Hello, my fellow reader friends! Are you ready to finally escape the cold and dreary weather, and sit on the patio with a nice glass of wine and a good book?! ME TOO!! April 2023 book releases include a few big-name authors, some new-to-me authors, and a few adorable debut novels.
Contemporary Romance Book Releases April 2023
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
- Book Release April 11th, 2023
- FIND ON AMAZON
Such a cute follow-up to Part of Your World! I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy, and I’m so excited for Abby Jimenez lovers everywhere to get to read this one. If you’ve read the first one in this series, you’ll love this one too!
A SHORT PREVIEW: ER doctor, Dr. Briana Ortiz, is in a rough patch. Finalizing her divorce, her brother is waiting on a kidney donor, and now she’s seemingly getting pushed out of the Chief of Emergency Medicine position she’s rightly earned? Jacob – running from the ex whos making his emotional well-being basically impossible, learns he’s a perfect kidney match for Briana’s brother. With both of their pasts pushing in – can they possibly find a way forward through all of their insecurities?
My Thoughts & Review
- Really love that throughout this book – trauma isn’t portrayed as something fixed by a happy-ever-after ending with the person/people you love. Whether it’s finding family or finding a person who promises to be harmless, the author does a great job realistically creating a romance from which we can all learn a little something.
- So refreshing to read romances about women in their 30s. As I approach 30 myself, I find that I definitely relate to these characters and their motivations so much more. (Especially when they have thriving careers etc. Sometimes those stories when someone throws everything away to follow the person they love are fun to read – but not real life? Loving her story-telling style!
- ABBY JIMENEZ’S WRITING STYLE: I’m loving how both books that I’ve read of hers are basically about workaholics finding love! Her writing also constantly reminds me of things about myself and other important life lessons we should all pay attention to. So many great quotes – I can’t even list all my favorites!
**Thank you, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley, for this advance reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR
The Matchmaker by Catherine Walsh
- Book Release April 18th, 2023
- Will also be available on Kindle Unlimited
- ORDER THE MATCHMAKER ON AMAZON
If you love sweet romances where nothing tragic occurs, you’ll love The Matchmaker. As one of the sweeter romances novel releases in April 2023, the spirit of change felt perfect this April! ‘
A SHORT PREVIEW: When a slightly hectic small town Irish gal is finally fed up with the resort construction going on around her cottage… what does she do? Stomps down to the construction site of a massive hotel in her pajamas to give them a piece of her mind of course. What Katie doesn’t expect is the handsomely polished façade of Cullum Dempsey.. or that he’s a construction site developer. When the plans for the resort start to veer towards taking over the pub she’s called home, Katie sets off to bring a matchmaking festival back to town and save her pub. But will the pub be the only thing getting a little TLC?
My thoughts & review
I loved The Matchmaker for the simple, peaceful Irish countryside vibes it brought my way. Not every reader is meant to be that earth-shattering dramatic romance. Sometimes you need something simple, like the love between a small-town girl and a man looking for a home. Combine that with punny one-liners, an adorable border collie, and sweet countryside folk to create a loveable Irish romance! We’re all looking for a little more peace in the countryside these days!
Only Love Can Hurt Like This by Paige Toon
- Book Release April 25th, 2023
- FIND ON AMAZON
To all fans of Colleen Hoover’s Ugly Love, Verity, and All Your Perfects.. our British/Aussie friend Paige Toon brings you Only Love Can Hurt Like This. The very definition of a gut-wrenching, sad girl read with mature characters figuring out if love is a price they must pay or a gift they’ve received.
With such a crazy twist… I don’t want to say anything because I truly feel that you need to experience Wren & Ander’s emotionally gut-wrenching story for yourselves. Following themes of loss, betrayal, and rebuilding familial relationships amidst heartbreak, two people must navigate rebuilding themselves after life gives them proverbial lemons.
**Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all opinions are my own.
Happy Place by Emily Henry (my Most Anticipated April 2023 Book Release!)
- Book Release April 25th, 2023
- FIND HAPPY PLACE ON AMAZON
As a true Emily Henry fan, I’ve loved every book of hers that I’ve read. From Book Lovers to Beach Read, her writing makes me want to hug books to my chest!!
