Best Contemporary Romance Novels

More Contemporary Romance Books in Archives and Reader Favorites

On the Steamy Side (Recipe for Love) Louisa Edwards St. Martin’s Paperbacks, 2010 Contemporary romance When Lilah Jane Tunkle fled her dull life in Virginia for the bright lights of New York City, she didn’t expect to wind up a nanny to a gorgeous celebrity chef’s ten-year-old son. Working for the delectable Devon Sparks is a sure-fire recipe for disaster, especially after Lilah gets a tantalizing taste of his perfectly seasoned kisses … More... “…On the Steamy Side is a delight from cover to cover.” – Paula, A Romance Review …full book review Available at Amazon

Something About You Julie James Berkley, 2010 Contemporary romance Staying overnight in a luxury hotel, Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde overhears a high-profile murder involving a U.S. Senator. Special Agent Jack Pallas is assigned to the investigation-the same Jack Pallas who still blames her for nearly ruining his career three years ago. More... “From the first page until the last, Julie James knows how to keep a reader entertained with her amusing repartees and hilarious, argumentative characters.” – Danielle, Coffee Time Romance & More …full book review Available at Amazon

Mounting Desire Nina Killham Bloomsbury USA, 2006 Contemporary romance/Chick-lit Jack Carter, born-again virgin and bestselling romance author, has a problem, and her name is Molly. Foisted upon him by his sister, Molly has just been fired from her high-paying management position for sexually harassing her male assistant. She’s also been evicted from her apartment, and has landed—for just a few weeks, she promises—in Jack’s Georgetown town house. Worse yet, she decides to take advantage of her new environment and try her hand at writing romances herself, using the pseudonym Molly Desire. More... “…Mounting Desire is more than an unexpectedly heartwarming and very funny love story - it is also a playful peek into the world of romance writing.” – Mrs. Giggles Reviews …full book review Available at Amazon

Scandal Sheet Gemma Halliday Making It, 2009 Contemporary romance Gossip columnist Tina is stopped in her tracks when she learns one of the celebrities she's reported on wants her dead. Teamed with an oversized bodyguard, a bubbly blonde, and an alcoholic obituary writer, Tina sets off to find out which juicy piece of Hollywood gossip is worth killing over. “Gemma Halliday has written a laugh out loud book filled with gossip, scandals, and dirt…” – Theresa, A Romance Review …full book review Available at Amazon

The Clergy Affair Jennifer Johnson The Wild Rose Press, 2009 Contemporary romance Reverend Deborah Reynolds wasn't expecting to fall for--or over--Sam Perry, one of the groomsmen at the wedding she was officiating. But when Sam answered her door early the next morning and greeted the biggest gossip in town, Deborah found herself in hot water with her congregation. She never imagined soon after she would be flying cross country with Sam and broadening her horizons by visiting a nudist beach, learning the paths of ants, and falling in love. More... Top Read WRDF Reviews “… I was laughing my head off.” – E. Horizon, WRDF Reviews …full book review Available at Amazon

All The Right Reasons Sandy James BookStrand, 2009 Contemporary romance Can love heal all wounds? Lucas Mitchell returned from Iraq a bitter, changed man, wracked with guilt over his friend's death. He buys an old mansion and deals with his injuries and grief by restoring his new home and rehabilitating retired racehorses. Joy Kovacs falls in love with Lucas at first sight. Descended from gypsies who are still influenced by the lingering effects of the Holocaust, her family follows the traditional ways. A husband has already been selected for her, and her father insists she work at their ethnic restaurant. More... “ What an emotional story, filled with anger and bitterness, love and joy, heartache and pain, acceptance and trust.” – Matilda, Coffee Time Romance & More …full book review Available at Amazon

A Coventry Wedding Becky Cochrane Zebra, 2009 Contemporary romance Jandy Taylor's grandfather always teased her about not being able to finish anything. So perhaps it's not a shock that a few days before her wedding to soap star Hudson Blake, Jandy postpones the ceremony and hitches a ride to Coventry, Texas, with a stranger named Sam, a dog named Sue, and an overwhelming desire to escape - if only for a few days... More... “ Hats off to Becky Cochrane for writing such an amusing read…” – Val, Manic Readers …full book review Available at Amazon

