The most recommended new romance books

Who picked these books? Meet our 168 experts.

168 authors created a book list with a new romance book, and here are their favorites. 

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What type of new romance book?

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Book cover of One Moment

Cressida McLaughlin Author Of The Happy Hour

From my list on romance books where time is important.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a voracious reader of romantic fiction, and Iā€™m always drawn in by books where time plays an important role. I love it when the characters have limited time and are on a countdown, or time is stretched out between their interactions, or when one single moment changes the course of their lives so completely. It always adds so much conflict and drama to a plot, as if time is a character in itself: itā€™s such a big thing in all our lives, but itā€™s also, in some respects, completely arbitrary. I love all these books because time and timing have such a big impact on the characters. 

Cressida's book list on romance books where time is important

Cressida McLaughlin Why did Cressida love this book?

I found this book so emotional: a book that deals with such difficult subjects and has heartbreak in it but is so uplifting, too.

Scarlet is killed in an accident and has to watch the people she loves deal with the aftermath. I thought Evieā€™s grief was so real, and I was desperate for her to find happiness again after losing her best friend. I am always drawn to a love story that seems impossible, and this one had me on the edge of my seat as Nate is drawn to Evie, but their happy ever after seems so out of reach.

I cried a lot but finished it full of joy and with a renewed desire to live life to the fullest. 

By Becky Hunter,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

This heart-wrenching read about friendship, love, and loss tells the story of a woman grieving the death of her best friend and learning to embrace a future she never imaginedā€”perfect for fans of Rebecca Serle and Josie Silver. 

One moment in time can change everything...

The day Scarlett dies, her hopes and dreams for the future die with herā€¦or so she thinks. Because sheā€™s still hereā€”wherever here isā€”watching the ripple effect of her death on the lives of those she loved the most. Sheā€™d do anything to go back and join the living, especially Evie, her best friend who needsā€¦


Book cover of Avalon Tower

Katie Dunn Author Of Myth Blessed

From Katie's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Katie's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Katie Dunn Why did Katie love this book?

It is an exciting new take on Camelot/Round Table, fey, and spies. It takes place in an academy setting but also branches out to other locations in France and England. The magic and the action was so good! I loved seeing how the main character's powers developed. I enjoyed the romance too.

By Alex Rivers, C.N. Crawford,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Avalon Academy rules: spy on your enemies, resist temptation, and try not to die in the process.

As a bookseller, Nia saved up for years for her dream vacationā€”drinking champagne on a beach with her favorite books. But her dream turns into a nightmare when she's kidnapped by a muscular, tattooed jerk of a fey named Raphael.

Yes, kidnapped.

It turns out Nia has a magic power, and Raphael demands that she train at Camelot's elite academy for spies. Raphael is hellbent on revenge against an evil Fey king, certain that Nia's powers can help. But Nia is in wayā€¦


Book cover of King of Wrath

Delaney Diamond Author Of Ethan

From my list on swoon-worthy heroes in romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™ve been a published romance author since 2010, but even before I published my first romance novel, I was an avid reader of the genre. In fact, I started at the very young age of eleven, checking out romance novels from my local public library. Over the years, Iā€™ve read hundreds of books and found the ones that I enjoy the most have the most intriguing heroes who fall hard for the heroine. 

Delaney's book list on swoon-worthy heroes in romance

Delaney Diamond Why did Delaney love this book?

This book has everything I love about the billionaire tropeā€”a filthy rich alpha male used to controlling every aspect of his life falling hard for one woman. 

Dante and Vivian were forced into a marriage of convenience because Vivianā€™s father blackmailed Danteā€”unbeknownst to her. In the beginning, Dante is rude and unkind, but as the story progresses, Vivian gets under his skinā€”in a good way.

I got a kick out of watching him slowly fall in love with her and the way that love manifested in acts of kindnessā€”big and small. Dante softened toward Vivian and became willing to do anything to make her happy. His transformation from a hateful brute to a loving future spouse was not only enjoyable to watch, there were times when I actually sighed because Vivian was a lucky chica indeed. 

