For those of you who are romance novel aficionados, the fall season is always an exciting time. It’s when publishers release their newest and most anticipated novels so that we can spend our chilly autumn evenings curled up in a cozy blanket with a steamy love story.

In this book list, we’re sharing some of the most anticipated romance novels of 2021. Keep an eye out for them; they’re sure to sweep you off your feet!

A Spot of Trouble by Teri Wilson

Violet March and Sam Nash are as different as night and day and have been enemies ever since Violet accused Sam of dognapping her beloved Dalmatian. Sam knows that would never happen–his well-trained fire safety demonstration dog never steps out of line, whereas Violet’s problematic pooch has never met a command she didn’t ignore completely, much like her bubbly owner. So when Sprinkles and Cinder accidentally switch places, Sam and Violet are shocked to find that not everything is as simple as it seems. And a little puppy love might be just the thing they’ve been missing…

Witch Please by Ann Aguirre

Danica Waterhouse is a fully modern witch–daughter, granddaughter, cousin, and co-owner of the Fix-It Witches, a magical tech repair shop. After a messy breakup that included way too much family feedback, Danica made a pact with her cousin: they’ll keep their hearts protected and have fun, without involving any of the overly opinionated Waterhouse matriarchs.

The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun

In this witty and heartwarming romantic comedy–reminiscent of Red, White & Royal Blue and One to Watch–an awkward tech wunderkind on a reality dating show goes off-script when sparks fly with his producer.

Perfect Timing by Owen Nicholls

From the author of Love, Unscripted. . . . They’re perfect for each other. But what happens when you meet the right person at the wrong time–over and over again?

The Shaadi Set-Up by Lillie Vale

In this witty and heartfelt rom-com debut for fans of Jasmine Guillory, Emily Henry, and Tessa Bailey, an Indian American woman signs herself and her boyfriend up for a matchmaking site to prove they’re a perfect match, only to be paired with her ex instead.

Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes by Alexa Martin

Jude and Lauren don’t have much in common, but maybe that’s why they’ve been best friends since the third grade. Through ups and downs, they’ve been by each other’s sides. But now? They’re broke, single, and do the only thing that makes sense–move in together, just like they talked about when they were teenagers. Except when they were younger, the plan didn’t include a five-year-old daughter and more baggage than their new townhouse can hold.

Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore

Going toe-to-toe with a brooding Scotsman is rather bold for a respectable suffragist, but when he happens to be one’s unexpected husband, what else is an unwilling bride to do?

A Lot Like Adiós by Alexis Daria

The national bestselling author of You Had Me at Hola returns with a seductive second-chance romance about a commitment-phobic Latina and her childhood best friend who has finally returned home.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman’s carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.

Love, Chai, and Other Four-Letter Words by Annika Sharma

If she follows the rules, Kiran will marry an Indian man. If he follows his fears, Nash will wind up alone. But what if they follow their hearts?

When Sparks Fly by Helena Hunting

Avery Spark is living her best life. Between her friends, her sisters, and Spark House, the event hotel her family owns, she doesn’t have much time for anything else, especially relationships. She’d rather hang out with her best friend and roommate, Declan McCormick, than deal with the dating scene. But everything changes when she is in a car accident and needs someone to care for her as she heals.

First Love, Take Two by Sajni Patel

On the verge of realizing her dream of being a doctor, Preeti Patel should be ecstatic. But between the stress of her residency, trying to find a job, and managing her traditional, no-boundaries family, Preeti’s anxiety is through the roof. Relationships and love aren’t even an option. Fortunately, Preeti’s finally found a new place to stay . . . only to discover that her new roommate is her ex.

On Location by Sarah Echavarre Smith

Nothing like a rocky start between enemy coworkers stuck together on location to prove that love isn’t just a ploy for ratings–it’s a force of nature.

No Words by Meg Cabot

Meg Cabot, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Princess Diaries, returns to Little Bridge Island with a new story about a children’s book author with a case of writer’s block and an arrogant novelist who have to set aside their differences as they get through a weekend long book festival that just might change everything–including their feelings for each other.

The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins, writing as Erin Sterling, casts a spell with a spine-tingling romance full of wishes, witches, and hexes gone wrong.

Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis

In this romantic and heartwarming novel, two strangers meet in chance circumstances during a blizzard and spend one perfect evening together, thinking they’ll never see each other again. But fate seems to have different plans.

The Inn on Sweetbriar Lane by Jeannie Chin

A charming opposites-attract romance about two lonely hearts discovering that love doesn’t always go according to plan.

