The Best (and Most Anticipated) Romance Books of 2024, So Far

We believe it’s always a good time for a love story. But if you need a little inspiration this year, here’s where to start.

the covers of a selection of the best and most anticipated romance books of 2024

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Part of becoming a mature adult, I’ve found, is admitting romance novels are great. Not all romance novels, alright? But when is any form of art unilaterally faultless? Romance novels feature some of the best character-driven stories on the book market; they often tackle far more complex issues than they’re given credit for; and they’re fun, in a way not all literature can (or should) be. They’re accessible, which is not to say trivial. Romance addicts have been fighting for the legitimacy of their passion, arguably, since the genre first took real shape, and while there are plenty of worthwhile critiques of happily-ever-after tropes and eyebrow-raising bedroom scenes, the enduring popularity of romance is itself an indication to take it seriously. If you haven’t already, it’s time to get on board.

Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment by Arushi Avachat

A debut high-school rom-com from author Arushi Avachat, Arya Khanna’s Bollywood Moment itself takes the structure of a Bollywood film, with all the heart and drama expected of the genre. It’s refreshing to root for Avachat’s protagonist, Arya, as she helps her family prepare for her sister’s wedding, all while juggling school, work, ample interfamilial strife, and the enemies-to-lovers lure of her student council rival. A sweet, colorful coming-of-age tale with the right serving of romance.

Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend by Emma R. Alban

Taylor Swift’s most yearning lyrics meet Bridgerton ’s pastel glitz and The Parent Trap ’s central conceit in Emma R. Alban’s buzzy series opener. This queer Victorian romance (so not quite Bridgerton ’s era!) unites two debutantes as they attempt to maneuver their widowed parents together, only to realize the real attraction is right in front of them. Sticklers for historical accuracy might struggle with immersion, but those eager to soak in the emotions will find a conceit to relish. Just make sure you have “Dress” on repeat .

Okay, Cupid by Mason Deaver

Mason Deaver, the author of I Wish You All the Best —now being adapted into a film directed by Tommy Dorfman —has returned with the LGBTQ romantic fantasy Okay, Cupid , the light-hearted tale of a real-life cupid-in-training who gets a little too involved with their latest attempt at matchmaking. Falling in love with a human is a No. 1 no-no in Deaver’s cupid community, but that can’t seem to stop Jude from following their own arrow. Queer joy abounds in Deaver’s whimsical tale.

Principles of Emotion by Sara Read

A panic-prone mathematician on the brink of a field-defining discovery falls for a second-chance romance in this thoughtful novel with traces of Lessons in Chemistry . In a genre too often dismissed as frothy, author Sara Read is game to tackle serious topics—mental health, legal troubles, family trauma, grief—while spinning a no-less warm and inviting tale of unlikely love.

Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

A neurodivergent opposites-attract romance set primarily in a remote Irish pub, Last Call at the Local has all the trademark warmth of its setting, but with the added care its subject matter necessitates. Protagonist Raine is an avid explorer, and her ADHD only makes her rolling-stone lifestyle feel more inevitable. Pub owner Jack, on the other hand, has OCD, and absolutely no plans to abandon the family business he knows (and loves). When Raine starts working (and living) at the Local, their forced proximity brings unexpected feelings—and life-changing choices—to the fore. Last Call at the Local goes down with all the pleasure of its namesake.

Say You’ll Be Mine by Naina Kumar

Fake engagement—one of the romance genre’s most stalwart, dependable tropes—reigns supreme in Naina Kumar’s Say You’ll Be Mine , in which a theater teacher and an engineer spark a sham romance to ward off the former’s recent heartbreak and the latter’s familial gripes. As Meghna and Karthik’s connection grows from contrived to genuine, Say You’ll Be Mine offers an insightful look at how cultural and familial expectations can shift even the best-known love stories.

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

There’s an immediate musicality to both the language and the atmosphere of this wonderful novel, which, of course, is fitting, given both the title and the setting. Tia Williams ’ latest after the 2021 bestseller Seven Days in June , A Love Song for Ricki Wilde is an enticing blend of contemporary and historical fiction, magical realism, and glittering romance. Williams plants readers in Harlem, where the titular Ricki has opened a flower shop in a bid to escape from the influence of her well-known Atlanta family. In New York (and under the watchful eye of her aging neighbor, Miss Della), Ricki meets the musician Ezra “Breeze” Walker, and a supposedly ordinary connection—and a supposedly normal leap year—becomes extraordinary.

Sex, Lies and Sensibility by Nikki Payne

Out February 13.

Pride and Protest author Nikki Payne boosts the drama (and the spice) in this Sense and Sensibility retelling that kicks up oft-trodden ground without betraying the source material. When Nora and her sister arrive at their inherited beach house in rural Maine, their lives have been upended: Their father has died, Nora’s the victim of a recent scandal, and neither of them knows how to run a proper inn. But when local (unauthorized) tour guide Bear shows up, it’s only a matter of time before they learn they work well together—in more ways than one.

Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

Out February 13 .

Genre icon Tessa Bailey is back this year with a story set in the (surprisingly sexy?) world of professional golf. Sports romances are a tried-and-true favorite amongst genre readers, and Bailey surveys the playbook with what can only be described as wicked glee—particularly given the grumpy-meets-sunshine manner of the central love affair. Fangirl-turned-caddie Josephine and superstar-turned-burnout Wells are a delight to cheer on; just be aware that the sex is frequent, and, uh, there are golf puns. You’ve been forewarned.

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone

Accidental pregnancy is a love-it-or-hate-it construct for most romance fans, which could leave Cara Bastone’s friends-to-lovers entry in a tough position. But for those willing to jive with that particular plot twist—and trust me, it’s worth it— Ready or Not is an absolutely buoyant read. Vivacious and funny, Bastone’s first-person perspective through protagonist Eve traces the tricky threads of single parenthood, long-term friendship, infertility, grief, and (yes) sex with skill.

Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair by Laura Piper Lee

Casually subversive simply for casting a barely-keeping-it-together new mother in the role of alluring romance protagonist, Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair is a snappy but emotionally resonant read about a fixer-upper Airbnb and the couple it was never supposed to bring together. Laura Piper Lee writes with a keen eye for the inherent humor of infancy—both literally, in terms of screaming babies, and figuratively, in the context of a weird-but-wonderful new love affair.

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

Out February 27.

How does Yulin Kuang find the time? Already an accomplished Hollywood creative, Kuang is only growing her influence as the writer of fellow romance author Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation screenplay and the director of the same author’s Beach Read feature film. But this year, Kuang has a story out that’s all her own: How to End a Love Story opens with the remarkable first sentence, “All things considered, her little sister’s funeral is a boring affair.” So begins this marvelous work of contemporary romance—a complex, provocative tale about a terrible accident, an accomplished young woman, a traumatized young man, and the big question of blame when the two find each other impossibly drawn together.

Right on Cue by Falon Ballard

Falon Ballard injects the Hallmark rom-com with some much-needed acidity in this Hollywood co-stars-with-benefits sparkler. Right On Cue follows screenwriter and Tinseltown icon Emmy Harper as she begins production on yet another romantic comedy, this time having been convinced—after many years 0ff-camera—to take on the lead role herself. But when an injury forces her would-be co-star to back out of the project, the only available replacement is Grayson West. Emmy and Grayson’s baggage goes way back, which only makes their professional chemistry (and deepening sexual tension) all the more complicated.

Women of Good Fortune by Sophie Wan

Out March 5.

I love a heist. My husband and I have practically made a tradition out of watching Ocean’s Eleven together every time it’s on TV. So I’ll admit I’m predisposed to appreciate Sophie Wan’s Women of Good Fortune , a nontraditional women’s fiction-meets-romance novel that spins a heist—steal the wedding gifts, transform your life!—out of a high-society Shanghai affair. Best friends Lulu, Rina, and Jane want more out of life. When Lulu gets engaged to a man with whom she shares only middling feelings, the girls realize the answer is right in front of them. On her wedding day, Lulu will get showered with cash gifts. Now, all they have to do together is steal them. But as a crew and a plan come together and the occasion approaches, their friendship—and their romantic relationships—start to interfere with what they thought they needed.

Take Two, Birdie Maxwell by Allison Winn Scotch

Yet another smart spin on a would-be Hallmark heroine, Take Two, Birdie Maxwell gives the titular movie star a chance to explore her Reputation era as she crawls back to her hometown after an on-set scandal. Back home, she thinks she’s concocted a plan to earn back the public’s adoration: She’ll stage a public reunion with the ex-boyfriend who wrote her a letter, yearning for a second-chance romance. Problem is, she doesn’t know which ex sent the letter. Maybe reporter Elliot O’Brien can aid in her investigation...if only the two of them could stop accidentally catching the other staring. A hilarious, unbridled romp from bestselling author Allison Winn Scotch.

In a Not So Perfect World by Neely Tubati Alexander

Out March 19.

A delightful take on the forced-proximity and fake-relationship tropes, In a Not So Perfect World starts with the kind of premise that should have had its protagonist dashing to HR: While interviewing for a new role at a top gaming company, Sloane Cooper learns she shouldn’t date. The all-male hiring crew simply believes it’d be in her best interest to focus on her career! This ridiculous overstep aside, their “recommendation” launches Sloane into creative mode. She’s desperate for the gig, and so when her neighbor offers her his ex’s ticket to Turks and Caicos, she accepts, considering the vacation a sort of work retreat. In return, this neighbor wants Sloane to pretend to be his girlfriend: Their fake romance will definitely make his ex jealous. But under the Caribbean sun is an easy place to fall in love, and soon Sloane realizes that staying single is going to be a lot harder than she’d anticipated.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Out April 2.

The beloved Abby Jimenez gives “it’s just a fling!” a whole new meaning in this ideal beach read, which follows a convenient summer set-up. Justin seems doomed in his relationships; every time he and a partner break up, that partner goes on to find their soulmate soon after. Emma’s heard about this so-called “curse” and wants to put it to the test, especially since she boasts the exact same problem. So when she and Justin start fake-dating, convinced it’ll break their respective “curses,” it’s pretty inconvenient that their complicated families start interfering...along with some unexpected feelings. Far more layered than its breezy, beautiful cover might suggest, Just For the Summer is yet another hit.

Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun

I always hesitate to describe romance novels as “cute”—it feels so pejorative—but trust me, Here We Go Again is cute . It’s also disarmingly raw, a tragicomedy about aging and death, friendship, and finding one another. A sapphic roadtrip adventure, Alison Cochrun’s latest brings together former childhood friends-turned-rivals Logan and Rosemary as they shuttle their one-time English teacher, Joe, on what seems likely to be the last roadtrip of his life. In what the book describes as “the gayest van west of the Mississippi,” the three of them discover just what they’ve lost—and how to unearth a new path forward.

The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton

Out April 9.

Amerie Price is running out of time. In Etta Easton’s lovely debut, the struggling Houston event planner has three months before her new fake-boyfriend Vincent leaves the country...for outer space. The two of them synced up to get Amerie back on her feet and Vincent out from under his family’s watchful eye, but now that the clock is ticking on liftoff, their relationship doesn’t feel quite so fake anymore. This charming NASA-adjacent romance is certain to win Easton loyal fans.

The Prospects by KT Hoffman

A queer sports romance and a triumphant debut from KT Hoffman, The Prospects is a heartstring-pulling tale of two minor-league baseball rivals who realize they play much better together. When Beavers player Gene—the first openly trans athlete in professional baseball—starts to recognize a connection that has nothing to do with field position between him and teammate Luis, he’s forced to learn that big, complicated feelings might, in fact, be what’s best for them both.

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The 2024 romance novels that already have us swooning

covers of three top romance books for 2024

As a dedicated romance reader and reviewer, I’m trained to anticipate a happy ending — and as I look at what’s to come in 2024, I’m joyfully overwhelmed by what we’re in for. That's not even factoring in the return of "Bridgerton ," Julia Quinn's novels-turned-Netflix show .

The new year is set to usher in the return of beloved authors like Vanessa Riley and Tia Williams, the continuation of juicy series from fresh voices like Nikki Payne and Sangu Mandanna, and introduce talented new writers like Yulin Kuang (who directed Emily Henry's "Beach Read" adaptation). 

From the anticipated selections below, readers will see that there is room for and a need for every type of love story. With selections through April, check back for updates.

“Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend” by Emma Alban (Jan. 9)

"Don't Want You Like a Best Friend"

"Don't Want You Like a Best Friend"

In effort to avoid being stuck with husbands, debutantes Beth and Gwen attempt to turn the season on its head and set their parents up instead. But a charming viscount and unexpectedly falling for each other makes their plan even more complicated. With a title inspired by Taylor Swift, this debut already has a leg up. Take into account it’s a sapphic Victorian romance with Parent Trap level hijinks? We’re sold.

“Prince of Endless Tides” by Ben Alderson  (Jan. 26)

Alderson’s latest is a standalone novel in his beloved Darkmourn Universe series, offering a dark twist on "The Little Mermaid." In this epic romantasy, Prince Ernest and the immortal Killian instantly fall for one another as they unite to fight off the evil and powerful Gods that threaten their freedom and rule their magical underwater world.

“ A Love Song for Rikki Wilde” by Tia Williams (Feb. 6)

"A Love Song for Rikki Wilde"

"A Love Song for Rikki Wilde"

On impulse, Atlanta socialite Ricki Wilde seizes the opportunity to break out from her wealthy family, moving to a Harlem brownstone to fulfill her humble dream of opening a flower shop. But her new life also makes way for a handsome stranger named Ezra, who sweeps her off her feet in one of the city’s most spellbinding historical neighborhoods. From the bestselling author of "Seven Days in June" comes another precious, modern New York City fairytale.

"Sex, Lies, and Sensibility" by Nikki Payne (Feb. 13)

"Sex, Lies, and Sensibility"

"Sex, Lies, and Sensibility"

Following "Pride and Protest," Payne returns with another poignant, sexy, and actually funny Jane Austen retelling. This time Payne takes on "Sense and Sensibility," transforming the classic and introducing readers to Nora and Bear. After learning she’s a product of her late father’s secret second family ( and a compromising video of herself went viral) Nora and her sister unexpectedly inherit a run down coastal Maine inn. It’s there that fate leads her to Bear, a tour guide who is a member of the Abenaki nation. Their chemistry is undeniable, but his complex history won’t make their romance easy.

“At First Spite” by Olivia Dade (Feb. 14)

"At First Spite"

"At First Spite"

Heroine Athena resides in a "spite house," which means she just so happens to be living in a home sandwiched between her ex and his older brother Matthew — who was responsible for their breakup. Athena takes full advantage of her conveniently placed dwelling, but it soon becomes difficult to stay upset with the understanding, caring Matthew, especially when he’s there for her even at her lowest.

"How to End a Love Story" by Yulin Kuang (Feb. 27)

"How to End a Love Story"

"How to End a Love Story"

Both united by a tragic accident, but distanced by the ensuing trauma, Helen and Grant haven’t seen each other in 13 years. That is, until they’re reunited in the writer’s room for the TV adaptation of Helen’s popular YA series. Old memories and feelings come flooding back, and an angsty, inevitable romance takes shape.

Though Kuang has a special connection to the acclaimed Emilly Henry universe (she adapted "People We Meet on Vacation" for the screen and is set to direct the forthcoming "Beach Read" film), she sets herself apart as a fresh and needed voice with this emotionally layered debut.

“The Partner Plot” by Kristina Forest (Feb. 27)

Following her hit debut "The Neighbor Favor", Kristina Forest brings us a delightful second chance romance that kicks off in Vegas. Now worlds apart, Violet is a celebrity stylist while Xavier is a New Jersey high school teacher. But somehow the former high school sweethearts find each other again in Sin City. A night of partying leads to an impulsive wedding, but they decided to use their unplanned newlywed status to their advantage. What could possibly go wrong — or right?