A SHORT PREVIEW: College sweethearts Harriet and Wyn are broken up.. but they’ve neglected to tell anyone. For Five. Whole. Months. Then when their friends’ annual Maine cottage getaway rolls around, and they still haven’t spilled the beans, they get stuck together, sharing a room. While trying to hold onto the nostalgic cottage feelings and reconnect with their friends, Harriet & Wyn are also having a hard time staying away from each other…
Whether you’re heading somewhere fun for a quick weekend getaway or relaxing at home, Happy Place is the perfect way to channel some delicious summer energy!
French Holiday by Sarah Ready
- Book Release April 26th, 2023
- FIND FRENCH HOLIDAY ON AMAZON
Where do I even start with this adorable story? If ever you’ve dreamt of leaving your life behind just for a little while to breathe in some delicious tiny provincial-French-town air whilst eating fresh baguettes and brie… French Holiday is the book for you!
A SHORT PREVIEW: More than brain candy, but less than a dramatically heavy, Sarah Ready created a swoon-worthy romance ripe for the ‘one-bed-trope’ rom-com lovers everywhere. Set in a ‘romantic’ (i.e., scary with cockroaches the size of mice) mid-evil French castle, Merry must figure out what it means to be in love and have confidence in herself. (Very much giving ‘Something Borrowed’ vibes? (But without the cheating.)
**Thank you, Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), and NetGalley, for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR
Want more romance novels? Grab my guide to over 200+ Romance Novels & Series!
Historical Fiction Romance April 2023 BOOK RELEASES
To Swoon and To Spar by Martha Waters
- Book Release April 11th, 2023
- Book 4 of 4: The Regency Vows Series
- FIND TO SWOON AND TO SPAR ON AMAZON
What do you get when a viscount and a country miss agree to get married after knowing each other for approximately three hours? A clunky but adorable regency romance with *not* so haunted houses, begrudgingly shared interests, and genuinely loveable main characters.
THOUGHTS:
– Even though the characters are a bit older than your traditional coming-of-age tale, I still feel like this story had some of those elements because the main characters were so inexperienced in romantic matters! It was sweet to see them experience growing a healthy relationship piece by piece without any insta-love.
– Jane is such an awesome heroine! I really enjoyed her blunt commentary, and each time, she shocked her companions by skirting around social ‘niceties’. Many of them made me smile because I, too, like to speak forthrightly!! She also loves to read – which we all know makes any bookish gal’s heart happy!
**Thank you, Atria Books and NetGalley, for this advance reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR
The Secret Service of Tea and Treason by India Holton (One of my most anticipated April 2023 Book Releases!)
- Book Release April 18th, 2023
- Dangerous Damsels Series Book #3
- FIND THE SECRET SERVICE OF TEA AND TREASON ON AMAZON
A SHORT PREVIEW: Listed on Buzzfeed’s Romance Books To Look Out For In 2023, this regency romance is much more than your normal bourgeois parties and immaculately bespoke depresses. In Holton’s latest of the Dangerous Damsels series, rival spies must take on a bit of magic and whimsy to save the crown. Wading through pirate-infested waters, deceptively dangerous tea time with the Ton’s witches, and… a fake marriage? Alice and Daniel get more than they bargained for on a mission to save the queen.
This April book release is one I’m really excited about because it breaks from traditional Regency romances to mix in a bit of a fantasy element. Somewhat reminds me of Daughter of The Pirate King, which was a 5-star fantasy & historical fiction type read.
How To Best The Marquess by Janna MacGregor
- Book Release April 25th, 2023
- The Widow Rules Series Book #3
- FIND HOW TO BEST THE MARQUESS ON AMAZON
Any time the regency era bourgeoise has to roll up their shirt sleeves and put in some hard work… you can almost guarantee I’m going to enjoy the book!
A SHORT PREVIEW: Beth is on the edge of losing everything thanks to her short-sighted first husband, and she knows she’s running short of options. The stakes are high as she looks to reclaim her missing dowry, all while trying to keep a professional distance from the man she once loved: Julian, the Marquess of Grayson. Julian, for his part, has never forgotten Beth but knows that he must make his steam engine invention a success if he’s to create a life for himself and his future family.
