Most of the bestsellers you see in stores and on social media are romance novels. Romance evokes strong feelings, makes you empathize with the characters, and race through the pages hoping for a happy ending.
These novels generate $1.44 billion in revenue each year, which makes their popularity clear.
Whether you like sweet romantic love stories or full-blown erotica, you’ll be looking forward to the exciting new romance books coming in 2023.
The 10 best romance books coming in 2023
If romance is your go-to genre, then you should definitely consider these new book recommendations coming in 2023.
Happy Place – Emily Henry
Emily Henry, the author of 2021’s People We Meet on Vacation, is set to release her new romance novel, Happy Place.
Even though Harriet and Wyn broke up months ago, they haven’t told their best friends yet. There’s only one thing to do: pretend to still be together on a weeklong vacation. The last thing they want is to disappoint their friends, but faking a love that’s lost is an even tougher job.
The release date for this highly anticipated novel is April 23.
Sorry, Bro – Taleen Voskuni
Armenian-American writer Taleen Voskuni grew up in an Armenian community. Taleen now lives in San Francisco, where the main action of the upcoming novel Sorry, Bro takes place.
In this LGBT rom-com, Nar ‘s non-Armenian boyfriend finally gets down on one knee and pops the question in a room full of drunken San Francisco techs. At that moment, Nar realizes this isn’t her idea of romance.
Romance fans will enjoy this queer love story of an Armenian-American woman meeting Erebuni, rediscovering her roots, and embracing her true self.
Love, Theoretically – Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazelwood is the author behind the famous The Love Hypothesis and a New York Times best-selling author. Love, Theoretically is another masterpiece slated for release in 2023.
The plot of this story follows Elsie Hannaway, a theoretical physicist. An aspiring scientist, she’s caught up in a chain of lies, fraud, and awkward moments. Little does she know that Jack Smith, the attractive older brother of one of her clients, is going to disrupt all that.
This enemies-to-lovers rom-com is sure to be a hit with fans of unlikely romances.
Exes and O’s – Amy Lea
If you’re looking for some laughs, this might just be the book for you. In Exes and O’s, a social media influencer is desperate for love and decides to reconnect with her exes in the hope that she finds “the one.”
The main character, Tara Chen, is done with having her heart broken. Quitting dating apps, she tries to spark a real-life connection with the one ex, all in hope of finding true love.
The Plus One – Mazey Eddings
In The Plus One, Mazey Eddings tells the story of two childhood enemies, Indira and Jude. To avoid any awkward questions at Indira’s brother’s best friend wedding, they decide that fake dating is the perfect solution.
But will this fake relationship stay fake, or will it turn into a lovers romance?
Lunar Love – Lauren Kung Jessen
Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen is another masterpiece in the 2023 book releases. Oliva Huan wants to continue her grandmother’s tradition of matchmaking. Terrified but excited at the same time, the fun and enchanting plot with fun characters makes it a must new releases TBR.
Secretly Yours – Tessa Bailey
In Secretly Yours, Tessa Bailey tells the steamy love story of a professor and his neighbor who clash all the time. If you like small town romance novels that go deeper than simple acts of sympathy, then this book is for you.
Secretly Yours might just be the next big Hollywood Valentine’s Day hit!
The Fiancée Farce – Alexandria Bellefleur
The Fiancée Farce is a modern-day take on a romance story. Bookseller Tansy pretends to be in a relationship with a fictitious model called Gemma. To keep her family-owned bookstore from an evil corporation, Tansy announces her marriage to someone who doesn’t even exist.
This Goodreads favorite will show you that fate works in mysterious ways.
Take the Lead – Alexis Daria
Alexis Daria’s debut novel centers around a reality dance show. Gina wants to make it in the industry, but she’s never been able to get through to the finals. However, things start to heat up when her latest partner, the star of an Alaskan wilderness show, appears.
Just when her hopes are raised, she finds out that it’s all a publicity stunt. Will this reality dance stay a showmance, or will it turn into something more?
Georgie, All Along – Kate Clayborn
In Georgie, All Along, the author tells the story of Georgie Mulcahy, a personal assistant who’s been putting others before herself all her life. When she returns to the small town she grew up in, she must come to terms with the truth: her needs are nothing more than a blank page.
Levi Fanning is about to change all that, however. A confirmed troublemaker, he offers Georgie a helping hand. But will they both benefit and get what they want?
Honorable mentions
Besides our selection, here are some books that didn’t quite make the cut but are definitely worth your attention:
- The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest
- Meet Cute by Helena Hunting
- Radiant Sin (The fourth book in the Dark Olympus series) by Katee Robert
- The True Love Experiment, by Christina Lauren
- Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert
- Not Your Ex’s Hexes by April Asher
Indulge in romantic fiction on Speechify Audiobooks
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With Speechify, you can listen to your favorite matchmaking story like Happy Place by Emily Henry while at the gym, walking, or preparing for bed. Speechify works on most Android, iOS, and Chrome devices.
Pick your favorite storyteller and listen to the book for free with Speechify audiobooks.
FAQ
Who is the number 1 romance author?
Nora Roberts is the number 1 romance author and a proud member of the America Hall of Fame.
What age group reads the most romance novels?
Nowadays, the age group most interested in reading love stories is women between the ages of 18 and 54.
What are second chance romance books?
In second chance romance novels, couples that have been broken up somehow find their way back together and live happily ever after.
What are some of the most popular romance books?
Here are the ten most popular romance books of all time:
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
- Beach Read by Emily Henry
- Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuinston
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
- Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
- It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
- The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
- People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
- Signs and Skymates by Dosse-Via Trenou
What is the latest best-selling romance book?
The latest best-selling romance book is People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, a #1 New York best-selling author.
What is the most popular genre of romance?
By far, the most popular genre of romance among readers is contemporary romance. This genre of new romance books reflects modern-day romance and how couples navigate their relationships in a world that’s changing by the day.
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