"Lore of the Wilds" by Analeigh Sbrana (Feb. 27)

"Lore of the Wilds"

"Lore of the Wilds"

"Lore of the Wilds" is a diverse installment in the booming romantasy (romance/fantasy) genre. Sbrana’s debut introduces readers to a magical fae world, an enchanted library and the human at the center of it all. Not to mention the sweet romance that develops between the heroine and a handsome, incredibly skilled fae guard.

"This Could Be Us” by Kennedy Ryan (March 5)

"This Could Be Us"

"This Could Be Us"

The celebrated Kennedy Ryan brings us the second novel in her Skyland series, putting the focus on Soledad, a dedicated homemaker readers first met in "Before I Let Go." After divorcing her belittling ex, Sol is now a single mom whose world has been upended. Her story is both relatable and inspiring as she works to rediscover herself and rebuild her life, while also finding passion with an attentive man named Judah, who is unafraid to love every part of her.

“Swift and Saddled” by Lyla Sage (March 5)

"Swift and Saddled"

"Swift and Saddled"

BookTok sensation Lyla Sage is back with another small town western romance and an irresistible cover straight out of the golden age of comics. The second novel in her Rebel Blue series is a steamy tale of opposites attract. The night before the beginning of a career-making new gig at a Wyoming ranch, interior designer Ada shares an unforgettable kiss with a sexy cowboy in a dive bar. She soon finds out that he’s none other than her new boss, Weston. Regardless of their connection, Ada is not interested in a workplace romance … or is she?

"A Gamble at Sunset" by Vanessa Riley - March 26

"A Gamble at Sunset"

"A Gamble at Sunset"

Annoyed and frustrated, wallflower Georgina Wilcox decides to kiss random stranger (composer Lord Mark Sebastian) to rebel against her reclusive sister. The only problem? Members of the ton witness the spur of the moment lip-lock, and the two must strike-up a fake dating scheme to avoid scandal.

After a brief hiatus from romance (check out her illuminating works of historical fiction "Island Queen" and "Sister Mother Warrior") Riley is back with the first novel in her new regency trilogy.

"Manila Takes Manhattan" by Carla de Guzman - March 26

"Manila Takes Manhattan"

"Manila Takes Manhattan"

De Guzman lovingly infuses her Filipino culture in every page of Mon and Olivia’s New York-set tale. He’s a famed musician and producer; she's an accomplished actress. What starts out as a fling between new neighbors becomes a bit complicated when they discover they’ll be working on the same film together for the next month.

"A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping" by Sangu Mandanna - April 2

"A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping"

"A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping"

From the author of the hit novel "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" comes another quirky, fantastical rom-com. Innkeeper and once powerful witch Sera Swan has lost nearly all of her power after bringing her great-aunt Jasmine back to life. Anxious to restore her magic, Sera finds an ancient spell book that may be the answer to all of her problems. She just needs the help of handsome guest and historian, Luke.

"When I Think of You" by Myah Ariel - April 16

"When I Think of You"

"When I Think of You"

When the alluring cover for Ariel’s debut dropped in summer 2023, romancelandia was instantly sold. "When I Think of You" is a second-chance romance following film studio receptionist, Kaliya. As time goes on, Hollywood politics seem determined to dash her ambitions. Then, her old flame from film school, director Danny Prescott, offers her a job on his latest production. Love and a dream career opportunity seem within her grasp until scandal threatens it all.

"Funny Story" by Emily Henry - April 23

"Funny Story"

"Funny Story"

Known for her carefully imperfect heroines, empathetic and sexily tousled leading men, and picture-perfect summer settings, the mega-bestselling Henry always has her fans waiting with bated breath on her next novel. The latest brings us to Waning Bay, Michigan where children’s librarian Daphne finds herself, alone, when her ex-fiancé leaves her for his childhood best friend, Petra. Attempting to get on her feet, Daphne finds a new roommate in — get this — Petra’s ex Miles.

"Out of Office" by AH Cunningham - April 23

"Out of Office"

"Out of Office"

With another cover that caught the internet’s eye, Cunningham’s dreamy vacation romp follows Genevieve to a much-needed two week getaway in Colón after opening a new hotel in Panama. This is when she meets Adrián, a man dedicated to his family’s quaint hostel, who counteracts Genevieve’s Type-A personality with his easygoing approach at life. And he’s more than willing to engage in a holiday tryst.

"The Stranger I Wed" by Harper St. George - April 23

"The Stranger I Wed"

"The Stranger I Wed"

Perfect for fans of HBO’s "The Gilded Age", St. George takes readers back in time to the late 19th century. This book marks the first novel in her new The Doves of New York series. It follows Cora Dove, who in effort to escape rumors of her legitimacy and procure her much-needed dowry, escapes New York for England where it’s arranged she marry Leopold Brendon, Earl of Devonworth. The union is advantageous for them both, but secrets resurface that could threaten their newly found happily ever after.

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McKenzie Jean-Philippe is NBC Insider's associate editor where she creates curated content for fans of the network's various landmark shows. In her spare time she obsesses over romance novels, reality TV, early 2000s everything, her dog Humble, and a plethora of shows that—if named—would result in another rambling list. You can find her work at NBC Insider, Oprah Daily, and People Magazine.

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2021 was rough, but books about love gave us life. Here are 13 recommendations

Mia Estrada

two women embracing; in the pages of a book

Who doesn't love a good, well, love story? Whether it's the meet cutes, the crossed stars, the sheer passion, or a forbidden union, we're big fans.

Here are the Books We Love: 360+ great 2021 reads recommended by NPR

Here are the Books We Love: 360+ great 2021 reads recommended by NPR

Books We Love , NPR's list of best reads from 2021, has hundreds of recommendations: 369 of them, to be exact. With that kind of lengthy list, it can be hard to know exactly where to start. So here are 13 suggestions from our colleagues and independent critics for what to read if you want a good love story or want to explore themes of love and relationships.

Act Your Age, Eve Brown: A Novel by Talia Hibbert

"Has there ever been a better time to read about a charming, hilarious young woman who just can't seem to get it together? This book follows Eve Brown – a talented cook, phenomenal singer, devoted sister and, at the start of the story, a notorious ne'er-do-well. As her story unspools, Eve winds up learning a lot about herself and what she's capable of; her struggle also helps illuminate how rigid and often misguided the expectations of our family, friends and communities can be." — Leah Donnella , supervising editor, Code Switch

A Lot Like Adiós by Alexis Daria

"Childhood besties Michelle and Gabriel hook up one night after high school graduation – and for a moment it looks like the two might finally get together until Michelle discovers that Gabe is planning on leaving for college across the country. After a blowout fight, the two don't speak again for years – until the gym that Gabriel owns hires Michelle to work on a rebranding campaign. Once they reconnect ... well, let's just say they collaborate on more than a marketing campaign. It's hot, it's fun and it's a great chance to brush up on your Spanish vocabulary." — Lauren Migaki , senior producer, NPR Ed

Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

"A crime novel wrapped up in a romance? Just what the doctor ordered for readers during the pandemic! There's a lot to love here, especially the criminal high jinks that Meddelin, her mother and her aunts find themselves immersed in as she rekindles a lost flame. Above and beyond, though, this is a love letter to the bonds of family and culture." — Tayla Burney , senior content manager

Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado

"I'm glad there's a wave of YA books with fat protagonists, but the characters often possess a level of self-confidence that's too good to be true. Crystal Maldonado has created a much-needed believable protagonist with teenage and adult readers. Charlie Vega is a fat, glasses-wearing, biracial Puerto Rican with a diet-pushing mother and a beautiful, athletic best friend. When her classmate Brian pursues a romantic relationship, Charlie is plagued with-self doubt. The book is propelled by conflicts both internal and external. I'm glad this book isn't body-positive escapism, but rather a well-observed story of fat teenage life." — Jessica Reedy , producer/editor, Pop Culture Happy Hour

12 books NPR staffers loved in 2021 that might surprise you

12 books NPR staffers loved in 2021 that might surprise you

First comes like: a novel by alisha rai.

"Alisha Rai is one of my go-to writers when I need a romance. Her books are usually quite spicy, but with First Comes Like , Rai shows she can write a great slow-burn romance. When beauty influencer Jia Ahmed learns that she has been catfished by a man pretending to be Bollywood star Dev Dixit, she ends up striking up a friendship with the real actor. A paparazzi mishap leads Jai and Dev to begin fake-dating. Will their fake relationship lead to real feelings? (Of course it will – this is a romance after all.) It's a lovely story about decent people just trying to do the right thing." — Jessica Reedy

Jasmine Guillory Recommends 3 Summer Reads For The Romantic At Heart

Author Interviews

Jasmine guillory recommends 3 summer reads for the romantic at heart, honey girl by morgan rogers.

"One night, Grace Porter – burned out and aimless after finally getting her Ph.D. in astronomy – gets drunkenly married to a woman whose name she does not know, in Vegas no less. Cliché? Definitely. A bad idea? Maybe ... not? Through the mists of her epic hangover, Grace starts to piece together clues about her mysterious new wife. Yuki, as it turns out, hosts a radio show about the supernatural. What follows is a delightfully weird summer where together, Grace and Yuki learn about mythical monsters and even face down some of their own." — Lauren Migaki

Seeing 'Love In Color'

Love in color: mythical tales from around the world, retold by bolu babalola.

"This multifaceted, multitalented Nigerian-British writer – humorist, television creator and now bestselling author – searched the globe to find a radically diverse group of stories about love, from magical folk tales of West Africa to iconic Greek myths and ancient legends from the Middle East. Then, with an evocative and vivid style, she brought new life to old tales and wrote three original stories of her own. The result is a remarkable modern collection of 13 short stories about love." — Carole V. Bell , book critic

Love Rides The Q Train In This Supernaturally Sweet Romance

Book Reviews

Love rides the q train in this supernaturally sweet romance, one last stop: a novel by casey mcquiston.

"One Last Stop made me fall in love with Casey McQuiston's writing all over again. In this one, August, an inexperienced 20-something trying to figure out life in the big city, is an expert at keeping other people at arm's length until she meets Jane, an impossibly cool girl who always seems to be riding the subway at the same time as her. One Last Stop is queer romance with a side of time-travel shenanigans, but amid all the whip-smart banter and heartwarming rom-com tropes is a potent reminder to make room for love in all parts of your life." — Sharon Pruitt-Young , reporter, newsdesk

Your Laughing Muscles Will Get A Workout In This Sporty Romance

Your Laughing Muscles Will Get A Workout In This Sporty Romance

The dating playbook by farrah rochon.

"Any list of 2021's best romantic comedies must include Farrah Rochon's The Dating Playbook . The story she weaves about Taylor Powell, a fitness trainer in need of some clients, and Jamar Dixon, an injured football superstar in need of a secret but hard-core fitness regime, is fresh, funny and sexy. It also boasts a ripped-from-the-headlines plot that touches on topics like football and concussion, and how social media has made having a private life an artform for anyone with celebrity status. Rochon presents her themes with jump-off-the-page humor, and they go far beyond the ups and downs of romance to broader concerns about family, women, friendship and jealousy." — Denny S. Bryce , book critic

Intimacy Is Nothing To Be Ashamed Of In Helen Hoang's Powerful New Romance

Intimacy Is Nothing To Be Ashamed Of In Helen Hoang's Powerful New Romance

The heart principle: a novel by helen hoang.

"Anna Sun is a talented violinist in the Bay Area whose disappointing boyfriend springs a proposal on her: an open relationship. While processing her boyfriend's request and battling a creative block, Anna meets Quan and wonders if he might be the real deal. I love this book because it deals with issues that feel really relevant to today, such as creative burnout, bad boyfriends and neurodivergence, which Helen Hoang explores through these deeply rich and heartfelt characters." — Candice Lim , production assistant, Pop Culture Happy Hour

Love And Hope Are At The Heart Of 'The Prophets'

Love And Hope Are At The Heart Of 'The Prophets'

The prophets: a novel by robert jones, jr..

"This book broke my heart in a necessary way. It's spectacular. A poetic queer love story and an excruciating portrait of life on a Mississippi plantation, it deserves every accolade. At the center are Samuel and Isaiah, two enslaved boys who grow up as best friends and eventually become lovers, and an older enslaved man, Amos, who takes on the role of preacher as a way of securing some semblance of safety and power. Jones excels at ensemble storytelling, treating each character with compassion while being brutally unsparing about the system they live under and the desperate compromises they have to make." — Carole V. Bell

Trust: A Novel by Domenico Starnone, translated by Jhumpa Lahiri

"In author Domenico Starnone's Italian-to-English translation, a couple named Pietro and Teresa are on-again, off-again until the day Teresa says, essentially, "Let's tell each other our worst secret." What she thinks will bind them together forever turns out to be what drives them apart; they've revealed the worst and it's unforgettable. For a lesser writer, this might be enough. For Starnone, it's a jumping-off point, even in a slim, taut book with no wasted words or ideas. When Pietro and Teresa meet again in the evening of their lives, the power one of them holds over the other still matters." — Bethanne Patrick , book critic

While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory

"Jasmine Guillory is the queen of charming romance novels. In her sixth book, we meet ad exec Ben Stephens and movie star Anna Gardiner, who hit it off at a marketing campaign meeting and end up falling into a just-for-cameras relationship (with some fun benefits too). Unfortunately, romantic feelings (as they always do) get in the way of this arrangement. You might remember Ben from one of Guillory's last books, The Wedding Date – the brother of uptight Theo. The best part about Guillory's books is revisiting these characters and guessing who will show up in subsequent novels. Not to mention the descriptive California references (as a California native, I eat those up). Guillory's writing style is addictive, but she also tackles heavy themes. I can guarantee you'll finish this book quickly and want to check out her other ones." — Anjuli Sastry Krbechek , producer, It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders

To read more recommendations from staff members, you can explore the "Staff Picks" section on the 2021 Books We Love website.

best new books romance

BIBLIOLIFESTYLE

Bibliolifestyle, the best romance books of 2024 (so far).

From the heart-fluttering highs of first love to the bittersweet tang of love lost and found again.

best new books romance

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Last Updated on February 20, 2024 by BiblioLifestyle

List of the Best 2024 Romance Books

Get swept away with this year’s selection of best romance books — so far! From the heart-fluttering highs of first love to the bittersweet tang of love lost and found again, these selections redefine what it means to fall in love between the pages of a book. So whether you’re a die-hard romance fan or a casual reader looking for an escape into a world that ends happily ever after, these 2024 romance books are sure to captivate your heart and keep you turning pages long into the night.

P.S. I will be updating this list throughout the year as I continue to read more books.

The Best 2024 Romance Books (So Far)

Say you’ll be mine by naina kumar, the takeover by cara tanamachi, hedging your bets by jayne denker, red string theory by lauren kung jessen, a love song for ricki wilde by tia williams, the catch by amy lea, the last days of lilah goodluck by kylie scott, the spy and i by tiana smith, when grumpy met sunshine by charlotte stein, how you get the girl by anita kelly.

Say You'll Be Mine by Naina Kumar

A teacher and an engineer team up to survive an ex’s wedding by faking an engagement to escape family pressure. As they navigate this pretend relationship, unexpected feelings emerge. Say You’ll Be Mine offers a charming blend of romance and cultural exploration.

You can get a copy of Say You’ll Be Mine by Naina Kumar   Amazon or Bookshop .

The Takeover by Cara Tanamachi

When Nami wishes for her soulmate, she unexpectedly gets her high school nemesis, Jae Lee, instead. Their rivalry takes an unexpected turn as they face off in both business and matters of the heart.

You can get a copy of The Takeover by Cara Tanamachi  on Amazon or Bookshop .

Hedging Your Bets by Jayne Denker

In this enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy by Jayne Denker, small-town neighbors Gillian and Noah find themselves at odds while competing in a gardening contest. Despite their differences, sparks fly as they discover they may be perfect for each other.

You can get a copy of Hedging Your Bets by Jayne Denker  on Amazon .

Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen

In this charming rom-com about two star-crossed lovers, Rooney Gao, an artist who believes in the red string of fate, meets Jack Liu, a skeptic. After a magical date, they face the challenge of convincing Jack to believe in fate.

You can get a copy of Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen  on Amazon or Bookshop .

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

Ricki Wilde, a unique artist in a prestigious Atlanta family, seeks a new life in Harlem, leaving behind wealth for a flower shop dream. Amidst the Harlem Renaissance ambiance, a mysterious encounter sets her on a romantic journey in modern New York. “A Love Song for Ricki Wilde” intertwines passion and opportunity in a captivating tale of love and artistry.

You can get a copy of A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams  on Amazon or Bookshop .

The Catch by Amy Lea

Boston fashion influencer Melanie Karlsen heads to a Canadian fishing village to rescue her brand. Mistaken for the local fisherman’s fiancée, she agrees to a fake engagement to help solve a family feud. As they spend time together, real feelings emerge. Will Mel choose city life or a wild love adventure?

You can get a copy of The Catch by Amy Lea  on Amazon or Bookshop .

The Last Days of Lilah Goodluck by Kylie Scott

When Lilah Goodluck saves Good Witch Willow’s life, she receives five unexpected predictions, including winning lotto numbers and a dire warning. As the predictions start coming true, Lilah finds herself entangled with Alistair Lennox, the British king’s illegitimate son. Despite their growing connection, she fights against the idea of being his soulmate to defy the final prediction. Amidst paparazzi and royal disapproval, their relationship blossoms, but time is running out.

You can get a copy of The Last Days of Lilah Goodluck by Kylie Scott  on Amazon .

The Spy and I by Tiana Smith

Dove Barkley, a cyber security analyst mistaken for a super-spy, gets pulled into a risky government mission. Partnered with Mendez, doubts arise about his identity. With trained assassins on her tail, Dove races against time to save her sister and prevent a national disaster.

You can get a copy of The Spy and I by Tiana Smith  on Amazon or Bookshop .

When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein

Grumpy ex-footballer Alfie Harding, who despises sharing about himself, teams up with cheerful ghostwriter Mabel Willicker to write his memoir. Their banter leads to a fake romance, but their chemistry feels undeniably real. Can they figure out if it’s all just for show or the start of their fairy tale ending?

You can get a copy of When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein  on Amazon or Bookshop .

How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly

When a sassy junior joins the basketball team at East Nashville High, Coach Julie Parker faces a new challenge. Unexpectedly, the teen’s foster parent, Elle Cochrane, a former WNBA star, steps in as assistant coach. Despite Elle’s past injury and Julie’s insecurities, sparks fly as they navigate dating and coaching together. Will they remain on the sidelines or take a shot at love?

You can get a copy of How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly  on Amazon or Bookshop .

What do you think about this list of best 2024 romance books so far?

What do you think about these romance novels? Have you read any of them? What books would you add to this list? Let’s talk all about 2024 romance books in the comments below.

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With the cold weather rolling in, it's time to find a warm spot and cozy up with a good book. So if you're looking for the best new books of the season, this guide is just for you. The 2024 Winter Reading Guide has twenty-one new releases organized across six categories. You’ll also find some fun things to do at home, winter-themed recipes, plus more.

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The 23 best romance books of 2022, according to Goodreads

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  • Romance novels are heartwarming stories of people falling in love under all kinds of circumstances. 
  • These romance books are the most popular and highest rated of 2022. 
  • They include enemies-to-lovers, fake-dating, and romantic comedy reads.

Insider Today

Romance novels follow characters in their search for love through heartbreak, loss, and doubt. They include all kinds of romantic plots, from cute love stories with a little bit of magic to erotic romance reads that are almost too hot to handle. 

These romance books are the best and most popular of 2022 on Goodreads — the world's largest platform where over 125 million readers rate, review, and recommend their favorite books. The books on this list had to be published in 2022 and are ranked by a combination of how often they were read this year and how highly they were rated: Any book with less than 3.5 out of five stars did not make the list. 

So whether you're looking for a fun rom-com or a spicy romance novel, here are the 23 best romance books of 2022, according to Goodreads reviewers. 

23. "Icebreaker" by Hannah Grace

best new books romance

Available at Amazon  and Barnes & Noble , from $15.54

Anastasia Allen is focused on her goal of becoming an Olympic figure skater when a misunderstanding leaves her skating team and the hockey team sharing a rink. In this frenemies-to-lovers romance, Nate, the hockey team's captain, gets benched and Anatasia finds herself in need of a partner, he steps up.

22. "The Dead Romantics" by Ashley Poston

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $12.48

Florence Day has just gone through a breakup and can't get a deadline extension at her job as a ghostwriter when her father passes away, drawing her to her hometown for his funeral. But when she sees her new editor as a ghost at his funeral, they're both confused about why he's there in this paranormal contemporary romance.

21. "Something Wilder" by Christina Lauren

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $17.13

The daughter of a notorious treasure hunter, Luly Wilder now uses her father's hand-drawn maps as a tour guide in Utah while dreaming of buying back her family's ranch. But when her ex unexpectedly comes back into her life as a tour guest and their trip goes terribly wrong, Lily begins to wonder if her father's maps may lead to a real treasure after all. 

20. "You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty" by Akwaeke Emezi

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $17.19

In this story about love and joy after loss, Feyi Adekola is almost ready to ease back into dating, five years after an accident that killed the love of her life. When a whirlwind summer brings her a perfect guy, a dangerous crush threatens to complicate everything as she's forced to face how far she's willing to go for another chance at love. 

19. "The Kiss Curse" by Erin Sterling

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $13.12

In this sequel to " The Ex Hex ," Wells Penhallow has come to the magical town of Graves Glen to re-establish his family's connection to the town they once founded, now run by a powerful coven of witches. When he opens a new witchy shop just across the street from Gwyn's, it's clear this is personal — until her powers begin to fade and she and Wells must work together to find out what's happening before Gwyn's magic is gone for good. 

18. "Thank You for Listening" by Julia Whelan

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $14.39

"Thank You for Listening" follows Sewanee Chester, an audiobook narrator and former movie star, who learns that one of the most beloved audiobook narrators, the seductive and anonymous Brock McNight, wants to record a romance novel with her. Though Sewanee doesn't believe in romance novels, she feels compelled to help the book's prolific author. As she begins to form a bond with Brock, secrets are spilled in this story of self-discovery and love.

17. "Electric Idol" by Katee Robert

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble, from $9.37

"Electric Idol" is a fantasy/romance retelling of the story of Psyche and Eros, the second novel in the "Dark Olympus" series. In this book, Eros has been ordered to kill Psyche but finds he cannot go through with it. When he marries her to keep her safe, Psyche is determined to ruin Eros — until the lines of loyalty begin to blur and she realizes her heart may be with him after all.

16. "Dating Dr. Dil" by Nisha Sharma

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $11.99

Kareena Mann needs to get engaged to keep her father from selling her mother's home when she gets in an argument with Dr. Prem Verma, the host of "The Dr. Dil Show," that goes viral, ruining her chance at finding someone. But when her aunts strike a deal with Prem to fund his clinic if he can convince Kareena they're soulmates, the two realize the line between love and hate may be thinner than they thought.

15. "Funny You Should Ask" by Elissa Sussman

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $12

10 years ago, Chani Horowitz was hired to write a profile about her movie star celebrity crush, Gabe Parker, but their interview resulted in a 72-hour tabloid whirlwind. Now, Chani still can't escape that profile when she's asked to do a second interview in this page-turning romance that jumps between Chani's world now and the interview she'll never forget.

14. "Delilah Green Doesn't Care" by Ashley Herring Blake

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $13.99

In this flirty, queer rom-com, Delilah Green returns to her hometown to photograph her stepsister's wedding when she runs into one of her stepsister's stuck-up friends, Claire Sutherland. With a host of problems of her own, Claire doesn't need Delilah's button-pushing charm until they're forced together in wedding preparations and begin to see each other's real sides.

13. "Part of Your World" by Abby Jimenez

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $10.88

When Alexis Montgomery needs a tow in a small town, she meets Daniel Grant, a gorgeous, 10-years-younger carpenter whose identity is closely tied to his tight-knit town. She decides to keep her identity as a wealthy, hot-shot ER doctor in the city a secret, and her fling with Daniel becomes a sanctuary from her stressful life until reality comes crashing down and she must find a way to have both her world and his — or risk losing everything.

12. "The American Roommate Experiment" by Elena Armas

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $11.70

From the author of reader-favorite " The Spanish Love Deception ," this new romance follows Rosie Graham as she finally pursues her career as a romance writer. When Rosie suddenly needs a new place to stay, she finds herself staying with her best friend's cousin, Lucas. When Lucas offers to help Rosie get over her writer's block with a series of romantic dates, Rosie begins to wonder if the romantic inspiration is turning into real romance. 

11. "The Wedding Crasher" by Mia Sosa

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $11.89

When Solange agrees to help her wedding-planning cousin on a stranger's big day, a secret she shouldn't have heard convinces her she needs to crash the wedding and stop the groom, Dean, from making a mistake. But Dean needs a significant other to get a promotion at work, so he pretends to be in love with Solange and begs her to pretend to be his girlfriend even though they're polar opposites.

10. "The Bodyguard" by Katherine Center

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $16.99

Though Hannah Brooks may look like a harmless schoolteacher, she's actually an Executive Protection Agent, hired to protect superstar Jack Stapleton from his stalker. When he returns to his family's ranch in Texas to help his sick mother, he doesn't want his family to know about his stalker or bodyguard, so he asks Hannah to pretend to be his girlfriend in this sweet fake-dating romance.

9. "Terms and Conditions" by Lauren Asher

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $15.99

In this "Dreamland Billionaire" series sequel, Declan needs to find someone to marry to inherit his family's empire when Iris, his assistant, steps up. Though their marriage is one of convenience, their fake relationship begins to feel real, against all their rules that should have kept them from falling in love.

8. "Every Summer After" by Carley Fortune

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $10

Percy and Sam spent six summers forming a friendship and slowly falling in love until everything fell apart 10 years ago. Now, Percy is returning to the lakeshore for Sam's mother's funeral and the two find they have one weekend to fix everything or go their separate ways in this story of forgiveness and second-chance love. 

7. "Twisted Hate" by Ana Huang

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $14.99

In this third novel of the erotic, 18+ "Twisted" series , Jules Ambrose has consumed Josh Chen's thoughts, as she seems to be the only person impervious to his charm. Though the two have grown to despise each other, they arrange an enemies-with-benefits relationship with promises to not fall in love — until their pasts catch up with them in this steamy novel that can be read as a standalone from the rest of the series. 

6. "Love on the Brain" by Ali Hazelwood

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $11.24

From the author of the award-winning " Love Hypothesis ," this new "STEMinist" romance read is about Bee Königswasser, a scientist who is being forced to work with her sexy but sworn archenemy, Levi Ward. But when things start to go wrong on their project and Levi takes her side, Bee begins to wonder if there's a chance for something more between them.

5. "Hook, Line, and Sinker" by Tessa Bailey

best new books romance

  In this bestselling sequel to " It Happened One Summer ," Hannah Bellinger has managed to convince the producer at her job to move their film set to the fishing town of Westport, where her dad is from and her sister now lives. Though she's staying in Fox's spare bedroom, Hannah is determined to evade his ladykiller ways in favor of catching her producer's eye, but when her and Fox's moments turn into something more, Hannah finds she might be falling for the guy she thought was just a friend. 

4. "Things We Never Got Over" by Lucy Score

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $12.74

When Naomi meets Knox, she's stranded in his small Virginia town with no money or car after running away from her wedding, being abandoned by her estranged twin, and left with her 11-year-old niece. Though Knox only plans to help Naomi get back on her feet and out of his life, he finds he can't walk away when her challenging situation turns into real danger. 

3. "It Starts With Us" by Colleen Hoover

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $10.98

"It Starts With Us" is the highly anticipated sequel to " It Ends With Us " and continues almost a year later as Lily Bloom begins to navigate life once more after everything that happened with Ryle. In this book, readers follow Lily on her journey to a happy ending and learn more about her and Atlas' history together as teenagers. Readers everywhere love this book — check out our full review to find out why .

2. "Book Lovers" by Emily Henry

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $9.99

In this 2022 Emily Henry novel, Nora Stephens is a successful literary agent who is ready to take her story into her own hands when her sister, Libby, invites her to stay in the storybook town of Sunshine Falls, North Carolina. There, Nora is open to falling in love but keeps running into Charlie Lastra, a book editor from the city, in a series of not-so-meet-cutes too perfect for any romance novel. "Book Lovers" is one of our favorite beach reads of this year and you can check out our full review here .

1. "Reminders of Him" By Colleen Hoover

best new books romance

Available at Amazon , Bookshop , and Barnes & Noble , from $9.57

With nearly 600,000 ratings on Goodreads and over 530,000 4- and 5-star reviews, "Reminders of Him" is the most popular romance book of 2022 amongst Goodreads reviewers. The contemporary romance follows Kenna Rowan as she's released from prison and tries to rebuild her relationship with her daughter, though it seems everyone is trying to keep them apart. Colleen Hoover has become hugely popular on TikTok — check out more of her books here or, if you've already read every "CoHo" novel, check out our recommendations for what to read next .

best new books romance

  • Main content

An Extremely Opinionated List of the Best Romance Novels

I've read them all, and these are definitely the steamiest books.

best romance books

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Whether you salivate over historical fiction that follows the fluttering hearts of yesteryear, witchy paranormal romance that proves you don't need flesh and blood to get frisky, rom-coms that pair hilarious hijinks with the steamier stuff or the type of stories that might get sidelong glances on public transit, we've got a romance book you'll want to read over and over again.

And to those who think romance is just for bored housewives picking up a bodice-ripper at the grocery store checkout counter, think again. The romance realm has a lot of romance-plus-other to offer that might surprise you — although we'd never turn down one of those fun, flirty grocery store standards either. Many of our favorite romance books also feature exciting adventure, LGBTQ+ love stories and lyrical prose. Add these to your TBR pile, and don't forget to check out the Good Housekeeping book club once you're done, for even more feel-good reads.

It Ends with Us Boxed Set by Colleen Hoover (2023)

It Ends with Us Boxed Set by Colleen Hoover (2023)

Grab the box set so you won't have to frantically order the second installment of this smash hit from Colleen Hoover. If you haven't read her books yet, start with these two and then work your way through the back catalog. In them, you'll meet Lily, a woman who finds herself in a bit of a love triangle as she grapples with her new relationship with Ryle, and re-meeting her ex lover, Atlas. It contains a lot of heartbreak, as domestic violence is a critical part of Lily's story, but it's also extremely touching.

TRY THESE NEXT: Best BookTok-Recommended Books to Read Right Now

Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland (2023)

Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland (2023)

Sage Flores has been running from her ability to commune with plants ever since her sister passed away. But after she's forced to return to her hometown and slips back into her old life — including reconnecting with a high school flame who broke her heart — she can't deny her gift or her family any longer. You could cut the tension here with a knife, or should we say, a pair of gardening shears.

With Love, from Cold World by Alicia Thompson (2023)

With Love, from Cold World by Alicia Thompson (2023)

From the author of the hit Love in the Time of Serial Killers comes the perfect workplace romance for fans of a certain mouse-centric theme park. Lauren is a serious bookkeeper at a theme park where it's always winter, which doesn't get quite the crowds as its more famous counterparts. Asa is her fun-loving coworker who's always trying to spice things up around the office. Of course, their boss asks them to team up on a project. And naturally, sparks fly. Read to find out the rest.

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood (2023)

Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood (2023)

Rival physicists. Fake dating. Real love? Hazelwood's trio of STEM romances that sees her characters spar on both professional and personal fronts are definitely not homework. Did somebody leave a bunsen burner on, or are things heating up in here?

