10 Most Anticipated Romance Book Released of 2025

If you’re looking for your next favorite read, 2025 has delivered some truly unforgettable romance, contemporary fiction, and small-town love stories. From heartfelt slow-burns to sizzling enemies-to-lovers, these books are packed with emotional depth, witty banter, and captivating plots. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy small-town romance, an epic fantasy adventure with dragons, or a heartfelt coming-of-age story, this list has something for every book lover.

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood concludes with Scarlett and Lukas finding their happily-ever-after, but their journey is a complicated one. After a tumultuous period, their relationship finally stabilizes. Lukas, who was a rock for Scarlett throughout her struggles, especially with her diving career and her mother’s illness, commits fully to her. He supports her through a difficult and ultimately life-changing decision to take a break from diving.

Scarlett, meanwhile, learns to face her past trauma and realizes that her identity is not solely tied to being a competitive diver. With the help of her therapist and, crucially, Lukas, she finds the courage to make a choice that is right for her mental and physical health. This decision, though heartbreaking for her, is a massive step in her personal growth.

The climax of the book involves Scarlett confronting her mother, leading to a tearful but honest conversation about their past. This confrontation provides Scarlett with a sense of closure and helps her to finally move forward.

The book ends with Scarlett and Lukas together, planning a future that isn’t dictated by the rigid schedule of collegiate sports. They are both looking forward to new chapters in their lives. The conclusion solidifies that their love is real and built on a foundation of mutual support, emotional understanding, and a whole lot of steamy chemistry. It’s a classic Hazelwood ending—the smart, complex heroine gets her satisfying happy ending with the brooding, dedicated hero, proving that sometimes, the hardest choices lead to the greatest rewards.

Onyx Storm is the third book in the popular Empyrean series, released in January 2025. It picks up after the events of Iron Flame, with Violet Sorrengail facing new challenges both within and outside the walls of Basgiath War College. With her allies, she must embark on a dangerous journey to find new allies and a way to defeat the venin army.

A major plot point is Violet’s desperate search for a cure for Xaden Riorson, who has turned venin. She believes the key to saving him and winning the war lies with the “seventh breed of dragons,” which her dragon Andarna belongs to. This quest takes Violet and her team to unfamiliar lands, where they encounter political intrigue, dangerous traps, and unexpected revelations about the world and their own histories.

Readers have noted that the book expands the world beyond the war college, which was a refreshing change. The pacing is described as a bit slow in the first half as the characters travel and navigate political negotiations, but it becomes a fast-paced, action-packed adventure in the latter half. The book continues to develop the relationship between Violet and Xaden, and many fans found it to be a satisfying installment that moves the overarching story forward while setting up a major cliffhanger for the next book.

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B.K. Borison’s First-time Caller is a heartwarming romance that hits all the right notes. This book, part of her Lovelight series, introduces us to Poppy, the perpetually optimistic owner of a struggling holiday tree farm, and her grumpy, reclusive best friend, Finn. The story really kicks off when Poppy, in a desperate attempt to win a holiday decorating contest and save her farm, calls into a popular radio show. What she doesn’t expect is for the show’s host, Finn, to be the one on the other end of the line.

The premise is unique and immediately draws you in. Borison has a knack for creating characters you can’t help but fall in love with. Poppy is a ray of sunshine, but her vulnerability shines through as she faces the real possibility of losing everything. Finn, on the other hand, is a wonderfully grumpy hero with a heart of gold. His slow thaw is one of the most satisfying parts of the book. The banter between them is top-notch, full of wit and genuine affection.

The romance between Poppy and Finn is a slow burn that feels incredibly real. It’s built on a foundation of years of friendship, which makes their transition to something more feel earned and authentic. I was completely invested in their journey from the very beginning. Borison’s writing is cozy and comforting, wrapping you up in the festive atmosphere of the Lovelight world. The small-town setting is charming, and the supporting characters add a lot of heart and humor to the story.

If you’re looking for a feel-good romance with a dash of holiday magic and a whole lot of heart, First-time Caller is a must-read. It’s the perfect book to curl up with on a chilly evening, and it left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling long after I finished the last page. I can’t recommend it enough!

Emily Henry has done it again! If you’re a fan of her signature wit, heart, and deeply relatable characters, you’re going to love Great Big Beautiful Life. This book is a bit of a departure from her previous rom-coms, leaning more into a women’s fiction and family saga vibe, and honestly, I am here for it.

The story follows Alice, a journalist who gets the chance to write the memoir of an enigmatic, reclusive former celebrity, Margaret Ives. But there’s a catch: she’s competing for the job against a handsome and equally ambitious rival, Hayden. As they both delve into Margaret’s past, they uncover secrets that not only challenge their assumptions about the famous woman but also about themselves.

