The most recommended new adult romance books

Who picked these books? Meet our 144 experts.

144 authors created a book list connected to new adult romance, and here are their favorite new adult romance books.
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Book cover of The Bark of Zorro

Bettie Boswell Author Of Stolen Gift Exchange: A Christmas in Ohio Anthology Collection Story

From my list on mysteries with a touch of suspense.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a child, I read many Nancy Drew books and loved how she solved the clues. During the last couple of years I have developed a deeper interest in mystery and romantic suspense books. I enjoy trying to figure out the clues in other's tales and creating my own. The challenge is like putting a puzzle together for me when I write in this genre. Recently I wrote two short cozy mysteries and a romantic suspense that were published for the Christian market. I have a couple of cozy mystery works in progress that will soon be ready to share with readers. My other books often have hints of mysteries.

Bettie's book list on mysteries with a touch of suspense

Bettie Boswell Why did Bettie love this book?

This book initially appealed to me because of the title and the dog on the front cover.

As a child, I was a big fan of all things related to the television and movie versions of the character Zorro. He wasn't in this book, but there was someone who left their 'Z' around town, painted on runaway dogs. I enjoyed the developing romance between the local game warden and the determined animal rescue worker, who would eventually figure out the mystery.

The story was well-written and had some great twists and red herrings to enjoy. This book is part of a series and I look forward to checking the other books featuring cozy mysteries involving dogs.

By Kathleen Y'Barbo,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Bark of Zorro as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Who Is Spray Painting the Dogs in Brenham, Texas?
 
Cozy up with your favorite pooch and unwind with a small-town mystery in book 4 of the Gone to the Dogs series.
 
Strange happenings are afoot in Brenham, Texas, as dogs start showing up at the Lone Star Veterinary Clinic with a Z spray painted on them. The cops blame pranksters, while pet owners are blaming each other. Receptionist Cassidy Carter uses her social media expertise to try to get the culprit caught on camera, but Texas game warden, Jason Cameron, thinks online media attention is the last thing this case…


Book cover of Murder in Manhattan

Vickie Carroll Author Of It's Only Murder

From my list on cozy mysteries about women at work.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a cozy-style mystery writer, I get to live in a world where I know that everything will work out as it should in the end. I look for this in the books that I read and recommend. Do they give the reader something interesting to ponder as they go along with the sleuth (amateur or “real detective)? My father was a police captain, and I grew up looking at things through the eyes of “the law”, I admit. Most people find comfort reading about a small town where nothing will go too wrong. The bad stuff and the bad people are kept at arm’s length, and all is well.

Vickie's book list on cozy mysteries about women at work

Vickie Carroll Why did Vickie love this book?

I was late coming to this author, but once I discovered her I knew I’d go back to her earlier books in the Lady Eleanor Swift series.

In this book, Lady Swift leaves England to see what Manhattan is all about. With her butler, Clifford, (and her dog Gladstone) in tow, she is soon ensconced in a high-end apartment and is giving and attending all of the parties with the rich and famous. But her society status is put on hold when she witnesses the doorman of her building killed in a hit and run.

This is soon followed by another murder connected to the doorman. She, of course, gets involved and is determined to right the wrong. The book is a perfect bit of escapism, written with humor. 

By Verity Bright,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Murder in Manhattan as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Glitzy parties, sightseeing at the Statue of Liberty and strolls through Central Park with Gladstone the bulldog… Lady Eleanor Swift is loving her first trip to the city that never sleeps, until she witnesses a murder!

After crossing from England on the SS Celestiana, Lady Eleanor Swift sets up her home-away-from-home in a lavish apartment in New York City. She is soon the toast of the town, with no high-class soirée complete without her presence. Of course, she drags her butler Clifford and Gladstone the bulldog along to every party too.

But when she witnesses the charming doorman of her…


Book cover of A Daughter of Fair Verona

Charley Marsh Author Of The Four Angels

From Charley's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Charley's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Charley Marsh Why did Charley love this book?

This book is witty and original, unlike any other historical mystery/romance I've ever read.

By Christina Dodd,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Daughter of Fair Verona as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

I’m the eldest daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb. They’re alive and well and living in fair Verona with their six wildly impetuous children and me, their nineteen-year-old daughter Rosaline…

“Fun, funny, charming, and absolutely delightful. If you’re looking for a novel to sweep you away and lift your spirits, look no further.” – KRISTIN HANNAH, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Knives Out meets Bridgerton in Fair Verona, as New York Times bestselling author Christina Dodd kicks off a frothy, irreverent, witty new series with an irresistible premise—told…


Book cover of Scorched Grace: A Sister Holiday Mystery

Helen Vivienne Fletcher Author Of Broken Silence

From my list on mysteries to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a long-time lover of mysteries. Whether it be books, TV, or movies, I love when there is an unknown element to puzzle out. I remember staying up long past my bedtime as a child, reading because I just had to know what happened. I write across a number of genres for different age groups, but at the heart of every story I take on is a mystery that I want to figure out for myself. I love it when readers and audiences come along for the ride, joining me for the plot twists and turns.

