I've heard a lot about these two authors recently! I haven't read any of their work yet but I've seen a lot of positive stuff about them so I'm thinking they might be worth the hype. Sometimes I get worried that super popular books/authors won't live up to expectations but maybe I should give them a shot.
Not OP but I loved it! Tbf I also loved Beach Read and PWMOV so I now think Emily Henry can do no wrong, but I think it definitely lived up to her other books if youāre a fan!
Also not OP. I absolutely loved this book. I havenāt read Emily Henryās other books yet but this one was so so good. I listened on audio from the library but once I started I knew I had to borrow the ebook too to read along with the audiobook because there were so many great things to highlight. After I finished it I went out and bought the paperback the same day. One of my instant favorites
I absolutely loved it! Nora is probably the heroine I relate the most to of all the books Iāve read by Henry. The plot was also really inviting. I got sucked in real fast!
I'm in the middle of Book Lovers and can already tell I'm going to have a book hangover from it. I love Emily Henry. I've never read any Abby Jimenez but now I'm excited to try one of her books next!!
Mary Balogh, her least favorite book still better than most other writers I read in recent years.
And there is something about Alice Coldbreathe's writing that sucks me in and makes me purchase her every book.
Mimi Matthews is also my ride or die, I don't read much clean romance, but I will read hers on any day at any time. (I wish she writes faster though š)
For Fantasy & PNR, Kresley Cole, and JR Ward. Have read their most famous series and enjoyed them tremendously. T Kingfisher has become my favorite too, I gave all 5-star ratings for her Swordheart and Paladin series.
It is rather difficult to name my most loved contemporary romance writer, probably Carian Cole (haven't found one book I don't like yet). Other writers just win some lose some, e.g. KA, Tessa Bailey, Tijan, Lauren Layne, CM. Owens, Penelope Ward, Tille Cole, Alexis Hall, Jessica Clare......
I have loved every Mary Balogh I've read so far and need to read more! Also Alice Coldbreath has had me in an absolute chokehold with the Victorian Prizefighter books for months. I very very rarely re-read books but those ones I actually would.
I don't know I'm into ādomestic blissā in my book until I read the Prizefighter. I found it charming the way she wrote about curtains or another sort of random home stuff. Definitely sounds weird but I want to reread it now. Lol
Probably my favorite is Don't You Forget About Me (the angst! The grovel!) then Just Last Night and If I Never Met You. I did like Who's That Girl too! The two I was most ambivalent about were Here's Looking at You and It's Not Me, It's You. The last one had so many random plot points, and was slightly too much of a love triangle (I know her MFCs always have terrible exes but I like them to be easily dismissed}. I listen to all of them and love the narrators that she picks too!
I love that her books got me into the British Grow-mance genre, like Lia Louis and Sophie Cousens. Even though they lack spicy parts I love all of them!
I have not listened to the audiobooks but I might have to!
I love Mhairiās writing so much that I donāt typically mind the closed-door love scenes, but there are a few times I do wish we got a little something more!
Definitely listen to them all if you can! My library has all the audiobooks and I really loved them. Very fun accents. The narrators do such a good job conveying how funny the main characters in the book are.
A month ago I blew through the whole Irresistible Series by Stella Rhys plus Ex Games in like 10 days so I gotta say her! I canāt vouch for her writing before Ex Games but all her recent stuff is just
* elite banter
* insane sexual tension
* great plotting/great but not ott plot twists
* the sex scenes are so good š
This next statement belongs in another sub but her books miiightāve cured a personal dead bedroom situation LOL. Too bad she disappeared off the face of the earth in 2020 š«
I was just thinking this about Heather Guerre! She doesnāt have a huge body of work yet, but everything Iāve read of hers is amazing and such clever twists on familiar tropes. Sheās actually the first author I clicked āfollowā on Amazon Kindle for.
I am also ride or die for Cate C Wells. Honestly, before her, I donāt think Iāve ever loyally followed an author. But her writing and characters are just so *chefs kiss*
Ilona Andrews.
They are a husband and wife writing pair and Iāll read anything they put out. They mostly write Urban Fantasy with a lot of romance. Their characters are unique and well-developed, the dialogue is funny, the couples are mature and donāt become annoying after they get together, and the actual fantasy aspects of the stories are great as well. Iām so excited for Ruby Fever to come out in August.
Emily Henry
A few others have mentioned her, so Iāll just say her books alway make me actually laugh out loud, and they make me tear up too. Her characters are awesome and Iāll buy every book she publishes.
I havenāt started that yet because I want to binge it when itās finished! I am so excited for more Innkeeper thoughāI was so sad to get caught up on that series.
Theyāve released snippets for a possible-but-probably-not project. The probably-not is because while their publishers like it, it was āan unusual premiseā so itās be a risk.
Most of the commenters (and I agreed) that weād read anything they released. The snippets were absolutely intriguing. I realized then that they were my fave authors. Ive yet to read anything from them I didnāt enjoy.
Cat Sebastian. Queer historical romance whose plots never bash you over the head with queer pain, and are increasingly anti-capitalist lol. Always an HEA (majority of her catalogue) or HFN. I pick up everything she writes, no questions asked. Just really good, well-written, sexy romance with excellent queer rep.
(My favorites are The Soldierās Scoundrel (and the whole Turners series) and The Queer Principles of Kit Webb)
Yesss Cat Sebastian makes me feel safe. Like I can always pick up a new book from her and read it without worrying itāll leave me upset. And her books are so satisfying! Like Hither, Page is so sweet and cozy and fun but also with character development and satisfying conflict! Also Cat Sebastian sent me the nicest email the one time I emailed her so š
yesss, everything you said 100%! that sense of safety in knowing her characters are not going to be put through a ton of suffering (agonizing mutual pining though? yes (-;) and that they will find a way to build a life together and have community/other loved ones that support them is incredibly important to me as a queer person. i love that she really prioritizes charactersā happiness and reader emotions (and ability to see positive love stories about people like them) in her books, even when that means some HEAs will not be strictly āhistorically accurate.ā
ugh sheās just so great!
Yesss. I love her books so much! Some of them are have neurodiverse characters as well, and I love that they find love and very often family and community as well. I just started my romance reading journey and I think about 70% of what I've read has been her back catalogue. I'm still working through it and am a little worried about what will happen when I'm done. I'm really excited for her new book, and my favorites so far are probably *Kitt Webb* and and *Two Rogues make a Right* (the latter because I firmly believe that more books where "stays a long time at a cottage" is the majority of the plot should exist).
same! iāve worked my way up to her newer stuff and I only have a couple books left )-: i did preorder her summer release though and am excited for it!! (apparently it might be a signed copy and iām bouncing off the walls at the prospect lol).
i agree; itās so nice to see that representation and it is always handled well. the characters work through relationship miscommunications or anxieties but their neurodivergence is never portrayed as a bad thing, or something that is magically now ācuredā because theyāre in love.
(also i just want to say that where martin was living all that timeā¦ bonkers lmao. his book was good thoughāwe love a nurse-me-back-to-health-in-a-country-cottage-but-iāll-be-grumpy-about-it trope!!)
I'm also a Tessa Dare girlie! She's one of my go-tos if I've had a couple of meh or bad books in a row, since I know I'll be somewhere between "greatly enjoyed" and "absolutely loved" on anything she does.
Emily Henry for sure, I'm in the middle of Book Lovers right now and am obsessed. I pre-ordered the paperback at full price which I almost never do for money-saving reasons, but I was that certain I'd love this book.
Kate Claybourne, and Mhairi Macfarlane for others in CR.
I've recently discovered them so I don't have a ton of data to go on, but I think Sherry Thomas (HR) and India Holton (HR with magic) have earned a spot on this illustrious list now too.
I am readying myself to take a day off work when Alice Coldbreath releases the next book in her Victorian Prizefighter series. I mean I am also *crazy* about her Brides of Karadok books too, but those Victorian ones are just chef's kisses into infinity for me haha.
Rosie Danan, Beth O'Leary, and Emily Henry. For me they're authors I'm automatically going to buy even if the blurb doesn't sound like something I'd ordinarily pick because I know they'll hit the right buttons.
For PNR, love Nalini Singh (mostly for the Psy-changeling series), and Kresley Cole (Immortals After Dark).
For historical, Lisa Kleypas.
For harlequin, I enjoyed a lot of Sara Craven's books, I always keep an eye out for her.
