Get Ready to Swoon with the Best Romance Novels to Read This Year

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We love romance novels! And we are certainly not alone. The ever-growing industry has seen a major boost in recent years thanks to the pandemic, BookTok, and steamy shows like Bridgerton. Whether it's a beach read or something out of a Hallmark movie, there's nothing better than curling up with a good book. During uncertain and stressful times, romance novels and rom-coms can provide a much-needed escape and put a smile on our faces. This year, some of our favorite authors (Christina Lauren! Emily Henry! Abby Jimenez!) are back with some new novels, but we also found some brand-new authors to add to our list. These editor-vetted picks will not disappoint. And make no mistake about it: These stories have complexity, depth, banter, and strong characters you'll be rooting for. Here are our favorite recent romance novels (and a few due out later this year) to pack your TBR pile. Looking for an audiobook? We've got a list of the best new audiobooks to listen to this year.

Romantic Comedy

We can't stop singing the praises of Curtis Sittenfeld's latest novel. This pandemic-themed romance finds Sally, a writer on a Saturday Night Live-type show, having an an unexpected spark with the show's musical guest, Noah. Things don't work out at the time, but the two reconnect years later as pen pals during quarantine. The result is a refreshing and real look at modern-day love.

Same Time Next Summer

Annabel Monaghan is topping the list as our new favorite romance author. In this new novel, Sam and her fiancé return to her family's beach house to plan their wedding. Those plans are thrown off track when Sam encounters musician Wyatt, her neighbor and teenage love. Sam's funny and endearing family provides the perfect backdrop for this read.

(Available June 6)

Once More with Feeling

Teenage pop star Katee Rose has a life in the spotlight as she dates Ryan LaNeve, member of boy band CrushZone. They have a messy (and very public) breakup, and Katee fades from public life. Many years later, another member of CrushZone, Cal, hires Katee to be the lead in a Broadway musical, reigniting her career and possibly an old flame.

Happy Place

Yours Truly

The True Love Experiment

The Do-Over: A Novel

Something Wilder

This was one of my most anticipated books of the year, and it did not disappoint! It's a super-fun romp packed with action, adventure, and a treasure hunt. The authors describe it as Romancing the Stone meets The Hangover, and you'll understand when you read it! It's a bit if a departure for Christina Lauren, but there's plenty of romance and banter to keep their fans satisfied (plus...one sleeping bag!). If you're new to Christina Lauren, stop what you're doing and read The Unhoneymooners, one of my favorite romance novels to date.

Book Lovers

Nora, a tough-as-nails literary agent who normally finds herself on the wrong side of the romantic storyline, travels to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, with her pregnant sister, Libby. Libby plans a small-town bucket list vacation, which takes a turn when Nora encounters her big-city rival, Charlie. What transpires is heartwarming, poignant, and laugh-out-loud funny. I expect this to go down as one of my favorites of 2022. Not surprising: Henry's Beach Reads is an all-time fave.

Meet Me at the Lake

Lucie Yi Is Not a Romantic

Lucie is a determined management consultant who has been unlucky in love. After her last relationship comes to a heartbreaking end, she finds a co-parenting website designed to help people like Lucie find a parenting partner. Lucie meets Colin, and the two move to Singapore to start a family. Love was never part of the plan, but things get complicated when Lucie's ex-fiance Mark resurfaces as Lucie and Colin move in together and get ready to start a family. It's a modern romance that deals with some complicated issues in a thoughtful way. The Mark-Lucie-Colin love triangle was compelling (although I was, of course, rooting for Colin). I loved the dynamic with Lucie's friends. I'm adding Last Tang Standing to my reading list now! (June 21)

Practice Makes Perfect: A Novel

Nora Goes Off Script

Nora pays the bills by writing formulaic scripts for the romance channel. When she decides to write her own messy love story, complete with an ex-husband who leaves her with two kids and a mortgage, everything changes. A major Hollywood studio buys the script and decides to film at her own house. And then the leading man decides to stay...

There's so much to love about Monaghan's adult debut. Nora is strong, independent, and never a victim of her circumstances. She works hard for her two adoring children, who are the center of her life. She has the love and support of her friends and family. There are unexpected moments and laugh-out-loud interactions. I was wrapped up in this story like Leo and Nora on the porch swing from page 1.

The No-Show

I'd suggest going into this book without reading too much about it. Three different storylines follow the mysterious Joseph Carter as he stands up three different women on Valentine's Day. Of course, there's more to it than meets the eye. The story unfolds a bit slowly, but once it does, it's worth the reveal. I particularly loved the storyline of Miranda, the intrepid tree surgeon with the pesky and hilarious sisters.

One Night on the Island

Booking a one-way ticket to Salvation! This unexpected romance follows dating columnist Cleo as she sets out on a "self-coupling" journey in honor of her 30th birthday. She arrives at the remote Irish island of Salvation only to find that her tiny cottage has been double booked and she'll be forced to share it with an American photographer and father of two who is struggling with some things in his personal life. The story packs a surprising emotional punch, but I really found myself falling in love with the island and its inhabitants.

Part of Your World

This novel tackles some heavier topics, including abuse and complicated family dynamics, but at its heart it's a sweet love story between a sophisticated big-city doctor and a small-town B&B owner/woodworker/mayor. There's also a baby goat in pajamas, which is probably all you need to know to start reading. It will have you ready to pack up and move to Wakan.

