This Hilarious Kid Who Crashed Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris’ Dinner Date Is Our Hero

The onslaught of after-holidays engagement announcements just keeps coming, with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jason Statham most recently showing off a nice rock at the Golden Globes. While Taylor Swift and boyfriend Calvin Harris have been the target of much will-they-won’t-they engagement speculation, there don’t seem to be any plans just yet. But that didn’t stop Swifties from wildly speculating that a random fan might have ruined a planned proposal. The pair were dining at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica, CA, when a fan by the name of Ricky Selby, seated nearby, asked for a picture. Not just any picture, though – this hilarious kid sat down at the table and started looking over a menu.

“Awesome dinner with mom and dad,” the caption said. WE’RE DYING. Taylor’s fans found the pic (of course), and some commenters seem to think Ricky might have interrupted Harris’ plans to propose. Of course, that’s a preeetty big leap, but not as big a leap as the other commenters confused (betrayed?) by the “mom and dad” bit, wondering if Taylor might have had a secret son this whole time and is being found out. Ricky didn’t acknowledge the conspiracy theorists, but did get in the comments to tell everyone how nice Taylor was.

According to Ricky’s Instagram, he seems to like surfing, snowboarding, swimming and hip-hop. Oh, and being super hilarious.

Do you think this kid ruined a planned proposal? Let us know on Twitter at @britandco!

(Photos via @rickywselby and Jason Merritt/Getty)

Yellowstone season 5B is here! Twisters might have been THE summer movie of 2024, but the western vibes aren't going away, even after the Glen Powell movie has left theaters. The second half of Yellowstone season 5 returned to Paramount November 10 and it did not disappoint. 16.4 million viewers tuned into the premiere over a variety of networks — making it the most-watched season premiere in the show's history.

And it's a major season for one very specific reason: Kevin Costner isn't returning as John Dutton. The star decided to exit the series after season 5's eighth episode premiered in January 2023, but as big of a change is this is, Costner is still an executive producer on the series, giving it a familiarity fans will appreciate.

Yellowstone has always been dramatic, but in the Yellowstone season 5 first look, you can just feel the tension from fan favorites like Beth Dutton, Monica Long, and Kayce Dutton. And no wonder: the Duttons' family drama is coming to a head, and it looks like someone might not make it out alive. Read up on everything you need to know about the new season of Yellowstone, and check out why Paramount+'s New Drama Landman Is Perfect For Yellowstone Fans.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about the final season of Yellowstone.

What happened on the finale of Yellowstone?

Paramount

Yellowstone season 5 had two major themes: save the ranch and avenge John Dutton's death. And the Yellowstone finale saw both of those things happen in their own way. Kayce sells the property to High Chief Thomas Rainwater at $1.25 an acre (the price when his ancestors took it) on two conditions: his family stays in their home, and the land will never be developed or sold to anyone else.

And after John's funeral (where Beth literally tells his casket she'll avenge him), Beth runs off to Jamie's house, gets into a brutal fight, and stabs him in the heart before moving to start a peaceful (?) new life in Dillon, Montana with Rip. I guess all's well that ends well?

Is this the last season of Yellowstone?

Paramount

It's always hard to say goodbye to a beloved show, but despite reports that Yellowstone would end with season 5, it looks like we could be getting a Yellowstone season 6 after all. Deadline confirmed that negotiations are happening for a potential continuation, which would focus on Kelly Reilly's Beth and Cole Hauser's Rip.

Reilly told Entertainment Weekly ahead of the season 5 premiere that "Beth is more like a wild animal this season than ever. When I read the scripts, it made me think [that] she is, for the first time, maybe afraid she will lose it for [her dad]."

"It's dark, brutal and desperate stuff — gaining power, losing it, defending and fighting," she continues. "It's bloody and at times beautiful in how it breaks them into their core selves." The setup for a potential season 6 will totally depend on how season 5 ends — and how it affects Beth, Rip, and the rest of the family.