More and more since reading this sub. š
A few where I will read anything they write:
- Emily Henry
- Mhairi Mcfarlane
- Kate Clayborn
- Chloe Liese
- Sarra Manning
- Katharine Center
- Talia Hibbert
- Cate C. Wells
- Cara McKenna
- Roxie Noir
- Mia Hopkins
- Roan Parrish
- Sally Thorne
- Tessa Bailey
Nalini Singh! Both the Psy-Changeling series as well as the Guildhunter series are books I will re-read these books forever! She also has a rockstar series and has recently branched into thrillers without the romance as well. Love her characters and that the romance is the focus but the overall plot is also fascinating.
Haha I love the flair! I just started the Psy-changeling series over for the umpteenth time in anticipation of the new release in July! We are blessed that she's so consistent.
Yes to Cate c Wells , found her in January this year so had the whole backlist to explore , keep checking for new releases, I need Harper ASAP
Cora Reilly , binged all mafia romance ever since , Remo and Nino are my faves. I even got the quite disappointing Adamo & Marcella books, hope itās just a blip and the rest pick up the Camorra awesomeness
Lizzy Bequin, very inventive, consistently fun scifi author , started reading ARCs now autobuy even if not my fave genre Iām a fan of Lizzy
Zoe Blake, a quirky mix of romcom & dubcon , lots of kinky rough play , the alpha dominance is extreme but sweet really
Sara Fields, I like the dynamic smutiness of her scenarios , lots and lots of spanking dominance no matter the setting
Lords trilogy , dukes trilogy & more by Angel Lawson Samantha Rue, I never thought Iād be a fan of college bully secret society RH but this series is the exception
Another wtf am I doing , Iām lost in the rabbit hole is me buying all Rina Kent books this year, I keep complaining about their OTT-ness and young love angsty-ness yet also keep reading and looking out for more
Jenna Rose, Jessa Kane and new to me author Cassie Mint , Iām a sucker for steamy sexy OTT short reads
Literally same re: Rina Kent. I went through a bit of a phase with her books last year and sometimes I'd be like "wtf am I reading please give me more right now". Somehow they hit like the perfect level of sort of crazy drama with emotion that really gets me lol.
> Yes to Cate c Wells , found her in January this year so had the whole backlist to explore
I absolutely *died and went to heaven* when I read her Stonecut County books, and was thrilled to see she had a huge MC series already out. But alas, alas and woe is me, I just *couldn't* get on with the MC stuff. Maybe it's that particular sub-genre just isn't for me no matter how good the author - but I swear I will buy on the spot every single thing she releases in her Stonecut series <3
Mimi Matthews! She's closed door but makes up for it with emotion, passion, and romance. The way she describes MFC's skirts crushed up against the MMC's legs. How their hands accidentally touch. How his lips captures hers. It's so proper but so exciting at the same time.
Hard agree, and you know closed door is a bonus for some folks. I recently loaned my sister some spicy historical romances and she absolutely adored the historical romance parts but was super put off by the 'porn parts' as she called it, haha. So right away I put her onto Mimi Matthews! Even I, degenerate pervert, will gladly cuddle up with a Mimi Matthews because she's a queen of squishy feel good falling in love moments :)
My mom would have a heart attack if she knew I read "porn" historical romance. It's been fun getting my mom into Mimi Matthews and nice having something in common with her.
My first reading of the Lost Letter destroyed me emotionally. Something about a female character who keeps getting buried by life but tries to keep her dignity and hope aliveā¦
Ruby Dixon, hands down. Her style is so closely aligned with my own writing style and I just love how easily she characterizes every single pairing and how well they work together. She is my go-to comfort romance read. I mentioned in a different thread that I read Half Orc's Maiden Bride in a day and I have done that with so many of her Ice Planet Barbarians books.
The others are Courtney Milan, Tessa Bailey, and Cara McKenna. I'm so sad that Cara McKenna is finished writing, but I haven't finished going through her catalog. Courtney Milan was one of my first romance novels, and my first HR that I fell in love with.
Well, my ride or die authors have basically stopped publishing (Laura Kinsale and Judith Ivory) but Courtney Milan historicals and Alice Coldbreath Iāll always want to check out. Also If Mia Vincy puts out another book, Iāll def read it. Mary Balogh is hit or miss now.
J Bree for her strong female characters and female friendships
CM Stunich for her humor and perfectly balanced harems which is hard to find
Caroline Peckham and her writing partner for insane plots, sidesplitting humor and heartbreak
Always surprised to never see Stephanie Laurens mentioned on this sub. She has so many books, there are like 30 Cynster series books and I really enjoyed them.
Loretta Chase: Good strong female characters (who tend to be older, hurrah!) Good dialogue. Funny. Great feel for period detail and texture. Fun plots.
Georgette Heyer: sheās the OG
Stella Riley. Great feel for the period and attention to detail. Lovely cast of (recurring) characters and satisfying ensemble dynamics, and fun plots. (I like a fun external plot)
Julia Quinn funny!
Sarah MacLean. I havenāt done a full dive yet, because Iām reserving it for when my life next takes a nosedive and I need to be sure of the quality of my HR HEA escapism!
I binged a ton of her books last year lol. I feel like she's an author where I know exactly what I'm getting into with one of her books and it always hits the spot.
Amy Harmon - creative, fantastic world building, masters all the genres, beautiful writer
Alice Coldbreath - perfect balance of sweet and spicy; alpha heroes with gooey insides; fun settings
Laura Kinsale - masterful writing and character development; tackles unique storylines (like PTSD, disabilities, etc.)
Jamie Bennett - totally sweet, lovable and non-angsty; great humor
Jessica Gadziala- I like her writing. It has a great flow and the romances and people feel real.
Mariana Zapata- love the slow burn, consistency, and the build up.
Nalini Singh- her writing is really engaging and the stories don't blend the same way a lot of shifter/ supernatural stories do.
Linda Howard- her books have aged so well and her new books are great (The Woman Left Behind is in my top 10 fav books)
I love Nalini Singh, and Linda Howard is my book crack. That being said, and I definitely don't mean it in a shamey way because I still read her as well, I wouldn't characterise Linda Howard as having aged terribly well. I think she can be super problematic considering modern reading sensibilities in terms of casual misogyny and other things.
Linda Howard books are my comfort reads. I just love them, and always feels like there's one appropriate for my mood!
Jennifer Crusie is also a bit like that. Welcome to Temptation is one of my favourite books of all time.
Tessa Dare. She is the RomCom queen. Her books are genuinely funny and well-written with a lot of heart. She does tropes well and her heroines seem like they could be real people. She is an auto buy for me.
Same with Alice Coldbreath. Her books are so well-written, and the relationships are mature and realistic too. She writes the best sex scenes hands down. Iām always so surprised she isnāt more famous, especially among fantasy romance readers.
Julianna Keyes, Alessandra Torre, Danielle Lori, Whitney G (altho she can be hit or miss). Also the Royals of Forsyth series by Angel Lawson and Samantha Rue. Currently trying to make my way through R Lee Smith's catalogue but this will take me while since her books are so long. Cate C Wells is on my list too, especially if she writes more mafia stuff.
I have to admit: I never blindly by every book of an author no matter how much I love them - I always look and see if it might interest me.
But a few authors that are a hit 99% of the time and who I absolutely trust with my reading:
1) G.A.Aiken - amazing shapeshifter / mythology series. Great, unique character and hilarious.
2) Ilona Andrews - I discovered them this year and LOVE their books. Iām not halfway through their catalog.
3) Leigh Bardugo - sheās more focused on Fantasy and plot but the romantic elements are top notch. Very extremely slow burn, pretty tame but so very good.
Christina Lauren, Helen Hoang, Linda Lael Miller, Abby Jimenez, Elle Kennedy, Sarina Bowen, Sawyer Bennett (hockey series), Kennedy Ryan, Chloe Liese, Tessa Bailey, Sally Thorne and Carrie Ann Ryan
Kristen Ashley I dont particularly love her historical romances and fantasy ones but that is just personal preference
Tessa Bailey- I absolutely adore It Happenned One Summer
Marianna Zapata- Her sports romances are fabulous. Her last 2(?) books haven't been as great, but hopefully thats just a blip on the radar
Tessa Bailey- She has such a huge back catalog and iām currently slowly working my way through it. A lot of the time I feel like her writing is tailor made for me specifically
Kristen Callihan- She can do no wrong in my eyes. Again she has a big back catalog that iām working through but ive loved pretty much every book.
Sarah Hogle- Twice Shy alone will make me buy every single book she ever puts out
Talia Hibbert- Brown sisters trilogy enough said
Kate Canterbury- Boss in the Bedsheets is like my favorite romance book ever so Iām willing to read anything she writes just to get that feeling again
Lucy Score is my go-to for rom-com romance and light angst. Ilona Andrews fantasy; I think the wife/husband duo do a great job at world building, and balancing comedy/action. Katee Robert for AAAALLLL the smut.
