Recommending romance books released from January to June 2024

Going into a new year is always exciting and it's even more exciting as a reader. A new year always means new books and there's just something delightful about picking up a new romance release.

That's why I wanted to look back at the first half of 2024 and talk about some romances I'd recommend. These are all going to be books released in 2024 so if you're hunting for some, you're in luck.

Whether you've fallen behind on new releases or need something to add to your beach bag, then you're sure to find something. For the most part, these are all going to be 4 and 5 star reads of mine but of course, I'd love to know which books you'd recommend from each month.

No matter if you're new to the romance genre or have been reading it for decades, you should be able to find something new on this list.

Try out these romances released between January and June 2024.

January: Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

We have to start with January and the romance I'm recommending is Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz. While this is the third book in her Love, Lists & Fancy Ships series, this series doesn't have to be read in order. This was the first book I read from this author and I didn't feel like I missed out on anything.

This is a romance between Raine and Jack who meet after Raine talks about how things at his pub can be improved. Jack enjoys her candid approach and agrees to hire her. As a frequent nomad, Raine isn't quick to settle down but is forced to. The two end up having a slow-burn romance and it's absolutely delightful. If you're looking for something cozier, look no further.

February: The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest

February, it's the month of love and there was no book I loved more in that month than The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest. I waxed poetically about it on Culturess and still do, but if you haven't picked it up, you're truly missing out. This is Kristina Forest's second adult romance and it's following Lily's sister, Violet Greene.

Violet ends up going to Vegas and seeing her old high-school boyfriend, Xavier. The two exchange pleasantries and go their separate ways. Given that it's a romance, these two end up having to come back for reasons and it ends up being their second-chance romance. This book also has some great steamy moments, a dash of fake-dating and plenty of pining.

March: This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan

Moving into March, there was only one book that could take this spot and that's This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan. If you haven't read Kennedy Ryan, what are you doing?! She's an absolute queen and a gem of a person. This is the second book in her Skyland series and we're following Soledad as she's reeling after a big life change. You find out pretty quickly why her life is upended.

The story focuses on the forbidden romance she gets involved in but it's also about her journey to become the person she's meant to be. No matter what you're looking for, this book will fill up your cup in the best way.

April: Next to You by Hannah Bonam-Young

April was a hard month as I read some of my favorite books of all time in that month. One of those is easily Next to You by Hannah Bonam-Young. This is the second book in her Next series and this time, we're following Lane and Matt. These two end up becoming friends as their best friends are dating and it's a forced proximity meets friends-to-lovers romance. I don't know why those two tropes always work so well together.

With that being said, this book can be heavy at times as Lane is dealing with some PTSD after the loss of her father if you're sensitive to that. Despite that, this book feels like the biggest and warmest hug you could ever want.

May: Bespelled by Laura Thalassa

If you couldn't tell by this list, I'm a fan of sequels and I was incredibly excited for Bespelled by Laura Thalassa. Thalassa began publishing this series with Bloom Books and it's been an utter delight. This is a fantasy romance series between Selene, a witch, and Memnon, a god that has recently been reawakened.

Bewitched does an excellent job of setting these characters and the world. However, Bespelled takes things to the next level with their romance, learning their backstories and giving us a cliffhanger that only Laura Thalassa could pull off.

June: The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson

Wrapping things up with June, I have to feature The Art of Catching Feelings by Alicia Thompson. I know this book doesn't come out until June 18th but it's too good not to include. This is a romance between a professional baseball player and his heckler. While it seems unlikely as could be, this is easily one of my favorite romances of the year. I won't say much more but it's such an incredible story from start to finish.

Which 2024 new releases would you recommend? Be sure to share your TBRs with us.