Best Books
by Michelle Carroll, November 8, 2023 10:58 AM
Best Fiction of 2023 | Best Nonfiction of 2023 | Best Graphic Novels of 2023 | Best Horror of 2023 | Best Science Fiction & Fantasy of 2023 | Best Kids' and YA of 2023
As a person who tries to avoid spoiler alerts, romance surprised me a little bit — knowing that a happily ever after is most likely at the end of the story should annoy me. But it turns out that I really, really want to know how these crazy kids figure it out, even if their love is broadcast on the first page. These books contain a lot of twists and turns and surprises — secret exes turning up out of the blue! overcoming generational trauma! vampires! — and knowing everything ends up okay makes the journey even more fun. And: life is hard, happy endings are definitely not guaranteed, and I don’t always want to read a book that will emotionally devastate. Romance is perfect!
This is a big moment for Powell’s: 2023 is the first year we’ve split Romance into its very own Best Books of the year list! We’ve been big fans for a long time, increasing our sections and selections in the stores, and are so excited to share our swooniest, sexiest, most delightfully charming picks of the year! (And we want to hear what what we missed in the comments, and sneak in a bonus recommendation right now — Shattered Truths is the hockey romance you’ve been searching for!)
This list includes traditional bodice-rippers, shapeshifting, a whooooole lotta meet-cutes, timeshifting, second chances at love, heists, multiple Much Ado About Nothing moments, fresh takes on some beloved blockbusters of cinematic rom-com heydays, pirates, hot chefs, antiheros, career goals, and people working through their pains and hang-ups to grow together and learn how to love others and feel worthy of love. Get cozy, grab a couple of these sizzling and sweet titles, and get ready to get into a totally ridiculous situation that may or may not lead you to the biggest love of your life.
by Alexandria Bellefleur
Oh, Bellefleur, what have you done to me? I picked this one up because I felt like it would be the perfect book to get lost in, and I was right. There's so much to unwrap here, and while the book does use popular tropes (marriage of convenience; third act plot twist; there's also another secret being hidden), it feels fresh and interesting. I found myself laughing while reading it, which rarely happens (some romances bill themselves as funny, when they are most definitely not), and I won't hesitate to mention that I teared up at the end. It was a satisfying romance and I am grateful to have discovered it. — Katherine M.
Every so often, I remember how much I LOVE romance. A book with well-done tropes, engaging characters, and a great plot really does the trick for me. And this ticked all my boxes! I loved how self-aware and playful the narrative was, Taylor Swift and romance stereotypes being referenced, poking a little fun while remaining true to the emotional heart of the writing. Gemma and Tansy were such lovely protagonists, their dynamic was so enjoyable, and the side characters brought so much life to their world. I also appreciated the care taken in the social dynamics of a classist, patriarchal, wealthy world — I usually expect to dislike rich characters and instead appreciated how they were portrayed, good and bad. My other favorite aspect was that the last third of the book was really well done. The ups and downs fit my expectations and surprised me at the same time. Overall, such a satisfying read! — Carlee B.
by Emily Henry
Emily Henry has done it again in this perfect summer read. Friends gather for one last hurrah at the beach house, but problems arise when Harriet's loved ones don't know her secret: that she and her fiancé Wyn have been broken up for months. Which shouldn't have been a problem, but now they're getting locked in wine cellars and having to share one bed. Following two timelines, I didn't know I was a sucker for friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers-again. I absolutely adored this book, with all the relationships and drama only a group of friends that love each other can bring. — Lauren M.
by Sara Desai
After reading The Marriage Game series, I was far too excited for another title by Sarah Desai. And she did not disappoint. The protagonist, Simi Chopra, doesn't have a lot of things. But she does have a mountain of student loan debt, a flooded apartment, and willingness to commit a crime to keep her best friend out of jail. Millennial girlies can relate, right? This book has so much to offer — from the instant chemistry the protagonists have to the prologue and epilogue written in his POV. If you’re looking for a quirky, fun, escape of a beach read, then look no further. — Lindsay P.
by Ashley Poston
I am delightfully, completely obsessed with this book, the new romance from Ashley Poston of The Dead Romantics fame. I don’t want to give too much away, but this book includes: a grieving book publicist and her late aunt’s New York City apartment, which the aunt has always claimed is slippery in time; a hot guy somehow living in that apartment and wanting to practice his lemon pies on the grieving book publicist; a taco truck that actually made my stomach grumble with hunger; a search for the late aunt’s lost love; misunderstandings and fights and heart-to-heart conversations and the perfect amount of spice. The Seven Year Slip is a truly heartfelt, funny, and well-written romance that I have been recommending to anyone who will listen. You should listen to me! — Kelsey F.
