Somehow the new year is already upon us, so here is my collection of 22 New Romance Releases for 2023! They are a collection of both historical and contemporary romances across an array of different tropes. I’ve read several of these authors before, which is why I’m excited, but also many of them are very new to me. Several are debuts! I have included a few that I’ve read ARCs of simply because they’re that good and you need to know about them.
Without any further adieu, here are my 22 New Romance Releases of 2023 I cannot wait to read and 3 I’ve read and cannot wait for you to read! They are listed below in order of pub date!
Good Girl Fail by Roni Loren
Contemporary Romance | Out: 17 Jan 2023
Roni Loren is pretty much an auto buy author for me at this point. And oh wow does this book sound absolutely amazing. I already have this book preordered to show up on my kindle on pub day!
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Synopsis:
O’Neal Lory has been taught that one mistake can undo an entire life of right decisions. That it doesn’t matter if a person has been good ninety-nine percent of the time. One misstep, one snap judgment, can derail everything. So, she’s taken a lot of right steps on the straight and narrow path. Eighteen years of them, in fact. Perfect grades. No rules broken. And definitely no boys.
Until she kisses him.
Auden Blake knows he shouldn’t touch his little sister’s best friend, knows that innocent girls like her should stay far, far away from him and his roommate Lennox—especially when she could reveal their behind-closed-doors activities to his family. But when sheltered O’Neal goes rogue, ditching her scholarship to a conservative all-girls college and showing up at Bennette State—his school—instead, it’s going to take everything Auden has to keep his and Lennox’s hands off the curious good girl whose teach me vibes could unravel them both.
A Love by Design by Elizabeth Everett
Historical Romance | Out: 17 January 2023
I have read this one as an ARC. It’s so tender and pining and just all of the pieces I love in a romance. It’s a second chance romance with an engineer heroine and golden-retriever energy hero!
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
Widowed and determined, Margaret Gault has returned to Athena’s Retreat and the welcoming arms of her fellow secret scientists with an ambitious plan in mind: to establish England’s first woman-owned engineering firm. But from the moment she sets foot in London her plans are threatened by greedy investors and—at literally every turn—the irritatingly attractive Earl Grantham, a man she can never forgive.
George Willis, the Earl Grantham, is thrilled that the woman he has loved since childhood has returned to London. Not as thrilling, however, is her decision to undertake an engineering commission from his political archnemesis. When Margaret’s future and Grantham’s parliamentary reforms come into conflict, Grantham must use every ounce of charm he possesses—along with his stunning good looks and flawless physique, of course—to win Margaret over to his cause.
Facing obstacles seemingly too large to dismantle, will Grantham and Margaret remain forever disconnected or can they find a way to bridge their differences, rekindle the passion of their youth, and construct a love built to last?
Chick Magnet by Emma Barry
Contemporary Romance | Out: 24 January 2023
I have never read a book by Barry, but this one has chickens. I think I’ve seen some good reviews of this on Twitter from others, but I don’t really care. It has CHICKENS and a hot vet. That’s all I need to know.
Available: Amazon (KU)
Synopsis:
Nicole Jones needs a fresh start. “Chick Nic” to millions of internet fans, the social media star and her flock of chickens bask in the spotlight—until she’s publicly dumped by a YouTuber for clout. She has no choice but to round up her birds and move on.
But when one of her hens has an emergency, Nic gets her first taste of her new stomping grounds—and it isn’t good. Veterinarian Will Lund is wildly attractive, yes, but he’s also surly. In fact, he comes right out and calls her a menace for parading her chickens on social media.
As neighbors, Nic and Will can’t exactly avoid each other. Then again, maybe they don’t want to. The two can’t deny their smoldering attraction, and it isn’t long before late-night confessions lead to backyard shenanigans.
Is this the start of a neighborly relationship—or could something more be hatching?
