• Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    Going Home by Haven Saunders

    Can two childhood friends navigate their complex past to forge a future together… or will the past be too much to overcome?

    Cloverton police officer Melanie Hart juggles the demands of her job and raising her two young daughters alone after her husband abandoned them years ago. Mel isn’t complaining, though having great kids and a few close friends doesn’t do much to ease her loneliness. Dean Gorman never thought he’d return to Cloverton after creating a successful career as a photojournalist. However, he is drawn to his hometown to document the loss of their biggest employer, Cloverton Lumber, and the ripple effect it has had on the town. While exploring the vacant building, he is nearly arrested for trespassing by Mel, his childhood friend and the woman who broke his heart. Despite his determination to move on and leave Cloverton in the past, Dean doesn’t know if he can walk away from love once again. Can Melanie and Dean navigate the complexities of their past to forge a future together or will the past be too much to overcome? A note from the author:
    “As someone who grew up in the Midwest, I absolutely love small-town romances. Toss in a second chance at love for the main characters, and I’m all in!”
    Haven Saunders
       
  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    What Are Friends For? by Patricia McLinn

    Best friends always, lovers once … and now?

    In rural Drago, Illinois, Zeke came by his “the Geek” nickname honest, more comfortable in the world of algebra and algorithms than high school’s social hallways. Though that didn’t keep him from longing for the unattainable prom queen, Jennifer. The one person who did understand his out-of-the-box brain was Darcie, his best friend. After their high school graduation, Zeke and Darcie for one night jolted from friends to lovers. And then he left town, and she knew he couldn’t look back. What he didn’t know was the depth of Darcie’s feelings for him. Now it’s 17 years later, and Zeke’s a self-made billionaire founder of a tech security firm, Darcie’s a local cop and Jennifer’s a divorced mom of a tween girl. And their little town is flagging. At Darcie’s urging, Zeke returns to Drago to boost its economy. Will his new wealth attract the still-beautiful Jennifer? Or will Darcie, the one girl who always made him feel at ease, show him that true love knows no boundaries? The author’s writing advice:

    “[M]y biggest writing advice is, all writing advice is a buffet. It’s not a fixed menu. Pick and choose and try it. And if it works for you, great. You want to go back and get more, terrific. You want to not try it ever again, that’s terrific too. You can, you know, a year later, you can go back and go, “Oh, you know, that person said this and this and maybe I will try that.” Just—but recognize that it’s not a one shot, I have to do everything right, right now, or I’m never going to have a career. That’s not true. I’ve done so many things wrong… And I look back at those books that I wrote then, and they became the core for my indie start, the start of my indie career. So I thought it was a mistake. I kicked myself a lot for it. And then it turned out being really good.”
    Patricia McLinn

     

     

  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    Yes, Chef by Waitlyn Andrews

    An upbeat, closed-door sizzling-with-chemistry, romantic comedy that will have you believing in the magic of a 90’s Rom-Com again.

    I’ve sworn off romantic relationships, stifling family expectations, and self-doubt. The trifecta, really. Returning home to run the family business is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean I can’t spend some time carving out my own path to culinary success. The first four months of living abroad go exactly as planned, working at one of the chicest, up-and-coming restaurants in France—not to brag—I know a Michelin star is within reach if I keep my head down, focus, and work harder than I ever have. I go to the market every morning, I run my own schedule, and I don’t have to think about my cheating ex or Meredith-Blake-of-a-mother. That is, until a tall, all-American golden boy enters my space as the new head chef of Teaks—my boss. Chef James Sullivan is too attractive for his own good, and I’ve strictly written off workplace romances. But, lucky for me, he only chooses to acknowledge my presence when he’s critiquing my work every five minutes. Maybe I can tune out those broad shoulders and denim blue eyes . . . if only those eyes would stop staring at me so intently.   A note form the author:

    “I’m a 30-something author who lives vicariously through my characters and adores a good ’90s rom-com. I’ve penned a novel about a strong female lead chasing her culinary dreams in Paris, navigating workplace romance and family expectations.”
    Waitlyn Andrews

