The books that stole my heart, kept me up past midnight, and earned a permanent spot on my keeper shelf.
Well, friends, we've reached the end of another reading year—and what a year it's been! As I look back at all the books that crossed my nightstand, my couch, and my favorite reading chair, I'm struck by how many stories surprised me, comforted me, and reminded me why I fell in love with romance in the first place.
Some years, my favorites list practically writes itself. Other years, like this one, I had to make some tough choices because so many books earned a permanent spot on my keeper shelf. These are the romances that made me laugh out loud, tear up, stay up way too late, and immediately text my book friends with "YOU HAVE TO READ THIS."
So grab your favorite cozy drink, settle in, and let me share the books that made 2025 absolutely magical for this forever book lover.
My 2025 reading at a glance:
Books finished: 53 • Romance vs. Other: 94% / 6% • Format mix — Print: 4% • eBook: 96% • Audio: 0%
How I Chose These Books
Every book on this list earned its spot because it did something special—it made me feel, think, or escape in exactly the way I needed. Some are from beloved authors I've been reading for years. Others are new-to-me voices that completely swept me away. A few felt like instant comfort reads I know I’ll revisit.
I didn’t rank them because honestly? That would be impossible. Each of these books shines in its own way, and depending on your mood or what you’re craving, any one of them could be your next perfect read.
My Best Romance Reads of 2025
Blessing’s Baron by Maeve Greyson
Historical Romance · Bluestocking heroine · Confirmed rake falls first
This book reminded me exactly why I love Maeve Greyson’s historical romances. Blessing is clever, curious, and delightfully stubborn, and watching a notorious rake slowly fall head-over-heels for her stargazing heart was pure joy. The letters, the astronomy, the family chaos—it all has that cozy, “curl up with a blanket and tea” vibe. Even with a few pacing hiccups, it still felt like comfort reading in the best way.
Perfect for: Readers who crave smart heroines, reformed rogues, and series starters that set up a whole family you’ll want to follow.
The Love Fix by Jill Shalvis
Contemporary Romance · Enemies to lovers · Road trip · Sunrise Cove
I went in expecting a fun enemies-to-lovers road trip and ended up with a story that hit much deeper. Lexi’s walls, her complicated history with her mom, and the way Ashley and Heath gently push her toward healing all stuck with me long after I turned the last page. It’s messy in the most human way—family, forgiveness, grief, and love all tangled together against that familiar Sunrise Cove backdrop.
Perfect for: Fans of found family, emotional road-trip romances, and heroines who slowly let themselves believe in love again.
Cruel Summer by Maisey Yates
Contemporary Romance · Second chance marriage · Road trip · Emotional gut-punch
This one felt like being cracked open and put back together again. The “let’s see other people” moment on their anniversary is brutal, but what follows is such a thoughtful look at marriage, grief, and choosing what’s real over what just looks perfect from the outside. I loved how the road trip strips away the pretty façade and forces them to confront who they are now, not who they were when they first fell in love.
Perfect for: Readers who love mature second-chance romances with real stakes, road-trip vibes, and plenty of emotional depth.
A Kiss for All Time by Paula Quinn
Time Travel Romance · Historical Romance · Brooding duke · Fish-out-of-water heroine
Fable getting yanked from gritty New York into powdered-wig England is exactly the kind of time-travel chaos I adore. I loved the clash between her modern bluntness and Ben’s old-world honor, and how their connection grows from wary curiosity into something that feels fated. The mix of humor, grief, and that “love across centuries” ache is what earned this one a spot on my keeper shelf.
Perfect for: Readers who love time-slip romances, broody dukes, and heroines who refuse to shrink themselves to fit another era.
Happy After All by Maisey Yates
Contemporary Romance · Second chances · Small-town emotions
Maisey Yates always delivers feelings, but this one felt especially tender. I loved how the characters are forced to reckon with old hurts and versions of themselves they’ve outgrown, instead of just sliding into an easy reunion. It’s about choosing happiness on purpose, even when it’s scary, and that theme really resonated with where my own reading year has been.
Perfect for: Readers who want emotional small-town romance with grown-up conversations and genuine healing arcs.
