What Contemporary Novels Romance Are Trending In 2023?

What Is Contemporary Romance? Contemporary romance is a popular subgenre of romance fiction that centers on love stories set in the modern world, typically from the post-World War II era to the present day. These stories explore romantic relationships in real-life settings, reflecting current societal values, cultural norms, and everyday challenges. Key Characteristics of Contemporary Romance Modern Setting: Set in the time period in which they are written—ranging from the late 20th century to today. Settings often include urban cities, small towns, or familiar workplaces that feel grounded in the present. Relatable Characters: Protagonists deal with realistic, emotionally resonant issues such as career struggles, family dynamics, mental health, or identity, making their journeys feel authentic and relevant. Focus on Relationships: The heart of the story is the romantic arc between the main characters. While other subplots may exist, the emotional and romantic development takes center stage. Real-World Themes: These novels often tackle modern-day issues such as dating apps, long-distance relationships, co-parenting, and social expectations. Diversity and inclusion are also central, with increasing representation of LGBTQ+ characters, multicultural relationships, and non-traditional families. Popular Subgenres Within Contemporary Romance Contemporary romance is broad and flexible, encompassing several subgenres: Romantic comedy (rom-com): Lighthearted stories with humor and witty banter. Romantic suspense: Love stories intertwined with mystery or danger. Erotic romance: Focused on sexual exploration within a romantic context. Young adult/new adult romance: Centered on younger protagonists navigating love and identity. Why Readers Love It Readers are drawn to contemporary romance for its relatability, emotional depth, and modern relevance. These stories often mirror real life—portraying love in all its messy, beautiful, and complex forms—making them especially appealing for a wide audience. In Summary: Contemporary romance is romance fiction grounded in the here and now. It speaks to modern readers by showcasing love stories that reflect today’s world, offering both escapism and connection.

Contemporary romance is like a breath of fresh air compared to other romance genres because it feels so relatable. It’s set in the present day, so the characters deal with modern issues like dating apps, career struggles, or societal expectations, which makes the love stories hit closer to home. Unlike historical romance, where corsets and societal rules dominate, or fantasy romance, where magic and dragons take center stage, contemporary romance focuses on raw, everyday emotions. I love how books like 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne or 'People We Meet on Vacation' by Emily Henry capture the awkwardness, humor, and vulnerability of real relationships. The stakes feel personal—no grand quests or time-traveling drama, just two people navigating love in a world that feels familiar. Contemporary romance also tends to blend seamlessly with other subgenres, like workplace romances or friends-to-lovers, giving it a versatility that keeps me coming back for more.

As someone who devours romance novels like candy, 2024 has been a fantastic year for contemporary love stories. 'Funny Story' by Emily Henry is my top pick—it’s witty, heartfelt, and has that signature Henry charm with characters you’ll adore. Another standout is 'The Paradise Problem' by Christina Lauren, a fake-dating trope done right with sizzling chemistry and laugh-out-loud moments. For those who crave emotional depth, 'Just for the Summer' by Abby Jimenez explores love and healing in a way that lingers long after the last page. If you’re into rom-coms with a twist, 'This Summer Will Be Different' by Carley Fortune delivers a perfect blend of vacation vibes and slow-burn romance. And let’s not forget 'Not in Love' by Ali Hazelwood, which mixes STEM and romance with her usual sharp dialogue and steamy scenes. Each of these books brings something fresh to the table, whether it’s banter, tears, or swoon-worthy moments. 2024 is proving to be a year where romance novels aren’t just escaping reality—they’re redefining it.

My booktok boyfriend in contemporary romance novels is undoubtedly Alex Claremont-Diaz from 'Red, White & Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston. He’s sharp, witty, and fiercely loyal, with a vulnerability that makes him relatable. His journey from political rivalry to unexpected love with Prince Henry is both heartwarming and hilarious. Alex’s humor and dedication to his family and career make him the perfect blend of charm and depth. Plus, his banter with Henry is pure gold, making him a standout character in modern romance. Another favorite is Augustus Everett from 'Beach Read' by Emily Henry. He’s brooding, intellectual, and surprisingly tender. His complex personality and emotional growth throughout the story make him irresistible. Augustus is the kind of character who challenges the heroine while also supporting her, creating a dynamic and compelling relationship. His passion for writing and his struggles with grief add layers to his character, making him unforgettable.

I’ve been diving into contemporary romance novels for years, and I’ve noticed some publishers really stand out for their consistently great picks. Harlequin is a giant in this space, with imprints like Harlequin Desire and Harlequin Heartwarming catering to different romance tastes. Then there’s Avon, known for its steamy and emotional reads—titles like 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne got their start here. Berkley Romance is another favorite, publishing hits like 'The Love Hypothesis' by Ali Hazelwood. These publishers have a knack for finding stories that balance heart and heat, making them go-tos for romance lovers. Smaller presses like Sourcebooks Casablanca and St. Martin’s Griffin also deserve shoutouts for bringing fresh voices to the genre, like 'The Bromance Book Club' by Lyssa Kay Adams. If you’re into diverse romance, Entangled Publishing and Carina Press are fantastic, with books like 'The Kiss Quotient' by Helen Hoang. Each of these publishers has a distinct flavor, so depending on whether you want sweet, spicy, or something in between, there’s a publisher out there perfect for your next read.

As someone who devours both books and their adaptations, I get super excited when romance novels get the silver screen treatment. One of my all-time favorites is 'Me Before You' by Jojo Moyes—the movie adaptation captures the heart-wrenching love story between Louisa and Will perfectly, with Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin bringing the characters to life. Another standout is 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green, a tearjerker about two teens with cancer who fall in love. The film, starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, is just as emotional as the book. For something lighter, 'Crazy Rich Asians' by Kevin Kwan is a must-watch. The movie is a visual feast with a stellar cast, and it stays true to the book’s humor and opulence. 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks is another classic—everyone knows the iconic rain scene with Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. If you’re into quirky rom-coms, 'Bridget Jones’s Diary' by Helen Fielding is hilarious and relatable, with Renée Zellweger nailing the role. These adaptations prove that love stories can shine just as brightly on screen as they do on the page.

I’ve always been fascinated by how romance novels transition to the big screen, and there are some fantastic contemporary adaptations. 'Me Before You' by Jojo Moyes is one that stuck with me—the movie captured the emotional rollercoaster of Louisa and Will’s story beautifully. Another favorite is 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green; the film adaptation nailed the bittersweet romance between Hazel and Gus. 'Crazy Rich Asians' by Kevin Kwan is a vibrant, visually stunning adaptation that brought the opulence and humor of the book to life. For a darker twist, 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins delivers a gripping thriller-romance hybrid on screen. These adaptations prove that love stories can shine just as brightly in cinema as they do on the page.

As someone who devours contemporary romance novels like they're candy, I've got a list of books that consistently steal hearts and top review charts. 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne is a fan favorite, blending witty banter and electric chemistry between rivals-turned-lovers. It’s sharp, funny, and impossible to put down. Another standout is 'People We Meet on Vacation' by Emily Henry, which nails the friends-to-lovers trope with emotional depth and laugh-out-loud moments. For those who crave something steamy yet heartfelt, 'The Love Hypothesis' by Ali Hazelwood delivers a fake-dating plot with STEM academia as its backdrop. If you're into emotional rollercoasters, 'It Ends with Us' by Colleen Hoover is a must-read, tackling heavy themes with raw honesty. And let’s not forget 'Red, White & Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston, a rom-com with political flair and swoon-worthy romance. These books aren’t just popular—they’re beloved for their unforgettable characters and storytelling.