Ainslie Hogarth
[isbn]
What an icky book, in the best possible way. Whip-smart writing on Hogarth's part. Some of the lines prompted me for the first time ever to take a highlighter to a printed book (don't worry, I didn't). Both a commentary on motherhood and inherited family trauma, Motherthing takes a foreboding and insidious plot and turns it into something else. Something, dare I say it, cheerful. Dark-horse book of the year for me.
Recommended by Stacy W.
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Caroline Peckham
[isbn]
I'll be honest, I started this series as a joke. The books had gotten very popular on tiktok and I thought there was no way it could actually be good. One week later, I was completely sucked into the world of Solaria and I ended up finishing the six books out at the time in a month, the authors made me feel like the twins were my best friends. Full of romance, a collegiate magic school setting, and lost princesses regaining their throne — I have... (read more)
Recommended by Lauren M
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Scarlett St Clair
[isbn]
This is a wonderful retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth with a modern twist. Persephone is growing out from her mother's evergreen thumb and becomes a journalist! Her first article? Hades. Follow their epic romance as internal and external forces try to keep Persephone and Hades apart. Very spicy — I found myself blushing a few times, which is not something that happens often.
Recommended by Lauren M
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Jarrett Melendez, Danica Brine
[isbn]
Utterly adorable. Ben's finished college and now he's the only one of his friend group who hasn't been able to land a job in his field (definitely relatable..). Deciding he just cannot move back in with his parents, Ben applies for a job at a restaurant. He immediately develops a crush on Liam, one of the chefs, and adorably awkward moments ensue. This story is so sweet and cute. I loved it.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Jennifer L Armentrout
[isbn]
The first book in Jennifer L. Armentrout's epic fantasy romance is full of Gods and Primals, Maidens and Monsters. Sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and with plenty of *spice* this novel will entice you into the world of Carsodonia and Atlantia. Follow Poppy, our heroine, as her world crumbles around her and she comes into her own in this deadly game of kingdoms.
Recommended by Lauren M
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Katee Robert
[isbn]
Katee Robert is fast becoming the author to read for Greek Mythology romance and Electric Idol is no expection. Beautifully written with a plus-size female main character that will scratch that fake-dating, enemies-to-lovers, golden-retriever boyfriend itch. Part of an ongoing series that will leave you begging for the next installment.
Recommended by Lauren M
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Erin Sterling
[isbn]
Always remember, no drinking and hexing. This romp of a spooky romance is full of ghosts, curses, and of course, love. Can our heroine save the town from her accidental hex? Will she give her dreaded Ex another chance? The perfect pre-fall read to get you in a spooky mood.
Recommended by Lauren M
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Julia Whelan
[isbn]
Julia Whelan returns with her second novel, Thank You For Listening, which is every bit the gift that her work as audiobook narrator is. The novel focuses on two audiobook narrators, Sewanee and Brock, and the story of their relationship. Whelan’s dialogue, pacing, and sense of humor are topnotch. This is a standout offering amid a sea of rom-coms.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Emily Wibberley, Austin Siegemund Broka
[isbn]
This book hurt... in a good way. It isn't my typical read — there's no smut, it's filled with negative tension, and the main characters' past relationship is shrouded in mystery for a good few chapters. But the story hooked me. It felt real and very emotional. Katrina and Nathan went from writing partners (who wrote a bestselling novel together) and best friends to... nothing. Just, all of a sudden, their friendship ceased and all that's left are... (read more)
Recommended by Rose H.
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Lynn Painter
[isbn]
This book was a fun ride. Olivia is a bit of a hot mess and feels like she's had bad luck all her life. While she's trying to pull herself together after hitting rock-bottom, Olivia gets a text from a wrong number and their conversations are delightfully entertaining. When Mr. Wrong Number ghosts her, it seems like her brother's best friend starts to see Olivia in a different light and their conversations turn delightfully entertaining.... (read more)
Recommended by Rose H.
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Timothy Janovsky
[isbn]
The perfect summer romance read. This book is heartwarming and full of charm and a great read for any fans of queer romance, movies (particularly horror), and the summer drive-in. A journey of self discovery and how you will never forget your first love.
Recommended by Lauren M
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Sierra Simone
[isbn]
Have you ever wanted an erotic romance to make you question your own spirituality? Did you *really* enjoy the second season of Fleabag? I went into this book expecting some spicy scenes with not much substance and instead found a romance that was both tender and exciting. The theological and philosophical conversations that take place in this novel are as important and memorable as the numerous extra spicy scenes.
