Our Picks for the Romantic Reads of This Year

Gazing into the future to the literary landscape of next year, a new crop of romantic fiction is set to capture readers' hearts. This list features a quintet of remarkable titles that offer an array spanning clever present-day narratives to profoundly emotional literary journeys.

Consider Yourself Kissed

This witty and modern tale follows the relationship spanning ten years between father Adam and writer Coralie. Beyond a simple meet-cute, the novel gains substance by embracing subjects like becoming a stepmother, career ambitions, and even political landscapes. The narrative is beautifully executed, offering genuine heft combined with its heartwarming escape.

Problematic Summer Romance

Written by a behemoth of romantic fiction, this funny and sharp intellectual love story fueled conversation owing to its 15-year age disparity. The protagonist, Maya, is 23, while her love interest, Conor, is 38. The novel itself is typically charming, packed with clever retorts and irreverent cheek. It skillfully navigates themes of desire and resistance via a hesitant protagonist who resists the romance.

'Sweet Heat'

This lush recent release features the cherished cast from the author's previous success. We follow Kiki, a host of a dating show whose private relationships are utterly chaotic. Complications ensue when the attractive man from her past, Malakai, reappears as the male attendant at a wedding she's in. What follows is a story that is not only witty but also imbued with real tenderness and nuanced character development, making the predictable journey totally delightful.

"Cover Story"

The work of an author celebrated for her incredible humor, this novel revolves around two journalists who loathe each other who are compelled to act as a couple for a story. Essentially, the setup is a perfect excuse for the author's signature sharp observations and deep-seated warmth. Devotees will encounter the same brilliant humor that has established her as a cherished author in today's romantic fiction.

Heart the Lover

This highly literary love story opens with a revealing sentence: "You knew I'd write a book about you one day." Laden with literary allusion, from its allusive artwork to its deliberately selected character names, the novel plunges the audience into a realm of youthful passion and its long-lasting consequences. It examines bonds and regret throughout a lifetime with notable precision and artistic care, rendering it an excellent choice for the romantically minded reader.

As a group, these quintet of books illustrate the exciting range and lasting power of the category of love stories looking toward the new year.