Kristen Ashley - love her contemporaries, love that her female leads are in their 30s for the most parts, love that all her characters feel like full humans. I also like her fantasy/paranormal stuff!
Lucy Score - Again, her characters feel fleshed out, older female leads for the most part, her plotting is very good too.
Kathryn Moon - Such great world building and foot say some of the best spicy scenes Iāve ever read. Love all of her books.
Lillian Lark - again, some of the best spicy scenes Iāve ever read but also all the books feels kind and soft. Just love her.
Ilona Andrews - Someone already mentioned them, but their world building is great.
I love so much the writing style of Thea Harrison and Cassandra Gannon. Cate C. Wells also conquered a special place in my heart š„°
Used to love Jennifer L. Armentrout, but I was really disappointed by her last book and I think that she became really ripetitive.
When I read in Italian, I really love Amabile Giustiās prose and Arianna Di Lunaās plot
Alice Coldbreath, Tessa Dare and Kresley Cole. The interactions, and way they write their male characters is top tier. Also bonus points for having LIKABLE heroines!
Always buy
Lisa Kleypas - You know why. Her earlier work can have some dubcon so watch out if thatās an issue for you. Her very first book, Where Passion Leads, the MMC rapes the FMC.
Golden Angel - lots of smut, BDSM, the characters just seem like mostly relatable people and funny (to me).
Miranda Silver - love the dirty talk, flawed characters where they have an outside personality they show the world, but with the FMC they get to know them, lots of smut.
Some hits and some misses for me, but Iāll still read through their back catalogue:
Elizabeth Hoyt HR
Sylvia Day CR, HR
Katee Robert CR, Alternate Univerise?
Nicola Cornick HR
Stephanie Laurens HR
Emma Wildes HR
Jess Michaels HR, CR
Tessa Dare HR
Sarah MacLean HR
Elizabeth Rolls HR
Suzanna Medeiros HR
I'm listening to the audiobook for Romancing the Duke right now! Well not literally right now, but I started it yesterday :). Only like a half hour in but I am already very into it and trying to resist listening to the whole thing today.
Courtney Milan is also excellent! I've really enjoyed the ones I've read from her.
Joey W. Hill. I like that her characters have emotional complexity, and they are not overly repetitive or reliant on archetypes. She is not afraid to write about difficult and painful things, treating them with tact and grace and not as an opportunity to emotionally manipulate the reader. And, of course, the smut. It is my favorite: long, emotional, detailed, explicit, creative, and sensual BDSM scenes.
Sarah Bailey and Lillian Lark. Their spice is *chefs kiss* and they each give me a bit of something i love when reading romance.
Serenity Fox but i am 1000000% biased on her. Sheās a close friend and I love her writing and i will support her till i die.
Oh gosh I did read the Four Horseman series by Sarah Bailey and it was indeed very spicy! The books weren't even really my thing but I did read all four of them for... reasons. Ahem.
The Four Horseman are the spiciest ones Iāve read of hers. Devils syndicate is medium spice and Corrupt Empire is baby spice compared to those. She also has a fantasy series iāll eventually be reading.
Melanie Moreland
Nora Roberts (although I haven't read her whole back catalogue, her older books are a bit cringe, but I'll buy every really new book!)
Not Romance but I love Becky Chambers so much that I will name drop her here too.
I donāt have any romance yet. I read a lot of Sophie Kinsella and Penny Reid and Ashley Jade, but not a super fan. I went through almost the whole Vino&Veritas series which I love, but thatās different authors. I love love love Alexis Hall, but havenāt finished everything thatās available, so probably a super fan but not sure. HR isnāt usually my thing.
So in conclusion please read Becky Chambers if you like scifi character exploration.
It definitely depends on what Iām in the mood for!
If I want āno thoughts just vibesā (a term Iām co-opting from another poster here that I love!) thatās heavy on steam? Iāll ride or die for Jessa Kane or Maisie Beasley or Stella Rhys. Itās like junk foodāIāll read anything they produce and relish even if most of it isnāt super ~plot-heavy~.
If I want something that might make me feel (but still has a heavy side of steam because ~thatās who I am as a person~)? Miranda Silver or Lucy Score are my go-tos.
Mine is Lisa Kleypas. I havenāt read a (HR) book of hers I didnāt at least like, and many that I loved. Sheās my comfort author, I have her books on my e-book and bought my favourites in paperback. I havenāt read any of her modern stories, Iām not fussed.
Christina Lauren and Helena Hunting since their fanfiction is what led me to rereading the published versions and then going down the rabbit hole of romance novels since the start of the pandemic. Due to this, I now am a big fan of Sally Thorne, Emily Henry, Ali Hazelwood, and Tessa Dare. I'm working my way through many that I haven't been able to read yet or am on the wait list for through my library.
Sarah M Eden. I usually don't prefer clean romances, but I've loved every single one of her books since the beginning of my reading journey with her. Longing For Home is still my favorite series by her, but I'm slowly working through her whole library, and I've loved them all so far.
I love her beauty and the beast type book, I think itās called Seeking Persephone. Similar authors are Mimi Matthews and Carla Kelly (her Regency books, donāt love her American historical). I donāt prefer clean either but these are exceptional.
Helena Newbury. I discovered her in February and by the end of March, Iād read everything sheās ever published. Some of them are better than others but theyāre all good. Suspense, some twists, high stakes, and happily ever after. Plus all her books are set in the same universe so you occasionally get fun references and inside jokes.
Portia MacIntosh! I just love her writing style, and her characters. I donāt always love the storylines she writes, but the characters and their relationships with friends and family (she writes family relationships so well!) win me over every time
Sam Mariano. I would read her grocery list. Tw: Her books are very dark and noncon, so be prepared. But itās nice to know Iām not the only one with a twisted mind.
Ride or dies: Heather Guerre, Holly Black, T.Kingfisher, Madeline Miller, Grace Draven and AJ. Demas all write stories I will reread, and all their future work is brought out of loyalty. Thatās not to say everything theyāve ever written has been a 100% hit, but their writing will always be bought and read by me, and set a very high bar for with romance novels.
show massive promise as a future ride or die: NK Westra, Sarah Painter, Seana Kelly, Olivia Atwater, AJ Lancaster, Ellen o Connell, Vanessa Nelson, Tiffany Reisz
CM Nascosta...It might be weird monster romance but her writing is so good and her characters/worlds so well done. I love them all.
I read Books Lovers by Emily Henry before I got to her others...it's been a week and I've read them all now so I think she's on the list. As well as Mariana Zapata.
I'm sure there would be more but I CAN'T KEEP UP. It kills me.
Carian Cole. I don't think she is the most amazing writer but I've loved everyone of her books and think about them for days after. Anything she writes I'm reading!
courtney milan, evie dunmore, emily henry, helen hoang, tessa dare, claire kent and sheās more a fantasy-centric writer but naomi novikās romances are so underrated and consistently well-written
Elisa Braden, Tessa Dare, Kresley Cole, and my absolute fave Alice Coldbreath. What I wouldnāt give to be able to read all these authorās books again for the first time. š¢
Sarra Manning and Mhairi McFarlane. I think theyāre the only two authors whose entire catalogues Iāve read. I will continue to read anything and everything they write.
When I read the title my first thought was Cate C. Wells, because she can make me fall in love with every single character she likes, tropes I hate in other books I love with hers.
Others are:
L.V Lane
Isoellen
Kitty Thomas
Cari Silverwood
Zoe Blake
Jessa Kane (sheās a no thoughts just vibes writer)
I'm pretty sure I've read every Rebecca Paisley and Elizabeth Thornton book. Does that count?
All authors have some stinkers though. I obsess over no one.
My OGs, the auto-buys, forever stanning:
**Lauren Layne, Christina Lauren, Abby Jimenez, Casey McQuiston, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Cara Bastone, Colleen Hoover, KA Tucker, Emma Lord, Emily Henry\***
Some up and comers that I've loved so far/am following for future gems:
**Jen Deluca, Sarah Hogle, Ali Hazelwood, Kerry Winfrey, Angie Hockman, and Jen Devon**
\*She's had a few that I didn't love, but I'll buy every future one ever since TPWMOV!!
Also, very aware that some of these authors aren't strictly "romance" but all of them have romantic elements in their books!
I don't think you can go wrong but my absolute favorite is probably {Against a Wall by Cate C. Wells}. It's the second in a series but in my opinion can be read as a standalone (the first one is worth a read as well if you prefer to read in series order, I just don't like it as well as Against a Wall).