Recommended by Lauren M
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Sheridan Le Fanu
[isbn]
Yes, the patriarchy has wronged us again. Shocking. This time, it has robbed us of Carmilla, the deliciously sapphic vampire gothic that predates Bram Stoker's Dracula by almost half a century. Don't feel bad that you haven't heard of her. It's not your fault. Do yourself a favor; get lost in Le Fanu's sensuous prose and be sure to mind charming strangers on moonlit strolls.
Recommended by Stacy W.
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Amy Lea
[isbn]
This is such a fun read. Crystal is a curvy, confident, plus-size fitness influencer (hello, goals!) with a gym nemesis who looks just like Chris Evans. The way they prank each other made me giggle so hard. And the SPICE? I'll never look at a locker room the same way again...
Recommended by Rose H.
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Lauren Layne
[isbn]
I adore pen-pal romances. This one has an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story. People-pleaser Gracie Cooper meets a charming man via a dating app but *PLOT TWIST*? he has a girlfriend: his friends signed him up as a prank one drunken night. Gracie and "Sir" continue to chat as friends while a big company tries to buyout her family business. I love what happens when Gracie decides to take charge of her life and follows her own path.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Kerrigan Byrne
[isbn]
The Fiona Mahoney Mysteries will suck you into a gritty Victorian era London full of murders. After finding the brutalized body of her friend, Fiona inadvertently creates a new job for herself... cleaning up the blood from crime scenes. Now she's pulled into another mystery surrounding murdered sex workers, while still trying to seek justice for her friends' death. Surrounded by an eclectic cast of friends and foes, from Jack the Ripper to Oscar... (read more)
Recommended by Mecca A.
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Sav R. Miller
[isbn]
Fair warning: this is a DARK romance. Always check trigger warnings. There were quite a few in this book.
This is a loose retelling of Hades and Persephone.
Hades is Kallum Anderson, a doctor/hit man for a mafia boss known as Dr Death. Persephone is Elena Ricci, a mafia princess and the daughter of Kal’s boss.
One night, Elena chooses Kallum, knowing she is betrothed to another. She gives into her darkest desire, Kal. Morning comes, and she is... (read more)
Recommended by Mariette E.
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Kit Mayquist
[isbn]
Between the moody, opulent setting and the angsty, morally gray characters, this novel is perfect for fans of dark academia. Full of revenge, lavish and wild parties, queer romance, idyllic European gardens, betrayal, and poison, Tripping Arcadia pulls back the curtain on a powerful family and leaves you wondering who is really the villain of this story?
Recommended by Charlotte S.
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Rachel Ingalls and Rivka Galchen
[isbn]
A mysterious, "dangerous" sea creature escapes a research facility and finds companionship and tenderness with a disillusioned and unhappy housewife. Deeply sensual and weird, a novella of great power.
Recommended by Eric L.
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Ashley Herring Blake
[isbn]
I didn't expect to love Delilah Green Doesn't Care as much as I did, but whew, much like Delilah and Claire eventually discover, love finds you at unexpected times. This may sound cliché, but while reading this romance novel, I laughed, I cried, and frankly, I grew as a person and as a reader. With Delilah Green Doesn't Care, Ashley Herring Blake asks the reader "How much of our core memories are actually true? Do we always... (read more)
Recommended by Katherine M.
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Lyssa Kay Adams
[isbn]
Did the Bromance Book Club series by Lyssa Kay Adams cure my depression? No, but it surely came close! As someone who reads a lot of romance novels, it was so nice to come across a series with a fresh and promising premise. Adams takes toxic masculinity and flips it on its head, showcasing what it would be like if high-powered men took a deep breath and read romance novels to figure out what is going wrong with all of their relationships,... (read more)
Recommended by Katherine M.
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Sarah J. Maas
[isbn]
I was expecting some spice (four chili peppers) and touch-her-and-you-die trope. I was not expecting the emotional journey this would take me on. This dives into emotional trauma and the importance friendship has on healing. Not to mention these women are BAs who are not afraid to challenge the ideals of others.
Recommended by Mariette E.
