By Audrey Tan
Who doesn’t love a good romance novel? And by good—I mean a book that can suck you in and take you on a romantic journey filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-fluttering emotions. I’m talking about unforgettable meet-cutes, swoon-worthy characters that make you love or hate them, irresistible chemistry, a dash of conflict, and, of course, quirky and wholesome side characters.
If you’re looking for your next favourite romantic tale to lose yourself in, here’s a list of suggestions to keep you engrossed all year round. Our list includes brand-new launches and sequels to some coveted fan-favourite series that I’m sure many of you have been waiting for.
1. Bride By Ali Hazelwood
An up-and-coming voice in contemporary romance literature after the success of her first book, The Love Hypothesis, Ali Hazelwood fans have been eagerly awaiting her next launch. Bride is a paranormal romance that follows a marriage of convenience between a vampire heroine and a werewolf alpha hero.
Their marriage is essential for maintaining the peace of alliance. But with both characters coming from such contrasting backgrounds and having previously been mortal enemies, you can already envision the drama that unfolds. Is the love between a vampire and a werewolf really possible? You’ll have to find out for yourself.
2. King Of Sloth By Ana Huang
Launching on April 30th 2024, King of Sloth is the fourth instalment in Ana Huang’s King of Sins series. You’re missing out if you haven’t heard of this series and are a contemporary romance fan! This series is expected to have seven books in accordance with the seven deadly sins.
Each sequel follows a billionaire who emulates one of the seven deadly sins, with this one focusing on sloth. This time, the billionaire heir falls in love with his publicist, who doesn’t want anything to do with him besides work duties. With so many other women throwing themselves at him, he isn’t used to this kind of treatment. But will she eventually fall for him?
3. Funny Story By Emily Henry
What happens when you move back with your fiance to his hometown only for him to realise that he’s still in love with his childhood best friend? You move in with his best friend’s ex! That’s what Daphne, the protagonist of Emily Henry’s latest novel Funny Story, does anyway.
Stuck in her (now ex) fiance’s hometown with a job that barely pays the bills, Daphne was left without a place to stay. As the only person who understood her situation, Daphne’s ex-fiance’s best friend (now his probable girlfriend) ‘s ex, Miles, agreed to help her out by being roommates. They avoided each other at first, but they soon became closer, and… well, there’s no way that Daphne would fall in love with her ex-fiance’s new girlfriend’s ex… right?
4. Don’t Want You Like A Best Friend By Emma R. Alban
This book starts off a bit like Parent Trap, but instead of twins, the plot of Don’t Want You Like A Best Friend is set up by two BFF debutantes who can’t bear the thought of finding a husband. Gwen has no intention of finding a husband, but her future is secure, being the daughter of an Earl. Unfortunately, Beth and her newly widowed mother will be left out on the street if she doesn’t find a wealthy husband, but the thought makes her skin crawl.
They hatch a plan to match-make their parents but encounter a serious problem—their parents hate each other. As it all unfolds, a handsome and wealthy suitor offers Beth a secure marriage. Amid it all, the two best friends realise that they’ve caught feelings… for each other…
5. Not In Love By Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazelwood blesses us this year with another new launch with Not In Love. It starts off nice and calm, with the protagonist, Rue, in her most pleasant and stable part of her life. But not for long, as a hostile takeover at work threatens to crumble it.
The takeover is led by Eli Killgore, an offensively attractive frontman who always gets what he wants. Before long, Rue and Eli find themselves caught in a web of conflicting emotions. Both are loyal to their respective companies but can’t deny the powerful attraction. Will they choose loyalty or follow their hearts, knowing that the consequences could be irreversible?
2024 is set to deliver an abundance of captivating romance reads. Whether you’re single or in a fulfilling relationship, romance novels are a great way to lose yourself in a character’s whirlwind life. They can even offer heartfelt insights into how one decision, a chance encounter, or an expected, significant change in life can turn into something so beautiful.
So, if you want to read the best romance novels this year, check out our suggestions above now! Or, in the comments below, let us know if you have any other great recommendations.