The Duke Gets Even by Joanna Shupe
Historical Romance | Out: 24 January 2023
Is it even a list if I don’t include a Joanna Shupe book?? But seriously, I’ve read this one a few times already as an ARC and OMG I cannot wait to hold it in my hands and highlight it to pieces.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
To escape the shackles of marriage, Nellie Young purposely ruined her reputation a long time ago. Now she dedicates herself to hedonistic pleasures only, like kissing a handsome stranger in the ocean under the moonlight…
To save his estate, the proper Duke of Lockwood must marry the perfect bride—wealthy, with an unblemished reputation. While in New York he’s the perfect gentleman, and no one knows he’s suppressing his darkest desires. The last thing he needs is another scandal.
Except Nellie sees through Lockwood’s charade, straight to the real man underneath. This uptight duke is far more than he lets on, and she can’t resist him. Their secret affair turns scorching, far more than either expected. And when his beautiful rebel finds an unconventional cause, Lockwood has to decide if he’s willing to sacrifice everything to keep her.
Just My Type by Falon Ballard
Contemporary Romance | Out: 7 February 2023
After A Lease on Love snuck its way into my heart last year I am so excited for this book. Second chance romance with a touch of competitive coworkers? I cannot wait!
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
Lana Parker is an expert girlfriend. After a disastrous breakup with her high school boyfriend, she’s bounced from long-term relationship to long-term relationhip and even works as the dating and relationships columnist for one of Los Angeles’s trendiest websites. But when Lana suddenly finds herself single, she’s ready to take a break, both personally and professionally.
That is, until her high school ex, Seth Carson, takes an assignment at Lana’s site. Having spent years traveling the world as a freelance journalist, Seth’s finally ready to put down roots. Seth and Lana’s chemistry is just as combative—and undeniable—as ever and quickly leads to a competition that could shape both of their careers. Pitted against each other by Lana’s boss, they are each tasked with writing an article series that goes against their usual dating type: Lana needs to write about being single and staying single, while Seth must learn to settle down and become boyfriend material. Whoever’s series is most popular winds a highly coveted dream job. But when the two square off, it’s not only their careers on the line—it’s also their hearts.
Ruby Spencer’s Whisky Year by Rochelle Bilow
Contemporary Romance | Out: 14 February 2023
I’m just here trying to not wish myself into Ruby Spencer’s life based on this synopsis. Come on, Scotland? Whisky? Hot dudes? This is like the dream come true and I’m about to live vicariously through her.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
Ruby Spencer is spending one year living in a small cottage in a tiny town in the Scottish Highlands for three reasons: to write a bestselling cookbook, to drink a barrelful of whisky, and to figure out what comes next. It’s hard to know what to expect after an impulse decision based on a map of Scotland in her Manhattan apartment—but she knows it’s high time she had an adventure.
The moment she sets foot in Thistlecross, the verdant scenery, cozy cottages, and struggling local pub steal her heart. Between designing pop-up suppers and conversing with the colorful locals, Ruby starts to see a future that stretches beyond her year of adventure. It doesn’t hurt that Brochan, the ruggedly handsome local handyman, keeps coming around to repair things at her cottage. Though Ruby swore off men, she can’t help fantasizing what a roll in the barley might be like with the bearded Scot.
As Ruby grows closer to Brochan and the tightly held traditions of the charming village, she discovers secret plans to turn her beloved pub into an American chain restaurant. Faced with an impossible choice, Ruby must decide between love, loyalty, and the Highlands way of life.
The Counterfeit Scoundrel by Lorraine Heath
Historical Romance | Out: 21 February 2023
The last series by Lorraine Heath was everything, so obviously I’m intrigued by this series. It’s all Kingston’s friends! My Reviews of her books: Scoundrel of My Heart , The Duchess Hunt, and Return of the Duke.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
Born into an aristocratic family, yearning for a life beyond Society’s strictures, Marguerite “Daisy” Townsend is an enterprising sleuth. Hired to obtain proof of a wife’s infidelity, she secures a position in the household of the woman’s lover, never expecting to be lured into the seductive blackguard’s arms herself.
