PUBLISHED
December 18, 2024
2024 has been another remarkable year for romance novels, offering a refreshing mix of heartfelt love stories, witty banter, and complex emotions that will resonate with readers long after the last page. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the genre or new to the world of happily-ever-afters, this year’s lineup delivers something for everyone—from seasoned authors like Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez, to rising stars such as Danica Nava and Yulin Kuang.
These books not only captivate with their emotional depth and humor but also tackle real-life struggles, proving that romance can be as meaningful as it is entertaining.
So, if you’re looking for a love story to sweep you off your feet, these are the best of the best in 2024.
1. This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
Goodreads
Kennedy Ryan is no stranger to acclaim, and this year, she hit new heights with This Could Be Us. The second book in her Skyland series features a protagonist, Soledad Barnes, whose life falls apart after her relationship does. As she picks up the pieces, an unexpected chance at love arises, but only if she can trust a second chance at romance. Ryan’s reputation for blending women’s fiction and romance is fully earned here, with her signature mix of wit, wisdom, and heartfelt storytelling.
2. How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
Goodreads
Yulin Kuang, already a Hollywood staple with her screenwriting work for Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation, has ventured into writing her own romance this year with How to End a Love Story. Starting with the unforgettable line, “All things considered, her little sister’s funeral is a boring affair,” Kuang weaves a contemporary romance around a tragic accident, a troubled young man, and a woman who’s reluctantly drawn to him. It’s a provocative exploration of love, blame, and healing.
3. Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Amazon UK
In Just for the Summer, Abby Jimenez redefines the “it’s just a fling” trope. Justin, cursed in relationships, and Emma, with the same fate, decide to fake date to break their curse. But as summer heat intensifies, their families get involved, and unexpected feelings emerge. Jimenez’s breezy, fun tale is filled with layered emotions, showing that summer love is never as simple as it seems.
4. A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams
Goodreads
In her follow-up to Seven Days in June, Tia Williams transports us to Harlem with A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, a book that blends contemporary romance with historical fiction and magical realism. The story follows Ricki, a woman trying to escape her influential family by opening a flower shop. She meets the musician Ezra “Breeze” Walker, and their connection soon becomes much more than ordinary. Williams brings a soulful, musical energy to this romantic tale that’s both enchanting and heartfelt.
5. Funny Story by Emily Henry
Goodreads
Emily Henry’s Funny Story lives up to its title but also delivers plenty of emotional depth. Daphne Vincent moves in with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex, Miles Nowak, after her own engagement ends abruptly. While there are moments of humor and awkwardness, Henry balances the comedy with the real pain of heartbreak, creating a romance that feels as messy and true as love itself.
6. Marriage & Masti by Nisha Sharma
Goodreads
Nisha Sharma wraps up her Shakespeare-inspired romance series with Marriage & Masti, based on Twelfth Night. The story follows Veera and Deepak, whose accidental marriage, shipwrecks, and friends-to-lovers journey are filled with humor, heart, and South Asian cultural influences. Sharma’s skill in weaving love and family drama with sharp wit makes this a standout conclusion to her beloved trilogy.
7. Principles of Emotion by Sara Read
Goodreads
In Principles of Emotion, Sara Read takes a fresh approach to romance with a protagonist who is a panic-prone mathematician on the cusp of a life-changing discovery. While grappling with mental health, family trauma, and grief, she falls into a second-chance romance. Read addresses serious issues while still delivering an inviting, thoughtful romance that defies expectations.
8. Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
Goodreads
Annabel Monaghan’s Summer Romance is a delightful blend of humor and sincerity. The novel follows Ali Morris, a recently single mother who, amidst the chaos of her life, embarks on a summer fling. But Ethan sees something in Ali that she had nearly forgotten about, and now she’s questioning if this summer romance could lead to something much more profound.
9. The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
Amazon
Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, writing together as Christina Lauren, deliver The Paradise Problem, a romance about Liam, a grocery-chain heir, and Anna, a struggling artist. Their fake relationship is meant to secure an inheritance, but the two soon realize that love might be more complicated than money. With their signature humor and emotional depth, this book examines the value of relationships, wealth, and the importance of connection.