Tails of Love Lori Foster and additional authors Berkley, 2009 Contemporary (anthology) romance Ten all-new stories that celebrate our animal friends, by bestselling and award-winning authors. From Seeing Eye dogs to the cat who cuddles in your lap, animals are there for us in more ways than we can count. Helping us get through the day with a wag of the tail and a tilt of the head, they let us know that someone is on our side-no matter what. They also have an amazing ability to break down barriers between people; bringing families and loved ones closer, and giving strangers an excuse to strike up a conversation. In Tails of Love, each writer draws from her own unique perspective on our loyal friends-exploring the many mysterious ways they bring love into our lives. Recommended Read “TAILS OF LOVE is one of those special anthologies in which each story touches your heart....Readers who love tales of romance that include meddling pets will find TAILS OF LOVE to be a true delight.” – Debbie, CK2S Kwips and Kritiques …full book review Available at Amazon

Turning Thirty-Twelve Sandy James BookStrand Publishing, 2009 Contemporary romance Jackie Delgado didn't want a new man in her life until a dreaded blind date turns out to be more exciting than she'd ever imagined. When her youngest son leaves for college, Jackie is hit hard by empty nest syndrome and pours herself into her work as a teacher. Bowing to pressure from friends, Jackie agrees to a blind date. But when Mark Brennan calls, she realizes the date won't be "blind." He's the father of one of her students. More... Best Book Long and Short Reviews “ Ms. James did an outstanding job writing Turning Thirty-Twelve. I most definitely did not see the twists and turns coming. This book grabbed a hold of my heart and did not let go until the very last page.” – Violet, Long and Short Reviews …full review Available at Amazon

There's Only Been You Donna Marie Rogers Wild Rose Press, 2008 Contemporary romance Malicious lies, drugs and a videotape are the reasons young lovers Sara Jamison and Mike Andrews have spent the last eight years apart, each believing the other betrayed them. Sara has no clue where Mike's been all these years, but she knows where she's been busy raising their son. More... “ A well-thought-out story with an all-too-appropriate title, There's Only Been You has enough twists and turns to throw readers for a wild ride, but authoress Donna Marie Rogers does an excellent job of making it flow and keeps us turning pages one right after the other with her effortless prose and heartfelt characters.” – Sweet Pea, Long and Short Reviews …full review Available at Amazon

Going Too Far Jennifer Echols MTV, 2009 Contemporary, young adult All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school. Away from her backwater town. Away from her parents who seem determined to keep her imprisoned in their dead-end lives. But one crazy evening involving a dare and forbidden railroad tracks, she goes way too far...and almost doesn't make it back. More... “What a powerful read Going Too Far is....Wonderfully scripted characters and plenty of energy and drama to hold the reader until the very end is what you find between the pages of Ms. Echols latest book.” – Matilda, Coffee Time Romance …full review Available at Amazon

Bunco Babes Tell All Maria Geraci Berkley Trade, 2009 Contemporary Woman cannot live by Bunco alone Meet the Bunco Babes of Whispering Bay. Every Thursday night they roll dice, drink frozen margaritas, and catch up on all the gossip in their small north Florida town. Kitty Burke is the only Bunco Babe who is still single—which is okay—but she’s thirty-five and may need to face the fact that her image of Mr. Right is all wrong. Take Steve. Very sexy—but on paper, with three failed marriages and a shady career, maybe not great husband material. And yes, his ring tone is “Freebird.” Fellow Babes Shea and Pilar definitely vote thumbs down. But maybe there’s more to Steve than meets the eye. More... “ I loved Kitty. She is my absolute favorite… Maria Geraci has become my new favorite author of 2009!” – Cheryl, Fallen Angel Reviews …full review Available at Amazon