Devilishly handsome, David Blackwood, known widely as Bishop, quickly realizes the enticing maid is interested in far more than dusting. She aims to uncover his sins. Although tempted by the dangerous beauty, he can’t risk her learning the truth: his affairs are chaste. As a boy who witnessed his mother’s abusive relationship, Bishop now helps desperate wives escape unhappy marriages.
Yet when he is accused of murdering the husband of a “paramour,” he is forced to seek Daisy’s assistance in proving his innocence. As their perilous search draws them into a web of deceits, they can no longer deny their simmering desire. Once secrets are revealed, will Daisy’s counterfeit scoundrel give up the scandalous games he plays and surrender his heart into her keeping?
The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest
Contemporary Romance | Out: 28 February 2023
Bookish love that is pen-pals with high levels of anticipated pining? Yes please!! I am so looking forward to this novel because both characters are shy and bookish and ah! I cannot wait to read!!
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
Shy, bookish, and admittedly awkward, Lily Greene has always felt inadequate compared to the rest of her accomplished family, who strive for Black excellence. She dreams of becoming a children’s books editor, but she’s been frustratingly stuck in the nonfiction division for years without a promotion in sight. Lily finds escapism in her correspondences with her favorite fantasy author, and what begins as two lonely people connecting over email turns into a tentative friendship and possibly something else Lily won’t let herself entertain—until he ghosts her without a word.
Months later, Lily is still crushed, but she’s determined to get a hold of her life, starting with finding a date to her sister’s wedding. And the perfect person to help her is Nick Brown, her charming, attractive new neighbor, who she feels drawn to for reasons she can’t explain. But little does she know, Nick is an author—her favorite fantasy author.
Nick, who has his reasons for using a pen name and pushing people away, soon realizes that the beautiful, quiet girl from down the hall is the same Lily he fell in love with over email months ago. Unwilling to complicate things even more between them, he agrees to set her up with someone else, though this simple favor between two neighbors is anything but—not when he can’t get her off his mind…
Mr. & Mrs. Witch by Gwenda Bond
Paranormal/Contemporary Romance | Out: 7 March 2023
Fun fact about me is that I adore forbidden romances, so this sounds absolutely amazing. Also the impending betrayal and love? This is going to be such a fun read that I can already feel it.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
Savannah Wilde is a witch, a very powerful one―an identity that only her fellow witches know. Following a whirlwind romance that surprised herself and her family, Savvy is all set to marry the love of her life. But she isn’t the only one with a secret that needs to be kept, even from her soon-to-be husband.
Griffin Carter is a top agent for a clandestine organization that, well, used to primarily hunt witches, but now mainly tries to shut down supernatural threats their own way. He can’t wait to lay his eyes on the woman he’s about to spend the rest of his life with.
As Savvy walks down the aisle to Griffin, the wedding quickly goes from blessed day to shit show when their true identities are revealed. To say there’s bad blood between their factions is putting it mildly. Savvy and Griffin are tasked to take the other out, but when they discover a secret that could take down both of their agencies, they realize the only way to survive is to team up. With assassins hot on their trail, will Savvy and Griffin make it out alive to try again at ‘I do’?
Off The Map by Trish Doller
Contemporary Romance | Out: 7 March 2023
Dollar writes the most emotional books ever, so prepare to be emotionally hurt and put back together. I cannot wait. Plus it takes place in Ireland!! What a perfect setting.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
Carla Black’s life motto is “here for a good time, not for a long time.” She’s been traveling the world on her own in her vintage Jeep Wrangler for nearly a decade, stopping only long enough to replenish her adventure fund. She doesn’t do love and she doesn’t ever go home.
Eamon Sullivan is a modern-day cartographer who creates digital maps. His work helps people find their way, but he’s the one who’s lost his sense of direction. He’s unhappy at work, recently dumped, and his one big dream is stalled out―literally.