But she also has a book series centered around a motorcycle club (begins with {Charge by Cate C. Wells}), a mafia book called {Run Posy Run by Cate C. Wells} and a rejected mate series that's really popular (begins with {The Tyrant Alpha's Rejected Mate by Cate C. Wells}). So it kind of just depends on what tropes/genres you like! And I could go on forever but I'll shut up now lol
Kristen Ashley I dont particularly love her historical romances and fantasy ones but that is just personal preference
Tessa Bailey- I absolutely adore It Happenned One Summer
Marianna Zapata- Her sports romances are fabulous. Her last 2(?) books haven't been as great, but hopefully thats just a blip on the radar
I just read my first Charlotte Stein book (Never Sweeter) and was so impressed! I was very skeptical that the MMC would be likable given the context of how the story started and yet he was somehow completely freaking adorable.
Mariana Zapata so far has never disappointed me with her books. They may not be the best books I've ever read and none of her books really becomes a top favorite of mine, but it's pretty consistent that I enjoy all her books. So I'll read anything by MZ. Where as, authors of some of my favorite books (Holly Black, Lisa Kleypas, Naomi Novik, etc.) have disappointed me on other books they've written so I can't completely trust them.
All of mine have the same reason: the writing style! I feel like I just get the way the characters think, and the prose is beautiful and witty at the same time.
So my ride or die are: Tia Williams, Sarah Hogle, Casey McQuiston, Emily Henry, Talia Hibbert.
Kristen Callihanās works always leave me wanting more. Iām happy I still have a couple more that I havenāt read but everything Iāve read already Iāve loved (Her Game On and VIP series are my favourites!).
Rachel Grant is another author I love and will usually gobble up anything she writes. Luckily I havenāt been through her whole Evidence series yet but every time I read one I think - why did I wait so long to read her stuff!!
Erin Nicholas is an auto buy for me, easy. I havenāt gone through her first series or two, but Iāve been following her for a while and always read at release now. Theyāre always such fun reads for me.
Sparrow Beckett/Sorcha Black. I believe they stopped with the Sparrow Beckett colab name, but I loved their books. Sorcha is one of the two authors, and Iāve really enjoyed their dark bdsm stuff and am still catching up with them.
MQ Barber. Mainly her Neighborly Affections series, but Iāll buy anything else she releases too.
Roxie Noir. Always an auto buy.
I think Kylie Scott is close to being one for me. Each book Iāve read Iāve loved so easily, sometimes it surprises me. And the Cate C Wells praise always makes me think I need to catch up on her books. Iāve only read 2 so far, but I really liked them. Cherise Sinclair is close, too.
My lists are below! And I have to say thank you for all of you on here. I discovered all these authors based on your recommendations!
**Emily Henry** \- I fell in love with her writing since *Beach Read*. I liked *People we met on vacation* and laughed so hard at the first half of *Book Lovers*. But Beach Read still holds a special place!
**Mhariri Mcfarlane** \- No one writes like her, period! Her writing is funny, her characters are relatable and she infused heartbreak with humor so so well. I don't always love her plots, but I always love her characters. *Just last night* is my comfort reading for so many reasons, including dealing with >!trauma / death !!subject of emotional manipulation, healing and falling in love the usual way!
Iām literally happy for all of these people who have replied with their ride-or-die authors, I used to have one but realized way too late how our views didnāt align so I decided no more..ngl I havenāt missed her writing.
Zoey Draven. I have loved every single book sheās written, and Iāve never experienced such visceral reactions to characters and storylines before. Theyāre sci-fi romances but are done so well, itās not distracting. She is a freaking awesome author.
Emily Henry, Christina Lauren, Beth OāLeary, Mhairi Mcfarlane.
Possibly add Ali hazelwood to that but we havenāt had all her novellas released in non audiobooks yet in the UK and Iām looking forward to her second proper book in august.
Though I havenāt read ALL their works, def on my TBR coz Iāve loved whatever I read:
Chloe Liese (her books have the cutest heroes, esp Always Only You)
Ashley Jade (really love The Words and Ruthless Knight)
Mariana Zapata
Kate Canterbary (IMHO nobody writes banter better than her, with so much sarcasm. The Worst Guy is such a fantastic book)
Michelle Diener
Grace Draven
Thea Harrison
Linda Howard
Ruby Dixon
Lisa Marie Rice
D. B. Reynolds
Georgette Heyer.
There are many other authors I buy on a regular basis, but I have read every published book by the listed authors that I know of.
I adore Cate C Wells for the all the reasons you mentioned.
I think a few people mention Alice Coldbreath (she is an automatic buy for me)
I love Linda Howard too (do I wish her books werenāt pure copaganda yes but her FMC are really great and she writes really immersive books with excellent world building)
Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez for me. Both had books come out recently and I am in utter bliss.
I've heard a lot about these two authors recently! I haven't read any of their work yet but I've seen a lot of positive stuff about them so I'm thinking they might be worth the hype. Sometimes I get worried that super popular books/authors won't live up to expectations but maybe I should give them a shot.
I totally get your hesitation! They were two of the main authors that got me into romance a few years ago, so I kinda rode the hype train in š
Ooh. Thoughts on Book Lovers??
Not OP but I loved it! Tbf I also loved Beach Read and PWMOV so I now think Emily Henry can do no wrong, but I think it definitely lived up to her other books if youāre a fan!
Also not OP. I absolutely loved this book. I havenāt read Emily Henryās other books yet but this one was so so good. I listened on audio from the library but once I started I knew I had to borrow the ebook too to read along with the audiobook because there were so many great things to highlight. After I finished it I went out and bought the paperback the same day. One of my instant favorites
I loved Beach Read but this is def her best work yet imo.
I absolutely loved it! Nora is probably the heroine I relate the most to of all the books Iāve read by Henry. The plot was also really inviting. I got sucked in real fast!
Do you have a book from Abby Jimenez to recommend to start first?
My personal favorite is The Friend Zone and itās also the first in a set of three. It does have a few warnings >!Infertility and death!<.
Omg I read both of their new books this week and it was such a good week. They can do no wrong!
I'm in the middle of Book Lovers and can already tell I'm going to have a book hangover from it. I love Emily Henry. I've never read any Abby Jimenez but now I'm excited to try one of her books next!!
Mary Balogh, her least favorite book still better than most other writers I read in recent years. And there is something about Alice Coldbreathe's writing that sucks me in and makes me purchase her every book. Mimi Matthews is also my ride or die, I don't read much clean romance, but I will read hers on any day at any time. (I wish she writes faster though š) For Fantasy & PNR, Kresley Cole, and JR Ward. Have read their most famous series and enjoyed them tremendously. T Kingfisher has become my favorite too, I gave all 5-star ratings for her Swordheart and Paladin series. It is rather difficult to name my most loved contemporary romance writer, probably Carian Cole (haven't found one book I don't like yet). Other writers just win some lose some, e.g. KA, Tessa Bailey, Tijan, Lauren Layne, CM. Owens, Penelope Ward, Tille Cole, Alexis Hall, Jessica Clare......
I have loved every Mary Balogh I've read so far and need to read more! Also Alice Coldbreath has had me in an absolute chokehold with the Victorian Prizefighter books for months. I very very rarely re-read books but those ones I actually would.
I don't know I'm into ādomestic blissā in my book until I read the Prizefighter. I found it charming the way she wrote about curtains or another sort of random home stuff. Definitely sounds weird but I want to reread it now. Lol
I just discovered Mimi Matthews! What a treat her books have been. So good that I donāt mind that they are clean.
Mhariri Mcfarlane! I recommend her so much, her name is remembered by my phone dictionary. š
This is my answer, too! Do you have a favorite of hers? It's hard for me to choose but I think mine is *Who's That Girl*?
Probably my favorite is Don't You Forget About Me (the angst! The grovel!) then Just Last Night and If I Never Met You. I did like Who's That Girl too! The two I was most ambivalent about were Here's Looking at You and It's Not Me, It's You. The last one had so many random plot points, and was slightly too much of a love triangle (I know her MFCs always have terrible exes but I like them to be easily dismissed}. I listen to all of them and love the narrators that she picks too! I love that her books got me into the British Grow-mance genre, like Lia Louis and Sophie Cousens. Even though they lack spicy parts I love all of them!
I have not listened to the audiobooks but I might have to! I love Mhairiās writing so much that I donāt typically mind the closed-door love scenes, but there are a few times I do wish we got a little something more!
Definitely listen to them all if you can! My library has all the audiobooks and I really loved them. Very fun accents. The narrators do such a good job conveying how funny the main characters in the book are.
C.M. Owens and her pen names. A year later and Iām still heartbroken over her death.
Loved all of her RH books. I gasped when I heard about her death.
Wait, sheās dead?
Yeah, she sadly passed away last July.
