Fans of Clare’s Go Hex Yourself will be happy with this follow-up in which Willem and Penny continue the enemies-to-lovers arc, with their own twist. Hand to readers who love witty banter, the fake-dating trope, and couples who fall hard fast.
This sexy and profoundly romantic novel will satisfy fans of best-selling Henry’s (Book Lovers) thrilling trademark mix of witty banter and intensely emotional storylines.
Wilder (How To Fake It in Hollywood) has created a gem of a novel with characters who unfold in complex and unexpected ways. The grounded Hollywood story utilizes a perfectly paced slow-burn romance, and at the end there’s a winking nod to the entire journey.
A strikingly vibrant love story for modern dreamers and hopeless romantics. Those who’ve read Sharma’s Love, Chai, and Other Four-Letter Words will be happy to see familiar characters return in this follow-up, but newcomers will also be able to enjoy it as a stand-alone.
Karger tells a good and ultimately compelling story, but readers seeking a romantic tale may be disappointed by the focus on the main character’s internal struggles.
Leigh’s series installment will appeal to readers seeking a scintillating historical romance that is engaging and erotic, a heartwarming reunion with more than one happy ending. Recommended for fans of Tessa Dare, Ella Quinn, and Sarah MacLean.
Readers who enjoyed The Boxing Baroness won’t want to miss Spencer’s sequel. Indeed, anyone who appreciates strong, unconventional heroines—and the Regency-era heroes who know (or at least manage to learn) better than to take them for granted
The fake-haunting plot sounds like gothic romance, but Waters’s latest “Regency Vows” novel (which follows To Marry and To Meddle) is a romantic comedy through and through. Although the chemistry between Jane and Penvale lacks a certain spark, readers will still be pleased that Jane ultimately decides to make room for Penvale in both Trethwick Abbey and her heart.
Romance readers who enjoy single-point-of-view enemies-to-lovers romances will enjoy this solid if predictable debut from Miller. Recommended as a read-alike to The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood.
With lots of danger and intrigue, Eden’s latest will keep readers on the edge of their seats, but constant threats tend to dim the fragile romance between Hawk and Liesl. This historical romance is a stand-alone novel, but fans of Eden’s The Sheriffs of Savage Wells will be happy to see so many familiar faces return to action here.
An enemies-to-lovers romance full of humor and heart. Readers will fall in love with Jasmine, Jake, and the cast of aunties, uncles, and friends who help them along the way in Lalli’s latest (after A Holly Jolly Diwali).
Grey is back (after How To Train Your Earl) with the first book in the “Say I Do” romance trilogy. Complete with the devilishly handsome duke, the independently fierce bride, and a host of new Regency rogues to devour, this new series is off to a satisfying start.
Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.
Ashenden (The Maid the Greek Married) lays out a well-detailed plotline from the very beginning. Full of romance and excitement, this novel tells a gripping tale.
Little detective work takes place on the page here, and the tactics employed by these detectives when they are working are likely to make true-crime aficionados cringe. Only those who are determined to read every book in this long-running series from Ferrarella (whose most recent entry was Cavanaugh Justice: Up Close and Deadly) are liable to get any real satisfaction from finishing this latest installment.
While this isn’t a standout title, overall it’s a stronger story than the first book in this multi-author series (which was Colton’s Unusual Suspect by Marie Ferrarella), though it also ends without moving the needle much on the overarching plotline of what has happened to the Colton siblings’ honorary uncle.
Anderson (Carrying Her Boss’s Christmas Baby) skillfully writes a tantalizing story full of romance and excitement. Fans of Colleen Hoover and Chelle Bliss will find this novel intriguing.
Unfortunately, this latest series entry, after Guardian K-9 on Call, contains stilted dialogue and protagonists who lack chemistry, providing an unsatisfying reading experience.
With protagonists who spend too much time in their own heads and too little time actually talking to each other, reading the latest in Childs’s series (after Hotshot Heroes Under Threat) is at times a frustrating endeavor.
