• Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    Montana Creeds: Logan by Linda Lael Miller

    March 21, 2025

    Descendants of the legendary McKettrick family, the Creeds are renowned in Stillwater Springs, Montana—for raising hell.

    After years of wandering, Logan Creed, a cowboy with a dusty law degree, has returned home to Stillwater Springs, Montana. To put down roots and reconnect with his brothers, to restore his family’s neglected ranch . . . to have kids of his own. Divorced mom Briana Grant has heard all the stories about her very attractive new neighbor and his less-than-attractive reputation. So Logan’s kindness to her young boys is a welcome surprise, especially when her ex reappears and an unknown enemy vandalizes her home. That’s when Logan shows Briana—and the people of Big Sky country—just what he’s made of.

    The author on her favorite part of the writing process:

    “Once I’ve picked up speed and really gotten to know the characters, the story seems to fly along, and I have to hurry to keep up. I love it when the story becomes real to me — I often say it’s like watching a movie in my head and writing down what I see.”

    Linda Lael Miller
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  • Best Romantic Suspense Books

    Inheritance by Nora Roberts

    February 21, 2025

    1806: Astrid Poole sits in her bridal clothes, overwhelmed with happiness. But before her marriage can be consummated, she is murdered, and the circle of gold torn from her finger. Her last words are a promise to Collin never to leave him…

    Graphic designer Sonya MacTavish is stunned to learn that her late father had a twin he never knew about—and that her newly discovered uncle, Collin Poole, has left her almost everything he owned, including a majestic Victorian house on the Maine coast, which the will stipulates she must live in it for at least three years. Her engagement recently broken, she sets off to find out why the boys were separated at birth—and why it was all kept secret until a genealogy website brought it to light.

    Trey, the young lawyer who greets her at the sprawling clifftop manor, notes Sonya’s unease—and acknowledges that yes, the place is haunted…but just a little. Sure enough, Sonya finds objects moved and music playing out of nowhere. She sees a painting by her father inexplicably hanging in her deceased uncle’s office, and a portrait of a woman named Astrid, whom the lawyer refers to as “the first lost bride.” It’s becoming clear that Sonya has inherited far more than a house. She has inherited a centuries-old curse, and a puzzle to be solved if there is any hope of breaking it…

    The author, responding to the apparent divergence ” from the real-world challenges women are facing in ways that maybe [her] earlier books didn’t”:

    “I’m not writing about current events. I’m writing fiction. And in Inheritance, the main female character also starts her own business. She has to go out on her own, has to meet challenges. And certainly living in a haunted house is a challenge.”

    Nora Roberts–New York times
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  • Best Historical Romance Books

    Grace by Beverley Watts

    February 7, 2025

    In this Regency romantic comedy series, the Shackleford sisters descend on a Regency society that doesn’t know what’s hit it…

    Reverend Augustus Shackleford’s mission in life (aside from ensuring the collection box was suitably full every Sunday) was to secure advantageous marriages for each of his eight daughters. A tall order, given the fact that in the Reverend’s opinion they didn’t possess a single ladylike bone in the eight bodies they had between them. Quite where he would find a wealthy titled gentleman bottle headed enough to take any of them on remained a mystery and indeed was likely to test even his legendary resourcefulness. Grievously wounded at the Battle of Trafalgar, Nicholas Sinclair was only recently returned to Blackmore after receiving news of his estranged father’s unexpected death. After an absence of twenty years, the new Duke was well aware it was his duty to marry and produce an heir as quickly as possible. However, tormented by recurring nightmares after his horrific experiences during the battle, Nicholas had no taste to brave the ton’s marriage mart in search of a docile obedient wife. Never in his wildest dreams did Reverend Shackleford envisage receiving an offer for his eldest daughter from the new Duke of Blackmore. Of course, the Reverend was well aware he was fudging it a bit in describing Grace as respectful, meek or dutiful, nevertheless, he could never have imagined that his eldest daughter’s unruliness might end up ruining them all. A 5 star review:

    “Although this book is sad and moving at times, it is also hilariously funny. Grace and Nicholas’ story is charming even if the path to true love is filled with potholes! Augustus has me in stitches as he really doesn’t get his part in what goes wrong. His curate, Percy, well and truly has a cross to bear! Really enjoyable!.”

    Shirley Hamlod–Goodreads
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  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    Never Let Me Go by Elena Aitken

    January 24, 2025

    He’s not looking for love, but she’s the sunshine to his grump and six months is a long time to deny his desire.