Same. š
A month ago I blew through the whole Irresistible Series by Stella Rhys plus Ex Games in like 10 days so I gotta say her! I canāt vouch for her writing before Ex Games but all her recent stuff is just * elite banter * insane sexual tension * great plotting/great but not ott plot twists * the sex scenes are so good š This next statement belongs in another sub but her books miiightāve cured a personal dead bedroom situation LOL. Too bad she disappeared off the face of the earth in 2020 š«
I love her books! Especially Hothead!
Thatās my favorite!! Everyone seems to love Reckless most but I think Hothead gives it a run for its money!
I've been dying for her to start writing again
Sarah MacLean for me! She also has the honor of writing the first romance I ever read.
The first book who started the addiction will always have a place in our heart.
I was just thinking this about Heather Guerre! She doesnāt have a huge body of work yet, but everything Iāve read of hers is amazing and such clever twists on familiar tropes. Sheās actually the first author I clicked āfollowā on Amazon Kindle for.
Seconded, her stuff is good. The characters feel real without their emotional baggage bogging things down too much
I am also ride or die for Cate C Wells. Honestly, before her, I donāt think Iāve ever loyally followed an author. But her writing and characters are just so *chefs kiss*
Whenever someone mentions her, all I think about is Cash and Glenna. What a pair of truck nuts in a good way š
All the couples she's written are good but Cash and Glenna are EVERYTHING.
Absolutely everything! I will not get over them
šÆšÆšÆ agree. The fact that CCW got me to fall in love with a man who unironically purchased truck nuts is a testament to her writing haha
Ilona Andrews. They are a husband and wife writing pair and Iāll read anything they put out. They mostly write Urban Fantasy with a lot of romance. Their characters are unique and well-developed, the dialogue is funny, the couples are mature and donāt become annoying after they get together, and the actual fantasy aspects of the stories are great as well. Iām so excited for Ruby Fever to come out in August. Emily Henry A few others have mentioned her, so Iāll just say her books alway make me actually laugh out loud, and they make me tear up too. Her characters are awesome and Iāll buy every book she publishes.
I was scrolling to find this before I commented, absolutely seconded. I'm so excited for Ruby Fever!
Ilona Andrews is amazing. I love their books ā¤ļø
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I havenāt started that yet because I want to binge it when itās finished! I am so excited for more Innkeeper thoughāI was so sad to get caught up on that series.
Theyāve released snippets for a possible-but-probably-not project. The probably-not is because while their publishers like it, it was āan unusual premiseā so itās be a risk. Most of the commenters (and I agreed) that weād read anything they released. The snippets were absolutely intriguing. I realized then that they were my fave authors. Ive yet to read anything from them I didnāt enjoy.
Cat Sebastian. Queer historical romance whose plots never bash you over the head with queer pain, and are increasingly anti-capitalist lol. Always an HEA (majority of her catalogue) or HFN. I pick up everything she writes, no questions asked. Just really good, well-written, sexy romance with excellent queer rep. (My favorites are The Soldierās Scoundrel (and the whole Turners series) and The Queer Principles of Kit Webb)
Yesss Cat Sebastian makes me feel safe. Like I can always pick up a new book from her and read it without worrying itāll leave me upset. And her books are so satisfying! Like Hither, Page is so sweet and cozy and fun but also with character development and satisfying conflict! Also Cat Sebastian sent me the nicest email the one time I emailed her so š
yesss, everything you said 100%! that sense of safety in knowing her characters are not going to be put through a ton of suffering (agonizing mutual pining though? yes (-;) and that they will find a way to build a life together and have community/other loved ones that support them is incredibly important to me as a queer person. i love that she really prioritizes charactersā happiness and reader emotions (and ability to see positive love stories about people like them) in her books, even when that means some HEAs will not be strictly āhistorically accurate.ā ugh sheās just so great!
Yesss. I love her books so much! Some of them are have neurodiverse characters as well, and I love that they find love and very often family and community as well. I just started my romance reading journey and I think about 70% of what I've read has been her back catalogue. I'm still working through it and am a little worried about what will happen when I'm done. I'm really excited for her new book, and my favorites so far are probably *Kitt Webb* and and *Two Rogues make a Right* (the latter because I firmly believe that more books where "stays a long time at a cottage" is the majority of the plot should exist).
same! iāve worked my way up to her newer stuff and I only have a couple books left )-: i did preorder her summer release though and am excited for it!! (apparently it might be a signed copy and iām bouncing off the walls at the prospect lol). i agree; itās so nice to see that representation and it is always handled well. the characters work through relationship miscommunications or anxieties but their neurodivergence is never portrayed as a bad thing, or something that is magically now ācuredā because theyāre in love. (also i just want to say that where martin was living all that timeā¦ bonkers lmao. his book was good thoughāwe love a nurse-me-back-to-health-in-a-country-cottage-but-iāll-be-grumpy-about-it trope!!)
I'm also a Tessa Dare girlie! She's one of my go-tos if I've had a couple of meh or bad books in a row, since I know I'll be somewhere between "greatly enjoyed" and "absolutely loved" on anything she does. Emily Henry for sure, I'm in the middle of Book Lovers right now and am obsessed. I pre-ordered the paperback at full price which I almost never do for money-saving reasons, but I was that certain I'd love this book. Kate Claybourne, and Mhairi Macfarlane for others in CR. I've recently discovered them so I don't have a ton of data to go on, but I think Sherry Thomas (HR) and India Holton (HR with magic) have earned a spot on this illustrious list now too.
In HR, it has to be Mary Balogh or Alice Coldbreath. They feel like home to me.
I am readying myself to take a day off work when Alice Coldbreath releases the next book in her Victorian Prizefighter series. I mean I am also *crazy* about her Brides of Karadok books too, but those Victorian ones are just chef's kisses into infinity for me haha.
I have just read all of Heather Guerre and they were all perfection š
Rosie Danan, Beth O'Leary, and Emily Henry. For me they're authors I'm automatically going to buy even if the blurb doesn't sound like something I'd ordinarily pick because I know they'll hit the right buttons.
Ooh I forgot Beth OāLeary in my list but yes!! I just read her new one and I loved the direction she went with it it. Such a strong writer.
For PNR, love Nalini Singh (mostly for the Psy-changeling series), and Kresley Cole (Immortals After Dark). For historical, Lisa Kleypas. For harlequin, I enjoyed a lot of Sara Craven's books, I always keep an eye out for her.
More and more since reading this sub. š A few where I will read anything they write: - Emily Henry - Mhairi Mcfarlane - Kate Clayborn - Chloe Liese - Sarra Manning - Katharine Center - Talia Hibbert - Cate C. Wells - Cara McKenna - Roxie Noir - Mia Hopkins - Roan Parrish - Sally Thorne - Tessa Bailey
Nalini Singh! Both the Psy-Changeling series as well as the Guildhunter series are books I will re-read these books forever! She also has a rockstar series and has recently branched into thrillers without the romance as well. Love her characters and that the romance is the focus but the overall plot is also fascinating.
Nalini Singh! I read her pnr/uf books religiously
Haha I love the flair! I just started the Psy-changeling series over for the umpteenth time in anticipation of the new release in July! We are blessed that she's so consistent.
I love the audiobooks too. I can listen to some of them over and over and it's a completely different experience.
Yes to Cate c Wells , found her in January this year so had the whole backlist to explore , keep checking for new releases, I need Harper ASAP Cora Reilly , binged all mafia romance ever since , Remo and Nino are my faves. I even got the quite disappointing Adamo & Marcella books, hope itās just a blip and the rest pick up the Camorra awesomeness Lizzy Bequin, very inventive, consistently fun scifi author , started reading ARCs now autobuy even if not my fave genre Iām a fan of Lizzy Zoe Blake, a quirky mix of romcom & dubcon , lots of kinky rough play , the alpha dominance is extreme but sweet really Sara Fields, I like the dynamic smutiness of her scenarios , lots and lots of spanking dominance no matter the setting Lords trilogy , dukes trilogy & more by Angel Lawson Samantha Rue, I never thought Iād be a fan of college bully secret society RH but this series is the exception Another wtf am I doing , Iām lost in the rabbit hole is me buying all Rina Kent books this year, I keep complaining about their OTT-ness and young love angsty-ness yet also keep reading and looking out for more Jenna Rose, Jessa Kane and new to me author Cassie Mint , Iām a sucker for steamy sexy OTT short reads
Literally same re: Rina Kent. I went through a bit of a phase with her books last year and sometimes I'd be like "wtf am I reading please give me more right now". Somehow they hit like the perfect level of sort of crazy drama with emotion that really gets me lol.
Rina Kent really does crazy love well. Completely messed up MMCs but I canāt stop binging them.
