The Best Romance Novels of 2020
The Best Romance Novels of 2020
As any dedicated romance novel reader will tell you, it's the one genre that's there for you in the best of times (to make your day 10 times better) and the worst (to bring a little love into any sour situation). Why? Because romance guarantees a happy ending—an escape. And if there's a year where we especially needed that and then some, it was 2020.
"I feel on a fundamental level this genre has the power to show people whether or not they are worthy of being loved," novelist Alyssa Cole told OprahMag.com in April. "And even if everything else in their life or story that they wanted to achieve doesn't actually happen, the happily ever after is actually finding someone to weather the good and bad things with."
From their vibrantly illustrated covers to the stories of enemies-turned-lovers, summer love, erotic entanglements, and historical romps, reading about love never gets old. So to help you keep your to-be-read pile stacked for years to come, we did some digging to bring you a diverse set of the steamiest, best romance novels of 2020. Look ahead for picks like Lisa Kleypas' continuation of The Ravenals series, Abby Jimenez's The Happy Ever After Playlist, and more.
<i>You Had Me at Hola</i> by Alexis Daria
Avon Books
bookshop.org
$14.71
Following a dramatic breakup, soap opera star Jasmine returns home to New York City to film a bilingual romantic comedy. She's playing opposite an alluring (but struggling) telenovela star Ashton. With both of their careers on the line, they take their rehearsals off-set to develop some on-screen chemistry—but the passion quickly becomes very real.
<i>Boyfriend Material</i> by Alexis Hall
bookshop.org
$13.79
With the resurgence of his rock star father's career, Luc is thrust back into the public eye and in need of a major image rehab. Enter scandal-free Barrister Oliver, whose picture perfect persona makes him an ideal fake boyfriend. And maybe a real one, too?
<i>Chasing Cassandra</i> by Lisa Kleypas
Avon Books
amazon.com
$18.39
For the sixth book in Kleypas' The Ravenals series, the clever Lady Cassandra Ravenel is pursued by Tom Severin, a cold and wealthy businessman. And though he's determined to be with her, the chase isn't as easy as he thinks.
<i>The Happy Ever After Playlist</i> by Abby Jimenez
amazon.com
$9.99
The widowed Sloan Malone's life finally seems to be turning around when she finds an adorable pup named Tucker. That is, until the canine's alluring, musician owner calls and wants his dog back.
Love Her or Lose Her: A Novel
Avon Books
amazon.com
$10.39
Rosie and Dominic appear to be the same picture perfect high school sweethearts they were 10 years ago. But the truth is they've hit a rough patch in their relationship and head to marriage boot camp. They seem to be on the road to rebuilding their romance, but a long-kept secret soon comes to light.
<i>Inappropriate</i> by Vi Keeland
amazon.com
$3.99
After being fired from her job for a vacation video that displayed "inappropriate behavior," Ireland writes an angry letter to the company's millionaire CEO—not expecting a response back. What results is a sexy romance that quickly finds Ireland getting whisked away.
<i>If I Never Met You</i> by Mhairi McFarlane
William Morrow & Company
amazon.com
$11.78
A lawyer named Laurie is left distraught after her boyfriend of 10 years abruptly ends things. On-top of everything, his new girlfriend is pregnant. To avoid humiliation, Laurie pretends to be in-love with the office playboy. Soon, their fake feelings turn into something more.
<i>Finding Joy</i> by Adriana Herrera
amazon.com
$0.99
You'll instantly fall for this ultimate feel-good romance between Desta Joy and Elias that gives you all the summertime feels. When Desta travels to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for work—a country that comes with emotional familial ties—he meets Elias, the literal perfect man who's working towards a future where he can finally be himself.
<i>Queen Move</i> by Kennedy Ryan
amazon.com
$4.99
20 years after being torn apart from her childhood crush, powerful political campaign manager Kimba Allen meets Ezra Stern again and there's no denying their instant chemistry—he might just be her soul mate. But health struggles and a little bit of baggage complicate their sizzling new relationship.
<i>Well Played</i> by Jen DeLuca
amazon.com
$9.99
Renaissance Faire worker Stacey is jolted when her close friends become engaged. Stacey then vows to find "The One," and it looks like it could be her summertime fling Dex MacLean after he sends her a heartfelt email. But when she eventually meets up with "Dex" in person, he's not exactly who she had in mind.
Release Date: September 22
<i>Never Kiss a Duke</i> by Megan Frampton
amazon.com
$5.99
After losing his inheritance, Sebastian, Duke of Hasford, finds a job at a gambling den owned by Miss Ivy. And while the two vow to keep their relationship strictly professional, resistance gives way to passion. And as soon as you wrap up this read, you can get ready for the sequel, Tall, Duke, and Dangerous, which has a release date of October 27.
<i>Ties That Tether</i> by Jane Igharo
amazon.com
$9.99
When she was 12 years old, Azere made a promise to her dying father that she'd marry a Nigerian man. In the years since, her mother has heavily enforced that promise in an effort to preserve their culture. But when Azere finally finds love, there's one problem: he's white.
