Top 10 Best Romance Books I read in 2025!
As a dedicated romance girl I simply had to separate my romance list from everything else but honestly, ranking any kind of list is incredibly difficult. I decided to separate my best romance books top ten from my regular top ten for two reasons: firstly, I read far more romance than any other genre (63 to be exact), and secondly, I rate books according to what they set out to achieve rather than as general works.
As I mentioned in my top 10 list, different novels aim for different things. I don’t think those categories should always be compared directly, as they have entirely different intentions. So I always rate and review based on how well a book succeeds within its own genre or concept. However, that’s not to say they can’t be compared at all. There are certainly books on this list that are just as good if not better than some of the titles on my fiction top ten.
I also read very widely across the romance genre thanks to my Kindle subscription, which means I come across countless smaller authors who produce some of the most compelling romance stories out there, and I will not diminish their content or quality because of the genre they frequent and their popularity. For that reason, you’ll see far more indie contemporary self-published titles here than on my first top ten list.
Now onto the romance of it all. These books are ranked specifically by the emotional impact of their romances, not solely by overall quality. It’s about how convincingly the romance is conveyed, the development of the relationship, the conflicts the characters face, and the strength of their connection. Some stories are merely decent books but exceptional romances; others have stronger plots with romance as a subplot. For this best-romance list, the rating out of five reflects the overall book, while the ranking reflects the romance itself. That means some books may have a lower rating yet still sit higher on the list and vice versa.
I would like to stress and state that these are also some of the BEST books I read this year not just romance – the genre does NOT diminish their quality. I simply cannot make a top 10 list of everything I’ve read because that is much to stressful!
So lets get into it!
10.
Six Days by Dani Atkins
A rollercoaster of emotions was stressed about whether or not to root for them. Probably the least literary strong book on the list but the nature of the romance was so emotional and such a great premise.
Plot > Romance
9.
The Illusion of Power by J.L Seegars
Loved the plot more than the romance, genuinely great stuff, but it technically counts so a great romance no less. It has an unconventional relationship and also has a queer angle so keep that in mind if you want to read
Plot > Romance
8.
Last Man on Earth by Shae Sanders
I can’t explain how much I enjoyed them on that damn Island. The ending loses points for me but I really really enjoyed this – how she made the MMC redeemable was sensational work!
Romance > Plot
7.
Rugger: The Huntress by Grey Huffington
That ending stressed me out so much. This is very different to anything else on this list. A very URBAN vibe – proceed with caution!
Plot = Romance
6.
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
Really enjoyed this, an exceptional book from a great writer. Would have ranked higher but it loses points because of a specific romance trope that I despise!
Romance = Plot
5.
Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan
My favourite of the series – Kennedy Ryan never misses. Felt great about this at the time on reflection there are definitely critiques. Really struggled with where to put on this list.
Romance > Plot
4.
After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Loved EVERY second! This was the beginning of my TJR obsession this year. Ranks lower as the romance isn’t actually the central plot. You have to read it to understand.
Plot = Romance
3.
Love You a Little Bit by Kasha Thompson
I’m still in love with them🥰 such a cute book and even cuter romance.
Plot < Romance
2.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Read this last week and this is actually my favourite book published in 2025🫣 and of the year so make sure to read the review! It’s not number 1 because it’s a great book that just happens to also be a romance rather than the best romance specifically.
Plot = Romance
🏆
Sweet Heat by Bolu Babalola
So so so good – Bolu ate this one! A massive step up from Honey & Spice. It was grown and sexy and a far more mature vibe with stronger themes and elements, a pleasant surprise. I struggled again with whether this should come first as it’s up against some heavy hitters but I do think it fulfils everything I need in a romance perfectly, plus their chemistry was insane, .
Plot = Romance
This was actually an incredibly tricky list to assemble given the sheer number of romance novels I’ve read this year. Even deciding on the criteria for ranking them felt uncertain as I loved them all for different reasons, so, I’m still not entirely convinced this is the definitive order. However, what I am certain of is that every book here was one I devoured within hours. They were emotionally intense, whether I was stressed, swooning, or both at once.
If you’re shocked by Atmosphere’s placement considering its my favourite book of the year, don’t be! The romantic element while strong wasn’t my favourite part of the book, and that’s why it just misses out on top spot here. It’s my favourite book that happens to be a romance not my favourite romance book. However as it’s technically a romance I didn’t put it on my top books of the year either! I know this makes little to no sense now but I’m sticking with it! Make sure to read it’s review!
So here it is: the list of the best romance books I read this year, according to me and my particular tastes! And if you’ve read any of these, you’ll also have noticed that me 🫱🏾🫲🏾 second-chance romances go together real bad!!
I can’t go away without giving a shout out to the stories that just missed out on the list.
Special Mentions
I find creating these posts surprisingly difficult, mostly because I think—somewhere in the back of my mind—I’m being judged for the books I choose, especially the sappy and admittedly cringey romances. But, honestly, to hell with that. A good book is a good book, and if I enjoyed it, then I really enjoyed it. This list is a celebration of all my favourites across the genre: from heavy hitters to light, easy reads, all brimming with tension, yearning, and love in all its forms.
My next post will be a review of Sweet Heat as my number one romance pick, which I am very excited about!.
Thank you so much for reading and see you Friday!
Signed,