    Chase never fit in with his big tight-knit family. Always on the outside looking in, as soon as he could, he left small-town life—and his family—behind. Now, a clause in his father’s will has forced him home for Six. Long. Months. Sunshiny and oh-so-sexy, Annie is just the distraction that Chase needs until he can put his hometown in the rearview for good. The last thing he expects is to develop any actual feelings for her, or the young boy she’s raising, but the longer Chase stays in town, the more attached he becomes. All too soon, time is running out, the stakes are high, and Chase can’t decide what’s more dangerous. Leaving for good. Or staying.

    The author on her goal as a writer:

    “My number one goal has always been to be able to reach someone with my stories. It’s always my hope that someone can pick up my book and be totally immersed in the story that they don’t want to put it down. But it’s when I hear that my story touched them in someway or made them think, or even opened a dialogue with someone they care about, that I know I’ve achieved my goal.”

    Elena Aitken
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  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    The Next Mrs. Blackthorne by Joan Johnston

    January 10, 2025

    Who will she be?

    A lavish summer wedding is being planned at Bitter Creek ranch. In one month, Clay Blackthorne will wed socialite Jocelyn Montrose. But when she hears stirrings of a corporate takeover by the family’s arch rival, North Grayhawk, Jocelyn covertly heads to North’s ranch to offer a valuable commodity—herself—if North will call off his plans. Striking a deal to spend the summer with the steely, seductive North, Jocelyn fails to see that her sacrifice to protect the man she loves may have dire consequences. Stunned by his fiancee’s rejection, Clay, a newly appointed federal judge, begins presiding over an incendiary terrorism trial, which brings him face to face with his first love, Libby Grayhawk. As tensions mount, forces beyond Clay’s control threaten the women most precious to him in the past and the present. And only in a daring act of sacrifice will he know which woman will become the next Mrs. Blackthorne. The author on why her Bitter Creek series is so popular:

    “The Bitter Creek series is about feuding families, the rich and powerful Blackthornes against the poor and struggling Creeds. I have written three historicals, and five modern-day novels in the Bitter Creek series, all involving the same families and their ancestors… I think people enjoy reading about the ongoing characters, how the feud got started, and what happens to the families next.”

    Joan Johnston
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  • Best Christian Romance Books,  Best Romantic Suspense Books

    Rising Storm by Edie James

    January 7, 2025

    Homecomings can be deadly.

    When retired Delta Force operative Rollo MacKenzie returns home to become chief of police in tiny MacKenzie Cove, he has lots of expectations…none of them good. What he doesn’t expect is to find his first love targeted by a murderer willing to do anything to bury a twenty-year-old secret. After her husband’s sudden death, Alyssa Archer scrimped and saved to purchase the abandoned farmhouse on the prettiest hill in McKenzie Cove, but someone wants her off the land. If she won’t leave, she’ll die. Rollo MacKenzie might have stolen her heart years ago, but this time, their association is strictly business. No way she’s falling for the former football star. Not after all these years. With the Lord’s help, she’ll get out of this with both her life–and her heart–in one piece. But as Rollo and Alyssa fight to unmask those responsible for the vicious attacks, they discover a frightening truth. Not everything that’s buried is dead. A 5-star review:

    “This book is well-written, action-packed, and full of drama. I know you are going to love it… A terrifying journey as the mad man tries to keep his action twenty years ago a secret. God has a plan for these two, a good plan for hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A plan for peace and not destruction. Make Him Lord of your life and watch what he can do.”

    Author Glenda Parker– Goodreads
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  • Best Romantic Suspense Books

    Special Agent Sophia by Mimi Barbour

    January 7, 2025

    Sophia goes to Greece & rescues the governor’s twins, but can she save a young girl from dangerous traffickers?

    Sophia’s mane of silver hair gives her a look of a mystical warrior, a female not of this world. Some colleagues defend her, others are jealous… most fear her, yet everyone respects her abilities. An ace sharpshooter, she’s called on for the most difficult cases. Her uncanny ability to remain cool under duress makes her the perfect person to rescue the twins of the frantic Governor whose rejected husband intends to make her suffer. The fact that they are whisked to Greece also works in her favor since she’s spent most of her summers in Rhodes visiting family and can show up there without anyone becoming suspicious. Problems begin when a cocky hero hits on her in the marketplace. Why her? Sam Reagan promises his sister he’ll follow the FBI agent to the Greek island to ensure his niece & nephew will be safe. Understanding his mission has to be covert – his former brother-in-law will recognize him if he steps out of his undercover role – he uses an alias & follows the gorgeous agent who’s on the case. It’s understood he stays in the background… until he sees her. Then all bets are off. There’s no way he’ll leave her to deal with dangerous traffickers after she saves a teenager & whisks the poor girl away right under their noses. The author on why she likes to write suspense:

    “I became involved with a group of writers who decided to write a suspense collection full of short stories that were actually introductions to a full-length book… Man, I loved the whole idea of being the creator of so much conflict. It was mind-boggling, thrilling and huge fun. Again, the characters drove me and if you read the reviews for many of my suspense books, the readers mostly comment on one aspect – they couldn’t put the book down.”

