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Flying pirate ships, a family finding its way, and a delightful rendition of the fake-marriage trope are just a few highlights of the best romance books of 2023.
PREMIUM
The Lady He Lost
A fun and sexy historical. It is perfect for fans of empowered women and their supportive men, similar to Tessa Dare’s “Spindle Cove” series.
PREMIUM
Take Two, Birdie Maxwell
Scotch’s (The Rewind) passionate and fast-paced story follows a roller coaster of ups and downs involving fame, friendship, and family. Will satisfy fans of classic rom-coms like Notting Hill and You’ve Got Mail.
PREMIUM
I’ve Got My Mind Set on Brew
Jayne (author of Lady and the Camp under the name Stephanie J. Scott) has found a unique niche with the brewing angle; beer aficionados and romance readers alike will enjoy learning about the brewing process just as much as Kat does in this enemies-to-lovers romance.
PREMIUM
The Other Side of Disappearing
This slow-burn romance from Clayborn (George, All Along) has an intriguing mystery and will appeal to fans of true-crime podcasts, road-trip storylines, and novels with a deep emotional core.
PREMIUM
Late Bloomer
Recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary queer romance, meet-cutes, and rural settings.
PREMIUM
Never Blow a Kiss
An exceptional debut, braided with banter, wit, chemistry, and intrigue; perfect for fans of Tessa Dare’s humor and the cunning feminism of Sarah MacLean’s “Hell’s Belles” series.
The world Hogle has created is cozy and warm, and fans of her previous work or of witchy romances will be crossing their fingers that this is the start of a series.
PREMIUM
Kilt Trip
This enemies-to-lovers romance is captivating. The characters are well-developed, the story is well-written, and the beautiful descriptions of Scotland enchant.
PREMIUM
The Catch
Lea’s final “Influencer” novel is a fabulous rom-com brimming with magnetic chemistry and delightful tropes.
PREMIUM
The Kiss Countdown
Easton’s debut is perfect for readers seeking romance with excellent character development and STEM at its center. It’s a good read-alike for Denise Williams and Ali Hazelwood.
At turns humorous and heart-wrenching, with a smoldering sensuality that underlies even the most fraught of the protagonists’ encounters, this novel is highly recommended for all library collections.
PREMIUM
Accidentally His
This novel will appeal to readers seeking an engaging Regency romance that pairs spirited socialites with swashbuckling excitement. Recommended for fans of Grace Burrowes, Sophie Irwin, and Cathy Maxwell.
PREMIUM
Ready or Not
Bastone’s (Flirting with Forever) friends-to-lovers romance is a recommended purchase, especially where rom-coms are popular.
Rooted in Pakistani and Muslim culture and faith, this romance is a fun romp that features plenty of adventure and plot twists. Recommend to fans of Uzma Jalaluddin.
PREMIUM
The Duchess
The second entry in Jordan’s high-society historical romance series is a grimmer tale than the first, but the deserving heroine’s HEA will satisfy.
Marsh’s (Velocity of a Secret) latest is billed as a match for Enola Holmes fans, and with its mysterious turns, commentary on social norms, and endearing romance, the comparison is spot-on, plus some extra heat.
Funny and engaging, with twists and turns that keep it moving. Newbies to the series and even sports-averse readers will appreciate this modern-day Cinderella tale from Phillips.
PREMIUM
One Dangerous Night
This novel will appeal to readers seeking Regency romance with an adventurous road-trip twist. Recommended for fans of Candace Camp, Mary Balogh, and Amita Murray.
Witty dialogue, plots within plots, and a surprising twist round out this excellent novel. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Wild Things
Though the romance is a bit slow to ignite, patient listeners will be rewarded with an enjoyable sizzle at the end. An excellent fit for those seeking a low-key queer romance full of fun and engaging characters.
PREMIUM
Unrealistic Expectations
Contemporary romance fans who enjoy steamy stories featuring reformed rakes will savor this expertly narrated, uplifting story of finding true love in unexpected places.
PREMIUM
One Tough Cookie
Though the narration is excellent, the disagreeable characters make this a strictly optional purchase for most libraries.
PREMIUM
Dealbreakers
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a witty workplace rom-com that turns competition into chemistry. Recommended for fans of Christina Lauren and Katherine Center.
PREMIUM
The Seven Year Slip
Poston (The Dead Romantics) deftly weaves the magical apartment into the story and pulls off a spectacular happily-ever-after. For fans of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez.
PREMIUM
Recipe for Second Chances
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a playful nom-nom rom-com full of food, friendship, and fun. Recommended for fans of Christina Lauren, Jennifer Weiner, and Amanda Aksel.
PREMIUM
Sammy Espinoza’s Last Review
Villarreal’s nuanced performance captures Sammy’s journey toward a more promising future. Listeners won’t want to miss this layered second-chance contemporary romance.
PREMIUM
The Sweetest Revenge
Pressley’s charismatic performance makes for an entertaining production that listeners will enjoy. Dent’s (The Setup) latest is a solid choice for any audio romance collection.
