Romance

Sarah MacLean’s latest series follows a group of brazen, brilliant Victorian ladies who wield their own justice. Here, meet Adelaide Frampton, once a pickpocket, now an expert thief of high society secrets. While a wallflower to many, she is most definitely seen by the Duke of Clayborn, who is both intrigued and determined to keep his own truths from her. Full of adventure, substance, humor, and so much spice, MacLean builds the best worlds. Start here or with Bombshell, the delightful first book, and fall in love! —Melinda

Murderinos rejoice! This is THE romance novel for anyone who binges True Crime podcasts, Netflix series, Only Murders in The Building, and Ann Rule books. Thompson’s endless references to both obscure and well-known stories feel like an Easter Egg. It might be distracting if not so freakin’ well done. The characters are charming; the story is original, and it's an overall delightful reading experience. SSDGM —Lindsay

This book is the ideal poolside read: sweet, sincere, and just a little bit silly. The author of The Wedding Date and The Proposal presents a tale as old as time: Izzy and the Beast—er, Beau Towers. Fall in love with the grumpy recluse struggling to write his memoir and the sunshiny publishing assistant determined to help him succeed. It’s a love story to, as Guillory puts it, “that feeling you got when you read a book that meant something to you.”  —Lindsay

Nora Stephens is a high-powered literary agent with platinum blonde hair and a kickass Manhattan apartment. The only thing she loves more than her bestselling client is her little sister Libby, who is very pregnant with her third child. Libby suggests a vacation to the small North Carolina hamlet of her favorite romance novel. Nora, recently left by a beau who falls in love with a girl next door on his travels (again) begrudgingly complies but even in escaping to a small town, she can't avoid her professional nemesis, Charlie. Emily Henry is at her peak with publishing world and romance genre inside jokes. The heart of the story lies in the sweetness of sisterhood and bravery in the face of big change.  —Celeste

Starting a new series, The Good Girl’s Guide to Rakes has everything you’ve been missing from the regency. A deal between a rake (for respectability) and the reputable, nearly-engaged sister of his friend (for a taste of freedom) forces each to confront both desire and their own hidden self. Balls, promenades, gaming hells, theatre, secret parties, blackmail and reputation, stalwart friends, moments of stolen passion—Eva Leigh will delight and satisfy with yet another London season of irrepressible lovers.  —Jocelyn

Fans of Red, White & Royal Blue, rejoice! Here’s something similarly steamy and full of all the feels; it hooked me immediately. Nicholas has doubts about his new costar Chris, but as the cameras get rolling and the sparks start flying, he discovers there’s more than fame and fortune on the line. I loved the chemistry between these two and the sweet supporting cast, and I found it almost impossible to put down. Delectable and delightful, this is a perfect summer indulgence.  —Jax

The cover made me think I was getting a bittersweet story about Black love. The first page made me think I was getting a hilariously smart, slightly raunchy rom–com with a romance author and a literary darling. By the third chapter I gave up expectations and just kept reading. Tia Williams is a brilliant, vibrant writer who dances seemingly effortlessly betwixt genres—a modern romantic comedy of adults doing their best in the real world and a euphoric tragedy of the teenagers whose sudden love burned almost brightly enough to defy self-destruction. Funny and addictive in its turns, powerful in its contradictions, and utterly, beautifully satisfying. —Jocelyn

I think fake relationships are my favorite romantic literary trope. A Puerto Rican chef and an Irish whiskey distiller are bullied into an engagement by scheming family members, and they must go through with the marriage or risk losing their family businesses forever. A steamy romp, this book is as delicious as it is funny. Perfect for fans of The Worst Best Man and Fake It Till You Bake It.  —MJ

After Viola Carroll lost her life in the Napoleonic War, she was able to more fully become her true self, but not without losing her childhood friend, the Duke of Gracewood. When reunited years later, Viola finds the Duke suffering from his own grief and the effects of war. What follows is a wonderful historical romance, with all the requisite brooding, banter, drama, and spice. That it seamlessly incorporates themes of grief and PTSD, and shines light on transgender experiences is a welcomed boon, I mean, swoon.  —Melinda

A chance to join the Thirteen, rulers of Olympus, comes along once in a generation. Only three challenges stand between the entrants and their prize: a seat at the table and marriage to Zeus’s younger sister. But, in a Brave-inspired move, Helen enters the competition for her own hand. Can she seize the opportunity to earn freedom, power, and respect? Or will a pair of hunky outsiders, Achilles and Patroclus, foil her plan? Part three of Katee Robert’s viral Dark Olympus series. Perfect for fans of reimagined Greek characters, The Hunger Games, and extra steamy romance!  —Lindsay