Swoon-Worthy Reads: TRS Best Romance Novels of 2024

Whether you crave heart-pounding passion, emotionally charged drama, or laugh-out-loud moments, the best romance novels of 2024 delivered it all.

In this list, we’re spotlighting the books that set hearts racing and sparked endless discussions across right here on TRS. Featuring everything from dark mafia romances to cozy small-town love stories, these are the must-reads that defined 2024. Prepare to swoon, cry, and maybe blush a little as we revisit the romance novels that made this year truly special.

Deviant by Ellie Sanders

Prepare to descend into the pitch-black shadows of desire and control in Ellie Sanders’ Deviant, the gripping first book in The Brethren Lords trilogy. This dark romance doesn’t just push boundaries—it obliterates them.

When an ambitious journalist gets too close to exposing the deadly secrets of the Brethren Lords, her life is stolen in the most brutal way imaginable. Handed over to the enigmatic and ruthless Magnus Blake, she becomes his newest obsession. Magnus doesn’t just want to control her—he wants to own her, mind, body, and soul.

As she battles against his twisted plans, something even more dangerous begins to stir. The lines between hatred and desire blur, and soon, resisting Magnus feels impossible. But no matter what emotions surface, one truth remains: her life is no longer her own—it belongs to him.

Why readers are hooked:

• Dual POV for a deeper dive into the darkness
• A masterclass in morally grey characters
• Explores the fine line between captivity and craving
• Packed with intense, boundary-pushing themes (with all the warnings you’d expect!)

If you’re drawn to stories that walk the razor’s edge of obsession and power, this is the must-read dark romance of the year.

Tempted by the Devil by Michelle Heard

Step into a world where love and fear collide in Tempted by the Devil, the latest heart-pounding standalone mafia romance from USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Michelle Heard.

What starts as an ordinary night for one unsuspecting woman turns into the surprise of her life—and not the good kind. At a seemingly regular party, she’s blindsided by a shocking revelation: it’s her wedding. Her groom? Angelo Rizzo, a coldhearted enforcer of the Cosa Nostra and a man whose very name inspires fear.

Forced into this dangerous union as repayment for her stepbrother’s debt, she finds herself bound to a husband who rules with an iron fist. Trapped with no escape and no say, she must face the nightmare head-on, navigating the treacherous waters of her new reality and the ruthless man who now controls her fate.

Why this book will keep you hooked:

• A mafia romance that masterfully blends tension and passion
• Angelo Rizzo: a brooding antihero you’ll love to fear
• High-stakes drama and a thrilling storyline
• A standalone novel perfect for new and returning fans of Michelle Heard

If you crave powerful mafia romances with danger, control, and undeniable chemistry, Tempted by the Devil will leave you breathless.

Black Ties and White Lies by Kat Singleton

Dive into the dazzling world of luxury and lies with Kat Singleton’s Black Ties and White Lies, an Amazon Top 5 Bestseller that delivers all the heat, charm, and drama romance readers crave.

What happens when your ex’s older brother—aka the city’s most notorious billionaire playboy—needs a fake fiancée to salvage his reputation? For a struggling graphic designer in LA, it means an unexpected trip to New York, a glittering ring on your finger, and a whirlwind of secrets you never saw coming.

Beckham Sinclair isn’t just any billionaire; he’s dangerously magnetic, impossibly charming, and now your boss. Between shared spaces, steamy banter, and his relentless gaze, the line between pretend and reality begins to blur. But with your heart still recovering from the last Sinclair heartbreak, can you trust him—or yourself?

Why this book is unmissable:

• Combines billionaire opulence with heart-fluttering vulnerability
• Features fan-favorite tropes: fake relationship, forced proximity, and the irresistible ex’s older brother dynamic
• A sassy, relatable heroine and a hero with a dirty mouth
• Packed with secrets, tension, and sizzling chemistry

If you love billionaire romances that are equal parts glamorous and emotional, Black Ties and White Lies will have you hooked from page one.

