I've read 100+ romance books in 2024 (so far), these are 10 no one should miss

My Rating: ?????

Synopsis: This book follows immigrant Indian families in San Francisco as Dr. Trisha Raje and chef DJ Caine clash amid familial obligations, the climate of modern America, and their own assumptions. While the themes of the original story are there, this is one of the freshest retellings I've come across in years.

My take: I have yet to read a book by Sonali Dev that isn’t five stars. Her characters have such depth and her worlds are so vibrant. If you love Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice and have ever wanted to re-read it again, this book is for you. A retelling for the modern world that explores the same themes in new contexts, this book delivers the full range of emotions and lessons from the classic while challenging your own perspective right along with that of the characters. To quote another Austen novel, 'If I loved [this book] less, I might be able to talk about it more." Just trust me and read this.

My Rating: ?????

Synopsis: Bride is about a marriage of convenience between the Vampyre Misery and the Were Alpha Lowe as they clash amid their new reality. This tension is compounded by political intrigue among the supernatural societies and a mysterious disappearance Misery is investigating that may change their world forever.

My take: This book is filled with all the best tropes for fans of the supernatural and heady romance. The tension between the main characters is wonderful and the explosive chemistry is H-O-T. This book is told from Misery's POV, but each chapter opens with a little blurb for the Alpha and they are such a fun treat — only getting a tease of his perspective adds to the intrigue. This book leans heavily on the sensational (I mean, it's a supernatural romance, after all) but is a beautiful mix of romance, mystery, and supernatural without the slog of too much worldbuilding for people new to the subgenre (though you may be new to a few terms, happy learning). The mystery side plot keeps the book incredibly fast-paced and really lets Misery's personality shine.

My Rating: ?????

Synopsis: Funny Story delves into the lives of unlikely new roommates Daphne and Miles, who are brought together when their respective exes get into a relationship and leave them high and dry. Opposites in manner and lifestyle, these two unlikely allies work together to avoid further embarrassment in front of their exes. Having moved to a new city for her fiance, Daphne is only holding on for her library job. But Miles helps her understand the charm of mixing up your routine and giving new places (and people) a chance.

My take: Almost every Emily Henry book has made my top list each year (apologies to People We Meet on Vacation, which was still quite good but not a top read for me) for their blend of romance, humor and heartfelt connection. Funny Story feels a little different from previous works but has all the same Emily Henry-style trademarks that immediately have me invested in her characters. As someone who has moved to a new city (not for a guy, don’t worry), it was delightful to see Daphne make a life where she lived, and the side lessons of withholding judgment on people and places were quite moving. It's a fun twist on forced proximity and features a charming library — which always steals my heart.

My Rating: ????

Synopsis: Violin player Gwen's normal start to the season in her local Pop Orchestra gets derailed by famous cellist Xander Thorne (who doesn’t remember they've worked together for a year at this point). The two can’t stop running into each other after Gwen plays at a wedding Xander is in. They twirl around each other as they push each other's buttons while pushing each other's musical talents. But everything is not as it seems with Xander or the Pop Orchestra.

This is the second book in an interconnected duo. The first one, Forget Me Not (published in 2023), follows a wedding planner who doesn’t believe in marriage and a florist who hates owning a flower shop. You'll get some spoilers if you read Not Another Love Song first, but hey, we all know what happens at the end of a romance book, right?

My take: There is usually a pretty standard set of occupations for the characters within romance novels, and string musicians are not one of them. Getting to glimpse into a new world makes this book exceedingly charming. Julie Soto is great at driving banter and tension with her characters — and knows how to hook a reader. There is also a lot of mystery surrounding just about every character in this novel so it keeps you on your toes and adds a lot of fun conflict to the romance. I read this in a single day, which goes to show how captivated I was.

My Rating: ????

Synopsis: Lorelei, top employee at the small town Honeywood Fun Park, gets injured on a routine ride of the park’s main roller coaster. The ride's engineer, Emory, comes out to understand what happened and the two are instantly at odds. She's suing his company and he’s looking to save his reputation and they aren’t holding back.

Bonus: If you love this read, it's the first book in a series.

My take: This is such a fun twist on a small town romance (which I typically find to be a little more cowboy leaning). The theme park, which you get to see a map of, is what small town charm is made of and is such a novel idea. You can tell some research went into roller coasters to create this book (the author has been selling annotated versions at conferences with roller coaster facts and I am so jealous I do not own one) and it makes it very enjoyable. I also like this take on the grumpy/sunshine trope because Lorelei sure isn’t all sunshine for Emory. Their banter is fun and the plot had me hooked throughout. This is also a really fun instance of when the answer to "Who did this to you?" is the one asking the question — and boy does that pose some mental hangups!