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Adriana Herrera
[isbn]
Adriana Herrera has been writing sexy, diverse romances for years, both as an independent author and for mainstream publishers. A Caribbean Heiress in Paris is her first historical novel and I’m ALL IN. Combining the “not here to find love” and “fish out of water” tropes, rum heiress Luz Alana sails for Paris to expand her family business. There, she finds “daddy issues” and a “marriage of convenience” in the form of whisky... (read more)
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Jasmine Guillory
[isbn]
Jasmine Guillory's By the Book proves that fairy tale retellings are still golden! Publisher-assistant Izzy braves the Santa Barbara mansion/dungeon of Beau, a reclusive star and aspiring author, to help him bring his book to life. While there are no singing candelabras or pitchfork-wielding villagers in this Beauty and the Beast homage, there are definitely lingering glances and romantic library interludes! This story is... (read more)
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Alexis Hall
[isbn]
Alexis Hall continues to blow my mind. I cannot wait to read his upcoming historical novel, A Lady for a Duke. I love and emphatically recommend Boyfriend Material and the appetite-provoking Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake while you wait with me for the reunion of Viola — a transgender woman who is finally able to live as herself — and her childhood companion, Justin — a lonely, grief-stricken duke. Without a doubt, it... (read more)
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Nina LaCour
[isbn]
I’m a fan of Nina LaCour’s young adult fiction, so I was thrilled to learn that she has written her first novel for adults. I was not disappointed. The writing is beautiful and feels both dreamlike and matter of fact at the same time. This story follows Sara and Emilie and alternates between their two narratives. Exploring family dynamics, grief, and finding oneself, it is an ultimately hopeful love story.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
[isbn]
The Mo Dao Zu Shi (GDC/MDZS) donghua (Chinese animation) adaptation was my first introduction into Mo Xiang Tong Xiu’s (MXTX) works and it became an instant favorite. The characters are lovable, engaging, and well-developed and nothing is just black and white in MXTX’s novels. She weaves us through the two lives of the protagonist, and along the way reveals the truth of his and other characters’ actions, both good and bad, and how it impacts the... (read more)
Recommended by Tiffany L.
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Alice Hoffman
[isbn]
One of my all-time favorite books and series. Please note, this book is different than the movie but still has all the fun, love, magic, and family that made the film so wonderful. Hoffman’s book makes me want to believe in magic and “love that even time will lie down and be still for." Practical Magic is for fans of magic, love, the journey of finding your own path, and the power of sisterhood.
Recommended by Sydney W.
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Sarah J. Maas
[isbn]
As a big fan of Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series, I was beyond ecstatic to pick up her first adult novel. I was not disappointed. I like to describe this book as a slow-burn murder mystery with an ending that will make you cry, laugh, and then cry some more. This has been my go-to recommendation for 2021.
Recommended by Kassandra J.
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Karelia Stetz-Waters
[isbn]
I’ve read a lot of romance books in the last two years. Like, embarrassingly a lot. Satisfaction Guaranteed is hands down my favorite. Equally steamy and sweet, it tells the story of Cade and Selena and the Portland, Oregon, sex toy shop they co-inherit. I loved it for how real the characters are, their incredible chemistry, and how local author Stetz-Waters makes Portland a tertiary character in this fun and very funny wlw romance.
Recommended by Deana R.
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Caitlin Starling
[isbn]
A haunted house, a doctor trapped by the shame of his past, a determined and headstrong heroine, gothic romance, all sprinkled with blood, gore and fantasy elements — literally what is there not to love? This book had everything I could have possibly wanted — and I can't wait to dive into the rest of Caitlin Starling's books now, too.
Recommended by Nicole S.
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Silvia Moreno Garcia
[isbn]
Mexican Gothic is such a relief: it breathes fresh air into an old genre with a vibrancy and lushness of atmosphere that is so easy to get lost in. I fell in love with the courageous, fiery protagonist Noemí and found myself glued to every page, desperate to see her succeed. Moreno-Garcia does such a fantastic job weaving the Gothic tropes we all know and love into something timely, jarring, and downright chilling.
Recommended by Nicole S.
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Lana Harper
[isbn]
Lana Harper's romance debut fairly shouts SPOOKY SEASON. Emmy returns to her hometown to arbitrate a magical tournament, but she is roped in by high school classmates Linden and Talia to defeat their shared enemy: cocky, clueless Gareth Blackmoore. Payback's a Witch delivers cozy, witchy, autumnal vibes on every page. It's sweet and sexy and perfect for fall reading.
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Helen Hoang
[isbn]
Every novel Helen Hoang writes is powerful, but The Heart Principle left me incoherent with emotion. I giggled, sighed, and cried ugly tears throughout. The story of Anna and Quan is all about falling in love, but especially falling in love with yourself. Plus, swoony kisses, motorcycle rides, and a mischievous octopus.
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Jasmine Guillory
[isbn]
Jasmine Guillory delivers all the humor, drama, and sex that you could ask for in a summer rom-com! Ben and Anna are the perfect pair as they turn from coworkers to lovers to fake-for-the-cameras boyfriend and girlfriend. But their lovebird act starts to feel real, even when no one is watching. While We Were Dating is fun and flirty, perfect for holiday reading.
