Spread the love, and read about love, with these debut female authors this National Women’s History Month.
We celebrate women every day and cherish any opportunity to share more female voices. These authors offer a variety of perspectives on relationships in their new romance titles – romantic, friendships, workplace, LGBTQ+, cultural, and family.
Try a paranormal romance with author Sarah Howley’s A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon, a modern retelling of Jane Austen with debut author Melodie Edwards’s Jane & Edward: A Modern Reimagining of Jane Eyre, or a medieval queer romance with Natasha Siegel’s Solomon’s Crown. No matter what kind of romance you’re looking for, these 19 debut female authors are sure to have something for everyone. So, grab your favorite beverage and get ready to fall in love.
For those that enjoy their romance with a little suspense…
At Sea
by Emma Fedor
What happens when the man you love most in the world–who may be lying about everything–unexpectedly disappears and takes your small child with him? Emma Fedor’s riveting and powerful debut explores the fierceness of first love and how far one woman will go to learn the painful truth about her family.
“At Sea is a beautifully written, mesmerizing debut about love: the stories we believe when we think we’re in love, and the stories we tell ourselves in order to hold onto that love. This is a book you won’t be able to put down.” —Jessica Anya Blau, author of Mary Jane
For those that can’t resist a man who reads…
Bookworm by Robin Yeatman
A wickedly funny debut novel–a black comedy with a generous heart that explores the power of imagination and reading–about a woman who tries to use fiction to find her way to happiness.
“This dark comedy was made for voracious readers who keep up with all of the latest literary drama . . . . Full of tongue-in-cheek literary references, morbid fantasies, and Walter Mitty–esque dream sequences, this sardonic and subversive novel is full of kooky surprises.” – BuzzFeed
For those that prefer a romantic comedy with a side of the paranormal…
A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley
Mariel Spark knows not to trust a demon, especially one that wants her soul, but what’s a witch to do when he won’t leave her side–and she kind of doesn’t want him to?
“Whimsically sexy, charmingly romantic, and magically hilarious. This book put a spell on me and bewitched me, body and soul!”—Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author of Loathe to Love You and The Love Hypothesis
For those that enjoy a romance novel in the city…
Ana Takes Manhattan by Lissette Decos
Fans of Abby Jimenez and Alexis Daria will love this novel about one New York City woman skilled in producing swoon‑worthy reality TV shows but whose own life is a mess, with nothing ever going according to plan.
“Ana Takes Manhattan is like a cool breeze on a hot summer day—a refreshing breath of fresh air. With smart and snappy dialogue, spot-on Manhattan vibes, and a heroine you can’t help but root for, Lisette Decos’s debut is the escape we all need all year round.” —Meredith Schorr, author of As Seen on TV
For those that wonder about a former flame…
Homebodies by Tembe Denton-Hurst
Urgent, propulsive, and strikingly insightful, Homebodies is a thrilling debut novel about a young Black writer whose world is turned upside down when she loses her coveted job in media and her searing manifesto about racism in the industry goes viral.
“I saw so much of myself in Homebodies, and in Mickey’s utterly delicious and sometimes aching story. Mickey made me look back and love my young Black woman self, and I loved her so much for returning me to that place.” – Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, New York Times bestselling author of The Love Songs of W. E. B. Du Bois
For those who get lost in a fantasy fairy tale…
Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara
A joyous and subversive tale of gods, monsters, and the human heart and soul, Psyche and Eros dazzles the senses while exploring notions of trust, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be a hero.
“A beautiful retelling, breathing new life into a beloved myth. Luna McNamara weaves an enthralling tale of adventure, romance, and star-crossed lovers, in an enchanting world of ancient gods and legends.” – Sue Lynn Tan, bestselling author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess
For those that enjoy romance at work…
The Build Up by Tati Richardson
A truly unfortunate first day of work leads to unexpected love in this sparkling debut from Romance in Colour podcast cohost Tati Richardson.
“Tati Richardson delivers a timely and modern debut with The Build Up that is not to be missed! Forty-something year old architects Ari and Porter’s chemistry make each page a simmering delight.” – USA TODAY bestselling author Kwana Jackson
For those that swoon over a delicious rivals-to-romance story…
Solomon’s Crown by Natasha Siegel
Two destined rivals fall desperately in love—but the fate of medieval Europe hangs in the balance.
“An utterly delightful reimagining of medieval Europe, where a romance between two kings unfolds across enemy lines. Natasha Siegel’s sweeping tale full of heart and historical optimism will make you believe the impossible.”—C. S. Pacat, New York Times bestselling author of Dark Rise
For those old souls that crave a modern retelling…
Jane & Edward by Melodie Edwards
This powerful reimagining of Jane Eyre, set in a modern-day law firm, is full of romance and hope as it follows the echoing heartbeats of the classic story.
“I adored this book! Jane & Edward is instantly captivating and utterly charming. I found myself smiling (sometimes through tears) from start to finish. This sexy, funny, razor-sharp rom-com is one of the best books I’ve read all year. Melodie Edwards delivers a first-rate, modern take on the classic Jane Eyre, so deliciously romantic that Charlotte Brontë herself would be dazzled.” —Lori Nelson Spielman, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany
For those looking for a rock-and-roll romance…
This Bird Has Flown by Susanna Hoffs
A delightfully funny and steamy debut novel about music, fate, redemption, and love from beloved songwriter and Bangles co-founder Susanna Hoffs.