Release Date: September 29
<i>How to Fail at Flirting</i> by Denise Williams
amazon.com
$9.99
With her department at her university at risk, professor Naya Turner is convinced to go on a carefree night on the town. She then meets Jake, who's supposed to be a casual fling but slowly turns into more. Things get complicated when it turns out dating Jake could threaten her career.
<i>Whiteout</i> by Adriana Anders
amazon.com
$4.99
Isolated at a remote research station in Antarctica, Angel Smith and glaciologist Ford Cooper must work together to survive in the unforgiving climate of the arctic. But as they fight for their lives, an undeniable connection grows.
<i>The Trouble with Hating You</i> by Sajni Patel
amazon.com
$9.99
Proudly single lawyer Liya Thakkar walks out on her parents when they try to set her up with a potential husband. But when the same guy ends up being her company's latest hire, it seems that fate has other plans.
<i>Mermaid Inn</i> by Jenny Holiday
amazon.com
$3.99
In the first novel in the Matchmaker Bay series, Evie returns to the small beach town after inheriting her Aunt's Mermaid Inn. Her arrival marks her reunion with police chief Sawyer Collins, who broke her heart 10 years before.
<i>A Cowboy to Remember</i> by Rebekah Weatherspoon
amazon.com
$4.73
Celebrity chef Evie Buchanan is on the brink of her big break when a fall leaves with her no recollection of who she was. In an effort to jog her memory, her assistant reaches out to old friends. Enter rodeo champion Zach Pleasant, who comes with a lot of history.
<i>The Falling in Love Montage</i> by Ciara Smyth
amazon.com
$9.99
17-year-old Saoirse Clarke and Ruby set out to have a no strings attached summer romance filled with some of film's most clichéd movie montage dates. But by summer's end, real feelings have developed, and their vow to avoid broken hearts is threatened.
<i>This Is Forever</i> by Natasha Madison
amazon.com
The fourth book in the "This Is" series follows single mom Caroline, as she unexpectedly falls for her son's magnetic new hockey coach.
<i>The Heir Affair</i> by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan
amazon.com
$12.99
In the follow-up to The Royal We, Rebecca Porter and her new husband Prince Nicholas enter into self-imposed exile following their scandalous wedding. But soon, a crisis forces them to return to London, and they're forced to deal with the fallout from their big day.
Release Date: July 7
<i>Alpha Night</i> by Nalini Singh
amazon.com
$11.99
The fourth novel in Singh's Psy-Changeling series follows the story of Alpha wolf Selenka Durev. In the midst of protecting her pack, Selenka mates at first sight with Ethan Night, a protective Arrow who has a dark secret.
<i>Conventionally Yours</i> by Annabeth Albert
amazon.com
$7.99
Rivals Conrad and Alden both seem to have it all, but each have their own reasons for needing to win the Odyssey gaming tournament. But as they're forced together on a cross-country road trip to the "biggest fan convention of their lives," they develop an unexpected connection.
<i>Temporary Wife Temptation</i> by Jayci Lee
amazon.com
$3.99
In Jayci Lee's debut novel, Garret Song is on the verge of inheriting his family's fashion empire—that is, until his mother presents him with a handpicked bride. In order to avoid her wishes, he enlists Natalie Sobol to pose as his wife. And even though they're fake spouses, we all know how this will end...
<i>You Were There Too</i> by Colleen Oakley
Berkley
amazon.com
$10.93
Oakley's emotional You Were There Too follows Mia Graydon, who seems to live a life free of worries, with the perfect house and husband. But she has peculiar recurring dreams about a random man she doesn't know—until one day she meets him face-to-face.
<i>Moral Compass</i> by Danielle Steel
Delacorte Press
amazon.com
$18.77
In Danielle Steel's latest novel, for the first time in 140 years, the elite Saint Ambrose Prep enrolls female students into its prestigious institution. But one drunken Halloween night is marred in secrets, dividing the community as they struggle to discover what happened.
<i>Marriage on Madison Avenue</i> by Lauren Layne
amazon.com
$11.99
Audrey and Clarke have been (just) best friends since their childhood. That's why when Clarke appeases his persistent matchmaking mother by saying he's engaged to Audrey, it doesn't seem like that big of a deal—until things get complicated. This is Layne's third novel in the The Central Park Pact series.
<i>The Worst Best Man</i> by Mia Sosa
Avon Books
amazon.com
$13.70
Wedding planner Carolina Santos was left at the altar. (Yes, her own.) But as she works to overcome the humiliation, she's forced to work with her ex-fiancé's brother—who may have encouraged the split.
<i>Angry God</i> by L.J Shen
amazon.com
$4.99
Shen's third book in her All Saints High series—a spin-off of the Sinners of Saint books—is a must for this list. It will follow the sure-to-be steamy love story of Vaughn, the son of Shen's original sexy anti-hero Vicious.
