“There are things in life so valuable that you must risk the pain of losing them for the joy of briefly having them.”
Sometimes referred to as ‘modern romance’, the ‘contemporary romance’ genre broadly consists of books set between World War Two (1939-45), and the present day. It is arguably the most popular category in the genre and has evolved wildly in the past few years as society has undergone huge changes in terms of attitudes towards men, women, dating and relationships. With that in mind, check out the 9 best contemporary romance books from 2022 here at What We Reading!
Book Lovers – Emily Henry
Nora Stephens is a no-nonsense literary agent whose entire life revolves around books. She isn’t the archetypal heroine and, even after agreeing to a one-month vacation to Sunshine Falls, isn’t interested in the archetypal love interest hubby-in-waiting.
During her stay in North Carolina however, she runs into moody editor Charlie Lastra. The pair have never seen eye-to-eye in the past but after finding themselves running into each other in a series of coincidences so outlandish no editor would ever green light, they might just begin to see their carefully constructed views begin to unravel.
Dating Dr Dil – Nisha Sharma
Dating Dr Dil is the story of how a love-phobic TV doctor and a love-obsessed homebody discover they are destined to be together.
One of the most original contemporary romance books from 2022, Dr Prem Verma is the star of the Dr Dil Show and is in the middle of raising funds for a new community health centre when an argument with Kareena Mann on his show goes viral and scuppers these plans. But, spurred on by the meddling of Kareena’s aunties, this conflicting match-up begins to spark a blossoming relationship.
With themes around arranged marriages and attitudes to love and relationships, this is a fiery book that is sure to leave more than a few readers sweating.
Check Out Our Post On The Sunshine/Grumpy Trope
Hook, Line And Sinker – Tessa Bailey
Tessa Bailey has been dubbed the ‘Michelangelo of dirty talk’ and is renowned for her spirited, cheeky tales of hardened blue-collar men and sexy, loyal heroines. Her 2022 novel, Hook, Line and Sinker is the second entry in the Bellinger Sisters series and was nominated for the Best Romance category in the Goodreads Awards.
The book follows the flamboyant Fox Thornton, a well-renowned local flirt right up until he encounters Hannah Bellinger. The only woman who seems immune to his wit and charm, he is forced into playing things her way as just platonic friends.
Looking for male-centred romance books? Check out our favourites here!
The Roughest Draft – Emily Wibberley
Katrina Freeling and Nathan Van Huysen were two of the literary world’s most acclaimed names, co-writing numerous bestsellers before suddenly announcing the end of their relationship without explanation. But, with one more romance book left on their contract, the pair find themselves retreating to a small town in Florida where they are forced to face the obstacles of their relationship head-on.
A collaboration between acclaimed YA author Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, this 2022 romance novel combines passion with literature with two characters whose chemistry is palpable across every page.
Weather Girl – Rachel Lynn Soloman
New York Times bestselling author Rachel Lynn Solomon delivers one of the most lighthearted contemporary romance books from 2022 in Weather Girl.
The book follows Ari Adams, a TV meteorologist who teams up with a sweet-but-sheltered sports reporter to mend the relationship between their two bosses. This operation is complicated, however, when Ari finds her connection with Russell beginning to blossom into something a bit more intimate than just a professional working relationship.
Check out our interview with Romance Author Chelsea Callahan!
Something Wilder – Christina Lauren
A story of blossoming romance with Indiana Jones-level treasure hunting, Something Wilder is one of the best contemporary romance books from 2022 courtesy of Christina Lauren, the combined pen-name of Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings.
The book follows Lily Wilder, daughter of a notorious treasure hunter, Duke. Having left her with no money, Lily now orchestrates fake treasure-hunting trails for paying tourists, right up until a ghost from her past rocks up with his crew looking to line their pockets. With the pair’s adventure hilariously spiralling out of control, these two past lovers will have to work together and face the issues of their past if they want to make it a success.
Drunk On Love – Jasmine Guillory
Jasmine Guillory’s 2022 contemporary romance novel Drunk On Love is a fun everyday story following Margot Noble and Luke Williams who run into each other in the former’s family winery.
Set across the picturesque Napa wine country, this is a story of ethical dilemmas and an office romance fuelled by an instant connection between this business owner and a high-flying Silicon Valley dropout.
Icebreaker (Maple Hills #1) – Hannah Grace
Having been a figure skater since the age of five, Anatasia Allen has always dreamed of getting her shot in Team USA. As the captain of Maple Hills’ ice hockey team, Nathan Hawkins knows the responsibility of the side rests on his shoulders.
A misunderstanding leads to Anastasia and Nathan having to share a rink, which leads to an accident happening to the former’s best friend. In a moment, Nathan finds himself swapping skates for skirts as Anastasia’s partner. Icebreaker is the first entry in Maple Hills’ series by Hannah Grace and follows the pair as they are brought together. But it’s totally okay because Anastasia is definitely not into hockey guys.
Check Out The Best Books Like Icebreaker
Reminders Of Him – Colleen Hoover
A painful and heartfelt work from international bestselling romance writer Colleen Hoover, Reminders of Him is a story of a troubled young mother looking for a shot at redemption.
After one life-changing mistake that saw her spend five years in prison, Kenna Rowan returns home in the hope of seeing her four-year-old daughter. She returns to find a town that is full of judgement, except for in the case of Ledger Ward, a local bar owner and her last remaining link to her daughter. But, if those in town caught wind of just how intimate these two’s relationship was becoming, Kenna’s chances of building bridges from the past would surely evaporate in front of her eyes.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
