Though the romance is a bit stronger than the suspense with this one, readers who have enjoyed Whiddon’s (Texas Rancher’s Hidden Danger) other Getaway, TX, novels will be satisfied with this one as well.
Singh Sasson has a gift for depicting close-knit family bonds and showing the importance of resolving familial trauma before a romantic relationship can thrive.
A second-chance romance with the twist of enemies-to-lovers, this contemporary novel from Stewart (The Billionaire Behind the Headlines) will have readers rooting for Summer and Edward from the first page.
McKenna once again combines business and personal matters in the resolution of the love story, fitting for characters who need to make the leap from a professional to a personal relationship.
The latest from Milne (Second Chance in Sri Lanka) is a modern marriage-of-convenience story with genuine characters that will leave readers wanting more.
In this debut novel, Belgado uses a feminist lens on the historical romance genre. Her sumptuous writing brings drama and a little bit of spice to the forced-marriage and single-forever tropes that readers know and love.
Readers might wish that Maynard (Staking a Claim) had focused more on building the emotional connection between her characters, instead of bridging the emotional gaps with a series of increasingly intense outside incidents, to but they ultimately work as catalysts for the characters to acknowledge the full depth of their feelings.
Heath’s (The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest) series launch, with a slow-burn romance and a heroine with a disability, is sure to woo fans of Regency romances; both leads are well-drawn and relatable.
A fun take on the friends-to-lovers trope from Darkins (Rules of Their Parisian Fling). Ally and Caleb will have everyone falling in love with their story.
Bound to appeal only to the most die-hard series fans, the latest “Cavanaugh Justice” book (after Cavanaugh Justice: Up Close and Deadly) suffers from both a lackluster romance and an improbably motivated villain who doesn’t even make an appearance until the last chapter.
In this classic Regency romance, Martin (The Marquess Meets His Match) explores the nuances of society life, the delicacy of the position of women at the time, and the joy of unexpected romance.
Matthews is a master of atmosphere, diligently researching the medieval era and making it easy for the reader to envision the setting and characters entirely. This title is full of lush prose and delicious suspense that are sure to entertain and ensnare readers, especially fans of the fake-engagement trope.
Featuring an opposites-attract romance, this fun, light read has the perfect blend of humor, chemistry, and mystery to keep readers turning pages long into the night.
Although readers might have a hard time buying into Easton professing his love after only knowing Mia a few days, McKinney’s (Her Mercenary) completely absorbing suspense and low heat converge to make a satisfying read in this series launch.
Marcelo’s latest “Heart Resort” installment (following Know You by Heart) is a heartwarming story about family, perfect for fans of Sarah Echavarre Smith and Kelsey Rodkey.
This is a must-read steamy romance that is filled with personal growth, supportive, healthy relationships and friendships, and a message that the way in which someone thinks doesn’t determine their value, because everyone deserves to be loved as they are.
Heath’s engaging second book in the “Merriwell Sisters” series (following Never Fall for Your Fiancée) flips the script and gives readers a lovable duke in distress who needs to be rescued by a smart and witty heroine.
With storylines that explore family trauma and immigration struggles, this deeply emotional and epic romance from Igharo (The Sweetest Remedy) will appeal to readers who enjoy the second chance trope, along with fans of Bolu Babalola and Alyssa Cole.
Vayden’s second book in the “Cambridge Brotherhood” series (following Fortune Favors the Duke) is a closed-door Regency-era romance with Christian elements that contains lovely writing and some surprisingly heavy themes, especially regarding mental illness, which is identified as dementia in the afterword.
In her adult debut, Hahn (Never Saw You Coming) successfully brings likable protagonists to life in this character-driven second-chance romance, perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey. Recommended for general purchase where rom-coms are popular.
Robert’s (Wicked Beauty) spicy polyamorous romance is perfect for lovers of dark plots who are tired of traditional vampire love stories and aren’t squeamish about a little blood.
Featuring protagonists with sizzling, slow-burn chemistry and a small town of quirky, delightfully meddlesome residents, Adams’s (The Cheat Sheet) charming opposites-attract romance is sure to capture readers’ hearts.
A charming paranormal romance that will make readers want to stay and fall in love in Martin’s fictional Jersey Shore town and wish alongside its resident witches.
Allen once again combines love and mystery in her second “Matchmakers” series installment (following The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart). Readers will enjoy how the intrigue and romance increase in tandem, ratcheting up the suspense, while Eva’s competent demeanor that hides a bruised heart makes this love story all the more touching.
