8 romance novels to add to your April 2023 TBR list

Another month, another handful of romance novels to discuss. For me, there is something so fun about getting to recommend some of my favorite reads from last month.

As with March’s list, I’m going to be featuring some new releases from March along with some backlist titles, too. All in all, it’s a way to not only talk about some of my favorite reads but to hype up authors as well.

While March was a solid month for new releases, I only featured 4 this time because I know April is another massive release month. Unlike the previous month, I’m going to be talking about 4 new releases from March worth checking out and 4 backlist titles.

For me, March was all about getting caught up by cleaning out my Kindle so I read a lot of amazing backlist titles but let’s start off with some new releases. All but one of these were released in March but since it’s a 2023 release, I’m going to include it as part of the “March releases.”

These 4 recent romance releases will help keep your April showers away!

1. Do I Know You? by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka

The first romance novel I have to recommend is one I read recently and that’s Do I Know You? by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka. This was actually released on January 24th but since it’s a 2023 release, I’m counting it. This is a marriage-in-trouble story between Graham and Eliza who are celebrating their 5-year anniversary at a resort.

The two end up being “set up” by someone Graham meets and they decide to roleplay as they don’t know each other. While it might seem like a wacky concept, this book felt utterly realistic and everything I had been looking for from this set-up. If you haven’t read it yet, please pick this one up.

2. The Love Wager by Lynn Painter

Moving onto a true rom-com, The Love Wager by Lynn Painter came out on March 13th. This is a friends-to-lovers story about Jack and Hallie who hook up after his sister’s wedding. The two become best friends and even go on dates together as part of a “love wager” to see who will find love first. It all comes to a head when Jack agrees to be Hallie’s date for her brother’s wedding.

If you’re looking for those fun spring vibes and want something truly funny, The Love Wager is exactly what you need. This was the first book I’ve read by Lynn Painter and I know it won’t be my last.

3. The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles

These next two romance novels could really go hand-in-hand yet we’re starting with The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen. This is an m/m historical romance between Gareth and Joss who get a second chance at being together although the stakes are much higher than they originally were at the start. Honestly, this book felt like such a fast-paced romp that you’ll be reading it and not even realize that 200 pages have gone by.

KJ Charles was another author I tried for the first time and honestly, I don’t know why I haven’t picked her up before. The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen felt like a warm hug and this will give you plenty of time before the sequel comes out this fall.

4. A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating A Demon by Sarah Hawley

This is one of those romance novels I keep mentioning over and over again because I wish more people picked it up. However, I won’t get too in-depth as A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon should already be on your radar. This is a fake-dating romance between Mariel who accidentally summons Ozroth, a ruthless demon.

At first, the two need to keep up appearances in front of her family, but they end up feeling a bit more as the story progresses. This story also features toxic family dynamics and some great found family moments. Plus just look at that cover, you just need it in your life already!

The next four romance novels were all published before 2023 but are still good.

5. Demon Time: A Fallen Angel Series by M.L. Sexton

As previously mentioned, I recently decided to read a bunch of books from my Kindle that were freebies including Demon Time: A Fallen Angel Series by M.L. Sexton. This is a paranormal romance between Hezekiah who is a fallen angel and Feyrah who is also paranormal, but it’s just so sexy and fun.

We learn about the characters along with them having a romance and lots of steamy scenes. If you’re looking for some Black love with fantasy elements, then you need to check this one out.

6. Liquor & Laundry by Tasha L. Harrison

Another Kindle book I grabbed was Liquor & Laundry which is a novella about Hadassah and Ahmad who hooked up years ago but the two went their separate ways. Now, Ahmad is back and ready to give it a try while Hadassah is much more resistant. While these two get their happy ending, this is more of us watching them come together and work through things.

Despite its short length, this novella felt incredibly realistic and honestly, it was just so hot. If you’ve never read any of Tasha L. Harrison’s romance novels, this is a good one to start with as it gives you a taste of her writing.

7. Kulti by Mariana Zapata

The next book is another Kindle read and it’s Kulti by Mariana Zapata. I feel like I don’t need to introduce her books that much, but I adored this one. It’s a romance between a soccer player and her coach who is a former professional player. While she originally has beef with him, the two eventually form a friendship that turns into more.

This is a typical Mariana Zapata though so you’ll be waiting until the very end to see these two finally get their happily-ever-after.

8. The Vow by D. Rose

The last backlist title I’m recommending is The Vow by D. Rose. This is a Black love story featuring a marriage of convenience, but I don’t want to give too much away. I adore D. Rose’s writing and I’ve been reading so much of her backlist that I’d be remiss to not recommend at least one of her books. I feel like this has the most mass appeal and is another great one to dive into if you’re looking to try out her books.

What were some of your favorite March romance novels? Share in the comments!