Is Kevin Costner in Yellowstone season 5 part 2?

Paramount

No Kevin Costner is not in the second half of Yellowstone season 5, and we find out the fate of his character John Dutton immediately. When Beth and Kayce find John dead in the bathroom, Beth immediately suspects foul play and blames it on Jamie. Well, Kevin is finally speaking on his character's end, and told The Michael Smerconish Programon November 11 that he actually didn't know the show had premiered the night before.

“I’m going to be perfectly honest. I didn’t know it was actually airing last night,” he says. “That’s a swear-to-God moment. I’ve been seeing ads with my face all over the place and I’m thinking, ‘Gee, I’m not in that one.’ But I didn’t realize yesterday was the thing...I heard it’s a suicide, so that doesn’t make me want to rush to go see it.”

But even if Kevin isn't over the moon about watching his character die, he doesn't have any bad blood with the writers. “They’re pretty smart people,” he continues. “Maybe it’s a red herring. Who knows? They’re very good. And they’ll figure that out.”

Well, the actor told Entertainment Tonight that he STILL hasn't seen the season 5 premiere as of November 17. “I didn’t watch it, so I don’t really have any thoughts about it,” he said. Due to delays from the writer's strike, and a tug-of-war between Paramount saying Kevin couldn't film new episodes and Kevin saying creator Taylor Sheridan took too long to write the scripts, the actor chose to leave the series, reportedly in part to promote his Horizon movie franchise.

“I gave this thing five seasons,” the actor told The Hollywood Reporterthis summer. “I was really happy to do it. And I don’t need drama. So, let’s just take that drama away, let’s take the guessing [away]. The fans have been way too good to me. And my obligation is to go on and continue to make things that mean something to them.”

How many episodes are in Yellowstone season 5?

Yellowstone season 5 part 2 features 6 episodes, meaning that Yellowstone season 5 will have a total of 14 episodes. Here's each episode title and release date:

  • Episode 1: "One Hundred Years Is Nothing" on November 13, 2022
  • Episode 2: "The Sting of Wisdom" on November 13, 2022
  • Episode 3: "Tall Drink of Water" on November 20, 2022
  • Episode 4: "Horses in Heaven" on November 27, 2022
  • Episode 5: "Watch 'Em Ride Away" on December 4, 2022
  • Episode 6: "Cigarettes, Whiskey, a Meadow and You" on December 11, 2022
  • Episode 7: "The Dream Is Not Me" on December 18, 2022
  • Episode 8: "A Knife and No Coin" on January 1, 2023
  • Episode 9: "Desire Is All You Need" on November 10, 2024
  • Episode 10: "The Apocalypse of Change" on November 17, 2024
  • Episode 11: "Three Fifty-Three" on November 24, 2024
  • Episode 12: "Counting Coup" On December 1, 2024
  • Episode 13: "Give the World Away" On December 8, 2024
  • Episode 14: "Life Is A Promise" On December 15, 2024

See our interviews with the 'Yellowstone' cast!

@britandco Who run the world ?! #kellyreilly#yellowstone#bethdutton#tv#tvshow#premiere#nyc#newyork♬ original sound - Brit + Co

Wendy Moniz spilled on working with everyone's favorite lady Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton).

@britandco John Emmet Tracy told us all about filming the final season of #Yellowstone 🐴 #johnemmettracy#ellissteele#nyc#redcarpet#premiere#newyork#newyorkcity#fyp♬ original sound - Brit + Co

While John Emmet Tracy gave us the best advice for dealing with crazy families during the holidays!

@britandco You’re welcome 😌 #yellowstone#cowboy#cowboyboots#fashion#premiere#fyp#ianbohen♬ original sound - Brit + Co

And we couldn't pass up the opportunity to ask Ian Bohen the best way to take off cowboy boots ;).

What is Yellowstone season 5 about?

