Such a fantastic release month! April is always a big month for new romances, but this year had a particularly notable selection. I also started reading ARCs of April releases back in December, so I’ve basically been prepping for this month all year – and the results speak for themselves! Eight books made the list this month, because it was just that good. I fully expect to see several of this month’s best books on my Top 20 list in December. The list was also heavier with traditionally published books this month since I’ve been receiving more coveted ARCs lately (yay!), so I’m looking forward to digging into a lot of indies in May.
I can’t pick one favorite this month, but there were some love stories that I absolutely adored. Truly, Madly, Deeply was my introduction to Alexandria Bellefleur’s work, and it was a stellar read from start to finish. Full of the best kind of banter and tangible chemistry, it had my eyes glued to the pages. I would be shocked if it doesn’t make my Top 20 of 2024.
Two other serious contenders were memorable, emotional reads. Yulin Kuang’s debut was a gut punch of emotion, and I won’t be forgetting the story any time soon. It hooked me in more with every page. Abby Jimenez’s newest was also incredibly emotional, mixing lighter moments with some seriously impactful ones. It’s my new favorite from her, and a real home run.
Elsie Silver kicked off her new series the right way, reminding me exactly why I find her writing to be so addictive. Wild Love was my favorite since Heartless, and can’t wait to see what the rest of the series holds.
I also loved Emily Henry’s newest, which was no surprise. Her books are exceedingly popular for a reason, and Funny Story was truly a one-of-a-kind read. I’m still in a book hangover, for sure.
As someone who typically hates second chance romances, Sarah Adams’ newest won me over in a big, big way. It took tropes that I dislike and spun them in a way that I loved, which is no easy feat.
I also seriously enjoyed Sarah Adler’s ghostly romance, which dealt with heavier topics in a way that was often fresh and fun. It’s a nuanced read that had my full attention.
Finally, I’ve got one Honorable Mention this month, which was the conclusion to Chloe Liese’s beloved Bergman Brothers series. I don’t think I loved it as much as the other books this month, but it was unquestionably a great conclusion to the series and a solid romance on its own. It wrapped up the series in the way I wanted, which is really all I can ask for.
Next month is a quieter release month, so I’m looking forward to catching up on the books I missed and exploring a bunch of indies. I haven’t been signing up for time sensitive ARCs recently (which indies almost always are), so there are several indie new releases I’m excited to dig into. Here’s hoping it’s another strong reading month!
TOP PICKS
Truly something special, indeed. I can’t even tell you how quickly I devoured this, flying through the pages before I even realized I was doing it. These two have BANTER for days, bickering with the kind of chemistry that reveals something sizzling brewing beneath the surface. I loved the black cat heroine, who gave as good as she got, but it’s our golden retriever hero who absolutely steals the show. He is the cutest, sweater vest-wearing little sweetheart I have ever had the pleasure of reading about; the kind of guy who leaves a lasting impression. Though we only get the heroine’s perspective, it was obvious how completely SMITTEN that adorable fool was. He’s got a tender, supportive side that was just what his girl needed, and that translated into some seriously SCORCHING spicy scenes along the way. Definitely hotter and k!nkier than expected, and that’s not a complaint. I binged this in one sitting, refused to go to sleep until I was finished, and loved every minute along the way.
The story follows Truly, a historical romance author who is known for being an optimist when it comes to love. Unfortunately, on the day she’s booked on a podcast to help share those views, Truly finds her sort-of ex with another girl and her parents reveal they’re separating. It’s a shock to the system, so Truly isn’t in the best of moods when she meets Colin. He’s a divorce lawyer with a realistic, somewhat pessimistic view of love, and his comments during the podcast hit a little too close to home. The two can’t seem to stop arguing, but that bickering leads to something that feels like more – at a time when love should be the last thing Truly thinks about.