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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William Goldman
[isbn]
Like so many people, I fell in love with the film first. It’s like the grandfather says: “Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles.” There’s something for everyone, and it taps into something so magically, extraordinarily human. Also like so many people, I found a battered paperback with a broken spine on my shelf that I couldn’t remember buying, and then I fell in love all over again. Goldman’s... (read more)
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Casey McQuiston
[isbn]
If you haven’t read Casey McQuiston’s debut, Red, White, and Royal Blue, then stop what you’re doing and go read that book. It’s a beautiful, hilarious, sexy, coming-of-age romance and it’s easily one of my favorite reads of all time. But now Casey McQuiston has a new book coming out in June that is arguably EVEN BETTER than RW&RB. The love story of August — a 23-year-old cynic — and Jane — a ’70s punk who is stuck in modern day... (read more)
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Rivers Solomon
[isbn]
Sorrowland is the beautifully written, suspenseful story of Vern, a teen escapee from an all-Black utopian commune where the powers that be may have been colluding with the Feds to experiment on Black bodies. A genre-defying blend of Gothic, hard sci-fi, literary fiction, and social justice, Sorrowland is dizzying, bold, and completely gripping.
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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Amal El-Mohtar, Max Gladstone
[isbn]
One of the most achingly beautiful and intensely romantic books I've ever read — totally unexpected and deeply, lyrically human, right in the middle of a science fiction story about two far-future agents on opposing sides — one a technotopia, the other an organic hive. If these two opposites can fall in love, then there is hope for all of us.
Recommended by Warren B.
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Sonali Dev
[isbn]
When Sonali Dev’s upcoming book was teased as “Jane Austen meets West Wing,” I perked right up! If any author can write a politician who is honest, vulnerable, compassionate, and SEXY then it’s Sonali Dev. Her contemporary series follows the Raje family, but you can jump in and read any book in the series. Each novel is a highly entertaining twist on a favorite Jane Austen story.
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Talia Hibbert
[isbn]
Eve Brown is too old for her antics and Jacob Wayne is too uptight to have any fun. Romance Rules say they’re perfect for each other! Talia Hibbert is my definition of a one-click, must-read author. Her books are always witty, flirty, sexy, and optimistic. Earlier books in this series are terrific and can be read as standalone novels, though reading them all is highly recommended.
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Erin Morgenstern
[isbn]
In an underground labyrinth of books reminiscent of the Neitherlands library in Lev Grossman's The Magicians trilogy, Zachary Ezra Rawlins sifts through story after story, searching for his own. After stumbling across an odd anecdote from his childhood in an authorless book, Zachary seeks answers in the subterranean library, through painted doors and overlapping realities. There, he finds stories barely contained by their pages, riddles of Fate... (read more)
Recommended by Alice G.
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Alexis Hall
[isbn]
Luc and Oliver are absolutely charming as we follow their fake dating antics, and the side characters all truly stand out with hilarious banter that make every part of this romance feel real. I still think about jokes and moments from this book months later, and I can't wait for others to fall for it as much as I did. If you liked Red, White, and Royal Blue, you will love Boyfriend Material!
Recommended by Bethany O.
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Talia Hibbert
[isbn]
This was my first-ever romance read and it did not disappoint. In fact, it converted me into a romance reader for life. Talia Hibbert writes characters who are real and flawed, and you just can't help rooting for them to succeed not just in the romance, but in every facet of their lives. Get a Life, Chloe Brown is funny and charming, with hilarious banter and very steamy! I loved seeing Chloe and Red's relationship grow and can't wait to... (read more)
Recommended by Bethany O.
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Alyssa Cole
[isbn]
It doesn't sound very sexy to call How to Catch a Queen the perfect romance for 2020, but honestly this is the exactly right book for the world right now. Our heroine is an activist and feminist who agrees to marry the king of a failing kingdom in order to bring positive change to his small country and the people who live there. This story proves that a quiet voice can still be powerful, that ignorance is not a valid excuse, and that you... (read more)
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Hendrik Groen, Hester Velmans
[isbn]
If you've ever been curious about how life continues for your elderly relatives in an extended care facility, Hendrik Groen is just the person to shed some light. He is quite frank about his fears and anxieties concerning the health and well-being of himself and his friends as they age, but there is a prominently positive air to the whole tale. I found myself grinning from ear to ear at their antics one minute, somberly pondering my own aging in... (read more)
Recommended by Corey S.
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Lisa Kleypas
[isbn]
The last in The Ravenels series! Cassandra Ravenel and Tom Severin finally get their story, and with their fiery chemistry and emotional journey (and prioritization of consent!) it was absolutely worth the wait. Lisa Kleypas's books are the kind you can't help but read over and over again (I read Devil in Spring, uh, five times last year) and Chasing Cassandra is no exception.
Recommended by Joanna S.
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Hester Fox
[isbn]
The Witch of Willow Hall is a well-written, old-fashioned ghostly suspense tale made all the more enjoyable by a slow-build romance that doesn’t overtake the plot but only deepens it. A strong, smart protagonist with believable flaws, buried secrets, sisterly rivalry, lies and tragedy, all set in the misty countryside of colonial New England, had me devouring pages long after my bedtime.
