The Best Romance Novels of 2022
At She Reads Romance Books I’m all about finding the best romance novels worth reading and that includes the best romance novels of 2022.
If you’re looking for the very best romance books of 2022 to spend your time and your dollars, these are the books you’re going to want to add to your TBR list!
*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
When it comes to reading romance, I only want to read the best romance novels.
Why waste time with just a mediocre book when you can read an epic one that gives you all the feels?!
That’s why I put together my list of best romance novels each and every year to help you find the very best in the genre.
And I’m continuing the tradition with this book list of the best romance novels of 2022!
How to Make the List of Best Romance Novels of 2022
This book list contains the best of the best in romance books of 2022.
Not surprisingly, many of these books were on my Most Anticipated New Romance Books of 2022 list so I’m happy that they’ve delivered!
Several also earned nominations for Best Romance in the 2022 Goodreads Choice Awards too.
The romance novels on this list are the titles I’ve read this year that have earned my elusive 5-star rating so far in 2022.
I honestly don’t give out 5-star ratings very much because a book really has to WOW me or have something stand out about it that just takes my breath away.
And let me tell you that each of these romance books have earned their place on this list and then some! Several also gave me some of my favorite book boyfriends of 2022.
Anxious for more great romance books?
Don’t miss out on these Best Of book lists that will give you even more romance books worth reading:
- Best Romance Novels of 2021
- Best Romance Novels of 2020
- Best Romance Novels of 2019
- Best Romance Novels of All Time
The Best Romance Novels of 2022:
Electric Idol
by Katee Robert
Best Marriage of Convenience Book
A Marriage of Convenience, Modern Greek Myth Retelling that was HOT
January 2022
5 stars
Psyche knew she’d have to face Aphrodite’s ire eventually, but she never expected her literal heart to be at stake…or for Aphrodite’s gorgeous son to be the one ordered to strike the blow.
Eros has no problem getting his hands dirty. But when it comes time to take out his latest target, he can’t do it.
Confused by his reaction to Psyche, he does the only thing he can think of to keep her safe: he marries her.
As they try to find a way out of their mess, lines blur and loyalties shift and two hearts are at risk.
OMG, I loved this book so much. Talk about scorching chemistry between Eros and Psyche!
This book was seriously ELECTRIC! I can count on Robert to really bring the heat and up the steam factor with her romance novels and this one didn’t disappoint.
But I also loved Psyche who was such a strong heroine who brought the playboy to his knees. A definite must-read in the Neon Gods series and one of the best romance books of 2022!
Related: Best Marriage of Convenience Romance Books
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Things We Never Got Over
by Lucy Score
Best Cast of Characters
A Small town, Grumpy/Sunshine Romance With the Best Cast of Characters
January 2022
5 stars
Bearded, bad-boy barber Knox prefers to live his life the way he takes his coffee: Alone. He doesn’t tolerate drama, even when it comes in the form of a stranded runaway bride.
Naomi wasn’t just running away from her wedding. She was riding to the rescue of her estranged twin only to have her evil twin steal Naomi’s car and cash, leaving Naomi with a niece she didn’t know she had.
Since Naomi’s life imploded right in front of Knox, the least he can do is help her out of her jam.
And just as soon as she stops getting into new trouble he can leave her alone and get back to his peaceful, solitary life.
At least, that’s the plan until the trouble turns to real danger.
#Booktok got it right! I LOVED everything about this book. The cast of characters is incredible and the story perfection.
A grumpy/sunshine love story with the heart of a small-town romance and the angst of an opposites attract romance all in one.
Related: Spicy #Booktok Books You Can’t Miss, Things We Never Got Over Series Guide
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Reminders of Him
by Colleen Hoover
Strongest Heroine – Kenna Rowan
A Story of Redemption for a Strong, Deserving Heroine
January 2022
5 stars
After serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to the town where it all went wrong, hoping to reunite with her four-year-old daughter.
But the bridges Kenna burned are proving impossible to rebuild. Everyone in her daughter’s life is determined to shut Kenna out, no matter how hard she works to prove herself.
The only person who hasn’t closed the door on her completely is Ledger Ward, a local bar owner and one of the few remaining links to Kenna’s daughter.
But if anyone were to discover how Ledger is slowly becoming an important part of Kenna’s life, both would risk losing the trust of everyone important to them.
The two form a connection despite the pressure surrounding them, but as their romance grows, so does the risk.
Kenna must find a way to absolve the mistakes of her past in order to build a future out of hope and healing.
Kenna stole the show in Reminders of Him and is one of the strongest female characters I’ve read in a long time.
