Top 10 Romance Books of 2017

Whether you enjoy the heartwarming characters in a good historical romance or the electric heat and intrigue in a contemporary thriller, 2017 had some fantastic romances to choose from. Here are 10 of the best:

Take the Lead by Alexis Daria

If you’re a fan of Dancing with the Stars, you’ll love Alexis Daria’s first novel in her Dance Off series, Take the Lead. When Gina Morales, a professional ballroom dancer, meets Alaskan survivalist Stone Nielsen, sparks immediately fly. When the two are paired up for a dance competition, they must learn how to connect both on and off the dance floor to find happiness. Perfect for those who love reality shows.

Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan

If vampires and labyrinths are more your style, you need to check out Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan. Emeline Sanchez is a woman tortured by her encounter with an evil master vampire and who continues to fight the grip he has on her mind. As she fights against the vampires who vow to possess her, she turns toward the one warrior who can save her. Supernatural romance readers will find plenty to like in Feehan’s newest offering.

Accidentally on Purpose by Jill Shalvis

Though you should probably start at the beginning of the Heartbreaker Bay series, those who have already familiarized themselves with all the characters who live in the San Francisco apartment complex will love Jill Shalvis’s new addition Accidentally on Purpose. Focused on Elle Wheaten and Archer Hunt, this new novel takes a closer look at two characters closed off from love and what they need to open their hearts. These light-hearted yet touching romances are perfect for lazy Sundays spent in front of the fireplace. 

Come Sundown by Nora Roberts

Prolific romance (and thriller) writer Nora Roberts is at it again with her story of murder and intrigue on a western Montana ranch. Starring sassy heroine Bodine Longbow and her rugged assistant Callen Skinner as they investigate the murder of an unknown woman, Come Sundown is for those readers who like a lot of mystery thrown in with their romance. Whether you’re new to Roberts’ work or a faithful fan, this one is not to be missed.

Map of the Heart by Susan Wiggs

Can’t decide between historical or contemporary romance for your next read? Then pick up Susan Wiggs’ Map of the Heart, a novel that is the best of both worlds. Exploring World War II era France as well as present-day Delaware, Wiggs’ newest novel tells the story of Camille Palmer, a mother recovering from a terrible past. Her life is thrown another curveball when a package arrives that takes her and her sister and father back to France where they must face their family’s dark history. Of course, along the way, Camilla falls for a handsome naval officer who changes her mind about what love means. Heartwarming and powerful, this touching book will be a romance favorite.

The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Amanda Quick

Hollywood moguls, leading men, and gossip writers star in Amanda Quick’s murder/romance set in the most glamorous place in the country: Burning Cove Hotel—the hideout of the rich and famous. When reporter Irene Glasson finds the body of a beautiful actress, she enters a world of dark secrets, intricate cover-ups, and sizzling scandals. The tension between Irene and the owner of the hotel, former magician Oliver Ward, keeps the reader on their toes as they discover who really killed the actress and what she may have been hiding.

White Hot by Ilona Andrews

Those who love a good dose of magic with their romance have probably already checked out the other entries in Ilona Andrews’ Hidden Legacy series and will be happy to know that a new one—White Hot—has arrived on the scene. Detective and human lie detector Nevada Baylor is once more teamed up with billionaire Connor “Mad” Rogan and this time their attraction is tough to deny. Will they be able to save the city from the dark forces that want to destroy it—and them—before it’s too late?

Dating-ish by Penny Reid

Frustrated daters in the era of technology will relate to Penny Reid’s heroine Marie Harris in her new romance Dating-ish. Marie has tried online dating and is frustrated—especially after an especially weird date with an annoying man. She decides to chuck dating altogether and hire the services she needs instead. This seems to be working, until her weird date returns and suggests a much different solution to her dating dilemma. Dating-ish attempts to answer the question of whether we really need human relations to be happy.

An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole

History and romance intermingle in Alyssa Cole’s intriguing An Extraordinary Union. Set during the Civil War, slave turned spy Elle Burns and Secret Service agent Malcolm McCall both work for justice in the south. When they join forces, they could succeed in changing the course of the war. They could also succeed in finding in each other the attraction and love they’ve been searching for their entire lives. Full of intrigue and heat, Cole’s new romance will warm up any winter night.

Perilous Trust by Barbara Freethy

Sophie Parker and Damon Wolfe had a painful past together and the last thing they want is to get caught in each other’s web once again. However, when Sophie’s father and Damon’s mentor is killed in a suspicious accident, it’s up to the two of them to save his reputation—and their own lives. Barbara Freethy’s Perilous Trust is a page-turning romance with plenty of mystery thrown in. Go on Sophie and Damon’s journey to discover the truth—and rediscover each other—when you pick up this romance.

No matter what type of romance is on your wish-list this year, one of the above ten will certainly hit the mark and keep you reading well into the night hours.