Are you a hopeless romantic eagerly awaiting the latest and greatest love stories of the year? Look no further! Our list of the top 20 romance books of 2023 has got you covered. From swoon-worthy romances that will make your heart skip a beat, to steamy page-turners that will leave you breathless, we’ve curated a selection of titles that are sure to satisfy any reader’s cravings. Whether you’re a fan of classic love stories, forbidden romances, or laugh-out-loud comedies, our lineup has something for everyone. So grab a cup of coffee, cozy up with your favorite blanket, and get ready to fall in love with these unputdownable reads.
List of Best Romance Books of the Year 2023
Things We Left Behind (Knockemout Book 3)
Author: Lucy Score
In this passionate and suspenseful novel, Lucian Rollins, a wealthy and powerful businessman, is driven by a desire for revenge against those who wronged his family. He meets his match in Sloane Walton, a fierce and independent librarian who is determined to uncover the truth about her family’s past. Despite their mutual distrust, they are drawn together by a shared secret and a fiery attraction. As they navigate their complicated feelings for each other, they must also contend with external threats and confront their own deep-seated fears and beliefs. Will they be able to overcome their differences and find a way to be together, or will their pasts continue to tear them apart?
Fourth Wing (The Empyrean Book 1)
Author: Rebecca Yarros
In this captivating fantasy romance novel, Violet Sorrengail, a young woman with a rare condition that makes her physically weak and vulnerable, is unexpectedly chosen to attend Basgiath War College, where she hopes to become a dragon rider. However, her dream is threatened by the college’s brutal environment, where cadets will stop at nothing to succeed, and by Xaden Riorson, a powerful and ruthless wingleader who has a personal vendetta against Violet’s mother.
As Violet struggles to survive and prove herself, she discovers that the kingdom is facing a deadly threat from outside forces and that the college’s leadership may be hiding a sinister secret. With friendship, betrayal, and romance swirling around her, Violet must use all her wit and determination to stay alive and uncover the truth.
Iron Flame (The Empyrean Book 2)
Author: Rebecca Yarros
In this gripping sequel to “Fourth Wing” Violet Sorrengail returns to War College, where she faces even greater challenges and dangers. The real training has begun, and Violet must navigate a grueling and brutal curriculum designed to push her to her limits. But she also faces a new and formidable foe in the vice commandant, who seeks to break her spirit and destroy her relationship with the man she loves.
Despite her physical weaknesses, Violet possesses a strong mind and a fierce determination to survive. But as she uncovers a long-hidden secret at Basgiath, she realizes that her determination alone may not be enough to save her and her fellow riders from the danger that lurks within the college’s walls.
Happy Place
Author: Emily Henry
In this romance book, Harriet and Wyn, a formerly perfect couple, find themselves in a tricky situation when they break up five months before their annual friend group vacation at a Maine cottage. Desperate to avoid breaking their friends’ hearts, they decide to keep their split a secret and pretend to be still together for the week-long retreat. As they try to maintain their usual dynamic and hide their true feelings, they discover that faking their relationship might be harder than they thought, especially when they’re surrounded by people who know them best. Will they be able to pull off the act and preserve their friendships, or will their secrets come crashing down?
Love Redesigned (Lakefront Billionaires Book 1)
Author: Lauren Asher
In this contemporary romance novel, Julian and Dahlia, former rivals and family friends, are brought together by a mutual business opportunity. Despite their initial reluctance to work together, they agreed to renovate a historic house and split the profits. As they spend more time together, their forced truce becomes strained, and they begin to acknowledge their long-denied attraction to each other. But as they navigate their complicated feelings, they must also confront their past and the misunderstandings that have kept them apart. Can they overcome their issues and fall in love, or will their temporary partnership remain strictly professional?
The Seven Year Slip
Author: Ashley Poston
This book follows the story of Clementine, a young woman who has experienced a traumatic event that has left her hesitant to open up her heart to love. She forms a plan to keep her heart safe, which includes working hard, finding someone decent to love, and chasing the moon. However, things take a surprising turn when she finds a strange man standing in the kitchen of her late aunt’s apartment, a man who exists in the past and whom she might fall head-over-heels for.
As she navigates this unusual situation, Clementine must confront her fears and learn to trust her heart again. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the complexity of human relationships, all set against the backdrop of a magical and mysterious apartment that seems to defy the laws of time.
Hello Stranger
Author: Katherine Center
Struggling artist Sadie Montgomery’s life is finally coming together when she’s named a finalist in a prestigious portrait competition. But her excitement is short-lived when she develops a rare condition that makes human faces appear as jumbled puzzle pieces. With only a few weeks to create the best portrait of her life, Sadie will do anything to reverse her condition and get back to work.
