As the year starts to wind down, we always start looking ahead at the book releases we can’t wait to get our hands on. Oftentimes on these types of lists you’ll see the same books over and over. We decided to give you some variety and hopefully you’ll find something you didn’t know about. So, without further delay, these are our most anticipated romance books 2023. Certainly they are all books you should be adding to your TBR as well and will make 2023 an exciting reading year.

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New year, new books!

It may seem too early to worry about 2023 new releases. We’re still in the middle of Fall reading and jumping into holiday romances. I agree. But it’s never too early to make your plans for what you should look out for in 2023. Write down those dates on calendars, make pre-orders, and set your TBR. If you like to do those, anyway. I used to be very much a TBR kind of person and lately I’ve been rolling with my mood instead. All planning for my reading has gone out the window. Not the tracking, just the planning ahead. But that’s a topic for another day.

I still like to stay informed of what’s new and what I should look forward to. While we post a new releases for the month here on the blog, we also maintain our New Releases hub. So be sure you bookmark that and come back to it often throughout the year.

As always, also, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter! That’s where you’ll get all the news about new books and recommendations right in your inbox every Sunday.

January Most Anticipated Romance Books

A new month, a new year, and a new set of reading goals. This is the time of year when we want to set our reading goals and start going for it. Intention and inspiration are at an all time high, And there are some amazing books get you excited about 2023.

romantic comedy

Lunar Love
by Lauren Kung Jessen

Release date: January 10

Lunar Love is an enemies to lovers debut romantic comedy filled with Chinese astrology and perfect for lovers of Helen Hoang, Helena Hunting and Jasmine Guillory.

This sweet, enemies-to-lovers debut rom-com filled with Chinese astrology will undoubtedly prove to be a perfect match with readers of Helen Hoang, Jasmine Guillory, and Helena Hunting.

Always a matchmaker, never a match…

Olivia Huang Christenson is excited-slash-terrified to be taking over her grandmother’s matchmaking business. But when she learns that a new dating app has made her Pó Po’s traditional Chinese zodiac approach all about “animal attraction,” her emotions skew more toward furious-slash-outraged. Especially when L.A.’s most-eligible bachelor Bennett O’Brien is behind the app that could destroy her family’s legacy . . .

Liv knows better than to fall for any guy, let alone an infuriatingly handsome one who believes that traditions are meant to be broken. As the two businesses go head to head, Bennett and Liv make a deal: they’ll find a match for each other—and whoever falls in love loses. But Liv is dealing with someone who’s already adept at stealing business ideas . . . so what’s stopping him from stealing her heart too?

amazon goodreads

erotic romance

Good Girl Fail
by Roni Loren

Release date: January 17

I have been a super fan of Roni Loren since her debut. And as such, I first fell in love with her erotic romance books. Over the years, I’ve loved everything she’s written even as it’s been more contemporary romance geared. But I am over the moon to see that there’s a new erotic romance coming from her.

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Loving on the Edge and the Say Anything series comes a new steamy standalone MMF romance that proves good girls can have fun too…especially when she’s their good girl.

O’Neal Lory has been taught that one mistake can undo an entire life of right decisions. That it doesn’t matter if a person has been good ninety-nine percent of the time. One misstep, one snap judgment, can derail everything. So, she’s taken a lot of right steps on the straight and narrow path. Eighteen years of them, in fact. Perfect grades. No rules broken. And definitely no boys.

Until she kisses him.

Auden Blake knows he shouldn’t touch his little sister’s best friend, knows that innocent girls like her should stay far, far away from him and his roommate Lennox—especially when she could reveal their behind-closed-doors activities to his family. But when sheltered O’Neal goes rogue, ditching her scholarship to a conservative all-girls college and showing up at Bennette State—his school—instead, it’s going to take everything Auden has to keep his and Lennox’s hands off the curious good girl whose teach me vibes could unravel them both.