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston (2022)

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston (2022)

Florence is a romance ghostwriter who no longer believes in love, which is kind of a problem for her career. But then, she returns home to bury her beloved father and finds a ghost (yes, an actual ghost) who might just change her mind.

Love at First Like: A Novel by Hannah Orenstein (2019)

Love at First Like: A Novel by Hannah Orenstein (2019)

Eliza co-owns a jewelry shop with her sister, and accidentally posts an Instagram of herself wearing a diamond ring on you-know-which finger. The photo blows up, and she realizes even a fake engagement is good for the ol' bottom line. But then she meets Blake. He's great, except for one thing: Blake doesn't know about her ruse, and Eliza doesn't know how much longer she can keep it all up.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (2012)

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (2012)

Look, we understand that a retelling of The Iliad sounds more like history class than a romantic read, but pick this one up and get ready to eat your words. It's an action-packed epic with one heck of a love story that will change the way you look at the classic tale forever.

Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan (2023)

Long Shot by Kennedy Ryan (2023)

Sports fans know how emotional a high-stakes game can get. Add actual romance into the mix, and all we can say is just remember to hydrate. This heartstring-tugger is all about missed connections, tarnished golden boys and the darkness that can lie beneath the most glittering exteriors.

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang (2018)

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang (2018)

More nerdy storylines, please! In this novel from Helen Hoang, Stella Lane is the genius mathematician who puts herself in remedial romance — by hiring escort Michael Phan to teach her the ins and outs of sex. We consider it the perfect equation for a great read.

Bared to You by Sylvia Day (2014)

Bared to You by Sylvia Day (2014)

If you like your romance in multiple installments, try the Crossfire series. Big city newbie Eva Tramell literally falls at the feet of billionaire tycoon Gideon Cross, kickstarting a steamy affair that reveals secrets from both their dark pasts. Sound familiar? There's a reason one Amazon reviewer called it the "soap opera version of Fifty Shades of Grey ."

Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney (2021)

Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney (2021)

This quiet love story centers around Alice, Felix, Eileen and Simon — four people trying to find their way in the world. Romantic entanglement ensues (this is a Rooney novel, after all) and you'll find your own allegiances shifting and changing as you read.

Happy Place by Emily Henry (2023)

Happy Place by Emily Henry (2023)

Harriet and Wyn’s friend group has spent languorous summer days at the same Maine house for a decade, so when it goes up for sale, they’re determined to soak up one last week of memories. There’s just one problem: Harriet and Wyn haven’t told their crew they’re no longer engaged, so they’re stuck sharing a room to keep up the charade. But is it all really just for show, or are sparks flying? Read this one now while you wait for the queen of beach reads' next hit to drop.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell (2013)

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell (2013)

They say you never forget your first love. Test that theory by taking a trip down memory lane with Eleanor and Park, two lovestruck misfit teens in 1986. They're smart enough to know young love never lasts, but brave enough to try anyway.

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (2016)

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (2016)

If you've ever carried a torch for a colleague (the scandal!) this novel will feel familiar. Coworkers Lucy Hutton and her sworn nemesis Joshua Templeman have a rivalry as bitter as they come, especially as they compete for the same promotion. At least, it starts out that way.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (2019)

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (2019)

McQuiston has earned their place in the canon of contemporary romance, and this sexy royals romance is one of the reasons. Ever wonder what would happen if, say, a Kennedy fell in love with a Windsor? With this book, you don't have to.

Delta of Venus by Anais Nin (1977)

Delta of Venus by Anais Nin (1977)

If you've never read Anaïs Nin and call yourself a romance fan , fix that right now. This vintage short story collection's erotic vibes still hold up. But don't take our word for it — turn off the lights, slip into something slinky and try it for yourself.

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021)

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams (2021)

Twenty years ago, Eva and Shane fell in love over a whirlwind of a week. When they happen to reconnect in Brooklyn, Eva (now an erotica writer) and Shane (now a bestselling author) have a chance at closure, or rekindling the spark that brought them together in the first place. It's sexy, sultry and deliciously steamy.

Vision In White by Nora Roberts (2012)

Vision In White by Nora Roberts (2012)

The prolific Nora Roberts has penned more than 200 romance novels, but this one earned top marks from her fans as the first installment in The Bride Quartet . Wedding photographer Mackensie "Mac" Elliot operates a wedding planning company with three friends. When a day on the job introduces her to sweet and stable English teacher Carter Maguire, their casual fling might lead to her own happy ending.

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When We Were Birds by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo (2022)

When We Were Birds by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo (2022)

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Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (2023)

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (2023)

If the title doesn't get your attention, and you've somehow missed Sittenfeld's other star-tier books, the sizzling plot will do it. This one's about a late-night comedy writer who falls for a pop star with a rep for dating knockouts, which she definitely is not. If you've ever shipped Saturday Night Live stars, this one's for you.

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The Best Fiction Books » Romance » New Romance Books

The best romance books to read in summer 2023, recommended by katherine d. morgan.

If you're dreaming of some steamy summer loving this season, then do we have book recommendations for you. Katherine D. Morgan —bookseller, romance editor, and fan of happily-ever-afters—selects five recently published romance books to pack for the summer of 2023.

The Best Romance Books To Read In Summer 2023 - The Fiancée Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur

The Fiancée Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur

The Best Romance Books To Read In Summer 2023 - Behind the Scenes by Karelia Stetz-Waters

Behind the Scenes by Karelia Stetz-Waters

The Best Romance Books To Read In Summer 2023 - That Summer Feeling by Bridget Morrissey

That Summer Feeling by Bridget Morrissey

The Best Romance Books To Read In Summer 2023 - Do I Know You? by Austin Siegemund-Broka & Emily Wibberley

Do I Know You? by Austin Siegemund-Broka & Emily Wibberley

The Best Romance Books To Read In Summer 2023 - Exes and O's by Amy Lea

Exes and O's by Amy Lea

best new books romance

1 The Fiancée Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur

2 behind the scenes by karelia stetz-waters, 3 that summer feeling by bridget morrissey, 4 do i know you by austin siegemund-broka & emily wibberley, 5 exes and o's by amy lea.

The musical Grease said it best: “Summer lovin’, had me a blast.” Thanks for choosing five of the best romance books for us to read in the summer of 2023. What is it about this time of year that brings up romantic feelings?

You know, for me, the idea of a summer romance makes my heart sing. I will say that the actual romance doesn’t need to be set during the summer for it to make a summer romance for me; I just need the vibes of what a summer romance could feel like for me to go along with it. I need to feel the warmth of emotion on my skin, whether with some witty banter or some heartfelt gutting to my soul. I want smooches in the daytime and a great sense of joy to come after I close that last page. I will read romance any day of the week, so whenever I find one that speaks to me, I will happily read it, whether in the winter or on a nice spring day. God, I love romance. I love it so much.

Your first recommendation is The Fiancée Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur. What will make this romance book a highlight of summer 2023?

I am such a big fan of the ‘marriage of convenience’ trope in romance novels . Like, between that and a ‘second chance romance,’ I’m set. Also, any romance that also has a love interest that also works as a bookseller speaks to my soul. I think that bookstores can be such a romantic place—yes, as a bookseller at Powell’s Books , I will admit that I’m a little bit biased—so whenever a bookseller manages to find love in the stacks, it’s a win-win.

In The Fiancée Farce , opposites attract when Tansy, a quiet and reserved bookseller, pretends she is dating a woman on the cover of a romance novel. The only problem? The woman is real, and she’s a wild child named Gemma, who happens to be the heir to a publishing powerhouse. She’s well on her way to inherit the family fortune, until she hits a snag: she must marry to inherit. So what does Gemma do? Announce her engagement to the stranger that has been apparently fake dating her and then fall in love with said stranger. It’s a great romance for those that like a slow burn, but also, like to be wooed. Who wouldn’t like to be wooed?

Your second recommendation is Behind the Scenes by Karelia Stetz-Waters. Tell me more about that one.

Karelia Stetz-Waters may have my whole heart as a writer. Her characters are always so well-rounded and the banter is top-notch. In her newest romance, you have characters who are trying their best to heal from their respective traumas and manage to find love in the process. (One character, Rose, lost her parents in a plane crash and has spent her entire adulthood making choices that would benefit her younger siblings; her love interest, Ash, is healing from a failed marriage, psychological and sexual issues—and faces a rough patch in her career that might bury her.)

“The idea of a summer romance makes my heart sing”

It has so much heart. I melted when I read it. I know, I know: we tend to read lighter romance during the summer months. But life happens when it happens, and boy, am I glad that I read this one when I did. In fact, I loved it so much that the author came into Powell’s, where I work, and placed a signed copy in my mailbox for me to keep. It’s one of my most prized possessions. It’s an honor to get to love her books as much as I do.

The third recent release that you’d like to recommend is That Summer Feeling by Bridget Morrissey. Why do you think we should read this romance book in summer 2023?

As a child, I only went to camp once because we couldn’t afford it, but I remember having a lot of fun and developing a lot of crushes on the people around me. From counselors to the other day campers, if you were cute and somewhat nice to me, then I loved you. Even though That Summer Feeling focuses on a woman named Garland, who is still reeling from an unexpected divorce, you get to witness her believe in hope and magic again when—instead of rekindling her feelings with her old flame—she find a new match in his sister. Summer is all about taking chances and creating a fresh start, and it was wonderful seeing someone relearn what it’s like to believe again.

The fourth book on your summer 2023 romance reading list is Do I Know You? by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka. Tell us about it.

See, now this book is wonderful because it’s about what happens after the original happily ever after. Eliza and Graham are supposed to be excitedly celebrating their five-year wedding anniversary, and instead, they are feeling so disconnected that they don’t know which way is up and which way is down. As they check into their hotel, Eliza has the brilliant idea to stay in separate rooms. Furthermore, Graham meets a new friend, David, who manages to introduce him to his wife, Eliza, over dinner one evening, and Eliza pretends not to know her husband as a way to spark a new line of intimacy between the two of them. It works until, well, it doesn’t, but that’s the interesting part of the journey. I feel like so many relationships end because the couple will hit a wall and with these two, you get to see what happens afterwards. I found that I became really invested in them as a couple, but also the two of them as people. It was wonderful.

Finally, your last recommendation is Exes and O’s by Amy Lea. What’s it about, and what made you enjoy it enough to recommend it?

Okay, maybe, just maybe, I’m still a little miffed about not being able to get tickets to the Eras tour, but I will say that this book is perfect for fans of Taylor Swift. Actually, I think that it’s perfect for any woman who has asked herself if she is asking too much of her partner when in reality, she is asking for the absolute bare minimum. I am a highly emotional person—and I’m proud of myself for being the way that I am—and whenever I feel like I’m being too much, I reflect on Amy’s latest book and think: Was I really being needy or were my needs not being met? It’s a roommate-to-lovers romance, and it’s a slow burn for sure, but it made me laugh and I really rooted for Tara and Trevor to find their footing as friends but also as a couple. Plus, Tara is a Bookstagrammer and known for making videos about her love of books, so I root for her regardless. We book influencers have got to stick together.

Summer is only just getting started. Are there any other new romance books that you’ve got your eye on?

I am impatiently waiting for the publicist of Role Playing by Cathy Yardley to send an advance reading copy (an ‘ARC’, for those not in the publishing industry) my way? I love romances where the main female character is mid-life, and I feel like there should be more of them. I consume as many as I can, so I keep my eye out for them.

I also think that this year will finally be my Emily Henry year, so while everyone is finishing Happy Place , I will be starting with her first book, Beach Read , which came out a few years ago. Oh, and of course, Ali Hazelwood’s Love, Theoretically is the next title on my list because I enjoy reading about women in STEM falling in love. Finally, I managed to get an ARC of Big Gay Wedding by Byron Lane and I’m so excited for small-town love and a wedding that brings a community together. We need more of that these days.

June 4, 2023

Five Books aims to keep its book recommendations and interviews up to date. If you are the interviewee and would like to update your choice of books (or even just what you say about them) please email us at [email protected]

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Katherine D. Morgan

Katherine D. Morgan

Katherine D. Morgan  is a writer and bookseller living in Portland, Oregon.

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The Ripped Bodice’s Guide to Romance Novels

Portrait of Tembe Denton-Hurst

Not that you need an excuse to read romance novels, but Valentine’s Day seems as good a time as any. It’s a season of love, a time when being earnest and gushy isn’t cringe, it’s encouraged! A time when you can openly walk around with a copy of Icebreaker and get a nod of recognition from passersby. Beyond the timeliness, romance is undergoing a renaissance in the publishing industry. “Romance has always been the most profitable genre, but this resurgence is more about books becoming more accessible, whether that’s because of Kindle Unlimited or Libby or people using their libraries,” says F. Binta Barry, a bookseller at The Ripped Bodice , an all-romance bookstore with locations in Brooklyn and Los Angeles. BookTok and other social-media platforms have had a hand in catapulting many of these books to the top of best-seller lists, turning writers like Emily Henry and Kennedy Ryan into romance royalty.

The world of romance novels is vast and filled with subgenres (romantasy! sports!) and tropes (forced proximity, forbidden romance, etc.), and it can be difficult to know where to begin, which is why I asked the booksellers at both locations of The Ripped Bodice about the books they’re reading, hand-selling, and recommending.

Contemporary Romance

'Beach Read' by Emily Henry

Emily Henry is the undisputed queen of contemporary romance . Barry thinks it has to do with her contemporary-fiction approach to romance. “Her characters aren’t necessarily prioritizing or searching for romance. They’re really just trying to get through life. Even though they have the cartoon covers that a lot of the romance books in the past five years have been published with, at their core they’re stories about love in all the ways that can be explored, whether it’s romantic, familial, or friendship.” Barry’s favorite Emily Henry book is Beach Read , her first romance novel. It’s about two writers, one who writes romance novels and one who writes literary fiction. Both are stuck in a creative rut, so they decide to swap genres in order to finish their books.

'Take a Hint, Dani Brown' by Talia Hibbert

Talia Hibbert, who is best known for the Brown-sisters trilogy, was mentioned by two Ripped Bodice L.A. employees. Barry describes Hibbert’s books as “traditional rom-coms” that follow the classic romance-novel structure: first meeting, interest, conflict, third-act breakup and then a happily ever after. Hibbert then layers tropes like fake dating or forced proximity on top of that. Barry’s favorite of the trilogy is Take A Hint, Dani Brown , which opens with Dani being saved by a hot security guard during a fire drill. Before they can get to know each other on a deeper level, a video of her being rescued goes viral, which sets off a chain of events. “I love that her love interest is also a person of color,” says Barry. “When people think of interracial couples they think of the other person being white, so it’s nice to see that representation.”

'The Kiss Quotient' by Helen Hoang

In The Kiss Quotient, Stella, an autistic woman, hires an escort to explore intimacy with other people. The relationship starts off strictly professional, but as time goes on, things start to become very real. It’s an interesting take on the classic fake-dating trope, one that bookseller Haruka Iwasaki finds refreshing. “I love that it was written from a neurodiverse perspective and seeing an Asian man being so sexy, because they’re often seen as sexless,” she says.

'The Love Hypothesis' by Ali Hazelwood

Kate Streit, the orders manager at The Ripped Bodice in L.A., likes Ali Hazelwood’s books, which tend to feature women in STEM. Her breakout hit The Love Hypothesis follows a young scientist who doesn’t believe in love and ends up kissing the first man she sees to prove it. Things don’t turn out how she expects, and suddenly she’s questioning her own hypothesis. Hazelwood is emblematic of the modern-day romance-author success story: The Love Hypothesis started as Star Wars fanfiction about Rey and Kylo Ren (“Reylo”) and was then traditionally published in 2021 sans Star Wars references. It has since gone on to sell a million copies and led to a Love Hypothesis series about female scientists that fall in love.