Recommended by Steph C.
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Shelly Laurenston
[isbn]
Shelly Laurenston/G. A. Aiken consistently produces paranormal romance that manages to be both heartwarming and totally bonkers. ZeZe' Vargas doesn't know he's a cat until he kidnaps Max, but after seeing her shred a team of henchmen, he realizes that the world he once knew was only a facade. In fact, Max and her family are honey badgers. Aggressively loyal and nearly unkillable, the MacKilligan sisters are some of my favorite characters of all... (read more)
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Jessie Mihalik
[isbn]
For when you want your political thriller space opera to have a (large) dash of some of the very best romance tropes. This series is an absolute delight.
Recommended by Joanna S.
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Joan Lindsay, Maile Meloy
[isbn]
An Australian girls' school plans an afternoon picnic at Hanging Rock, but events take an unexpected turn, and life will never be the same. The dreamy atmosphere in this novel translated perfectly to the subsequent film, but read the book first — it's so much lusher, richer, and gorgeous.
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Joanna Shupe
[isbn]
For when you want a delicious historical romance, but you want something that breaks out of Regency England, Joanna Shupe's Gilded Age romances set in the United States are delightful and gorgeous and sexy. The Prince of Broadway is the excellent newest book by Shupe in her Uptown Girls series, with a great mix of off-the-charts chemistry, a striking heroine, and a gruff (but secretly soft) hero. One of my favorite things about this book... (read more)
Recommended by Joanna S.
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Tessa Bailey
[isbn]
Fix Her Up is one of the smartest, sweetest, sexiest contemporary romances I've ever read. The emotional journeys the characters take are thoughtful and cohesive, and the chemistry between Georgie and Travis is absolute fire. Bailey also brilliantly sets up her next romance, Love Her or Lose Her, a second-chance romance that made me melt.
Recommended by Joanna S.
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Sonali Dev
[isbn]
I'm late to the party, but gosh I loved this book! Just like everyone said I would! This is a beautiful, faithful retelling of one of the most beloved romances of all time. Do yourself a favor and get your Indian takeout delivered before you read Chapter 13.
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Kate Clayborn
[isbn]
I have to say, I fell in love with NYC as much as I did Reid and Meg. They're a great couple and I absolutely believed in their love story. The walks, the games they made up, the love letter... I've fallen down a deep hole of hand-lettering Instagram accounts and bought another journal that I'll never use, but I have no regrets!
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Cat Sebastian
[isbn]
I was absolutely delighted by this book. The mystery, the humor, the romance... Cat Sebastian is a gifted writer and her characters are beautifully real. I found myself sighing at the more romantic moments, which I'm sure would have horrified grinchy Jack, and blushing along with Oliver whenever Jack managed to surprise him. If you enjoy historical romance and Sherlockian mysteries, then you'll really enjoy this story!
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Ernesto Quiñonez
[isbn]
Set in Spanish Harlem, Taína is a 15-year-old pregnant virgin. Julio believes her and has
liked her from afar, though she never notices him. Many Puerto Rican food and music references. I was so delighted by this endearing and enchanting story! This is a perfect Christmas-time read.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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GA Aiken
[isbn]
Demon wolves, centaurs with fangs, and zombie mules! G. A. Aiken's newest novel is a hilarious, rollicking adventure that will be catnip for fantasy readers.
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Jen DeLuca
[isbn]
Well Met is a lighthearted and highly enjoyable romance in the style of a Hallmark channel movie. I recommend this for fans of romantic comedy who might enjoy a coming-of-age novel with some adult content! Gift this book to your friends who cosplay and attend fancons.
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Christina Lauren
[isbn]
When I visit my parents — who still pay for cable — we watch marathons on HGTV. I suspect that Christina Lauren do too! Chip and Joanna Gaines are clearly the inspiration behind Melly and Rusty Tripp, but Lauren puts a hilarious and disastrous spin on the two design stars. Carey and James have their hands full dealing with the spiteful pair, who are touring for their new book and premiering a new TV show. As always, Christina Lauren writes a... (read more)
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Kit Rocha
[isbn]
Kit Rocha delivers an addictive, apocalyptic thriller with lots of action, intrigue, and sexual tension. Knox leads a group of rogue super-soldiers and Nina is a "librarian" with ninja skills and lots of secrets. A mission to retrieve a lost archive goes haywire when Nina finds out about Knox's hidden agenda. Bullets fly, bodies pile up, and our characters have to choose between old friends and new ones, between doing what's easy and doing what's... (read more)
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Kerrigan Byrne
[isbn]
As always, Kerrigan Byrne has wrung me out! I love her books and this one may be her best yet. I laughed and cried and immediately reread chapters... Read this for yourself and thank me later.
