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Let’s face it: When you want to escape life, there is nothing better than a good old romance.
From friends taking their friendship to the next level to enemies falling into bed together to fake relationships turning into something genuine, there is a romance trope for everyone. And with so many romances released every year, you should never be in short supply.
However, sometimes it can be hard to keep up with the latest and greatest in the romance genre.
With that in mind, I have put together a curated list of the best romance books of 2022.
Read on for the best romance books of 2022.
Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
Five years ago, Kenna Rowan made a fatal mistake that resulted in the death of the man she loved and her behind bars. The day her sentence ends, Kenna returns to the town where everything went wrong in hopes of reuniting with her four-year-old daughter and earning a spot in her life. But those in her daughter’s life are not so quick to forget her mistakes nor allow her a place in her daughter’s circle.
Enter Ledger Ward, a local bar owner who finds himself unwittingly sympathetic to Kenna’s situation. Despite a rocky start, Ledger can look beyond her past mistakes and, against all odds, falls for her infallible determination and insurmountable strength, forcing him into a terrible position littered with obstacles.
Reminders of Him is a profound love story that takes its readers on an emotional journey of forgiveness, redemption, absolution, and self-love. As one of the best romance books of 2022, Colleen Hoover knows what she is doing, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next.
Reverse by Kate Stewart
When budding journalist Natalie Butler discovers a string of love letters between her father and Stella from thirty years earlier, her world is turned upside down. Drowning in questions and determined to learn more about her father’s past love, she tracks down Stella’s son Easton Crowne, a rockstar on the path to stardom. Together, the two embark on a journey that takes them back to the beginning.
Kate Stewart is a master at writing rockstar romances, and Reverse is no exception. Interwoven with music, emotion, passion, and love, Stewart outdid herself with this beautiful duet. Natalie and Easton’s tale is undoubtedly starcrossed in nature, so if you love angsty forbidden rockstar romance books, you are in for an unforgettable ride. I recommend you start with Stella, Reid, and Nate’s story in Drive if you have yet to read that masterpiece.
The Long Game by Rachel Reid
Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander return in The Long Game, the anxiously-awaited sequel to Rachel Reid’s renowned hockey romance Heated Rivalry.
After facing dozens of hurdles and challenges that worked to keep the all-star hockey rivals apart, Shane and Ilya did the impossible and came out on the other side – together.
But after ten years of sneaking around and keeping their relationship hidden, Ilya is tired of the secrets. All he needs to do is convince Shane that their relationship is worth more than hockey.
As one of my all-time favorite couples, I cannot recommend The Long Game enough, and if you have yet to read Heated Rivalry, it is in your best interest to drop everything, find your way over to Amazon, and one-click that magnificent read. Be sure to prepare yourself for an epic book hangover because this is one of the best romance books of 2022.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Nora Stephens, a no-nonsense literary agent, has an unapologetic ambition and relentless work ethic. When her pregnant sister Libby asks her to take a trip with her to the picturesque town of Sunshine Falls, she accepts.
What should be a peaceful girls’ getaway quickly turns sour when Nora is reunited with her arch nemesis Charlie Lastra, an editor from New York City. Despite her best attempts to keep her distance, the two keep getting thrown together.
Emily Henry’s Book Lovers is an undeniable hit for romance readers in 2022. With its electric chemistry, witty dialogue, and heartwarming moments, this unforgettable contemporary romance story is a must-read.
D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins
When D’Vaughn Miller and Kris Zavala find themselves on a dating reality show, they enter a fake dating arrangement to win the big cash prize. But to successfully pull it off, they must plan a fake wedding in six weeks and convince their friends and families of their love for each other. It should be a piece of cake – except they did not count on their not-so-fake feelings.
For a fun, contemporary beach read, I recommend getting your hands on D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding. Refreshing, romantic, and sweet, Higgins delivers an unforgettable Black LGBTQIA+ rom-com that is undoubtedly one of the best new romance books of 2022. And if you are a fan of the fake-dating trope, prepare to fall in love.