'Red, White & Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston

Casey McQuiston is a standout in the queer romance space and has a knack for contemporary novels that are funny, witty, and filled with banter. Their most popular novel, Red, White, and Royal Blue , is about two “royals” on opposite sides of the pond who decide to fake-date to save the reputation of their respective families. It’s the kind of feel-good novel that’s well-suited to a beach or long-haul flight.

'You Had Me At Hola' by Alexis Daria

In this novel of false starts, our main characters are working at a Netflix-like streamer, and they’re attempting to create a telenovela. As the stars of the show, they’re meant to have explosive chemistry, but when one spills coffee on the other, things don’t go as planned. Eventually they fall in love, but the book is about their journey to get there. What makes it stand out to Iwasaki is its ability to balance the romance plot with interesting family dynamics. “Alexis Daria writes characters that are very family oriented so there’s always some complexity surrounding that,” says Iwasaki. “I think that anyone whose families are important to them or they have contention with them can relate.”

'The Charm Offensive' by Alice Cochrun

Imagine The Bachelor , but if the Bachelor ended up falling in love with his producer. That’s the conceit of this novel by Alice Cochran, which comes recommended by Iwasaki, who says being a Bachelor fan is her toxic trait. “It was really nice reading a romance novel set in a world that I already know well. It’s also a gay romance in this world where it’s been hetero couples for so long.”

Romantasy/Paranormal Romance

'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas

Maas is a pioneer of the “romantasy” genre, which focuses on both the romance plot and the world-building that’s signature to fantasy novels. This book is geared at young adult readers but has plenty of adult fans, so much so that The Ripped Bodice in L.A. held a midnight release party for House of Flame and Shadow , the third book in the Crescent City series. That novel, along with the rest of the series, is the bestselling book in the shop. “There’s really a community built around it,” says Barry. If you’re new to the books a Reddit thread I found suggests starting with The Throne of Glass series before moving onto A Court of Thorns and Roses and finishing with The Crescent City series, as all of the books exist in the same multiverse. When I asked about the appeal of Sarah J. Maas’ books, Barry suspects it’s all about accessibility. “Sarah’s writing is really digestible so you’re not super overwhelmed by her world building,” she says. “There’s also all the tropes that romance readers love, so it makes it a compelling read.”

'Fourth Wing' by Rebecca Yarros

In the same vein, Fourth Wing is extremely popular at The Ripped Bodice and everywhere else (a quick call to McNally Jackson in Williamsburg confirmed it’s selling very well for them). The follow-up, Iron Flame , was recently released to much fanfare — The Ripped Bodice L.A. held a midnight release party for that book too. The first novel in the series is about a young woman who goes to a war college to become a dragon rider, colliding with her destiny. It’s a hero’s journey with romance tied in, and Barry believes it appeals for similar reasons. “The hero’s journey is really easy to follow and the romance is super exciting. It’s clear what trajectory [the characters] are on, which romance readers love to see.”

'A Marvellous Light' by Freya Marske

“This series has a cool magic system,” says Barry of the The Last Binding trilogy, which features a magical Edwardian England. As all hero journeys go, the main character Robin is unsuspecting of his magical powers, and once he discovers them is thrust into a world he never knew existed. To make matters worse, he has a grumpy coworker who wants very little to do with him (but will absolutely be in love with him by the end) . Each novel in the series follows a different couple and alternates between gay and sapphic relationships.

'Wolfsong' by TJ Klune

Wolfsong is a queer werewolf romance that follows a wolfpack and one of its member’s human mates. “It’s really beautiful and compelling,” says Barry. It’s the first of the four-book Green Creek series, which focuses on a different member of the pack in each novel.

Sports Romance

'Icebreaker' by Hannah Grace

Sports romances have blown up online in the past two years, says Barry, which has translated to The Ripped Bodice selling more sports-themed novels. “There’s a specific kind of tension born from sport. People who play sports are very disciplined, competitive, and driven, which translates well into romance,” she says. The most popular sport in the genre by far is hockey. And the most popular book in that category is Icebreaker by Hannah Grace, the first book in the Maple Hills series. The novel centers on Anastasia and Nathan, a figure skater and hockey player who are made to practice at the same skating rink. It’s rivals to lovers as well as forced proximity, two tropes that are known to produce steamy results.

For what it’s worth, this book has been coming up in my circles too. During a recent trip to the bookstore with my friend Alex, she mentioned she’d just finished it a few nights before. According to Alex, whom I’ve known to read lots of literary fiction and heavy-hitting nonfiction, it’s a fluffy, fun read and felt similar to watching a cheesy Netflix show before bed. She also mentioned that the sex in the novel is actually good.

'Heated Rivalry' by Rachel Reid

Barry reads lots of queer sports romances, which often employ the forbidden love trope and grapple with internalized homophobia, especially in gay novels. Her favorite book in the subgenre is Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid, an enemies-to-lovers novel that Barry says has a nice, slow burn. The main characters Shane and Ilya are on opposing hockey teams and while they appear to be competitors, behind the scenes they’re something else. It’s the second book in Reid’s Game Changers series, which all focus on male/male romances.

'Like Real People Do' by E.L. Massey

For something a little “sweeter,” with more diverse representation, Barry recommends Like Real People Do, the first book in E.L. Massey’s Breakaway series, a hockey romance about college-age friends who become lovers. “It’s a perfect found family novel and there’s diverse representation,” she says, noting that one of the leads is Afro-Latino and has a disability.

'Cleat Cute' by Meryl Wilsner

Pitched as a “sapphic rom-com for fans of Ted Lasso and A League of Their Own ,” this novel follows two girls, Grace and Phoebe, who are rivals on their soccer team prepping for the World Cup. Grace is a longtime star of the team and gets injured, which leaves her position wide open for someone to take her place. Phoebe, a young player who’s something of a class clown steps into her role and somewhere along the way, the two fall in love. It comes recommended by Barry who says the author, Meryl Wilsner, is known for well-written, sapphic love stories.

Historical Romance

'The Duchess Deal: Girl Meets Duke' by Tessa Dare

Historical romance is incredibly popular and a classic genre (think: Bridgerton and the like). Streit runs the store’s historical romance book club and loves Tessa Dare, who she says “really encompasses the genre while still being accessible.” Her favorite Dare book is The Duchess Deal: Girl Meets Duke , which has the kind of romance cover I remember seeing in the drugstore book section growing up. This “Beauty and the Beast, marriage of convenience,” novel centers on the Duke of Ashbury, who’s looking for a wife (not love) after coming back from war. He finds one in Emma Gladstone, who stumbles into his library wearing a wedding dress. The two come up with rules that the other must adhere to, which leads to conflict and spicy resolution.

'The Duke Who Didn't' by Courtney Milan

According to Streit, Courtney Milan, a self-published author, sells well at The Ripped Bodice. “She writes really funny, emotional books that have good representation in the historical context.” Her personal favorite is The Duke Who Didn’t , the first book in the Wedgeford Trials series. It has a bit of concealed identity (the love interest is a secret Duke) and second chance romance, two of Streit’s favorite tropes.

'We Could Be So Good' by Cat Sebastian

Cat Sebastian writes historical queer romances that are set in the more recent past. “Her stories are so much fun,” says Barry, who likes We Could Be So Good , a male/male historical romance that was a New York Times notable book and was named one of the best romances of 2023. The novel is set in the 1950s and is about a journalist and newspaper mogul’s son who fall in love. “It’s giving Newsies, which I love,” says Barry.

'Rebel' by Beverly Jenkins

“Beverly Jenkins has been the most prominent Black historical author for at least 25 years,” says Streit. Jenkins’ has written over 50 novels, most of which take place in the US and have a Western theme. “She’s a pioneer for authors in the historical space,” she says. She recommends starting with Rebel , the first novel in her ongoing Women Who Dare series, that’s about a woman who moves south to New Orleans after the Civil War. “It really encompasses her as a writer,” she says. “If you like that, you not only would have new books to look forward to, but you also have her entire backlist to go read.”

'A Lady for a Duke' by Alexis Hall

Alexis Hall writes both contemporary and historical romances, but Barry is partial to his historical romance A Lady for a Duke , a second-chance, childhood friends-to-lovers romance. Our main character Viola Carroll was presumed dead at Waterloo, and used the opportunity to live life as her authentic self, leaving everything behind in the process. Eventually she reconnects with her childhood friend the Duke of Gracewood, who has been grieving the loss of his closest friend. Barry appreciates the trans representation, particularly in the historical context. “When [the Duke] realizes that she’s transitioned, it’s not a big thing. It’s like, oh, I not only have my best friend back, but she’s also someone who I’m falling in love with.”

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Five of the best romance books of 2023

A bittersweet tale of young love, hotly awaited American fantasy, Jilly Cooper’s latest romp and more

The Burnout

The Burnout Sophie Kinsella (Bantam) As funny and perfectly plotted as all Kinsella’s books, but with an out-of-season coastal town setting that adds a bittersweet quality to this tale of young people’s anxiety and, eventually, huge love. Kinsella is justly lauded for her comedy – if she was a man, she’d have won the Wodehouse prize by now – but she also brings a wistfulness to her characters, and a sharp awareness of contemporary concerns, from consumerism to workplace etiquette to social media. Sasha in The Burnout is suffering from terrible anxiety, overwork and an always-on culture, and the book is true, sweet, sad, romantic and genuinely uplifting.

Iron Flame -

Iron Flame Rebecca Yarros (Piatkus) An absolute romantasy sensation. Iron Flame, the second book in the Empyrean Series set in the centuries-old Basgiath War College, landed in November, and a lot of people are very excited about it. Yarros is the true inheritor of Harry Potter and inspires Hunger Games levels of devotion, with extra dragons and sex. This is the only book in the last few years that has genuinely justified bookshop midnight openings, so you should probably get up to date now.

Everything’s Fine

Everything’s Fine Cec ilia Rabess (Picador) This controversial but addictive and extremely funny American romance mixes race and, in rather more incendiary terms, politics, and will find you rooting for both its gen Z high-flyers, despite yourself. As is a common occurrence these days, particularly for books by new female authors, a social media storm has erupted, in this case over whether you can use racial inequality as an obstacle to a good romance. Most people would defend the right of a young Black woman to write whatever the hell she pleases, but the book’s cleverness should overcome any objections. Rarely has the discovery of a secret Maga hat felt quite so consequential.

TACKLE JILLY COOPER

Tackle! Jilly Cooper (Bantam ) It’s Jilly, and it has Rupert in it, and some horses. Jilly Cooper is a fundamental part of what it is to be British: witty, funny and completely and absolutely herself. Tackle! is set in the world of professional football, but probably best not used as a textbook. Between this and the forthcoming TV adaptation of her masterpiece, Rivals, 2024 looks like being a big Jilly year. Everyone! Wash your hair and spray on some Fracas, Rupert’s burning the stubble in the lower field!

Red, White & Royal Blue Casey McQuiston

Red, White & Royal Blue Casey McQuiston (Macmillan) Rereleased to coincide with the film, this ultra high-concept romance – what if the son of the US president (who is, of course, a woman) fell in love with the Prince of Wales? – is fun and completely adorable. Charmingly done, with a posh Heartstopper vibe.

To browse all romance books included in the Guardian and Observer’s best books of 2023 visit guardianbookshop.com . Delivery charges may apply.

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25 Romance Books That Are Sexy, Smart, and Anything But Sappy

They’re a total guilty pleasure.

best romance books including the bride test, an american marriage, pride, prejudice, and other flavors, finding you feet, 99 percent mine, well met, tell me how you really feel, and more

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Filled with enough drama, witty repartee, and tension to keep you on your toes till the very end, many of the most popular romance books today are love stories that go beyond the white, cis-het lens. We're excited to see more diversity represented in the romance genre, however, there is still much more progress to be made. According to an annual independent report from the Los Angeles-based bookstore The Ripped Bodice, for every 100 books published in 2021 by leading romance publishers, fewer than 12 books were written by people of color.

We celebrate the books that allow more readers to see themselves (and their own romantic adventures and mishaps) in their pages and think that any lover of lit can take pleasure in their stories. Featuring both longtime best-sellers and new reads, these 25 romance books are definitely worth adding to your personal library.

Joy Revolution Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert

At the intersection of romance books and YA novels is this charming, geeky, yet emotionally complex read from author Talia Hibbert. It follows Bradley, a star student athlete, Celene, a burgeoning social-media influencer with a conspiracy-theory TikTok account, and the long-running misunderstanding between them.

Paired together during a survival course in the woods with full scholarships on the line, these frenemies are forced to work together to overcome their struggles. Thankfully, they begin to recognize the redeeming qualities (and cuteness) of the other along the way, too.

More : The Most Romantic Movies for a Perfect Night In

William Morrow Paperbacks 99 Percent Mine: A Novel by Sally Thorne

Darcy and Tom have been friends — just friends — since they were kids. Tom and Darcy's twin brother are best friends, so their bond has always been a platonic one. When Darcy inherits a fixer-upper cottage and Tom is tasked with restoring the home to its former glory, suddenly the rules no longer apply.

St. Martin's Griffin The Girl He Used to Know: A Novel by Tracey Garvis Graves

Annika and Jonathan fell hard for one another after they met at chess club while studying at the University of Illinois. Their love seemed like it could withstand anything — until an unexpected tragedy forced them apart.

Now, 10 years later, they've reconnected. Both on different paths with the careers they always dreamed of, Annika and Jonathan need to decide if they should take their second chance at being together before it’s lost.

Atria Books It Starts With Us: A Novel by Colleen Hoover

Thanks to #BookTok, Colleen Hoover's 2016 romance book It Ends With Us has had a major resurgence . Now, the long-awaited sequel is here.

It Starts With Us picks up 2 years later, and this time, the story is told from the perspective of Atlas, Lily's first love and the one who came before her abusive ex-husband Ryle. While the two of them finally have a second chance at happiness together, Ryle's bitter jealousy threatens to keep them apart for good.

Knopf Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow: A Novel by Gabrielle Zevin

Gabrielle Zevin's blockbuster novel Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is not your typical romance book. Instead, it is about the depth and richness of friendship love.

Protagonists Sam and Sadie are bonded in childhood by their love of gaming — years later, they design a game together which explodes into something bigger than they could've ever imagined. The book is an expansive, decades-sweeping character study that reckons with trust as the bedrock of a lasting partnership.

Algonquin Books An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

An American Marriage was named a top book in 2018 by the likes of Amazon, the New York Times , and NPR (it was even an Oprah's Book Club pick!). So it’s no surprise that our former parenting editor Latifah Miles names it as one of her favorite romance books as well.

She says, " An American Marriage is full of twists and turns and made me rethink the meaning of true love and how far you are willing to go for the person you have committed your life to. Where is the boundary between love and personal happiness, and how do we pick up the pieces after everything falls apart?"

Flatiron Books My Ex-Life: A Novel by Stephen McCauley

David and Julie had a short, misguided marriage, managed to part as friends, and allowed their lives to completely diverge. Decades later, they both find themselves teetering on the cusp of a midlife crisis, with Julie seeking David out for help in tutoring her daughter. Their reconnection rekindles something more complicated than romance — it’s more of a fractured friendship that’ll never quite look the way it once did.

Sweet Rose Meet Cute Club by Jack Harbon

Jordan Collins is a total bookworm and the founder of a floundering romance-book club. He's also desperate to save his passion project. Rex Bailey, a smart-mouthed bookstore employee, offers to join the Meet Cute Club and help Jordan revitalize the local lit community he loves so dear.

Though reluctant at first, Jordan eventually agrees to let him join the club and in doing so, gets to know Rex on a deeper level — even if he's the last guy on Earth that he'd expect to fall for.

Lake Union Publishing The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms

An Amazon Charts and Washington Post best-seller surrounds the story of Amy Byler who's headed to New York City for a summer to take a much-needed break from her overworked life.

After letting loose and taking in all the city has to offer, she meets one particular man who leaves her contemplating if she should stay or go back to all that she left behind in Pennsylvania.

