Here are the Best Romance Novels of 2022, According to the New York Times
The New York Times has released its first ever Best Romance Novels of the Year list, chosen by romance novelist Olivia Waite.
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Historically, the New York Times has not been known for its romance novel coverage. Its writing about books tends to skew towards literary fiction and away from anything genre — but especially romance. Things have looked a little different in the past few years, though, as romance novelist Olivia Waite — author of The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics , among others — started as a romance novel columnist in 2020. This year, she wrote an article about The Best Romance Novels of 2022 , which is the first time romance novels have gotten their own best of list in the publication.
Here are the top romance novels of the year, according to the New York Times:
Best Contemporaries
Fire Season by KD Casey
You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi
D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins
Tanked by Mia Hopkins
Best Historicals
Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall
Red Blossom In Snow by Jeannie Lin
Best Paranormals
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Ocean’s Echo by Everina Maxwell
Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk
Olivia Waite’s Favorite
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
It should come as no surprise that Waite, the author of a beloved F/F romance series, has included a diverse array of romances on her list, with more than half of the books having queer main characters. There are also more authors of color included than most of the other best of lists we’ve seen this year.
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The whole list, including the write ups for each, is at the New York Times .
Find more news and stories of interest from the book world in Breaking in Books .
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Romance has long been one of the top-selling genres in adult fiction, but there’s no doubt that 2020 only proved to reemphasize its popularity. As readers around the country were forced to quarantine at home and grapple with the realities of the pandemic—and a national racial reckoning— rapid sales growth showed many found refuge in the guaranteed happily-every-after of a love story. Fast-forward to today and this fact still rings true with 2022 romance novels.
“Readers are looking for escapism in their fiction,” says Cindy Hwang, vice president and editorial director of Berkley Books, one of the leading publishers of romance fiction. “I think that is going to continue. With the state of the world, even when the pandemic is under control, they’re looking for books to help them deal.”
Statistics find that in the midst of societal turmoil, sandwiched between manga and women’s fiction , romance has unsurprisingly maintained its spot as one of the highest-selling genres in both print and e-books. Those who spare the genre a cursory glance condescendingly congratulate its success by praising its “forgettability ” and mocking iconic old-school historical romance covers as “cheesy” and “cheap ”. But the extremely passionate members of Romancelandia—dedicated authors, readers, bloggers, and podcasters—know there’s more to the community than an errant think piece. It reaches far beyond Bridgerton , after all (though we’re obsessed with those books , too).
The thousands of stories released each year via local bookshelves and our Kindles give way to narratives that come with a mandatory HEA. But they also highlight the complexities that come when those of varying ethnicities, body types, sexual orientation, and gender identities fall in love. And there are acclaimed authors such as Alyssa Cole and Helen Hoang, whose leads value the importance of politics and address the struggles of severe burnout .
“There is an increasing awareness of people having to deal with anxiety and differing levels of mental health, and I think that’s reflected now, too,” Hwang says. “Reading romance is a more overall positive experience. There is an escapist component to it, but there’s a real-life component, too.”
Now going into the new year, Hwang explains that trends within the genre that we’ll see in the coming months are often extensions of what we find most comforting in the midst of chaos. Contemporary romances are having a moment, with many centered around our most beloved life pleasures, like baking ( Fake It Till You Bake It ), reality TV ( D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding ) , and even books themselves ( Book Lovers ). Hwang even points to the younger readers of TikTok—a.k.a. #BookTok—whose enthusiasm and recommendations not only influence book sales but bolster the sub-genres of fantasy and sci-fi.
To help you navigate the thriving and ever-growing community, we’ve consulted six novelists of the genre (and this writer) to recommend their most anticipated and favorite romance novels of 2022. Use these insider opinions to begin the journey of finding your favorite love stories to escape with this year.
Katee Robert, bestselling author of Neon Gods
- The Final Strife, by Saara El-Arifi (June 21): “I actually found this book because of Tasha Suri’s recommendation. I bought it off the promise of a fantasy novel that’s ‘sapphic and spicy’ without even reading the blurb. Then I read the blurb, and suffice to say I will be begging and pleading with the publisher to send me an advanced copy. Three women of very different backgrounds are at the center of a story rife with politics and tension, and it promises to be a most excellent read.”