This woman had been knocked down time and time again and yet her sole focus was her daughter. Colleen Hoover’s books tug on all your heartstrings and she doesn’t hold back with this one. I loved it.
Related: 2022 Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Romance, The Best Reminders of Him Quotes
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Hook, Line and Sinker
by Tessa Bailey
Best Friends to Lovers Book
A Friends to Lovers Romance That Was So Much More
March 2022
5 stars
King crab fisherman Fox Thornton has a reputation as a hot, carefree flirt who’s a guaranteed good time and that’s exactly how he prefers it.
Until he meets Hannah Bellinger.
She’s immune to his charm and looks, but she seems to enjoy his… personality? And wants to be friends?
Now, Hannah’s in town for work, crashing in Fox’s spare bedroom.
She’s still nursing a hopeless crush on a colleague yet the more time she spends with Fox, the more she wants him instead.
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Hannah and Fox’s story after devouring It Happened One Summer and it did not disappoint.
This is such a fantastic, friends to lovers romance I couldn’t put it down.
I adored Hannah’s strength and Fox’s wounded soul, plus it was a terrific slow burn.
You can read this as a standalone but I loved It Happened One Summer just as much so definitely read both!
Related: The Best Friends to Lovers Romance Books
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Last Resort
by K. Bromberg
Best Office Romance
An Office Romance That Was All That and More
March 2022
5 stars
I was never supposed to see him again. It was supposed to be just one night. No strings and not names. Just the best night of my life.
Still riding the high from last night, I walk in to meet my new client, and he’s wearing that same dangerous smirk that reeled me in hours ago.
Billionaire heir apparent Callahan Sharpe is determined to complete one final project to honor his late father’s legacy before walking away from the family business.
Luckily and unluckily for me, I’ve been tasked to go to the Virgin Islands to help accomplish his goal. Callahan has no problem breaking his company’s no fraternization rule, but not me.
There’s too much at stake.
What could possibly go wrong when you’re forced to work—and live—side by side with a man you can’t resist?
I might have read this in just one day because it was that good, which is no surprise it made my list of best romance novels of 2022!
Just when I think I’ve read my favorite K. Bromberg book, she delivers another that knocks my socks off.
This book had the BEST banter between Callahan and Sutton which made the tension between these two in their forced proximity super thick.
Callahan was the alpha, hot billionaire I totally expected him to be, yet he also came with a soft side that only Sutton could pull out.
You won’t be disappointed with this one.
Related: The Best Office Romance Books
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Ten Trends to Seduce Your Best Friend
by Penny Reid
Best Slow Burn Romance
A Slow Burn Romance That is One of Reid’s Finest!
April 2022
5 stars
Winnifred Gobaldi and Byron Visser are not best friends. Yes, they’ve known each other for years, but they’re not even friendly.
The truth is, they have nothing in common.
She’s looking for a side hustle to help pay down a mountain of student debt, and his financial portfolio is the stuff of fiduciary dreams.
So why are they faking a #bestfriend relationship for millions of online spectators?
When a simple case of tit-for-tat trends between nonfriends leads to a wholly unexpected kind of pretend, nothing is simple.
Sometimes, it takes a public audience to reveal the truth of private feelings, and rarely—very rarely—you should believe what you see online.
This book is the longest Reid has ever penned and I just wanted it to go on and on forever.
The chemistry between Byron and Winnie as they traverse their way through a fake relationship was just off the charts.
These two are definitely one of my all-time favorite couples who are the poster adults for using communication to be vulnerable and honest with one another.
I loved it so much and highly recommend it as one of the best romance novels of 2022.
Related: The Best Slow Burn Romance Books
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Pin This For Later:
Brutal Vows
by J.T. Geissinger
Best Enemies to Lovers Book
The Best in an Incredible Series of Must-Read Books
April 2022
5 stars
Reyna won’t allow her innocent niece to suffer the same way she did.
So, if the arrogant Irish mobster her brother sold her niece to thinks she’s going to play nice over their arranged marriage contract, he should think again.
Spider is supposed to marry sweet, beautiful Lili. So why can’t he stop thinking about her swamp witch of an aunt?
Reyna who hates him. Reyna who challenges him.
Nothing good can come of what he’s feeling for a woman who’s not the one in the wedding contract he signed.
A woman he wants so much, he’ll have to burn the whole world down to get. If she doesn’t end him first.
Geissinger’s entire Queens and Monsters series is full of steamy romance novels but this one was off the charts hot.