Paramount

Yellowstone Season 5 Plot

The series introduced us to the Duttons, a powerful family in charge of America's biggest contiguous cattle ranch. Every season has been gritty and powerful, and in the fifth season, we've seen John become Montana's governor and make Beth his chief of staff. But with Jamie trying to take the power away from his dad, the Duttons are fighting each other like we've never seen — especially when Jamie and Beth start considering how to get away with murder.

Luke Grimes recently told Entertainment Weekly how pleased he is with the finale, and Kelly Reilly revealed creator Taylor Sheridan actually told her the ending to the series while they filmed season 1.

“I read the last episode the day before we started filming,” Luke says. “I couldn't be happier. I think it's a perfect ending for the show for every character. It's just a testament to what a good writer Taylor is, and it's a very, very profound, beautiful ending. I can't wait to sit down and watch it one day.”

Is Yellowstone season 5 part 2 out yet?

Paramount

Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 Release Date

Yes, Yellowstone season 5 part 2 premiered on Paramount November 10, 2024. You can watch new episodes every Sunday.

The series filmed in Montana during the summer of 2024.

Who's in the cast of Yellowstone season 5?

Paramount

Yellowstone Season 5 Cast

The cast of Yellowstone season 5 includes Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Luke Grimes, Kelsey Asbille, Brecken Merrill, Finn Little, Cole Hauser, Gil Birmingham, Wendy Moniz, Mo Brings Plenty, and Bella Hadid.

Where can I watch season 5 part 1 of Yellowstone?

Paramount

The first half of Yellowstone season 5 is now streaming on Peacock.

Are you excited for Yellowstone season 5 part 2? Read up on The First Cast Member For Yellowstone's 2024 Spinoff, The Madison for more about our new favorite universe.

This post has been updated.

If your hair has been feeling more like straw than silk lately, it’s time to give it some TLC with a good deep conditioner. Deep conditioners work wonders at healing dry and damaged hair– the best ones are often formulated with ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, and keratin. Whether you’re battling winter dryness, heat damage, or just need a little extra moisture, these 8 deep conditioners will leave your locks soft, shiny, and oh-so manageable, no matter your hair type!

Scroll on to see the top-rated deep conditioners that'll instantly revive dry, damaged hair.

Amazon

Artnatural Argan Oil + Aloe Vera Deep Conditioner

This deep conditioner with a 4.7-star rating includes nourishing argan oil and aloe vera. It even comes with a silk bonnet to wear while the product works its magic overnight. The extra layer helps prevent frizz, split ends, and further hair damage. The best part is it's only $13 (was $18)!

Promising review: "Makes your hair soft, shiny and smells amazing! It’s moisturizing, does not weigh my hair down. Definitely improves my hair health, I have highlighted blond hair so I use the mask every two to 3 days to keep up the healthy hair look! You don’t need to use a lot - normal amount from mid strand to ends."

Amazon

Palmer's Coconut Oil Moisture Boost Deep Conditioner

The coconut oil in this 4.6-star deep conditioner's formula will totally transform dry locks. Its especially hydrating for curly hair of any curl type! The ingredients are fully plant-based, so you can trust they'll always be healthy for your hair.

Promising review: "I know that some ladies are very uptight about ingredients, etc for their hair. I can honestly say that this works so much better than any other deep conditioner that I have either made or bought. I don't get too caught up in the "expensive is better" or "cheap products are junk" debate. I use what works for my hair and this definitely does an excellent job of moisturizing my hair and making it shiny. It only leave it on for the length of my shower and wow!"

Amazon

Camille Rose Algae Renew Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

Amazon shoppers have granted this heavenly-smelling deep conditioner 4.6 out of 5 stars for how effective it is. The $16 product works wonders at preventing hair thinning, shedding, and breakage. The mango butter acts as a nice emollient to lock in all the moisture.

