11 Romance Books Guaranteed to Make You Swoon!
Books are like balms — grabbing the right book at the right time can provide the perfect antidote for what you’re going through at that very moment. Whether you need a dose of hope, happiness, comfort, inspiration, courage…you name it, a great book has the power to ease worries and offer a safe haven to rest and recharge. And leading up to Valentine's Day, there’s nothing better than snuggling up with a love story. Between the blossoming romance, the heartfelt charm and, of course, the brooding — yet undeniably irresistible hero, these romance books will make any reader swoon.
Here, we rounded up 11 romance books — both new and old — for you to get lost in. Filled with all the fan-favorite tropes, from enemies-to-lovers to forced proximity, slow burn and second-chance romance, these novels will deliver meet-cutes, butterflies and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Happy reading!
If you like friends-to-lovers romances set in coastal towns...
You'll love Hook Line and Sinker by Tessa Bailey
Quaint settings? Check! Laugh-out-loud banter? Check! Steamy chemistry? Double check! This novel by bestselling author Tessa Bailey feels like a classic rom-com fit for the big screen. Fox Thornton is a fisherman with a reputation of being a sexy flirt — and he prefers it that way. Until he meets Hannah Bellinger, who seems to be immune to his looks, but likes his personality. But the more time Fox spends with Hannah, the more he realizes he may want more with her — and he's never felt like this before. Could Hannah and Fox be more than friends?
What readers are saying: "Wow! I was already intrigued by supportive, quirky, sensible, musical prodigy Hannah and heartbreaker, charming, flirty Fox in It Happened One Summer. They might have been supporting characters of Piper and Brendan’s love story but they truly deserved their own book. And thankfully Tessa Bailey answered our prayers with this spectacular cover and an emotional, tear-jerking, sweet love story!"
If you like unique and romantic short stories...
You'll love Rosie and the Dreamboat by Sally Thorne
Romance lovers will adore this starry-eyed collection of Amazon Original short stories! In the Improbable Meet-Cute series, there are six short stories written by bestselling authors Christina Lauren, Jasmine Guillory, Sally Thorne, Abby Jimenez and Ashley Poston. One of our favorites in the collection? Rosie and The Dreamboat by Sally Thorne. This hilarious, inventive story follows Rosie Whittaker, who is on her way to a Galentine’s Day spa day with her sister. Rosie’s afternoon of pampering includes a blissful float inside a flotation tank. It all seems so serene…until Rosie somehow gets locked inside. Enter the dreamy firefighter hero who arrives on the scene to help. What follows is a swoon-worthy series of conversations, flirtations and a surprising chance at new love.
What readers are saying: "I know this one won't be for everyone — it's kind of zany, but that's precisely why I enjoyed it! It follows a woman who gets trapped in a flotation tank (new fear unlocked!) while visiting a wellness spa with her sister. And a goofy firefighter comes to her rescue! I loved that the romance developed without any face-to-face interaction. These characters were infectiously cheerful and I had such a great time following their flirty dialogue as they exchange stories about their lives."
If you like historical romances filled with spicy scenes...
You'll love Bombshell by Sarah MacLean
Beloved for her heartfelt and steamy sagas, bestselling author Sarah MacLean’s latest novel is brimming with her signature swoon-worthy charm. After years of living as London’s most-talked-about scandal, the beautiful and brash Lady Sesily Talbot has learned to embrace her reputation. But when her path crosses with her brother’s best friend, Caleb Calhoun, sparks soon follow. An electric, beautifully written love story.
What readers are saying: "I'm going to be honest, I read this wonderful series starter over the weekend and it was a balm to my soul. This book has everything I love: bantering while brawling, tension, pining, longing, fire-inducing attraction, and hidden weapons oh my!"
If you like romances about mistaken identities...
You'll love The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest
This warm and endearing rom-com penned by Kristina Forest is perfect for fans of You’ve Got Mail! The story follows Lily Greene, who connects with her favorite author via email as an escape from her frustrating job. They begin emailing each other and hit it off, but then — out of nowhere — he ghosts her. Months later, Lily has no date to her sister’s wedding, so she decides to ask her charming new neighbor, Nick Brown, for a small favor. Little does she know, Nick is her favorite author.
What readers are saying: "This book pulled me in from the beginning. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. You fall in love with Nick and Lily despite all their flaws and the things that shaped them as adults. The ending checked all my boxes for a happily ever after!"
If you like second chance romances set in Italy...
You'll love Recipe for Second Chances by Ali Rosen
In her first fiction novel, Ali Rosen will win readers over with her picturesque settings and memorable characters. When Stella Park goes to Italy for her friend’s wedding, she’s excited to escape — until she runs into her ex, Samuel Gordon. When they keep getting pushed together throughout the weekend, Stella begins questioning why she ever broke up with him in the first place.
What readers are saying: "I’ve had this book sitting on my TBR for awhile and I finally took the leap to read it — and I absolutely devoured it. It features a magical setting, an amazing story and a wonderful second-chance romance. I couldn’t put it down!"
If you like modern Pride and Prejudice retellings...
