I didn’t really like one-size-fits-all clothes. Of course, it’s effective for knitted items like scarves and hats, but more than that, these materials are very shape-shifting, so they tend to fit relatively few people well. Lately, it feels like publishers are moving toward one-size-fits-all books. Because I’m increasingly reading romance novels that 10 years ago would have been categorized as women’s novels with romantic elements, or romantic suspense, marketed as romance novels. A straight mystery. As a result, choosing my top 10 favorite romances became a minefield of figuring out what qualifies. All of the books below include romance, but the focus of the story is often split between mystery/heroine’s journey of self-discovery and love story.
nemesis next door Written by Alexa Martin
Collins Carter and Nate (Nathaniel) Adams were almost inseparable during elementary school, but a rift in their relationship occurred during high school when Nate became popular and essentially drove Collins away. Now they find themselves living in the same area again, each determined to get rid of the other. Their battle for control of the HOA is interesting and the enemies-to-lovers story is fun. (Hybrid: Women’s Fiction/Romance)
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the night finds you Written by Julie Heberlin
After the death of her mother, Vivian Boucher returns to her hometown to close up on the house, but finds herself drawn into solving a decades-old mystery with detective Jesse Sharp. Captivating characters, a fascinating mystery, and an interesting love story make this wonderful book one of my favorites of the year. (Hybrid: Mystery/Romantic Suspense)
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neighbor’s favor Written by Christina Forrest
Will fans be able to find true love with their idol? When Lily Greene meets her new neighbor Nick Brown, he is won over by his good looks, kind nature, and quick wit. Plus, he seems to love books almost as much as she does. Little did she know that he also had a writing career, which happened to be her favorite novel. When Nick finally tells the truth, will their blossoming romance survive the aftermath? This is a romance novel, so the answer is of course yes. We will have a wonderful journey with them as they head to HEA.
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midnight news Written by Joe Baker
Joe Baker’s masterful portrayal of wartime London and the murder mysteries solved by reluctant amateur detective Lottie Richmond include an incredibly sweet love story that highlights the healing power of emotion. There is. Lottie and her hero are vulnerable to all of life’s curveballs, but they gradually realize that love isn’t always fireworks. Sometimes it’s a hand or shoulder to cry on when you need it most. (Hybrid: historical novel/literary novel/romance)
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two wars and one wedding Written by Lauren Willig
This is not my favorite Willig, and this book has its flaws, but it still contained one of my favorite love stories of the year. Betsy, a nurse during the Cuban War, and Holt, an extraordinary soldier, have a wonderfully sweet romance that is sure to please the author’s fans and gain many new followers. (Hybrid: Historical Novel/Romance)
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Love and other flight delays Written by Dennis Williams
Mr. Williams is one of my favorite authors. This anthology gives readers a wonderful perspective on what makes her story so special.My favorite part of the story was easily the sweetest connection, However, you can decide for yourself which of the three is best for you.
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code name edelweiss Written by Stephanie Ranthem
This moving love story is filled with the history of the battle for the American soul fought in the years before World War II, when fascism was trying to gain a foothold in this country. . Liesl Weiss and Agent 13 are spies trying to obtain information on the Friends of New Germany, a base for Hitler propagandists in Southern California. Their love story is great, but it’s the real-life side character Leon Lewis that makes this story so worth reading. I would recommend this to anyone, just him. (Hybrid: women’s novel/historical novel/romance)
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sound of light Written by Sarah Sundin
Another moving piece centered around World War II-era freedom fighters, this is Dr. Else Jensen’s and her husband’s work, who use their laboratory work to cover up the secret work of a Resistance newspaper. , the story of Henrik Ahlefeld/Hemming Andersen, who do intelligence work and write messages from the world. They captured Copenhagen and moved across the sea to Swedish contacts. I loved how this novel shows that there is a hero hidden within all of us, if only we are willing to reach deep to find it.
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kiss kosher Written by Gene Meltzer
You have to be in a very light mood to enjoy this love story of Avital Cohen and Ethan Rosenberg-Lipman, but what would a vacation be without sweetness and lightness? Caught in an unlikely situation, rival bakers Avital and Ethan discover that John Lennon was right, that all they need is love, and that copious amounts of sugar and marijuana won’t fail them. (Hybrid: Women’s Fiction/Romance)
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poppy pendleton wings Written by Melanie Dobson
A moving multi-generational women’s novel that follows the lives of three women who are destined to meet each other. This is a lovely novel about love, loss, and the ability of a woman to blossom if given a chance. Containing a sweet love story that took place in the 1990s, this is one of her most haunting reads of the year.
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So, my top romance (romantic?) reads for 2023, two-thirds of which fall into a hybrid of two different genres. How many books in 2023 will you read that don’t fit into any genre? And are you enjoying this trend toward genre-blending reading?