Promising review: "It’s difficult to find a deep conditioner that actually brings moisture to my hair and revives it. I kinda followed the instructions on the label but I left it on longer than stated. It’s thick and I feel like that’s what my hair needed. I rinsed my hair, dried it with a towel mannn I didn’t have to do much untangling!! It left my hair soft and easy to comb through. I’m now looking to purchase some of the other products."

Amazon

SheaMoisture Intensive Hydration Hair Masque

SheaMoisture is one of my favorite hair care brands because every one of their products I've tried actually do what they say they do. This 4.6-star hair mask is no exception – it truly does provide "intensive" hair repair and hydration. The formula with manuka honey and mafura oil is friendly on over-processed, damaged, or color-treated hair and helps you build stronger, healthier, and frizz-free strands.

Promising review: "i have naturally wavy/curly hair but i damaged it so bad with bleach that they kind of went away. i did a lot of hair masks, gave it a lot of time to breathe, etc etc etc and this is the only thing to come close to restoring my natural curl pattern. it smells amazing, helps with frizziness, and definitely helps my hair feel healthier, moisturized, and as shiny as it can be. i also notice that it's better than a lot of other products when it comes to maintaining hair color. my dyed hair doesn't bleed or become discolored with this product. love the ingredients too!! phenomenal brand and product overall."

Amazon

Unove Deep Damage Hair Treatment Mask

This 4.6-star pick comes complete with highly-concentrated proteins that seep deep into your locks for noticeable shine and hydration. What sets it apart the most is it's fast-acting, so you don't necessarily need to let it sit on your head for a long time – just a quick application in the shower will do! It also smells ahh-mazing with notes of citrus and flowers.

Promising review: "This is my favorite treatment I’ve ever used. My hair is thick and dry, but this product makes it feel soft and manageable. It seems to reduce damage as well; every time I go to the salon, my stylist comments on how strong and healthy my hair looks. The scent is just right—not too strong, which I appreciate."

Amazon

Mielle Organics Babassu & Mint Deep Conditioner

Mielle makes my absolute favorite conditioner (read about it here!), so this 4.5-star deep conditioner is definitely next-up on my self-care "buy" list. The blend of natural oils and fatty acids help reduce breakage and smooth ends, frizz, and flyaways – all without weighing down your hair. It's safe for all hair types, too, so you could easily share the love with your roomie or S.O.

Promising review: "This is my favorite deep conditioner. I sometimes use this as a cowash instead of after shampooing. Smells great and leaves my hair feeling soft and looks shiny. I have natural curly hair with blonde highlights. I wish there was a bigger tub. I go through this fast."

Amazon

Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Hair Mask + Deep Conditioner

This $13 deep conditioner leaves your locks with such a luxurious feel, thanks to the strengthening and hydrating argan oil. The shine it gives is also impeccable! Shoppers have given it 4.5 out of 5 stars for its rich texture, effectiveness, and its ability to deliver "salon-quality" results.

Promising review: "My hair is three feet long. I use this generously around every couple weeks after I shampoo. I get as much water out of my hair, I slather on about half the tub (again, my hair is very long). I leave it in while I shave and soap up and rinse. Then I rinse it out. One side bonus is that it makes the skin on my body so soft. The smell is beautiful and I get comments about the nice smell. The end result is that my hair flows from the top to bottom. The areas that tend to look a little dry (bottom) look just as shiny and moisturized as the rest of my hair. I will use this the rest of my life and recommend it to everyone."

Amazon

OUAI Thick Hair Mask

If you want your locks to look and feel expensive, this 4.5-star OUAI hair mask is the way to go. Just one use will leave your hair feeling smoother, softer, and stronger. The formula includes ilipe and shea butters to condition, almond, olive, and macadamia oils to soften and smooth, and hydrolyzed keratin to prevent breakage.

Promising review: "I have oily scalp and dry ends. My end are so dry that they soak up water and takes hours to air dry. I used this today for the first time and my hair air dried 50% faster than normal. My hair feels soft, but not oily. This is my new favorite hair product!"