“This Bird has Flown is a blast of pure pleasure, an addictive medley of music, romance, secrets, and sex. Susanna Hoffs’ captivating first novel is part British romcom, part Jane Eyre, and one hundred percent enjoyable.”—Tom Perrotta, New York Times bestselling author of Mrs. Fletcher and Tracy Flick Can’t Win
For those longing for a matchmaker…
Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen
This sweet, enemies-to-lovers debut rom-com filled with Chinese astrology will undoubtedly prove to be a perfect match with readers of Helen Hoang, Jasmine Guillory, and Sarah Adams. Read more about Lunar Love.
“A refreshing and unexpected take on matchmaking! This will be a perfect match for any reader looking for a heartwarming romance steeped in cultural traditions.” —Jesse Sutanto, national bestselling author of Dial A for Aunties
For those who enjoy a love story with undeniable chemistry…
Just as You Are by Camille Kellogg
Equal parts witty and steamy, this debut rom-com brings a healthy dose of queerness to a Pride and Prejudice-inspired enemies-to-lovers romance.
“Warm, witty, and wonderful! Readers will be utterly smitten by this clever, queer romance that, at its heart, is about embracing yourself—just as you are.”—Alexandria Bellefleur, national bestselling author of Written in the Stars
For those looking for a drunken escapade with some Smurfs…
Not That Kind of Ever After by Luci Adams
Fairytale meets feminism in Luci Adams’s Not That Kind of Ever After, a frothy adventure of one woman’s journey to claim happily ever after in times of serial dating, swiping right, and the quest to find your soulmate.
“I adored this book from its reverse-cowgirl start to its swoon-worthy ending. In a single read, I devoured Luci’s wickedly funny exploration of finding one’s own Happily Ever After, cackling through Bella’s messy, sex-filled quests to satisfy both her personal and her professional life. The backbone of this hilarious romp is an honest female friendship that will tug at your heartstrings. If you’ve ever gone searching for The Fairytale within the hellscape of modern dating, Not That Kind of Ever After is for you.” –Alison Rose Greenberg, author of Bad Luck Bridesmaid
For those wishing to lose themselves in a story of culture and identity…
Sorry, Bro by Taleen Voskuni
An Armenian-American woman rediscovers her roots and embraces who she really is in this vibrant and heartfelt queer rom-com by debut author Taleen Voskuni.
“Sorry, Bro is a beautiful love letter to Armenian culture wrapped up in a warm and witty romance that absolutely sizzles with chemistry. Like heroine Nareh, Voskuni is forging a remarkable path, and I will gladly follow wherever it leads!”—Dahlia Adler, author of Cool for the Summer and Out on Good Behavior
For those whose online life may make an in-person appearance…
The Nanny by Lana Ferguson
A woman discovers the father of the child she is nannying may be her biggest (Only)Fan in this steamy contemporary romance by Lana Ferguson.
“I need more books like The Nanny, stat. A smart, educated heroine (yes please!) meets a driven, career-focused single dad. Sparks fly….and fly, and fly. Seriously, this book is like if Ali Hazelwood and Tessa Bailey had a smutty baby. I devoured every page and was sad to see it end. This is the spice BookTok wants! Now I need Lana Ferguson to work faster, because I want to see everything she writes.”—Ruby Dixon, international bestselling author
For those who enjoy a romcom in full technicolor…
Sizzle Reel by Carln Greenwald
An unputdownable queer coming-of-age rom-com about life and love in Hollywood.
“Sizzle Reel by Carlyn Greenwald is a hilarious and tender romance featuring the most relatable journey through figuring out what love, sex, and friendship can mean. After I finished reading all I wanted to do was explore LA with a camera, curate a playlist of my favorite angsty crush songs, and put this book in the hands of every friend I can think of who really, really needs this story.” – Alicia Thompson, bestselling author of Love in the Time of Serial Killers
For lovers of Mr. Darcy…
Pride and Protest by Nikki Payne
A woman goes head-to-head with the CEO of a corporation threatening to destroy her neighborhood in this fresh and modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice by debut author Nikki Payne. Read more about Pride and Protest.
“A spectacular, unputdownable debut that just rocketed its way onto my ‘Forever Faves’ shelf. The sharpest, sexiest, wittiest, brightest Pride and Prejudice retelling I’ve ever read, period. Nikki Payne is the writer I aspire to be, and I’m going to recommend this novel to everyone I know, every chance I get!”—Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author of Love on the Brain
For those who enjoy their romances with a dash of sci-fi…
Twice in a Lifetime by Melissa Baron
The Time Traveler’s Wife meets Oona Out of Order in this imaginative and moving debut novel of a love more powerful than time.
“I adored this clever and touching novel about grief, hope, and the choices we make in the name of love. Funny, fresh, and at times heartbreaking, it kept me guessing right up to the final pages. By turns devastating and joyful—much like love—this is a truly special book.”—Holly Miller, bestselling author of The Sight of You
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