- Silk Fire , by Zabé Ellor (July 5): “I saw this book pitched as having a polyamorous relationship at the center. Plus it has necromancers and space. It’s all of my favorite things in a single story, which is downright irresistible! Throw in backbiting politics, and this quickly propelled itself to the top of my anticipated reads for 2022.”
- Husband Material, by Alexis Hall (August 22): “I’m always late to the game with popular books, but I inhaled Boyfriend Material last year. It managed to balance a really tender romance in between shenanigans and laugh-out-loud antics. Luc was such a disaster just trying to navigate dating a guy he likes, and I simply cannot wait to see him be a disaster again in Husband Material while figuring out if, and when, he should propose.”
The Wedding Crasher
The Final Strife
Husband Material
Nisha sharma, bestselling author of my so-called bollywood life.
- Dating Dr. Dil , by Nisha Sharma (March 15): “I am both excited and petrified to finally be able to share Dating Dr. Dil , a reimagining of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew and the first book in the If Shakespeare Was an Auntie trilogy. The story follows a Taylor Swift-obsessed, love-focused heroine whose world changes when she meets a ridiculous love-phobic hero. I hope you enjoy it!”
- A Caribbean Heiress in Paris, by Adriana Herrera (May 31): “What if you took a feminist Afro-Latina who wants to make rum, a Darcy-esque Scot who has some land that’s perfect for a distillery, and you set it against the backdrop of the Paris world’s fair in 1889? You get Adriana’s incredible historical romance with diverse characters that get the sexy happily-ever-after they deserve. A Caribbean Heiress is a historical marriage-of-convenience masterpiece!”
- American Royalty , by Tracey Livesay (June 28): “ American Royalty is the romance we wanted when Harry met Meghan. Tracey Livesay saw that royal family drama unfold and said, ‘Not today!’ With a female rapper heroine that has you rooting from page one to a sexy Cumberbatch-Hiddleston hero with a nerdy side, as well as a bathtub scene to remember, everyone is going to love this book. I just know it.”
Kamila Knows Best
Dating Dr. Dil
A Caribbean Heiress in Paris
American Royalty
Kosoko jackson, bestselling author of adult debut i’m so (not) over you.
- I'm So (Not) Over You , by Kosoko Jackson (February 2): “We have to be our biggest advocates, right? I couldn’t make a rom-com list without including my own debut. I wrote this novel because I wanted to see queer rom-coms that centered Black men in love. We deserve the same funny, steamy, and tear-jerking stories as everyone else. Throw in the tropes of second chances and fake dating and you have, in my humble opinion, a great rom-com. But I’ll let you decide that for yourself.”
- Thank You for Listening, by Julia Whelan (August 2): “Spoiler; this is a Julia Whelan stan account. I loved My Oxford Year . I’ve devoured every book Julia has narrated—okay, not every, but you get my point. Now Julia is deciding to combine her experience as an audiobook narrator and give us a rom-com that doesn’t shy away from the hard-hitting themes of self-acceptance and self-love? Inject it into my veins. This promises to combine Julia’s signature searing prose with her exceptional rom-com chops, and I’m here for it.”
- Fake It Till You Bake It, by Jamie Wesley (June 21): “ A cupcake-baking football player. I repeat: a cupcake-baking football player. If that doesn’t sell you on Jamie Wesley’s rom-com, I dunno, I need you to rethink your life choices. Like Issa Rae said, ‘I’m rooting for everybody Black.’ I already know I’m going to be demanding people read this book. Fake dating to save someone’s business? Perfection.”
The Roughest Draft
I'm So (Not) Over You
Thank You for Listening
Fake It Till You Bake It
Mia sosa, bestselling author of the worst best man.
- A Proposal They Can’t Refuse, by Natalie Caña (May 3): “What do you get when you put together two scheming octogenarians, a determined Puerto Rican chef trying to save her family’s restaurant, and an Irish American whiskey distiller on a mission to make his mark in the world? If you’re Natalie Caña and you’re writing your debut, the answer is ‘magic.’ On the surface, this is a book about two people who agree to fake an engagement to further their own interests but find love instead. Dig a little deeper, though, and you’ll find an homage to the importance of culture, family, and honoring one’s legacy. Caña’s world blesses us with messy but lovable relatives, nosy friends, glorious cuisine, and electric chemistry between its two leads. I’m already anxiously awaiting the next installment.”
