Get swept away on beachy vacations, sink into fantasy worlds, and peek behind the scenes of Hollywood glamour in spring’s romance offerings.
Top 10
Beautiful Villain
Rebecca F. Kenney. Sourcebooks Casablanca, July 16 ($16.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-72828-036-3)
In Kenney’s contemporary paranormal spin on The Great Gatsby, recent college grad Daisy reunites with an ex, Jay, who’s made millions through shady supernatural dealings. 75,000-copy announced first printing.
The Emperor and the Endless Palace
Justinian Huang. Mira, Mar. 26 ($28.99, ISBN 978-0-7783-0523-1)
Huang’s queer romantasy debut begins in 4 BCE China and spans centuries, following the relationship of two men through multiple reincarnations.
Everyone I Kissed Since You Got Famous
Mae Marvel. Griffin, June 11 ($18 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-89468-7)
Taking inspiration from the Taylor Swift song “Tis the Damn Season,” Marvel’s sapphic debut reunites a small-town Wisconsinite with her ex–best friend and lifelong crush, now a movie star.
Funny Story
Emily Henry. Berkley, Apr. 23 ($29, ISBN 978-0-593-44128-2)
Daphne and Miles both get dumped when their respective partners decide to date each other instead. The heartbroken duo take their revenge by posing as a couple on social media.
A Gamble at Sunset
Vanessa Riley. Zebra, Mar. 26 ($16.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-4201-5485-6)
Riley launches a new Regency series with a high stakes wager between a duke and the woman he loves: if he can find husbands for her two marriage-averse sisters, she’ll let him court her.
Jewel Me Twice
Charish Reid. Canary Street, July 23 ($18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-335-00946-3)
When thieves Celeste and Magnus—former partners who parted on bad terms—reunite for one last heist, they wind up stealing each other’s hearts.
Looking for a Sign
Susie Dumond. Dial, June 11 ($18 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-59627-2)
After the devastating breakup of Gray’s long-term relationship, she reenters the singles scene with an unusual game plan: she’s going to date one person of each star sign.
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde
Tia Williams. Grand Central, Feb. 6 ($29, ISBN 978-1-5387-2670-9)
A recent transplant to modern-day Harlem meets a man from the 1920s in this time-bending romance from bestseller Williams.
The Paradise Problem
Christina Lauren. Gallery, May 14 ($28.99, ISBN 978-1-66801-772-2)
Anna and West agree to a marriage of convenience to score better graduate housing at UCLA—then wind up having to convince West’s conservative family of the ruse at a destination wedding in Singapore.
This Could Be Us
Kennedy Ryan. Forever, Mar. 5 ($17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5387-0682-4)
Single mother Soledad, still reeling from her recent breakup, unexpectedly reunites with a forbidden love from her past in the latest mature contemporary from RITA award-winner Ryan.
Romance & Erotica longlist
Afterglow
Manila Takes Manhattan by Carla De Guzman (Mar. 26, $12.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-335-04160-9). A pair of homesick Filipino celebrities in New York City agree to a night of comfort food and meaningless sex to take the edge off their loneliness—then find out they’re both working on the same film.
You Had Me at Happy Hour by Timothy Janovsky (July 23, $12.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-335-57478-7). An exactingly detail-oriented sommelier and a freewheeling mixologist with a huge online following decide to be friends-with-benefits in Janovsky’s queer grumpy/sunshine romance.
Alcove
Hearts on Thin Ice by Katie Kennedy (June 18, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-63910-773-5) pairs a pro hockey player grieving his late best friends, who died in a plane crash, with the ambitious interior designer he hires to turn his depressing, bare-walled apartment into a home.
Here for the Wrong Reasons by Annabel Paulsen and Lydia Wang (May 21, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-63910-709-4). Lauren goes on a Bachelor-esque reality dating show to grow her Instagram following. Krystin signs up looking for true love. They’re meant to fight over the same man, but wind up falling for one another.
Atria
Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle (Mar. 19, $27, ISBN 978-1-982166-82-3) puts a speculative spin on dating life with a heroine who knows ahead of time exactly how long each of her relationships will last.
Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun (Apr. 2, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-66802-119-4). Estranged childhood friends set out to fulfill the last wish of their favorite former teacher: a cross-country road trip. As the journey unfolds, the women rekindle their friendship—and develop new feelings.
Avon
Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey (Feb. 13, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-06-330836-7) kicks off a steamy sports romance series with the story of a grumpy golfer who worries he’s past his prime and his sunshiny number one fan, who’s determined to help him get his game back.
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang (Feb. 27, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-06-331068-1). Screenwriter Kuang’s debut follows two up-and-coming television writers with a complicated past who reunite while working in the same writers’ room, and help each other overcome shared trauma.
Bantam Dell
Cash Delgado Is Living the Dream by Tehlor Kay Mejia (July 2, $30 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-59879-5) follows Sammy Espinoza’s Last Review with another queer small-town contemporary, this time about a single mother’s search for love.
