Best Contemporary Romance Books of 2025

It Starts with Us: A Novel (2) (It Ends with Us) by Colleen Hoover is a compelling portrait of the dynamics of domestic violence. The story follows Lily as she navigates a second chance at true love with her first love, Atlas, while dealing with her ex-husband, Ryle, who is still very much a part of her life. The novel alternates between the perspectives of Lily and Atlas, revealing more about Atlas's past and exploring the complexities of their relationships. Hoover's talent for creating nuanced and empathetic characters is on full display in this long-anticipated sequel to the bestselling It Ends with Us. This book is a must-read for fans of contemporary women's fiction.

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover is a touching contemporary women fiction book about a hardworking Lily who falls in love with a neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid. But when her first love, Atlas Corrigan, reappears, everything she built with Ryle is threatened. This book is a heart-wrenching tale of love, courage, hope, and tears. The author has crafted an honest, evocative, and tender novel that reminds readers of the fragility of love. It Ends with Us is a unique and gripping book that will leave you smiling through your tears.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey through the glamorous and scandalous life of aging Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo. As she recounts her story to an unknown magazine reporter, Monique Grant, readers are drawn into a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendships, and forbidden love. The book is both heartbreaking and beautiful, with a twist that will leave readers stunned. Overall, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a must-read for anyone who loves Tinseltown drama and wants to experience the harsh realities of present-day Hollywood.

Verity by Colleen Hoover is a bone-chilling psychological thriller that has readers obsessed. Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer, is hired to complete the remaining books in a successful series by Verity Crawford, a bestselling author who is unable to finish them due to her injuries. While sorting through Verity’s notes and outlines, Lowen discovers an unfinished autobiography that Verity never intended for anyone to read, which contains bone-chilling admissions. Verity delivers a grand slam of thriller twists and turns, making it impossible to put down. This book is a must-read for those who enjoy psychological thrillers with unexpected plot twists.

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score is a heartwarming small town romance that will leave readers feeling good. The story follows Knox, a solitary barber who helps a runaway bride, Naomi, who is stranded in Knockemout, Virginia with an unexpected niece to take care of. Naomi's presence disrupts Knox's peaceful life, but he can't help but assist her as she navigates her new life in the town. As the danger unfolds, Knox and Naomi's relationship deepens, leading to a satisfying conclusion. Score's writing is engaging, and the characters are well-developed, making it a must-read for fans of small-town romance.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin is a captivating novel that explores the journey of two childhood friends, Sam and Sadie, who become successful video game designers. The book follows their rise to fame, the challenges they face, and their creative ambitions. The story spans over 30 years and takes place in various locations, including Cambridge and Venice Beach. This book is a unique love story that examines the multifarious nature of identity, disability, failure, and the redemptive possibilities in play. Overall, this is an utterly brilliant and gorgeously written novel that is a must-read for anyone who loves cultural heritage fiction books.

Things I Wish I Told My Mother is a heartwarming mother-daughter novel about the power of familial love. The story follows Laurie, an artist who travels the world, and her mother, Dr. Liz, an elegant perfectionist. When Laurie surprises her mother with a dream vacation to Paris, they unpack a lifetime of secrets and hopes. Written by Susan Solie Patterson, Susan DiLallo, and James Patterson, this book is a convincing case for the importance of family. With a giant twist at the end, readers will be captivated until the very last page.

"Happy Place" by Emily Henry is a contemporary women's fiction book about a couple who broke up but pretend to still be together during their annual vacation with their best friends. Harriet and Wyn's weeklong stay in a Maine cottage is their last together in the place they've come to cherish, and they don't want to ruin it for their friends. However, the more they pretend, the more they realize they still have feelings for each other. This slow-burn romance is a heartwarming ode to chosen families and the complexities of relationships. Overall, "Happy Place" is a delightful read that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover is a heart-wrenching love story that explores the messy side of attraction at first sight. The novel follows Tate Collins and Miles Archer, who have an undeniable mutual attraction but don't want love. Their arrangement of just sex could be easy to maintain as long as Tate sticks to the only two rules Miles has for her. However, they soon realize that they can't handle it, and love gets ugly. This book is a must-read for fans of new-adult fiction and those who enjoy a powerful love story.

Things We Hide from the Light (Knockemout Series, 2) by Lucy Score is a heartwarming and funny love story. The novel follows Nash Morgan, the good Morgan brother, as he recovers from being shot, and his neighbor Lina, who has secrets of her own. The connection between them is electric, but Lina's past and fear of commitment threaten their relationship. Score's signature charm shines through in this small-town romance, as she weaves together humor and heartfelt moments. Overall, Things We Hide from the Light is a delightful read that fans of the genre won't want to miss.