Since Monday was the day of lurrrrrve, we decided to recommend ten amazing romance novels that we absolutely love. Bec has got five historical romance recs for you and I’ve got five contemporary romance recs.

Contemporary romance recs

Since it’s only been two months since I did my favourite books of 2021 post, which was made up predominantly of contemporary romance books, I’ve included only books that I didn’t have on that list. But feel free to go over there and grab some more recs!

One Night Only by Catherine Walsh

I was completely unprepared for how much I would love One Night Only. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Sarah and Declan and I loved all the directions that the story went. I particularly enjoyed that the characters felt incredibly unique and I didn’t feel like I’d read their story before. I’ve just started Catherine Walsh’s new release The Rebound and I’ve enjoyed the first 100 pages so far as well!

London Celebrities series by Lucy Parker

Okay this isn’t really just one recommendation… because I couldn’t choose. I just absolutely love all of Lucy Parker’s books, especially Battle Royal, which topped my favourites of last year. But if you enjoy reading books set in the entertainment industry, particularly stories about theatre, you’ll love the London Celebrities novels. My favourite of the five that have been released is probably The Austen Playbook.

Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn

Love Lettering is the first and only Kate Clayborn novel that I’ve read but it was a winner for me. I absolutely love handlettering, pens, planners and stationery so I really related with Meg. But for me it was the relationship that Meg and Reid that made me fall in love with the book. I felt every emotion that the characters felt and their story stayed with me long after the book was over.

The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancee by Annika Martin

I’ve read and enjoyed all of the books in the Billionaires of Manhattan series but my favourite of the six is The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancee. I just really enjoyed the dynamic between Tabitha and Rex. If you love grumpy x sunshine stories (and a good cruise setting), this one might be for you.

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

This was a popular release from last year so you probably don’t need me to recommend this but it was fantastic. It took me a little while to get into it but I really enjoyed the romance between Piper and Brendan. And like all of Tessa Bailey’s books, it was hot.

Historical romance recs

For those of you who don’t know: I’m a very indecisive person. I could not narrow down my favourites to five novels. So instead I’m going to give you five historical romance author recommendations. You’ll notice that the reasons I give for why I like their work has a lot of overlapping themes.

Julia Quinn

A lot of people know about Julia Quinn now after the success of Bridgerton on Netflix. I discovered Julia Quinn three years ago, right before they announced the show, and it’s been wonderful seeing the show bring so many new readers to the series.

All of Quinn’s books have been fun, easy reads for me. Each one has wonderful character dynamics, banter, and sweet, slowburn romances.

Particular favourites:

• The Viscount who Loved Me
• It’s In HIs Kiss
• The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband
• The Other Miss Bridgerton

Tessa Dare

Tessa Dare’s books not only feature wonderful romances, they’re also hilarious. Some of them had me in tears with laughter (looking at you, Duchess Deal) and then in tears of sadness because feels for the characters. There are some really interesting and complicated characters in Dare’s books and plenty of found family alongside the romance and steamy moments.

Particular favourites:

• The Duchess Deal
• When a Scot Ties the Knot
• Romancing the Duke
• Twice Tempted by a Rogue
• Surrender of a Siren
• A Week to be Wicked

Sarah Maclean

I’m still making my way through Sarah Maclean’s backlist, but she’s another popular historical romance novelist. Again, these books have fascinating characters, great dynamics and banter, and plenty of found family moments. Her heroines kick ass (in lots of different ways) and the tension between the love interests is amazing.

Particular favourites:

• The Wicked and the Wallflower
• The Brazen and the Beast
• One Good Earl Deserves a Lover

Kate Bateman

Kate Bateman was a delightful surprise for me. I got her first book either free or super cheap on Kobo and it was a five star read. Like all the other books on the list, her books have fantastic character dynamics, but also excellent suspenseful plots (particularly her K.C. Bateman novels) and incorporates a lot of my favourite tropes.

Particular favourites:

• A Reckless Match
• This Earl of Mine
• A Raven’s Heart (As K.C. Bateman)
• To Steal a Heart (As K.C. Bateman)

Katrina Kendrick

Katrina Kendrick is an author you might know better as Elizabeth May. Every single thing I’ve read by May/Kendrick I’ve loved. It’s so easy to keep turning the pages, with really good plots and characters you don’t want to say goodbye too. I’m so glad she has a third historical romance coming out next month.

Particular favourites:

• His Scandalous Lessons
• Tempting the Scoundrel
• So, all of them so far.

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Jenna

Co-Blogger at Happy Indulgence Books

Jenna is an Aussie blogger and reader who loves to indulge in great books and great food. She is a doctor (of philosophy) and can usually be found fangirling about something, devouring delicious food, or taking a nap. You can find her on Twitter @readwithjenna and on Instagram @readingwithjenna.

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