Fate throws them together when Carla arrives in Dublin for her best friend’s wedding and Eamon is tasked with picking her up from the airport. But what should be a simple drive across Ireland quickly becomes complicated with chemistry-filled detours, unexpected feelings, and a chance at love – if only they choose it.
The Portrait of a Duchess by Scarlett Peckham
Historical Romance | Out: 7 March 2023
I have yet to pick up a Scarlett Peckham book and I feel like this is just the one! The cover is stunning and also, the synopsis? Plus I am always in for an age-gap romance with activists!
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
Once upon a time she married in secret…
An activist painter of radicals and harlots, Cornelia Ludgate dismisses love and marriage as threats to freedom. But when an inheritance gives her the chance to fund the cause of women’s rights—on the condition she must wed—she is forced to reveal a secret: she’s already married. To a man she hasn’t seen for twenty years.
Oh…and her husband is a duke.
A horse breeder with a clandestine taste for revolution, Rafe Goodwood never expected to become a duke. But now that the title is his, he is plotting to shock the ruling class with ambitions of reform—and reveal the infamous Cornelia is his duchess. That just presents one problem: he must not fall in love with her—again.
Now they must resist the temptation to rekindle an affair…
Although determined not to sacrifice her principles for passion, Cornelia is still drawn to the man whose very being threatens her independence. Hurt too many times, Rafe can’t risk love again—especially with the woman who once shattered his heart. But a conspiracy to upend the inequalities of the aristocracy bring Cornelia and Rafe closer, forcing them to finally decide what—and who—they hold dear.
Love and Other Flight Delays by Denise Williams
Contemporary Romance | Out: 14 March 2023
Ok, ok, ok. Technically this one already is out as it is a collection of novellas that Williams released last year. But I haven’t read them yet. And Williams is an auto buy author and it’s at an airport!!
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
The Love Connection
An airport pet groomer meets her frequent-flier crush and finds herself in a fake-dating situation with a professional risk assessor who moonlights as a romance author.
The Missed Connection
Two strangers share a romantic night only to discover months later that they’re professional rivals about to embark on an extended business trip together in this grumpy-meets-sunshine romance.
The Sweetest Connection
Two best friends have one week to return a lost love letter found in a candy store at the airport—and work up the courage to confess the deep feelings between them—before one of them leaves the country.
A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes by Manda Collins
Historical Romance | Out: 28 March 2023
I have read this one. If you’ve read Manda Collins’ other two books then I think you’ll obviously enjoy this one. It’s filled with some great plot twists and an adorable romance that feels sooo right.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
England, 1867: Miss Poppy Delamare is living a lie. To escape an odious betrothal, she fled to London where she’s been hiding as the unassuming secretary Flora Deaver. However, when her beloved sister is accused of murder, Poppy cannot leave her to the wolves. Only a most unexpected—and unwelcome—collision interrupts her journey home . . .
Despite a rather dismal first meeting, Joshua Fielding, the Duke of Langham, has no intention of abandoning a lady in need. But he’s not above asking a favor. A fake betrothal will give Poppy and her sister the power of the dukedom and protect Langham from the society misses intent on becoming his duchess.
Yet the longer the ruse goes on, the more Poppy and Langham realize how false their first impressions were—and the less pretend their engagement feels. But before Langham can propose in truth, their search reveals a tangled web of lies and betrayals. With time running out, can Poppy and Langham find the real culprit—before Poppy becomes the next victim?
Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller
Historical Romance | Out: 28 March 2023
Historical romances with spies are my favorite thing ever. If this is written I will read it. This book has spies… in historical Vienna… with a romance with a hotel owner… and the intrigue! I am so excited.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
It’s ball season in Vienna, and Maria Wallner only wants one thing: to restore her family’s hotel, the Hotel Wallner, to its former glory. She’s not going to let anything get in her way – not her parents’ three-decade-long affair; not seemingly-random attacks by masked assassins; and especially not the broad-shouldered American foreign agent who’s saved her life two times already. No matter how luscious his mouth is.
