See all of our 2020 Best Books lists

Albert, Annabeth. Conventionally Yours. Sourcebooks Casablanca. ISBN 9781728200293.

Perennial favorite Albert’s “captivating, nerdy romance,” the first in a promising new series, dives into gamer culture, following outgoing but broke Conrad and shy, neurodiverse Alden on a road trip to the ultimate card game tournament. Each needs to win, but will it be at cards or love?

Bouchet, Amanda. Starbreaker. Sourceboooks Casablanca. ISBN 9781492667162.

Capt. Tess Bailey, her lover Shade, and her crew have been handed an impossible mission: rescue a scientist from the most impregnable prison in the known universe. Bouchet amps up the action and shock factor in this steamy sequel to Nightchaser, while further rounding out the characters, romance, and plans for further worldbuilding.

Burrowes, Grace. The Truth About Dukes. Forever: Grand Central. ISBN 9781538700334.

When Constance Wentworth and Robert, Duke of Rothmere, meet at a ball, no one knows their first encounter was years ago, when Rob was incarcerated in a private hospital for treatment of epilepsy. Now their bond is stronger than ever, as they face foes challenging Rob’s competence while trying to find Constance’s illegitimate daughter, given up for adoption.

Herrera, Adriana. Here To Stay. Carina: Harlequin. ISBN 9780369700926.

Queens native Julia Ortiz follows her heart to Dallas and is dumped. Rebounding and finding her dream job, she has a supportive group of friends and a loving Puerto Rican/Dominican family back home. Enter sexy new hire Rocco Quinn, tasked with reorganizing the company before it goes public, in this “sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance that deftly charts the struggles of finding love and friendship in unexpected places.”

Hunting, Helen. Kiss My Cupcake. Forever: Grand Central. ISBN 9781538734674.

When the opening of her cupcakes and cocktails store is threatened, Blaire Calloway, clad in 1950s garb, squares off with pub owner Ronan Knight, the plaid-wearing lumberjerk next door. Sparks fly as the two compete for business. Then a chain restaurant bar moves in, forcing them to cooperate, and they embark on an unpredictable journey to love filled with hilarity, sweetness, and a touch of steam.

Igharo, Jane. Ties That Tether. Berkley. ISBN 9780593101940.

Igharo’s debut sees Nigerian Canadian Azere caught between honoring her culture and family, and her attraction to Rafael, a stranger she meets at a bar who ends up working at her company. Familiar romance tropes are given new life as Igharo “beautifully depicts the tension between self-determination and the desire to live up to family expectations.”

Kleypas, Lisa. Chasing Cassandra. Avon. ISBN 9780062371942.

Railway magnate Tom Severin believes there are only five feelings worth having, and love isn’t one of them. But setting eyes on the lovely Cassandra Ravenel, he proposes on the spot. Cassandra has no interest in a man who declares he can’t love her and comes up with a plan to help Tom figure out these mysterious “emotions.” Hilariously witty banter ensues between the couple in this irresistibly sensual stunner that is simply delightful.

MacLean, Sarah. Daring and the Duke. Avon. ISBN 9780062692085.

Grace Condry, a survivor and street fighter, runs an upscale brothel for women and rules over London’s Covent Garden with her brothers. Ewan, Duke of Marwick, who betrayed Grace in their youth, has long believed her dead. Learning she’s alive, he sets out to win her heart in this refreshing finale to MacLean’s acclaimed series featuring “breath-stealing love scenes and a couple with a near-equal power balance.”

Matthews, Mimi. Fair as a Star. Perfectly Proper. ISBN 9781733056977.

Beryl Burnham returns home to the village of Shepton Worthy after a year in Paris meant to cure her melancholy. Facing her impending marriage to Lord Henry Rivenhall, she finds an unexpected friend in Henry’s younger brother, Mark, the local curate. When Henry discovers her condition and threatens treatment against her will, Beryl confides in Mark, who longs to love her without limits.

Weatherspoon, Rebekah. If the Boot Fits. Kensington. ISBN 9781496725448.

Amanda McQueen steps out of her role as personal assistant to a cruel starlet and celebrates the Oscars by dancing the night away. When Prince Charming appears in the form of Oscar-winning actor Sam Pleasant, Amanda throws caution to the wind, then sneaks away the next morning. Sam can’t stop thinking about the curvaceous woman who rocked his world, so when he meets her again, he doesn’t waste his shot.

See all of our 2020 Best Books lists