Just the Sexiest Man Alive Julie James Berkley, 2008 Contemporary “Chicagoan Taylor is driven to succeed, and her track record in defending corporate clients against sexual-harassment lawsuits is unsurpassed. On loan to her firm’s Los Angeles office, she reluctantly agrees to coach big-name actor and sexy heartthrob Jason Andrews for his upcoming role as a lawyer. His attitude irks her, while her insistence on maintaining a professional distance intrigues him.” – Lynne Welch, Booklist. More at Amazon… “ Just the Sexiest Man Alive is a witty, competent, and thoroughly charming escapist fantasy.” – Mary Benn, The Romance Reader …full review * Note: This book now averages 4 ½ stars on Amazon, but three reviewers loved it, so we're posting it. See reviews from Mrs. Giggles and Joyfully Reviewed. Available from Amazon

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Temptation Ridge (Virgin River, Book 6) Robyn Carr Mira, 2009 Contemporary At twenty-five, after five years as her mother's caregiver, it's time for Shelby to experience freedom and adventure. Time for travel, college and romance. But when she visits Virgin River, she runs into Luke Riordan, decidedly not whom she has in mind. A handsome Blackhawk pilot, Luke exited the army after twenty years, four wars and having been shot out of the sky three times. At thirty-eight he's tough and jaded. His major was in one-night stands, with a minor in commitment avoidance. More… “It is my belief that it takes a very special, rare talent to write a long running series, and keep their readers clamoring for more, and more, and even more still.” – Sandi, A Romance Review …full review

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Paradise Valley (Virgin River, Book 7) Robyn Carr Mira, 2009 Contemporary Marine corporal Rick Sudder is home early from Iraq—his tour ended abruptly on the battlefield. The carefree boy is gone, replaced by a man who believes his future is as bleak as his mirror image. But can the passion and commitment of a young woman who has never given up on him mend his broken body and shattered heart? More… “It takes the writing of Ms. Carr’s caliber to tackle those [difficult] subjects and not have readers slam the book down in anger and frustration, but instead be so captivated that they have to root for the underdog to come out on top....” – Sandi, A Romance Review …full review

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Mucho Caliente! Francesca Prescott Bookstrand Publishing, 2008 Contemporary MUCHO CALIENTE! Does Gemma dare wish upon a Latino superstar? Thirty-seven year old Gemma hadn't reckoned on being seated next to Latino heartthrob Emilio Caliente on the flight to Ibiza. She's bravely dismissed her cheating husband's generous divorce settlement, opting instead for a creatively satisfying, financially independent, bohemian lifestyle on a Spanish island in the sun. Falling in love with a pop music superstar eight years her junior was definitely not part of her plan. More... LASR Best Book "Mucho Caliente is a laugh out loud hilarious read that left me wanting more and certainly transcended my expectations." -- Violet, Long and Short Reviews …full review

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When Valentines Collide Adrianne Byrd Kimani, 2007 Kimani Romance Second chance for romance When it came to revitalizing relationships, Dr. Chante Valentine and Dr. Michael Valentine knew all the right moves -- except when it came to mending their own volatile vows. Since divorce would jeopardize their respective careers, the love gurus reluctantly agreed to a two-week "sex-therapy" retreat. More... Joyfully Recommended "When Valentines Collide by Adrianne Byrd was hilarious!" -- Nikita Steele, Joyfully Reviewed …full review

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Twisted Creek Jodi Thomas Berkley, 2008 Contemporary Bad luck has been biting at Allie Daniel's heels all her life, so when she inherits a café in a small Texas lake community she's sure there's a catch. But Allie decides to move and brings her grandmother along, since the café gives Nana a chance to do what she loves best-cook. As Allie settles in, she soon discovers that she's not alone anymore-and that sometimes, the only cure for bad luck is gaining the courage to love. More... Joyfully Recommended "Twisted Creek is an engagingly fun story with a host of quirky characters..." -- Ley, Joyfully Reviewed …full review