The Sweetest Remedy by Jane Igharo

When a woman travels to Nigeria to attend the funeral of the father she never knew, she meets her extravagant family for the first time, a new and inspiring love interest, and discovers parts of herself she didn’t know were missing, from Jane Igharo, the acclaimed author of Ties That Tether.

It Started with a Dog by Julia London

Thanks to an accidental phone swap, two adorable rescue pups, and a coffeehouse clash, a holiday flirtation goes to the dogs and hilarity ensues, from New York Times bestselling author Julia London.

Infamous by Minerva Spencer

Perfect for fans of Bridgerton and readers craving romance that turns expected tropes upside down, Minerva Spencer weaves a tale of a disgraced former ton mean girl and a geeky ugly duckling turned handsome lord. Their pairing is explosive and the results are unforgettable!

Not Your Average Hot Guy by Gwenda Bond

From New York Times bestselling author Gwenda Bond, Not Your Average Hot Guy is a hilarious romantic comedy about two people falling in love, while the fate of the world rests on their shoulders.

A Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli

One type-A data analyst discovers her free-spirited side on an impulsive journey from bustling Mumbai to the gorgeous beaches of Goa and finds love waiting for her on Christmas morning.

Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper

Emmy Harlow is a witch but not a very powerful one–in part because she hasn’t been home to the magical town of Thistle Grove in years. Her self-imposed exile has a lot to do with a complicated family history and a desire to forge her own way in the world, and only the very tiniest bit to do with Gareth Blackmoore, heir to the most powerful magical family in town and casual breaker of hearts and destroyer of dreams.

Well Matched by Jen DeLuca

A pretend relationship gives two friends more than they bargained for in a Renaissance Faire rom com filled with flower crowns, kilts, corsets, and sword fights.

All the Feels by Olivia Dade

Following Spoiler Alert, Olivia Dade returns with another utterly charming romantic comedy about a devil-may-care actor–who actually cares more than anyone knows–and the no-nonsense woman hired to keep him in line.

Donut Fall in Love by Jackie Lau

A baker provides the sweetest escape for an actor in this charming romantic comedy.

The Donut Trap by Julie Tieu

Julie Tieu sparkles in this debut romantic comedy, which is charmingly reminiscent of the TV show Kim’s Convenience and Frankly in Love by David Yoon, about a young woman who feels caught in the life her parents have made for her until she falls in love and finds a way out of the donut trap.

I Hate You More by Lucy Gilmore

Ruby Taylor gave up pageant life the day she turned eighteen and figured she’d never look back. But when an old friend begs her to show beloved Golden Retriever Weezy at the upcoming Canine Classic, Ruby doggedly straps on her heels and gets to work.  If only she knew exactly what the adorably lazy lump of a dog was getting her into.

How to Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days by K.M. Jackson

Bethany Lu Carlisle is devastated when the tabloids report actor Keanu Reeves is about to tie the knot. What?! How could the world’s perfect boyfriend and forever bachelor, Keanu not realize that making a move like this could potentially be devastating to the equilibrium of…well…everything! Not to mention, he’s never come face to face with the person who could potentially be his true soulmate–her.

A Certain Appeal by Vanessa King

A sparkling contemporary retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in the tantalizing world of New York City burlesque.

The Fastest Way to Fall by Denise Williams

Britta didn’t plan on falling for her personal trainer, and Wes didn’t plan on Britta. Plans change and it’s unclear if love, career, or both will meet them at the finish line.

Never Fall for Your Fiancee by Virginia Heath

The first in a new historical rom-com series, a handsome earl hires a fake fianc e to keep his matchmaking mother at bay, but hilarity ensues when love threatens to complicate everything.

Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens

From the New York Times bestselling author of This Time Next Year comes a heartwarming and hilarious tale that asks: What if you picked up the wrong suitcase and fell head over heels for its mystery owner?

The Wedding Ringer by Kerry Rea

A woman who wants nothing to do with love or friendship finds both in the unlikeliest ways in this hilarious and heartwarming debut by Kerry Rea.

The Singles Table by Sara Desai

Opposites attract in this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about a free-spirited lawyer who is determined to find the perfect match for the grumpy bachelor at her cousin’s wedding.

Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

Sometimes a yacht, a bold bucket list, and a kiss with a handsome stranger are all a person needs to dive into the deep end of life.

And They Lived Happily Ever After by Therese Beharrie

In this sparkling new novel, acclaimed author Therese Beharrie delivers a delightfully magical romantic comedy about a woman literally living her dreams–and conjuring a real-life hero . . .

What do you think about the books on this list?

Are you looking forward to any of these books?  What romance novels are you looking forward to in 2021?   What books would you add to the list?