Hopelessly Bromantic by Lauren Blakely
At twenty-three, aspiring author TJ Ashford gets the opportunity of a lifetime when his employer, 24News, sends him to England for a year, a perfect destination to write his first novel. To add to his good luck, TJ lands a date with a sexy, charming Brit hours after landing.
What should have been a perfect day takes a sharp swan dive when he meets his roomie and learns it is aspiring actor Jude Graham, the same sexy, charming Brit from earlier that day.
Determined to keep their relationship firmly in the friend zone, TJ and Jude ignore their blinding attraction and keep things friendly. But the two can only overlook their growing feelings for so long before they are forced to decide whether to give in or continue fighting their connection.
Adorably sexy, hilariously witty, and insanely addictive, Hopelessly Bromantic is the first book in this unputdownable MM duet featuring a meet-cute, two swoon-worthy guys, and a handful of twists and turns that will have you desperate for more.
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
Successful ER doctor Alexis Montgomery is not having a good day. Stuck in a ditch after swerving to avoid hitting an animal, Alexis cannot believe her luck when a young hot guy in a truck stops and pulls her out.
Daniel Grant is a 28-year-old who wears many hats: carpenter, pseudo mayor, and family business owner. With so much on his plate, Daniel has little time for relationships, but when he meets Alexis, he cannot deny their attraction.
Despite their chemistry, the two could not be more different, and Alexis is unsure whether they could ever work in the real world.
Part of Your World is another winner from Abby Jimenez, featuring a 10-year age gap, a small town setting, and some hilarious situations. As one of the best contemporary romance books of 2022, you cannot go wrong with this powerfully emotional rom-com.
It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover
In the highly-anticipated sequel to Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends with Us, Lily, Atlas, and Ryle return to center stage. While navigating the complex world of co-parenting alongside her ex-husband Ryle, Lily unwittingly stumbles upon her first love Atlas after nearly two years of separation.
Elated to see where things go now that time is finally on their side, Lily readily accepts when he asks her out on a date. But a problem soon arises in the form of her ex. Though they are now divorced, Ryle is outspoken when it comes to Lily’s blossoming relationship because if there is one person that incites Ryle’s hatred, it is Atlas Corrigan.
If you have yet to read It Ends with Us, then I recommend getting on that. Otherwise, you will be feeling left out when It Starts with Us comes out. After all, there is no doubt that it will be one of the best romance books of 2022.
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
Following the sudden passing of her mother, Executive Protection Agent Hannah Brooks finds herself drowning after being told to take time off from work, a death sentence for a workaholic like her who needs to keep busy. Things take a turn for the worse when her boyfriend decides it is the perfect time to break up.
Determined to get out of her week-long funk, Hannah is more than ready for a new assignment. What she did not expect, nor want, was to be assigned to bodyguard Hollywood star Jack Stapleton. He is just the kind of vapid Hannah avoids with a ten-foot pole, and faking a relationship with him is not her cup of tea.
With laugh-out-loud moments and unimaginable charm, The Bodyguard is bound to make a one-way stop to the top of your TBR list. As one of the best fake dating romance books of 2022, I cannot recommend this unputdownable page-turner enough.
The Sign for Home by Blair Fell
At twenty-three, Arlo Dilly’s world is very small. Living as a DeafBlind man with his strict Jehovah’s Witness uncle has not given Arlo many chances to expand his circle or gain more independence. That all changes when his new interpreter Cyril enters his life and challenges his beliefs.
As Arlo’s world slowly expands, he cannot help but think back to the girl he met at a boarding school for the deaf. Determined to find the girl with expressive hands, he sets off on a journey alongside his new group of friends to find the one that got away.
The Sign for Home is a poignant and unforgettable coming-of-age contemporary romance that will live on in your mind long after you read the last sentence. There is nothing else like it, so I recommend you add this to your collection because it just might become one of your favorite books of 2022.
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
When runaway bride Naomi Witt rolls into town to come to her twin’s rescue, she does not expect to get the third degree from the town’s occupants, nor for her sister to leave her with an 11-year-old niece she never knew existed minutes after stealing her car and money.
With no money, no job, no car, and a surprise kid, Naomi knows nothing will ever be the same. And if not for Knox Morgan, a surly grump of a man who distrusts Naomi, she would be in a world of pain. Because even though he would love to book her a one-way ticket out of his life, he refuses to stand by and watch as her world falls apart.
