Romance novels rule the world—well, my world at least. In what other genre can you find a group of aunties hiding the dead body of a blind date, a vampire named Sahvage who also doubles as an MMA fighter, and a grumpy young woman who falls in love with someone who's stuck in time from the 1970s? (Yes, those are all real plots.) Whether you can't get enough of historicals, breezy summer love, or page after page of erotica, in this genre, you always get a happy ending. And though there were a number of dreamy romances this year, we're anticipating even more as we leave behind 2020 and head into 2021 to start anew.

It's almost impossible to choose just one love story that we're looking forward to the most. That's why you'll find nearly 30 picks—and counting—below. If throwbacks are your thing, greats like Ms. Beverly Jenkins and Tessa Dare have reads coming your way. There are also have plenty of continuations of buzzy series in store (Another Brown sister is getting her moment.) Plus, expect new novels from breakout authors like Casey McQuiston and Emily Henry, and books following in the footsteps of Bridgerton, Sweet Magnolias, and Virgin River as they get the Netflix treatment.

Below, OprahMag.com's most anticipated romance novels of 2021.

1. Make Up Break Up by Lily Menon
In Menon's adult debut, leading lady Annika created an app called "Make Up," and her former fling Hudson made an app called "Break Up." That's all you need to know about how incompatible they are. So when Hudson moves into the office next to her, he's definitely too close for comfort.

Publish Date: February 2, 2021

2. Wild Rain by Beverly Jenkins
Following 2019's Rebel, the first novel in her Women Who Dare series, Queen Beverly Jenkins brings us its follow-up Wild Rain. In post-Civil War Wyoming, a reporter is looking to interview doctor Colton Lee for a newspaper piece. But it's Colton's sister, the beautiful and independent rancher Spring, that turns out to have the most compelling story. Catch an exclusive excerpt on Book Riot.

Publish Date: February 9, 2021

3. A Lady's Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett
In Everett's exciting debut, she introduces us to Lady Violet, a leading scientist of her time who forms a secret group for the brilliant women in her society and undertakes a secret mission for the monarchy. But she also hides affections for her bodyguard Arthur, who struggles between following duty or his heart.

Publish Date: February 9, 2021

4. The Bride Bet by Tessa Dare
Master of historical romance Tessa Dare brings us The Bride Bet, the fourth book in her Girl Meets Duke series. A decade after declaring they'd marry one another if they were still single in 10 years, the Duke of Westleigh is determined that Nicola fulfill her promise—no matter how much she resists.

Publish Date: February 9, 2021

5. First Comes Like by Alisha Rai
The third book in Rai's Modern Love series is another delicious rom-com intertwined with the technological norms of 21st century dating. In First Comes Like, beauty influencer Jia Ahmed is instantly smitten when Bollywood star Dev Dixit slides into her DMs. But as it turns out, it was a catfish. When the awkward situation hits the media, Jia and Dev welcome the publicity and start a "fauxmance." But we all know how that usually turns out in a romance novel.

Publish Date: February 16, 2021

6. Jackson by LaQuette
In yet another incredibly sexy romance penned by LaQuette, Aja leaves her fast paced life in the city to find relaxation at her family's Texas ranch. But her peace is disrupted by someone who's determined to make sure she leaves town. Enter Ranger Jackson, who helps Aja keep her land. And of course, the two also can't help but fall into a passionate affair.

Publish Date: February 23, 2021

7. Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
Described by O's assistant books editor Michelle Hart as a "rom-com in reverse," Honey Girlfollows overachiever Grace Porter on a Vegas girls' trip to celebrate her PhD. But following a drunken night, she wakes up married to a mystery woman whose name she can't remember. In order to escape the expectations of her military father, Grace moves to New York with her new wife in hopes of finally living in the moment.

Publish Date: February 23, 2021

8. Float Plan by Trish Doller
In Doller's emotional adult debut, a young woman named Anna is still grieving her fiancé's suicide. On impulse, she decides to set out alone on the boating trip they were supposed to take together. But after a disastrous night, she hires professional sailor Keane, who's overcoming his own tragedy. Together, they set out on an adventure that heals their spirits and brings them closer.

Publish Date: March 2, 2021

9. Marriage and Murder by Penny Reid
Details on Reid's second book from her beloved Solving for Pie series are sparse. But what we do know? We may finally see the wedding between main characters Cletus and Jenn—but we suspect that with them, it won't come easy.

Publish Date: March 2, 2021

View the full story on OprahMag.com: 27 Most Anticipated Romance Novels to Renew Your Faith in Love in 2021.

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