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 Our Hideous Progeny

Angie Spoto Author Of The Grief Nurse

From my list on gothic set in Scotland.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I first visited Scotland, I drove north from Edinburgh, driving through much of the country to catch a ferry to Orkney. This northern archipelago is certainly one of the most magical places I’ve ever been to; the steep sea cliffs and standing stones, windblown grasses, and violent waves put me in a gothic state of mind. I moved to Scotland a few years later to live by the sea. Since that first visit to Orkney, I’ve written my own Scottish gothic novels, as well as presented research on the gothic at various academic conferences. It’s a topic that I’m certain will compel me for a long time to come. 

Angie's book list on gothic set in Scotland

Angie Spoto Why did Angie love this book?

This book is such a smart novel. It draws its inspiration from Frankenstein, and although it is very different from the original (with its likable lesbian protagonist), it loses none of the original novel’s gothic themes and atmosphere.

The story moves quickly yet manages to convey rich language and explore complex themes. 

By Charlie McGill,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Our Hideous Progeny as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A gothic adventure story, a classic tale with a feminist twist, a story of ambition and obsession, forbidden love and sabotage...

'It is not the monster you must fear, but the monster it makes of men...'

Mary is the great-niece of Victor Frankenstein. She knows her great uncle disappeared in mysterious circumstances in the Arctic but she doesn't know why or how...

The 1850s is a time of discovery and London is ablaze with the latest scientific theories and debates, especially when a spectacular new exhibition of dinosaur sculptures opens at the Crystal Palace. Mary, with a sharp mind and…


Book cover of The Summer Skies

Jeannee Sacken Author Of The Rule of Thirds

From Jeannee's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Author Photojournalist Conservationist of endangered species Former English professor Traveler

Jeannee's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Jeannee Sacken Why did Jeannee love this book?

In her soaring novel, Jenny Colgan has me in the co-pilot’s seat right next to Morag MacIntyre while she’s flying her family’s small plane to deliver mail, supplies, and tourists to Scotland’s northernmost windswept islands.

The descriptions of the islands as seen from the air and on the ground are glorious and had me reliving my time in Scotland. I love strong female characters, especially when they save the day—and the plane—in the midst of a terrible storm and then muster the courage to send a betraying boyfriend on his way.

By Jenny Colgan,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The brand-new escapist summer novel from Sunday Times bestseller Jenny Colgan. Fall in love with a new cast of characters and get swept away in a breath-taking romance you'll want to read again and again . . .

'A glorious, breathtaking, tender romance. I loved every moment of the ride' SOPHIE KINSELLA

'[A] blast of feelgood fiction [...] it makes me want to head for the Highlands' THE TIMES

'You'll be racing through the pages' INDEPENDENT

'Another Colgan classic for the beach bag' WOMEN'S WEEKLY
___________________________________

Born into a family of successful pilots, Morag is used to flying high. But…


Book cover of The Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency

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?

Who can resist a three-book series set in the Scottish Highlands? Travers does not disappoint we lovers of all things Scottish.

She sets this book in Edinburgh, 1911. The main character does something uncommon for women to do at that time—she takes a family inheritance and opens a detective agency. She also brings along Daisy, her lady’s maid.

When their first case leads them into the Highland society, the Duchess of Duddington employs them to ferret out a jewel thief. They go undercover to hunt for the thief, but soon realize they are hunting for a killer. This book blended the political and cultural reality of the day, but did it seamlessly.

I learned a few things while following Maud and Daisy around that fancy house in the Highlands. 

By Lydia Travers,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

‘Had me hooked… Loved!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Delightful… Kept me on the edge of my seat’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wonderful… Had me giggling’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I really loved this… Fantastic’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I absolutely adored this… Brilliant’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Move over Holmes and Watson, there’s a new detective duo in town!

Edinburgh, 1911: When headstrong Maud McIntyre decides to pour her inheritance into starting her very own detective agency, she asks her lady’s maid, Daisy, to form The Scottish Ladies’ Detective Agency. After all, she knows they have a better brain for these things than most men!

Maud and Daisy never dreamed that their first case would…


Book cover of The Rose and the Thistle

S.L. Klein Author Of Waves of Redemption

From my list on heavy and hopeful themes.

Why am I passionate about this?

Many readers pick up books to escape reality, but I am passionate about reading stories where hope and healing can be found among the pages. I love depth and transparency. I love learning about history. As an author who ensures my books contain accurate biblical themes, I am always searching for books that are saturated with truth. Stories that will take me on an adventure and help me grow along with the characters. This list contains books that cover heavy topics, but they also infuse hope. I know that I have found encouragement through them!

S.L.'s book list on heavy and hopeful themes

S.L. Klein Why did S.L. love this book?

This book contains tough questions that I have struggled with in the past like, “Why would God allow this to happen?” “Does God see me?” “How can God use this for His glory?” I found comfort in these pages. I learned the struggle of many during the Jacobite uprising—something I knew precious little about, and I have Scottish heritage!

Laura always transports me into history, and I love how she combines stories of struggle with hope. I always walk away from her books with new knowledge of history and encouragement for my own life. Besides, I can never say no to a good romance!

By Laura Frantz,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

"A masterful achievement of historical complexity and scintillating romance sure to thrill readers with its saga of love under siege."--Booklist starred review

In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley's father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Lady Blythe awaits who will ultimately be crowned king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.

No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with the clothes…


Book cover of Our Hideous Progeny
Book cover of The Summer Skies
Book cover of The Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency

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