8 Best Adult Contemporary Romance Novels 2025 Reviewed
Discover our favorite adult contemporary romance novels that bring laughter, tears, and drama. These stories make perfect companions for any cozy evening.
Finding a new favorite from the giant world of adult contemporary romance novels can feel like online dating—all hope and a bit of chaos. When we pick books for our lists, we look for more than just sizzling chemistry. We want crackling banter, believable characters, stories that tug at your heart, and at least one scene that makes you laugh so loud people stare at you in public. With these eight adult contemporary romance novels, you’re sure to find the perfect blend of love, laughs, and a little spice, all available on Amazon for your next book binge.
On this list:
8 The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
This one is hilarious, steamy, and the banter had us grinning like fools. Two coworkers go from hating each other to something much steamier. The slow burn is real. We picked it for its fun chemistry and how it nails the office romance vibe (honestly, we never wanted to leave the break room).
7 Beach Read by Emily Henry
This book made us laugh, sigh, and eat too much popcorn. It’s about two writers who challenge each other to write outside their comfort zones. It’s witty, clever, and sometimes tugs at your tear ducts. We chose it because it’s sharp and heartfelt, perfect for beach or blanket.
6 The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
A refreshing take on adult contemporary romance novels, this one brings a sweet and awkward love story featuring a math genius and a kind-hearted escort. We love how real and unique the characters are—we even learned some math (not much though, don’t worry).
5 It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
This spicy romance is like Schitt’s Creek, but with more fishing and fewer bad wigs. A spoiled socialite heads to a small town, meets a grumpy fisherman, and sparks fly. We picked it because it’s fun, flirty, and has a dash of small-town magic.
4 Book Lovers by Emily Henry
We couldn’t resist adding Henry’s Book Lovers. It’s set in the publishing world and is full of sharp wit and even sharper suits. We loved the chemistry and bookish banter—so relatable to anyone who loves, well, books! It’s a rom-com with a twist.
3 People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Yes, another Emily Henry book. Don’t judge us. This one is about travel, friendship, and all the ‘will-they-won’t-they’ you can handle. The slow-building romance makes it impossible to put down. We picked it for the realistic friendships and relatable, awkward moments.
2 The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Set in academia, this one checks all the boxes for awkward, nerdy love. We pretty much fell for the fake-dating trope and the laugh-out-loud experiments. If you ever wanted to see smart people fall helplessly in love, this is your ticket to fun times.
1 It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
We saved the best for last. ‘It Ends with Us’ broke our hearts, put them back together, and made us think about love in a whole new way. It’s raw, powerful, and deals with tough topics like domestic violence—but trust us, it’s not just sad. Hoover writes with such honesty that we had to call our moms after finishing. The story is romantic and messy, but it shows that love is not always easy. If you want an adult contemporary romance novel that makes you feel all the things, this one is it. You’ll need some tissues—and maybe a hug.
