Whether they were exploring love in the digital age or how to survive the tundra with your workplace crush, the best romance novels of 2020 weren't afraid to get complicated.
10. The Rakess by Scarlett Peckham
The life of Enlightenment-era feminist Mary Wollstonecraft serves as inspiration for this angsty and righteously angry historical romance from rising star Peckham.
This Antarctica-set romantic suspense balances character development with high-stakes action in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
8. If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane
McFarlane uses the workplace romance as a foundation for an emotional exploration of how past traumas affect romantic relationships.
7. Ties That Tether by Jane Igharo
Igharo’s impressive debut tackles interracial relationships, ambition and family with even-handed clarity and just a hint of melancholy. (And some very hot love scenes.)
6. Season of the Wolf by Maria Vale
The Legend of All Wolves is one of the most ambitious paranormal series out there, and it just keeps topping itself with each fascinating installment.
In what may be her best romance yet, Parker transitions her absolutely wonderful London Celebrities series from the theater to the high-stakes world of prime-time TV.
4. Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade
"This was the body-positive romance I didn’t know I always wanted. Dade absolutely nails the world of media fandom."—Stephanie, Associate Editor
3. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
Hall’s charming rom-com explores respectability politics in the gay community while giving us Four Weddings and a Funeral vibes.
2. Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn
"You’ll never look at your own handwriting the same way again after reading this luminous contemporary romance."—Savanna, Associate Editor
1. Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
Hibbert’s latest triumph questions the wisdom of living your life according to the conventions of romance novels—and is also, itself, an incredible romance novel.
ALSO IN BOOKPAGE: Discover all of BookPage’s Best Books of 2020.