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more amazing beauty products!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Desserts make Christmas go around, but it can be hard to find time to bake with countless holiday parties to attend. If you're feeling a little oven-shy or wonder why those cookie recipes you try to bake come out looking gooey, maybe it's time for a different approach.

Because we've been there before, we put together a list of 35 stellar “no-bake" recipes that will satisfy everyone's preferences and dietary restrictions! If you're still craving something sweet after reading about these delectable treats try making our No-Bake Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie or our adorable No-Bake Grammy Bon Bons!

Half Baked Harvest

No Bake Mixed Berry Custard Tart

It's hard to believe this stunning dessert is no bake! Buttery Ritz crackers are the secret with homemade vanilla custard, mixed berries, and sweet honey. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Clean Cuisine

No Bake Key Lime Pie

Love the little something green on your holiday dessert table and this healthy twist on traditional key limes is sure to please! (via Clean Cuisine)

Vikalinka

No Bake Strawberry Meringue Cheesecake

It's all in the name and it's all absolutely delicious. (via Vikalinka)

Averie Cooks

No Bake Tiramisu

Not a lot of time? This no-bake dessert infused with espresso, Kahlua, a luscious creamy filling is decadent and so easy! (via Averie Cooks)

Hello Little Home

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

Give your cheesecake a taste of fall with this delightful holiday dessert. (via Hello Little Home)

Kathryn's Kitchen

No Bake Chocolate Peppermint Graham Crackers

These no bake bars are a crowd pleaser and make great last-minute gifts! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Woman Scribbles

No Bake Coffee Swirl Cheesecake

Add a hint of coffee flavor to your cheesecake dessert. (via Woman Scribbles)

Chocolate No-Bake Holiday Desserts

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

A staple around the holidays, these cookies require one pot and a stove top. These cookies contain dangerously delicious amounts of peanut butter and chocolate, and for a different texture, try making them with Crunchy peanut butter. (via Foodista)

The Real Food Dietitians

Vegan No Bake Brownies

Whip up these egg-free brownies in only 20 minutes! (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Vanilla and Bean

Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

These bite-size desserts are gluten free and incredible delicious. Bet you can't eat just one! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Completely Delicious

Chocolate Oreo Parfaits

This three-ingredient dessert is so simple and requires no oven! (via Completely Delicious)

Scotcheroo Bar

This classic from Buns in My Ovenis always welcome at large gatherings. Added bonus, you can make a whole pan of these treats in one batch making it a low stress contribution. (via Buns in My Oven)

Triple Chocolate Brownies

The name alone makes us hungry. Anything with that much chocolate has to be delicious. (via Food 52)

Peanut Butter Bar

Another large group friendly recipe, these Peanut Butter Bars from Our Best Bitesare sure to please even the pickiest of eaters, think a giant Reese’s cup. (via Our Best Bites)

Vegan Peanut Butter Cacao Fudge Bars

Yes these amazing looking fudge bars are vegan! That means none of your friends and family have to miss out on the holiday goodies. (via Lunch Box Bunch)

Oreo Truffles

How do dense and delicious little Oreo truffles sound to you? We’re certainly excited about this finger friendly truffle. (via Bakerella)

Chocolate Mousse

No no-bake list would be complete without a mention of mousse. So here is a fabulous chocolate mousse for your palate’s pleasure. (via Food Network)

Homemade Tootsie Rolls

Looking for a sweet gift for that candy lover in your life or maybe just trying to find an easy item to contribute to that holiday party? Look no further! (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Peppermint Fudge

This super simple fudge has color in all the right places. Not to mention the sweet crushed candy cane on top that makes this dessert undeniably festive. (via Shugary Sweets)

Girl Scout No-Bake Holiday Desserts

Thin Mint Cookies

Dreaming about Girl Scout Cookies? Satisfy your crunchy, minty craving by making your own thin mints and if you’re feeling generous, give some as gifts! (via Everyday Reading )

