New year, new me? Not really. But I do like to start January with a clean slate — which means the holiday decorations are back in their boxes, and while my house will never be completely clutter-free, things are a little tidier, including my bookshelves! Here’s to a fresh year of good books and abundant reading time — and here’s a look at what I enjoyed as we closed out 2024. 

*****

Heartwarming and hilarious, Is She Really Going Out With Him? (Putnam) is Sophie Cousens at her very best.

Since her divorce a year ago, 38-year-old magazine columnist Anna Appleby has given up on love and isn’t exactly eager to jump back into the dating pool (unlike her ex). Juggling her responsibilities as a single mom, Anna is content with her kids, her cat, and her job. Sure, she writes the occasional snarky article about love and romance, or lack thereof, but who can blame her?

But when it seems she’s at risk of being replaced by her younger, charming co-worker, Will Havers, Anna pitches a bold new idea to save her career: a dating column where her two kids choose her dates. Her boss is thrilled, but Will throws a wrench in Anna’s plans by starting his own column chronicling his experiences with dating apps. It’s meant to be a contrast to Anna’s column but only fuels her fear that she’s replaceable.

Anna’s kid-curated dates lead to hilariously awkward moments — a fishing trip gone wrong, a celebrity encounter, and even a date with the mail carrier. As Anna navigates the chaos of these outings, she’s forced to confront her feelings for Will, who’s proving to be more than just an office nemesis. Their banter crackles with tension, and their evolving relationship is both steamy and sweet, culminating in tender moments that reveal their vulnerabilities.

Cousens delivers a laugh-out-loud romance that celebrates second chances and self-discovery. With a relatable heroine, colorful side characters, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments, this story seamlessly blends humor and heart. Anna’s journey back to hope and love is messy, refreshing, and satisfying.

*****

Kayla Olson’s The Lodge (Atria Books) is a low-stakes, feel-good romance that brings all the cozy winter vibes — and features one of the best “book boyfriends” of the season. 

Entertainment journalist Alix Morgan has landed a dream gig: ghostwriting the memoir of Sebastian Green, a former member of the boy band True North. Sebastian even throws in a penthouse stay at Black Maple Lodge, a picturesque Vermont ski resort, where Alix can work in peace. But her ideal setup hits a snag when Sebastian proves unresponsive, ignoring her increasingly frantic texts and phone calls. Luckily, handsome ski instructor Tyler Fox provides a welcome distraction by teaching her to ski and showing her the beauty of the mountains.

As Alix struggles with writing Sebastian’s memoir, the unresolved mystery of his former bandmate and lead singer of True North, Jett Beckett, casts a shadow over the project. Alix was the last journalist to interview the enigmatic Jett before he vanished eight years ago, and she wonders if their conversation might’ve somehow influenced his disappearance from the music scene. Fans would love to know the truth — which only puts more pressure on Alix as she tries to tease out the real story about the band’s troubled history.

The novel’s plot twist is less a mystery than a fun reveal, but the chemistry between Alix and Tyler is immediate and undeniable. Their delightful romp is perfect for a snowy afternoon.

*****

With PS: I Hate You (Berkley), Lauren Connolly delivers the kind of enemies-to-lovers tale I can’t resist, brilliantly balancing grief, humor, and the healing power of love.

Madeline Sanderson is reeling from the loss of her beloved older brother, Josh, to cancer. Her dark wit and biting sarcasm are her armor — especially when faced with Dominic Perry, Josh’s best friend, who broke her heart years ago. Josh’s final wish was for Maddie to scatter his ashes in the eight states he never got to visit. It’s a request she would be honored to fulfill alone, but there’s an infuriating catch: Josh wanted Dom to go with her.

Forced to confront their complicated history and shared loss, Maddie and Dom form a reluctant partnership that careens from snarky banter to tense confrontations to moments of unexpected vulnerability. Through awkward encounters and heartfelt revelations, a slow-burn romance develops, as if Josh’s intent all along was to play matchmaker from beyond the grave. 

Connolly knows that love happens when you least expect it, and her story celebrates the joy and wonder of finding it in the midst of profound grief. Maddie and Dom’s journey toward a relationship that might just heal them both will stay with me for a long time.

Kristina Wright lives in Virginia with her husband, their two sons, two Goldendoodles, and a ginger cat. She’s a regular contributor at BookBub and a lifelong fan of romance fiction. Find her on Twitter at @kristinawright or on Bookshop, where she features her book recommendations.