- West Side Love Story , by Priscilla Oliveras ( May 3): “Oliveras’s family-focused romances are always a hit, and I expect West Side Love Story will be no different. This time, she puts her unique spin on a well-known tale, penning a romance about star-crossed lovers Mariana Capuleta and Angelo Montero. The longstanding feud between their relatives means Mariani and Angelo’s attraction is forbidden, but the stakes are raised even higher when their families compete against each other in the Battle of the Mariachi Bands. This promises to be an epic story filled with delicious tension, bitter rivalries, and hard-fought redemption, and I’m confident that in Oliveras’s talented hands, we’ll get the satisfying happily-ever-after we deserve.”
- The Hookup Plan, by Farrah Rochon (August 2): “Farrah Rochon’s latest book series introduces us to Samiah, Taylor, and London, three women who go viral when a stranger live-tweets the moment they all discover they’re being duped by the same three-timing jerk. After throwing out the trash (Craig), the women form a fast friendship and endeavor to navigate their respective love lives while serving as one another’s confidantes. The Hookup Plan is pediatric surgeon London Kelley’s story, and it has all the makings of another hit. A casual hookup? Sure, okay. A casual hookup with an archnemesis? Um, how did that happen? A casual hookup with an archnemesis who will also decide whether London’s beloved hospital remains open? Oh, now it’s really getting complicated. I can’t wait to see how this fabulous series ends.”
D'Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding
A Proposal They Can't Refuse
West Side Love Story
The Hookup Plan
Mimi matthews, bestselling author of fair as a star.
- The Lady Tempts an Heir , by Harper St. George (February 22): “Harper St. George’s Gilded Age Heiresses series is chock-full of glittering British ballrooms, stately homes, and American wealth and industry—a suitable backdrop for the strong, independent, and super-sexy characters in her stories. I adored the first two novels in this series, and Book 3 is sure to enchant.”
- In Search of a Prince , by Toni Shiloh (February 1): “In this heartfelt retelling of The Princess Diaries , New York public school teacher Brielle is wholly content with her life…until she finds out she may be an African princess. I love a romance populated with characters you can truly root for. And this one has that and more. Coupled with Toni Shiloh’s winning voice, it’s a story not to be missed.”
- The Letter from Briarton Park, by Sarah E. Ladd (March 1): “Sarah Ladd writes with elegance and grace, imbuing her stories with enviable ambiance. Her latest Regency romance is the first in a new series that promises to be her best yet. Set in Yorkshire, the story combines romance and mystery to Brontë-esque effect, complete with hidden identities, a deathbed confession, and an enigmatic widower.”
The Siren of Sussex
The Lady Tempts an Heir
In Search of a Prince
The Letter from Briarton Park
Christina c. jones, bestselling author of i think i might love you.
- New Year, New Ci, by Nicole Falls: “ I love a good re-becoming of age story, and that is exactly what Nicole brings with New Year, New Ci . We navigate the aftermath of an extinction-level disaster of a New Year’s for Cienna and spend a year with her as she figures herself out. Nicole consistently brings great comedic timing with her work, but here we get even more layers that give this novel a great balance between women’s fiction and pure romance.”
- Temper Me, by Alexandria House (TBA): “This is the third and final book in the Romey U series from the phenomenal Alexandria House. Romey University is a fictional HBCU ripe with culture inspired by the real world, which is always a joy to see in words. I already know this second-chance, age-gap romance is going to take me on an emotional roller coaster that’ll leave me crying into my earbuds (it’s an Audible original, so exclusive to audio first), but I also know I can look to Alexandria for scorching intimate scenes to balance it out. I’m excited to see how it all wraps up.”