Adorable, fun, and sweet, Things We Never Got Over is an enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance featuring a sunshine runaway bride, a grumpy business owner, a funny kid, a fake dating situation, and a small town full of gossip.
1001 Dark Nights by Kennedy Ryan
At eighteen, Takira Fletcher found a once-in-a-lifetime connection with her brother’s rival Nazareth Armstrong during her senior year of high school. Fast forward twelve years later, and Takira and Naz reunite in a blaze of passion. Nothing about them is temporary, and now that they have found their way back to each other, nothing can tear them apart.
For a forbidden, second-chance romance with off-the-charts steam, 1001 Dark Nights is a romance that needs to find its way onto your bookshelf.
Moth by Lily Mayne
In a post-apocalyptic world invaded by monsters, ex-soldier Charlie is just trying to survive as he traverses the dangerous Wastes with his best friend and his big purple monster boyfriend.
When they come across a raider camp, Charlie finds himself volunteering to search for the missing leader alongside the arrogant and allusive half-monster Moth, who seems to hate him at first sight.
But Charlie quickly realizes that the prickly demeanor Moth wears like a second skin is all a facade. And once that guise unravels, Charlie finds himself plagued with a bout of unrequited love because Moth could never love him, not when he has feelings for someone else.
Emotional, action-packed, and fascinating, Moth is a gripping slow-burn MM paranormal romance filled with wonderfully complex world-building, a memorable ensemble of charaçters, and beautiful character growth.
Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake
Up-and-coming photographer Delilah Green had no plans of ever returning to her hometown Bright Falls until her step-sister Astrid wrangles her into being the photographer for her wedding. Bumping into people from her past is unavoidable, but nothing could have prepared her for the grown-up version of Astrid’s best friend, Claire Sutherland.
Sparks fly, and soon the pair strike up a friends-with-benefits arrangement that blossoms into more than they ever saw coming.
Steamy and humorous, Delilah Green Doesn’t Care is a charming contemporary romance that tells its readers a story of family, love, friendship, parenthood, and healing.
Devil of Dublin by BB Easton
When eight-year-old Darby Collins visits Ireland for the first time, she is instantly taken by the enchanting Irish lure, the mystical countryside, and her grandfather’s tales of magical fairies, children-eating witches, and vengeful lake spirits.
Determined to find one of the elusive fairies, Darby sets off into the woods and unwittingly stumbles upon a boy not two years older than her. With his glossy black hair and smoke-colored eyes, he could be a character from her grandfather’s stories.
To the rest of the town, he may be the devil, but for Darby, he will forever be her fairy boy, no matter how much time passes.
With its beautiful prose, mystical undertones, and emotional accounts, Devil of Dublin is a mafia romance like none I have read before. Steeped in Irish folklore and fairy dust, BB Easton’s gothic romance is a captivating love story that deviates from the typical atmosphere and setting of organized crime romances.
Between Hello and Goodbye by Emma Scott
When Faith Benson’s wild child lifestyle threatens her job at a top Seattle advertising agency, jetting off to a remote Hawaiian island seems like the answer to all her problems. A twisted ankle was not on the itinerary, nor was the gorgeous firefighter who came to her rescue.
Asher Mackey is the embodiment of what Faith is trying to avoid, but with each encounter, she knows he may be the one who breaks all her rules.
Emma Scott is a master at crafting unforgettable emotion-driven contemporary romances and Between Hello and Goodbye is no exception. Featuring a small town, a beautiful love story, and the grumpy/sunshine trope, this swoon-worthy read is the perfect companion for readers looking for a heartbreakingly beautiful story.
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
Newly divorced single mom Nora Hamilton is a master at crafting happily-ever screenplays for TV movies. But when she goes off script and writes a screenplay on the demise of her marriage, it gets picked up by a big-time Hollywood studio that casts sexy A-lister and former sexiest man alive Leo Vance as her ex.
With filming wraps up, Nora could not be more surprised when she finds Leo on her porch with a proposition that will make her $7,000 richer. In need of a break from the media and paparazzi, Leo asks to stay for an extra week in her tea house. Nora accepts, unaware of the life-changing week that is to come.
