11 New Romance Books You Can’t Pass Up This August 2024

It’s always so much fun for me to check out which new romance books are releasing every month so I know exactly what I want to add to my must-read list.

In this book list, I’m sharing with you my top 11 most anticipated new romance book releases for August 2024 that you do not want to miss.

August seems like a great month for fantasy and paranormal readers, but there are also small town romance, sports romance, new adult romance, and romcoms to look forward to dropping this month.

The last book from my list of most anticipated romance books of 2024 is finally here as well!

For even more books to add to your reading list, check out my upcoming releases page or my previous monthly release book posts for more amazing titles.

Happy reading, because life is better with a love story…

Podcast Episode 64: Must-Read New Romance Book Releases Dropping This August 2024

*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

August 2024’s Most Anticipated New Romance Books

Bananapants
by Penny Reid

Bonkers Romcom
Releasing August 6, 2024

Ava Archer misses her best childhood friend most especially during the month of April. Ask any tax attorney, it’s a lonely, grueling time of year. Luckily, Ava has just received a surprising and delectably absurd offer from her posh doppelgänger at work.

She must pretend to be the aforementioned posh co-worker for one night at an extremely fancy party; a party so fancy, there exists absolutely no chance anyone will recognize her or suspect her ruse. . .

Desmond (Des) Sullivan is a thief. And not the heart-of-gold kind. He’s the steal-from-the-rich-and-give-to-the-also-rich-so-he-can-get-paid kind. He does, however, have one firm rule: never steal what the target can’t afford to lose.

After a brutal falling out with his father, Desmond hasn’t returned to Chicago in over ten years. But when a good friend is swindled and something priceless is stolen, Desmond must return home, both as himself and his thieving alter ego.

Infiltrate a dangerous secret society of the world’s most elite billionaires while leveraging his estranged father’s resources and not blowing his cover? Sure. No problem. Or it wouldn’t be a problem if Ava Archer hadn’t just walked into the room, wearing a ridiculous wig, speaking with a preposterous accent, and pretending (badly) to be someone she’s not.

Why This Should Be on Your TBR List: Bananapants was a last-minute addition to this list (which is why it didn’t make my podcast episode) because Penny moved up its release from November to August and I’m PUMPED!

I’m excited not only because we get this new romcom that is definitely going to be filled with hijinks and shenanigans like only Penny can write sooner rather than later, but because it is now going to be our September 2024 pick for the She Reads Romance Books Book Club!

Plus, if you’re a fan of her Knitting in the City series, get extra excited because the parents of the main characters are from that series. I’m sooo ready to see Janie and Quinn Sullivan as parents plus I just love Fiona!! But don’t worry if you haven’t read that series yet because this is a standalone read.

Check out my book review of Bananapants.

The Pairing
by Casey McQuiston

Queer Romance
Releasing August 6, 2024

Theo and Kit have been a lot of things: childhood best friends, crushes, in love, and now estranged exes. After a brutal breakup on the transatlantic flight to their dream European food and wine tour, they exited each other’s lives once and for all.

Time apart has done them good. Theo has found confidence as a hustling bartender by night and aspiring sommelier by day, with a long roster of casual lovers. Kit, who never returned to America, graduated as the reigning god of his pastry school class and now bakes at one of the finest restaurants in Paris. Sure, nothing really compares to what they had, and life stretches out long and lonely ahead of them, but―yeah. It’s in the past.

All that remains is the unused voucher for the European tour that never happened, good for 48 months after its original date and about to expire. Four years later, it seems like a great idea to finally take the trip. Solo. Separately.

It’s not until they board the tour bus that they discover they’ve both accidentally had the exact same idea, and now they’re trapped with each other for three weeks of stunning views, luscious flavors, and the most romantic cities of France, Spain, and Italy. It’s fine.

There’s nothing left between them. So much nothing that, when Theo suggests a friendly wager to see who can sleep with their hot Italian tour guide first, Kit is totally game. And why stop there? Why not a full-on European hookup competition?

But sometimes a taste of everything only makes you crave what you can’t have.

Why This Should Be on Your TBR List: The Pairing is a must-read this month not only because it’s going to take you across Europe to Spain, Italy and France with two childhood besties that have a falling out but then reconnect on this European food and wine tour, but because McQuiston hasn’t published a book in over a year and we are overdue for some McQuiston awesomeness.

