Let’s be honest—there’s no better feeling than diving into a romance novel that makes your heart flutter, your cheeks flush, and your faith in love temporarily restored (until your next dating app encounter, anyway). Whether you’re a die-hard fan of slow burns, enemies-to-lovers chaos, or the good ol’ small-town “we shared one bed” trope, 2025 is absolutely stacked with swoon-worthy reads.
This list? It’s not just a random roundup. These are the best romance books best sellers—the ones dominating Goodreads shelves and Amazon carts faster than you can say “I ship it.” We’re talking new releases from fan-favorite authors, chart-toppers that are all over BookTok, and novels that are quietly stealing readers’ hearts with beautifully written emotional depth and unforgettable chemistry.
The magic of romance novels is that they aren’t just about love stories—they’re about healing, humor, self-discovery, and yes, the kind of longing that keeps you reading past your bedtime. From heart-melting contemporary love stories to character-driven tales that feel like a hug in book form, we’ve got something for every kind of reader.
So whether you’re newly in love, freshly heartbroken, or just here for the drama with a happy ending (no, not that kind—get your mind out of the gutter), get ready. This list of the best romance books of all time—or at least of 2025—is here to make you believe in love again.
Ready to meet your next bookish obsession? Let’s count them down.
14. Funny Story by Emily Henry
Why You Should Read It
Because Emily Henry could write a grocery list and still make it feel romantic and clever.
What We Liked
Witty banter, messy emotions, and characters you want to hug.
What We Don’t Like
Expect emotional whiplash—it goes from light to deep fast.
Book Review
Emily Henry is back with Funny Story, and let’s be real: when she drops a book, the romance world collectively holds its breath. This time, she tackles grief, friendship, and forced proximity with her signature cocktail of heartache and humor.
The story follows Daphne, a freshly dumped librarian who finds herself living with her ex’s new girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend. (Yes, it’s as delightfully chaotic as it sounds.) Cue emotional walls, accidental bonding, and a slow-burn romance that will have you giggling one second and tearing up the next.
Henry excels at writing complex characters who feel real—flaws, fears, awkward silences and all. And while the plot starts light and quirky, it blossoms into a heartfelt exploration of starting over, finding unexpected connections, and discovering joy in life’s messiest moments.
As far as best romance books best sellers go, this one hits every note: laughter, longing, and healing all wrapped in one perfectly paced love story.
13. This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
Why You Should Read It
Because nothing says “romance” like a dreamy seaside town and one complicated fling.
What We Liked
Beachy setting, swoon-worthy chemistry, and emotional depth.
What We Don’t Like
Might make you want to quit your job and move to Prince Edward Island.
Book Review
Carley Fortune’s This Summer Will Be Different is a romance novel disguised as a vacation fantasy. It follows Lucy, who’s been having a secret annual fling with Felix—a charming local with a heart of gold and a smile you can’t quit.
The catch? He’s her best friend’s brother. And Lucy promised herself this summer would be different—that she wouldn’t fall for him. (We all know how that usually goes.)
This isn’t just a fling-to-love story. It’s about timing, trust, and the terrifying act of telling someone how you really feel. Fortune gives us an immersive, coastal setting and plenty of romantic tension, but she also sprinkles in real-life dilemmas that make the story feel grounded and grown-up.
If you like your best romance books with sandy toes, strong friendships, and just enough angst to keep the pages turning, this one’s for you.
12. Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
Why You Should Read It
Because fake dating never goes out of style—and this one’s cuter than a basket of puppies.
What We Liked
Wholesome romance, lovable characters, and small-town charm.
What We Don’t Like
Squeaky clean—some might wish for a little more edge.
Book Review
Practice Makes Perfect is as warm and comforting as a rom-com movie marathon. Sarah Adams delivers a sweet, giggle-inducing story about Annie, a shy florist who hires a bad-boy bodyguard to help her become more “dateable.”
It’s fake dating with a twist—Annie wants practice, not love. But guess what? Love doesn’t follow rehearsal schedules.
