Romance fans, you're in for a treat this month. Some of the biggest names in romance [1] are releasing new books in April including Sally Thorne, Vanessa Riley, and Abby Jimenez. From historical romances to charming friends-to-lovers rom-coms, our must-read list is overflowing with fictional couples who you're bound to fall hard for — and at least one that might just leave you sobbing over missed connections. Whether you love a good happily ever after or like your romances to be a little more bittersweet, the best romance reads of April [2] have you covered.
(And since spring is the official season of love, don't forget to check out March's recommendations [3] for even more swoony books to add to your TBR.)
Anywhere for You by Abbie Greaves
Anywhere for You [4] by Abbie Greaves will break your heart and then put it back together again. For years, Mary O'Connor has visited Ealing Broadway station every day to hold a sign beseeching her lost love Jim to return home. One day, a reporter named Alice stops to ask Mary about Jim, and ends up embroiled in a love story full of mystery, heartbreak, and maybe, just maybe, a chance for happy ending.
Out April 6
Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin
There's a dash of You've Got Mail sprinkled into Uzma Jalaluddin's lovely Hana Khan Carries On [5]. Hana works at Three Sisters Biryani Poutine, the only halal restaurant in her neighbourhood, but she dreams of a job working at the local radio station. For now she's content with her podcast, at least she is until another halal restaurant opens across the street with an attractive owner who she just can't seem to avoid. Now Hana will have to use her platform to save the restaurant where she works, while also fighting off those pesky feelings for the competition.
Out April 6
The Intimacy Experiment by Rosie Danan
Rosie Danan's first book since the debut of her smash hit The Roommate is The Intimacy Experiment [6], another taboo smashing rom-com. This time around, Danan focuses on Naomi Grant, who wants to turn her sex-positive startup into a lecturing gig, and Ethan Cohen, a young rabbi who is tasked with bringing more millennials into the fold. It doesn't take long for Naomi and Ethan to realise they could work together to attain their goals, but they fail to anticipate how complicated their growing attraction to one another will make things.
Out April 6
Life's Too Short by Abby Jimenez
Life's Too Short [7] is yet another moving and funny romance from Abby Jimenez. Vanessa Price's mother and sister never lived to see the age of 30, so she's devoted her life to travelling the world and making every second count. However, when her half-sister unexpectedly leaves her baby with Vanessa, she finds herself thinking about the future (and the lawyer next door) for the first time.
Out April 6
To Love and to Loathe by Martha Waters
To Love and to Loathe [8] is the second novel in Martha Waters's The Regency Vows series. This time around, the spotlight is on the electric chemistry between the widowed Diana, Lady Templeton and perpetual bachelor Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham as the two strike a wager that will almost certainly force them to confront their feelings for one another.
Out April 6
Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle
Twice Shy [9] by Sarah Hogle is the perfect springtime romance. Maybell Parish spends her days daydreaming about true love rather than actually searching for it, but when her great aunt leaves her a stunning house in the Smokies, she's ready to embrace living life to the fullest. At least she thinks she is until she realises she'll have to share her house with the grumpy groundskeeper, who is definitely going to complicate her latest fantasy.
Out April 6
Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne
Set against the backdrop of a retirement home, Second First Impressions [10] by Sally Thorne is one of those books that will genuinely make you laugh out loud. Teddy Prescott is a restless guy with zero interest in settling down — but he does need a place to crash, which is how he ends up as the caretaker for the vivacious Parloni Sisters. What he doesn't bargain for is just how hard he'll fall for the no-nonsense Ruthie Midona, who is angling for a management position at the home.
Out April 13
The Key to You and Me by Jaye Robin Brown
The Key to You and Me [11] by Jaye Robin Brown is an adorable LGBTQ+ YA romance about a young woman overcoming her fear of driving and falling in love in the process. Piper Kitts's summer at her grandmother's is supposed to be all about horseback riding and moving on from her ex-girlfriend. But then her grandmother decides she needs to learn how to drive, and local girl Kat Pearson is going to be the one who teaches her.
Out April 20
Anchored Hearts by Priscilla Oliveras
Looking for a spring getaway that doesn't involve leaving your couch? Then let Anchored Hearts [12] by Priscilla Oliveras transport you to Key West. When an injury forces photographer Alejandro Miranda to return home (and to his family's Cuban restaurant) for the first time in years, he knows there's going to be drama. But he doesn't expect to be hit by a serious case of feelings when he sees the girl he left behind, Anamaría Navarro, again.
Out April 27
An Earl, the Girl, and a Toddler by Vanessa Riley
Bridgerton [13] fans, if you read just one book on this list, make sure it's Vanessa Riley's terrific An Earl, the Girl, and a Toddler [14]. When a shipwreck leaves Jemina St. Maur with amnesia, she turns to the secret society The Widow's Grace to help her restore her memories. But along the way, she meets Daniel, a man who will do anything to protect his stepdaughter from his family's scandalous past.
Out April 27
The Hate Project by Kris Ripper
The Hate Project [15] by Kris Ripper follows the grouchy Oscar and the pompous Jack, whose one-night stand is definitely not going to become something more. At least that's what they think until Oscar takes a job helping Jack clean out his grandmother's house, and they begin to realise they don't dislike each other nearly as much as they initially thought they did.
Out April 27