I'm finally sharing my Favorite Romance Books of 2025. You'll see a lot of my favorite authors, and sometimes, you'll see them more than one time because last year I needed what was familiar. My tried and true favorite authors that I knew would fill me up, and that is exactly what I got! I love a story that really makes me feel, where I am so emotionally invested that the world around me fades away. These books made me laugh, cry, and swoon... I felt it all! I cannot begin to say enough good things. They are all must-reads!
Favorite Romance Books of 2025
Smooth Sailing (Wild West MC #3) by Kristen Ashley
Amazon | Full ReviewSmooth Sailing was PHENOMENAL! There is something special in the way Kristen Ashley tells a story, immediately pulling me in and making me feel like I'm a part of it. I had chills! I loved Hugger and Diana and the incredible details of them coming together, it was filled with so much feeling and love. I felt like I was in a chokehold as it all unfolded, and I loved the way it broke me down a bit and built me back up. Within minutes I could feel this would be a five-star read and from there it exceeded my expectations. SIX STARS!
On Loverose Lane (Return to Dublin Street #1) by Samantha Young
I absolutely LOVED On Loverose Lane. The banter, the flirting, all the emotion, love, and passion… everything all together made it a phenomenal story with an incredible build. I adored these characters and hung on every word as they went through their ups and downs. I loved watching their feelings grow as they fell in love. It was an epic story with an amazing happily ever after.
Story of My Life (Story Lake #1) by Lucy Score
Story of My Life was THE BEST and I loved every second! It had the most fantastic characters with a phenomenal build and I loved all the details as Hazel and Cam fell in love. It was so freaking funny with exceptional wit and banter. With the addition of his siblings to her best friend, some exuberant towns folk, and adorable animals mixed in, I had the most amazing time reading this.
Merit (Treasure State Wildcats #4) by Devney Perry
As soon as I picked up Merit, I never wanted to put it down. I felt like I was immediately a part of the story, feeling it all! I couldn't wait for Maverick and Stevie to come together. I loved the animosity between them as they battle their feelings in their fake dating relationship. I loved how entertaining it was, the fantastic slow burn, and all the beautifully heartbreaking moments as well. This book had everything I love. I'm sad to see this series come to an end but it went out most perfectly.
Beautiful Exile (Sparrow Falls #4) by Catherine Cowles
Beautiful Exile was an exciting and captivating story that had me on the edge of my seat! I loved the emotion and intensity, the building drama and suspense, and I loved the vulnerability as Arden and Lincoln let each other in, and the passion growing between them. I couldn’t read this fast enough and never wanted it to end. This was another fantastic story in the Sparrow Falls series!
Bridesmaid by Chance (Bridesmaid Undercover #3) by Meghan Quinn
Bridesmaid by Chance was hysterically funny and entertaining, and had the perfect amount of emotion and tension added. I had so much fun reading this, it's my favorite in the series! I loved Hudson and Sloane, their marriage of convenience, and the push and pull between them as they fight their growing feelings. By the end, I was smiling and cheering, it was just what I needed!
Avenging Angel: Tenderfoot (Avening Angels #3) by Kristen Ashley
This book! I am obsessed! I loved everything about Harlow and Javi. I loved watching them circle each other and come together, and the development as their layers were peeled back. I adore this world and found family, how the Angels and Hottie Squad have each other's backs and the bonds they share. There were so many special relationships and they made my heart feel full. There was drama and emotion and heat… all these stellar moments that made my belly flip. The entertainment value was off the charts! Avenging Angel: Tenderfoot is officially a favorite!
A Royal Mile (Return to Dublin Street #2) by Samantha Young
I loved A Royal Mile! It completely consumed me and made my heart feel full. The emotion, the drama, the angst, and the amazing sexual tension had me rooting for Lily and Sebastian from the start. There was a slow burn that snuck up on me because I was so deeply invested in their story and lives, it was incredibly well done. I couldn’t get enough!
At the Edge of Surrender (Moonlit Ridge #3) by A.L. Jackson
At the Edge of Surrender was intense, emotional, heartbreaking, and beautiful all rolled into one. This book completely consumed me from the start. I was instantly drawn into the world and characters, and couldn’t wait for all the secrets to unravel. The build was incredible as everything came to light and Emery and Kane got their well-deserved happily ever after. This was a stellar story full of amazing detail and layers.
Night's Fall (The Four Realms #1) by Kristen Ashley
Night’s Fall was absolutely epic! Kristen Ashley crafts a story like no other! I loved the intriguing characters, I loved the romance and the swoon, I loved the drama and the tension, I loved the fantasy world filled with dragon shifters, fae, demons, and more. I loved the different realms and politics, the rich history and details, and the incredible world-building and character growth. This was an addictive and compelling romantic fantasy that captivated me. It is an all-consuming must-read!
Single Dad Dilemma (The Kings #2) by Karla Sorensen
I loved Single Dad Dilemma! It was sweet and flirty with fantastic banter, full of entertaining moments, and so much emotion. I adored the slow burn between Barrett and Lily, their sizzling attraction, and the incredible build. This book had everything I love in a story, and I devoured it!
Beyond the Blue Horizon (Moonlit Ridge #4) by A.L. Jackson
Beyond the Blue Horizon was nothing short of brilliant! Learning about Theo and Piper and their secrets had me on the edge of my seat. I loved the well-developed details and build as it all unfolded, and I couldn't wait for these two to get to their happily ever after. This story was intense and drama-filled, with emotion and so much passion. I love a story that makes me feel, and it did just that. It was beyond amazing and completely consumed me!
I wanted to share a big THANK YOU to everyone who visits this blog and follows me on social media. I am so grateful for your support. I appreciate every comment here, as well as on Instagram and Facebook. I love the friendships I've made and all the love in the book community.
I truly love reading and finding books to get lost in. That's what all these books did for me. I loved them so much, I couldn't read them fast enough and never wanted them to end.
Have a wonderful 2026!
Gretchen
I'm missing three of my favorites in this stack. Merit by Devney Perry, Night's Fall by Kristen Ashley, and Single Dad Dilemma by Karla Sorensen. I am hoping to add them to my collection soon.
What were some of your favorite reads in 2025? What books are you looking forward to in 2026? Let me know!