Avon Books Bridgerton: The Duke & I by Julia Quinn

Yes, that steamy Netflix show is a romance book adaptation. Set in Regency-era, high-society England, Daphne Bridgerton finds her reputation at stake, while the promiscuous Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, is bombarded with more marriage proposals than he can stand.

To play the court at its own gossipy game, the two join forces and fake their love affair to elevate Daphne in the public sphere and take the duke off the market for good. But with the undeniable chemistry between their feisty jabs at each other, could this faux romance turn real?

Custard Books Before You Say I Do by Clare Lydon

This romance book follows Abby, an engaged woman who is so busy with work that her fiancee has to hire a professional bridesmaid, Jordan, to help her keep things in order as the wedding fast approaches.

There's no question that when the two women meet, sparks fly, and Abby wonders if her life priorities have been completely out of whack all along.

Katherine Tegen Books Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds

Be forewarned: You'll want the tissues handy when you start reading this otherworldly romance book. Jack and Kate meet at a party, and it was like it was always meant to be. Neither of them has ever felt such a happy, goofy, instant bond with another person.

When Kate suddenly loses the battle with her chronic illness and dies, Jack gains the ability to travel back in time over and over again to try and relive their love story, and also change whatever he can about it so that she can live.

Riptide Publishing Finding Your Feet by Cass Lennox

You might never know where you'll meet The One. Evie Whitmore has a dance routine to learn with just hours to spare, and Tyler Davis is the one who is tasked with teaching it to her. Taken by her skill and the effortlessness of their pairing, Tyler is still healing from a past abusive relationship, but he may be ready to let someone new into his life.

This tender romance between an asexual person and a trans man is about the importance of patience and trust.

Berkley Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake

They say you’ve got to take the bitter with the sweet, but Delilah Green is finding that it works the other way around, too. Pressured to return to her much-despised hometown to photograph her stepsister’s wedding, Delilah is dreading the whole event until she runs into Claire Sutherland. Claire, one of the bridesmaids, is dealing with grief, single parenthood, and maintaining a work-life balance ... so Delilah’s arrival after years apart completely throws her for a loop.

Although free-spirited Delilah and homebody Claire make an unexpected pairing, their relationship soon moves beyond the casual realm into the loving support they each didn’t realize they needed.

St. Martin's Griffin Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel by Casey McQuiston

Alex Claremont-Diaz's mother is president of the United States, meaning that he has to keep up a wholesome public image, so as not to rock the boat with any foreign relations. Unfortunately, he's in a bit of a quarrel with British royal Prince Henry, and the tabloids have the receipts of their altercation.

Both Alex and Henry agree to smile for the camera to keep the nations that their families lead in peace, but as they're forced to get closer, it turns out the two influential sons might be hiding their attraction for each other under the guise of rivalry.

Berkley Book Lovers by Emily Henry

To call this romance novel a bookish read may be redundant, but it feels particularly apt when we're taking about two rivals in the publishing world.

Nora Stephens is a literary agent who knows all of the tropes of every rom-com out there ... so she knows she'll never get herself snagged in one. And Charlie Lastra is a book editor who helps meet-cutes come to life on the page but takes the red pen to every scenario he finds himself IRL. Come for the irresistibly snappy banter and sexual tension in Book Lovers , but stay for the unexpectedly heartfelt connection.

Feiwel & Friends Tell Me How You Really Feel by Aminah Mae Safi

This YA romance book follows two girls whose love story had a bit of a false start. The super popular Sana Khan asked out aspiring filmmaker Rachel Recht, and let's just say that it didn't go well.

Both walked away from the encounter feeling like they'd been pranked. They've managed to keep their distance — until Rachel reluctantly casts Sana as the lead in her senior film project. Perhaps take two of their romance is more successful.

Berkley The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

This romantic read is just as sexy as it is sweet. Khai and Esme live on opposite ends of the globe, and seemingly in two different realities — Esme in the world of starry-eyed romance, and Khai in a matter-of-fact, socially isolated viewpoint.

The two are paired together through an arranged courtship and must navigate through their differences to reach common ground together.

Berkley Well Met by Jen DeLuca

It turns out, these two star-crossed lovers can only express their true feelings when they're role-playing at the Renaissance Faire (!).

Bubbly, lighthearted Emily agrees to volunteer at the Faire for the summer and is under the supervision of the disgruntled Simon. It's only when they're in costume that the flirtation gets hot and heavy.

William Morrow Paperbacks Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors: A Novel by Sonali Dev

This reimagining of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is set in #MeToo-era San Francisco. Reversing the gender roles of the classic romance book, Dr. Trisha Raje and chef DJ Caine initially clash over their different worldviews, and both are incredibly loyal to their families. Eventually, the two reconcile to save DJ's sister.

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Melanie Yates is the senior service editor of Best Products, where she writes and reports pieces pertaining to the etiquette, dilemmas, and how-tos of gift-giving for different occasions. Previously, she was the site's senior home editor, covering all things decor- and bedding-related since 2015. Her digital byline can also be found on Bustle, House Beautiful , and Elle Decor . A longtime classical-music enthusiast, Melanie spends her off-hours enjoying performances big and small across New York City.

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Best New Romance Books: Our Top Ten!

Love is in the air! For the past year, NYPL librarians on the Romance Committee have met monthly and hotly debated romance novels published in 2023. We've discussed our favorite romance tropes, what makes an irresistible love interest, the logistics of scandalous midnight trysts and more. We've done all this hard work and debate not just for science but for readers looking for their perfect happily-ever-afters and romantic escapes from the world outside. 

The  Best New Romance Novels of 2024  list joins the illustrious  Best New Romance Novels of 2023  list and the  50 All Time Favorite Romance Novels  list published in 2022. While the Romance Committee enjoyed all the books featured on this year's big list here are our Top 10 favorite books of the year!

hot pink cover. woman with a fan

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by Adriana Herrera

In 1889 Paris, spirited heiress Manuela, offers ambitious businesswoman Cora her Venezuelan property in exchange for one last thrilling summer before her impending marriage of convenience. Things take an unexpected turn, when the contractual fling turns into a whirl- wind romance filled with passion, uncertainties and family obligations.

book cover. woman in orange dress

by Sarah MacLean

In Victorian London, Tommy, a Scotland Yard detective, and Imogen, a vivacious vigilante, have been circling one another since they met. The attraction between the self-made detective and the bluestocking lady is undeniable and explosive. But unexpected events leads Imogen to be unsure whom she can trust as they could be tied to a string of crimes she and Tommy are investigating.

book cover. people dancing in a garden

Marry Me by Midnight

by Felicia Grossman

In Victorian London, Jewish heiress Isabelle could lose everything unless she marries the right man. She secretly enlists synagogue custodian, Aaron, to research her potential matches but she quickly finds his understated charm irresistible.

pink book cover. two people looking back at each other

The Mis-Arrangement of Sana Saeed

by Noreen Mughees

Sana, a South Asian woman, embraces the prospect of an arranged marriage to secure guardianship of her younger brother. But when an old love unexpectedly returns and unresolved feelings resurfaces, she has to make a choice between her head and her heart.

book cover. woman on a beach

Mrs. Nash's Ashes

by Sarah Adler

With a storm grounding planes, a former child star, a writer, and an old friend's ashes find themselves on an adventurous road trip to the Florida Keys to reunite former lovers. Along the way, they discover a heartfelt wartime love story.

Purple cover with bearded man looking back

The New Guy

by Sarina Bowen

New to Brooklyn, Hudson and Gavin hit it off in a bar. Their attraction to each other is unstoppable, but both have their own reasons to stay away. Pretty soon, lines are blurred and their feelings become more complicated when they both realize that they’re neighbors and colleagues on the same pro hockey team. The companion novel is I’m Your Guy .

Yellow book cover

The Seven Year Slip

by Ashley Poston

Clementine opens the door to her late aunt’s Manhattan condo…and unexpectedly slips back seven years into the past. A time filled with longings and hopeful dreams. Now she has to navigate her life between the past and the present, as she tries to reconcile the differences between the sweet guy she meets there and the man he becomes.

book cover. two people holding hands.

Thank You for Sharing

by Rachel Runya Katz

It all started at a Jewish summer camp years ago, and Liyah can’t let it go. Now years later, she must work with Daniel, her teenage fling turned enemy, to help revive the Chicago Field museum. So, to keep things professional, they agree to a truce. Will a temporary alliance be enough to heal old wounds and give them the chance to start anew?

blue book cover. two men in shadow embracing

We Could Be So Good

by Cat Sebastian

In 1950s New York City, two reporters, an Italian American Brooklynite and the Upper East Side-raised son of the newspaper's owner go from colleagues to roommates, finding friendship and more as they navigate the social norms of the era.

book cover. retro drawing of two people kissing

With Love, from Cold World

by Alicia Thompson

Asa and Lauren are antagonistic colleagues at a failing winter-themed amusement park in Florida. However, things heat up as they are forced together to work as a team  over the holidays to brainstorm ways to increase attendance. They discover they may have more in common than originally realized.

Discover the full list of NYPL's 50 Best New Romance Books!

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The best contemporary romance novels, per goodreads and a ‘booktuber’.

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Best Contemporary Romance Books

Let’s be real — a lighthearted romance book paired with a beautifully illustrated cover is a divine duo.

That said, we rounded up the 36 best contemporary romance novels, according to what Goodreads exclusively shared with the New York Post and a ‘BookTuber.’

Steph Bohrer , a 21-year-old student at Arizona State University, has more than 215,000 subscribers on YouTube where she posts videos on book recommendations, buying books and even relating Taylor Swift songs to some of her favorite paperbacks and hardcovers .

“I started my YouTube during quarantine,” Bohrer told the The Post. “I was so bored, was reading so much and had nobody to talk about my books with. So, the new thing is to film yourself talking and people received the videos well.”

She’ll typically finish a new read in two days — sometimes in one sitting if she’s “really into it.”

“When I was younger, I was so anti-reading — I thought it was boring and I hated reading books for school,” she said. “I started reading on Wattpad on my phone, and then started reading young-adult romance books and started an excessive amount. Now, I can’t imagine not reading.”

Below, find the 36 best contemporary romance novel recommendations — including much-clamored-about books and unique titles with exceptional storylines. That’s right, no more hunting down titles or falling into a what-do-I-read slump.

With each book, there’s a brief explanation to skim and shop your next five-star rating.

Best Contemporary Romance Books of 2023, per Goodreads

1. “people we meet on vacation” by emily henry.

People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry

Sometimes, we need a cute vacation-themed romance to dive into. The relationship of Poppy and Alex is one of Goodreads’ most-read, and it’s about one trip away that changes everything.

“I read this book when I was in Hawaii and it’s about girl and boy best friends who go on vacation every year,” Bohrer adds. “You’re reading until you find out why they don’t talk anymore.”

2. “The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

As one of our personal favorites, “The Love Hypothesis” has developed much acclaim for its professor-and-student trope, with a love for science that’s adored by academics. Not to mention, the witty banter and flirtatious scenes make this one a treat to read.

3. “The Spanish Love Deception” by Elena Armas

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

If we’re being honest, we’re in the middle of this read and are already obsessed. Not to mention, it’s one Goodreads and Bohrer recommend.

“This book is so fun and cute,” Bohrer adds. “It’s an enemies-to-lovers, wholesome read . The characters work together and she needs a date to a wedding, even though they don’t get along. The ‘fake dating’ slowly turns into a real relationship.”

4. “One Last Stop” by Casey McQuiston

"One Last Stop" by Casey McQuiston

A cherished rom-com, “One Last Stop” homes in on twenty-three-year-old who’s new to NYC and sees a gorgeous girl on a subway train. It’s a unique contemporary novel that’ll have you swooning in no time.

5. “It Happened One Summer” by Tessa Bailey

"It Happened One Summer" by Tessa Bailey

Piper, who’s deemed the “wild child” who drinks a bit too much champagne, falls into the lap of a small-town boy who couldn’t be more opposite of her when she’s prompted to run her late father’s dive bar. Steamy, sexy and fun, you’ll want to soar through these pages.

6. “The Ex Hex” by Erin Sterling

"The Ex Hex" by Erin Sterling

If you’re a lover of all things spooky and romantic, pick up “The Ex Hex.” It’s a lovey-dovey tale of Vivienne Jones, who casts a spell on her horrible ex-boyfriend. And then, it’s all mystery and magic from there.

7. “The Soulmate Equation” by Christina Lauren

"The Soulmate Equation" by Christina Lauren

As a statistics nerd, protagonist Jess Davis ends up hearing about GeneticAlly, a trending DNA-based matchmaking company which, after her friend urges her, is seemingly the answer to her single-ridden life. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, especially when she’s matched with someone to a 98% accuracy.

8. “Reminders of Him” by Colleen Hoover

"Reminders of Him" by Colleen Hoover

Meet Hoover’s newest book that everyone is talking about. It’s a story about a troubled young mother who tries to reconnect with her four-year-old daughter. And, interestingly, the only person who hasn’t shut the door on her is Ledger Ward, a local bar owner who has the few remaining ties to her daughter.

9. “Seven Days In June” by Tia Williams

"Seven Days In June" by Tia Williams

“Seven Days In June” made the cut as one of Reese’s Book Club picks and a Goodreads choice. A Brooklynite single mom and bestselling erotica writer unexpectedly meets Shane at a literary event. After spending one week crazy in love, it’s a story you won’t want to skip on to discover what happens next.

10. “Act Your Age, Eve Brown” by Talia Hibbert

"Act Your Age, Eve Brown" by Talia Hibbert

Cute and fit for any romance lover, “Act Your Age, Eve Brown” surrounds Eve, a certified hot-mess and Jacob, the owner of an understaffed bed and breakfast. When Eve tries to melt Jacob’s frosty exterior of stress and closed-off-ness, it becomes impeccably good.

Best Contemporary Romance Books of 2023, per a ‘BookTuber’:

1. “ the song of achilles” by madeline miller.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

“This is a Greek mythology retelling of the story of Achilles,” Bohrer said. “I wasn’t into Greek mythology at all but this book is so well written and it’s a romance about Patroclus and Achilles that’s accurate to the myth. It’s tragic but so good.”

2. “ Ugly Love” by Colleen Hoover

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

“It’s told in a past and present perspective of why this boy Miles is so anti-love,” she said. “It shows his first relationship in the past and a girl falling in love with him in the present. It’s a great story of everything that happened in his life and what changed him.”

Plus, Colleen Hoover is her favorite author and “ Ugly Love ” is her favorite of her books.

3. “ The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

“’ The Hating Game ‘ is one of my favorite books,” she said. “It’s enemies-to-lovers: the boy is grumpy and mean and the girl is all sunshine and happiness, and they just don’t get along. You see their forced proximity and how they eventually realize they have more in common than they thought.”

4. The Addicted Series Box Set by Krista Ritchie

The Addicted Series Box Set

“This is my favorite series of all time with 10 books,” she said. “There are three couples — six best friends — and they’re famous. And, it’s more than just romance because the character development is so strong.”

5. “ Archer’s Voice” by Mia Sheridan

Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan

“This boy named Archer goes through something really traumatic to the point where he can’t speak anymore,” she said. “He meets this girl named Bree and they have some trauma they go through together. It’s a story of fate finding love after being through a lot.”

6. “A Thousand Boy Kisses” by Tillie Cole

A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole

“I can’t say anything without spoiling this book, but it’s a young-adult book about this girl who goes through something tragic, cuts off her childhood best friend and ends up figuring out the issue at hand together,” she said.

7. “ The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

“I recently finished this book and it was amazing,” she said. “It’s the life story of one of the biggest actresses in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, and everything she goes through — love, loss, and relationships with family and friends — makes you learn so much from her story.”

8. “ Confess” by Colleen Hoover

Confess by Colleen Hoover

“ This book is about a girl who moves to a new town, needs a job and meets a boy who was hiring — almost like fate,” she said. “They’re both hiding a lot and there’s a plot twist in there, too.”