Adams excels at chemistry that bubbles under the surface, and the banter is delicious. The town of Rome, Kentucky, is practically a character itself, filled with quirky residents and Hallmark-movie energy. It’s low-drama, high-heart, and filled with moments that’ll make you root hard for this unlikely pair.
This book proves you don’t need drama to feel butterflies. It’s one of the best selling romance books for good reason—adorable, addictive, and full of heart.
11. Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
Why You Should Read It
Because falling in love over organ donation is somehow… ridiculously sweet.
What We Liked
Original premise, laugh-out-loud funny, and genuinely moving.
What We Don’t Like
Some of the medical drama might feel a bit heavy.
Book Review
Abby Jimenez is the queen of pairing gut-busting humor with tearjerker feels, and Yours Truly is no exception. The plot kicks off when Dr. Briana Ortiz gets a letter from her new coworker, Jacob, that makes her think: “Wait… this guy might not be the worst.”
What follows is a story that blends slow-burn office romance with heartfelt family dynamics, organ donor drama, and some truly adorable emotional vulnerability.
Jimenez knows how to write dialogue that feels real and relationships that feel earned. You’ll laugh, you’ll swoon, and yes, you might even tear up during the kidney storyline. But you’ll walk away feeling warm and hopeful.
Yours Truly deserves a solid spot among the best romance books of all time—because it’s not just about love. It’s about kindness, resilience, and the small moments that change everything.
10. The Love Wager by Lynn Painter
Why You Should Read It
Because dating apps are a minefield—unless you’re flirting with fate (and a familiar face).
What We Liked
Sharp dialogue, fun premise, and sizzling chemistry.
What We Don’t Like
Some tropes feel a bit predictable—but who cares when it’s this fun?
Book Review
Lynn Painter knows how to deliver romantic comedy gold, and The Love Wager is a chaotic delight from page one. It follows Hallie, a bartender with a post-breakup glow-up who accidentally ends up swiping on… the guy she just had a one-night stand with. Oops.
What starts as friendly banter and “helping each other find love” quickly becomes a flirt-fest with tension so thick you could slice it. Their playful interactions, heartfelt confessions, and growing chemistry are perfectly paced, making you root for them even when they’re too stubborn to see what’s right in front of them.
Painter balances laugh-out-loud moments with emotional vulnerability, giving us a modern romance that reflects the wild world of dating while still feeling cozy and hopeful. The Love Wager earns its place among the best romance books best sellers—a perfect pick-me-up for anyone who loves witty love stories.
9. Happy Place by Emily Henry
Why You Should Read It
Because fake-dating your ex at a friend vacation? Peak emotional chaos.
What We Liked
Beautiful writing, nostalgic vibes, and serious romantic tension.
What We Don’t Like
You may yell “Just talk to each other!” more than once.
Book Review
In Happy Place, Emily Henry once again rips out our hearts in the nicest way possible. Harriet and Wyn are exes pretending to still be together during a friend getaway at their shared vacation home—because breaking up in front of your ride-or-die friend group is, apparently, awkward.
Cue unresolved feelings, close quarters, and a whole lot of longing.
What makes this book shine is its bittersweet tone. It’s not just about falling in love again—it’s about friendship, identity, and the ache of growing apart from who you thought you’d always be. Henry’s prose is lush and lyrical, her humor sharp, and her characters painfully relatable.
If you’re into second chances and stories that tug on your heartstrings in the most poetic way, Happy Place deserves a permanent spot in your “best romance books of all time” stack.
8. The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
Why You Should Read It
Because a little time travel never hurt a love story—especially one this tender.
What We Liked
Whimsical concept, emotional depth, and a love story that defies logic.
What We Don’t Like
Some suspension of disbelief required—but it’s worth it.
Book Review
Ashley Poston, queen of magical realism romance, returns with The Seven Year Slip—a time-bending love story that blends whimsy with heartbreak and healing. The premise? A woman inherits an apartment where time folds in mysterious ways, and one day, she meets a man… from seven years in the past.