My Rating: ????

Synopsis: Paisley is faced with the nightmarish scenario of her younger sister marrying her ex-boyfriend in a week-long affair on an island surrounded by family who won't let her forget that she's single. While away during her sister's bachelorette party, she runs into "the one who got away", Klein, who also happens to have only gotten better with age. Klein is an aspiring author. Paisley is a digital marketing maven. The two come to a mutual agreement where Paisley provides marketing for Klein’s novel and he provides the perfect cover for her family to leave her alone. It's a perfect plan until a week away on an idyllic island has the two rethinking their arrangement.

My take: Okay, I admit it, I love the fake dating trope. Obsessed with it. I understand that is not a realistic thing that happens but that's kind of the point, right? The two main characters' previous tension makes this all the more fun. And we get a little sprinkle of animosity in the beginning, thanks to college mistakes (not quite enemies to lovers, but the vibe is there). The wedding island shenanigans were bonkers, but they only made the book that much more enjoyable. I tore through this and was kicking my feet giggling at multiple points.

My Rating: ????

Synopsis: Jackson is a grumpy billionaire and the bane of Jamie's existence. He’s rejected dozens of matchmaking attempts and Jamie attempts to figure out what is going on with an ill-fated fake blind date attempt. When it goes horribly wrong, Jamie's job and Jackson's future are on the line. The solution? Full-time matchmaking coaching that has Jamie (and her cat) moving into Jackson's penthouse for 30 days to get the arrogant man married.

Recommendation reason: Tropes? This book's got 'em! Billionaire "boss." Forced proximity. Fake dating. Opposites attract. This book reads like a whirlwind K-drama but with a lot more spice. The book gets off to a crazy start and keeps escalating in absurdity that keeps you hooked. I don’t know any world in which this would be remotely realistic and that makes it all the more fun. Suspend your disbelief and be prepared to laugh, blush and have a good time.

My Rating: ????

Synopsis: Two serial killers hellbent on taking out the scum of the earth run into each other when they share the same target. This sparks a yearlong friendship (that flirts with more, of course) during which the two meet up yearly for a murderous game: They both get the same target and see who can kill them first (romantic, I know). As the years go on, the competition becomes more of a co-op game as feelings grow.

My take: Now stick with me on this one: This book is a little out there for most romance readers. It went absolutely viral on social media when it came out. I was intrigued, but I admit the description had me worried. I never thought I would be charmed by serial killers falling in love, but here I am. It’s not your typical "dark romance" (which is a whole other conversation); rather, it's macabre. It follows serial killers who are, well, killing — and sometimes this killing is quite graphic so be warned. If you can handle that, it's a well-written roller coaster that is filled with wit. Their banter is unmatched (if you read the audiobook, the voice actors nailed the back and forth), and the tension is exhilarating. The story is absolutely captivating, I can’t say I’ve read a book similar to this before.

My Rating: ????

Synopsis: Hannah, a bookstore owner in small town Ocean's Grove, gets relationship lessons from local surfing pro Wyatt. While he's helping her find Mr. Right, he's also helping her find herself and save her family bookstore.

My take: I’m a sucker for a book nerd FMC and it doesn't get more book nerd than owning a bookstore. I usually go more dark and broody than loveable goof for MMC, but Wyatt was very charming and the two brought out the best in each other. I'll admit the premise that gets them together is a little suspect, but the shenanigans that ensue are certainly enjoyable. The romance in this book is so cozy — but the way Hannah saves her family bookstore stole the show for me. This book is the epitome of cute.

My Rating: ????

Synopsis: Sebastian, a reclusive vampire turned against his will centuries ago, doesn’t see much point in living anymore and almost gets his wish when a Valkyrie assassin is sent to kill him. Kaderin, the cold-hearted assassin with a grudge against vampires, had her emotions extinguished long ago but feels them stirring again near Sebastian. Besotted, he chases her across the world as they both compete in a deadly contest that will change their lives forever.

My take: This book is almost 20 years old at this point (unlike all the other books on this list, but I can’t make a romance rec list without at least one bodice-ripper book. It’s a bit of a twist on the subgenre as it’s supernatural and takes place more "present" day (though the MMC is from historic times). The premise is so fun and the world is very interesting. The MMC is down bad for the heroine and the tension between them as they navigate the competition is tantalizing.