by Curtis Sittenfeld
I feel very vulnerable writing this recommendation, because it felt like Romantic Comedy was written specifically to appeal to me. If you are at all intrigued by the inner workings of a famous live late-night sketch comedy show, if you want to read a very realistic deep-dive getting-to-know-each-other sequence (the middle of this book both lifted and squeezed my heart, does that make any sense?), if you're looking for a fun, compulsively readable book that walks the perfect line of approachable and sneaky depth: don't miss this one! — Michelle C.
by Ashley Herring Blake
“Yes, I chose me, but I choose you too. That’s what love is, right? I want both, and I know you do too.” And that right there explains why Iris Kelly Doesn't Date is a glorious conclusion to Ashley Herring Blake's Bright Falls trilogy. After an epic disaster of a first date, Iris and Stevie end up starring in a local theater production, a queer retelling of Much Ado About Nothing. Much ado, indeed! Plenty of steam, fake dating, and meddling friends combined with feels galore all add up to a great read. — Mary Jo S.
by Elise Bryant
I don't know HOW Elise Bryant manages to keep pulling at my heart strings with every new book she releases, but maybe I don't want to know. Maybe I want to continue finding bits of pieces of myself within these multi-dimensional characters who are on their own journeys to figure out who they are becoming. Reggie and Delilah are so adorable that I audibly squealed while reading this book (#softie). You're going to love this book if you love watching Black teens being Black teens and falling in love in the process. What a real treat. — Katherine M
by TJ Klune
We LOVE TJ Klune, and we love TJ Klune's spicy shapeshifting rural Oregon paranomal romance! Klune asks and answers the eternal question: what if Teen Wolf but it was actually queer and nice? Get ready to be entirely too invested in Ox, Joe, and the Bennetts (and get ready to be delighted that Tor is publishing TJ Klune's backlist, so you can read Wolfsong in this beautiful hardcover release and immediately dig into Ravensong when you don't want the story to end). — Olive C.
by Elena Armas
This romance is built for fans of Ted Lasso and the enemies-to-lovers trope. I personally love when my romance novels feature moments of self-growth, and Armas did a great job of including it in hers. If you love small-town romances that feature grumpy tattooed men with big thighs and deep laughs that make your heart swoon; hardheaded women who won't let their guard down in case they get hurt; a lovable soccer team of nine-year-old girls; goats, and, well, a well-kept family secret that threatens everything, then this one is for you! — Katherine M.
by India Holton
India Holton brings us back to her quirky and lovable Dangerous Damsels universe that is once again filled to the brim with pirates, witches, flying houses, and tea. This time we focus on two adorably awkward rival spies (Agent A and Agent B) as they attempt to keep the Queen alive. They begin their undercover mission as enemies, but with a fake marriage, fake emotions, and only one couch... things just might lead to heart palpitations. Full of cameos from our favorite heroes and villains of the previous books, Secret Service of Tea and Treason is the romantic read you need. — Mecca A.
by Timothy Janovsky
Yes, this one is for fans of 13 Going on 30 or the TikTok sound "Can we skip to the good part," but this one is also for the career goal getters who need a moment to sit back and reflect on what it means to have it all. Janovsky's sweet romance made me chuckle, but it also made me cry because he does a great job of making you realize that maybe all you need is your friends (well, that one friend that you're secretly in love with), your family, and a strong sense of worth. Oh, and maybe a cute corgi named Milkshake! — Katherine M.
by Anita Kelly
This is one of those books that feel like it's giving your soul a hug. Anita Kelly crafts such wonderful and healthy romances and this one, set on the Pacific Crest Trail, is no different! Alexei and Ben have my heart and I know that this book is one that I'll enjoy reading over and over again. — Jessica M.
by Kristina Forest
Lily dreams of being a children's book editor, but is trapped as a publishing assistant to a Bad Boss in nonfiction. Nick has two rom-com jobs — he published a little-read fantasy novel under a pen name right before the publisher folded, and is paid to travel the world and write about interesting people for a travel magazine. Lily tracks down his terrible website to thank him for his book... and they find an unlikely romantic connection through the ensuing, semi-anonymous correspondence. (The best use of a "contact me" form I have ever seen!) Then, twist, they unknowingly become neighbors, and deal with a lot of "it feels like I know you for some reason" feelings while participating in one of the all-time great flimsy excuses to hang out (Lily enlists Nick to help her find a date to her sister's wedding). They're so cute and charming and awkward, and I cheered for this couple as they grew and struggled and benefited from being in each other's lives (and eventually figured out their own shared past). — Michelle C.