By Ana Huang,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

*A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER*

An arranged marriage billionaire romance standalone from New York Times bestselling author and BookTok sensation Ana Huang.

She was my North Star, the brightest jewel in my sky.

Ruthless. Meticulous. Arrogant.

Billionaire CEO Dante Russo thrives on control, both personally and professionally.

He never planned to marryā€¦until the threat of blackmail forces him into an engagement with a woman he barely knows.

Vivian Lau, jewelry heiress and daughter of his newest enemy. The wife he never wanted, and the weakness he never saw coming.

It doesn't matter how beautiful or charming she is. Dante willā€¦


Book cover of Juniper Hill

Ashley Nikole Author Of Fallout

From Ashley's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Ashley's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Ashley Nikole Why did Ashley love this book?

There is nothing like a disaster of epic proportions to literally GLUE a reader to the page! Also, let's hear it for male chefs as romance leads, cause...well...goodness gracious we stand NO chance!

By Devney Perry,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Get ready for small towns stirred by mystery and desire in The Eden series, suspense-filled second story . . .


Memphis Ward arrives in Quincy, Montana, on the fifth worst day of her life.

Moving across the country with her newborn baby is by far the craziest thing she's ever done.

But maybe it takes a little crazy to build a good life. If putting the past behind her requires a thousand miles and a new town, especially to ensure a better future for her son. Even if it requires setting aside the glamour of her former life and becomingā€¦


Book cover of June First

Liz Ashlee Author Of Moving Forward

From Liz's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Reader Simmer Data Analyst Optimist Romantic

Liz's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Liz Ashlee Why did Liz love this book?

The book is a behemoth, and I read it in a day. On top of that, I cried the entire time I read it. Let me tell you, I actively avoid and hate movies, books, television, etc., that make me cry, but June First is my exception. 

I love a love story that withstands decades. I love matches that feel fated. I love it when characters mature and learn. This book has all of that and more. 

By Jennifer Hartmann,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Want to know what happens to a man who barely claws his way out of a tragedy, only to fall right into the arms of the one girl in the world he isn't allowed to love? Another tragedy, that's what.When Brant was six years old, his father made a choice that altered the course of his entire life. Because of what he did, the only girl Brant ever loved became the only girl he couldn't have.

Though in a lot of ways, he did have her...

He had her first steps, her first words, her first smile. He had herā€¦


Book cover of A Story Spun in Scarlet

Kristin Ardis Author Of Smoke and Light

From Kristin's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Kristin's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Kristin Ardis Why did Kristin love this book?

This book was everything I wanted from a romantic fantasy. Swoon-worthy, no spice romance. A sweeping story full of adventure. Twists and turns to surprise and delight. It's a beautifully-written tale that I'd love to read again!

By Renee Dugan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Story Spun in Scarlet as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

LET ME TELL YOU A STORY...



AUDRA JASHOWIN is a storyteller without a purpose.

When all the tales in the land of Mithra-Sha lost their endings, Audra fled from her family's rejection and the only home she ever knew. Now, with a sense of veiled danger haunting her heels and her life as devoid of direction as her stories, she arrives at long last in a city of fresh starts and second chances.


There, she finds an adventure greater than she ever dreamed.


JAIK GRISSOM might be the key to bringing back the power of all stories.


A simple farmhandā€¦


Book cover of My Dark Romeo

Kay Freeman Author Of Hitman's Honey

From Kay's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Retired art professor Tequila aficionado Weightlifter Owned by Standard Poodle Blues lover

Kay's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Kay Freeman Why did Kay love this book?

Finally, a female heroine who isn't described as eating like a bird, dieting, or with an eating disorder. Dallas Townsend likes to eat, and when we first meet her, she attends the debut ball only for the food, not to meet anyone; she is already engaged.