I was completely hooked on the dual timeline narrative. Learning about Margaret’s dramatic and storied life in the past while watching Alice and Hayden’s rivalry turn into something more in the present was so compelling. The way these two storylines weave together is just masterful. And the twists? Oh my goodness, the twists. I won’t spoil anything, but there’s a moment that had my jaw on the floor. It completely re-frames everything you thought you knew about the story.

The romance between Alice and Hayden is a slow burn that feels so earned and genuine. Their banter is electric, and you can feel the chemistry sizzling on every page. But what really shines is the exploration of different kinds of love—familial, romantic, and the love we have for our own lives.

This book is a little slower-paced than some of her others, but it’s so rich and emotional that you won’t even mind. It’s a gorgeous story about family secrets, second chances, and the messy, beautiful complexities of life. Emily Henry’s writing is as sharp and heartfelt as ever, and this book just solidified her as a must-read author for me.

Just finished Steal My Heart by Laura Pavlov, and I’m totally smitten. This book is the first in her new Rosewood River series, and what a start it is! The story centers on a workplace romance between a grumpy lawyer, Easton Chadwick, and his boss’s daughter, Henley Holloway. He’s been tasked with mentoring her, and let’s just say he’s not thrilled about it. But from the get-go, their chemistry is undeniable.

The small-town, enemies-to-lovers trope is one of my favorites, and Pavlov absolutely nails it here. The banter between Easton and Henley is top-notch—witty, a little snarky, and full of underlying tension. It’s so much fun to watch them go head-to-head, only for their attraction to become impossible to ignore.

What I really loved about this book is the emotional depth. Easton has a painful past that he’s still grappling with, and Henley’s arrival forces him to confront his grief and his fears about opening his heart again. The way Pavlov handles this is so sensitive and realistic. It made their relationship feel so much more meaningful than a simple workplace fling.

Henley is a fantastic heroine—she’s smart, strong, and doesn’t let anyone push her around, especially not Easton. She proves her worth at the law firm, and I loved watching her stand her ground. The supporting cast, especially Easton’s brothers, are hilarious and charming, and I am already so excited to read their stories.

If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming romance with a touch of angst, great banter, and a swoon-worthy hero, you need to pick up Steal My Heart. It’s a fantastic small-town romance that has me already hooked on this new series!

I just finished Camilla Isley’s If the Ring Fits and let me tell you, it’s a total delight. It’s a fake-engagement, marriage-of-convenience story, and if those are your catnip, you’re going to love this. The premise is fantastic: Adrian, a workaholic millionaire banker, needs a wife to impress his CEO. Rowan, a brilliant software engineer, has just lost her job, found out she’s pregnant, and is at a total crossroads. They have the most chaotic, hilarious meet-cute ever, and before you know it, they’re faking an engagement.

What makes this book so good is the characters. Rowan is not a damsel in distress; she’s smart, strong, and totally capable, even while her life is falling apart. Adrian, for all his money and success, is actually the one who needs saving. He’s been so focused on his career that he’s forgotten how to live, and watching him open up to Rowan and her friends is just the best.

The banter between them is sharp and witty, and the chemistry is off the charts. You can feel the tension building as they try (and fail) to stick to their “no feelings” rule. The “forced proximity” elements are done so well, from the one-bed situations to the hilarious family gatherings they have to endure.

Isley also does a great job of adding real emotional depth to the story. Rowan’s struggles with her new situation are handled with such care, and Adrian’s difficult past gives so much context to his workaholic nature. It’s not just a light and fluffy romance; it’s a story about finding family, healing from past wounds, and realizing that sometimes, the worst day of your life can lead to the best mistake you’ll ever make.
If you’re in the mood for a feel-good, laugh-out-loud romance with a whole lot of heart, grab If the Ring Fits. You won’t regret it.

Wow, Ashley Poston has done it again with Sounds Like Love. This book is an absolute gem, blending a sweet romance with a touch of magic and a whole lot of heart. It’s about Joni, a successful but creatively blocked songwriter who returns to her hometown, and Sebastian, a former boy band star trying to make a comeback. The magical twist? They inexplicably start to hear each other’s thoughts, and this connection is tied to a half-finished song.

The premise alone is so captivating, and Poston executes it flawlessly. The dual-voice narrative in their heads is incredibly charming and leads to some genuinely hilarious and tender moments. You get to see their unfiltered thoughts, which creates a level of intimacy that’s just so special. The banter is sharp and witty, and their chemistry is undeniable from the very first page.

But this book is so much more than a cute romance. It’s also a powerful and moving story about grief, family, and finding your voice again. Joni is dealing with her mother’s declining health and the impending closure of her family’s music venue, and her journey to process that is incredibly raw and real. Poston handles these difficult topics with such a delicate touch, making the emotional stakes feel earned and profound.

