Top 7 Must-Read Romance Novels for 2025
Love is in the Air: 7 Romance Novels to Swoon Over in 2025
Top 7 Anticipated Romance Reads of 2025
Hello, my lovely bookworms! Can you believe we’re halfway through January already? I’m not sure whether to cry or start planning my summer wardrobe, but one thing I do know is that 2025 is shaping up to be a year full of deliciously swoony, heart-tugging romance novels. And because I’m a generous soul (really, you’re welcome), I’ve rounded up my absolute top 7 most anticipated romance reads of the year. (Well, at least the first half!)
These books promise everything from big feelings and love triangles to magical realism and the steamiest chemistry you’ve ever read.
So, let’s dive in, shall we?
1. Into the Woods by Jenny Holiday. (Out January 7, 2025)
Thematic Elements: Nature, fairy-tale magic, cozy romance
Jenny Holiday is about to whisk us away into the woods!
Gretchen, a badass dance instructor has sworn off men for good and then there’s Teddy, a broody, recently single rockstar who’s the human equivalent of a raincloud.
Sunshine x Grumpy? Sounds like it. Forced Proximity? Check.
I’m already swooning – AND IT’S AVAILABLE NOW!
PREDICTED RATING – 4/5 (Because I’m always up for a bit of woodland magic.)
2. Deep End by Ali Hazelwood (Out February 4, 2025)
Thematic Elements: Competition, secrets, tension-filled romance
Let me tell you: Ali Hazelwood is back and I’m thinking as per, she’s bringing all the tension with her. Scarlett is a serious diver, Lukas is a brooding swim captain, and they’ve got a secret that’s keeping them both on edge (ooh, delicious). If you adored The Love Hypothesis, then brace yourselves, because this book promises the same cleverness and steaminess that had us all gasping for air.
PREDICTED RATING – 4/5 (The tension is going to be off the charts, I can feel it!)
3. Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez (Out April 1, 2025)
Thematic Elements: Heartfelt romance, second chances, family
Abby Jimenez always knows how to pull at my heartstrings. In this one, Samantha shares a date with a veterinarian (swoon!) but has to walk away because of some pesky family stuff. She begs him to forget her, but, well… it wouldn’t be a proper romance if he actually did, would it? This book promises all the feels, we’re talking love, regrets, family drama… I am hoping for all the big emotions.
PREDICTED RATING – 5/5 (Especially if it makes me cry, I’ll love it even more.)
Pre-order here
4. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (Out April 22, 2025)
Thematic Elements: Rivalry, forced proximity, spooky settings
I can’t even tell you how excited I am for this one. Emily Henry is a master at making you feel everything, and here’s hoping this book is no exception. Two rival writers are stuck on an island together, competing for the exclusive biography of a mysterious artist. The catch? They have to stay in her spooky mansion. Oh yes, rivals? I love it already. If you love a good enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity this is sure to be an absolute treat!
PREDICTED RATING – 5/5 (Rivals, writers, and forced proximity? I’m there.)
5. Sparrow and Vine by Sophie Lark (Out April 22, 2025)
Thematic Elements: Enemies-to-lovers, family loyalty, high-stakes romance
Right, here’s the thing: Sadie Sparrow is forced to marry her worst enemy, Monroe Beaumont, to inherit her family’s beloved winery. I mean, who hasn’t wanted to marry someone they can’t stand to get their hands on a piece of real estate, right? Dark, intense, and absolutely sizzling, this sounds like enemies-to-lovers at its finest. I’m hoping for all the tension, family drama, and explosive chemistry. Oh, and a whole lot of emotional rollercoasters along the way.
PREDICTED RATING – 5/5 (Enemies-to-lovers will always have a special place in my heart.)
6. Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston (Out June 17, 2025)
Thematic Elements: Music, magical realism, emotional healing
Picture this: a musician and a songwriter with some unfinished business (think personal and professional). Together, they make beautiful music quite literally. Add a bit of magical realism, and this story is basically my ideal novel. It’s about healing, creating, and falling in love along the way. It’s like Ashley Poston reached into my soul and created the perfect book for me.
PREDICTED RATING – 4/5 (Because music + love = magic.)
7. The Floating World by Axie Oh (Out May 13, 2025)
Thematic Elements: Redemption, Identity, MAGIC!
Axie Oh is here with a novel which has been marketed as having Final Fantasy vibes, so obviously I am all over this one! Sunho, a brooding ex-soldier with nothing but a sword and a grudge, stumbles upon the bounty of a lifetime: track down the mysterious girl with silver light. Enter Ren, a fiery acrobat with a knack for trouble, on a desperate mission to save her uncle after a demon attack. Their worlds collide (as they do), and sparks fly—both literal and emotional. Dark secrets, entwined destinies, and a touch of magic? This one’s got all the drama you could want!
PREDICTED RATING – 5/5 (Take me to this magical world, please.)
So, which of these beauties are you most excited about? I mean, we’ve got secretive divers, spooky islands, emotional second chances, and romantic vineyard dramas, there’s something for everyone, right? Let me know in the comments which one has you buzzing with excitement. Also, if you’ve read any of these authors before, what should I expect? Will I need tissues? Chocolate? Both?
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts, my darlings! Until next time, remember: life’s too short for bad books (or bad coffee).
Your Chaotic Bookworm,
Heath x