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Casey McQuiston
[isbn]
Casey McQuiston’s debut novel is electrifying. I fell in love with Alex and Henry (those emails!), but I was completely overwhelmed by the sweetness, the humor, and the absolute hopefulness of Red, White, and Royal Blue. I’m still piecing my heart back together.
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Rebekah Weatherspoon
[isbn]
With wit, emotion, and a whole lot of sexiness, Rebekah Weatherspoon's Rafe: A Buff Male Nanny immediately joins the ranks of my go-to reads and recommendations. Because honestly? Reading this book is self-care.
Recommended by Joanna S.
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Nina Allan
[isbn]
A beautiful, yet painful, read, The Dollmaker tells the story of two unique people trying to find their ways to each other. Set on Cornwall's moors, this moody, compelling story is interwoven with several short stories, each of which packs a powerful punch on their own. Untangling themes of art, longing, misfits, taking chances, and healing from childhood trauma, Nina Allan writes a tale that both tugs at your heart and satisfies your... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Sarah Perry
[isbn]
Sarah Perry’s beautiful novels richly reward the patient reader. Her world building is lavish and precise; though her prose often tilts into poetry, her characters are crystalline, giving the writing a paradoxical quality that is both ornate and bare. This confusion between what is exposed and what only imagined drives the wonderfully creepy Melmoth, in which a fabled wanderer combs the world for human wickedness, doling out consolation... (read more)
Recommended by Rhianna W.
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Liane Moriarty
[isbn]
Nine strangers meet at a health spa in a remote part of Australia. Moriarty works her magic once again, with empathetic characterization, taut narrative, and heart-pounding suspense. Meet the washed-up romance novelist, the family of three, and the rest of this disparate group.
Recommended by Mary Jo S.
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Elly Griffiths
[isbn]
Elly Griffiths writes a spooky ghost story and a chilling murder mystery tangled into one creepy novel. Set in a school on the moors of rural England, with a haunted mansion and plenty of intrigue, The Stranger Diaries is framed by a sinister horror story, and absolutely every character is hiding something. Peppered throughout with literary references and — surprisingly — some spot-on humor, this is the brilliant gothic/ghost/school... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Cynthia Hand and Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows
[isbn]
My favorite retelling of Jane Eyre! In My Plain Jane, Charlotte Brontë goes to school with Jane, there are ghosts (and a pre-Victorian Ghostbusters-esque society), and Jane's best friend is a dead girl who gives snarky, feminist critiques of Rochester's somewhat problematic approach to romance. This dynamic trio of authors — Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand, and Jodi Meadows — brilliantly handles this beloved classic with... (read more)
Recommended by Joanna S.
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Erin Morgenstern
[isbn]
Erin Morgenstern is the kind of writer who, as she grew up, never lost her childhood sense of wonder. Her sense of joy. Her sense of innocent anticipation. Every page of this book rings with all of that. And more. The Starless Sea is a puzzle, a quest, a mystery. Not one, not two, but three unrequited love stories are tangled up with this fantastical story of bees, underground libraries, seas of honey, owl kings, keys, swords,... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Sarah Maclean
[isbn]
The Bareknuckle Bastards are back with Whit "Beast" at the helm alongside the incomparable, curvaceous Hattie Sedley. Full of intrigue, witty banter, and sizzling chemistry (with a few naughty nautical knots thrown in for fun). The Year of Hattie is here and she's taking no prisoners in her quest to rule her world.
Recommended by Mecca A.
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Lorraine Heath
[isbn]
Beyond Scandal and Desire is the first book in the A Sin for All Seasons series. The whole series revolves around the Trewlove siblings. They are not related to each other but all have a fierce love for the widow who took them in as babies and an incredible loyalty to their makeshift family. With three books out so far and the fourth about to arrive in August, Mick and Aslyn's story from Beyond Scandal is still my favorite of... (read more)
Recommended by Mecca A.
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Beverly Jenkins
[isbn]
I love historical romances, but I'm guilty of picking up books that cover obscure parts of English history and ignoring excellent authors writing about American history. My new favorite author is Beverly Jenkins and her books about powerful African American men and women after the Civil War. Rebel has one of her strongest leads yet with the story of Valinda Lacy and her quest for independence from her family. Her growing relationship... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer V.
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Maria Vale
[isbn]
I devoured the three books in the Maria Vale series The Legend of All Wolves. The third book, Forever Wolf, came out this year and it was the most wild of the pack. These books have the most natural and untamed account of a pack that is trying to survive living with humans and other shifters. I've enjoyed Vale's unique Wolf world and hunger for more books about the Great North Pack.
Recommended by Jennifer V.
