11 Best Contemporary Romance Books to Read in 2025

We love contemporary romance books! Explore heartfelt stories and hilarious escapades in our top picks for irresistible reads.

The Hating Game coverBeach Read coverRed, White & Royal Blue cover

Presenting our list of the 11 best contemporary romance books, carefully curated through our tireless page-turning. We’ve focused on stories with quirky characters, vibrant plots, and laughter-inducing moments to sweep you into delightful romantic escapades. Whether you’re looking for a humorous take on love or a feel-good journey, these contemporary romance books cater to all hopeless romantics seeking a fresh story to lose yourself in. Each book promises not just romance, but a tale that resonates, makes you chuckle, and sometimes scoff at the antics of love.

On this list:

11 The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

The Hating Game cover

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

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This one flips the classic office enemies trope into a romantic comedy filled with clever banter and undeniable chemistry. It’s like having front-row seats to your friend’s slow-burn love story.

10 Beach Read by Emily Henry

Beach Read cover

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

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A book about writers struggling with writer’s block and finding love? Sign us up! This one’s got charm, humor, and a touch of reality everyone loves.

9 Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Red, White & Royal Blue cover

  • Genre: Romance, LGBTQ+, Fiction
  • Formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 432

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A prince and a first son? This book’s got politics, royalty, and a love story that’ll have you swooning from start to end.

8 The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

The Kiss Quotient cover

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

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An autistic heroine hiring a male escort to up her dating game – this book is unique and heartwarming. Perfect if you’re looking for a fresh take!

7 The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

The Unhoneymooners cover

  • Genre: Romance, Comedy
  • Formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 432

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It has the vacation from hell, but also heaven? With hate-to-love charm and laugh-out-loud moments, you’ll not want to miss this one!

6 The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

The Flatshare cover

  • Genre: Romance, Fiction
  • Formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 336

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Roommates who have never met? Sounds crazy, but it works! It’s funny, sweet, and has all the ingredients of a delightful love story.

5 Normal People by Sally Rooney

Normal People cover

  • Genre: Romance, Fiction
  • Formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 273

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A love story that delves into the emotional depths of young adulthood. It’s raw, real, and resonates long after you turn the last page.

4 It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

It Ends with Us cover

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

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A powerful narrative with a twist. While it’s a romance, it also tackles some heavy topics, offering a story that’s both heartbreaking and hopeful.

3 Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Beautiful Disaster cover

  • Genre: Romance, New Adult
  • Formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 416

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This book is all about the rollercoaster of emotions. With a wild storyline and characters that leap off the page, it’s addictive!

2 Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Me Before You cover

  • Genre: Romance, Drama
  • Formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2012
  • Pages: 369

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Get the tissues! This one’s a tear-jerker with an unexpected love story between an unambitious young woman and a quadriplegic man.

1 The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

The Rosie Project cover

  • Genre: Romance, Comedy
  • Formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2013
  • Pages: 295

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This book wins for its quirky protagonist and witty narrative. Watching Don, a socially awkward genetics professor, try to find love is hilariously endearing. It’s a book that explores love in the most unexpected yet charming way. The humor is spot-on and the character growth is genuine. We chose it as the best because it’s not just a romance, but a lesson in understanding, acceptance, and the quirks that make us unique. Every page seems to put a smile on your face, and it’s that kind of warmth that makes this the top pick.

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!