     

     

  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    The Last Honest Woman by Nora Roberts

    The widow of race car legend, family secrets and a mysterious past, and handsome journalist that wants to get to the bottom of this mysterious woman of integrity…

    Abigail O’Hurley Rockwell’s husband was a racing car legend behind the wheel, winning championships with a fearless skill and speed that claimed his life in a tragic and—some would say—reckless crash. Heartbroken, Abby wants nothing more than to raise her two sons in peace, but journalist Dylan Crosby is penning a book about her infamous husband’s life, determined to expose the man’s hidden past. But Abby is not a spoiled trophy wife Dylan can easily charm. She is a woman of integrity and mystery desperate to keep him at arm’s length—even as their desires for one another are on an unalterable collision course. How the author honed her talent:

    “I imagine every teacher helped. I joke about the nuns, but the fact is the discipline that they drum into education sticks. You can have all the talent in the world but if you don’t have the discipline to sit down and write on a regular basis, you’re not going to write or publish any books.”
    Nora Roberts

     

     

  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    Healing Her Cowboy by Kay Lyons

    Sometimes tragedy is a second chance in disguise…

    He was the one. The one she loved but couldn’t have without revealing the truth of her past. That’s why she left, why she’s stayed away, and why she has to return… Paralyzed by a riding accident, Seth Rowland doesn’t want physical therapist Grace Korbit to see him like this. Of all people, why her? But Grace is the best. Maybe if he cooperates, he’ll be able to walk again, get her to reveal the truth of why she’d left—and convince her to stay? A five star review:

    “So not what I expected. Beautiful story about two people facing their demons and learning to live again. It’s been a while since I read such a simple yet complicated story… The growing intimacy between Seth [and] Grace was all this story needed to make it wonderful. ”
    Rony- Goodreads

     

     

  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    Forever Dreams by Leeanna Morgan

    She came to Montana looking for answers…and found forever.

    When Gracie Donnelly arrives on a Montana cattle ranch, she has more on her mind than mending fences and feeding chickens. She’s secretly searching for her father and answers to questions that could destroy a family. Just one look at the fiery five-foot-one redhead and Trent McKenzie knows Gracie is going to be trouble. Ever since the failure of his first marriage, he promised never to listen to his heart again. Especially when his heart is saying he’s falling in love – and the one thing Gracie’s searching for is the one thing that could take her away from him forever. The author on why the story is set in Montana:

    “When I started writing Gracie’s story in Forever Dreams I had no idea we’d end up in Montana. But Gracie is a determined woman. She hopped on a plane and left New Zealand for Big Sky country and the most incredible journey of her life. Along the way we discovered that New Zealand has more in common with Montana than we thought – amazing scenery, lots of wide open spaces, and people with kind hearts and warm smiles. We found a home away from home and decided to stay.”
    Leeanna Morgan

     

     

  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    Babycakes by Donna Kauffman

    A dessert baker finds romance in a small Southern town just as sweet as her cupcakes.

    Kit Bellamy was raised on pie. Mamie Sue’s Peanut Pies, to be exact—the family company her scheming brother-in-law sold out from under her. Now Kit needs a new recipe for her life, and Georgia’s Sugarberry Island seems to have all the ingredients. In that sleepy Southern town, Kit finds a new job running the mail-order cupcake business Babycakes…and meets the tall, dark, and adorable lawyer Morgan Westlake.

