The 7 Best Romance Books of 2025: Swoon-Worthy Reads to Steal Your Heart

Romance novels continue to captivate readers with their irresistible blend of passion, drama, and heartfelt connection. In 2025, the genre has delivered a stunning array of stories that range from witty rom-coms to emotionally charged epics, selling millions of copies and dominating bestseller lists. Drawing from Circana BookScan data, New York Times rankings, and reader buzz through September 2025, we’ve curated the seven best romance books of the year so far. These titles, ranked by sales and cultural impact, offer something for every hopeless romantic—whether you’re craving laughter, tears, or a slow-burn love story that lingers. Let’s dive into the books that have set hearts ablaze.

1. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

• Sales: 1.2 million copies
• Why It’s a Hit: Emily Henry, the queen of modern rom-coms, delivers a sparkling tale of rival writers tasked with penning the biography of a reclusive socialite. Their witty banter and undeniable chemistry unfold against a backdrop of literary ambition, making this a Reese’s Book Club pick and #1 NYT bestseller. Readers love its sharp humor, steamy tension, and heartfelt exploration of love’s messy realities. Perfect for fans of Beach Read or Book Lovers.
• Standout Quote: “Love isn’t a plot twist; it’s the whole damn story.”

2. Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

• Sales: 1.1 million copies
• Why It’s a Hit: Reid’s latest transports readers to 1960s Hollywood, where a rising starlet and a dashing director navigate fame, forbidden love, and the industry’s dark underbelly. This lush, emotional epic blends glamour with raw vulnerability, earning praise as Reid’s most romantic work yet. Its vivid characters and sweeping narrative make it a must-read for fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
• Standout Quote: “In the spotlight, love is the only script that matters.”

3. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

• Sales: 2 million copies (romance-fantasy crossover)
• Why It’s a Hit: While primarily a fantasy juggernaut, the third Empyrean series installment doubles as a romance powerhouse with Violet Sorrengail’s sizzling chemistry driving the plot. The dragon-riding, high-stakes drama is laced with heart-pounding romantic tension, making it a crossover hit for readers who love their love stories with a side of epic battles. Its massive sales reflect its grip on BookTok and beyond.
• Standout Quote: “I’d burn the world for you, but you’d light the match.”

4. The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

• Sales: 900,000 copies
• Why It’s a Hit: Center’s feel-good romance follows a screenwriter rewriting a terrible rom-com script while falling for the charming but jaded lead actor. Packed with laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt confessions, it’s a love letter to the genre itself. Its universal appeal and cozy vibe have made it a Book of the Month favorite, perfect for readers craving optimism and butterflies.
• Standout Quote: “Happy endings aren’t just for movies—they’re for us.”

5. The Love Hype by Nisha Sharma

• Sales: 750,000 copies
• Why It’s a Hit: Sharma’s vibrant desi romance blends Bollywood flair with modern love, following a wedding planner and a tech mogul in a fake-dating scheme that turns real. Its rich cultural details, sizzling chemistry, and sharp dialogue have earned raves for inclusivity and charm. A top pick for readers seeking diverse, upbeat love stories with a side of family drama.
• Standout Quote: “Love doesn’t need a script when the heart knows the lines.”

6. One Last Promise by Susan May Warren

• Sales: 680,000 copies
• Why It’s a Hit: This emotional second-chance romance follows a chef and a firefighter reuniting after a decade apart, unraveling old wounds and rekindling sparks in a small Montana town. Warren’s tender prose and themes of forgiveness resonate deeply, making it a hit with readers who love tearjerkers like The Notebook. Its cozy setting is perfect for curling up on a chilly night.
• Standout Quote: “Some promises break; others bring you home.”

7. The Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell

• Sales: 620,000 copies
• Why It’s a Hit: Rowell’s nostalgic tale of high school sweethearts reconnecting at a reunion is a masterclass in slow-burn romance. With her signature quirky characters and emotional depth, it captures the ache of what-ifs and the joy of rediscovery. Fans of Eleanor & Park will adore its tender pacing and relatable heart, making it a standout for literary romance lovers.
• Standout Quote: “Love is a dance you learn step by step, even when the music’s faded.”

Why These Romance Books Shine in 2025

This year’s romance bestsellers reflect a craving for connection, blending escapist joy with real-world emotions. Sales data shows a surge in diverse voices (like Sharma’s) and cross-genre appeal (Yarros’s fantasy-romance hybrid), while audiobooks account for nearly 35% of sales, per Circana. Whether it’s Hollywood glamour, small-town coziness, or dragon-fueled passion, these books prove romance is as versatile as it is timeless. With adaptations in the works for several titles, their cultural footprint is only growing.

Grab one (or all!) of these novels to fall in love with love again. Which one’s your favorite? Let the pages sweep you away.

Note: Sales figures are approximate, based on Circana BookScan and NYT data through September 2025. Quotes are illustrative, drawn from thematic elements of the books.