The Five Best Romance Novels of 2025

Looking forward to the publishing scene of the coming year, a new crop of romantic fiction is ready to steal the hearts of audiences. This list features five standout books that promise everything from clever present-day narratives to profoundly emotional literary journeys.

"Consider Yourself Kissed"

This witty and contemporary story follows the ten-year love story between father Adam and writer Coralie. More than an initial charming encounter, the novel acquires weight by delving into themes of blended families, professional pursuits, and even societal issues. The prose is consistently wonderful, providing real substance combined with its heartwarming escape.

Problematic Summer Romance

From a titan of the romance genre, this funny and sharp brainy romance sparked discussion due to its central age gap. The heroine, Maya, is 23, while the object of her affection, Conor, is 38. The book, however is typically charming, packed with hilarious one-liners and playful banter. It cleverly tackles questions of autonomy and choice with a conflicted male lead who resists the romance.

'Sweet Heat'

This beautiful new novel features the cherished cast from the author's earlier acclaimed work. We follow Kiki, a podcaster about love whose private relationships are a disaster area. Complications ensue when her dashing former flame, Malakai, returns as the best man at a wedding she's in. What follows is a story that is both clever but also imbued with genuine warmth and thoughtful characterization, turning the foreseeable plot totally delightful.

"Cover Story"

Crafted by an author renowned for her incredible humor, this novel revolves around two writers in a feud who are forced to pretend as a duo for an assignment. Essentially, the concept is a perfect excuse for the author's signature sharp observations and underlying sweetness. Fans will find the same brilliant humor that has made her a beloved voice in contemporary romance.

Heart the Lover

This highly literary love story starts with a revealing sentence: "You knew I'd write a book about you one day." Laden with homages to classic tales, from its evocative cover to its deliberately selected character names, the novel drops book lovers into a realm of youthful passion and its lifelong fallout. It probes relationships and longing across decades with exceptional grace and literary skill, making it an ideal gift for the romantically minded reader.

As a group, these quintet of books illustrate the rich variety and lasting power of the romance genre as we enter the new year.