Good Girl Fail is a full-length standalone MMF romance with lots of steam, two heroes who like to share and get a little bossy, and a good girl heroine who’s about to break every rule that’s ever been placed upon her.

amazon goodreads

OTHER BOOKS TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS MONTH

january releases

February Most Anticipated Romance Books

Ah, the month of love. There’s really no better time to read romance books than February, isn’t it? And there are so many amazing books coming! Especially some by insanely popular authors. Although we wanted to highlight some here that may be a little lesser known. But we can’t forget that there’s a new In Death series book coming out this month, ENCORE IN DEATH by J.D. Robb, a new paperback copy of BARBARIAN’S PRIZE by Ruby Dixon, and the paperback of LOATHE TO LOVE YOU by Ali Hazelwood (a collection of novellas).

contemporary romance

Take the Lead
by Alexis Daria

Release date: February 14

I’ve had this series on my TBR for quite some time. I mean, who can resist a romance book with a Dancing with the Stars feel? And I am even more in love with this new cover. This is an immediate add to TBR.

From Alexis Daria, author of the critically acclaimed, international bestseller You Had Me at Hola, comes a fun, sexy romance set against a reality dance show.

Gina Morales wants to make it big. In her four seasons on The Dance Off, she’s never even made it to the finals. But her latest partner, the sexy star of an Alaskan wilderness show, could be her chance. Who knew the strong, silent, survivalist-type had moves like that? She thinks Stone Nielson is her ticket to win it all—until her producer makes it clear they’re being set up for a showmance.

Joining a celebrity dance competition is the last thing Stone wants. However, he’ll endure anything to help his family, even as he fears revealing their secrets. While the fast pace of Los Angeles makes him long for the peace and privacy of home, he can’t hide his growing attraction for his dance partner. Neither wants to fake a romance for the cameras, but the explosive chemistry that flares between them is undeniable.

As Stone and Gina heat up the dance floor, the tabloids catch on to their developing romance. With the spotlight threatening to ruin everything, will they choose fame and fortune, or let love take the lead?

amazon goodreads

historical romance

Never Seduce a Duke
by Vivienne Lorret

Release date: February 21

Vivienne Lorret is one of my go-to historical romance authors! I especially recommend her books if you like historical romantic comedies. All her books, and the Mating Habits of Scoundrels series that this book is part of, are perfect if you are a fan of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series.

In USA Today bestselling author Vivienne Lorret’s latest romance, a young lady engages in a steamy flirtation with a bespectacled, studious duke while on holiday, only to return with more than just memories…

After being jilted, Margaret Stredwick has sworn off men and marriage. What she needs is a holiday. But a detour along the way takes a surprising turn that leads Meg to him. And soon she starts to wonder if she should indulge in one grand flirtation before she’s firmly on the shelf.

The instant Lucien Ambrose, Duke of Merleton, finds a strange woman touring the halls of his ancient estate, he knows the minx is up to something. So, when a family heirloom is stolen, it’s clear who the culprit is. She may tempt him beyond reason, but he isn’t about to let her get away, even if he has to chase her across the continent.

Meg never imagined that anyone would mistake her for a notorious thief, known for seducing men to distraction. It’s the most thrilling thing ever! She eagerly plays along. . . until she finds herself falling in love with a man who has no idea who she really is. And by the time she returns to her ordinary life, she discovers that her grand flirtation won’t be a secret for long. Apparently, she brought home an unexpected souvenir…

amazon goodreads

OTHER BOOKS TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS MONTH

february releases

Want to stay up to date with new book releases? Make sure you visit our Upcoming Book Releases page and bookmark it to reference throughout the year.

March Most Anticipated Romance Books

historical romance

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen
by K.J. Charles

Release date: March 7

I’ve enjoyed KJ Charles before but that first line of the blurb just GOT me to rush and add this. Plus, that cover definitely helped. 😉 What line is that, you ask? “Bridgerton meets Poldark in a LGBTQIA+ Regency romance os smugglers, adventure, mystery and love.”