Fans of historical romances with strong female characters in non-traditional roles and the men who aren’t afraid to love them won’t be disappointed by this series starter.
The newest novel from Louis (Eight Perfect Hours) is a chaste, heartwarming contemporary romance, but it’s also a beautifully written narrative about grief and letting go. Give this book to fans of Jenny Colgan and Felicity Hayes-McCoy and be prepared to receive backlist requests.
Full of snowy mountains and white hot nights, Crane’s latest “Fortunes of Lost Lake” romance (following Bold Fortune) is a welcome second addition to her rough and rugged Alaskan wilderness series.
Romance readers are sure to enjoy this highly recommended debut’s fat-positive, rivals-to-lovers romp through academia. Perfect for fans of Kate Stayman-London’s One to Watch and Jen DeLuca’s Well Met.
Thorne (The Hating Game) surprises with this unexpectedly thoughtful gothic rom-com. Readers looking for a dash of spookiness mixed with romance and humor should add this to their must-read list.
Second chances, new beginnings, and meaningful forgiveness bring long-estranged exes back together in this compelling holiday romance, which is being published just in time for Rosh Hashanah.
Rai’s (First Comes Like) latest is a delightful departure from her “Modern Romance” series. Naveen and Mira have immediate, sizzling chemistry and fun banter, and the plot is full of intriguing twists and turns. Readers won’t be able to put this one down.
Though it’s a follow-up to The Spanish Love Deception, Armas’s contemporary romance can be read as a stand-alone; perfect for readers who love Emily Henry and Tessa Bailey.
Simone creates characters with great depth, and readers will be rewarded with an emotional story, which satisfies romantically but doesn’t neglect the familial relationships that bind so many of these characters.
This is the 53rd book in Lee’s “Conard County: The Next Generation” series (following Conard County Conspiracy), and fans of the series will undoubtedly feel the need to read this one as well. Others will probably want to skip it however, as its stilted dialogue, tepid romance, and three villains, who are barely more than caricatures, make it more frustrating than it is satisfying.
Fans of the series will want to read Hud’s story, but it also works as a stand-alone. Though the suspense will keep reader engrossed for much of the book, the bulk of the relationship- and family-building work takes place in a mere few pages, making the happily-ever-after feel more tacked on than inevitable.
The eighth book in the multi-author “Coltons of Colorado” series (following Deborah Fletcher Mello’s Colton’s Secret Sabotage) is a surprise-baby romantic suspense story from Lacombe (Proving Colton’s Innocence) that offers a serviceable romance and plot and can be read as a stand-alone.
Readers looking for character introspection and growth may enjoy this one from Beharrie (And They Lived Happily Ever After), but most will find it disappointing.
Readers will be captivated by the atmospheric settings, the witty dialogue, and the well-developed, adorably quirky characters in this stand-alone novel from queer Jewish novelist Parrish (The Lights on Knockbridge Lane).
Though she is not as big a name as Sarah MacLean or Evie Dunmore, Devon is writing in the same space. She is particularly good when detailing the interactions of the secondary characters and building to an ending readers will adore.
Jenkins’s latest title in the “Women Who Dare” series (following Wild Rain) is steeped in an understanding of the social structures of 19th-century Boston and New Orleans, has complex and emotionally intelligent characters, and steamy scenes. Readers craving historical detail and a bold, brave heroine should put this at the top of their check-out list.
The supporting characters give this slow-burn romance from Quinn (The Reunion) a healthy dose of humor and heart and make this story one to include in all romance collections.
Rochon wraps up her “Boyfriend Project” series (following previous installment The Dating Playbook) with this engaging enemies-to-lovers romance. A fulfilling end to a strong trilogy.
Matthews’s second installment in the “Belles of London” series (following The Siren of Sussex) combines deception, risk, and a resourceful heroine to create an intoxicating, suspenseful romance. Highly recommended.
This steamy contemporary f/f romance features likable flawed characters with rich, realistic backstories. Secondary characters are equally developed and highly entertaining, and the overall love story is by turns heartbreaking and delightful. Recommended for general purchase.
Eden’s fourth gripping Victorian “Dread Penny Society” romance (following The Merchant and the Rogue) centers on a heroine’s unrequited love with lots of twists and turns before the hero recognizes his true feelings. The series is best read in sequence, as each novel builds on prior installments.