8 Best Contemporary Romance Novel Series to Read in 2025
Looking for the best contemporary romance novel series? We’ve picked the most charming, funny, and heartwarming books perfect for new romance readers.
We’ve all been there—browsing through endless shelves and scrolling online, searching for that perfect contemporary romance novel series that will sweep us off our feet and leave us texting our friends. When we picked the best books for this list, we looked for laugh-out-loud moments, fresh stories, likable characters, and just the right amount of swoon. Our goal? To help you find your next favorite contemporary romance novel series, whether you crave slow-burn tension, witty banter, or big, messy, lovable families. So grab your favorite snack and get comfy, because love—and maybe a little chaos—is about to come your way.
On this list:
8 The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
We picked this steamy start to a contemporary romance novel series because it flips the usual romance formula. Stella, a math whiz with Asperger’s, creates a love contract—and folks, spreadsheets have never been sexier. The story’s got heart, heat, and a lead you want to root for, even if you’re usually more into cats than people.
7 The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
Fake date at a wedding? Check. Banter that’ll make you snort out loud? Double check. This book launches a contemporary romance novel series that keeps things fresh and fun. The food descriptions alone made us order extra pizza. It’s got charm, wit, and all the feels—without any stuffy drama.
6 The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
We love a romance series with real stakes! This first book in the contemporary romance novel series isn’t afraid to get messy. Kristen and Josh’s story will yank your heartstrings, then hand you a tissue. Bonus: Kristen’s snark rivals our own group text roast sessions.
5 The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
Baseball players reading romance to fix their love lives? Yes, please. This contemporary romance novel series opener is hilarious and self-aware. We were won over by the bromance, the book club shenanigans, and the very believable marriage drama. It made us kind of wish our own book club was this cool.
4 Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
This contemporary romance novel series starter gives us a heroine with chronic pain who is determined to live large, with a list and all. It’s funny, warm, and a little bit spicy—kind of like the time we tried salsa dancing for the first (and last) time.
3 Wait For You by J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout)
If you like your contemporary romance novel series with a side of secrets, ‘Wait For You’ has plenty. There’s a college setting, slow-burn tension, and enough will-they-won’t-they to keep you up way past your bedtime. The dialogue’s sharp, and the angst is real.
2 Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Ever wondered what would happen if the First Son of the USA fell for a British prince? We found out in this wildly popular contemporary romance novel series starter. It’s cheeky, fluffy, a bit political, and makes international relations look way more fun than any summit we’ve watched.
1 The Heartstopper Series by Alice Oseman
We saved the best for last! The Heartstopper contemporary romance novel series stands out for its pure, genuine take on young love and friendship. Charlie and Nick’s story—told through sweet graphic novel panels—hits all the right notes: humor, awkwardness, and feelings so big you’ll want to text your crush right away. We love how it handles coming-of-age, queer identity, and mental health with honesty, but never turns preachy. The art alone is a serotonin boost. It’s perfect for anyone who wants romance that isn’t just swoony, but also supportive, kind, and real. This series isn’t just a love story, but a celebration of growing up and finding your people. It’s the kind of book we wish we had when we were younger, and we keep rereading it as adults. That’s why it’s our top pick.