When She Falls by Gabrielle Sands

Prepare to be consumed by tension, danger, and forbidden desire in Gabrielle Sands’ When She Falls, the third gripping installment in The Fallen series. This dark mafia romance delivers all the fiery enemies-to-lovers energy fans adore.

Ras Sorrentino isn’t just the underboss of the Camorra; he’s chaos in a perfectly tailored Italian suit, and he’s staring straight at her—his boss’s sister-in-law and an engaged woman. Every look, every smirk, every sharp word from Ras sets her world on edge. She knows better than to get close, especially when the weight of her family’s survival rests on her pristine reputation and arranged marriage.

But Ras has other plans. When their paths collide once more, his unrelenting gaze and razor-sharp instincts make it impossible to hide her bruises—or the truth. And when he decides to follow her back to New York, it’s clear that he’s about to turn her carefully constructed life into chaos.

Why readers can’t put this book down:

• Explosive enemies-to-lovers dynamic with sizzling chemistry
• A dark, brooding mafia antihero who is impossible to resist
• High-stakes tension packed with family loyalty, danger, and passion
• A standalone that weaves seamlessly into The Fallen series

If you’re a fan of dark mafia romances with sharp twists and irresistible heat, When She Falls will have you hooked from the very first page.

Cognac Villain by Nicole Fox

Step into the intoxicating world of danger and desire with Cognac Villain, the thrilling first book in Nicole Fox’s Pushkin Bratva duet. This sizzling mafia romance begins with a wardrobe malfunction and escalates into a whirlwind of power, passion, and forced vows.

Cora is at the party for one reason: to bide her time until she can escape. But a disastrous rip in her dress lands her in an awkward, barely-clothed encounter with Ivan Pushkin, the ruthless host—and one of the most dangerous men in the room.

What should’ve been an embarrassing mistake turns into something much darker when Ivan decides she’s the one he’s taking to the altar. His three chilling words—“Be my wife”—leave no room for negotiation. Suddenly, Cora finds herself trapped in Ivan’s world of power, wealth, and danger, where every glance burns, and every moment draws her deeper into his orbit.

Why you’ll be glued to the pages:

• A steamy forced marriage storyline with a mafia twist
• A magnetic antihero who’s as dangerous as he is alluring
• High-stakes drama and sizzling chemistry
• The first book in a duet that sets the stage for an unforgettable conclusion

If you love your mafia romances packed with tension, intrigue, and unstoppable passion, Cognac Villain is the perfect start to your next binge-worthy series. Don’t forget to follow it up with Cognac Vixen for Ivan and Cora’s full story!

Beating Heart by Laura Pavlov

Love comes knocking next door in Beating Heart, the heartfelt fourth installment in Laura Pavlov’s bestselling Magnolia Falls Series. This small-town, single-dad romance delivers charm, emotional depth, and the kind of love story that makes your heart skip a beat.

For this devoted single dad, life is simple: his son is his world, his company is thriving, and romance is nowhere on the radar. That is, until the stunning new pediatrician moves into the house next door. Emerson Chadwick isn’t just beautiful and brilliant—she’s also a walking complication. With her temporary plans to leave town and his own reluctance to fall, the odds are stacked against them.

But from the moment his son forms an instant bond with Emerson, resisting her becomes impossible. Her warmth, wit, and undeniable chemistry make it clear: she’s the missing piece he didn’t know he needed. Falling for her is a risk, but loving her feels as natural as breathing.

Why this romance will steal your heart:

• A swoon-worthy single dad who loves fiercely
• A compassionate, career-driven heroine with a big heart
• Fan-favorite tropes: Neighbors-to-Lovers and Single Parent Romance
• A standalone HEA with all the cozy Magnolia Falls charm

If you’re looking for a feel-good love story that’s equal parts heartwarming and steamy, Beating Heart is the perfect addition to your TBR. Whether you’re new to the series or a longtime fan, this book guarantees an unforgettable journey to happily-ever-after.

Slap Shot Surprise by Melanie Harlow

Get ready to swoon (and laugh) in Slap Shot Surprise, the spicy, heartwarming conclusion to Melanie Harlow’s Cherry Tree Harbor series. This small-town, surprise-pregnancy hockey romance brings the heat and delivers an unforgettable love story.

