It's time to fall in love with the best-of-the-best romance books released in the past year. Whether it's your favorite genre or you're trying it out for the first time, one thing is sure—there's something for everyone on this list!
Why Were Romance Books So Popular This Year?
Let's make one thing clear: romance has always been one of the most beloved book genres—they were just mostly enjoyed in secret! In 2024, romance novels took the online reading community by storm, potentially getting rid of the "guilty pleasure" aspect of these books for good. We can all say thank you to BookTok for promoting the titles and encouraging readers to dive into feel-good narratives about swoon-worthy romance.
Our Favorite Romance Book Tropes
From our shop to our personal bookshelves, we can safely say we're no strangers to romance books! We love the genre—especially when these common romance tropes are included:
- Enemies to lovers
- One bed
- Second chance
- Forced proximity
- Fake dating
The Top Romance Reads of 2024
Romance is in the air—at least in our bookshop! The next time you stop by, search around for these popular 2024 romance books to find your next read:
Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage
Lyla Sage's highly anticipated second book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series was an instant hit. After hitting rock bottom with a short-lived marriage and failing out of an interior design program, the last thing Ada Hart needs or wants is a man. That is until the mysterious, handsome cowboy she'd kissed at the local dive bar turns out to be Weston Ryder, her new boss at the largest ranch in Wyoming! Can they ignore their feelings for each other and make it through the project, or will they have to put their careers on hold for this chance at love? Filled with opposites attract and forced proximity tropes, Swift and Saddled is the perfect small-town romance!
Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazelwood uses her neuroscience background to craft her latest novel, Not in Love. Rue Siebert is a woman in STEM with a stable and successful career as a biotech engineer at Kline, one of the most talked about food-science start-ups in town. Working under her best friend and having unlimited time to work on her personal patented project is a pretty sweet gig—until it isn't. When Eli Killgore and his business partners announce their plan to acquire the company, her job is threatened. But despite being on opposite sides of this battle, Eli and Rue can't seem to stay away from one another. They decide to enter a no-strings-attached, secret arrangement that has an end date—the day one of their sides wins Kline for good!
Other Popular Ali Hazelwood Titles:
- Bride (2024)
- Check & Mate (2023)
- Love, Theoretically (2023)
Funny Story by Emily Henry
With the list of Emily Henry's books growing by the year, she may as well be considered the modern queen of romance! In Funny Story, we find Daphne reeling from her fiancé Peter's revelation that he's actually in love with his childhood best friend, Petra. Stranded in Waning Bay, Michigan, with no friends or family around and working as a children's librarian, she decides to room with Petra's ex, Miles Nowak. They couldn't be more opposite, but after they hatch a plan to deliberately post misleading photos together online to fake a relationship, Daphne finds herself in a bind. Is it really just for show? Or is she actually falling in love with her ex-fiancé's, new fiancée’s ex?
Truly, Madly, Deeply by Alexandria Bellefleur
As a best-selling romance novelist, Truly Livingston is supposed to be the expert on happily-ever-afters—but little do her fans know that couldn't be further from the truth. She hopes her new relationship advice podcast deal will be the perfect distraction to her crumbling view on love—that is until she meets Colin McCory, a cynical divorce lawyer who turns out to be her hot yet aggravating cohost. Truly discovers they have more in common than she thought: a shared queerness, unlucky love, and their mutual attraction, of course. But is this set-up too good to be true? Find out in Truly, Madly, Deeply.
Pickleballers by Ilana Long
Pickleball was the most talked about sport of the year, so it's only right to include it in the list of 2024 romance books. Pickleballers is Ilana Long's debut novel, and it fits right into the easy-breezy readable romcom category! When Meg Bloomberg discovers her ex is a complete player, she and her best friend head to Bainbridge Island to heal through the new game of pickleball. It was supposed to be the perfect distraction—not the start of a doomed courtside romance with Ethan Fine, a charming environmental consultant and local. But when Meg finds Ethan sabotaging her court, she finds herself in a real pickle. Will love win this game?
Lightning in Her Hands by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
A curse, an inheritance, a fake marriage: Lightning in Her Hands has everything a paranormal romance book should! Teal Flores has two goals: find her long-lost mother to gain control over her powerful weather gift and find a date for her ex's wedding. Carter Velasquez must be married by 30 to inherit the money left behind by his traditional grandmother. She agrees to pose as his wife, but cohabitation and a whirlwind of emotions prove difficult as her powers begin to spiral. Together, they go on a quest to find Teal's mother, but along the way, they may just find that they can weather the storm of love!
How to Listen to Romance Books on Audiobook
Don't love to read physical copies? No problem! You can enjoy any of these popular 2024 romance books through your favorite audiobook subscription service. Support Novel by signing up for Libro.fm, where the proceeds of each purchase go to the independent bookstore of your choice. Listen to these romances unfold on your own time and on the go with audiobooks.
This year was a big one for romance books, so why not give one a try? Find the top 2024 titles at Novel today, check out our menu, and see what all the fuss is about.