The Unsinkable Greta James

This one is probably better described as romance-adjacent, but there's plenty to please the romance purists. I loved this heartwarming story of a rock star who finds herself on an Alaskan cruise with her father after her mother's death. Still reeling from an onstage meltdown that could threaten her career, she strikes up an unlikely friendship with Ben, a Jack London lecturer who is estranged from his wife.

The Cheat Sheet

If you haven't read anything by Sarah Adams, it's time to get started. We're big fans of her sweet (never sappy), funny rom-coms. The Cheat Sheet is a friends-to-lovers story about dance teacher Bree and her professional quarterback best friend Nathan who have to pretend to be dating in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl.

Island Time

The Kellys and the Lees find themselves on an extended vacation when a volcano erupts on their remote island, leaving them stranded for weeks. They try to make the most of their circumstances as Amelia finds herself entangled with the island's caretaker Liss after her boyfriend is unable to make it to the island. Amelia's sister Matty and her wife grapple with balancing their careers, family, and a cross-continent move. The island takes center stage with storms and exotic wildlife. I really loved the quirky parents and their unexpected relationships.

Kamila Knows Best

Accidentally Engaged was one of my favorites of 2021, so expectations were high for this one, and Heron doesn't disappoint. Kamila is too young, too trendy, and too, well, female to work at her dad's accounting firm. But she loves her own job, her sweet dog, and hosting her friends for Bollywood parties and playing matchmaker. Her seemingly perfect life takes a turn when her father's heath problems escalate, her nemesis returns to town, and, wait, is she developing feelings for her best friend, Rohan? It's a must-read for romance fans.

The Bodyguard

This fun rom-com kept me laughing. Hannah may not look the part, but she works as a bodyguard for high-profile clients. In the midst of some serious drama in her personal life (her mother dies, her boyfriend/coworker breaks up with her), she is assigned to protect a major movie star who is in town visiting family. On the surface, it's a light-hearted romance, but it packs a bit of an emotional punch (along with some actual punches!). It's a fun read that any fans of Katherine Center will adore.

Dream On

This is a fun one! Cass, a driven law student, wakes up after a car accident puts her in a coma talking about a mystery man named Devin Bloom. In Cass's mind, she and Devin had been dating for months before her accident, but none of her family or friends have heard of him, and there's no record of them in her calls or text messages. And yet, she draws vivid pictures of him and recalls specific memories of their time together, until one day she stumbles upon him in a local flower shop. The story takes the reader in some unexpected directions as Cass and Devin try to uncover the mystery of their connection.

Second First Impressions

I'll gladly read anything by Sally Thorne (The Hating Game, now a movie, is an all-time favorite). Her latest, Second First Impressions, finds Ruthie working at a retirement village where the Parloni Sisters are in search of a personal assistant. Teddy, whose father owns the village, accepts the position, and Ruthie discovers she has met her match.

One Italian Summer

Katy's beloved mother, Carol, dies and she is lost. Her marriage seems to be in trouble as she grieves the loss of the woman who was her best friend. Katy and Carol had planned to take a mother-daughter trip to the Amalfi Coast of Italy to visit Carol's old stomping grounds. After Carol's death, Katy makes the trip on her own. She learns more about her mother than she ever could have expected and rediscovers herself along the way. This one kept me guessing and makes me want to plan a trip to Italy!

The Roughest Draft

This dual-narrator novel finds two cowriters at odds after their first book is a certified hit. The split on bad terms, but reunite years later to write a second novel, if only they can get past their differences.

The Wedding Date

No list of romance novels would be complete without Jasmine Guillory. If you're new to the author (lucky you!), start with book one in her Wedding Date series. There are six to keep you busy, with The Proposal being on my all-time favorites list. Look for her latest, Drunk On Love (a standalone), out now.

One True Loves

After devouring The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones and The Six, Carrie Soto Is Back, and Malibu Rising, I went back and picked up this 2016 novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid. And, wow, what an unexpected and powerful treat. Emma Blair married her high school sweetheart Jesse, and the two enjoyed an adventure-filled life, until Jessie died in a helicopter crash. Years later, Emma has settled into a quieter life, working for the family business, when she reunites with an old friend and falls in love. But then the impossible happens: Jesse is found alive, and Emma is faced with an impossible choice.

Weather Girl

Meteorologist Ari Abrams and sports reporter Russell Barringer team up to try to get their bosses back together. They plan secret dates and leave gifts at the office in an attempt to reunite the feuding couple But will all of that sneaking around have unintended consequences?

Made in Manhattan

From the author of To Sir, With Love comes this new retelling of My Fair Lady (with a twist!). Violet Townsend lives a privileged life on Manhattan's Upper East Side. When her beloved grandmother asks her to introduce Louisianan Cain Stone to Manhattan society and help him prepare to take over his family business, she's eager to please, but he's not the most willing participant.

Boyfriend Material (London Calling)

I laughed out loud more at this book than perhaps any other. Son of a rock star Luc O'Donnell needs to clean up his image, so he starts fake-dating buttoned-up barrister Oliver Blackwood. The two have nothing in common, but, as you might expect, feelings get complicated. The cast of supporting characters is hilarious (go for the audiobook!), and you'll be cheering for Luc and Oliver. The follow-up, Husband Material, is out now.

Brush with Love

Dental students Harper and Dan have a meet-cute that is anything but cute. The two become friends and Dan falls for Harper, but Harper, who struggles with anxiety disorder, has a hard time opening up. Can the two overcome the stress of school and start a relationship, or is it too much of a distraction?

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