Helen's book list on mysteries to keep you on the edge of your seat

Helen Vivienne Fletcher Why did Helen love this book?

I started this book for the unlikely main character–Sister Holiday, a chain-smoking, tattooed, queer nun–but it was the mystery that kept me reading. I always love it when a writer can make me feel like I am the one on the line, like I am fighting for my life or to prove my innocence. This book did just that.

I found I was holding myself tightly as Sister Holiday investigated but just kept finding more evidence against herself. The snippets of her past life made me feel for her more and more, taking the character from an unlikely hero to someone I cared deeply about. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second in the series.

By Margot Douaihy,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked Scorched Grace as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sister Holiday, a chain-smoking, heavily tattooed, queer nun, puts her amateur sleuthing skills to the test in this "unique and confident" debut crime novel (Gillian Flynn).

When Saint Sebastian's School becomes the target of a shocking arson spree, the Sisters of the Sublime Blood and their surrounding New Orleans community are thrust into chaos.

Patience is a virtue, but punk rocker turned nun Sister Holiday isn't satisfied to just wait around for officials to return her home and sanctuary to its former peace, instead deciding to unveil the mysterious attacker herself. Her investigation leads her down a twisty path of…


Book cover of Glory and the Master of Shadows

Katherine Grant Author Of The Viscount Without Virtue

From Katherine's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Novelist History nerd Amateur dancer Reader New Yorker

Katherine's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Katherine Grant Why did Katherine love this book?

The Regency romance genre is still in its early years of ethnically diverse characters, so I’m always thrilled to find books that break the mold of the white British aristocrat – while still delivering really fun reads.

Glory and the Master of Shadows does just that. At its core, it is everything we love about a historical romance: the heroine rebels against the role society has assigned her, our couple has to work together to thwart a bad guy, and throughout, the sexual tension keeps on ratcheting up.

Layered on top of those lovely bones are characters who struggle with what it means to be Chinese or biracial in British society. Oh, and the scene that stopped me in my tracks? When meditative breathing turns sexy…

By Grace Callaway,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Glory and the Master of Shadows as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Don't miss this thrilling new historical romance by USA Today Bestseller Grace Callaway! Set during the Opium Wars, this steamy and spellbinding Charlie’s Angels meets Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon romance will leave you breathless...

Their love is forbidden…and irresistible.

The daughter of a half-Chinese duke and a lady fossil hunter, Lady Glory Cavendish is a free-spirited campaigner for justice. She belongs to a secret society of lady detectives whose goal is to help women in need. During her latest case involving a dastardly dognapping, Glory crosses paths with the handsome and mysterious Wei Chen, a master of fighting and healing…


Book cover of His Victim's Torment

K. Marie Smith Author Of Touch

From K.'s 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Fantasy nerd Avid reader Stay at home Mom DV survivor C-PTSD living

K.'s 3 favorite reads in 2023

K. Marie Smith Why did K. love this book?

This is yet another wild ride of a book, but this time, it is not so cutesy. Definitely not cutesy at all.

Well, unless you count the blossoming relationship between Mary, a protected witness in the case against Jimmy Yates, and Devon Walker, the FBI agent in charge of protection detail. Then there’s all the banter and slow burn that sizzles between them.

This book, however, is very realistic on the forensics, so if you’re not into blood, gore, and deranged serial killers who like rats, fair warning!

By Nicole Keefer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked His Victim's Torment as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

After twenty years, devastation has come back to DC in the form of serial killer Jimmy Yates. Throughout his reign of terror, only one person has ever been able to elude his clutches. Mary Anderson is the girl that survived. Now Mary is all grown up, Yates has returned, and is determined to rectify his mistake.

Only one person now stands between Jimmy Yates and his revenge. FBI Special Agent Devon Walker is hell-bent on keeping Mary alive while the rest of his team tracks down and apprehends the elusive serial killer. At the same time, Yates will do anything…


Book cover of The Secret She Keeps

Katie Mettner Author Of Going Rogue in Red Rye County

From Katie's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Amputee Tubie Dachshund lover Living kidney donor Agate hunter

Katie's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Katie Mettner Why did Katie love this book?

The Secrets She Keeps was a phenomenal intrigue because author Lena Diaz put me right there next to the characters as they made bad decisions while trying to do the right thing.

The entire book is full of twists and turns I wasn’t expecting, but that ending really took me by surprise! I loved it, but it took me completely off guard, so kudos to Ms. Diaz for pulling off something that could have upset me but instead made me stop and think.

I love cold cases, serial killers, and family drama, and Ms. Diaz delivered all of them, plus a beautiful blossoming romance, in The Secrets She Keeps!

By Lena Diaz,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Secret She Keeps as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Searching for the truth
Could be a deadly mission

Raine Quintero is so desperate she’s willing to kidnap PI Callum Wright, the one person who can help stay her brother’s execution. Raine raises the stakes by offering a lead on a killer Callum’s pursuing—without revealing the secret she’s actually keeping. Racing against time, they must find the answers before one man dies—and another kills again.

From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.

