15 best romance books of 2024

The best of 2024 romance The books cover a wide range of stories, all of which ensure that love is in the air – although most also deal with deeper conversations about relationships and life. Romance books can provide great escapes from reality, but they also portray fundamental human experiences. It's no wonder its popularity continues to endurewith many of the genre's biggest authors releasing new titles year after year. This continued into 2024, with writers such as Ali Hazelwood, Kennedy Ryan, and Emily Henry publishing new books.

Well-known romance authors aren't the only ones who have delivered compelling novels this year. A good mix of debuts hit stores, along with more experimental stories, offering readers different options within the genre. From modern fairy tales to reimaginings of Shakespeare, there was no shortage of great love stories throughout 2024. Many of them will no doubt be discussed in the new year, even as the big romance of 2025 debuts.

15

A new love story

By Ashley Poston

Ashley Poston has fantasy and romance titles to her credit, and the author's 2024 book perfectly combines romance with a dash of the fantastic. It's no surprise A new love story is among the best romance titles of the year as its premise sets it up for success. With a literature professor getting involved in her favorite fictional world — and falling in love there — A new love story has all the right ingredients for an enchanting fairy tale.

Poston's 2024 book is the perfect story for people who love stories, and its magical realism sets it apart from many of the year's other big romance releases. It walks the line between fantasy and romance, and Poston's writing style makes opening this one feel like coming home. There are some shortcomings, mainly with regard to the pacing of the novel and the heroine's ending, but A new love story It continues to be a delightful journey.

14

How to end a love story

By Yulin Kuang

ONE Goodreads Choice Awards nominated in the Favorite Novel category and winner of Favorite Debut, How to end a love story by Yulin Kuang is one of the most notable romance books of the year. The novel's award recognition and 3.67 rating on Goodreads are impressive for a debut author, promising great things in Kuang's writing career. A great example of the enemies-to-lovers trope, How to End a Love Story follows two writers with complicated, intertwined pasts as they work together on a TV show.

This setup alone will hook readers, but How to end a love story It's much more than romance. While the central dynamic is a compelling reason to pick up this 2024 release, the exploration of deeper themes like grief make this book a must-read. How to end a love story is as emotional as it is intelligent, and these strengths easily place it among the best novels of the year. The worst thing that can be said about this book is that it will leave readers wanting more of Helen and Grant's happily ever after.

13

The pairing

By Casey McQuiston

Casey McQuiston became a must-read romance author after One last stop and Red, White and Royal Blue – and his 2024 novel, The pairingwas one of the most anticipated romance books of the entire year. For the most part, it lived up to readers' high expectations, weaving a second-chance romance full of travel, delicious cuisine, and sex. These aspects of Kit and Theo's story make for an emotional journey, but It's their dynamic that really allows The pairing shine.

McQuiston's characters are so likable that it's hard to avoid getting totally involved in his story. There is a lot of anguish and longing after the separation and reunion of the protagonists, and this will make readers feel all the emotions alongside them. The pairing it slows down at some points, but overall, it's one of the most fun and original releases to join the romance genre in 2024.

12

Bride

By Ali Hazelwood

Ali Hazelwood released two books in 2024, and both saw the author heading into uncharted territory – although Bride it was a little more memorable. A paranormal romance inspired by the Omegaverse, Bride received a lot of attention upon its debut in February. It also scored a Goodreads Choice Awards nomination for Favorite Novel and an impressive 4.08 rating on the platform. It goes without saying that Bride resonated with many readers, especially those interested in vampire/werewolf pairings and Omegaverse fiction.

Of course, Bride it has a lot of appeal, even outside of those readers. Bridethe story perfectly combines its romance narrative with its paranormal plot. It also highlights its leads as individuals as much as it highlights their chemistry together. While it repeats tropes and archetypes that appear frequently in Hazelwood's books, this only guarantees that fans of her work will enjoy it. Bride It's certainly not for everyone, but it's a breath of fresh air in a genre that could use riskier paranormal stories like this.

11

The love of my afterlife

By Kirsty Greenwood

Kirsty Greenwood returns with a new novel in 2024, and The love of my afterlife has a premise that practically guarantees a good time. As the title suggests, The love of my afterlife begins with two characters getting along in the waiting room of the afterlife. The pressure mounts when the book's heroine gets a deal to return to Earth – and start over with the mysterious stranger there. The problem is that she has to find him first, and this takes Delphie and the reader on an enchanting and magical journey.