Eli Whittaker also only wants one thing: to find out who is selling American secret codes across Europe, arrest them, and go home to his sensible life in Washington, DC. He has one lead – a letter the culprit sent from a Viennese hotel. But when he arrives in Vienna, he is immediately swept up into a chaotic whirlwind of balls, spies, waltzes, and beautiful hotelkeepers who seem to constantly find themselves in danger. He disapproves of all of it! But his disapproval is tested as he slowly falls deeper into the chaos – and as his attraction to said hotelkeeper grows.
The Fastball by Megan Cousins
Contemporary Romance | Out: 30 March 2023
Megan is a friend and this whole series has just been a giant hug. This one is going to make me cry, I know it’s going to happen. I mean fixing a house? Letters? Trauma to get through? I’m gone.
Available: Amazon (KU)
Synopsis:
Amanda:
I hate flying. In fact, it terrifies me. But the cute stranger seated next to me on my first flight in five years helps calm my nerves and put me at ease. When I find out that he flips houses, it doesn’t take much convincing to ask if he’ll help me with the house I just inherited from my grandpa. It’s not easy for me to put my heart on the line, and I don’t know if I can take that plunge.
Again.
James:
There’s nothing quite like breaking through the clouds into bright blue sky, but my seat mate might disagree with me on that. She’s terrified. And I’m not going to let her go through this experience alone. When she asks if I can help with her house, of course I say yes. I’m intrigued and want to get to know her more. But when our shared past comes calling, I don’t know if I can risk my heart.
The Nanny by Lana Ferguson
Contemporary Romance | Out: 11 April 2023
I’ve known a few people to have read this book and I’ve heard nothing but amazing things! The premise sounds amazing. I am fully behind DILF chefs. I am so ready to get a copy of this book!
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
Suddenly unemployed and on the brink of eviction, Cassie Evans is left with two choices: get a new job (and fast) or fire up her long-untouched OnlyFans account. But the job market is terrible, and as for OnlyFans. . . . Well, there are reasons she can’t go back. Just when all hope seems lost, an ad for a live-in nanny position seems like the solution to all her problems. It’s almost too perfect—until she meets her would-be employer.
Aiden Reid, executive chef and DILF extraordinaire, is far from the stuffy single dad Cassie was imagining. He shocks her when he tells her she’s the most qualified applicant he’s met in weeks, practically begging her to take the job. With hands that make her hindbrain howl and eyes that scream sex, the idea of living under the same roof as Aiden feels dangerous, but with no other option, she decides to stay with him and his adorably tenacious daughter, Sophie.
Cassie soon discovers that Aiden is not a stranger at all, but instead someone who is very familiar with her—or at least, her body. Given that he doesn’t remember her, Cassie is faced with what feels like an impossible situation. As their relationship heats to temperatures hotter than any kitchen Aiden has ever worked in, Cassie struggles with telling Aiden the truth, and the more terrifying possibility—losing the best chance at happiness she’s ever had.
The Fiancee Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur
Contemporary Romance | Out: 18 April 2023
Book store owner and romance cover model? With a fake engagement? And this cover? Combine all of these with Bellefleur’s writing and you’ve got a book that is already preordered.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
Tansy Adams’ greatest love is her family’s bookstore, passed down from her late father. But when it comes to actual romance… Tansy can’t get past the first chapter. Tired of her stepfamily’s questions about her love life, Tansy invents Gemma, a fake girlfriend inspired by the stunning cover model on a bestselling book. They’ll never actually meet, so what’s the harm in a little fib? Yet when real-life Gemma crosses Tansy’s path, her white lie nearly implodes.