THOUGHTS:
– You’ll always see me loving regency-era romances because while times were still difficult for the common man, there’s just something relaxing about a less complicated generation.
– I also loved that our main characters, Beth and Julian, didn’t immediately jump into a relationship. They know that by entering into a relationship – their future spouses could be offended because they have the same friends. That takes a level of maturity that a nubile young virgin of the ton wouldn’t necessarily have!
**Thank you, St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Paperbacks, and NetGalley, for this advance reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR
Fiction Book Releases April 2023
Moorewood Family Rules by HelenKay Dimon (If you Snag any of these April 2023 Book Releases, This would be My Pick!)
- Book Release April 25, 2023
- FIND MOOREWOOD FAMILY RULES ON AMAZON
Let me start this review by saying.. this was the best book I’d read all month in March up to that point! Somewhere between Knives Out mixed with Ana Huang’s Twisted Love (the hot bodyguard romance)… I could NOT have asked for a more refreshing read right now. It was exactly what I needed.
A SHORT PREVIEW: When Jillian Moorewood gets out of prison, for tax evasion crimes she actually did commit… she’s only got one thing in mind: Revenge. After everything she’s done for years while her family couldn’t keep themselves together, someone betrayed her and got her sent to prison. Not only does she mean to find out who it was, but she means to set the family strait for good.
THOUGHTS:
– Not only did this make me laugh a time or two… Dimon kept me interested in where the storyline was going without making me think too hard about who was doing what. A little bit of mystery wrapped up in ridiculous family drama was a killer combo!
– There really aren’t many books out there like this – where the family drama unfolds in such a deliciously satisfying way, and the characters experience growth just the way they were meant to.
-Because this one was so fun and different without too many very heavy subjects, it was an easy, fast read ready to be enjoyed.
**Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR
A few more fiction book releases in April 2023 to consider are:
- Camp Zero by Michelle Min Sterling: Released April 4th, 2023 (A feminist, dystopian sci-fi!)
- Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler: Released April 18th, 2023 (An American woman living in London looking for love and trying to understand what it means even to be loved.)
Mystery & Thriller Book Releases April 2023
Mystery and thriller book releases for April 2023 are among my favorite genres. I normally gravitate towards romances and fantasy novels, so every time I remember these are my favorite types of movies, I’m reminded to grab a few books to sprinkle into my reading repertoire.
Dirty Laundry by Disha Bose
- Book Release April 4th, 2023
- FIND DIRTY LAUNDRY ON AMAZON
A SHORT PREVIEW: Everyone in the neighborhood, the school pick-up line, and the grocery store want to know how Ciara Dunphry has such a perfect life. From her perfect husband to her polite children, Ciara really seems to have it all. When she’s found murdered, secrets start to tumble out of Ciara Dunphry’s house of lies… everyone’s dirty laundry will start coming out while they look for the killer.
The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth
- Book Release April 4th, 2023
- FIND THE SOULMATE ON AMAZON
A SHORT PREVIEW: Would you buy your dream house knowing people habitually commit suicide off the nearby cliffs? In Hepworth’s latest novel, Gabe and Pippa are caught in a chilling domestic tale after one of the women that commit suicide is someone Gabe once knew…
The Only Survivors by Megan Miranda
- Book Release April 11th, 2023
- FIND THE ONLY SURVIVORS ON AMAZON
A SHORT PREVIEW: On a senior trip through Tennessee, two vans crash into a ravine. Nine students manage to survive.. but as the years go by, more and more students drop dead on the anniversary of that fateful day. When Cassidy Bent receives the latest news of one of her fellow survivors’ deaths, she starts questioning who has a motive for keeping everyone quiet about that day.
Homecoming by Kate Morton
- Book Release April 25, 2023
- FIND HOMECOMING ON AMAZON
A SHORT PREVIEW: It’s 1959 when a man makes a horrific discovery on the grounds of a country estate in Southern Australia. Fast forward many years later, Jess is a journalist called back home to Australia to help aid her ailing grandmother Nora. While staying at the family home, Jess discovers a chilling story with close family ties. How far would you go to protect people you love… who might have committed murder?