    Mimi Barbour
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  • Best Clean and Wholesome Romance,  Best Historical Romance Books

    The Pirate’s Desire by Jennette Green

    December 20, 2024

    Seventeen-year-old Lady Lucinda wants her freedom back. But an orphaned young woman has no property rights in regency England; indeed, she has few rights at all. . .

    After Lucinda’s father is killed in action, he leaves her under the guardianship of a former pirate, the devastatingly handsome Captain Riel Montclair. Riel is a barbaric rogue, however, as he demonstrates the very first evening he arrives. Montclair clearly has a will of iron, which frustrates Lucinda beyond measure. Even more distressing, once Riel signs the legal papers with the solicitor, he will not only dictate her choice of a husband, but he’ll financially control her centuries old estate, Ravensbrook, too. Neither idea sits well with Lucinda, who has ruled her own life for the past two years. Is Montclair planning to plunder Ravensbrook for his own personal gain? Additionally, Lucinda overhears him telling his disreputable-looking first mate that if the British Navy becomes suspicious of his past, he will lose his ship. What dastardly secret is he hiding? How could her tender-hearted father have come to trust such a dangerous man? Lucinda must protect Ravensbrook, and her future, at all costs. But how far is she willing to go to get Riel out of her life, and ensure her freedom? A note from the author:

    “In the Pirate’s Desire, Riel does not believe he is worthy of love. By the end, does Lucy change his mind? … I love to write stories that show we are each worthy to be loved and cherished, just the way we are. “

    Jennette Green
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  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    Lakeside Cottage by Susan Wiggs

    December 6, 2024

    A summer by the lake offers refuge and romance for a single mom and a celebrity hero.

    Each summer, Kate Livingston returns to her family’s lakeside cottage, a place of simple living and happy times—a place where she now hopes her shy son can blossom. But her quiet life gets a bit more interesting with the arrival of an intriguing new neighbor, JD Harris. Although she is a confirmed single mother, Kate is soon drawn into the sweetness of a summer romance and discovers the passion of a lifetime. JD is hardly able to remember who he was before the media frenzy of becoming an overnight hero back in Washington, D.C . . . . until he escapes to this lovely, remote part of the Northwest. Now Kate Livingston and her son have rekindled the joy of small pleasures and peace . . . But how long will his blissful anonymity last before reality comes banging at his door? A review from Publisher’s weekly:

    “[An] appealing summer romance. . . . The characters’ intimate personal interactions are pure gold. Especially appealing are Wiggs’s evocations of timeless summer pleasures and her sweet yet complex depictions of Aaron’s healing at the hands of his new father figure and foster sister.”

    Publishers Weekly
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  • Best Christian Romance Books

    Do Marry Your Billionaire Boss by Cami Checketts

    November 19, 2024

    A reclusive billionaire. A feisty employee who unmasks celebrities. Can their unanticipated love survive amid secrets and deceit?

    Joshua Jewel, owner of Jewel Enterprises, has an enormous net worth, famous siblings, and a thriving business to boot. But he also has a problem. Someone has embezzled a million dollars from his company, and he has to investigate among his top, most trusted employees. He devises a unique plan to get to know his suspects up close and personal- a company cruise excursion. What he didn’t plan for is his top suspect, a gorgeous and brilliant young employee, to steal his heart completely. How can he trust her when she may be playing him for all he’s worth? Jade Jardine has been anxious to meet the elusive Joshua Jewel and see if the celebrity who hides his face from the world is incredible or insane. But when someone accuses her of embezzling money from Joshua’s company, her hopes for a fun and relaxing week disappear. Jade is more than surprised when her unbelievably attractive boss not only takes an interest in her, he seems to be genuinely falling for her. Joshua may be the man of her dreams, but how can she give her heart to him when he may not believe her intentions are true? As sparks begin to fly, Joshua and Jade’s trust are put to the test. Will Joshua turn out to be the hero Jade needs or a wealthy jerk who only cares about his bottom line? And will Jade even give him the chance to try? The author’s inspiration for parts of the novel:

    “This book was especially fun as I used my husband and I’s anniversary trip to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean cruise… as the setting. I was able to use a lot of the activities that we did as well. I’m terrified of heights and am trying hard to conquer that fear. When you read about Jade doing the climbing wall, know that is exactly how it happened for me. It was embarrassing!”

    Cami Checketts
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