Ring in 2024 with new romance books: January's must-reads

Release: January 2, 2024

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"Last Call at the Local" by Sarah Grunder Ruiz is a contemporary romance novel that tells a touching story set in a cozy Irish town. The book follows Raine Hart, an American med school dropout and musician, who while traveling through Europe, finds herself in Cobh, Ireland. There, her musical equipment, including a guitar from her late grandfather, is stolen. Seeking help, she stumbles into a pub called the Local, where she meets Jack Dunne, the attractive co-owner of the pub.

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Jack, who initially is unaware of Raine's predicament, is charmed by her vision for the pub's potential. As they start working together to revamp the Local, a spark ignites between them. However, both have their personal challenges: Jack struggles with OCD and is wary of how it might affect their relationship, while Raine grapples with her ADHD. The story is praised for its sensitive and graceful handling of neurodivergent characters, presenting their thoughts and fears realistically.

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The book also features an array of supporting characters, including Jack's brother Ollie, his wife Nina, and a haughty cat named Sebastian, adding humor and charm to the narrative. The novel is described as moving and adorable, successfully creating a touching happily-ever-after for its main characters.

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"Last Call at the Local" is a heartfelt romance that explores the beauty of finding love and acceptance, highlighting the importance of embracing one's true self in a relationship. It offers readers an engaging story of neurodivergent love with a backdrop of a quaint Irish setting.

Re-release: January 2, 2024

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"Ever After Always" by Chloe Liese is the third book in her popular Bergman Brothers Series, offering a touching and emotional narrative. The story is a marriage-in-crisis romance that focuses on a sensitive, fiercely loving woman, Freya, and her resilient husband, Aiden, who suffers from an anxiety disorder. This novel stands out for its portrayal of a couple navigating through their personal struggles while trying to keep their marriage intact.

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Aiden and Freya have been together for a dozen years, but their marriage hits a rough patch when they face issues regarding starting a family. Aiden's anxiety peaks with the pressure of having a baby, leading to a growing distance between the couple. The book takes a deep dive into the dynamics of a marriage under stress, highlighting the importance of communication and understanding in a relationship.

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Their story unfolds against the backdrop of a family island getaway, where both humor and heartache play a significant role. The narrative includes elements like island vacation antics and a sibling prank gone wrong, adding a blend of light-heartedness to the emotionally charged theme. The book is praised for its emotional depth, the absence of common tropes like infidelity, and its realistic portrayal of a couple working through their issues.

Release: January 9, 2024

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"Red String Theory" by Lauren Kung Jessen is a contemporary romance that intertwines the concepts of fate and love. The story revolves around Rooney Gao, an artist who firmly believes in the Chinese legend of the red string of fate, which posits that everyone is connected to their true love by an invisible red string. This belief not only influences her personal life but also her career, as she creates large art installations using red string.

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The plot thickens when artist's block hits Rooney, leading her to question her beliefs and life choices. However, a twist of fate leads her to meet Jack Liu, who seems to be her perfect match. They share an enchanting night in New York City, filled with snowy skies and fried dumplings, suggesting that destiny might be at play. However, Jack is a skeptic when it comes to matters of true love, posing a challenge to their potential relationship. The story unfolds as they are given another chance to reconnect, and Rooney faces the task of convincing a reluctant Jack to take a leap of faith.

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"Red String Theory" is a lighthearted and hopeful slow-burn romance that explores the dynamics between fate and choice. It's described as a deeply romantic and heartwarming read, blending a believable love story with a meditation on how humans find meaning in life.

Release: January 16, 2024

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"Love, Naturally" by Sophie Sullivan is a delightful opposites-attract romance novel. The story centers around Presley Ayers, an accomplished concierge at an exclusive hotel in Great Falls, Michigan, who is more at home in the world of luxury and high society than in the rugged outdoors. When Presley plans a surprise vacation to Get Lost Lodge for her boyfriend and he breaks up with her, she boldly decides to embark on the trip alone.

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At the lodge, Presley meets Beckett Keller, a rugged and outdoorsy man, who quickly realizes that Presley is out of her element in the wilderness. Beckett is preoccupied with his own challenges, including a crumbling lodge and deferred dreams. Despite their stark differences, Presley and Beckett find themselves inexplicably drawn to each other. He's all about the natural, rough-and-ready lifestyle, while she's a picture of urban sophistication.

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Their story is a journey of stepping outside comfort zones, embracing the unexpected, and finding magic in the least likely places. The novel explores how opposites can attract and how embracing new experiences can lead to unanticipated and fulfilling outcomes. It's a narrative that highlights the joy of self-discovery and the excitement of finding love in unexpected circumstances.

