10 Best New Romance Books 2025 in the United States

'Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine' is a standout book in the romance genre, particularly noted for being a #1 New York Times Bestseller and chosen as a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick. Written by Gail Honeyman, this novel is a well-crafted blend of romance and personal growth, making it a great read for those who enjoy emotionally resonant stories with a touch of humor. The book's length of 352 pages offers ample content for readers to delve into, and its dimensions make it a comfortable paperback to handle.

The story revolves around Eleanor Oliphant, whose quirky and solitary life takes a turn as she opens up to new relationships and experiences, making it a heartwarming read for romance enthusiasts. If you're looking for high heat levels in romance, this book may not fully meet those expectations. It focuses more on emotional connection and character development rather than steamy scenes.

As a standalone novel, it provides a complete and satisfying story without the need for a series commitment. Readers who appreciate character-driven narratives and a blend of romance and personal development will find 'Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine' a delightful addition to their reading list.

Daydream: A Novel: The Maple Hills Series, Book 3, authored by Hannah Grace, is an audiobook published by Simon & Schuster Audio. This book is the third installment in the Maple Hills Series, making it a suitable pick for readers who enjoy following a series and becoming invested in recurring characters and story arcs. The listening length is 13 hours and 21 minutes, which offers a substantial amount of content for those who prefer longer audiobooks. The narrators, CJ Bloom and Emmanuel Ingram, are well-regarded, which can enhance the listening experience through engaging performances.

In terms of subgenre, this book falls under Sports Romance and Romantic Comedy, appealing to fans of lighthearted yet passionate love stories with a sporty twist. The heat level isn't specified, but considering its rankings in contemporary and romantic comedy categories, it likely has a balanced mix of sweet and steamy moments without being overly explicit. One notable strength is its high ranking in various romance subcategories on Audible, indicating popularity and positive reception among listeners.

As the third book in a series, it might not be the best starting point for new readers unfamiliar with previous installments. Those who haven't read the earlier books in the Maple Hills Series might miss some context or character development. The Whispersync for Voice feature is a convenient addition for those who like to switch between reading and listening. In conclusion, Daydream is a well-received audiobook that caters to fans of sports and romantic comedies within the broader contemporary romance genre. It is especially recommended for those who have already enjoyed the first two books in the Maple Hills Series.

'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green is a widely beloved romance novel that explores heavy themes of love and loss. It primarily falls under the romance subgenre but uniquely addresses death and dying, making it a poignant and emotional read. As a bestseller, it has resonated with a vast audience, particularly within the 14-17 age range.

The book's 352 pages provide a thorough and engaging narrative that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. One of its strengths is Green's ability to craft relatable and deeply human characters, which has helped it earn a high spot in the Top 100 books. However, the focus on terminal illness may not appeal to readers looking for light-hearted romance.

The book's structure as a standalone novel makes it a complete and satisfying read, without needing to commit to a series. It is well-suited for high school readers (grades 9-12) with an 850L Lexile measure, indicating a challenging yet accessible text. Its compact dimensions and moderate weight make it portable and easy to handle. Published by Penguin Books, it is available in paperback, ensuring it is also an economical choice. While its heavy themes might not suit everyone, it is a strong pick for those interested in a deep, emotional journey through young love and life’s inevitable challenges.