Bridgerton meets Poldark in this sweeping Regency romance of smugglers, adventure, mystery, and life-changing love from celebrated author KJ Charles.

Abandoned by his father, Gareth Inglis grew up lonely, prickly, and well-used to disappointment. Still, he longs for a connection. When he meets a charming stranger, he falls head over heels—until everything goes wrong and he’s left alone again. Then Gareth’s father dies, turning the shabby London clerk into Sir Gareth, with a grand house on the remote Romney Marsh and a family he doesn’t know.

The Marsh is another world, a strange, empty place notorious for its ruthless gangs of smugglers. And one of them is dangerously familiar…

Joss Doomsday has run the Doomsday smuggling clan since he was a boy. When the new baronet—his old lover—agrees to testify against Joss’s sister, Joss acts fast to stop him. Their reunion is anything but happy, yet after the dust settles, neither can stay away. Soon, all Joss and Gareth want is the chance to be together. But the bleak, bare Marsh holds deadly secrets. And when Gareth finds himself threatened from every side, the gentleman and the smuggler must trust one another not just with their hearts, but with their lives.

amazon goodreads

paranormal romance

A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon
by Sarah Hawley

Release date: March 7

Do I judge books by the cover? Yes, yes I do. And I couldn’t look away from this one. Plus that title reminds me of some old school paranormal romance. So this one goes on the TBR immediately. One can only hope this is part of the resurgence of the genre in 2023!

Mariel Spark knows not to trust a demon, especially one that wants her soul, but what’s a witch to do when he won’t leave her side—and she kind of doesn’t want him to?

Mariel Spark is prophesied to be the most powerful witch seen in centuries of the famed Spark family, but to the displeasure of her mother, she prefers baking to brewing potions and gardening to casting hexes. When a spell to summon flour goes very wrong, Mariel finds herself staring down a demon—one she inadvertently summoned for a soul bargain.

Ozroth the Ruthless is a legend among demons. Powerful and merciless, he drives hard bargains to collect mortal souls. But his reputation has suffered ever since a bargain went awry—if he can strike a bargain with Mariel, he will earn back his deadly reputation. Ozroth can’t leave Mariel’s side until they complete a bargain, which she refuses to do (turns out some humans are attached to their souls).

But the witch is funny. And curvy. And disgustingly yet endearingly cheerful. Becoming awkward roommates quickly escalates when Mariel, terrified to confess the inadvertent summoning to her mother, blurts out that she’s dating Ozroth. As Ozroth and Mariel struggle with their opposing goals and maintaining a fake relationship, real attraction blooms between them. But Ozroth has a limited amount of time to strike the deal, and if Mariel gives up her soul, she’ll lose all her emotions—including love—which will only spell disaster for them both.

amazon goodreads

historical romance

Hotel of Secrets
by Diana Biller

Release date: March 28

Literally the month of beautiful covers, isn’t it? This is just majestic. But the book itself was actually one of my most anticipated even before I saw it. Or knew the title. That’s because I’ve fallen in love with Diana Biller’s historical romances and I won’t stop reading and raving about them.

Diana Biller’s Hotel of Secrets is chock full of banter-filled shenanigans, must-have-you kisses, and romance certain to light a fire in the hearts of readers everywhere.

During ball season, anything can happen— even love.

It’s ball season in Vienna, and Maria Wallner only wants one thing: to restore her family’s hotel, the Hotel Wallner, to its former glory. She’s not going to let anything get in her way – not her parents’ three-decade-long affair; not seemingly-random attacks by masked assassins; and especially not the broad-shouldered American foreign agent who’s saved her life two times already. No matter how luscious his mouth is.