<i>The Two Lives of Lydia Bird</i> by Josie Silver
Ballantine Books
amazon.com
$17.39
Freddie, the love of Lydia Bird's life, dies suddenly in a tragic car accident. Though stricken with grief, Lydia attempts to find happiness. But that's before she's given the miraculous chance to return to her old life with Freddie once again.
<i>House of Earth and Blood</i> by Sarah J. Maas
amazon.com
$13.49
As half-Fae, half-human Bryce Quinlan sets out to avenge the murders of her best friends, fallen angel Hunt Athalar is offered a deal to help Bryce with her quest in exchange for his freedom. They find a dark power at the route of all their problems, and only together do they have the power to stop it.
<i>Undercover Bromance</i> by Lyssa Kay Adams
Berkley
amazon.com
$10.40
In the second book of the Bromance Book Club series, Nashville chef, Liv, is fired from her dream job after discovering her celebrity boss harassing a young hostess. She's determined to take him down, grudgingly accepting the help of the irresistibly charming nightclub owner Braden Mack.
<i>The Honey-Don't List</i> by Christina Lauren
Gallery Books
amazon.com
$9.29
The Unhoneymooners author brings us The Honey-Don't List, which follows Carey and James as they fight to keep their high profile boss's relationship from falling apart. But as the two attempt to keep one couple together, they find comfort in each other.
<i>The Sinner</i> by J.R. Ward
Gallery Books
amazon.com
$14.99
The 18th book in the beloved Black Dagger Brotherhood series follows a vampire mercenary named Syn who meets Jo Early, a half-breed who's in the midst of her vampire transition. They have an immediate and intense connection, but are falling for each other in the middle of a war that threatens the existence of their race.
<i>Beach Read</i> by Emily Henry
Berkley
amazon.com
$8.66
January and Augustus are total opposites. He's an acclaimed literary fiction writer, she's a bestselling romance novelist. Two things they have in common? They have writer's block and they're beach house neighbors for the summer. In an effort to get out of their respective ruts, they challenge each other to write something out of their comfort zones—and may or may not fall for one another in the process.
<i>Real Men Knit</i> by Kwana Jackson
Berkley
amazon.com
$13.66
After his mother's unexpected death, Jesse—along with his three brothers—clash over what to do with her Harlem knitting shop. As he fights to keep the store open, part-time employee Kerry (who has a huge secret crush on him) offers to help Jesse save the business.
<i>Something to Talk About</i> by Meryl Wilsner
Berkley
amazon.com
$13.59
With Wilsner's novel debut they introduce us to Jo, a famous Hollywood show-runner, and Emma, her assistant. As the two fuel romance rumors by sharing a laugh on the red carpet, they shrug it off as gossip. But as time goes on, they themselves discover there may be some truth to the headlines.
<i>How to Catch a Queen</i> by Alyssa Cole
Avon
amazon.com
$7.99
Somehow Shanti Mohapi and King Sanyu find deep love and passion in their arranged marriage. But despite knowing how to help her new kingdom, Shanti is an outsider, and Sanyu struggles to respect both his wife's ideas and his citizen's traditions.
<i>The Boyfriend Project</i> by Farrah Rochon
Forever
amazon.com
$11.99
After finding out she was catfished and cheated on by her ex, Samiah made a pact to ward off love and focus on herself by developing her dream app. But her new co-worker Daniel makes that difficult.
<i>The Marriage Game</i> by Sara Desai
Berkley
amazon.com
$13.79
Layla's parents are first-generation Indian immigrants who maintain their traditional beliefs when it comes to arranged marriage. Her father secretly signs her up for a series of dates through an online match-making service, which is how Layla meets Sam—the guy who's supposed to be her chaperone, but turns out to be so much more.
<i>Party of Two</i> by Jasmine Guillory
Berkley
amazon.com
$17.95
In Guillory's fifth delightful novel since 2017's The Wedding Date, we meet Olivia Monroe, a lawyer who's just moved to L.A. One night she falls for a guy at a bar—but discovers he's a high profile junior senator. As their relationship progresses, Olivia must deal with the intense public scrutiny that comes with it.
<i>Take a Hint, Dani Brown</i> by Talia Hibbert
amazon.com
$10.99
After PhD student Danika Brown wards off relationships and commits herself to strictly searching for friends-with-benefits, she comes across her building's security guard and ex rugby player Zafir Ansari. He rescues her during a fire drill in a moment that goes viral. Soon, everyone on the internet is shipping #DrRugbae.
<i>Daring and the Duke</i> by Sarah MacLean
amazon.com
$6.99
Ewan used to be Grace's one true love, but his deep betrayal from their past caused her to go into hiding. But the now powerful and independent Grace desires revenge—even though Ewan wants her devotion once again. Daring in the Duke is MacLean's third book in the Bareknuckle Bastards series.
They each got us through an overwhelming year, one happy ending at a time.