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Talk of the Town Karen Hawkins Pocket Books, 2008 Contemporary Newly divorced Roxie Treymayne is dying to find out. After years of being the perfect Southern lady, all she ended up with was a cheating husband. So she goes bombshell blond, gets a provocatively placed tattoo, and prepares to live it up as a Bad Girl. But then her mother falls ill...and Roxie is forced to return to Glory, North Carolina. He'd Love to Know. Once the town bad boy, Nick Sheppard is now Glory's highly respected sheriff. When the hot blonde he stops for speeding turns out to be formerly prim Homecoming Queen Roxanne Treymayne, Nick doesn't quite know where to look -- though he'd like a much closer one at the tattoo peeking from her shorts. More... "Talk of the Town is a funny, very readable romp." -- Niki Lee, Joyfully Reviewed ...full review

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Romeo, Romeo Robin Kaye Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2008 Contemporary Nick Romeo is every woman's fantasy - tall, dark, handsome, rich, really good in bed, AND he loves to cook and clean ... He says he wants an independent woman, but when he meets Rosalie, all he wants to do is take care of her. Before too long, he's cleaned up her apartment, stocked her refrigerator, and adopted her dog ... So what's the problem? Just a little matter of mistaken identity, corporate theft, a hidden past in juvenile detention and one big nosy Italian family too close for comfort ...   More... Best Book from Long and Short Reviews "Romeo, Romeo is a light hearted romance that has a delightful range of characters, a quick wit and excellent pacing." -- Magnolia, Long and Short Reviews ...full review

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Evan's Castle Tracy Fabre StoneGarden.net Publishing, 2008 Contemporary/Suspense Rachel Kane, after leaving home and family to flee the aftermath of a bad relationship, ends up working closely with brilliant scientist, Evan Callahan. He seems at first to be very much like the man she left behind-an aloof loner with no real use for her-but as she gets to know him, she finds he is warm and engaging, and much too attractive for her equilibrium. But is that real? Or has she just left one loner for another? To complicate matters, she's also the victim of vandalism that is both disturbing. and escalating. More...  "This is one of those exceptional books that before the end of the first page you know that you are just going to love it." -- Hollie, Coffee Time Romance ...full review

Tender Secrets Ann Christopher Kimani Press, 2008 Contemporary (African American) Investigative reporter Viveca Jackson vowed she'd destroy the wealthy Warner family. After all, the powerful clan was responsible for her father's unfortunate accident and her family's ruin. But when the feisty journalist embarked on her quest for payback, she didn't count on arrogant Andrew Warner's devastating charm, or the passion that flared between them. More... "Tender Secrets is the third book I have read by Ann Christopher and her talents only get better with each one." -- Theresa, A Romance Review ...full review

Just One of the Guys Kristan Higgins HQN Books, 2008 Contemporary Being one of the guys isn't all it's cracked up to be… So when journalist Chastity O'Neill returns to her hometown, she decides it's time to start working on some of those feminine wiles. Two tiny problems: #1—she's five feet eleven inches of rock-solid girl power, and #2—she's cursed with four alpha male older brothers. While doing a story on local heroes, she meets a hunky doctor and things start to look up. Now there's only one problem: Trevor Meade, her first love and the one man she's never quite gotten over.  More... "Higgins provides an amiable romp that ends with a satisfying lump in the throat." -- Publishers Weekly ...full review

Pleasure to the Max! Cami Dalton Harlequin Blaze, 2008 Contemporary, R Hot Cassie Parker's globe-trotting great-aunt has sent her a Gypsy "lover's box." All she has to do is write down her most erotic fantasy, tuck it inside the box and presto!...Treasure hunter Max Stone isn't amused. His latest treasure has been swiped and he's followed it to a dusty little antiquities shop in the States. Surely one woman can't stand in the way of his retrieving the priceless lover's box?  More... "The depth and scope of the plot interwoven with the intense chemistry between the characters guarantee this book will be read and reread." -- Ansley Cooper, Romance Junkies ...full review