Though I’ve been meaning to check out this new-to-me author for awhile now, it was that spectacular cover and the intriguing blurb that finally convinced me to take the plunge – and I’m so glad I did. I’m not big on third person POV these days, but I barely noticed it here. I love some good banter, and the chemistry between these two jumped off the page, even when they were arguing. Maybe especially when they were arguing. I loved that they pushed each other and were also just so good for each other, revealing sides of themselves they wouldn’t with anyone else. It’s also a true “he falls first” romance, with Colin relentlessly pursuing Truly. Loved that. He’s a cinnamon roll sweetie, but he’s definitely not a pushover, and it was refreshing that Truly ended up being the grump here. That made for some seriously sexy intimate moments as well. It’s a high heat treat with a hot slow burn. The queer rep was great, featuring two bisexual leads who are open and honest about what they want. Fast-paced, tension-filled, and swoony, it’s no surprise that I loved it!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4b2Te5n
This one HURT, in all of the most tenderly brutal ways. Several times, I caught myself unconsciously rubbing my chest while reading, trying to make the ACHE dissipate. That’s how invested I was in this couple finding their way together, even when the path there was treacherous. Their every interaction was charged and full of tension – of all kinds. I loved how raw and emotional it got, which paired perfectly with the vibrant, banter-filled moments when they gave into the attraction that sparked between them. It’s got some serious sexual tension and the kind of spice where the intimacy bleeds from the page. I adored the sweetheart of a hero. And as much as I’d typically be driven a little crazy by the reluctant heroine, I truly could see where she was coming from. The forbidden element plays a major role in the story, so I was glued to the edge of my seat, aching to see them find a way through. It’s a little stunning that it’s a debut, and easily one of the most memorable books I’ve read this year.
This romance won’t be for everyone, there is definitely some heavy, potentially triggering content. The story follows Helen, a woman who has never fully healed from the death of her sister 13 years ago. When Helen’s sister was 16, she intentionally walked in front of a car and ended her life. Her death has shaped Helen into the woman she is today, and the emotional wounds still feel raw whenever they’re exposed. Helen has thrown herself into her career, and she’s reached a new level of success – her YA book series is being turned into a TV show, and Helen will be included in the writing process. Things seem to be heading in the right direction until Helen enters the writer’s room that first day and sees Grant… the man who was driving the car that struck her sister. He’s not a man Helen wants to get to know better, but their work situation means they’ll be spending every day together for the foreseeable future – and there’s no avoiding the way their lives are forever tied together.
I knew next to nothing about the story before diving in, I just loved the blurb. So I was shocked when I read the acknowledgments and discovered that this debut author is the screenwriter of Emily Henry’s upcoming film. That’s quite the pedigree, and this story lives up to the promise. It’s so layered and nuanced, with moments that had me tearing up, laughing, smiling, and even fanning myself. It truly put me through my paces emotionally, and it is a romance through and through. Since Helen and Grant work together, there’s tons of forced proximity and so many tense interactions. I loved watching them slowly shift from adversaries to reluctant co-workers to something more, and I really did empathize with both characters. The accident has changed Grant just as much as it did Helen, and my heart hurt for the ways he was broken. It’s not a particularly tropey read, but you could call this a “he falls first, black cat/golden retriever, forbidden romance.” Grant is such a compelling character (loved him!), and he makes the perfect complement to the more reluctant Helen. There’s a definite push/pull situation that cranked up the angst and tension, but I loved the way these two kept finding their way together. My love for the story grew and grew, and it’s the kind of book that I will remember for a long time. I loved it!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VjZqf
Did I devour this in a single day? You bet I did! I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this series starter, and I was delighted to discover that the couple at the heart of it was perfection. I adored their snipes and banter, with feuding that felt a whole lot like flirting. They had some serious chemistry, and the sexual tension was sparking off the page. It’s got a softer feel at times, with a strong found family dynamic and some small town charm. But the forbidden elements ratcheted up the tension, and it was so easy to see that this man was absolutely gone for his girl. Both characters are going through some major changes in their lives, and I loved that they were able to lean on each other. While they’ve been bickering with each other for years, there’s an undercurrent of something deeper, and watching them find their way together was immensely satisfying. I had a fantastic time with these two, and I cannot wait to see where this spinoff series takes us next.
The story follows Ford, a man who just discovered that he has a 12-year-old daughter. He’s in over his head, trying to start a new business while grappling with the situation, and things get even more complicated when his best friend’s little sister makes a surprise visit home. Ford and Rosie bickered constantly as teenagers, but they haven’t seen each other in almost a decade. The two can’t be in the same room without arguing, but they also can’t stand to see the other hurting. Rosie has her own reasons for returning home, and spending some time helping Ford get his head above water might be exactly what she needs. But spending time together as adults has them growing closer in unexpected ways, and that makes the whole situation even messier.