Discover more action-packed stories in the A Tennessee Cold Case Story series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following order:…


Book cover of The Burial Plot

Barbara Havelocke Author Of Estella's Revenge

From my list on historical fiction with a kick ass female lead.

Why am I passionate about this?

As well as featuring kick-ass female lead characters, all the books listed delve into why people do what they do – and this has always fascinated me; it’s why I became a journalist. Talking to victims of crime, I was always struck by their strength (and that was never more true than when I fronted an award-winning campaign for victims of domestic abuse). Prior to that, I worked at a high-security men’s prison, and getting to know the prisoners had a profound impact on me. Now, whether reading or writing a book, I love to get under the skin of characters and find their ‘why.’

Barbara's book list on historical fiction with a kick ass female lead

Barbara Havelocke Why did Barbara love this book?

From the very first page of sublime writing, I knew I would love this story. Set in 1839, it features a lot of gothic tropes that really appeal to me: a creepy house, a cemetery, murder, and a charming man who can’t be trusted. But most of all, I loved the lead character, Bonnie–although I didn’t always like her!

Bonnie is a head-strong young woman whose life has been mapped out for her by men–her father, the ancient rector who ‘fell in love with her’ when he baptized her as a baby, and the charming, dangerous Crawford. I felt her frustration, desire for more, anger at never being listened to, and fear. However, clever, ambitious Bonnie is willing to do whatever it takes to survive–and thrive.

By Elizabeth Macneal,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Burial Plot as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'I genuinely could not put this down' - Stacey Halls, author of Mrs England
'A tour de force of a gothic thriller. I devoured it' - Gillian McAllister, author of Wrong Place, Wrong Time
'Taut, propulsive, beautifully done' - Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of Pandora

From Elizabeth Macneal, the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Doll Factory, The Burial Plot is a spellbinding Gothic thriller about murder and manipulation.

London, 1839. With the cemeteries full and money to be made in death, tricksters Crawford and Bonnie survive on wicked schemes and ill-gotten coin. But one blistering evening, their fortunes flip. A…


Book cover of A Tempest at Sea

Bob Burnett Author Of Death is Potential: A Kate Swift Mystery

From my list on mysteries featuring steamy romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

At one time, it was commonplace for male mystery writers to devote a substantial amount of plot to romance; for example, Wilkie Collins, The Woman in White or Dashiell Hammett, The Maltese Falcon. In recent years, this tradition has eroded to the point where romantic mysteries are primarily written by women. I think romance spices up mysteries. In Death is Potential, Kate Swift is more invested in solving the murder mystery because she is protecting her lover.

Bob's book list on mysteries featuring steamy romance

Bob Burnett Why did Bob love this book?

I love this series because I treasure the original Sherlock Holmes books.

Sherry Thomas reinvents Holmes as a smart and passionate young woman. Down on her luck, Charlotte Holmes sets up a detective consulting business using her imaginary brother, Sherlock. She fools everyone except her longtime friend, Lord Ingram.

After a period of tortured adjustment, Charlotte and Ingram become lovers. Sadly, they cannot spend much time together, because they are pursued by the evil Moriarity.

By Sherry Thomas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Tempest at Sea as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Charlotte Holmes's life is in peril when her brilliant deductive skills are put to the test in her most dangerous investigation yet, locked aboard a ship at sea.

After feigning her own death in Cornwall to escape from Moriarty’s perilous attention, Charlotte Holmes goes into hiding. But then she receives a tempting offer: Find a dossier the crown is desperately seeking, and she might be able to go back to a normal life.
 
Her search leads her aboard the RMS Provence. But on the night Charlotte makes her move to retrieve the dossier, in the midst of a terrifying storm…


Book cover of Other Women

Linda Chapman Author Of Moonlight Riders: Fire Horse

From Linda's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Lover of all things magic Unicorn dreamer Animal crazy Horse rider

Linda's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Linda Chapman Why did Linda love this book?

This book completely took me by surprise. I’m not normally a fan of historical fiction, but I loved it!

It is a psychological thriller set in London in 1923 and tells the story of two women linked by one man, a terrible murder, and the consequences of that murder.

The characters felt so contemporary, the psychological motivation so realistic, and the period detail so vivid, fascinating, and beautifully described that it hooked me and lived with me for a long time after I’d finished it. 

By Emma Flint,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Other Women as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Zoe Ball's BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick.

Mesmerising and haunting, Emma Flint's Other Women is a devastating story of fantasy, obsession inspired by a murder that took place almost a hundred years ago.

'A pitch-perfect historical mystery' - The Guardian
'Bloody brilliant' - Dinah Jefferies, author of The Missing Sister
'Compelling, twisty, and wonderfully suspenseful' - Claire Fuller, author of Unsettled Ground

It is 1923 and a country is in mourning. Thousands of husbands, fathers, sons and sweethearts were lost in the war, millions more returned home wounded and forever changed.

Beatrice Cade is an orphan, unmarried and childless.…


Book cover of The Bark of Zorro
Book cover of Murder in Manhattan
Book cover of A Daughter of Fair Verona

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