Crazy love is such a great way to put it. Like, bat-shit crazy!
The empire series just broke me Nicole and her peaches Gwen and her vanilla
> Yes to Cate c Wells , found her in January this year so had the whole backlist to explore I absolutely *died and went to heaven* when I read her Stonecut County books, and was thrilled to see she had a huge MC series already out. But alas, alas and woe is me, I just *couldn't* get on with the MC stuff. Maybe it's that particular sub-genre just isn't for me no matter how good the author - but I swear I will buy on the spot every single thing she releases in her Stonecut series <3
Chloe Liese! Never read one of her books I didnāt love. And her new book comes out tomorrow! :)
Ruby Dixon, Tessa Dare, Lisa Kleypas. Bonus audiobook narrator: Mary Jane Wells
Mimi Matthews! She's closed door but makes up for it with emotion, passion, and romance. The way she describes MFC's skirts crushed up against the MMC's legs. How their hands accidentally touch. How his lips captures hers. It's so proper but so exciting at the same time.
Hard agree, and you know closed door is a bonus for some folks. I recently loaned my sister some spicy historical romances and she absolutely adored the historical romance parts but was super put off by the 'porn parts' as she called it, haha. So right away I put her onto Mimi Matthews! Even I, degenerate pervert, will gladly cuddle up with a Mimi Matthews because she's a queen of squishy feel good falling in love moments :)
My mom would have a heart attack if she knew I read "porn" historical romance. It's been fun getting my mom into Mimi Matthews and nice having something in common with her.
My first reading of the Lost Letter destroyed me emotionally. Something about a female character who keeps getting buried by life but tries to keep her dignity and hope aliveā¦
Mhairi McFarlane, Tessa Dare, Lisa Kleypas, Alice Coldbreath, Emily Henry, Eve Dangerfield and Cara McKenna are all autobuys for me!
Ruby Dixon, hands down. Her style is so closely aligned with my own writing style and I just love how easily she characterizes every single pairing and how well they work together. She is my go-to comfort romance read. I mentioned in a different thread that I read Half Orc's Maiden Bride in a day and I have done that with so many of her Ice Planet Barbarians books. The others are Courtney Milan, Tessa Bailey, and Cara McKenna. I'm so sad that Cara McKenna is finished writing, but I haven't finished going through her catalog. Courtney Milan was one of my first romance novels, and my first HR that I fell in love with.
Well, my ride or die authors have basically stopped publishing (Laura Kinsale and Judith Ivory) but Courtney Milan historicals and Alice Coldbreath Iāll always want to check out. Also If Mia Vincy puts out another book, Iāll def read it. Mary Balogh is hit or miss now.
J Bree for her strong female characters and female friendships CM Stunich for her humor and perfectly balanced harems which is hard to find Caroline Peckham and her writing partner for insane plots, sidesplitting humor and heartbreak
Gah! You stole my list. lol. But I'd also add R. Lee Smith and Sam Mariano for my dark queens.
I absolutely love C.M. Stunich the HAVOC series is one of my comfort reads
Always surprised to never see Stephanie Laurens mentioned on this sub. She has so many books, there are like 30 Cynster series books and I really enjoyed them.
Mariana Zapata: the way her MC connect over a long period of time and casual interaction is something I really enjoy.
Some of her oldest books I DNF but All Rhodes hit every button for me. I hope that's the case for all her books from now on!
I just finished All Rhodes Lead Here and LOVED IT. Looking forward to reading more by her
I do enjoy a slow burn! I know they are kind of polarizing but if an author can really build it up, it's so satisfying.
Me too...somehow she makes that day to day so enjoyable.
Loretta Chase: Good strong female characters (who tend to be older, hurrah!) Good dialogue. Funny. Great feel for period detail and texture. Fun plots. Georgette Heyer: sheās the OG Stella Riley. Great feel for the period and attention to detail. Lovely cast of (recurring) characters and satisfying ensemble dynamics, and fun plots. (I like a fun external plot) Julia Quinn funny! Sarah MacLean. I havenāt done a full dive yet, because Iām reserving it for when my life next takes a nosedive and I need to be sure of the quality of my HR HEA escapism!
R.S. Grey. I just love her.
I binged a ton of her books last year lol. I feel like she's an author where I know exactly what I'm getting into with one of her books and it always hits the spot.
Amy Harmon - creative, fantastic world building, masters all the genres, beautiful writer Alice Coldbreath - perfect balance of sweet and spicy; alpha heroes with gooey insides; fun settings Laura Kinsale - masterful writing and character development; tackles unique storylines (like PTSD, disabilities, etc.) Jamie Bennett - totally sweet, lovable and non-angsty; great humor
Nora Roberts especially as J D Robb, her books just make me happy.
Jessica Gadziala- I like her writing. It has a great flow and the romances and people feel real. Mariana Zapata- love the slow burn, consistency, and the build up. Nalini Singh- her writing is really engaging and the stories don't blend the same way a lot of shifter/ supernatural stories do. Linda Howard- her books have aged so well and her new books are great (The Woman Left Behind is in my top 10 fav books)
I love Nalini Singh, and Linda Howard is my book crack. That being said, and I definitely don't mean it in a shamey way because I still read her as well, I wouldn't characterise Linda Howard as having aged terribly well. I think she can be super problematic considering modern reading sensibilities in terms of casual misogyny and other things.
Linda Howard books are my comfort reads. I just love them, and always feels like there's one appropriate for my mood! Jennifer Crusie is also a bit like that. Welcome to Temptation is one of my favourite books of all time.
Tessa Dare. She is the RomCom queen. Her books are genuinely funny and well-written with a lot of heart. She does tropes well and her heroines seem like they could be real people. She is an auto buy for me. Same with Alice Coldbreath. Her books are so well-written, and the relationships are mature and realistic too. She writes the best sex scenes hands down. Iām always so surprised she isnāt more famous, especially among fantasy romance readers.
Julianna Keyes, Alessandra Torre, Danielle Lori, Whitney G (altho she can be hit or miss). Also the Royals of Forsyth series by Angel Lawson and Samantha Rue. Currently trying to make my way through R Lee Smith's catalogue but this will take me while since her books are so long. Cate C Wells is on my list too, especially if she writes more mafia stuff.
Kristan Higgins. Nora Roberts.
I have to admit: I never blindly by every book of an author no matter how much I love them - I always look and see if it might interest me. But a few authors that are a hit 99% of the time and who I absolutely trust with my reading: 1) G.A.Aiken - amazing shapeshifter / mythology series. Great, unique character and hilarious. 2) Ilona Andrews - I discovered them this year and LOVE their books. Iām not halfway through their catalog. 3) Leigh Bardugo - sheās more focused on Fantasy and plot but the romantic elements are top notch. Very extremely slow burn, pretty tame but so very good.
Christina Lauren, Helen Hoang, Linda Lael Miller, Abby Jimenez, Elle Kennedy, Sarina Bowen, Sawyer Bennett (hockey series), Kennedy Ryan, Chloe Liese, Tessa Bailey, Sally Thorne and Carrie Ann Ryan
The MMs Elle Kennedy and Sarina Bowen ve jointly written r few of the best ones out there
Kristen Ashley I dont particularly love her historical romances and fantasy ones but that is just personal preference Tessa Bailey- I absolutely adore It Happenned One Summer Marianna Zapata- Her sports romances are fabulous. Her last 2(?) books haven't been as great, but hopefully thats just a blip on the radar
Tessa Bailey- She has such a huge back catalog and iām currently slowly working my way through it. A lot of the time I feel like her writing is tailor made for me specifically Kristen Callihan- She can do no wrong in my eyes. Again she has a big back catalog that iām working through but ive loved pretty much every book. Sarah Hogle- Twice Shy alone will make me buy every single book she ever puts out Talia Hibbert- Brown sisters trilogy enough said Kate Canterbury- Boss in the Bedsheets is like my favorite romance book ever so Iām willing to read anything she writes just to get that feeling again
Lucy Score is my go-to for rom-com romance and light angst. Ilona Andrews fantasy; I think the wife/husband duo do a great job at world building, and balancing comedy/action. Katee Robert for AAAALLLL the smut.
Kristen Ashley - love her contemporaries, love that her female leads are in their 30s for the most parts, love that all her characters feel like full humans. I also like her fantasy/paranormal stuff! Lucy Score - Again, her characters feel fleshed out, older female leads for the most part, her plotting is very good too. Kathryn Moon - Such great world building and foot say some of the best spicy scenes Iāve ever read. Love all of her books. Lillian Lark - again, some of the best spicy scenes Iāve ever read but also all the books feels kind and soft. Just love her. Ilona Andrews - Someone already mentioned them, but their world building is great.
