Best romance books of September 2023, as chosen by Amazon editors

 Best romance books of September 2023, as chosen by Amazon editors

Grumpy-sunshine romances, friends-to-enemies-to-lovers … our favorite tropes are on full display in our Best Romance Books of September 2023. Looking for more to love? See our Best Romance Books of 2023 So Far.

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Things We Left Behind

by Lucy Score

The third book in the Knockemout series is the most exciting of them all. Friends-to-enemies-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes and this one does not disappoint—you will fall in love with Lucian and Sloane, who can’t seem to escape each other despite their best attempts. The tension between the two has been a constant in the series—with flashbacks to their past, readers will finally get to see their carefree beginnings and the events that lead them to grow apart. If you haven’t read the series, don’t worry, Things We Left Behind will welcome you in like a long-lost family member. This romance has everything: a crime lord on the run, a sassy group of close-knit friends, and small-town charm to round out this grumpy-sunshine love story. Lucy Score on the origins of her breakout hit ‘Things We Never Got Over’ and more.

 

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Main Character Energy

by Jamie Varon

Who doesn’t love a perseverance story about having the courage to believe in yourself? I rooted for Poppy to heed her late aunt Margot’s advice to, "do it for the plot,” meaning: go for it, live your best life. At an all-time low and hating the trajectory of her life, Poppy gets the surprise of a lifetime when she receives instructions to travel to the South of France to learn about an inheritance left to her from her beloved aunt. In the French Riviera, Poppy finds a lovely estate, aspiring writers, and a welcoming community—except for one of the caretakers of the estate, who is not pleased about Poppy’s arrival. In order to fulfil aunt Margot’s wishes, the two have to work past their differences to find common ground. This is a story of coming to terms with who you want to be. I rode with Poppy through her many ups and downs and the problems she needed to solve to truly embrace and accept her future— family relationship drama, low self-worth, and the big decision surrounding the inheritance. The lessons I’ll carry with me from this story: don’t be a victim, realize your value, and make hard decisions even when you’re scared—in other words, become the main character of your own story. Check out these relationship advice books.

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Kissing Kosher

by Jean Meltzer

A generational feud between two families, a secret recipe, and an undercover spy provide the main ingredients for Kissing Kosher. As general manager for her family’s popular kosher bakery, Avital is overworked—the pain caused by her chronic illness combined with her hectic work schedule make Avital not so pleasant to be around. So when Ethan, the over-qualified yet charming and eager employee, is hired, Avital lacks the time or patience to provide a warm welcome. Ethan makes it his mission to get close to Avital and in the process finds out she isn’t who he previously thought she was. There are secrets and deceit, but also lessons about different types of marijuana and visits to a pot-selling rabbi, all totally unexpected. As Avital and Ethan develop a friendship and begin working together more, they have to determine if a future together will be a recipe for success, or disaster. Sweet romances that will make you crave a treat. 

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Cleat Cute

by Meryl Wilsner

If you followed the World Cup this summer and loved being immersed in all the soccer action, this is the book for you. I was simply charmed by this soccer-filled, grumpy-sunshine romance featuring Grace, the established veteran player and team captain, and Phoebe, the new rookie on the team. The two couldn’t be more different; Grace is measured and cautious, where Phoebe is loud and confident. But as they say, opposites attract—what starts out as general interest and curiosity about each other morphs into all types of feels. With the pressures of individual and team competition looming over them, the duo work to determine if they can rise above it all. Sports books even non fans will like.