He Falls First by Jill Shalvis
Contemporary Romance · Small town · He’s gone first for years
This story gave me all my favorite small-town feels—the nosy community, the quiet acts of care, and a hero who has been half in love for far longer than he’ll admit out loud. I really enjoyed watching the emotional balance shift as she starts to trust that his feelings are steady and safe. It’s soft, swoony, and exactly the kind of book that makes you want to live in a fictional town.
Perfect for: Readers who love “he falls first,” close-knit communities, and romances that feel like a warm hug.
The Highlander’s Return by Lynsay Sands
Historical Romance · Highlander heat · Fiery chemistry
Lynsay Sands’ Highlander books are my catnip, and this one delivered exactly what I wanted—fiery banter, stubborn hearts, and that delicious push-pull between duty and desire. I loved the way the tension builds between them, not just physically but emotionally, as they untangle old wounds and new loyalties. It felt like classic Sands: fun, sexy, and full of heart.
Perfect for: Readers who can’t resist kilted heroes, sharp-tongued heroines, and sweeping Highland drama.
The Heirs Series by Catherine Bybee
Contemporary Romance Series · Billionaire romance · Found family
What made this series stand out for me was how much heart Catherine Bybee brings to a billionaire romance. Each book delivers a satisfying love story while building a strong sense of family, loyalty, and emotional growth across the series. The characters felt grounded and relatable, and I loved watching the family dynamics evolve alongside each romance—it made the series incredibly binge-worthy.
📖 Read my series overview | Amazon | Bookshop: All Your Tomorrows, The Forgotten One, No More Yesterdays
Honorable Mentions
I couldn't leave the year without mentioning a few more books that came close to making the main list. These were all fantastic reads that deserve your attention:
These stories didn’t make the final cut for the top list—but they absolutely left their mark. Whether it was the emotional punch of a snowy reunion, a five-star beach escape, or a charming trio of novellas in bloom, these are books I’d happily recommend:
- Snow Kissed by RaeAnne Thayne – review
- The Guest Cottage by Lori Foster – review
- Lilac Time by Fern Michaels, Carolyn Brown, and Lori Foster – review
- Of Dukes and Forbidden Words by Sandra Sookoo – review
My 2025 Reading Year by the Numbers
Before I close out the year, here's a quick peek at my reading stats for 2025:
- Total books read: 53
- Most-read genre: Contemporary Romance
- Longest book: Sunset at 478 pages
- Favorite trope of the year: Small-Town Romance / Found Family
- New-to-me authors discovered: Emily Henry
- Comfort rereads: 5
- Five-star reads: 12
If you're curious about how I track my reading and set goals that actually work, I just shared my process in my recent post on reflecting on your reading year. It's perfect timing if you're thinking about your own 2026 reading plans!
👉 Read: Your Year in Books – How to Reflect and Set Meaningful Reading Goals for 2026
Looking Ahead to 2026
I already have a stack of books calling my name for 2026, and I can't wait to dive in. There are new releases from favorite authors, series I'm finally ready to start, and a few wildcard picks that friends have been recommending for months.
I'm planning to keep the same gentle approach that worked for me this year—reading what feels right in the moment, leaving space for rereads when I need them, and not putting pressure on myself to finish books that aren't clicking. It's less about hitting a specific number and more about making room for stories that matter.
If you're thinking about your own reading plans for the new year, I recently shared some thoughts on setting realistic reading goals that actually feel good. It might be helpful as you map out what you want your 2026 reading life to look like.
👉 Read: A Year in Books—What Shaped Your Reading Life in 2025
What Made Your Best-Of List?
Every reader's best-of list looks different, and that's what makes these year-end posts so fun to read and share. I'd love to hear what books stole your heart in 2025—whether they're romances, mysteries, thrillers, or something completely unexpected.
Drop a comment below and tell me:
- What was your favorite book of 2025?
- Did any books surprise you this year?
- What's at the top of your 2026 TBR?
I love seeing what you're reading and discovering new favorites through your recommendations. Here's to another year of beautiful stories, cozy reading moments, and happily ever afters!
Happy Reading, friends. See you in 2026! 📚💕
0 comments
Thanks for being here! I love hearing from readers, so please leave a comment below.