends a little bit of grumpy-sunshine magic with epistolary charm. This festive read follows two co-workers, Marnie and Jake, who don’t exactly hit it off in person. But when they start exchanging anonymous notes in the office, their chemistry heats up in a way they never expected. The slow-burn romance builds through clever messages and holiday-themed hijinks, and I loved how their letters slowly revealed their insecurities and vulnerabilities.

The book is light, fun, and full of holiday cheer, but it also touches on deeper themes of self-acceptance and finding love when you least expect it. It’s the perfect book for anyone looking for a feel-good, epistolary romance with plenty of Christmas magic.

If you’re a fan of holiday romances with witty banter, anonymous love notes, and just the right amount of emotional depth, The Mistletoe Motive is the perfect pick for your winter reading list. It’ll warm you up from the inside out!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows is an absolute treasure of a book. Told entirely through letters, it’s a charming, quirky romance that transports you to post-World War II England, where Juliet Ashton, a London-based writer, begins corresponding with the residents of Guernsey Island. Their letters reveal a secret literary society formed during the war, and as Juliet gets to know them, she finds herself drawn not only to their story but also to one of its members, Dawsey Adams.

The beauty of this book lies in the letters themselves—each one brings the characters to life in a way that’s personal and deeply engaging. It’s filled with wit, warmth, and just the right touch of romance, all while exploring themes of friendship, healing, and the power of books.

If you love epistolary romances, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a must-read. It’s cozy, heartfelt, and guaranteed to leave you smiling. Plus, the sense of community and connection between the characters will stay with you long after you turn the final page.