Thin Mint Puppy Chow

What makes the delectable powdered sugary goodness of puppy chow (or muddy buddies) even better? Some mint! (via Shugary Sweets)

Samoa Bars

Okay maybe we’re a little Girl Scout focused but if Thin Mints aren’t your thing why not make Samoa Bars! (via Babble)

No-Bake Holiday Cheesecakes

White Chocolate No-Bake Cheesecake

These very red and white little cheesecakes would add the perfect festive touch to any meal and will wow friends and family! (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Easy No-Bake Cheesecake

Ready to wow the folks at your Holiday table? Knock their socks off with this stunning and simple Cheesecake! (via Just a Taste)

Gingerbread Oreo No Bake Mini Cheesecakes

Oreos, cheesecake, and gingerbread all in one? I think I just died and went to no-bake dessert heaven. (via My Baking Addiction)

No-Bake Holiday Pies

No Bake Mini Grasshopper Pies

We can’t get over how sweet these little desserts are, both visually and to eat! These individual desserts would be a perfect addition to a small dinner party. (Image via A Pretty Life in the Suburbs)

S’More Pie

If you tried our S’More pie and loved it, you’ll love this version as well! It does take longer to make but maybe you could whip up both and have a blind tasting… (via Brown Eyed Baker)

Orange and Cream Pie

To satisfy, dare we say it, the non-chocoholics in the room. This classy pie will be refreshing and sweet. (via Joy the Baker)

Peanut Butter Pie

And the peanut butter just keeps coming! This light and fluffy peanut butter pie will keep Grandpa coming back for seconds. (via One Ordinary Day)

Vegan Walnut Pumpkin Pie

A vegan take on a Holiday classic. This pie is the best of both worlds! (via Lunch Box Bunch)

Miscellaneous No-Bake Holiday Desserts

Vanilla Panna Cotta and Pomegranate Jelly

This elegant dessert requires absolutely no oven and looks amazing in a delicate glass. Make sure the glasses allow easy access for large spoons! (via Inspired Edibles)

Candy Cane Bark

Chaos is key to a gorgeous candy cane bark. Throw everything together and voila! A dessert that’s ready to be gifted. (via Babble)

Oreo Layer Dessert

Cool whip and chocolate pudding, nothings better! This low maintenance dessert is perfect for the dessert maker that prefers to keep things simple. (via Brown Eyed Baker)

Banana Pudding with Homemade Salted Caramel

Just in case you’re looking for something a tiny bit old fashioned for a family dinner, give these a try! They are a delicious new take on a sweet classic. (via Just a Taste )

Peanut Butter Banana Granola Bites

If massive amounts of sugar and butter make you squirm, there’s no need to miss out on all the dessert fun. Try these slightly sweet and healthy granola bites! (via Joy the Baker)

Which no-bake holiday dessert recipe will you try before the end of 2024?

Lead image via My Baking Addiction

There are few holiday moviescenes as iconic as THE Love Actually cue card scene. In case you haven't watched the movie since last Christmas, the scene comes at the end of the film, when Juliet (Kiera Knightley) finds Mark (Andrew Lincoln) outside with cue cards declaring his love for her, and a Christmas carol-playing boombox to mask their conversation. They stand gazing into each other's eyes, and share a kiss before the credits roll.

But even though this moment is cemented in pop culture history, I've always found it really icky for one reason: Juliet's husband, and Mark's best friend, is inside, oblivious to the whole thing!!! And turns out, I'm not the only one who doesn't like this Love Actually scene — Keira Knightley found it super weird to film.

Here's what Keira Knightley had to say about the iconic Love Actually cue card scene.

Keira Knightley might not remember much about 'Love Actually,' but she remembers disliking the end.