It all starts with a flight, a little turbulence, and one very panicked outburst to a stranger—who turns out to be none other than Joe Lupo, a professional hockey superstar. Awkward doesn’t even begin to cover it. But after crossing paths again at a wedding, their shared laughter and undeniable chemistry lead to a one-night stand that changes everything.

When two pink lines flip their worlds upside down, it’s clear they’re both skating on thin ice. Joe is laser-focused on his career and allergic to commitment, while she’s rooted in her small town, longing for a love that chooses her first. They couldn’t be more wrong for each other—right?

But love, like hockey, is full of surprises. And when Joe sets his sights on her heart, he proves he’s ready to make the ultimate play.

Why readers love this book:

• A steamy one-night stand turned surprise pregnancy romance
• A charming small-town setting perfect for second chances
• An irresistible hero with a winning mix of swagger and vulnerability
• Laugh-out-loud humor and emotional depth in every chapter

Whether you’re a fan of hockey romances, small-town charm, or sizzling chemistry, Slap Shot Surprise is a can’t-miss story that scores every time.

Urgent Vows by Lucy Monroe ~ TRS FEATURED MEMBER

Lucy Monroe delivers another pulse-pounding romance in Urgent Vows, the second book in her Syndicate Rules series. Packed with sizzling chemistry, dangerous stakes, and a morally grey hero, this standalone mafia romance will leave you breathless.

Catalina wants nothing more than to escape her father’s suffocating control and the violent world of the mafia. But when her sister abandons the don at the altar, Catalina is thrust into an impossible choice: marry him herself or watch her sister pay the price.

For Severu, the ruthless don of the Cosa Nostra, marriage is a necessary step to secure the stability of his family. Catalina wasn’t supposed to be his bride, but the moment his intended runs, he knows there’s no turning back. Craving her as much as he needs her, he vows to claim her. Catalina may agree to marry him to protect her sister, but there’s no one to protect her from his relentless pursuit.

Why this book will captivate you:

• A steamy age-gap romance with forced marriage and high stakes
• A fiercely protective heroine and a dangerously magnetic hero
• Explosive tension and emotionally charged twists
• A standalone story with a guaranteed HEA for fans of dark, spicy mafia romances

If you love morally grey heroes who’ll stop at nothing for the woman they crave, Urgent Vows is the perfect addition to your mafia romance collection.

Unravel Me by Becka Mack

In the emotionally charged third installment of Becka Mack’s Playing for Keeps series, Unravel Me, a star goalie discovers the family he’s always longed for—and a love he never expected—with a fiercely protective single mother.

Adam Lockwood’s fame on the ice may be unmatched, but off the rink, his luck in love is non-existent. Burned by past relationships and wary of anyone who only sees his celebrity status, Adam craves something real. When his dog introduces him—literally—to Rosie Wells, a pink-haired veterinary student who doesn’t recognize him as the hockey superstar he is, Adam seizes the opportunity to finally be himself.

For Rosie, life is already a whirlwind. As a single mother juggling veterinary school and raising her child, dating is the last thing on her mind. But Adam’s quiet charm and his genuine connection with her little family make him impossible to ignore.

Yet behind Adam’s kind smile and tender moments lies a secret that could shatter the trust they’ve built. As their hearts intertwine, both must face their fears and decide if love is worth the risk of unraveling everything they hold dear.

Why readers love this book:

• A swoon-worthy hockey player who wears his heart as fiercely as his goalie mask
• A strong single mother balancing love, family, and ambition
• A heart-tugging romance with themes of vulnerability, healing, and finding family
• Perfect for fans of emotional sports romances that blend heat, humor, and hope

If you’re looking for a love story that tackles the complexities of vulnerability, forgiveness, and trust, Unravel Me will capture your heart and keep you cheering for more.

Dark Memory by Christine Feehan

Step into a world where destiny defies time and love conquers darkness in Dark Memory, the gripping 37th installment of Christine Feehan’s #1 New York Times bestselling Carpathian series. This spellbinding tale delivers romance, danger, and ancient legends that will leave you breathless.

