12 Best Contemporary Romance Novels to Read in 2025
Looking for the best contemporary romance novels? We’ve picked laugh-out-loud, heartfelt reads that will make you swoon and cheer.
Picking the best contemporary romance novels is no small job, but we’re here for it. We go after books that bring laughs, real love, and characters who feel like our actual friends. Some bring us tears, others heat our cheeks, and a few even make us question our taste in snacks. When we build our list of contemporary romance novels, we want stories that stick with us after the last page—no fake drama or cardboard cutouts allowed! Whether you like your romance cozy, messy, or out-of-this-world steamy, we’ve sampled a bit of everything so you can find a book that makes your heart do an actual backflip.
On this list:
12 Beach Read by Emily Henry
This one’s a classic for fans of contemporary romance novels. Two writers, one beach house, and a summer of swapping genres. We picked this because nothing says romance like fighting writer’s block with someone attractive. Also, it has humor, charm, and just enough drama to keep us from falling asleep in our sun chairs.
11 The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Enemies-to-lovers, anyone? We’ve read this and laughed out loud at the battles between Lucy and Joshua. If you like your contemporary romance novels spicy with snappy banter, pick this up. Bonus: you’ll side-eye your coworkers for weeks afterward.
10 It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
This one packs a punch and makes you think hard about love and choices. We picked it because it’s an emotional ride with all the feels (and some tissues). Not your average contemporary romance novel – it’s a bit heavier, but it sticks with you.
9 The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Stella, a math whiz with Asperger’s, hires a male escort to gain experience in love. Yes, it’s as fun and awkward as it sounds. We like this for its unique take on love and for showing that contemporary romance novels can be smart and sexy.
8 People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Another Emily Henry! We can’t help it. Poppy and Alex are total opposites and best friends—until something goes wrong. We chose this for the witty writing and travel mishaps, plus it’s a must-read for contemporary romance novels lovers.
7 Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
The First Son of the US and a British Prince. That’s it, that’s the pitch. It’s funny, sweet, and made us want to move to England and run for office. It’s a big hit for fans of contemporary romance novels who love a bit of royal drama.
6 The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
Fake dating in Spain, office rivals, and family drama make this a must-read! We had fun rooting for Catalina and Aaron (and rolling our eyes at their stubbornness). It’s a solid pick for anyone who likes their contemporary romance novels sunny and dramatic.
5 Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Yep, another one by Henry. This time, it’s for all of us who dream of love but work way too much. Nora and Charlie’s story is a witty, bookish delight that pokes fun at the romance tropes in most contemporary romance novels.
4 Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
Runaway bride, grumpy small-town guy, surprise niece. This one gave us late-night giggles and snort laughs. If you want your contemporary romance novels packed with chaos and charm, this is for you.
3 One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
A sapphic love story set on the New York subway with some magic thrown in. We picked this because it’s fresh, fun, and full of heart. We raved over the quirky cast and thought it’s perfect for fans of unique contemporary romance novels.
2 Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Fake dating in academia, flirty banter, and a science nerd heroine. We had way too much fun reading this, and our group chat is still arguing whether Adam is the best boyfriend in contemporary romance novels.
1 The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
We chose this as the best contemporary romance novel because it truly stands out. Tiffy and Leon share a flat, but have never met—they work opposite shifts and leave each other notes. This book nails the whole opposites-attract thing, with a fresh and clever setup. The story is sweet, funny, and explores real topics like healing from past relationships and setting boundaries. We laughed at Tiffy’s wild outfits, wanted to hug Leon for being a big softie, and rooted for both of them from start to finish. The supporting characters add a ton of heart. It’s perfect for new readers looking for a contemporary romance novel that feels both light and real. Plus, it makes you wonder who else could be leaving you love notes in your own messy kitchen.