Believe it or not, Keira Knightley doesn't actually remember much about Love Actually, but she'll never forget filming the cue card scene. "The slightly stalkerish aspect of it — I do remember that," she told the LA Times. "My memory is of [director] Richard [Curtis], who is now a very dear friend, of me doing the scene, and him going, 'No, you’re looking at [Lincoln] like he’s creepy,' and I’m like [in a dramatic whisper], “But it is quite creepy.' And then having to redo it to fix my face to make him seem not creepy."

The Black Dovesactress has a good reason for not remembering much of the movie, though: she was on set for five days...and she was only 17. "Most of my films I have either never seen or I have only seen once," she continues. "So it’s nothing against Love Actually. It’s lovely because it didn’t do as well as everyone thought it was going to when it came out. Suddenly, like three or four years later, it sort of took on a life of its own. It’s the only film I’ve had that found this life afterward. The problem is, I was on it for about five days. I was 17, so I don’t actually have any memory whatsoever of it."

Okay, I would totally disagree that Love Actually is the only movie with a life of its own — I'd say Pride & Prejudice definitely became its own beautiful creature.

Keira also revealed the real reason she wore the iconic baker boy hat.

The cue card scene isn't the only piece of Love Actually lore Keira's dropped in recent years. She also told BBC 1 she wasn't technically supposed to wear her baker boy hat (another iconic detail from the movie). Then she got a huge zit on her forehead.

“This is the problem with being 17 and being in films," she says. "I mean — it was humongous so there was no choice but we had to find a hat to cover it. Cause there was no lighting, there was no makeup that was going to cover it.”

“It’s funny how you just remember extreme embarrassment, isn't it?" Keira continues. "I remember coming in in the morning, being like, ‘Oh wow, I’ve got another head on my head. What are we going to do? There’s nothing we can do about this.' But there is, because you can always put a hat over it!” And that's a rule I like to live by.

Read up on The Most Stylish Holiday Movie Leading Ladies, Ranked and The Best The Holiday Relationship Has Nothing To Do With Romance for more Christmas movie goodness!

Am I really that delusional to think reading the best romance books of the year had something to do with the deepened connection between my fiancé and I? Maybe, maybe not. What I do know is that these books sparked my imagination which led to more dates and the growth of a love language I used to cringe at — consistent physical touch.

If you love the classic romance troupes, you'll enjoy getting to know the many ways people can fall in love with these 10 books.

Here are 10 best romance books that were so spicy — & I totally fell in love with this year!

Amazon

1. How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

How many times will I add this book to a "best of" roundup? It's hard to say, but this probably won't be the last time you hear about How to End a Love Story.
I don't want to cheapen it's plot by saying it follows the familiar enemies-to-lovers troupe because Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard's trajectory stems from a tragic situation they couldn't control. What readers will discover is they were unfairly thrust in the middle of something that requires a lot of them and have had to try to build their lives after it.
The fact they get to work together on an adaptation of one of Helen's most popular books is just the beginning of the dismantling of their rigid shells.

Amazon

2. The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

The Paradise Problemis the other book I'll forever champion because you couldn't tell it was written by two authors! That's right, Christina Lauren is a bestie duo that managed to craft Anna and Liam's story in a way that makes me wish I could meet them in my mind for the first time.
Unknown to them, they're both dealing with family issues. The only difference is that Anna's always know what it's liked to loved and supported by her dad while Liam's had to face a cold, calculating one. Together, they'll learn that a fake relationship can give way to something beautiful if they're able to work past the looming disaster that's waiting for them.

Amazon

3. Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell

Rainbow Rowell created magic with Slow Dance and it has everything to do with the fact two best friends didn't realize they were in love with each other. Their names? Shiloh and Cary.
They used to be really close when they were younger, but adulthood pulled them in separate directions and things sort of fell apart. For Shiloh, being a single mother whose dreams didn't pan out the way she wanted feels particularly tough.
Still, attending a friend's wedding gives her a spark of hope and anxiety because she knows she'll see Cary again. When they do lay eyes on each other, all of their memories and unspoken words come rushing back.