If you loved Red, White and Royal Blue, then this queer romance surely deserves a spot on your TBR list.

Check out my book review of The Pairing.

Related: Must-Read New Queer Romance Books of 2024

Northern Twilight
by Samantha Young

Small Town, Second Chance Romance
Releasing August 8

As teenagers, Callie Ironside and Lewis Adair were inseparable. So much so, Lewis still can’t work out where it all went horribly wrong, or why he’s spent the last seven years in London away from the love of his life.

Callie knows exactly where it all went wrong and while she tried to move on—learning pastry techniques in Paris and dating French men—returning home to Ardnoch to work in her mother’s bakery only reminds her of the future she lost with Lewis.

But when a visit to London brings them unexpectedly together, the passion, pain and animosity between them leads to a one-night stand. For Lewis, it’s the beginning of winning Callie and his life in Ardnoch back. For Callie, it’s a mistake that’s shaken up the devastating heartbreak she fought hard to forget.

However, Lewis is determined to fight for her, and proves it when their night together results in more than just unresolved feelings.

As they come to grips with impending parenthood and the mistakes they’ve both made, Callie and Lewis will not only have to decide to fight for a love that has endured so many years apart, but a mysterious adversary who seems intent on destroying the future they’re building together.

Why This Should Be on Your TBR List: This is book five in Young’s Highlands series but I’m going to read it as a standalone because it sounds like a heart-wrenching second chance romance and I’m ready for a bit of angst this month. Surprise pregnancy romances can go either way for me but I think it’s going to be a great addition to this story to get these two to finally work things out!

Haunted Ever After
by Jen DeLuca

Small Town, Paranormal Romance
Releasing August 13

Small Florida coastal towns often find themselves scrambling for the tourism dollars that the Orlando theme parks leave behind. And within the town limits of Boneyard Key, the residents decided long ago to lean into its ghostliness.

Nick Royer, owner of the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop, embraces the ghost tourism that keeps the local economy afloat, as well as his spectral roommate. At least he doesn’t have to run air-conditioning. 

Cassie Rutherford possibly overreacted to all her friends getting married and having kids by leaving Orlando and buying a flipped historic cottage in Boneyard Key. Though there’s something unusual with her new home (her laptop won’t charge in any outlets, and the poetry magnets on her fridge definitely didn’t read “WRONG” and “MY HOUSE” when she put them up), she’s charmed by the colorful history surrounding her.

And she’s catching a certain vibe from the grumpy coffee shop owner whenever he slips her a free slice of banana bread along with her coffee order.

As Nick takes her on a ghost tour, sharing town gossip that tourists don’t get to hear, and they spend nights side-by-side looking into the former owners of her haunted cottage, their connection solidifies into something very real and enticing.

But Cassie’s worried she’s in too deep with this whole (haunted) home ownership thing…and Nick’s afraid to get too close in case Cassie gets scared away for good.

Why This Should Be on Your TBR List: I’m already loving that this sounds like a cute paranormal romance with some interesting ghosts haunting the homes of the small town. This is definitely a change up for DeLuca but I’m here to see what she brings to this small Florida town and its interesting residents.

Born of Blood and Ash
by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Fantasy Romance
Releasing August 13

While Sera is finally free of Kolis and back with those she loves, not everything is calm. Memories of all she’s endured still haunt her, but Sera finally has hope for a future with the other half of her heart and soul. Nyktos desires, loves, and accepts every part of her—even the monstrous bits she still battles.

More than ever, Sera and Ash have everything under the realms to fight for, and Nyktos has no doubt Sera is fit to be the Queen of the Gods. But she must find that faith within herself if they hope to convince the other Courts to support them against Kolis and make Iliseeum and the mortal realm better, safer places for all.

But as Sera begins to piece together the importance of her bloodline and the true meaning behind the foreboding prophecy, it becomes clear that everything that has happened and is yet to come is much bigger than Kolis and his dark obsessions.

They cannot help but wonder exactly how much influence the Fates have had and what their ultimate goal is. What Sera does know for sure is that they can trust very few—including her.

A battle between the gods is brewing, and heartbreaking losses are imminent with the true Primal of Death strengthening. With a family of the heart willing to battle by their side, can Sera and Nyktos stop Kolis before he destroys the realms, or will it all disappear in a fiery inferno of blood and ash?

Why This Should Be on Your TBR List: I cannot believe we are already at the end of the Flesh and Fire Series! I admit that I’m still a book behind but this new release is providing the impetus to catch up so I can enjoy the series finale.

