Who Is The Author Of The Best Romance Novel In 2023?

I have to say 2023 was a stellar year for the genre. The title of 'best romance novel' is subjective, but one author who dominated discussions across platforms like Goodreads and BookTok was Emily Henry. Her book 'Happy Place' was everywhere this year, and for good reason. Henry has a knack for crafting relationships that feel achingly real, blending humor, heartache, and chemistry in a way that makes her stories impossible to put down. 'Happy Place' follows a couple who fake their ongoing relationship during a friend’s getaway, even though they’ve secretly broken up. The tension, the nostalgia, and the raw emotional highs and lows make it a standout. Henry’s writing is sharp yet tender, and she excels at creating characters who feel like people you’d know in real life.

Another author who made waves in 2023 was Ali Hazelwood, especially with her novel 'Love on the Brain.' Hazelwood’s background in STEM shines through her romances, giving them a unique flavor. 'Love on the Brain' is a enemies-to-lovers tale with a neuroscience twist, and the banter between the leads is electric. Hazelwood’s ability to balance scientific detail with swoon-worthy romance is impressive, and her books have a dedicated fanbase for a reason. Then there’s Tia Williams, whose 'A Love Song for Ricki Wilde' blended magical realism with romance in a way that felt fresh and enchanting. Williams’ prose is lyrical, and her setting—Harlem during the Renaissance—added a layer of richness that made the love story even more compelling.

If we’re talking about sheer impact, though, Rebecca Yarros’ 'Fourth Wing' deserves a mention, even though it’s more of a fantasy romance. The book took the world by storm, merging dragons, war, and a slow-burn romance that had readers obsessively flipping pages. Yarros’ world-building and emotional stakes made it a crossover hit, appealing to both romance and fantasy fans. While not a traditional romance novel, its romantic elements were strong enough to spark endless debates and fan theories. Ultimately, 2023 was a year where romance novels pushed boundaries, blending genres and exploring deeper emotional territories, and these authors were at the forefront of that movement.