Spider is one hot alpha and Reyna is no wallflower, so whenever these two are in the same room the sparks fly.
I loved their witty banter but loved their confessions to one another even more.
It’s definitely one of her best yet and deserving as one of the best romance novels of 2022!
Related: The Best Mafia Romance Books, Best Enemies to Lovers Books
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
The Long Game
by Rachel Reid
Best MM Romance
A Wonderful Follow-Up to One of the Best MM Romance Books
Released April 2022
5 stars
Ten years. That’s how long Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov have been seeing each other.
How long they’ve been keeping their relationship a secret. From friends, from family, from the league.
If Shane wants to stay at the top of his game, what he and Ilya share has to remain secret.
He loves Ilya, but what if going public ruins everything?
Ilya is sick of secrets. Shane has gotten so good at hiding his feelings, that sometimes Ilya questions if they even exist.
The closeness, the intimacy, even the risk that would come with being open about their relationship…Ilya wants it all.
It’s time for them to decide what’s most important—hockey or love.
Heated Rivalry is one of those books that has stayed with me long after reading the end.
It is one of the best enemies to lovers, MM romance books and to have Reid give us even more of this amazing couple is such a gift!
I always enjoy romance books that look at an existing relationship and with all the complications that come after the initial “falling in love” phase and this one didn’t disappoint.
Not only do you get more steamy times with these hockey studs, but you also get a real look into depression which I think Reid did a fantastic job exploring.
Related: The Best Hockey Romance Books, Best Gay Romance Books
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Wicked Beauty
by Katee Robert
Best Poly Romance
A Polyamorous, Modern Retelling Romance That Gripped
Released June 2022
5 stars
Achilles Kallis may have been born with nothing, but as a child he vowed he would claw his way into Olympus’ inner circle.
Now that a coveted role has opened to anyone with the strength to claim it, he and his partner, Patroclus Fotos, plan to compete and double their odds of winning.
Neither expect infamous beauty Helen Kasios to be part of the prize, or for the complicated fire that burns the moment she looks their way.
Zeus may have decided Helen is his to give to away, but she has her own plans. She enters into the competition effectively vying for her own hand in marriage.
Unfortunately, there are those who would rather see her disposed of than lead the city.
The only people she can trust are the ones she can’t keep her hands off—Achilles and Patroclus.
But can she really believe they have her best interests at heart when every stolen kiss is a battlefield?
Robert knocked my socks off with the first two novels in the Neon Gods series so I don’t know why I was shocked that she did it again in the third book.
I thought that Robert did an outstanding job of character development with the three leads, Helen, Achilles and Patroclus which made me fall for each of them in turn.
Each of these three had their own struggles to work through but Helen stole the show for me.
I loved her defiance, strength, willingness to trust in these men, and honesty that she finally shared with them.
Robert is claiming a spot as one of my favorite authors with not one but two of the best romance novels of 2022 this year!
Related: Spicy Booktok Books, Best Reverse Harem Books
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
How to Fake it in Hollywood
by Ava Wilder
Best Fake Relationship Book
A Fake Relationship, Hollywood Romance That Gives All the Feels
Released June 2022
5 stars
Grey Brooks is on a mission to keep her career afloat now that the end of her long-running teen TV show has her (unsuccessfully) pounding the pavement again.
With a life-changing role on the line, she’s finally desperate enough to agree to her publicist’s scheme: fake a love affair with a disgraced Hollywood heartthrob who needs the publicity.
Ethan Atkins just wants to be left alone.
Between his high-profile divorce, struggles with drinking, and grief over the loss of his longtime creative partner and best friend, Ethan has slowly let himself fade into the background.
But to produce the last movie he and his partner wrote together, Ethan agrees to a gossip-inducing affair with a gorgeous actress, even if it’s the last thing he wants to do.
Though their juicy public relationship is less than perfect behind the scenes, it doesn’t take long before Grey and Ethan’s sizzling chemistry starts to feel like more than just an act.
I sat down with this novel and devoured it in two days. This story totally wrapped me up and I needed to see what was in store for these two characters.
I loved how Wilder depicted their fake relationship as the greatest slow burn romance with them hardly even talking to each other behind closed doors initially.
Surprisingly this romance does have a heaviness to it that I wasn’t expecting, but which made it an even richer read.
This debut novel fits as one of the best romance novels of 2022 so far!
Related: The Best Fake Relationship Romance Books
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Reverse
by Kate Stewart
Best Forbidden Romance
A Forbidden, Rock Star Romance that Gives a TOTAL Experience
July 2022
5 stars
Thirty years ago, my father became the other half of a broken love story. A relationship he’s kept hidden for decades.
Haunted by my father’s love story, and in my quest for answers, I never imagined I would discover a love of my own.
Or that my love for Easton Crowne would be key in discovering the reason behind what split our parents up.
Doomed from the start and knowing the havoc our relationship would inevitably wreak on our families, I could never have prepared for the toll it would take or the cost of the truth.
But in order to find our ending, we had to go back to their beginning.
Stewart wrecks me with her books. WRECKS ME. Easton was everything in this book but man how I wanted to scream at parts….the heartache.
You MUST read Drive before this one as it’s book two in the Bittersweet Symphony Duet but it’s so worth it.
Not only was the book one of the best of 2022 but her playlist is EPIC.
Related: Best Rock Star Romance Books
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Final Proposal
by K. Bromberg
Best Forced Proximity Romance
A Forced Proximity Romance With the Best Meet-Cute
October 2022
5 stars
One stormy night. One hotel bar full of stranded travelers. One available chair next to a charming, mysterious man.
When our paths crossed again, I never expected the stranger to be Fordham Sharpe who I’d just become partners with in a hotel transformation that dreams were made of.
To him, I was off limits. But we had one thing in common—we were both hiding. From our pasts. From unresolved family conflicts. From what really mattered—our hearts.
But as each day passed, our mutual attraction became harder to resist.
We agreed to the partnership to prove our worth to our families, but perhaps we’d only prove our need for something else. Each other.
This is easily a book you’ll devour in a day because you can’t get enough of these two.
Not only did the story just progress so effortlessly but I feel like Bromberg writes really mature characters meaning they don’t act idiotic but actually communicate and address their issues. Go figure 🙂
Related: Best Book Boyfriends of 2022, Best Billionaire Romance Novels
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
It Starts With Us
by Colleen Hoover
Best Second Chance Romance
A Friends to Lovers Romance That Gives an Epic Conclusion
October 2022
5 stars
Lily and her ex-husband, Ryle, have just settled into a civil co-parenting rhythm when she suddenly bumps into her first love, Atlas, again.
After nearly two years separated, she is elated that for once, time is on their side, and she immediately says yes when Atlas asks her on a date.
But her excitement is quickly hampered by the knowledge that, though they are no longer married, Ryle is still very much a part of her life, and Atlas Corrigan is the one man he will hate being in his ex-wife and daughter’s life.
Colleen Hoover gave all her fans and readers who devoured It Ends With Us a gift with this book.
She reunites us with the beloved characters, Lily and Atlas, and wrote the perfect ending to this epic friends to lovers story that I absolutely needed to read.
Related: Best Second Chance Romance Books, Best Friends to Lovers Romance Books, It Ends With Us: The Ultimate Guide
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Next To You
by Hannah Bonam-Young
Best Book Boyfriend – Matt
An Unforgettable Friends to Lovers Romance
November 2022
5 stars
Lane is in the middle of an identity crisis. Her friends are all partnered up, her career is leading nowhere, and simply put, she’s not happy.
So after a night out celebrating (drinking) on her birthday, she makes one hell of an impulsive purchase. A giant yellow forty-eight passenger school bus that she intends to make a home.
With little-to-no renovation experience but a large sum of inheritance money, Lane enlists the help of her friend Matt—a mechanic by trade, handyman by practice, and hottie by nature.
While their mutual attraction is undeniable, Matt and Lane have silently agreed that a friendship is the only thing that can ever exist between them.
So, when Matt offers to help her with the bus and in the bedroom with no strings attached, Lane’s feelings evolve faster than you can say “just good friends.”
But she soon discovers that in order to build something new, she has to first heal her past.
This book cemented Bonam-Young as my new favorite author and Matt as one of my all-time favorite book boyfriends!
I loved Next to You from the very start and it only kept getting better and better. The writing, the characters, the emotional arc, the spiciness and the beauty of the words shared was just amazing.
I cannot recommend this book and this author enough!
Related: Best Book Boyfriends, Best Friends to Lovers Books
Amazon | Goodreads | My Review
Related Book Lists:
- Most Anticipated Romance Book Releases for 2022
- The Best Booktok Recommendations in Romance to Read in 2022
- 2022 Goodreads Choice Awards Nominees for Best Romance
- My 2022 Reading List: What to Read & What to Skip
- Best Romance Novels of 2023
- Best Book Boyfriends of 2022
- Best Romance Novels of 2021
- Best Romance Novels of 2020
- Best Romance Novels of 2019
- Best Romance Novels of All Time