Berkley
Sex, Lies and Sensibility by Nikki Payne (Feb. 13, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-44096-4) recasts Sense and Sensibility as the contemporary tale of two sisters who, disinherited by their late father, struggle to make a living off their rural inn—with unexpected help from a handsome and mysterious local.
When I Think of You by Myah Ariel (Apr. 16, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-64059-3). Ariel debuts with a second chance romance between a woman struggling to break into the film industry and the college boyfriend who broke her heart—and now happens to be a hotshot director.
Blackstone
The Temple of Persephone by Isabella Kamal (Feb. 20, $16.99 trade paper, ISBN 979-8-212-53850-3) puts a Regency-era spin on the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone, recasting the god of the dead as reclusive former rake Aidon Barrington, whom sparkling
debutante Persephone Honeyfield must marry to save her reputation.
Bold Strokes
Aubrey McFadden Is Never Getting Married by Georgia Beers (Apr. 9, $18.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-63679-613-0). Over the course of five weddings, Aubrey McFadden, who was jilted at the altar, finds unexpected love with the very woman who convinced her one-time groom to leave her.
Bramble
The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent (June 4, $29.99, ISBN 978-1-250-34315-4). The finale to the Nightborn Duet series wraps up the enemies-to-lovers romance between human Oraya and vampire Raihn amid political intrigue and bloodshed. 250,000-copy announced first printing.
Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne (May 7, $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-33329-2). A mage and her queen’s guard girlfriend leave high stakes politicking behind to open a bookstore/tea shop in this cozy fantasy romance.
Canary Street
Change Your Tune by Erin La Rosa (July 16, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-335-00945-6). When Sam Leto rediscovers her old CD player and listens to nostalgic hits from her teen years, she sees flashbacks to her life as it could have been if she’d never left her hometown.
Carina Adores
A Bluestocking’s Guide to Decadence by Jess Everlee (June 4, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-335-42856-1). The third Lucky Lovers of London Victorian romance turns the focus on Jo Smith, a gender nonconforming lesbian, and scandal-averse country doctor Emily Clarke.
Dell
Hathor and the Prince by J.J. McAvoy (Mar. 19, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-50008-8). The final Du Bell Regency romance follows the youngest Du Bell sister, Hathor, as she vies for the affection of a royal.
Match Me If You Can by Swati Hegde (June 4, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-72291-6). A matchmaking magazine writer in Mumbai meddles in the lives of her loved ones and possibly messes up her chance at romance with her childhood best friend.
Del Rey
Confounding Oaths by Alexis Hall (July 9, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-49758-6) returns to the magic-infused Regency world of Mortal Follies, where upper-class dandy John Caesar teams up with dashing but impassive soldier Captain James to rescue his sister from the fairies.
Dial
The Prospects by KT Hoffman (Apr. 9, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-59686-9). Gene Ionescu, the first openly trans player in professional baseball, is thrown for a loop when his fiercest rival, Luis, is traded to his team, forcing the ultracompetitive men to work together.
Dutton
Name Your Price by Holly James (July 30, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-47393-1). After a video of Olivia and Chuck’s explosive breakup goes viral, reality TV producers offer the combustible duo a million dollars each to live in a house together for one month.
Entangled Amara
Filthy Rich Fae by Geneva Lee (Mar. 26, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-64937-577-3). Following the success of the Filthy Rich Vampires series, bestseller Lee launches a new paranormal romance series set in the same world, this time turning her attention from bloodsuckers onto fairies. 150,000-copy announced first printing.
Flatiron
Just Some Stupid Love Story by Katelyn Doyle (June 4, $28.99, ISBN 978-1-250-32809-0). A hopeless romantic divorce attorney sets out to convince his high school sweetheart, a cynical rom-com writer and the one who got away, that true love is real. 250,000-copy announced first printing
Forever
How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly (Feb. 13, $16.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5387-5491-7) pairs ex-WNBA player Elle Cochrane with her foster child’s high school basketball coach, Julie Parker, when Julie asks Elle for dating advice.
Second Night Stand by Karelia and Fay Stetz-Waters (May 21, $16.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5387-5611-9). A burlesque performer and a ballerina go head to head on an America’s Got Talent–style reality show—but neither can forget the steamy night they shared before filming began.
Frayed Pages X Wattpad
Meant for Me by Tay Marley (Feb. 13, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-998854-39-4). A city girl grieving her late sister finds love with a strapping farmhand in small-town Texas.
Graydon House
The Last Days of Lilah Goodluck by Kylie Scott (Feb. 6, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5258-0480-9). A prophecy informs Lilah Goodluck that her soulmate is someone named Alistair Lennox and that she’s only got one week to live. Fortunately, Lilah doesn’t believe in prophecies—but when she happens to meet Alistair, she can’t deny their chemistry.
Griffin
All’s Fair in Love and War by Virginia Heath (May 28, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-89607-0) launches a Regency series with the love story between a stoic former naval captain and a free-spirited governess who clash over how best to rear children.
Ne’er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti (July 23, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-91094-3). In this standalone Regency, a scandal-plagued new duke looking to improve his reputation turns to the most unimpeachable woman he knows for advice—unaware that she’s the proprietress of an erotica lending library.
