Best Romance Novels (with a Happily Ever After)

An open book with three pale pink roses is set behind the title, "Best Romance Novels (with a Happily Ever After)

If you love a “happily ever after,” you’ll love this booklist of the best romance novels to read now. Bonus – these book recommendations pair well with red wine and dark chocolate!

This booklist of romance novels, all recently released, will give you all the feels.

There’s nothing like escaping into a romance novel! And the best part is knowing a satisfying “happily ever after” awaits you at the end.

You’ll discover two enthralling historical romances, Until Next Sunday by Audry Fryer (me!) and The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews.

Plus, who knew mathematical equations and a scientific hypothesis could be so steamy? Romance novels A Perfect Equation by Elizabeth Everett and The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood prove the equation one plus one equals two and that lasting love is possible.

So, pour yourself a glass of wine, grab a few chocolates, and settle into a comfy place to enjoy this heartwarming booklist of romance novels!

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What are the best romance novels with a happily ever after?

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Until Next Sunday by Audry Fryer

Until Next Sunday by Audry Fryer

I couldn’t resist featuring my new release in historical romance! I’m so excited for you to read this beautiful love story based on real-life love letters written over a hundred years ago.

If you love The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks and The Shoemaker’s Wife by Adriana Trigiani, you will love this novel.

The story follows Rosina, who leaves her home in Italy as a young woman to pursue her American dream. While living with her brother in Philadelphia, she falls in love with Gianni, a handsome shoemaker’s apprentice.

Soon after their first kiss, Rosina falls seriously ill. When Rosina becomes quarantined, only love letters and brief Sunday visits keep her connected to Gianni.

According to Award-winning Author Lark Brennan, “This inspiring love story of two young Italian immigrants in 1920’s Philadelphia sparkles with heart and authenticity.”

Buy on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Buy on other popular sites!

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Weather Girl Rachel Lynn Solomon Author

Weather Girl is the story of Ari Abrams, a young TV meteorologist looking to be mentored by her boss and legendary Seattle weatherwoman Torrance Hale. The only problem is that Torrance spends all of her time battling with her ex-husband.

Desperate, Ari turns to sports reporter Russell Barringer to engage in a scheme to get Torrance and her ex back together. But when their meddling backfires and sparks fly between Ari and Russell, the weather forecast for Ari looks stormy.

According to Jasmine Guillory, New York Times bestselling author of While We Were Dating, “That feeling you get when you curl up on the couch on a rainy Saturday, with a great book in one hand and a spiked hot chocolate in the other: that’s the feeling you get when you read Weather Girl. This book is cozy, comforting, thought-provoking, and it’ll make you feel warm from the inside out.”

Buy on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Books-a-Million

The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

The Roughest Draft Emily Wibberley Author

The Roughest Draft is the story of Katrina Freeling and Nathan Van Huysen, who have called it quits on their partnership three years after the book they co-wrote tops several bestseller lists.

Despite not speaking, Katrina and Nathan must fulfill their contract by co-writing one more book. So, they decide to reunite in the small Florida town where they wrote their previous book to finish this manuscript.

The Florida heat won’t be the only thing heating up the pages of this book!

Authors Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, are a real-life husband and wife writing team. Their novels span from young adult to adult romance.

Buy on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Books-a-Million

Made in Manhattan by Lauren Layne

Made in Manhattan Lauren Layne Author

Described as “a reverse My Fair Lady for the modern era,” Made in Manhattan is the charming story of how a pampered and privileged Manhattan socialite, Violet Townsend, agrees to help rural Louisiana native Cain Stone fit in with New York City’s elite.

Cain is the newly-discovered grandson of Violet’s beloved grandmother’s friend. However, Cain isn’t interested in Violet’s help or changing his ways. He’s only playing along for the financial windfall.

Of course, this is a romance, so you can be sure where the plot is heading (happily ever after included). And reading how it all plays out is most, if not all, the fun!

According to USA Today, “This lighthearted read includes witty banter, a ‘phew, that’s hot’ romance, and the author’s adept ability to bring her characters and their experiences off the page and into your life.”

Buy on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Books-a-Million

The Siren of Sussex (Belles of London Book 1) by Mimi Matthews

The Siren of Sussex Mimi Matthews Author

If you’re a fan of historical romance, The Siren of Sussex checks all the boxes.

Set in London in the Victorian Era, Evelyn Maltravers understands that she doesn’t have the clout to attract a husband in Victorian high society. So, she develops a plan to highlight her equestrienne talents while wearing haute couture.

Evelyn enlists the help of Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik, who is devastatingly handsome and has a knack for making women look beautiful. Evelyn and Ahmad form a partnership – in more ways than one.

