12 swoon-worthy contemporary romances | Book Recommendations

The Deal | Elle Kennedy

I never thought I would be a fan of sports romances, but here we are. I can always rely on this series to bring me out of a reading slump and make me feel all fuzzy inside (gross!) The characters are well developed and, I’m not going to lie, the plot can get a little deep. I just really vibe with Elle Kennedy’s writing and these are a love from me!

Beach Read | Emily Henry

I fell in love with Emily Henry after reading her YA, and this book was no exception! I will say it is a little dark for a contemporary, but it is fun just the same. We’ve got a rivals-to-lovers plotline and a little bit of second-chance romance. *Squeal* The plot can get a bit heavy, but it is a beautiful story, and 10/10 recommend.

A Duke by Default | Alyssa Cole

This is so hot! We’ve got a flighty socialite who starts an apprenticeship at a Scottish armory. said armory is run by a burly Scot who does not need any help from an American. (he does lol) Obviously, romance ensues. This book is really hot and you should all read it immediately!!

People We Meet on Vacation | Emily Henry

I’m not the biggest fan of friends to lovers, but this book is just so freaking sweet! It also makes me want to travel the world immediately. I will say this one is much more “working through deep relationship issues” than “spice-filled romance” but for what it is, it is amazing!

It Happened One Summer | Tessa Bailey

Another spoiled-socialite-meets-rugged-working-man (this time in the form of a fisherman) It’s a fun hate-to-love story with some very sweet moments. I love the setting of a sleepy fishing village and the character growth is immaculate! It’s also very, very hot. Read it! Now!!

Act Your Age, Eve Brown | Talia Hibbert

The third book in the brown sisters trilogy (loved them all, but this is my favorite.) Yet another hate-to-love story that is set in a quaint British B&B! And she bakes! It is so cuuuute I want to die. Despite the adorable premise, the spice is very much there, so do not worry!

The Kiss Quotient | Helen Hoang

A story about an autistic fmc who hires an escort to learn things. I’m so freaking obsessed with these characters. Helen Hoang really knows how to write a romance plot! If you haven’t already read this one, I very much recommend it.

The Roommate | Rosie Danan

One of the hottest romances I’ve ever read! Our fmc is a socialite who leaves her New England scene to move to L.A. chasing her long-time crush. He ditches her last minute and she ends up living with a complete rando. Who also happens to be very hot and also an adult film actor… It’s very hot and one of my all-time faves.

Red, White, & Royal Blue | Casey McQuiston

Squeal! This book is so so cute. an enemy to lovers plot with the son of the president and an English prince. Please! What more could you want?? The writing in this one is so so fun and had me cackling on numerous occasions. One book that really gets text lingo and modern pop culture references right.

The Hating Game | Sally Thorne

My first foray into adult romances. And what a romance did I pick! Truly an OG rivals to lovers story with a publishing house setting. Love. I remember devouring this book (at my desk, oops!) and not wanting it to ever be over. Please read this one! You will thank me later.

The Right Swipe | Alisha Rai

This is such a fun romance about modern dating apps and has one of my favorite strong female leads. If you’re into second-chance romances, this is definitely a good one to pick up! I haven’t had a chance to read the following books in the series, but I definitely want to give them a go.

The Ex Talk | Rachel Lynn Solomon

Such a fun hate-to-love story that had me laughing out loud multiple times. The banter is immaculate and the romance definitely had me swooning. If you’re a fan of radio shows or podcasts, I’d definitely pick this one up!