Safia Meziane has spent her entire life preparing for an unseen enemy, guarding her family with unwavering loyalty. But the evil threatening her coastal town in Algeria is unlike anything she’s ever faced. Safia feels its presence but can’t pinpoint its source, and as her tribe’s “chosen one,” she fears she’ll have to stand alone against this growing darkness.

Everything changes when her family reveals the secret they’ve kept for years: Safia is bound to a warrior, an outsider, a Carpathian—Petru Cioban.

Petru, one of the oldest and most powerful Carpathians, has waited two millennia for his lifemate to be reborn. When he finds her, she’s already in the crosshairs of a centuries-old enemy—an ancient vampire Petru once failed to destroy. As past and present collide, Petru faces not only his greatest adversary but also the shame of a betrayal Safia may never forgive once her past life memories resurface.

Bound by fate, threatened by evil, and haunted by regret, Petru and Safia must fight for their lives, their love, and their future. Will their bond be strong enough to conquer the shadows, or will history repeat itself?

Why this book will enthrall you:

• A fierce, skilled heroine grappling with destiny and love
• A brooding, centuries-old Carpathian warrior with a soul-deep connection to his lifemate
• A heart-pounding battle between ancient enemies and eternal lovers
• Richly woven mythology and world-building that fans of the Carpathian series adore

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, Dark Memory is an unforgettable story of love, redemption, and the timeless battle between light and dark.

Tyrant by Sarah Bailey

Dark, dangerous, and utterly captivating, Tyrant by Sarah Bailey kicks off The Villetti Chronicles with a story that dives headfirst into the shadows of power, loyalty, and forbidden desire. If you love age-gap romances with morally grey heroes, this standalone novel is a must-read.

When she kills someone, there’s only one person she can turn to for protection—Zayn Villetti, the heir to a mafia dynasty and a man no one should trust. As the daughter of a gang leader caught in a bloody turf war, making a deal with Zayn is dangerous enough. But the terms of their agreement throw her into a world of submission, chaos, and secrets she never expected.

Zayn demands obedience, and she’s never been one to follow rules. Their explosive connection threatens to upend both their lives, and as tension grows, so does the question: who will ultimately fall—the mafia prince or his unwilling “pet”?

Why readers are hooked:

• A dark age-gap romance with sizzling tension and complex characters
• Set in Sarah Bailey’s Dark Universe, perfect for fans of interconnected stories
• A gripping blend of power dynamics, danger, and forbidden attraction
• A standalone story packed with high stakes and emotional depth

If you’re drawn to romances that explore the dark, thrilling underbelly of mafia life, Tyrant delivers a story that’s as seductive as it is unforgettable.

Puck Yes: A Fake Marriage Hockey Romance by Lauren Blakely

Hockey season just got hotter in Puck Yes, the spicy second book in Lauren Blakely’s My Hockey Romance series. With a fake marriage, sizzling chemistry, and a why-choose twist, this standalone romance is pure perfection for fans of steamy sports love stories.

When one dare in Vegas leads to an unexpected “I do,” our heroine suddenly finds herself married to the team’s hotshot new hockey player. But it doesn’t stop there—when the team captain starts flirting with her at the wedding reception, things take a daring turn, and one wild night becomes the start of something much more complicated.

What was supposed to be a quick annulment becomes a season-long performance as “Mrs. Hockey” to keep up appearances for the team. The catch? Both her fake husband and his teammate want more of her—and she’s finding it impossible to resist either of them. With emotions running high and hearts on the line, falling for one might be trouble, but falling for both could change everything.

Why this book will make you say “puck yes”:

• A fake marriage romance with a spicy twist
• A playful and irresistible why-choose storyline
• Sizzling chemistry and heartfelt moments that balance heat and heart
• A guaranteed HEA that will leave you swooning

If you’re a fan of steamy hockey romances with bold heroines and a dash of fun, Puck Yes is the perfect addition to your shelf. Lace up your skates and get ready for a story that scores big!

