Best romance books of 2025: the ultimate list of what to read next

Onyx Storm

Written by Rebecca Yarros

It will be no surprise to hear that Book 3 in the Empyrean series was the most popular romance book of 2025! Rebecca Yarro’s Onyx Storm follows Violet Sorrengail eighteen months after she starts studying at Basgiath War College. With the war getting closer, Violet must journey beyond the walls of her college to find allies to fight with her.

1. Onyx Storm

Written by Rebecca Yarros

Onyx Storm follows Violet Sorrengail eighteen months after she starts studying at Basgiath War College. With the war getting closer, Violet must journey beyond the walls of her college to find allies to fight with her.

This book is for you if you love romantasy and magic.

2. Sunrise on the Reaping

Written by Suzanne Collins

In Suzanne Collin’s fifth book in the Hunger Game series, a young Haymitch Abernathy must participate in the Hunger Games to save his family from government execution.

You’ll love Sunrise on the Reaping if you’re a fan of YA romance and adventure.

3. Great Big Beautiful Life

Written by Emily Henry

In search of her big break, aspiring writer Alice Scott finds herself on an island with cynical journalist Hayden Anderson as they both compete to write the biography of the island’s mysterious resident.

This is for lovers of contemporary romance and chick lit.

4. Atmosphere

Written by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Two rival astronauts training for a mission to Mars must look past their competitive drives as they develop feelings for each other.

Atmosphere is great for readers who enjoy historical LGBT romance.

5. Say You’ll Remember Me

Written by Abby Jimenez

Samantha is dealing with a family crisis and has no space for a relationship in her life, until a perfect date with a veterinarian makes her realise that no amount of time or distance will let her forget about him.

Abby Jimenez’s book is for those who enjoy contemporary romance and rom coms.

6. Broken Country

Written by Clare Leslie Halls

A couple’s happy life is reliant on a secret remaining undiscovered, but their peaceful life becomes vulnearble after a local shooting incident.

This is the book for you if you love mystery and historical romance.

7. Deep End

Written by Ali Hazelwood

When a dedicated Stanford swimmer crosses paths with a competitive diver, Scarlett must balance her athletic ambitions against a forbidden, high-stakes campus romance that threatens to derail both of their futures.

You’ll enjoy Deep End if you’re in the mood for a college sports romance.

8. One Golden Summer

Written by Carley Fortune

Photographer Alice moves in with her grandmother to help her recover from a broken hip where she clashes with a handsome man who owns a yellow boat.

One Golden Summer will be up your ally if you are looking for a classic summer read.

9. Fearless

Written by Lauren Roberts

Paedyn Gray receives an unexpected marriage proposal from Kitt Azer, the son of the king she killed.

This is for you if you have read the first two books in The Powerless Trilogy and enjoy YA romantasy.

10. Problematic Summer Romance

Written by Ali Hazelwood

Set in Italy, 23-year-old Maya falls for an older man who makes it clear that he wants Maya gone from his life as their relationship is too imbalanced.

Problematic Summer Romance is for those who love forced proximity and friends to lovers.