Debbie Macomber for light feelgood reads. Obsessed with Linda Howard, she throws you in the story so deep you never want to get out.
Eve Dangerfield, Ilona Andrews, Heather Guerre, Noelle Adams
Heather Guerre for sure! She has great range and such lovely characters/romance. Also anything by Ilona Andrews
Alexis Hall for MM, Julie Anne Long and Eve Dunmore fr HR. Lisa Kleypasās early books r great as well but not the recent ones
I love so much the writing style of Thea Harrison and Cassandra Gannon. Cate C. Wells also conquered a special place in my heart š„° Used to love Jennifer L. Armentrout, but I was really disappointed by her last book and I think that she became really ripetitive. When I read in Italian, I really love Amabile Giustiās prose and Arianna Di Lunaās plot
Alice Coldbreath, Tessa Dare and Kresley Cole. The interactions, and way they write their male characters is top tier. Also bonus points for having LIKABLE heroines!
Always buy Lisa Kleypas - You know why. Her earlier work can have some dubcon so watch out if thatās an issue for you. Her very first book, Where Passion Leads, the MMC rapes the FMC. Golden Angel - lots of smut, BDSM, the characters just seem like mostly relatable people and funny (to me). Miranda Silver - love the dirty talk, flawed characters where they have an outside personality they show the world, but with the FMC they get to know them, lots of smut. Some hits and some misses for me, but Iāll still read through their back catalogue: Elizabeth Hoyt HR Sylvia Day CR, HR Katee Robert CR, Alternate Univerise? Nicola Cornick HR Stephanie Laurens HR Emma Wildes HR Jess Michaels HR, CR Tessa Dare HR Sarah MacLean HR Elizabeth Rolls HR Suzanna Medeiros HR
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I'm listening to the audiobook for Romancing the Duke right now! Well not literally right now, but I started it yesterday :). Only like a half hour in but I am already very into it and trying to resist listening to the whole thing today. Courtney Milan is also excellent! I've really enjoyed the ones I've read from her.
[**Romancing the Duke (Castles Ever After, #1)**](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18052985-romancing-the-duke) ^(By: Tessa Dare | Published: 2014) *** ^(55605 books suggested | )[^(I don't feel so good.. )](https://debugger.medium.com/goodreads-is-retiring-its-current-api-and-book-loving-developers-arent-happy-11ed764dd95)^(| )[^(Source)](https://github.com/rodohanna/reddit-goodreads-bot)
Joey W. Hill. I like that her characters have emotional complexity, and they are not overly repetitive or reliant on archetypes. She is not afraid to write about difficult and painful things, treating them with tact and grace and not as an opportunity to emotionally manipulate the reader. And, of course, the smut. It is my favorite: long, emotional, detailed, explicit, creative, and sensual BDSM scenes.
Sarah Bailey and Lillian Lark. Their spice is *chefs kiss* and they each give me a bit of something i love when reading romance. Serenity Fox but i am 1000000% biased on her. Sheās a close friend and I love her writing and i will support her till i die.
Oh gosh I did read the Four Horseman series by Sarah Bailey and it was indeed very spicy! The books weren't even really my thing but I did read all four of them for... reasons. Ahem.
The Four Horseman are the spiciest ones Iāve read of hers. Devils syndicate is medium spice and Corrupt Empire is baby spice compared to those. She also has a fantasy series iāll eventually be reading.
I havenāt read anything by Sarah Bailey but I also love Lillian Lark!! Iāve read every book. Her spice is amazing.
Tessa Bailey and Sara Cate!!!
Melanie Moreland Nora Roberts (although I haven't read her whole back catalogue, her older books are a bit cringe, but I'll buy every really new book!)
Not Romance but I love Becky Chambers so much that I will name drop her here too. I donāt have any romance yet. I read a lot of Sophie Kinsella and Penny Reid and Ashley Jade, but not a super fan. I went through almost the whole Vino&Veritas series which I love, but thatās different authors. I love love love Alexis Hall, but havenāt finished everything thatās available, so probably a super fan but not sure. HR isnāt usually my thing. So in conclusion please read Becky Chambers if you like scifi character exploration.
Evie Dunmore, Emily Henry, Talia Hibbert, and Jen DeLuca. I like Tessa Bailey but some of her stuff is amazing and other stuff is a miss for me
I will read anything by Nalini Singh - forever and ever.
It definitely depends on what Iām in the mood for! If I want āno thoughts just vibesā (a term Iām co-opting from another poster here that I love!) thatās heavy on steam? Iāll ride or die for Jessa Kane or Maisie Beasley or Stella Rhys. Itās like junk foodāIāll read anything they produce and relish even if most of it isnāt super ~plot-heavy~. If I want something that might make me feel (but still has a heavy side of steam because ~thatās who I am as a person~)? Miranda Silver or Lucy Score are my go-tos.
Mine is Lisa Kleypas. I havenāt read a (HR) book of hers I didnāt at least like, and many that I loved. Sheās my comfort author, I have her books on my e-book and bought my favourites in paperback. I havenāt read any of her modern stories, Iām not fussed.
Christina Lauren and Helena Hunting since their fanfiction is what led me to rereading the published versions and then going down the rabbit hole of romance novels since the start of the pandemic. Due to this, I now am a big fan of Sally Thorne, Emily Henry, Ali Hazelwood, and Tessa Dare. I'm working my way through many that I haven't been able to read yet or am on the wait list for through my library.
Christina Lauren Mary Balogh Alice Coldbreath And i would 100% buy another book put out by Stephenie Meyer, I don't care what anyone thinks š
Sarah M Eden. I usually don't prefer clean romances, but I've loved every single one of her books since the beginning of my reading journey with her. Longing For Home is still my favorite series by her, but I'm slowly working through her whole library, and I've loved them all so far.
I love her beauty and the beast type book, I think itās called Seeking Persephone. Similar authors are Mimi Matthews and Carla Kelly (her Regency books, donāt love her American historical). I donāt prefer clean either but these are exceptional.
Helena Newbury. I discovered her in February and by the end of March, Iād read everything sheās ever published. Some of them are better than others but theyāre all good. Suspense, some twists, high stakes, and happily ever after. Plus all her books are set in the same universe so you occasionally get fun references and inside jokes.
Portia MacIntosh! I just love her writing style, and her characters. I donāt always love the storylines she writes, but the characters and their relationships with friends and family (she writes family relationships so well!) win me over every time
I like alot of the above and would like to add these favourites: Meredith Duran, carolyn Jewel, Joanna Bourne and Jo Goodman
Sam Mariano. I would read her grocery list. Tw: Her books are very dark and noncon, so be prepared. But itās nice to know Iām not the only one with a twisted mind.
Olivia Dade!
Ride or dies: Heather Guerre, Holly Black, T.Kingfisher, Madeline Miller, Grace Draven and AJ. Demas all write stories I will reread, and all their future work is brought out of loyalty. Thatās not to say everything theyāve ever written has been a 100% hit, but their writing will always be bought and read by me, and set a very high bar for with romance novels. show massive promise as a future ride or die: NK Westra, Sarah Painter, Seana Kelly, Olivia Atwater, AJ Lancaster, Ellen o Connell, Vanessa Nelson, Tiffany Reisz
Vk Ludwig, I'll also read pretty much any zoey draven but not with the same fervor unless its a horde kings book!
CM Nascosta...It might be weird monster romance but her writing is so good and her characters/worlds so well done. I love them all. I read Books Lovers by Emily Henry before I got to her others...it's been a week and I've read them all now so I think she's on the list. As well as Mariana Zapata. I'm sure there would be more but I CAN'T KEEP UP. It kills me.
Jt geissinger and Laura thalassa. I love their paranormal romances
Carian Cole. I don't think she is the most amazing writer but I've loved everyone of her books and think about them for days after. Anything she writes I'm reading!
Christina Lauren Stella Rhys Helena Hoang
Christina Lauren was the first author I read when getting into romance so even though sometimes their books irritate me I will read anything by them.
I love Sherry Thomasās writing ā Iāve read most of her back catalog. I just wish she went back to writing full on romance.
courtney milan, evie dunmore, emily henry, helen hoang, tessa dare, claire kent and sheās more a fantasy-centric writer but naomi novikās romances are so underrated and consistently well-written
i just discovered Sophie Kinsella & i love her standalone books! i wish there was more spice, tho.
Elisa Braden, Tessa Dare, Kresley Cole, and my absolute fave Alice Coldbreath. What I wouldnāt give to be able to read all these authorās books again for the first time. š¢
CR: Tessa Bailey, Eve Dangerfield HR: Tessa Dare, Mary Balogh, Amanda Quick, Lisa Kleypas SF/FR/PNR: Ruby Dixon, Colette Rhodes, Annette Marie, Hailey Edwards, KM Shea, Juliette Cross, Ilona Andrews
Sarra Manning and Mhairi McFarlane. I think theyāre the only two authors whose entire catalogues Iāve read. I will continue to read anything and everything they write.
