Carley Fortune, Jasmine Guillory, Elle Kennedy and More Reveal Their Top Romance Reads (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Romance authors' favorite steamy reads for Read a Romance month.

Whether you’re a devoted enemies-to-lovers fan, swoon for forced proximity or go gaga for a good love triangle, there’s nothing like a good romance read. As we all try to make the most of the last gasp of summer, we asked a few of your favorite romance authors to weigh in on the book that made them fall in love with the genre, the one they can’t put down right now or the one they’re shoving into all of their friends' hands.In celebration of Read a Romance month, here are some great romance, romantasy and rom-com recommendations from the likes of Carley Fortune, Jasmine Guillory, Elle Kennedy and more.

Whether you’re a devoted enemies-to-lovers fan, swoon for forced proximity or go gaga for a good love triangle, there’s nothing like a good romance read. As we all try to make the most of the last gasp of summer, we asked a few of your favorite romance authors to weigh in on the book that made them fall in love with the genre, the one they can’t put down right now or the one they’re shoving into all of their friends' hands.

In celebration of Read a Romance month, here are some great romance, romantasy and rom-com recommendations from the likes of Carley Fortune, Jasmine Guillory, Elle Kennedy and more.

01of 14

Avon

Buy Now

02of 14

Forever

03of 14

Sourcebooks Casablanca

04of 14

I paged frantically through Hibbert’s enchanting and hilarious prose, wanting so much to see what happened that I skimmed the last four chapters and had to go back to read at leisure. This book instantly became the gold standard of everything I require in a good story: captivating characters, whip-sharp writing, social commentary and feelings out the wazoo. Also, there’s a cat. Every book should have a cat.— Lily Chu, author ofThe Takedown,The ComebackandThe Stand-In

05of 14

Bloom Books

This dark romance is a tale of survival and finding love even at when you are at your lowest. I do want to note that readers check the content warning before delving in (because it is dark), but it is a romance that I think will pull on every reader’s heartstrings.— Elle Kennedy, author of theOff-Campus,Briar U,Campus Diaries,PrepandAvalon Bayseries

06of 14

CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Tessa Bailey has been a hands-down favorite of mine for many years and specifically, I attribute her Line of Duty series (i.e.,Asking for Trouble) for re-invigorating my love of romance. I like to say that reading a Tessa book is like eating ice cream for dinner. It’s a little naughty, but such a delicious treat.— Mia Sheridan, author ofArcher’s Voice

07of 14

G.P. Putnam’s Sons

08of 14

Pagesmith

I’m loving all of Catherine Cowles’ books right now! I read an early copy ofFragile Sanctuaryand haven’t been able to stop thinking about the couple and their story. The romance is totally consuming and the suspense storyline gives her books that “unputdownable” addictive feeling that I crave.— Elsie Silver, author ofWild Love

09of 14

10of 14

Berkley

Interceptedis hilarious, thoughtful and joyful. I loved Marlee, her relationships with her friends, her journey and her struggles and especially her romance with Gavin. This book will make anyone fall in love with romance.— Jasmine Guillory, author ofThe Proposal

11of 14

It’s been almost a decade since Sally Thorne’sThe Hating Gamewas published in 2016, but it continues to hold its place as one of the greatest workplace romcoms. Lucy and Joshua are colleagues and nemeses who despise each other with an unbridled, glorious intensity that makes their flip-flop from enemies to lovers all the more delicious. It’s one of my go-to comfort reads and was adapted into a film starring Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell in 2021.— Carley Fortune, author ofEvery Summer After

12of 14

What do you get when you combine a run-down goat farm with a loquacious, sitcom-loving ghost, a well-intentioned con woman and a very handsome farmer with a chip on his shoulder? The makings of one of the most original, hilarious and surprising romances I’ve read in years. Come for the puns; stay for the steamy and moving love story. —Nora Nguyen, author ofAdam & Evie’s Matchmaking Tour

13of 14

Victorious

Sometimes you have to spice it up and get out of your usual genre. I’m devouring LJ Andrews' romantasy,The Ever Queen, part of the Ever Sea Series. It’s pirates and vampires meets fated mates with a strong world-building element. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read! I especially love how strong the heroine is. She’s no damsel in distress, she’s ready to protect her king at all costs and I absolutely love that in a book. If you enjoyed ACOTAR andFourth Wing, this one’s for you!— Sidney Halston, author ofLove Lessons

14of 14

source: people.com