9. “ Bright Side” by Kim Holden

Bright Side by Kim Holden

“’ Bright Side ‘ is about a girl who is so optimistic and everyone loves her,” she said. “She meets this boy and she’s closed-off to him because he sees the ‘real’ her and she doesn’t want people to know she’s not actually happy all the time — and she has a lot of secrets.”

10. “ All Your Perfects” by Colleen Hoover

All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover

“’ All Your Perfects ‘ is told from a past, present and future perspective,” she said. “It’s about a couple falling in love for the first time and then eight years into their marriage, their relationship is falling apart. So, you’re seeing them fall in love, fall out of love and their hardships with infertility.”

11. “ The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

“’ The Unhoneymooners ‘ is about this girl and boy whose siblings are getting married — they’re the best man and maid of honor at a wedding — and they’ve never gotten along,” she said. “The bride and groom get food poisoning and they’re forced to take on their prepaid honeymoon and it’s fun seeing them spend the week together.”

12. “ The Deal” by Ellie Kennedy

The Deal by Ellie Kennedy

“’ The Deal ‘ is a hockey romance about a super popular guy and super smart girl needing each other to cope with some trauma,” she said. “Garrett plays hockey, Hannah ends up tutoring him, and he realizes what she’s been through all along.” 

13. “ November 9″ by Colleen Hoover

November 9 by Colleen Hoover

“Fallyn and Ben decide to meet up every November 9 because they live on opposite sides of the country, but they have an instant connection when they meet,” she said. “You follow every November 9 of them meeting up and how their relationship develops over that time.”

14. “ Beach Read” by Emily Henry

Beach Read by Emily Henry

“’ Beach Read ‘ is about this girl who moves to her dad’s beach house after he passes away, after finding out what he’s been hiding for all of her life,” she said. “She’s a writer and goes there to write her book, but soon realizes her college rival — who’s also a writer — lives next door.”

15. “ The Summer of Broken Rules” by K.L. Walther

The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther

“’ The Summer of Broken Rules takes place in Martha’s Vineyard and I loved the summer-inspired scenery,” she said. “It’s about this girl whose sister passed away, goes on a family vacation with her aunts and cousins for the first time without her sister, and she meets this boy there.”

16. “ Most of All You” by Mia Sheridan

Most of All You by Mia Sheridan

“’ Most of All You ‘ is about a boy with a tragic past who’s hesitant about dating,” Bohrer said. “He meets this girl who’s detached from reality and has also been through a lot. And, he sees something in her that nobody else sees.”

She describes it as “two broken people finding comfort in each other.”

17. “ Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

“’ Red White & Royal Blue ‘ is about the First Son of the United States and the Prince of England,” she said. “They have a public fight and their parents make them go on ‘fake friend dates’ so the public thinks they’re civil. The character discovers more about his sexuality and it’s a great romance of two high-profile people.”

18. “ It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

“This is a really popular one,” she said. “Lily meets this boy and as things go wrong, she reads diary entries from when she dated her first love. It’s an impactful story .”

19. “ Daisy Jones & The Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

“’ Daisy Jones & The Six ‘ is about a girl in a band and you’re going to have to read it — it’s hard not to spoil it,” she said.

20. “ The Wall of Winnipeg and Me” by Mariana Zapata

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata

“This is about the assistant to an NFL football player who has worked for the athlete her whole life,” she said. “But, he’s so mean to her, she quits, and then he begs her to come back at her doorstep. She ends up having to move in with him and it’s a forced-proximity story of a developing relationship .”

21. “ Hopeless” by Colleen Hoover

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

“Sky has lived a sheltered life: no phone, no Internet, and no access to the outside world,” she said. “She meets this boy and they have an instant friendship. There’s an instant plot twist and everything she thought about her life is a complete lie.”

22. “ Maybe Someday” by Colleen Hoover

Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

“’ Maybe Someday ‘ is about this girl who finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her with her best friend,” she said. “She has nowhere to go so she moves in with her neighbor. The relationship theme is ‘maybe someday we can be together, but not right now,’ once a new guy comes into the picture.”

23. “ The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

“In this book , the main character’s parents pressure her into starting a family of her own, but she wants to focus on her career,” she said. “She has Asperger’s, a form of Autism, so she’s not comfortable being in a relationship with someone. So, she hires a male escort to teach her about being in a relationship — and you find out why he’s escorting in the first place.”

24. “ The Problem With Forever” by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Problem With Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout

“Mallory grew up in a foster home with this boy who always protected her,” she said. “They end up getting separated and she finds the boy she grew up with in her last period class.”

25. “ The Simple Wild” by K.A. Tucker

The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker

“The main character finds out her dad is dying and she hasn’t seen him since she was little because he lives in Alaska,” she said. “Her father owns an airline company and the girl bonds with a pilot about her dad’s sickness.”

26. “ Heart Bones” by Colleen Hoover

Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover

“After her mom passed away, the main character ends up moving in with her dad, who she’s really never met,” she said. “She meets her stepsister, becomes immersed in a new friend group, and meets a boy — and there’s a plot twist that summer .”

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The 20 Most Anticipated Books of 2024, According to 'Marie Claire' Editors

From long-awaited follow-ups by award-winning authors to engrossing debut thrillers and memoirs.

composite of the most anticipated book releases of 2024

Reading enthusiasts know there's nothing like finally getting your hands on (or receiving a Libby notification for) a book you've been waiting months (or years) to read and then diving in head-first. Lucky for us lit-obsessed editors at Marie Claire , 2024's publishing slate is stacked with buzzy releases, from the returns of several beloved female authors to glossy new tell-alls. For the impatient, many of our picks for our year's best reads have already hit the shelves (including a debut novel by a member of the MC team!). From chilling thrillers and steamy romances , to engrossing memoirs and self-help inspiration , read on for our most anticipated books of 2024.

"I'm such a sucker for twisty thrillers with complex female protagonists—as you'll learn later down this list, when I ran out of new books in the genre, I wrote one myself—and Stacy Willingham is among the very best of them. This book has it all: a college campus rocked by a sudden tragedy; female friendship tested to the brink; and twists you won't see coming. Willingham gets better with each book, and this is my favorite yet." - Jenny Hollander, Digital Director

"This new release from Kaveh Akbar is about many things—addiction, family, the immigrant experience, and sobriety—but above all, it’s a beautiful meditation on how one man finds meaning. Guided by the spectres of his ancestors, newly sober Iranian-American Cyrus Shams spends the novel exploring his family’s past in order to make sense of his own life." - Gabrielle Ulubay, Beauty Writer

"I’m a die-hard Sarah J. Maas fan and have been counting down the days till this release since that cliff hanger in the last book. I’m not the only one either— BookTok can’t stop talking about this series and it absolutely deserves all of the hype. While I don’t want to spoil the magic that is this series, I will say that is has everything you could want in a fantasy romance book: complex characters, heart-pounding romance, lavish world building, and so many twists and turns. I’m expecting all of this and more in the latest installment." - Brooke Knappenberger, Associate Commerce Editor

"Chung's 2022 short story collection Cursed Bunny shook me to my core with its exploration of female autonomy among societal expectations, told through fantastical and horrifying metaphors, often involving bodily functions. (I wasn't the only one awed by the collection, judging by its inclusion among the 2023 National Book Award finalists for Translated Literature.) The South Korean author publishes her follow-up set of stories this year, also translated by Anton Hur, which promises to include "a variety of possible fates for humanity" that will definitely keep me up at night. - Quinci LeGardye, Contributing Culture Editor

"Is it weird to call your own book a "most anticipated"? Sure, but I'm really proud of this one, so bear with me. This thriller—my first novel!—follows Charlotte "Charlie" Colbert, a magazine editor who witnessed a massacre at her elite graduate school a decade earlier. When one of Charlie's former classmates decides to make a film about what really happened that night, Charlie is forced to confront the "black holes" in her memory and decide, once and for all, how far she'll go to hide the truth. Called "an undeniable page-turner" by Booklist and "a twisty, thrilling story" by Town and Country, I'm hoping this one keeps you up late." - JH

"I'm admittedly a bit picky when it comes to romance, but Tia Williams is a go-to author for epic love stories that give me all the feels, from Jenna and Eic's forbidden love in The Perfect Find , to Eva and Shane's fateful second chance in Seven Days in June . Her next novel takes tells a tale of magical realism in Harlem, NYC, where Ricki Wilde flees to escape her famous Atlanta family and start her own flower shop. Soon, she meets a handsome stranger named Ezra “Breeze” Walker, and their instant connection leads her down an extraordinary path. - QL

"If a female journalist is writing a book, I'm adding to cart and pre-ordering. Savannah Guthrie anchors The Today Show on NBC as one-half of its first female co-anchor team, and this book takes us inside her mind on the day she was named co-anchor (and, if you'll remember, not Ann Curry) in July 2012 alongside Matt Lauer; he later left amidst controversy in 2017. She writes about the times life didn't work out the way she wished it would (and how that's okay) and how her faith has sustained her through the highs and lows of life." - Rachel Burchfield, Senior Celebrity and Royals Editor

"This book is dedicated to 'the 80 percent of women who don't believe they're enough, the 75 percent of female executives who deal with imposter syndrome, and the 91 percent of girls and women who don't love their bodies.' Those statistics are staggering—and sad. After laying it all out there in her memoir, Believe IT , the cofounder of IT Cosmetics and the first ever female CEO of a L'Oréal brand, is back in her second book to talk about all of us and our worthiness journeys, while sprinkling in some of her story as well. At the crux of the book is how to stop doubting yourself out of your own destiny and how to use self-worth as a tool to success in every way: internally, externally, emotionally, socially, relationally, and financially." - RB

"When Xochitl Gonzalez published her New York Times bestselling novel Olga Dies Dreaming, she charmed millions of readers and took the literary world by storm. Now, she’s written a new novel called Anita De Monte Laughs Last, which is told through the perspectives of two distinctive, unforgettable characters. The first, Anita de Monte, is a rising star in the New York City art world in 1985, but she is found dead before she can achieve lasting success. The second, Raquel, discovers Anita’s tale while in college, and finds that the deceased artist’s story is eerily, uncannily similar to her own." - GU

"Morgan Parker got her start in publishing poetry, including the gorgeous collections Magical Negro and There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyoncé, but I've been eagerly awaiting more prose from the author since her debut YA novel Who Put This Song On? made me feel so seen as a former lonely Black girl growing up in white suburbia. Her first nonfiction book, a memoir-in-essays, examines her own lifelong loneliness due to America's cultural treatment of Black people throughout history. If you know me IRL, expect every conversation to start with 'You should check out this book' for the rest of the year." - QL

"As the Prince and Princess of Wales debate on where to send their eldest, Prince George, to school ( boarding school or not? That's the question du jour), Princess Diana's only brother, Earl Charles Spencer, is releasing a memoir about his traumatic boarding school experience. Sent away at age eight, he writes about the 'culture of cruelty' at the school he attended in his youth and provides 'important insights into an antiquated boarding system.' He also reportedly speaks to his schoolboy contemporaries as well as references his own letters and diaries from the time period to reflect on 'the hopelessness and abandonment he felt.' Through this book he reclaims his childhood, and we all get to bear witness to the journey." - RB

"This book appears to be a memoir, with a twist. Part personal journey, part exploration into mental health, it cites psychologists, psychiatrists, scientists, and thought leaders on how to understand why we think and feel the way we do, and why this may be holding us back. I have long been compelled by the First Lady of Canada, and I'm interested to see how she navigates talking about her divorce from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which is still ongoing, in the book's pages. (They separated last year after 18 years of marriage.)" - RB

"Seven years after her moving debut Goodbye, Vitamin , Khong returns with a multigenerational saga about a Chinese American family, as its members try to define their own lives against the forces of fate and history. In 1999, broke media intern Lily Chen meets and falls in love with Matthew, her boss's wealthy nephew. Later, in 2011, 15-year-old Nick Chen (raised by Lily as a single mother in Washington state) sets out to find his biological father. The Washington Post compared the novel to Gabrielle Zevin's Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow  , so I'm expecting an immersive story I won't be able to put down." - QL

"As someone who spends entirely too much time on X/Twitter, I can't wait to get my hands on Russell's history of Black visual culture, from early 1900s photographs to today's memes. In her latest book, the author of Glitch Feminism argues that Black images have always been central to shaping American culture, from the photographs of Emmett Till, to the televised broadcasts of civil rights protests, to pop culture moments like Michael Jackson's 'Thriller,' to citizen-recorded images of police brutality." - QL

"For their latest release, Emezi, the genre-spanning author of works including You Made A Fool Of Death With Your Beauty  and  The Death of Vivek Oji , takes on the thriller genre as a group of people are sucked into the underbelly of a Nigerian city. When Kalu attends an exclusive sex party hosted by his best friend—fresh off a break-up from his long-time girlfriend—he makes a decision that plunges their lives into chaos, as they desperately try to escape a looming threat." - QL

"I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of this mystery thriller, and now I'm recommending it to every Bachelor fan I know. The novel follows Julia Walden, an advanced synthetic robot designed to compete on the latest season of The Proposal and win the heart of lead Josh LaSala. It flashes back and forth between her time on the reality show and 15 months later, when Julia and Josh are married and raising a newborn among a hostile community in small-town Indiana. When Josh goes missing, and Julia becomes the prime suspect, the Synth takes the investigation into her own hands." - QL

"Emily Giffin's books come out in a cadence of about once every two years, and I have this (annoying) habit of buying the new book the day it comes out, tearing through it at lightning speed, and then having to wait 730 days for my next hit. I've loved Giffin's work for decades, from her debut Something Borrowed , which was later made into a film starring Ginnifer Goodwin and Kate Hudson, to her last book, Meant to Be , which (spoiler alert) is a fictionalization of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette's love story. Next up is The Summer Pact , which centers around "a group of friends [who, in the wake of a tragedy] make a pact that will cause them to reunite a decade later and embark upon a life-changing adventure together." If Giffin is writing it, I'm going to be reading it." - RB

"I'm a sucker for literary novels about women being young and messy in NYC, and this already-acclaimed novel gives major Luster vibes. (Raven Lelani even blurbed it.) The unnamed narrator is a wealthy Palestinian woman struggling to reconcile her ideal life with her lived reality; her inheritance and her homeland are both unreachable, as she makes a living teaching middle school and participating in a pyramid scheme reselling Birkin bags. As she slowly becomes obsessed with purity and cleanliness in an attempt to regain control, the woman "spectacularly" unravels." - QL

"I loved Obuobi's debut On Rotation (a #ReadWithMC pick !), and I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of her sophomore novel, Between Friends and Lovers . I devoured this book, which stars the surefooted Dr. Josephine Boateng—known to her countless Instagram followers as Dr. Jojo—and Mal, an overnight sensation thanks to his first novel (he isn't exactly sure how to deal with that yet). Mal might just be the person who can finally break down Jo's walls...but to do that, she'll need to let go of her longtime best friend and long-hidden crush, Ezra. If you delight in complex, charming love stories, this one's for you." - JH

" Rip Tide is many things: a deep-dive into the perils of trying to escape your past; a poignant depiction of sisterhood and the ways it evolves; and the tantalizing idea of coming home again. When a body washes ashore in the beach town of their childhood, sisters Kimmy and Erin, both of whom recently returned to Rocky Cape, must wrestle with the ghosts they believed they'd left behind at the shore: both the ones they're eager to revisit, and the ones they can't face." - JH

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best new books romance

What's Hot

The small bookstore dedicated to romance tells us their favorite romantic reads.

Shopping Writer for HuffPost

On Assignment For HuffPost

"The Rakess: Society of Sirens" by Scarlett Peckham, Tia William's "Seven Days in June" and "Something Wild & Wonderful" by Anita Kelly.

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Tucked behind a bubblegum pink storefront on Culver City’s Main Street in Los Angeles exists a safe haven for romance readers of all types. The Ripped Bodice , a bookstore dedicated to the popular genre, is a little corner of the world where, once inside its twinkling doors, lovers of romantic books are encouraged to indulge, free from any shame that might exist in other literary circles when it comes to romance and its many offshoots.