- No Longer Afraid, by Christina C. Jones (TBA): “ No Longer Afraid is the official induction of my latest series, Predators MC . The characters were first introduced in the Vegas Nights series, where we met the club president. Now we hear from Tatianna Tate, the badass vice president determined to protect the future of the club in the aftermath of a tragedy with deeper, more insidious roots than any of them realize. The club’s newest recruit—and his mysterious tattoos, and too-intense eyes—might be the least of Tati’s problems. It’s not in preorder yet, but you can read an excerpt now on my website.”
The Replacements
New Year, New Ci
Alexandria House Temper Me
Mckenzie jean-philippe, editorial assistant at oprah daily.
- Black Love Matters , by Jessica P. Pryde ( February 1): “Edited by Book Riot columnist and cohost of the When in Romance podcast , this illuminating essay anthology is one of the few texts of the 21st century solely focused on the necessity of Black love in entertainment. From DePaul University professor Julie Moody-Freeman—who has made studying Black romance her life’s work—to celebrated historical fiction writer Beverly Jenkins , a diverse group of scholars, readers, and writers honestly reflect on the overlooked impact of desire and happily-ever-afters in pop culture and the Black community."
- Book Lovers , by Emily Henry (May 3): “ After releasing two New York Times bestsellers, Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation , for the third year in row, Emily Henry brings us another charming summer romance. Book Lovers has all the ingredients of what has now become a Henry classic: a complicated hero and heroine (ensconced in the literary world) whose ‘will they, won’t they’ romance plays out against the backdrop of a dreamy high-temp locale. This time we get to know intense literary agent Nora Stephens and moody editor Charlie Lastra. Both are coincidentally on holiday in the same small North Carolina town, meaning, whether they like it or not, they bump into each other—a lot.”
- You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty, by Akwaeke Emezi (May 24) : “The author of the much-acclaimed autobiography Freshwater and New York Times bestselling The Death of Vivek Oji brings us their debut romance. With a title that’s named for a verse in Florence in the Machine’s angsty ballad “Hunger,” the literary novel introduces us to our heroine, Feyi Adekola. Feyi is a grief-stricken artist struggling to recover from the tragic death of her husband. But as she starts dating again and jets off on a dreamy Caribbean getaway, her budding love life becomes...complicated. In 2021, You Made Me a Fool of Death with Your Beauty was thrust into a competitive bidding war for its screen rights. Amazon Studios eventually won out, with Michael B. Jordan’s production company, Outlier Society, signing on to develop it for the screen.”
Electric Idol
Black Love Matters
Book Lovers
You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty
McKenzie Jean-Philippe is the editorial assistant at OprahMag.com covering pop culture, TV, movies, celebrity, and lifestyle. She loves a great Oprah viral moment and all things Netflix—but come summertime, Big Brother has her heart. On a day off you'll find her curled up with a new juicy romance novel.
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New Romance Books of 2022: The Complete List
The Ultimate Guide to the New Romance Books of 2022
If you’re looking for the complete list of new romance books of 2022, this book list is designed for you!
I adore the romance genre (particularly contemporary romance ). So, as romance readers we always need new romance books to add to our reading lists!
This book list of new romance books of 2022 will be updated throughout the year to ensure you have all of the 2022 new romance novel releases at your fingertips.
Plus, if I’ve read one of them, I’ll add my rating and mini review so you can easily decide if a certain romance new release is worth reading!
*Disclosure – I earn a small commission if you purchase any items through the links included below. Please consider using Bookshop.org to support indie bookstores everywhere when you’re buying your new romance books of 2022!
New Romance Books of 2022
Bad Luck Bridesmaid
By Alison Rose Greenberg
Starting off the list of new romance books of 2022 is a wedding themed romance that takes place in Ireland!! Can you get any more up my alley? Zoey has been a bridesmaid three times – and all three of her friends never made it down the aisle. So, she’s understandably nervous heading into her best friend’s wedding.
To top things off, her ex who she turned down partly as a result of her bad marriage mojo, will be there… Can she figure out why she’s so skittish about marriage and whether her free spirit can handle a big commitment?
Publish Date : January 11, 2022
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Weather Girl
By Rachel Lynn Solomon
The author of Ex Talk is back again with another workplace romantic comedy! A meteorologist and a sports reporter scheme to get their divorced bosses back together. Ari is all sunshine and rainbows and she loves her job, but her boss’ relationship issues are threatening her career. Russell is willing to help since his boss, the station’s news director is the other half.
