14 best new romance books you should read

A romance novel is the best.

If the world gets too overwhelming, or my Twitter feed is full of flames, then romance novels can be a great way for me to unwind and soothe my soul. They provide the perfect combination of suspense and entertainment. Anything Over the last few years.

And so to encourage everyone to read more romance, I have compiled this list of romance novels that, in this humble bookseller’s opinion, are well worth picking up for your next read!

Image: Harper Collins

Most love stories don’t start with somebody getting hit by a car (they’re fine), but Talia Hibbert is an author who can weave utterly magical romances from even the wildest of storylines. Her most recent romantic comedy follows Eve, a human embodiment of sunny chaos, and Jacob, an icy uptight perfectionist, as they begrudgingly work together to save the Jacob’s B&B, delivering heated attraction, hilarious hijinks, and a screamingly adorable romance. This comedy features two neurodiverse leads, excellent body diversity, sparkling dialogue and stunning characterizations. Eve Brown: Act Your AgeThis book is one to hold onto and enjoy.

Image: Avon

If you’ve ever wished that the Great British Bake OffI’ve had greater sexual tension then you. PerfectionBook for you. A sunshine-and-rainbows baking show contestant and the dour, grumpy judge who eliminated her from the competition square off to win a coveted baking commission for a royal wedding—what could possibly go wrong?!

Battle RoyalIt is the perfect way to introduce Lucy Parker. She made her mark with her amazing London Celebrities series. This is an irresistible, delicious confection that’ll make your smile. It features top-quality banter, and will take you on an emotional journey that will keep your eyes open for more.

Image: Avon

Sarah MacLean is the one who introduced me to romance, and each book has been a joy. Her books can be started from many different places, however. Bombshell is the first book in her newest series: Hell’s Belles, which follows a Victorian girl gang who are “hell-bent on smashing the patriarchy in all corners of London, from glittering ballrooms to dark alleys.” Yes please, I’ll take a million.

Bombshell follows Lady Sesily Talbot, London’s most scandalous debutante, and Caleb Calhoun, an American businessman (ahem, smuggler), who have been dancing around each other for years, never quite succumbing to their mutual attraction. Until now… *dun dun dun.*

Tor Books

Kit Rocha will satisfy those of you that love science fiction mixed with romance. These sci-fi, paranormal, and fantasy romances and erotica authors have written almost 20 books about a post-apocalyptic setting (with a lot of backlist!)The, and Don’t be afraid of the Devil The new Mercenary Librarians series begins. That’s right—Mercenary. Librarians.

Nina, an information broker in America is committed to helping those in dire need. She is sent on this dangerous mission to meet Knox, the war-weary leader of an ill-fated squad of super-soldiers who are fighting for survival. What follows is an action-packed dystopian adventure that will keep you turning the pages way past your bedtime and send you to the bookstore to buy Book 2 as soon as you’re done!

Image: Courtney Milan / Jenn LeBlanc

Sometimes, I need to be able to enjoy a small town love story, even though I love adventure and action. The Duke Who Didn’tIt does all of that and more. A tiny village in the English countryside with a large Asian community, a yearly festival, a no-nonsense miss who lives her life by lists, and a charming, mischievous duke who may or may not own the whole village…what more could you want?

Historical romance has an overwhelmingly white reputation. Courtney Milan is one of the many authors pushing back against the misconception that people of color in historical romance is somehow “historically inaccurate,” and she has done amazing work to address diversity and inclusion in the romance genre. Throw in complex characters, effervescent banter, and enticing romance, and you’ve got the whole package.

Image: Berkley

Although romantic fantasy is not something I am familiar with, I can say that it’s a genre that I don’t have much experience in. However, the ones I do have are utterly delightful. This first book in Milla Vane’s Gathering of Dragons series is absolutely bonkers in the best possible way: it’s got ripped barbarians, gorgeous princesses, scorching hot love scenes, magic, monsters, enough politicking to put Game of Thrones to shame, and…dinosaurs??

Listen, you’ll just have to trust me, I don’t know what else I can tell you except that The Heart of Blood and Ashes This book is great fun, and I love it! It has inspired me to continue reading romantic fantasy.

Kian Andrews doesn’t know what to expect when Hudson, his ex-boyfriend, texts him. Not a request to pretend to still be dating for the benefit of Hudson’s parents, and it is Certain not being maneuvered into being Hudson’s plus-one for the Georgia wedding of the season. As the tagline promises, fake boyfriends don’t always equal fake feelings, and as Kian and Hudson navigate their renewed (pretend) relationship, they also have to contend with their own unresolved feelings for one another.