Fantasy Book Releases April 2023
Are you a fan of fantasy novels? A few best-selling fantasy authors like Rebecca Ross and Jessica Clare are dropping new novels, and we have a newcomer: Autumn Blake!
For more fantasy reads, explore my Adult Fantasy Novel Reading Guide & Young Adult/New Adult Fantasy Novels guides!
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
- Book Released April 4th, 2023
- FIND DIVINE RIVALS ON AMAZON
A SHORT PREVIEW: When the gods wake from their centuries of sleep and begin wars anew, two rivaling journalists, Iris and Roman, will do everything possible to write the best stories. Though their motivations are very different, Iris and Roman form an unlikely connection in the form of secret pen pals as Iris’s letters fall into Roman’s hands. As he writes Iris back anonymously, they form a deeper connection without their rivalry in the way. What will become of them in this epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance?
Rebecca Ross is the best-selling author of the Elements of Cadence adult fantasy series, and Dreams Lie Beneath – a New Adult fantasy standalone novel.
Bewitched Shadows by Autumn Blake
- Book Release April 4th, 2023
- Available on Kindle Unlimited
- FIND BEWITCHED SHADOWS ON AMAZON
I absolutely enjoyed this little slice of monster romance and cannot WAIT for the next one! This is everything a smutty fantasy lover needs while escaping into the duality of the New Orleans swampy marshes and cold Hellish plane.
THOUGHTS:
– I loved the world-building in this one because I felt like I could easily see every scene. That’s definitely hard to create! Not all authors are able to accomplish the transition so seamlessly.
– The character-building was fun as well. I always love a heroine that’s a bit of a mess, and yet really finds herself. Not to mention that when she loves, she really loves. Killian is the ultimate bad boy character, and I’m here for it!! I think we all love a bad boy that’s terrible to the world but treats his girl like a queen. But he’s also a hero underneath? DE-LI-CIOUS.
**Thank you to Autumn Blake for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR
What The Hex by Jessica Clare
- Book Release April 4th, 2023
- FIND WHAT THE HEX ON AMAZON
A fun & smutty witchy bit of brain candy!
A SHORT PREVIEW: Book #2 of Jessica Clare’s ‘Hex’ series follow Penny on her journey to finally becoming familiar with a witch. With only so many witches & warlocks to go around and way too many familiars, she might have to skirt the rules she loves so much to make her dreams come true. Introduce Willem Sauer to the mix.. the warlock that’s been forbidden from having a familiar.. and what do you get? An explosive grumpy sunshine duo doing their best to outsmart one of Willem’s mortal enemies.
THOUGHTS:
– This book is incredibly smutty, not just for the sex scenes. It’s just sort of in the way the characters talk? As if they’re actually speaking their intrusive thoughts!
– Nothing in this story is heavy. There are a few ‘sad’ parts, but none of it is, I’m my opinion, worthy of noting a content warning, and sometimes these stories are exactly what you need between more serious reads.
**Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR
Non-Fiction Book Releases April 2023
Not interested in historical fiction, contemporary romance, or comedic reads? An exciting April 2023 nonfiction book release is Coronation Year by Jennifer Robson. In the wake of Prince Harry’s ‘Spare’, people are in a tizzy, wanting more information on the British royal family.
Coronation Year by Jennifer Robson
- Book Release April 4th, 2023
- FIND CORONATION YEAR ON AMAZON
A SHORT PREVIEW: How the lives of three very different people were affected by Queen Elizabeth’s coronation year in 1953.
A few more nonfiction book releases in April 2023 to consider are:
- The Ugly History of Beautiful Things: Essays On Desire & Consumption by Katy Kelleher – released April 25th, 2023
- Honey, Baby, Mine: A Mother & Daughter Talk Life, Death, Love (and Banana Pudding) by Laura Dern and Diane Ladd – Released April 25th, 2023
Looking for next month’s upcoming releases? Make sure to sign up for emails from @Southern.Lady.Reads for more bookish news!
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