Along the way, she’s aided by her dog’s veterinarian, who may or may not be her daydream fiancé, and her quirky neighbor, who adds to the chaos. Through the ups and downs, Sadie learns that seeing the world differently has its advantages and that love can give us the courage to embrace the unknown. Ultimately, the best way to look at the world is with an open heart.
Love, Theoretically
Author: Ali Hazelwood
This romance book tells the story of Elsie Hannaway, a theoretical physicist who leads multiple lives. By day, she works as an adjunct professor, struggling to secure tenure. By night, she offers her services as a fake girlfriend, using her people-pleasing skills to embody whatever version of herself her clients need. But when she crosses paths with Jack Smith, a renowned experimental physicist who ruined her mentor’s career and stands in the way of her dream job, Elsie’s carefully constructed world begins to crumble. As she engages in a battle of scholarly sabotage, Elsie finds herself drawn to Jack despite her reservations. Will she put her theories on love into practice and risk everything for a chance at happiness?
King of Greed: A Billionaire Romance (Kings of Sin Book 3)
Author: Ana Huang
King of Greed is a seductive and captivating romance novel that follows the tumultuous relationship between Dominic Davenport, a ruthless and powerful billionaire, and his wife Alessandra, a kind and intelligent woman who has played the role of trophy wife for years. As Dominic’s obsession with wealth and power consumes him, he drives Alessandra away, only to realize too late that true happiness lies beyond material possessions. Can their marriage survive the test of time and temptation, or will their differences tear them apart forever?
Forget Me Not
Author: Julie Soto
Forget Me Not is a romantic comedy novel that follows the story of Ama Torres, a wedding planner who doesn’t believe in marriage, and Elliot Bloom, a florist who hates owning a flower shop. Despite their differing views on love and relationships, they collaborate on events and share a deep connection. However, their past mistakes and misunderstandings threaten to ruin their professional and personal relationship.
As they work together on a high-profile wedding, they must confront their feelings and give love a second chance. With the help of two meddling brides, Ama and Elliot may just discover that some things can survive even the most chaotic of situations. This smart and hilarious novel is a tale of love, forgiveness, and learning to trust oneself.
Shadows of You: A Small Town Grumpy Sunshine Romance (The Lost & Found Series Book 4)
Author: Catherine Cowles
In this suspenseful and emotional romance novel, a young mother flees her dangerous past and arrives in a small town seeking refuge and a fresh start. She expects to lay low and avoid attention, but fate has other plans when she meets Roan Hartley, a rugged and enigmatic man who saves her and her daughter from a snowstorm.
Despite his rough exterior, Roan reveals a soft spot for the mother-daughter duo and becomes their unlikely protector. As threats from the protagonist’s past emerge, Roan proves fiercely devoted to keeping them safe, even if it means putting himself in harm’s way. As tensions rise and danger looms closer, the pair’s bond deepens, and they must confront their fears and insecurities to find a chance at happily ever after.
The Art of Scandal
Author: Regina Black
The Art of Scandal is a provocative and captivating novel that delves into the lives of Rachel Abbott and her husband Matt, a rising political star, as they navigate a tumultuous divorce and the consequences that come with it. Set in the wealthy DC suburb of Oasis Springs, the story unfolds as Rachel receives a sexually charged text from her husband that was intended for another woman, leading to a divorce that threatens to derail Matt’s political ambitions. In exchange for her silence, Rachel demands a generous settlement, including their opulent home and a hefty sum of money.
As Rachel plays the role of the ideal trophy wife during her husband’s reelection campaign, she crosses paths with Nathan Vasquez, a charming and gifted artist struggling to find his footing. Their mutual attraction sparks a forbidden romance that awakens long-dormant passions and creativity within both of them. However, their blossoming relationship comes with a price, as secrets and scandals lurk beneath the surface, threatening to destroy everything they hold dear.
This enticing novel explores themes of rediscovering one’s self, the transformative power of art, and the risks and rewards of pursuing love in unexpected places.
Business or Pleasure
Author: Rachel Lynn Solomon
In this romance book, Chandler Cohen, a ghostwriter, finds herself in a series of embarrassing situations after a disastrous one-night stand with Finn Walsh, a C-list actor. Despite their initial impression, they are forced to work together on Finn’s memoir, and their professional partnership soon turns into a deal to improve Finn’s bedroom skills. As they grow closer, they must choose between their business arrangement and their growing feelings for each other. Will they be able to balance their professional and personal lives, or will they have to make a choice between the two?