Eli Whittaker also only wants one thing: to find out who is selling American secret codes across Europe, arrest them, and go home to his sensible life in Washington, DC. He has one lead – a letter the culprit sent from a Viennese hotel. But when he arrives in Vienna, he is immediately swept up into a chaotic whirlwind of balls, spies, waltzes, and beautiful hotelkeepers who seem to constantly find themselves in danger. He disapproves of all of it! But his disapproval is tested as he slowly falls deeper into the chaos – and as his attraction to said hotelkeeper grows.

amazon goodreads

OTHER BOOKS TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS MONTH

march releases

April Most Anticipated Romance Books

April is always an excellent month for book releases. Right in the swing of Spring season and with a renewed and fresh outlook on crushing your reading goals. There are always a lot of really popular books out this month and 2023 is no exception. You won’t want to miss LASSITER by J.R. Ward, HAPPY PLACE by Emily Henry or YOURS TRULY by Abby Jimenez. But let’s dig a little deeper into that list and check out some of the other books on our must read list.

historical romance

Ana Maria and the Fox
by Liana de la Rosa

Release date: April 4

Have I heard of this author before? No, I haven’t. But this cover is now living rent free in my head and I can’t stop thinking about it. And after reading the blurb I can honestly say I need this badly in my life.

A forbidden love between a Mexican heiress and a shrewd British politician makes for a tantalizing Victorian season.

Ana María Luna Valdés has strived to be the perfect daughter, the perfect niece, and the perfect representative of the powerful Luna family. So when Ana María is secretly sent to London with her sisters to seek refuge from the French occupation of Mexico, she experiences her first taste of freedom far from the judgmental eyes of her domineering father. If only she could ignore the piercing looks she receives across ballroom floors from the austere Mr. Fox.

Gideon Fox elevated himself from the London gutters by chasing his burning desire for more: more opportunities, more choices. For everyone. Now, as a member of Parliament, Gideon is on the cusp of securing the votes he needs to put forth a measure to abolish the Atlantic slave trade once and for all—a cause that is close to his heart as the grandson of a formerly enslaved woman. The charmingly vexing Ana María is a distraction he must ignore.

But when Ana María finds herself in the crosshairs of a nefarious nobleman with his own political agenda, Gideon knows he must offer his hand as protection . . . but will this Mexican heiress win his heart as well?

amazon goodreads

urban fantasy/paranormal romance

Both Feet in the Grave
by Jeaniene Frost

Release date: April 18

If there is one thing I learned after reading THE OTHER HALF OF THE GRAVE is that I shouldn’t judge books that retell the same story from someone else’s POV all the same. I needed to know that side of Bones and I can’t wait to learn more in this one. Reliving the Night Huntress through a different set of eyes and loving it.

f you thought you learned more about the dangerous and sexy alpha vampire, Bones, in the USA Today bestselling scorcher, THE OTHER HALF OF THE GRAVE, you haven’t seen anything yet…

Cat disappeared from Bones’ life to protect him, but this Master vampire will keep his promise to find her.

Two hundred years of bounty hunting made Bones the best at what he does, yet it’s still taken him four long years to find Cat, the half vampire now known as the “Red Reaper.” There’s a price on Cat’s head, and not even her job as a secret government agent can save her. Only Bones can. But has time hardened Bones too much to love again? Or will his passion for Cat burn through every obstacle—alive, undead, or otherwise—between them?

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Night Huntress series comes a fresh, new perspective on the origin saga of Cat and Bones, in Bones’ own words…

amazon goodreads

OTHER BOOKS TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS MONTH

aPRIL releases

May Most Anticipated Romance Books

My most anticipated here for May are actually by “new to me” authors. Either the blurb or the cover got me so excited to read them I’m counting down the days. And then one of my most anticipated books of the year will also release (GRIM AND BEAR IT!). Shaping up to be an excellent reading month.

fantasy romance

Fourth Wing
by Rebecca Yarros

Release date: May 2

Ok, hear me out. This one will be super short and sweet because… A war college for dragon riders! That’s it, that’s the pitch. You know you want it.

Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away…because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom’s protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

amazon goodreads