PREMIUM
That Summer Feeling
This fluffy queer romance delights. A perfect addition to any audio romance collection.
PREMIUM
With Love, from Cold World
Although Dorcus offers a pleasant performance, this isn’t enough to make this audio an essential purchase. Best where Thompson’s titles are in high demand or where contemporary romances fly off the shelves.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a hilarious, coming-of-age contemporary romance about living in the moment. Recommended for fans of Sarah Adams, Sarah Jost, and Allison Winn Scotch.
PREMIUM
Love at 350°
A perfect listen for fans of The Great British Bake Off and those craving a satisfying foodie romance.
PREMIUM
You, Again
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an opposites-attract, enemies-to-lovers rom-com full of New York City nuance. Recommended for fans of Emily Henry, Tessa Bailey, and Amanda Aksel.
Desai’s novel will draw listeners seeking a hilarious heist rom-com full of engaging entrapments and action-packed antics. A good pick for fans of Alisha Rai, Christina Lauren, and Ally Carter.
PREMIUM
You’ve Been Served
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a relationship fiction/rom-com mashup with Legally Blonde vibes. Recommended for fans of Mia Sosa and Elle Kennedy.
PREMIUM
My Roommate Is a Vampire
This is a sweet and sexy paranormal romance with the perfect amount of silliness. For fans of Sarah Hawley’s A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon.
PREMIUM
Every Duke Has His Day
Cozy and mildly steamy, this twist-filled novel is an excellent fit for listeners seeking a fast-paced and fun historical romance.
PREMIUM
Unorthodox Love
Shertok’s observations on faith and the Orthodox Jewish community are appealing, but the mediocre audio production makes this an optional purchase.
PREMIUM
A Winter in New York
Silver’s (One Day in December) latest rom-com is a perfect winter read for her fans and cozy-romance readers. A great selection for any holiday romance shelf.
PREMIUM
The First Date Prophecy
A nostalgic, sweet romance, warmly narrated and satisfying. For fans of Rachel Winters and Karen Doornebos.
PREMIUM
Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date
With emotional depth and engaging characters, this sweetly sexy third installment in Blake’s “Bright Falls” series satisfies.
PREMIUM
Text Appeal
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an upbeat friends-to-lovers rom-com with a techy love-triangle twist. Recommended for fans of Lauren Forsythe and Christina Lauren.
PREMIUM
The Long Game
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an engaging enemies-to-lovers rom-com that is sporty and sexy. Recommended for fans of Lynn Painter, Libby Hubscher, and Hannah Orenstein.
PREMIUM
Same Time Next Summer
A fun romp at the beach house yields a satisfying ending. Share with fans of Carley Fortune’s Every Summer After or Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation.
PREMIUM
Forget Me Not
Dalton and Hamilton’s performance of Soto’s debut contemporary romance will charm fans of Mia Sosa’s and Tessa Bailey’s recent works. This skillfully narrated enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance does not disappoint.
PREMIUM
Kiss Me, Mi Amor
Give to listeners who enjoy adaptations of classic stories, such as Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev.
PREMIUM
Role Playing
Yardley’s (Ex Appeal) latest is a perfect fit for patrons looking for heartwarming, slow-burn romances featuring middle-aged characters.
PREMIUM
Lush Lives
This lushly written sapphic romance should appeal to readers interested in women artists and creators and the ruthless NYC art scene.
PREMIUM
Curves for Days
Final act aside, listeners of small-town romances with appealing heroines should enjoy.
PREMIUM
Play for Me
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an upbeat, engaging rom-com with mostly closed-door romance and a varied cast of characters. Recommended for fans of Sarah Adams, Kate Bromley, and Elle Cook.
PREMIUM
Faking Christmas
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking sweet holiday hijinks with a playful Parent Trap twist. Recommended for fans of Jennifer Crusie, Lynn Painter, and Sarah Adams.
PREMIUM
The Only Purple House in Town
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a brilliantly bewitching paranormal romance about found family and fitting in. Recommended for fans of Sangu Mandanna, Sally Thorne, and Jessica Clare.
PREMIUM
The Love Plot
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a steamy, spirited play on Pretty Woman or The Wedding Date (sans sex work). Recommended for fans of the humorous rom-com romps of Katherine Center, Sarah Adams, and Elena Armas.
Christina Lauren and Vanessa Riley have new offerings, while Jayne Anne Krentz has a new series title, writing as Jayne Castle.
Jane Austen’s classic second-chance romance, Persuasion, gets a modern twist, and her Sense and Sensibility is the inspiration for a work with super-sexy scenes, deeply emotional storylines, and strong Black and Indigenous characters.
Readers looking for a contemporary romance with a passionate and grand love story, characters that leap off the page, and an original storyline will relish screenwriter and director Kuang’s debut novel.
PREMIUM
Red String Theory
In Jessen’s enjoyable latest (after Lunar Love), readers will cheer Rooney’s beliefs about fate, as it’s obvious these two are destined to continue their adventures together.