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Thea Harrison
[isbn]
Pia is half human and half... something else. She's not entirely sure what. Pia made the mistake of trusting someone with her secrets and to fix it, she has to steal from a dragon. When this dragon catches up with her, their passion practically sets them on fire. While the romance is very intense, this book still had me laughing. My first paranormal romance... and you never forget your first.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Julia Quinn
[isbn]
Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series is one of my all-time favorites. The first book, The Duke and I, introduces a family saga so heartwarming, funny, romantic, and sexy that I find myself coming back again and again. Don't sleep on these books — especially because Shonda Rhimes is adapting the series for Netflix. Looking for queer historical romance as good as Julia Quinn? Try Cat Sebastian!
Recommended by Joanna S.
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Lisa Kleypas
[isbn]
Kleypas's Wallflowers books are the perfect Regency romance novels. A group of friends, dubbed this season's "wallflowers," are determined to find great husbands... "trap" is probably a better word. The first book in the series starts with Annabelle — she looks the part of a noble, except that she isn't one. And she's determined to find a rich aristocrat to save her family from the streets. Simon, rich but without a title, ruins everything...
Recommended by Rose H.
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Kresley Cole
[isbn]
Werewolves and vampires hate each other. Everyone knows that. So when Lachlain finds the woman destined to be his mate, he is more than a little disappointed to find that she's a vampire. Emma wants nothing to do with him — in fact, she's terrified of the crazed werewolf. This book is full of sass and excitement. I love the world Kresley Cole has created.
Recommended by Rose H.
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Alix Nathan
[isbn]
"Be careful what you wish for, lest it come true." That old adage certainly applies to Alix Nathan's terrific tale of the rampant abuses inherent in the days before ethics committees existed. Rich, intellectual, science-loving Herbert Powyss can have anything he wants, and does, but it's not enough. He devises an experiment wherein a man will live sequestered for seven years in the cellar apartment Powyss has meticulously furnished with books,... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Antoine Laurain, Gallic Books
[isbn]
Antoine Laurain writes another incredibly charming tale, with themes on friendship, miracles, love, and dogs. The four main characters drink a bottle of wine one evening, and then find themselves transported back in time to the year the wine was made, 1954. But, once they've been transported, how on earth will they get back to their own time? Laurain has a writing style that makes you want to cuddle up with his books — they are so sweet. Dive in... (read more)
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Autumn Christian
[isbn]
This is a story of sex worker as superhero and saint, and of sex as both superpower and sacrament. Girl Like a Bomb follows Beverly Sykes — a teenage girl bursting with desire who finds everyone she has slept with profoundly changed for the better — and her journey takes us everywhere from church orgies with depressed housewives to covert missions to sleep with a terrorist. Here, Autumn Christian has woven together an unapologetic fairy... (read more)
Recommended by Cosima C.
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Jill Ciment
[isbn]
No one knows why the defendant murdered her younger brother. And juror C-2 isn't sure why she is so drawn to juror F-17, she isn't looking for anything outside her marriage. But as they go back and forth between the courtroom and the budget motel where they are sequestered, it isn't long before they start having an affair. It should be jarring, all the competing elements of the story: the gruesome trial details, the painfully sterile locales, the... (read more)
Recommended by Lauren P.
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Diane Setterfield
[isbn]
A carefully executed fairy tale about lost girls, found girls, and society’s relationship to the science and magic of these things, Once Upon a River is rife with symbolism that embraces tradition as it simultaneously breathes new and unexpected bodies of life into it. What exactly are the messages we carry about women’s roles in society, and are we able to change those without disrupting the familiar and sacrosanct? If so, Diane... (read more)
Recommended by Aubrey W.
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Thompson Walker, Karen
[isbn]
The narrator in this dystopian story is sweet but knowing, an introverted middle school girl having to navigate a world slowly falling apart. It is her voice that carried me through, that drew me in and made it all real. There are no false notes in this book, just the genuine life of a girl trying to get by and grow up.
Recommended by Doug C.
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Lisa Kleypas
[isbn]
I used to be a snob and refused to read romance novels. A friend saw me as a challenge and handed me this novel to read. I was hooked. It starts off with Beatrix writing letters to a soldier away at war. He thinks it's Beatrix's friend writing the letters and when he finds out the truth upon his return home, it's both emotional and hilarious. I loved this one so much that I ended up going back and reading the rest of the series after finishing... (read more)
Recommended by Rose H.
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Kevin Hearne
[isbn]
This urban fantasy series is hilarious and full of magic. Atticus O'Sullivan is a druid. He is, in fact, the last druid to walk the earth. And all he wants is to live in peace in Arizona, running his occult bookshop. That peace is interrupted when he is discovered by a Celtic god who has held a grudge against him for about 2,000 years. This series has gods, faeries, and all kinds of other magical creatures. A super fun read. Great for fans of The... (read more)
Recommended by Rose H.