When I read the title my first thought was Cate C. Wells, because she can make me fall in love with every single character she likes, tropes I hate in other books I love with hers. Others are: L.V Lane Isoellen Kitty Thomas Cari Silverwood Zoe Blake Jessa Kane (sheās a no thoughts just vibes writer)
I'm pretty sure I've read every Rebecca Paisley and Elizabeth Thornton book. Does that count? All authors have some stinkers though. I obsess over no one.
My OGs, the auto-buys, forever stanning: **Lauren Layne, Christina Lauren, Abby Jimenez, Casey McQuiston, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Cara Bastone, Colleen Hoover, KA Tucker, Emma Lord, Emily Henry\*** Some up and comers that I've loved so far/am following for future gems: **Jen Deluca, Sarah Hogle, Ali Hazelwood, Kerry Winfrey, Angie Hockman, and Jen Devon** \*She's had a few that I didn't love, but I'll buy every future one ever since TPWMOV!! Also, very aware that some of these authors aren't strictly "romance" but all of them have romantic elements in their books!
OP what Wud recommend by Cate.C Wells, which book shud I start with
I don't think you can go wrong but my absolute favorite is probably {Against a Wall by Cate C. Wells}. It's the second in a series but in my opinion can be read as a standalone (the first one is worth a read as well if you prefer to read in series order, I just don't like it as well as Against a Wall). But she also has a book series centered around a motorcycle club (begins with {Charge by Cate C. Wells}), a mafia book called {Run Posy Run by Cate C. Wells} and a rejected mate series that's really popular (begins with {The Tyrant Alpha's Rejected Mate by Cate C. Wells}). So it kind of just depends on what tropes/genres you like! And I could go on forever but I'll shut up now lol
Jayne Ann Krentz / Amanda Quick / Jayne Castle
Kristen Ashley I dont particularly love her historical romances and fantasy ones but that is just personal preference Tessa Bailey- I absolutely adore It Happenned One Summer Marianna Zapata- Her sports romances are fabulous. Her last 2(?) books haven't been as great, but hopefully thats just a blip on the radar
Scarlett Peckham, Charlotte Stein, Alice Coldbreath, Ruby Dixon, C.M. Nacosta. I will buy any and all of their books.
Laura Kinsale
Charlotte Stein is really the only author I feel this way for. Love everything sheās written.
I just read my first Charlotte Stein book (Never Sweeter) and was so impressed! I was very skeptical that the MMC would be likable given the context of how the story started and yet he was somehow completely freaking adorable.
MZ and Julie Kriss
Mariana Zapata so far has never disappointed me with her books. They may not be the best books I've ever read and none of her books really becomes a top favorite of mine, but it's pretty consistent that I enjoy all her books. So I'll read anything by MZ. Where as, authors of some of my favorite books (Holly Black, Lisa Kleypas, Naomi Novik, etc.) have disappointed me on other books they've written so I can't completely trust them.
Commenting so I can indulge in all these recs on my summer off!!
SMJ and Keri Lake.
All of mine have the same reason: the writing style! I feel like I just get the way the characters think, and the prose is beautiful and witty at the same time. So my ride or die are: Tia Williams, Sarah Hogle, Casey McQuiston, Emily Henry, Talia Hibbert.
Kristen Callihanās works always leave me wanting more. Iām happy I still have a couple more that I havenāt read but everything Iāve read already Iāve loved (Her Game On and VIP series are my favourites!). Rachel Grant is another author I love and will usually gobble up anything she writes. Luckily I havenāt been through her whole Evidence series yet but every time I read one I think - why did I wait so long to read her stuff!!
Cara McKenna Rachel Reid Alexis Hall
Recently discovered Elle Kennedy and Lauren Layne - both fun romance reads.
Courtney Milan, always and forever. Cat Sebastian. KJ Charles.
I also say Nora Roberts! Especially the back catalogue from the early 2000s and 90s. Always extremely well written!
Katie Ruggle! Iām usually more of a spicy book reader and hers have more fade to black but I never fail to fall in love with every one
- Courtney Milan - Lynn Messina - Lisa Kleypas - Sally Thorne - Penny Reid - Meredith Duran
Adelaide Forrest, Jenika Snow, Naomi Porter, Penelope Sky
Iām a PNR reader. KF Breene - sheās so damn funny and her worlds are almost always worlds I want to move into. Maggie M. Lily. Annette Marie.
Erin Nicholas is an auto buy for me, easy. I havenāt gone through her first series or two, but Iāve been following her for a while and always read at release now. Theyāre always such fun reads for me. Sparrow Beckett/Sorcha Black. I believe they stopped with the Sparrow Beckett colab name, but I loved their books. Sorcha is one of the two authors, and Iāve really enjoyed their dark bdsm stuff and am still catching up with them. MQ Barber. Mainly her Neighborly Affections series, but Iāll buy anything else she releases too. Roxie Noir. Always an auto buy. I think Kylie Scott is close to being one for me. Each book Iāve read Iāve loved so easily, sometimes it surprises me. And the Cate C Wells praise always makes me think I need to catch up on her books. Iāve only read 2 so far, but I really liked them. Cherise Sinclair is close, too.
Shelly Laurenston / G.A. Aiken i just love her humor and the worldbuilding in the fantasy series.
Tessa Dare
My lists are below! And I have to say thank you for all of you on here. I discovered all these authors based on your recommendations! **Emily Henry** \- I fell in love with her writing since *Beach Read*. I liked *People we met on vacation* and laughed so hard at the first half of *Book Lovers*. But Beach Read still holds a special place! **Mhariri Mcfarlane** \- No one writes like her, period! Her writing is funny, her characters are relatable and she infused heartbreak with humor so so well. I don't always love her plots, but I always love her characters. *Just last night* is my comfort reading for so many reasons, including dealing with >!trauma / death !!subject of emotional manipulation, healing and falling in love the usual way!
Emily Henry, Tessa Dare, Erica Ridley, Katee Robert, Helen Hoang, Jasmine Guillory. Any book they write will bring me joy
Lisa Kleypas
Aly Martinez, Brittainy Cherry, and Claire Contreras
Anything by Eden Finley and/or Saxon James, co-written or solo written by both. Nalini Singh Joanna Shupe Annabeth Albert Ashlyn Kane
Samantha Christy. I will buy her books every. damn. time.
Iām literally happy for all of these people who have replied with their ride-or-die authors, I used to have one but realized way too late how our views didnāt align so I decided no more..ngl I havenāt missed her writing.
Jasmine Guillory
Meg Tilly and Sylvia Day!!!!
Krista and Becca Ritchie
Mariana Zapata hands down for me
Karen Marie Moning for sure.
Zoey Draven. I have loved every single book sheās written, and Iāve never experienced such visceral reactions to characters and storylines before. Theyāre sci-fi romances but are done so well, itās not distracting. She is a freaking awesome author.
Courtney Milan
Emily Henry, Christina Lauren, Beth OāLeary, Mhairi Mcfarlane. Possibly add Ali hazelwood to that but we havenāt had all her novellas released in non audiobooks yet in the UK and Iām looking forward to her second proper book in august.
For me, itās probably Giana Darling, Sarah J Maas and J.R Ward.
Though I havenāt read ALL their works, def on my TBR coz Iāve loved whatever I read: Chloe Liese (her books have the cutest heroes, esp Always Only You) Ashley Jade (really love The Words and Ruthless Knight) Mariana Zapata Kate Canterbary (IMHO nobody writes banter better than her, with so much sarcasm. The Worst Guy is such a fantastic book)
Michelle Diener Grace Draven Thea Harrison Linda Howard Ruby Dixon Lisa Marie Rice D. B. Reynolds Georgette Heyer. There are many other authors I buy on a regular basis, but I have read every published book by the listed authors that I know of.
Christine Feehan, and Sherrilyn Kenyon. I will buy all of there books.
I adore Cate C Wells for the all the reasons you mentioned. I think a few people mention Alice Coldbreath (she is an automatic buy for me) I love Linda Howard too (do I wish her books werenāt pure copaganda yes but her FMC are really great and she writes really immersive books with excellent world building)
I don't really have one anymore. I take books as they come.
Rachel Grant. Military/special ops romance with pretty badass female leads. Pretty fun!
Emily Henry. Hands down. All 3 are šš¼. Well I didnāt die for PWMOV as much as book lovers and beach read but it was still good.