The small-town setting is beautiful and nostalgic, and the way music is woven throughout the entire narrative is just brilliant. Each chapter title is a song, and the story itself feels like a perfectly crafted playlist.

If you’re a fan of magical realism, a good slow-burn romance, and stories that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure, you absolutely have to pick up Sounds Like Love. It’s a truly beautiful book that will stick with you long after you’ve finished the last page.

My Goodness, Catherine Cowles has absolutely outdone herself with All the Missing Pieces. If you love romantic suspense with a side of true crime and a whole lot of heart, you need to read this book immediately. It’s a fantastic standalone that had me on the edge of my seat from the first page to the very last.

The story follows Ridley, a true-crime podcaster who travels the country investigating cold cases in her van. She’s driven by the unsolved disappearance of her twin sister, and her latest investigation brings her to the small, tight-knit town of Shady Cove. There, she clashes with the grumpy but incredibly protective local sheriff, Colt. He’s not happy about a “fiery podcaster” stirring up trouble in his town, but as Ridley digs deeper, their professional rivalry turns into something much, much more.

The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is so good. The banter between Ridley and Colt is sharp and witty, but you can feel the tension and chemistry simmering beneath the surface. He’s a broody sheriff with a painful past, and she’s a resilient and determined heroine who doesn’t let anyone get in her way. Watching them slowly break down each other’s walls and find solace in one another is just so beautiful.

But what really elevates this book is the mystery. I had so many theories about who the killer was, and just when I thought I had it figured out, Cowles threw a massive twist that I did not see coming. I love when an author can genuinely surprise me, and this one did it with style.

The small-town setting is charming, and the supporting characters feel like a warm, found family. You’ll fall in love with them just as much as you’ll fall for Ridley and Colt. All the Missing Pieces is an emotional, suspenseful, and swoon-worthy read that I’m already calling one of my top books of the year. I can’t recommend it enough!

I just finished Julian Winters’ I Think They Love You, and wow, what a beautiful, heartfelt story. This book follows sixteen-year-old Gideon, a closeted geek who’s more comfortable with D&D than dating, as he starts a new job at a summer camp. His plans for a quiet, nerdy summer go out the window when he meets the charismatic and openly gay counselor, Tez, and starts to realize his feelings for him might be more than just friendship.

What I loved most about this book is how deeply real and relatable Gideon’s journey feels. Winters perfectly captures the awkwardness, anxiety, and incredible excitement of figuring out who you are and what you want in your first real relationship. Gideon’s internal struggles with his identity and the fear of coming out are handled with such a gentle, honest touch.

Tez is the perfect match for Gideon—he’s confident and kind, but he has his own vulnerabilities too. Their romance is a slow burn that is so sweet and authentic. The camp setting is fantastic, full of hilarious hijinks, late-night talks, and a really wonderful cast of supporting characters who feel like a true found family.

Beyond the romance, this book is a celebration of found family, friendship, and the joy of embracing your passions. It’s filled with pop culture references that will make any nerd’s heart sing. I laughed out loud so many times, but I also teared up at some of the more emotional moments.

If you’re looking for a warm, funny, and incredibly moving queer romance that’s all about first love and self-acceptance, you absolutely have to pick up I Think They Love You. It’s a book that reminds you that you are worthy of love, exactly as you are.

Annabel Monaghan has done it again! If you’re looking for a book that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, pick up It’s a Love Story. It’s a charming, funny, and deeply heartfelt novel that had me completely hooked.

The story follows Sloane, a divorced mom who finds herself on a cruise ship with her teenage daughter and her well-meaning but meddling mother. Sloane is definitely not looking for love. She’s just trying to navigate her new normal. But fate, in the form of a devastatingly handsome man named Adam, has other plans.

What I love most about Monaghan’s writing is her ability to create characters who feel so real. Sloane is so relatable—her anxieties, her humor, and her journey of rediscovering herself after a major life change. Adam is an absolute dream, but he’s not perfect, which makes him even more swoon-worthy. The banter and chemistry between them are just fantastic.

This book isn’t just about a romance on a cruise ship, though. It’s about so much more. It’s a beautiful exploration of family dynamics, particularly the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship. It’s also a story about second chances, finding joy in unexpected places, and learning to let go of the past.

Monaghan’s dialogue is witty and sharp, and I found myself laughing out loud on multiple occasions. She perfectly balances the light, laugh-out-loud moments with genuinely touching and emotional scenes. The pacing is perfect, and the cruise ship setting provides a wonderful, escapist backdrop for the romance to blossom.

If you’re a fan of witty, character-driven romantic comedies with a lot of heart, you absolutely have to read It’s a Love Story. It’s a feel-good book that will leave you with a huge smile on your face and a serious case of wanderlust. This one is going straight to my list of all-time favorites.