Top 5 Romance Books of 2025: A Year of Enduring Love Stories
This year's crop of romance novels is marked by its depth and nuance, tackling complex issues like Brexit, age gaps, and the intricacies of relationships with wit and warmth. Jessica Stanley's "Consider Yourself Kissed" takes center stage, a modern romance that spans a decade as it explores themes of stepmotherhood, politics, and love.
One of the most anticipated releases is Ali Hazelwood's "Problematic Summer Romance," which has already garnered attention for its unconventional age gap between two lovers. The story follows Maya and Conor, whose 15-year difference sparks debate among readers about consent and agency. Despite controversy, this book has won over fans with its humor, wit, and engaging characters.
Bolu Babalola's "Sweet Heat" is another standout in the list, a romantic comedy that delves into the world of podcasting and relationships. Kiki's love life is a disaster, but when her ex-boyfriend turns up as the best man at her friend's wedding, all bets are off. Babalola's writing is witty, charming, and relatable, making this book an enjoyable read.
Mhairi McFarlane's "Cover Story" shines in its portrayal of two journalists forced to pretend to be a couple. The result is a sharp-witted exploration of love, journalism, and the complexities of relationships. With McFarlane's humor and wit on display, readers will be hooked from start to finish.
Last but not least, Lily King's "Heart the Lover" is a beautifully observed love story that spans decades. This book is perfect for fans of literary fiction, exploring themes of youthful passion, identity, and the human experience with precision and charm. With its classic cover and allusive language, this novel is sure to delight readers who appreciate the nuances of romance and relationships.
These five books showcase the diversity and depth of contemporary romance novels, each tackling complex issues with humor, wit, and sensitivity. Whether you're a fan of witty comedies or nuanced literary fiction, there's something on this list for everyone.
This year's crop of romance novels is marked by its depth and nuance, tackling complex issues like Brexit, age gaps, and the intricacies of relationships with wit and warmth. Jessica Stanley's "Consider Yourself Kissed" takes center stage, a modern romance that spans a decade as it explores themes of stepmotherhood, politics, and love.
One of the most anticipated releases is Ali Hazelwood's "Problematic Summer Romance," which has already garnered attention for its unconventional age gap between two lovers. The story follows Maya and Conor, whose 15-year difference sparks debate among readers about consent and agency. Despite controversy, this book has won over fans with its humor, wit, and engaging characters.
Bolu Babalola's "Sweet Heat" is another standout in the list, a romantic comedy that delves into the world of podcasting and relationships. Kiki's love life is a disaster, but when her ex-boyfriend turns up as the best man at her friend's wedding, all bets are off. Babalola's writing is witty, charming, and relatable, making this book an enjoyable read.
Mhairi McFarlane's "Cover Story" shines in its portrayal of two journalists forced to pretend to be a couple. The result is a sharp-witted exploration of love, journalism, and the complexities of relationships. With McFarlane's humor and wit on display, readers will be hooked from start to finish.
Last but not least, Lily King's "Heart the Lover" is a beautifully observed love story that spans decades. This book is perfect for fans of literary fiction, exploring themes of youthful passion, identity, and the human experience with precision and charm. With its classic cover and allusive language, this novel is sure to delight readers who appreciate the nuances of romance and relationships.
These five books showcase the diversity and depth of contemporary romance novels, each tackling complex issues with humor, wit, and sensitivity. Whether you're a fan of witty comedies or nuanced literary fiction, there's something on this list for everyone.
. And Kiki's relatable struggles with love and friendships? totally something I can get on board with. 
. Can we see more stories exploring the messy, midlife love stories or even those with older protagonists?
!
- the way she tackles that 15-year age gap thing is so refreshingly honest, you know? Some ppl might be all like "isn't that kinda weird?" but I think it's actually kinda fascinating how Maya and Conor navigate their differences. And can we talk about how hilarious Ali Hazelwood is? 
her writing style is everything! I also love how the other books on this list aren't afraid to get a little messy with their characters' emotions - Mhairi McFarlane's got some sharp wit, Bulu Babalola's humor has me dying over here 
and Lily King's prose is just... *sigh*. This year's crop of romance novels is giving me all the feels! 
Whatever the case, these books seem to be saying that love is messy, complicated, and beautiful. Can't wait to dive in! 
I mean, who doesn't adore a good love story that makes you laugh, cry, and maybe even spark some controversy? "Consider Yourself Kissed" by Jessica Stanley is a total standout for me - I love how it tackles real-life issues like stepmotherhood and politics, but still manages to keep the romance at its core. And don't even get me started on Ali Hazelwood's "Problematic Summer Romance"... that age gap has got everyone talking! 
But what really drew me in was Bolu Babalola's "Sweet Heat" - her writing is just so relatable and witty, it feels like you're reading a funny column by your favorite aunt. And let's not forget Mhairi McFarlane's "Cover Story", which had me giggling out loud at the absurd situations the two main characters find themselves in! 
i mean, who doesn't love a good love story, right? and the fact that they're tackling complex issues like brexit (which is still kinda weird lol) and age gaps makes them even more relatable & interesting. Jessica Stanley's "Consider Yourself Kissed" sounds soooo intriguing, i need to get my hands on it ASAP! 
mhairi mcfarlane's "Cover Story" is already on my to-read list, and lily king's "Heart the Lover"? classic vibes all day, erry day 
. And omg, Ali Hazelwood's book about an age gap? I'm intrigued to see how she handles that tricky topic 
. Can't wait to dive into "Sweet Heat" and all the podcasting shenanigans 
. so yeah, if you haven't checked out these books yet, do yourself a favor and get cozy with some romance novels 
. But at the same time, it's interesting to see how they explore consent and agency in a lighthearted way 
. What about you guys, have any of these authors popped up on your radar before? 
. And Bulu Babalola's "Sweet Heat" just sounds like my jam - podcasting and relationships? Sign me up! 
These modern books are all about complex issues and nuance... zzz... give me a good Regency romance any day! 