Gemma van Dalen is a wild child, the outcast of her wealthy family, and now the latest heir to Van Dalen Publishing. But the title comes with one tiny condition: she must be married in order to inherit. When Gemma discovers a beautiful stranger has been pretending to date her for months, she decides to take the charade one step further—and announces their engagement.
Gemma needs a wife to meet the terms of her grandfather’s will and Tansy needs money to save her struggling bookstore. A marriage could be mutually beneficial, if they can fool everyone into thinking it’s a love match. Unexpected sparks fly as Tansy and Gemma play the role of affectionate fiancées, and suddenly the line between convenient arrangement and real feelings begins to blur. But the scheming Van Dalen family won’t give up the company without a fight, and Gemma and Tansy’s newfound happiness might get caught in the fallout…
Bear With Me Now by Katie Shepard
Contemporary Romance | Out: 25 April 2023
I am personally pro bears in romance books. I’m also pro completely messy humans finding someone who likes their messy and helps them get whole. This seems like that book and I so hope I’m not wrong!
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
After a panic attack puts him in the hospital, charity executive Teagan Van Zijl is dragged by his sister to a wilderness therapy retreat in Montana. Lost in the woods while absconding from midafternoon meditation, Teagan is nearly eaten by a bear before his rescue by a furious angel in muddy hiking boots: the program’s handywoman, Darcy Albano, who was mostly worried for the bear.
Darcy thought she was going to work as a trail guide when she was hired onto the camp staff but ended up cleaning and hauling instead—merely the latest screwing-over she’s endured since her ex stole her car and her parents ruined her credit score. Teagan becomes the silver lining she didn’t expect, a man clearly going through something yet willing to commit to Darcy’s unique brand of wilderness education as the cure for what ails him.
After weeks in the mountains with Darcy, Teagan doesn’t want to return to New York without her. He hires Darcy as his sober companion—a position he doesn’t actually need filled and for which Darcy is completely unqualified—hoping she can help him figure out a way to move forward. But once they get to the city, all Teagan can think of is how to confess the truth without losing her. Together, they begin to imagine what their lives might look like if they could depend on each other for help—even in outrunning a bear.
Mrs. Nash’s Ashes by Sarah Adler
Contemporary Romance | Out: 23 May 2023
Call me weird all you want but this book sounds amazing! Reuniting lovers via her ashes and then a road trip with a man that knew your ex? DC to the Keys? If anyone can survive a romance on 95 they’re the one.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
Millicent Watts-Cohen is on a mission. When she promised her elderly best friend that she’d reunite her with the woman she fell in love with nearly eighty years ago, she never imagined that would mean traveling from D.C. to Key West with three tablespoons of Mrs. Nash’s remains in her backpack. But Millie’s determined to give her friend a symbolic happily-ever-after, before it’s (really) too late—and hopefully reassure herself of love’s lasting power in the process.
She just didn’t expect to have a living travel companion.
After a computer glitch grounds flights, Millie is forced to catch a ride with Hollis Hollenbeck, an also-stranded acquaintance from her ex’s MFA program. Hollis certainly does not believe in happily-ever-afters—symbolic or otherwise—and makes it quite clear that he can’t fathom Millie’s plan ending well for anyone.
But as they contend with peculiar bed-and-breakfasts, unusual small-town festivals, and deer with a death wish, Millie begins to suspect that her reluctant travel partner might enjoy her company more than he lets on. Because for someone who supposedly doesn’t share her views on romance, Hollis sure is becoming invested in the success of their journey. And the closer they get to their destination, the more Millie has to admit that maybe this trip isn’t just about Mrs. Nash’s love story after all—maybe it’s also about her own.
The Duchess Takes a Husband by Harper St. George
Historical Romance | Out: 23 May 2023
This is the last book in St. George’s series and I am SOOO excited for it. I love a widow who finds herself after an awful marriage and add some lessons in pleasure? I need this book yesterday.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
Despite her illustrious title, Camille, Duchess of Hereford, remains what she has always been—a pariah. Though her title means she’s technically accepted by London Society, the rebellious widow with her burgeoning interest in the suffrage movement and her American ways isn’t exactly high on every hostess’s guest list. But Camille starts to wonder if being an outcast is not without its perks when the tantalizing answer to her secret fear appears in the shape of Jacob Thorne, the illegitimate son of an earl and co-owner of London’s infamous Montague Club.