Let me just say that I adored Ford – he’s a former geek who grew into a sexy billionaire, and I loved that he was neither a manhoe nor a jerk. It was absolutely adorable watching him try to be a good dad, and he’s also got a definite soft spot for Rosie. As much as they bicker, they also genuinely understand and care for one another, which made the history between them even richer. I’ll admit that I was worried this might go in the direction of Powerless and rub me the wrong way, but that was not the case at all. I loved that we got little snippets of their past selves in journal entries, and it was also easy to see how much they had changed over the years. Rosie is off-limits in a multitude of ways, and that just added some delicious tension to the story. It’s a slower burn that picks up speed along the way, and they were absolutely combustible once they got together. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough – this might just be my new favorite from Silver. Either way, it makes an incredible series starter, and I can’t wait to get more from this cast of characters.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/471i2HT
Pretty sure I’m still on the verge of tears while writing this, and that’s because of how emotionally invested I was in the relationship. Jimenez is so skilled at writing these playful, chemistry-filled romances that make me smile one minute and have a churning in my gut the next. This one really put me through my paces emotionally, with these gorgeous, sunshiney moments juxtaposed with an undercurrent of heartache and pain. These two fell for each other in such an effortless way, even though that was never the plan. Our sweetheart of a hero was swooning from the start, and I LOVED how adorably smitten he was. So freaking adorable, this man. Our black cat heroine put up a good fight, but she didn’t stand a chance against him. The relationship was bright and easy, which contrasted perfectly with the chaos swirling around them both. Neither was in the right headspace to fall in love, but it found them anyways – even though the road to HEA was filled with landmines. Such a compelling and complex read, EASILY my new favorite from the author.
The story follows Emma, a woman who is constantly on the move. She didn’t have the best childhood, so she prefers to take temporary jobs and travel around the country with her best friend. One day, Emma reads an AITA post and relates to the guy – every time he dates someone, the next person they meet ends up being their soulmate. The same thing seems to happen to Emma every time, so the two bond over DMs and text messages. It’s not long before Emma and Justin make a plan – they’ll go on a few dates with each other and break both of their dating curses. But once they meet face-to-face, that plan begins to crumble. Not only do they get along way better than either could’ve anticipated, but keeping things fun and easy is impossible to do when both of their messy families get involved. Soon, Justin and Emma are falling for each other in a very real way, which could cause trouble for them both.
I loved the concept of two strangers who bond over DMs and messages before connecting in person, and the epistolary element was great. Justin and Emma both know they’re not in the right headspace for something real, but that’s not what they ever intended to be for each other. Their relationship developed so naturally, and it was easy to see how perfect they were for each other. I was laughing, smiling, and swooning right along with them, especially since Justin is such a fantastic man. He’s so steady and cuddly and adorable, even though he’s barely keeping his head above water. It’s definitely a case of meeting the right person at the absolute worst time, which ratchets up the tension in a major way. Emma is such a complicated character, but I loved her too. After six books, I’m never surprised when Jimenez emotionally devastates me with her twists and turns, but I was still taken aback by how much it hurt this time. It’s not a story I’ll be forgetting anytime soon, it’s both entertaining and impactful. I loved it!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aekxbO
My love for this one grew with every page, as these roommates shed their depressive fogs and started to truly see the potential of what was right in front of them. They go from acquaintances to companions in heartache to roommates to friends to lovers, slowly shifting the dynamics of their relationship with every interaction. It’s such an interesting concept, one that’s full of complex feelings, forbidden vibes, sexual tension, and these gorgeous moments of connection. I loved that both characters were flawed, and that they were able to open up to each other in a way that they’d never done in their previous relationships. These opposites attract in the best of ways, and it was easy to see that they were so GOOD for each other. The slow build while they mended their hearts was so angsty – my eyes were absolutely glued to the page once this hit its stride, and I found myself unconsciously rubbing my chest on more than one occasion. It’s another powerhouse of a read from this talented author, and I really did love it.