The manipulative male character, Romeo, ruins her reputation within hours of meeting her and tricks her into marrying him. I thought I would hate him because he comes off like a bastard. Dallas and Romeo couldn't be more opposite of one another.

I thought this book would be darker, but a few pages in, I realized this romance would be more humorous than I thought. I hadn't laughed this much while reading a romance book in a long time, and I was so disappointed when the book ended.

The book surprised me in another way because I didn't expect to fall in love withā€¦

By Parker S. Huntington, L. J. Shen,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked My Dark Romeo as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

My fairy tale turned into a cautionary one.
Inked in tar and sealed in tears.


From Wall Street Journal bestsellers L.J. Shen and Parker S. Huntington comes an explosive marriage of inconvenience...between a tarnished Romeo and a reluctant Juliet.

It was supposed to be a harmless kiss at a lavish debutante ball.
A clandestine moment with a handsome stranger.

But unlike his namesake, my Romeo isnā€™t driven by love.
Heā€™s fueled by revenge.

To him, Iā€™m a chess piece. Leverage.
His rivalā€™s betrothed.

To me, he is a man deserving of poison.
A dark prince I refuse to marry.

Heā€¦


Book cover of Butcher & Blackbird

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?

What is there to say that not everyone else has said by now? This book was just fun! Sure, it's about two serial killers in a competition who slowly fall for each other, and Iā€™ll never look at cookies and cream ice cream the same after reading this (if you know, you know), but it was still fun.

I couldnā€™t put it down, and it combined my favorite things: Serial Killers and witty banter that was just to die for! By far, it's one of the most unique books Iā€™ve ever read, and I can not wait for Leather & Lark!

By Brynne Weaver,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Butcher & Blackbird as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A New York Times and USA TODAY Bestseller

ā€œI want to ruin her so that sheā€™s mine, my beautiful disaster. My wild creature. My goddess of chaos.ā€

The viral TikTok friends-to-lovers dark romantic comedy full of murder, chaos, and sizzling chemistryā€•unlike anything youā€™ve read beforeā€•now available in all bookstores

When a chance encounter sparks an unlikely bond between rival murderers Sloane and Rowan, they find something elusiveā€•the friendship of two like-minded, pitch-black souls who just happen to enjoy killing other serial killers.

From small-town West Virginia to upscale California, and from downtown Boston to rural Texas, the two hunters collideā€¦


Book cover of Unforgettable

Marci Wilson Author Of Turn the Page

From my list on little-known small-town romances series starters.

Why am I passionate about this?

Having spent most of my life in the Midwest, I know a little (or a lot) about growing up in a small-town environment. When I was younger, I was annoyed by all the things I now find charming about this genre of romance books. The nosy neighbor, the know-it-all jock, the downtrodden wallflower? Stereotypical but oh-so-real. I have written several series set in small towns and have come to love them all. Itā€™s now my go-to genre when I want to sit and relax. 

Marci's book list on little-known small-town romances series starters

Marci Wilson Why did Marci love this book?

I mentioned before that I love how the community becomes part of the story in small-town romance. That has been masterfully achieved in this book.

I enjoyed how the characters were resisting their feelings despite what was obvious to everyone around them. In this Rivals-to-Lovers take on small-town romance, the attraction is strong, the feud heated, and the characters easy to like.

I thought this book had a fantastic balance that kept the story from feeling too heavy.

By Willow Aster,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A Sizzling, Enemies to Lovers, Workplace, Small-Town Romance by USA Today bestselling author Willow Aster.


Jamison Ledger.

The hottest man I've ever seen.

The enemy I never saw coming.


On one of the worst days of my life, the last thing I planned on was falling into bed with a guy who literally charmed the pants right off me.


Little did I know, that hot, gorgeous man would be Jamison Ledger, the man responsible for the very tears I was crying.


A thief. The very sexy thief who took everything I've ever wanted-my legacy, my happiness, and what I've workedā€¦


Book cover of One Moment
Book cover of Avalon Tower
Book cover of King of Wrath

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