Harper Perennial
In a Not So Perfect World by Neely Tubati-Alexander (Mar. 19, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-06-329294-9). An ambitious video game designer agrees to pose as her new neighbor’s fake girlfriend on a trip to Turks and Caicos.
Kensington
A Daughter of Fair Verona by Christina Dodd (June 25, $27, ISBN 978-1-4967-5016-7). The first in a new series from bestseller Dodd follows Romeo and Juliet’s daughter, Rosie Montague, as she navigates dating in the shadow of her famous parents.
The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Clayborn (Mar. 26, $16.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-4967-3731-1). Adult sisters whose mother was taken in by a conman and disappeared from their life team up with a duo of true crime podcasters to track down the crook.
Mira
The Good Ones Are Taken by Taj McCoy (Apr. 23, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-7783-0542-2). Maggie turns to online dating to find a plus-one for two upcoming weddings—but her best friend, Garrett, keeps finding flaws in every man she meets.
Maya’s Laws of Love by Alina Khawaja (Mar. 26, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-7783-0524-8). A woman heads to Pakistan for an arranged marriage that she’s sure will lead to love—but a storm grounds her plane in Switzerland, leaving her stranded with her cynical yet irresistible seatmate.
Morrow
Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell (June 4, $28, ISBN 978-0-06-338019-6). The adult debut from bestselling YA author Rowell follows the shifting relationship of a pair of best friends from childhood into adulthood.
MTV Books
The Breakup Vacation by Anna Gracia (Mar. 5, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-66801-096-9). College seniors Grace, Tiff, and Camille head to Cancun for spring break, hoping to distract Grace from her recent breakup. Unfortunately, Grace’s ex is also there—with his new girlfriend.
Penguin Books
Experienced by Kate Young (June 4, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-14-313798-6). Falling in love with Mei made 30-year-old Bette realize she’s a lesbian. She’s never been happier—until Mei insists they take a break so that Bette can try dating other women and make up for lost time.
Putnam
Never Been Better by Leanne Toshiko Simpson (Mar. 5, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-71478-2). The bipolar heroine of Simpson’s debut heads to her best friends’ destination wedding determined to stop the marriage by confessing her own love to the groom.
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan (June 4, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-71408-9). Chaotic recent divorcée Ali Morris is pulled into the orbit of handsome Ethan when her dog pees on his leg. Ali has no time for a relationship, but she wouldn’t say no to a summer fling.
Simon & Schuster Canada
The Day I Left You by Caroline Bishop (June 4, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-66804-726-2). In the 1980s, love blooms between Greta, a woman in East Berlin, and Henry, a man from West Berlin. Decades later, Greta walks out on Henry with little explanation—leaving a mystery in her wake.
Sourcebooks Casablanca
A Perfect Story by Elísabet Benavent, trans. by Rosemary Peele (July 23, $16.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-72829-632-6). This fake-dating, opposites-attract romance sends two recently heartbroken people on a trip to Greece. 100,000-copy announced first printing.
The Takedown by Lily Chu (May 7, $16.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-72824-268-2). Online gaming rivals Dee, a consultant who cleans up corporate scandals, and Teddy, the heir to a luxury fashion house, team up IRL to take down one of fashion’s most loathsome CEOs: Teddy’s father. 100,000-copy announced first printing.
St. Martin’s
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center (June 11, $29, ISBN 978-1-250-28380-1). When hopeless romantic Emma Wheeler is hired to punch up a romance script by her screenwriting hero, Charlie Yates, she gives cynical Charlie a crash course on the pleasure of rom-coms.
Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews (May 7, $29, ISBN 978-1-250-27838-8) peels back the dark underbelly of a picture-perfect resort town for a beachy romantic mystery.
Union Square
The Five Stages of Courting Dalisay Ramos by Melissa de la Cruz (July 9, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-4549-4767-7). Logan Thompson, who’s white, is smitten with his Filipina coworker Dalisay Ramos, a new immigrant to the U.S. But to date her, he’ll first have to win over her ultratraditional parents.
Vintage
Director’s Cut by Carlyn Greenwald (June 11, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-46822-7). An Oscar-winning actor who’s sick of the Hollywood hustle takes a job as a USC film professor and teaches a class with the intimidating and gorgeous Maeve.
The Isobel Project by Laura Kay (June 4, $17 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-47007-7). When reclusive 29-year-old Issy’s portraits of her pet chinchilla attract the attention of Elizabeth Staggs, the mind behind a hit art world documentary TV series, Issy is catapulted into London’s queer art scene.
W x Wattpad
Bound to the Shadow Prince by Ruby Dixon (July 2, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-998854-75-2). Bestseller Dixon takes a break from her Ice Planet Barbarian series with this fairy tale romance between a princess and a beast who are trapped together in the same tower.
Zebra
The Groom List by Ella Quinn (June 25, $8.99 mass market, ISBN 978-1-4201-5450-4). The protagonists of the third Worthington Brides Regency get off on the wrong foot: Lady Alice cares about charitable works and politics while Lord Gifford prefers gossip and flirtation. But there’s more to both than meets the eye. 65,000-copy announced first printing.
