Military romance books blend the intensity of serving the country with dedication, the tender pull of romance, and an intriguing splash of spice to keep readers turning pages.
From heart-pounding adventure to heart-warming tenderness, this list contains the best ‘can’t put down’ romance novels that feature one or more characters in the armed forces.
14 Best Military Romance Books
1. Dear Aaron
A letter-writing campaign to an overseas soldier turns into a connection that leads to Ruby Santos’ happy ever after. They never expected more than some comforting words shared when they found a bond that couldn’t be broken.
This military romance book by author Mariana Zapata was filled with witty banter, heartfelt connections, and unique characters that came together in a slow burn due to their distance apart at first.
2. Full Measures
The female main character lost her father to war years ago, and she’s hesitant to connect with a man with military secrets of his own. Still, the handsome hockey star next-door neighbor is someone she can’t keep her eyes or hands off of.
Written by Rebecca Yarros, this romance novel gives readers laugh-or-cry emotions and plenty of chemistry to enjoy.
If you’re a fan of Rebecca Yarros, don’t miss the 7 best Rebecca Yarros books and Fourth Wing Sprayed Edges: Unveiling the Enchanting Allure.
3. Cyclone: A Protective Hero Romantic Suspense
Written by Janie Crouch, this first novel in the “Linear Tactical” 14-book series draws readers into an intriguing world with enticing characters.
Widower and special forces expert Zac reconnects with Dr. Anne Griffin, who returns to town after a trauma. Stalked by her past, she turns to him for help and love, which they discover together.
4. The Darkest Hour
The first book in the highly rated ‘KGI Series’ by Maya Banks, this military romance launches ex-Navy Seal Ethan into a wild adventure.
He thought he’d lost his wife, Rachel, and struggled with grief until a mysterious call claimed she was still alive. The rescue mission commences with action, adventure, and a stalwart love that deserves its second chance.
5. Raptor 6
Special forces expert Dean’s team faces hackers and military attacks, which brings him in contact with missionary teacher Zahrah. When the bad guys capture her for her unique code-breaking skills, it’s up to one man to find, rescue, and keep her safe.
Falling in love along the way wasn’t part of the plan, but it’s where these two strong people end up in this military romance book by Ronie Kendig.
This military romance novel includes tons of action for those who like their books fast-paced.
6. Leave Me Behind
This darker military romance by K. M. Moronova matches Nell, an elite forces attack survivor, with Bones, a mysterious and compelling man poised to take over the Riot squad they’re both a part of.
Sleeping with her superior might’ve been a mistake, especially when he seems to hate her so much, but trust grows, and the connection builds until they can’t longer be apart.
7. In the Likely Event
Another selection on the list of the best military romances from Rebecca Yarros throws Izzy and Nate together as seatmates on a plane home.
When it crashes right after takeoff, the dramatic twist of fate throws them onto different paths – military and politics – but also brings them together in the type of love that lasts through all possible threats.
8. Pretend You’re Mine
Readers who like the fake girlfriend storyline will love Lucy Score’s first book in the ‘Benevolence’ series. A hometown hero and National Guardsman, Luke, needs a decoy date to satisfy his family, and Harper is the perfect choice.
Attraction, a shared bed, and mysterious dangers draw them ever closer together until they cannot imagine ever being apart.
Feel free to read more books by Lucy Score.
9. Vines
Author Brynne Asher brings this first novel in a seven-book series to readers of military romance. Addy’s busy making a new life for herself in horse country in Virginia when Crew Vega, an ex-military man, moves nearby.
CIA involvement, treason, danger, and passion mix together as they find a new future.
10. Fighting Temptation
The bad boy and the good girl make for a classic romance story of friendship, passion, and a true happy ever after.
This novel by K. C. Lynn gives Jaxson and Julia a second chance at romance after a hot night before his deployment. The war changed him in various meaningful ways but didn’t change his love for the woman he left behind.
11. The Unsung Hero
Counterterrorism, a small-town bad boy, and a sweet local doctor combine in this romance novel by Suzanne Brockmann. The quest for forever love intertwines with stopping vicious terrorists from pulling off a horrible attack in the US.
The believable characters and intertwining plots give readers a true ‘can’t put it down’ experience.
12. SEALs of Honor
For military romance readers who want to sink their teeth into a long series, this first book by Dale Mayer might be the perfect choice. Mason, the Navy Seal, takes on violent enemies and dangerous jobs.
When he meets software developer Tesla, the excitement ramps up even more. It’s a steamy, passionate story of true love.
13. Dear John
This heart-rending novel of a post-9/11 world comes from internationally famous author Nicholas Sparks. Instead of a classic happily ever after romance, this love story includes the woman of soldier John’s dreams of marrying another while he is at war.
This book was made into a movie starring Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried.
If you enjoy deeply emotional stories like this one, you’ll love exploring the top 10 best Nicholas Sparks books, filled with unforgettable tales of love, heartbreak, and hope.
14. Hopeless
The latest in a five-book series from Elsie Silver, Hopeless tells the tale of a military hero and a shy bartender.
This age-gap romance book also thrills readers who love fake fiancé and hurt-comfort tropes. Find plenty of steam, heart, and a forever love that lasts.
Final Thoughts
This list of the best military romance novels will give you all the adventure, genuine emotion, and healing your heart desires.
They cover a wide variety of steam levels, romance tropes, locations, and character types. However, they all culminate in the best happy ever afters for the intriguing couples that fill their pages.