With witty humor and a swoon-worthy love story, Nora Goes Off Script is a cute beach read that you will not be able to put down. As far as romances go, this is one of the best contemporary celebrity romance books of 2022.
Say You Swear by Meagan Brandy
They say your first love lasts forever. But what happens when they break your heart and leave you a shadow of your former self?
With summer coming to a close and college looming in the distance, Arianna is feeling the pressure to put the moves on her brother’s best friend before it is too late.
Arianna never foresaw the ultimate heartache Chase Harper would put her through, nor did she anticipate his future teammate’s determination to piece her heart back together again.
Emotional, heartrending, and unforgettable, Say You Swear is a swoon-worthy slow-burn sports romance that will have you head over heels for your future book boyfriend. As one of the best college romance books of 2022, you should treat yourself to this unputdownable must-read.
Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle
When Prince Jones gets the chance to have his own segment on his uncle’s popular radio show, he jumps at the chance. Hoping to help people with their love lives, Prince offers romantic advice to his listeners. However, despite his wealth of relationship advice, Prince is having his own problems finding love.
It might just be time that he starts taking his own advice.
Sweet, uplifting, and beautifully written, Love Radio is an unputdownable contemporary coming-of-age romance that takes its reader on a journey of love, self-discovery, family, friendship, independence, and self-empowerment.
Secret Service by Tal Bauer
Forbidden romance. Heart-pounding action. And a fight against the clock to save the President of the United States.
When Special Agent Reese Theriot walks into the Oval Office and meets President Walker for the first time, he never expects to find a love that defies all expectations. But Reese knows nothing could ever work. Not between the President and his head of secret service detail. Because if a scandal like that ever got out, it could spell the downfall of the presidency.
Brennan Walker never imagined he would win the primaries, let alone the presidential race. With dreams of a better future, Brennan walks into the oval office with plans to mend the fissures splintering across the world. But those plans fade into the background when he comes face-to-face with Agent Theriot. Because if there were ever a reason to risk everything he has strived towards, Reese would be it.
With heart-stopping action, incredible suspense, and endless passion, Secret Service is an unputdownable MM forbidden romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you journey with Reese on a wild goose chase for the love of his life. And as one of the best MM political romance books of 2022, you cannot go wrong with adding it to your bookshelf and cracking it open.
Give Me More by Sara Cate
At thirty-four, Drake is a self-anointed commitment-phobe scoundrel who is not afraid to admit it. When his best friend and co-owner of the up-and-coming kink club Salacious asks him to go on a cross-country road trip to tour other clubs with him and his wife Isabel, he hops on board.
But being the third wheel in their marriage is getting old. And when a spark ignites between the trio, nothing will ever be the same.
Insanely sexy, breathtakingly beautiful, and unimaginably emotional, Give Me More is a memorable MMF friends-to-lovers romance that will keep you up till all hours of the night.
Forget-Me-Not Bombshell by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
In Forget-Me-Not Bombshell, the London Firm, ruled by the Butcher Brothers, takes center stage with Anya Volkov, the daughter of the Russian Bratva, jetting off to the UK to fulfill her marital obligations to Danny, the Butcher of London, commonly referred to as the unhinged twin. Becoming shackled to Danny is a death sentence, and Anya refuses to go down without at least sticking a knife in his back first.
Unknowingly to Anya, the psycho twin is about to get the shock of a lifetime with the unexpected arrival of Benny, the brother he backstabbed and framed for a crime that landed him with an eight-year sentence. Between Benny, his best friend and right-hand man Church, and his ex-friend turned enemy Frank, Anya has three men on her side who have no plans of allowing Danny to continue his reign of terror – even if she does not know that yet.
With off-the-charts steam, darkly twisted characters, and hilarious laugh-out-loud moments, Forget-Me-Not Bombshell is a highly addictive addition to the Mafia Wars series and one of the best enemies-to-lovers mafia romance books of 2022. Between Anya’s killer harem, the fabulous banter, and the lovely England patriotism, you are in for an insane rollercoaster ride that will kick your sleep schedule to the curb.