As Ari and Russell spend more and more time planning surprises and dates for the other two, they start to realize something is building between them.
How To Love Your Neighbor
By Sophie Sullivan
HGTV fans will adore this rom com! Gracie is pursuing an interior design degree, so she jumps at a chance to renovate and live in an old beach house. At least until she meets her neighbor. Noah is a real estate developer who has found the perfect place – right next door. But he has eyes on Gracie’s property to expand his own.
As the two grapple over literally everything, readers get to enjoy the sparks flying!
Publish Date: January 18, 2022
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Love & Other Disasters
By Anita Kelly
Foodie fiction fans – listen up! This romance takes place on a cooking show! Dahlia is a recently divorced contestant who gets off to a terrible start, but needs this competition to prove herself on her own. London just came out as non-binary and is also setting out to prove themselves to their dad and the national audience. Neither expected to find love on set…
You can find more foodie romance books on my list of 25+ novels about food !
Amazon | Bookshop.org
The Roughest Draft
By Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka
Cowriters who were taking the literary world by storm ended up splitting on bad terms over three years ago…but they still have one book left on their contract. So, they end up hunkered down in a small hotel room hoping to get it over with as painlessly as possible.
Unfortunately, the book is a romantic novel and its forcing them to confront all the reasons why they’ve hated each other these past three years.
Publish Date: January 25, 2022
A Perfect Equation
By Elizabeth Everett
A mathematician is hell-bent on winning a prestigious scientific prize, but she’s also suddenly tasked with planning a retreat for a secret society of women scientists. Unfortunately that task also comes with an aloof nobleman who she needs to help safeguard the group. As their mutual dislike turns to respect and ultimately an attraction they can’t deny, they find themselves up against outside forces that may squash the society forever.
Publish Date: February 15, 2022
Meet Me In The Margins
By Melissa Ferguson
An editor secretly writing a romance manuscript has the chance of a lifetime when a famous romance publisher agrees to read her work. However, she’s forced to stash it away quickly to avoid detection at her own highbrow company. Upon retrieving it a few days later, she finds notes scribbled throughout the margins.
Although at first astonished and annoyed, Claire soon realizes these comments mirror her own thoughts and make her writing even better. So a mysterious back and forth continues, which leads to an ultimate reveal that she never saw coming.
Hook, Line, & Sinker
By Tessa Bailey
Head back into the world of one of my absolute favorite books of 2021, It Happened One Summer ! This time we’re following along with Piper’s sister, Hannah, and Brendan’s friend, Fox. When Hannah arrives back in town for work, she ends up crashing at Fox’s place, but makes it very clear she’s interested in friendship only.
Fox, someone who enjoys flirting more than anything, is taken aback by a woman who only wants to be friends. But he agrees to her wishes happily to simply spend time with her. At least until he starts to realize he can picture spending his whole life with Hannah.
Publish Date: March 1, 2022
Kamila Knows Best
By Farrah Heron
This is one of the 2022 new romance books I’m most excited about because it’s an Emma retelling! The Bollywood twist on this classic Jane Austen story should have readers in for a wild ride. Kamila loves her life of parties, Instagram celebrity (at least for her dog), and matchmaking for her friends.
She’s not looking for anyone special herself because…what more could she need? Plus, she can always harmlessly flirt with her best friend, Rohan, anytime she wants. Everything starts to go awry when a rival returns to town…and seems to have her eye on Rohan.
Publish Date: March 8, 2022
By Lex Croucher
This is described as Bridgerton meets Mean Girls! When Georgiana heads to spend the summer in the countryside with her aunt and uncle, she falls under the spell of it-girl, live life to the fullest, Frances. Frances and her friends bring Georgiana along on their hijinks and debauchery, all while maintaining a proper image in society.
As Georgiana falls for a young man who’s unimpressed by her crowd, she starts to question what she really wants from her life and where she truly fits in.
Enjoy a historical setting with modern day issues in this option for new romance books of 2022! And don’t forget to get your fix of historical romance by watching Bridgerton on Netflix !