Amazon

4. The Slowest Burn by Sarah Chamberlain

The Slowest Burn is the only piece of fiction that inspired me to start cooking recipes with my fiancé again this year. It's full of tasty glimpses of recipes and a little spicy romance that'll make you blush.

Ellie Wasserman and Kiernan O'Neill couldn't be more different than each other, but yet they're forced to get a little more acquainted when they get into a verbal spat during the latter's big night at the restaurant he works at. Ellie's supposed to be the ghostwriter for Kiernan's cookbook, but he has no idea what he wants to include and that aggravates Ellie because she thinks he has the privilege of not caring.

However, a weeks days together proves they've misjudged each other and things start heating up in more ways than one.

Amazon

5. Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Just for the Summer is another fun rom-com that I enjoyed reading for it's interesting plot. Justin and Emma find their way into each other's lives as they grapple with having back luck in the love department. They've both watched countless exes find love and happiness after dating them so they decide it's worth date each other for a while before calling it quits. The problem is that their little time on Lake Minnesota comes with a lot more than they bargained for.

Amazon

6. This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

What is it about flings that makes us think they're a good idea? I don't think we have the answers, especially Lucy and Felix. They have a great time together while she's visiting Prince Edward Island, but Felix has very close ties to Lucy's best friend. Over time, Lucy's trips to the island with her bestie Bridget become more frequent and she swears off having another intimate moment with Felix.
One day, Bridget gets a case of the wedding jitters and leaves for Toronto. Wanting to come to figure out what's going on, Lucy trails behind her. She'll have to ease her friend's fears and pretend she doesn't feel anything for the man she can't stop thinking about.

Amazon

7. Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan

Ali Morris reminds me of everyone who's know how to help other people keep track of things while their own life is a mess. She's still grieving her mom when her marriage crumbles so she kind of gives up on life. When she decides to at least get out of the house, she meets Ethan...while wearing overalls of all things.

She's not sure what will happen, but she decides to let herself get caught up in Ethan for the summer. She's genuinely surprised when it genuinely seems like Ethan likes her and wouldn't mind having something more than a summer romance.

Amazon

8. A Novel Love Storyby Ashley Poston

Eileen Merriweather is a girl after my own heart because she loves reading romance books too. At least they keep her mind off the fact her soon-to-be-husband decided to call off their wedding during the ceremony. The one thing she has to look forward to is the book club retreat she's going to. She's filled with so much excitement until a mishap leaves her stuck in the small town of Eloraton.
It's a place she's read about before which lessens the blow of what's happened until she realizes nothing's progressed from the author's story who's no longer alive. The only person is her way is an irritatingly moody and sexy bookshop owner who doesn't want her meddling in things.
It could be that she and him are the key to putting things on the right track, if only they can get aligned on a plan.

Amazon

9. Wild Love by Elsie Silver

Ford Grant doesn't care about having his accomplishments or looks celebrated. He'd actually prefer to set up shop in Rose Hill, but his plans are interrupted when his alleged daughter finds him. So, he runs his business and tries to connect with the moody pre-teen that's become a regular part of his life. Further complicating his life is the presence of Rosie Belmont — the sister of his best friend.

He doesn't hesitate to give her a job when she asks, determined to keep things professional. However, the more he tries to create distance between them, the more she inches closer.

There's so many reasons why Ford should stay away from Rosie, but emotion keeps overriding logic.

Amazon

10. A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

Tia Williams painted a lovely picture of love between two creative artists who find love in Harlem, NY. It starts with Ricki Wilde understanding she's nothing like her sisters or wealthy family in Atlanta. She'd rather pursue a more freeing experience that's not bound by so many stuffy rules and the terrible romantic picks she keeps running into.
As Ricki gets settled in Harlem, she ends up meeting Ezra and that's when time and love begin to give way to something greater than she could've ever imagined.

Don't miss out on the overall best books I read in 2024! Check out our storefront for even more good reads to pick up this year!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.