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"Love, Naturally" is known for its charming setting, engaging characters, and the heartwarming dynamic between Presley and Beckett, making it a captivating read for fans of contemporary romance.

Release: January 18, 2024

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"Loving Romeo" by Laura Pavlov is a small town, enemies-to-lovers, standalone sports romance set in the Magnolia Falls Series. The story revolves around Demi Crawford, a woman from a prominent family in Magnolia Falls, and a broody, rebellious boxer from the wrong side of the tracks. Despite their differences and his initial disdain for her, circumstances bring them closer, challenging their preconceived notions of each other. The novel explores themes of love transcending social boundaries and the thin line between love and hate. This contemporary romance novel is marked by its engaging character dynamics and the classic trope of opposites attracting in a small-town setting.

Release: January 23, 2024

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"The Breakup Tour" by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka is a contemporary romance that revolves around the themes of second chances and the power of music in shaping relationships. The story follows Riley Wynn, a rising-star musician who transformed from a promising singer-songwriter to an overnight superstar, largely due to the success of her breakup song concept album and its standout lead single. The twist in her tale arises when her ex-husband claims that the hit song is about him. In a move she hasn't made in a decade, Riley reaches out to Max Harcourt, her college boyfriend and the true inspiration behind her famous song.

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Max, who has not been in touch with Riley since their breakup, leads a contented life managing the family-owned retirement home, a far cry from the musical life he once dreamt of. When approached by Riley to publicly acknowledge him as the muse for her songwriting, Max agrees, but with a condition: he wants to join her band on tour.

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As Riley and Max embark on their cross-country tour, they rediscover their past and explore the possibilities of their future. The journey is not just about their music but also about navigating through the complexities of their rekindled relationship, which may either lead to a lasting reunion or end in heartbreak.

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This novel, categorized under contemporary romance and women's fiction, offers readers a mix of romance, music, and the intriguing dynamics of a relationship reignited under the spotlight of fame.

Release: January 23, 2024

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"The Getaway List" by Emma Lord is a heartfelt, romantic story centered around Riley, who, on her high school graduation day, realizes she has lost touch with her true self. Seeking rediscovery, Riley moves to New York for the summer to reconnect with her childhood best friend, Tom, and to complete "The Getaway List" — a collection of adventures they planned together before Tom moved away. This uplifting novel explores Riley's journey of self-discovery and emotional growth as she navigates old friendships, new experiences, and unexpected romantic feelings.

Release: January 26, 2024

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"Nobody Like Us" is the final installment in the Like Us Series by New York Times bestselling authors Krista and Becca Ritchie. This contemporary romance novel features Luna Hale and Paul Donnelly. The story promises to be an otherworldly, heart-stopping romance, bringing back these characters for one last time. The book is also set to reveal future developments for the Hales, Meadows, and Cobalts, characters central to the series. This anticipated conclusion is expected to captivate fans of the series with its compelling romance and character dynamics. More details and a full synopsis are yet to be released.

Re-release: January 30, 2024

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"All Rhodes Lead Here" by Mariana Zapata is a contemporary romance novel that delves into themes of grief, starting anew, and the beauty of slow-burn love. The story follows Aurora De La Torre, who decides to start her life over in the scenic small town of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, after experiencing some difficult life events. This return is significant for Aurora, as it brings her back to the last place she lived with her mother, whose memory she cherishes deeply.

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In Pagosa Springs, Aurora rents a studio apartment and encounters her landlord, Tobias Rhodes, a grumpy yet intriguing 42-year-old man. Their dynamic forms the crux of the novel, with Aurora embodying a sunshine personality — talkative, friendly, and affectionate — in stark contrast to Tobias's more reserved and brusque demeanor. Despite these differences, a unique bond forms between them, fueled by a mix of attraction and the shared experiences they navigate in their small-town environment.

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The novel is praised for its authentic portrayal of emotions, particularly those associated with grief and moving on. The character interactions, especially between Aurora and Tobias, are engaging, offering readers a nuanced exploration of the grumpy-sunshine romance trope. The story is also noted for its portrayal of a single parent, as Tobias is a father, adding another layer to his character and his relationship with Aurora.

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Mariana Zapata's signature slow-burn romance style is evident in this book, drawing readers into the gradually unfolding relationship between the main characters. The journey of Aurora and Tobias is not just about finding love but also about navigating through personal growth, healing, and the trials of life.

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"All Rhodes Lead Here" is recommended for readers who appreciate contemporary romances with rich character development, emotional depth, and the slow unraveling of a heartfelt love story. The novel's setting in a cozy, secluded mountain town adds to its charm, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy stories set against picturesque backdrops.