Book two of the “A Very Village Scandal” series, this friends-to-lovers romance is a witty and playful Regency romp, perfect for fans of transformation rom-coms like The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot.
A second-chance romance that will have readers glued to the page, this novel from Lewis (How To Plan Your Fake Wedding) is a perfect cold weather read.
With a heartfelt sentiment of finding oneself and one’s place in the world, the latest from Hayes (after Their Surprise Safari Reunion) is a solid purchase for libraries, recommended where royal romances are popular.
Compelling characters, a beautiful setting, and a love story that will have readers desperate for their own Tuscan romance, this book from Douglas (Reclusive Millionaire’s Mistletoe Miracle) is sure to satisfy.
The sense of family, home, and hope that Hardy (Crowning His Secret Princess) creates will have wide appeal, making this a highly recommended top-tier purchase for libraries.
Fans of dalliance and temptation are certain to enjoy this third installment of the “Those Roguish Rosemonts” series, after Tempting the Sensible Lady Violet.
Poppy Summers has found some interesting things in her fishing nets, but nothing as exciting as the unconscious man she finds—half-clothed, injured, and still gorgeously handsome...
This book will appeal to readers seeking a playful and provocative Regency romance with an independent, intelligent heroine. Recommended for fans of Sophie Irwin, Eloisa James, and Virginia Heath.
This audio will appeal to fans seeking a contemporary opposites-attract rom-com about fame, family, and finding yourself. Recommended for fans of Tessa Bailey, Dylan Newton, and Abby Jimenez.
Narrator Tanya Eby calmly and expertly captures the gentle pace and warmth of this small-town Chesapeake Island community. Even so, this slow-moving audio, filled to bursting with inspirational tropes, tends to drag. An optional purchase, but fans of sweet, fluffy fare may enjoy.
Collins keeps the heat smoldering between the well-drawn main characters in this installment, and the mystery keeps the pace moving nicely. Recommend to fans of Julia Quinn and Evie Dunmore.
This delectable Victorian Latinx romance from De la Rosa (author of the “Once Upon a Scandal” and “The Daltons” romances) will delight fans of sexy historical romances with strong social justice plots, such as Alyssa Cole’s “The Loyal League” titles and Evie Dunmore’s “A League of Extraordinary Women” series.
Walker (Lakeshire Park) creates a winning champion in Charlie, who grows from a tempestuous man to one of restraint without losing his mischievousness. The easy friendship and slow-burning chemistry between Charlie and Ros will warm readers’ hearts.
In the hands of a lesser author, the love-triangle element could feel completely predictable, but McCoy capably avoids tired clichés and gives readers a new perspective on the trope. The romance’s secondary characters are funny, supportive, and intrinsic to the success of this outstanding novel, which is recommended for all collections.
Even with sensual romantic scenes, Foster’s (Watching Over You) latest is a bit of a slow burn, and readers will wish for a deeper dive into Jodi’s backstory. Still, libraries should purchase this first in the new “Osborn Brothers” series for the author’s loyal fan base.
A sharp and witty novel that revels in soapy romance tropes while introducing a large cast of characters in Bellefleur’s (“Written in the Stars” series) familiar Seattle setting. Will please fans of Alexis Hall and Ashley Herring Blake; recommended for general purchase.
This is the adult romance debut for YA author Forest (Zyla and Kai), and readers will clamor for more. Recommend this one to fans of Alisha Rai and Abby Jimenez.
This story from Ash (A Chance Encounter) contains traumatic events, some in flashbacks and some spelled out in detail, but it’s also a story of second chances and redemption. The secondary characters round out the cast nicely, and readers will want to stick around to see how all the story lines end.
Readers who swoon over “fated to be together” romances will love it, but those who don’t like the couple keeping big secrets from each other should be forewarned.
Black (More Than Hate You) is known for bringing the explicit heat, and this book is no exception. Readers who enjoy sizzling love scenes and high emotional investment will find much to love.
Historical romance fans who like their romance with a dash of soap opera antics will eat this book up and anxiously await more scandals in future volumes.
