Is there anything better in the world than getting cozy with a steamy drink and an even steamier book? No, I really don't think so — which is why I've read over 60 romance novels in 2024 (so far).
If you're looking for a book to warm you up after a long, cold winter, here are my seven favorite romance novels coming out this spring:
1. Funny Story by Emily Henry
At this point, Emily Henry IS the romance industry, so it's no real surprise that Funny Story is such a dazzlingly electric rom-com. Still, I can't help but gush about this book. In a lot of ways, it feels like the spiritual successor to her first best seller, Beach Read (similar setting, fun small town on Lake Michigan vibes, a great cast of characters, and the whole "every weekend they go on date-like adventures together" thing).
The story follows unlikely roommates Daphne Vincent and Miles Nowak, who move in together after Daphne's fiance cheats on her with Miles's fiancee. The pair fake their relationship to get back at their exes, and hilarity ensues.
From the banter to the sexual tension to the summer vibes, Funny Story is quintessential Emily Henry in the best way.
This title will be released on April 23, 2024. Pre-order it on Bookshop!
Berkley 2. The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
The Paradise Problem is a hilarious and sexy rom-com that fans of Crazy Rich Asians and The Proposal will love. The book follows Anna Green, a struggling millennial artist who was just fired from her convenience store job after rebuffing her boss's sexual harassment, and Liam “West” Weston, an heir to one of the largest grocery store chain fortunes in the US. They entered a marriage of convenience in college so Anna could access discounted couple's housing on campus and West could fulfill the five-year marriage requirement in his grandfather's will to unlock his $100 million inheritance.
The pair lose touch after West graduates, but they reunite several years later when they're forced to attend West's sister's extravagant week-long wedding on a private Indonesian island. As sparks fly and hijinx ensue, the pair realize their relationship might not be so fake after all.
Christina Lauren's books are basically the gold standard for romance novels at this point, and The Paradise Problem might just be their best book yet.
This title will be released on May 14, 2024. Pre-order it on Bookshop!
Gallery Books 3. When I Think of You by Myah Ariel
When I Think of You is a dazzling second-chance romance between film studio receptionist Kaliya Wilson and famous director Danny Prescott. The two met in film school and had a steamy whirlwind romance — until everything fell apart. Seven years later, Danny offers Kaliya a job on his next film, and the pair have to figure out how to work together on and off set. But as is often the case in Hollywood, scandal and behind-the-scenes politics threaten to ruin careers, relationships, and everything in between. Eventually, Kaliya is forced to choose between her moral compass and her second chance at true love.
Myah Ariel's storytelling is so engaging that it's hard to believe this is her debut novel. These characters are so easy to fall in love with, and the ending is incredibly well-earned.
This title will be released on April 16, 2024. Pre-order it on Bookshop!
Berkley 4. We Could Be Heroes by Philip Ellis
If you're still in the mood for books set in the entertainment industry after When I Think of You , you'll be hard-pressed to find a better romance novel than We Could Be Heroes . The book follows actor and on-screen superhero, Patrick Lake, and secondhand bookseller slash part-time drag queen, Will Wright. After a classic rom-com meet-cute, the two become friends — and feelings naturally start to develop between them. The pair are forced to contend with who they really are deep down and what they mean to each other. And most of all, they must decide if being together is worth the risk.
This title will be released on June 4, 2024. Pre-order it on Bookshop!
G.P. Putnam's Sons 5. Wild Love by Elsie Silver
Wild Love is the first book in Elsie Silver's addictive new Wild Love series. It takes place in Rose Hill, city girl Rosie Belmont's small hometown, and the place billionaire Ford Grant visited every summer as a child. As an adult, Ford returned to Rose Hill to establish his recording studio and reconnect with his childhood best friend. He chose the town because of the peace and quiet — but his peace is promptly interrupted by two life-altering events. First, Ford discovers he's the father of an angsty tween girl. And second, Rosie Belmont moves back to Rose Hill after she's unfairly dismissed from her corporate job in the big city.
Ford and Rosie always butted heads, but they slowly realize their animosity might exist to cover up long-held romantic feelings for each other. But Ford just hired Rosie as his assistant, and Rosie is Ford's best friend's sister. If they get together now, they'd risk the fragile peace between them. But maybe true love is worth the risk.
This title will be released on April 9, 2024. Pre-order it on Bookshop!
Bloom Books 6. Bespelled by Laura Thalassa
Bespelled is the sequel to Bewitched , which told the story of young witch Selene Bowers and the ancient warlord and vengeful warlock Memnon, who she accidentally awoke from a curse. Memnon was convinced that Selene was his former wife and blood-bound soulmate, but she refused to believe they shared a romantic history — until Memnon restored Selene's lost memories and revealed that she was his wife from a past life. Even worse, Selene was the one to curse Memnon all those years ago.
Now Memnon demands a modern marriage with Selene, but there's only one problem (well, there are many problems, but one of them is more pressing than the others): Selene originally cursed Memnon for a very good reason all those years ago, and lifting the curse was definitely a mistake. But Memnon is far more powerful than Selene ever imagined, and escaping him will be tricky. Between her insistent soulmate and the entire coven of evil witches out to get Selene, she is surrounded by danger and running out of time.
If you love romantasy, enduring love, and extremely high stakes, you will be utterly *bewitched* by Laura Thalassa's storytelling and world-building (pun fully intended).
This title will be released on May 28, 2024. Pre-order it on Bookshop!
Bloom Books 7. Only and Forever by Chloe Liese
Fans of the ultra-popular Bergman Brothers series will LOVE the seventh and final book following the love story between fan favorite Viggo Bergman and cynical author Tallulah Clarke. The two first met briefly in college, when Viggo unsuccessfully flirted with Tallulah for a semester. Years later, they meet again through their siblings, and this time Viggo isn't willing to let Tallulah get away quite so easily. So when Tallulah needs help defeating writer's block and Viggo needs an assistant at his romance bookstore, he offers to help with her book in exchange for her employment. Oh, and part of their agreement results in them becoming roommates.
Somewhere along the way, Tallulah warms up to Viggo, and the romance-obsessed Bergman brother finally, FINALLY gets the happy ending both he and the readers have wanted for so long.
This title will be released on April 2, 2024. Pre-order it on Bookshop!
Berkley Make sure you check out the best romance novels of 2024 (so far) !
What are your favorite romance novels of the year so far? Share them in the comments! 📚💘