This artful novel keeps to the core of the Jane Austen source material, while allowing the updated story to soar on its own.
This fantastical novel, in which the past and present collide in unusual ways, is sure to be popular where romance, African American fiction, and relationship fiction circulate well; highly recommended for all libraries.
PREMIUM
Fish Out of Water
Ruggle (Risk It All) writes the comedy and adventure aspects of this romance well, and readers will find themselves laughing out loud as they devour the book.
This contemporary romance is a must-have for all libraries and for readers who relish a bit of angst and a lot of joy with their happily-ever-afters.
PREMIUM
The Spy and I
This mistaken-identity spy romance is fast-paced, mixing twists and turns with humor and not a small amount of chemistry. Recommend to fans of Gina Robinson’s “Agent X” series and The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter.
PREMIUM
The Diamond and the Duke
This third installment in the “All the Duke’s Sins” series (following Desperately Seeking a Duchess) is a must-read for both fans and newcomers to Caldwell’s work.
PREMIUM
Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair
This is the perfect balm for millennial new mothers learning to navigate love and life after having a baby. Recommended for fans of small-town romance and relationship fiction.
Upbeat, engaging, witty, and funny, this book from Stein (The Professor) will captivate readers. Highly recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
Canadian Boyfriend
Holiday’s (So This Is Christmas) heartwarming, engaging, slow-burn romance is character-driven, and the witty banter and outrageous situations keep the tone upbeat even as characters face challenging situations.
PREMIUM
Till There Was You
An overall charming tale that gets a little bogged down rehashing the main characters’ insecurities and issues.
PREMIUM
Right on Cue
Ballard’s (Just My Type) latest is full of winks to the rom-com genre and packed with steamy tension.
PREMIUM
Trouble
Recommended for readers who enjoy found family, working-class historical romances, and stern sea captains with hearts of gold.
Readers looking for a contemporary romance with a passionate and grand love story, characters that leap off the page, and an original storyline will relish screenwriter and director Kuang’s debut novel.
PREMIUM
Say You’ll Be Mine
Perfect for fans of grumpy-sunshine pairings and mostly closed-door romances.
PREMIUM
At Her Service
Spalding (For Her Consideration) brings her twentysomething protagonists to life in this romance that delivers on both the heroine’s self-actualization journey and her happily-ever-after. A must buy for libraries looking for more fresh, queer contemporary romance to recommend to fans of Meryl Wilsner or Alexis Hall.
Alban’s debut is a disarmingly sweet and well-written story that promises two romances for the price of one. This has wide appeal and is recommended for readers who enjoy sapphic stories, new-adult fiction, or historical romance.
With super-sexy scenes, deeply emotional storylines, and strong Black and Indigenous characters, Payne’s (Pride and Protest) modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility will appeal to readers who enjoy multicultural, smart, and highly entertaining contemporary romances.
PREMIUM
Always Remember: Ben’s Story
This book will appeal to those seeking a heartwarming historical romance about overcoming obstacles and realizing one’s true worth. Recommended for fans of Sophie Irwin, Stephanie Laurens, and Eloisa James.
PREMIUM
Mortal Follies
A charming magical adventure, perfect for fans of Gail Carriger’s “The Custard Protocol” series.
PREMIUM
Will They or Won’t They
Though an agreeable production, the somewhat uneven performances make this a secondary purchase for most collections.
This contemporary romance is a must-have for all libraries and for readers who relish a bit of angst and a lot of joy with their happily-ever-afters.
PREMIUM
Never Met a Duke Like You
Readers who enjoy a sense of modernity in their historical romance will enjoy the witty back-and-forth between “Lady Viper” and “Lord Ass,” even as the story explores the less romantic aspects of Regency society.
Alexandria Bellefleur, Emily Henry, and Abby Jimenez return with novels filled with banter, joy, and HEAs. Plus, Julie Anne Long and J.R. Ward continue their popular series.
Jo Segura’s stories feature strong, passionate heroines and draw upon aspects of her own life, such as her love of good food, her Mexican heritage, and her fascination with archaeology. When she’s not writing, readers can find her practicing law, shaking up a mean cocktail, or sitting on her patio doing BuzzFeed quizzes. Raiders of the Lost Heart is her debut novel.
Historical romance is always popular, and several upcoming titles are adding new twists to the subgenre.
Glass’s funny, sexy, and geeky romance features Samara, an avid gamer, and Aron, a gaming-company CEO. This gem of a novel is highly recommended for all collections.
With its well-crafted, interesting characters and intriguing storyline, this debut novel will fly off shelves.
Readers seeking magical love stories will enjoy these novels featuring a professor of supernatural studies, a guardian angel, a witch, and a half-demon.
A curse breaker and an archaeologist go from enemies to lovers as they vanquish a fae curse, while another sexy, engaging romance leads readers through the wilds of academia and sets them down in a realistic archaeological dig.
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