The Ultimate Romance Book Guide: Lizzy's Top Picks

Taylor Jenkins Reid writes characters that feel so real that I feel like I’m reading biographies. All of her books contain a dose of romance, but her latest novel, Atmosphere, is a great one to pick up if you haven’t tried her before. It’s a love story about the American Space Programme in the 80s, and two women in the middle of it all. It’s well researched, absolutely transporting, and deeply romantic. 

Emily Henry is a queen of romance for a reason – her books are the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, filled with modern tropes done expertly. The movie adaptation of You and Me on Vacation was such a great watch, but if you haven’t read one before, give Funny Story a try. This one surprised me in the best ways and there’s a scruffy bartender to fall in love with. 

Since 2019, Abby Jimenez has brought out a new contemporary romance every year and each one is a great choice if you’re new to the genre. Her books usually have some unexpected depth to the characters, whether it’s family members with dementia in Say You’ll Remember Me, or the impacts of addiction in her newest novel, The Night We Met. The tropes manage to feel fresh in Abby’s characters and she’s one of the big names in contemporary romance for a reason! 

If you’re looking for a bit more spice and not sure where to start, Ali Hazelwood can do no wrong with her novels, and has written a romance for almost everyone - whether you’re more into the werewolves in Bride, or irresistible scientists in The Love Hypothesis. A great one to start with if you’re lucky enough to be new to Ali’s books is her spicy novella, Two Can Play, with my favourite trope of enemies-to-lovers playing out in the world of video gaming. 

Beth O’Leary is a bestselling English author who writes contemporary rom coms and there is something fun about the premise of her novels that elevates them for me. One of my favourites is Swept Away, about a one night stand on a house boat that ends up unmoored and lost at sea - romance with a touch of survival. Her upcoming release, The Name Game, is about two protagonists who end up on a remote small island, accidentally ending up with the same job (and the same living quarters) due to the fact that they have the same name. 

Another author I will pick up without a second thought is Ashley Poston who writes contemporary romance with a touch of magical realism. From a book about a time travelling apartment (The Seven Year Slip), to her novel about a romance author who falls in love with a ghost (The Dead Romantics) - I love them all.

I am not into sports unless it’s a sports romance, and Liz Tomforde writes some of the only books about sport I will read. Start the popular Windy City series with Mile High and find out why her interconnected love stories are so popular. What sets her apart is that her characters are complex and diverse, the romance feels very authentic and positive. There is some serious spice too, but again that is pretty much the only reason I’ll pick up a book about hockey or baseball (at least I’m honest). 

If you’re a fan of Emily Henry, Marian Keys, and contemporary romance novels with satisfying endings and witty comedy, you should give Scottish author Mhairi McFarlane a try. Her recent novel, Cover Story, would be a great one to start with - following Bel and Connor who are rivals at a national paper and unfortunately have to pretend they're deeply in love (we love a fake romance trope).

For a cozy, witchy vibe to your romance you have to pick up A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna - a hug in book form thanks to a handsome magical historian and a once-powerful witch who is trying to restore her powers whilst running an enchanted inn and hanging out with a talking fox. Delightful, and full of heart.

I adore a bit of seasonal romance and recently came across a book that you might not have heard of, A Pack for Autumn by Emilia Emerson! Cozy Autumn small town vibes, along with a spicy why-choose full of alphas, this novel about a new lighthouse keeper in the small town of Starlight Grove and will show you that you can have the best of both worlds (and help you embrace the changing seasons!). There’s also a meddling cat and three hot men involved. Enough said. 

If you’ve already bought the special editions of Bridgerton, and love your romance with a side of regency atmosphere and Pride and Prejudice level banter - you should absolutely check out Georgette Heyer. We have Venetia in stock which is a witty and delightful romance set in idyllic rural Yorkshire, and centered on themes of friendship and newfound love. 

For a (much) spicier regency romance (reverse harem and why choose, anyone?) try Emily Rath’s regency series, Second Sons, the first being Beautiful Things. This novel follows Rosalie, suddenly invited into high society and bewildered by the attention of three very appealing suitors. It's a raunchy regency and just a lot of messy fun. 

Fever Dream by Elsie Silver is highly anticipated for many of us romance readers and although I’ve been lucky enough to already read it, I cannot wait to discuss it with everyone else as soon as it comes out in May! Elsie’s trademark small town charm meets the plot of a Bachelor Reality Show where unfortunately there’s quite a lot of sexual tension between ‘The Bachelor’ and the woman managing the stage sets (who also happens to be his rival’s younger sister!). It’s hot, it’s hilarious, and as always, Elsie writes a winner. 

I might be the only person left in the world of romance who hasn’t read about the love story between Ilya and Shane in the Gamechangers series, but I’ve decided as soon as the stunning deluxe paperback set comes out in November I’ll buy it and dive right in. I know it’s going to immediately take up every ounce of space in my brain and I can’t wait.

If sweetly spicy seasonal romance is your thing, you are no doubt also eagerly waiting for the release of Laurie Gilmore’s upcoming Daisy Chain Flower Shop in May. Set in the small town of Dream Harbour (swoon), Laurie Gilmore has written a series of charmingly seasonal romance novels which are as delightful cozy as you would expect from their title and cover, and bring along a happy ever after guarantee which in this day and age I much appreciate. 

I’m going to end with a slight pivot, but this one is for all you dark romance folks out there. I would be lying if I didn’t say I was excited for Navessa Allen’s upcoming Game On which is out at the end of March. This is the third in her scorchingly dark and twisted (and sexy!) Darkness series. This is one where checking the content warnings is a must before starting, but if you’re up for enemies to lovers, and morally grey characters (and scenes that have you boggled as to how this can be fun to read and YET IT IS?!) then read the other two ASAP (Lights Out and Caught Up).

Having only scratched the surface of the incredible bounty of romance novels that are out there (and the huge variety of genres, I didn’t even get to romantasy or monster romance?!) I would love to hear what romance authors and novels you love and recommend! If you’re in Auckland please pop in and say hi at our little local Bookshop in Hobsonville.

Lastly, if you like your romance a little weird or speculative - I wrote about some of my favourite unconventional love stories (and favourite books of all time) with another Book Hero blog post: Unconventional Love Stories.