4 Recent Rave Romance Recommendations

Hendrix Barry is living a fabulous life. She has phenomenal friends, a loving family, and a thriving business. But amid everything, she’s facing one of her toughest challenges yet: caring for an ageing parent. She hasn’t met a man who can keep up with her anyway, until tech mogul Maverick Bell walks in. From their very first glance, Hendrix feels like she’s met her match. Only he can’t be. Forbidden fruit is always the juiciest, and this man is completely off limits if she wants to stay true to the plans she’s made for her life. But when Maverick gives chase, maybe it’s time to let herself want more.

You all know I love Kennedy Ryan. When it comes to recommending Black women authors, she will always be at the top of my list. I loved this book. Hendrix and Maverick’s relationship was my favourite in the entire Skyland series. The first time I read it, it was an easy five-star read. On reflection, it’s a strong four stars, but there was still so much I loved about it. The commentary on caring for an ailing parent was heartbreaking, yet it was paired with a sultry, sensual love story that really showed the duality so many Black women navigate every day. I loved it – highly recommended!

Francesca Palmer – one half of the chart-topping country duo Whiskey Wild – has built her entire life on the road and in the spotlight. But when she discovers her boyfriend has been cheating, she retreats to her quaint hometown to pick up the pieces. Edison Birch has spent his whole life in Hume. He’s long accepted that love might not be in the cards for him – until Francesca, the girl he secretly adored in high school, returns to town. When they reconnect, their old friendship blossoms into something neither of them expected. But the realities of her life in the public eye loom large, testing what they’re building together.

I loved this book. A proper, yearning, heartfelt romance. You will get frustrated with a few characters along the way. The side characters have strong personalities, and the story explores jealousy, ambition, dreams, and relationships in such an honest way. There’s so much to take away from it. Francesca and Edison’s relationship, and the way it unfolds, is just beautiful. And the ending? Ugh, my heart! I love Kasha Thompson; she writes flawed characters so well while always keeping love and romance at the centre. So, so good. I rave about and recommend this as often as I can.

Gemma knows she and Finn are meant to be together. But on their wedding day, he never shows up at the church. Gemma is convinced Finn wouldn’t just abandon her. She’s certain something terrible has happened, but no one else believes her. Even the police aren’t concerned, telling her most people who disappear usually turn up within a week. For the next six days, Gemma frantically searches for Finn, even as every shocking revelation tells her she should give up on him.

Dani Atkins is an author I’m slowly falling in love with. Kindle Unlimited recommends her to me every month, and I always end up diving in. The more I read her books, the more I notice her patterns: intense storylines with slow starts and strong finishes. I was so intrigued by the premise of a bride being left at the altar, and this book did not disappoint. It was painful and emotional, and my heart was in my throat the entire ending. I do have a few critiques about the narrative voice, but I think that’s just Dani’s style. Overall, I enjoyed this story and recommend it!

Two years ago, Rather and Priest met – but circumstances beyond their control forced them apart. To protect her family, Rather had to make a sacrifice: entering into an arranged marriage with Priest’s brother. As the head of the family, Priest has to ensure the marriage goes off without a hitch… and so begins their forbidden love story. They can’t stay away from each other, and what follows is a tangled battle between head, heart, and duty as Priest and Rather navigate a whirlwind of secrets, longing, and impossible choices.

I’d left Grey Huffington alone for a while – I was reading other authors, trying to diversify my picks – but I hit a moment where I just needed something I knew I’d love. I’ve read almost everything Grey Huffington has written since I first discovered her back in 2019, so I knew she’d pull me right out of my mini slump. And she did! I’ve mentioned before that she’s one of my not-so-guilty pleasures. She’s not for everyone, but she’s definitely for me. I loved Rather. I think Grey wrote this forbidden romance so well – she tackled it with care while still delivering all the drama and yearning this trope demands. I was completely invested in how it would end and who the winners and losers would be. I had a great time with this story!