I've narrowed down my favorite romance books that I've read and were released this year. These are in no particular order and I will provide a quick review for each book.
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Homecoming King by Penny Reid:
Penny Reid's latest book will have you laughing and swooning your heart out. Since I'm a sucker for the arranged marriage and fake dating trope, Rex and Abby's romance was everything I wanted and more: charming, witty, romantic, slightly angsty, and surprisingly spicy. I was incredibly invested in their reunion and relationship because Abby had been in love with Rex since elementary school and he never noticed her. So many years have gone by since then and while Rex was playing matchmaker to his friends, he was getting left behind. This encounter with Abby will finally open his eyes and make him realize that what he always wanted was right in front of him all along.
Dark Reign by Amelia Wilde:
Amelia Wilde captivated me with her writing style, world building, steamy romance, and interesting characters in Dark Reign. I was completed invested in Emerson LeBlanc and Daphne Morelli's twisted relationship. The slow burn and unfolding romance between Emerson and Daphne had me on the edge of my seat because he was exhibiting some extremely obsessive, possessive, and stalker-like behavior. Strangely, most of Emerson's internal dialogue felt romantic because of how much power Daphne had over him. There is no denying that Daphne and Emerson's chemistry was dark, palpable, sensual, and erotic. The tension was thick with every encounter because Emerson was slowly unraveling and losing control over his feelings for Daphne at every turn.
Red Sin by Aleatha Romig:
Aleatha Romig has outdone herself with the captivating and sensual romance between Donovan and Julia in Red Sin. I was enthralled by their all-consuming lust and intense chemistry and relationship from start to finish. This is Aleatha’s best work to date in my opinion—and she has had many. Both Julia and Van were fantastic characters in their own right and they complimented each other spectacularly. Since their very first meeting, it almost felt like fate was pushing these two together when they least expected it. This chance encounter, also known as red sin, would ultimately change their lives and bring buried secrets to the forefront.
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Indigo Ridge by Devney Perry:
From the exceptional romance to the suspenseful and action-packed revelation behind the deaths in Quincy, Devney Perry has crafted a wonderful tale of new beginnings while letting go of the past and moving towards the future. Griffin Eden and Winslow Covington's attraction burned up the pages and their chemistry had me smiling the entire time. It was a slow burn romance that progressively became more over the course of the story. Even though Griffin and Winn's romance was the heart of this book, I was also completely immersed and invested in the murder mystery plot as well. It was interesting, had me on the edge of my seat, and heartbreaking. There were so many things I loved about this book: The small town vibe, close-knit families, gossiping, and especially the romance. However, Griffin and Winn's developing relationship was my most favorite part of all.
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey:
Get ready to laugh and swoon because Piper and Brendan's romance will have you craving for more! These two were so incredibly adorable and sexy together. Brendan has a bit of dirty mouth on him but this is to be expected since it's Tessa Bailey after all. Fans of the opposite attract romance will absolutely love this book because Piper and Brendan come from two completely different worlds and yet they fit each other perfectly. I love how this flamboyant and confident woman gets nervous when she's with Brendan. From the amazing chemistry to the charming little town and residents that Piper and Hannah are forced to get to know, this book has it all—steamy, emotional, and heart.
These Thorn Kisses by Saffron A. Kent:
This book was my favorite because Conrad and Bronwyn were both brimming with tension and chemistry. Bronwyn was a bright spark of sunshine in Conrad's dark and broken world. I loved how their forbidden relationship was so passionate but precious and romantic at the same time. Bronwyn may be shy and a good girl but she was willing to do anything for Conrad… emotionally and intimately. I highly recommend this book to those who love the age-gap and forbidden romance trope with a dirty talking hero who is extremely possessive of his shy and sweet heroine.