The Alpha Wolf’s Mate by Tory Richards ~ TRS FEATURED MEMBER

Get ready for a wild ride with The Alpha Wolf’s Mate, a sizzling paranormal romance that will have you howling for more. Tory Richards delivers a captivating tale of passion, destiny, and undeniable chemistry.

When Serena accepts her dream job as a wildlife veterinarian at the Savage Wolf Sanctuary, she has no idea it will lead her straight into the arms of something she never believed existed: a werewolf. Not just any werewolf, but the powerful and dangerously alluring alpha of Savage Hill, who is certain of one thing—Serena is his mate.

As her world turns upside down, Serena struggles to reconcile her scientific mind with the primal instincts driving her closer to him. But with her body in heat and her heart torn, resisting the alpha becomes impossible. This fiery romance is packed with passion, a strong-willed heroine, and a hero who will stop at nothing to claim what’s his.

Why readers will fall in love:

• A scorching alpha male shifter who exudes raw magnetism
• A smart and determined heroine navigating her extraordinary new reality
• Intense chemistry and a compelling blend of heat and heart
• Perfect for fans of steamy werewolf romances with fated mates

If you’re looking for a paranormal romance that’s equal parts seductive and suspenseful, The Alpha Wolf’s Mate will have you hooked from page one.

The Prisoner’s Throne by Holly Black

Return to the breathtaking, treacherous world of Elfhame with The Prisoner’s Throne, the spellbinding conclusion to Holly Black’s Stolen Heir duology. This #1 New York Times Bestseller delivers intrigue, betrayal, and a battle that will shape the fate of faerie itself.

Prince Oak, once the golden heir of Elfhame, now finds himself imprisoned in the icy north, at the mercy of a vengeful queen. Bound by her monstrous will, Oak must use his charm and cunning to survive. But with High King Cardan and High Queen Jude determined to recover their stolen heir at any cost, Oak faces a devastating choice: betray the girl he once loved to secure Elfhame’s safety or risk everything, even her life, to bring down the queen’s reign.

With war looming and treachery around every corner, Oak’s wit and guile might not be enough to save everyone he holds dear. Caught between love and loyalty, he must decide whom to save—and whom to doom—in this blood-soaked tale of love, power, and sacrifice.

Why this book will enchant readers:

• A richly woven tapestry of courtly intrigue and perilous desires
• A tortured prince wrestling with impossible choices
• The captivating return of characters from Holly Black’s Folk of the Air series
• A thrilling finale filled with danger, magic, and heartbreak

If you’re ready for a tale of faerie that’s as dark as it is opulent, The Prisoner’s Throne will keep you riveted until the final page.

Reckless by Elsie Silver

In Reckless, the sizzling fourth installment of the Chestnut Springs series, Elsie Silver delivers a heart-pounding, emotional romance that has readers on #BookTok hooked. With fiery passion, raw vulnerability, and an unforgettable connection, this small-town romance will leave you breathless.

Theo Silva is everything Winter Hamilton should avoid. A rowdy bull rider with a reputation as a ladies’ man, he’s trouble wrapped in a package so tempting, it’s impossible to ignore. Winter, fresh from a toxic marriage, has sworn off men, but Theo’s smoldering persistence starts to melt the icy walls she’s carefully built around her heart.

What begins as a single night of vulnerability and passion turns into a secret Winter is desperate to keep. Theo makes her feel alive, cherished, and worshipped in ways she’s never experienced, but her desire for simplicity collides with the undeniable pull of their connection.

When an unexpected pregnancy threatens to unravel everything, Winter and Theo must face the truth: some risks are worth taking, and love doesn’t always come easy—but it’s always worth it.

Why readers are obsessed:

• A bad-boy bull rider with a heart of gold
• A strong heroine learning to rebuild her life and trust again
• A small-town romance packed with heat, humor, and emotional depth
• A mix of irresistible tension and tender moments that keep the pages turning

If you’re a fan of passionate, high-stakes romances with unforgettable characters, Reckless is a must-read that will leave you swooning and cheering for Winter and Theo’s happily ever after.

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