10 Rare, Expensive Romance Novels That Will Set Your Wallet on Fire

A single red rose is placed on a light surface with a yellow ribbon next to it. In the background, a row of books with various colored spines is lined up vertically, slightly out of focus.
ancoay/istockphoto

Whether it’s due to limited print runs, iconic authors, or cult followings, certain romance books have become rare collectibles with jaw-dropping price tags. From polarizing classics like “Stormfire” to groundbreaking works like “Indigo,” these novels have earned their spot as some of the priciest in the genre.

If you’re a romance enthusiast or a collector, these ten expensive romance novels might be worth the splurge.

1. ‘Stormfire’ by Christine Monson

A dramatic book cover featuring a couple embracing passionately against a stormy sky. The woman wears a purple dress, and the man holds her close. The title "Stormfire" and the author's name, Christine Monson, are prominently displayed.
Amazon
Amazon

Price: $130

As one of the most polarizing and controversial romance novels of the ’80s, Christine Monson’s “Stormfire” has become harder to find over the years due to its mixed reception. While some readers appreciated the depth of the story, others were disturbed by the novel’s darker, violent themes. Because of its scarcity, though, copies of “Stormfire” cost a pretty penny.

2. ‘Indigo’ by Beverly Jenkins

Book cover of "Indigo" by Beverly Jenkins. The design features intricate silver and blue floral patterns against a black background, with a quote from The Detroit Free Press praising the author's success in romance writing.
Amazon
Amazon

Price: $500

First published in 1996, Beverly Jenkins’ “Indigo” is now out of print, bumping its value up. Signed, first-edition copies are even more rare and worthy of elevated price tags.

3. ‘Outlander’ by Diana Gabaldon

A hardcover book titled "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon, featuring a vintage clock, pearl necklace, and flowers on the cover. The design suggests a historical theme with rich, ornate details.
UrbanVillaArt / eBay
UrbanVillaArt / eBay

Price: $1,200

Blending historical fiction with riveting romance, “Outlander” might just be the “Harry Potter” of the romance world. Diana Gabaldon’s 1991 novel has spawned several subsequent books to form a beloved series, along with a TV show of the same name with a colossal fanbase. All of that to say, we’re not surprised that a first-edition, signed copy of the original “Outlander” book has an asking price of $1,200 tied to it. 

4. ‘The Silver Devil’ by Teresa Denys

The cover of "The Silver Devil" by Teresa Denys features an illustration of a man in Renaissance attire sitting with a woman. The bold red title is prominent in the center. A tagline at the bottom describes the story as set in opulent Renaissance Italy.
goodvalue alley / eBay
goodvalue alley / eBay

Price: $800

Teresa Denys’ “The Silver Devil” was published in 1984. Even though this book’s cover still has a “$3.50” on it, it’s grown a tad more expensive over the years, especially since it’s now out of print. 

5. ‘Promise Me Tomorrow’ by Nora Roberts

Cover of the book "Promise Me Tomorrow" by Nora Roberts. It features a romantic illustration of a couple embracing, with a pink and red background and the author's name prominently at the top.
OnTimeBooks / eBay
OnTimeBooks / eBay

Price: $200

Nora Roberts is a giant in the romance world, and “Promise Me Tomorrow” has a reputation as one of her most expensive books in the realm. Because this novel is out of print, it’s rare to find a physical copy of it, and even more rare to find one for less than $200.

6. ‘The Flesh and the Devil’ by Teresa Denys

Book cover of "The Flesh and the Devil" by Teresa Denys. It features a painting of a man standing confidently with arms crossed and a woman seated below him, gazing upwards. The title is in bold red letters against a muted nature background.
Double-Play / eBay
Double-Play / eBay

Price: $470

Published in 1980, the novel “The Flesh and the Devil” by Teresa Denys is particularly beloved by fans of historical romance. The book is rare and highly sought after due to its limited print runs and Denys’s untimely passing, which left her bibliography tragically brief. 

7. ‘Her Demon Lover’ by Janet Louise Roberts

Book cover for "Her Demon Lover" by Janet Louise Roberts. Features a woman in a flowing dress and a dark, ominous figure with wings in the background. Bold pink title text and a note indicating over 2 million of her novels in print.
zuber / ebay
zuber / ebay

Price: $130

This book might say “Over 2 million Janet Louise Roberts novels in print” in a bold yellow blurb right on the cover, but that doesn’t apply to this particular novel. “Her Demon Lover” is rare due to its original release during the gothic romance boom of the 1970s and its subsequent limited reprints. You won’t find anywhere near 2 million copies of this novel in circulation now.

8. ‘Shadows on the Bayou’ by Patricia Vaughn

A person holds the book "Shadows on the Bayou" by Patricia Vaughn. The cover features a woman in a purple dress standing by a bayou, with flowers and trees in the background.
tritague-s0 / eBay
tritague-s0 / eBay

Price: $222

“Shadows on the Bayou” by Patricia Vaughn blends romance, mystery, and cultural richness, creating a vivid portrait of Creole life. The novel is rare due to its limited print run and Vaughn’s status as a trailblazing author of diverse historical romance. It holds a special place for collectors and readers interested in stories with rich historical detail and compelling narratives centering on Black protagonists.

9. ‘Where Passion Leads’ by Lisa Kleypas

A romantic book cover featuring a couple embracing. The woman, in a pink dress, is held by a man in a dark jacket. The title "Where Passion Leads" by Lisa Kleypas is prominently displayed in large, elegant font. Flowers frame the edges.
seriesbytheset / ebay
seriesbytheset / ebay

Price: $140

While Lisa Kleypas is known for her later works, “Where Passion Leads” is a sought-after collector’s item for fans since it offers an early glimpse into her evolving writing style. Its first novel status makes it especially rare, making original editions both prized and pricey.

10. ‘Hearts Divided’ by Francine Rivers

A vintage romance novel cover titled "Hearts Divided" by Francine Rivers from the "Second Chance at Love" series. It depicts a couple embracing, with a decorative butterfly and cloud design above.
Amazon
Amazon

Price: $151

Francine Rivers has tons of successful novels, but “Hearts Divided” is considered rare because it was published during Rivers’s earlier career as a romance novelist before she transitioned into Christian fiction with the acclaimed “Redeeming Love.” As many of her earlier works went out of print, “Hearts Divided” became one of the most treasured.

Author
Rachel Schneider

Rachel is a Michigan-based writer with a bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing and English. Throughout her career, she has dabbled in a variety of subject matter from finance and higher education to lifestyle pieces and food writing. She also enjoys writing stories based on social media trends. Find her on Instagram @rachel.schneider922