The bookshop, which also has a location in Brooklyn, New York, was opened in 2016 by sisters Bea Hodges-Koch and Leah Koch. As lifelong romance readers, the two were highly aware that, despite the many devout fans of the genre, there didn’t exist a brick-and-mortar devoted exclusively to it. And soon after establishing both their shops, the sisters had their suspicions confirmed: Other readers had also felt the lack of representation for far too long. Leah Koch took some time to speak with me further.

Were you surprised by the Ripped Bodice’s level of success, or did you just know that these readers needed to be serviced in this way?

We thought we would be extremely successful, because there’s just so much hunger and thirst among romance readers to be taken seriously and just treated better and catered to. And when you cater to a community that historically everybody ignores, they respond very passionately and loyally.

Sisters and owners Leah Koch (left) and Bea Hodges-Koch (right) at their Brooklyn, New York location of The Ripped Bodice.

Do you think these perceptions are changing?

I think these days, in particular, younger people do a much better job of questioning the stories that they’re being told and the roots of why somebody thinks something, which is good.

Romance has gained a huge following on TikTok. Do you think that this has kind of helped to establish the genre and its followers as more of a mainstream interest? And, is the app an overall good thing for the reading community?

I think that there’s real positives, and I think that there’s real significant negatives. Positive-wise, it’s a book club that’s been refashioned for this generation. Young people are able to connect with people all over the world, as opposed to just sitting in a living room with their neighbors. That has some amazing benefits. I was so much older when I realized how many people liked romance novels. So just realizing a larger community exists at a younger age, and seeing people that they think are cool are also into books and reading, I think it’s fantastic, and has really translated into tangible sales. And then you have one really big negative, which is that algorithms are racist. That’s going to feed into what these people are reading and the books that they’re excited about, and that’s a problem.

For anyone that’s still hesitant to view romance as a serious literary genre, what would you say to dispel this bias? And, does romance offer societal benefit?

People enjoy them and they make people happy. I could talk for hours and say much more “deeper things,” but honestly, these days, isn’t that enough? On a pretty basic level, like, this is something that a lot of people enjoy; therefore, it has value.

And generally, when I’m presented with some version of “I think romance novels are dumb,” my first question is: “Why?” And the answer is generally: “Because somebody told me so.” I’ve heard the same story so often, which is that somebody in their life, usually their mom, aunt, or grandma, liked romance — and somebody in their life, usually their father, grandfather, uncle, would make fun of them for it. My response to this is usually that you don’t, you don’t really have to understand something to respect its value to people who enjoy it.

Speaking of people enjoying it, what are the general reactions you get to people walking into your store?

Lots of squeals. People cry on a semi-regular basis. But generally, it’s people knowing that they’re in a space that is completely devoted to this thing that they like and it’s a really fun environment.

When you’re thinking about servicing this demographic and picking titles that you know they would enjoy reading, what do you look for, and what are the cornerstones of a good romance novel?

The main thing is creativity. I’m really looking for somebody who’s doing something creative and new, and that can be on a big scale or a very small scale. I love the tropes of the genre, it never gets old to me, but I like authors putting a fresh spin on it.

For Leah Koch and so many others like her, the escapism that literature has always provided is really no different with this particular genre. If anything, romance, with its addictive plotlines and explorations into one of life’s greatest emotions, is actually for anyone and everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned romantic or new to the territory, you can read on to find out some of Koch’s and the Ripped Bodice’s latest favorite romance reads to shamelessly indulge in this Valentine’s Day and beyond.

HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

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"The Erotic Mind" by Jack Morin

14 Books That Will Improve Your Sex Life, According To Sex-perts

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The Best Romance Books of the Year So Far

Looking for an escapist love story? Here are 2023’s sexiest, swooniest reads.

This photo illustration depicts five arrow-shaped snippets from colorful book jackets arranged on a light blue background.

By Olivia Waite

Olivia Waite, the Book Review’s romance fiction columnist, writes queer and historical romance, fantasy and critical essays on the genre’s history and future.

We chose the 10 best romance books of 2023. See the full list .

Falling in love with love has never been easier. Here are some of my favorite recent romance novels — including steamy historicals, cutting-edge contemporaries and paranormals packed with supernatural creatures. I’ll be updating this list all year, so check back for more recommendations.

I want a romance novel that revels in everyday lives.

We could be so good , by cat sebastian.

This midcentury queer historical about two New York reporters who meet at work and fall in love is a book where the small, everyday decisions — to feed a stray cat, to offer a friend a spare room, to bring home flowers with the groceries — loom large because they’re how we connect with others. The reader is welcomed into a pair of lives as they become one shared world.

Local bookstores | Barnes & Noble | Amazon

Give me a glorious Regency romp.

Forever your rogue , by erin langston.

To avoid losing custody of her children, the widow Cora Dane needs to come up with an aristocratic fiancé, stat. Fortunately, her best friend’s brother is an earl’s heir. And so we meet Nathaniel Travers, the rake who reforms himself in one of the most utterly gorgeous character transformations historical romance has offered up in a long time.

Vampires and lesbians, please.

A long time dead , by samara breger.

Poppy, a Victorian sex worker, awakens in a cobwebbed manor to find herself a creature out of a nightmare. Her only companion, Roisin, is a traumatized, stern vampire who has firm rules about drinking from humans (never) and sleeping with Poppy (also never, she protests a little too vehemently). I had to keep putting down “A Long Time Dead” to yell about how sublime and funny it was, to dwell on the way Breger’s sleekly poetic style melted down into brutal abstraction when Poppy’s bloodlust took over.

Local bookstores | Barnes and Noble | Amazon

I want a charming, slow-burn tale.

The neighbor favor , by kristina forest.

Nick’s epic fantasy novel with Black elves floundered when his publisher shut its doors. Now he has a huge new contract to finish the series — if only he weren’t so distracted by his gorgeous new neighbor Lily, a book editor.

Can we turn up the heat? I’d like some sizzle .

Chick magnet , by emma barry.

In this enemies-to-lovers tale, Nic — who’s Instagram-famous for her backyard chicken flock — moves next door to Will, a grumpy veterinarian. Nic is mired in her past; Will can’t see beyond his own fear of the future — but together they find a way to exist in the present.

I want something sweet and scary.

Heart, haunt, havoc , by freydís moon.

In this horror-romance, a trans not-quite-exorcist with a fraught past finds himself unable to resist the mysterious, nonbinary owner of the building he’s been hired to cleanse.

I like elves! Give me a thoughtful fantasy with a romantic twist.

Emily wilde’s encyclopaedia of fairies , by heather fawcett.

A no-nonsense dryadologist, a scholar of the faerie folk, travels to a snowbound village to document an unknown species of faerie — only to find that nothing there is quite what it seems.

I’m looking for a friends-to-lovers tale.

Her good side, by rebekah weatherspoon.

From lesbian vampire sororities to contemporary Black professionals’ group chats, nobody writes friend groups quite like Rebekah Weatherspoon. Those skills are front and center in her first Y.A. romance, “Her Good Side,” which follows two friends who decide to pretend-date to bolster their confidence for real relationships. This book preserves all the thrills of teenage drama (gossip and crushes and shifting loyalties!) but keeps the worst disasters at bay, just like any well-built roller coaster would.

Get to Know the Literary Greats

Expand your literary knowledge of some of the world’s most accomplished authors with our essential guides to their work..

Henry James: A patron saint of exquisite verbosity, James made a career examining the clash of American innocence with European cunning. Here are his best works .

Larry McMurtry: A wildly prolific son of Texas, the novelist was a tangle of contradictions. This guide can help you navigate his bulging bibliography .

Vladimir Nabokov: Clever and dexterous, the author’s writing delights in puzzles, puns and lepidoptera. Here’s where to start .

J.M. Coetzee: His spare, icily precise books explore humanity’s most serious themes, including South Africa’s legacy of apartheid. And not all of them are downers .

Ursula K. Le Guin: Her powerful imagination turned hypothetical elsewheres into vivid worlds governed by forces of nature, technology, gender, race and class a far cry from our own. Here’s where to dive in .

Toni Morrison:  Creatively, this American novelist set a large and lavish table of literature. If you’re new to her writing, this is what you should read first .

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  2. January TBR!🩵✨☁️📖

  3. Which of these romance books is your favourite? 💞✨ #romancebooks #booktube

  4. ❤ love Romance books #booktok #booktube #bookreview #shorts #books #viral #fyp #like #subscribe

  5. First BOOK HAUL Of 2024

COMMENTS

  1. Valentine's Day 2024: The 24 Best Romance Books of the Year, So Far

    As with our other best-of book lists (including literary fiction, nonfiction, fantasy and sci-fi, and mysteries and thrillers), this list will receive updates throughout the year as new titles...

  2. The Best Romance Novels of 2022

    Chencia C. Higgins's D'VAUGHN AND KRIS PLAN A WEDDING (Carina Adores, 336 pp., paperback, $14.99) is a warmly funny love letter to queer Black women and the queer Black women who love them,...

  3. 10 of the best romance novels for early 2024 : NPR

    10 of the best romance novels for early 2024 Who says romance is reserved for Valentine's Day? Love stories are a treat to be savored year-round. Love stories are a treat to be savored year-round.

  4. The Best New Romance Novels Of 2024

    The new year is set to usher in the return of beloved authors like Vanessa Riley and Tia Williams, the continuation of juicy series from fresh voices like Nikki Payne and Sangu Mandanna, and...

  5. The Best Romance Books of 2023

    Speaking of longtime favorites: Lucy Parker's newest, CODENAME CHARMING (Avon, 384 pp., paperback, $18.99), picks up where "Battle Royal" left off and gives us a glorious romp in which a prince's...

  6. Best New Romance Books for Adults

    From classical courtship to paranormal passion, workplace meet-cutes to super-spicy rendezvous, there's something for everyone on our list of the best new romance titles—handpicked by our expert librarians and staff. Download the list and find out what's available in accessible formats. Plus, explore last year's picks!

  7. Best Romance 2023

    WINNER 157,687 votes. Emily Henry clocks her third straight victory in the category with this tale of a couple who have broken up but don't want to harsh the vibe on an upcoming trip with friends. The result is a clever variation on the old fake-dating trope. Henry's three-in-a-row streak is extra impressive when you consider that she's ...

  8. The best 2021 books about love from NPR's Books We Love : NPR

    Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto "A crime novel wrapped up in a romance? Just what the doctor ordered for readers during the pandemic! There's a lot to love here, especially the criminal...

  9. Best Romance 2021

    22,046 votes Want to Read 20,052 votes Want to Read 19,674 votes Want to Read 19,337 votes Want to Read 6,919 votes Want to Read

  10. New Romance Novels

    Romance does not generally get credit for its full range of prose styles. For every floral classic like Laura Kinsale's "For My Lady's Heart," you can find a clear-as-a-mountain-stream ...

  11. 25 Best Romance Books of 2023

    While the Phantom of the Opera might be closing on Broadway this year, this gender-bending modern retelling will make saying goodbye to the show a little bit easier thanks to all the fire between...

  12. BiblioLifestyle

    Discover the 2024 romance books that will capture your heart. Explore our curated selection of the year's most mesmerizing love stories, from swoon-worthy first loves to poignant tales of love rekindled. Perfect for both ardent fans and new readers alike, these books promise unforgettable adventures into happily ever after.

  13. The 23 Best Romance Books of 2022, According to Goodreads

    23. "Icebreaker" by Hannah Grace Amazon Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble, from $15.54 Anastasia Allen is focused on her goal of becoming an Olympic figure skater when a misunderstanding...

  14. 30 Best Romance Novels You'll Ever Read 2024

    Life Entertainment An Extremely Opinionated List of the Best Romance Novels I've read them all, and these are definitely the steamiest books. By Lizz Schumer Updated: Nov 26, 2023 Save Article...

  15. Romance Books

    View Details » Enter Giveaway Format: Giveaway ends in: 11:46:25 Availability: 20 copies available, 1051 people requesting Giveaway dates: Feb 05 - Feb 17, 2024 Countries available: U.S. Rules for Rule Breaking by Talia Tucker (Goodreads Author) Release date: Mar 19, 2024

  16. The Best Romance Books To Read In Summer 2023

    The Best Romance Books To Read In Summer 2023 recommended by Katherine D. Morgan. If you're dreaming of some steamy summer loving this season, then do we have book recommendations for you. Katherine D. Morgan—bookseller, romance editor, and fan of happily-ever-afters—selects five recently published romance books to pack for the summer of 2023.

  17. The Ripped Bodice's Guide to Romance Novels

    BookTok and other social-media platforms have had a hand in catapulting many of these books to the top of best-seller lists, turning writers like Emily Henry and Kennedy Ryan into romance royalty ...

  18. Five of the best romance books of 2023

    Jenny Colgan. Mon 4 Dec 2023 10.00 EST. Last modified on Fri 8 Dec 2023 09.53 EST. The Burnout. As funny and perfectly plotted as all Kinsella's books, but with an out-of-season coastal town ...

  19. Amazon.com New Releases: The best-selling new & future releases in Romance

    Amazon.com New Releases: The best-selling new & future releases in Romance New Releases in Romance #1 The Reason I Married Him Meghan Quinn 2,467 Kindle Edition 1 offer from $4.99 #2 The Exception to the Rule (The Improbable Meet-Cute collection) Christina Lauren 13,035 Kindle Edition 1 offer from $0.99 #3

  20. New Romance Books to Read in February

    Olivia Waite is the Book Review's romance fiction columnist. She writes queer historical romance, fantasy and critical essays on the genre's history and future. Feb. 13, 2024

  21. 25 Best Romance Books to Read in 2023

    Filled with enough drama, witty repartee, and tension to keep you on your toes till the very end, many of the most popular romance books today are love stories that go beyond the white, cis-het lens. We're excited to see more diversity represented in the romance genre, however, there is still much more progress to be made.

  22. Best New Romance Books: Our Top Ten!

    The Best New Romance Novels of 2024 list joins the illustrious Best New Romance Novels of 2023 list and the 50 All Time Favorite Romance Novels list published in 2022. While the Romance Committee enjoyed all the books featured on this year's big list here are our Top 10 favorite books of the year!

  23. Best Romance Books of 2023

    Carley Fortune's "Every Summer After" found TikTok success, and her new romance, "Meet Me at the Lake," continues to dazzle. Ten years ago, Fern Brookbanks fell head over heels for Will Baxter in ...

  24. 36 best contemporary romance novels of 2023, per Goodreads

    Best Contemporary Romance Books of 2023, per a 'BookTuber': 1. " The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller. "This is a Greek mythology retelling of the story of Achilles," Bohrer said ...

  25. The 20 Most Anticipated Books of 2024, as Chosen by 'Marie Claire

    Culture; Books; The 20 Most Anticipated Books of 2024, According to 'Marie Claire' Editors. From long-awaited follow-ups by award-winning authors to engrossing debut thrillers and memoirs.

  26. 8 Greatest Romance Books, According To The Ripped Bodice

    The book was a Reese's Book Club pick and an instant New York Times bestseller, and The Washington Post named it one of the best romance novels of 2021. $16.99 at The Ripped Bodice $15.80 at Bookshop.org

  27. What Romance Book Should You Read Next?

    44 By Olivia Waite Olivia Waite, the Book Review's romance fiction columnist, writes queer and historical romance, fantasy and critical essays on the genre's history and future. Dec. 3, 2023 We...

  28. Best New Historical Romance Books in Summer 2023

    Best New Historical Romance Books in Summer 2023 | B&N Reads B&N Reads, Romance Rakes and Rendezvous: Regency Romances for Fans of Bridgerton By Brittany Bunzey / March 10, 2023 at 1:30 am Share Ever since Bridgerton waltzed onto Netflix, Victorian romances have become more popular than ever.