by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Oh, Solomon has officially done it: she has written a perfect little sex guide disguised as a romance novel. I have described it to customers as, "If you have ever had a one night stand that left you wondering why you got up at 2 a.m. to go over to this person's house in the first place, this one is for you." Finn is such a charming gentleman, even if he doesn't know where all of the parts are. The most important thing is that he's willing to learn and he's hoping that Chandler will be the one to teach him a thing or two. Business or Pleasure also does a great job at discussing mental health issues, such as Chandler's anxiety and Finn's OCD. Both characters are honest, refreshing, and willing to put in the work, which makes this novel satisfying in many ways. — Katherine M.
by Nisha Sharma
Say Adieu to what you know about Much Ado. This enemies-to-lovers rewrite follows the original story while still giving you bites of Desi culture and glimpses of the Big Apple. I loved how well Sharma played the enemies-to-lovers trope, and that she has the ability to make me crave any food regardless of if I've had it before. And don't worry, the spice isn't just in the cooking! — Lindsay P.
by Karelia Stetz-Waters
I LOVE a romance novel set in Portland, and Stetz-Waters constantly delivers them. This one was such a treat because you get to witness two characters, Ash and Rose, fall in love as they unravel their feelings of perfectionism due to a tragic incident in their childhood (Rose) and being abandoned by a partner after an accident and having their career ripped from them (Ash). Ash has one more chance to go forth and live her dream, and that's by getting the funding from an investor to make the movie of her dreams. With Rose's business knowledge — and a few kisses — maybe these two can both have a Hollywood ending that's worth watching on the big screen. — Katherine M.
by Eliza MacArthur
Hank is the anti-hero we didn't know we needed. He's a big guy with an even bigger heart and once he's committed to you, he's yours forever. I love that a book about witches and vampires has some of the most realistic conversations about loving yourself and finding your special one! I'll never look at recliners the same way again! Five Flannel Stars out of five! — Jennifer V.
by Katherine Center
Sweet, funny, and thoughtful — The Bodyguard was the perfect escape this year. The trope was flawlessly executed, the plot was fun, unique, and the perfect level of cheesy. This book cured my book slump this year and could bring a smile to anyone's face. — Lindsay P.
by Lorraine Heath
How can you go wrong with a woman bent on revenge? This time, it's Regina Leyland. She was jilted at the altar and now, five years later, she's writing a scandalous, "fictional" tell-all under a pen name about "her" seduction and ruination. The book's "Lord K" bears an uncanny resemblance to Lord Knightly, who's furious to have his good reputation questioned. Fake reconciliation between the two leads to unquestionable sparks with a second chance at love. Heath definitely remains one of my top historical romance authors to auto-buy. — Mecca A.
by Julie Tieu
I'm an absolute sucker for people falling in love at or around other people's weddings, followed closely by tight-knit friends who will roast you in the group chat. In Julie Tieu's latest, Elise is a florist who is trying to keep her business afloat, staring down a summer of being a bridesmaid and doing the flowers for all three of her best friends' weddings. She keeps getting paired up with her friend Rebecca's frustrating (and frustratingly sexy) brother, Ben — and sees him even more when she helps with some events for their mother's high profile local re-election campaign. Suddenly, they're helping each other and confiding in each other and getting stranded at wedding venues with only one bed. This book has so much to love about love — two people who are right for each other being very stubborn about it, their supportive friends and families making fun of them for being stubborn, being kidnapped to talk things through at a boba shop, a whole bunch of weddings and wedding characters, political scandal, wedding planning drama, and one of the best "this formal event has taken a turn" disasters of all time. A delight! — Michelle C.
by Kate Goldbeck
Have I ever lived in New York? No. Have I watched enough romcoms to be delusional? Absolutely! There's a reason why I own a sweater that says "Nora Ephron raised me." With her debut novel that pays homage to the quintessential romcom, When Harry Met Sally, Goldbeck has written a beautiful and honest portrayal of New York through the eyes of Josh and Ari. Even though these two despised each other in the beginning, their chemistry was always there. I loved their friendship, with the late-night texts and long-distance movie watching. I groaned when they were both idiots. I screamed when one admitted their feelings and the other was still being an idiot (I was on a plane when I read the scene, so the scream was more on the inside than outside). And the ending? Well, I won't tell you what happened, but I screamed again, this time with glee. Goldbeck has written one of the best romances of the year. — Katherine M.
Oh, you want me to read a romance that’s reminiscent of When Harry Met Sally, but updated for our modern times? With a hot chef and an often-raunchy comedian? Who originally meet because they’re sleeping with the same woman? And then repeatedly cross each other’s paths over the years, until a friendship grows between them? And then feelings grow? And also there’s a first date in a sex shop? This book is so much fun, so delightful, so full of feelings, appropriate levels of angst, incredible chemistry, and a good amount of spice. I can’t believe this is Kate Goldbeck’s debut; I can’t wait to read whatever she comes out with next. — Kelsey F.
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