The Marriage Auction
Author: Audrey Carlan
The Marriage Auction is a captivating and provocative novel that delves into the lives of four young women who participate in a secretive and controversial arranged marriage system. Each woman is bid on by wealthy men, with the promise of a million dollars per year for three years, in exchange for their commitment to be faithful and dedicated wives. As they embark on this journey, they become embroiled in a web of complex relationships, hidden agendas, and intense family dynamics.
Against the backdrop of luxury and opulence, these women must navigate their new roles as wives, while also grappling with their own desires, insecurities, and secrets. The novel explores themes of power, control, and the commodification of love, as the characters struggle to reconcile their personal aspirations with the expectations placed upon them.
Practice Makes Perfect
Author: Sarah Adams
Annie Walker is a small-town flower shop owner looking for her perfect match, but her attempts at dating have been unsuccessful. After a particularly disappointing date, Annie decides to take matters into her own hands and asks her brother’s bodyguard, Will Griffin, to teach her how to be flirtatious and fun like the leading ladies in her favorite romance movies.
Will, a tattooed and gorgeous bodyguard, is initially hesitant but eventually agrees to help Annie. As they spend more time together, Annie begins to see a different side of Will and starts to question whether her dream guy needs to be perfect or just real. Amid steamy practice dates and tutoring sessions, Annie and Will’s friendship becomes dangerously blurred, leading them to reevaluate their feelings for each other.
The Build Up
Author: Tati Richardson
Architect Ari James is trying to make a comeback in her career, but her first day at a new firm gets off to a disastrous start when she’s caught in a compromising position by her new colleague, Porter Harrison. Despite their rocky beginning, they’re forced to work together on a high-stakes project that could make or break their careers. As they collaborate, they realize their undeniable chemistry, but their competitive natures and focus on success make it difficult to prioritize their budding relationship. Can they find a way to balance their professional goals and personal desires without sacrificing everything they’ve worked for?
The Love Wager
Author: Lynn Painter
In this romantic comedy, Hallie Piper is determined to turn her life around and become a fully functioning adult. She starts by getting a new apartment, haircut, and wardrobe, and then turns to a dating app to find her perfect match. But when she logs onto the app, she’s surprised to see Jack, the guy whose hotel room she crawled out of after a disastrous one-night stand.
Despite their rocky past, Hallie and Jack agree to be each other’s wingmen as they search for their respective soulmates. As they navigate the ups and downs of modern dating, they support each other through hilarious texts and post-date taco runs. Will they find their perfect matches, or will they discover that their perfect match is actually each other?
Dragged to the Wedding
Author: Andrew Grey
In this humorous and heartwarming romp, James Petika, a gay police officer in Chicago, finds himself in a predicament when he needs a date for his sister’s wedding in Montana, but his family doesn’t know he’s gay. Enter Daniel Bonafonte, aka Lala Traviata, the queen of the Chicago drag scene, who agrees to be James’s incognito date. As they navigate the wedding festivities, Daniel’s drag-diva skills are put to the test, and they must fake their relationship while ignoring their growing feelings for each other. Will they be able to pull off the performance of their lives and keep their secret safe, or will their true feelings be exposed?
The Blonde Identity
Author: Ally Carter
In this thrilling and romantic adventure, a woman wakes up in Paris with no memory of who she is or how she got there. She quickly learns that people are trying to kill her, and the only person who can help her is a handsome and mysterious stranger who claims to be her twin sister’s spy partner. As they race across Europe, dodging bullets and pretending to be a couple on their honeymoon, they work to unravel a dangerous conspiracy and clear her sister’s name. But as they uncover more secrets, the line between truth and lies becomes increasingly blurred, and she must decide who to trust – her twin or the man she’s falling for.
Tastes Like Shakkar: (If Shakespeare Were an Auntie Book 2)
Author: Nisha Sharma
Bobbi Kaur, a determined wedding planner, is tasked with organizing her best friend’s wedding, but she has two major obstacles to overcome: the egotistical and sexy chef Benjamin “Bunty” Padda, who is supposed to help her with the menu, and a mysterious saboteur who is trying to ruin the wedding. With her family’s event planning business on the line, Bobbi must work closely with Bunty to solve the mystery and save the wedding, all while navigating their growing attraction to each other. Through lavish fundraisers and a wild bachelor-bachelorette trip to Las Vegas, Bobbi and Bunty must confront their feelings and work together to ensure a happily ever after for themselves and the happy couple.
Also Read, 20 Best Books of Year 2023 on Amazon Charts.