Are There Any Best Contemporary Romance Books With Fantasy Elements?

As someone who devours romance novels like candy, 2023 has been an absolute feast for contemporary romance lovers. One standout is 'Happy Place' by Emily Henry—her signature blend of witty banter, emotional depth, and small-town charm is irresistible. Henry has a knack for creating characters that feel like old friends, and this story of exes pretending to still be together for a friend group’s final getaway is both hilarious and heartbreaking. Another gem is 'Yours Truly' by Abby Jimenez, which delivers a fake-dating trope with a twist. The chemistry between the leads is electric, and Jimenez tackles serious themes like anxiety and family dynamics with grace. For those who love emotional rollercoasters, 'Hello Beautiful' by Ann Napolitano is a beautifully written story about love, loss, and the bonds between sisters. It’s less traditional romance and more a love letter to human connection, but it’s unforgettable. If you’re into steamy yet thoughtful romance, 'The Neighbor Favor' by Kristina Forest is a must-read. It’s a slow burn with a shy heroine and a charming love interest who’s secretly her favorite author. The bookish vibes and heartfelt moments make it a winner. Lastly, 'Same Time Next Summer' by Annabel Monaghan is perfect for second-chance romance fans. Set against a beachy backdrop, it’s nostalgic, sweet, and full of longing.

As someone who devours romance novels like candy, I've noticed that certain publishers consistently deliver top-notch contemporary romance. Avon Romance is a powerhouse, known for titles like 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne—their books often strike the perfect balance between steamy and sweet. St. Martin's Press is another favorite, especially for their diverse range of voices, from Helen Hoang's 'The Kiss Quotient' to Emily Henry's 'Beach Read.' They excel at capturing modern love stories with depth and humor. For indie vibes, Carina Press (Harlequin’s digital imprint) is a hidden gem, offering fresh takes on romance with less mainstream tropes. And let’s not forget Berkley, which publishes crowd-pleasers like Christina Lauren’s rom-coms. Each publisher has a distinct flavor, so it depends on whether you crave heartwarming, spicy, or quirky.

As someone who spends way too much time buried in romance novels and movie adaptations, I’ve got a soft spot for books that make the leap to the big screen. One of my absolute favorites is 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green—it’s a tearjerker with witty dialogue and raw emotion, and the movie captures Hazel and Gus’s bittersweet love story beautifully. Another standout is 'Me Before You' by Jojo Moyes, which balances humor and heartbreak so well, and the chemistry between Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin is electric. For something lighter, 'Crazy Rich Asians' by Kevin Kwan is a glamorous, hilarious ride, and the film adaptation nails the opulence and family drama. 'To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before' by Jenny Han is another gem—the Netflix movies are adorable, and Lara Jean’s awkward charm shines through. If you’re into steamy romance, 'Fifty Shades of Grey' by E.L. James (love it or hate it) became a cultural phenomenon, though the books are… divisive. Lastly, 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks is a classic—the movie’s rain-soaked kiss scene is iconic for a reason.

As someone who devours contemporary romance like candy, I have strong opinions about publishers who consistently deliver top-tier love stories. Berkley is a standout—their catalog includes gems like Emily Henry’s 'Book Lovers' and Jasmine Guillory’s 'The Wedding Date,' which balance wit and warmth perfectly. Avon also deserves a shoutout for their diverse range, from Helen Hoang’s groundbreaking 'The Kiss Quotient' to Tessa Dare’s historical-romance hybrids. St. Martin’s Griffin nails emotional depth with titles like Colleen Hoover’s 'It Ends with Us,' while Entangled Publishing specializes in steamy, character-driven plots. Each publisher has a distinct flavor, but Berkley’s consistency in quality and originality makes them my go-to for contemporary romance that feels fresh and heartfelt.

As someone who devours romance novels like candy, I've been keeping a close eye on the 2024 releases, and there are some absolute gems that have stolen my heart. 'Funny Story' by Emily Henry is a standout, blending her signature wit with a deeply emotional story about two exes who end up roommates after their partners leave them for each other. It's hilarious, heartwarming, and utterly unputdownable. Another favorite is 'This Summer Will Be Different' by Carley Fortune, a sun-soaked tale of forbidden love set against the backdrop of Prince Edward Island. The chemistry between the leads is electric, and the setting is so vivid you can almost feel the ocean breeze. For those who love a bit of spice with their romance, 'The Paradise Problem' by Christina Lauren delivers with its fake-marriage-turns-real plot and sizzling tension. Lastly, 'Just for the Summer' by Abby Jimenez is a poignant yet uplifting story about two people who pretend to date to break their supposed 'curse' of exes finding love after them. Each of these books offers something unique, from laugh-out-loud moments to tear-jerking twists, making them must-reads for any romance fan this year.

As someone who adores romance with a faith-based twist, I've found contemporary Christian romance to be a treasure trove of heartfelt stories. One of my all-time favorites is 'The Masterpiece' by Francine Rivers, which beautifully weaves themes of redemption and love. The characters feel so real, and their struggles with faith and relationships are deeply relatable. Another gem is 'The Wedding Dress' by Rachel Hauck, a dual-timeline story that blends past and present in a way that’s both enchanting and spiritually uplifting. For those who enjoy small-town settings, 'Sweetbriar Cottage' by Denise Hunter is a must-read. It’s a second-chance romance that explores forgiveness and healing in a way that’s both tender and profound. If you’re looking for something lighter but still meaningful, 'Just Let Go' by Courtney Walsh is a delightful mix of humor and romance, with a strong message about letting go of the past. Each of these books offers a unique take on love and faith, making them perfect for anyone seeking a uplifting read.

I’ve been diving deep into contemporary romance lately, and 2024 has some absolute gems. 'Funny Story' by Emily Henry is my top pick—it’s got that perfect mix of humor and heart, with characters that feel like real people. Another standout is 'Just for the Summer' by Abby Jimenez, which tackles emotional depth while keeping the romance sweet and engaging. For something steamy yet thoughtful, 'The Paradise Problem' by Christina Lauren is a must-read. I also adore 'This Summer Will Be Different' by Carley Fortune—it’s got small-town vibes and a second-chance romance that hits all the right notes. These books are all fresh, relatable, and impossible to put down.

I've been diving into contemporary romance with LGBTQ+ themes lately, and there are some absolute gems out there. 'Red, White & Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston is a standout for its witty dialogue and heartwarming love story between the First Son of the U.S. and a British prince. The chemistry between the characters is electric, and the political backdrop adds an interesting twist. Another favorite is 'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller, which beautifully reimagines the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus with poetic prose and emotional depth. For something more modern, 'Boyfriend Material' by Alexis Hall offers a hilarious fake-dating trope with endearing characters and sharp humor. These books not only celebrate love in all its forms but also provide rich storytelling that keeps you hooked from start to finish.