Jacob is used to making deals with his club members—he’s just not accustomed to them being beautiful women. Nor have the terms ever been so sweetly seductive as Camille’s shocking proposition. To finally buy his own club and gain the crucial backing of investors, Camille offers Jacob the respectability of a fake engagement with a duchess. In return, the tempting widow has one condition: she wants Jacob to show her if it’s possible for her to experience pleasure in bed.
The lure of such a bargain proves too delicious to resist, drawing the enterprising rogue and the wallflower duchess into a scandalous game and an even more dangerous gamble of the heart.
You, With a View by Jessica Joyce
Contemporary Romance | Out: 11 July 2023
This debut is going to be great, I can feel it. I feel like I’m going to end up crying during this book at least once, but that’s fine… I am just so excited to read a road trip romance book during summer!
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Synopsis:
Noelle Shepherd is unemployed, living with her parents, and grieving the loss of her beloved grandmother when she discovers decades-old photos of Gram and a smitten man, tucked alongside a love letter. She creates a TikTok to search for the mystery man, which goes viral, and she’s shocked when his grandson responds—a man who happens to be her high school nemesis, Theo Spencer.
Noelle refuses to let Theo’s annoying accomplishments in adulthood—or his sexy smirk—stand in the way of meeting his grandfather and unlocking the secrets he knew about her gram as a young woman. When she learns that their plans to elope were thwarted, Noelle decides to take the honeymoon road trip they planned but never got to carry out. There’s a catch, though: Paul, Theo’s grandfather, asks to come with her, and he insists that Theo join them.
It’ll be a miracle if they make it through the trip without Noelle throwing Theo out of the moving car—or the bed they end up sharing. As the miles tick by, the tension simmers hotter between them…until she discovers that Theo’s hiding a secret that could cause their tenuous relationship to end before it can restart.
Play to Win by Jodi Slaughter
Contemporary Romance | Out: 11 July 2023
After Bet on It last year being one of my favorite reads, I CANNOT wait for this one to come out. It sounds so fun and entertaining. Plus Slaughter can write a compelling book so this is going to be a win.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
Miriam Butler’s life is going nowhere in the slowest, most excruciating way possible. Stuck in the same barely-paying job she’s had since she was sixteen and spending every night sleeping in the spare twin bed in her mother’s house, her existence might be hilarious if it wasn’t so bleak. One trip to her favorite Quickie Mart upends everything when she finds herself the winner of a Mega Millions Lottery Jackpot. Unfortunately, not even life-altering roses come without their painful thorns. Hers just so happen to be in the form of an estranged husband who has the right to claim his share of hermoney.
It’s been eight years since Leo Vaughn has had a conversation with his wife. When she calls out of the blue, practically begging him to come back to Greenbelt, the last thing he expects her to tell him when he gets there is that she’s come into a whole heap of money. She offers him a life-changing proposition of his own. Take a lump sum, finally sign the divorce papers, and be done with her for good. Only, a forever without her is the last thing Leo wants. So he gives a proposition of his own. One that won’t cost her nearly as many millions, but will buy him the time to do the one thing he’s been hungry to do since he left — win her back.
What’s a Duke Got to Do With It by Christina Britton
Historical Romance | Out: 11 July 2023
A second chance romance with a Tina Turner inspired title? YES!! I’ve been reading Christina Britton’s books for a while and I am so excited for all of the pining and the giant dog sure to be inside the pages!