    Having just moved to the island to raise his goddaughter, Morgan is as mouthwatering as any of Kit’s creations. There’s just one fly in the batter: Morgan hails from the very law firm that helped crush her dreams. Fortunately, Kit’s new friends can assure her that Morgan is no typical Westlake–and that even lawyers, not to mention single dads, need romance. If Kit can just be persuaded to follow her appetite—her sweetest dreams just might come true. The author on incorporating food in her writing:

    “I think that writing about food encompasses all of our senses. Food is a lot like life and relationships and people in that it stimulates your sense of smell, your sense of taste, your touch. Everything about it is wound up into this one element and I think we all obviously enjoy food so there’s that universal element. I think it can be done both in a way that’s entertaining and interesting and fun, but it’s also very sensual and interesting, and I think it adds a certain element of tension going on between the couple too.”
    Donna Kauffman

     

     

  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    Loving the Billionaire Heir Doc by Dobi Daniels

    A doctor who’s guarded her heart for so long. A hospital billionaire determined to break down her walls. And secrets that could destroy everything…

    Driven Alicia Montgomery is managing her busy life as best as she can, both as a star medical resident at the prestigious Dexington Medical Center and as a guardian for her sick niece. But when an expensive experimental treatment becomes the only way to save her niece’s life, and a chance to win a sizable monetary prize after presenting at a hospital symposium arises, Alicia jumps at the opportunity. Only she has to co-present with Blake Dexington. Her new enemy. A handsome doctor who seems set on infuriating her at every turn! Billionaire doctor Blake Dexington has to win the hospital board’s approval to take over his father’s position as CEO, and presenting at the upcoming hospital symposium, with the board members in attendance, would be his best move. Yet he has to do so with Alicia, the beautiful, smart doctor he can’t stop thinking about, even though love should be the last thing on his mind. As they’re forced to work together, would they give in to love, or would their secrets destroy any chance at a happily ever after? The author’s “warning” to the reader about this book:

    “This sweet enemies-to-lovers romance will send you on a tender, heartwarming ride filled with unexpected twists and surprising secrets. Side effects can occur if you’re allergic to all-the-feels, strong heroines, and swoon-worthy doctor heroes.”
    Dobi Daniels

     

     

  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    The Patriot by Jennifer Millikin

    I’m a soldier. A cattle rancher. A Hayden.

    My family’s legacy is spread out in front of me, just waiting for me to seize it. If it weren’t for one outdated rule, I’d be the owner of the Hayden Cattle Company and my aging father could retire. When Dakota Wright shows up to buy and develop twenty acres of Hayden land, I see more than a pretty mouth and strawberry blonde hair. I see a way around the decree keeping me from getting what I want. And, as luck would have it, Dakota has a big problem of her own. We strike two deals: one for the land, and a second that’ll make both our problems a distant memory. It isn’t too long before I realize I’m in over my head. I’ve convinced myself the ends should justify the means, but everything begins to fall apart when my birthright is no longer all that I’m after. I never thought there’d be anything I could love more than my ranch and my country. I was wrong. Turns out, I want it all. Including her.

    A 5-star review:

    “Throughout the whole book, I could see a change in both Dakota and Wes gradually and see this beautiful relationship evolve from the hurt and anger of being left alone to something inseparable and worth fight for! I highly recommend this fast paced story about second chances and taking risks in life.”
    Lauren frm Lala’s book reviews

     

     

  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    The Pride of Jared MacKade by Nora Roberts

    For Jared, would it be cold pride – or warm bride?

    Jared MacKade always fights for what’s right. As a kid he was competitive, and that spirit has continued in his career as an attorney. So when a challenge arrives in the form of stubborn single mother Savannah Morningstar, Jared won’t be deterred by her cool and defensive attitude—quite the opposite. Jared is drawn in by the strong woman, and though Savannah is prepared to keep her guard up, Jared knows what he wants. Not only is he interested in Savannah, he’s grown to love her son too. The former bad boy has always longed for a family of his own, and now that he’s found the one woman he wants to come home to, Jared is ready to shed his pride and take a chance on love.

    A 5-star review:

    “I loved this book and it was all because of Savannah. Usually the heroines in romance books are indirect and too willing to be led by the man. When the hero is the one directing all the action because he makes the moves, initiates things, and so on, I get tired of the heroine. Savannah wasn’t that kind of heroine. She was determined, bad tempered at times – but also warm . The balance between her being temperamental and reasonable enough to apologize was excellent.”
    Kelly Kleeb – Goodreads