Publish Date: April 5, 2022
Bookshop.org
The No-Show
By Beth O’Leary
Three women are stood up on Valentine’s Day…by the same guy. They have nothing in common except this common denominator and the fact that they all end up forgiving him. They’re all starting to fall for this man all over again, but we’ll find out just why he was unavailable on Valentine’s Day and the real reason he may be leading on three women at once.
I have to say, I have A LOT of questions about the synopsis of this one, but I can’t deny I’m intrigued about whether this will shake out in any sort of acceptable way! Time will tell if this is a hit or dud addition to the new romance books of 2022.
Publish Date: April 26, 2022
Part of Your World
By Abby Jimenez
Two worlds collide in this opposites attract romance. A sophisticated, city girl finds herself inexplicably drawn to a small town and it’s charming carpenter. Alexis would be going against her parents dreams for her, but she’s finding she’s happier than she could ever imagine getting to know herself and Daniel in a rural place.
Abby Jimenez is a go-to author, so I’m thrilled to see she’s got an addition to this list of the new romance books of 2022!
Publish Date: April 19, 2022
Book Lovers
by Emily Henry
I’m not going to deny that this novel sounds SO GOOD and my expectations are sky high. Emily has yet to disappoint, so I have good feelings all around for this one.
First of all, the two main characters are a literary agent and a book editor. Nora knows she’s not a rom-com main character, because she’s literally read them all. She’s a cutthroat dealer, without any of the charm, quirks, or soft edges she knows readers love.
When her sister decides she needs to get away from the city and try to absorb some small town vibes, the last person she expects to keep running into is Charlie, a brooding editor she’s met many times before.
However, circumstances keep throwing them together and just maybe they are meant to be the heroine and hero of their own romance story.
Publish Date: May 3, 2022
By The Book
by Jasmine Guillory
Authors are pulling out all the stops for book lovers this year! Jasmine has another romance novel about books on this list of the new romance books of 2022 for us.
Set in the publishing world, this novel features a black female trying to find her opening to take her career to the next level. She jumps at the chance to placate a particularly difficult author and get his manuscript in their hands.
Not only is this a book featuring the book world, its a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Give it to me now!!
Which of these new romance books of 2022 are you most excited to read? Share in the comments!
I loved the list and I would like to read the novel “Weather Girl”. I am quite curious about the novel. I hope it hooks me up to read it again.
Thank you! I’m so excited to read Weather Girl too!
I like Beth O’Leary and the Emily Henry ones. I’m not much of romance reader except for a few. It’s not the genre but usually the covers. I hate these new comic covers! I didn’t like the previous years of body ripper covers either. I think people like myself would be pick up romance more often if the covers were a bit more serious looking. I know it’s a very popular genre so clearly I’m wrong! Lol!
You make such an interesting point! I felt the same about those bodice ripper covers and honestly am a bit prejudiced toward anything but these cartoon covers now because I actually love them! I wonder how many people are skipping over these types of stories for the same reason as you though. I’ll be curious what the next “romance cover trend” will be! Maybe they will focus more on the title or what’s inside since some of these are more serious than the cartoon characters suggest. Thanks for your comment!
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The best romance books of 2022 feature pitch-perfect dialogue and swoony scenes with well-executed tropes that make for engrossing and deeply satisfying reading.
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This breakout debut is full of whip-smart banter and plenty of steam. Kiki dispenses empowering relationship advice on her college radio show, despite avoiding any serious relationships of her own. But then she begins fake-dating the sexy new guy on campus, Malakai, to protect her reputation and ensure her project’s success. Babalola enticingly captures Kiki’s heady romance while also showcasing the Black community she creates at her predominantly white university.
Blake, Ashley Herring. Delilah Green Doesn’t Care. Berkley. (Bright Falls, Bk. 1). ISBN 9780593336403.
In this romance full of funny, sexy, and heartfelt scenes with just enough angst and growth to make the happily-ever-after feel thoroughly earned, broke artist Delilah Green is lured back to her hometown of Bright Falls, OR, where she faces her estranged stepfamily and also finds herself drawn to single-mom Claire Sutherland. As Delilah begins to reconcile her past, she may just find love and friendship in the most unlikely of places.
