All my latest obsessions compiled in one convenient list
This year is shaping up to be one of the best for romance novels and I’ve been blessed by the publishing gods with early copies of some of my most anticipated releases. The romance genre is the gift that keeps on giving and today I’m sharing some of my favorite unpublished and published romance novels of late in this post. Per my reading taste, this is a mix of contemporary romance and historicals. Whether you’re looking for a bodice ripper, a steamy friends to lovers, or a slow burn I hope you find some new anticipated releases below.
What I’ve Been Loving
You With a View by Jessica Joyce
I have officially found my new favorite book and summer romance all rolled into one with Jessica Joyce’s heartwarming debut novel. You, with a View seamlessly blends the travel narrative with a slow-burn romance that left me aching for new connections and an extensive summer road trip. There are so many feelings explored within this novel and it’s not lost on me how Joyce makes you feel every single one. You, with a View, is hands down one of the best romances of 2023. With magnificent tension and a profound emotional journey, Joyce has established herself as a stellar new voice in romance.
Trigger warnings: grief, death of a loved one
Buy a Copy:
Always Be My Duchess by Amalie Howard
A talented ballerina and a grumpy duke with a passion for piano initiate a fake engagement that threatens to become real amidst growing feelings. Amalie Howard made me swoon with this one. Effortlessly beautiful writing and the kind of unhinged yearning you can only get from a really good historical romance. God I just loved the main pairing here. Geneviève was so honest and the way she took charge had me dying. Lysander seemed really cold and aloof, but he’s exactly the opposite. This book was just lovely. Perfect for those looking to re-experience Bridgerton season two or in search of a new romance favorite.
Trigger warnings: death, emotional abuse, violence, infertility
Buy a Copy:
Better Hate Than Never by Chloe Liese
Better Hate Than Never is an exemplary hate-to-love romance surrounding the misperceptions that come from protecting ourselves and those we care about, and how we can break down those barriers and better ourselves. Part Shakespeare retelling, and all things hot and vulnerable, Liese’s tremendous talent for portraying personal transformation and vulnerability is at its height. Kate and Christopher truly are the moment, with an open communication that is worth angsting over and longing for. Liese will give you standards you didn’t even know you needed, like a man who makes you pasta at the drop of a hat. Better Hate Than Never is not only a fantastic love story, it’s Liese’s best work to date.
Trigger warnings: chronic illness, grief, panic attacks
Buy a Copy:
Iris Kelly Doesnt Date by Ashley Herring Blake
The final book in the Bright Falls series and my absolute favorite! Ashley Herring Blake is back with a queer twist on Shakespeare and fake dating with cynical Iris Kelly finally meeting her match. Featuring a disaster one night stand and a queer production of Much Ado About Nothing. This luminous queer romance had me from its very first pages. I love disaster meet cutes and boy did these two have one. By far one of my favorite romances of 2023. It’s hot as hell, especially vulnerable, and just so lovely. I’m going to keep coming back to this one now and forever.
Trigger warnings: infidelity
Buy a Copy:
Plot Twist by Erin La Rosa
Erin La Rosa is quickly becoming a romance author to watch and Plot Twist is proof. This one’s got the unconventional pairing I didn’t know I needed: a romance writer on a deadline and her neighbor, a former star out of the spotlight. Plot Twist packs in the tropes while managing to engage in meaningful commentary on sobriety, harmful family dynamics, and modern relationships. The tension is off the charts between Sophie and Dash from page one and this is without a doubt the hottest romance I’ve read this year. Go forth and read, you’ll thank me later.
Trigger warnings: alcoholism, stalking, death, addiction
Buy a Copy:
An Earl to Remember by Stacy Reid
A retelling of Overboard with a historical romance twist. Getting revenge on the callous Earl who fired you just got easier: he’s got amnesia and it’s become pertinent that you pretend he is your husband (bonus points: you can put him to work fixing up your deteriorating estate). Stacy Reid is the queen of historical romances with bonkers plotlines that somehow leave you in all the right feels. I don’t know how to explain it, but An Earl to Remember made me feel like these two WERE married and it made every part of their developing relationship cut that much deeper. It’s hard to pull off amnesia trope and Stacy Reid did, and made me fall completely in love with the Heyford family. This one is for all the “my wife” fans out there!
Trigger warnings: misogyny
Buy a Copy:
When the Marquess Met His Match by Laura Lee Guhrke
A notorious rake finds love where he least expects it in the respectable matchmaker he hired to find himself a wife. When the Marquess Met His Match is by far one of my favorite historical romances of this year. When I say this book had me giggling and kicking my feet in the air I mean it. Nicholas and Belinda served a deliriously slow burn and their back-and-forth made for the best chemistry. These two made me insane in the best possible way and I cannot wait to reread this when I need a good pick-me-up. Laura Lee Guhrke is known for her unique twists in the genre and this is her best by far!
Trigger warnings: death
Buy a Copy:
Knockout by Sarah Maclean
Pyrotechnics-obsessed Imogen Loveless and inspector Thomas Peck confront mystery and danger in this explosive addition to Sarah Maclean’s Hell’s Belles series. Maclean delivers a whip-smart dynamic between her two leads centered around a spirited group of women taking charge in bringing about justice. A deeply satisfying addition to the series that feels as chaotic as its main heroine. Knockout packs a punch and will leave you craving more from its author. Truly one of the best romances of the year!
Trigger warnings: violence, blood
Buy a Copy:
Literaryrobin 