Despite its mix of fantastic elements and romance, The love of my afterlife it doesn't shy away from more serious subjects, which seems appropriate for a novel that begins with death. The characters in Greenwood's latest are likable, and that goes beyond the two romantic leads. The love of my afterlife receives a 4.09 rating on Goodreads and a Goodreads Choice Awards nomination in the romance category. It's a must-read in 2024, even if some of its twists are sometimes predictable.

10

The paradise problem

By Cristina Lauren

Author duo Christina Lauren published The paradise problem in 2024, and it's easily one of the best summer romance books of the year. The paradise problem puts a very relatable spin on the fake dating trope, as it starts with its leads getting married for strictly financial reasons. They are forced back together years after signing divorce papers, with Anna accompanying Liam to his sister's wedding – which takes place on a private island.

The paradise problem has the beachy luxury and getaway vibes needed for any great summer readBut what sets him apart is his commitment to his themes. The novel doesn't gloss over its conversations about wealth, privilege, and class, and that's exactly what sets it above so many other 2024 romance books. The characters may not be the most original, but it's easy to put yourself in their shoes thanks to the premise. of the book. No wonder The paradise problem boasts a Goodreads score of 4.10 and a Goodreads Choice Awards nomination for Favorite Novel.

9

The Rom-Commers

By Katherine Center

The Rom-Commers of the Katherine Center lives up to its title, bringing readers the ideal romantic comedy in 2024. Center's new offerings are both heartfelt and entertaining, taking readers on a journey to Hollywood to tell their story. The unlikely duo of Emma and Charlie prove to be much more charming than they initially appeared, although it takes a while to get used to these completely opposite screenwriters. They both have their flaws, but this makes their relationship more believable as they work together and fall in love.

Like all of Emma's goal throughout The Rom-Commers is to convince Charlie that romantic comedies are worth it, this book reads like a love letter to the genre. It provokes all the giddy feelings and emotional twists and turns that usually accompany romantic comedies, and its use of tropes feels fun and self-aware. It's a fun outing, even if it doesn't necessarily bring anything groundbreaking to the table. Its Goodreads rating of 4.11 and Goodreads Choice Awards nomination in the romance category speak to this.

8

Wedding and Masti

By Nisha Sharma

Nisha Sharma's third and final book If Shakespeare were an aunt series, Wedding and Masti It's easily the best of the bunch. A reimagining of the playwright's work Twelfth Night, Wedding and Masti finds its hero and heroine drunkenly getting married – and then deciding to keep the arrangement, which will benefit both of their careers. This premise alone justifies Wedding and MastiThe Goodreads rating is 4.10, but the book's strengths go beyond that. Its depiction of Indian culture has also been highly praised, and its lovable characters, comedic moments, and steamy scenes add to its appeal.

While Wedding and Masti can be read as a standalone book, your conclusion is much more satisfying after reading Sharma's entire series. This book ends If Shakespeare were an aunt very well, although it will undoubtedly leave readers wanting more of Sharma's world and characters. The business elements of this faux marriage story may not be for everyone, but it will be an added bonus for fans of workplace romances and businessman heroes.

7

A love song for Ricki Wilde

By Tia Williams

A love song for Ricki Wilde received a lot of attention in the last yearwith Tia Williams' latest blend of magical realism and romance. The book has lyrical prose that is sure to make readers swoon, and its central romance recaptures the passion that made Seven days in June such a huge success. The Harlem setting and artistic themes give this novel a feel that few other novels have, and such elements place it among the best releases of its genre in 2024.

A love song for Ricki Wilde is the ideal read for romance lovers who want an obsessed, upside-down hero and a love story that relies heavily on notions of destiny. The chemistry between Ricki and Ezra is as stunning as the rest of the narrative, making their story easy to understand. Their relationship can feel a little rushed at times, but this only adds to the growing passion between the characters. A love song for Ricki Wilde receives a 4.03 rating on Goodreads and a Goodreads Choice Awards nomination, proving that Williams is an author to watch.

6

Play together

By Liz Tomforde

Plenty of gripping sports romances hit stores in 2024, but Liz Tomforde's Play together is one of the most notable. The fourth addition to Tomforde Windy City series, Play together combines baseball, a fake marriage, and a swoon-worthy hero to form a heartwarming and satisfying love story. Charming heroes are the foundation of Tomforde's books, and the author does no wrong in bringing Isaiah to life in her 2024 novel. Her sweet, supportive love for Kennedy is enough to sell this novel, though Kennedy's arc also has strong appeal. .

Tackling tougher subjects like trauma and sexism through Kennedy's story, Tomforde proves that some romances really can do it all. There's a reason this 2024 release has a high average rating of 4.49 on Goodreads, along with plenty of glowing reviews from readers. It may not have made as much of an impact as the top five romance books of 2024, but it's more than worthy of the same recognition.

5

here we go again

By Alison Cochran

Alison Cochran here we go again is an adventure story, which takes readers on a cross-country road trip as their romance between friends and lovers unfolds. A sapphic romance that brings together two childhood best friends on an unexpected journey with their dying former English teacher, here we go again is as fun and emotional as its premise suggests. here we go again It doesn't shy away from the impending death and pain that the characters are fighting against, and this leads to a gripping story.

Cochrun's 2024 book also doesn't sugarcoat its characters' flaws, which may be irritating for some readers — though it makes them feel more authentic. There are some sweet, warm moments between Logan and Rosemary sprinkled throughout, and Cochrun even manages to inject some comic relief in a few places. However, at its core, here we go again is an incredibly thoughtful and moving tale, so it may not be for all romance readers.

4

The prospects

By KT Hoffman

Another fantastic 2024 sports romance, The prospects is a heartfelt baseball story with a charming LGBTQ+ relationship at its core. KT Hoffman's debut has a lot going for it, and its impressive 4.24 rating on Goodreads highlights its strengths. The author masterfully balances the book's central romance with baseball itself, something that not all sports romances achieve. The back and forth between the characters is top notch, and The prospects makes sure to address serious issues throughout its more than 300 pages.

The rivalry and passion between Gene and Luis are highlights of The perspectives, but the characters' individual journeys also prove compelling from start to finish. With discussions about transgender identities, mental health and raising your own family, The prospects covers a lot in its pages. It also has an outstanding supporting cast and is the kind of sports romance that doesn't require readers to like sports. They'll be rooting for the characters anyway. It's a shame this book didn't get as much attention as some of 2024's biggest romance releases, because it deserves it.

3

Funny story

By Emily Henry

It's never a surprise to see Emily Henry at the top of best romance books lists, and the author's 2024 novel takes her there again. Funny story weaves a complicated narrative of opposites that attractwith its two protagonists falling in love with their ex-boyfriends' ex-boyfriends. It's a premise that lives up to the book's title, as it's fun and delightful to see Daphne and Miles rewrite their stories together. Funny story features a lot of familiar tropes, but Henry manages to use them to his advantage. Nothing about Funny storythe romance seems tedious or overwrought.

Funny story won two Goodreads Choice Awardsin the romance and audiobook category, supporting critics' sentiment that it is one of Henry's best books yet. For many, Funny story It's the best romance book of the year and it's easy to see why. It's everything a romance should be: fun, smart, and hopeful. That said, there are two 2024 romance books with even more powerful messages about love, and they're without a doubt the best of the year.

2

This could be us

By Kennedy Ryan

The second installment of Kennedy Ryan's Skyland series, This could be us can overcome Before I let goeven if slightly. Ryan's latest tells a love story that feels deeper and more mature than many of the others hitting stores in 2024. And this stems from Soledad and Judah's relationship. Their romance is so much more compelling because they are properly developed as individuals and are incredible supports for each other, even in the worst of their journeys. Ryan doesn't shy away from the difficult parts, making this story as moving as it is romantic.

Ryan is known for injecting her novels with beautiful prose, and This could be us this trend continues. The author's stunning descriptions add layers to the narrative, making everything This could be us have to say much more powerful. There are so many great quotes that it's worth keeping a highlighter handy. This could be usGoodreads' average rating of 4.41 makes sense given its strengths, as well as its Goodreads Choice Awards nomination. It's among the best romance releases of the year, coming in just below another big addition to the 2024 lineup.

1

Just for the summer

By Abby Jiménez

Abby Jimenez's novels are great additions to any year, and the author's latest book is the best of its kind in 2024. Just for the summer it feels more like a breezy summer read superficially, but that's never the case with Jimenez's stories. The author consistently paints people and their circumstances in a realistic light, choosing to keep all the rough edges. Just for the summer mixes a fake dating scenario and summer getaway with family problems and traumaand strikes the right balance between all these elements.

As This could be us, Just for the summer makes clear the notion that love is not always good-natured play and joy; Sometimes, it's choosing the other person amidst the ups and downs that life throws at you. Just for the summer cdelivers that message in a heartfelt and feel-good narrative, which has earned it a 4.38 average rating on Goodreads and multiple Goodreads Choice Award nominations this year. It's the strongest of the best of 2024 romance books, and with such an impressive lineup, that's saying something.