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
Four years ago, a scandal cost Miss Katrina Denby everything. Now, companion to the irascible Lady Tesh and in possession of wonderful friends, she believes her luck has finally changed. Until the man responsible for her ruination returns to England and promptly dies in a fall from her bedroom window. Now the life she had begun to build for herself is in shambles. And not only is she ostracized and vilified, but her friends are suffering as well because of their association with her. Katrina will do anything to gain respectability again and protect those she cares for. But her plans to marry one of the few men who will still have her despite the stain on her name and lack of fortune are thrown into turmoil with the arrival of the only man Katrina ever loved. A man who is now about to become engaged to another.
Sebastian Thorne, Duke of Ramsleigh, was a carefree rogue when he first met and began to fall in love with Katrina. But his father’s horrible actions forced him to give up on his dreams of a future with her. Now, after years of trying to save the dukedom, there is only one option left: to marry, and marry well. But though he has nearly secured the woman—and her fortune—necessary to protect the people who are counting on him, his future father-in-law sends him on one final errand to earn his blessing. What Sebastian doesn’t expect while seeing that job through, however, is Katrina—or that his feelings for her have not faded. In fact, they have only grown stronger, Katrina’s hold on his heart even more powerful than before. With both of their futures on the line and so many lives at stake, will their passion for one another lead to the ruin of them both—or give them a happiness they never dared to dream of?
With Love, from Cold World by Alicia Thompson
Contemporary Romance | Out: 1 August 2023
After reading Love in the Time of Serial Killers I knew that I was ready for Thompson’s next book. Add into the mix that it’s at a lesser attraction site in Orlando and I am READY for this book!
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
Lauren Fox is the bookkeeper for Cold World, a tourist destination that’s always a winter wonderland despite being located in humid Orlando, Florida. Sure, it’s ranked way below any of the trademarked amusement parks and maybe foot traffic could be better. But it’s a fun place to work, even if “fun” isn’t exactly Lauren’s middle name.
Her coworker Asa Williamson, on the other hand, is all about finding ways to enliven his days at Cold World—whether that means organizing the Secret Santa or teasing Lauren. When the owner asks Lauren and Asa to propose something (anything, really) to raise more revenue, their rivalry heats up as they compete to come up with the best idea. But the situation is more dire than they thought, and it might take these polar opposites working together to save the day. If Asa thought Lauren didn’t know how to enjoy herself, he’s surprised by how much he enjoys spending time together. And if Lauren thought Asa wasn’t serious about anything, she’s surprised by how seriously he seems to take her.
As Lauren and Asa work to save their beloved wintery spot, they realize the real attraction might be the heat generating between them.
Knockout by Sarah MacLean
Historical Romance | Out: 22 August 2023
This book has been built up so much with the first two in the series. Imogen and Thomas are going to be explosive (pun intended). I am really hoping it’s on par with Brazen and the Beast!!
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Synopsis:
With her headful of wild curls and wilder ideas and an unabashed love of experiments and explosives, society has labeled Lady Imogen Loveless peculiar…and doesn’t know she’s one of the Hell’s Belles—a group of vigilantes operating outside the notice of most of London.
Thomas Peck is not most of London. The brilliant detective fought his way off the streets and into a promising career through sheer force of will and a keen ability to see things others miss, like the fact that Imogen isn’t peculiar…she’s pandemonium. If you ask him, she requires a keeper. When her powerful family discovers her late-night activities, they couldn’t agree more…and they know just the man for the task.
Thomas wants nothing to do with guarding Imogen. He is a grown man with a proper job and no time for the lady’s incendiary chaos, no matter how lushly it is packaged. But some assignments are too explosive to pass up, and the gruff detective is soon caught up in Imogen’s world, full of her bold smiles and burning secrets…and a fiery passion that threatens to consume them both.
I FULLY expect to think of at least 20 other books that I want to put on this list. But, this is what I have for now. Expect to see another list in a few months to see what new books I’ve found/heard about for the later months of 2023.
Any way you look at it, there are some amazing novels coming out. I cannot wait to read them all and share my thoughts!!
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