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My 2025 Top Romance Reads
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items I read 100+ books in 2025 (yes I read A LOT) some of these books are novellas and some are average book length so there’s a little sprinkle of it all in here. I will mark if a book is dark romance or not, too!
One of my top series this year! Each book follows a different strong FMC with her own Fox brother. Each book COULD be a stand alone, but, I recommend reading them in order because you probably won’t understand the timelines without them. Also, the la...
The Bourbon Boys Series by Victoria Wilder
Available on KU! This series is still going strong, but I read the first four this year and am so excited for the next story coming out next spring! If you like cowboys, this one is for you. We follow each child and friend along their personal storie...
Silver Pines Ranch Series by Paisley Hope
Another KU! These books are feel good for sure and I DID read the first last Christmas when it came out but it’s close enough to count it in my 2025 list. I just finished the 4th that wraps these stories up with a bow so perfectly and I admit, I crie...
Rust Canyon Series by Siena Trap
I THINK this is a KU? I found it in a used bookstore. I’m not a fantasy/romantasy person so it was on the lowest of the low on my TBR but I felt like it was fate when I found the first two bundled for $3 and I couldn’t pass it up. I haven’t started t...
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy - Megan Bannen
This is the second book in the Love in Galaway series and Morbidly Yours is a top 10 all time read for me so I was excited for this to come out! I did like the first better but this is still such a cute read and Ivy Fairbanks really knows how to writ...
Heart Strings (A Love in Galway Novel)
Whew, this one is being added to the top 10 all time list. Beautiful writing. Beautiful story. 10/10. I did purchase the audiobook and unfortunately it’s not a KU read but it is so worth it. It follows two lost souls looking for something and helping...
Soul Searching (Sweetwater Peak, #1) by Lyla Sage
The Ruinous Love Trilogy is so good and I was worried a spin off wasn’t going to be as good….but I was wrong!! LOVED this so much and am so excited for Harvest Season! I think Carnage might actually beat Ruinous 👀 we’ll see!
Tourist Season (The Seasons of Carnage Trilogy, #1) by Brynne Weaver
Ooops! Another Brynne Weaver! Not sorry. Love her! This is the continuation of Ruinous but the novellas of the…games….they play. I would consider this dark romance for sure. If you don’t like gore or death or violence it’s not for you but it’s still ...
Love & Other Killers - Weaver, Brynne
I read two Ali Hazelwood books this year and this was my only one I will put on my favorites list. I was not a fan of Bride or the Deep End, it was just not my thing. I gave this one a try and I actually REALLY really loved it. I was shocked 😂 you d...
Mate (Bride, #2) by Ali Hazelwood
KU!!! Howl and Hunt are two top reads! Haunt will be available next year and I WILL be reading it! Friends to Lovers in Howl and Enemies to Lovers in Hunt and they’re done so perfectly. Howl gave me butterflies for sure. It’s so sweet with some actio...
Monster Boyfriends
If you want a good paranormal rom com I HIGHLY suggest this! It had me cackling! It’s still got the thriller aspect for sure with it and parts will have you on the edge of your seat but it’s so well written!
Loving A Vampire Is Total Chaos: Paranormal Rom-Com
All included on KU! Again, I read the first one last December but close enough right? You def can read these stand alone but each character/couples do make special appearances so it’s best read in order. So great for a pick me up in between reads sin...
High Five Novella Series by Serena Pier
This is a cute read and part of a series! I have not continued it yet but they’re on my TBR! Its focus is on mental health, depression, anxiety and its challenges so please read triggers if this is something you struggle with before diving in. I thou...
Let Me Love You Anyway: A contemporary romance set in Los ...
DARK ROMANCE! And in the best way 😏 I loved Lights Out, didn’t think I could love another book as much either and I’m so excited for the third! This does include the adult entertainment industry along with clubs and k*nks so be aware. While pretty m...
Caught Up: An Into Darkness Novel (Into Darkness Series): 9781638932253: ...
KU! Dark romance! If you’re not into serial killers you’re def not gonna like this one BUT if that doesn’t bother you then you should read it because it was so good! The characters have great banter, there’s humor with the dark and it kept me on the ...
Dolls & Daggers: A Serial Killer Book Club Novel
KU! Kinda dark romance? I almost didn’t add this one because I’m on the fence. I think the second book will clarify a lot for me. It did take me a bit longer to finish it. I didn’t hate it whatsoever, the world building was great and I didn’t hate th...
Kiss of the Basilisk (Deluxe Edition)
KU! SUPER cute read! Maggie moves on is about a YouTuber who fixes up houses trying to find her spot in the world when Mr. Right comes a long. Also, there’s an adorable dog involved. This is a great feel good book and the spice level is pretty low if...
Maggie Moves On: Score, Lucy
Oh look, more Paisley Hope! Told ya she was becoming a favorite of mine! This is a darkish romance. Def not as dark as others but features a biker gang and a heroic FMC. I REALLY loved both characters in this one and it kept me wanting more. Both had...
Wolf.e (The Soldiers of Bedlam #1) by Paisley Hope
KU! And a super cute read! Features an age gap relationship, fake dating and forced proximity. I have not read the second book yet but it is on my TBR! This does deal with grief and loss, as well, so be warned before reading if this is something you ...
Don't Call Me Daddy: Small Town Billionaire Romance
KU! This was my beach read and it was so fun! Another fake relationship turned real! Both characters were adorable even if frustrating. Overall I loved it! I have yet to continue the series!
A Not So Meet Cute (Cane Brothers, #1) by Meghan Quinn
The third and final book of the ruinous love trilogy came out this year (other than the continuing novellas) and it was just as good as the rest! I’m so sad this series has sorta come to an end but I am glad she’s giving us a little more time with ea...
Scythe & Sparrow (The Ruinous Love Trilogy, #3) by Brynne Weaver
KU! Dark romance! Phantasma was my personal fave out of the two but I loved the characters in Enchantra! Def a darker read, the games can be a bit much if your squeamish but fun nonetheless! First two books follow each sister, I’m thinking there migh...
Phantasma, Enchantra (Wicked Games 1 & 2) by Kaylie Smith
Just finished this holiday read and wanted to share it! It was such a fun read and a play on the grinch with a small town enemies to lovers vibe 🥰 it is a slow burn but the story is fantastic and fun!
How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn
KU! I’ve read the first three books of Dream Harbor but I only really recommend Pumpkin and Cinnamon. The third is OK if you’re looking for a holiday read and I’ve yet to continue the series but will for sure. It’s little feel good novels set in the ...
The Pumpkin Spice Café (Dream Harbor, Book 1)