This book and series is a must-read for anyone who’s fallen in love with Armentrout’s From Blood and Ash series (that would be me!).

Related: New Romantasy Books of 2024 All Fans Must Read

Werewolf’s Guide to Seducing a Vampire
by Sarah Hawley

Paranormal Romance
Releasing August 13

Werewolf Ben Rosewood is happy with his life. One hundred percent. Everything is fine. His business, Ben’s Plant Emporium, is thriving, and he’s even expanding the shop. His anxiety disorder is…well, it’s been better, but that comes with the territory of running a business and having beastly urges every full moon, right?

As for romance—who has the time? Though his family is desperate to see him settled, Ben is fine approaching forty as a single werewolf. But after drunkenly bidding on and winning a supposedly-possessed crystal on eBay one night, he finds himself face-to-face with a beautiful yet angry vampire.

Eleonore Bettencourt-Devereux is a rare breed—a vampire succubus born from two elite European bloodlines during medieval times. Thanks to an evil witch, she’s been stuck in a crystal since she was thirty, forced to obey orders from the possessor of the rock. Eleonore’s been dreaming of breaking the spell and severing the witch’s head for centuries. But did this witch really sell her to someone new, and for only ninety-nine cents?

Eleonore would claw this werewolf’s heart out and eat it, if only the binding spell would allow her to. But Eleonore and Ben soon realize they can help each other with both vengeful and less hostile needs. And why not have a little fun along the way?

Why This Should Be on Your TBR List: I figured it was high time for me to check out Hawley’s paranormal series and a book about an anxious werewolf and succubus vampire is too good to pass up. I’ve just picked up my advanced reader copy and I’m already loving Ben and his sweetheart.

Related: Best Werewolf Romance Books

Wicked Serve
by Grace Reilly

New Adult Sports Romance
Releasing August 13

Nikolai: Hockey is my life, and I need to make this last season count. But when I’m forced to transfer to rival school McKee University for my senior year, I risk pissing off the captain, who happens to be the older brother of Isabelle Callahan: the gorgeous beam of sunshine I messed around with in secret this summer.

Rekindling our fling could risk her brother icing me off the team—not to mention the fact that my scarred past makes having a real relationship impossible—and yet the moment I see Isabelle again, all my wild, burning feelings come rushing back.

Izzy: I have two goals for sophomore year: win back my old volleyball position, and forget I ever knew devilishly handsome hockey defenseman Nikolai Abney-Volkov. As the youngest and only daughter in a family full of athletes, failure isn’t an option.

But when Nik crashes back into my life, I can’t stay away from his broody charm. I’m determined to guard my heart this time, but between the furtive hookups and the heartfelt conversations, the lines between friends-with-benefits and more begin to blur.

As we fall deeper into a place we can’t come back from unscathed, we’ll have to make a choice: fight for a future together, or watch it go up in flames.

Why This Should Be on Your TBR List: I really enjoyed the second book in Reilly’s Beyond the Play series, Breakaway, which got me interested in Izzy’s story. Plus the fact that she’s a volleyball player (I was too in college!) made this an instant must-read.

Though the fact that Nik is a hero with a scarred past AND they have history together makes it even more enticing. I’ll be talking with Grace for the She Reads Romance Books Podcast about this book so stay tuned!

Check out my book review of Wicked Serve.

Related: Best Hockey Romance Books

Miranda in Retrograde
by Lauren Layne

Romcom
Releasing August 13

As the youngest physics professor at her university, practical-minded Miranda Reed plans her life with minute precision. But that’s before she’s denied tenure and the promotion she thought was guaranteed. Suddenly, her tidy life is anything but constant.

Overdue for a sabbatical, Miranda takes some time to look towards the stars—only this time, she’s not looking for black holes. With her faith in science shaken, Miranda turns to a practice she’s long dismissed as preposterous: astrology.

Determined to figure out why her life has suddenly gone sideways, Miranda commits to a year of letting her horoscope guide her. Soon she’s taking on new home improvement projects, adopting a new pet, and studying what the stars have to say about her ideal love match. The intriguingly aloof artist living next door? Never. His Aries energy is all wrong. On the other hand, the charming father of her new tutoring pupil is Sagittarian perfection. Made for her…right?