The story follows Daphne, a woman who was unceremoniously dumped by her fiancé right before their wedding. Turns out, her fiancé’s feelings for his best friend weren’t so platonic after all, and that’s got Daphne questioning their entire relationship. Heartbroken and without a place to live, Daphne moves in with an unexpected roommate – the ex-boyfriend of her ex-fiancé’s new girlfriend. Miles is as heartbroken as Daphne, so the two are happy to give each other space as they process their emotions at their own pace. Though Daphne’s ex never liked Miles, she soon realizes that he’s not quite the disaster everyone made him out to be. Sure, he’s a mess – who isn’t – but there’s a genuinely good guy hidden in there too. As the new roommates grow closer, they connect in a way that neither anticipated. But they’re both dealing with broken hearts, so starting up something is a recipe for disaster.
Since Happy Place ripped my heart out with its angst, I was a little worried about what a book called “Funny Story” was going to do to me, and there was definitely cause for concern, lol. Both Miles and Daphne are in a very bad place emotionally when the book begins, and it takes awhile before either one is even open to the idea of moving on. I loved how original the concept felt, and I loved keeping an eye out for the subtle shifts in their interactions. I wasn’t convinced that I was going to like Miles at first, but he grew to be this adorable, tender-hearted man. I loved him. I also thought Daphne and Miles were great together, the kind of opposites who bring out the best in each other. It’s clear that was missing from both of their previous relationships, and Henry does a fantastic job of exploring some heavier concepts while still keeping the story entertaining. The forced proximity was so good, and I loved that Daphne and Max were able to come out the other side even stronger. It’s a nuanced, complex read, and the kind that will leave a lasting impact on me.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UdgIx4
I like to call myself a “certified second chance romance hater,” but every once in a while one comes around that proves I can love the trope when the story is right. This is absolutely one of those times. This couple’s backstory may be messy, but it’s definitely a case of “right person, wrong time.” They would never have worked the first time around, and it was only with time and distance that they were able to get it right. This still has the fresh, lighthearted vibes of Adams’ other work, but it also gets angsty and seriously tension-filled – plus, there’s actually a little bit of spice! I loved the lovers to enemies to spouses to lovers vibes, which made this a nuanced, multi-faceted read. There were things that would typically push my buttons in the wrong way, but I empathized with both characters and could easily see how it all went wrong. I was hooked on watching these two slowly find their way back together, and the intense pining and depth of emotion made it a fantastic read.
The story follows Nora, a woman who is just starting to find success in her career as a sports agent. She’s finally been given her first client and her first real chance to prove herself… but there is one major problem. Nora’s new client, Derek, is her college ex and the only man to ever truly have her heart. While Nora knows she did the right thing by ending their relationship years ago, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t things she should’ve done differently. The two haven’t seen each other in nearly a decade and the tabloids show that he’s clearly moved on, so maybe the situation won’t end in disaster, right? But as these two former lovers turned enemies navigate their new working relationship, they add one more complication – a drunken Vegas wedding.
So let’s talk about the one thing that could’ve sent this spiraling in the wrong direction – the fact that Derek has been a player in the years they were separated. That’s my nightmare fuel in a second chance romance, not going to lie. But I think it was handled really well here. Nora broke up with Derek out of the blue and never offered an explanation. She has no idea how badly she shattered his heart. It was clear from the start that both of their feelings ran deeper than either knew, and that pining and angst is what heightens the emotions. I actually really loved Derek; he is so completely gone for his girl that I couldn’t help but adore him. I also understood Nora’s reasons, and it was obvious that they had both grown and changed in the years since. They might not have been right together in college, but they’re different people now and that history is still there. I loved the little twists and turns in the story, and I loved watching them figure things out. There are some great moments of intimacy that stole my heart, and I ended up being emotionally invested in their relationship from start to finish.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48PW4Zc
Playful one minute and heart-wrenching the next, this strikes the perfect balance for an entertaining yet powerful read. It reminded me a little bit of The Dead Romantics with the humor and heat cranked up several notches, though this love story is truly one of a kind. I loved the chemistry between the characters, the slow-building romance, the forced proximity and the flawed heroine. It’s rare that I read about a morally grey heroine, and I loved how she was able to grow and change throughout the course of the book. Our hero was also immensely appealing, the softest grump ever. Absolutely loved him. He’s a genuinely kind and loving man who sees right through our heroine, pushing her to acknowledge some uncomfortable truths about herself. His distrust of the whole situation creates some interesting friction, so I couldn’t wait to see how it all played out. I loved it!