Cue all the romantic tension, existential dilemmas, and deeply emotional realizations.
This book is gorgeously written, full of quiet wisdom and poetic reflections about grief, change, and timing. Clementine and Iwan’s connection is delicate and genuine, made all the more poignant by the ticking clock of their mismatched timelines.
If you’re tired of formulaic love stories, The Seven Year Slip is a refreshing gem—one of the best selling romance books this year for its creativity and emotional punch.
7. Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
Why You Should Read It
Because summer love + secrets = your next lakeside obsession.
What We Liked
Atmospheric setting, character depth, and strong emotional core.
What We Don’t Like
The flashbacks might slow the pace for some readers.
Book Review
Carley Fortune brings more summer nostalgia and emotional resonance with Meet Me at the Lake, a story about two strangers who meet, share an unforgettable day, and then vanish from each other’s lives—until one of them walks back in, years later.
Set in a dreamy lakeside resort, the story unfolds between past and present as Fern and Will navigate lost time, personal growth, and the weight of what could’ve been. It’s a slow burn, full of longing glances, hesitant conversations, and the ache of missed chances.
Fortune nails the bittersweetness of reconnection, crafting a narrative that feels mature, raw, and ultimately uplifting. If you like your romance novels with reflective vibes and characters trying to figure themselves out (along with their feelings), Meet Me at the Lake is a must-read. Definitely one of the best romance books best sellers of 2025.
6. Things We Hide from the Light by Lucy Score
Why You Should Read It
Because the chemistry is as explosive as the emotional depth. Plus, it’s got all the small-town drama you crave.
What We Liked
Powerful storytelling, emotional complexity, and steamy chemistry.
What We Don’t Like
A bit of angst might be too much for those seeking pure fluff.
Book Review
If you love a romance with emotional layers and complex characters, Things We Hide from the Light will captivate you. Lucy Score delivers a gripping, second-chance romance between Nash, a small-town cop dealing with a traumatic past, and the fiery yet vulnerable Lena, who is also running from her own history.
What starts as a simple love story quickly becomes a tale about healing, redemption, and learning how to trust again. The tension between Nash and Lena is palpable, and Score’s writing skillfully weaves their shared history and current struggles into a beautiful, heartbreaking narrative.
This book is steamy without being over-the-top and offers plenty of emotional depth, making it one of the best romance books of all time for those who want their heartstrings tugged while they root for the characters to find happiness.
5. The Longest Time by Kyra Davis
Why You Should Read It
Because who doesn’t love a romance where timing is everything—and everything has to be perfect?
What We Liked
A slow-burn love story, strong character growth, and emotional rollercoaster.
What We Don’t Like
The pace might test your patience—there’s a lot of waiting before the sparks fly.
Book Review
In The Longest Time, Kyra Davis creates a layered and emotionally charged story about finding the right person at the wrong time—and then trying to make it work despite the odds. When Sara reconnects with Jason after years apart, the tension is immediate—but so are the obstacles they face, both from their past and their present.
This novel is a beautiful exploration of timing and second chances. The slow-burn romance builds steadily, pulling readers deeper into the characters’ emotional journeys. The long stretches of anticipation might frustrate those who want instant romance, but for readers who love a more thoughtful, gradual build, this book is a winner.
If you love your best romance books with a deep emotional core and a plot that focuses on personal growth alongside the love story, The Longest Time will not disappoint.
4. Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
Why You Should Read It
Because physics + romance = the perfect formula for nerdy love. (Seriously, science can be sexy.)
What We Liked
Humor, nerdy charm, and fantastic chemistry.
What We Don’t Like
Might feel predictable to those who aren’t fans of rom-com tropes.
Book Review
Ali Hazelwood does it again with Love, Theoretically, bringing us another heartwarming rom-com with an irresistible lead. Elsie is a physics genius with a knack for theoretical problems, but when it comes to actual relationships? She’s a little more uncertain. Enter Jack, the brooding, serious professor she’s been hired to pretend to date.