As Miranda navigates life with new a perspective, she slowly discovers neither science nor the stars have all the answers. And that, when it comes to love, you sometimes just have to trust your heart.

Why This Should Be on Your TBR List: It’s been a hot minute since I read a book by Lauren Layne so when I saw this new release I had to add it to my reading list because I love the focus on astrology. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun seeing how Miranda tries to live her life by the stars come what may. Here’s hoping it’s a keeper.

The Bonus
by T.L. Swan

Office Romance
Releasing August 14

Grace Porter has the perfect job, great pay, a beautiful office, everything she ever dreamed of, if not for one small detail. She’s utterly and hopelessly in love with her boss.

Gabriel Ferrara is tall and handsome, and most days she wants to stab her eyes out with a pencil, anything to stop her seeing his perfection. How any female could work in these conditions and not be completely besotted with him is beyond her.

Then he opens his mouth and she remembers why. He’s bossy and sarcastic, with a wit so sharp it could cut glass.

Every weekend is the same . . . while he’s off living his dream life, she’s counting down the days until Monday when she sees him again. But enough is enough. Grace is tired of organizing his glamorous and exciting life, instead of living her own. Determined to find true happiness, she hands in her resignation.

Furious, he won’t accept it, and rages like never before. Desperate to keep her, he offers her a Bonus . . . one she never saw coming. Finally . . .It’s Grace’s turn to be the boss.

Why This Should Be on Your TBR List: I am so intrigued by this new one from Swan and how the dynamic between these two will play out in this office romance. Could she become the boss in the bedroom? Is he brining her into his life in some other way to show her what he’s missing? Inquiring minds like my own are just going to have to read it to find out!

Related: Best Boss Romance Books

Bridesmaid Undercover
by Meghan Quinn

Releasing August 20, 2024

Everly Plum is delighted to be heading up the Bridesmaid for Hire program at Magical Moments by Maggie. And when Hardy Hopper, one of their billionaire investors, approaches Everly for help with his friends’ wedding, she’s more than happy to step in.

But Hardy has an extra assignment for her: his ex-girlfriend will be the maid of honor opposite his role as best man, and he wants Everly’s help getting her back. There’s only one problem: Everly may have a tiny crush on the dashing businessman.

But despite the way Hardy makes her stomach flutter, she’s determined to prove herself, both as a bridesmaid and as a matchmaker. That is, until she finds her crush turning into real feelings. Not to mention, Hardy can’t help but notice how well he clicks with Everly, and before he knows it, he’s not looking for his ex’s attention anymore.

But even after their simmering attraction finally rises to the surface, they will have to contend with meddling friends, poor timing, and professional boundaries—and the risk that no one might get a second chance after all.

Why This Should Be on Your TBR List: Meghan Quinn just keeps churning out the romcoms and this is her second romance about bridesmaids this year. I always enjoy romances where someone is helping another character get the attention of someone else when you know it’s only a matter of time before they make eyes at each other.Sounds like the path might not be so easy for Everly and Hardy however.

Magical Meet Cute
by Jean Meltzer

Romcom
Releasing August 27

Faye Kaplan used to be engaged. She also used to have a successful legal practice. But she much prefers her new life as a potter in Woodstock, New York. The only thing missing is the perfect guy. Not that she needs one. She’s definitely happy alone.

That is, until she finds her town papered with anti-Semitic flyers after yet another failed singles event at the synagogue. Desperate for comfort, Faye drunkenly turns to the only thing guaranteed to soothe her—pottery. A golem protector is just what her town needs…and adding all the little details to make him her ideal man can’t hurt, right?

When a seriously hot stranger mysteriously turns up the next day, Greg seems too good to be true—if you ignore the fact that Faye hit him with her bike. And that he subsequently lost his memory…

But otherwise, the man checks Every. Single. Box. Causing Faye to wonder if Greg’s sudden and spicy appearance might be anything but a coincidence.

Why This Should Be on Your TBR List: This diverse romance made my list because I love that Faye seems to create her own ideal boyfriend from clay. Who wouldn’t want to do that and mold him into the perfect guy? Yet I have a feeling it cannot be that easy so I’m excited to see how this one plays out!

What new romance book are YOU most excited to read this August 2024? Share in the comments below!

Related Book Lists:

• Most Anticipated New Romance Books of 2024
• Upcoming New Romance Books List
• 10 Must-Read Summer Romance Books for 2024
• New Romance Books Releasing in July 2024

Pin This: