Life’s Too Short

by Abby Jimenez

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Summary: This is easily my favorite of Abby’s books and is absolutely going to be one of the best books of the year.

Vanessa has a successful business showcasing her travels on Instagram. She makes sure she enjoys every moment of her life, even when her sister abandons her daughter, leaving Vanessa to pick up the pieces once again. When her ridiculously hot next door neighbor steps in to help, she can’t help imagining a future life with a husband and kids, something that is never a guarantee.

This is emotional and bold and full of learning to live life to the fullest. Incredible.

Well Met

by Jen DeLuca

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Summary: A renaissance faire, a bookstore, a slow burn romance! What more could you want?? This book easily jumped to the top of my list of the best contemporary romance novels. It’s one of my best novels of 2020 and also of all-time!

Emily reluctantly agrees to volunteer at a local renaissance faire and has no idea why one of the organizers, Simon, seems to hate her. The two constantly clash during prep for the event. However when the Faire starts, their new identities indulge in an unexpected flirtation. 

How To Fail At Flirting

by Denise Williams

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Summary: An incredible love story with a powerful message about how to recover from an abusive relationship.

When Naya decides it’s finally time to step out of her shell, the charming man she meets at the bar is a perfect candidate to help her check a few items off her to-do list. However, a disastrous attempt at a one-night stand instead turns into a budding, real relationship. However, she eventually discovers his career and hers may be at odds. 

Naya and Jake are the epitome of a cute couple and I adored all the flirtatious texting and chatting. This is a step above the usual contemporary romance book as it dealt with standing up to an aggressor and learning to heal.

Shipped

by Angie Hockman

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Summary: A super cute rom com that also deals with the important issue of conservation.

Graeme and Henley are vying for the same promotion when they’re sent on one of their company’s cruises together to come up with the perfect marketing pitch. Henley has hated Graeme since practically his first day, when he stole her thunder on a conference call. As she spends time with him though, she can’t shake the feeling that there might be a bigger issue in her company that has nothing to do with Graeme. 

I loved the cruise setting and learning about the Galapagos Islands! There is so much meat to this story, both in the growth of the characters and the conservation efforts happening in the world. That depth combined with all the lighter fun makes it one of the best contemporary romance novels.

The Switch

by Beth O’Leary

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Summary: The Switch is O’Leary’s second novel (and her first, The Flatshare, was one of my top books of 2019). Leena and her grandmother decide to switch lives after they both realize they need a break. Leena is taking a much needed hiatus from work after a personal tragedy, so she fills in for her grandmother’s small town duties. Meanwhile her grandmother sets off to London to start online dating, with Leena’s flatmates to guide her.

I can’t get enough of O’Leary’s humor and quirky characters. I wanted to curl up with this book forever and keep reading about their adventures. It’s got a little bit of love, a little bit of healing, and a whole lot of charm. 

My Favorite Half-Night Stand

by Christina Lauren

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Summary: Christina Lauren are two friends who co-author some of the best contemporary romance novels in the business. Honestly, you can throw a dart at their list of books and find a gem, but this just happens to be my favorite of theirs. 

In this book, Millie and her group of guy friends turn to online dating to find plus-ones for an upcoming event. Just before they get started though, she hooks up with one of them in a mutually agreed upon one-time only event! Well, at least they both think they’re better off as just friends…

Waiting For Tom Hanks

by Kerry Winfrey

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Summary: It doesn’t get any cuter than this in my best contemporary romance novels! If you enjoy a good rom-com, you’ll undoubtedly fall for this novel. Annie is every girl who’s waited for her own perfect “meet cute” moment. When a movie starts filming in her town, she accidentally runs into the star. However, he’s immediately ruled out as her potential Tom Hanks.

In true rom-com fashion, the two dance around each other trying to figure out what they want. I ate it up in just two days! This has all the cutesy, feel good moments we look for in the best contemporary romance novels. 

Meet Me At The Cupcake Cafe

by Jenny Colgan

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Summary: Jenny Colgan is my go-to author when I need a perfect chick-lit/romance escape from reality. All of books could easily land on this list of the best contemporary romance novels. Her books are witty, charming, and often feature some type of bakery, dessert shop, or candy store! What more could you want??

Anyone who wants to see behind the scenes of opening your own business will adore this story about a women leaving behind her finance job to open her own cupcake shop. Issy knows she can bake…really really well. But, she’s discovering there’s a lot more to running a bakery than just talent. Thankfully, she find some new friends willing to help and a reluctant and disheveled (but cute!) bank manager.