I am a simple woman. I love romance novels. This year I’ve managed to read over 104 of them and will probably get another few in! I will admit this was easily the year of historical romances for me. I read a ton and bought a ton… Here is a collection of my top 12 romance books of 2022 in no particular order. All of these were read in 2022 (one will be published next year but I couldn’t wait to add it).
The Hellion and The Hero by Emily Sullivan
Historical Romance | Explicit | My Review
Omg, this book had my heart and soul this year. Let me just do a quick recap of why you need to read this: THE PINING, uptight mmc who is the sorta bodyguard, government secrets/spying, longing, badass widowed fmc, “doing the right thing is not to be applauded,” repression, Monte Carlo with a fabulous bed scene (iykyk) and a bath scene and a carriage scene, sorta enemies-to-lovers with the pent up emotions of second chance romance.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Bet On It by Jodie Slaughter
Contemporary Romance | Explicit | My Review
This was probably the best surprise read I had all year! I’m not normally a small town romance lover, but the sweetness of this book blew me away. It deals with heavy topics like mental health and abuse, but it’s entertaining and steamy as well. I mean come on it’s a bingo sex pact. Plus I loved how Aja’s size was never a comment in the book, completely refreshing read on that front. A little insta-lusty but it is totally worth snagging this book for a quick read.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Off The Ice by Jaqueline Snow
Contemporary Romance | Explicit | Review Coming!
Enemies to lovers romance with a grumpy hockey player and an aspiring romance author set in college. Like do I need to say any more? I will, but just know that this book is so much fun. Cal and Elle were great characters to follow along with. The tension and steam levels in this book are damn near perfection too. Cal is one of those characters that is so well written that you truly hate finishing the book. It’s the last in the series and while not necessary, I do recommend reading them all!
Available: Amazon (KU)
Fire Season by KD Casey
Contemporary Sports Romance | Explicit | My Review
Baseball and romance novels are two of my favorite things. Then have KD Casey write an absolutely tender and sweet baseball romance between a relieving pitcher (kudos to those humans) and a star starter? My heart! And have it be a bi-awakening book too with a rescued dog and “sure we can be roommates because my house is too big because I got a divorce” sweetness. Seriously, Charlies the best and Reid is perfect, and together make one of the best books I’ve read–ever. Like It’s just so tender and amazing.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
A Perfect Equation by Elizabeth Everette
Historical Romance | Explicit | My Review
As I am writing this I want to reread this book. It’s so good. She is a mathematician who wants to show off her work at a convention but can’t because she’s a woman. He’s an earl who works under and is a mentee of the man who destroyed her. It’s enemies to lovers. It’s the most perfect miscommunication (don’t roll your eyes, this one is magic) with the best groveling and backstory. Plus they bang it out in basically everywhere but a bed. This book is SOOOOOO good.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
A Lady Tempts an Heir by Harper St. George
Historical Romance | Explicit | My Review
This series has been one of my “I’m counting down until the next book” series of the past roughly 2 years. This installment in the series was totally worth my wait. Helena and Maxwell were that couple for me. Plus I love a widowed historical romance character and St. George delivered. Between the mutual attraction, banter, pining, and the ending there were so many things that I could highlight that were amazing. If you’re a fan of historical romances or honestly romance in general I think this would be a must read book.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Do You Take This Man by Denise Williams
Contemporary Romance | Explicit | My Review
Denise Williams is an automatic buy for me. Do You Take This Man was such a fun read this year. RJ is one of those “unlikeable” women because she takes no BS and is career oriented–LOVE. Lear is a fun time guy who has slight control and commitment issues–SAME. When they end up loosely working together, dislike each other, and also have attraction: phenomenal book. The tension and banter was superb as were the supporting characters in Williams’ usual style!
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas
Historical Romance | Explicit
This was my first Lisa Kleypas Novel and wow did it not disappoint at all. To be honest, I feel like this book is criminally under appreciated. It’s got a great plot, spectacular side plots, a fabulous cast of characters, and a true building love. I mean the ending? The best. The boots? The best. A cross class romance where she gives up everything to be with him? The best. I just really love Simon so much. Annabelle is a bit of a high maintenance human, but the way she drives the story is great.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
The Duke Gets Even by Joanna Shupe
Historical Romance | Explicit | Review Coming!
Shupe has crafted a masterpiece that is incredibly modern, timely, steamy, tender, and angsty that takes you on an unforgettable journey through the tumultuous Gilded Age. Nellie and Lockwood are both strong characters on their own and do not want to be with each other but wow does their chemistry say differently. I did like how it was a bit *more* in the bedroom. However, this is one of those books where you really need to have read the first ones in the series to get to this one.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
Wild Rain by Beverly Jenkins
If you want a strong, highly independent heroine: Spring is your girl. I loved how fiercely independent she was and how she took control. Garret was an absolute cinnamon roll who brought a lot of equalizing energy to the story. There was a lot of healing and emotional work in this novel and wow was that nice to read. Plus it has her usual plot touches. This is technically the second in the series, but I feel like it fits with the Forbidden /Breathless/ Tempest trilogy and would probably be better served reading those. And I’m not one to super rely on covers: BUT LOOK AT IT! Like the whole thing is amazing from cover to cover.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews
Historical Romance | Closed Door | My Review
This book is equal parts beauty and the beast (SWOON) and an homage to Victorian gothic novels with a stunning romance within. Between the settings, the character growth, captivating plot and writing there’s so much to love. Jasper’s whole story was swoon and I loved the growth in relationship between him and Julia. Julia had an amazing character arc too. Honestly this whole book I read in basically one sitting and loved every single line of it. Highly HIGHLY recommend.
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
The Duchess Hunt by Lorraine Heath
Historical Romance | Explicit | My Review
If you love historical romances, or just romances in general, about two people so perfectly suited for each other that it hurts, read this book. Their histories, class differences, personalities, and chemistry all add up to make this spectacular novel. Penelope is sooo competent and Hugh was exactly the perfect person for her. I will also say that the plot of this book was highly enjoyable and this had the best sick scene of any book I’ve read this year!!
Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop
I hope that maybe you found a good book or two off of this list and I know that I missed more amazing books from this year not on this list. And obviously my email is ALWAYS open for recommendations! Overall it was a great year of reading! Let’s hope that next year is filled with even more swoony, amazing romance novels.
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