Looking for your next great read? Whether you’re into urban fantasy, cozy mysteries, or swoon-worthy romances, this list has something for everyone. We’ve rounded up 21 of the best books of 2024 far, and trust me, you won’t want to miss these gems. Not all 2024 releases, our list focuses on the books we read this year, so you’ll find a mix of new releases and backlist titles.

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21 of the Best Books of 2024 So Far

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Urban Fantasy Books

American Demon by Kim Harrison

If you love urban fantasy with a flawed but relatable heroine, American Demon is a must-read. Follow Rachel Morgan, a witch who’s made plenty of mistakes but keeps fighting to make things right. The series is packed with magical battles, intense stakes, and a will-they-won’t-they romance that’ll keep you guessing. But read this if you’re caught up with The Hollows series.

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You can also check out all our Hollows series book reviews here.

Three Kinds of Lucky by Kim Harrison

For a fresh start with a new series, Three Kinds of Lucky offers a polished, tight storyline with a heroine reminiscent of Rachel Morgan but in a more modern setting. Less intense but still magical.

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The House at Watch Hill by Karen Marie Moning

For fans of Gothic vibes and slow-burn urban fantasy, The House at Watch Hill is a treat. It’s like Sookie Stackhouse meets Fever, with a heroine uncovering paranormal secrets in a small Southern town. 

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In the mood for a gothic novel? Here’s all the gothic romance books your heart needs.

Historical Romance Books

The Luna Sisters series by Liana De La Rosa

If you’re looking for something fresh in historical romance, the Luna Sisters series delivers. These stories follow spirited Mexican heiresses in London society, offering a unique twist on the usual Regency tales. 

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Looking for diverse historical romance? We’ve got 15 diverse historical romances you can’t miss.

Contemporary Romance Books

Funny Story by Emily Henry

Looking for a fake-dating romance with a side of humor? Funny Story delivers just that with Daphne and Miles teaming up to crash their exes’ wedding. Their fake relationship turns into something real, filled with witty banter and relatable struggles.

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Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

Serial killer romance with a side of humor? Butcher and Blackbird balances dark themes with surprisingly entertaining moments. Both main characters are serial killers, but they’re only targeting the bad guys. This was an all-around surprisingly fun story.

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If you can’t get enough serial killer romances, then the Mindf*ck series by S.T. Abby is a must-read.

Resisting You by E.M. Lindsey

Resisting You brings all the feels in a sweet, enemies-to-lovers male/male romance. With a single dad who thinks the new doctor hates him, things start with pranks but quickly turn into something deeper.

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Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun

If you’re into road trip romances with a side of angst, Here We Go Again is for you. Best friends turned enemies are forced to confront their past while fulfilling a dying mentor’s last wish.

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The Game Changer by Lana Ferguson

If you’re in your hockey romance era, The Game Changer is a must-read. With brother’s best friend vibes, a childhood crush that turns into something more, and a big, Viking-like hockey player, this book is packed with steam and feels. 

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Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto

Music lovers, this one’s for you. Not Another Love Song is a beautiful, passionate romance that revolves around Gwen and Xander, both musicians with a deep connection. There’s a memorable cello scene that will give you all the feels. 

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My Turkish Fling by Enni Amanda

Take a romantic journey from New Zealand to Istanbul in My Turkish Fling. This story features a stoic Turk and a 40-something divorcee who discovers love again.

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Feeling a bit of wanderlust? Don’t miss our favorite vacation romance books.

Sci Fi Books

Ocean’s Godori by Elaine U. Cho

Step into a rich world of space opera with Ocean’s Godori. If you’re into corporate rivalry, betrayal, and high-stakes politics set in a vast universe, this book is a must-read. 

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Fantasy Romance Books

A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette

A fae romance that’s all about enemies-to-lovers, with a creative twist. Both main characters are writers on a book tour, competing for the top spot. The heroine writes fae smut, while the hero pens poetry, making their banter and competition super fun to follow. If you love forced proximity and exploring new fantasy worlds, this one’s for you.

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New Adult Books

Forbidden Wishes series by Whitney G.

For those who crave toxic, taboo romances with all the angst, the Forbidden Wishes series delivers. These shorter reads are packed with drama, including a star quarterback dating his girlfriend’s twin sister. If you’re in the mood for something intense and addictive, this series is a perfect binge-read.

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Historical Mystery Books

The Poisoner’s Ring by Kelley Armstrong

If you love historical mysteries with a touch of today’s world, The Poisoner’s Ring is a must-read. A modern-day cop gets transported to Victorian Scotland and works as the undertaker’s assistant to solve murders while trying to find a way back home.

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A Daughter of Fair Verona by Christina Dodd

Romeo and Juliet survived and had a family. A Daughter of Fair Verona follows Rosie Montague, their spirited daughter, as she finds herself betrothed to a man with a dangerous reputation. When her betrothed turns up dead, Rosie must unravel the mystery before the danger catches up to her. 

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Paranormal Romance Books

Legacy of Temptation by Larissa Ione

For fans of classic paranormal romance, Legacy of Temptation is a must-read. It’s action-packed with high stakes, featuring Eva, a demon-hating heroine, and Logan, the son of Death himself. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic is intense, and the story is full of supernatural politics and steamy romance. 

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Cozy Mystery Books

Gator Queen by Tara Lush

If you’re in the mood for a cozy mystery with a side of Florida fun, Gator Queen is your pick. The heroine runs a gator hunting business and dreams of opening a romance bookstore, but things get messy when she finds her biggest competitor dead. 

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Dead to Rights by Jasmine Webb

Dead to Rights is a cozy mystery set in a charming Cornish town, perfect for fans of small-town vibes and amateur sleuths. The heroine inherits a bookstore and a house, only to discover she shares ownership with a grandmother. Neither never knew the other existed. When a dead body turns up in the bookstore, she and her quirky grandmother must team up to solve the mystery. 

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What are some of your best books of 2024? Share with us in the comments! And if you’re still on the lookout for more amazing book recommendations, check out these other lists.

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