You'll love Good Fortune by C.K Chau
Readers are transported to New York in the early 2000s within the pages of this Pride and Prejudice retelling by debut author C.K Chau. After her mother sells the neighborhood's beloved community center to the rich Darcy Wong, Elizabeth Chen is determined to save it. Her mother disapproves, though, saying this sale will help Elizabeth and her three sisters get ahead in life. After spending more and more time with Darcy Wong, Elizabeth begins to wonder if her mother was right...and if Darcy is more than just a rich man with a very handsome face.
What readers are saying: "This was such a fun retelling of Pride and Prejudice. I liked how the author took such a classic story and gave it her own special twist. It's about a Chinese family in Chinatown New York in the 1990s. I especially loved how sassy Elizabeth was and the banter between her and her sisters, her mother, and of course, Mr. Darcy. A good read for anyone who loves a retelling."
If you like romances set in the world of filmmaking...
You'll love The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
Fireworks of chemistry, whip-smart prose, a fun premise...this sparkling novel (a follwup to the fan favorite The Soulmate Equation) by bestselling author duo Christina Lauren has it all. Felicity “Fizzy” Chen might have a successful career as a romance novelist, but she has never been in love. Then, a chance run-in with filmmaker Connor Prince leads to a documentary being made of her love search. But it turns out, Fizzy’s happily ever after might lie behind the camera!
What readers are saying: "It was a beautiful, funny, emotional, and angsty love story. I truly enjoyed these characters. I am so glad these authors decided to give us Fizzy's story — and Connor was just the perfect book boyfriend. This writing duo never disappoints!"
If you like romances with forced proximity...
You'll love The Seven Month Itch by Tanvier Peart
Debut author Tanvier Peart captures readers' hearts in this romantic tale set in a snowy locale. Terrance and Justice were college sweethearts but are now on the brink of divorce. In an attempt to cure her broken heart, Justice reluctantly jets off to a singles retreat in Vail, Colorado, with her best friend Emma. So when Terrance steps off the elevator, Justice is floored. They haven't seen each other in more than seven months. As feelings of rage, hurt and undeniable attraction bubble up, they are faced to make a decision. Will these two college sweethearts reconnect or walk away from one another for good?
What romance readers are saying: "I can definitively say that Tanvier has a forever fan with me. This book was everything! The tropes, the angst, the burn...and I loved the separated and second chance lovers concept!"
If you like romances about music and pop stars...
You'll love Once More With Feeling by Elissa Sussman
Elissa Sussman, bestselling author of Funny You Should Ask, is back with a standalone novel full of wit and charm. Katee Rose is America’s #1 pop star, until one night with CrushZone boy band member Cal Kirby changes everything. Years later, Cal offers Katee, who now goes by Kathleen Rosenberg, a dream opportunity to perform on Broadway. Sparks still fly between them, but is reigniting the past a good idea?
What readers are saying: "This romance hooked me and reeled me in. I was totally 'caught' by stage show singer/performer Kathleen Rosenberg (star of the new stage musical Riveted!) and Cal Kirby (her one-time crush and director of said musical). What a fantastic love story!"
If you like enemies-to-lovers romances...
You'll love Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood
Bestselling author Ali Hazelwood is known for her sweet and sizzling rom-coms — and her latest novel is another swoon-worthy tale. Scientist Bee K?nigswasser is forced to work on a project with her handsome nemesis, Levi Ward. Soon, Bee swears she feels Levi looking at her differently — or is it just her occipital cortex playing tricks? It’s only a matter of time before neurons start firing and these “enemies” turn into more.
What romance readers are saying: "I start my review by giving a big applause for the brilliant person who created this amazing cover! And my second applause comes for the brilliant brain cells of the author! I loved the espionage and action-packed mystery part of the story. And both Levi and Bee were lovable characters."
If you like historical romances about schemes and seduction...
You'll love The Gentleman's Gambit By Evie Dunmore
Bestselling author Evie Dunmore returns with the fourth and final installment in her League of Extraordinary Women series. This plot follows introverted suffragist Catriona, who lives for her work at Oxford. She used to dream of romance, but after one too many less-than-perfect experiences, she has put it on the backburner. Then, Elias Khoury enters the Oxford circle under false pretenses: He’s not there for research artifacts; he’s there to take them back to his homeland. To succeed, Elias must first seduce Catriona, but his plans go awry. As the pair work together closely, they realize they might just be made for one another. A historically detailed series finale filled with a juicy heist, sizzling attraction and witty banter!
What romance readeres are saying: "This entire series was incredible. I've read a lot of historical romance but very few actually follow actual history as close as these. I'm a sucker for any story involving suffragists and I think Evie Dunmore did a wonderful job balancing the history and the romance."
For more book recommendations, click through the links below!
Best Book Club Books: 10 Page Turners, From Romances to Thrillers to Historical Fiction
10 Books to Read If You Love ‘Bridgerton’: These Romances Will Make You Swoon!
Most Anticipated Books of 2024: From Historical Fiction to Romance & Thrillers!
And for all things books, click here!
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