Heath (The Return of the Duke) begins a new series full of witty banter, and her fans will quickly fall in love with Bishop and Daisy. Their romance starts off as a slow burn but is well worth the wait.
This charming, funny romance throws total opposites together in a road trip full of mishaps and happy accidents. Though the happily-ever-after is a given, the journey to that conclusion is a delight, and readers won’t want it to end. Recommended for general purchase.
Readers interested in a contemporary drama in a medical setting with well-developed characters and closed-door romance will appreciate this slow-burn from Woolridge (The Bounce Back).
This story from Schneider (Confessions of a Domestic Goddess) has a delightful small-town feel, complete with a lovable cast of secondary characters begging for their own stories to be told.
This is a delightful story that is also wonderfully Canadian. Rose has a history of depression and anxiety, and there is mention of a character’s death by suicide that happened in the past, which impacts the current story. Lau (Her Favorite Rebound) handles these issues in a way that is sensitive and authentic.
Even those who don’t usually read sports romance will like this one. Beck has anxiety and panic attacks, and Blakely ((The Virgin Next Door)) handles it with compassion and care.
This romantic suspense novel from Michaels (Help Me Remember) has all the action and violence expected, as well as a heroine who can be extremely unlikable but will grow on readers.
Dane weaves a magical rock star tale that will delight fans of her previous series, as well as draw in a new crowd. This book is deeply emotional and sexy, standing on a foundation of family, those you’re born with and those you choose.
While readers might have an earworm the entire time they’re reading, this book will make them wish it were longer. They’ll be impatient for the next one in this series from Simone (Jessie’s Girl).
While the characters might seem silly at times and the situations are somewhat easily resolved, the end result is fun, and the secondary characters seem to guarantee the fun will continue throughout this series from Olsen (Hate To Love You).
Originally published as When Blood Calls in the “Shadowkeepers” series by J.K. Beck (Julie Kenner), this title and others in the series have been extensively revised and released under the name Kira James. This book is a paranormal romance powerhouse with complex worldbuilding and engaging characters; a very promising start to a new series.
The story feels fresh, even though it is deep in the series. It doesn’t come with the weight of obligation to read all of the previous books, but this story will make readers want to do so.
Readers who are able to suspend all disbelief might think this is a lot of fun. However, those who need their books to make perfect sense should give this one from Tompsett (Insta Bride) a pass.
The heavy backdrop of the returning warrior’s attempt to find his way home is punctuated with the lighthearted antics of the Templeworth sisters, who each found their own happily-ever-afters in the two previous books in the series (A Springtime Scandal and Midsummer Madness).
Despite minor issues with the audiobook, this interracial romance (Vanessa is Black, and Michael is Korean American) satisfies. A good purchase for libraries with patrons who love fun and steamy contemporary romances.
This third installment in the “Duke Undone” series (following The Runaway Duchess) can stand alone and is recommended for those who enjoy steamy Victorian era–set stories that feature detailed careers and cross-class romances, or patrons looking for Elizabeth Everett read-alikes.
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.
Readers of the series won’t want to miss its conclusion here. Though the villain does veer toward the cartoonish as the story continues, the romance is enjoyable, and the ending is satisfying.
In this exciting contemporary romance from Milne (Falling for His Stand-In Fiancée), readers will fall for Max and Stella and their blossoming little family.
Ferrarella (Cavanaugh Justice: Up Close and Deadly) introduces readers to the new multi-author series “The Coltons of New York,” but unfortunately, neither the crime solving nor the romance are particularly believable in this one.
In this delightfully steamy read, Lam (Happy Endings) creates characters with great chemistry and packs this romance with the history of Vietnamese culture in New Orleans.
St. Clair’s return to Revekka in this sequel to Kingof Battle and Blood is filled with equal parts lust, magic, and political intrigue, leaving readers hungry for more.
Singh (Wearing His Ring till Christmas) sets this romance on the shores of the Caribbean, and Rafe and Eva definitely bring the heat. A recommended purchase for libraries.