The story follows Gretchen, a woman who was raised to be a con artist. Her father taught her to spin every situation to her advantage, so she’s been working as a medium for the last several years – convincing her clients that she can communicate with spirits, and making a great living doing it. So when Gretchen’s best client pays her to help out a friend with a ghost problem, she doesn’t see it as anything other than a new kind of con. But one step on Charlie’s property makes her realize that this situation is different. Charlie immediately knows that Gretchen is a fraud, and her usual tactics fail her. There’s also the unfortunate fact that the place is actually haunted… and Gretchen truly can communicate with this ghost. A family curse complicates matters even further, and suddenly Gretchen finds herself grappling with a situation that is entirely out of her control.
After loving Mrs. Nash’s Ashes, I was so excited to dig into Adler’s sophomore effort. Her debut was tender and funny in the best of ways, making me smile, laugh, swoon, and shed a few tears. I really didn’t know what to expect going into this one, but I can honestly say that it put me through my paces emotionally in much the same way. It’s such a fun and interesting premise, but there are heavier, impactful moments sprinkled throughout the book. Yes, I loved the absurdity of Gretchen arguing with a TV-addicted ghost while trying to win over her grumpy new roommate, but I also loved the journey of self-reflection and the many, many tender moments. Both Charlie and Gretchen have some healing to do, working on themselves in ways that only draw them closer. The love story shines front and center, but it’s the kind that develops in tiny steps that slowly build momentum. There was definitely some heat and spice, but the intimacy bled from the pages more than anything. It’s truly Gretchen’s story – we only get her perspective – but I was hooked on Charlie from the very beginning. I even liked the ghost. My love for this one grew with every chapter, and it ended up being such a dynamic, memorable read.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/439UeRN
HONORABLE MENTION
This felt like a hug – warm, soft, tender, and everything I could want from the conclusion to this beloved series. I loved the roommates to lovers situation, which allowed our couple to slowly deepen their emotional connection and let down the walls around their hearts. They could not be more different in their views on love, so I adored that they were able to find some common ground without compromising themselves. Viggo is this hopeless romantic who has been holding out for butterflies, and I’m so glad he finally found them in Lula. It’s a definite black cat/golden retriever situation, and the softest, quietest love story ever. Sure, they have plenty of chemistry (and a few smokin’ hot scenes!), but it’s such an understated romance. I wasn’t itching to get back to the story when I set it down for the day, but I was wrapped up in it whenever I was turning the pages. I’m sad to see the series go, but this was just what I wanted from the finale.
The story follows Tallulah, a writer who can’t seem to get the relationship dynamic in her latest book right. She has never experienced true love or intimacy, so she’s having trouble putting it on the page. When Tallulah runs into Viggo, a guy she knew in college, it brings back some feelings she buried long ago. Viggo is a sunshine sweetheart of a man who unapologetically loves romance novels, and the two are poplar opposites in every way. But when they realize that they’re both struggling, they strike up a deal – Viggo will help Lula with her book, and she’ll help him get his new bookstore ready to open. Suddenly, they’re roommates and working together every day. It’s impossible to deny the spark of attraction that flickers between them, but there’s no way two people with such different views of love could ever find their way together… right?
I’ve been a longtime fan of Liese, but this is my favorite book of hers since Ever After Always and Always Only You. The series as a whole has been a little uneven, but each book excels in immersing the reader in these quiet, tender vibes. What I loved about this one is that the characters were both complex, but their health conditions were not their whole personality. Viggo has ADHD and Lula has diabetes, but that didn’t define them. The story is much more personality-based, and I loved that. Tallulah is the kind of heroine whose walls are up sky high, and it would take a guy who is as lovable as Viggo to even have a chance of scaling them. He is the ultimate cinnamon roll sweetheart, just this adorable man. They had some fantastic chemistry, and I loved the slow burn to sizzle situation. But they really did connect on an emotional, intimate level, which was exactly what they needed. As I was reading, I was thinking that I wouldn’t mind if the tension was dialed up another notch, but then it would risk losing its understated, gentle feel. All in all, this wrapped up the series in a bow and delivered a very solid love story, which is exactly what I wanted.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3veCXtY
Follow Jeeves on social media!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Jeeves Reads Romance 
Leave a comment