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Leigh Bardugo
[isbn]
Civil war left the country of Ravka scarred — quite literally in the case of its king, Nikolai Lantsov. But scars are the least of his worries: there are monsters lurking in Nikolai’s past, and if he wants to save his country, he’ll need to vanquish his demons. Bardugo is in fine form in this return to her compelling Grishaverse!
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Brigid Kemmerer
[isbn]
"One day isn't your whole life. A day is just a day." It's not a romance, but there is a love story. It's about people. Friendship. Family. Love. Loss. Months later and I still think about how wonderful this book is.
Recommended by Mecca A.
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Cecelia Ahern
[isbn]
What if you found the place where all missing things and people go? What if you found yourself there? Just go ahead and embrace the magical realism in this intriguing novel — it's worth it! It is original and charming.
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Julia Quinn
[isbn]
I typically hate the "lying to an amnesiac" trope and have a hard time imagining a HEA for someone who starts a relationship with a lie, but this book has turned my bias upside down. Julia Quinn found a masterful way to make me fall in love with Cecilia — despite her deception — and especially with Edward. Edward's essential goodness and good humor, even when he felt betrayed by the woman he loves, puts him in the running for Hero of the Year.... (read more)
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Julia Quinn
[isbn]
The Other Miss Bridgerton has everything I want in a romance: smugglers and/or pirates, jigsaw puzzles, fried dough dipped in sugar, references to Titanic (the movie, not the tragedy), and a lightning storm that sparks a proposal. Totally swoony.
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
[isbn]
YA greats Albertalli and Silvera’s collaboration is more than a love story: it’s an ode to the people whose edges line up with ours like puzzle pieces, who shape our lives and bring out the best in us. A summer — a life — can change in a single moment, if we open our hearts and let it.
Recommended by Madeline S.
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Rachel Vincent
[isbn]
Stray is the first book in the Shifters series by Rachel Vincent. All Faythe wants to do is live a normal human life, but she's much more than your average college girl. One of only eight unclaimed female werecats, Faythe is a valuable asset to her pride, no matter badly she wants to just be normal. Unfortunately, her life gets interrupted when a stray enters her pride's territory and a female from a bordering pride goes missing.... (read more)
Recommended by Samantha C.
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Deborah Harkness
[isbn]
Harkness’s newest novel is a love story full of magic and the supernatural. It follows vampire Marcus and soon-to-be vampire Phoebe through their pasts and present. Fans will recognize the characters from the All Souls Trilogy, but this book stands on its own.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Theodore Dreiser, E L Doctorow
[isbn]
At the turn of the century, a country girl leaves home for the big city. At a time when the only option for women was to marry well, Carrie shows us a different road. While her rabid ambition and vanity indicate her true nature, the society in which she navigates is harsh and unforgiving. Dreiser's portrait of the ugliness of human nature is stunning.
Recommended by Dianah H.
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Mackenzi Lee
[isbn]
Mackenzi Lee’s The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy is stuffed with sarcasm, wit, and so many feels! I was amazed by Felicity’s ingenuity and bravery, her refusal to be anything less than the woman she is. Both thrilling and thoughtful, this is an incredible coming-of-age adventure for YA readers of all ages.
Recommended by McKenzie W.
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Eloisa James
[isbn]
Eloisa James always delivers, but Born to Be Wilde is my favorite from her. It's the third book in the Wildes series, so we've already been introduced to Parth and Lavinia, but the complete story of their relationship is one of the best I've ever read. Lavinia is one of the most complex and rewarding characters I've come to care about. A true delight!!
Recommended by Jennifer V.
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Alice Clayton
[isbn]
I am a total sucker for amusing romance book titles and so I couldn't resist reading Wallbanger. Luckily, Clayton's writing lives up to the fun and raunchy title. This is the first in the series and was a hot and amusing way to spend my time.
Recommended by Jennifer V.
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Alyssa Cole
[isbn]
Let's start with what matters most: a gruff, sexy Scottish sword maker. Now for the heart of the story — the emotional growth of our heroine and her fight to be taken seriously by those closest to her. And let's not forget, she gets to fall in love with a gruff, sexy Scottish sword maker. Delightfully inspiring.
Recommended by Jennifer V.
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Gail Honeyman
[isbn]
Touching and darkly hilarious, this story follows Eleanor, an offbeat office worker seemingly content with her life but whose eccentricities and complete lack of social skills have kept her from the friendships and relationships every person needs. After a string of unexpected encounters, she finds herself on a journey of self-discovery in which she finally comes to terms with herself and her past. I laughed, cried, and felt everything in... (read more)
Recommended by Michelle L.
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