A Lover's Regret: The Ramseys (2nd Book in Series) AlTonya Washington iUniverse, 2008 Contemporary (African American) Yohan Ramsey and Melina Dan battle private demons and simmering passions, when their paths cross following an eight-year separation. The murder of eighteen year old Sera Black has haunted Yohan’s family for decades. What really happened the night she died? Melina knows and it’s wreaked chaos in her life ever since. Forced to leave her home and the man she loved, she’s now faced with horrors from the past and the darkly seductive Yohan Ramsey back in her life.  More... "I hate to sound like a broken record, but when it comes to AlTonya Washington Ramsey’s series, all I can say is WOW and go BUY this book." -- Nikita Steele, Joyfully Reviewed ...full review   If you like this book, you might be interested in the other books in the Ramsey series: A Lover's Dream (The Ramseys, 1st Book) A Lover's Worth (The Ramseys, 3rd Book)

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This is How it Happened (Not a Love Story)  Jo Barrett Avon, 2008 Contemporary He lied, he cheated. He destroyed her life. How difficult could killing him be? Madeline Piatro devoted four years of her life to her boyfriend Carlton—and, in return, got romance, flowers, and the best sex she'd ever had. But then he dumped her—by e-mail, no less! ... Now Maddy's on a mission. She wants revenge and she wants her career back.  More... "Barrett, the author of the international favorite The Men’s Guide to the Women’s Bathroom (2007), has created another winner with this fast, funny read." -- Shelley Mosley, Booklist …full review

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Letters to a Secret Lover Toni Blake Avon, 2008 Contemporary The last thing she needs right now is a man. . . Lindsey Brooks had it all—an awesome job doling out advice to the lovelorn, a fabulous high-rise apartment, and a to-die-for fiancé. But then she got dumped—wearing nothing but a "Kiss the Cook" apron—and desperate to escape, she retreats to a tiny Montana town to reclaim a family treasure. She never dreamed anyone would try to stop her—or that he'd be sexy as sin.  More... "LETTERS TO A SECRET LOVER was a pleasant surprise that made me laugh out loud, gasp in surprise, and coo over the major loving between Rob and Lindsey." -- Kate Garrabrant, Romance Reviews Today ...full review

Tall Tales and Wedding Veils Jane Graves Grand Central, 2008 Contemporary, PG-13 Accountant Heather Montgomery is a planner. So never in her wildest dreams did she think she'd run into sexy charmer Tony McCaffrey in Vegas, play lady luck, and celebrate his jackpot with a champagne-soaked night. And she certainly never expected to wake up the next morning married! How could this good girl pick a man whose fridge is empty and whose apartment is a disaster zone, yet still drives her so crazy with lust she can't see straight? More... "The plot is funny and fast paced and the characters are a total delight." -- Ellen Micheletti, All About Romance …full review

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The Ten Best Days of My Life Adena Halpern Penguin/Plume 2008 Contemporary/Women's Fiction A heavenly novel about what truly matters in feIn this hilarious and heartwarming first novel, twentynine- year-old Alexandra Dorenfield suddenly finds herself in heaven after an unfortunate encounter with a Mini Cooper. The seventh-and highest-level of heaven to be exact. More... "I didn’t think I’d like this book. It sounded strange. In all honesty, I have to say I loved it." -- Terri, Night Owl Romance …full review

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Shaken and Stirred Kathleen O'Reilly Harlequin Blaze, 2008 Contemporary, R As a student and part-time bartender in Manhattan, Tessa Hart has found that a succession of roomies and cramped apartments are necessary evils in her life. Until she's out on the street and Gabe O'Sullivan, her mentor, boss and certified babe-magnet, steps in. Any other woman would die to share his apartment... More... "Everyone and their fellow bloggers have mentioned the awesome sauce that is this book. They are not wrong." -- Sarah, Smart Bitches, Trashy Books …full review

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Sex, Straight Up Kathleen O'Reilly Harlequin Blaze, 2008 Contemporary, R Meeting a handsome loner on a deserted beach in the Hamptons was like being hit by lightning…. Abruptly, though, Catherine's forty-eight hours of fun are at an end when her family's exclusive auction house is hit by a very public scandal. She's ready to step in and save the day, but she's hoping Daniel, her hot Irish hunk, will lend a hand. More... "There are two things you need to know about this book: you like tortured, healing heroes who are genuinely good guys? Go find this book." -- Sarah, Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, …full review