This is a fast-paced and hilarious debut novel about adult love. It’s also a quick update on the well-known fake dating trope. Kosoko Jackson is definitely one to watch, and while you’re waiting for his second adult romance, make sure to check out his Young Adult novels as well!

Alisha Rai, a Romance Queen that I’d gladly go to war with, is Alisha Rai. The heroines of her stories are complex, well-rounded women with full lives, ambitions and personal goals. Their love interests are good, sensible heroes who regularly drink Respect Women Juice. As an employee of Taco Bell, she discovered that my stereo was playing my audiobook during sex scenes. It was A Time.

It’s first like is the final book in her Modern Love trilogy, but you don’t need to have read the first two to fully fall in love with Jia, makeup expert and internet influencer, and Dev, Bollywood star and Hollywood hopeful. Rai is able to pack so many things into her books about family and belief, tradition and mental health.

Recently-divorced Dahlia Woodson is determined to reinvent herself and make a mark as a contestant on America’s favorite cooking show. It’s a shame that she falls flat on her face on the first episode and gives the contestants a platter of fish tacos. The competitor behind her is also distractingly beautiful.

London Parker announced their pronouns to national television. Or They are thrown off their feet by the awkward contestant. But love, of course, has other plans, and Dahlia and London’s simmering attraction soon blooms into a full-blown, steamy, shenanigan-filled relationship outside of the kitchen. Do they possess the ingredients to create a happy-ever-after relationship? Spoiler Alert: Yes!

Cat Sebastian’s queer historical romances are utterly charming. Kit Webb is a reluctantly-reformed highwayman, who has put his days of theft behind him. Percy Holland, a handsome dandy looking for a good old-fashioned, high-class heist, recruits Kit Webb. This is the beginning of a delightful romp through dirty coffee shops and elegant ballrooms. It’s full adventure, sparkling humor, and delectable food. Un petit, Eat the RichThis is an excellent product and I highly recommend it.

The historical romance genre is inundated with rakes: dissolute, handsome ne’er-do-wells whose hard-partying lifestyle is (usually) tempered by their love for the novel’s heroine. While I enjoy the story of a devilish, ferocious rake finding his love match is a favorite tale for me, it’s clear that this trope has been influenced by outdated gender roles. Women are almost not allowed to be unrepentant, though men are permitted. Thank goodness for Scarlett Peckham.

Seraphina Arden is a “ruined” woman who has embraced her scandalous reputation on a quest for women’s equality. The radical author of pamphlets, she lives the life she chooses, with wine-soaked nights and beautiful lovers. Adam Anderson, a healthy, widowed Scottish architect with two children and a business to keep, is very suspicious of scandal. The casual affair that began in summer soon develops into something much more. Soon, Seraphina, Adam, and their children will be faced with their secrets and their aspirations for the future. The second book is essential. It’s empowering, heartbreaking and seductive.

Smut Peddler SeriesVarious Artists, Iron Circus Comics

For those who like their romance a bit more…Illustration (get it?!)…may I present the Smut Peddler series? Anthologies of comics. VeryThese are NSFW and contain explicit language. These collections are a collection of incredible artists, all very diverse, queer, and kink-affirming. I can’t stress it enough. Very NSFW.

Each subsequent anthology is a continuation of the first two. Smut Peddler The most recent one is Smut Peddler’s Sordid Past This is an example of an erotic comic set in the distant past Smut Peddler Silver (All characters are over 40). A truly comprehensive collection of games is available for all ages. Smut PeddlerYou can grab one or two of them.

It is a captivating historical romance that has a hint of mystery. It features Hanna Zaydan, a London bonesetter of Arab descent, slowly falling for her viscount client, who unbeknownst to her believes she holds a clue to who murdered his parents many years ago…

Diana Quincy has risen to prominence in the world of historical romance. Her stories are captivating, her romances sizzling. Great choice for reading!

Both Jasmine, a soap opera star and Ashton, a telenovela heartthrob are at crossroads and will soon be playing leading roles in a bilingual romance comedy on the biggest streaming site in the country. The entire production—and their careers—hinges on Jasmine and Ashton producing sizzling, believable chemistry, but a disastrous first impression and awkward rehearsals threaten to doom the show from the beginning. What will they do? Evidently, they practice their moves in the privacy of their own homes, beneath professional exteriors, to discover what lies beneath. This leads to explosive and delicious results. The book is clever, seductive, and one my all-time favorite.