Best Contemporary Romance Books Reviewed for 2025: Top 8

Explore contemporary romance books with unforgettable love stories. These page-turners promise heartwarming, emotional journeys you won't want to miss.

Beach Read coverRed, White & Royal Blue coverThe Kiss Quotient cover

Ah, contemporary romance books, where love takes center stage and hearts flutter with every page turn! When choosing the best contemporary romance books, we focus on swoon-worthy plots, unforgettable characters, and those sweet, snappy moments that steal your breath away. We want a book that makes us laugh, cry, and swoon all at once. This selection is perfect for some afternoon delight with a cup of tea and a cozy blanket. Get ready for eight unforgettable tales of love and heartache that will leave you longing for more!

On this list:

8 Beach Read by Emily Henry

Beach Read cover

  • Genre: Contemporary Romance
  • Formats: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover
  • Year released: 2020
  • Pages: 384

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This book is a delightful tale of two writers, one a romance novelist and the other a literary fiction author, who swap genres for the summer. Expect witty banter and sizzling chemistry.

7 Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Red, White & Royal Blue cover

  • Genre: Contemporary Romance
  • Formats: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 421

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An adorable story featuring the First Son of the USA and a British prince. It’s packed with humor, warmth, and a dash of political drama.

6 The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

The Kiss Quotient cover

  • Genre: Contemporary Romance
  • Formats: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 336

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A heartwarming novel about an autistic woman who hires an escort to help her get more comfortable with dating. It’s tender and funny.

5 The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

The Wedding Date cover

  • Genre: Contemporary Romance
  • Formats: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 320

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A fun meet-cute story where two strangers become each other’s wedding plus-ones, leading to unexpected romance and challenges.

4 Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Get a Life, Chloe Brown cover

  • Genre: Contemporary Romance
  • Formats: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 384

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Chloe has a plan to ‘get a life’, and it’s beautifully hilarious. The chemistry between Chloe and Red is off the charts.

3 The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

The Hating Game cover

  • Genre: Contemporary Romance
  • Formats: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2016
  • Pages: 384

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Office nemesis turn lovers with great banter and romantic tension. It keeps readers hooked with a blend of humor and passion.

2 People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

People We Meet on Vacation cover

  • Genre: Contemporary Romance
  • Formats: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2021
  • Pages: 384

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Rekindled friendships and slow-burn romance make this book a charming read. Emily Henry does wonders with captivating dialogues and relatable characters.

1 It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

It Ends with Us cover

  • Genre: Contemporary Romance
  • Formats: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2016
  • Pages: 384

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Colleen Hoover’s ‘It Ends with Us’ stands as a powerful contemporary romance book. It’s more than just a love story; it’s a gripping tale about a woman’s journey through love, resilience, and self-discovery. We chose this as the best contemporary romance book due to its emotional depth and ability to tackle complex themes with sensitivity. The story showcases the highs and lows of relationships, the intricacies of family ties, and the importance of personal growth. As readers, we found ourselves fully invested in the characters’ lives, cheering them on and feeling their every emotion. It’s a narrative that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page, making it an unforgettable experience in the world of contemporary romance.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!