Cole, Elizabeth. A Fearless Heart. SkySpark. (Secrets of the Zodiac, Bk. 9). ISBN 9781942316572.
Completely compelling, Cole’s ninth Regency spy ring romance journeys into the great gardens of England and the glittering swirl of London. The settings support a tricky case of murders by poison and put agent Gabriel Courtenay in the company of Lady Arcadia, gardener extraordinaire and creator of any number of seemingly mysterious concoctions. Cole brews her own distillation of affection in this tenderhearted story of finding self and feeling loved.
Hall, Alexis . A Lady for a Duke. Forever: Grand Central. ISBN 9781538753750.
Hall’s top-drawer talent for fashioning beguiling stories and vibrant characters is on full display in this Regency-set wonder of a book. Viola Carroll, a trans woman, seems to pay for her future by the loss of her best friend, Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood. But Justin has different thoughts on the matter. Through wonderful dialogue and a tender story arc that leads readers deep into a fabulous HEA, Hall triumphs.
Henry, Emily. Book Lovers. Berkley. ISBN 9780593334836.
Literary agent Nora agrees to take a break from her hectic New York City life when her sister Libby begs her to go on a trip to small-town Sunshine Falls, NC, where Nora keeps on running into grumpy book editor Charlie, who morphs from enemy to friend to lover. Delightfully playing with romance tropes, Henry delivers an utterly engrossing and satisfying novel with bonus book recs scattered throughout, making this the perfect romance for book lovers.
MacLean, Sarah. Heartbreaker. Avon. (Hell’s Belles, Bk. 2). ISBN 9780063056787.
Instantly engaging owing to MacLean’s expert ability to craft a scene and shape character, this Victorian-set romp takes a well-matched pair, the highly skilled daughter of London’s most dreaded criminal and a crusading duke, across Britain as they fight, at first each other and then alongside each other, to bring justice to the unjust world of London’s elite. Filled with witty banter and driven by a zippy pace, it deeply delights.
Parrish, Roan. The Holiday Trap. Sourcebooks Casablanca. ISBN 9781728256276.
A house swap during the holidays leads to love as Greta, the only lesbian in her tiny hometown, escapes her overbearing family in Maine, and Truman, who just found out his boyfriend is married, leaves his heartbreak behind in New Orleans. Parrish gets the romances and family drama just right while also writing fantastic settings and interesting characters with hobbies like collecting carnivorous plants and creating bullet journals.
Rochon, Farrah. The Hookup Plan. Forever: Grand Central. (The Boyfriend Project, Bk. 3). ISBN 9781538716687.
Rochon saves the best for last in this strong trilogy closer. Pediatric surgeon resident London Kelley meets her match in her old high school rival Drew Sullivan when they reconnect at a class reunion. As they deal with challenging professions and family trauma, they agree to a physical relationship that’s full of sparks, but London begins to want more in the face of Drew’s thoughtfulness and genuine care. Protagonists to love, sexy scenes, and strong women’s friendships create a trifecta of deeply satisfying romance.
Ryan, Kennedy . Before I Let Go. Forever: Grand Central. (Skyland, Bk. 1). ISBN 9781538706794.
Ryan writes an achingly real second-chance romance as Yasmen and Josiah find their way back to each other. After suffering through devastating losses while raising their kids and running their successful Atlanta restaurant, they divorced and moved on with their lives, but are drawn back together as they grow and rediscover love. Successfully tackling grief and mental health struggles while also creating pitch-perfect dialogue and steamy scenes, Ryan nails this series launch.
Spencer, Minerva. The Boxing Baroness. Kensington. (Wicked Women of Whitechapel, Bk. 1). ISBN 9781496738097.
Marianne Simpson is a boxer in Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre. She has no interest in the judgmental Duke of Staunton, until his dangerous troubles become hers. Spencer splendidly manages the slow-burn romance that unfolds between the two wonderfully matched protagonists, weaves together an increasingly treacherous imperial spy game that catches the couple in its grip, and crafts a team of fascinating, and decidedly skillful, secondary characters. The result is a captivating mix of thrilling romance and bravery.
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Ethan Smith
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