What follows is a love story full of sharp wit, great banter, and heartfelt moments. The nerdy chemistry between Elsie and Jack is undeniable, and Hazelwood’s signature humor makes this an easy, enjoyable read.
While it’s not groundbreaking in terms of plot, it’s still a perfect pick for anyone who loves best selling romance books that blend humor, intellectual charm, and a happy ending.
3. The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
Why You Should Read It
Because fake relationships turned real is the ultimate rom-com dream come true.
What We Liked
Fun premise, charming characters, and plenty of romance.
What We Don’t Like
Could have used a bit more depth for some readers.
Book Review
Christina Lauren’s The True Love Experiment is everything you want in a rom-com: funny, heartwarming, and totally binge-worthy. The plot revolves around Felicity, a romance novelist who’s struggling to find her own “true love.” When her publisher suggests she try an experiment of her own (dating a few different guys to find real love), things get hilariously complicated.
What’s so great about this book is the fantastic character development. Felicity’s journey of self-discovery alongside her romantic escapades feels fresh and relatable. It’s a beautiful exploration of finding love while figuring out who you are—and, of course, learning to trust in real-life romance.
While it’s one of the more playful reads on this list, The True Love Experiment is still an excellent example of a best romance books gem that leaves you smiling.
2. All the Feels by Olivia Dade
Why You Should Read It
Because nerdy romance between two lovable misfits? Sign us up.
What We Liked
Smart writing, humor, and characters with real depth.
What We Don’t Like
A little slow at times—don’t expect instant fireworks.
Book Review
Olivia Dade’s All the Feels is an absolute winner for fans of romance that is both sweet and smart. The story follows Alex, a body-positive, self-assured actress on a popular TV show, and her co-star, Nicholas, a socially awkward, nerdy man who might be hiding some serious feelings for her.
What makes this book special is its portrayal of real people with real insecurities and vulnerabilities. The chemistry between Alex and Nicholas isn’t instant, but when it clicks, it’s everything you could hope for. The slow-burn romance allows for meaningful moments of self-discovery and deeper connection, and Dade’s witty writing keeps things light, even when things get serious.
This book isn’t just about falling in love—it’s about learning to love yourself first, accepting your flaws, and realizing you’re worthy of affection no matter your shape, size, or quirks. It’s the perfect pick for anyone looking for a romance that’s both heartwarming and inspiring.
1. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Why You Should Read It
Because Taylor Jenkins Reid just gets complicated love stories. This one is a masterpiece.
What We Liked
Rich, multi-layered storytelling and unforgettable characters.
What We Don’t Like
Not your traditional romance—it’s a bit more dramatic, with real-world consequences.
Book Review
While technically released a few years ago, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo continues to dominate the best selling romance books list, and for good reason. Taylor Jenkins Reid crafts a brilliant, sweeping narrative about Evelyn Hugo, a legendary movie star whose love life—filled with heartbreak, glamour, and scandal—is recounted by a young journalist, Monique, who has her own complicated relationship with love.
The beauty of this novel is in its depth and intricacy. It’s not just about Evelyn’s husbands—it’s about identity, sacrifice, and the choices women are forced to make in order to live the life they want. Reid blends historical fiction with romance, creating a narrative that is rich in both emotional intensity and societal commentary.
You won’t just read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo—you’ll experience it. It’s heart-wrenching, poignant, and absolutely unforgettable. This is, hands down, one of the best romance books of all time, and if you haven’t read it yet, now’s your chance.
Conclusion
And there you have it! The 14 Best Romance Books to Read in 2025—each one bringing a unique story, unforgettable characters, and that spark of romance we can’t get enough of. Whether you’re into second chances, slow burns, or unspoken feelings, there’s a book (or five) on this list that’s bound to become your new favorite. Now, grab a cozy blanket, your favorite mug, and prepare to lose yourself in these emotional roller coasters. Happy reading!