According to Kate Pearce, New York Times bestselling author, “What I love about Mimi Matthews is that in the crowded field of historical romance, she always finds new and interesting slants for her plots and characters. That, along with her wonderful writing and meticulous research, makes every book she puts out a rare treat to enjoy and savor. Highly recommend!”

Buy on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Books-a-Million

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People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

People We Meet on Vacation Emily Henry Author

Escape the winter blues with this warm, witty story of two friends and a simmering slow-burn romance.

Poppy and Alex became friends on a shared ride home from college. Their personalities are polar opposites, and yet, they’ve forged a warm, caring friendship for many years. Every summer for a decade, they’ve taken a shared vacation.

That is, until two years ago when something (one can only guess) happened, and now they haven’t spoken. But Poppy breaks the ice and convinces Alex to take one more vacation with her.

I don’t know about you, but I’m packing myself into one of their suitcases and going along for the trip! Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author, describes People We Meet on Vacation as “the perfect getaway: a heartfelt, funny, tender escape that you wish could last forever.”

Buy on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Books-a-Million

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang

The Heart Principle Helen Hoang Author

When you’re in the mood for more than just a “boy meets girl” romance, consider The Heart Principle.

Violinist Anna Sun is burned out between going viral on a YouTube video and her boyfriend wanting an open relationship. Anna gives her soon-to-be ex-boyfriend his open relationship and decides her best revenge is a string of one-night stands with men she’d never consider dating.

Then, Anna meets tattooed, motorcycle-riding Quan. Just as Quan has her thinking differently about her relationship status, a family tragedy takes center stage in Anna’s life.

The review provided by Book & Film Globe describes this novel and author, Helen Hoang, best. “One of her most raw and autobiographical works, as she notes, and it touches on themes of grief and loss as much as the need for unconditional love and romance.”  

Buy on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Books-a-Million

The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon

The Ex Talk Rachel Lynn Solomon Author

Ex Talk is author Rachel Lynn Solomon’s romantic comedy debut.

Shay Goldstein is a producer at a struggling Seattle public radio station. For nearly a decade, she’s loved her job until Dominic Yun, who’s fresh off a journalism master’s program, gets hired.

To gain more listeners, Shay pitches a show called Ex Talk, in which two exes offer relationship advice. Her producer jumps on the idea and pairs Shay with Dominic as the new show’s co-hosts.

Despite the deceit that Shay and Dominic have never been involved nor exes, their open disdain for one another makes it so believable that the show gains a large audience.

And then – yep, you guessed it – Shay and Dominic start to fall for each other for real. Now, getting caught in their on-air lie has much higher stakes.

According to Shondaland, “The Ex Talk delivers. This book is quick, spicy, and sweet.”

Buy on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Books-a-Million

A Perfect Equation (The Secret Scientists of London Book 2) by Elizabeth Everett 

A Perfect Equation Elizabeth Everett Author

Listed on Goodreads as the top-voted novel for 2022 Historical Romance, A Perfect Equation promises to be a smart, entertaining, delightful read.

Athena’s Retreat, a secret haven for England’s women scientists, is under new management by mathematician Letitia Fenley. Much to Letty’s dismay, the handsome Lord William Hughe, the Viscount Greycliff, has been tasked with helping her.

Although Letty and Grey can’t stand each other, being forced to work together leads to attraction. When Athena’s Retreat faces closure, it’s up to Letty’s mathematical equations for love to save the day.

This novel is the second book in Everett’s Secret Scientists of London series. Check out the first book in the series, A Lady’s Formula for Love (The Secret Scientists of London Book 1)

Buy on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Books-a-Million

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

The Love Hypothesis Ali Hazelwood Author

This romance novel proves once again that smart is sexy.

The Love Hypothesis is the story of third-year Ph.D. candidate Olive Smith who doesn’t believe in the possibility that romantic relationships can last.

After disputing this opinion with her close friend, Olive makes the impulsive choice to kiss the first man she sees. That man happens to be Adam Carlsen, a young, hot, yet arrogant professor.

When Adam agrees to be Olive’s fake boyfriend, the fun begins.

According to Popsugar, The Love Hypothesis is “pure slow-burning gold with lots of chemistry.”

Buy on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | Books-a-Million

Happily Ever After included … UNTIL NEXT SUNDAY by Audry Fryer

“This inspiring love story of two young Italian immigrants in 1920’s Philadelphia sparkles with heart and authenticity.”Award-winning Author Lark Brennan

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book covers of the best romance books
Audry Fryer is an author and professional freelance writer from Pennsylvania. Formerly a teacher, Audry wrote her first novel while her toddler son and twin babies napped. As her children have grown into teenagers, she has continued to expand her writing career. Audry lives with her family and a pug named Pickles in a quiet corner of Southeastern PA.
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